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Hu L, Du P, Ren J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Chen K. Restoration-mediated protein substances preferentially drive underlying bauxite residue macroaggregate formation during the simulated ecological reconstruction process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175636. [PMID: 39168338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Constructing a restoration strategy from bauxite residue to Technosols is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for addressing the ecological and environmental issues caused by high alkalinity, salinity, and fine-grained bauxite residues. However, the quantitative contribution of restoration strategies on the upper bauxite residue-derived Technosols to the underlying untreated bauxite residue in the short term remains poorly understood. This study investigated the mediating mechanisms of vegetation and microbial metabolic effects on the alkalinity, nutrient content, and structure of the underlying bauxite residue (20-50 cm) through a simulated ecological reconstruction of the bauxite residue stockpile. Results indicated that implementing plant restoration strategies resulted in the content of polyphenolic compounds, lipids, tannins, and carbohydrates in bauxite residue dissolved organic matter (DOM) increased significantly from 52.5, 8.2, 3.3, and 2.0 % to 54.4, 10.4, 5.6, and 2.8 %, respectively, while the content of condensed aromatics, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and proteins/amino sugars decreased significantly from 15.5, 12.0, and 6.5 % to 12.1, 9.7, and 5.1 %, respectively. The newly produced molecules were concentrated in regions with low O/C and high H/C ratios, suggesting that short-term vegetation restoration strategies facilitate the transformation of substrate DOM towards easily decomposable and highly bioavailable substances. This led to the migration of the newly produced molecules to the underlying bauxite residue, and as a result, the protein and soluble microbial products of the underlying bauxite residue increased significantly, as well as the pH, exchangeable Na, and < 0.054 mm particles decreased from 10.2, 44.2 cmol kg-1, and 28.1 % to 9.7, 27.1 cmol kg-1, and 19.4 %, respectively, available nitrogen, urease, and 1-2 mm particles increased from 7.3 mg kg-1, 0.2 U mg-1, and 14.5 % to 7.6 mg kg-1, 0.3 U kg-1, and 21.7 %, respectively. Results of the structural equation model further confirmed that plant biomass, proteins/amino sugars, and condensed aromatics in the upper Technosol were the main factors controlling the aggregate formation of the underlying bauxite residue by mediating the protein-dominated biogenic organic matter produced by microbial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Ping Du
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agricultural and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
| | - Yudan Zhang
- Jiamusi of Ecology and Environment Technology Center, Jiamusi 15400, China
| | - Yating Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
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Wan Q, Luo Y, Wan Z, Chen Y, Zhou D. Migration and transformation behaviors of potentially toxic elements and the underlying mechanisms in bauxite residue: Insight from various revegetation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124867. [PMID: 39218200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Revegetation is a promising strategy for large-scale bauxite residue disposal and management, potentially influencing the geochemical stability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through rhizosphere processes. However, the geochemical behaviors of PTEs and the underlying mechanisms during bauxite residue revegetation remain unclear. This study examined the migration and transformation behaviors of PTEs and their underlying mechanisms in the bauxite residue-vegetation-leachate system under various revegetation strategies, including single and co-planting of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), over a 100-day microcosm experiment. The results showed significant decreases in pH, EC, Na, Al, and Cr levels in the leachate under various revegetation strategies, with slight increases in Cu, V, As, and Pb. Over time, the pH, EC, Na, Cr, Cu, V, Pb, and As levels in the leachate decreased, while those of Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn increased. The mean pH, EC, and concentrations of Na, Al, Fe, and Cr in the leachate of the revegetated treatments decreased by 6%-8%, 21%-33%, 2%-4%, 19%-27%, 7%-22%, and 15%-26%, respectively, while the mean concentrations of Mn, V, Zn, and As increased by 47%-134%, 26%-46%, 39%-47%, and 3%-10%, respectively, compared to the unamended treatment. Co-planting generally exhibited a greater impact on leachate components compared to single planting. Available contents of Al, Cr, and Pb decreased by 81%-83%, 57%-77%, and 55%-72%, respectively, while those of other PTEs increased in the revegetated bauxite residue. Co-planting significantly reduced the availability of PTEs compared to single planting. Except for Na and Mn, the bioaccumulation and transportation factors of PTEs in both vegetation species remained below 1 under various revegetation strategies. The migration and transformation behaviors of PTEs in the bauxite residue-vegetation-leachate system were mainly influenced by pH and nutrient levels. These findings provide new insights into the migration and transformation behaviors of PTEs during bauxite residue revegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiansong Wan
