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Jiang Y, Gao X, Yang X, Gong P, Pan Z, Yi L, Ma S, Li C, Kong S, Wang Y. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) mediated carbonate dissolution and arsenic release: Behavior and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172572. [PMID: 38641113 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172572] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Carbonate bound arsenic act as an important reservoir for arsenic (As) in nature aquifers. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), one of the dominant bacterial species in reductive groundwater, profoundly affects the biogeochemical cycling of As. However, whether and how SRB act on the migration and transformation of carbonate bound arsenic remains to be elucidated. Batch culture experiment was employed using filed collected arsenic bearing calcite to investigate the release and species transformation of As by SRB. We found that arsenic in the carbonate samples mostly exist as inorganic As(V) (93.92 %) and As(III). The present of SRB significantly facilitated arsenic release from carbonates with a maximum of 22.3 μg/L. The main release mechanisms of As by SRB include 1) calcite dissolution and the liberate of arsenic in calcite lattices, and 2) the break of H-bonds frees arsenic absorbed on carbonate surface. A redistribution of arsenic during culture incubation took place which may due to the precipitation of As2Sx or secondary FeAl minerals. To our best knowledge, it is the first experimental study focusing on the release of carbonate bound arsenic by SRB. This study provides new insights into the fate and transport of arsenic mediated by microorganism within high arsenic groundwater-sediment system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xubo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China; Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 50 Qixing Road, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China.
| | - Xinwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Peili Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhendong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Siyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuqiong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
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2
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Hossain MI, Bukhari A, Almujibah H, Alam MM, Islam MN, Chowdhury TA, Islam S, Joardar M, Roychowdhury T, Hasnat MA. Validation of the efficiency of arsenic mitigation strategies in southwestern region of Bangladesh and development of a cost-effective adsorbent to mitigate arsenic levels. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119381. [PMID: 37864938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
World's highest arsenic (As) contamination is well-documented for the groundwater system of southwestern region (mainly Jashore district) of Bangladesh, where the majority of inhabitants are underprivileged. To mitigate As poisoning in southwestern Bangladesh, numerous steps have been taken so far by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Among them, digging deep tube wells and As removal by naturally deposited Fe(OH)3 species are being widely practiced in the contaminated areas. However, these actions have been left unmonitored for decades, making people unaware of this naturally occurring deadly poison in their drinking water. Hence, water samples (n = 63, both treated and untreated) and soil samples (n = 4) were collected from different spots in Jashore district to assess the safety level of drinking water and to understand the probable reasons for high As(III) contamination. About 93.7% of samples were found to contain As(III) above 10 μg/L; among them, 38% contained above 50 μg/L. The study shows that current As(III) removal strategies in the study area are ineffective. In this connection, a simple low-cost As(III) removal adsorbent is proposed that can be prepared with very cheap and locally available materials like iron sludge and charcoal. The adsorbent was characterized in terms of SEM, EDX, and XPS. The optimal dosage of the adsorbent was investigated for real-life application concerning several vital water quality parameters. The Fe-C adsorbent exhibited a maximum As(III) removal efficiency of 92% in real groundwater samples. The study will allow policymakers for informed decision-making regarding water body management as well as enable the local people to avail As-safe water in a way that aligns with their economic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Imran Hossain
- Electrochemistry and Catalysis Research Laboratory (ECRL), Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Atiya Bukhari
- Department of Business Administration, College of Business Administration, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hamad Almujibah
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif City, 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Mahtab Alam
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Nurnobi Islam
- Electrochemistry and Catalysis Research Laboratory (ECRL), Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmid A Chowdhury
- Department of Geography & Environment, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Suravi Islam
- Industrial Physics Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh
| | - Madhurima Joardar
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Tarit Roychowdhury
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Mohammad A Hasnat
- Electrochemistry and Catalysis Research Laboratory (ECRL), Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh.
