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Garau M, Lo Cascio M, Vasileiadis S, Sizmur T, Nieddu M, Pinna MV, Sirca C, Spano D, Roggero PP, Garau G, Castaldi P. Using biochar for environmental recovery and boosting the yield of valuable non-food crops: The case of hemp in a soil contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Heliyon 2024; 10:e28050. [PMID: 38509955 PMCID: PMC10951655 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is known to tolerate high concentrations of soil contaminants which however can limit its biomass yield. On the other hand, organic-based amendments such as biochar can immobilize soil contaminants and assist hemp growth in soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), allowing for environmental recovery and income generation, e.g. due to green energy production from plant biomass. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the suitability of a softwood-derived biochar to enhance hemp growth and promote the assisted phytoremediation of a PTE-contaminated soil (i.e., Sb 2175 mg kg-1; Zn 3149 mg kg-1; Pb 403 mg kg-1; and Cd 12 mg kg-1). Adding 3% (w/w) biochar to soil favoured the reduction of soluble and exchangeable PTEs, decreased soil dehydrogenase activity (by ∼2.08-fold), and increased alkaline phosphomonoesterase and urease activities, basal respiration and soil microbial carbon (by ∼1.18-, 1.22-, 1.22-, and 1.66-fold, respectively). Biochar increased the abundance of selected soil culturable microorganisms, while amplicon sequencing analysis showed a positive biochar impact on α-diversity and the induction of structural changes on soil bacterial community structure. Biochar did not affect root growth of hemp but significantly increased its aboveground biomass by ∼1.67-fold for shoots, and by ∼2-fold for both seed number and weight. Biochar increased the PTEs phytostabilisation potential of hemp with respect to Cd, Pb and Zn, and also stimulated hemp phytoextracting capacity with respect to Sb. Overall, the results showed that biochar can boost hemp yield and its phytoremediation effectiveness in soils contaminated by PTEs providing valuable biomass that can generate profit in economic, environmental and sustainability terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mauro Lo Cascio
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Tom Sizmur
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK
| | - Maria Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Pinna
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Costantino Sirca
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Donatella Spano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Roggero
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Garau M, Pinna MV, Nieddu M, Castaldi P, Garau G. Mixing Compost and Biochar Can Enhance the Chemical and Biological Recovery of Soils Contaminated by Potentially Toxic Elements. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:284. [PMID: 38256837 PMCID: PMC10818981 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Biochar and compost are able to influence the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. As such, they can be useful in restoring the functionality of contaminated soils, albeit their effectiveness can vary substantially depending on the chemical and/or the (micro)biological endpoint that is targeted. To better explore the potential of the two amendments in the restoration of PTE-contaminated soils, biochar, compost (separately added at 3% w/w), and their mixtures (1:1, 3:1, and 1:3 biochar-to-compost ratios) were added to contaminated soil (i.e., 2362 mg kg-1 of Sb and 2801 mg kg-1 of Zn). Compost and its mixtures promoted an increase in soil fertility (e.g., total N; extractable P; and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg), which was not found in the soil treated with biochar alone. All the tested amendments substantially reduced labile Zn in soil, while biochar alone was the most effective in reducing labile Sb in the treated soils (-11% vs. control), followed by compost (-4%) and biochar-compost mixtures (-8%). Compost (especially alone) increased soil biochemical activities (e.g., dehydrogenase, urease, and β-glucosidase), as well as soil respiration and the potential catabolic activity of soil microbial communities, while biochar alone (probably due to its high adsorptive capacity towards nutrients) mostly exhibited an inhibitory effect, which was partially mitigated in soils treated with both amendments. Overall, the biochar-compost combinations had a synergistic effect on both amendments, i.e., reducing PTE mobility and restoring soil biological functionality at the same time. This finding was supported by plant growth trials which showed increased Sb and Zn mineralomass values for rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) grown on biochar-compost mixtures, suggesting a potential use of rigid ryegrass in the compost-biochar-assisted phytoremediation of PTE-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.G.); (M.V.P.); (M.N.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Pinna
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.G.); (M.V.P.); (M.N.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.G.); (M.V.P.); (M.N.); (P.C.)
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.G.); (M.V.P.); (M.N.); (P.C.)
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.G.); (M.V.P.); (M.N.); (P.C.)
