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Demková L, Hauptvogl M, Oboňa J, Bobuľská L, Jančo I, Harangozo Ľ, Lakatošová J, Kowalski S, Árvay J. Comprehensive assessment of mercury contamination in bees, bee products and moss and lichen bags. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 285:117132. [PMID: 39362183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Twenty-eight beekeepers around Slovakia were included in the research to evaluate the presence of mercury in honeybee bodies and selected bee-related products: bee pollen and honey. The samples were collected in May, June, and July (honeybee bodies only in May and June). During this period, moss and lichen bags for air quality assessment were exposed around the beehives and relative accumulation factor (RAF) was used for its evaluation. Mercury content in evaluated bioindicators was determined using AMA 254 analyser. Percentage of provisional tolerable intake (%PTWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to determine health risks related to bee pollen and honey consumption. Around the beehives the proportion of landscape structure elements was determined for each sampling locality, using a geographical informational system QGIS. The aim of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of the mercury content in the environment around beehives using several bioindicators and an assessment of the relationship between the presence of mercury pollution and the proportion of landscape structure elements in the vicinity of the beehives. The study also aimed to evaluate the transfer of contaminants between bee bodies and bee-related products and the health risks resulting from their consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Demková
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, 17. November no. 1, Prešov 080 01, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Hauptvogl
- Department of Sustainable Development, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra 949 76, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jožino Oboňa
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, 17. November no. 1, Prešov 080 01, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Bobuľská
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, 17. November no. 1, Prešov 080 01, Slovakia.
| | - Ivona Jančo
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra 949 76, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ľuboš Harangozo
- Institute of Food Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra 949 76, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jana Lakatošová
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra 949 76, Slovak Republic.
| | - Stanislav Kowalski
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, 17. November no. 1, Prešov 080 01, Slovakia
| | - Július Árvay
- Institute of Food Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, Nitra 949 76, Slovak Republic.
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Chen Y, Zheng L, Chen X, Hu J, Li C, Zhang L, Cheng H. Distribution of mercury and methylmercury in aquacultured fish in special waters formed by coal mining subsidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116546. [PMID: 38843747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116546] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In China, fence net aquaculture practices have been established in some subsidence waters that have been formed in coal mining subsidence areas. Within this dynamic ecological context, diverse fish species grow continuously until being harvested at the culmination of their production cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate diverse factors influencing the bioavailability and distribution of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg), which have high physiological toxicity in fish, in the Guqiao coal mining subsidence area in Huainan, China. Mercury and MeHg were analyzed in 38 fish samples of eight species using direct mercury analysis (DMA-80) and gas chromatography-cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-CVAFAS). The analysis results show that the ranges of Hg and MeHg content and methylation rate in the fish were 7.84-85.18 ng/g, 0.52-3.52 ng/g, and 0.81-42.68 %, respectively. Meanwhile, conclusions are also summarized as following: (1) Monophagous herbivorous fish that were fed continuously in fence net aquaculture areas had higher MeHg levels and mercury methylation rates than carnivorous fish. Hg and MeHg contents were affected by different feeding habits of fish. (2) Bottom-dwelling fish show higher MeHg levels, and habitat selection in terms of water depth also partially affected the MeHg content of fish. (3) The effect of fence net aquaculture on methylation of fish in subsidence water is mainly from feed and mercury-containing bottom sediments. However, a time-lag is observed in the physiological response of benthic fishes to the release of Hg from sediments. Our findings provides baseline reference data for the ecological impact of fence net aquaculture in waters affected by soil subsidence induced by coal mining in China. Prevalent environmental contaminants within coal mining locales, notably Hg, may infiltrate rain-induced subsidence waters through various pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeyu Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Liugen Zheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Jie Hu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Chang Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Hua Cheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
