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Palace V, Graves S, Brandt J. Guidance on assessing the potential impacts of selenium in freshwater ecosystems. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38888255 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of fate and effects studies, environmental selenium (Se) contamination and management remain an issue for many freshwater systems in North America. Several regulatory bodies have promulgated updated targets or management levels for Se; however, additional guidance on best practices for monitoring Se to protect freshwater aquatic life is warranted. In this article, we describe current approaches to assessing the ecological risks of Se in impaired freshwater systems and outline recommended methods for collecting and analyzing biological and abiotic samples and interpreting data. Because reproductive impairment of fish populations is most commonly used to determine the potential impacts of Se, several biological factors that could affect Se toxicity are explored, including diet, trophic positions, reproductive biology, body size and maturity, migratory movements, and use of seasonal habitats. Measuring Se concentrations in mature eggs is the most reliable metric for estimating potential reproductive impairment in fish populations because the range of toxicity thresholds is relatively narrow for all but a few tolerant fish species. In situations where collecting mature eggs is not feasible, we review the use of alternative fish tissue for estimating potential effects. Factors affecting Se uptake from freshwater are also considered with guidance on collecting abiotic (e.g., water and sediment) and biotic components of aquatic food webs (e.g., macroinvertebrates, biofilm). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vince Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Jessica Brandt
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment & Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Wang F, Zhang J, Xu L, Ma A, Zhuang G, Huo S, Zou B, Qian J, Cui Y. Selenium volatilization in plants, microalgae, and microorganisms. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26023. [PMID: 38390045 PMCID: PMC10881343 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The augmented prevalence of Se (Se) pollution can be attributed to various human activities, such as mining, coal combustion, oil extraction and refining, and agricultural irrigation. Although Se is vital for animals, humans, and microorganisms, excessive concentrations of this element can give rise to potential hazards. Consequently, numerous approaches have been devised to mitigate Se pollution, encompassing physicochemical techniques and bioremediation. The recognition of Se volatilization as a potential strategy for mitigating Se pollution in contaminated environments is underscored in this review. This study delves into the volatilization mechanisms in various organisms, including plants, microalgae, and microorganisms. By assessing the efficacy of Se removal and identifying the rate-limiting steps associated with volatilization, this paper provides insightful recommendations for Se mitigation. Constructed wetlands are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative in the treatment of Se volatilization. The fate, behavior, bioavailability, and toxicity of Se within complex environmental systems are comprehensively reviewed. This knowledge forms the basis for developing management plans that aimed at mitigating Se contamination in wetlands and protecting the associated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Institute of Agricultural Products Processing Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Ling Xu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Institute of Agricultural Products Processing Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Anzhou Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Shuhao Huo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Bin Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jingya Qian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Yi Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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Wilkie AA, Richardson DB, Luben TJ, Serre ML, Woods CG, Daniels JL. Sulfur dioxide reduction at coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and associations with preterm birth among surrounding residents. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e241. [PMID: 37064422 PMCID: PMC10097570 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) are major contributors of air pollution, including the majority of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which have been associated with preterm birth (PTB). To address a 2002 North Carolina (NC) policy, 14 of the largest NC CFPPs either installed desulfurization equipment (scrubbers) or retired coal units, resulting in substantial reductions of SO2 air emissions. We investigated whether SO2 air emission reduction strategies at CFPPs in NC were associated with changes in prevalence of PTB in nearby communities. Methods We used US EPA Air Markets Program Data to track SO2 emissions and determine the implementation dates of intervention at CFPPs and geocoded 2003-2015 NC singleton live births. We conducted a difference-in-difference analysis to estimate change in PTB associated with change in SO2 reduction strategies for populations living 0-<4 and 4-<10 miles from CFPPs pre- and postintervention, with a comparison of those living 10-<15 miles from CFPPs. Results With the spatial-temporal exposure restrictions applied, 42,231 and 41,218 births were within 15 miles of CFPP-scrubbers and CFPP-retired groups, respectively. For residents within 4-<10 miles from a CFPP, we estimated that the absolute prevalence of PTB decreased by -1.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.6, -0.4] associated with scrubber installation and -0.5% (95% CI: -1.6, 0.6) associated with the retirement of coal units at CFPPs. Our findings were imprecise and generally null-to-positive among those living within 0-<4 miles regardless of the intervention type. Conclusions Results suggest a reduction of PTB among residents 4-<10 miles of the CFPPs that installed scrubbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A Wilkie
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Postdoctoral Fellow at US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Thomas J Luben
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Marc L Serre
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Courtney G Woods
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Julie L Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [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: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
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Wen C, Zhu S, Li N, Luo X. Source apportionment and risk assessment of metal pollution in natural biofilms and surface water along the Lancang River, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156977. [PMID: 35772562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein, surface water and periphytic biofilm samples were collected from 16 sites along the Lancang River, China, to assess the spatial distribution, enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk index (RI), and associated source-oriented health risks of heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in the samples. Results showed that the levels of heavy metals were significantly lower in the surface water samples than in the biofilm samples (one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.001). Moreover, 37.50 % of the biofilm samples were significantly polluted by these heavy metals with a mean EF of >5. As and V were the highest polluting metals, and the enrichment of Co and Ni were attributed to natural sources. RI assessment results showed a consistent ecological risk of As. Based on principal component analysis with multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models, the presence of heavy metal ions in the biofilm samples was largely attributed to industrial activities (PCA-MLR: 68.89 %; PMF: 76.39 %), followed by a mixed source of natural and agricultural activities (PCA-MLR: 18.12 %; PMF: 13.56 %), and traffic emissions (PCA-MLR: 12.99 %; PMF: 10.05 %). Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks for adults were negligible even though adults tended to be exposed to greater risk through ingestion. Source-specific risk evaluations indicated that industrial pollution was the most important source of health risks. Our findings highlight the potential threat of biofilms to the ecological and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wen
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shijun Zhu
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Nihong Li
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China.
