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Diao Z, Feng G, Xu W, Zhu F, Zhang Y, Duan J, Xu M, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhao S, Wang S, Yuan X. Development of diffusive gradients in thin-films technique for monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134384. [PMID: 38663292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Addressing the challenge of accurately monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic systems, this study employed diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique to achieve methods detection limits as low as 0.02 ng L-1 to 0.05 ng L-1 through in situ preconcentration and determination of time-integrated concentrations. The efficacy of the developed DGT samplers was validated under diverse environmental conditions, demonstrating independence from factors such as pH (5.03-9.01), dissolved organic matter (0-20 mg L-1), and ionic strength (0.0001-0.6 M). Notably, the introduction of a novel theoretical approach to calculate diffusion coefficients based on solvent-accessible volume tailored for PAHs significantly enhanced the method's applicability, particularly for organic pollutants with low solubility. Field deployments in coastal zones validated the DGT method against traditional grab sampling, with findings advocating a 4 to 7-day optimal deployment duration for balancing sensitivity and mitigating lag time effects. These results provide a sophisticated, efficient solution to the persistent challenge of monitoring hydrophobic organic pollutants in aquatic environments, broadening the scope and applicability of DGT in environmental science and providing a robust tool for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishan Diao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Guoqin Feng
- Shanghai Hansoh Biomedical, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Weikun Xu
- National Deep-Sea Center, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Fanping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Yiqiao Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Jianlu Duan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Mengxin Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
| | - Shan Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shuguang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; WeiHai Research Institute of Industrial Technology of Shandong University, Weihai 264209, PR China
| | - Xianzheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China; Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
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2
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Su Q, Xiao W, Simpson SL, Tan QG, Chen R, Xie M. Enhancing Sediment Bioaccumulation Predictions: Isotopically Modified Bioassay and Biodynamic Modeling for Nickel Assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19352-19362. [PMID: 37971896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05914] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying metal bioaccumulation in a sedimentary environment is a valuable line of evidence when evaluating the ecological risks associated with metal-contaminated sediments. However, the precision of bioaccumulation predictions has been hindered by the challenges in accurately modeling metal influx processes. This study focuses on nickel bioaccumulation from sediment and introduces an innovative approach using the isotopically modified bioassay to directly measure nickel assimilation rates in sediment. Tested in sediments spiked with two distinct nickel concentrations, the measured Ni assimilation rates ranged from 35 to 78 ng g-1 h-1 in the Low-Ni treatment and from 96 to 320 ng g-1 h-1 in the High-Ni treatment. Integrating these rates into a biodynamic model yielded predictions of nickel bioaccumulation closely matching the measured results, demonstrating high accuracy with predictions within a factor of 3 for the Low-Ni treatment and within a factor of 1 for the High-Ni treatment. By eliminating the need to model metal uptake from various sources, this streamlined approach provides a reliable method for predicting nickel bioaccumulation in contaminated sediments. This advancement holds promise for linking bioaccumulation with metal toxicity risks in sedimentary environments, enhancing our understanding of metal-contaminated sediment risks and providing valuable insights to support informed decision-making in ecological risk assessment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Wenze Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Environment, Sydney 2334, New South Wales, Australia
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiao-Guo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
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Zhang Y, Xie M, Spadaro DM, Simpson SL. Improving toxicity prediction of metal-contaminated sediments by incorporating sediment properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122708. [PMID: 37806427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122708] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
For the purpose of sediment quality assessment, the prediction of toxicity risk-levels for aquatic organisms based on simple environmental measurements is desirable. One commonly used approach is the comparison of total contaminant concentrations with corresponding water and sediment quality guideline values, serving as a Line of Evidence (LoE) based on chemistry-toxicity effects relationships. However, the accuracy of toxicity predictions can be improved by considering the factors that modify contaminant bioavailability. In this study we used paired chemistry-ecotoxicity data sets for sediments to evaluate the improvement in toxicity risk predictions using bioavailability-modified guidelines. The sediments were predominantly contaminated with metals, and measurements of sediment particle size, total organic carbon (TOC) and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) were used to modify hazard quotients (HQ). To further assess the predictive efficacy of the bioavailability-modified guideline models, sediments with differing contamination levels were tested for toxicity to a benthic amphipod's reproduction. To account for differences between laboratory exposure and field exposure scenarios, where the latter creates greater