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Hassanzadeh Moghimi O, Nabi Bidhendi G, Daryabeigi Zand A, Rabiee Abyaneh M, Nabi Bidhendi A. Effect of forest-based biochar on maturity indices and bio-availability of heavy metals during the composting process of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Sci Rep 2023; 13:15977. [PMID: 37749149 PMCID: PMC10519951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42835-2] [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: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of biochar on the composting process of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) under real conditions. Different doses of biochar (1%, 3%, and 5%) were mixed with compost piles to evaluate the variation of temperature, moisture content (MC), organic matter (OM), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), C/N ratio, and heavy metal (HM) contents in comparison with the control treatment (with 0% biochar addition). The results of this study showed that the compost piles combined with different doses of biochar had higher MC. The use of biochar as an additive, even at low doses (1%), was able to increase the compost quality through the reduction of N losses during the composting process. The highest reduction of OM during the composting process was observed in the control pile (without biochar addition) by 48.06%, whereas biochar affected the biodegradability of OM and prevented the reduction of nutrients during the composting process under real conditions. The contents of HMs (Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cu) showed a significant reduction in all of the compost piles combined with biochar in comparison with the control treatment. Considering that in terms of all compost quality indicators, the piles combined with biochar can regarded as high standard product, the composts obtained from combining the OFMSW with different biochar doses have desirable features to be used as an amendment agent to improve agricultural soil quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Hassanzadeh Moghimi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.
| | | | | | - Maryam Rabiee Abyaneh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | - Amir Nabi Bidhendi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Aras International Campus, University of Tehran, Jolfa, Iran
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Schnackenberg A, Billmann M, Bidar G, Douay F, Pelfrêne A. Is the co-application of self-produced compost and natural zeolite interesting to reduce environmental and toxicological availability in metal-contaminated kitchen garden soils? ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:4737-4760. [PMID: 36928804 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01505-y] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Composting can turn organic waste into a valuable soil amendment that can improve physical, chemical, and biological soil quality. Compost amendments can also contribute to the remediation of areas anthropogenically degraded by metals. However, it is well known that compost, particularly self-produced compost, can show enrichment in metals. An experimental study was conducted to examine the short- and long-term distribution and the mobility of metals in soils amended with a self-produced compost when it was added alone or in combination with different doses of a natural zeolite to soil. The aim was also to study the interest of managing moderately metal-contaminated kitchen garden soils by assessing the chemical extractability, phytoavailability, and oral bioaccessibility of metals. When zeolite was added to compost alone, it had the tendency to better reduce extractability of Cd and Zn at 25%, and those of Pb at 15%. When the self-produced compost alone or in co-application with zeolite at these doses was applied to soils, the results showed (1) a decrease of NH4NO3-extractable Zn; (2) a reduction of Pb environmental availability, but not Pb bioaccessibility, and (3) an increase of ryegrass biomass. Nevertheless, the risk posed by the self-produced compost was minimal when applied at the proper rate (0.6% w/w). In the selected experimental conditions, the study recommends that self-produced compost be mixed with 15% zeolite to maximize vegetal biomass and minimize environmental risk. The question of sustainability of the results with repeated compost addition is also raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Schnackenberg
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et geo-Environnement, 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Madeleine Billmann
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et geo-Environnement, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Géraldine Bidar
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et geo-Environnement, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Francis Douay
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et geo-Environnement, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Aurélie Pelfrêne
- Univ. Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, Univ. Artois, Junia, ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et geo-Environnement, 59000, Lille, France