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Meza I, Hua H, Gagnon K, Mulchandani A, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Burns PC, Ali AMS, Spilde M, Peterson E, Lichtner P, Cerrato JM. Removal of Aqueous Uranyl and Arsenate Mixtures after Reaction with Limestone, PO 43-, and Ca 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20881-20892. [PMID: 38019567 PMCID: PMC10739782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of uranyl and arsenate in contaminated water caused by natural processes and mining is a concern for impacted communities, including in Native American lands in the U.S. Southwest. We investigated the simultaneous removal of aqueous uranyl and arsenate after the reaction with limestone and precipitated hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2). In benchtop experiments with an initial pH of 3.0 and initial concentrations of 1 mM U and As, uranyl and arsenate coprecipitated in the presence of 1 g L-1 limestone. However, related experiments initiated under circumneutral pH conditions showed that uranyl and arsenate remained soluble. Upon addition of 1 mM PO43- and 3 mM Ca2+ in solution (initial concentration of 0.05 mM U and As) resulted in the rapid removal of over 97% of U via Ca-U-P precipitation. In experiments with 2 mM PO43- and 10 mM Ca2+ at pH rising from 7.0 to 11.0, aqueous concentrations of As decreased (between 30 and 98%) circa pH 9. HAp precipitation in solids was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray. Electron microprobe analysis indicated U was coprecipitated with Ca and P, while As was mainly immobilized through HAp adsorption. The results indicate that natural materials, such as HAp and limestone, can effectively remove uranyl and arsenate mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Meza
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Han Hua
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Kaelin Gagnon
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Anjali Mulchandani
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Peter C Burns
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Peter Lichtner
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- UNM Metals Exposure and Toxicity Assessment on Tribal Lands in the Southwest (UNM METALS) Superfund Research Program Center, Albuquerque,New Mexico 87131, United States
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4
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Sun J, Wu L, Wu M, Liu Q, Cao H. Non-coding RNA therapeutics: Towards a new candidate for arsenic-induced liver disease. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110626. [PMID: 37442288 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic, a metalloid toxicant, has caused serious environmental pollution and is presently a global health issue. Long-term exposure to arsenic causes diverse organ and system dysfunctions, including liver disease. Arsenic-induced liver disease comprises a spectrum of liver pathologies, ranging from hepatocyte damage, steatosis, fibrosis, to hepatocellular carcinoma. Various mechanisms, including an imbalance in redox reactions, mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic changes, participate in the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced liver disease. Altered epigenetic processes involved in its initiation and progression. Dysregulated modulations of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, exert regulating effects on these processes. Here, we have reviewed the underlying pathogenic mechanisms that lead to progressive arsenic-induced liver disease, and we provide a discussion focusing on the effects of ncRNAs on dysfunctions in intercellular communication and on the activation of hepatic stellate cells and malignant transformation of hepatocytes. Further, we have discussed the roles of ncRNAs in intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles and cytokines, and have provided a perspective for the application of ncRNAs as biomarkers in the early diagnosis and evaluation of the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced liver disease. Further investigations of ncRNAs will help us to understand the nature of arsenic-induced liver disease and to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Nutrition, Functional Food Clinical Evaluation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Nutrition, Functional Food Clinical Evaluation Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Javed T, Ahmad N, Ahmad SR. Coupling hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes (δ 2H, δ 18O and δ 13C) to identify factors affecting arsenic enrichment of surface water and groundwater in Precambrian sedimentary rocks, eastern salt range, Punjab, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:6643-6673. [PMID: 37347308 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The study area is a part of the Salt Range, where water quality is being deteriorated by natural and anthropogenic sources. This research integrates water quality assessment, arsenic enrichment, hydrogeochemical processes, groundwater recharge and carbon sources in aquifer. Total dissolved solid (TDS) contents in springs water, lake water and groundwater are in range of 681-847 mg/L, 2460-5051 mg/L and 513-7491 mg/L, respectively. The higher concentrations of magnesium and calcium in water bodies next to sodium are because of carbonates, sulfates, halite and silicates dissolution. The average concentrations of ions in groundwater are in order of HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > NO3-, virtually analogous to springs water, but different from lake water, categorized as poor quality and unfit for drinking purposes. Based on major ions hydrochemistry, NaCl and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl type hydrochemical facies are associated with concentration of arsenic (4.2-39.5 µg/L) in groundwater. Groundwater samples (70%) having arsenic concentration (11 ≤ As ≤ 39.5 µg/L) exceeded from World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (As ≤ 10 µg/L) in near neutral to slightly alkaline (6.7 ≤ pH ≤ 8.3), positive Eh(6 ≤ Eh ≤ 204 mV), signifying its oxic condition. Eh-pH diagrams for arsenic and iron indicate that 80% of groundwater for arsenic and iron were in compartments of HAsO42- and Fe(OH)3, unveil oxic environment. Arsenic is moderately positive correlated with TDS, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulfate and weak negative with δ13CDIC in surface and groundwater, forecasting multiple sources of arsenic to aquifer. Stable isotopes of waters show recharge of groundwater from local rain and lake water. The lower δ13CDIC values of groundwater are modified by influx of CO2 produced during biological oxidation of soil natural organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Javed
