1
|
Medina-Díaz HL, López-Bellido FJ, Alonso-Azcárate J, Fernández-Morales FJ, Rodríguez L. Can rare earth elements be recovered from abandoned mine tailings by means of electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:26747-26759. [PMID: 38456984 PMCID: PMC11052889 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Given the high impact of traditional mining, the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from hazardous waste materials could become an option for the future in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. In this work, the technical feasibility of REEs recovery from metal mine tailings has been explored using electrokinetic-assisted phytoremediation with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Phytoextraction combined with both AC current and DC current with reversal polarity was applied (1 V cm-1, 8 h day-1) to real mine tailings containing a total concentration of REEs (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) of around 146 mg kg-1. Changes in REEs geochemical fractionation and their concentrations in the soil pore water showed the mobilization of REEs caused by plants and electric current; REE availability was increased to a higher extent for combined electrokinetic-assisted phytoextraction treatments showing the relevant role of plants in the process. Our results demonstrated the initial hypothesis that it is feasible to recover REEs from real metal mining waste by phytoextraction and that the performance of this technology can be significantly improved by applying electric current, especially of the AC type, which increased REE accumulation in ryegrass in the range 57-68% as compared to that of the treatment without electric field application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassay Lizeth Medina-Díaz
- Institute of Environmental and Chemical Technology (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Camilo José Cela, S/N, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier López-Bellido
- School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ronda de Calatrava, S/N, 13003, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jacinto Alonso-Azcárate
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Carlos III, S/N, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Francisco Jesús Fernández-Morales
- Institute of Environmental and Chemical Technology (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Camilo José Cela, S/N, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Luis Rodríguez
- Institute of Environmental and Chemical Technology (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Camilo José Cela, S/N, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pei X, Gao H, Shang C, Huang J, Ge M, Xie H, Feng Y, Wang B. One-step synthesis of phytic acid-assisted hydrochar boost selective sorption and in situ passivation of lanthanum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170419. [PMID: 38296091 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The rare earth metal element lanthanum (La) possesses carcinogenic, genotoxic, and accumulative properties, necessitating urgent development of an efficient and cost-effective method to remove La. However, current sorbents still encounter challenges such as poor selectivity, low sorption capacity, and high production costs. This study therefore proposes a promising solution: the creation of phytic acid-assisted sludge hydrochars (P-SHCs) to eliminate La from water and soil environments. This method harnesses phytic acid's exceptional binding ability and the economical hydrothermal carbonization process. P-SHCs exhibit robust sorption affinity, fast sorption kinetics, and excellent sorption selectivity for La when compared with pristine hydrochars (SHCs). This advantage arises from the remarkable binding ability of phosphate functional groups (polyphosphates) on P-SHCs, forming P-O-La complexes. Moreover, P-SHCs demonstrate sustained sorption efficiency across at least five cycles, with a slight decrease attributed to the loss of phosphorus species and mass during recycling. Furthermore, P-SHCs demonstrated superior economic feasibility, with a higher estimated cost-benefit ratio than that of other sorbents. Our study further validates the exceptional passivation capability of P-SHCs, showcasing relative stabilization efficiency ranging from 37.6 % to 79.6 % for La contamination. Additionally, acting as soil passivation agents, P-SHCs foster the enrichment of specific soil microorganisms such as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, capable of solubilizing phosphorus and resisting heavy metals. These findings present novel ideas and technical support for employing P-SHCs in combatting environmental pollution stemming from rare earth metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Pei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Hailong Gao
- Jiangsu Provincial Assessment Center of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Cenyao Shang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Junxia Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Mengting Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Huifang Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Yanfang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, National Agricultural Experiment Station for Agricultural Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang H, Chen Z, Feng L, Chen Z, Owens G, Chen Z. Uptake and transport mechanisms of rare earth hyperaccumulators: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119998. [PMID: 38169266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Due to their use in a number of advanced electronic technologies, Rare earth elements (REEs) have recently emerged as a key strategic resource for many nations worldwide. The significant increase in demand for REEs has thus greatly increased the mining of these substances, but this industrial-scale expansion of mining activities also poses potential risks to the surrounding environment, flora, fauna, and humans. Hence efficient REE remediation is one potential remediation process involving in situ clean-up of contaminated soil which has gained much attention in recent years, due to its low cost and lack of secondary pollution. However, some crucial aspects of phytoremediation, such as the precise-mechanisms of absorption, transport, and tolerance of REEs by hyperaccumulators -are poorly understood. This review briefly discusses the environmental risks associated with excess REEs, the efficacy of phytoremediation technologies coupled with, appropriate hyperaccumulator species to migrate REEs exposure. While REEs hyperaccumulator species should ideally be large-biomass trees and shrubs suitable for cropping in subtropical regions areas, such species have not yet been found. Specifically, this review focuses on the factors affecting the bioavailability of REEs in plants, where organic acids are critical ligands promoting efficient transport and uptake. Thus the uptake, transport, and binding forms of REEs in the above-ground parts of hyperaccumulators, especially the transporters isolated from the heavy metal transporter families, are discussed in detail. Finally, having summarized the current state of research in this area, this review proceeds to discuss current knowledge gaps and research directions. With a focus on hyperaccumulators, this review serves as a basis for future phytoremediation strategies of rare earth mining-impacted environments and addresses ecosystem/environmental degradation issues resulting from such mining activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wang
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Zhibiao Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China.
