1
|
Rouhani A, Gusiatin MZ, Hejcman M. An overview of the impacts of coal mining and processing on soil: assessment, monitoring, and challenges in the Czech Republic. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7459-7490. [PMID: 37501044 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01700-x] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Coal mining activities are causing an extensive range of environmental issues at both operating and abandoned mine sites. It is one of the most environmentally destructive practices, with the capability to eliminate fauna and flora, impact the groundwater system, and pollute the soil, air, and water. The Czech Republic relies almost exclusively on coal as its primary domestic source of energy. The combined reserves of hard and brown coals in this country are 705 million tons. About 50 million tons of coal is produced annually, making it the 14th biggest producer in the world. Soil degradation is an inevitable outcome of the coal production from surface coal mining procedures in the Czech Republic. Significant changes have taken place in soil productivity, hydraulic characteristics, horizon, and texture as a result of soil pollution, bioturbation, compaction, and weathering. The current review has evaluated the impact of reclamation and coal mining on soil characteristics, including biological, chemical, and physical properties. Additionally, the study has outlined the process of soil formation in reclamation areas in the Czech Republic. In nutshell, research gaps and future directions in understanding coal mining areas and their influences on soils in the Czech Republic are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmannan Rouhani
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Environment, The University of Jan Evangelista in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP), Pasteurova 3632/15, 400 96, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic.
| | - Mariusz Z Gusiatin
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Michal Hejcman
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Environment, The University of Jan Evangelista in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP), Pasteurova 3632/15, 400 96, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qian Y, Yuan K, Wang J, Xu Z, Liang H, Tie C. Parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions from coal seam fire at Wuda, Inner Mongolia, China: characteristics, spatial distribution, sources, and health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7323-7337. [PMID: 36934209 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Wuda coalfield in Inner Mongolia is a vital coal base in China, and it is the hardest-hit area for coal fires (spontaneous combustion of coal seams and coal gangue). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, this work tested the concentration and analyzed the characteristics, distribution, sources, and health risks of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the surface soil of the Wuda District, including the coal mine, coal fire, agricultural, and background areas. The soil of coal mine and coal fire area were heavily polluted with PACs, with mean concentrations of 9107 and 3163 µg kg-1, respectively, considerably higher than those in the agricultural (1232 µg kg-1) and background areas (710 µg kg-1). Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) were the dominant pollutants among these PACs, accounting for 60-81%. Alkyl naphthalenes and alkyl phenanthrenes are the primary pollutants in APAHs, accounting for 80-90% of the total amounts. Additionally, using the positive matrix factorization method, it can be concluded that the primary PAC sources are petrogenic sources, coal and biomass combustion, coal fires, and vehicle emissions. Finally, according to the cancer risk values of 16 PAHs, only the coal mine area showed a potential cancer risk. However, this result lacks a risk assessment of APAHs and underestimates the actual risk. The results of this study improved the understanding of PAC pollution in coal fire and surrounding areas and provided a reference for environmental and health risk investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Keyue Yuan
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhenpeng Xu
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Cai Tie
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qian Y, Yuan K, Hong X, Xu Z, Liang H. Contamination characteristics of alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dust and topsoil collected from Huaibei Coalfield, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:2935-2948. [PMID: 36121570 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) are more toxic and persistent than their parent compounds. In this study, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in dust, topsoil and coal gangue from Huaibei Coal mine, China were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, confirming APAHs were the dominant pollutants. The mean concentrations of APAHs were substantially higher than those of 16 PAHs in both dust and topsoil. The mean concentration of APAHs in dust was 9197 µg kg-1, accounting for 80% of the total mean concentration of PACs. The mean concentration of APAHs in topsoil was 2835 µg kg-1, accounting for 77% of the mean concentration of PACs. Alkyl naphthalenes and alkyl phenanthrenes were the primary pollutants in APAHs. Their mean concentrations in dust and topsoil were 7782 µg kg-1 and 2333 µg kg-1, respectively. This accounted for 85% and 82% of the concentration of APAHs, respectively. Additionally, low-molecular-weight APAHs dominated the PACs of the coal mine, exhibiting petrogenic characteristics; distribution of C1-C4 NAP and C1-C4 PHE exhibited "bell shape" pattern indicated as petrogenic source. Source identification indicated that the PACs were mainly derived from petrogenic sources and vehicle emissions, followed by biomass and coal burning. Fingerprinting information of dust and topsoil were consistent with coal gangue, indicating that PACs are most likely derived from coal gangue. Coalfields comparable to our study area are widely distributed in China. Therefore, investigating PAC pollution derived from coal gangue warrants further attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Keyue Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiuping Hong
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000, China.
| | - Zhenpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China.