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Li HB, Xue RY, Chen XQ, Lin XY, Shi XX, Du HY, Yin NY, Cui YS, Li LN, Scheckel KG, Juhasz AL, Xue XM, Zhu YG, Ma LQ. Ca Minerals and Oral Bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As from Indoor Dust in Mice: Mechanisms and Health Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:127004. [PMID: 36541774 PMCID: PMC9769408 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevating dietary calcium (Ca) intake can reduce metal(loid)oral bioavailability. However, the ability of a range of Ca minerals to reduce oral bioavailability of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) from indoor dust remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the ability of Ca minerals to reduce Pb, Cd, and As oral bioavailability from indoor dust and associated mechanisms. METHODS A mouse bioassay was conducted to assess Pb, Cd, and As relative bioavailability (RBA) in three indoor dust samples, which were amended into mouse chow without and with addition of CaHPO4, CaCO3, Ca gluconate, Ca lactate, Ca aspartate, and Ca citrate at 200-5,000μg/g Ca. The mRNA expression of Ca and phosphate (P) transporters involved in transcellular Pb, Cd and As transport in the duodenum of mice was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], parathyroid hormone (PTH), and renal CYP27B1 activity controlling 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis were measured using ELISA kits. Metal(loid) speciation in the feces of mice was characterized using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. RESULTS In general, mice exposed to each of the Ca minerals exhibited lower Pb-, Cd-, and As-RBA for three dusts. However, RBAs with the different Ca minerals varied. Among minerals, mice fed dietary CaHPO4 did not exhibit lower duodenal mRNA expression of Ca transporters but did have the lowest Pb and Cd oral bioavailability at the highest Ca concentration (5,000μg/g Ca; 51%-95% and 52%-74% lower in comparison with the control). Lead phosphate precipitates (e.g., chloropyromorphite) were observed in feces of mice fed dietary CaHPO4. In comparison, mice fed organic Ca minerals (Ca gluconate, Ca lactate, Ca aspartate, and Ca citrate) had lower duodenal mRNA expression of Ca transporters, but Pb and Cd oral bioavailability was higher than in mice fed CaHPO4. In terms of As, mice fed Ca aspartate exhibited the lowest As oral bioavailability at the highest Ca concentration (5,000μg/g Ca; 41%-72% lower) and the lowest duodenal expression of P transporter (88% lower). The presence of aspartate was not associated with higher As solubility in the intestine. DISCUSSION Our study used a mouse model of exposure to household dust with various concentrations and species of Ca to determine whether different Ca minerals can reduce bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in mice and elucidate the mechanism(s) involved. This study can contribute to the practical application of optimal Ca minerals to protect humans from Pb, Cd, and As coexposure in the environment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11730.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong-Yue Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Du
- Nanjing Institute of Geography & Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Nai-Yi Yin
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Shan Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Na Li
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Kirk G. Scheckel
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Albert L. Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Xi-Mei Xue
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Lena Q. Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Biochar, Ochre, and Manure Maturation in an Acidic Technosol Helps Stabilize As and Pb in Soil and Allows Its Vegetation by Salix triandra. ENVIRONMENTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/environments9070087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Past mining extraction activities still have a negative impact in the present time, the resulting metal(loid) contaminated soils affecting both the environment and human health. Assisted phytostabilization technology, combining soil conditioner application to immobilize metal(loid)s and plant growth to reduce erosion and leaching risks, is a useful strategy in the restoration of metal(loid) contaminated lands. However, contaminants will respond differently to a particular amendment, having their own specific characteristics. Therefore, in multi-contaminated soils, soil conditioner combination has been suggested as a good strategy for metal(loid) immobilization. In the present study, in a mesocosm experiment, organic (biochar and manure) and inorganic (ochre) amendments were evaluated in single and combined applications for their effect on metal(loid) stabilization and Salix triandra growth improvement, in an arsenic and lead highly contaminated soil. Specifically, the effects of these amendments on soil properties, metal(loid) behavior, and plant growth were evaluated after they aged in the soil for 6 months. Results showed that all amendments, except biochar alone, could reduce soil acidity, with the best outcomes obtained with the three amendments combined. The combination of the three soil conditioners has also led to reducing soil lead availability. However, only ochre, alone or combined with the other soil fertilizers, was capable of immobilizing arsenic. Moreover, amendment application enhanced plant growth, without affecting arsenic accumulation. On the contrary, plants grown on all the amended soils, except plants grown on soil added with manure alone, showed higher lead concentration in leaves, which poses a risk of return of lead into the soil when leaves will shed in autumn. Considering that the best plant growth improvement, together with the lowest increase in lead aerial accumulation, was observed in manure-treated soil, the addition of manure seems to have potential in the restoration of arsenic and lead contaminated soil.