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Youfa Luo
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, GuizhouUniversity, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Hostile Environment Ecological Restoration Technology Engineering Research Centre, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Zuyan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Dongran Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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Wang D, Wu Q, Zhang Z. Bioaccumulation, transfer characteristics of metals in six vascular plants, and soil pollution assessment from Wachangping karst bauxite residue areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2024; 26:1526-1536. [PMID: 38525911 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2331713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Bauxite residue (BR) is a large volume by-product generated during bauxite smelting process and metal pollution problem is becoming increasingly prominent in residue areas. Accumulation and transfer of metals in six vascular plants were analyzed and soil environment was evaluated. Results found levels of Al (2,110-26,280 mg kg-1), Fe (990 to 9,880 mg kg-1), Ca (8,020 to 49,250 mg kg-1), Mg (2,060 to 17,190 mg kg-1), K (16,840 to 39,670 mg kg-1), and Ti (80 to 1,240 mg kg-1) in plants. Metal concentrations in soils exceeded background levels. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) found that Al, Fe, and Ti in plants (roots, stems, and leaves) were relatively depleted (BCF <1). Transfer factor (TF) of Al, Fe, Ca, K, and Ti in plants was distinctly higher than 1 and mainly concentrated in stems and leaves. Pollution indices revealed that soil environment was at moderated to serious contaminated risk. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that Artemisia caruifolia Buch. and Siegesbeckia orientalis L. plants had a good ability to absorb Al and Fe, which can be used as biological indicators and restoration materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengfu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guizhou, China
| | - Qimei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guizhou, China
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Hao C, Du P, Ren J, Hu L, Zhang Z. Halophyte Elymus dahuricus colonization regulates microbial community succession by mediating saline-alkaline and biogenic organic matter in bauxite residue. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167140. [PMID: 37722424 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167140] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Alkalinity regulation and nutrient accumulation are critical factors in the construction of plant and microbial communities and soil formation in bauxite residue, and are extremely important for sustainable vegetation restoration in bauxite residue disposal areas. However, the establishment and succession of microbial communities driven by plant colonization-mediated improvements in the physicochemical properties of bauxite residues remain poorly understood. Thus, in this study, we determined the saline-alkali properties and dissolved organic matter (DOM) components under plant growth conditions and explored the microbial community diversity and structure using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The planting of Elymus dahuricus (E. dahuricus) in the bauxite residue resulted in a significant decrease in total alkalinity (TA), exchangeable Na, and electrical conductivity (EC) as well as the release of more tryptophan-like protein compounds and low-molecular-weight humic substances associated with biological activities into the bauxite residue substrate. Taxonomical analysis revealed an initial-stage bacterial and fungal community dominated by alkaline-tolerant Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Ascomycota, and an increase in the relative abundances of the phyla Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadota. The biological activities of phylum Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Gemmatimonadota were significantly associated with protein-like and UVA-like humic substances. As eutrophic bacteria, Proteobacteria participate in the transformation of humic substances and can not only utilize small molecules of organic matter and convert them into humic substances but also promote the gradual conversion of humic acids into simple molecular compounds. Our results suggest that plant roots secrete organic matter and microbial metabolites as the main biogenic organic matter that participates in the establishment and succession of the microbial community in bauxite residues. Root length affects bacterial and fungal diversity by mediating the production of protein-like substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Hao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Ping Du
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agricultural and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
| | - Lijuan Hu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zongpeng Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