- Isotope Application Division (IAD), Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), P.O. Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Nasir Ahmad
- Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan
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6
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Marine polysaccharide-based hydrogels for critical materials selective removal and recovery: A review. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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7
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Portman TA, Granath A, Mann MA, El Hayek E, Herzer K, Cerrato JM, Rudgers JA. Characterization of root-associated fungi and reduced plant growth in soils from a New Mexico uranium mine. Mycologia 2023; 115:165-177. [PMID: 36857605 PMCID: PMC10089371 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2022.2156746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the diverse, root-associated fungi in mine wastes can accelerate the development of bioremediation strategies to stabilize heavy metals. Ascomycota fungi are well known for their mutualistic associations with plant roots and, separately, for roles in the accumulation of toxic compounds from the environment, such as heavy metals. We sampled soils and cultured root-associated fungi from blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) collected from lands with a history of uranium (U) mining and contrasted against communities in nearby, off-mine sites. Plant root-associated fungal communities from mine sites were lower in taxonomic richness and diversity than root fungi from paired, off-mine sites. We assessed potential functional consequences of unique mine-associated soil microbial communities using plant bioassays, which revealed that plants grown in mine soils in the greenhouse had significantly lower germination, survival, and less total biomass than plants grown in off-mine soils but did not alter allocation patterns to roots versus shoots. We identified candidate culturable root-associated Ascomycota taxa for bioremediation and increased understanding of the biological impacts of heavy metals on microbial communities and plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Portman
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Abigail Granath
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Michael A Mann
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Kelsie Herzer
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Jennifer A Rudgers
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
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Anderson DM, Bear AB, Zacher T, Endres K, Saxton R, Richards F, Robe LB, Harvey D, Best LG, Cloud RR, Thomas ED, Gittelsohn J, O’Leary M, Navas-Acien A, George CM. Implementing a Community-Led Arsenic Mitigation Intervention for Private Well Users in American Indian Communities: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Strong Heart Water Study Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2681. [PMID: 36768048 PMCID: PMC9915175 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxicant in groundwater, which increases cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. American Indian populations are disproportionately exposed to arsenic in drinking water. The Strong Heart Water Study (SHWS), through a community-centered approach for intervention development and implementation, delivered an arsenic mitigation program for private well users in American Indian communities. The SHWS program comprised community-led water arsenic testing, point-of-use arsenic filter installation, and a mobile health program to promote sustained filter use and maintenance (i.e., changing the filter cartridge). Half of enrolled households received additional in-person behavior change communication and videos. Our objectives for this study were to assess successes, barriers, and facilitators in the implementation, use, and maintenance of the program among implementers and recipients. We conducted 45 semi-structured interviews with implementers and SHWS program recipients. We analyzed barriers and facilitators using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and the Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, and Self-regulation model. At the implementer level, facilitators included building rapport and trust between implementers and participating households. Barriers included the remoteness of households, coordinating with community plumbers for arsenic filter installation, and difficulty securing a local supplier for replacement filter cartridges. At the recipient level, facilitators included knowledge of the arsenic health risks, perceived effectiveness of the filter, and visual cues to promote habit formation. Barriers included attitudes towards water taste and temperature and inability to procure or install replacement filter cartridges. This study offers insights into the successes and challenges of implementing an arsenic mitigation program tailored to American Indian households, which can inform future programs in partnership with these and potentially similar affected communities. Our study suggests that building credibility and trust between implementers and participants is important for the success of arsenic mitigation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy M. Anderson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Annabelle Black Bear