| | - Liujun Feng
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Gary Owens
- Environmental Contaminants Group, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australian, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Zuliang Chen
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ning Z, Dong W, Bian Z, Huang H, Hong K. Insight into effects of terbium on cell growth, sporulation and spore properties of Bacillus subtilis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:79. [PMID: 38281285 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from wastewater with Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) during culture is promising due to its environmental benefits. However, the effects of REEs in the culture media on B. subtilis are poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of the terbium (Tb(III)), a typical rare earth element, on the cell growth, sporulation, and spore properties of B. subtilis. Tb(III) can suppress bacterial growth while enhancing spore tolerance to wet heat. Spore germination and content of dipicolinic acid (DPA) were promoted at low concentrations of Tb(III) while inhibited at a high level, but an inverse effect on initial sporulation appeared. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer detection indicated that Tb(III) complexed cells or spores and certain media components simultaneously. The germination results of the spores after elution revealed that Tb(III) attached to the spore surface was a key effector of spore germination. In conclusion, Tb(III) directly or indirectly regulated both the nutrient status of the media and certain metabolic events, which in turn affected most of the properties of B. subtilis. Compared to the coat-deficient strain, the wild-type strain grew faster and was more tolerant to Tb(III), DPA, and wet heat, which in turn implied that it was more suitable for the recovery of REEs during cultivation. These findings provide fundamental insights for the recovery of rare earths during the culture process using microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhoushen Ning
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Yichun Lithium New Energy Industry Research Institute, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Yichun, 336023, China.
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Zijun Bian
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Huihong Huang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Kemin Hong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang C, Chen W, Zhang T, Chen Z. Biocomposite based on graphene oxide immobilized Pseudomonas psychrotolerans for the recovery of Y(III) in acid mine drainage. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140589. [PMID: 37944763 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) recovery is a critical issue concerning both resource recovery and wastewater utilization. In this study, a new bio-composite was fabricated using graphene oxide immobilized Pseudomonas psychrotolerans (PP@GO), which was isolated from the soil of REEs mine. Results showed that 99.6% Y(III) was removed in 48 h and various characterization confirmed that S-S, -NH2, HPO42-, -OH and -COOH from extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by microorganisms formed complexation with Y(III). As well, the Y(III) adsorption best followed Freundlich isotherm and non-linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model having R2 of 0.985 and 0.996, respectively, demonstrating that the adsorption was governed by multilayered chemisorption. Additionally, the effectiveness of PP@GO was not limited to Y(III), where 27.9% of this substance was removed in acid mine drainage (AMD), also exhibited great adsorption for other REEs, such as Er (45.0%) and Ho (43.8%). Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency of Y(III) remained high (70.0%) after a 5th cycle, emphasizing the consistent stability of PP@GO. Finally, REEs adsorbed could be greatly desorbed by KNO3, like Sm (80.1%) and La (80.0%), which revealed that PP@GO has great potential to recover REEs in AMD. Overall, this study offers a promising strategy for the green and sustainable REEs recovery and wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Zuliang Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pastorino P, Squadrone S, Berti G, Esposito G, Bondavalli F, Renzi M, Pizzul E, Kazmi SSUH, Barceló D, Abete MC, Prearo M. Occurrence of rare earth elements in water, sediment, and freshwater fish of diverse trophic levels and feeding ecology: Insights from the Po river (northwest Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117455. [PMID: 37865325 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
To date, the occurrence of rare earth elements (REEs) in freshwater ecosystems has garnered limited attention in the scientific literature. Furthermore, a dearth of data exists regarding their potential bioaccumulation in freshwater fish. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied REEs concentrations in water, sediment, and fish specimens collected along the Po River (northwest Italy) and calculated biota-sediment accumulation (BSAF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors, while taking into account fish feeding behavior and trophic level effects on the overall content of total REEs (ƩREEs). The fish communities were composed of native and non-native species. Remarkably low concentrations of REEs (<0.0003 mg/L) were detected in the water samples, indicating REEs insolubility. In contrast, sediment samples were found to be a good sink for REEs, with a higher mean ƩREEs recorded for the samples from the Moncalieri station (70.93 mg/kg). Notably, no significant differences in ƩREEs concentration were observed in the muscle tissue of fish samples from the three stations. The highest mean ƩREEs was recorded in the samples from the Murazzi station (0.027 mg/kg). The BSAF was very low, consistently below the unit, indicating an absence of bioaccumulation in fish muscle from sediment. In contrast, the BCF was high for several REEs, mainly for Sc and Y. While feeding ecology did not appear to affect REEs accumulation in muscle, there was a significant negative relationship between the trophic level and ΣREEs, indicating a trophic dilution of REEs from predator (Silurus glanis) to planktivorous (Alburnus arborella) fish. This study provides baseline concentrations, trophic transfers, and patterns of REEs in a river system. Further studies are needed to understand the transfer of REEs to other biotic components of lotic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pastorino
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy.