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Vandeuren A, Pereira B, Kaba AJ, Titeux H, Delmelle P. Environmental bioavailability of arsenic, nickel and chromium in soils impacted by high geogenic and anthropogenic background contents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166073. [PMID: 37544461 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166073] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
High arsenic, chromium and nickel in soils can pose a hazard to the ecosystem and/or human health. Large areas can be affected by elevated potentially toxic elements (PTE) background contents, entailing a significant effort for managing the potential risk. Assessing the environmental hazard associated to PTE-contaminated soils requires the determination of soil PTE environmental bioavailability, which reflects the capacity of these elements to be transferred to living organisms. Here we assess the environmental bioavailability of As, Cr and Ni in topsoils from the Liège basin and Belgian Lorraine, two areas in Wallonia, Belgium, affected by elevated As, Cr and Ni background contents. The source of soil As, Cr and Ni differs in Liège and Lorraine: anthropogenic in the former location and geogenic in the latter. The environmental bioavailability of PTE was determined using two complementary approaches: (1) by chemical fractionation with the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) three-step sequential extraction protocol and (2) by estimating the phytoavailability using a plant-based biotest (Lolium multiflorum as plant model). The results show that total As (6-130 mg·kg-1), Cr (15-268 mg·kg-1), and Ni (8-140 mg·kg-1) contents in the Liège and Lorraine soils frequently exceed the soil clean-up standards. However, no positive correlation was found between the total contents and BCR extraction results or rye-grass contents, except for As in Liège soils. Total As, Cr or Ni contents surpassing soil standards do not necessarily result in elevated mobile, potentially mobilizable and phytoavailable contents. In general, environmental bioavailability of As, Cr and Ni is higher in soils from Liège basin compared to those sampled in Belgian Lorraine. The mobile and potentially mobilizable fractions of As, Cr and Ni account for <30 % of their total contents following the BCR extractions. Our study provides valuable information for sustainable management at the regional scale of soils containing high PTE contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubry Vandeuren
- Environmental Sciences, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.10, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Benoît Pereira
- Environmental Sciences, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.10, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Abdoulaye Julien Kaba
- Environmental Sciences, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.10, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Hugues Titeux
- Environmental Sciences, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.10, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pierre Delmelle
- Environmental Sciences, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.10, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Leite RDC, Lucheta AR, Holanda RB, Silva PMP, Carmo ALVD, Gomes FG, Leite RDC, Melo CCAD, Costa RVD, Montini M, Fernandes AR. Environmental and agronomic assessment of soil conditioners produced from bauxite residue and oil palm wastes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116474. [PMID: 37352953 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116474] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Soil conditioner is class of products used to enhance physics, physicochemical or soil biological activities, being able to recover disturbed or nutritional unbalanced soils. The formulation of a soil conditioner composed by bauxite residue (BR), and organic oil palm wastes, as raw materials, was recently proposed as an innovative strategy for the Brazilian acid soils amendment. Here we show the results of soil conditioner amended soil leaching tests and agronomical performance. The soil conditioners were formulated by BR mixed with decomposed POC (palm oil compost) and non-decomposed POMW (palm oil mill waste) oil palm wastes, in the proportion of 25% BR + 75% POC (T1) and 50% BR + 50% POMW (T2), in addition to the treatment with 100% POMW without BR (T3) and limestone at a dose calculated to raise soil pH to 6.0 (T4). Except for T4, all conditioners were applied to the soil at doses of 40, 80, and 120 t ha-1 for leaching tests. The experimental plots were composed of polyvinyl chloride columns, filled with 5 kg of soil, with bottles adapted with hoses at the bottom to facilitate drainage of the leachate. After leaching tests, the respective columns were used as pots for the cultivation of Brachiaria grass, stage with addition of a control composed by undisturbed soil (T5). The pH of the leachates had changes, but the use of BR associated with POMW was similar to the use of limestone. Of the 65 chemical elements evaluated, only nine were identified in the leachate, being most of them considered as plant nutrients. As for soil pH, limestone was slightly higher (6.6) than treatments that had BR (5.5). Brachiaria grass cultivated in the soil amended with conditioners showed similar results of limestone treated soil for the parameters of plant development and showed fertility improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson da Costa Leite
