Structure and Bonding of Cu(II)-Glutamate Complexes at the gamma-Al(2)O(3)-Water Interface

Enhanced virus inactivation by copper and silver ions in the presence of natural organic matter in water

Natural organic matter (NOM) is present in water matrix that serves as a drinking water source. This study examined the effect of low and high NOM concentrations on inactivation kinetics of a model RNA virus (MS2) and a model DNA virus (PhiX 174) by copper (Cu²⁺) and/or silver (Ag⁺) ions. Cu and Ag are increasingly applied in household water treatment (HHWT) systems. However, the impact of NOM on their inactivation kinetics remains elusive despite its importance for their application. The presence of NOM in water led to faster virus inactivation by Cu²⁺ but slower by Ag⁺. The fastest inactivation kinetics of MS2 (K_obs = 4.8 h^-1) were observed by Cu in water containing high NOM (20 mg C/L). Meanwhile, for PhiX 174, the fastest inactivation kinetics (av. K_obs = 3.5 h^-1) were observed by Cu and Ag synergism in water containing high NOM. Altogether, it can be concluded that the combination of Cu and Ag is promising as a virus disinfectant in treatment options allowing for multiple hours of residence time such as safe water storage tanks.

Porous Carbon Boosted Non-Enzymatic Glutamate Detection with Ultra-High Sensitivity in Broad Range Using Cu Ions

A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor, based on the electrode of a chitosan-derived carbon foam, has been successfully developed for the detection of glutamate. Attributed to the chelation of Cu ions and glutamate molecules, the glutamate could be detected in an amperometric way by means of the redox reactions of chelation compounds, which outperform the traditional enzymatic sensors. Moreover, due to the large electroactive surface area and effective electron transportation of the porous carbon foam, a remarkable electrochemical sensitivity up to 1.9 × 10⁴ μA/mM∙cm² and a broad-spectrum detection range from nM to mM scale have been achieved, which is two-orders of magnitude higher and one magnitude broader than the best reported values thus far. Furthermore, our reported glutamate detection system also demonstrates a desirable anti-interference ability as well as a durable stability. The experimental revelations show that the Cu ions chelation-assisted electrochemical sensor with carbon foam electrode has significant potential for an easy fabricating, enzyme-free, broad-spectrum, sensitive, anti-interfering, and stable glutamate-sensing platform.

Co-sorption of metal ions and inorganic anions/organic ligands on environmental minerals: A review

Co-sorption of metal ions and anions/ligands at the mineral-water interface plays a critical role in regulating the mobility, transport, fate, and bioavailability of these components in natural environments. This review focuses on co-sorption of metal ions and naturally occurring anions/ligands on environmentally relevant minerals. The underlying mechanisms for their interfacial reactions are summarized and the environmental impacts are discussed. Co-sorption mechanisms of these components depend on a variety of factors, such as the identity and properties of minerals, pH, species and concentration of metal ions and anions/ligands, addition sequence of co-sorbed ions, and reaction time. The simultaneous presence of metal ions and anions/ligands alters the initial sorption behaviors with promotive or competitive effects. Promotive effects are mainly attributed to surface electrostatic interactions, ternary surface complexation, and surface precipitation, especially for the co-sorption systems of metal ions and inorganic anions on minerals. Competitive effects involve potential complexation of metal-anions/ligands in solution or their competition for surface adsorption sites. Organic ligands usually increase metal ion sorption on minerals at low pH via forming ternary surface complexes or surface precipitates, but inhibit metal ion sorption via the formation of aqueous complexes at high pH. The different mechanisms may act simultaneously during metal ion and anion/ligand co-sorption on minerals. Finally, the potential application for remediation of metal-contaminated sites is discussed based on the different co-sorption behaviors. Future challenges and topics are raised for metal-anion/ligand co-sorption research.

Removal of chelated heavy metals from aqueous solution: A review of current methods and mechanisms

Water contamination with heavy metal ions and organic compounds such as citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, tartrate, pharmaceuticals, surfactants and natural organic matter, is a serious problem in the natural environment. Although many methods have been effectively applied to the removal of heavy metal complexes from aqueous solution, there is a lack of information available on the mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of these various methods. This review summarizes the various treatment methods applied to the removal of heavy metal complexes, with a summary of the mechanisms of action and recent research progress. The methods reviewed in detail include electrolysis, membrane separation, adsorption, precipitation, replacement-coprecipitation, TiO₂ photocatalysis and Fenton oxidation-precipitation, with the advantages and disadvantages of each method discussed. Furthermore, the heavy metal complex removal mechanisms are analyzed comprehensively. Results show that the adsorption method exhibited unique merits, showing much promise for future development. Finally, this review comprehensively analyzes future prospects and developments in methods for removal of chelated heavy metals.

Interaction between Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Amino Acids: Influence on the Antibacterial Activity

The increasing concern about antibiotic-resistance has led to the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. In this effort, different metal oxide nanomaterials are currently under investigation, in order to assess their effectiveness, safety and mode of action. This study focused on CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and was aimed at evaluating how the properties and the antimicrobial activity of these nanomaterials may be affected by the interaction with ligands present in biological and environmental media. Ligands can attach to the surface of particles and/or contribute to their dissolution through ligand-assisted ion release and the formation of complexes with copper ions. Eight natural amino acids (L-Arg, L-Asp, L-Glu, L-Cys, L-Val, L-Leu, L-Phe, L-Tyr) were chosen as model molecules to investigate these interactions and the toxicity of the obtained materials against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. A different behavior from pristine CuO NPs was observed, depending on the aminoacidic side chain. These results were supported by physico-chemical and colloidal characterization carried out by means of Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and light scattering techniques (Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) and Centrifugal Separation Analysis (CSA).