| | - Stefania Squadrone
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanna Berti
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Fabio Bondavalli
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pizzul
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Syed Shabi Ul Hassan Kazmi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cesarina Abete
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Marino Prearo
- The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, 10154, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang L, Cheng WC, Xue ZF, Xie YX, Lv XJ. Study on Cu- and Pb-contaminated loess remediation using electrokinetic technology coupled with biological permeable reactive barrier. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119348. [PMID: 37866186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Although the electrokinetic (EK) remediation has drawn great attention because of its good maneuverability, the focusing phenomenon near the cathode and low removal efficiency remain to be addressed. In this study, a novel EK reactor was proposed to remediate Cu and Pb contaminated loess where a biological permeable reactive barrier (bio-PRB) was deployed to the middle of the EK reactor. For comparison, three test configurations, namely, CG, TG-1, and TG-2, were available. CG considered the multiple enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) treatments, while TG-1 considered both the multiple EICP treatments and pH regulation. TG-2 further considered NH4+ recovery based on TG-1. CG not only improved Cu and Pb removals by the bio-PRB but also depressed the focusing phenomenon. TG-1 causes more Cu2+ and Pb2+ to migrate toward the bio-PRB and aggravates Cu and Pb removals by the bio-PRB, depressing the focusing phenomenon. TG-2 depressed the focusing phenomenon the most because Cu2+ and Pb2+ can combine with not only CO32- but PO43-. The removal efficiency of Cu and Pb is 34% and 36%, respectively. A NH4+ recovery of about 100% is attained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Space Engineering (XAUAT), Xi'an, 710055, China.
| | - Wen-Chieh Cheng
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Space Engineering (XAUAT), Xi'an, 710055, China.
| | - Zhong-Fei Xue
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Space Engineering (XAUAT), Xi'an, 710055, China.
| | - Yi-Xin Xie
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Space Engineering (XAUAT), Xi'an, 710055, China.
| | - Xin-Jiang Lv
- School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Geotechnical and Underground Space Engineering (XAUAT), Xi'an, 710055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Acosta Hernández I, Muñoz Morales M, Fernández Morales FJ, Rodríguez Romero L, Villaseñor Camacho J. Removal of heavy metals from mine tailings by in-situ bioleaching coupled to electrokinetics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117183. [PMID: 37769830 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
This work utilizes a combined biological-electrochemical technique for the in-situ removal of metals from polluted mine tailings. As the main novelty point it is proposed to use electrokinetics (EK) for the in-situ activation of a bioleaching mechanism into the tailings, in order to promote biological dissolution of metal sulphides (Step 1), and for the subsequent removal of leached metals by EK transport out of the tailings (Step 2). Mine tailings were collected from an abandoned Pb/Zn mine located in central-southern Spain. EK-bioleaching experiments were performed under batch mode using a lab scale EK cell. A mixed microbial culture of autochthonous acidophilic bacteria grown from the tailings was used. Direct current with polarity reversal vs alternate current was evaluated in Step 1. In turn, different biological strategies were used: biostimulation, bioaugmentation and the abiotic reference test (EK alone). It was observed that bioleaching activation was very low during Step 1, because it was difficult to maintain acidic pH in the whole soil, but then it worked correctly during Step 2. It was confirmed that microorganisms successfully contributed to the in-situ solubilization of the metal sulphides as final metal removal rates were improved compared to the conventional abiotic EK (best increases of around 40% for Cu, 162% for Pb, 18% for Zn, 13% for Mn, 40% for Ni and 15% for Cr). Alternate current seemed to be the best option. The tailings concentrations of Fe, Al, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb after treatment comply with regulations, but Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations exceed the maximum values. From the data obtained in this work it has been observed that EK-bioleaching could be feasible, but some upgrades and future work must be done in order to optimize experimental conditions, especially the control of soil pH in acidic values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Acosta Hernández
- Chemical Engineering Department, Research Institute for Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla La Mancha UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Martín Muñoz Morales
- Chemical Engineering Department, Research Institute for Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla La Mancha UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Jesús Fernández Morales
- Chemical Engineering Department, Research Institute for Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla La Mancha UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Luis Rodríguez Romero
- Chemical Engineering Department, Research Institute for Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla La Mancha UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Villaseñor Camacho