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rubson da Costa Leite
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Miura YS, Mulder J, Zivanovic V, Courtney R, Okkenhaug G. Enhancing bauxite residue properties for plant growth: Gypsum and organic amendment effects on chemical properties of soil and leachate. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 337:117721. [PMID: 36966634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, we assess the effects of gypsum and local organic waste as amendments to non-weathered, filter-pressed bauxite residue (BR) to improve its properties and support plant growth. In addition, we monitored the leachate quality of the amended BR under progressive leaching that simulated precipitation conditions in Northern Brazil. Free-draining column tests consisting of BR amended with gypsum and organic waste, at 5% and 10% w/w, respectively, were leached for 8 weeks to assess the effects on the chemical composition of BR and the leachates. Adding gypsum to BR reduced the exchangeable sodium (Na) percentage (ESP) from approximately 79%-48%, whereas adding only organic waste had smaller effects on ESP (from ∼79% to ∼ 70%). The mean leachate pH ranged from 8.7 to 9.4 for the gypsum, and organic waste amended BR, while this was 10.3 in the leachate of the unamended BR. The treatments had similar trends of electrical conductivity throughout the experiments and were below 2 dS/cm after 8 weeks, when ∼1.700 mm simulated precipitation had leached. Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), and Vanadium (V) concentrations in leachates of BR with gypsum, either alone or in combination with organic waste, were significantly lowered than in leachate of non-amended BR. By contrast, metal concentrations increased if organic waste was added to BR. We conclude that amending BR with gypsum, in combination with organic waste, significantly improves the chemical properties of the solid phase and achieved rehabilitation goals for SAR and EC of the leachates after 8 weeks of leaching. However, despite high leaching rates, rehabilitation goals for pH and ESP were not achieved with gypsum either alone or combined with organic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Silveira Miura
- Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, As, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norway.
| | - Jan Mulder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, As, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norway
| | - Valentina Zivanovic
- Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Universitetstunet 3, 1433, As, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norway
| | - Ronan Courtney
- University of Limerick University of Limerick, Bernal Institute, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Gudny Okkenhaug
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Box 5003, 1432, Aas, Norway
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Wu Y, Deng D, Jiang J, Li F, Zeng J, Guo X, Zhu F, Jiang Y, Xue S. Ca-driven stable regulatory of alkalinity within desilication products: Experimental, modeling, transformation mechanism and DFT study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161708. [PMID: 36682559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalent pH rebound phenomenon in the bauxite residue alkalinity regulation is primarily caused by the presence of alkaline minerals, including sodalite and cancrinite. Calcium ion is widely used to remove the free alkali for reducing the alkalinity of bauxite residue, but its underlying mechanism on alkaline minerals is still unclear. In this work, we investigated the action mechanism of calcium ion on sodalite and cancrinite by various microspectroscopic methods, and then employed spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations to reveal the reaction pathways of calcium ion substitution and migration in minerals. The calcium ion can effectively regulate the stability of alkaline minerals by inhibiting alkaline ions release, which respectively enters sodalite and cancrinite by displacing Na adsorbed inside the mineral lattice and on the mineral surface. The entered calcium ion acts as competitive protection against sodium during the neutralization process, thus inhibiting the proton-promoted dissolution of sodalite and cancrinite. Moreover, the amount of entry calcium ion controls their acid neutralization ability. DFT calculations revealed calcium ions readily replaced sodium on the internal channels of minerals rather than on the surface. These new findings contribute to the understanding of potential options to directly stabilize critical alkaline components in bauxite residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China; College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China
| | - Dandan Deng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Jun Jiang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Feng Li
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, PR China
| | - Jiaqing Zeng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China.
| | - Xuyao Guo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Shengguo Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China.
