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Yang S, Dong Y, Song M, Gu J, Shi Y, Wu H, Song X, Yang J, Li D, Zhang GL. Deep nitrate accumulation in typical black soil critical zones of Northeast China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176050. [PMID: 39241873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Deep nitrate accumulation below 1 m has been observed in various soil regions, yet remains undocumented in the black soil (mainly Phaeozems and Chernozems) region. Climatic and edaphic factors likely influence deep nitrate accumulation on a large scale, although existing studies primarily focus on individual sites. In order to evaluate the distribution and controlling factors of deep nitrate in the black soil region, inorganic nitrogen forms and regolith properties of nine boreholes spanning humid, semi-humid, and semi-arid areas in Fujin, Hailun, and Lindian in northeast China were analyzed down to a depth of 10 m. The results revealed significant nitrate accumulation in Lindian, peaking at 11.03 mg N kg-1 at a depth of 3 m underground. Nitrate storage from the land surface to a depth of 10 m in Lindian ranged from 459.65 kg N ha-1 to 1072.88 kg N ha-1, with over 70 % of nitrate stored below 1 m. Nitrate accounted for 97.74 % of the total N stock in Lindian. Ammonium accumulation has been observed at a deeper depth in Hailun, with no nitrate accumulation detected in Hainlun and Fujin. Regolith properties such as clay, silt, sand, and pH playing a crucial role in reshaping the vertical pattern of nitrate. The presence of nitrate pools at greater depths in intensively managed black soil regions should be taken into account for the sustainable utilization of soil resources and the mitigation of groundwater pollution risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunhua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China.
| | - Yue Dong
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali Lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Mingyu Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Jun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Yonghui Shi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Huayong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Jinling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Decheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Gan-Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China.
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2
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Hao Y, Zheng T, Zheng X, Liu L, Jiang S, Cao M, Luo J. The impact of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON) retention in the vadose zone on nitrogen leaching losses. CHEMOSPHERE 2024:143449. [PMID: 39362379 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Leaching of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is a significant pathway for nitrogen (N) loss in agricultural ecosystems. The excessive application of N for enhanced agricultural productivity often results in the leaching of N into groundwater. Yet not well understood, the extent of retention in the vadose zone has critical implications for risk management and remediation strategies. This study aims to advance simulation techniques for modelling the transport process of reactive DON within a heterogeneous vadose zone. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, the study firstly examines the extent of DON retention in the vadose zone and quantitatively analyse groundwater contamination risk from this kind of accumulation. Our findings indicate that heavy N fertilizer application and high-intensity rainfall events lead to elevated concentrations of DON in the vadose zone and increased DON leaching fluxes into groundwater. In our scenarios, DON accounted for a substantial portion (33-68%) of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) leaching fluxes, with exogenous DON content contributing significantly (25-85%) to the overall DON leaching into the aquifer. These results underscore the need for effective strategies to mitigate groundwater contamination risks associated with agricultural N use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Hao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Tianyuan Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Xilai Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Lecheng Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Shiqiang Jiang
- Qingdao Hydrological Center, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Min Cao
- Qingdao Hydrological Center, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Zhou Q, Zhang J, Xing K, Wei J, Yao Y. Groundwater nitrate contamination in China: Spatial distribution, temporal trend, and driver analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119932. [PMID: 39241855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
China's groundwater is facing a significant threat from nitrate pollution. Here we analyzed 2348 regional surveys of groundwater nitrate levels in China from 1990 to 2020, examining distribution, trends, and drivers. This study uncovers a concerning rise in nitrate pollution, with estimated median nitrate levels climbing from 3.84 mg/L in 1990 to 6.94 mg/L in 2020. A stark contrast is observed between regions: the northern areas have a median nitrate concentration of 8.54 mg/L, significantly higher than the southern regions, where the median is just 7.15 mg/L. From 1990 to 2020, agricultural activity consistently emerges as the dominant driver of changes in groundwater nitrate concentrations, while groundwater exploitation, domestic pollution, and industrial production also contribute to varying degrees. This analysis highlights the urgency for region-specific policies and interventions to address the escalating nitrate pollution in China's groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Management and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 211135, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhang
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Ke Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Soil & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 211135, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Jing Wei
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Management and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Yijun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 211135, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Liu H, Zhang G, Guo H, Wang Z, Ge Q. Occurrences of nitrate-contaminated groundwater in the piedmont aquifers: hydrogeochemical characteristics and health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:366. [PMID: 39162847 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater nitrate (NO3-) contamination is a global concern. The distribution patterns, enrichment mechanisms, and human health risks of NO3- contaminated groundwater were investigated using 144 groundwater samples collected from domestic and irrigation wells in the piedmonts of the North China Plain (Beijing and Shijiazhuang areas). The results showed that the groundwater was neutral to weakly alkaline, and 47% of the groundwater samples had NO3- concentrations exceeding 50 mg/L, a threshold proposed by world health organization to threaten infants up to 3 months. Groundwater NO3- concentrations were generally higher in the Beijing piedmont than in the Shijiazhuang piedmont and decreased with depth in both piedmonts. High-NO3- (> 50 mg/L) groundwater was distributed sporadically spatially and mainly was of Ca-Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical facies. Stable isotopes (D and 18O) compositions and NO3-/Cl- ratios indicated that NO3- accumulation in groundwater was primarily due to use of N-fertilizers under agricultural practices, and was associated with groundwater recharge sources such as septic tank leakage and re-infiltration of reclaimed irrigation water. Water quality evaluation showed that groundwater quality was highly dependent on NO3- concentration, with entropy-weighted water quality index values increasing linearly with increasing NO3- concentrations. The potential health risk of high-NO3- groundwater was the most serious for infants in both the piedmonts. Therefore, reducing NO3- input from sources and drinking water intake is recommended to minimize the human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, 418 Guanglan Road, Jingkai District, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Genesis and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution and School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guanglu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, 418 Guanglan Road, Jingkai District, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Genesis and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution and School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, 418 Guanglan Road, Jingkai District, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Genesis and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution and School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, 418 Guanglan Road, Jingkai District, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Genesis and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution and School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, 418 Guanglan Road, Jingkai District, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Genesis and Remediation of Groundwater Pollution and School of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, People's Republic of China
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5
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Rajput U, Swami D, Joshi N. Geospatial analysis of toxic metal contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the lower Himalayan industrial region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173328. [PMID: 38777062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173328] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Once known for its clean and natural environment, the lower Himalayan region is now no exception to human-induced disturbances. Rapid industrial growth in Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial region has led to degradation of groundwater resources in the area. Groundwater samples were collected from 37 locations to study the groundwater chemistry, geospatial variation of 15 toxic metals in groundwater, source apportionment, metals of concern and associated health risks in the region. The results showed rock dominated hydrogeology with decreasing order of anion and cation abundance as HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > Br- > F- and Ca+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Li+ respectively. Concentrations of Iron (BDL-3.6 mg/l), Nickel (BDL-0.023 mg/l), Barium (0.22-0.89 mg/l), Lead (0.0001-0.085 mg/l) and Zinc (0.006-21.4 mg/l) were found above the permissible limits at few locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and coefficient of variance (CV) showed both geogenic and anthropogenic origin of metals in groundwater of the BB industrial region. A consistent concentration of Uranium was detected at all the sampling locations with an average value of 0.0039 mg/l and poor spatial variation indicating its natural presence. Overall, non-carcinogenic (N-CR) risk in the study area via oral pathway was high for adults and children (Hazard Index > 1) with geogenic Uranium as the major contributor (Hazard Quotient > 1) followed by Zinc, Lead and Cobalt. Carcinogenic (CR) risk in the region was high for adults having mean value above the threshold (1E-04) with Nickel and Chromium as the metals of major concern. Spatial variation of health risks was overlayed on village boundaries of the region to identify the potential industrial sources of the metals of major concern. The results highlight the need for immediate remediation of groundwater resources in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence between industrialization and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsav Rajput
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India
| | - Deepak Swami
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, 181221, India.
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6
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Zhan Y, Guo Z, Ruzzante S, Gleeson T, Andrews CB, Babovic V, Zheng C. Assessment of spatiotemporal risks for nationwide groundwater nitrate contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174508. [PMID: 38977101 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
National assessments of groundwater contamination risks are crucial for sustaining high-quality groundwater supplies. However, traditional methods often treat groundwater contamination risk as a steady-state indicator without considering spatiotemporal variation in risk, both geographically and over time, caused by anthropogenic and climatic factors. In this work, XGBoost, a tree-based algorithm, was applied to comprehensively analyze the drivers of groundwater contamination from nitrate, using data on 13 physical features (as used by the index-based ranking method DRASTIC) and 30 anthropogenic features from 1985 to 2010 in the contiguous United States (CONUS). The results indicate that physical features controlling the transport processes, particularly those affecting contaminant travel time from land surface to groundwater (depth to water table and transmissivity), were the dominant factors for nitrate contamination in groundwater. This was followed by features representing the potential nitrogen loading. Positive correlations between most features and the nitrogen loading time (year) were found, suggesting their growing influence on contamination risk. Based on the drivers identified for nitrate concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L in groundwater and their varying temporal contributions, this study proposes a reformulated index-based method for contamination risk assessment. With this method, an overall accuracy of around 70 % was achieved based on the validation data set. The predicted high-risk areas are mainly intensive irrigation regions, such as the High Plains, northern Midwest, and Central Valley. This new approach contributes to a more accurate and effective assessment of the contamination risks of groundwater on a regional and national scale under temporally varying environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Contamination Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhilin Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Contamination Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Sacha Ruzzante
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Tom Gleeson
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, Canada; School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, Canada
| | - Charles B Andrews
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Contamination Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Vladan Babovic
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Contamination Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China.