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang W, Mo Q, Huang Z, Sabar MA, Medunić G, Ivošević T, He H, Urynowicz M, Liu FJ, Guo H, Haider R, Ali MI, Jamal A. Contaminants from a former Croatian coal sludge dictate the structure of microbiota in the estuarine (Raša Bay) sediment and soil. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1126612. [PMID: 36846805 PMCID: PMC9947854 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1126612] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Croatian superhigh-organic-sulfur Raša coal had been mined for nearly 400 years. The release of hazardous trace elements (HTEs) and toxic organic pollutants (TOPs) into the local environment by coal mining, preparation, and combustion activities has resulted in pollution. Methods In this study, the diversity and composition of microbial communities in estuarine sediment and soil samples as well as community function responses to the pollutants were investigated. Results The results showed that PAH degradation does occur following 60 years of natural attenuation, the location is still heavily polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and HTEs. Microbial analyses have shown that high concentrations of PAHs have reduced the diversity and abundance of microbial communities. The pollution exerted an adverse, long-term impact on the microbial community structure and function in the brackish aquatic ecosystem. Microorganisms associated with the degradation of PAHs and sulfur-containing compounds have been enriched although the diversity and abundance of the microbial community have reduced. Fungi which are believed to be the main PAH degrader may play an important role initially, but the activity remains lower thereafter. It is the high concentrations of coal-derived PAHs, rather than HTEs, that have reduced the diversity and abundance of microbial communities and shaped the structure of the local microbiota. Discussion This study could provide a basis for the monitoring and restoration of ecosystems impacted by coal mining activities considering the expected decommission of a large number of coal plants on a global scale in the coming years due to growing global climate change concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qianyun Mo
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zaixing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Muhammad Adnan Sabar
- Environmental Risk Control Engineering Laboratory, Division of Environmental Design, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Gordana Medunić
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Ivošević
- Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Huan He
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Michael Urynowicz
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Fang-Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongguang Guo
- College of Safety and Emergency Management and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rizwan Haider
- Institute of Energy & Environmental Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Asif Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xie F, Cai G, Zhang D, Li G, Li H, Xu B, Zhang J, Wang J. Distribution, Source Apportionment and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Surface Sediments at the Basin Scale: A Case Study in Taihu Basin, China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 110:27. [PMID: 36574080 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03670-9] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As a systematic research at basin scale, this study investigated the spatial distribution, source apportionment and ecological risks of eighteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments at different functional regions (rivers, lakes and reservoirs) from Taihu basin. Results showed that the mean values of 18 PAHs (defined as ∑18PAHs) in river sediments (1277 ng/g) was much higher than those observed in lake sediments (243 ng/g) and reservoir sediments (134 ng/g). The accumulation of PAHs in river sediments was largely impacted by the local social-economic development and energy consumption. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) and isomer ratios analysis of PAHs suggest that relative contributions to PAHs in sediments were 15% for gasoline and heavy oil combustion, 9% for oil spills, 30% for coal combustion, 23% for traffic source, and 23% for diagenetic source. Ecological risk assessment based upon risk quotient (RQ) method indicated that sediments at Taihu basin have suffered moderate risk of PAHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazhi Xie
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gege Cai
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Daode Zhang
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guolian Li
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haibin Li
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiamei Zhang
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Jizhong Wang
- School of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qian Y, Xu Z, Hong X, Luo Z, Gao X, Tie C, Liang H. Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Are the Largest Contributor to Polycyclic Aromatic Compound Concentrations in the Topsoil of Huaibei Coalfield, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12733. [PMID: 36232034 PMCID: PMC9566202 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) are more toxic and persistent than their parent compounds. Here, the concentrations, composition profiles, and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in 127 topsoil samples from Huaibei coalfield were analyzed. The PAC concentrations in different functional areas were significantly different: mining area > industrial area > residential area > agricultural area. APAHs were the major contributors to PACs, accounting for 71-83% of total PACs. Alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes were the primary APAH components, accounting for 83-87% of APAHs. Principal component analysis showed that petrogenic source, coal and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions were the primary sources of PACs. By comparing the fingerprint information of soil, coal, and coal gangue, it was hypothesized that the petrogenic source of PAC pollution in typical mining areas and surrounding areas are coal particle scattering and coal gangue weathering. Some coal mining and industrial areas potentially pose risks to children, whereas others do not. There are limited evaluation criteria for alkyl PAHs; hence, the estimated risk is likely lower than the actual risk. In addition to the conventional 16 PAHs, it is critical to consider a broader range of PACs, especially APAHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhenpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiuping Hong
