Aluminum

Ecofriendly Removal of Aluminum and Cadmium Sulfate Pollution by Adsorption on Hexanoyl-Modified Chitosan

The purity and safety of water as a finite resource is highly important in order to meet current and future human needs. To address this issue, the usage of environmentally friendly and biodegradable adsorbers and flocculants is essential. Chitosan, as a biopolymer, features tremendous properties as an adsorber and flocculant for water treatment. For the application of chitosan as an adsorber under acidic aqueous conditions, such as acid mine drainage, chitosan has been modified with hydrophobic hexanoyl chloride (H-chitosan) to reduce the solubility at a lower pH. In order to investigate the influence of the substitution of the hexanoyl chloride on the adsorption properties of chitosan, two chitosans of different molecular weights and of three different functionalization degrees were analyzed for the adsorption of CdSO4(aq) and Al2(SO4)3(aq). Among biobased adsorbents, H-chitosan derived from the shorter Chitosan exhibited extraordinarily high maximum adsorption capacities of 1.74 mmol/g and 2.06 mmol/g for Cd2+ and sulfate, and 1.76 mmol/g and 2.60 mmol/g for Al3+ and sulfate, respectively.

Pollutant co-attenuation via in-stream interactions between mine drainage and municipal wastewater

Municipal wastewater (MWW) and mine drainage (MD) are common co-occurring sources of freshwater pollution in mining regions. The physicochemical interactions that occur after mixing MWW and MD in a waterway may improve downstream water quality of an impaired reach by reducing downstream concentrations of nutrients and metals (i.e., "co-attenuation"). A first-order stream (Bradley Run in central Pennsylvania), with coal MD and secondarily treated MWW entering the stream in the same location, was systematically monitored to determine in-stream water-quality dynamics. Monitored constituents included pH, nutrients (i.e., phosphorus and nitrogen), and metals (e.g., iron, aluminum, manganese). Mixing of the MWW, MD, and upstream water decreased concentrations of phosphate, aluminum, and iron by 94%, 91%, and 98%, respectively, relative to conservative mixtures at the 1400-m-downstream site. The pollutant co-attenuation resulted in water quality equivalent to that upstream of the pollutant sources and improved the phosphorus-based trophic status of the stream. Geochemical models indicate the primary mechanisms for P attenuation in the studied stream were precipitation as variscite (AlPO4:2H2O) or amorphous AlPO4 plus adsorption to hydrous ferric oxide, despite a much greater abundance of hydrous aluminum oxide. The results presented in this study suggest that in-stream mixing of MD with untreated or secondarily treated MWW may be an important, overlooked factor affecting downstream transport of common pollutants in mining regions. Decreased metals loading and increased pH resulting from natural attenuation and remediation of MD could affect the potential for retention of phosphate by stream sediment and could lead to the release of nutrients from legacy accumulations, highlighting the potential need to address high-nutrient discharges (e.g., improved MWW treatment) in concert with MD remediation.

Endocrine disruption caused by the aquatic exposure to aluminum and manganese in Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae) females during the final ovarian maturation

Aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) can be toxic to aquatic biota and cause endocrine disruption in fish, affecting reproduction. This study evaluates the physiological responses of the ray-finned teleost fish Astyanax altiparanae vitellogenic females after acute exposure (96 h) to Al and Mn (alone and combined) in acid pH followed by the same period of exposure to metal-free water in neutral pH. The aim of this second period of exposure was to assess the recovery capacity from the toxic effects these metals. Five experimental groups were established: a control in neutral pH (Ctrl), and acidic pH (Ac), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and Al + Mn groups, maintaining the acidic pH in the groups to which metals were added. The following biological parameters were evaluated: metal tissue concentration, relative fecundity (RF: absolute fecundity/body mass). Plasma levels of cortisol (proxy for stress) and 17α hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP), and gene expression of pituitary lhβ mRNA (proxies for final maturation) were measured to evaluate endocrine disruption. In the synchronic exposure, the presence of Mn potentiated the accumulation of Al in gills. The females from acidic pH and Al groups showed a reduced RF. Exposure to Al and Mn triggered an endocrine disruption response, evidenced by a decrease in the plasma concentration of 17α-OHP and cortisol. Despite this anti-steroidogenic effect, no changes occurred in the pituitary gene expression of lhβ. The endocrine changes and the metal accumulation were temporary, while the impacts on RF under the experimental conditions suggest permanent impairment in the reproduction of this species.