Speciation of Phosphorus Zinc and Copper in Soil and Water-Dispersible Colloid Affected by a Long-Term Application of Swine Manure Compost

The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and chemical species of Zn, Cu, and P in the bulk soil and water-dispersible colloid (WDC) fraction collected from a field where swine manure (SM) compost has been continually applied for 23 years. A filtration and ultracentrifugation process was used to separate and collect WDC (20-1000 nm) from the soil. The continual application of SM increased soil P from 1.6 to 4.5 g kg^-1, Zn from 109 to 224 mg kg^-1, and Cu from 87 to 95 mg kg^-1 for 23 years. The continual SM compost application also enhanced the formation of soil WDC in which Zn (215 mg kg^-1) and Cu (62 mg kg^-1) were highly accumulated and P (25 g kg^-1) was greater than in the bulk soil. According to the result of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), the continual application of SM compost increased P associated with Fe hydroxides in the soil and WDC fraction. Iron K-edge XAS revealed the dominance of goethite and ferrihydrite in the WDC fraction, suggesting that P was bound to these (oxy)hydroxides. Copper K-edge XAS determined the dominance of Cu(II) associated with humus in the soil and WDC fraction. For Zn species in the SM-compost-applied soil, hopeite and Zn associated with humus were accumulated in the bulk soil, whereas Zn associated with humus was the primary species in the WDC fraction. Our study suggests that the formation of organic complexes in the WDC fraction could enhance the mobility of Zn and Cu as the repeated application of SM compost continues.

Effect of glutamic acid on copper sorption onto kaolinite - Batch experiments and surface complexation modeling

High carbonate content of the European Kupferschiefer ore deposits is a challenge for acid copper leaching (pH ≤ 2). Therefore investigating the mobility behavior of Cu(II) under conditions related to an alternative, neutrophil biohydrometallurgical Cu(II) leaching approach is of interest. As glutamic acid (Glu) might be present as a component in the growth media, we studied its effects on the adsorption of Cu(II) onto kaolinite. The binary and ternary batch sorption measurements of Cu(II) and Glu onto kaolinite were performed in the presence of 10 mM NaClO₄ as background electrolyte and at a pH range from 4 to 9. Sorption experiments were modeled by the charge-distribution multi-site ion complexation (CD-MUSIC) model by using single sorption site (≡SOH) and monodentate surface complexation reactions. Glu sorption on kaolinite is weak (<10%) and independent of pH. Furthermore, Glu slightly enhances the Cu(II) sorption at low pH but strongly hinders (up to 50%) the sorption at higher pH and therewith enhances copper mobility. The results of isotherms show that Cu(II)-Glu sorption onto kaolinite mimics the Freundlich model. The proposed CD-MUSIC model provides a close fit to the experimental data and predicts the sorption of Cu(II), Cu(II)-Glu and Glu onto kaolinite as well as the effect of Glu on Cu(II) mobility.

Effect of pectin on adsorption of Cu(II) by two variable-charge soils from southern China

The influence of pectin on Cu(II) adsorption by two variable-charge soils (an Oxisol and an Ultisol) was investigated. Pectin increased the adsorption, and the extent of adsorption increased linearly with the dose of pectin, being greater in the Oxisol than that in the Ultisol because the adsorption of pectin by the Oxisol was greater. Both Langmuir and Freundlich equations fitted the adsorption isotherms of Cu(II) for both soils well. The fitting parameters of both equations indicated that pectin increased not only the adsorption capacity of the soils for Cu(II) but also the adsorption strength of Cu(II). The effect of pectin decreased with rising pH in the pH range 3.5-6.0, although the extent of electrostatic adsorption of Cu(II) by both soils was markedly greater over the pH range. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis and zeta potential measurement of soil colloids indicated that adsorption of pectin by the soils made the negative charge on both soils more negative, which was responsible for the increase in the electrostatic adsorption of Cu(II) induced by the addition of pectin. In conclusion, pectin-enhanced adsorption of Cu(II) especially at low pH would be beneficial to the soils as it would decrease the activity and mobility of Cu(II) in acidic variable-charge soils.

Reaction of aqueous Cu-Citrate with MnO2 birnessite: characterization of Mn dissolution, oxidation products and surface interactions

Citric acid, a widespread soil rhizosphere plant/microbe carboxylic acid exudate can easily form chelates with heavy metals, increasing their availability in the environment. When Cu(II) from algal control in water bodies or reservoirs and fungicides, such as the Bordeaux mixture, and citrate interact, solubilization through chelation is a possible outcome. Manganese (hydr)oxides represent a significant portion of the subsurface environment and can affect the fate and transport of chemical species through adsorption and oxidation. This study explores the possible interaction between MnO2 and Cu-Citrate under ambient oxic conditions. The calculated Mn(II) dissolution rates during the initial 1h of reaction followed the series Cu(II)>Cu-Citrate 1:0.5>Cu-Citrate 1:1(oxic)>Citrate>Cu-Citrate 1:1(Anoxic), reinforcing the central role of (complexed or un-complexed) Cu(II) during the initial surface-coordination instead of following the s-shaped auto-catalytic curves of Mn(II) dissolution in citrate solution. The use of capillary electrophoresis allowed the detection of an intermediate Cu(II)Acetonedicarboxylate complex and the oxidation products acetonedicarboxylate, acetoacetate, acetone and acetic acid. The mass balance analysis of Cu-Citrate 1:1 suggests the partial adsorption of Cu-Citrate(ads) and catalytic degradation of acetonedicarboxylate through a MnO2-Cu surface sorbed complex. Lastly, XPS analysis confirmed the MnO2 surface Cu(II) reduction along with an outer-hydration layer at the MnO2 interface, where electron transfer and aquo ligand exchange may lead to the oxidation of Cu-Citrate.

