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Cowan EA, Wang Z, Brachfeld SA, Hageman SJ, Seramur KC, Pearson WF, Wilson J, Karcher R, Hill R, Vengosh A. Role of coal ash morphology and composition in delivery and transport of trace metals in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124982. [PMID: 39293653 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Fly ash is predominately the inorganic byproduct of coal combustion for electrical power generation. It is composed of aluminosilicates with Fe, Mg, K, and Ca forming submicron to 100 μm spheres and amorphous particles. During combustion trace elements are incorporated into the heterogenous fine particles that can pose risks to the environment and human health. This study combines optical, rock magnetic, and geochemical analyses of fly ash originating from Appalachian coal to develop an integrated suite of environmental coal ash tracers. The non-magnetic portion of power plant fly ash has higher abundance of clear spheres and clear amorphous particles, combined with enrichment of As, B, Th, Ba, Li, Se, Cd, Pb, and Tl. The magnetic fraction is enriched in opaque and orange spheres and Cu, U, V, Mo, Cr, Ni, and Co. Plerospheres occur in either fraction. We investigated ash-bearing fluvial sediment from Emory-Clinch River system that was impacted by the instantaneous TVA spill in 2008 and Hyco Lake in North Carolina that was contaminated by chronic releases of fly ash since 1964. Five years after the TVA spill, most ash in the riverbed reflects one population with trace element concentrations proportional to percent total ash. This relationship does not hold for As and Se, volatile elements associated with the outer surface of clear spheres, which are affected by river transport. At Hyco Lake, small clear and opaque spheres correlate with trace elements released from storage ponds. The combination of trace elements, fly ash morphology and rock magnetism provides a powerful set of tools to assess the distribution of ash and potential impact on the environment. We conclude that dispersal of fly ash to the aquatic environment, especially small clear and opaque spheres, should be avoided in favor of dry landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Stefanie A Brachfeld
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA
| | - Steven J Hageman
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - Keith C Seramur
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - W Forest Pearson
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - Jessica Wilson
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - Randall Karcher
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 28608, USA
| | - Robert Hill
- Division of Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Division of Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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2
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Ummik ML, Järvik O, Reinik J, Konist A. Ecotoxicity assessment of ashes from calcium-rich fuel combustion: contrasting results and regulatory implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:48523-48533. [PMID: 39031317 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34387-3] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The European Union's (EU) regulation for the waste classification based on their ecotoxicological hazard (hazardous property HP14) came into force on 5 July 2018. The regulation advocates the utilisation of computational formulae for the hazard classification of waste associated with hazardous property HP14. Concurrently, ecotoxicological testing remains an alternative. To date, the absence of a consensus regarding test organisms and methodologies has vested EU member states with autonomy in determining the approach for conducting ecotoxicity assessments. The discussions on waste classification are also ongoing globally, namely the discussions under the Basel Convention. This paper endeavours to elucidate whether the widely employed test organisms, Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri, may serve as suitable indicators for the evaluation of the ecotoxicity of waste. The research is grounded in the examination of ashes derived from a combustion process of calcium-rich fuel. Ecotoxicity testing was conducted on 14 ash samples with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1. The results of the Aliivibrio fischeri testing indicated that all 14 ash samples were non-hazardous in terms of their ecotoxicity. However, the results of the Daphnia magna testing showed the opposite, suggesting that the ash samples may have the potential to be ecotoxic. This study offers valuable insights into ecotoxicity assessment and waste classification, emphasising the need for scientific rigour and comprehensive understanding before making regulatory decisions. It also situates its findings within the broader global context of waste management discussions, particularly those related to international agreements like the Basel Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Liis Ummik
- Department of Energy Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Oliver Järvik
- Department of Energy Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Janek Reinik
- Department of Energy Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Alar Konist
- Department of Energy Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086, Tallinn, Estonia.
