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Wang Y, Jin Q, Lin H, Xu X, Leung KMY, Kannan K, He Y. A review of liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) as emerging contaminants: Environmental occurrences, emissions, exposure routes and toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135894. [PMID: 39303619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) in the environment has raised concerns about their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Here we review the lifecycle of environmental LCMs, focusing on their occurrences, emission sources, human exposure routes, and toxicity. Industrial emissions from Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) manufacturing and e-waste recycling are the primary point sources of LCMs. In addition, emissions from LCD products, air conditioning units, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills contribute to environmental occurrence of LCMs as secondary sources. Dietary routes were identified as the primary exposure pathways to humans. E-waste dismantling workers and infants/children are vulnerable populations to LCMs exposure. Exposure to LCMs has been shown to potentially induce oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, and endocrine disruption. Accumulation of LCMs in the brain and liver tissues of exposed animals highlights the need for toxicokinetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Qianqian Jin
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huiju Lin
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth M Y Leung
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12237, USA
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Hu T, Lin Y, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Yu H, Yang Z, Meng F. Microbial electrochemical enhanced composting of sludge and kitchen waste: Electricity generation, composting efficiency and health risk assessment for land use. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35678. [PMID: 39170487 PMCID: PMC11336836 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To realize the energy and resource utilization from organic solid waste, a two-phase microbial desalination cell (TPMDC) was constructed using dewatered sludge and kitchen waste as the anode substrate. The performance of electricity generation and composting efficacy was investigated, along with a comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks associated with the land use of the resulting mixed compost products. Experimental outcomes revealed a maximum open-circuit voltage of 0.893 ± 0.005 V and a maximum volumetric power density of 0.797 ± 0.009 W/m³. After 90 days of composting enhanced by microbial electrochemistry, a significant organic matter removal rate of 31.13 ± 0.44 % was obtained, and the anode substrate electric conductivity was reduced by 30.02 ± 0.04 % based on the anode desalination. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as an improvement in the seed germination index. The forms of heavy metals shifted from bioavailable to stable residual states. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the land use of compost products were less than 1, and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for heavy metals and PAHs were below the acceptable threshold of 10-4. The occupational population risk of infection from five pathogens was higher than that of the general public, with all risk values ranging from 8.67 × 10-8 to 1, where the highest risk was attributed to occupational exposure to Legionella. These outcomes demonstrated that the mixture of dewatered sludge and kitchen waste was an appropriate anode substrate to enhance TPMDC stability for electricity generation, and its compost products have promising land use suitability and acceptable land use risk, which will provide important guidance for the safe treatment and disposal of organic solid waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengteng Hu
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yunhan Lin
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environments (SKLUWRE), Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Vessel Pollution Monitoring and Control, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China
| | - Zhugen Yang
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Fanyu Meng
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
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Newmeyer MN, Lyu Q, Sobus JR, Williams AJ, Nachman KE, Prasse C. Combining Nontargeted Analysis with Computer-Based Hazard Comparison Approaches to Support Prioritization of Unregulated Organic Contaminants in Biosolids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12135-12146. [PMID: 38916220 PMCID: PMC11381038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Biosolids are a byproduct of wastewater treatment that can be beneficially applied to agricultural land as a fertilizer. While U.S. regulations limit metals and pathogens in biosolids intended for land applications, no organic contaminants are currently regulated. Novel techniques can aid in detection, evaluation, and prioritization of biosolid-associated organic contaminants (BOCs). For example, nontargeted analysis (NTA) can detect a broad range of chemicals, producing data sets representing thousands of measured analytes that can be combined with computational toxicological tools to support human and ecological hazard assessment and prioritization. We combined NTA with a computer-based tool from the U.S. EPA, the Cheminformatics Hazard Comparison Module (HCM), to identify and prioritize BOCs present in U.S. and Canadian biosolids (n = 16). Four-hundred fifty-one features were detected in at least 80% of samples, with identities of 92 compounds confirmed or assigned probable structures. These compounds were primarily categorized as endogenous compounds, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and fragrances. Examples of top prioritized compounds were p-cresol and chlorophene, based on human health end points, and fludioxonil and triclocarban, based on ecological health end points. Combining NTA results with hazard comparison data allowed us to prioritize compounds to be included in future studies of the environmental fate and transport of BOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Newmeyer
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Qinfan Lyu
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jon R Sobus
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Antony J Williams
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Keeve E Nachman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Carsten Prasse
