Sorption kinetic study of selenite and selenate onto a high and low pressure aged iron oxide nanomaterial

Evaluation of anion exchange resin for sorption of selenium (IV) from aqueous solutions

In this work, selenium (IV) ions were adsorbed from aqueous solutions by the strongly basic anion exchange resin Amberlite IRA-400. The morphology of the resin before and after Se(IV) sorption was investigated using different techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To determine the ideal sorption conditions, a batch approach was used to examine the variables affecting Se(IV) sorption performance, including pH, shaking time, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature. The results showed the optimal parameters for the highest percentage of selenium (80.25%) at an initial concentration of 100.0 mg L-1, pH 3.0, the adsorbent dosage of 10.0 mg, and the shaking time of 60.0 min. According to the experimental findings, the sorption process was satisfactorily explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity at pH 3.0 was 18.52 mg g-1, and the adsorption rather well followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Moreover, exothermic and spontaneous sorption reaction was the result of thermodynamic properties (negativity of both ΔG° and ΔH°). The adsorption phase's random distribution of the resin-solution interface is indicated by the positive value of ΔSo. Finally, the desorption study was performed using different concentrations of desorbing agents; HNO3, HCl, and sodium acetate. The results illustrated that the effective desorbing agent was 1.0 mol L-1 HNO3, with desorption efficiency reaching about 96.4%. Finally, the Amberlite IRA-400 demonstrated excellent adsorption-desorption behavior over five times, suggesting that the Amberlite IRA-400 could be an effective candidate for the sorption of Se(IV) from several metal ions that occur in fission products.

Migration of l-Selenomethionine in the Water-Soil Interface Dominated by Iron Oxides

Organic selenium (Se) accounts for up to 10-80% of total Se in soils, and l-selenomethionine (SeMet) is a typical organic Se species. However, the migration of SeMet in soils remains elusive. This study investigated the solid-liquid distribution, adsorption, desorption by phosphate, and self-oxidization of SeMet in solution under the influence of ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite through batch experiments. Iron oxides could adsorb a much larger amount of SeMet than inorganic Se. At the initial Se element concentrations of 0-200 mg/L, the solid/liquid partition coefficient of SeMet was constant, which was 0.41, 0.43, and 0.50 on ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite, respectively. In addition, the adsorption process of SeMet on the three iron oxides could be well described by the linear driving force model. Accordingly, the intraparticle diffusion coefficient of SeMet in ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite was 1.4 × 103, 7.9 × 104, and 1.2 × 105 nm2/min, respectively. The adsorption of SeMet on the three iron oxides was slightly influenced by the pH and the coexisting ions, such as Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, and H2PO4-. The desorption ratio of SeMet on the three iron oxides by phosphate was lower than 2.5%. SeMet would aggregate the nanoparticles of iron oxides, resulting in a synergistic effect on the adsorption of phosphate. The oxidization ratio of SeMet was 23.9% in the solution, while it decreased to 17.1-17.5% in iron oxide suspensions. For this oxidization process, the three iron oxides exhibited varying effects to decelerate SeMet oxidation, as represented by the equivalent reaction. The findings of this study reveal the migration of SeMet in the water-soil interface under the influence of iron oxides, which can improve the understanding of Se cycling in the environment as well as provide some guidance for the better utilization of Se in soils and environmental remediation of Se pollution.

Lignin Microspheres Modified with Magnetite Nanoparticles as a Selenate Highly Porous Adsorbent

Highly porous lignin-based microspheres, modified by magnetite nanoparticles, were used for the first time for the removal of selenate anions, Se(VI), from spiked and real water samples. The influence of experimental conditions: selenate concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption capacity was investigated in a batch experimental mode. The FTIR, XRD, SEM techniques were used to analyze the structural and morphological properties of the native and exhausted adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 69.9 mg/g for Se(VI) anions at pH 6.46 from the simulated water samples. The modified natural polymer was efficient in Se(VI) removal from the real (potable) water samples, originated from six cities in the Republic of Serbia, with an overage efficacy of 20%. The regeneration capacity of 61% in one cycle of desorption (0.5 M NaOH as desorption solution) of bio-based adsorbent was gained in this investigation. The examined material demonstrated a significant affinity for Se(VI) oxyanion, but a low potential for multi-cycle material application; consequently, the loaded sorbent could be proposed to be used as a Se fertilizer.