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7
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Troutman JP, Mantha JSP, Li H, Henkelman G, Humphrey SM, Werth CJ. Tuning the Selectivity of Nitrate Reduction via Fine Composition Control of RuPdNP Catalysts. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308593. [PMID: 38326100 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Herein, aqueous nitrate (NO3 -) reduction is used to explore composition-selectivity relationships of randomly alloyed ruthenium-palladium nanoparticle catalysts to provide insights into the factors affecting selectivity during this and other industrially relevant catalytic reactions. NO3 - reduction proceeds through nitrite (NO2 -) and then nitric oxide (NO), before diverging to form either dinitrogen (N2) or ammonium (NH4 +) as final products, with N2 preferred in potable water treatment but NH4 + preferred for nitrogen recovery. It is shown that the NO3 - and NO starting feedstocks favor NH4 + formation using Ru-rich catalysts, while Pd-rich catalysts favor N2 formation. Conversely, a NO2 - starting feedstock favors NH4 + at ≈50 atomic-% Ru and selectivity decreases with higher Ru content. Mechanistic differences have been probed using density functional theory (DFT). Results show that, for NO3 - and NO feedstocks, the thermodynamics of the competing pathways for N-H and N-N formation lead to preferential NH4 + or N2 production, respectively, while Ru-rich surfaces are susceptible to poisoning by NO2 - feedstock, which displaces H atoms. This leads to a decrease in overall reduction activity and an increase in selectivity toward N2 production. Together, these results demonstrate the importance of tailoring both the reaction pathway thermodynamics and initial reactant binding energies to control overall reaction selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P Troutman
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 301 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C1700, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th Street Stop A5300, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Jagannath Sai Pavan Mantha
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th Street Stop A5300, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Graeme Henkelman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th Street Stop A5300, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Simon M Humphrey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th Street Stop A5300, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Charles J Werth
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 301 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C1700, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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8
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Kogler A, Sharma N, Tiburcio D, Gong M, Miller DM, Williams KS, Chen X, Tarpeh WA. Long-Term Robustness and Failure Mechanisms of Electrochemical Stripping for Wastewater Ammonia Recovery. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2024; 4:89-105. [PMID: 38525023 PMCID: PMC10958661 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen in wastewater has negative environmental, human health, and economic impacts but can be recovered to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of wastewater treatment and chemical production. To recover ammonia/ammonium (total ammonia nitrogen, TAN) from urine, we operated electrochemical stripping (ECS) for over a month, achieving 83.4 ± 1.5% TAN removal and 73.0 ± 2.9% TAN recovery. With two reactors, we recovered sixteen 500-mL batches (8 L total) of ammonium sulfate (20.9 g/L TAN) approaching commercial fertilizer concentrations (28.4 g/L TAN) and often having >95% purity. While evaluating the operation and maintenance needs, we identified pH, full-cell voltage, product volume, and water flux into the product as informative process monitoring parameters that can be inexpensively and rapidly measured. Characterization of fouled cation exchange and omniphobic membranes informs cleaning and reactor modifications to reduce fouling with organics and calcium/magnesium salts. To evaluate the impact of urine collection and storage on ECS, we conducted experiments with urine at different levels of dilution with flush water, extents of divalent cation precipitation, and degrees of hydrolysis. ECS effectively treated urine under all conditions, but minimizing flush water and ensuring storage until complete hydrolysis would enable energy-efficient TAN recovery. Our experimental results and cost analysis motivate a multifaceted approach to improving ECS's technical and economic viability by extending component lifetimes, decreasing component costs, and reducing energy consumption through material, reactor, and process engineering. In summary, we demonstrated urine treatment as a foothold for electrochemical nutrient recovery from wastewater while supporting the applicability of ECS to seven other wastewaters with widely varying characteristics. Our findings will facilitate the scale-up and deployment of electrochemical nutrient recovery technologies, enabling a circular nitrogen economy that fosters sanitation provision, efficient chemical production, and water resource protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kogler
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Neha Sharma
- Stanford
Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC
National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94205, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Diana Tiburcio
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Meili Gong
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Dean M. Miller
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Kindle S. Williams
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Xi Chen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - William A. Tarpeh
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Room 387, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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9
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de Mars H, van Dijk G, van der Weijden B, Grootjans AP, Wołejko L, Farr G, Graham J, Oosterlynck P, Smolders AJP. The threat of groundwater pollution for petrifying springs; defining nutrient threshold values for an endangered bryophyte dominated habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123324. [PMID: 38237849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123324] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Eutrophication by human activities is increasingly affecting ecosystem functioning and plant community composition. So far, studies mainly focus on the effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, surface water eutrophication or soil nutrient accumulation. Groundwater pollution of spring habitats, however, has received much less attention, although numerous papers report groundwater nutrient enrichment worldwide. This study presents a survey on groundwater pollution (with emphasis on nitrate and phosphate) and bryophyte composition in 51 ambient petrifying springs in 5 NW European countries, which were compared to published data from 173 other sites in 11 European countries. The reviewed dataset covers a broad range of unpolluted to heavily polluted springs with nitrate concentrations between 0.7 and 3227 μmol l-1. Most petrifying springs in the rural lowlands of NW Europe were found to have elevated concentrations of nitrate and phosphate with the most polluted springs occurring in The Netherlands. The cover of individual characteristic bryophyte species significantly correlates with groundwater nutrient concentrations indicating that nutrient pollution of spring waters affects bryophyte composition. Palustriella commutata, Eucladium verticillatum and Brachythecium rivulare prefer unpolluted petrifying springs whereas Cratoneuron filicinum and Pellia endiviifolia show a much broader tolerance to groundwater pollution. In order to sustain at least the basic conditions for the typical bryophyte composition of petrifying springs habitats, threshold values of 288 μmol (18 mg l-1) NO3- l-1 and 0.42 μmol (0.04 mg l-1) ortho-PO43- l-1 were defined. Data analysis of the spring water composition indicates that the main source for nutrient and nutrient induced base cation enrichment are nitrate losses from intensively used agricultural fields. The anthropogenically induced but regionally different chemical processes in subsoil and aquifers can result in different levels of nutrient pollution in springs. Further regulations for nitrate and phosphate application are required to conserve and restore groundwater fed ecosystems in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans de Mars
- Royal HaskoningDHV, P.O. Box 302, 6199 ZN, Maastricht-Airport, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs van Dijk
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University, P.O. Box 6558, 6503 GB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Bas van der Weijden
- Royal HaskoningDHV, P.O. Box 302, 6199 ZN, Maastricht-Airport, the Netherlands
| | - Ab P Grootjans
- Integrated Research on Energy, Environmental and Society, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh, 6, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lesław Wołejko
- West Pomeranian University of Technology, ul. Slowackiego 17, 71-434, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Gareth Farr
- British Geological Survey, Cardiff University Main Building, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Graham
- 2 Cross Road, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, PE7 1LX, United Kingdom
| | - Patrik Oosterlynck
- Instituut Natuur- en Bosonderzoek, Havenlaan 88, P.O. Box 73, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Alfons J P Smolders
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University, P.O. Box 6558, 6503 GB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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10
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Wu Y, Liu H, Zhang H, Li Q. Sources and seasonal variations of nitrate in the coastal multiple-aquifer groundwater of Beihai, southern China. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 262:104308. [PMID: 38301511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104308] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Elevated nitrate (NO3-) loadings in groundwater may cause health effects in drinking water and nutrient enrichment of aquatic ecosystems. To reveal the sources and seasonal variations of NO3- in the coastal groundwater of Beihai, southern China, we carried out hydrochemical and isotopic (δ15N-δ18O in NO3-) investigations in the summer and winter, respectively, concerning multiple-aquifer groundwater, rainwater, seawater, and surface water. The sources of the main elements present in the waters were interpreted by ionic ratios. NO3- sources were identified by combined use of the δ15N values and δ18O values or NO3-/Na+ molar ratios, with estimations of the proportional contribution by the Bayesian stable isotope mixing model. Denitrification was interpreted along the flow paths. The results show groundwater main elements are originated primarily from silicate weathering, and secondarily from anthropogenic inputs and carbonate dissolution. Its qualities are largely affected by seawater intrusion along the coastline. Because of difference in the predominant minerals within the aquifers and in scale and extent of seawater intrusion, the groundwater displays distinct ionic ratio characters. NO3- concentrations are up to 33.9 mg/L, with higher loadings in the plains relative to along the coastline. Soil N, domestic sewage, rainwater, chemical fertilizers, and algae are NO3- sources, with average proportional contributions of 0.255, 0.221, 0.207, 0.202, and 0.116, respectively. In relation to the winter, higher production of NO3- from nitrification of soil N- and algae-derived ammonium induced by higher temperatures in the summer accounts for increases in groundwater NO3- loadings. In the rural areas, elevated loadings of NO3- in the winter may be due to larger infiltration fractions of sewage. Seasonal variations of atmospheric NO3- deposition and farming may also cause the dynamics. Our results improve the understanding of sources and seasonal dynamics of NO3- in coastal groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wu
- Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, 430205 Wuhan, China.
| | - Huaiqing Liu
- Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, 430205 Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, 430205 Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, 430205 Wuhan, China.
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11
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Liao W, Wang J, Ni G, Liu K, Liu C, Chen S, Wang Q, Chen Y, Luo T, Wang X, Wang Y, Li W, Chan TS, Ma C, Li H, Liang Y, Liu W, Fu J, Xi B, Liu M. Sustainable conversion of alkaline nitrate to ammonia at activities greater than 2 A cm -2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1264. [PMID: 38341446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45534-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3‒) pollution poses significant threats to water quality and global nitrogen cycles. Alkaline electrocatalytic NO3‒ reduction reaction (NO3RR) emerges as an attractive route for enabling NO3‒ removal and sustainable ammonia (NH3) synthesis. However, it suffers from insufficient proton (H+) supply in high pH conditions, restricting NO3‒-to-NH3 activity. Herein, we propose a halogen-mediated H+ feeding strategy to enhance the alkaline NO3RR performance. Our platform achieves near-100% NH3 Faradaic efficiency (pH = 14) with a current density of 2 A cm-2 and enables an over 99% NO3--to-NH3 conversion efficiency. We also convert NO3‒ to high-purity NH4Cl with near-unity efficiency, suggesting a practical approach to valorizing pollutants into valuable ammonia products. Theoretical simulations and in situ experiments reveal that Cl-coordination endows a shifted d-band center of Pd atoms to construct local H+-abundant environments, through arousing dangling O-H water dissociation and fast *H desorption, for *NO intermediate hydrogenation and finally effective NO3‒-to-NH3 conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanru Liao
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Ganghai Ni
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Kang Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Changxu Liu
- Centre for Metamaterial Research & Innovation, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK
| | - Shanyong Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Qiyou Wang
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Yingkang Chen
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Tao Luo
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Xiqing Wang
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Wenzhang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Ting-Shan Chan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, 300092, Taiwan
| | - Chao Ma
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Ying Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, PR China
| | - Weizhen Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Junwei Fu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China.
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Min Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China.
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12
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Tesoriero AJ, Robertson DM, Green CT, Böhlke JK, Harvey JW, Qi SL. Prioritizing river basins for nutrient studies. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:248. [PMID: 38332337 PMCID: PMC10853301 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12266-7] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Increases in fluxes of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the environment have led to negative impacts affecting drinking water, eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Because of the importance, scale, and complexity of these issues, it may be useful to consider methods for prioritizing nutrient research in representative drainage basins within a regional or national context. Two systematic, quantitative approaches were developed to (1) identify basins that geospatial data suggest are most impacted by nutrients and (2) identify basins that have the most variability in factors affecting nutrient sources and transport in order to prioritize basins for studies that seek to understand the key drivers of nutrient impacts. The "impact" approach relied on geospatial variables representing surface-water and groundwater nutrient concentrations, sources of N and P, and potential impacts on receptors (i.e., ecosystems and human health). The "variability" approach relied on geospatial variables representing surface-water nutrient concentrations, factors affecting sources and transport of nutrients, model accuracy, and potential receptor impacts. One hundred and sixty-three drainage basins throughout the contiguous United States were ranked nationally and within 18 hydrologic regions. Nationally, the top-ranked basins from the impact approach were concentrated in the Midwest, while those from the variability approach were dispersed across the nation. Regionally, the top-ranked basin selected by the two approaches differed in 15 of the 18 regions, with top-ranked basins selected by the variability approach having lower minimum concentrations and larger ranges in concentrations than top-ranked basins selected by the impact approach. The highest ranked basins identified using the variability approach may have advantages for exploring how landscape factors affect surface-water quality and how surface-water quality may affect ecosystems. In contrast, the impact approach prioritized basins in terms of human development and nutrient concentrations in both surface water and groundwater, thereby targeting areas where actions to reduce nutrient concentrations could have the largest effect on improving water availability and reducing ecosystem impacts.