- Chemical Engineering Department, Research Institute for Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), University of Castilla La Mancha UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Dias YN, Martins GC, Ferreira LCG, Fernandes AR. Human and environmental exposure to rare earth elements in gold mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139824. [PMID: 37586491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Rudimentary methods are used to exploit gold (Au) in several artisanal mines in the Amazon, producing hazardous wastes that may pose risks of contamination by rare earth elements (REEs). The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of REEs and assess their environmental and human health risks in artisanal Au mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. Thus, 25 samples of soils and mining wastes were collected in underground, colluvial, and cyanidation exploration sites, as well as in a natural forest that was considered as a reference area. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results were used to estimate pollution indices and risks associated with the contaminants. All REEs showed higher concentrations in waste deposition areas than in the reference area, especially Ce, Sc, Nd, La, Pr, Sm, and Eu. Pollution and enrichment levels were higher in the underground and cyanidation mining areas, with very high contamination factors (6.2-27) for Ce, Eu, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, and Sc, and significant to very high enrichment factors (5.5-20) for Ce, La, Nd, Pr, and Sc. The ecological risk indices varied from moderate (167.3) to high (365.7) in the most polluted sites, but risks to human health were low in all areas studied. The results of this study indicate that artisanal Au mining has the potential to cause contamination, enrichment, and ecological risks by REEs in the northeastern Amazon. Mitigation measures should be implemented to protect the environment from the negative impacts of these contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Valter da Silveira Pereira
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li S, Ji B, Zhang W. A review on the thermochemical treatments of biomass: Implications for hydrochar production and rare earth element recovery from hyperaccumulators. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:140140. [PMID: 37709067 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Phytomining is a promising method that employs hyperaccumulators to concentrate metals from various substrates. Many studies on phytomining have been reported in the literature, while how to recover metals from hyperaccumulators has not been well resolved, which is critical for developing a complete phytomining-based metal recovery process. The most straightforward approach is to combust hyperaccumulators and recover metals from the combustion residue. However, the combustion process results in significant waste and carbon emissions. In contrast to combustion, thermochemical treatments can convert the biomass of hyperaccumulators to valuable products, such as biochar, hydrochar, biocrudes, and biogas. Therefore, it is more sustainable to develop a process that combines thermochemical treatments for metal recovery from hyperaccumulators. To achieve this objective, a systematic and comprehensive understanding of product characteristics and metal fate during thermochemical processing is required. In this article, three emerging thermochemical technologies, i.e., microwave-assisted pyrolysis, hydrothermal processing, and microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment, are systematically reviewed in terms of conversion mechanisms, merits, demerits, product characteristics, and metal fate. Significant findings reported in the literature on the effects of operating parameters on product characteristics and metal fate during thermochemical treatment of waste biomass, especially those from hyperaccumulators, were summarized. Due to limited studies on thermochemical treatments of rare earth element hyperaccumulators, this review is expanded to include hyperaccumulators of any metal species. Based on comparisons among the three emerging thermochemical treatment technologies, microwave-assisted hydrothermal pyrolysis is identified as the most promising approach that favors carbon product obtainment and REE recovery from hyperaccumulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Li
- Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wencai Zhang
- Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kaczorowska MA. The Latest Achievements of Liquid Membranes for Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Aqueous Solutions-A Mini Review. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:839. [PMID: 37888011 PMCID: PMC10608305 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The systematic increase in the use of rare earth elements (REEs) in various technologically advanced products around the world (e.g., in electronic devices), the growing amount of waste generated by the use of high-tech materials, and the limited resources of naturally occurring REE ores resulted in an intensive search for effective and environmentally safe methods for recovering these elements. Among these methods, techniques based on the application of various types of liquid membranes (LMs) play an important role, primarily due to their high efficiency, the simplicity of membrane formation and use, the utilization of only small amounts of environmentally hazardous reagents, and the possibility of simultaneous extraction and back-extraction and reusing the membranes after regeneration. However, because both primary and secondary sources (e.g., waste) of REEs are usually complex and contain a wide variety of components, and the selectivity and efficiency of LMs depend on many factors (e.g., the composition and form of the membrane, nature of the recovered ions, composition of the feed and stripping phases, etc.), new membranes are being developed that are "tailored" to the properties of the recovered rare earth elements and to the character of the solution in which they occur. This review describes the latest achievements (since 2019) related to the recovery of a range of REEs with the use of various liquid membranes (supported liquid membranes (SLMs), emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs), and polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs)), with particular emphasis on methods that fall within the trend of eco-friendly solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata A Kaczorowska
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 3 Seminaryjna Street, PL 85326 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang S, Kong M, Li W, Yi E, Wang Y, Shen M, Liu H, Ren S, Guo Y, Zhang J. Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Polyacrylamide/Fe 3O 4 Magnetic Ion Imprinting Biosorbent for Removal and Recovery of La 3. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:37374-37383. [PMID: 37841133 PMCID: PMC10569018 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