Rapid adsorption of selenium removal using iron manganese-based micro adsorbent

Selenium in wastewater is of particular concern due to its increasing concentration, high mobility in water, and toxicity to organisms; therefore, this study was carried out to determine the removal efficiency of selenium using iron and manganese-based bimetallic micro-composite adsorbents. The bimetallic micro-composite adsorbent was synthesized by using the chemical reduction method. Micro-particles were characterized by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis after adsorption, which confirms the adsorption of selenium on the surface of the micro-composite adsorbent, scanning electron microscopy, which shows particles are circular in shape and irregular in size, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller which results from the total surface area of particles were 59.345m2/g, Zeta particle size, which results from average particles size were 39.8 nm. Then it was applied to remove selenium ions in an aqueous system. The data revealed that the optimum conditions for the highest removal (95.6%) of selenium were observed at pH 8.5, adsorbent dosage of 25 mg, and contact time of 60 min, respectively, with the initial concentration of 1 ppm. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models match the experimental data very well. The results proved that bimetallic micro-composite could be used as an effective selenium adsorbent due to the high adsorption capacity and the short adsorption time needed to achieve equilibrium. Regarding the reusability of bimetallic absorbent, the adsorption and desorption percentages decreased from 50 to 45% and from 56 to 53%, respectively, from the 1st to the 3rd cycle.

Effect of Dietary Lactobacillus casei on Physiometabolic Responses and Liver Histopathology in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) After Exposure to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

A 60-day feeding trial was performed to assess the dietary effect of Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic supplement on some serum biochemical parameters and liver histopathology in common carp fry after exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (IoNPs). Six treatments were prepared as follows: control (no IoNP exposure and no dietary probiotic), P6: 10⁶ CFU/g probiotic diet, P7: 10⁷ CFU/g probiotic diet, NPs: 0.15 mg/l IoNPs, NPs + P6: 0.15 mg/l IoNPs with 10⁶ CFU/g probiotic diet, and NPs + P7: 0.15 mg/l IoNPs with 10⁷ CFU/gprobiotic diet. Based on the results, serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly increased in 0.15 mg/l IoNPs, P7, and NPs + P6 treatments compared to the control group. In addition, the examination of antioxidant enzymes showed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol and glutathione S-transferase as well as malondialdehyde level. IoNPs also caused significant histopathological changes in the fish liver during the experiment such as hyperemia in sinusoidal spaces, hepatocytes vacuolation and necrosis, pyknosis, and disruption of hepatic lobules and atrophy. Results revealed the protective effects of dietary L. casei to mitigate the adverse impacts of IoNPs on the physiological processes of common carp.

Reductive removal of selenate (VI) in aqueous solution using rhodium metal particles supported on TiO2

Selenium and its compounds in high concentration are toxic for humans, especially selenate (VI) is the most toxic due to its high solubility in water. To promote the reductive reaction of Se(vi) to Se(iv) or Se(0), which is relatively easy to remove in water, noble metal particles were added as reaction sites with a reductant. The highest removal performance of selenate in aqueous solution was achieved using rhodium particles supported on TiO₂ (Rh/TiO₂). Selenate was rapidly reduced with hydrazine on the metal particle, leading to a selenium deposition on the particle inhibiting the stable reductive reaction. On the other hand, when a weaker reductant such as formaldehyde was used for the selenate reduction, the selenium deposition was suppressed due to its low reactivity, resulting in a stable reductive reaction of selenate in water.

Selenium removal from water using adsorbents: A critical review

Selenium (Se) has become an increasingly serious water contamination concern worldwide. It is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, however, can be extremely toxic if taken in excess. Sorption can be an effective treatment for Se removal from a wide range of water matrices. However, despite the synthesis and application of numerous adsorbents for remediation of aqueous Se, there has been no comprehensive review of the sorption capacities of various natural and synthesized sorbents. Herein, literature from 2010 to 2021 considering Se remediation using 112 adsorbents has been critically reviewed and presented in several comprehensive tables including: clay minerals and waste materials (presented in Table 1); zero-valent iron, iron oxides, and binary iron-based adsorbents (Table 2); other metals-based adsorbents (Table 3); carbon-based adsorbents (Table 4); and other adsorbents (Table 5). Each of these tables, and their relevant sections, summarizes preparation/modification methods, sorption capacities of various Se adsorbents, and proposed model/mechanisms of adsorption. Furthermore, future perspectives have been provided to assist in filling noted research gaps for the development of efficient Se adsorbents for real-world applications. This review will help in preliminary screening of various sorbent media to set up Se treatment technologies for a variety of end-users worldwide.