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Proto M, Newsome L, Jensen E, Courtney R. Geochemical analyses of metal(loid) fractions do not predict plant uptake behavior: Are plant bioassays better tools to predict mine rehabilitation success? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160679. [PMID: 36481156 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Management of metal(loid) tailings at historic sites presents environmental hazards usually requiring rehabilitation to mitigate pollution risks. Strategies employed include capping or establishing vegetation directly, which requires tailings assessments to determine suitable rehabilitation approaches. Assessments are typically geochemical analyses, but plant based approaches may provide a more accurate measure of revegetation success although they are often limited to germination indices. This study uses the plant bioassay (Rhizotest™) with common geochemical assessment to predict plant uptake of metal(loid)s and the subsequent likely rehabilitation success. Pb/Zn tailings from five legacy sites within the UK and Ireland were characterized for pH, EC, water soluble and CaCl2-extractable content and aqua regia extractable content. Uptake of Sb, As, Cd, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Pb was determined in shoots and roots of Lolium perenne. Total Zn, Pb, Sb, Cd and As in tailings ranged from 694 to 2683 mg kg-1, 1252 to 8072 mg kg-1, 14 to 148 mg kg-1, 1.3 to 44 mg kg-1 and 1.3 to 45 mg kg-1, respectively. The only correlation found between total and water soluble or CaCl2-extractable metal(loid) contents was for Cd, where r = 0.8 for total and CaCl2-extractable fractions. Limited uptake and translocation risk was identified for major contaminants Zn and Pb in most tailings samples but in some cases exceedance of phytotoxic threshold values occurred that was not reflected in geochemical analysis. Crucially, although total Cd and Sb content was relatively low (< 20 mg kg-1) in some tailings, elevated plant content for some samples highlights phytotoxic risk from minor elements. Results indicate that screening based on geochemical content is not sufficiently predictive of metal(loid) phytoavailability to reliably inform mine rehabilitation strategies. We therefore strongly recommend that geochemical analyses are supplemented with plant based bioassay to plan mine tailings revegetation and reduce risk of wider ecosystem metal(loid) transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Proto
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - L Newsome
- Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - E Jensen
- Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - R Courtney
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
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Zhang R, Zhang Z, Wu J, Wang L. Spatial Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Soil-Vegetation System of a Red Mud Slag Yard, SW China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:122-129. [PMID: 35244751 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern, pollution status and potential ecological risk of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb in soils and dominant plants around an abandoned red mud (RM) slag yard in Southwestern China. Soils exhibited representative enrichment and combination characteristics of these metals compared to the background values, ascribed to the leaching of long-term acid rain on the RM dump. The soil was moderately to severely polluted with As and Sb. Cd also posed a moderate ecological risk. Asteraceae species predominated in the RM slag yard, followed by Coriaria sinica and Robinia pseudoacacia. No plants were identified as hyperaccumulators because of low bioconcentration values, whereas Cosmos bipinnata can act as a potential phytostabilizer of heavy metals based on the translocation factor. The results provided effective decision support for reducing heavy metal pollution by phytoremediation RM stacking fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China.
| | - Zhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China
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Cusack PB, Healy MG, Callery O, Di Carlo E, Ujaczki É, Courtney R. An Investigation into the Growth of Lolium perenne L. and Soil Properties Following Soil Amendment with Phosphorus-Saturated Bauxite Residue. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:13-19. [PMID: 35389079 PMCID: PMC9296393 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reuse options for bauxite residue include treatment of phosphorus (P)-enriched wastewaters where the P-saturated media offers fertiliser potential. However, few studies have assessed the impact on soil properties. Two types of spent P-saturated bauxite residue were applied to soil and compared to conventional superphosphate fertiliser as well as a control soil. Soil physico-chemical properties, worm Eisenia fetida L. choice tests, and Lolium perenne L. growth and elemental uptake were examined. Comparable biomass and plant content for L. perenne in the P-saturated bauxite residue treatments and those receiving superphosphate, indicated no phytotoxic effects. E. fetida L. showed a significant preference for the control soil (58 %± 2.1%) over the amended soils, indicating some form of salt stress. Overall, P-saturated bauxite residue was comparable to the superphosphate fertiliser in terms of the plant performance and soil properties, indicating the potential recycling of P from wastewaters using bauxite residue as a low-cost adsorbent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia B Cusack
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mark G Healy
- Civil Engineering and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Oisín Callery
- Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elisa Di Carlo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland
| | - Éva Ujaczki
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ronan Courtney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
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12