dilution, both static-renewal and flow-through test procedures were employed, and flow-through resulted in lower dissolved metal concentrations in the overlying waters. We also investigated how lower AVS concentration by oxidation modified the toxicity. This study reaffirmed that consideration of factors that influence contaminant bioavailability improves toxicity risk predictions, however the improvements may be modest. The sediment particle size data had the greatest influence on the modified HQ, indicating that higher percentage of fine particle size (<63 μm) contributed most to a lower predicted toxicity. The comparison of the static-renewal and flow-through test results continue to raise important questions about the relevance of static or static-renewal toxicity test results for risk assessment decisions, as both these test designs may cause unrealistically high contributions of dissolved metals in overlying waters to toxicity. Overall, this study underscores the value of incorporating outcomes from simple and routine sediment analysis (e.g., particle size, TOC, and consideration of AVS) to enhance the predictive efficacy of toxicity risk assessments in the context of sediment quality risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- CSIRO Environment, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Remediation & Pollution Control for Urban Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | | | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Environment, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Elhaj Baddar Z, Xu X, Spencer B. Spatiotemporal Changes in Trace Metal Bioavailability in the Sediment Pore water of a Constructed Wetland Using Passive Pore water Samplers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2726-2736. [PMID: 37671844 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5745] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Sediments in aquatic systems often act as a major sink for contaminants. Diffusive gradient in thin films (DGTs) and in situ equilibrium dialysis samplers (peepers) are two major in situ pore water sampling devices that overcome the problems associated with conventional pore water sampling methods. In the present study, DGTs and peepers were used to study the spatial and seasonal effects (cool months, October-February; warm months, May-September) on metal bioavailability in the H-02 constructed wetland and the sink versus source role of the sediments by calculating the metal resupply capacity. Data showed similar seasonal trends in metal concentrations using passive samplers, peepers, and DGTs. Pooled Cu and Zn concentrations measured using DGTs were lower in warm months (1.67 ± 1.50 and 2.62 ± 0.68 μg L-1 , respectively, p < 0.001) versus in cool months (2.12 ± 0.65 and 5.58 ± 1.33 μg L-1 , respectively, p < 0.001; mean ± 95% confidence interval). Sulfate (SO4 2- ) concentrations were significantly (p = 0.0139) lower in warm months (averaged at 0.22 ± 0.05 mg L-1 ) compared to in cool months (0.16 ± 0.05 mg L-1 ). The increase in SO4 2- concentration is an indicator of the lower activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria, which need SO4 2- during anaerobic respiration, in which SO4 2- is reduced to sulfide (S2- ) that forms insoluble salts with Cu and Zn, which could partially explain the higher bioavailability of these metals in the cool season. Metal resupply capacity of the sediments was mostly <0.2 for Cu and Zn. Taken together, the H0-2 wetland sediments mostly acted as a sink to both Cu and Zn over the course of the present study. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2726-2736. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinah Elhaj Baddar
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Breann Spencer
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
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Chanpiwat P, Ponsin M, Numprasanthai A. Effects of sediment resuspension and changes in water nutrient concentrations on the remobilization of lead from contaminated sediments in Klity Creek, Thailand. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117909. [PMID: 37060694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
As Pb-containing sediments in Klity Creek have had negative impacts on the area for more than 20 years, the Supreme Court ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of Thailand to remediate the site. In response to the court order, the PCD decided to reduce the contamination level by dredging the sediments of the creek. Therefore, this study is the first investigation to be conducted on the coupled effects of sediment resuspension caused by dredging and changes in water nutrient concentrations upon the remobilization of Pb from sediments into the water column. The Pb concentrations and speciation in both the water and sediments collected from upstream and downstream regions of the contaminated area were determined. The results showed that the total Pb concentrations in the water taken from all sampling sites in both the dry and wet seasons were lower than the national standard (50 μg/L), and a very low mobility index was found for Pb. The highest total Pb concentration in the sediments (6930 mg/kg) from the downstream site was 23.7- to 30.4-fold greater than those of the sediments collected from the upstream site. The predominant Pb species (organic and residual Pb fractions) in the sediments collected during the dry season were identified. However, carbonate- and Fe-Mn oxide-bound Pb fractions were mainly found in the sediments collected in the wet season. The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT)-labile Pb concentrations, which reached 2.1 mg/L, indicated potential toxicity to aquatic organisms. A total of nine resuspension scenarios generalizing all changes in water nutrient concentrations in addition to sediment resuspension due to dredging were constructed. The results confirmed that sediment resuspension alone could remobilize Pb from the sediments into the water at levels from 0.06 to 16.9 μg/L. Sediment resuspension in water contaminated with 1 mg/L phosphate (PO43-) led to the dissolution of 28.4-73.0 μg/L Pb in the water column. Nitrate (NO3-) did not significantly remobilize Pb from the sediments into the water. The high ionic strength and activity coefficient of PO43- in the water were expected to cause the retention of dissolved Pb in the water and enhance the remobilization of Pb from the sediments due to the association of Pb with PO43- in the water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penradee Chanpiwat
- Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Environmental Innovation and Management of Metals (EnvIMM), Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Montree Ponsin
- Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Apisit Numprasanthai
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Innovation and Management of Metals (EnvIMM), Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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6
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Li C, Ding S, Ma X, Wang Y, Sun Q, Zhong Z, Chen M, Fan X. Sediment arsenic remediation by submerged macrophytes via root-released O 2 and microbe-mediated arsenic biotransformation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131006. [PMID: 36801722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As)-contaminated water restoration is extremely challenging because As remobilization from sediments can result in episodic or long-term release of As to the overlying water. In this study, by combining high-resolution imaging techniques with microbial community profiling, we examined the feasibility of utilizing the rhizoremediation of submerged macrophytes (Potamogeton crispus) to decrease As bioavailability and regulate its biotransformation in sediments. Results showed that P. crispus considerably decreased the rhizospheric labile As flux to lower than 4 pg cm-2 s-1 from larger than 7 pg cm-2 s-1, suggesting its effectiveness in promoting As retention in sediments. Iron plaques induced by radial oxygen loss from roots decreased the mobility of As by sequestering it. Additionally, Mn-oxides may act as an oxidizer for the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) in the rhizosphere, which can further increase the As adsorption owing to the strong binding affinity between As(V) and Fe-oxides. Furthermore, microbially mediated As oxidation and methylation were intensified in the microoxic rhizosphere, which decreased the mobility and toxicity of As by changing its speciation. Our study demonstrated that root-driven abiotic and biotic transformation contribute to As retention in sediments, which lays a foundation for applying macrophytes to the remediation of As-contaminated sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiming Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Xin Ma
- School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Qin Sun
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhilin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Musong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xianfang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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Liu Q, Jia Z, Liu G, Li S, Hu J. Assessment of heavy metals remobilization and release risks at the sediment-water interface in estuarine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114517. [PMID: 36580839 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114517] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The influence of overlying hydrodynamics on the exchange behaviour and fluxes of heavy metals at the sediment-water interface (SWI) is poorly understood. In the study, metals exchange behaviour and exchange rate at the SWI under resuspended and undisturbed scenario were investigated The results showed that dissolved Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations increased rapidly to attain maximum values between 0.3 and 0.5 N·m-2 after the sediment resuspended. Following the quick release, metals concentrations gradually decreased and remained at relatively low levels, especially for Cu and Zn. Meanwhile, Cu, Zn, and Pb had higher potential remobilization potential in the undisturbed case. Calculating with the hydrodynamics in the Modaomen, the metals efflux under the resuspension scenario could reach 0.55 to 4130.83 mg·m-2·yr-1, which were 1-3 orders of magnitudes higher than the undisturbed case. Whether or not resuspension events occurred, estuarine sediments were source of heavy metals, especially in the weakly mixed zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxin Liu
- Eco-Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, Pearl River Valley and South China Sea Ecology and Environment Administration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510611, China
| | - Zhenzhen Jia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Guangzhou Liu
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-environmental Science (Provincial Ecological Environment Engineering Assessment Center), Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiatang Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Guangzhou 510275, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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8
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Wu Q, Su Q, Simpson SL, Tan QG, Chen R, Xie M. Isotopically Modified Bioassay Bridges the Bioavailability and Toxicity Risk Assessment of Metals in Bedded Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16919-16928. [PMID: 36372997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06193] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The application of bioavailability-based risk assessment for the management of contaminated sediments requires new techniques to rapidly and accurately determine metal bioavailability. Here, we designed a multimetal isotopically modified bioassay to directly measure the bioavailability of different metals by tracing the change in their isotopic composition within organisms following sediment exposure. With a 24 h sediment exposure, the bioassay sensed significant bioavailability of nickel and lead within the sediment and determined that cadmium and copper exhibited low bioavailable concentrations and risk profiles. We further tested whether the metal bioavailability sensed by this new bioassay would predict the toxicity risk of metals by examining the relationship between metal bioavailability and metal toxicity to chironomid larvae emergence. A strong dose-toxicity relationship between nickel bioavailability (nickel assimilation rate) and toxicity (22 days emergence ratio) indicated exposure to bioavailable nickel in the sediment induced toxic effects to the chironomids. Overall, our study demonstrated that the isotopically modified bioassay successfully determined metal bioavailability in sediments within a relatively short period of exposure. Because of its speed of measurement, it may be used at the initial screening stage to rapidly diagnose the bioavailable contamination status of a site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Qijing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, New South Wales2232, Australia