Materials interacting with inorganic selenium from the perspective of electrochemical sensing

Inorganic selenium, the most common form of harmful selenium in the environment, can be determined using electrochemical sensors, which are compact, fast, reliable and easy-to-operate devices. Despite progress in this area, there is still significant room for developing high-performance selenium electrochemical sensors. To achieve this, one should take into account (i) the electrochemical process that selenium undergoes on the electrode; (ii) the valence state of selenium species in the sample and (iii) modification of the sensor surface by a material with high affinity to selenium. The goal of this review is to provide a knowledge base for these issues. After the Introduction section, mechanisms and principles of the electrochemical reduction of selenium are introduced, followed by a section introducing the modification of electrodes with materials interacting with selenium and a section dedicated to speciation methods, including the reduction of non-detectable Se(VI) to detectable Se(IV). In the following sections, the main types of materials (metallic, polymers, hybrid (nano)materials…) interacting with inorganic selenium (mostly absorbents) are reviewed to show the diversity of properties that may be endowed to sensors if the materials were to be used for the modification of electrodes. These features for the main material categories are outlined in the conclusion section, where it is stated that the engineered polymers may be the most promising modifiers.

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

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

Deciphering Evolution Pathway of Supported NO3 • Enabled via Radical Transfer from •OH to Surface NO3 - Functionality for Oxidative Degradation of Aqueous Contaminants

NO₃ ^• can compete with omnipotent ^•OH/SO₄ ^•- in decomposing aqueous pollutants because of its lengthy lifespan and significant tolerance to background scavengers present in H₂O matrices, albeit with moderate oxidizing power. The generation of NO₃ ^•, however, is of grand demand due to the need of NO₂ ^•/O₃, radioactive element, or NaNO₃/HNO₃ in the presence of highly energized electron/light. This study has pioneered a singular pathway used to radicalize surface NO₃ ^- functionalities anchored on polymorphic α-/γ-MnO₂ surfaces (α-/γ-MnO₂-N), in which Lewis acidic Mn^2+/3+ and NO₃ ^- served to form ^•OH via H₂O₂ dissection and NO₃ ^• via radical transfer from ^•OH to NO₃ ^- (^•OH → NO₃ ^•), respectively. The elementary steps proposed for the ^•OH → NO₃ ^• route could be energetically favorable and marginal except for two stages such as endothermic ^•OH desorption and exothermic ^•OH-mediated NO₃ ^- radicalization, as verified by EPR spectroscopy experiments and DFT calculations. The Lewis acidic strength of the Mn^2+/3+ species innate to α-MnO₂-N was the smallest among those inherent to α-/β-/γ-MnO₂ and α-/γ-MnO₂-N. Hence, α-MnO₂-N prompted the rate-determining stage of the ^•OH → NO₃ ^• route (^•OH desorption) in the most efficient manner, as also evidenced by the analysis on the energy barrier required to proceed with the ^•OH → NO₃ ^• route. Meanwhile, XANES and in situ DRIFT spectroscopy experiments corroborated that α-MnO₂-N provided a larger concentration of surface NO₃ ^- species with bi-dentate binding arrays than γ-MnO₂-N. Hence, α-MnO₂-N could outperform γ-MnO₂-N in improving the collision frequency between ^•OH and NO₃ ^- species and in facilitating the exothermic transition of NO₃ ^- functionalities to surface NO₃ ^• analogues per unit time. These were corroborated by a greater efficiency of α-MnO₂-N in decomposing phenol, in addition to scavenging/filtration control runs and DFT calculations. Importantly, supported NO₃ ^• species provided 5-7-fold greater efficiency in degrading textile wastewater than conventional ^•OH and supported SO₄ ^•- analogues we discovered previously.