Cooperative and competitive adsorption of amino acids with Ca²⁺ on rutile (α-TiO₂)

The interactions of biomolecules such as amino acids with mineral surfaces in the near-surface environment are an important part of the short and long-term carbon cycles. Amino acid-mineral surface interactions also play an important role in biomineralization, biomedicine, and in assembling the building blocks of life in the prebiotic era. Although the pH effects during adsorption of amino acids onto mineral surfaces have been studied, little is known about the effects of environmentally important divalent cations. In this study, we investigated the adsorption of the oppositely charged amino acids glutamate and lysine with and without the addition of divalent calcium. Without calcium, glutamate shows a maximum in adsorption at a pH of ∼4 and lysine shows a maximum in adsorption at a pH of ∼9.4. In comparison, with calcium present, glutamate showed maxima in adsorption at both low and high pH, whereas lysine showed no adsorption at all. These dramatic effects can be described as cooperative adsorption between glutamate and Ca(2+) and as competitive adsorption between lysine and Ca(2+). The origin of these effects can be attributed to electrostatic phenomena. Adsorption of Ca(2+) at high pH makes the rutile surface more positive, which attracts glutamate and repels lysine. Our results indicate that the interactions of biomolecules with mineral surfaces in the environment will be strongly affected by the major dissolved species in natural waters.

Aqueous Cu(II)-organic complexation studied in situ using soft X-ray and vibrational spectroscopies

In situ aqueous solutions containing copper-ligand mixtures were measured at the Cu L-edge using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and with attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies. Copper complexation with environmentally relevant ligands such as EDTA, citrate, and malate provided a bridge between spectroscopic studies and general environmental behavior and will allow for future study of complex environmental samples. XANES results show that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy is governed by the ligand field strength and is related to Lewis acid/base properties of the ligand functional groups. Complementary ATR-FTIR studies confirmed the importance of water molecules in the structure of these Cu-ligand complexes and provided in-depth structural analysis to support the XANES data. Copper-malate is shown to have a 5/6-O-ring structure, and Cu-ethylenediaminetetraacetate has pentadentate coordination. Cu L-edge XANES also revealed direct Cu-N coordination in these aqueous solutions with amide functional groups.

Mutual effects of copper and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al2O3: combined batch macroscopic experiments with DFT calculations

The mutual effects of Cu(II) and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al(2)O(3) are investigated by using batch experiments combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results of batch experiments show that coexisting phosphate promotes the retention of Cu(II) on γ-Al(2)O(3), whereas phosphate retention is not affected by coexisting Cu(II) at low initial phosphate concentrations (≤ 3.6 mg P/L). Cu-phosphate aqueous complexes control Cu(II) retention through the formation of type B ternary surface complexes (where phosphate bridges γ-Al(2)O(3) and Cu(II)) at pH 5.5. This deduction is further supported by the results of DFT calculations. More specifically, the DFT calculation results indicate that the type B ternary surface complexes prefer to form outer-sphere or monodentate inner-sphere binding mode under our experimental conditions. The enhancement of phosphate retention on γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence of Cu(II) at high initial phosphate concentrations (>3.6 mg P/L) may be attributed to the formation of 1:2 Cu(II)-phosphate species and/or surface precipitates. Understanding the mutual effects of phosphate and Cu(II) on their mobility and transport in mineral/water environments is more realistic to design effective remediation strategies for reducing their negative impacts on aquatic/terrestrial environments.

Macroscopic and molecular investigations of copper sorption by a steam-activated biochar

Excessive Cu concentrations in water systems can negatively affect biological systems. Because Cu can form strong associations with organic functional groups, we examined the ability of biochar (an O-C-enriched organic bioenergy by-product) to sorb Cu from solution. In a batch experiment, KOH steam-activated pecan shell biochar was shaken for 24 h in pH 6, 7, 8, or 9 buffered solutions containing various Cu concentrations to identify the effect of pH on biochar Cu sorption. Afterward, all biochar solids from the 24-h shaking period were air-dried and analyzed using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to determine solid-phase Cu speciation. In a separate batch experiment, biochar was shaken for 30 d in pH 6 buffered solution containing increasing Cu concentrations; the Cu sorption maximum was calculated based on the exponential rise to a maximum equation. Biochar sorbed increasing amounts of Cu as the solution pH decreased from 9 to 6. The XAFS spectroscopy revealed that Cu was predominantly sorbed onto a biochar organic phase at pH 6 in a molecular structure similar to Cu adsorbed on model humic acid (Cu-humic acid [HA]). The XAFS spectra at pH 7, 8, and 9 suggested that Cu was associated with the biochar as three phases: (i) a complex adsorbed on organic ligands similar to Cu-HA, (ii) carbonate phases similar to azurite (Cu(CO)(OH)), and (iii) a Cu oxide phase like tenorite (CuO). The exponential rise equation fit to the incubated samples predicted a Cu sorption maximum of 42,300 mg Cu kg. The results showed that KOH steam-activated pecan shell biochar could be used as a material for sorbing excess Cu from water systems, potentially reducing the negative effects of Cu in the environment.