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, Guangdong511458, China
| | - Qiao-Guo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
| | - Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian361102, China
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9
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Gavrić S, Flanagan K, Österlund H, Blecken GT, Viklander M. Facilitating maintenance of stormwater ponds: comparison of analytical methods for determination of metal pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:74877-74893. [PMID: 35650338 PMCID: PMC9550750 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20694-0] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stormwater ponds are widely used for controlling runoff quality through the sedimentation of particles and associated pollutants. Their maintenance requires regular removal and disposal of accumulated material. This necessitates an assessment of material hazardousness, including potential hazard due to its contamination by metals. Here we analyze 32 stormwater pond sediment samples from 17 facilities using several chemical analysis methods (total extraction, sequential extraction, diffusive gradients in thin-films DGT, and pore water extraction) in order to consider the complementarity and comparability of the different approaches. No clear relationship was found between analyses that have the potential to measure similar metal fractions (DGT and either fraction 1 of the sequential extraction (adsorbed and exchangeable metals and carbonates) or pore water concentrations). Loss on ignition (LOI) had a significant positive correlation with an indicator of the environmental risk developed in this paper (∑ranks) that incorporates different metals, speciations, and environmental endpoints. Large variations in metal levels were observed between ponds. As clustering was limited between the different analyses, a comprehensive analysis of different parameters is still needed to fully understand metal speciation and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snežana Gavrić
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Kelsey Flanagan
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Heléne Österlund
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Godecke-Tobias Blecken
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Maria Viklander
- Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
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Neal-Walthall N, Ndu U, Rivera NA, Elias DA, Hsu-Kim H. Utility of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Film Passive Samplers for Predicting Mercury Methylation Potential and Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1743-1752. [PMID: 35044747 PMCID: PMC9630924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a risk in aquatic ecosystems when the metal is converted to methylmercury (MeHg) and subsequently bioaccumulates in aquatic food webs. This risk can be difficult to manage because of the complexity of biogeochemical processes for mercury and the need for accessible techniques to navigate this complexity. Here, we explored the use of diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) passive samplers as a tool to simultaneously quantify the methylation potential of inorganic Hg (IHg) and the bioaccumulation potential of MeHg in freshwater wetlands. Outdoor freshwater wetland mesocosms were amended with four isotopically labeled and geochemically relevant IHg forms that represent a range of methylation potentials (202Hg2+, 201Hg-humic acid, 199Hg-sorbed to FeS, and 200HgS nanoparticles). Six weeks after the spikes, we deployed DGT samplers in the mesocosm water and sediments, evaluated DGT-uptake rates of total Hg, MeHg, and IHg (calculated by difference) for the Hg isotope spikes, and examined correlations with total Hg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations in sediment, water, and micro and macrofauna in the ecosystem. In the sediments, we observed greater relative MeHg concentrations from the initially dissolved IHg isotope spikes and lower MeHg levels from the initially particulate IHg spikes. These trends were consistent with uptake flux of IHg into DGTs deployed in surface sediments. Moreover, we observed correlations between total Hg-DGT uptake flux and MeHg levels in periphyton biofilms, submergent plant stems, snails, and mosquitofish in the ecosystem. These correlations were better for DGTs deployed in the water column compared to DGTs in the sediments, suggesting the importance of vertical distribution of bioavailable MeHg in relation to food sources for macrofauna. Overall, these results demonstrate that DGT passive samplers are a relatively simple and efficient tool for predicting IHg methylation and MeHg bioaccumulation potentials without the need to explicitly delineate IHg and MeHg speciation and partitioning in complex ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Neal-Walthall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Udonna Ndu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Nelson A. Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Dwayne A. Elias
- Elias Consulting, LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, United States
