Sorption-desorption of selenite and selenate on Mg-Al layered double hydroxide in competition with nitrate, sulfate and phosphate

Loading of Silver (I) Ion in L-Cysteine-Functionalized Silica Gel Material for Aquatic Purification

The L-cysteine-functionalized silica (SG-Cys-Na+) matrix was effectively loaded with silver (I) ions using the batch sorption technique. Optimal Ag(I) loading into SG-Cys-Na+ reached 98% at pHi = 6, 80 rpm, 1 mg L-1, and a temperature of 55 °C. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be suitable for Ag(I) binding onto SG-Cys-Na+ active sites, forming a homogeneous monolayer (R2 = 0.999), as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. XRD analysis indicated matrix stability and the absence of Ag2O and Ag(0) phases, observed from diffraction peaks. The pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.999) suggested chemisorption-controlled adsorption, involving chemical bonding between silver ions and SG-Cys-Na+ surface. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, indicating higher initial concentrations leading to increased equilibrium constants, negative ΔG values, positive ΔS values, and negative ΔH. This study aimed to explore silver ion saturation on silica surfaces and the underlying association mechanisms. The capability to capture and load silver (I) ions onto functionalized silica gel materials holds promise for environmental and water purification applications.

Separating selenium species by diffusion in Brazilian bentonite: a mathematical modeling approach

Bentonite was applied in diffusive studies for selenium, an emerging contaminant. The planar source method was used to determine the apparent and effective diffusion coefficients and assess the mobility of the selenium species. A double Gaussian function described the results. Different diffusion coefficients were associated with different mobilities, and consequently, to the coexistence of two selenium species: selenite and selenate. Apparent diffusion coefficients were higher for selenate, around 10^- 10 m² s^- 1, than for selenite, around 10^- 12 m² s^- 1. Results from sequential extraction and distribution coefficient justified selenate's greater mobility than selenite. Since the increase in redox potential from 448 to 511 mV may be associated with selenite oxidation in an interconversion process, the diffusion in bentonite demonstrates that applications in geological barriers deserve attention regarding the mobilization of selenium species. Interconversions can mobilize selenium, as reduced species can shift to more oxidized and mobile species, enhancing environmental contamination.

Effects of substituting iron for aluminum on the low-temperature catalytic activity and sulfur resistance of hydrotalcite-derived LNT catalysts

The storage and reduction of NOx on a series of Fe-modified hydrotalcite-based lean NOx trap catalysts were assessed, together with the product selectivity. The crystal structures and micromorphologies of these materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, while in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the evolution of transition state species. The introduction of Fe was found to improve the synergistic interaction between the Mg and Fe in the hydrotalcite structure, allowing these catalysts to work efficiently at low temperatures. In addition, both Pt/BaO/MgAlO and Pt/BaO/MgFeO catalysts exhibited better NOx adsorption and reduction performance compared with Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃. The superior performance of the former two materials was attributed to the enhanced adsorption of NOx in the form of nitrates and nitrites by Fe and Mg and to the ready decomposition of these nitrates at low temperatures. A Pt/BaO/MgFeO catalyst showed excellent low temperature activity and high selectivity for N₂ together with superior sulfur resistance compared with Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃.

Investigating diffusion mechanism for HTO and Se(IV)/Se(VI) in compacted Tamusu clay rock with different column lengths

Due to continuous self-sealing and good mechanical properties, the Tamusu clay rock of Inner Mongolia has been identified as the pre-selected site for high-level radioactive waste geological disposal site in China. The study of chemical behaviors related to Tamusu clay rock, such as nuclide migration, will be an important content of the performance assessment and safety assessment of the disposal repository in the future. The diffusion behavior of HTO and Se(IV)/Se(VI) with different compacted column lengths in Tamusu clay rock is discussed by the through-diffusion method. The diffusion coefficient, rock capacity factor, effective porosity, and other diffusion parameters closely related to nuclide migration are calculated, and the mechanism of nuclide diffusion is preliminarily discussed. The results show that D a (6.23 × 10−11∼17.96 × 10−11 m2 s−1), D e (1.62 × 10−11∼4.67 × 10−11 m2 s−1) for HTO increase with the increase of the compacted column length, and it is proposed that the diffusion process of HTO is affected by the change of geometrical factor and path tortuosity. D a (7.29 × 10−13∼1.74 × 10−13 m2 s−1), D e (5.15 × 10−12∼2.15 × 10−12 m2 s−1) for Se(IV), D a (3.11 × 10−12∼1.09 × 10−12 m2 s−1), D e (2.53 × 10−12∼1.09 × 10−12 m2 s−1) for Se(VI), which decrease with the increase of the compacted column length, it is mainly due to the existence of anion repulsion effect.