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Lima JZ, Ferreira da Silva E, Patinha C, Durães N, Vieira EM, Rodrigues VGS. Sorption of arsenic by composts and biochars derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes: Kinetic, isotherm and oral bioaccessibility study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:111988. [PMID: 34480948 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The historic contamination of water and soils by arsenic (As) is an extremely alarming environmental and public health issue worldwide. This study investigated the relationship between As sorption and physicochemical properties of composts and biochars derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) towards the development of promising sorbents with value-added solid wastes management solutions. The sorbents were characterized and their effectiveness on the As sorption was tested. Several isothermal and kinetic sorption models were used for the prediction of sorption. Composts did not show promising sorption capacities, and in some cases, the As immobilization was practically null. In contrast, biochars achieved higher sorption performance, and the experimental data fitted well on Dubinin-Rabushkevich and Langmuir models, with higher R2 values. The maximum sorption capacities of BC700 estimated by such models were 6.495 and 170.252 mg g-1, respectively, whereas those of BC500 estimated by D-R and Langmuir models were only 0.066 and 0.070 mg g-1, respectively. In sorption kinetics, As was retained onto biochars at a faster first stage, reaching equilibrium after approximately 1 h and 2 h for initial concentrations of 10 and 100 mg L-1. The pseudo-second-order, Ritchie's second-order, Ritchie's, and Elovich models more adequately described the sorption kinetics of As onto biochars with high R2 values. Overall, the complexation and precipitation were predominant mechanisms for As sorption by OFMSW-derived biochars. Furthermore, the mathematical models indicated contributions arise from physisorption and external and internal diffusion mechanisms. Although BC700 can immobilize large As amounts, the gastric phase of the oral bioaccessibility test revealed more than 80% of the sorbed As could be released under conditions similar to a human stomach (pH~1.2). Such conclusions have given important insights about the refining of effective and eco-friendly remediation technologies for the management and rehabilitation of As-contaminated soil and water, particularly in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Zanin Lima
- Department of Geotechnical Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, 400 Trabalhador São Carlense Ave., 13566-590, São Carlos, Brazil; GeoBioTec, Department of Geoscience, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Ferreira da Silva
- GeoBioTec, Department of Geoscience, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Patinha
- GeoBioTec, Department of Geoscience, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Durães
- GeoBioTec, Department of Geoscience, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eny Maria Vieira
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, 400 Trabalhador São Carlense Ave., 13566-590, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Valéria Guimarães Silvestre Rodrigues
- Department of Geotechnical Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, 400 Trabalhador São Carlense Ave., 13566-590, São Carlos, Brazil.
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Koner S, Chen JS, Hsu BM, Rathod J, Huang SW, Chien HY, Hussain B, Chan MWY. Depth-resolved microbial diversity and functional profiles of trichloroethylene-contaminated soils for Biolog EcoPlate-based biostimulation strategy. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127266. [PMID: 34600373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the toxic effect of TCE at different depths of sub-surface soil and underpins microbial community-level suitable carbon (C)-sources that provided directionality to the in situ biostimulation effort via augmentation strategy for effective TCE remediation in soil. The impacts on resident microbial communities and their functional profiles that govern the TCE biodegradation process were identified. Highly contaminated PW01 soil (9 m depth) had severely limited microbial diversity and was enriched in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The abundance of TCE degradation-associated genera was observed in all contaminated samples, and the abundance of TCE-degradation-related taxa were positively correlated with soil TCE contamination levels. Community-level metabolic activity associated with the utilization of diverse external C-sources was directly influenced by TCE concentration and soil depth. Multivariate data analysis revealed that the functional genus, TCE concentration, and selected available C substrate uptake capacity correlated in soil samples. Pearson's correlation tests revealed that C sources such as L-arginine, phenylethylamine and γ-hydroxybutyric acid utilization trait exhibited significant positive correlations with chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation pathway abundance. Ultimately, depth and TCE contamination level-associated soil microbiota and their most preferred C-source understanding could add to facilitate effective biostimulation via external nutrient amendment for efficient in situ TCE degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suprokash Koner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Sheng Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Jagat Rathod
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Huang
- Center for environmental Toxin and Emerging Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Super Micro Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Yi Chien
- Environmental Technology Development Department, Taiwan VCM Corporation, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bashir Hussain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Michael W Y Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