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3
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Vítková M, Zarzsevszkij S, Šillerová H, Karlova A, Šimek P, Wimmerová L, Martincová M, Urbánek B, Komárek M. Sustainable use of composted sewage sludge: Metal(loid) leaching behaviour and material suitability for application on degraded soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172588. [PMID: 38642754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172588] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Composted sewage sludge was investigated as a promising material for the reclamation or remediation of degraded sites. Using sewage sludge as soil amendment provides environmental benefits and risks while supporting circularity and waste minimisation. This study aims to comprehensively assess the suitability of locally available low-cost sludge treatment for sustainable and environmentally safe topsoil disposal in a brownfield area affected by coal mining. A nine-month composting was conducted before field application to the soil environment. The objectives were to assess: (i) composting time-dependent and pH-dependent metal(loid) leachability from composted sludges, (ii) the effect of sludges on metal(loid) leachability from soil over the first six months, and (iii) metal(loid) plant uptake during the first vegetation season as well as the bioaccumulation and translocation factors. The set of standardised leaching experiments confirmed the positive effect of compost maturity, i.e. despite some fluctuations over time, metal(loid) availability from the final composts was very low. Some metals showed unusual pH-dependent behaviour with the highest leachability at pH 8 due to excessive release of dissolved organic matter from the not-yet-stabilised matrix. Ecotoxicity testing confirmed the safety of the final composts for further soil application. The sludge-amended plots displayed similar metal(loid) leaching and pH evolution in time compared to the control biomass-amended plot. However, plant species (Artemisia vulgaris L.) that formed the natural vegetation cover of the experimental plots showed cumulative metal(loid) uptake. Cadmium and zinc were identified as the critical metals possibly related to the applied sludges, yielding high bioaccumulation and translocation factors. Yet, the quality of the compost feedstock, heterogeneity, and background values of the brownfield site need to be considered. Nevertheless, soil respiration indicated no adverse effects on soil health six months after sludge application. Overall, the composted material demonstrated potential suitability for remediation application in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Vítková
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic.
| | - Szimona Zarzsevszkij
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Šillerová
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Karlova
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Šimek
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Wimmerová
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Martincová
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Boris Urbánek
- DEKONTA, a.s., Dřetovice 109, 273 42 Stehelčeves, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Komárek
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha - Suchdol, Czech Republic
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4
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Rivera NA, Ling FT, Jin Z, Pattammattel A, Yan H, Chu YS, Peters CA, Hsu-Kim H. Nanoscale heterogeneity of arsenic and selenium species in coal fly ash particles: analysis using enhanced spectroscopic imaging and speciation techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. NANO 2023; 10:1768-1777. [PMID: 37457049 PMCID: PMC10339362 DOI: 10.1039/d2en01056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion byproducts are known to be enriched in arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). This enrichment is a concern during the handling, disposal, and reuse of the ash as both elements can be harmful to wildlife and humans if mobilized into water and soils. The leaching potential and bioaccessibility of As and Se in coal fly ash depends on the chemical forms of these elements and their association with the large variety of particles that comprise coal fly ash. The overall goal of this research was to determine nanoscale and microscale solid phase mineral associations and oxidation states of As and Se in fly ash. We utilized nanoscale 2D imaging (30-50 nm spot size) with the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN) in combination with microprobe X-ray capabilities (∼5 μm resolution) to determine the As and Se elemental associations. Speciation of As and Se was also measured at the nano- to microscale with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The enhanced resolution of HXN showed As and Se as either diffusely located around or comingled with Ca- and Fe-rich particles. The results also showed nanoparticles of Se attached to the surface of fly ash grains. Overall, a comparison of As and Se species across scales highlights the heterogeneity and complexity of chemical associations for these trace elements of concern in coal fly ash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
| | - Florence T Ling
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University Princeton New Jersey 08544 USA
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, La Salle University Philadelphia PA 19141 USA
| | - Zehao Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
| | - Ajith Pattammattel
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Hanfei Yan
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Yong S Chu
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Catherine A Peters