LDH-TiO2 Composite for Selenocyanate (SeCN-) Photocatalytic Degradation: Characterization, Treatment Efficiency, Reaction Intermediates and Modeling

Selenium as a nutrient has a narrow margin between safe and toxic limits. Hence, wastewater discharges from selenium-containing sources require appropriate treatment that considers health concerns and stringent selenium-related water treatment standards. This work examined the use of a photocatalysis-cum-adsorption system based on a layered double hydroxide coupled with TiO2 (LDH-TiO2) to remove aqueous phase selenocyanate (SeCN−), which is difficult to treat and requires specific treatment procedures. The synthesized LDH and LDH-TiO2 composite samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) methods. The XRD results for the uncalcined LDH indicated a hydrotalcite mass with a rhombohedral structure, whereas increasing the calcination temperature indicated transition to an amorphous state. FESEM results for the LDH-TiO2 matrix indicated round titanium dioxide particles and LDH hexagonal layers. The TGA findings for uncalcined LDH showed a gradual decrease in weight up to 250 °C, followed by a short plateau and then a sharp decrease in LDH weight from 320 °C, with a net weight loss around 47%. Based on the characterization and initial selenocyanate adsorption results, the 250 °C calcined LDH-TiO2 matrix was used for the selenocyanate photocatalysis. A ~100% selenium removal was observed using LDH:TiO2 at a 1.5:1 w/w ratio with a 2 g/L dose, whereas up to 80% selenium removal was noted for LDH:TiO2 at a 0.5:1 w/w ratio. The respective difference in the efficiency of selenium treatment was attributed to enhanced LDH-based adsorption sites in the enhanced LDH:TiO2 w/w ratio. Furthermore, the selenite and selenate that occurred during SeCN− photocatalytic degradation (PCD) were also nearly completely removed via adsorption. An optimization exercise using response surface methodology (RSM) for total selenium removal showed R2 values of more than 0.95, with a prediction accuracy of more than 90%. In summary, the present findings show that the use of a photocatalysis-cum-adsorption system based on LDH-TiO2 is a promising technique to treat industrial wastewater discharges for selenocyanate and also remove the resulting intermediates.

Treatment technologies for selenium contaminated water: A critical review

Selenium is an indispensable trace element for humans and other organisms; however, excessive selenium in water can jeopardize the aquatic environment. Investigations on the biogeochemical cycle of selenium have shown that anthropogenic activities such as mining, refinery, and coal combustion mainly contribute to aquatic selenium pollution, imposing tremendous risks on ecosystems and human beings. Various technologies thus have been developed recently to treat selenium contaminated water to reduce its environmental impacts. This work provides a critical review on the applications, characteristics, and latest developments of current treatment technologies for selenium polluted water. It first outlines the present status of the characteristics, sources, and toxicity of selenium in water. Selenium treatment technologies are then classified into three categories: 1) physicochemical separation including membrane filtration, adsorption, coagulation/precipitation, 2) redox decontamination including chemical reduction and catalysis, and 3) biological transformation including microbial treatment and constructed wetland. Details of these methods including their overall efficiencies, applicability, advantages and drawbacks, and latest developments are systematically analyzed and compared. Although all these methods are promising in treating selenium in water, further studies are still needed to develop sustainable strategies based on existing and new technologies. Perspectives on future research directions are laid out at the end.