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Garau M, Sizmur T, Coole S, Castaldi P, Garau G. Impact of Eisenia fetida earthworms and biochar on potentially toxic element mobility and health of a contaminated soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151255. [PMID: 34710424 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Eisenia fetida (Savigny), added to an acidic soil contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs; As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Zn) and amended with a softwood-derived biochar (2 and 5% w/w), on the mobility of PTEs and soil health (i.e. nutrient availability, enzyme activity and soil basal respiration). The PTEs bioaccumulation by E. fetida and the acute ecotoxicity effects of the amended soils were also evaluated. The interaction between earthworms and biochar led to a significant increase in soil pH, organic matter, dissolved organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable Ca compared to the untreated soil. Moreover, the water-soluble and readily exchangeable PTE fraction decreased (with the exception of Sb) between 1.2- and 3.0-fold in the presence of biochar and earthworms. Earthworms, biochar, and their combination, led to a reduction of phosphomonoesterase activity which in soils amended with biochar and earthworms decreased between 2.2- and 2.5-fold with respect to the untreated soil. On the other hand, biochar and earthworms also enhanced soil basal respiration and protease activity. Although the survival rate and the weight loss of E. fetida did not change significantly with the addition of 2% biochar, adding the highest biochar percentage (5%) resulted in a survival rate that was ~2-fold lower and a weight loss that was 2.5-fold higher than the other treatments. The PTE bioaccumulation factors for E. fetida, which were less than 1 for all elements (except Cd), followed the order Cd > As>Zn > Cu > Pb > Sb and were further decreased by biochar addition. Overall, these results highlight that E. fetida and biochar, especially at 2% rate, could be used for the restoration of soil functionality in PTE-polluted environments, reducing at the same time the environmental risks posed by PTEs, at least in the short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Tom Sizmur
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DW, UK
| | - Sean Coole
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DW, UK
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Bianco A, Fancello F, Garau M, Deroma M, Atzori AS, Castaldi P, Zara G, Budroni M. Microbial and chemical dynamics of brewers' spent grain during a low-input pre-vermicomposting treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149792. [PMID: 34464790 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The eco-sustainability of industrial processes relies on the proper exploitation of by-products and wastes. Recently, brewers' spent grain (BSG), the main by-product of brewing, was successfully recycled through vermicomposting to produce an organic soil conditioner. However, the pre-processing step there applied (oven-drying) resulted in high costs and the suppression of microbial species beneficial for soil fertility. To overcome these limitations, a low-input pre-processing step was here applied to better exploit BSG microbiota and to make BSG suitable for vermicomposting. During 51 days of pre-treatment, the bacterial and fungal communities of BSG were monitored by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Chemical (carbon, nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate content, dissolved organic carbon) and biochemical (dehydrogenase activity) parameters were also evaluated. Mature vermicompost obtained from pre-processed BSG was characterized considering its legal requirements (e.g., absence of pathogens and mycotoxins, lack of phytotoxicity on seeds), microbiota composition, and chemical properties. Results obtained showed that throughout the pre-process, the BSG microbiota was enriched in bacterial and fungal species of significant biotechnological and agronomic potential, including lactic acid bacteria (Weissella, Pediococcus), plant growth-promoting bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Pseudoxhantomonas), and biostimulant yeasts (Pichia fermentans, Trichoderma reesei, Beauveria bassiana). Pre-processing increased the suitability of BSG for earthworms' activity to produce high-quality mature vermicompost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bianco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy - Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT
| | - Francesco Fancello
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Garau
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Mario Deroma
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto S Atzori
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Zara
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy - Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT.
| | - Marilena Budroni
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy - Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT
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Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Antimony Mobility, Phytotoxicity and Bioavailability in Polluted Soils. SOIL SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems5040060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effect of a municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), added at 1 and 2% rates, on the mobility, phytotoxicity, and bioavailability of antimony (Sb) was investigated in two soils (SA: acidic soil; SB: alkaline soil), spiked with two Sb concentrations (100 and 1000 mg kg−1). The impact of MSWC on microbial activity and biochemical functioning within the Sb-polluted soils was also considered. MSWC addition reduced water-soluble Sb and favored an increase in residual Sb (e.g., by 1.45- and 1.14-fold in SA-100 and SA-1000 treated with 2% MSWC, respectively). Significant increases in dehydrogenase activity were recorded in both the amended soils, as well as a clear positive effect of MSWC on the metabolic activity and catabolic diversity of respective microbial communities. MSWC alleviated Sb phytotoxicity in triticale plants and decreased Sb uptake by roots. However, increased Sb translocation from roots to shoots was recorded in the amended soils, according to the compost rate. Overall, the results obtained indicated that MSWC, particularly at a 2% rate, can be used for the recovery of Sb-polluted soils. It also emerged that using MSWC in combination with triticale plants can be an option for the remediation of Sb-polluted soils, by means of assisted phytoextraction.