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13
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Gao C, Kong J, Wang J, Wen Y. Effects of organic carbon and subsurface dams on saltwater intrusion and nitrate pollution in sandy coastal aquifers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:10994-11009. [PMID: 38214855 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31633-y] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the impact of a novel approach on the levels of SWI (saltwater intrusion) and NO3- (nitrate) contamination. Some numerical simulations were conducted utilizing a coupled model that incorporates variably saturation and density, as well as convection diffusion reaction within a sandy coastal aquifer. We verified the reliability of the model for SWI based on comparison lab experiments and for chemical reactions based on a comparison of previous in situ observations. Cutoff walls and subsurface dams cannot simultaneously control SWI and reduce NO3- contamination. A novel approach that combines subsurface dams and permeable CH2O (organic carbon) walls (PC-Wall) is proposed. Subsurface dams are utilized to prevent SWI, while PC-Walls are employed to mitigate NO3- pollution. Results demonstrate that the construction of a PC-Wall with a concentration of 1.0 mM facilitated a transition from nitrification (Ni)-dominated to denitrification (Dn)-dominated. An increase in CH2O concentration to 1.0 mM caused a significant 1942.5 % rise in mDn (the mass of NO3- removed through Dn). Increment of the distance between the PC-Wall and the ocean from 35 to 45 m could result in a 103.7 % mDn increase and reduce mN (the compound mass of NO3- remaining in the aquifer) by 11.7 %. The study offers a detailed comprehension of the intricate hydrodynamics of SWI and NO3- pollution. In addition, it provides design guidance for engineering to mitigate contamination by NO3- and controlling SWI, thus fostering the management of groundwater quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Disaster and Protection (Hohai University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Kong
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Disaster and Protection (Hohai University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Disaster and Protection (Hohai University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuncheng Wen
- Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, China
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14
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Gao S, Zheng T, Zhang B, Fang Y, Zheng X. Combined effects of aquifer heterogeneity and subsurface dam on nitrate contamination in coastal aquifers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119740. [PMID: 38091734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Subsurface dams are effective for seawater intrusion mitigation, yet they can cause upstream nitrate accumulation. This research examines the interplay between subsurface dam construction and aquifer layering on nitrate pollution in coastal settings, employing numerical models to simulate density-driven flow and reactive transport. The study reveals that while subsurface dams are adept at curbing seawater intrusion, they inadvertently broaden the nitrate accumulation zone, especially when a low-K layer is present. Heterogeneous aquifers see more pronounced nitrate accumulation from subsurface dams. This effect is pronounced as it influences dissolved organic carbon dynamics, with a notable retreat inland correlating with the expansion of the nitrate pollution plume. A critical finding is that controlling seawater intrusion via dam height adjustment within the Effective Damming Region effectively reduces nitrate levels and bolsters freshwater output. However, exceeding the critical threshold-where the dam surpasses the low-K layer's bottom-results in a substantial shift in nitrate concentration, underscoring the need for precise dam height calibration to avoid aggravating nitrate pollution. This study's innovative contribution lies in its quantification of the nuanced effects of subsurface dams in stratified aquifers, providing an empirical basis for dam design that considers the layered complexities of coastal aquifers. The insights offer a valuable framework for managing nitrate contamination, thus informing sustainable coastal groundwater management and protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobo Gao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Tianyuan Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China
| | - Yunhai Fang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Xilai Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
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15
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Jacobsen BH, Hansen B, Schullehner J. Health-economic valuation of lowering nitrate standards in drinking water related to colorectal cancer in Denmark. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167368. [PMID: 37788765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate in drinking water is a contaminant which can affect human health and has been associated with an increased risk of, amongst other diseases, colorectal cancer. Based on epidemiologic data from Denmark on the association between drinking water nitrate and colorectal cancer, the health and economic consequences of lowering the standard of nitrate in drinking water from 50 mg/L to 9.25 mg/L and 3.87 mg/L, respectively are analyzed. The drinking water nitrate attributable number of cases was estimated using the risk in the exposed and unexposed population based on current nationwide exposure distributions. The analysis shows that a lower limit of 9.25 mg/L would decrease the annual number of colorectal cancer cases by 72 (95 % confidence interval: 34-114) and by an additional 55 (95 % CI: 10-100) for a stricter limit of 3.87 mg/L. The resulting avoided health-related costs are $179 million per year for the 9.25 mg/L nitrate limit and another $138 million per year for a further reduction to 3.87 mg/L nitrate. The new requirements would incur costs linked to either i) changes in land use management, ii) well reallocation or iii) use of treatment technologies. The additional costs are estimated to $0.03-1.84 per m3 abstracted water from public water companies, which together with costs for owners of private wells, will result in an average additional cost of $9 and $6 million per year for the two levels. The economic health benefits are higher than the costs for both limits with net gains of $170 million (9.25 mg/L) and additionally $132 million (3.87 mg/L) a year. Even in a worst-case scenario (lowest health-related benefits and highest mitigation costs), there is a likely economic gain for society from lowering the limit to 9.25 mg/L, but this might not be the case for the lower limit of 3.87 mg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Jacobsen
- Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO), University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Hansen
- Department of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, University City 81, building 1872, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Building 1260, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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16
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Su H, Li H, Chen H, Li Z, Zhang S. Source identification and potential health risks of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater of a typical alluvial plain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166920. [PMID: 37689194 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in groundwater pollution is essential for sustainable groundwater resource management, especially in alluvial plains with intensive anthropogenic activities. Numerous studies have focused on the contribution of individual factors on groundwater pollution in alluvial aquifers, but distinguishing the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors is limited. In this study, 64 wells were sampled in different seasons from the Yellow River alluvial plain in China for hydrochemical and isotopic analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution, sources and health risks of fluoride and nitrate in alluvial aquifers. Results showed that fluoride contamination was widely distributed without significant seasonal variation, and 78.1 % of the dry season samples and 65.6 % of the wet season samples showed fluoride concentrations above the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L). High-F- groundwater was generally accompanied by Na-HCO3 and Na-HCO3·SO4 water types. Fluoride was from a natural origin mainly associated with mineral dissolution, competitive adsorption, cation exchange, and evaporation. Groundwater nitrate contamination was spatially sporadic and showed significant seasonal differences. Only 13.6 % of the dry season samples and 3.2 % of the wet season samples had NO3- concentrations exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/L. The hydrochemical phase evolved from bicarbonate or sulfate type to chloride type with increasing nitrate concentration. Manure and sewage attributed to agricultural activities contributed the most nitrogen to groundwater, followed by soil organic nitrogen and chemical fertilizers, revealing the anthropogenic origin of nitrate. Nitrification was the dominant nitrogen transformation process in the wet season, and denitrification was prevalent in the dry season. Oral ingestion of high fluoride groundwater was a major threat to human health, especially for infants. This study provided a significant reference for water resources management in alluvial aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Su
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China; Shanxi Transportation Technology Research & Development Co., Ltd., Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - He Li
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shandong Provincial Lunan Geology and Exploration Institute, Jining 272100, China
| | - Zhi Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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17
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Zhang H, Xu Z, Zhou P, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Simultaneous nitrate and chromium removal mechanism in a pyrite-involved mixotrophic biofilter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123882-123892. [PMID: 37996574 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31070-x] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbially mediated NO3--N and Cr(VI) reduction is being recognized as an eco-friendly and cost-effective remediation strategy. Iron sulfide mineral, as a natural inorganic electron donor, has a strong influence on NO3--N and Cr(VI) transformation, respectively. However, little is known about the simultaneous nitrate and chromium removal performance and underlying mechanism in an iron sulfide mineral-involved mixotrophic biofilter. This study demonstrated that the NO3--N and Cr(VI) removal efficiencies were stable at 62 ± 8% and 56 ± 10%, and most of them were eliminated in the 0-100-mm region of the biofilter. Cr(VI) was reduced to insoluble Cr(III) via microbial and chemical pathways, which was confirmed by the SEM-EDS morphology and the XPS spectra of biofilm and pyrite particles. SO42- was as a main byproduct of pyrite oxidation; however, the bacterial SO42- reduction synchronously occurred, evidenced by the variations of TOC and SO42- concentrations. These results suggested that there were complicated and intertwined biochemical relations between NO3--N/Cr(VI)/SO42-/DO (electron acceptors) and pyrite/organics (electron donors). Further investigation indicated that both the maximal biomass and greatest denitrifiers' relative abundances in microbial sample S1 well explained why the pollutants were removed in the 0-100-mm region. A variety of denitrifiers such as Pseudoxanthomona, Acidovorax, and Simplicispira were enriched, which probably were responsible for both NO3--N and Cr(VI) removal. Our findings advance the understanding of simultaneous nitrate and chromium removal in pyrite-involved mixotrophic systems and facilitate the new strategy development for nitrate and chromium remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haigeng Zhang
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhongshuo Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201600, China.
| | - Panpan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Yulei Zhang
- Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuhui Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201600, China
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18
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Malakar A, Ray C, D'Alessio M, Shields J, Adams C, Stange M, Weber KA, Snow DD. Interplay of legacy irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer inputs to spatial variability of arsenic and uranium within the deep vadose zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165299. [PMID: 37419358 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The vadose zone is a reservoir for geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants. Nitrogen and water infiltration can affect biogeochemical processes in this zone, ultimately affecting groundwater quality. In this large-scale field study, we evaluated the input and occurrence of water and nitrogen species in the vadose zone of a public water supply wellhead protection (WHP) area (defined by a 50-year travel time to groundwater for public supply wells) and potential transport of nitrate, ammonium, arsenic, and uranium. Thirty-two deep cores were collected and grouped by irrigation practices: pivot (n = 20), gravity (n = 4) irrigated using groundwater, and non-irrigated (n = 8) sites. Beneath pivot-irrigated sites, sediment nitrate concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower, while ammonium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than under gravity sites. The spatial distribution of sediment arsenic and uranium was evaluated against estimated nitrogen and water loading beneath cropland. Irrigation practices were randomly distributed throughout the WHP area and presented a contrasting pattern of sediment arsenic and uranium occurrence. Sediment arsenic correlated with iron (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), uranium negatively correlated to sediment nitrate (r = -0.23, p < 0.05), and ammonium (r = -0.19 p < 0.05). This study reveals that irrigation water and nitrogen influx influence vadose zone geochemistry and mobilization of geogenic contaminants affecting groundwater quality beneath intensive agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Malakar
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0844, USA.
| | - Chittaranjan Ray
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, 2021 Transformation Drive, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-6204, USA
| | - Matteo D'Alessio
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915, USA
| | - Jordan Shields
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0844, USA
| | - Craig Adams
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0844, USA
| | - Marty Stange
- Hastings Utilities, 1228 N. Denver Avenue, Hastings, NE 68901, USA
| | - Karrie A Weber
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, 2021 Transformation Drive, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-6204, USA; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Daniel D Snow
- Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0844, USA.