Exploring the role of Fe species from biochar-iron composites in the removal and long-term immobilization of SeO42- against competing oxyanions

Carbothermal reduction is a convenient and cost-effective method to produce biochar (BC) supported iron-based nano-particles (INP) for oxyanion contaminants removal. However, considering the possible desorption of the target oxyanion during change of the surrounding environment, the detailed removal mechanisms remain unclear and the long-term efficiency of different INPs cannot be predicted. In this study, different BC/Fe composites were synthesized by controlling the pyrolysis temperatures (500-800 °C). BC/Fe₃O₄ composite synthesized at 500 °C (BC/Fe₅₀₀) possessed the strongest surface acidity thus with the best SeO₄^2- removal performance, and BC/Fe⁰/Fe₃O₄ composite synthesized at 650 °C (BC/Fe₆₅₀) possessed the best reducing ability toward SeO₄^2-. Through the co-removal experiments (SeO₄^2- and common competing oxyanions co-existed) and the investigation of Se stability loaded on BC/Fe composites, the removal of SeO₄^2- by BC/Fe₅₀₀ through highly reversible adsorption could not achieve long-term immobilization of Se, making it an appropriate adsorbent for pre-treatment only, while the efficient reduction of SeO₄^2- to Se⁰ by BC/Fe₆₅₀ could largely improve its long-term stability. This study supplies a possible strategy for Se immobilization against common competing oxyanions.

Environmental impact of amino acids on the release of selenate immobilized in hydrotalcite: Integrated interpretation of experimental and density-functional theory study

The environmental impact of amino acids on the release of SeO₄^2- immobilized into hydrotalcite (Mg₂Al-LDH) which belongs to the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) family was investigated by experimental study and the observed layer structure of hydrotalcite was verified through density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Glycine, l-cysteine, and l-aspartic acid, which have smaller molecular sizes, can release SeO₄^2- largely due to intercalation, unstabilization of Mg₂Al-LDH and simple dissolution, while l-tryptophan and l-phenylalanine caused limited SeO₄^2- release due to their larger sizes and aromaticity. XRD patterns for the solid residues after intercalation of amino acids revealed that the layer distance of Mg₂Al-LDH was partially expanded. The main peaks and shoulder features corresponding to d₀₀₃ diffraction were well explained by DFT simulations using glycine as a model: the layer spacing of the main peak is responsible for the remaining SeO₄^2- and singly stacked glycine molecule and the layer spacing of the shoulder peak was well explained by doubly stacked glycine molecules. Hydrogen bonds between amino acids and hydroxyl ions in the metallic layers of Mg₂Al-LDH were responsible for the stable configuration of the intercalated Mg₂Al-LDH. This study indicates potential limitations to the stability of low-level radioactive wastes of ⁷⁹Se in repositories which are affected by smaller molecules of amino acids released through degradation of organic matters in the pedosphere.

Simultaneous Kinetics of Selenite Oxidation and Sorption on δ-MnO2 in Stirred-Flow Reactors

Selenium (Se) is an essential and crucial micronutrient for humans and animals, but excessive Se brings negativity and toxicity. The adsorption and oxidation of Se(IV) on Mn-oxide surfaces are important processes for understanding the geochemical fate of Se and developing engineered remediation strategies. In this study, the characterization of simultaneous adsorption, oxidation, and desorption of Se(IV) on δ-MnO2 mineral was carried out using stirred-flow reactors. About 9.5% to 25.3% of Se(IV) was oxidized to Se(VI) in the stirred-flow system in a continuous and slow process, with the kinetic rate constant k of 0.032 h-1, which was significantly higher than the apparent rate constant of 0.0014 h-1 obtained by the quasi-level kinetic fit of the batch method. The oxidation reaction was driven by proton concentration, and its rate also depended on the Se(IV) influent concentration, flow rate, and δ-MnO2 dosage. During the reaction of Se(IV) and δ-MnO2, Mn(II) was produced and adsorbed strongly on Mn oxide surfaces, which was evidenced by the total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) results. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicated that the reaction of Se(VI) on δ-MnO2 produced Mn(III) as the main product. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the interface chemical process of Se(IV) with δ-MnO2 in the environment.

Extension of a biotic ligand model for predicting the toxicity of metalloid selenate to wheat: The effects of pH, phosphate and sulphate