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - Tracy Zacher
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - Kelly Endres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ronald Saxton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Francine Richards
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - Lisa Bear Robe
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - David Harvey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Indian Health Service, Rockville, MD 20857, USA
| | - Lyle G. Best
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - Reno Red Cloud
- Environmental Resource Department, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Pine Ridge, SD 57770, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Thomas
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Marcia O’Leary
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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9
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Li C, Bundschuh J, Gao X, Li Y, Zhang X, Luo W, Pan Z. Occurrence and behavior of arsenic in groundwater-aquifer system of irrigated areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155991. [PMID: 35588806 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155991] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater arsenic pollution has received much attention worldwide for decades as a serious threat to public health, but the mechanisms responsible for arsenic mobilization are not fully understood. Groundwater and bore drilling sediment samples from Qiji county, a small geographical agricultural area with endemic arsenicosis, are collected for demonstrating the occurrence and speciation of arsenic in groundwater and sediments, and arsenic release between solid-liquid phase influenced by human activities. Results show that arsenic concentrations in groundwater vary from 5 μg/L to 19.6 μg/L, with 80% exceeding the maximum permissible limits required by WHO (10 μg/L) for drinking water and therefore constituting a health risk for humans. In a weak oxidizing environment (oxidation-reduction potential (ORP): 12.9 mV-151 mV), inorganic As(V) accounts for 85% of total dissolved As, which to some extent alleviates the harm of As pollution on humans. Total As content in the sediments is in the range of 6.98 mg/kg and 14.34 mg/kg (median of 10.71 mg/kg), three times higher than the average value of many countries. Sequential chemical leaching indicates that 11% of arsenic in sediments is labile bound and may be closely related to the arsenic in groundwater. Additionally, irrigation intensity contributes to arsenic release with diverse As3+/As5+ by dissolving weakly bound arsenic rapidly. Subsequently part of As(III) is oxidized to As(V). Competitive and/or alkaline desorption of As(V), which had been adsorbed by FeMn (hydrous)-oxides and carbonates in the unsaturated zone and the aquifer, exerts a significant role in releasing arsenic into the groundwater. Our study indicates that systematic management and regulation of irrigation intensity are required to prevent further deterioration of groundwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xubo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhendong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 430074 Wuhan, Hubei, China
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10
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Shi W, Xu Y, Wu W, Zeng XC. Biological effect of phosphate on the dissimilatory arsenate-respiring bacteria-catalyzed reductive mobilization of arsenic from contaminated soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119698. [PMID: 35787423 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dissimilatory arsenate-respiring prokaryotes (DARPs) are considered to be the major drive of the reductive mobilization of arsenic from solid phases. However, it is not fully understood how phosphate, a structural analog of arsenate, affects the DARPs-mediated arsenic mobilization. This work aimed to address this issue. As-contaminated soils were collected from a Shimen Realgar Mine-affected area. We identified a unique diversity of DARPs from the soils, which possess high As(V)-respiring activities using one of multiple small organic acids as the electron donor. After elimination of the desorption effect of phosphate on the As mobilization, the supplement of additional 10 mM phosphate to the active slurries markedly increased the microbial community-mediated reductive mobilization of arsenic as revealed by microcosm tests; this observation was associated to the fact that phosphate significantly increased the As(V)-respiratory reductase (Arr) gene abundances in the slurries. To confirm this finding, we further obtained a new DARP strain, Priestia sp. F01, from the samples. We found that after elimination of the chemical effect of phosphate, the supplement of 10 mM phosphate to the active slurries resulted in an 82.2% increase of the released As(III) in the solutions, which could be contributed to that excessive phosphate greatly increased the Arr gene abundance, and enhanced the transcriptional level of arrA gene and the bacterial As(V)-respiring activity of F01 cells. Considering that phosphate commonly coexists with As in the environment, and is a frequently-used fertilizer, these findings are helpful for deeply understanding why As concentrations in contaminated groundwater are dynamically fluctuated, and also provided new knowledge on the interactions between the biogeochemical processes of P and As.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), People's Republic of China; Ecological Restoration and Landscape Design Research Center, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), People's Republic of China.