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19
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Keithley AE, Woodruff P, Williams DJ, Dugan NR, Lytle DA. Nitrogen-sparging assisted anoxic biological drinking water treatment system. AWWA WATER SCIENCE 2023; 5:1-14. [PMID: 38268712 PMCID: PMC10805249 DOI: 10.1002/aws2.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Existing heterotrophic denitrification reactors rely on microorganisms to consume dissolved oxygen (DO) and create conditions suitable for denitrification, but this practice leads to excessive microbial growth and increased organic carbon doses. An innovative reactor that uses nitrogen gas sparging through a contactor to strip DO was developed and tested in the lab. It reduced influent nitrate from 15 to <1 mg/L as N with nitrite accumulation <1 mg/L as N. It maintained a consistent flow rate and developed minimal headloss, making it easier to operate than the denitrifying dual-media filter that was operated in parallel. Gravel, polyvinyl chloride pieces, and no packing media were assessed as options for the nitrogen-sparged contactor, and gravel was found to support denitrification at the highest loading rate and was resilient to nitrogen-sparging shutoffs and intermittent operation. This innovative reactor appears promising for small drinking water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher E. Keithley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Peyton Woodruff
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) intern at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel J. Williams
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Dugan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Darren A. Lytle
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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20
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Zhao W, Yang D, Sun Q, Gan Y, Bai L, Li S, Liu D, Dai J. Combining multi-isotope technology, hydrochemical information, and MixSIAR model to identify and quantify nitrate sources of groundwater and surface water in a multi-land use region. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:80070-80084. [PMID: 37289388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27720-9] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification of nitrate (NO3-) sources is the premise of non-point source pollution control in watersheds. The multiple isotope techniques (δ15N-NO3-, δ18O-NO3-, δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O), combined with hydrochemistry characteristics, land use information, and Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (MixSIAR), were used to identify the sources and contributions of NO3- in the agricultural watershed of the upper Zihe River, China. A total of 43 groundwater (GW) and 7 surface water (SFW) samples were collected. The results showed that NO3- concentrations of 30.23% GW samples exceeded the WHO maximum permissible limit level, whereas SFW samples did not exceed the standard. The NO3- content of GW varied significantly among different land uses. The averaged GW NO3- content in livestock farms (LF) was the highest, followed by vegetable plots (VP), kiwifruit orchards (KF), croplands (CL), and woodlands (WL). Nitrification was the main transformation process of nitrogen, while denitrification was not significant. Hydrochemical analysis results combined with NO isotopes biplot showed that manure and sewage (M&S), NH4+ fertilizers (NHF), and soil organic nitrogen (SON) were the mixed sources of NO3-. The MixSIAR model summarized that M&S was the main NO3- contributor for the entire watershed, SFW, and GW. For contribution rates of sources in GW of different land use patterns, the main contributor in KF was M&S (contributing 59.00% on average), while M&S (46.70%) and SON (33.50%) contributed significantly to NO3- in CL. Combined with the traceability results and the situation that land use patterns are changing from CL to KF in this area, improving fertilization patterns and increasing manure use efficiency are necessary to reduce NO3- input. These research results will serve as a theoretical foundation for controlling NO3- pollution in the watershed and adjusting agricultural planting structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanning Zhao
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Binhai Road 72, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Deqing Yang
- Water Conservancy Bureau of Boshan District, Zibo, 255200, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Water Conservancy Bureau of Zibo Municipality, Zibo, 255022, China
| | - Yandong Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Liyong Bai
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Binhai Road 72, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Binhai Road 72, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Binhai Road 72, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jiulan Dai
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Binhai Road 72, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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21
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Li L, Shields J, Snow DD, Kaiser M, Malakar A. Labile carbon and soil texture control nitrogen transformation in deep vadose zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163075. [PMID: 36972884 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding transient nitrogen (N) storage and transformation in the deep vadose zone is critical for controlling groundwater contamination by nitrate. The occurrence of organic and inorganic forms of carbon (C) and nitrogen and their importance in the deep vadose zone is not well characterized due to difficulty in sampling and the limited number of studies. We sampled and characterized these pools beneath 27 croplands with different vadose zone thicknesses (6-45 m). We measured nitrate and ammonium in different depths for the 27 sites to evaluate inorganic N storage. We measured total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), hot-water extractable organic carbon (EOC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and δ13C for two sites to understand the potential role of organic N and C pools in N transformations. Inorganic N stocks in the vadose zone were 21.7-1043.6 g m-2 across 27 sites; the thicker vadose zone significantly stored more inorganic N (p < 0.05). We observed significant reservoirs of TKN and SOC at depths, likely representing paleosols that may provide organic C and N to subsurface microbes. The occurrence of deep C and N needs to be addressed in future research on terrestrial C and N storage potential. The increase of ammonium and EOC and δ13C value in the proximity of these horizons is consistent with N mineralization. An increase of nitrate, concurrent with the sandy soil texture and the water-filled pore space (WFPS) of 78 %, suggests that deep vadose zone nitrification may be supported in vadose zones with organic-rich layers such as paleosol. A profile showing the decrease of nitrate concentrations, concurrent with the clay soil texture and the WFPS of 91 %, also suggests denitrification may be an important process. Our study shows that microbial N transformation may be possible even in deep vadose zone with co-occurrence of C and N sources and controlled by labile C availability and soil texture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Li
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, 1875 N 38th St, 279 Plant Sciences Hall, PO Box 830915, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915, USA
| | - Jordan Shields
- School of Natural Resources and Nebraska Water Center, Part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0844, USA
| | - Daniel D Snow
- School of Natural Resources and Nebraska Water Center, Part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0844, USA
| | - Michael Kaiser
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, 1875 N 38th St, 279 Plant Sciences Hall, PO Box 830915, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915, USA
| | - Arindam Malakar
- School of Natural Resources and Nebraska Water Center, Part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0844, USA.
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22
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Wu M, Lai CY, Wang Y, Yuan Z, Guo J. Microbial nitrate reduction in propane- or butane-based membrane biofilm reactors under oxygen-limiting conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119887. [PMID: 36947926 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119887] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate contamination has been commonly detected in water environments and poses serious hazards to human health. Previously methane was proposed as a promising electron donor to remove nitrate from contaminated water. Compared with pure methane, natural gas, which not only contains methane but also other short chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs), is less expensive and more widely available, representing a more attractive electron source for removing oxidized contaminants. However, it remains unknown if these SCGAs can be utilized as electron donors for nitrate reduction. Here, two lab-scale membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) separately supplied with propane and butane were operated under oxygen-limiting conditions to test its feasibility of microbial nitrate reduction. Long-term performance suggested nitrate could be continuously removed at a rate of ∼40-50 mg N/L/d using propane/butane as electron donors. In the absence of propane/butane, nitrate removal rates significantly decreased both in the long-term operation (∼2-10 and ∼4-9 mg N/L/d for propane- and butane-based MBfRs, respectively) and batch tests, indicating nitrate bio-reduction was driven by propane/butane. The consumption rates of nitrate and propane/butane dramatically decreased under anaerobic conditions, but recovered after resupplying limited oxygen, suggesting oxygen was an essential triggering factor for propane/butane-based nitrate reduction. High-throughput sequencing targeting 16S rRNA, bmoX and narG genes indicated Mycobacterium/Rhodococcus/Thauera were the potential microorganisms oxidizing propane/butane, while various denitrifiers (e.g. Dechloromonas, Denitratisoma, Zoogloea, Acidovorax, Variovorax, Pseudogulbenkiania and Rhodanobacter) might perform nitrate reduction in the biofilms. Our findings provide evidence to link SCGA oxidation with nitrate reduction under oxygen-limiting conditions and may ultimately facilitate the design of cost-effective techniques for ex-situ groundwater remediation using natural gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxiong Wu
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chun-Yu Lai
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yulu Wang
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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23
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Kyte E, Cey E, Hrapovic L, Hao X. Nitrate in shallow groundwater after more than four decades of manure application. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 256:104200. [PMID: 37196405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Over-application of manure to agricultural fields can leach nitrogen below the root zone and contaminate groundwater. The goal of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of nitrate in shallow groundwater following 44 years of manure application to irrigated and non-irrigated long-term test plots. Sampling of 26 wells over an 18-month period revealed high spatial variability of groundwater nitrate concentrations, ranging from <0.1 mg-N/L to 1350 mg-N/L (mean = 118 mg-N/L). The highest concentrations were associated with the highest manure nitrogen loads, longer durations of manure application, and were generally located beneath irrigated land use. Regression modeling confirmed that cumulative manure loading had the greatest control on the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate. A significant decreasing temporal trend was observed in selected wells downgradient of plots where manure application ceased more than a decade earlier. Isotopic analysis of 15N-NO3 and 18O-NO3 showed that denitrification occurred at 16 well locations, with evidence for dissolved organic carbon as the electron donor. The groundwater nitrate trends observed in this long-term study demonstrate that historical nutrient and water management practices will affect groundwater quality for many decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kyte
- BGC Engineering Inc., 1000 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 7W6, Canada; University of Calgary, Department of Geoscience, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Edwin Cey
- University of Calgary, Department of Geoscience, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Leila Hrapovic
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1(st) Ave S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 4B1, Canada
| | - Xiying Hao
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1(st) Ave S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 4B1, Canada
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24
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Du Y, Deng Y, Li Y, Huang Y, Liu Z, Ma T, Wang Y. Paleo-Geomorphology Determines Spatial Variability of Geogenic Ammonium Concentration in Quaternary Aquifers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5726-5738. [PMID: 36989434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring (i.e., geogenic) ammonium in groundwater has been widely detected globally, but the major controls on its regional distribution have been poorly characterized. Here, we identified the dominant role of paleo-geomorphology driven by paleo-climate in controlling the spatial variability of geogenic ammonium in groundwater using random forest algorithm and revealed the underlying mechanisms based on borehole sediment analysis of data obtained from the Dongting Lake Plain of the central Yangtze River basins in China. In the paleo-channel (PC) area, the aquifer depth-matched sediments were deposited during the last deglaciation when warm climate resulted in rapid filling into incised valleys, and terrestrial organic matter (OM) mainly as lignin experienced less degradation prior to sedimentation and had lower humification, higher N abundance, and nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC). In the paleo-interfluve (PI) area, the depth-matched sediments were deposited during the last glaciation, followed by intensive erosion in the surface during the last glacial maximum, and terrestrial OM mainly as lignin had been partly degraded into aliphatics prior to sedimentation and had higher humification, lower N abundance, and NOSC. As a result, under the present anaerobic conditions, less-humic and N-rich OM with more oxidized C tends to be more intensively mineralized into ammonium in the PC area than those in the PI area. These findings highlight the importance of paleo-geomorphology with paleo-climate in controlling the enrichment of geogenic ammonium in groundwater, which has a universal significance for understanding the genesis and distribution of high N loads in the aquatic environment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Du
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Yamin Deng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Yueping Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Yanwen Huang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Teng Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
| | - Yanxin Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
- School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
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25