Chemical and structural status of copper associated with oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs and heterotrophs: possible evolutionary consequences

Copper adsorption on the surface and intracellular uptake inside the cells of four representative taxons of soil and aquatic micro-organisms: aerobic rhizospheric heterotrophs (Pseudomonas aureofaciens), anoxygenic (Rhodovulum steppense) and oxygenic (cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa sp. and freshwater diatoms Navicula minima) phototrophs were studied in a wide range of pH, copper concentration, and time of exposure. Chemical status of adsorbed and assimilated Cu was investigated using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In case of adsorbed copper, XANES spectra demonstrated significant fractions of Cu(I) likely in the form of tri-coordinate complexes with O/N and/or S ligands. Upon short-term reversible adsorption at all four studied micro-organisms' cell surface, Cu(II) is coordinated by 4.0 ± 0.5 planar oxygens at an average distance of 1.97 ± 0.02 Å, which is tentatively assigned to the carboxylate groups. The atomic environment of copper incorporated into diatoms and cyanobacteria during long-term growth is similar to that of the adsorbed metal with slightly shorter distances to the first O/N neighbor (1.95 Å). In contrast to the common view of Cu status in phototrophic micro-organisms, XAFS failed to detect sulfur in the nearest atomic environment of Cu assimilated by freshwater plankton (cyanobacteria) and periphyton (diatoms). The appearance of S in Cu 1st coordination shell at 2.27-2.32 Å was revealed only after long-term interaction of Cu with anoxygenic phototrophs (and Cu uptake by soil heterotrophs), suggesting Cu scavenging in the form of sulfhydryl, histidine/carboxyl or a mixture of carboxylate and sulfhydryl complexes. These new structural constraints suggest that adsorbed Cu(II) is partially reduced to Cu(I) already at the cell surface, where as intracellular Cu uptake and storage occur in the form of both Cu(I)-S linked proteins and Cu(II) carboxylates. Obtained results allow to better understand how, in the course of biological evolution, micro-organisms elaborated various mechanisms of Cu uptake and storage, from passive adsorption and uptake to active, protein-controlled surface reduction, and intracellular storage.

Assessment of aided phytostabilization of copper-contaminated soil by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and chemical extractions

Field plots were established at a timber treatment site to evaluate remediation of Cu contaminated topsoils with aided phytostabilization. Soil containing 2600 mg kg⁻¹ Cu was amended with a combination of 5 wt% compost and 2 wt% iron grit, and vegetated. Sequential extraction was combined with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to correlate changes in Cu distribution across five fractions with changes in the predominant Cu compounds two years after treatment in parallel treated and untreated field plots. Exchangeable Cu dominated untreated soil, most likely as Cu(II) species non-specifically bound to natural organic matter. The EXAFS spectroscopic results are consistent with the sequential extraction results, which show a major shift in Cu distribution as a result of soil treatment to the fraction bound to poorly crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides forming binuclear inner-sphere complexes.

Evaluating glutamate and aspartate binding mechanisms to rutile (α-TiO2) via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations were used to elucidate the influence of solution chemistry (pH, amino acid concentration) on the binding mechanisms of glutamic and aspartic acid to rutile (α-TiO(2)). The amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, contain carboxyl and amine groups whose dissociation over a pH range results in changes of molecular charge and reactivity, including reactions with mineral surfaces. At pH 3, a decrease of IR bands corresponding to protonated carboxyl groups is observed upon reaction with TiO(2) and indicates involvement of distal carboxyl groups during sorption. In addition, decreased IR bands arising from carboxyl bonds at 1400 cm(-1), concomitant to shifts to higher wavenumbers for ν(as)(γ-COO(-)) and ν(as)(α-COO(-)) (particularly at low glutamate concentrations), are indicative of inner-sphere coordination of both carboxyl groups and therefore suggest a "lying down" surface species. IR spectra of aspartate reacted with rutile are similar to those of solution-phase samples, without peak shifts indicative of covalent bonding, and outer-sphere coordination is predicted. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to assist in elucidating molecular mechanisms for glutamate binding to rutile and are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. The combined use of ATR-FTIR data and quantum calculations suggests three potential surface configurations, which include (1) bridging-bidentate where glutamate is "lying down" and binding occurs through inner-sphere coordination of both α- and γ-carboxyl groups; (2) chelating-monodentate in which glutamate binds through inner-sphere coordination with the γ-carboxyl group in a "standing up" configuration (with or without protonation of the α-carboxyl); and (3) another bridging-bidentate configuration where glutamate is binding to rutile via inner-sphere coordination of the α-carboxyl group and outer-sphere coordination with the γ-carboxyl ("lying down").

Heavy metal extraction from an artificially contaminated sandy soil under EDDS deficiency: significance of humic acid and chelant mixture

Biodegradable EDDS ([S,S]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid) has been suggested for enhancing heavy metal extraction from contaminated soils. Recent studies showed that Zn and Pb are less effectively extracted due to metal exchange and re-adsorption onto the soil surfaces, especially for EDDS-deficiency conditions. This study therefore investigated the influence of dissolved organic matter and the co-presence of EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid) on metal extraction from an artificially contaminated sandy soil under deficient amount of chelants in batch kinetics experiments. The addition of 10 and 20mgL(-1) of humic acid as dissolved organic matter (DOC) suppressed metal extraction by EDDS, probably resulting from the competition of adsorbed humic acid for heavy metals and adsorption of metal-humate complexes onto the soil surfaces. The effects were most significant for Pb because of greater extent of metal exchange of PbEDDS and high affinity towards organic matter. Thus, one should be cautious when there is a high content of organic matter in soils or groundwater. On the other hand, compared to individual additions of EDDS or EDTA, the equimolar EDDS and EDTA mixture exhibited significantly higher Pb extraction without notable Pb re-adsorption. The synergistic performance of the EDDS and EDTA mixture probably resulted from the change of chemical speciation and thus less competition among Cu, Zn and Pb for each chelant. These findings suggest further investigation into an optimum chemistry of the chelant mixture taking into account the effectiveness and associated environmental impact.

Mineral surfaces, geochemical complexities, and the origins of life

Crystalline surfaces of common rock-forming minerals are likely to have played several important roles in life's geochemical origins. Transition metal sulfides and oxides promote a variety of organic reactions, including nitrogen reduction, hydroformylation, amination, and Fischer-Tropsch-type synthesis. Fine-grained clay minerals and hydroxides facilitate lipid self-organization and condensation polymerization reactions, notably of RNA monomers. Surfaces of common rock-forming oxides, silicates, and carbonates select and concentrate specific amino acids, sugars, and other molecular species, while potentially enhancing their thermal stabilities. Chiral surfaces of these minerals also have been shown to separate left- and right-handed molecules. Thus, mineral surfaces may have contributed centrally to the linked prebiotic problems of containment and organization by promoting the transition from a dilute prebiotic "soup" to highly ordered local domains of key biomolecules.