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Li T, Xu H, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Hu X, Sun Y, Gu X, Luo J, Zhou D, Gao B. Treatment technologies for selenium contaminated water: A critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 299:118858. [PMID: 35041898 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Selenium is an indispensable trace element for humans and other organisms; however, excessive selenium in water can jeopardize the aquatic environment. Investigations on the biogeochemical cycle of selenium have shown that anthropogenic activities such as mining, refinery, and coal combustion mainly contribute to aquatic selenium pollution, imposing tremendous risks on ecosystems and human beings. Various technologies thus have been developed recently to treat selenium contaminated water to reduce its environmental impacts. This work provides a critical review on the applications, characteristics, and latest developments of current treatment technologies for selenium polluted water. It first outlines the present status of the characteristics, sources, and toxicity of selenium in water. Selenium treatment technologies are then classified into three categories: 1) physicochemical separation including membrane filtration, adsorption, coagulation/precipitation, 2) redox decontamination including chemical reduction and catalysis, and 3) biological transformation including microbial treatment and constructed wetland. Details of these methods including their overall efficiencies, applicability, advantages and drawbacks, and latest developments are systematically analyzed and compared. Although all these methods are promising in treating selenium in water, further studies are still needed to develop sustainable strategies based on existing and new technologies. Perspectives on future research directions are laid out at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry of Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanshuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Center of Material Analysis and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry of Ministry of Education, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hydrosciences Department, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyuan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Ku P, Tsui MTK, Liu S, Corson KB, Williams AS, Monteverde MR, Woerndle GE, Hershey AE, Rublee PA. Examination of mercury contamination from a recent coal ash spill into the Dan River, North Carolina, United States. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111469. [PMID: 33091769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Coal ash spills occasionally occur due to the accidental failure of surface impoundments, and toxic metal-laden ash can pose a serious health threat to adjacent aquatic ecosystems. Here, we performed an investigation into longitudinal variations of mercury (Hg) contamination in the Dan River (North Carolina, United States) about 17 and 29 months after a February 2014 coal ash spill incident, in which the reported Hg concentrations in the spilled coal ash (210 ng/g) were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the river sediments (2-61 ng/g). We examined total Hg (THg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) in sediments from 0 to 65 km downstream of the spill, and found that most of the variations of THg and MeHg in surface sediments (0-16 cm) could be well accounted by the organic matter content and appeared to be not contaminated by Hg derived from coal ash. In examining MeHg bioaccumulation in invertebrates (aquatic and riparian) and fish in the Dan River and fish in a reservoir downstream of Dan River, we found no evidence of elevated MeHg bioaccumulation due to the 2014 coal ash spill. Thus, we concluded that Hg contamination from the coal ash spill is largely absent in the Dan River for both surface sediments and biota within the first three years of spill (until 2017), even though the majority of coal ash may be buried deeper in the sediment in the river channel and/or the downstream reservoir. Alternatively, the Hg associated with the coal ash is largely not bioavailable for extensive microbial Hg methylation. The findings provide useful insights into remediation strategies for this incident and other coal ash spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijia Ku
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA.
