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Chen Y, Fan Y, Huang Y, Liao X, Xu W, Zhang T. A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115905. [PMID: 38171230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Chongqing Research Center for Jialing River Development, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing and Automotive, Chongqing Technology and Business Institute, Chongqing 401520, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; JINSHAN Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China.
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Pouil S, Jones NJ, Smith JG, Mandal S, Griffiths NA, Mathews TJ. Comparing Trace Element Bioaccumulation and Depuration in Snails and Mayfly Nymphs at a Coal Ash-Contaminated Site. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:2437-2449. [PMID: 32833245 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We examined the bioaccumulation of essential (Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (As and Hg) trace elements in 2 aquatic invertebrate species (adult snails and mayfly nymphs) with different feeding habits at the site of a coal ash spill. Differences in food web pathway, exposure concentrations, and biological processing affected bioaccumulation patterns in these species. Mayflies had higher body burdens, but snails had higher retention of most elements studied. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2437-2449. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pouil
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nikki J Jones
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - John G Smith
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shovon Mandal
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Natalie A Griffiths
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Teresa J Mathews
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
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Zierold KM, Odoh C. A review on fly ash from coal-fired power plants: chemical composition, regulations, and health evidence. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:401-418. [PMID: 32324165 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, coal is responsible for generating approximately 38% of power. Coal ash, a waste product, generated from the combustion of coal, consists of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization material. Fly ash, which is the main component of coal ash, is composed of spherical particulate matter with diameters that range from 0.1 μm to >100 μm. Fly ash is predominately composed of silica, aluminum, iron, calcium, and oxygen, but the particles may also contain heavy metals such as arsenic and lead at trace levels. Most nations throughout the world do not consider fly ash a hazardous waste and therefore regulations on its disposal and storage are lacking. Fly ash that is not beneficially reused in products such as concrete is stored in landfills and surface impoundments. Fugitive dust emissions and leaching of metals into groundwater from landfills and surface impoundments may put people at risk for exposure. There are limited epidemiological studies regarding the health effects of fly ash exposure. In this article, the authors provide an overview of fly ash, its chemical composition, the regulations from nations generating the greatest amount of fly ash, and epidemiological evidence regarding the health impacts associated with exposure to fly ash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chisom Odoh
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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McManamay RA, Smith JG, Jett RT, Mathews TJ, Peterson MJ. Identifying non-reference sites to guide stream restoration and long-term monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:1208-1223. [PMID: 29074249 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The reference condition paradigm has served as the standard for assessing the outcomes of restoration projects, particularly their success in meeting project objectives. One limitation of relying solely on the reference condition in designing and monitoring restoration projects is that reference conditions do not necessarily elucidate impairments to effective restoration, especially diagnosing the causal mechanisms behind unsuccessful outcomes. We provide a spatial framework to select both reference and non-reference streams to guide restoration planning and long-term monitoring through reliance on anthropogenically altered ecosystems to understand processes that govern ecosystem biophysical properties and ecosystem responses to restoration practices. We then applied the spatial framework to East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC), Tennessee (USA), a system receiving 30years of remediation and pollution abatement actions from industrialization, pollution, and urbanization. Out of >13,000 stream reaches, we identified anywhere from 4 to 48 reaches, depending on the scenario, that could be used in restoration planning and monitoring for specific sites. Preliminary comparison of fish species composition at these sites compared to EFPC sites were used to identify potential mechanisms limiting the ecological recovery following remediation. We suggest that understanding the relative role of anthropogenic pressures in governing ecosystem responses is required to successful, process-driven restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A McManamay
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States.
| | - John G Smith
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Robert T Jett
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Teresa J Mathews
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Mark J Peterson
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
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de Melo Gurgel P, Navoni JA, de Morais Ferreira D, do Amaral VS. Ecotoxicological water assessment of an estuarine river from the Brazilian Northeast, potentially affected by industrial wastewater discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:324-332. [PMID: 27505265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution generated by industrial effluents discharge is a threat to the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems and human development. The Jundiai River estuarine, located in Northeast Brazil, receives an industrial pretreated effluent load from the city of Macaíba/RN/Brazil. The present study aimed to assess the water quality of this water reservoir through i) physicochemical characterization, ii) quantification of metal concentration and iii) by an ecotoxicological assessment carried out using Mysidopsis juniae and Pomacea lineata. The study was performed throughout the period comprising May to September 2014. Physicochemical variables such as chloride, total solids and electrical conductivity presented values in the waste discharge point, significantly different with those located out of the waste releasing point. Apart from that, metal concentration showed variable behavior throughout the monitored period. Levels of Al, Fe, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Ag were over the considered guidelines. Both natural and anthropogenic sources seem to be involved in the resulting environmental scenario. A reduction in the fecundity rate (using Mysidopsis juniae) along with an increase in mortality rate (in both species) was observed ratifying the presence of toxic substances in this water reservoir. Moreover, a correlation analysis stated an association of the aforementioned toxicological effects with the delivery of industrial waste products. The ecotoxicological assessment performed highlighted the presence of toxic substance/s in water from the Jundiai River. Especially as a consequence of industrial activity, a fact that might threaten the bioma and, therefore, the human health of the population settled in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piatã de Melo Gurgel
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente, Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Julio Alejandro Navoni
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente, Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Douglisnilson de Morais Ferreira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente, Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil; Núcleo de Análises de águas, alimentos e efluentes, Instituto Federal de Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Viviane Souza do Amaral
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente, Av. Sen. Salgado Filho 3000, 59078-970 Natal, RN, Brazil.
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Lopez AR, Hesterberg DR, Funk DH, Buchwalter DB. Bioaccumulation Dynamics of Arsenate at the Base of Aquatic Food Webs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:6556-64. [PMID: 27223406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b01453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Periphyton is an important food source at the base of freshwater ecosystems that tends to bioconcentrate trace elements making them trophically available. The potential for arsenic-a trace element of particular concern due to its widespread occurrence, toxicity, and carcinogenicity-to bioconcentrate in periphyton and thus be available to benthic grazers is less well characterized. To better understand arsenate bioaccumulation dynamics in lotic food webs, we used a radiotracer approach to characterize accumulation in periphyton and subsequent trophic transfer to benthic grazers. Periphyton bioconcentrated As between 3,200-9,700-fold (dry weight) over 8 days without reaching steady state, suggesting that periphyton is a major sink for arsenate. However, As-enriched periphyton as a food source for the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer resulted in negligible As accumulation in a full lifecycle exposure. Additional studies estimate dietary assimilation efficiency in several primary consumers ranging from 22% in the mayfly N. triangulifer to 75% in the mayfly Isonychia sp. X-ray fluorescence mapping revealed that As was predominantly associated with iron oxides in periphyton. We speculate that As adsorption to Fe in periphyton may play a role in reducing dietary bioavailability. Together, these results suggest that trophic movement of As in lotic food webs is relatively low, though species differences in bioaccumulation patterns are important.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David H Funk
- Stroud Water Research Center , Avondale, Pennsylvania 19311, United States
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