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Zhang C, Xia T, Zhang L, Chen Z, Zhang H, Jia X, Jia L, Zhu X, Li G. Mercury pollution risks of agricultural soils and crops in mercury mining areas in Guizhou Province, China: effects of large mercury slag piles. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:53. [PMID: 38245580 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01841-z] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The historical large mercury slag piles still contain high concentrations of mercury and their impact on the surrounding environment has rarely been reported. In this study, three different agricultural areas [the area with untreated piles (PUT), the area with treated piles (PT), and the background area with no piles (NP)] were selected to investigate mercury slag piles pollution in the Tongren mercury mining area. The mercury concentrations of agricultural soils ranged from 0.42 to 155.00 mg/kg, determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry of 146 soil samples; and mercury concentrations in local crops (rice, maize, pepper, eggplant, tomato and bean) all exceeded the Chinese food safety limits. Soil and crop pollution trends in the three areas were consistent as PUT > PT > NP, indicating that mercury slag piles have exacerbated pollution. Mercury in the slag piles was adsorbed by multiple pathways of transport into soils with high organic matter, which made the ecological risk of agricultural soils appear extremely high. The total hazard quotients for residents from ingesting mercury in these crops were unacceptable in all areas, and children were more likely to be harmed than adults. Compared to the PT area, treatment of slag piles in the PUT area may decrease mercury concentrations in paddy fields and dry fields by 46.02% and 70.36%; further decreasing health risks for adults and children by 47.06% and 79.90%. This study provided a scientific basis for the necessity of treating large slag piles in mercury mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoyang Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Lin Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Guangbing Li
- Tongren Environmental Science and Technology Consulting Center, Tongren, 554399, China
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Senila M, Levei EA, Frentiu T, Mihali C, Angyus SB. Assessment of mercury bioavailability in garden soils around a former nonferrous metal mining area using DGT, accumulation in vegetables, and implications for health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1554. [PMID: 38036722 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12144-2] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic, non-essential element for living organisms, frequently present in high concentrations in soils from industrial areas. The total, dissolved, and labile Hg concentrations in garden soils and their accumulation in edible vegetables (onion, garlic, lettuce, and parsley) grown on contaminated soils in localities situated a former mining area were evaluated. The labile Hg fraction was estimated by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT). The soil-to-vegetable transfer factors, as well as the health risk by exposure to Hg, were calculated based on the labile Hg concentration in soil. The total Hg concentration in soil varied widely (0.11-3.77 mg kg-1), Hg in soil solution ranged between 2.14 and 20.2 μg L-1 and labile Hg between 1.13 and 18.6 μg L-1. About 36-96% (84% on average) of the Hg concentration in soil solution was found in labile form. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between the labile Hg concentration in soil and Hg accumulated in vegetables. The hazard indices showed that, although the study area is affected by legacy pollution, exposure to soil and consumption of locally grown vegetables do not pose health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Senila
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Frentiu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihali
- Faculty of Sciences, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Baia Mare, Victoriei 76, 430122, Baia-Mare, Romania
| | - Simion Bogdan Angyus
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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5
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Manivannan N, Subirana MA, Boada R, Marini C, Llugany M, Valiente M, Simonelli L. Mercury speciation in selenium enriched wheat plants hydroponically exposed to mercury pollution. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21132. [PMID: 38036518 PMCID: PMC10689832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46056-5] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution in agricultural soils and its potential pathway to the human food chain can pose a serious health concern. Understanding the pathway of Hg in plants and how the speciation may change upon interaction with other elements used for biofortification can be critical to assess the real implications for the final plant-based product. In that respect, selenium (Se) biofortification of crops grown in Se-poor soil regions is becoming a common practice to overcome Se deficient diets. Therefore, it is important to assess the interplay between these two elements since Se may form complexes with Hg reducing its bioavailability and toxicity. In this work, the speciation of Hg in wheat plants grown hydroponically under the presence of Hg (HgCl2) and biofortified with Se (selenite, selenate, or a 1:1 mixture of both) has been investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Hg L3-edge. The main Hg species found in wheat grains was the highly toxic methylmercury. It was found that the Se-biofortification of wheat did not prevent, in general, the Hg translocation to grains. Only the 1:1 mixture treatment seemed to have an effect in reducing the levels of Hg and the presence of methylmercury in grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithyapriya Manivannan
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290, Barcelona, Spain
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Angels Subirana
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Roberto Boada
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290, Barcelona, Spain
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carlo Marini
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Llugany
- Plant Physiology Group (BABVE), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manuel Valiente
- GTS-UAB Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Simonelli
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290, Barcelona, Spain.