Paternal exposure to aluminum, acidity, and temperature affect fatty acid seminal profile, embryonic and larval development of Astyanax altiparanae

We investigated the effects of water acidity, temperature, and aluminum (Al) on the fatty acid (FA) seminal profile, reproductive parameters (fertilization and hatching) and embryonic development of Astyanax altiparanae. We treated males with different experimental treatments, corresponding to the combination of water temperature (20 °C; 25 °C), pH (neutral - 7.0; acidic - 5.5), and the absence or presence of Al (0.5 mg L^-1). After 96 h, we analyzed the FA profile of semen and performed artificial fertilization in activating medium with neutral pH or activating medium in the same experimental conditions of the males (neutral pH, acidic pH, and Al) to evaluate fertilization and hatching rates and to monitor embryonic development. Polyunsaturated FA percentage decreased in semen of fish from the neutral group, while monounsaturated FA increased in all groups maintained at 20 °C compared to 25 °C. Aluminum exposure decreased the percentage of C20:4n6 and increased the percentage of C22:5n3 at 20 °C. Males exposed to acidic pH and Al showed lower fertilization and hatching rates, as well as increased mortality of embryos and larvae. Moreover, Al favoured a higher percentage of abnormal larvae. Fertilization in Al activating medium harmed the embryos and larvae since fertilization and hatching rates decreased. Finally, temperature influenced fertilization time, hatching rate, and the morphology of embryos and larvae. Males exposed to Al had lower fertilizing capacity, which negatively affected the embryonic development of the species. Furthermore, Al activating medium reduced the number of fertilized oocytes, hatched embryos, and normal larvae. All events were temperature dependent.

Aluminum, at an environmental concentration, associated with acidic pH and high water temperature, causes impairment of sperm quality in the freshwater teleost Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characidae)

Given the toxicity of metals, including aluminum (Al), and the effects of water temperature on ectotherms, we investigated the individual or association effect of these variables (Al + acidic pH + temperature changes) on sperm quality of Astyanax altiparanae. Mature males were divided into nine experimental groups based on the combination of each of three water temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) with neutral and acidic pH values (7.0 and 5.5, respectively) with or without 0.5 mg L^-1 Al. The fish were subjected to subacute, semi-static exposure and at 24 and 96 h were evaluated for seminal parameters: (1) pH; (2) osmolality; (3) sperm concentration; (4) sperm morphology; (5) sperm kinetics; and (6) sperm ultrastructure. At 30 °C, Al caused a reduction in osmolality (24 and 96 h) and sperm concentration (24 h). When analysing sperm kinetics (30 s post-activation), Al caused a reduction in total motility at all temperatures (24 h), and when this exposure time was longer (96 h), both acidic pH and Al addition to the water caused sperm motility reduction. By analysing curvilinear velocity (VCL) 30 s after sperm activation (24 and 96 h), the acidic pH caused a reduction in sperm movement at 20 and 30 °C, but at 25 °C Al triggered this reduction. Finally, Al in the water caused ultrastructural changes in the sperm head, midpiece, and flagella regardless of water temperature. Also, it was found that the combination of Al at 30 °C caused a reduction in sperm head area while at 20 °C, Al triggered a reduction in the midpiece area. Therefore, acidity influenced some A. altiparanae sperm parameters but Al in the water accentuated these effects on seminal quality, especially seminal osmolality and sperm concentration, kinetics, and ultrastructure. This toxicity was also influenced by changes in water temperature.