To use resources rationally, the recovery and recycling of rare earth (RE) from industrial sewage have attracted a lot of attention. Herein, a polymer adsorbent CMC/PAM/Fe3O4 (CPF) was synthesized from renewable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylamide (PAM), and Fe3O4 by the template of La3+ using ion imprinting technology. The CPF was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and results show that PAM and CMC can crosslink with each other and form copolymers with Fe3O4 particles dispersing in it. The adsorption properties for the template ions La3+ were fully studied. It is found that CPF exhibited good adsorption performance with an adsorption capacity of 34.6 mg·g-1. Cycling experiments show that CPF still has high efficiency even after 5 cycles. Meanwhile, the desorption rate can reach more than 98%. The low wastage and high adsorption/desorption efficiency would enable CPF to be a good candidate adsorbent for removal/recovery of La3+ from industrial sewage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuteng Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Enjie Yi
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Harbin
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin 150056, China
| | - Minghui Shen
- Harbin
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin 150056, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shixue Ren
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuanru Guo
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiguo Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science & Technology (Ministry
of Education), College of Material Science and Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang Q, Huang S, Jiang R, Zhuang Z, Liu Z, Wang Q, Wan Y, Li H. Phytoremediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soil by selecting native plants near mining areas in Inner Mongolia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:94501-94514. [PMID: 37535284 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation technology, as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, is widely used to restore soil contaminated by heavy metal(loid)s. However, the adaptability and absorption capacity of plants to multiple elements are the crucial factors affecting the application of phytoremediation in mining areas. In this study, dominant native plant species and their paired soils were collected near a lead-zinc mine in Inner Mongolia, to assess the ecological risk of heavy metal(loid)s and phytoremediation potential. The results showed that Cd and As were the dominant soil pollutants, with levels of 90.91% and 100%, respectively, exceeding the risk intervention values for soil contamination of agricultural land. The rates of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeding the risk screening values were 69.70%, 60.61%, and 96.97%, respectively. Extremely high ecological risk of heavy metal(loid)s was observed in this area. The ability of native plants accumulating heavy metals varied among species. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) varied from 0.14 to 2.59 for Cd, 0.02 to 0.45 for As, 0.06 to 0.76 for Pb, 0.05 to 2.69 for Cr, 0.15 to 1.00 for Cu, and 0.22 to 4.10 for Zn. Chinese Cinquefoil Herb (Potentilla chinensis Ser.) showed the potential to accumulate multiple toxic elements based on the biomass, shoot content, translocation factor (TF), BCF, and metal extraction rate (MER), while, other species showed the potential to accumulate single toxic element: goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.), Lespedeza daurica (Laxm.) Schindl. and peashrubs (Caragana korshinskii Kom.), Herba Artemisiae Scopariae (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) for Cd, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn, respectively. Furthermore, wild leek (Allium ramosum L.), cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.), fringed sagebrush (Artemisia frigida Willd.), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) were selected for phytostabilization of specific elements, considering the heavy metal contents in the roots and low TF values. This study provides a reference for selecting appropriate species for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in certain mining areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruqi Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Zhuang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Wan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Huafen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zerizghi T, Guo Q, Wei R, Ziteng W, Du C, Deng Y. Rare earth elements in soil around coal mining and utilization: Contamination, characteristics, and effect of soil physicochemical properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121788. [PMID: 37164222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
REEs are emerging contaminants, and soils nearby coal and coal ash with high REEs composition are vulnerable to REEs contamination. Besides, coal industry alters surrounding soil characteristics. However, there is information paucity about REEs contamination and geochemical behaviors along with soil characteristics around coal industrial areas, which are essential for understanding their toxicity and mobilization. The study was conducted in soils surrounding Kriel coal-fired power plant (KCM) and Greenside coal mining in Witbank (GSCM), South Africa. Multivariate statistical analysis, pollution and fractionation indices, and BCR sequential extraction were applied. The ∑REEs in the soils were compared to abundance of ∑REEs in the upper earth's crust (UEC), and slightly higher ∑REEs were found in KCM but slightly lower in GSCM. Generally, LREEs are abundant. The REEs in the soils were normalized using the Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) and then Eu and Gd in KCM and Gd in GSCM were >1. Contamination assessment revealed slightly to moderately contaminated soils by REEs. ∑REEs in KCM was significantly correlated with soil particle sizes of 2.00-50.00 μm, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MnO, while with 2.00-3.00 μm and Al2O3 in GSCM. Fractionation characteristics showed a positive Ce anomaly with positive linear regressions with Fe2O3 and MnO. In contrast, a negative Eu anomaly was found with positive linear regressions with Al, Ca, and Mg-oxides. Oxidizable fractioned REEs accounted for 32.33% of the ∑REEs in GSCM and 35.85% in KCM, and their high EF suggest enrichment that could be due to coal mining and utilization. Most soil physicochemical properties appear to be negatively correlated with the exchangeable REEs. Overall, the soils are contaminated by REEs, and characteristics of the REEs are considerably influenced by the major elements oxide, U, and Th contents. Therefore, more attention should be paid to REEs contamination and impacts around coal mining and utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teklit Zerizghi