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Morosini C, Terzaghi E, Raspa G, Grotti M, Armiraglio S, Anelli S, Di Guardo A. Arsenic movement and fractionation in agricultural soils which received wastewater from an adjacent industrial site for 50 years. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165422. [PMID: 37453704 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is an element with important environmental and human health implications due to its toxic properties. It is naturally occurring since it is contained in minerals, but it can also be enriched and distributed in the environment by anthropogenic activities. This paper reports on the historic As contamination of agricultural soils in one of the most important national relevance site for contamination in Italy, the so-called SIN Brescia-Caffaro, in the city of Brescia, northern Italy. These agricultural areas received As through the use of irrigation waters from wastewater coming from a factory of As-based pesticides (lead and calcium arsenates, sodium arsenite). Pesticide production started in 1920 and ended in the '70. Concentrations in the areas are generally beyond the legal threshold values for different soil uses and are up to >200 mg/kg. Arsenic contamination was studied to assess the long-time trend and the dynamics related to the vertical movement of As down to 1 m depth and its horizontal diffusion with surface irrigation in the entire field. Arsenic fractionation analysis (solid phase speciation by sequential extraction procedure) was also performed on samples collected from these areas and employed in greenhouse experiments with several plant species to evaluate the long-term contamination and the role of plant species in modifying As availability in soil. The results of this work can help in the evaluation of the conditions controlling the vertical transfer of As towards surface aquifers, the bioaccumulation likelihood in the agricultural food chain and the selection of sustainable remediation techniques such as phytoextraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Terzaghi
- DiSAT, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Raspa
- DICMA, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Grotti
- Dept. of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Armiraglio
- Municipality of Brescia - Museum of Natural Sciences, Via Ozanam 4, Brescia, Italy
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Mao W, Mei J, He H, Liu C, Tao X, Huang Z. Bioleaching Mercury from Coal with Aspergillus flavus M-3. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2702. [PMID: 38004714 PMCID: PMC10672889 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the utilization of Aspergillus flavus(M-3) for the bioleaching mercury from coal, offering an alternative and environmentally to its clean utilization. The fungus was isolated from the soil near a high mercury coal mine in Lao Ying Shan (LYS), Guizhou. Utilizing direct mercury analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) analysis techniques, the transformation of mercury speciation, mineral components, and organic groups in the coal were analyzed before and after the bioleaching process. The findings of the study illustrated that the fungus M-3 exhibited a remarkable capacity for coal bioliquefaction and mercury leaching from LYS coal. Following a 15-day bioleaching process, a remarkable mercury leaching rate of 83.79% was achieved. Various forms of mercury speciation, including residue, organic matter, sulfide-bound, oxide-bound, exchangeable, and carbonate-bound forms, were released from the coal, with leaching rates ranging from 80.41% to 92.60%. XRD analysis indicated that the M-3 strain facilitated the dissolution of coal pyrite and the degradation of macromolecules, effectively loosening the coal structure. FT-IR analysis of raw and residual coal demonstrated the breakdown of the aromatic ring structure and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups by M-3. Overall, this study highlights the efficacy of bioliquefying coal using Aspergillus flavus (M-3) as a method for clean coal utilization while simultaneously bioleaching mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Mao
- 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 221116, China; (W.M.); (J.M.); (C.L.); (X.T.)
| | - Juan Mei
- 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 221116, China; (W.M.); (J.M.); (C.L.); (X.T.)
| | - 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 221116, China; (W.M.); (J.M.); (C.L.); (X.T.)
| | - Cheng 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 221116, China; (W.M.); (J.M.); (C.L.); (X.T.)
| | - Xiuxiang Tao
- 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 221116, China; (W.M.); (J.M.); (C.L.); (X.T.)