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Jensen AS, Coffman VR, Schullehner J, Trabjerg BB, Pedersen CB, Hansen B, Olsen J, Pedersen M, Stayner LT, Sigsgaard T. Prenatal exposure to tap water containing nitrate and the risk of small-for-gestational-age: A nationwide register-based study of Danish births, 1991-2015. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107883. [PMID: 37001213 PMCID: PMC10172763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal nitrate exposure from household tap water has been associated with increased risk of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects, and childhood cancer. We aim to examine the association between maternal consumption of drinking-water nitrate during pregnancy and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) in a nationwide study of Danish-born children, as only one prior study has examined this association. METHODS We linked individual-level household estimates of nitrate in tap water and birth registry data to all live singleton Danish births during 1991-2015 from Danish-born parents where the mother resided in Denmark throughout the pregnancy. Exposure was both binned into four categories and modeled as an ln-transformed continuous variable. SGA was defined as the bottom 10% of births by birth weight per sex and gestational week. Multiple logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to account for siblings born to the same mother while controlling for relevant confounders. RESULTS In the cohort of 1,078,892 births, the median pregnancy nitrate exposure was 1.9 mg/L nitrate. Compared to the reference group (≤2 mg/L), we found an increased risk of SGA in the second category (>2-5 mg/L) (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06) and third category (>5-25 mg/L) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04) but not in the highest (>25 mg/L). There was strong (p = 0.002) evidence of an increase in SGA with nitrate in the model with continuous exposure (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04 per 10-fold increase in nitrate). Results were robust when restricting to households with nitrate levels at or below the current Danish and European Union regulatory drinking water standard (50 mg/L nitrate). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that exposure from nitrate in household tap water, even below current regulatory standards, may increase risk of SGA, raising concerns of whether current allowable nitrate levels in drinking water protect children from SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Søndergaard Jensen
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vanessa R Coffman
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Groundwater and Quaternary Geology Mapping, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Betina B Trabjerg
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; National Centre for Register-Based Research (NCRR), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carsten B Pedersen
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; National Centre for Register-Based Research (NCRR), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Hansen
- Department of Groundwater and Quaternary Geology Mapping, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leslie T Stayner
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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Westrop JP, Yadav P, Nolan PJ, Campbell KM, Singh R, Bone SE, Chan AH, Kohtz AJ, Pan D, Healy O, Bargar JR, Snow DD, Weber KA. Nitrate-Stimulated Release of Naturally Occurring Sedimentary Uranium. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4354-4366. [PMID: 36848522 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater uranium (U) concentrations have been measured above the U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level (30 μg/L) in many U.S. aquifers, including in areas not associated with anthropogenic contamination by milling or mining. In addition to carbonate, nitrate has been correlated to uranium groundwater concentrations in two major U.S. aquifers. However, to date, direct evidence that nitrate mobilizes naturally occurring U from aquifer sediments has not been presented. Here, we demonstrate that the influx of high-nitrate porewater through High Plains alluvial aquifer silt sediments bearing naturally occurring U(IV) can stimulate a nitrate-reducing microbial community capable of catalyzing the oxidation and mobilization of U into the porewater. Microbial reduction of nitrate yielded nitrite, a reactive intermediate, which was further demonstrated to abiotically mobilize U from the reduced alluvial aquifer sediments. These results indicate that microbial activity, specifically nitrate reduction to nitrite, is one mechanism driving U mobilization from aquifer sediments in addition to previously described bicarbonate-driven desorption from mineral surfaces, such as Fe(III) oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P Westrop
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Pooja Yadav
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - P J Nolan
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Kate M Campbell
- Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver Federal Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Environmental Hydrology Division, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Sharon E Bone
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Alicia H Chan
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Anthony J Kohtz
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Donald Pan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Olivia Healy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - John R Bargar
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Daniel D Snow
- School of Natural Resources and Nebraska Water Center, Part of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, Water Sciences Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Karrie A Weber
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
- Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
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27
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Wu K, Ma F, Wei C, Gan F, Du C. Rapid Determination of Nitrate Nitrogen Isotope in Water Using Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) Coupled with Deconvolution Algorithm. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020567. [PMID: 36677625 PMCID: PMC9863422 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is a prominent pollutant in water bodies around the world. The isotopes in nitrate provide an effective approach to trace the sources and transformations of nitrate in water bodies. However, determination of isotopic composition by conventional analytical techniques is time-consuming, laborious, and expensive, and alternative methods are urgently needed. In this study, the rapid determination of 15NO3- in water bodies using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) coupled with a deconvolution algorithm and a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was explored. The results indicated that the characteristic peaks of 14NO3-/15NO3- mixtures with varied 14N/15N ratios were observed, and the proportion of 15NO3- was negatively correlated with the wavenumber of absorption peaks. The PLSR models for nitrate prediction of 14NO3-/15NO3- mixtures with different proportions were established based on deconvoluted spectra, which exhibited good performance with the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) values of more than 2.0 and the correlation coefficients (R2) of more than 0.84. Overall, the spectra pretreatment by the deconvolution algorithm dramatically improved the prediction models. Therefore, FTIR-ATR combined with deconvolution and PLSR provided a rapid, simple, and affordable method for determination of 15NO3- content in water bodies, which would facilitate and enhance the study of nitrate sources and water environment quality management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing 210017, China
| | - Fei Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Cuilan Wei
- College of Environment and Ecology, Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing 210017, China
| | - Fangqun Gan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing 210017, China
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (C.D.); Tel.: +86-25-8649-5014 (F.G.); +86-25-8688-1565 (C.D.)
| | - Changwen Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (C.D.); Tel.: +86-25-8649-5014 (F.G.); +86-25-8688-1565 (C.D.)
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28
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Richard-Cerda JC, Giber A, Muñoz-Vega E, Kübeck C, Berthold G, Schüth C, Schulz S. A high-resolution monitoring station for the in situ assessment of nitrate-related redox processes at an agricultural site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2023; 52:188-198. [PMID: 36251299 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical redox processes control the chemical behavior of many major and trace elements, making their comprehension crucial for predicting and protecting environmental health. Nitrogen (N) is especially susceptible to changes in soil redox conditions and affects the cycles of other redox-sensitive species. Elevated N concentrations, in nitrate form, in agricultural soils and associated freshwater ecosystems constitute a problem in many parts of the world. Although a wide variety of measures have been adopted, their assessment through concentration measurements in groundwater and surface water of the different monitoring networks has shortcomings. Nitrate, as a non-point pollutant, is subject to several processes (e.g., transformation and retardation) before it is detected, making it impossible to evaluate measurements' effectiveness reliably. Thus, we designed and constructed a monitoring station featuring commercially available products and self-manufactured components at an agricultural site for the in situ assessment of nitrate-related processes by high-resolution monitoring of hydraulic (soil water content, matric potential, groundwater head) and hydrogeochemical variables (oxidation-reduction potential and groundwater and pore water chemistry) within the vadose zone and the shallow aquifer. The monitoring station has proven to be a reliable tool. Changes over depth and time of measured variables have been identified, allowing the detection of the transient behavior of the redox reactive zone and the interpretation of ongoing denitrification processes and other redox nitrate-triggered phenomena, such as uranium roll-front and selenium accumulation at the redox interface. Measuring both geochemical and soil water variables allows for the calculation of in situ solute inputs into the groundwater and their reaction rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Richard-Cerda
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Univ. Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Giber
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Univ. Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
- IWW Water Centre, Water Resources Management, Justus-von-Liebig-Straße 10, 64584, Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Edinsson Muñoz-Vega
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Univ. Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christine Kübeck
- IWW Water Centre, Water Resources Management, Justus-von-Liebig-Straße 10, 64584, Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Georg Berthold
- Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG), Groundwater, Rheingaustraße 186, 65203, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Christoph Schüth
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Univ. Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
- IWW Water Centre, Water Resources Management, Justus-von-Liebig-Straße 10, 64584, Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Stephan Schulz
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Univ. Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
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Shen H, Rao W, Tan H, Guo H, Ta W, Zhang X. Controlling factors and health risks of groundwater chemistry in a typical alpine watershed based on machine learning methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158737. [PMID: 36108860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater is a key water resource in alpine watersheds, but its quality is deteriorating due to human activities. The Golmud River watershed is a representative alpine watershed in Northwest China, and it was chosen to explore groundwater chemistry, associated controlling factors, source contributions, and potential health risks. The analysis includes the use of a self-organizing map (SOM), positive matrix factorization (PMF), ionic ratios, and a Monte Carlo simulation. The content of total dissolved solids in phreatic water was higher in the dry season and increased from the mountainous zone to the fine-soil plain-overflowing zone. Additionally, the water type varied from HCO3- to Cl- types whereas confined groundwater was chemically stable and of a HCO3- type. The SOM results showed a visual correlation between the ions in groundwater. The combination of SOM, PMF, and ionic ratios identified water-rock action as a dominant factor of groundwater chemistry. It was also found that Clusters I and III were mainly influenced by silicate weathering (a total contribution of 38.4 %), whereas evaporation was dominant in Cluster VI (a contribution of 32.5 %). Anthropogenic pollution was mainly associated with clusters V and IV and was related to industrial and agricultural activities during the snowmelt and wet seasons, and fluorine deposition formed by residential coal heating during the dry season (contributions of 1.4 % and 23.8 % in Clusters V and IV, respectively). The sudden increases in B3+ and Li+ in Cluster II were due to inputs from small tributaries (a contribution of 3.9 %). The probabilistic health risk assessment showed that fluoride posed a greater non-carcinogenic risk to human health than Sr2+, B3+, and NO3-, and its potential threat to children was more significant during the dry season than in other seasons. It is necessary for local governments to establish urgent fluoride emission control policies within the Golmud River watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huigui Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Wenbo Rao
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Hongbing Tan
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hongye Guo
- Qinghai Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology and Environgeology Survey Institute, Xining 810008, China
| | - Wanquan Ta
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, CAS, Xining 810008, China
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30
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Li Z, Yang Q, Xie C, Lu X. Source identification and health risks of nitrate contamination in shallow groundwater: a case study in Subei Lake basin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13660-13670. [PMID: 36136183 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution of groundwater has become a global concern as it can affect drinking water quality and human health. In this paper, an extensive hydrochemical investigation was performed to assess the spatial distribution, source identification, and health risk of groundwater nitrate pollution in the Subei Lake basin. The prevalent pollutant, nitrate (NO3-), was identified based on descriptive statistical method and box plots, and most of the other parameters of groundwater samples met water standards and can be used for drinking purpose. The results showed that nearly 23.53% of groundwater samples displays the NO3- concentrations higher than the limit of 50 mg/L recommended by the World Health Organization, and the highest nitrate content (199 mg/L) is mainly distributed around the Mukai Lake. Piper triangle diagram demonstrated that the dominated anions of hydrochemical types exhibit a gradual evolving trend from HCO3- to SO42- and Cl- with increasing nitrate concentration. The correspondence analysis suggested that agricultural activities are identified as the most possible source of nitrate contamination, while the higher content of other parameters in individual groundwater samples may be controlled by natural factors. The impacts of pollutant NO3- on human health were quantified using human health risk assessment method, and results showed that the order of non-carcinogenic health risk values through drinking water intake is Infants>Children>Adult males>Adult females, and 65%, 53%, 41%, and 35% of samples exceed the acceptable risk level (hazard quotient=1), respectively. The main findings obtained from this study can provide valuable insight on drinking water safety and groundwater pollution prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Li
- School of Geographical Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Ecological Construction, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
- Hebei Technology Innovation Center for provided in the referenceRemote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Qingchun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuan Xie
- Geothermal Institute of Hydrological Engineering Geological Survey, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
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31
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Lim J, Chen Y, Cullen DA, Lee SW, Senftle TP, Hatzell MC. PdCu Electrocatalysts for Selective Nitrate and Nitrite Reduction to Nitrogen. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghoon Lim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia30313, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas77005, United States
| | - David A. Cullen
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States
| | - Seung Woo Lee
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia30313, United States