It has not been well understood that the influences of pH and accompanying anions on the toxicity of selenate (Se(VI)). The influences of pH and major anions on Se(VI) toxicity to wheat root elongation were determined and modeled based on the biotic ligand model (BLM) and free ion activity model (FIAM) concepts. Results showed that EC50[Se(VI)]_T values increased from 162 to 251 μM as the pH values increased from 4.5 to 8.0, indicating that the pH increases alleviated the Se(VI) toxicity. The EC50{SeO₄^2-} values increased from 133 to 203 μM while the EC50{HSeO₄^-} values sharply decreased from 210 to 0.102 nM with the pH increasing from 4.5 to 8.0. The effect of pH on Se(VI) toxicity could be explained by the changes of Se(VI) species in different pH solutions as SeO₄^2- and HSeO₄^-were differently toxic to wheat root elongation. The toxicity of Se(VI) decreased with the increasing activities of H₂PO₄^- and SO₄^2- but not for NO₃^- and Cl^- activities, indicating that only H₂PO₄^- and SO₄^2- had competitive effects with Se(VI) on the binding sites. An extended BLM was developed to consider effects of pH, phosphate and sulphate, and stability constants of SeO₄^2-, HSeO₄^-, H₂PO₄^- and SO₄^2- to the binding sites were obtained: log [Formula: see text]  = 3.45, log [Formula: see text]  = 5.98, log [Formula: see text]  = 2.05, log [Formula: see text]  = 1.85. Results implied that BLM performed much better than FIAM in the wheat root elongation prediction when coupling with toxic species SeO₄^2- and HSeO₄^-, and the competitions of H₂PO₄^- and SO₄^2- for the binding sites while developing the Se(VI)-BLM.

Treatment of gold ore cyanidation wastewater by adsorption onto a Hydrotalcite-type anionic clay as a novel adsorbent

The treatment of cyanide contaminated wastewater from a gold processing plant was performed by the synthesized nanostructured Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) which has known as a Hydrotalcite-type anionic clay. LDH was synthesized by the co-precipitation process, characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Wavelength Dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX) and applied for removal of free cyanide from both synthetic solution and mining effluent. The maximum particle size of synthesized LDH was determined to be 4 nm based on the Scherrer's equation. The maximum loading capacity of LDH, 60 mg/g, indicates that LDH is an interesting adsorbent for cyanide removal. The data modeling showed that the kinetic and equilibrium data best fitted by FPKM and RPIM, respectively, also, rate-controlling step in the adsorption process is intra-particle diffusion based on Weber-Morris plot, and the adsorption of CN^- onto LDH is a two-step process. The thermodynamic studies confirm that the adsorption of free cyanide on Mg/Al LDH is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The energy of activation for adsorption of free cyanide on Mg/Al LDH was determined to be 6.14 kJ/mol, which is in the range physicochemical sorption. The mining wastewater treatment was performed by the synthesized LDH. The adsorption experiments showed that more than 90% of free cyanide was removed from the real solution during a short period of contact time, which confirms the ability of LDH for the treatment of industrial cyanide contaminated wastewater. Graphical abstract.

Exploring the Mechanisms of Selectivity for Environmentally Significant Oxo-Anion Removal during Water Treatment: A Review of Common Competing Oxo-Anions and Tools for Quantifying Selective Adsorption

Development of novel adsorbents often neglects the competitive adsorption between co-occurring oxo-anions, overestimating realistic pollutant removal potentials, and overlooking the need to improve selectivity of materials. This critical review focuses on adsorptive competition between commonly co-occurring oxo-anions in water and mechanistic approaches for the design and development of selective adsorbents. Six "target" oxo-anion pollutants (arsenate, arsenite, selenate, selenite, chromate, and perchlorate) were selected for study. Five "competing" co-occurring oxo-anions (phosphate, sulfate, bicarbonate, silicate, and nitrate) were selected due to their potential to compete with target oxo-anions for sorption sites resulting in decreased removal of the target oxo-anions. First, a comprehensive review of competition between target and competitor oxo-anions to sorb on commonly used, nonselective, metal (hydr)oxide materials is presented, and the strength of competition between each target and competitive oxo-anion pair is classified. This is followed by a critical discussion of the different equations and models used to quantify selectivity. Next, four mechanisms that have been successfully utilized in the development of selective adsorbents are reviewed: variation in surface complexation, Lewis acid/base hardness, steric hindrance, and electrostatic interactions. For each mechanism, the oxo-anions, both target and competitors, are ranked in terms of adsorptive attraction and technologies that exploit this mechanism are reviewed. Third, given the significant effort to evaluate these systems empirically, the potential to use computational quantum techniques, such as density functional theory (DFT), for modeling and prediction is explored. Finally, areas within the field of selective adsorption requiring further research are detailed with guidance on priorities for screening and defining selective adsorbents.