Attachment of L-glutamate to rutile (alpha-TiO(2)): a potentiometric, adsorption, and surface complexation study

Interactions between aqueous amino acids and mineral surfaces influence the bioavailability of amino acids in the environment, the viability of Ti implants in humans, and the role of mineral surfaces in the origin of life on Earth. We studied the adsorption of l-glutamate on the surface of rutile (alpha-TiO(2), pH(PPZC) = 5.4) in NaCl solutions using potentiometric titrations and batch adsorption experiments over a wide range of pH values, ligand-to-solid ratios, and ionic strengths. Between pH 3 and 5, glutamate adsorbs strongly, up to 1.4 micromol m(-2), and the adsorption decreases with increasing ionic strength. Potentiometric titration measurements of proton consumption for the combined glutamate-rutile-aqueous solution system show a strong dependence on glutamate concentration. An extended triple-layer surface complexation model of all the experimental results required at least two reaction stoichiometries for glutamate adsorption, indicating the possible existence of at least two surface glutamate complexes. A possible mode of glutamate attachment involves a bridging-bidentate species binding through both carboxyl groups, which can be thought of as "lying down" on the surface (as found previously for amorphous titanium dioxide and hydrous ferric oxide). Another involves a chelating species which binds only through the gamma-carboxyl group, that is, "standing up" at the surface. The calculated proportions of these two surface glutamate species vary strongly, particularly with pH and glutamate concentration. Overall, our results serve as a basis for a better quantitative understanding of how and under what conditions acidic amino acids bind to oxide mineral surfaces.

Molecular characterization of copper in soils using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Bioavailability of Cu in the soil is a function of its speciation. In this paper we investigated Cu speciation in six soils using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and synchrotron-based micro X-ray fluorescence (mu-XRF). The XANES and EXAFS spectra in all of the soils were the same. mu-XRF results indicated that the majority of the Cu particles in the soils were not associated with calcium carbonates, Fe oxides, or Cu sulfates. Principal component analysis and target transform of the XANES and EXAFS spectra suggested that Cu adsorbed on humic acid (HA) was an acceptable match. Thus it appears that Cu in all of the soils is primarily associated with soil organic matter (SOM). Theoretical fitting of the molecular structure in the soil EXAFS spectra revealed that the Cu in the soils existed as Cu atoms bound in a bidentate complex to O or N functional groups.

Kinetic interactions of EDDS with soils. 2. Metal-EDDS complexes in uncontaminated and metal contaminated soils

The effectiveness of biodegradable EDDS has aroused substantial interest over the past few years, yet there has been little information on the fate of metal-EDDS complexes that, prior to biodegradation, stay in contact with the soils. This study conducted 7-day batch experiments to investigate the kinetic interactions of CuEDDS(2-), ZnEDDS(2-), PbEDDS(2-), and AIEDDS(-), which are newly formed during EDDS application, with uncontaminated and metal-contaminated soils at pH 5.5 and 8. In uncontaminated soils, metal-EDDS complexes were adsorbed and induced mineral dissolution. In contaminated soils, on the contrary, significant metal exchange with sorbed metals on the soil surfaces (i.e., Cu, Zn, and Pb) resulted in a greater extent of metal resorption of the metal-EDDS complexes. The interactions of metal-EDDS complexes, moreover, are influenced by the characteristics of the metal center. Compared with ZnEDDS(2-) and PbEDDS(2-), CuEDDS(2-) was least adsorbed or exchanged, which may be attributed to higher ionic potential and the electron configuration of Cu. In addition, AIEDDS(-) was partially exchanged on the soil surfaces at low pH while entirely dissociated in solution at high pH. Therefore, the fate of individual metal-EDDS complexes in the subsurface depends on the metal center, other sorbed metals and mineral cations on soils, and solution pH.

Glutamate surface speciation on amorphous titanium dioxide and hydrous ferric oxide

Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) and titanium dioxide exhibit similar strong attachment of many adsorbates including biomolecules. Using surface complexation modeling, we have integrated published adsorption data for glutamate on HFO over a range of pH and surface coverage with published in situ ATR-FTIR studies of glutamate speciation on amorphous titanium dioxide. The results indicate that glutamate adsorbs on HFO as a deprotonated divalent anion at pH 3-5 and 0.2 micromol x m(-2) in the form of chelating-monodentate and bridging-bidentate species attached to the surface through three or four of the carboxylate oxygens, respectively. The amine group may interact weakly with the surface. However, at similar pH values and higher surface coverages, glutamate adsorbs mainly as a monovalent or divalent anion chelated to the surface by the gamma-carboxylate group. In this configuration the alpha-carboxylate and amine groups might be free to interact above the surface with the free ends of adjacent glutamates, suggesting a possible mechanism for chiral self-organization and peptide bond formation.