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Zhonggeng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiulong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Cai Tie
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ali M, Song X, Ding D, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Tang Z. Bioremediation of PAHs and heavy metals co-contaminated soils: Challenges and enhancement strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 295:118686. [PMID: 34920044 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Systemic studies on the bioremediation of co-contaminated PAHs and heavy metals are lacking, and this paper provides an in-depth review on the topic. The released sources and transport of co-contaminated PAHs and heavy metals, including their co-occurrence through formation of cation-π interactions and their adsorption in soil are examined. Moreover, it is investigated that co-contamination of PAHs and heavy metals can drive a synergistic positive influence on bioremediation through enhanced secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), production of biosynthetic genes, organic acid and enzymatic proliferation. However, PAHs molecular structure, PAHs-heavy metals bioavailability and their interactive cytotoxic effects on microorganisms can exert a challenging influence on the bioremediation under co-contaminated conditions. The fluctuations in bioavailability for microorganisms are associated with soil properties, chemical coordinative interactions, and biological activities under the co-contaminated PAHs-heavy metals conditions. The interactive cytotoxicity caused by the emergence of co-contaminants includes microbial cell disruption, denaturation of DNA and protein structure, and deregulation of antioxidant biological molecules. Finally, this paper presents the emerging strategies to overcome the bioavailability problems and recommends the use of biostimulation and bioaugmentation along with the microbial immobilization for enhanced bioremediation of PAHs-heavy metals co-contaminated sites. Better knowledge of the bioremediation potential is imperative to improve the use of these approaches for the sustainable and cost-effective remediation of PAHs and heavy metals co-contamination in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukhtiar Ali
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xin Song
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Da Ding
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Zhuanxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiwen Tang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vieira CK, Dos Anjos Borges LG, Bortolini JG, Soares CRFS, Giongo A, Stürmer SL. Does a decrease in microbial biomass alter mycorrhizal attributes and soil quality indicators in coal mining areas under revegetation process? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149843. [PMID: 34455279 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Losses of microbial diversity in degraded ecosystems still have obscure consequences, especially when considering the interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil bacteria. This study investigates the effect of decreasing microbial biomass on mycorrhizal attributes and soil quality indicators. The dilution-to-extinction approach was applied in microcosms to search for associations among bacterial diversity, mycorrhizal attributes, and soil quality indicators. The experiment was conducted with four soil treatments (undiluted control 100 = D0, 10-3 = D3, 10-6 = D6, and 10-9 = D9) from a short-term (two years = 2Y) and a long-term (15 years = 15Y) coal mine revegetation area. Microcosms were inoculated with 300 spores of Acaulospora colombiana, Gigaspora albida, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum with millet as the host plant. Results included the total number of AMF spores, mycorrhizal colonization, soil aggregation, glomalin, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA), basal soil respiration, microbial biomass, and soil bacterial microbiome. Larger differences were observed between areas than between dilution treatments within the sampling area. Attributes that presented differences in the dilutions compared to D0 2Y samples were mycorrhizal colonization (D0 = 85% and D9 = 43.3%), FDA (D0 = 77.2% and D9 = 55.5%), extractable glomalin-related soil protein (D0 = 0.09 and D9 = 0.11) and bacterial diversity (D0 = 7.3 and D6 = 5.3). D0 15Y samples presented differences in microbial biomass nitrogen (D0: 232.0) and bacterial diversity (D0: 7.9, D9: 5.6) compared to the dilutions. Bacterial microbiome present in the D0 samples formed distinct clusters as to other samples and correlated with soil aggregation and basal respiration attributes. Results suggest that AMF inoculation and dilution-to-extinction did not affect soil quality indicators preeminently, but the bacterial community is affected and can influence the process of environmental revegetation. A long-term revegetation period is substantial to improve quality indicators and establish the diversity of microorganisms and consequently revegetation in areas impacted by coal mining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Krug Vieira
- Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Ambiental, 89030-903 Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Dos Anjos Borges
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Instituto do Petróleo e dos Recursos Naturais (IPR), 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriana Giongo
- Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Ambiental, 89030-903 Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Messeweg 11-12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sidney Luiz Stürmer
- Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Departamento de Ciências Naturais (DCN), 89030-903 Blumenau, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu B, Liu F, Alfaro D, Jin Z, Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhou Z, Zhang J. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fine road dust from a coal-utilization city: Spatial distribution, source diagnosis and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131555. [PMID: 34303048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion can release large amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which persist in various environment matrices (e.g., road dust) and hence cause the carcinogenic risk to human health. In this study, an exhaustive characterization of road dust samples coupling their physicochemical characteristics and stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) was conducted to evaluate the source, level, spatial distribution, and carcinogenic risk of PAHs in a typical coal-utilization city. Concentrations of Σ16 PAHs ranged from 605.5 to 25,374.3 ng/g with a mean concentration of 4083.0 ng/g. Pollution levels of sites around the coal-fired power plant (Zone 1) were significantly higher than those in other zones (p < 0.05). PAH concentration showed significant correlations with both C and N fractions (p < 0.01). Compositions of δ13C and δ15N in road dust coupled to principal component analysis and the partitions and diagnostic ratios of PAHs contributed to associating road dust to several local sources of contamination. Coal combustion and vehicular exhaust were major sources of PAHs around the power plant and urban area. Results of incremental lifetime cancer risk showed 81.5% of all sampling sites suffered potential risk (>10-6) for both adults and children, while children around the power plant suffered the highest risk. Despite the estimation of only potential risk being posed by PAHs in road dust, human exposure to the various environmental matrices, scientific and systematic assessment of carcinogenic risks by PAHs in the total environment warrants further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baile Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environment and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - David Alfaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Zhou Jin
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhou
- Anhui Branch of State Electric Power Investment Group Co. Ltd, Hefei, 230093, China
| | - Jiamei Zhang
- Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valentine BJ, Krahling JH, Mueller SD. Organic petrographic evaluation of carbonaceous material in sediments of the Kinnickinnic River, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:145704. [PMID: 33839674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the use of organic petrology techniques to quantify the amount of coal and carbonaceous combustion by-products (i.e., coke, coal tar/pitch, cenospheres) in sediments taken from the Kinnickinnic River adjacent to the former site of the Milwaukee Solvay Coke and Gas Company. These materials are of concern as contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to readily adsorb to coal and combustion byproducts. Kinnickinnic River sediment samples (n = 36) ranging in depth (1-11 ft.) were collected from eight core locations to quantify and characterize carbonaceous material in the sediments. To determine the amount (vol%) of organic particulates, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) modified the existing ASTM D2799 using the following categories: coal, coke, coal tar/pitch, inertinite organics, plant material, cenospheres, and mineral matter. Coal fragments were subdivided by rank using vitrinite reflectance (Ro, %) and organic components were further subdivided into the size fractions of coarse (250-1000 μm), fine (63-250 μm), and very fine (<63 μm). Of the 36 samples analyzed, concentrations of coal, coke, and coal tar/pitch ranged from 0 to 18.2 vol%, 0 to 32.0 vol%, and 0 to 2.6 vol%, respectively, with the highest concentrations occurring near point sources (e.g. discharge pipe and coal unloading operations). Samples that were furthest upstream and downstream from the Solvay site exhibited a marked decrease in particulate organics, with exception of one upstream location which had 19.8 vol% coke. Overall, the modified ASTM method provided a means to quantify the abundance of carbonaceous material present in the sediments. Petrography and total PAH concentrations did not provide a clear correlation to organic matter type or size fraction but the samples with the highest vol% organic matter in each core generally corresponded to the sample with the highest bulk PAH content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Valentine
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192, United States of America.
| | - John H Krahling
- Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, 2300 North Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3128, United States of America
| | - Stephen D Mueller
- Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, 2300 North Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3128, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hanousková B, Száková J, Rychlíková E, Najmanová J, Košnář Z, Tlustoš P. The risk assessment of inorganic and organic pollutant levels in an urban area affected by intensive industry. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:68. [PMID: 33462650 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08825-x] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The city of Litvínov (North Bohemia, Czech Republic) is seriously affected by coal mining, coal processing, and intensive industrial activities. Within the urban area, the potential environmental hazard of risk elements (in soil and vegetation) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, in soils) was estimated using selected environmental and human health hazard indices. In total, 24 sites were sampled, including the city center, residential areas, industrialized zone, and areas close to operating and/or abandoned coal mines. The results showed elevated values of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soils (the maximum levels of individual pollution indices varied between 3 and 5 for As, Pb, and Zn); the risk assessment code (RAC) values indicated high bioaccessibility of Cd and Zn. The high mobility of Cd was confirmed by their bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in the aboveground biomass of Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia and Polygonum aviculare, reaching up to 1.9 and 2.9, respectively. The Cd content in plants presents a substantial health hazard for herbivores such as Oryctolagus cuniculus living within the urban area. The PAH levels in the soils also showed elevated values; the contents of benzo(a)pyrene exceeded more than 2-fold the indicative values for potential health risk for biota, especially near the abandoned coal mines. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for ingestion of the contaminated soil showed only low or negligible cancerogenic risk, varying between 6.7 × 10-7 and 1.6 × 10-5 for children, and between 9.9 × 10-7 and 2.7 × 10-6 for adults. However, the potential health impact of the inhalation of the contaminated particulate matter should be included in the further research. Although the contamination level in the investigated area does not represent an imminent environmental and health risk, the potential remediation measures should be considered in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Hanousková
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Száková
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Rychlíková
- Public Health Institute in Usti nad Labem, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Najmanová
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Košnář
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Tlustoš
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|