Influence of silicate on the structural memory effect of layered double hydroxides for the immobilization of selenium

The influence of silicate on the structural memory effect of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has been rarely reported. In this study, five kinds of calcined LDHs (CLDHs) were synthesized and used as adsorbents for the sorption of selenium with or without silicate, under the initial pH 10 and 13, respectively, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. The results indicated that silicate can significantly affect the phase transformation of CLDHs, and the sorption amounts of selenite and selenate dramatically decreased in the presence of silicate. Specifically, silicate can react with MgO and Al₂O₃ in CLDHs to generate magnesium silicate hydrate and geopolymer-like substance which were covered on the surface of particles, blocking the hydroxylation of metal oxides. However, higher pH suppressed the interaction between MgO and silicate and enhanced the formation of geopolymer-like substance, which promoted the regeneration of LDHs. Al in CLDHs plays a critical role in the regeneration of LDHs. Besides, the ternary oxides (CLDH-2, Mg₂Al_0.75Fe_0.25-oxide; CLDH-3, Mg₂Al_0.5Fe_0.5-oxide) possessed larger specific surface areas (127.7 and 158.2 m²/g) and consequently presented more resistance to the effect of silicate.

Mechanism analysis of selenium (VI) immobilization using alkaline-earth metal oxides and ferrous salt

The immobilization of selenate (SeO₄^2-) using metal oxides (CaO and MgO) and ferrous salt as the immobilization reagents were examined by the leaching test and solid-phase analysis via XRD, XAFS, TGA, and XPS. The results indicated that nearly all of SeO₄^2- was reduced to SeO₃^2- in the CaO-based reaction within 7 days. Then, the generated SeO₃^2- was mainly sorbed onto the iron-based minerals (Fe₂O₃ and FeOOH) through the formation of both bidentate mononuclear edge-sharing (¹E) and monodentate mononuclear corner-sharing (¹V) inner-sphere surface complexes, suggested by PHREEQC simulation and EXAFS analysis. Differently, less amount of SeO₄^2- (approximately 45.50%) was reduced to SeO₃^2- for the MgO-based reaction. However, if the curing time increases to a longer time (more than 7 days), the further reduction could occur because there are still Fe(II) species in the matrix. As for the associations of Se in the solid residue, most of the selenium (SeO₃^2- and SeO₄^2-) was preferentially distributed onto the Mg(OH)₂ through outer-sphere adsorption. Definitely, this research can provide a deep understanding of the immobilization of selenium using alkaline-earth metal oxide related materials and ferrous substances.

Immobilization mechanism of Se oxyanions in geopolymer: Effects of alkaline activators and calcined hydrotalcite additive

Geopolymers have been widely adopted to stabilize the cationic pollutants. However, few studies have focused on the immobilization of anionic species. In this study, the immobilization of SeO₃^2- and SeO₄^2- was explored for the first time using geopolymer activated by different alkaline solutions (NaOH and Na₂SiO₃) with and without calcined hydrotalcite (CHT), characterized by TCLP, XRD, FTIR, TG, NMR, XAFS, and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. Na₂SiO₃-activated geopolymers without CHT additive showed lower leaching percentages of SeO₃^2- and SeO₄^2- (approximately 10 % and 18 %) than NaOH-activated geopolymers (approximately 58 % and 74 %). It has been proven that electrostatic interaction is the main association mode of SeO₃^2- and SeO₄^2- in both NaOH- and Na₂SiO₃-activated geopolymers. Hence, compactness plays a vital role in the Se leaching from geopolymer. The addition of CHT reduced the compactnesses of both NaOH- and Na₂SiO₃-geopolymers. Due to the formation of hydrotalcite, the CHT additive contributed to immobilize SeO₃^2- and SeO₄^2- in NaOH-activated geopolymers. However, this phenomenon was not observed in Na₂SiO₃-activated geopolymers. Thus, the leaching amount of Se greatly increased from Na₂SiO₃-activated geopolymers with CHT additive. This study provides new insights on the application of geopolymer to immobilize anionic pollutants.