| | - Zaixing Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China;
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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Klik B, Holatko J, Jaskulska I, Gusiatin MZ, Hammerschmiedt T, Brtnicky M, Liniauskienė E, Baltazar T, Jaskulski D, Kintl A, Radziemska M. Bentonite as a Functional Material Enhancing Phytostabilization of Post-Industrial Contaminated Soils with Heavy Metals. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8331. [PMID: 36499826 PMCID: PMC9735557 DOI: 10.3390/ma15238331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Growing awareness of the risks posed by pollution of the soil environment is leading to the development of new remediation strategies. The technique of aided phytostabilization, which involves the evaluation of new heavy-metal (HM)-immobilizing amendments, together with appropriately selected plant species, is a challenge for environmental protection and remediation of the soil environment, and seems to be promising. In this study, the suitability of bentonite for the technique of aided phytostabilization of soils contaminated with high HM concentrations was determined, using a mixture of two grass species. The HM contents in the tested plants and in the soil were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The application of bentonite had a positive effect on the biomass of the tested plants, and resulted in an increase in soil pH. The concentrations of copper, nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium were higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of the plants, especially when bentonite was applied to the soil. The addition of the analyzed soil additive contributed significantly to a decrease in the levels of zinc, copper, cadmium and nickel in the soil at the end of the experiment. In view of the above, it can be concluded that the use of bentonite in the aided phytostabilization of soils polluted with HMs, is appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Klik
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jiri Holatko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iwona Jaskulska
- Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mariusz Z. Gusiatin
- Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tereza Hammerschmiedt
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnicky
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ernesta Liniauskienė
- Hydrotechnical Construction Department, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, Liepu Str. 1, Girionys, LT-53101 Šlienava, Lithuania
| | - Tivadar Baltazar
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dariusz Jaskulski
- Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Antonin Kintl
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Agricultural Research, Ltd., Zahradni 1, 664 41 Troubsko, Czech Republic
| | - Maja Radziemska
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Chen C, Huang JH, Meusburger K, Li K, Fu X, Rinklebe J, Alewell C, Feng X. The interplay between atmospheric deposition and soil dynamics of mercury in Swiss and Chinese boreal forests: A comparison study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119483. [PMID: 35595001 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Taking advantage of the different histories of Hg deposition in Davos Seehornwald in E-Switzerland and Changbai Mountain in NE-China, the influence of atmospheric deposition on Hg soil dynamics in forest soil profiles was investigated. Today, Hg fluxes in bulk precipitation were similar, and soil profiles were generally sinks for atmospherically deposited Hg at both sites. Noticeably, a net release of 2.07 μg Hg m-2 yr-1 from the Bs horizon (Podzol) in Seehornwald was highlighted, where Hg concentration (up to 73.9 μg kg-1) and soil storage (100 mg m-3) peaked. Sequential extraction revealed that organic matter and crystalline Fe and Al hydr (oxide)-associated Hg decreased in the E horizon but increased in the Bs horizon as compared to the Ah horizon, demonstrating the coupling of Hg dynamics with the podzolisation process and accumulation of legacy Hg deposited last century in the Bs horizon. The mor humus in Seehornwald allowed Hg enrichment in the forest floor (182-269 μg kg-1). In Changbai Mountain, the Hg concentrations in the Cambisol surface layer with mull humus were markedly lower (<148 μg kg-1), but with much higher Hg soil storage (54-120 mg m-3) than in the Seehornwald forest floor (18-27 mg m-3). Thus, the vertical distribution pattern of Hg was influenced by humus form and soil type. The concentrations of Hg in soil porewater in Seehornwald (3.4-101 ng L-1) and in runoff of Changbai Mountain (1.26-5.62 ng L-1) were all low. Moreover, the pools of readily extractable Hg in the soils at both sites were all <2% of total Hg. Therefore, the potential of Hg release from the forest soil profile to the adjacent aquatic environment is currently low at both sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jen-How Huang
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Meusburger
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian, 710061, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability (IRCNHS), Shoolini University, Solan, 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Christine Alewell
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian, 710061, China.