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Dong M, Hu S, Lv S, Rong F, Wang X, Gao X, Xu Z, Xu Y, Liu K, Liu A. Recovery of microbial community in strongly alkaline bauxite residues after amending biomass residue. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113281. [PMID: 35124422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of cornstalk biomass amendments on microbial communities in bauxite residues (BRs) by phylogenetic analysis. Improvements in soil geochemical, physical, and biological properties were assessed to identify the major factors controlling microbial community development in BRs. After one year of incubation, the salinity and structure of the amended BRs had gradually improved, with pH dropping from 11.39 to 9.89, the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) dropping from 86.3% to 35.2%, and the mean weight diameter (MWD) rising from 0.12 mm to 0.38 mm. Further analysis of community level physiological profiles (CLPP) showed that the microbial utilization of different carbohydrates had shifted significantly, in addition to increases in the diversity index H' (0.7-7.34), U (2.16-3.14), and the average well color development (0.059-1.08). Over the one-year outside incubation, the dominant fungal phyla in the BRs had shifted gradually from Ascomycota (85.64%) to Ascomycota (52.07%) and Basidiomycota (35.53%), while the dominant bacterial phyla had shifted from Actinobacteria (38.47%), Proteobacteria (21.39%), and Gemmatimonadetes (12.72%) to Actinobacteria (14.87%), Proteobacteria (23.53%), and Acidobacteria (14.37%). Despite these shifts, microbial diversity remained lower in the amended BRs than in the natural soil. Further redundancy analysis indicated that pH was the major factor driving shifts in the bacterial community, while aggregates were the major factor driving shifts in the fungal community. This study demonstrated that amendment with cornstalk biomass shifted the microbial community in the BRs from halophilic groups to acidogenic groups by improving the soil environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Dong
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Shuxiang Hu
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Shiquan Lv
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Fangxu Rong
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Xinyu Gao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Ziwen Xu
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yuzhi Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Kai Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Aiju Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China.
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13
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Macías-Pérez LA, Levard C, Barakat M, Angeletti B, Borschneck D, Poizat L, Achouak W, Auffan M. Contrasted microbial community colonization of a bauxite residue deposit marked by a complex geochemical context. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127470. [PMID: 34687997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bauxite residue is the alkaline byproduct generated during alumina extraction and is commonly landfilled in open-air deposits. The growth in global alumina production have raised environmental concerns about these deposits since no large-scale reuses exist to date. Microbial-driven techniques including bioremediation and critical metal bio-recovery are now considered sustainable and cost-effective methods to revalorize bauxite residues. However, the establishment of microbial communities and their active role in these strategies are still poorly understood. We thus determined the geochemical composition of different bauxite residues produced in southern France and explored the development of bacterial and fungal communities using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Physicochemical parameters were influenced differently by the deposit age and the bauxite origin. Taxonomical analysis revealed an early-stage microbial community dominated by haloalkaliphilic microorganisms and strongly influenced by chemical gradients. Microbial richness, diversity and network complexity increased significantly with the deposit age, reaching an equilibrium community composition similar to typical soils after decades of natural weathering. Our results suggested that salinity, pH, and toxic metals affected the bacterial community structure, while fungal community composition showed no clear correlations with chemical variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Macías-Pérez
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, CEREGE, Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, LEMIRE, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere, ECCOREV FR 3098, F-13108 St-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
| | - Clément Levard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, CEREGE, Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | - Mohamed Barakat
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, LEMIRE, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere, ECCOREV FR 3098, F-13108 St-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
| | - Bernard Angeletti
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, CEREGE, Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | - Daniel Borschneck
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, CEREGE, Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | | | - Wafa Achouak
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, LEMIRE, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere, ECCOREV FR 3098, F-13108 St-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
| | - Mélanie Auffan
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, Collège de France, CEREGE, Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, France; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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14