| | - Thomas P. Senftle
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas77005, United States
| | - Marta C. Hatzell
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia30313, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia30313, United States
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32
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Li H, Liang S, Chi Z, Wu H, Yan B. Unveiling microbial community and function involved in anammox in paddy vadose under groundwater irrigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157876. [PMID: 35940267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extensive application of nitrogen fertilizer in intensive irrigation areas poses a potential threat to groundwater. Given that the vadose zone acts as a buffer zone for the underground entry of surface pollutants, an in-depth understanding of its microbial community structure and function was crucial for controlling groundwater nitrogen pollution. In this study, soil samples from paddy vadose under groundwater irrigation with different depths (G1: 6.8 m, G2: 13.7 m, G3: 15.6 m, and G4: 17.8 m) were collected to unravel the differences in microbial community structure and function at different vadose depths (0-250 cm), as well as their relationship with soil properties. Results showed some differences among soil physicochemical factors under groundwater irrigation with different depths and that some electron acceptors were more abundant than others under deep groundwater irrigation (G2-G4). Remarkable differences in microbial communities under shallow- and deep-groundwater irrigation were found. The high abundances of anammox bacteria Candidatus_Brocadia in G2 and G3 indicated that deep groundwater irrigation was beneficial to its enrichment. Iron-reducing bacteria Anaeromyxobacter and sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio were widely distributed in vadose zone and possessed the potential for anammox coupled with Fe(III)/sulfate reduction. Norank_f_Gemmatimonadaceae had nitrate- and vanadium-reducing abilities and could participate in anammox in vadose zone. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) bacteria Geobacter facilitated Fe(II)-driven DNRA and thus provided electron donors and acceptors to anammox bacteria. Soil nutrients and electron donors/acceptors played important roles in shaping microbial community structure at phylum and genus levels. Microorganisms in vadose zone under groundwater irrigation showed good material/energy metabolism levels. Deep groundwater irrigation was conducive to the occurrence of anammox coupled with multi-electron acceptors. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the structure and function of microbial communities in paddy vadose under groundwater irrigation and reveal the potential role of indigenous microorganisms in in-situ nitrogen removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai Li
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, PR China
| | - Shen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, PR China
| | - Zifang Chi
- Key Lab of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
| | - Haitao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, PR China
| | - Baixing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, PR China
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33
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Ke S, Chen J, Zheng X. Influence of velocity distribution conditions of coastal aquifer on nitrate contamination and seawater intrusion in the presence of subsurface physical barriers. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115762. [PMID: 36056477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The velocity distribution is an important factor that affects seawater intrusion (SI) and nitrate (NO3-) pollution. However, there are few studies on the impact of subsurface physical barriers (SPBs) on the velocity distribution of the whole aquifer and the impact of velocity distribution on SI and NO3- pollution. Especially, the quantitative method of velocity distribution has not been studied. By the methods of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, effects of the NO3- concentrations of the pollution source, hydraulic gradients (HGs), the location of the SPB and relative heights of SPBs (HP') on the SI, NO3- pollution levels and velocity in the presence of SI and SPBs were investigated. The velocity distribution was first quantified to better describe the relationships between the velocity and degrees of SI and NO3- pollution. The results showed that the HG and HP' were the main factors that affected the velocity, NO3- pollution and SI. The higher the HG, the smaller the HP', and the decreased SI inferred a more serious NO3- pollution. The influence of SPBs on NO3- pollution and SI was mainly affected by the changes in the velocity distribution in the aquifer. With increasing HGs, for the region with flow rate less than 0.5 m/d (A0.5), the smaller its distribution area is, the smaller the relative area of SI (TLs') is. With an increase in the HG or decrease in the HP', the relative area of NO3- pollution (Ns') is proportional to the distribution area where the flow velocity is greater than 1 m/d (A1). When the flow velocity distribution condition was A'1 (the relative area of A1) > A'0.5-1 (A'0.5-1 is the ratio of the area where the flow velocities are greater than 0.5 m/d and less than 1 m/d to the total area of the aquifer) > A'0.5 (the relative area of A0.5), NO3- pollution was serious; when the flow velocity distribution condition was A'0.5 > A'0.5-1 > A'1, the levels of NO3- pollution were the lowest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Ke
- Key Laboratory for Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- Key Laboratory for Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Xilai Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecological Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
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Patel N, Srivastav AL, Patel A, Singh A, Singh SK, Chaudhary VK, Singh PK, Bhunia B. Nitrate contamination in water resources, human health risks and its remediation through adsorption: a focused review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:69137-69152. [PMID: 35947260 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The level of nitrate in water has been increasing considerably all around the world due to vast application of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser and animal manure. Because of nitrate's high solubility in water, human beings are getting exposed to it mainly through various routes including water, food etc. Various regulations have been set for nitrate (45-50 mgNO3-/L) in drinking water to protect health of the infants from the methemoglobinemia, birth defects, thyroid disease, risk of specific cancers, i.e. colorectal, breast and bladder cancer caused due to nitrate poisoning. Different methods like ion exchange, adsorption, biological denitrification etc. have the ability to eliminate the nitrate from the aqueous medium. However, adsorption process got preference over the other approaches because of its simple design and satisfactory results especially with surface modified adsorbents or with mineral-based adsorbents. Different types of adsorbents have been used for this purpose; however, adsorbents derived from the biomass wastes have great adsorption capacities for nitrate such as tea waste-based adsorbents (136.43 mg/g), carbon nanotube (142.86 mg/g), chitosan beads (104 mg/g) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide modified rice husk (278 mg/g). Therefore, a thorough literature survey has been carried out to formulate this review paper to understand various sources of nitrate pollution, route of exposure to the human beings, ill effects along with discussing the key developments as well as the new advancements reported in procuring low-cost efficient adsorbents for water purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Patel
- Department of Civil Engineering, IET, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Lal Srivastav
- Chitkara University School of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - Akansha Patel
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anurag Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, IET, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shailendra Kumar Singh
- Department of Applied Sciences, IET, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinod Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, India
| | - Biswanath Bhunia
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, Tripura, India
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35
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Scanlon BR, Fakhreddine S, Reedy RC, Yang Q, Malito JG. Drivers of Spatiotemporal Variability in Drinking Water Quality in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12965-12974. [PMID: 36044676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 10% of community water systems in the United States experience a health-based violation of drinking water quality; however, recently allocated funds for improving United States water infrastructure ($50 billion) provide an opportunity to address these issues. The objective of this study was to examine environmental, operational, and sociodemographic drivers of spatiotemporal variability in drinking water quality violations using geospatial analysis and data analytics. Random forest modeling was used to evaluate drivers of these violations, including environmental (e.g., landcover, climate, geology), operational (e.g., water source, system size), and sociodemographic (social vulnerability, rurality) drivers. Results of random forest modeling show that drivers of violations vary by violation type. For example, arsenic and radionuclide violations are found mostly in the Southwest and Southcentral United States related to semiarid climate, whereas disinfection byproduct rule violations are found primarily in Southcentral United States related to system operations. Health-based violations are found primarily in small systems in rural and suburban settings. Understanding the drivers of water quality violations can help develop optimal approaches for addressing these issues to increase compliance in community water systems, particularly small systems in rural areas across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R Scanlon
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - Sarah Fakhreddine
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Robert C Reedy
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - Qian Yang
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
| | - John G Malito
- Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
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36
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Lee WC, Lee SW, Jeon JH, Lee JH, Jeong DH, Kim MS, Kim HK, Kim SO. Uranium Concentrations in Private Wells of Potable Groundwater, Korea. TOXICS 2022; 10:543. [PMID: 36136508 PMCID: PMC9505193 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is one of the typical naturally occurring radioactive elements enriched in groundwater through geological mechanisms, thereby bringing about adverse effects on human health. For this reason, some countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) regulate U with drinking water standards and monitor its status in groundwater. In Korea, there have been continuous investigations to monitor and manage U in groundwater, but they have targeted only public groundwater wells. However, the features of private wells differ from public ones, particularly in regard to the well's depth and diameter, affecting the U distribution in private wells. This study was initiated to investigate U concentrations in private groundwater wells for potable use, and the significant factors controlling them were also elucidated through statistical methods. The results obtained from the analyses of 7036 groundwater samples from private wells showed that the highest, average, and median values of U concentrations were 1450, 0.4, and 4.0 μg/L, respectively, and 2.1% of the wells had U concentrations exceeding the Korean and WHO standard (30 μg/L). In addition, the U concentrations were highest in areas of the Jurassic granite, followed by Quaternary alluvium and Precambrian metamorphic rocks. A more detailed investigation of the relationship between U concentration and geology revealed that the Jurassic porphyritic granite, mainly composed of Daebo granite, showed the highest U contents, which indicated that U might originate from uraninite (UO2) and coffinite (USiO4). Consequently, significant caution should be exercised when using the groundwater in these geological areas for potable use. The results of this study might be applied to establish relevant management plans to protect human health from the detrimental effect of U in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Chun Lee
- HS Environmental Technology Research Center, Hosung Inc., Jinju 52818, Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- HS Environmental Technology Research Center, Hosung Inc., Jinju 52818, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Jeon
- Department of Geology and Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Lee
- Department of Geology and Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Do-Hwan Jeong
- Soil & Groundwater Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
| | - Moon-Su Kim
- Soil & Groundwater Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
| | - Hyun-Koo Kim
- Soil & Groundwater Research Division, Environmental Infrastructure Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Korea
| | - Soon-Oh Kim
- Department of Geology and Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea
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37
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Ji X, Shu L, Chen W, Chen Z, Shang X, Yang Y, Dahlgren RA, Zhang M. Nitrate pollution source apportionment, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis across a rural-urban river network based on δ 15N/δ 18O-NO 3- isotopes and SIAR modeling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129480. [PMID: 35816793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is of considerable global concern as a threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Nowadays, δ15N/δ18O-NO3- combined with a Bayesian-based SIAR model are widely used to identify riverine nitrate sources. However, little is known regarding the effect of variations in pollution source isotopic composition on nitrate source contributions. Herein, we used δ15N/δ18O-NO3-, SIAR modeling, probability statistical analysis and a perturbing method to quantify the contributions and uncertainties of riverine nitrate sources in the Wen-Rui Tang River of China and to further investigate the model sensitivity of each nitrate source. The SIAR model confirmed municipal sewage (MS) as the major nitrate source (58.5-75.7%). Nitrogen fertilizer (NF, 8.6-20.9%) and soil nitrogen (SN, 7.8-20.1%) were also identified as secondary nitrate sources, while atmospheric deposition (AD, <0.1-7.9%) was a minor source. Uncertainties associated with NF (UI90 = 0.32) and SN (UI90 = 0.30) were high, whereas those associated with MS (UI90 = 0.14) were moderate and AD low (UI90 = 0.0087). A sensitivity analysis was performed for the SIAR modeling and indicated that the isotopic composition of the predominant source (i.e., MS in this study) had the strongest effect on the overall riverine nitrate source apportionment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lielin Shu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Randy A Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Southern Zhejiang Water Research Institute, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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38
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Kong L, Palacios E, Guan X, Shen M, Liu X. Mechanisms for enhanced transport selectivity of like-charged ions in hydrophobic-polymer-modified ion-exchange membranes. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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39
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Prenatal exposure to nitrate from drinking water and the risk of preterm birth. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e223. [PMID: 36249267 PMCID: PMC9556052 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence is emerging that preterm birth (PTB, birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation), a risk factor for neonatal mortality and future morbidity, may be induced by maternal nitrate (NO3−) exposure from drinking water. The objective of this study is to assess the association between maternal exposure to nitrate and the risk of PTB in a nationwide study of liveborn singletons.