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11
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DeVore CL, Rodriguez-Freire L, Villa N, Soleimanifar M, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Ali AMS, Lezama-Pacheco J, Ducheneaux C, Cerrato JM. Mobilization of As, Fe, and Mn from Contaminated Sediment in Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions: Chemical or Microbiological Triggers? ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2022; 6:1644-1654. [PMID: 36238447 PMCID: PMC9555341 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We integrated aqueous chemistry, spectroscopy, and microbiology techniques to identify chemical and microbial processes affecting the release of arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) from contaminated sediments exposed to aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The sediments were collected from Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal lands in South Dakota, which has dealt with mining legacy for several decades. The range of concentrations of total As measured from contaminated sediments was 96 to 259 mg kg-1, which co-occurs with Fe (21 000-22 005 mg kg-1) and Mn (682-703 mg kg-1). The transition from aerobic to anaerobic redox conditions yielded the highest microbial diversity, and the release of the highest concentrations of As, Fe, and Mn in batch experiments reacted with an exogenous electron donor (glucose). The reduction of As was confirmed by XANES analyses when transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic conditions. In contrast, the releases of As, Fe and Mn after a reaction with phosphate was at least 1 order of magnitude lower compared with experiments amended with glucose. Our results indicate that mine waste sediments amended with an exogenous electron donor trigger microbial reductive dissolution caused by anaerobic respiration. These dissolution processes can affect metal mobilization in systems transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic conditions in redox gradients. Our results are relevant for natural systems, for surface and groundwater exchange, or other systems in which metal cycling is influenced by chemical and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie L DeVore
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; Department of Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Lucia Rodriguez-Freire
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Noelani Villa
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Maedeh Soleimanifar
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Abdul Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Juan Lezama-Pacheco
- Department of Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Carlyle Ducheneaux
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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12
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New Geochemical Framework and Geographic Information System Methodologies to Assess Element Occurrence, Persistence, and Mobility in Groundwater and Surface Water. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12040411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study presents a geochemical framework and geographic information system (GIS) method for assessing the intrinsic potential of surface water and groundwater to mobilize arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, and vanadium. The method was created using published groundwater and surface water geochemical data from the National Uranium Resource Evaluation database for 2302 groundwater and 915 surface water samples. The method was evaluated using published groundwater geochemical data from the Texas Water Development Board. Geochemical data were analyzed in GIS. Samples were categorized by environmental condition, which was determined by using reduction–oxidation—as indicated by pe—and pH ranges for each sample based on geochemical mobility frameworks developed by Smith (2007) and Perel’man (1986). Reduction–oxidation and pH influence the occurrence, persistence, and mobility of arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, and vanadium in groundwater and surface water. Reduction–oxidation categories were assigned to water samples using concentrations of redox-active constituents, including dissolved oxygen, iron, manganese, and sulfur. The presence of iron substrates and hydrogen sulfides were considered in relation to mobility mechanisms. Twelve-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) boundaries were used in GIS as analysis areas to determine the most commonly occurring environmental condition in each HUC. The resulting maps identify the environmental conditions in different areas that can be used to identify where the elements are mobile. This methodology provides a systematic approach to identify areas where elements in groundwater and surface water may occur and persist and may be transferable to other locations.