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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Vo PHN, Ky Le G, Huy LN, Zheng L, Chaiwong C, Nguyen NN, Nguyen HTM, Ralph PJ, Kuzhiumparambil U, Soroosh D, Toft S, Madsen C, Kim M, Fenstermacher J, Hai HTN, Duan H, Tscharke B. Occurrence, spatiotemporal trends, fate, and treatment technologies for microplastics and organic contaminants in biosolids: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133471. [PMID: 38266587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133471] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, fate, treatment and multi-criteria analysis of microplastics (MPs) and organic contaminants (OCs) in biosolids. A meta-analysis was complementarily analysed through the literature to map out the occurrence and fate of MPs and 10 different groups of OCs. The data demonstrate that MPs (54.7% occurrence rate) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants (44.2% occurrence rate) account for the highest prevalence of contaminants in biosolids. In turn, dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) have the lowest rates (<0.01%). The occurrence of several OCs (e.g., dioxin, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical and personal care products, ultraviolet filters, phosphate flame retardants) in Europe appear at higher rates than in Asia and the Americas. However, MP concentrations in biosolids from Australia are reported to be 10 times higher than in America and Europe, which required more measurement data for in-depth analysis. Amongst the OC groups, brominated flame retardants exhibited exceptional sorption to biosolids with partitioning coefficients (log Kd) higher than 4. To remove these contaminants from biosolids, a wide range of technologies have been developed. Our multicriteria analysis shows that anaerobic digestion is the most mature and practical. Thermal treatment is a viable option; however, it still requires additional improvements in infrastructure, legislation, and public acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong H N Vo
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Gia Ky Le
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Lai Nguyen Huy
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Lei Zheng
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China; Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Chawalit Chaiwong
- Environmental Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Nam Nhat Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hong T M Nguyen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Unnikrishnan Kuzhiumparambil
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Danaee Soroosh
- Biotechnology Department, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran 3353-5111, Iran
| | - Sonja Toft
- Urban Utilities, Level 10/31 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Craig Madsen
- Urban Utilities, Level 10/31 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Mikael Kim
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Ho Truong Nam Hai
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Haoran Duan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ben Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4103, Australia
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Twagirayezu E, Fan L, Liu X, Iqbal A, Lu X, Wu X, Zan F. Comparative life cycle assessment of sewage sludge treatment in Wuhan, China: Sustainability evaluation and potential implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169686. [PMID: 38163598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the relentless growth of sewage sludge production, achieving low-carbon development in sewage sludge treatment and disposal (STD) is becoming increasingly challenging and unpredictable. However, the STD varied spatially, and city-specific analysis is deemed necessary for sustainable evaluation. Therefore, a lifecycle-based greenhouse gas (GHG), energy, and economic analysis were conducted by considering six local STD alternatives in Wuhan City, China, as a case study. The findings indicated anaerobic digestion combined with digestate utilization for urban greening (ADL) and incineration in existing power plants (INCP) exhibited the least GHG emissions at 34.073 kg CO2 eq/FU and 644.128 kg CO2 eq/FU, while INCP generated the most energy at -2594 kW.h/FU. The economic evaluation revealed that ADL and INCP were more beneficial without accounting for land acquisition. Scenario analysis showed that the energy recovery from ADL and INCP is significantly influenced by the hydrolysis yielding rate and sludge organic content. Perturbation sensitivity indicates that regional emission factor of electricity and electricity fee highly influence the overall GHG emission and cost. The results of this study could assist policymakers in identifying viable solutions to the cities experiencing the same sludge treatment burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Twagirayezu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), and Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Liezhong Fan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), and Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- School of Materials & Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Asad Iqbal
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Center, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Xiejuan Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), and Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), and Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Feixiang Zan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Low-Carbon Water Environment Technology Center (HUST-SUKE), and Key Laboratory of Water and Wastewater Treatment, MOHURD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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6
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Zhou W, Hu K, Wang Y, Jiang RW, Pawliszyn J. Embedding Mixed Sorbents in Binder: Solid-Phase Microextraction Coating with Wide Extraction Coverage and Its Application in Environmental Water Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:771-779. [PMID: 38127806 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07244] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a simple and highly effective sample-preparation technique for water analysis. However, the extraction coverage of a given SPME device with a specific coating can be an issue when analyzing multiple environmental contaminants. Therefore, instead of synthesizing one sorbent material with dual or multiple functions, we investigated a new strategy of preparing SPME blades using a homogeneous slurry made by mixing three different sorbent particles─namely, hydrophobic/lipophilic balanced (HLB), HLB-weak cationic exchange (HLB-WCX), and HLB-weak anionic exchange (HLB-WAX)─with a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) binder. The developed coating is matrix compatible, as the binder functions not only as a glue for immobilizing the