Modeling of selenite toxicity to wheat root elongation using biotic ligand model: Considering the effects of pH and phosphate anion

It has not been well understood that the binding affinity and potential toxicity of different chemical forms of selenite (Se(IV)), which are predominant forms of selenium with plant availability. The influences of pH and major anions on Se(IV) toxicity to wheat root elongation were determined in solutions and modeled based on the biotic ligand model (BLM) and free ion activity model (FIAM) concepts. Results showed that EC50[Se(IV)]_T values increased from 164 to 273 μM as the pH raised from 4.5 to 8.0, indicating the increase of pH induced weakened Se(IV) toxicity. The EC50{SeO₃^2-} values increased from 0.019 to 71.3 μM while the EC50{H₂SeO₃} values sharply decreased from 2.08 μM to 0.760 nM with the pH increasing from 4.5 to 8.0. The effect of pH on Se(IV) toxicity could be explained by the changes of Se(IV) species in different pH solutions as H₂SeO₃, HSeO₃^- and SeO₃^2- were differently toxic to wheat root elongation. The toxicity of Se(IV) decreased with increasing H₂PO₄^- activity but not for SO₄^2-, NO₃^- and Cl^- activities, indicating that only H₂PO₄^- had a competitive effect with Se(IV) on the binding sites. A site-specific BLM was developed to count in effects of pH and H₂PO₄^-, and stability constants of H₂SeO₃, HSeO₃^-, SeO₃^2- and H₂PO₄^- to the binding sites were obtained: log [Formula: see text]  = 4.96, log [Formula: see text]  = 3.47, log [Formula: see text]  = 2.56 and log [Formula: see text]  = 2.00. Results implied that BLM performed much better than FIAM in the wheat root elongation prediction when coupling toxic species H₂SeO₃, HSeO₃^-, SeO₃^2-, and the competitions of H₂PO₄^- for the binding sites while developing the Se(IV)-BLM.

Speciation and Determination of Selenium Oxyanions at the Drinking Water Pollution Concentration Levels

The research on selenium presence in water resources has revealed the need to determine the respective aquatic species. As selenium oxyanions SeO32− (SeIV) and SeO42− (SeVI) predominate in natural waters, their determination is essential, mainly due to different ecotoxicity properties, as well as to different removal options from relevant-polluted waters. This study focuses on the SeO32−/SeO42− speciation/separation and determination through the selective adsorption of SeO32− only onto specific iron oxy-hydroxides (FeOOHs). For this purpose, the laboratory prepared FeOOHs examined along with the commercially available relevant material (Bayoxide), which was found to present optimum results for the speciation of selenium oxyanions, at the low concentration range 10–100 μg/L, using a dose of 0.5 g/L of adsorbent and gently stirring for 30 min at the usually encountered pH value of 7.3 ± 0.2. Moreover, the relevant experiments showed that the other major ions Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, possibly found in most natural waters at the concentration range 0–200 mg/L, as well as silicon, total organic carbon (TOC) of natural organic matter (NOM) and iron at the concentration range 0–50 mg/L, 0–5 mg/L and 0–1 mg/L, respectively, did not interfere with the selective adsorption of Se(IV). Furthermore, the most important advantage of this selective speciation method is its implementation/combination with all commonly applied analytical methods for the determination of total selenium.

Selenate Adsorption from Water Using the Hydrous Iron Oxide-Impregnated Hybrid Polymer

Hybrid adsorbent, based on the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide, was applied for the first time for Se(VI) adsorption from water. The influence of the initial solution pH, selenate concentration and contact time to adsorption capacity was investigated. Adsorbent regeneration was explored using a full factorial experimental design in order to optimize the volume, initial pH value and concentration of the applied NaCl solution as a reagent. Equilibrium state was described using the Langmuir model, while kinetics fitted the pseudo-first order. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 28.8 mg/g. Desorption efficiency increased up to 70%, and became statistically significant with the reagent concentration and pH increase, while the applied solution volume was found to be insignificant in the investigated range. Based on the results obtained, pH influence to the adsorption capacity, desorption efficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of loaded adsorbent, it was concluded that the outer- and inner-sphere complexation are mechanisms responsible for Se(VI) separation from water. In addition to the experiments with synthetic solutions, the adsorbent performances in drinking water samples were explored, showing the purification efficiency up to 25%, depending on the initial Se(VI) concentration and water pH. Determined sorption capacity of the cross-linked copolymer impregnated with hydrous iron oxide and its ability for regeneration, candidate this material for further research, as a promising anionic species sorbent.