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Ren X, Zhang X, Tuo P, Yang B, Chen J, Guo W, Ren J. Neutralization of bauxite residue with high calcium content in abating pH rebound by using ferrous sulfate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:13167-13176. [PMID: 34570319 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The high alkalinity of bauxite residue and its sustained release impose major limitation on its reuse and ecological disposal. It has been confirmed from sustained rehabilitation that gypsum can effectively reduce the alkalinity of bauxite residue by continuously releasing Ca2+ to react with carbonate and hydroxide. However, the combined bauxite residue with high calcium content exhibits stubborn alkalinity for most alkaline reduction methods employing cations to consume carbonate. In this study, we have aimed to address this knowledge gap by investigating the dose-response relationship in the alkaline reduction induced by ferrous sulfate (FS) neutralization. The pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and CO32-/HCO3- of bauxite residue decreased from 10.6, 44.1%, and 42.7/24.5 mg/kg to 8.1, 27.7%, and 0.7/18.0 mg/kg, respectively. Approximately 20-55 days were required for the neutralization reaction to reach equilibrium. The FS induced an increase in free iron oxide (Fed) and amorphous iron oxide (Feo), and partial dissolution of alkaline minerals including calcite, cancrinite, and kaolinite in bauxite residue. Further, addition of FS also affected the kinetic dissolution process of bauxite residue; the acid neutralization capacity of bauxite residue to pH 7 decreased from 0.21 mol H+/kg solid to 0.02 mol H+/kg solid. The results showed FS to be a potential candidate for improving the characteristics of the combined bauxite residue, and guide the FS application for the disposal of the combined bauxite residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Ren
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Pinpeng Tuo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agricultural and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agricultural and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Resource Recycle, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China.
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15
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Synergism Red Mud-Acid Mine Drainage as a Sustainable Solution for Neutralizing and Immobilizing Hazardous Elements. METALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/met11040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) and red mud (RM) are frequently available in the metallurgical and mining industry. Treating AMD solutions require the generation of enough alkalinity to neutralize the acidity excess. RM, recognized as a waste generating high alkalinity solution when it is in contact with water, was chosen to treat AMD from South Africa at room temperature. A German and a Greek RM have been evaluated as a potential low-cost material to neutralize and immobilize harmful chemical ions from AMD. Results showed that heavy metals and other hazardous elements such as As, Se, Cd, and Zn had been immobilized in the mineral phase. According to European environmental standards, S and Cr, mainly present in RM, were the only two elements not immobilized below the concentration established for inert waste.
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16
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Menzies NW, Kopittke PM. Seawater neutralization and gypsum amelioration of bauxite refining residue to produce a plant growth medium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143046. [PMID: 33121767 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Alumina production waste (bauxite refining residue) is highly alkaline, saline, and sodic, and hence cannot support plant growth for revegetation. Gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) amendment of bauxite residue can lower alkalinity and improve the residue Ca status, but given the large gypsum requirement, efficient gypsum use is imperative. We investigated gypsum amelioration of residue sand (RS), examining changes in RS chemistry, and growth of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). Furthermore, we examined whether gypsum amelioration of RS should occur before or after seawater neutralization. We found that Ca from gypsum (20 t ha-1) was retained within the surface 0.2 m of RS, regardless of whether the gypsum was applied before or after seawater neutralization. This Ca was retained both as exchangeable Ca and as a precipitate (either calcite or hydrotalcite), with ca. 50% retained as exchangeable Ca in both approaches. Gypsum at 20 t ha-1, or even lower, provided sufficient Ca for maximum growth of Rhodes grass, in the surface, but higher rates would be required to allow Ca movement down the Na-dominated profile to ameliorate a larger rooting depth - this being important in environments where there are prolonged periods of water stress. The information presented will guide the efficient use of gypsum to ameliorate bauxite refining wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal W Menzies
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Peter M Kopittke
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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17
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Fourrier C, Luglia M, Hennebert P, Foulon J, Ambrosi JP, Angeletti B, Keller C, Criquet S. Effects of increasing concentrations of unamended and gypsum modified bauxite residues on soil microbial community functions and structure - A mesocosm study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 201:110847. [PMID: 32554203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bauxite residues (BR), commonly named red muds, are the saline-sodic waste produced during the extraction of alumina from bauxite. In this study, four kinds of BR were mixed at increasing concentrations with two soils in a mesososm experiment. Unamended BR from Provence (PRO) and Guinea (GUI) bauxite were selected, and Modified Bauxite Residues from PRO and GUI (MBR-PRO and MBR-GUI) were obtained by gypsum application and repeated leaching, in order to reduce their pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Several indicators of microbial community functions and structure (growth of culturable bacteria; enzymatic activities; C-sourced substrates degradation (Biolog®); bacteria and fungi PCR-RFLP fingerprints) were measured after 35 days of incubation. Results showed that PRO residue had stronger negative effects than GUI on all the tested indicators. Residues modified by gypsum addition (MBR-PRO, MBR-GUI) were equally or sometimes less harmful compared to unamended residues. Microbial activities (bacterial growth and enzyme activities) were more inhibited than the diversity of microbial functions (Biolog®), and the structure of bacterial and fungal communities was not affected by increasing concentrations of bauxite residues. EC and ESP were the main factors explaining the inhibition of microbial activities, although the origin of bauxite residue is of great importance too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Fourrier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France.