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10
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Mapelli F, Vergani L, Terzaghi E, Zecchin S, Raspa G, Marasco R, Rolli E, Zanardini E, Morosini C, Anelli S, Nastasio P, Sale VM, Armiraglio S, Di Guardo A, Borin S. Pollution and edaphic factors shape bacterial community structure and functionality in historically contaminated soils. Microbiol Res 2022; 263:127144. [PMID: 35908425 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies about biodegradation potential in soils often refer to artificially contaminated and simplified systems, overlooking the complexity associated with contaminated sites in a real context. This work aims to provide a holistic view on microbiome assembly and functional diversity in the model site SIN Brescia-Caffaro (Italy), characterized by historical and uneven contamination by organic and inorganic compounds. Here, physical and chemical analyses and microbiota characterization were applied on one-hundred-twenty-seven soil samples to unravel the environmental factors driving bacterial community assembly and biodegradation potential in three former agricultural fields. Chemical analyses showed a patchy distribution of metals, metalloids and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and allowed soil categorization according to depth and area of collections. Likewise, the bacterial community structure, described by molecular fingerprinting and 16S rRNA gene analyses, was significantly different according to collection site and depth. Pollutant concentrations (i.e., hexachloro-biphenyls, arsenic and mercury), nitrogen content and parameters related to soil texture were identified as main drivers of microbiota assembly, being significantly correlated to bacterial community composition. Moreover, bacteria putatively involved in the aerobic degradation of PCBs were enriched over the total bacterial community in topsoils, where the highest activity was recorded using fluorescein hydrolysis as proxy. Metataxonomic analyses revealed the presence of bacteria having metabolic pathways related to PCB degradation and tolerance to heavy metals and metalloids in the topsoil samples collected in all areas. Overall, the provided dissection of soil microbiota structure and its degradation potential in the SIN Brescia-Caffaro can contribute to target specific areas for rhizoremediation implementation. Metagenomics studies could be implemented in the future to understand if specific degradative pathways are present in historically polluted sites characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple classes of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mapelli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vergani
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Terzaghi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - Sarah Zecchin
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Raspa
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials and Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marasco
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eleonora Rolli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanardini
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - Cristiana Morosini
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - Simone Anelli
- Ente Regionale per i Servizi all'Agricoltura e alle Foreste, Via Pola 12, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Nastasio
- Ente Regionale per i Servizi all'Agricoltura e alle Foreste, Via Pola 12, Milan, Italy
| | - Vanna Maria Sale
- Ente Regionale per i Servizi all'Agricoltura e alle Foreste, Via Pola 12, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Armiraglio
- Municipality of Brescia - Museum of Natural Sciences, Via Ozanam 4, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Guardo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - Sara Borin
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy.
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11
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Zhou W, Cao Y, Wang S, Huang Y, Zhou W, Bai Z. Deciphering the origin and controlling factors of mercury in reclaimed soils: a case study in Pingshuo opencast coalmine of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:40826-40838. [PMID: 35083688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18148-0] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Considering the significant influence of mercury (Hg) contamination on the land reclamation inopencast coalmine, the spatial distribution patterns and ecological risks of Hg were investigated and the regulating factors of Hg mobility were determined in the South Dump of the Pingshuo opencast coalmine. The results show that the total Hg (HgT) contents of most soil samples (83.7%) vary from 6 to 50 μg kg-1, while the potential ecological risk index (EIHg) values of most samples (79.8%) are lower than 80, indicating that most reclaimed soils are in relatively good conditions and the soil samples at high to very high ecological risk are mainly collected near the backfilled coal gangue. Moreover, the kriging maps of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicate that the uncontaminated areas (Igeo < 0) and Hg-contaminated areas (Igeo > 0) in topsoil (0-10 cm) are roughly divided by an "east-west arc" while the Hg-contaminated areas in other soil horizons are characterized by a "point distribution pattern". The slight Hg contamination in topsoil is mainly triggered by the atmospheric Hg deposition from the nearby coal-fired power plant, while the Hg contamination in other soil horizons should be attributed to the weathering and spontaneous combustion of coal gangue. On the other hand, Pearson's correlation analyses show that HgT contents were positively correlated with clay (r = 0.31, P < 0.01) and SOC (r = 0.53, P < 0.01) contents. This study can provide some insight for the land reclamation measures in the opencast coalmine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Zhou
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingui Cao
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
- Key Lab of Land Consolidation, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shufei Wang
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Key Lab of Land Consolidation, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongke Bai
- School of Land Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
- Key Lab of Land Consolidation, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
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12
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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: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [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.
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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.
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