Copper--alumina--organic matter mixed systems: alumina transformation and copper speciation as revealed by EPR spectroscopy

The chemical forms and solubility of Cu in alumina-organic matter systems were studied separately (Cu/Al and Cu/OM) and in mixtures (Cu/Al/OM) during long-term (up to 8 years) equilibrations at pH 6 and 7.5. The transformation of alumina was monitored by XRD, while the chemical forms of Cu were probed by EPR spectroscopy. Total dissolved Cu was determined by voltammetry. Alumina transformation to gibbsite was more rapid and complete in the Cu/Al system equilibrated at pH 7.5 than at pH 6. The presence of colloidal organic matter (Cu/Al/OM) retarded the transformation of alumina. This effect was more pronounced in the system aged at pH 7.5, likely due to the higher pH that promotes formation of Al3+--organic matter coordination complexes. As expected, the systems at pH 7.5 resulted in lower dissolved Cu concentrations than corresponding systems at pH 6. After long-term equilibrations (8 and 5 years) at pH 6 and 7.5, however, the alumina-containing coprecipitates resulted in the lowest concentrations of Cu in solution (Cu/Al < Cu/Al/OM < Cu/OM). Analyses by EPR spectroscopy indicated that Cu forms inner-sphere complexes in all systems at both pH values. Changes in the chemical forms of coprecipitated Cu (Cu/Al and Cu/Al/OM systems) occurred with time and included Cu occupying discrete sites where Cu-O-Al bond formation was dominant followed by formation of clusters (Cu-O-Cu associations) and in some cases precipitates. The anisotropic EPR parameters of the Cu/OM systems suggested that stronger interactions exist between Cu and organic matter functional groups as compared to Cu interactions with alumina-containing coprecipitates; yet, Cu solubility was highest in the Cu/OM systems. The geochemical processes described in this investigation may be effective in forest soils and wastewater treatment plants where Al and Fe salts are used as flocculation agents and to remove metal contaminants from solution.

On the anomalous adsorption of [Pd(edta)]2- at the water/Goethite interface: spectroscopic evidence for two types of surface complexes

The structure of palladium(II) ethylenediaminetetraacetate (edta) in aqueous solutions and its adsorption on the surface of goethite (alpha-FeOOH) were studied using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained results show that in aqueous solutions, Pd-edta exists as a 1:1 complex, [Pd(edta)]2-, with edta acting as a quadridentate ligand. On the surface of goethite, [Pd(edta)]2- forms two different types of complexes over a pH range of 3.40-8.12. At pH < 5, [Pd(edta)]2- adsorbs as an outer-sphere species with possible hydrogen bonding. At higher pH values, the formation of inner-sphere complexes of the cation-type sets in after a cleavage of one glycinate ring and the formation of an (edta)Pd-O-Fe linkage.

Speciation of Cu in a contaminated agricultural soil measured by XAFS, micro-XAFS, and micro-XRF

Contamination of agricultural soils with Cu as a result of fungicide application and spills threatens environmental quality and reduces soil quality for crop growth. In this paper advanced spectroscopic and microscopic methods were used to elucidate the Cu speciation in a calcareous soil contaminated since the 1940s. Microscopically focused synchrotron-based XRF (micro-SXRF) was used to map the elemental distribution in the soils. Results indicated that most of the Cu was not associated with metal oxides, silicates, phosphates, or carbonates. Bulk and microscopically focused X-absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra indicated thatthe Cu in the soil was predominantly Cu adsorbed on soil organic matter (SOM). Interpretation of the fitting results suggests that the Cu is complexed to SOM via bidentate inner-sphere coordination with carboxyl or amine ligands. Results presented in this paper provide detailed information on the molecular coordination of Cu in a contaminated soil. Such information is critical for understanding the long-term fate and best management practices for Cu in the environment.

Interactions of L-alanine with alumina as studied by vibrational spectroscopy

The interactions of L-alanine with gamma- and alpha-alumina have been investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). L-alanine/alumina samples were dried from aqueous suspensions, at 36.5 degrees C, with two amino acid concentrations (0.4 and 0.8 mmol g-1) and at different pH values (1, 6, and 13). The vibrational spectra proved that the nature of L-alanine interactions with both aluminas is the same (hydrogen bonding), although the groups involved depend on the L-alanine form and on alumina surface groups, both controlled by the pH. For samples prepared at pH 1, cationic L-alanine [CH3CH(NH3+)COOH] displaces physisorbed water from alumina, and strong hydrogen bonds are established between the carbonyl groups of alanine, as electron donors, and the surface Al-OH2+ groups of alumina. This occurs at the expense of alanine dimer dissociation and breaking of intramolecular bonds. When samples are prepared at pH 6, the interacting groups are Al-OH2+ and the carboxylate groups of zwitterionic L-alanine [CH3CH(NH3+)COO-]. The affinity of L-alanine toward alumina decreases, as the strong NH3+...-OOC intermolecular hydrogen bonds prevail over the interactions with alumina. Thus, for a load of 0.8 mmol g-1, phase segregation is observed. On alpha-alumina, crystal deposition is even observed for a load of 0.4 mmol g-1. At pH 13, the carboxylate groups of anionic L-alanine [CH3CH(NH2)COO-] are not affected by alumina. Instead, hydrogen bond interactions occur between NH2 and the Al-OH surface groups of the substrate. Complementary N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms showed that adsorption of L-alanine occurs onto the alumina pore network for samples prepared at pH 1 and 13, whereas at pH 6 the amino acid/alumina interactions are not strong enough to promote adsorption. The mesoporous structure and the high specific surface area of gamma-alumina make it a more efficient substrate for adsorption of L-alanine. For each alumina, however, it is the nature of the specific interactions and not the porosity of the substrate that determines the adsorption process.