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Tupiti W, Jones CE, Chandra S. Guilty by association: Assessment of environmental loadings on arsenic distribution in two Pacific Island rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148969. [PMID: 34328873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This work evaluates the immediate risk of arsenic toxicity in two major river systems located in Western Viti Levu, Fiji and Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands. Using principal component analysis, the associations between the major inorganic arsenic species, As (V) and As(III) and those of the controlling parameters, pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were investigated in these aquatic systems. As(III) was found to be the dominant form of total inorganic As concentrations in five of the thirteen sites studied. There remains a high risk of As(III) exposure from these sites in the rivers. The study also examined the potential role of mine adits in influencing the distinct water chemistry at the sites. Over 50% of As was found to exist as the more toxic As(III) species at some sites (with higher levels near the gold mines) in both river systems. This finding implies that there may be health risk to populations relying on the river waters for agriculture. As(V) at most sites across both rivers exceeded 13 μg/L, defined as a trigger value for aquatic ecosystems by Australia and New Zealand standards. The PCA indicated that spatial variations play a significant role in water chemistries between sites further from the mine adit location in the Metapona River. In the Sabeto River system, there was also considerable intra-variability in the water chemistries between sites. Further detailed studies are necessary to determine a complete profile of As species and associated biogeochemical processes in these rivers which could lead on to identify appropriate containment or mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wycliff Tupiti
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
| | - Catherine E Jones
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia, Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton, Queensland, 4701, Australia; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia, Gladstone Marina Campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia
| | - Shaneel Chandra
- College of Science and Sustainability, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia, Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton, Queensland, 4701, Australia; Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Central Queensland University (CQU) Australia, Gladstone Marina Campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia.
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14
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Rubinos DA, Jerez Ó, Forghani G, Edraki M, Kelm U. Geochemical stability of potentially toxic elements in porphyry copper-mine tailings from Chile as linked to ecological and human health risks assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:57499-57529. [PMID: 34089446 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The geochemical stability, in terms of potential mobility and derived ecological and human health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), of diverse fresh and old porphyry Cu-mine tailings from Chile was assessed through an integrated methodology comprising four interrelated investigation levels: (1) chemical composition and contamination degree of tailings by PTEs, (2) mineralogical characterization by X-ray diffraction and quantitative automated mineralogy analysis by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN®), (3) partitioning and potential mobility of PTEs within the tailings by a sequential extraction procedure (SEP) and leaching tests, and (4) ecological risk assessment (ERA) and human health risk assessment (HHRA). According to pollution indices, Cu, As, Pb, and Mo are most concerning PTEs present in the tailings. SEP shows that major portion of the PTEs are strongly fixed as residual fraction, and thus are poorly mobilizable and bioavailable. Among the PTEs, Cu, As, and Mo were identified as the PTEs most prone to mobilization. Leaching tests show that a low fraction of PTEs is water-leachable. Seawater enhances Mn and As leaching, while process water increases the leaching of Cu, Mn, and Mo. Phosphate particularly promotes leaching of As and Cu, whereas it does not mobilize or even immobilize Pb in the tailings. ERA suggests that mainly old tailings pose a very high potential risk for ecological receptors (PERI = 663-3356), mostly due to Cu and As. HHRA indicates that the old tailings pose higher potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, while the risk decreases in the order ingestion > dermal > inhalation for both children and adults. Non carcinogenic and carcinogenic HHRA points to As as the main PTE of concern via ingestion pathway in the tailings. Overall, the results revealed that particularly old tailings, containing mixed slag-tailings, pose considerable risks to the environment and human health due to potential PTEs mobilization and this aspect requires scrutiny for proper tailings management, including storage, sealing, and eventual tailings reprocessing and/or site rehabilitation after closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Rubinos
- Sustainable Minerals Institute-International Centre of Excellence Chile (SMI-ICE Chile), The University of Queensland, Australia. Av. Apoquindo 2929, 3rd Floor Of. 301, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Óscar Jerez
- Instituto de Geología Económica Aplicada (GEA), University of Concepción, Chile. Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - Giti Forghani
- Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Mansour Edraki
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, Sir James Foots Building (47A), St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ursula Kelm
- Instituto de Geología Económica Aplicada (GEA), University of Concepción, Chile. Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
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15