sorbent particles but also as a porous filter, which only allows small molecules to enter the pores and interact with the particles, thus avoiding contamination from large elements. The results confirmed that the proposed mixed-coating SPME device provides good extraction performance for polar and nonpolar as well as positively and negatively charged compounds. Based on this device, three comprehensive analytical methodologies─high-throughput SPME-LC-MS/MS (for the quantitative analysis of targeted drugs of abuse and artificial sweeteners), in-bottle SPME-LC-high resolution MS (HRMS) (for the untargeted screening of organic contaminants), and on-site drone sampling SPME-LC-HRMS (for on-site sampling and untargeted screening)─were developed for use in environmental water analysis. The resultant data confirm that the proposed strategies enable comprehensive water quality assessment by using a single SPME device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yuanpeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Runshan Will Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Janusz Pawliszyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Pastore C, Angelini A, Mininni G, Braguglia CM. A new simpler and reliable method for determining mineral oil in sewage sludge: Influence of biogenic compounds for the quantitative analysis of C10-C40 hydrocarbons. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118533. [PMID: 37418922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118533] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of organic contaminants in sewage sludge is a fundamental step to address the relevant most appropriate management practice. In this perspective, C10-C40 hydrocarbon content was considered in Italy a crucial parameter to be considered, in spite of its irrelevance in the literature. The very complex mixture of organic substances of both biogenic and anthropogenic origin the sludge is made up of makes sewage sludge a matrix of uniqueness nature, and the analytic determination of hydrocarbon content through conventional procedures may be subjected to overestimation. In this work, optimization of two conventional protocols for the determination of mineral oil (EN14039 and IRSA CNR gravimetric method) were run with attention to anthropogenic compounds potentially affecting the C10-C40 mineral hydrocarbons determination. Effects from the first manipulations of sewage sludge samples to extraction procedure and clean-up operations were investigated. A new simple procedure was set up and tested on 30 samples from different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Through a simple extraction with hexane (12 mL per 2 g of dried sludge, acidified with HCl conc.) at room temperature for 2 h, followed by a clean-up on Florisil column (10 mL-2 g) a confident determination of C10-C40 were obtained with respect to conventional optimized procedures. Variability within the range 0.06-9.49% was calculated with respect to the average value determined using three different methods, with an average value of 2.48 ± 2.37%, demonstrating the robustness of the determination. Up to 3% of the total hydrocarbons were identified as naturally occurring, namely terpenes, squalenes and deoxygenized sterols, passed through the clean-up Florisil column. A significant incidence (up to 75%) of the final overall C10-C40 content was found to be related to the C10-C20 component, originally present in the commercial polyelectrolytes in emulsion, widely used for conditioning before mechanical dewatering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Pastore
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), via F. de Blasio 5, 70132, Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonella Angelini
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), via F. de Blasio 5, 70132, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mininni
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Strada Provinciale 35d, km 0.7, 00010, Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Maria Braguglia
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Strada Provinciale 35d, km 0.7, 00010, Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
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8
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Pozzebon EA, Seifert L. Emerging environmental health risks associated with the land application of biosolids: a scoping review. Environ Health 2023; 22:57. [PMID: 37599358 PMCID: PMC10440945 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 40% of the six million dry metric tons of sewage sludge, often referred to as biosolids, produced annually in the United States is land applied. Biosolids serve as a sink for emerging pollutants which can be toxic and persist in the environment, yet their fate after land application and their impacts on human health have not been well studied. These gaps in our understanding are exacerbated by the absence of systematic monitoring programs and defined standards for human health protection. METHODS The purpose of this paper is to call critical attention to the knowledge gaps that currently exist regarding emerging pollutants in biosolids and to underscore the need for evidence-based testing standards and regulatory frameworks for human health protection when biosolids are land applied. A scoping review methodology was used to identify research conducted within the last decade, current regulatory standards, and government publications regarding emerging pollutants in land applied biosolids. RESULTS Current research indicates that persistent organic compounds, or emerging pollutants, found in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have the potential to contaminate ground and surface water, and the uptake of these substances from soil amended by the land application of biosolids can result in contamination of food sources. Advanced technologies to remove these contaminants from wastewater treatment plant influent, effluent, and biosolids destined for land application along with tools to detect and quantify emerging pollutants are critical for human health protection. CONCLUSIONS To address these current risks, there needs to be a significant investment in ongoing research and infrastructure support for advancements in wastewater treatment; expanded manufacture and use of sustainable products; increased public communication of the risks associated with overuse of pharmaceuticals and plastics; and development and implementation of regulations that are protective of health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Pozzebon
- California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health, P.O. Box 2017, Cameron Park, CA, 95682-2017, USA
| | - Lars Seifert
- California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health, P.O. Box 2017, Cameron Park, CA, 95682-2017, USA.