Adsorption of Me(II), HEDP, and Me(II)-HEDP onto boehmite at nonstoichiometric Me(II)-HEDP concentrations

In aqueous environments, certain heavy metals are toxic even at very low concentrations. The main pathway of metal removal in the aquatic systems is via adsorption onto surfaces. These are desired processes that help decrease the dissolved fraction of metals in natural water. The presence of organic ligands as mono- and polyphosphonates may produce drastic changes in the mobility of the heavy metals. 1-Hydroxyethane-(1,1-diphosphonic acid) (HEDP) is a very strong chelating agent widely used in industrial applications. This study examines the effect of HEDP on the adsorption of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) onto boehmite in nonstoichiometric conditions, with the HEDP concentration higher than the corresponding Me(II) cations. At high surface loading and low pH, HEDP removes Zn(II) and Cd(II) from solution to an appreciable extent. The data are modeled assuming an anionic-ternary complex formation. In the same conditions, Cu(II) adsorption is significantly suppressed at intermediate values of pH, and this behavior is linked to Cu-HEDP complex formation in solution. At low surface covering, the effects of HEDP on metal adsorption are either negligible or slight. This behavior suggests that both ligand and metal are mainly adsorbed in separate form. All experimental data indicate that no changes are observed in the pH edges for phosphonate adsorption. The surface constants to fit the experimental data were calculated by applying the 2-K model constant capacitance (CCM).

Complexation of copper(ll) in organic soils and in dissolved organic matter--EXAFS evidence for chelate ring structures

Associations with functional groups of natural organic matter (NOM) are of great importance for bioavailability, toxicity, and mobility of trace metals in soils and waters. In this study, the coordination chemistry of copper, Cu(ll), in organic soils and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from soils and streams was investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. In both soil organic matter (SOM) and DOM (990-11 000 microg Cu g(-1) dryweight, pH 2.8-6.3), Cu(ll) was coordinated by 4 oxygen/ nitrogen (O/N) atoms at a distance of 1.92-1.95 angstroms in the first coordination shell. These four atoms are positioned in the equatorial plane of a Jahn-Teller distorted octahedron. In samples with a pH of 4.8-6.3, a second coordination shell with 2.0-3.8 C atoms was located at a distance of 2.76-2.86 angstroms. A significant improvement (19-39%) of the fit was obtained by including a third coordination shell with 2.0-3.8 O/C atoms involved in single scattering at an average distance of 3.69 angstroms and multiple scattering at an average distance of 4.19 angstroms. Our results provide evidence for inner-sphere complexation of Cu(ll) in NOM and suggest that Cu(ll) is complexed by either one or two five-membered chelate rings involving possible combinations of amino, carboxyl, or carbonyl functional groups. Ion activity measurements showed that less than 0.2% of total Cu was in the form of free Cu2+ in our samples at pH 4.8-6.3.

Adsorption of Cu(II) to schwertmannite and goethite in presence of dissolved organic matter

Sorption processes involving secondary iron minerals may significantly contribute to immobilisation of metals in soils and surface waters. In the present work the effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from a concentrated bog-water on the adsorption of Cu(II) onto schwertmannite (Fe8O8(OH)6SO4) and goethite (alpha-FeOOH) has been studied. The acid/ base behaviour of DOM up to pH 6 was explained by assuming a diprotic acid with a density of carboxylate groups of 6.90 microeq (mg C)(-1). The resulting acidity constants, recalculated to zero ionic strength were pK(0)a1 = 3.61 and pK(0)a2 = 5.34. The uptake of DOM to schwertmannite and goethite was highest at low pH although adsorption was significant also under mildly alkaline conditions. Adsorption to the two minerals was similar although at high pH more DOM was adsorbed to schwertmannite than to goethite. DOM enhanced the adsorption of Cu(II) at moderately low pH in the goethite system but there was no effect of DOM in the case of schwertmannite. The presence of Cu(II) resulted in a decreased adsorption of DOM to goethite at weakly acidic pH and increased adsorption at high pH. In the case of schwertmannite, Cu(II) did not affect DOM uptake.

Effect of soil fulvic acid on nickel(II) sorption and bonding at the aqueous-boehmite (gamma-AIOOH) interface

The influence of soil-derived fulvic acid (SFA) on Ni(II) sorption and speciation in aqueous boehmite (gamma-AIOOH) suspensions was evaluated using a combination of sorption experiments and Ni K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy measurements. Co-sorption of SFA at the aqueous-boehmite interface modifies both the extent of Ni(II) sorption as well as the local structure of the sorbing Ni(II) ions. In SFA-free suspensions, Ni(II) sorbs by forming inner-sphere bidentate mononuclear complexes with surface aluminol groups. Addition of SFA increases Ni(II) sorption at pH conditions below the sorption edge observed in SFA-free suspensions and diminishes Ni(II) sorption at pH above the SFA-free sorption edge. When SFA is co-sorbed to boehmite, Ni(II) sorbs by forming both ligand-bridging ternary surface complexes (Ni(II)-SFA-boehmite) as well as surface complexes in which Ni(II) remains directly bonded to aluminol groups, that is, binary Ni(II)-boehmite or metal-bridging ternary surface complexes (SFA-Ni(II)-boehmite). The relative contribution of the individual sorption complexes depends heavily on geochemical conditions; the concentration of ligand-bridging complexes increases with increasing SFA sorption and decreasing pH. The local structure of sorbed Ni(II) does not change with increasing reaction time even though the extent of sorption continues to increase. This supports a slow uptake mechanism where surface or intraparticle diffusion processes are rate-limiting. This work demonstrates that the association of humic constituents with soil minerals can significantly modify the mechanisms controlling trace metal sorption and transport in heterogeneous aquatic environments.

Chemistry of alumina, reactions in aqueous solution and its application in water treatment

Due to the presence and significance of alumina in the natural aquatic environment and its increasing application in drinking and wastewater purification, the knowledge of the structure of alumina and its possible interactions with organic and inorganic compounds in water are of great importance. This is of particular importance in both the understanding of natural aquatic environment processes and efficient industrial applications. The chemistry of alumina reactions in water is complex. The adsorption ability of alumina towards organic and inorganic compounds might be influenced by several factors such as: surface characteristics of the adsorbent (surface area, density, pore volume, porosity, pore size distribution, pH(PZC) as well as mechanical strength and purity), pH of the solution, ionic strength, composition of water and the physicochemical properties of adsorbates. The aim of this paper is to give a brief review of the properties of alumina and its reactivity with organic and inorganic compounds present in aqueous solutions. It also summarises the usage of alumina and alumina supported phases in water treatment technology.