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University Princeton New Jersey 08544 USA
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
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5
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Moyo A, Parbhakar-Fox A, Meffre S, Cooke DR. Alkaline industrial wastes - Characteristics, environmental risks, and potential for mine waste management. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121292. [PMID: 36804887 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121292] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The large quantities of alkaline industrial wastes that are generated globally have the potential to be valorized in various applications instead of being landfilled. This study evaluated the potential reuse of green liquor dregs (GLD), wood ashes, coal ash, red mud, mussel, scallop, and oyster shells to control acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD). Low hydraulic conductivities (10-7 to 10-9 m/min) suggest that covers constructed from fine-grained GLD, red mud, coal ash and wood fly ash can limit the formation of AMD. Static and kinetic test leachates of pH 5.8 to 10.6 indicate that the tested materials can neutralize acidic drainage and immobilize metal(loid)s by precipitation. The alkalinity is proportional to the amount and reactivity of carbonate and hydroxide fractions with red mud followed by coal ash being the most alkaline over 100 weeks and wood ashes the least. The tested industrial wastes generate leachates with a low metal(loid) risk when screened against the Australian freshwater guidelines. However, oxyanions including Al, Cr, Cu, Se, and V were leached in deleterious concentrations ≤100 times more than the guidelines because of their mobility in alkaline conditions. The outcomes of this study highlighted that alkaline industrial wastes can be potentially used in the long-term remediation of AMD as part of an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective integrated mine waste management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annah Moyo
- ARC Research Hub for Transforming the Mining Value Chain & Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 79, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
| | - Anita Parbhakar-Fox
- ARC Research Hub for Transforming the Mining Value Chain & Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 79, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia; WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Experimental Mine Site, 40 Isles Road, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068, Australia.
| | - Sebastien Meffre
- ARC Research Hub for Transforming the Mining Value Chain & Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 79, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
| | - David R Cooke
- ARC Research Hub for Transforming the Mining Value Chain & Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 79, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
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6
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Kim J, Lee SS, Fenter P, Myneni SCB, Nikitin V, Peters CA. Carbonate Coprecipitation for Cd and Zn Treatment and Evaluation of Heavy Metal Stability Under Acidic Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3104-3113. [PMID: 36781166 PMCID: PMC9979612 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mining wastes or combustion ash are materials of high carbon sequestration potential but are also known for their toxicity in terms of heavy metal content. To utilize such waste materials for engineered carbon mineralization purposes, there is a need to investigate the fate and mobility of toxic metals. This is a study of the coprecipitation of metals with calcium carbonate for environmental heavy metal mitigation. The study also examines the stability of precipitated phases under environmentally relevant acid conditions. For a wide range of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (10 to 5000 mg/L), induced coprecipitation led to greater than 99% uptake from water. The calcium carbonate phases were found to contain amounts as high as 9.9 wt % (Cd) and 17 wt % (Zn), as determined by novel synchrotron techniques, including X-ray fluorescence element mapping and three-dimensional (3D) nanotransmission X-ray microscopy (TXM). TXM imaging revealed first-of-a-kind observations of chemical gradients and internal nanoporosity within particles. These observations provided new insights into the mechanisms leading to the retention of coprecipitated heavy metals during the dissolution of calcite in acidic (pH 4) solutions. These observations highlight the feasibility of utilizing carbonate coprecipitation as an engineered approach to the durable sequestration of toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie
J. Kim
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Sang Soo Lee
- Chemical
Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne
National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Paul Fenter
- Chemical
Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne
National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Satish C. B. Myneni
- Department
of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Viktor Nikitin
- Advanced
Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Catherine A. Peters
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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7
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Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
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8