| | - Mathieu Luglia
- Aix-Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France.
| | - Pierre Hennebert
- INERIS (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), BP 2, F-60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
| | - Julie Foulon
- Aix-Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France.
| | - Jean-Paul Ambrosi
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, CEREGE UM34, Aix en Provence, France.
| | - Bernard Angeletti
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, CEREGE UM34, Aix en Provence, France.
| | - Catherine Keller
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, CEREGE UM34, Aix en Provence, France.
| | - Stéven Criquet
- Aix-Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France.
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18
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Di Carlo E, Boullemant A, Poynton H, Courtney R. Exposure of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) to bauxite residue: Implications for future rehabilitation programmes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 716:137126. [PMID: 32059318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bauxite residue is typically alkaline, has high sodium content and elevated concentrations of trace elements. Effective rehabilitation strategies are needed to mitigate potential environmental risks from its disposal and storage. Increasingly, the importance of viable soil faunal populations as well as establishment of vegetation covers is recognized as key components of successful rehabilitation. Inoculation with earthworms is a strategy for accelerating mine site rehabilitation, but little is known on the effects of bauxite residue properties on earthworm survival and viability. In the current study, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed for 28 days to a series of bauxite residue/soil treatments (0, 10, 25, 35, 50, 75 and 100% residue) to evaluate possible toxic effects on earthworms, investigate the bioavailability of relevant elements (e.g. As, Cr, V), and assess the risk of element transfer. Results showed that soil containing ≥25% residue (pH ≥ 9.8; ESP ≥ 18.5%; extractable Na ≥ 1122 mg/kg) significantly impacted survival (mortality ≥28%) and reproduction (cocoon production inhibition ≥76%) of the exposed earthworms. Alkalinity, sodicity and bioavailable Na were identified as major factors causing toxicity and some earthworms were observed to adopt compensative response (i.e. swollen body) to cope with osmotic stress. Conversely, soil containing 10% residue (pH = 9.1; ESP = 9.2%; extractable Na = 472 mg/kg) did not elicit significant toxicity at the organism level, but biomarker analysis (i.e. superoxide dismutase and catalase) in earthworm coelomocytes showed an oxidative stress. Furthermore, earthworms exposed to soil containing ≥10% residue took up and accumulated elevated concentrations of Al, As, Cr and V in comparison to the control earthworms. We concluded that earthworm inoculation could be used in future rehabilitation programmes once the key parameters responsible for toxicity are lowered below specific target values (i.e. pH = 9.1, ESP = 18.5%, extractable Na = 1122 mg/kg for Eisenia fetida). Nonetheless, trace element uptake in earthworms should be regularly monitored and the risk to the food chain further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Di Carlo
- University of Limerick, Department of Biological Sciences & The Bernal Institute, Co. Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Helen Poynton
- University of Massachusetts Boston, School for the Environment, Boston, USA
| | - Ronan Courtney
- University of Limerick, Department of Biological Sciences & The Bernal Institute, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
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