Investigating the Nanocomposite Thin Films of Hematite α-Fe2O3 and Nafion for Cholesterol Biosensing Applications

Nanocomposite materials are multi-phase materials, usually solids, which have two or more component materials having different chemical and physical properties. When blended together, a newer material is formed with distinctive properties which make them an eligible candidate for many important applications. In the present study, thin films of nafion (polymer) and hematite or α-Fe2O3 (nanoparticles) nanocomposite is fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates, due to its enhanced ionic conductivity, for cholesterol biosensor applications. Scanning electron microscopy and Atomic force microscopy revealed the formation of nanorod structured α-Fe2O3 in the films. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies of nafion-α-Fe2O3/ITO revealed the redox properties of the nanocomposites. The sensing studies were performed on nafion-α-Fe2O3/CHOx/ITO bioelectrode using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at various concentrations of cholesterol. The enzyme immobilization leaded to the selective detection of cholesterol with a sensitivity of 64.93 × 10−2 μA (mg/dl)−1 cm−2. The enzyme substrate interaction (Michaelis–Menten) constant Km, was obtained to be 19 mg/dl.

Synthesis of Fe-impregnated biochar from food waste for Selenium(Ⅵ) removal from aqueous solution through adsorption: Process optimization and assessment

Iron-impregnated food waste biochar (Fe-FWB) was synthesized for Se(Ⅵ) removal from aqueous solution. The effect and interactive effects of different parameters including pyrolysis time, temperature, and Fe concentration were explored using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance conditions to achieve the highest Se(Ⅵ) removal using Fe-FWB. Pyrolysis time was not significant for Se(Ⅵ) adsorption capacity of Fe-FWB, but temperature and Fe concentration were found to be significant. The highest adsorption was achieved at 3.47 h and 495.0 °C with an Fe concentration of 0.44 M. Fe-FWB synthesized under optimum conditions were used to investigate the kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic adsorption of Se(Ⅵ). Se(Ⅵ) adsorption reached equilibrium within 6 h, and both pseudo-second order and pseudo-first order models were suitable for describing kinetic Se(Ⅵ) adsorption. The Freundlich model was found to suitably fit the equilibrium adsorption data than the Langmuir model. The highest adsorption capacity of Fe-FWB for Se(Ⅵ) was 11.7 mg g^-1. Se(Ⅵ) adsorption on Fe-FWB was endothermic and spontaneous. The enthalpy change for Se(Ⅵ) adsorption was 54.4 kJ mol^-1, and the entropy change was negative at 15-35 °C. The increment of solution pH from 3 to 11 decreased the Se(Ⅵ) adsorption from 19.2 to 7.4 mg g^-1. The impact of interfering anions on Se(Ⅵ) adsorption followed the lineup: HCO₃^- > HPO₄^2- > SO₄^2- > NO₃^-. When compared to some adsorbents, the adsorption capacity of Se(Ⅵ) onto Fe-FWB was comparable even at neutral pH and the Fe-FWB was granular. These results indicate that Fe-FWB has prospective application in the removal of Se(Ⅵ) from aqueous solutions.

Removal of silica from brackish water by integrated adsorption/ultrafiltration process

A lab-scale unit of the hybrid continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) adsorption/ultrafiltration (UF) system was used to evaluate the removal efficiency of silica from brackish water. The semi-batch adsorption process was carried out using iron oxy/hydroxide agglomerates (IOAs) as adsorbent and hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane as a barrier to the adsorbent passage to the product water. The effect of residence time, concentration of silica, and adsorbent dosage on the silica removal and UF membrane blockage was examined. It was found that a short residence time of 15 min was sufficient to achieve the maximum adsorption capacity similar to that obtained in batch isotherm experiments. The adsorption capacity increased with the augmentation of the silica concentration and decreased with the increase in the adsorbent dosage. The UF was effectively employed to separate the loaded adsorbent without fouling the membrane until breakthrough. A simple model was applied to accurately predict the adsorption breakthrough curves.