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Wang X, van der Sloot HA, Brown KG, Garrabrants AC, Chen Z, Hensel B, Kosson DS. Application and uncertainty of a geochemical speciation model for predicting oxyanion leaching from coal fly ash under different controlling mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129518. [PMID: 35999720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Three primary mechanisms (adsorption to iron oxides or analogous surfaces, co-precipitation with Ca, and substitution in ettringite) controlling oxyanion retention in coal fly ashes (CFAs) were identified by differentiating the leaching behavior of As, B, Cr, Mo, Se, and V from 30 CFAs. Fidelity evaluation of geochemical speciation modeling focused on six reference CFAs representing a range of CFA compositions, whereby different leaching-controlling mechanisms of oxyanions were systematically considered. For three reference CFAs with low Ca and S content, calibration of adsorption reactions for the diffuse double-layer model for hydrous ferric oxides improved the simultaneous prediction of oxyanion leaching, which reduced uncertainties in Se and V predictions caused by nonideal adsorption surfaces and competitive adsorption effects. For two reference CFAs with intermediate Ca content, the solubility constants for Ca-arsenates from literature and postulated phases of B, Cr, Se, and V were used to describe co-precipitation of oxyanions with Ca-bearing minerals under alkaline conditions. For the reference CFA with high Ca and S content, an ettringite solid solution was used to capture the simultaneous retention of all oxyanions at pH> 9.5. Overall, the simultaneous leaching predictions of oxyanions from a wide range of CFAs were improved by calibration of adsorption reactions and controlling solid phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Hans A van der Sloot
- Hans van der Sloot Consultancy, Glenn Millerhof 29, 1628 TS Hoorn, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin G Brown
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Andrew C Garrabrants
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Zhiliang Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Bruce Hensel
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States.
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9
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Petrović M, Fiket Ž. Environmental damage caused by coal combustion residue disposal: A critical review of risk assessment methodologies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134410. [PMID: 35346741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion generates almost 40% of world's electricity. However, it also produces 1.1 billion tons of coal combustion residues (CCR) annually, half of which end up in landfills. Although current regulations require proper lining and monitoring programs, the ubiquitous old, abandoned landfills are often not lined nor included in these programs. In addition, the total number of coal ash disposal sites and their status in the world is unknown. Therefore, this article reviews the environmental damage caused by CCR and three commonly used risk assessment methodologies: leaching assessment, groundwater assessment, and toxicity testing. Leaching methods are usually the first step in coal ash risk assessment, however, a large number of methods with different parameters make a comparison of data difficult. Groundwater pollution is commonly detected near coal ash disposal sites, but other anthropogenic activities may also exist nearby. Therefore, multivariate statistical methods and isotope traces should be used to differentiate between different sources of pollution. So far, both stable (δ18O, δD, δ11B, δ34S, δ7Li) and radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/207Pb) isotopes have been successfully used as coal ash pollution tracers. Coal ash also negatively affects biota, reduces the diversity of organisms, affects children's health, and increases the risk for developing various diseases. Toxicity studies are great for early screening of coal ash safety; however, they provide no insights into mechanisms causing the adverse effects. Future directions are also proposed, such as the development of new 'low-level' detection methods for coal ash pollution and sustainable and selective method for recovery of critical elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Petrović
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Fiket
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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10
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Petrović M, Fiket Ž, Medunić G, Chakravarty S. Mobility of metals and metalloids from SHOS coal ash and slag deposit: mineralogical and geochemical constraints. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:46916-46928. [PMID: 35175526 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19074-5] [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: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Deposits remained after coal combustion are a well-known occurrence in the world; unfortunately, only a small percentage of such deposits are adequately regulated and, consequently, pose a serious threat to the local environment. Attenuation of negative consequences presupposes knowledge of a number of features, both of the deposit and the local environment as well the interaction with local biota. In this study, unregulated waste generated from decades of coal mining and combustion of superhigh-organic-sulfur Raša coal, enriched in Se-U-Mo-V and located in a vulnerable karst region, was investigated. To assess the impact of landfill on the environment, in addition to its general geochemical and mineralogical features, the human health risk was assessed and the leaching of elements from the landfill, local soil, and the coal itself was investigated. For the latter, three extraction procedures, ASTM, EP, and TCLP (pH 4.93 and 2.9), were employed, mimicking different environmental conditions, including the sporadic occurrence of acid rains in the region. The soil around the landfill displayed enrichment in the majority of elements compared to expected values, with exception of Se, Mo, U, V, Sr, and Cu found at the highest levels in landfill samples. Mobility of elements was found to be controlled by both pH and mineralogy (carbonates and sulfates), whereby the overall highest relative mobility was observed in landfill samples for elements prevalently bound to sulfate phases. Calculated Hazard Quotient describes this landfill as a risk to the environment and human health through different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Petrović