Bioaccumulation of rare earth elements in juvenile arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) under field experimental conditions

Few ecotoxicological studies exist on the accumulation and effects of rare earth elements (REEs) in fish, particularly on Arctic species. In southwest Greenland, there are currently several advanced exploration REE mining projects. The aim of this study was to investigate accumulation of REEs in native fish species. Juvenile arctic chars, Salvelinus alpinus, were pulse-exposed to cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La) and yttrium (Y) using an in-situ flow-through system over a period of 15 days. Results showed that the arctic char accumulated most REEs in the gills > liver > muscle. We also demonstrated the ability of the arctic char to rapidly excrete the REEs throughout the experiment, where levels of post exposure accumulation also declined throughout the period. These results demonstrate the importance of further studies on accumulation of REE in the arctic char native to the site of future mining operations. Long-term exposure will most likely result in accumulation of REEs in arctic char, and the effects and accumulation patterns of this should be explored further.

Transformation of the chemical composition of surface waters in the area of the exploited Lomonosov diamond deposit (NW Russia)

The specific objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the chemical composition of river waters during the exploitation of the Lomonosov diamond deposit and the danger of these changes for the ichthyofauna. It was found that the Ca-HCO₃ composition of river water both upstream and downstream from the quarry was almost identical before discharge of the drainage waters into the river. In subsequent years, the water downstream from the quarry acquired a Na-HCO₃ composition, and then a Na-HCO₃-Cl composition and TDS increased by 2.5 times. With respect to Fe, Mn, and Mo, concentrations that are above the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) for fishery rivers are apparent. At the same time, elevated Fe and Mn concentrations are associated with the natural composition of river water. The negative influence of drainage waters is manifested only with respect to the high concentrations of Mo. An important role in increasing Mo concentrations in drainage waters is played by the processes of hydrolysis of sodium aluminosilicates and mixing of fresh water with salt water. The concentrations of Sr, B, Ba, V, and Cr in drainage waters are higher than those in surface waters. However, they generally do not exceed the concentrations of the current MPCs. The source of Cr, Ba, Ni, and V in the drainage waters can be the products of the kimberlite magmatism. The possible impacts of metals effects on fish are presented.

Impairment of antioxidant mechanisms in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) by acute exposure to aluminum

Increasing aluminum (Al) concentrations in aquatic habitats as a result of anthropogenic acidification and industrialization is a global issue. Moreover, in extensive areas of the humid tropics and subtropics, high Al concentrations in freshwater are observed because of both naturally low pH and high Al concentrations in soil. Al increases production of reactive oxygen species and enhances oxidative damage in mammals. However, no studies have examined the effect of environmentally relevant concentrations of Al at low pH on oxidative stress in fish. This study assessed Al-induced effects on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and on expression of oxidative stress-related genes at low pH using Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes). Larval fish were exposed to dissolved Al concentrations of 0, 1.7, 6.2 and 16.7μgL^-1 for 4days at pH5.3 in soft water. Al caused a significant reduction in activity of glutathione peroxidase at 6.2 and 16.7μgL^-1, and of glutathione reductase at 16.7μgL^-1 in whole body homogenates. No changes were observed in the expression of the glutathione peroxidase gene, and expression levels of the glutathione reductase gene were too low to be quantitated. Even though there was an overall decrease in the activity of catalase and in the concentration of glutathione, differences were not significant compared to the control. Changes in lipid peroxidation were not found. This study showed that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of Al at low pH impairs antioxidant defense mechanisms of Medaka.

Ultrathin Alumina Membranes as Scaffold for Epithelial Cell Culture from the Intestine of Rainbow Trout

Permeable membranes are indispensable for in vitro epithelial barrier models. However, currently available polymer-based membranes are low in porosity and relatively thick, resulting in a limited permeability and unrealistic culture conditions. In this study, we developed an ultrathin, nanoporous alumina membrane as novel cell culture interface for vertebrate cells, with focus on the rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) intestinal cell line RTgutGC. The new type of membrane is framed in a silicon chip for physical support and has a thickness of only 1 μm, with a porosity of 15% and homogeneous nanopores (Ø = 73 ± 21 nm). Permeability rates for small molecules, namely lucifer yellow, dextran 40, and bovine serum albumin, exceeded those of standard polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes by up to 27 fold. With the final goal to establish a representative model of the fish intestine for environmental toxicology, we engineered a simple culture setup, capable of testing the cellular response toward chemical exposure. Herein, cells were cultured in a monolayer on the alumina membranes and formed a polarized epithelium with apical expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 within 14 days. Impedance spectroscopy, a noninvasive and real time electrical measurement, was used to determine cellular resistance during epithelial layer formation and chemical exposure to evaluate barrier functionality. Resistance values during epithelial development revealed different stages of epithelial maturity and were comparable with the in vivo situation. During chemical exposure, cellular resistance changed immediately when barrier tightness or cell viability was affected. Thus, our study demonstrates nanoporous alumina membranes as promising novel interface for alternative in vitro approaches, capable of allowing cell culture in a physiologically realistic manner and enabling high quality microscopy and sensitive measurement of cellular resistance.