Coadsorption of Cu(II) and glyphosate at the water-goethite (alpha-FeOOH) interface: molecular structures from FTIR and EXAFS measurements

The coadsorption of Cu(II) and glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, abbreviated to PMG) at the water-goethite interface was studied by means of batch adsorption experiments, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The system was investigated over the pH range 3--9 and at total concentrations of 0.9 micromol and 2.2 micromol Cu(II) and PMG per m(2) of goethite. The collective quantitative and spectroscopic results show that Cu(II) and PMG directly interact at the water-goethite interface to form ternary surface complexes. Two predominating complexes have been identified. At pH 4 the IR and CuK-edge EXAFS data indicate a molecular structure where the phosphonate group of PMG bonds monodentately to the surface in an inner sphere mode, while carboxylate and amine groups coordinate to Cu(II) to form a 5-membered chelate ring. Hence, at pH 4, Cu(II) and PMG form a ternary surface complex on goethite with the general structure goethite-PMG-Cu(II). At the highest pH investigated (pH 9), the carboxylate group is still coordinated to Cu(II) but the phosphonate group is present in a relatively free, non-coordinated and/or disordered state. Although the spectroscopic data are not conclusive they indicate the formation of ternary surface complexes with the molecular architecture goethite-Cu(II)-PMG at high pH.

IR and EXAFS spectroscopic studies of glyphosate protonation and copper(II) complexes of glyphosate in aqueous solution

The varying degrees of protonation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (PMG, glyphosate) were investigated with infrared (IR) spectroscopy and ab initio frequency calculations. The zwitterionic nature of PMG in solution was confirmed, and intramolecular hydrogen bonding was identified. Successive protonation of the PMG molecule follows the order amine, phosphonate, carboxylate. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding is indicated to exist at all stages of protonation: between both RCO(2-) and RNH(2)(+) and RPO(3)(2-) and RNH(2+) in HL(2)(-) (where L represents the ligand PMG); between RCO(2)(-) and RNH(2)(+) in H(2)L(-); predominantly between RPO(3)(2-) and RNH(2)(+) in H(3)L. There are strong indications that the zwitterion is intact throughout the pH range investigated. Results from IR and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies provide new evidence for structures of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycinecopper(II) complexes. The structures of 1:1 complexes, CuL(-) and CuHL, are essentially the same, differing only in protonation of the phosphonate group. Copper(II) lies at the center of a Jahn-Teller distorted octahedron with all three donor groups (amine, carboxylate, phosphonate) of PMG chelating with copper(II) to form two five-membered chelate rings oriented in the equatorial plane. EXAFS indicates that oxygen (most likely a water molecule) is a fourth ligand, which would thus occupy the fourth corner in the equatorial plane of the elongated octahedron. CuL(2)(4-) most probably forms an isomeric mixture in solution, and there are indications that this mixture is dominated by complexes where two PMG ligands are bound to copper(II) via equatorial and axial positions, with both phosphonate and carboxylate donor groups responsible for chelation at axial positions.

Adsorption and Precipitation of Aqueous Zn(II) on Alumina Powders

The products of aqueous Zn(II) sorption on high-surface-area alumina powders (Linde-A) have been studied using XAFS spectroscopy as a function of Zn(II) sorption density (Gamma=0.2 to 3.3 µmol/m(2)) at pH values of 7.0 to 8.2. Over equilibration times of 15-111 h, we find that at low sorption densities (Gamma=0.2-1.1 µmol/m(2)) Zn(II) forms predominantly inner-sphere bidentate surface complexes with AlO(6) polyhedra, whereas at higher sorption densities (Gamma=1.5 to 3.5 µmol/m(2)), we find evidence for the formation of a mixed-metal Zn(II)-Al(III) hydroxide coprecipitate with a hydrotalcite-type local structure. These conclusions are based on an analysis of first- and second-neighbor interatomic distances derived from EXAFS spectra collected under ambient conditions on wet samples. At low sorption densities the sorption mechanism involves a transformation from six-coordinated Zn-hexaaquo solution complexes (with an average Zn-O distance of 2.07 Å) to four-coordinated surface complexes (with an average Zn-O distance of 1.97 Å) as described by the reaction identical withAl(OH(a))(OH(b))+Zn (H(2)O)(6)(2+)--> identical withAl(OH(a)') (OH(b)')Zn(OH(c)')(OH(d)'+4H(2)O+zH(+), where identical withAl(OH(a))(OH(b)) represents edge-sharing sites of Al(O,OH,OH(2))(6) octahedra to which Zn(O,OH,OH(2))(4) bonds in a bidentate fashion. The proton release consistent with this reaction (z=a-a'+b-b'+4-c'-d'), and with bond valence analysis falls in the range of 0 to 2 H(+)/Zn(II) when hydrolysis of the adsorbed Zn(II) complex is neglected. This interpretation suggests that proton release is likely a strong function of the coordination chemistry of the surface hydroxyl groups. At higher sorption densities (1.5 to 3.5 µmol/m(2)), a high-amplitude, second-shell feature in the Fourier transform of the EXAFS spectra indicates the formation of a three-dimensional mixed-metal coprecipitate, with a hydrotalcite-like local structure. Nitrate anions presumably satisfy the positive layer charge of the Al(III)-Zn(II) hydroxide layers in which the Zn/Al ratio falls in the range of 1 : 1 to 2 : 1. Our results for the higher Gamma-value sorption samples suggest that Zn-hydrotalcite-like phases may be a significant sink for Zn(II) in natural or catalytic systems containing soluble alumina compounds. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.