- Divison for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Fiket
- Divison for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Gordana Medunić
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanchita Chakravarty
- Analytical & Applied Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, 831007, Jharkhand, India
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11
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Drljaca D, Vukic L, Dragic D, Borkovic A, Botic T, Dugic P, Papuga S, Solic M, Maletic S, Gvero P, Savkovic J. Leaching of heavy metals from wood biomass ash, before and after binding in cement composite. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc220217054d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wood ash is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic compounds. It is
heterogeneous in composition, which can vary considerably. Ash is mainly
disposed of in landfills, which poses a risk for air, soil and groundwater
contamination by trace elements. In order for wood biomass ash to be used as
a secondary raw material, it is necessary to perform leaching tests, to
determine which microelements it contains, and which of them could be
released into the environment during the ash disposal. Sequential extraction
showed that in the exchangeable and carbonate fraction, the most volatile
metals As, Cd, Zn and Pb are released the most from the ash of deciduous
trees, while the leaching of ash from coniferous trees is significantly
lower. The evaluation of risk assessment code (RAC) for the tested biomass
ash samples, indicates that Pb is a high-risk leaching element due to its
condensation on the ash particles. By performing TCLP (Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure) and SPLP (Synthetic Precipitation
Leaching Procedure) tests, it was established that the released
concentrations of tested metals are below the maximum allowable
concentration, given by the Regulation. The leaching tests of composites,
prepared from wood ash in combination with cement, indicate that the
leaching of ash is reduced to a minimum, and that all heavy metals are bound
in a cement matrix, which indicates the possibility of using wood ash for
construction purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Drljaca
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Vukic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dajana Dragic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Aleksandra Borkovic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tatjana Botic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Pero Dugic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sasa Papuga
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marko Solic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snezana Maletic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Petar Gvero
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelena Savkovic
- Faculty of Technology, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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12
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Aly NA, Casillas G, Luo YS, McDonald TJ, Wade TL, Zhu R, Newman G, Lloyd D, Wright FA, Chiu WA, Rusyn I. Environmental impacts of Hurricane Florence flooding in eastern North Carolina: temporal analysis of contaminant distribution and potential human health risks. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:810-822. [PMID: 33895777 PMCID: PMC8448918 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00325-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina in September 2018 causing extensive flooding. Several potential point sources of hazardous substances and Superfund sites sustained water damage and contaminants may have been released into the environment. OBJECTIVE This study conducted temporal analysis of contaminant distribution and potential human health risks from Hurricane Florence-associated flooding. METHODS Soil samples were collected from 12 sites across four counties in North Carolina in September 2018, January and May 2019. Chemical analyses were performed for organics by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Hazard index and cancer risk were calculated using EPA Regional Screening Level Soil Screening Levels for residential soils. RESULTS PAH and metals detected downstream from the coal ash storage pond that leaked were detected and were indicative of a pyrogenic source of contamination. PAH at these sites were of human health concern because cancer risk values exceeded 1 × 10-6 threshold. Other contaminants measured across sampling sites, or corresponding hazard index and cancer risk, did not exhibit spatial or temporal differences or were of concern. SIGNIFICANCE This work shows the importance of rapid exposure assessment following natural disasters. It also establishes baseline levels of contaminants for future comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor A Aly
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gaston Casillas
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Syuan Luo
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas J McDonald
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terry L Wade