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DeVore CL, Hayek EE, Busch T, Long B, Mann M, Rudgers JA, Ali AMS, Howard T, Spilde MN, Brearley A, Ducheneaux C, Cerrato JM. Arsenic Accumulation in Hydroponically Grown Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Amended with Root-Colonizing Endophytes. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2021; 5:1278-1287. [PMID: 34308092 PMCID: PMC8302048 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We integrated microscopy, spectroscopy, culturing and molecular biology, and aqueous chemistry techniques to evaluate arsenic (As) accumulation in hydroponically grown Schizachyrium scoparium inoculated with endophytic fungi. Schizachyrium scoparium grows in historically contaminated sediment in the Cheyenne River Watershed and was used for laboratory experiments with As(V) ranging from 0 to 2.5 mg L-1 at circumneutral pH. Arsenic accumulation in regional plants has been a community concern for several decades, yet mechanisms affecting As accumulation in plants associated with endophytic fungi remain poorly understood. Colonization of roots by endophytic fungi supported better external and vascular cellular structure, increased biomass production, increased root lengths and increased P uptake, compared to noninoculated plants (p value <0.05). After exposure to As(V), an 80% decrease of As was detected in solution and accumulated mainly in the roots (0.82-13.44 mg kg-1) of noninoculated plants. Endophytic fungi mediated intracellular uptake into root cells and translocation of As. Electron microprobe X-ray mapping analyses detected Ca-P and Mg-P minerals with As on the root surface of exposed plants, suggesting that these minerals could lead to As adsorption on the root surface through surface complexation or coprecipitation. Our findings provide new insights regarding biological and physical-chemical processes affecting As accumulation in plants for risk assessment applications and bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie L DeVore
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; Present Address: Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; Present Address: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Taylor Busch
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Benson Long
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael Mann
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rudgers
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tamara Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael N Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Carlyle Ducheneaux
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Josée M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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16
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High-Arsenic Groundwater in Paleochannels of the Lower Yellow River, China: Distribution and Genesis Mechanisms. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13030338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High–arsenic (As) groundwater poses a serious threat to human health. The upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River are well–known areas for the enrichment of high–arsenic groundwater. However, little is known about the distribution characteristics and formation mechanism of high-As groundwater in the lower reach of the Yellow River. There were 203 groundwater samples collected in different groundwater systems of the lower Yellow River for the exploration of its hydrogeochemical characteristics. Results showed that more than 20% of the samples have arsenic concentrations exceeding 10 μg/L. The high-As groundwater was mainly distributed in Late Pleistocene–Holocene aquifers, and the As concentrations in the paleochannels systems (C2 and C4) were significantly higher than that of the paleointerfluve system (C3) and modern Yellow River affected system (C5). The high-As groundwater is characterized by high Fe2+ and NH4+ and low Eh and NO3−, indicating that reductive dissolution of the As–bearing iron oxides is probably the main cause of As release. The arsenic concentrations strikingly showed an increasing tendency as the HCO3− proportion increases, suggesting that HCO3− competitive adsorption may facilitate As mobilization, too. In addition, a Gibbs diagram showed that the evaporation of groundwater could be another significant hydrogeochemical processes, except for the water–rock interaction in the study area. Different sources of aquifer medium and sedimentary structure may be the main reasons for the significant zonation of the As spatial distribution in the lower Yellow River.
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17
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Stachnik Ł, Korabiewski B, Raczyk J, Łopuch M, Wieczorek I. Arsenic pollution in Quaternary sediments and water near a former gold mine. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18458. [PMID: 33116153 PMCID: PMC7595152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of water and sediments with arsenic and heavy metals is a global issue affecting human health. Regions covered with Quaternary deposits have received little attention from the point of view of the flux of arsenic and heavy metals from sediments to surface water. This study aims to determine the flux of arsenic and other heavy metals from Quaternary sediments to surface waters in an area affected by the former Złoty Stok gold and arsenic mine. Contamination in surface waters and sediments was caused by arsenic, whereas concentrations of metals were usually within water quality standards. Arsenic contamination of surface water increased in the lower part of the basin covered by Quaternary sediments, and exceeded water quality standards by 2 orders of magnitude. Arsenic mass flux exceeded 8 kg/day near the confluence of the Trująca River with the Nysa Kłodzka, a main tributary of the Oder River. An increase in arsenic concentration in the lower part of the basin is related to mine tailings and preferential flow of groundwater through Quaternary sediments. In future, water resources scarcity may lead to an increase in arsenic contamination in surface and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Stachnik
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wojciecha Cybulskiego 34, Wrocław, 50-205, Poland.