An approach for the efficient immobilization of 79Se using Fe-OOH modified GMZ bentonite

Because of high mobility, the immobilization of long-lived fission product 79Se (often existed as 79Se(IV) and 79Se(VI) anions) is a critical consideration in the repository of high-level radioactive waste. In this work, a Fe-OOH modified bentonite (Fe-OOH-bent) was synthesized as a potential filling material in the repository site for effective adsorption and present the migration of different species of 79Se. The adsorbent was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, XFS, zeta potential and BET to clarify its physical properties, compositions and structures. A good thermal and radiation stabilities of Fe-OOH-bent was confirmed by its stable uptake ratio for Se(IV) and Se(VI) compared to original samples. The batch experimental results show that Se(IV) and Se(VI) can be efficiently removed from aqueous by Fe-OOH-bent within 60 min with maximum adsorption capacities of 68.45 mg/g for Se(IV) and 40.47 mg/g for Se(VI) in the optimal conditions, indicating its high potential application in consideration of its simple synthesis process, low cost and high adsorption capacity in view of immobilization of 79Se. The surface species and variation of oxide state of Fe as well as Se(IV) and Se(VI) onto Fe-OOH-bent were investigated by XPS analysis. The values of relative area of Se(IV)–O and Se(VI)–O in XPS spectra followed the same tendency as their adsorption ratio with the variation of system pH, suggesting that the formation of complexes between selenium species and Fe-OOH-bent surface.

Micro-nanostructured δ-Bi2O3 with surface oxygen vacancies as superior adsorbents for SeOx2- ions

Removal of the toxic selenium compounds, selenite (SeO₃^2-) and selenate (SeO₄^2-), from contaminated water is imperative for environmental protection in both developing and industrialized countries. Providing high selectivity adsorbents to the target ions is a big challenge. Here we report that micro sphere-like δ-Bi₂O₃ (MS-δ-Bi₂O₃) with surface oxygen vacancy defects can capture hypertoxic SeO_x^2- anions from aqueous solutions with superior capacity and fast uptake rate. High capture selectivity to SeO₃^2- anions is observed, since the O atoms of SeO₃^2- anions fill the oxygen vacancies on the (111) facet of δ-Bi₂O₃ forming a stable complex structure. This mechanism is distinctly different from other known mechanisms for anion removal, and implies that we may utilize surface defects as highly efficient and selective sites to capture specific toxic species. Thus, we present a new route here to design superior adsorbents for toxic ions.

Removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from Aqueous Solution using SnO2 Nanomaterial effect of: pH, Time, Temperature, interfering cations

Tin oxide, SnO₂, nanomaterial was synthesized and tested for the removal of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. Various parameters for the binding were investigated in batch studied, which included pH, time, temperature, and interferences. In addition, isotherm studied were performed to determine the maximum binding capacity for both Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. The optimal binding pH determined from the effects of pH were to be at pH 5 for both the Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. The isotherm studies were performed at temperatures of 4°C, 25 °C, and 45 °C for both the Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions and were found to follow the Langmuir isotherm model. The binding capacities for the Cu²⁺ ions were 2.63 mg/g, 2.95 mg/g and 3.27 mg/g at the aforementioned temperatures, respectively. Whereas the binding capacities for Ni²⁺ were 0.79 mg/g, 1.07 mg/g, and 1.46 mg/g at the respective temperatures. The determined thermodynamic parameters for the binding showed that the binding processes for the reactions were endothermic, as the ΔG was observed to decrease with decreasing temperatures. As well the ΔH was 28.73 kJ/mol for Cu²⁺ (III) and 13.37 kJ/mol for Ni²⁺. The ΔS was observed to be 92.65 J/mol for Cu²⁺ and 54.53 J/mol for Ni²⁺. The free energy of adsorption for the Cu²⁺ was determined to be 13.99 kJ/mol and the activation energy for the binding of Ni²⁺ was determined to be 8.09 KJ/mol. The activation energy data indicate that the reaction was occurring through chemisorption.

Background electrolytes and pH effects on selenate adsorption using iron-impregnated granular activated carbon and surface binding mechanisms

Iron-impregnated granular activated carbon (Fe-GAC) has been shown effective for selenite adsorptive removal from aqueous solutions, but similar effectiveness was not observed with selenate. This study examined the effects of background electrolytes and pH on selenate adsorption on to Fe-GAC, and surface bindings to elucidate the selenate adsorption mechanisms. The decrease magnitude of selenate adsorption capacity under three background electrolytes followed the order: LiCl > NaCl > KCl, as ionic strength increased from 0.01 to 0.1 M. Larger adsorption capacity differences among the three electrolytes were observed under the higher ionic strengths (0.05 and 0.1 M) than those under 0.01 M. Multiplet peak fittings of high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectra for O1s and Fe2p_3/2 indicated the presence of iron (III) on adsorbent surface. pH variations during the adsorbent preparation within 3-8 in NaCl solutions did not cause appreciable changes in the iron redox state and composition. Raman spectra showed the formation of both monodentate and bidentate inner sphere complexes under pHs <7 and a mixture of outer sphere and inner sphere complexes at pH 8. These results explained the lower selenate adsorption under alkaline conditions. Mechanisms for monodentate and bidentate formations and a stable six-member ring structure were proposed. Two strategies were recommended for modifying Fe-GAC preparation procedure to enhance the selenate adsorption: (1) mixed-metal oxide coatings to increase the point of zero charge (pH_zpc); and (2) ferrous iron coating to initially reduce selenate followed by selenite adsorption.