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dillon Lloyd
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Fred A Wright
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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13
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Nguyen TQ, Sesin V, Kisiala A, Emery RJN. Phytohormonal Roles in Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress: Implications for Using Macrophytes in Phytoremediation of Aquatic Ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:7-22. [PMID: 33074580 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals can represent a threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Unlike organic chemicals, heavy metals cannot be eliminated by natural processes such as their degradation into less toxic compounds, and this creates unique challenges for their remediation from soil, water, and air. Phytoremediation, defined as the use of plants for the removal of environmental contaminants, has many benefits compared to other pollution-reducing methods. Phytoremediation is simple, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly because it can be carried out at the polluted site, which simplifies logistics and minimizes exposure to humans and wildlife. Macrophytes represent a unique tool to remediate diverse environmental media because they can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated sediment via roots, from water via submerged leaves, and from air via emergent shoots. In this review, a synopsis is presented about how plants, especially macrophytes, respond to heavy metal stress; and we propose potential roles that phytohormones can play in the alleviation of metal toxicity in the aquatic environment. We focus on the uptake, translocation, and accumulation mechanisms of heavy metals in organs of macrophytes and give examples of how phytohormones interact with plant defense systems under heavy metal exposure. We advocate for a more in-depth understanding of these processes to inform more effective metal remediation techniques from metal-polluted water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:7-22. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thien Q Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Verena Sesin
- Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Kisiala
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - R J Neil Emery
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Chen X, Qiu B, Zou Q, Qiu T, Li R, Truong A, Qi Y, Liu T, Han L, Liu T, Chang J, Sun Q, Zhu Y, Xu D. Source specific PM 2.5 associated with heart rate variability in the elderly with coronary heart disease: A community-based panel study. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127399. [PMID: 32668362 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is increasingly concern that PM2.5 constituents play a significant role in PM2.5-related cardiovascular outcomes. However, little is known about the associations between specific constituents of PM2.5 and risk for cardiovascular health. To evaluate the exposure to specific chemicals of PM2.5 from various sources and their cardiac effects, a longitudinal investigation was conducted with four repeated measurements of elderly participants' HRV and PM2.5 species in urban Beijing. Multiple chemicals in PM2.5 (metals, ions and PAHs) were characterized for PM2.5 source apportionment and personalized exposure assessment. Five sources were finally identified with specific chemicals as the indicators: oil combustion (1.1%, V & PAHs), secondary particle (11.3%, SO42- & NO3-), vehicle emission (1.2%, Pd), construction dust (28.7%, Mg & Ca), and coal combustion (57.7%, Se & As). As observed, each IQR increase in exposure to oil combustion (V), vehicle emission (Pd), and coal combustion (Se) significantly decreased rMSSD by 13.1% (95% CI: -25.3%, -1.0%), 27.4% (95% CI: -42.9%, -7.6%) and 24.7% (95% CI: -39.2%, -6.9%), respectively, while those of PM2.5 mass with decreases of rMSSD by 11.1% (95% CI: -19.6%, -1.9%) at lag 0. Elevated exposures to specific sources/constituents of PM2.5 disrupt cardiac autonomic function in elderly and have more adverse effects than PM2.5 mass. In the stratified analysis, medication and gender modify the associations of specific chemicals from variable sources with HRV. The findings of this study provide evidence on the roles of influential constituents of ambient air PM2.5 and their sources in terms of their adverse cardiovascular health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qiu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing, China
| | - Qinpei Zou
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Qiu
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Runkui Li
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ashley Truong
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yanmin Qi
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Han
- Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tiebing Liu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing, China
| | - Junrui Chang
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Dongqun Xu
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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15