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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Xie M, Huang JL, Lin Z, Chen R, Tan QG. Field to laboratory comparison of metal accumulation on aged microplastics in coastal waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149108. [PMID: 34303246 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of microplastics in the environment has attracted much attention on their risks. Though newly produced plastics were considered inert to aqueous metals, a few studies suggest aged microplastics can accumulate metals. Still, knowledge gap exists on the comparability of metal accumulation in field condition and that acquired in controlled laboratory settings. Accordingly, we comparatively assessed the field accumulation and laboratory adsorption of metals on aged microplastics in coastal waters. Microplastics of different polymeric types were aged for 8 weeks at three coastal sites with different contamination levels. Microplastics accumulated metals to substantial concentrations during ageing (median concentrations, μg g-1: Fe = 950, Mn = 94, Zn = 19, Cu = 2.8, Ni = 1.7, Pb = 1.6, and Cd = 0.005). Adsorption capacity of (aged) microplastics was evaluated in laboratory using a stable isotope tracer method. At environmentally realistic concentrations (μg L-1, 114Cd = 1.7, 65Cu = 4.4, 62Ni = 5.4, 206Pb = 0.5, and 68Zn = 13), the median concentrations of newly adsorbed isotopes on the aged microplastics were 0.01, 1.4, 0.07, 0.56, and 1.1 μg g-1, respectively, one to two orders of magnitude higher than those adsorbed on pristine microplastics. However, the composition pattern of metals accumulated on aged microplastics differed from the composition of metals newly adsorbed in laboratory: the prior one reflected the contamination status of ageing sites and varied by polymeric types; whereas the laboratory newly adsorbed metals on aged microplastics were uniformly correlated to particulate Fe and Mn concentrations, suggesting Fe and Mn mineral coatings mediated the ensuing metal adsorption. Such discrepancy unveiled the complexity of metal accumulation behavior in the real environment and highlighted that cares should be taken when translating laboratory findings to risk assessment of metal contaminated microplastics in the real environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems of Ministry of Education, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jun-Lin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems of Ministry of Education, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Qiao-Guo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems of Ministry of Education, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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Pouran H, Alkasbi M, Lahive E, Lofts S, Zhang H. Measuring ZnO nanoparticles available concentrations in contaminated soils using the diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) technique. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 793:148654. [PMID: 34182444 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148654] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A major gap in understanding nanomaterials behaviour in the environment is a lack of reliable tools to measure their available concentrations. In this research we use diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) for measuring concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNO NPs) in soils. Available nanoparticle concentrations were assessed by difference, using paired DGT devices with and without 1000 MWCO dialysis membranes to exclude NPs. We used ZnO because its toxic effects are accelerated through dissolution to Zn2+. Our test soils had different pH and organic matter (OM) contents, which both affect the dissolution rate of ZnO NPs. Woburn (pH ≈ 6.9, OM ≈ 1.8%) and Lufa (pH ≈ 5.9, OM ≈ 4.2%) soils were spiked to a single concentration of 500 mg of ZnO NPs per 1 kg of soil and the available concentrations of ZnO NPs and dissolved zinc were evaluated in 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 day intervals using DGT. The results showed that the dissolution of ZnO NPs, as well as the available concentrations of both dissolved and nanoparticulate Zn, was much higher in Lufa soil than in Woburn. This work demonstrates that DGT can be used as a simple yet reliable technique for determining concentrations of ZnO NPs in soils and probing its dissolution kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Pouran
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK.
| | | | - Elma Lahive
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Stephen Lofts
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Hao Zhang
- Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
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Wu Q, Zheng T, Simpson SL, Tan QG, Chen R, Xie M. Application of a Multi-Metal Stable-Isotope-Enriched Bioassay to Assess Changes to Metal Bioavailability in Suspended Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13005-13013. [PMID: 34520179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03827] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The direct measurement of particulate contaminant bioavailability is a challenging aspect for the environmental risk assessment of contaminated sites. Here, we demonstrated a multi-metal stable-isotope-enriched bioassay to simultaneously measure the bioavailability of Cd, Cu, and Zn in naturally contaminated sediments following differing periods of resuspension treatment. Freshwater filter-feeding clams were pre-labeled with the isotopes 114Cd, 65Cu, and 68Zn to elevate isotope abundances in their tissues and then exposed to metal-contaminated suspended sediments. The assimilation of sediment-associated metals by clams would decrease the isotope ratios (Cd114/111, Cu65/63, and Zn68/64) in tissues, providing a direct measurement of metal bioavailability. For the sediments tested here, the method revealed bioavailable cadmium and non-bioavailable copper in sediments but was inconclusive for zinc. With a longer resuspension time, the bioavailability of particulate cadmium increased, but that of copper was unaffected. Metal bioavailability predicted using traditional wet-chemical extraction methods was inconsistent with these findings. The study indicated that multi-metal stable-isotope-enriched bioassay provides a new tool for directly assessing metal bioavailability in sediments, and this method is amenable for use in in situ assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tianying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, CSIRO Land and Water, Sydney, New South Wales 2334, Australia
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiao-Guo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Minwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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