Influence of Alpha and Gamma-Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Marine Microalgae Species

The effects of alpha-iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) and gamma-iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) on marine microalgae species (Nannochloropsis sp. and Isochrysis sp.) were investigated in this study. Both Fe2O3 NPs covered the surface of algae with the agglomerates of the nanoparticles. This form of physical NP toxicity significantly decreased the sizes of phytoplankton. Both NPs were toxic to the tested algal species, while α-Fe2O3 showed less toxicity than γ-Fe2O3 NPs for both algal species. A comparative analysis of growth data of the two algal species treated with α-Fe2O3 or γ-Fe2O3 NPs revealed that Isochrysis sp. are more sensitive than Nannochloropsis sp. Toxicity of these widely used NPs to primary producers forming the base of the food chain in aquatic environments might result in widespread adverse effects on aquatic environmental health.

Ultimate selenium(IV) monitoring and removal from water using a new class of organic ligand based composite adsorbent

This work reports the selenium (Se(IV)) detection and removal from water by ligand functionalized organic-inorganic based novel composite adsorbent. The composite adsorbent was prepared by direct immobilization of N,N'-di(3-carboxysalicylidene)-3,4-diamino-5-hydroxypyrazole onto the mesoporous silica monolith. The adsorbent exhibited distinct color change in the presence of various concentrations of Se(IV). This was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, and the color change was observed by naked-eye observation. The detection limit was determined to be 1.14 μg/L. The effect of solution pH, interferential metal ions, contact time, initial Se(IV) concentration, and adsorbent regeneration were evaluated. The maximum sorption capacity was determined based on the initial concentration. The data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum Se(IV) sorption capacity was 111.12 mg/g. The presence of diverse competing ions did not affect the Se(IV) sorption capacity, and the adsorbent had almost no sorption capacity for these coexisting ions, which suggests the high selectivity to Se(IV) ions. The adsorbed Se(IV) was eluted with suitable eluent (0.10 M NaOH) and simultaneously regenerated into the initial form for the next operation. The excellent reusability of the adsorbent was justified after eight consecutive sorption-elution-regeneration cycles. The proposed adsorbent is cost-effective and environmentally friendly and a potential candidate for treatment of water containing Se(IV).

Immobilization of selenite in soil and groundwater using stabilized Fe-Mn binary oxide nanoparticles

Stabilized Fe-Mn binary oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and tested for removal and in-situ immobilization of Se(IV) in groundwater and soil. A water-soluble starch or food-grade carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as a stabilizer to facilitate in-situ delivery of the particles into contaminated soil. While bare and stabilized nanoparticles showed rapid sorption kinetics, starch-stabilized Fe-Mn offered the greatest capacity for Se(IV). The Langmuir maximum capacity was determined to be 109 and 95 mg-Se/g-Fe for starch- and CMC-stabilized nanoparticles, respectively, and the high Se(IV) uptake was observed over the typical groundwater pH range of 5-8. Column breakthrough tests indicated that the stabilized nanoparticles were deliverable in a model sandy soil while non-stabilized particles were not. When a Se(IV)-spiked soil was treated in situ with the nanoparticles, >90% water leachable Se(IV) was transferred to the nanoparticle phase, and thereby immobilized as the particles were retained in the downstream soil matrix. The nanoparticle amendment reduced the TCLP (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure) leachability and the California WET (waste extraction test) leachability of Se(IV) by 76% and 71%, respectively. The technology holds the potential to fill a major technology gap in remediation of metals-contaminated soil and groundwater.