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Zierold KM, Odoh C. A review on fly ash from coal-fired power plants: chemical composition, regulations, and health evidence. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:401-418. [PMID: 32324165 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, coal is responsible for generating approximately 38% of power. Coal ash, a waste product, generated from the combustion of coal, consists of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization material. Fly ash, which is the main component of coal ash, is composed of spherical particulate matter with diameters that range from 0.1 μm to >100 μm. Fly ash is predominately composed of silica, aluminum, iron, calcium, and oxygen, but the particles may also contain heavy metals such as arsenic and lead at trace levels. Most nations throughout the world do not consider fly ash a hazardous waste and therefore regulations on its disposal and storage are lacking. Fly ash that is not beneficially reused in products such as concrete is stored in landfills and surface impoundments. Fugitive dust emissions and leaching of metals into groundwater from landfills and surface impoundments may put people at risk for exposure. There are limited epidemiological studies regarding the health effects of fly ash exposure. In this article, the authors provide an overview of fly ash, its chemical composition, the regulations from nations generating the greatest amount of fly ash, and epidemiological evidence regarding the health impacts associated with exposure to fly ash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chisom Odoh
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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16
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Sabuda MC, Rosenfeld CE, DeJournett TD, Schroeder K, Wuolo-Journey K, Santelli CM. Fungal Bioremediation of Selenium-Contaminated Industrial and Municipal Wastewaters. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2105. [PMID: 33013769 PMCID: PMC7507899 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element for most organisms yet can cause severe negative biological consequences at elevated levels. The oxidized forms of Se, selenate [Se(VI)] and selenite [Se(IV)], are more mobile, toxic, and bioavailable than the reduced forms of Se such as volatile or solid phases. Thus, selenate and selenite pose a greater threat to ecosystems and human health. As current Se remediation technologies have varying efficiencies and costs, novel strategies to remove elevated Se levels from environments impacted by anthropogenic activities are desirable. Some common soil fungi quickly remove Se (IV and VI) from solution by aerobic reduction to solid or volatile forms. Here, we perform bench-scale culture experiments of two Se-reducing Ascomycota to determine their Se removal capacity in growth media conditions containing either Se(IV) or Se(VI) as well as in Se-containing municipal (∼25 μg/L Se) and industrial (∼2000 μg/L Se) wastewaters. Dissolved Se was measured throughout the experiments to assess Se concentration and removal rates. Additionally, solid-associated Se was quantified at the end of each experiment to determine the amount of Se removed to solid phases (e.g., Se(0) nanoparticles, biomass-adsorbed Se, or internal organic selenoproteins). Results show that under optimal conditions, fungi more efficiently remove Se(IV) from solution compared to Se(VI). Additionally, both fungi remove a higher percentage of Se from the filtered municipal wastewater compared to the industrial wastewater, though cultures in industrial wastewater retained a greater amount of solid-associated Se. Additional wastewater experiments were conducted with supplemental carbohydrate- or glycerin-based carbon products and additional nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing nutrients in some cases to enhance fungal growth. Relative to unamended wastewater experiments, supplemental carbohydrates promote Se removal from municipal wastewater but minimally impact industrial wastewater removal. This demonstrates that carbon availability and source impacts fungal Se reduction and removal from solution. Calculations to assess the leaching potential of solid-associated Se from fungal biomass show that wastewater Se release will not exceed regulatory limits. This study highlights the considerable potential for the mycoremediation of Se-contaminated wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sabuda
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Carla E Rosenfeld
- Section of Minerals and Earth Sciences, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Katie Schroeder
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | | | - Cara M Santelli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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17
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Characteristics of Arsenic Leached from Sediments: Agricultural Implications of Abandoned Mines. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9214628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metals, including arsenic from abandoned mines, are easily transported with sediment and deposited in waterbodies such as reservoirs and lakes, creating critical water quality issues when they are released. Understanding the leaching of heavy metals is necessary for developing efficient water quality improvement plans. This study investigated how arsenic leaches from different soil and sediment types and responds to hydrologic conditions to identify areas susceptible to arsenic contamination. In this study, batch- and column-leaching tests and sequential extraction procedures were used to examine arsenic leaching processes in detail. The results showed that most arsenic-loaded sediments accumulated in the vicinity of a reservoir inlet, and arsenic in reservoir beds have a higher leaching potential than those from agricultural land and stream beds. Arsenic deposited at the bottom of reservoirs had higher mobility than that in the other soils and sediments, and arsenic leaching was closely associated with the acidity of water. In addition, arsenic leaching was found to be responsive to seasons (wet or dry) as its mobilization is controlled by organic compounds that vary over time. The results suggested that temporal variations in the hydrochemical composition of reservoir water should be considered when defining a management plan for reservoir water quality.