| | - Bartosz Korabiewski
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wojciecha Cybulskiego 34, Wrocław, 50-205, Poland
| | - Jerzy Raczyk
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wojciecha Cybulskiego 34, Wrocław, 50-205, Poland
| | - Michał Łopuch
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wojciecha Cybulskiego 34, Wrocław, 50-205, Poland
| | - Iwo Wieczorek
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław, Wojciecha Cybulskiego 34, Wrocław, 50-205, Poland
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18
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Sosa A, Armienta MA, Aguayo A, Cruz O. Evaluation of the influence of main groundwater ions on arsenic removal by limestones through column experiments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 727:138459. [PMID: 32334211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The influence of common groundwater major ions on arsenic (As) retention by native limestones was studied through column experiments. Columns were packed with rock particles (0.5-1.41 mm) and fed with solutions containing As, and chloride (Cl), sulfate, bicarbonate or fluoride (F) in concentrations similar to those measured in one of the most As-rich wells of Mexico. Besides, other solutions were also treated containing multiples or submultiples of those anion concentrations. Physico-chemical parameters, As, and each anion concentrations were determined weekly along 4 months. After the end of the experiments rocks collected from the top of the columns were analyzed by XRF, XRD, and SEM-WDS. Concentrations of As decreased from 1.2 mg/L to values below the Mexican drinking water standard (0.025 mg/L), since the first week in the solutions containing F or Cl keeping low values afterwards, indicating that they do not interfere with As removal. However, although As strongly decreased in the solutions containing sulfate since the first week, it started to increase from the 12th week in the highest concentrated solution. Bicarbonate was the anion affecting most As retention, since, after its decrease below 0.025 mg/L in the 2nd week for both solutions (30 mg/L and 300 mg/L), it started to increase since the 7th week in the most concentrated one, but maintained a low concentration in the least concentrated solution. Saturation index calculations and XRD analyses did not evidence the formation of As minerals. However, SEM elemental maps and XRF analyses showed the presence of As on the rocks after the treatments. Results indicate that As may be retained by sorption. Sulfate and bicarbonate compete with As for sorption sites. Results showed that native limestones are an option for treating As polluted water. Experiments also indicated that bicarbonate and sulfate may interfere with As removal depending on their concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sosa
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - M Aurora Armienta
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Geofísica, C.U., CDMX 04510, Mexico.
| | - A Aguayo
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Geofísica, C.U., CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - O Cruz
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Geofísica, C.U., CDMX 04510, Mexico
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19
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Gonzalez-Estrella J, Meza I, Burns AJ, Ali AMS, Lezama-Pacheco JS, Lichtner P, Shaikh N, Fendorf S, Cerrato JM. Effect of Bicarbonate, Calcium, and pH on the Reactivity of As(V) and U(VI) Mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3979-3987. [PMID: 32176846 PMCID: PMC7189768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Natural or anthropogenic processes can increase the concentration of uranium (U) and arsenic (As) above the maximum contaminant levels in water sources. Bicarbonate and calcium (Ca) can have major impacts on U speciation and can affect the reactivity between U and As. We therefore investigated the reactivity of aqueous U and As mixtures with bicarbonate and Ca for acidic and neutral pH conditions. In experiments performed with 1 mM U and As mixtures, 10 mM Ca, and without added bicarbonate (pCO2 = 3.5), aqueous U decreased to <0.25 mM at pH 3 and 7. Aqueous As decreased the most at pH 3 (∼0.125 mM). Experiments initiated with 0.005 mM As and U showed similar trends. X-ray spectroscopy (i.e., XAS and EDX) and diffraction indicated that U-As-Ca- and U-Ca-bearing solids resemble uranospinite [Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2·10H2O] and becquerelite [Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6·8(H2O)]. These findings suggest that U-As-Ca-bearing solids formed in mixed solutions are stable at pH 3. However, the dissolution of U-As-Ca and U-Ca-bearing solids at pH 7 was observed in reactors containing 10 mM bicarbonate and Ca, suggesting a kinetic reaction of aqueous uranyl-calcium-carbonate complexation. Our study provides new insights regarding U and As mobilization for risk assessment and remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Isabel Meza
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Annie Jane Burns
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Juan S Lezama-Pacheco
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Peter Lichtner
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Nabil Shaikh
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Scott Fendorf
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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