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40
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Xiong Y, Du Y, Deng Y, Ma T, Wang Y. Feammox in alluvial-lacustrine aquifer system: Nitrogen/iron isotopic and biogeochemical evidences. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 222:118867. [PMID: 35870391 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater nitrogen contamination is becoming increasingly serious worldwide, and natural nitrogen attenuation processes such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled to iron reduction ("Feammox") play an important role in mitigating contamination. Although there has been intensive study of Feammox in soils and sediments, still lacks research on this process in groundwater. This study makes effort to demonstrate the occurrence of Feammox in groundwater by combining information from Fe/N isotope composition, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Poyang Lake Plain of Yangtze River in central China was selected as the case study area. The critical evidences that indicate Feammox in groundwater include favorable hydrogeochemical conditions of the alluvia-lacustrine aquifer systems, the simultaneous enrichment of 15N in ammonium and 56Fe, the relative high abundance of Acidimicrobiaceae bacterium A6, and the joint elevation of the abundance of the Feammox bacteria and the concentration of Fe(III). Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that Geothrix and Rhodobacter may participate directly or cooperatively in the Feammox process. Ammonium-oxidizing archaea (AOA) involved in ammonium-oxidizing or Feammox process may be stimulated by Fe(III) under a low oxygen concentration and weakly acidic condition. Anammox may be indirectly enhanced by products of the nitrogen transformation processes involving Feammox bacteria and AOA. Fe(III) concentration is an important environmental factor affecting the abundance of functional microorganisms related to nitrogen cycling and the composition of ammonium-oxidizing and iron-reducing microbes. Specific geological background (such as the widespread red soils) and anthropogenic input of ammonium, iron, and acidic substances may jointly promote Feammox in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojin Xiong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution & Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China
| | - Yao Du
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution & Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China.
| | - Yamin Deng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution & Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China
| | - Teng Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution & Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China
| | - Yanxin Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution & Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China
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41
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Chen W, Wu B, Yao Q, Dong G, Zuo C, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Zhang Z. A MXene-based multiple catalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of nitrate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:58149-58160. [PMID: 35364786 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic removal of nitrate in wastewater has attracted wide attention because of its simple operation and environmental protection. However, the preparation of photocatalysts with high efficiency and high nitrogen selectivity is still a challenge. In this paper, TiO2 is grown in situ on Ti3C2 MXene by a simple calcination method and modified with silver particles. The presence of Ti3C2 reduces the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and generates more photogenerated electrons. At the same time, the silver particles also increase the photoelectron density and further improve the carrier separation of the catalyst. Due to its unique structure and optical properties, the prepared photocatalyst shows an excellent nitrate removal rate under a high-pressure mercury lamp. At 500 mgN/L, the nitrate removal rate reaches 96.1%, and the nitrogen selectivity reaches 92.6%. Even after 5 cycles, the prepared photocatalyst still maintains a high nitrate photocatalytic removal efficiency (89%). The electron transfer path is verified by density functional theory calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wu
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350100, China
| | - Qingzhao Yao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guomeng Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Changjiang Zuo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuming Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350100, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Varun Water Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Taicang, 215400, China
| | - Zewu Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangsu Optoelectronic Functional Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing, 211189, People's Republic of China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211167, China
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42
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Du S, Meng L, Zhang L, Liu Y. Source identification and apportionment of the nitrogen in groundwater based on isotope methods in the Beilin region of Suihua basin, northeastern China. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e10773. [PMID: 35946784 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multi-isotope method was used to analyze the migration and transformation characteristics of nitrogen in groundwater in the center of a typical confined water basin, and a simplified isotope mixing model was established to quantify the contribution of potential nitrate sources in the center of the basin. Based on the water quality monitoring results, the contour map of nitrate concentration in groundwater in the center of the basin was drawn. The results showed that the nitrate concentration in groundwater in the center of the basin increased gradually from upstream to downstream. The high value area of nitrate concentration in phreatic water is mainly affected by agricultural activities and infiltration of sewage discharge from upstream urban areas. The high value area of nitrate concentration in confined water is mainly due to the water level depression funnel caused by large exploitation of confined water. The quantitative results of N-O isotope mixing model for potential nitrate sources show that the main recharge sources of groundwater in the center of the basin are atmospheric precipitation, agricultural irrigation water, and the lateral inflow of upstream groundwater. Agricultural irrigation water has the highest contribution rate of 67.01%. The main recharge sources of confined aquifer in the center of the basin are phreatic water leakage and lateral inflow of upstream confined water. The contribution rate of upstream confined water is between 45.55% and 56.35%, which is basically maintained at about 50%. Compared with the calculation results of D-O isotope mixing model, the accuracy of the established N-O isotope mixing model meets the basic requirements. The results of this study can provide technical reference and theoretical support for the identification and quantitative research of potential nitrate sources in groundwater under the same type of hydrogeological conditions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Multiple isotope fingerprint comparison to identify nitrate source contribution ratio. Migration and transformation of nitrogen in the center of a typical confined water basin Simplified the traditional isotope mixing model to quickly quantify the source of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanghai Du
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
- College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun, China
| | - Lingjun Meng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun, China
- College of Construction and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun, China
- College of Construction and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun, China
- College of Construction and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Yu L, Zheng T, Yuan R, Zheng X. APCS-MLR model: A convenient and fast method for quantitative identification of nitrate pollution sources in groundwater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 314:115101. [PMID: 35472839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) contamination in groundwater has diverse sources and complicated transformation processes. To effectively control NO3- pollution in groundwater systems, quantitative and accurate identification of NO3- sources is critical. In this work, we applied hydrochemical characteristics and isotope analysis to determine NO3- source apportionment. For the first time, the NO3- source contributions were calculated using hydrochemical indicators combined with multivariate statistical model (PCA-APCS-MLR). The results interpret that chemical fertilizers (58.11%) and natural sources (22.69%) were the primary NO3- sources in the vegetable cultivation area (VCA) which were rather close to the estimation by Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR). In particular, the contributions of chemical fertilizers in the VCA differed by only 3.79% between the two methods. Compared with previous approaches e.g. SIAR, the key advantage of the proposed PCA-APCS-MLR model is that it only requires the hydrochemical indicators which can be easily measured. A series of complicated experiments including measurement of isotope data of NO3- in groundwater, monitoring of in-situ pollution source information and calculation of isotopic enrichment factor can be simply avoided. The PCA-APCS-MLR model offers a much more convenient and faster method to determine the contribution rates of NO3- pollution sources in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Ecological Environment Research and Development Center, Weihai Innovation Institute, Qingdao University, Weihai, 264200, China
| | - Tianyuan Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Ruyu Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Xilai Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
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44
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Li Q. Perspectives on Converting Keratin-Containing Wastes Into Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:918262. [PMID: 35794912 PMCID: PMC9251476 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.918262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratin-containing wastes become pollution to the environment if they are not treated properly. On the other hand, these wastes can be converted into value-added products applicable to many fields. Organic fertilizers and biofertilizers are important for sustainable agriculture by providing nutrients to enhance the growth speed of the plant and production. Keratin-containing wastes, therefore, will be an important resource to produce organic fertilizers. Many microorganisms exhibit capabilities to degrade keratins making them attractive to convert keratin-containing wastes into valuable products. In this review, the progress in microbial degradation of keratins is summarized. In addition, perspectives in converting keratin into bio- and organic fertilizers for agriculture are described. With proper treatment, feather wastes which are rich in keratin can be converted into high-value fertilizers to serve as nutrients for plants, reduce environmental pressure and improve the quality of the soil for sustainable agriculture.