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18
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Vengosh A, Cowan EA, Coyte RM, Kondash AJ, Wang Z, Brandt JE, Dwyer GS. Evidence for unmonitored coal ash spills in Sutton Lake, North Carolina: Implications for contamination of lake ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:1090-1103. [PMID: 31200305 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs, also known as "coal ash") contain high concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic elements that can pose ecological and human health risks upon their release into the environment. About half of the CCRs that are generated annually in the U.S. are stored in coal ash impoundments and landfills, in most cases adjacent to coal plants and waterways. Leaking of coal ash ponds and CCR spills are major environmental concerns. One factor which may impact the safety of CCRs stored in impoundments and landfills is the storage area's predisposition to flooding. The southeastern U.S., in particular, has a large number of coal ash impoundments located in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. In order to test for the possible presence of CCR solids in lake sediments following Hurricane Florence, we analyzed the magnetic susceptibility, microscopic screening, trace element composition, and strontium isotope ratios of bottom sediments collected in 2015 and in 2018 from Sutton Lake in eastern North Carolina and compared them to a reference lake. The results suggest multiple, apparently previously unmonitored, CCR spills into Sutton Lake from adjacent CCR storage sites. The enrichment of metals in Sutton Lake sediments, particularly those with known ecological impact such as As, Se, Cu, Sb, Ni, Cd, V, and Tl, was similar to or even higher than those in stream sediments impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Kingston, Tennessee, and the Dan River, North Carolina coal ash spills, and exceeded ecological screening standards for sediments. High levels of contaminants were also found in leachates extracted from Sutton Lake sediments and co-occurring pore water, reflecting their mobilization to the ambient environment. These findings highlight the risks of large-scale unmonitored spills of coal ash solids from storage facilities following major storm events and contamination of nearby water resources throughout the southeastern U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Andrew J Kondash
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Jessica E Brandt
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
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19
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Xiong X, Liu X, Yu IKM, Wang L, Zhou J, Sun X, Rinklebe J, Shaheen SM, Ok YS, Lin Z, Tsang DCW. Potentially toxic elements in solid waste streams: Fate and management approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 253:680-707. [PMID: 31330359 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid wastes containing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are widely generated around the globe. Critical concerns have been raised over their impacts on human health and the environment, especially for the exposure to PTEs during the transfer and disposal of the wastes. It is important to devise highly-efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies for the removal or immobilisation of PTEs in solid wastes. However, there is an inadequate overview of the global flow of PTEs-contaminated solid wastes in terms of geographical distribution patterns, which is vital information for decision making in sustainable waste management. Moreover, in view of the scarcity of resources and the call for a circular economy, there is a pressing need to recover materials (e.g., precious metals and rare earth elements) from waste streams and this is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly practice compared with ore mining. Therefore, this article aims to give a thorough overview to the global flow of PTEs and the recovery of waste materials. This review first summarises PTEs content in various types of solid wastes; then, toxic metal(loid)s, radioactive elements, and rare earth elements are critically reviewed, with respect to their patterns of transport transformation and risks in the changing environment. Different treatments for the management of these contaminated solid wastes are discussed. Based on an improved understanding of the dynamics of metal(loid) fates and a review of existing management options, new scientific insights are provided for future research in the development of high-performance and sustainable treatment technologies for PTEs in solid wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinni Xiong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xueming Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Iris K M Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin St, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Jin Zhou
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xin Sun
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kafrelsheikh, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhang Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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