A new approach to evaluate toxic metal transport in a catchment

Competitive sorption and desorption of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ onto riverbank and sediment samples of an area impacted by pyritic residue in a Southern Brazilian catchment were evaluated. Although these ions are considered poorly mobile, a new approach has been proposed to assess their behavior and associated risk. In this sense, factorial design and three-dimensional surface methodology are proposed to describe the competitive sorption behavior of the metal ion in the environmental matrix, as well as an innovative mobilization factor (MF) to describe the desorption rate from the integration of the normalized difference of sorption-desorption fluorescence peaks. Sorption was carried out with a central composite factorial design (2³) to estimate simultaneous effects of independent variables. Three-dimensional surface analysis indicated increasing Cd²⁺ equilibrium concentration (C_eq) with Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ initial concentration (C_i), showing synergistic effect and low Cd²⁺ affinity to the solid phase. Statistical analysis presented [Formula: see text] as a significant variable for cadmium and lead dynamics, although [Formula: see text] was also significant for Hg²⁺ releasing to the liquid phase. After integrating the sorption and desorption fluorescence peaks, the MF for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ was around 0.2, 0.5, and 0.1 in riverbank sediment, and 0.3, 0.9, and 0.1 in sediment, respectively. Hence, consistent ion mobilization along the river was observed, with Pb²⁺ mobilizing 9 and 6 times more than Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively. The transport of ions such as Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺, usually considered immobile, has indeed occurred, causing contamination through the watershed and increasing environmental risk. Graphical Abstract A new approach to determine toxic metal mobilization factor in a river catchment.

A novel composite of layered double hydroxide/geopolymer for co-immobilization of Cs+ and SeO42- from aqueous solution

Geopolymers are always considered as promising materials for the treatment of radioactive wastes. In order to extend the application of geopolymer to the immobilization of anionic species, a novel composite of layered double hydroxide/geopolymer (LDH/GEO) was synthesized and applied for cosorption of Cs⁺ and SeO₄^2-. The ability of LDH/GEO to sorb Cs⁺ was maintained as that of pure GEO, even though the surface of geopolymer was homogeneously covered by the LDH platelets. The sorption of Cs⁺ onto LDH/GEO composite occurred via ion exchange, which was controlled by particle diffusion. It is different with Cs⁺ sorption onto pure GEO governed by film diffusion. Therefore, "Pocket diffusion" was proposed for the particle diffusion as the case of LDH/GEO because this kind of diffusion would be restricted in a certain distance around the ring entrance gate due to the amorphous essence of GEO. For SeO₄^2- sorption by LDH/GEO, ion-exchange with the interlayer NO₃^- and surface sorption could be the main mechanisms. Importantly, the sorption speed of SeO₄^2- achieved by LDH/GEO composite was much faster than that by pure LDH. In the binary system (Cs⁺+ SeO₄^2-), the sorption of Cs⁺ was slightly suppressed compared to the single system, which might be due to the formation of ion-pair complex of [CsSeO₄]^-. However, it did not have negative effect on the SeO₄^2- sorption. In the presence of other cations or anions, the cosorption performances of Cs⁺ and SeO₄^2- were satisfactorily obtained. Furthermore, the Cs⁺ and SeO₄^2- sorption densities were superior to the previously reported values. The combined MgAl-LDH/geopolymer composite could be a promising material for the immobilization of Cs⁺ and SeO₄^2-, and this work would provide guidance for the development of geopolymer-based materials for environmental applications.

Antimonate adsorption onto Mg-Fe layered double hydroxides in aqueous solutions at different pH values: Coupling surface complexation modeling with solid-state analyses

In this study, the importance of Sb behavior under different pH conditions has been addressed with respect to its stabilization in aqueous solutions using Mg-Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The Sb(V) adsorption onto Mg-Fe LDHs was performed at different initial Sb(V) concentrations and pH values (pH 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5). The removal rate and the maximal adsorbed amount increased with decreasing pH values. Moreover, the surface complexation modeling (SCM) predicted preferable formation of monodentate mononuclear and bidentate binuclear complexes on the Mg-Fe LDH surface. Spectroscopic (X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and microscopic (scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) techniques were used to further specify the adsorption mechanisms. The influence of chemical adsorption, surface-induced precipitation of brandholzite Mg[Sb(OH)₆]₂·6H₂O, formation of brandholzite-like phases and/or anion exchange was observed. Moreover, Sb(V) was nonhomogeneously distributed on the Mg-Fe LDH surface at all pH values. The surface complexation modeling supported by solid-state analyses provided a strong tool to investigate the binding arrangements of Sb(V) on the Mg-Fe LDH surface. Such a complex mechanistic/modeling approach has not previously been presented and enables prediction of the Sb(V) adsorption behavior onto Mg-Fe LDHs under different conditions, evaluating their possible use in actual applications.