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45
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Hamlin QF, Martin SL, Kendall AD, Hyndman DW. Examining Relationships Between Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations in Drinking Water and Landscape Characteristics to Understand Health Risks. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2021GH000524. [PMID: 35509496 PMCID: PMC9060635 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate ingested from drinking water has been linked to adverse health outcomes (e.g., cancer, birth defects) at levels as low as ∼2 mg/L NO3-N, far below the regulatory limits of 10 mg/L. In many areas, groundwater is a common drinking water source and may contain elevated nitrate, but limited data on the patterns and concentrations are available. Using an extensive regulatory data set of over 100,000 nitrate drinking water well samples, we developed new maps of groundwater nitrate concentrations from 76,724 wells in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, USA for the 2006-2015 period. Kriging, a geostatistical method, was used to interpolate concentrations and quantify probability of exceeding relevant thresholds (>0.4 [common detection limit], >2 mg/L NO3-N). We summarized this probability in small watersheds (∼80 km2) to identify correlated variables using the machine learning method classification and regression trees (CARTs). We found 79% of wells had concentrations below the detection limit in this analysis (<0.4 mg/L NO3-N). In the shallow aquifer (focus of study), 13% of wells exceeded 2 mg/L NO3-N and 2% exceeded the EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L. CART explained 40%-45% of variation in each model and identified three categories of critical correlated variables: source (high agricultural nitrogen inputs), vulnerable soil conditions (low soil organic carbon and high hydraulic conductivity), and transport mechanisms (high aquifer recharge). These findings add to the body of literature seeking to identify communities at risk of elevated nitrate and study associated adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q. F. Hamlin
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - S. L. Martin
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - A. D. Kendall
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - D. W. Hyndman
- Department of Earth and Environmental SciencesMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
- Department of GeosciencesSchool of Natural Sciences and MathematicsUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTXUSA
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46
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Harris SJ, Cendón DI, Hankin SI, Peterson MA, Xiao S, Kelly BFJ. Isotopic evidence for nitrate sources and controls on denitrification in groundwater beneath an irrigated agricultural district. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152606. [PMID: 35007575 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The application of N fertilisers to enhance crop yield is common throughout the world. Many crops have historically been, or are still, fertilised with N in excess of the crop requirements. A portion of the excess N is transported into underlying aquifers in the form of NO3-, which is potentially discharged to surface waters. Denitrification can reduce the severity of NO3- export from groundwater. We sought to understand the occurrence and hydrogeochemical controls on denitrification in NO3--rich aquifers beneath the Emerald Irrigation Area (EIA), Queensland, Australia, a region of extensive cotton and cereal production. Multiple stable isotope (in H2O, NO3-, DIC, DOC and SO42-) and radioactive isotope (3H and 36Cl) tracers were used to develop a conceptual N process model. Fertiliser-derived N is likely incorporated and retained in the soil organic N pool prior to its mineralisation, nitrification, and migration into aquifers. This process, alongside the near absence of other anthropogenic N sources, results in a homogenised groundwater NO3- isotopic signature that allows for denitrification trends to be distinguished. Regional-scale denitrification manifests as groundwater becomes increasingly anaerobic during flow from an upgradient basalt aquifer to a downgradient alluvial aquifer. Dilution and denitrification occurs in localised electron donor-rich suboxic hyporheic zones beneath leaking irrigation channels. Using approximated isotope enrichment factors, estimates of regional-scale NO3- removal ranges from 22 to 93% (average: 63%), and from 57 to 91% (average: 79%) beneath leaking irrigation channels. In the predominantly oxic upgradient basalt aquifer, raised groundwater tables create pathways for NO3- to be transported to adjacent surface waters. In the alluvial aquifer, the transfer of NO3- is limited both physically (through groundwater-surface water disconnection) and chemically (through denitrification). These observations underscore the need to understand regional- and local-scale hydrogeological processes when assessing the impacts of groundwater NO3- on adjacent and end of system ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Harris
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Dioni I Cendón
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Stuart I Hankin
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Mark A Peterson
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Shuang Xiao
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Bryce F J Kelly
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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47
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Experimental and Simulation Research on the Process of Nitrogen Migration and Transformation in the Fluctuation Zone of Groundwater Level. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12083742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The fluctuation of groundwater causes a change in the groundwater environment and then affects the migration and transformation of pollutants. To study the influence of water level fluctuations on nitrogen migration and transformation, physical experiments on the nitrogen migration and transformation process in the groundwater level fluctuation zone were carried out. A numerical model of nitrogen migration in the Vadose zone and the saturated zone was constructed by using the software HydrUS-1D. The correlation coefficient and the root mean square error of the model show that the model fits well. The numerical model is used to predict nitrogen migration and transformation in different water level fluctuation scenarios. The results show that, compared with the fluctuating physical experiment scenario, when the fluctuation range of the water level increases by 5 cm, the fluctuation range of the nitrogen concentration in the coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand media increases by 37.52%, 31.40% and 21.14%, respectively. Additionally, when the fluctuation range of the water level decreases by 5 cm, the fluctuation range of the nitrogen concentration in the coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand media decreases by 36.74%, 14.70% and 9.39%, respectively. The fluctuation of nitrogen concentration varies most significantly with the amplitude of water level fluctuations in coarse sand; the change in water level has the most significant impact on the flux of nitrate nitrogen and has little effect on the change in nitrite nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen, and the difference in fine sand is the most obvious, followed by medium sand, and the difference in coarse sand is not great.
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48
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Gan L, Huang G, Pei L, Gan Y, Liu C, Yang M, Han D, Song J. Distributions, origins, and health-risk assessment of nitrate in groundwater in typical alluvial-pluvial fans, North China Plain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:17031-17048. [PMID: 34657263 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
High concentration of nitrate (NO3-) in groundwater is a major concern because of its complex origin and harmful effects on human health. This study aims to investigate the distributions of nitrate in various aquifers and in areas with different land use types in alluvial-pluvial fans in North China Plain, to identify dominant sources and factors using hydrochemical data and principal component analysis, and to conduct health-risk assessment of groundwater nitrate using the models recommended by USEPA. Results show that approximately 76.1% groundwater in fissured aquifers showed high-NO3- (> 50 mg/L), and was 2.7 times of that in granular aquifers. In fissured aquifers, the proportion of high-NO3- groundwater (PHNG-WHO) in peri-urban areas was more than 1.3 times of those in other areas. Similarly, in shallow granular aquifers, the PHNG-WHO in peri-urban areas was also higher than that in other areas. By contrast, in deep granular aquifers, the PHNG-WHO in urbanized areas was 2.8 and 5.2 times of that in peri-urban areas and farmland, respectively. High NO3- levels in both granular and fissured aquifers originated mainly from domestic sewage and animal waste, and fertilizers are also important sources of NO3- in fissured aquifers. Intensive groundwater exploitation aggravated nitrate contamination because more thickness of vadose zones resulting from over-exploitation is in favor of nitrification. Risk assessment of groundwater nitrate indicated about 43.3%, 45.6%, and 54.2% of the groundwater samples showed unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk to adult males, adult females, and children, respectively. The proportion of samples with health risks had a significant positive correlation with the urbanization level. Our study indicates that several effective measures for pollution prevention, such as strengthening sewage treatment and prohibiting groundwater over-exploitation, must be adopted so as to ensure the sustainable management of groundwater and the safety of drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Gan
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guanxing Huang
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Groundwater Remediation, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Lixin Pei
- Haikou Marine Geological Survey Center, China Geological Survey, Haikou, China
| | - Yanjing Gan
- The Second Geological Team of Shandong Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development, Yanzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingnan Yang
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dongya Han
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiangmin Song
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
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49
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Ransom KM, Nolan BT, Stackelberg PE, Belitz K, Fram MS. Machine learning predictions of nitrate in groundwater used for drinking supply in the conterminous United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151065. [PMID: 34673076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater is an important source of drinking water supplies in the conterminous United State (CONUS), and presence of high nitrate concentrations may limit usability of groundwater in some areas because of the potential negative health effects. Prediction of locations of high nitrate groundwater is needed to focus mitigation and relief efforts. A three-dimensional extreme gradient boosting (XGB) machine learning model was developed to predict the distribution of nitrate. Nitrate was predicted at a 1 km resolution for two drinking water zones, each of variable depth, one for domestic supply and one for public supply. The model used measured nitrate concentrations from 12,082 wells and included predictor variables representing well characteristics, hydrologic conditions, soil type, geology, land use, climate, and nitrogen inputs. Predictor variables derived from empirical or numerical process-based models were also included to integrate information on controlling processes and conditions. The model provided accurate estimates at national and regional scales: the training (R2 of 0.83) and hold-out (R2 of 0.49) data fits compared favorably to previous studies. Predicted nitrate concentrations were less than 1 mg/L across most of the CONUS. Nationally, well depth, soil and climate characteristics, and the absence of developed land use were among the most influential explanatory factors. Only 1% of the area in either water supply zone had predicted nitrate concentrations greater than 10 mg/L; however, about 1.4 M people depend on groundwater for their drinking supplies in those areas. Predicted high concentrations of nitrate were most prevalent in the central CONUS. In areas of predicted high nitrate concentration, applied manure, farm fertilizer, and agricultural land use were influential predictor variables. This work represents the first application of XGB to a three-dimensional national-scale groundwater quality model and provides a significant milestone in the efforts to document nitrate in groundwater across the CONUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Ransom
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, United States.
| | - B T Nolan
- U.S. Geological Survey Headquarters, Reston, VA, United States
| | - P E Stackelberg
- U.S. Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Troy, NY, United States
| | - K Belitz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Carlisle, MA, United States
| | - M S Fram
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, United States
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50
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Han D, Currell MJ. Review of drivers and threats to coastal groundwater quality in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150913. [PMID: 34653454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With rapid socio-economic development, China's coastal areas are among the fastest growing and most economically dynamic regions in the world. Under the influence of climate change and human activities, protecting the quality of coastal groundwater has emerged as one of the key environmental and resource management issues for these areas. This paper reviews (for the first time) groundwater quality data for the coastal basins of China, where over 600 million people live, focussing on key inorganic indicators/pollutants; groundwater salinity, nitrate, fluoride, and arsenic. These pollutants present major water quality issues and are also valuable as indicators of wider processes and influences impacting coastal groundwater quality - e.g. saltwater intrusion, agricultural pollution and release of geo-genic contaminants. We discuss the major drivers causing water quality problems in different regions and assess future trajectories and challenges for controlling changes in coastal groundwater quality in China. Multiple processes, including modern and palaeo seawater/brine migration, groundwater pumping for agricultural irrigation, pollution from agrochemical application, rapid development of aquaculture, urban growth, and water transfer projects, may all be responsible (to different degrees) for changes observed in coastal groundwater quality, and associated long-term health and ecological effects. We discuss implications for sustainable coastal aquifer management in China, arguing that groundwater monitoring and contamination control measures require urgent improvement. The evolution and treatment of coastal groundwater quality problems in China will serve as an important warning and example for other countries facing similar pressures, due to climate change, coastal development, and intensification of anthropogenic activity in coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Han
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle & Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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