Isotopically exchangeable Al in coastal lowland acid sulfate soils

Periodic discharges of high concentrations of aluminium (Al) causing fish kills and other adverse effects occur worldwide in waterways affected by coastal lowland acid sulfate soils (CLASS). The exchangeability - a metal's ability to readily transfer between the soil solid- and solution-phases - of Al in these soils is therefore of particular importance as it has implications for metal transport, plant availability and toxicity to living organisms. In the present study, the concentrations of isotopically exchangeable Al (E values) were measured in 27 CLASS and compared with common salt extractions (i.e. KCl and CuCl2) used to estimate exchangeable soil pools of Al. E values of Al were high in the soils, ranging from 357 to 3040 mg·kg(-1). Exchangeable concentrations estimated using 1 M KCl were consistently lower than measured E values, although a reasonable correlation was obtained between the two values (E=1.68×AlKCl, r(2)=0.66, n=25). The addition of a 0.2 M CuCl2 extraction step improved the 1:1 agreement between extractable and isotopically exchangeable Al concentrations, but lead to significant mobilisation of non-isotopically exchangeable Al in surficial 'organic-rich' CLASS having E values<1000 mg·kg(-1). It was concluded that currently used (i.e. 1 M KCl) methodology severely underestimates exchangeable Al and total actual acidity values in CLASS and should be corrected by a factor similar to the one determined here.

DGT measurement of dissolved aluminum species in waters: comparing Chelex-100 and titanium dioxide-based adsorbents

Aluminum is acutely toxic, and elevated concentrations of dissolved Al can have detrimental effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Robust analytical methods that can determine environmentally relevant Al fractions accurately and efficiently are required by the environmental monitoring community. A simple, robust passive sampling method, the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique, was evaluated for the measurement of dissolved Al species in freshwater and marine water using either Chelex-100 or Metsorb (a titanium dioxide-based binding agent) as the adsorbent. Mass vs time DGT deployments at pH 5.05 (Al(3+) and Al(OH)(2+) dominate) and 8.35 (Al(OH)(4)(-) dominates) demonstrated linear uptake of Al (R(2) = 0.989 and 0.988, respectively) for Metsorb. Similar deployments of Chelex-DGT showed linear uptake at pH 5.05 (R(2) = 0.994); however, at pH 8.35 the mass of Al accumulated was 40-70% lower than predicted, suggesting that Chelex-100 is not suitable for Al measurements at high pH. The Metsorb-DGT measurement was independent of pH (5.0-8.5) and ionic strength (0.001-0.7 mol L(-1) NaNO(3)), whereas the Chelex-DGT measurement was only independent of ionic strength at pH 5.0. At pH 8.4, increasing ionic strength led to considerable underestimation (up to 67%) of Al concentration. Deployments of Metsorb-DGT (up to 4 days) in synthetic freshwater (pH range 5.4-8.1) and synthetic seawater (pH 8.15) resulted in linear mass uptakes, and the concentration measured by DGT agreed well with solution concentrations. Conversely, deployment of Chelex-DGT in synthetic seawater and freshwater (pH ≥7.7 Al(OH)(4)(-) dominant species) resulted in a decrease in accumulated mass with increasing deployment time. In situ field evaluations in fresh, estuarine, and marine waters confirmed that Metsorb-DGT was more accurate than Chelex-DGT for the measurement of dissolved Al in typical environmental waters.