Sorption of selenite on Tamusu clay in simulated groundwater with high salinity under aerobic/anaerobic conditions

The sorption behavior of selenite onto the Tamusu clay from a preselected high-level radioactive waste disposal site in Inner Mongolia, China, was first investigated in simulated groundwater with high salinity by batch sorption experiments under aerobic/anaerobic conditions. The results demonstrated that the K_d values rapidly decreased and then remained steady in the pH range of 2.0-8.0. However, selenite sorption was promoted when pH exceeded 8.0, which might be attributed to the coprecipitation between Ca²⁺ and SeO₃^2-. Besides, the change trend of the K_d values as functions of various parameters was not affected by oxygen. The sorption kinetics and isotherms could be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich model for both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and the calculated thermodynamic parameters (△G and △H) suggested that the selenite sorption process was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Additionally, the XPS results revealed that Se(IV) could be reduced to Se (0) only in anaerobic conditions and that the different amounts of Fe on the clay surface led to the discrepancy of the Se(IV) K_d values under aerobic and anaerobic conditions even in high-salt simulated groundwater. Overall, our findings in this study are significant in regards to the retardation of selenite on the host rock under high salinity conditions.

Effects of straw amendment on selenium aging in soils: Mechanism and influential factors

Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) alters heavy metal availability, but whether straw amendment can manipulate soil selenium (Se) speciation and availability through DOM mineralization remains unclear. In this study, allochthonous maize straw and selenate were incubated together in four different soils for 1 y. The transformation and availability of DOM associated Se (DOM-Se) was investigated during aging. Results indicated that soil solution and soil particle surfaces were dominated by hexavalent hydrophilic acid-bound Se (Hy-Se). The amount of fulvic acid bound Se in soil solution (SOL-FA-Se) was higher than humic acid bound Se in soil solution (SOL-HA-Se), except in krasnozems, and mainly existed as hexavalent Se (Se(VI)). Tetravalent Se (Se(IV)) was the main valence state of FA-Se adsorbed on soil particle surfaces (EX-FA-Se) after 5 w of aging. The proportion of soil-available Se (SOL + EX-Se) decreased with increasing straw rate. However, under an application rate of 7500 kg·hm^-2, soluble Se fraction (SOL-Se) reduction was minimal in acidic soils (18.7%-34.7%), and the organic bound Se fraction (OM-Se) was maximally promoted in alkaline soils (18.2%-39.1%). FA and HON could enhance the availability of Se in the soil solution and on particle surfaces of acidic soil with high organic matter content. While Se incorporation with HA could accelerate the fixation of Se into the solid phase of soil. Three mechanisms were involved in DOM-Se aging: (1) Reduction, ligand adsorption, and inner/outer-sphere complexation associated with the functional groups of straw-derived DOM, including hydroxyls, carboxyl, methyl, and aromatic phenolic compounds; (2) interconnection of EX-FA-Se between non-residual and residual Se pools; and (3) promotion by soil electrical conductivity (EC), clay, OM, and straw application. The dual effect of DOM on Se aging was highly reliant on the characteristics of the materials and soil properties. In conclusion, straw amendment could return selenium in soil and reduce soluble Se loss.

Layered Double Hydroxide Sorbents for Removal of Selenium from Power Plant Wastewaters

Selenium is an essential trace element but is increasingly becoming a contaminant of concern in the electric power industry due to the challenges of removing solubilized selenate anions, particularly in the presence of sulfate. In this work, we evaluate granulated layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials as sorbents for selenium removal from wastewaters obtained from a natural gas power plant with the aim to elucidate the effect of competing ions on the sorption capacities for selenium removal. We first present jar test data, followed by small-scale column testing in 0.43 inch (1.1 cm) and 2 inch (5.08 cm) diameter testbed columns for the treatment of as-obtained cooling tower blowdown waters and plant wastewaters. Finally, we present field results from a pilot-scale study evaluating the LDH media for treatment of cooling tower blowdown water. We find that despite the high levels of total dissolved solids and competing sulfate ions, the selenium oxoanions and other regulated metals such as chromium and arsenic are successfully removed using LDH media without needing any pre-treatment or pH adjustment of the wastewater.