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Araújo FD, Silva GLO, Silvério FO, Pinho GP. Development of methods based on low-temperature partitioning (LTP) for monitoring cresols and chlorophenols in sewage sludge, soil, and water in column leaching. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37465866 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2023.2236915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cresols and chlorophenols are chemical contaminants that are potentially toxic to humans and can be found in sewage sludge. These chemical contaminants can migrate into the sludge-soil-water system when sludge is used as a conditioner for agricultural soils. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop methodologies based on extraction with low-temperature partitioning (LTP) to determine cresols and chlorophenols in sewage sludge, soil, and water. The analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The validated methods were applied to monitor cresols and chlorophenols in a column-leaching study of a sludge-soil-water system. Satisfactory results were achieved for selectivity, limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, accuracy, and precision. In the column leaching study, only 2,4,6-trichlorophenol was quantified in sludge samples after 20 days of the experiment. None of the studied compounds were quantified in soil and leached water samples, due to the degradation promoted by the microorganisms present in the sewage sludge. Finally, validated methods were suitable for monitoring cresols and chlorophenols in the sludge-soil-water system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia D Araújo
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | - Gleison L O Silva
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | - Flaviano O Silvério
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | - Gevany P Pinho
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Brazil
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10
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Fernández-Fernández V, Ramil M, Rodríguez I. Basic micro-pollutants in sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants in the Northwest Spain: Occurrence and risk assessment of sludge disposal. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139094. [PMID: 37268235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sludge is one of the most problematic residues generated during wastewater treatment. Herein, we validate a single-step, sensitive procedure for the determination of a selection of 46 basic micro-pollutants, either used as pharmaceuticals or pesticides, in sludge from municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs), using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry as determination technique. The proposed method permitted to achieve accurate recoveries (values from 70% to 120%, for samples spiked at different concentration levels) using solvent-based calibration standards. This feature, combined with limits of quantification lower than 5 ng g-1 (dry weight), allowed the rapid and sensitive quantification of target compounds in freeze-dried sludge samples. Out of 46 investigated pollutants, 33 species showed detection frequencies above 85% in a group of 48 sludge samples, obtained from 45 STPs located in the Northwest of Spain. The assessment of eco-toxicological risks associated to sludge disposal as fertilizer in agriculture and/or forestry, considering average concentrations found in sludge samples, highlighted eight pollutants (sertraline, venlafaxine, N-desethyl amiodarone, amiodarone, norsertraline, trazodone, amitriptyline and ketoconazole) representing an environmental hazard based on ratios between predicted soil levels and non-effect concentrations estimated using the equilibrium partition method.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Fernández-Fernández
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R/Constantino Candeira SN, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Ramil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R/Constantino Candeira SN, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - I Rodríguez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, R/Constantino Candeira SN, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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11
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Devos P, Filali A, Grau P, Gillot S. Sidestream characteristics in water resource recovery facilities: A critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119620. [PMID: 36780748 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This review compiles information on sidestream characteristics that result from anaerobic digestion dewatering (conventional and preceded by a thermal hydrolysis process), biological and primary sludge thickening. The objective is to define a range of concentrations for the different characteristics found in literature and to confront them with the optimal operating conditions of sidestream processes for nutrient treatment or recovery. Each characteristic of sidestream (TSS, VSS, COD, N, P, Al3+, Ca2+, Cl-, Fe2+/3+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, SO42-, heavy metals, micro-pollutants and pathogens) is discussed according to the water resource recovery facility configuration, wastewater characteristics and implications for the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus based on current published knowledge on the processes implemented at full-scale. The thorough analysis of sidestream characteristics shows that anaerobic digestion sidestreams have the highest ammonium content compared to biological and primary sludge sidestreams. Phosphate content in anaerobic digestion sidestreams depends on the type of applied phosphorus treatment but is also highly dependent on precipitation reactions within the digester. Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) mainly impacts COD, N and alkalinity content in anaerobic digestion sidestreams. Surprisingly, the concentration of phosphate is not higher compared to conventional anaerobic digestion, thus offering more attractive recovery possibilities upstream of the digester rather than in sidestreams. All sidestream processes investigated in the present study (struvite, partial nitrification/anammox, ammonia stripping, membranes, bioelectrochemical system, electrodialysis, ion exchange system and algae production) suffer from residual TSS in sidestreams. Above a certain threshold, residual COD and ions can also deteriorate the performance of the process or the purity of the final nutrient-based product. This article also provides a list of characteristics to measure to help in the choice of a specific process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahlem Filali