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Experimental and modeling studies of competitive Pb (II) and Cd (II) bioaccumulation by Aspergillus niger. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:6477-6488. [PMID: 34424384 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Co-existence of toxic metals causes complex toxicity to microorganisms during bioremediation in water and soil. This study investigated the immobilization of Pb2+ and Cd2+ by fungus Aspergillus niger, which has been widely applied to environmental remediation. Five treatments were set, i.e., CK (no toxic metals), Pb2+ only, Cd2+ only, Pb2+/Cd2+ = 1:1(molar ratio), and Pb2+/Cd2+ = 2:1. Cadmium induced strong toxicity to the fungus, and maintained the high toxicity during incubation. However, as Pb/Cd ratio increased from 0 to 2, the removal rates of Cd2+ by A. niger were raised from 30 to 50%. The elevated activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and citrate synthetase (CS) enzymes confirmed that Pb addition could stimulate the growth of A. niger. For instance, citric acid concentrations and CS activities were 463.22 mg/L and 78.37 nmol/min/g, respectively, during 3-day incubation as Pb/Cd = 1. However, these two values were as low as ~ 50 with addition of only Cd. It was hence assumed that appropriate co-existence of Pb2+ enhanced microbial activity by promoting TCA cycle of the fungus. Moreover, the SEM analysis and geochemical modeling demonstrated that Pb2+ cations were more easily adsorbed and mineralized on A. niger with respect to Cd2+. Therefore, instead of intensifying metal toxicity, the addition of appropriate Pb actually weakened Cd toxicity to the fungus. This study sheds a bright future on application of A. niger to the remediation of polluted water with co-existence of Pb and Cd. KEY POINTS: • Cd2+ significantly inhibited P consumption, suggesting its high toxicity to A. niger. • Pb2+ stimulated the growth of A. niger by promoting TCA cycle in the cells. • Cd2+ removal by A. niger were improved with co-existence of Pb2+.
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Garau M, Castaldi P, Patteri G, Roggero PP, Garau G. Evaluation of Cynara cardunculus L. and municipal solid waste compost for aided phytoremediation of multi potentially toxic element-contaminated soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:3253-3265. [PMID: 32910403 PMCID: PMC7788029 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10687-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The suitability for aided phytoremediation of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) applied at 2% and 4 % rates was evaluated in a multi potentially toxic element (PTE)-contaminated mining soil (Pb ~ 15,383 mg kg-1, Zn ~ 4076 mg kg-1, As ~ 49 mg kg-1, Cd ~ 67 mg kg-1, Cu ~ 181 mg kg-1, and Sb ~ 109 mg kg-1). The growth of C. cardunculus significantly increased with compost amendment and followed the order: MSWC-4% > MSWC-2% > Control. PTE concentrations in the roots of plants grown on amended soils decreased compared with control plants (i.e., less than ~ 82, 94, and 88% for Pb, Zn, and Cd respectively). PTE translocation from roots to shoots depended on both PTE and amendment rate but values were generally low (i.e., < 1). However, PTE mineralomasses were always higher for plants grown on MSWC-amended soils because of their higher biomass production, which favored an overall PTE bioaccumulation in roots and shoots. After plant growth, labile As and Sb increased in amended soils, while labile Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd significantly decreased. Likewise, dehydrogenase and urease activities increased significantly in planted soils amended with MSWC. Also, the potential metabolic activity and the catabolic versatility of soil microbial communities significantly increased in planted soils amended with MSWC. Overall, our results indicate that C. cardunculus and MSWC can be effective resources for the aided phytoremediation of multi PTE-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Patteri
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Roggero
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Manzano R, Diquattro S, Roggero PP, Pinna MV, Garau G, Castaldi P. Addition of softwood biochar to contaminated soils decreases the mobility, leachability and bioaccesibility of potentially toxic elements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:139946. [PMID: 32554112 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Softwood-derived biochar (5% w/w) was added to two mining soils (S1 and S2) contaminated with Cd (4.8-74 mg kg-1), Pb (318-1899 mg kg-1) and Zn (622-3803 mg kg-1), to evaluate its immobilization capabilities towards such potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Biochar addition (S + B) increased soil pH, organic carbon content, extractable phosphorous and calcium. Sequential extractions showed that biochar reduced the labile pools of PTEs (e.g. -29, 55 and 79% of water-soluble and exchangeable Cd, Zn and Pb respectively in S1 + B compared to S1) and at the same time increased their most stable and less mobile fractions. Leaching experiments revealed a significant decrease of DOC, N-NO3-, P and PTEs in biochar-treated soils, and an increase of leached K. Kinetic equations derived from leaching data showed that PTEs in control soils were quickly mobilized, while those in biochar-treated soils needed longer time to leachate. In vitro tests showed that biochar was effective at reducing the bioaccessibility of Cd and Pb in the gastric phase of S2 and that of Zn and Pb in the intestinal phase of S1. The results obtained showed that biochar could be used as alternative amendment for the recovery of PTEs-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Manzano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Diquattro
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Roggero
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy; Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Pinna
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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