Effects of sulfate on simultaneous nitrate and selenate removal in a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor for groundwater treatment: Performance and biofilm microbial ecology

Effects of sulfate on simultaneous nitrate and selenate removal in a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for groundwater treatment was identified with performance and biofilm microbial ecology. In whole operation, MBfR had almost 100% removal of nitration even with 50 mg mL^-1 sulfate. Moreover, selenate degradation increased from 95% to approximate 100% with sulfate addition, indicating that sulfate had no obvious effects on nitrate degradation, and even partly promoted selenate removal. Short-term sulfate effect experiment further showed that Gibbs free energy of reduction (majority) and abiotic sulfide oxidation (especially between sulfate and selenate) contributed to degradable performance with sulfate. Microbial ecology showed that high percentage of Hydrogenophaga (≥75%) was one of the contributors for the stable and efficient nitrate degradation. Chemoheterotrophy (ratio>0.3) and dark hydrogen oxidation (ratio>0.3) were the majority of functional profile for biofilm in MBfR, and sulfate led to profiles of sulfate respiration and respiration of sulfur compounds in biofilm. Additionally, no special bacteria for selenate degradation was identified in biofilm microbial ecology, and selenate degradation was relied on Hydrogenophaga (75% of ecology percentage with sulfate addition) and Desulfovibrionaceae (4% of ecology percentage with sulfate addition). But with overloading sulfate, Desulfovibrionaceae was prior to sulfate degradation for energy supply and thus inhibited selenate removal.

Influence of Fe(II) on the Se(IV) sorption under oxic/anoxic conditions using bentonite

⁷⁹Se, one of the key radionuclides for nuclear waste disposal, threatens the quality of the environment, as well as human health. Therefore, it needs to be permanently isolated from the biosphere. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Fe(II)/Fe(III) on the removal of ⁷⁹Se using bentonite in the pH range of 2.0-10.0 under oxic/anoxic conditions. Under oxic conditions, Se(IV) prefers to form inner-sphere complexes with Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide, derived from the oxidization of Fe(II) using oxygen. Interestingly, Se(IV) will interact with Fe(III) and form a poorly soluble ferric selenite at pH ∼4 under oxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions, however, the concentration of Fe(II) is closely related to the sorption process of Se(IV) on bentonite. When the concentration of Fe(II) was less than 1%, Fe(II) combined with the hydroxyl, forming Fe(OH)₂, which generated a disproportionation at pH ∼8 and formed a new sorbent, Fe₃O₄. However, when the concentration of Fe(II) was increased to 5%, reduction precipitation was the primary way to remove Se(IV) in aqueous solution. XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) spectra showed that higher pH values are beneficial for the formation of the final thermodynamic reduction product, Fe selenide. These results suggested that Fe(II) significantly affect the Se(IV) sorption. Overall, this study confirmed the significant role of Fe(II) on the retardation of ⁷⁹Se and on remediation for Se(IV) contamination in the hydrosphere.

An electrochemical sequential injection method to investigate the adsorption of selenite on Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations intercalated vermiculite

A sequential injection - square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SI-SWASV) method for determination of Se(IV) at a gold working electrode was developed to investigate the adsorption of Se(IV) onto vermiculite intercalated with Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.060 and 0.20 μmol L^-1, respectively (4.7 and 15.7 μg L^-1). The linearity was up to 1.0 μmol L^-1, and the sampling throughput was 18 analyses h^-1. The proposed approach is a low-cost alternative to more expensive spectrometric methods. Adsorption onto vermiculite intercalated with Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations removed 93% of Se(IV) from a 1.0 μmol L^-1 solution (250 mL) after 5 min of contact time with 625 mg of adsorbent. Adsorption isotherms (25.0 ± 0.5 °C) were fitted by the Freundlich equation resulting in 1/n = 0.51 ± 0.03 and K_f = (1.584 ± 0.002) × 10³ μmol^1-1/n g^-1 L^1/n (r² = 0.995). Fitting by the Langmuir equation resulted in an adsorption constant of 0.026 ± 0.008 L g^-1 and adsorption capacity of 47 ± 5 μmol g^-1 (3.7 ± 0.4 mg g^-1) (r² = 0.97). This capacity was higher than that found for several other iron oxides, but lower than that obtained for oxide/hydroxide-based Fe(III) nanoparticles.