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hamelmalo Agricultural College, National Commission for Higher Education, Keren, P.O. Box 397, Eritrea
| | - Qingjun Guo
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Rongfei Wei
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wang Ziteng
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chenjun Du
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yinan Deng
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yan Q, Lin X, Chen Z, Chen Z. Biosynthesis of bionanomaterials using Bacillus cereus for the recovery of rare earth elements from mine wastewater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 329:117098. [PMID: 36563444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The growing demand for rare earth elements (REEs) increasingly requires secondary resources such as mine wastewater containing high concentrations of REEs, to be used as a source of REEs. The current challenge is how to efficiently recover REEs from this feed source. In this paper, a functional bionanomaterial (FeNPs-EPS) was biosynthesized using Bacillus cereus as a possible means of recovering REEs. This composite was composed of both synthesized iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Synthesis of the FeNPs-EPS composite via a one-step biosynthesis was confirmed by materials characterization. The peak in the material's UV-Vis spectra at 511 nm demonstrates the formation of FeNPs-EPS, where 3D-EEM showed that FeNPs-EPS was wrapped predominantly with tryptophan protein-like and humic acid-like substances. In addition, while FTIR indicated that the functional groups present in EPS where virtually identical to those observed in FeNPs-EPS, XPS demonstrated that Fe and O were the major elemental present as both FeO and Fe2O3. Zeta potential measurements indicated that FeNPs-EPS had good stability under different pH conditions, where BET analysis supported multilayer adsorption. Finally, on exposure to high concentrations of Eu(III) and Tb(III) in mine wastewater, the synthesized FeNPs-EPS demonstrated strong potential to remove two cations from the wastewater and hence a potentially practical way to efficiently recover REEs from such waste streams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuting Yan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhibiao Chen
- School of Geography, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian, China.
| | - Zuliang Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh A, Čížková M, Náhlík V, Mezricky D, Schild D, Rucki M, Vítová M. Bio-removal of rare earth elements from hazardous industrial waste of CFL bulbs by the extremophile red alga Galdieria sulphuraria. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1130848. [PMID: 36860487 PMCID: PMC9969134 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1130848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, a shift has been seen in the use of light-emitting diodes over incandescent lights and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), which eventually led to an increase in wastes of electrical equipment (WEE), especially fluorescent lamps (FLs) and CFL light bulbs. These widely used CFL lights, and their wastes are good sources of rare earth elements (REEs), which are desirable in almost every modern technology. Increased demand for REEs and their irregular supply have exerted pressure on us to seek alternative sources that may fulfill this demand in an eco-friendly manner. Bio-removal of wastes containing REEs, and their recycling may be a solution to this problem and could balance environmental and economic benefits. To address this problem, the current study focuses on the use of the extremophilic red alga, Galdieria sulphuraria, for bioaccumulation/removal of REEs from hazardous industrial wastes of CFL bulbs and the physiological response of a synchronized culture of G. sulphuraria. A CFL acid extract significantly affected growth, photosynthetic pigments, quantum yield, and cell cycle progression of this alga. A synchronous culture was able to efficiently accumulate REEs from a CFL acid extract and efficiency was increased by including two phytohormones, i.e., 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP - Cytokinin family) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA - Auxin family).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Singh
- Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia
| | - Mária Čížková
- Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia
| | - Vít Náhlík
- Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia,Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Dana Mezricky
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, IMC FH Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Dominik Schild
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, IMC FH Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Marian Rucki
- Laboratory of Predictive Toxicology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milada Vítová
- Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia,Centre for Phycology, Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czechia,*Correspondence: Milada Vítová,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yan X, Gao B, Wang J, Zhu X, Zhang M. Insights into remediation effects and bacterial diversity of different remediation measures in rare earth mine soil with SO 4 2- and heavy metals. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1050635. [PMID: 37032866 PMCID: PMC10079077 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased demand for rare earth resources has led to an increase in the development of rare earth mines (REMs). However, the production of high-concentration leaching agents (SO4 2-) and heavy metals as a result of rare earth mining has increased, necessitating the removal of contaminants. Here, a series of experiments with different remediation measures, including control (CK), sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) alone (M), chemicals (Ca(OH)2, 1.5 g/kg) plus SRB (CM-L), chemicals (Ca(OH)2, 3.0 g/kg) plus SRB (CM-M), and chemicals (Ca(OH)2, 4.5 g/kg) plus SRB (CM-H), were conducted to investigate the removal effect of SO4 2-, Pb, Zn, and Mn from the REM soil. Then, a high-throughput sequencing technology was applied to explore the response of bacterial community diversity and functions with different remediation measures. The results indicated that CM-M treatment had a more efficient removal effect for SO4 2-, Pb, Zn, and Mn than the others, up to 94.6, 88.3, 98.7, and 91%, respectively. Soil bacterial abundance and diversity were significantly affected by treatments with the inoculation of SRB in comparison with CK. The relative abundance of Desulfobacterota with the ability to transform SO4 2- into S2- increased significantly in all treatments, except for CK. There was a strong correlation between environmental factors (pH, Eh, SO4 2-, Pb, and Zn) and bacterial community structure. Furthermore, functional prediction analysis revealed that the SRB inoculation treatments significantly increased the abundance of sulfate respiration, sulfite respiration, and nitrogen fixation, while decreasing the abundance of manganese oxidation, dark hydrogen oxidation, and denitrification. This provides good evidence for us to understand the difference in removal efficiency, bacterial community structure, and function by different remediation measures that help select a more efficient and sustainable method to remediate contaminants in the REM soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yan
- GRINM Resources and Environment Tech. Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-Ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Gao
- GRINM Resources and Environment Tech. Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-Ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jianlei Wang
- GRINM Resources and Environment Tech. Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-Ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xuezhe Zhu
- GRINM Resources and Environment Tech. Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-Ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- GRIMAT Engineering Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Mingjiang Zhang
- GRINM Resources and Environment Tech. Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-Ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingjiang Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pellegrino A, Vasiluk L, Hale B. Phytotoxicity effect concentrations (ECx) for Ce, Nd and Eu added to soil relative to total and bioaccessible soil REE concentrations, and tissue REE accumulations. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135723. [PMID: 35863417 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity thresholds (ECx) for radish, tomato, and durum wheat growth endpoints (shoot length, shoot mass, root length) to Ce, Nd or Eu added to a black organic soil were determined from 14-day dose-response growth assays. EC10 expressed as total soil [REE] had a more than twenty-fold range, from 337 mg/kg to more than >8000 mg/kg. Averaged over all REEs and endpoints, durum wheat was more tolerant than radish and tomato; and averaged over all endpoints, Eu appeared to be the most phytotoxic of the three REEs. Bioaccessibility of each REE was determined by extraction with 0.01 M CaCl2, which for all three REEs in this soil was quite low, <0.10% of total. However, bioaccessibility of Eu was five or six times greater than that for Ce and Nd, and thus could explain its apparently greater toxicity, namely that Eu was more likely to be accumulated at the site of toxic action in the plant. To discern inherent toxicity from enhanced bioaccumulation, concentration of each REE in root and shoot tissues was determined, for a tissue-residue approach to toxicity assessment. The EC10 expressed as tissue concentration was lower for Nd than for Ce and Eu, thus the most toxic of the three REEs. As for many cationic inorganic elements, toxicity varies with the chemistry of the exposure medium due to its effects on bioaccessibility. Simple methods to harmonize toxicity thresholds from different media enables greater integration into regulatory standards. When EC25 from this and other studies were normalized to CaCl2-extractable REE in their respective media, the range in Ce EC25 was reduced from 20-fold to 2.5-fold, and the range for Eu EC25 was reduced from 25-fold to 3-fold. This novel and low-input approach to meta-analysis of toxicity thresholds demonstrates the value of considering soil physico-chemical properties as modifiers of soil REE toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Pellegrino
- MTE Consultants, 520 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, ON, N2B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Luba Vasiluk
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Beverley Hale