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR PROSE, F-92761, Antony, France
| | - Paloma Grau
- Ceit and Tecnun, Manuel de Lardizabal 15, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
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12
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Wang X, Jiang C, Wang H, Xu S, Zhuang X. Strategies for energy conversion from sludge to methane through pretreatment coupled anaerobic digestion: Potential energy loss or gain. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 330:117033. [PMID: 36603247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117033] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of wasted activated sludge from wastewater plants is recognized as an effective method to reclaim energy in the form of methane. AD performance has been enhanced by coupling various pretreatments that impact energy conversion from sludge. This paper mainly reviewed the development of pretreatments based on different technologies reported in recent years and evaluated their energy benefit. Significant increases in methane yield are generally obtained in AD with pretreatments demanding energy input, including thermal- and ultrasound-based methods. However, these energy-intense pretreatments usually gained negative energy benefit that the increase in methane yield consumed extra energy input. The unbalanced relationship counts against the goal of energy reclamation from sludge. Combined pretreatment consisting of multiple technologies normally outcompetes the single pretreatment, and the combination of energy-intense methods and chemicals potentially reduces energy input and simultaneously ensure high methane yield. For determining whether the energy reclamation from sludge via AD contribute to mitigating global warming, integrating greenhouse gas emission into the evaluation system of pretreated AD is further warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cancan Jiang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huacai Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; The Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuliang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Zhao L, Sun ZF, Pan XW, Tan JY, Yang SS, Wu JT, Chen C, Yuan Y, Ren NQ. Sewage sludge derived biochar for environmental improvement: Advances, challenges, and solutions. WATER RESEARCH X 2023; 18:100167. [PMID: 37250290 PMCID: PMC10214287 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid growth yield of global sewage sludge, rational and effective treatment and disposal methods are becoming increasingly needed. Biochar preparation is an attractive option for sewage sludge treatment, the excellent physical and chemical properties of sludge derived biochar make it an attractive option for environmental improvement. Here, the current application state of sludge derived biochar was comprehensively reviewed, and the advances in the mechanism and capacity of sludge biochar in water contaminant removal, soil remediation, and carbon emission reduction were described, with particular attention to the key challenges involved, e.g., possible environmental risks and low efficiency. Several new strategies for overcoming sludge biochar application barriers to realize highly efficient environmental improvement were highlighted, including biochar modification, co-pyrolysis, feedstock selection and pretreatment. The insights offered in this review will facilitate further development of sewage sludge derived biochar, towards addressing the obstacles in its application in environmental improvement and global environmental crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zhong-Fang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Pan
- Power China Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, China
| | - Jing-Yan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shan-Shan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jie-Ting Wu
- School of Environment, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Biological Engineering, Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing 10076, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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Effects of Sewage Sludge Application on Plant Growth and Soil Characteristics at a Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Plantation in Horqin Sandy Land. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13070984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The application of domestic sewage sludge (SS) may affect plant growth and soil quality through altering nutrient availability. However, the effect of SS application on the plant–soil system in sandy soils is poorly understood. In this study, we established SS application treatment plots (SL, 25 t ha−1) and control treatment plots without sewage sludge application (CK, 0 t ha−1). SS was applied to the soil surface of a Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) plantation in Horqin Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, China, to assess its potential effects on plants and soil. We analyzed tree growth performances (tree height, basal diameter, and diameter at breast height), understory traits (species diversity, coverage, and aboveground biomass), soil physical and chemical parameters (nutrient content, dissolved organic carbon, soil water content, bulk density, pH), and proxies of ecosystem services (soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks). The results showed that SS addition not only significantly increased soil nutrient contents, but also markedly enhanced aboveground productivity and plant coverage. Specifically, SS addition decreased soil bulk density and increased concentrations of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus and mineral nitrogen, and it also increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. Furthermore, the addition of SS significantly increased soil dissolved organic carbon contents and enhanced the fluorescence intensities of dissolved organic carbon components (humic acid-like and UV fulvic acid-like) in the topsoil (0–5 cm). This study provides evidence that SS is an acceptable, and possibly preferred organic fertilizer for improving the soil quality and tree–grass growth of Mongolian pine plantations.
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