Mechanism of selenite removal by a mixed adsorbent based on Fe-Mn hydrous oxides studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Selenium cycling in the environment is greatly controlled by various minerals, including Mn and Fe hydrous oxides. At the same time, such hydrous oxides are the main inorganic ion exchangers suitable (on the basis of their chemical nature) to sorb (toxic) anions, separating them from water solutions. The mechanism of selenite adsorption by the new mixed adsorbent composed of a few (amorphous and crystalline) phases [maghemite, MnCO3, and X-ray amorphous Fe(III) and Mn(III) hydrous oxides] was studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy [supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data]. The complexity of the porous adsorbent, especially the presence of the amorphous phases of Fe(III) and Mn(III) hydrous oxides, is the main reason for its high selenite removal performance demonstrated by batch and column adsorption studies shown in the previous work. Selenite was bound to the material via inner-sphere complexation (via oxygen) to the adsorption sites of the amorphous Fe(III) and Mn(III) oxides. This anion was attracted via bidentate binuclear corner-sharing coordination between SeO3(2-) trigonal pyramids and both FeO6 and MnO6 octahedra; however, the adsorption sites of Fe(III) hydrous oxides played a leading role in selenite removal. The contribution of the adsorption sites of Mn(III) oxide increased as the pH decreased from 8 to 6. Because most minerals have a complex structure (they are seldom based on individual substances) of various crystallinity, this work is equally relevant to environmental science and environmental technology because it shows how various solid phases control cycling of chemical elements in the environment.

Preparation and evaluation of Fe-loaded activated carbon for enrichment of selenium for analytical and environmental purposes

The adsorbent, based on the thermal modification of activated carbon impregnated by iron(III) nitrate(V), has been prepared and applied for selenium enrichment from aqueous solution. Various ratios of the impregnating agent to carbon mass were carefully examined with respect to selenium adsorption capacity and selectivity. The basic Se(VI) ions adsorption parameters affecting the adsorption ability onto the prepared activated carbons were studied. The carbon impregnated by 10% Fe(NO(3))(2) and thermally treated at 200 °C possessed the highest adsorption capacity and selectivity towards selenium ions. The physico-chemical characterization of the prepared adsorbents before and after selenium uptake were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The studies confirmed the surface complexation reactions of iron species and selenium on the Fe-loaded activated carbon. Due to its high adsorption capacity enrichment of selenium on the studied adsorbent has been successfully applied for its determination in the complementary feeds, using the carbon slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry technique (GFAAS) and standard calibration method.

Selenite adsorption using leached residues generated by reduction roasting-ammonia leaching of manganese nodules

This study was carried out to investigate the adsorption characteristics of leached manganese nodule residue (MNR), generated from the reduction roasting-ammonia leaching process, towards aqueous selenite. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the leached residue was a complex mixture of oxides of mainly manganese and iron along with MnCO(3). Adsorption studies of the water washed leached residue (wMNR) at varying the pH, selenite ion concentration, wMNR dosage, heat treatment condition indicated that selenite uptake increased with increasing pH and heat-treatment temperature of wMNR. The maximum value of selenite uptake was obtained at pH ~5.0 with wMNR heat-treated at 400°C and thereafter decreased on increasing the pH and heat-treatment temperature further. The adsorption data were best fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model. The derived monolayer selenite adsorption capacities increased from, X(m)=9.50 mg Se/g (for untreated wMNR) to 15.08 mg Se/g (for wMNR heat-treated at 400°C). The results of the studies may be useful for possible utilization of MNR as an adsorbent for the removal of selenite ions from contaminated water bodies.

Toxicity assessment of iron oxide nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages

Iron oxide nanoparticles have been explored recently for their beneficial applications in many biomedical areas, in environmental remediation, and in various industrial applications. However, potential risks have also been identified with the release of nanoparticles into the environment. To study the ecological effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on aquatic organisms, we used early life stages of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) to examine such effects on embryonic development in this species. The results showed that ≥10 mg/L of iron oxide nanoparticles instigated developmental toxicity in these embryos, causing mortality, hatching delay, and malformation. Moreover, an early life stage test using zebrafish embryos/larvae is also discussed and recommended in this study as an effective protocol for assessing the potential toxicity of nanoparticles. This study is one of the first on developmental toxicity in fish caused by iron oxide nanoparticles in aquatic environments. The results will contribute to the current understanding of the potential ecotoxicological effects of nanoparticles and support the sustainable development of nanotechnology.