| | - Songnian Liu
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Kimber B Corson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Ashley S Williams
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Matthew R Monteverde
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Glenn E Woerndle
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Anne E Hershey
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Parke A Rublee
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
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Sabuda MC, Rosenfeld CE, DeJournett TD, Schroeder K, Wuolo-Journey K, Santelli CM. Fungal Bioremediation of Selenium-Contaminated Industrial and Municipal Wastewaters. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2105. [PMID: 33013769 PMCID: PMC7507899 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element for most organisms yet can cause severe negative biological consequences at elevated levels. The oxidized forms of Se, selenate [Se(VI)] and selenite [Se(IV)], are more mobile, toxic, and bioavailable than the reduced forms of Se such as volatile or solid phases. Thus, selenate and selenite pose a greater threat to ecosystems and human health. As current Se remediation technologies have varying efficiencies and costs, novel strategies to remove elevated Se levels from environments impacted by anthropogenic activities are desirable. Some common soil fungi quickly remove Se (IV and VI) from solution by aerobic reduction to solid or volatile forms. Here, we perform bench-scale culture experiments of two Se-reducing Ascomycota to determine their Se removal capacity in growth media conditions containing either Se(IV) or Se(VI) as well as in Se-containing municipal (∼25 μg/L Se) and industrial (∼2000 μg/L Se) wastewaters. Dissolved Se was measured throughout the experiments to assess Se concentration and removal rates. Additionally, solid-associated Se was quantified at the end of each experiment to determine the amount of Se removed to solid phases (e.g., Se(0) nanoparticles, biomass-adsorbed Se, or internal organic selenoproteins). Results show that under optimal conditions, fungi more efficiently remove Se(IV) from solution compared to Se(VI). Additionally, both fungi remove a higher percentage of Se from the filtered municipal wastewater compared to the industrial wastewater, though cultures in industrial wastewater retained a greater amount of solid-associated Se. Additional wastewater experiments were conducted with supplemental carbohydrate- or glycerin-based carbon products and additional nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing nutrients in some cases to enhance fungal growth. Relative to unamended wastewater experiments, supplemental carbohydrates promote Se removal from municipal wastewater but minimally impact industrial wastewater removal. This demonstrates that carbon availability and source impacts fungal Se reduction and removal from solution. Calculations to assess the leaching potential of solid-associated Se from fungal biomass show that wastewater Se release will not exceed regulatory limits. This study highlights the considerable potential for the mycoremediation of Se-contaminated wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sabuda
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Carla E Rosenfeld
- Section of Minerals and Earth Sciences, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Katie Schroeder
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | | | - Cara M Santelli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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Monasterio-Guillot L, Alvarez-Lloret P, Ibañez-Velasco A, Fernandez-Martinez A, Ruiz-Agudo E, Rodriguez-Navarro C. CO2 sequestration and simultaneous zeolite production by carbonation of coal fly ash: Impact on the trapping of toxic elements. J CO2 UTIL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Kok VC, Winn PR, Hsieh YJ, Chien JW, Yang JM, Yeh GP. A Pilot Survey of Potentially Hazardous Trace Elements in the Aquatic Environment Near a Coastal Coal-Fired Power Plant in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2019; 13:1178630219862236. [PMID: 31367176 PMCID: PMC6643181 DOI: 10.1177/1178630219862236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A limited number of potentially hazardous trace elements were quantified in the aquatic environment near the world's second largest coal-fired power plant (CFPP) and the coal combustion residual (CCR) disposition sites in Central Taiwan. We postulated that contamination from specific trace elements would be present in the abovementioned aquatic environments. METHODS Cross-sectional sampling of trace elements was first performed between September 24, 2017 and October 3, 2017 outside the CFPP, in the effluent sampled from Changhua, a county south of metropolitan Taichung, and at the historical CCR disposal sites, using the intertidal zone surface seawater and the seawater in an oyster farm as controls. Aqueous samples were collected from 12 locations for analysis of 13 trace elements (Al, As, B, Cd, total Cr, Co, Fe, Pb, Mn, Se, Sr, Tl, and V). We used inductively coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry to determine B and Fe levels, and ICP mass spectrometry for all other trace elements. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (Rho) was calculated to examine the pairwise relation among the trace elements. RESULTS Al (50% of all samples), B (66.7%), Fe (25%), Mn (50%), Sr (8.3%), and V (25%) were identified as being above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation limit. The oyster farm seawater had no concerns. Mn (96.4 μg/L) in the CFPP drainage effluent was 1.9-fold above the regulation limit. Fe, Mn, and V were detected from the cooling channel at 4379, 625, and 11.3 μg/L, respectively. The effluent and water from the areas surrounding the 2 CCR dump sites revealed similar magnitudes of trace element contamination. B is highly correlated with Sr (Rho = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.98). Meanwhile, Fe is highly correlated with Al (Rho = 0.77), Pb (Rho = 0.71), Co (Rho = 0.75), and V (Rho = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS The EPA must set an explicit regulation limit for aluminum, boron, iron, and strontium in the aquatic environment. This exploratory research will inform policymaking regarding certain trace elements that could potentially have an adverse impact on public health and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor C Kok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kuang
Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Disease Informatics Research Group, Asia
University, Taichung, Taiwan
- The Scientific Committee, Air Clean
Taiwan (ACT) Alliance, Changhua, Taiwan
- Victor C Kok, Disease Informatics Research
Group, Asia University; Kuang Tien General Hospital, 117 Shatien Road, Shalu,
Taichung 43303, Taiwan.
| | - Paul R Winn
- Waterkeeper Alliance based in Newcastle,
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Yi-Jer Hsieh
- The Scientific Committee, Air Clean
Taiwan (ACT) Alliance, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhua
Christian Medical Foundation Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jien-Wen Chien
- The Scientific Committee, Air Clean
Taiwan (ACT) Alliance, Changhua, Taiwan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and
Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology,
Changhua Christian Medical Foundation Changhua Christian Children’s Hospital,
Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Ming Yang
- The Scientific Committee, Air Clean
Taiwan (ACT) Alliance, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Guang-Perng Yeh
- The Scientific Committee, Air Clean
Taiwan (ACT) Alliance, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Changhua Christian Medical Foundation Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua,
Taiwan
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