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lewis A, Guéguen C. Using chemometric models to predict the biosorption of low levels of dysprosium by Euglena gracilis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:58936-58949. [PMID: 35377126 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19918-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The critical rare earth element dysprosium (Dy) is integral for sustainable technologies. What is concerning is that Dy is in imminent short supply and no current replacements yet exist, coupled with increasing environmental Dy levels influenced by anthropogenic activities. This study applies chemometric methods such as response surface methodology and artificial neural networks to predict low Dy removal levels using the biosorbent Euglena gracilis. A three-factor Box-Behnken experimental design was conducted with initial concentration (1 to 100 µg L-1), contact time (30 to 180 min), and pH (3 to 8) as the three independent variables, and percentage removal and sorption capacity (q) as dependent variables. Using Dy percentage removal as response, for the worst and best conditions ranged from 0 to 92% respectively, with an average removal of 66 ± 4%. Using sorption capacity (q) as a different response variable, q varied from 0 to 93 µg/g with 27 ± 4 µg/g capacity as average. Maximum removal was 92% (q = 93 µg/g) was at pH 3, a contact time of 105 min and at a concentration of 100 µg/L. Using sorption capacity as the response variable for ANOVA, pH and metal concentrations were statistically significant factors, with lower pH and higher metal concentration having improved Dy removal, with a desirability near 1. Statistical tests such as analysis of variance, lack-of-fit, and coefficient of determination (R2) confirmed model validity. A 3-10-1 ANN network array was used to model experimental responses (q). RSM and ANN effectively modeled Dy biosorption. E. gracilis proved to be a cheap and effective biosorbent for Dy biosorption and has the potential to remediate acid mine drainage areas exhibiting low Dy concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ainsely Lewis
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Céline Guéguen
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen L, Beiyuan J, Hu W, Zhang Z, Duan C, Cui Q, Zhu X, He H, Huang X, Fang L. Phytoremediation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contaminated soils using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): A comprehensive review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133577. [PMID: 35016965 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is an increasing environmental problem, posing serious threats to the living organisms. Phytoremediation is a sustainable and highly accepted technology for remediation of PTE-contaminated soils. Alfalfa has been widely adopted for the phytoremediation of PTE-contaminated soils due to its large biomass productivity, high PTE tolerance, and strong capacity to take up PTEs. However, there are still no literature reviews systematically summarized the potential of alfalfa in the phytoremediation. Therefore, we review the available literatures that present its PTE uptake, phytotoxicity, tolerance mechanisms, and aided techniques improving the phytoremediation efficiency. In this review, alfalfa shows high amounts of PTEs accumulation, especially in their root tissue. Meanwhile, the inner mechanisms of PTE tolerance and accumulation in alfalfa are discussed including: (i) the activation of antioxidant enzyme system, (ii) subcellular localization, (iii) production of glutathione, phytochelatins, and proline, and (iv) regulation of gene expression. Indeed, excessive PTE can overcome the defense system, which causes oxidative damage in alfalfa plants, thereby inhibiting growth and physiological processes and weakening the ability of PTE uptake. Till now, several approaches have been developed to improve the tolerance and/or accumulation of PTE in alfalfa plants as follows: (i) selection of PTE tolerant cultivars, (ii) applying plant growth regulators, (iii) addition of chelating agents, fertilizer, and biochar materials, and (iv) inoculation of soil microbes. Finally, we indicate that the selection of PTE-tolerant cultivars along with inoculation of soil microbes may be an efficient and eco-friendly strategy of the soil PTE phytoremediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jingzi Beiyuan
- School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Weifang Hu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Chenjiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xuguang Huang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A Framework and Baseline for the Integration of a Sustainable Circular Economy in Offshore Wind. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14175540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Circular economy and renewable energy infrastructure such as offshore wind farms are often assumed to be developed in synergy as part of sustainable transitions. Offshore wind is among the preferred technologies for low-carbon energy. Deployment is forecast to accelerate over ten times faster than onshore wind between 2021 and 2025, while the first generation of offshore wind turbines is about to be decommissioned. However, the growing scale of offshore wind brings new sustainability challenges. Many of the challenges are circular economy-related, such as increasing resource exploitation and competition and underdeveloped end-of-use solutions for decommissioned components and materials. However, circular economy is not yet commonly and systematically applied to offshore wind. Circular economy is a whole system approach aiming to make better use of products, components and materials throughout their consecutive lifecycles. The purpose of this study is to enable the integration of a sustainable circular economy into the design, development, operation and end-of-use management of offshore wind infrastructure. This will require a holistic overview of potential circular economy strategies that apply to offshore wind, because focus on no, or a subset of, circular solutions would open the sector to the risk of unintended consequences, such as replacing carbon impacts with water pollution, and short-term private cost savings with long-term bills for taxpayers. This study starts with a systematic review of circular economy and wind literature as a basis for the coproduction of a framework to embed a sustainable circular economy throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind energy infrastructure, resulting in eighteen strategies: design for circular economy, data and information, recertification, dematerialisation, waste prevention, modularisation, maintenance and repair, reuse and repurpose, refurbish and remanufacturing, lifetime extension, repowering, decommissioning, site recovery, disassembly, recycling, energy recovery, landfill and re-mining. An initial baseline review for each strategy is included. The application and transferability of the framework to other energy sectors, such as oil and gas and onshore wind, are discussed. This article concludes with an agenda for research and innovation and actions to take by industry and government.
Collapse
|