Experimental Estimation of 44 Pharmaceutical Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler Sampling Rates in an Artificial River under Various Flow Conditions

The present study pertains to a polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) laboratory calibration to estimate the sampling rates for 44 pharmaceuticals featuring a wide range of polarity (-0.6 < octanol/water partition coefficient [log K_OW ] < 5.4). The calibration was performed at 16.0 ± 1.5 °C for 4 water flow velocities (0, 2-3, 6-7, and 20 cm/s) in both a tank (for calibration at 0 cm/s) and a laboratory-scale artificial river filled with 200 and 500 L of tap water spiked with 0.3 µg/L of each compound, respectively. Twelve new sampling rates and 26 sampling rates already available in the literature were determined, whereas the sampling rates for 6 pharmaceuticals could not be determined due to nonlinearity or poor accumulation in POCIS. An increase in the sampling rate value with flow velocity was observed, which is consistent with a decrease in the effective thickness of the water boundary layer at the POCIS membrane surface. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1186-1195. © 2020 SETAC.

Recovery of molybdenum, nickel and cobalt by precipitation from the acidic leachate of a mineral sludge

The objective of this study was to investigate the recovery potential of molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) from synthetic and real acidic leachate of a mineral sludge from a metal recycling plant by sulfide precipitation. The operational parameters (metal sulfide (M/S) ratio 0.1-1, agitation speed 0-100 rpm, contact time 15-120 min and pH 1-5) were optimized in batch conditions on synthetic metal leachate (0.5 M HNO3, Mo = 101.6 mg L(-1), Ni = 70.8 mg L(-1), Co = 27.1 mg L(-1)) with a 0.1 M Na2S solution. Additionally, recovery of the target metals was theoretically simulated with a chemical equilibrium model (Visual MINTEQ 3.0). The optimized Na2S precipitation of metals from the synthetic leachate resulted in the potential selective recovery of Mo at pH 1 (98% by modeling, 95% experimental), after simultaneous precipitation of Ni and Co as sulfide at pH 4 (100% by modeling, 98% experimental). Metal precipitation from the real leachate (18 M H2SO4, Mo = 10,160 mg L(-1), Ni = 7,080 mg L(-1), Co = 2,710 mg L(-1)) was performed with 1 M Na2S, and resulted in a maximal Mo recovery at pH 2 (50%), while maximal recoveries of Ni and Co were observed at pH 4 (56% and 60%, respectively). Real leachate gave a lower metals recovery efficiency compared with synthetic leachate, which can be attributed to changes in the pH, nature of leachant, co-precipitation of Zn and competition for S(2-) ions.

Acid extraction of molybdenum, nickel and cobalt from mineral sludge generated by rainfall water at a metal recycling plant

This study investigated the leaching yields of Mo, Ni and Co from a mineral sludge of a metal recycling plant generated by rainfalls. The investigated mineral sludge had a complex heterogeneous composition, consisting of particles of settled soil combined with metal-bearing particles (produced by catalysts, metallic oxides and battery recycling). The leaching potential of different leaching reagents (stand-alone strong acids (HNO3 (68%), H2SO4 (98%) and HCl (36%)) and acid mixtures (aqua regia (nitric + hydrochloric (1:3)), nitric + sulphuric (1:1) and nitric + sulphuric + hydrochloric (2:1:1)) was investigated at changing operational parameters (solid-liquid (S/L) ratio, leaching time and temperature), in order to select the leaching reagent which achieves the highest metal leaching yields. Sulphuric acid (98% H2SO4) was found to be the leachant with the highest metal leaching potential. The optimal leaching conditions were a three-stage successive leaching at 80 °C with a leaching time of 2 h and S/L ratio of 0.25 g L(-1). Under these conditions, the achieved mineral sludge sample leaching yields were 85.5%, 40.5% and 93.8% for Mo, Ni and Co, respectively. The higher metal leaching potential of H2SO4 in comparison with the other strong acids/acid mixtures is attributed to the fact that H2SO4 is a diacidic compound, thus it has more H(+) ions, resulting in its stronger oxidizing power and corrosiveness.

Mineralogy and metals speciation in Mo rich mineral sludges generated at a metal recycling plant

In France, more than 250 million metric tons of sludges need to be treated each year. These sludges are either dumped on the landfills or reused as secondary resources in order to preserve natural resources. A large portions of these sludges are mineral sludges, originating from metal recycling plants. In order to estimate their metal recovery potential, these mineral sludges were characterized. Four types of mineral sludge samples were collected from a metal recycling plant (3 from the recycling plant storage areas (bulk storage, barrel storage and storage shed) and 1 from the collection basin). The sludges were characterized, wherein the Mo, Ni, Cr, Co, Zn and W content and speciation were quantified. The samples had pH values between 5.9 and 10.3 with organic matter contents varying between 6.3% (storage shed) and 29.5% (bulk storage) (loss on ignition at 500 °C). Based on their leaching properties, the four mineral sludge samples (in the case of Mo) and the bulk storage sludge (in the case of Ni and Zn) were classified as potentially hazardous regarding the EN 12457-1 and EN 12457-2 method. Mineralogical results reveal that both bulk storage and the storage shed give the highest contributions to the metal content of the collection basin sample. Sequential extraction of the collection basin samples indicated that Mo is bound to the oxidizable and residual fraction, while Ni, Cr and Co were bound to the residual fraction, and Zn to the soluble acid fraction, respectively. W tends to be equally distributed among all extracted fractions. A strong correlation existed between Mo and Co, as well as between Ni, Zn and Cr, respectively.

Fate of Trace Metals in Anaerobic Digestion

A challenging, and largely uncharted, area of research in the field of anaerobic digestion science and technology is in understanding the roles of trace metals in enabling biogas production. This is a major knowledge gap and a multifaceted problem involving metal chemistry; physical interactions of metal and solids; microbiology; and technology optimization. Moreover, the fate of trace metals, and the chemical speciation and transport of trace metals in environments--often agricultural lands receiving discharge waters from anaerobic digestion processes--simultaneously represents challenges for environmental protection and opportunities to close process loops in anaerobic digestion.

Influence of extraction method on size exclusion chromatography fingerprints of EPS from wastewater sludges

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were separated using two serial-linked size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns to obtain detailed fingerprints. The chromatographic profile results were influenced by the nature of biological sludge (activated sludges, anaerobic granules, anaerobic flocculated sludges). Furthermore, our results highlight that EPS fingerprints are also highly dependent on the extraction method. If physical extractions modify only the relative absorbance of the chromatographic peaks, heating during extraction induces significant modifications of the fingerprints, probably owing to better organic matter extraction efficiency as well as an increase in hydrolysis for some compounds but not for EPS extracted from anaerobic granular sludges. This confirms that thermal treatment is a proper method to extract EPS from anaerobic granular sludges. The use of chemical extraction results in major changes on the EPS fingerprints. This work demonstrates that some chromatographic peaks are due to residues from the chemical reagent (such as EDTA, glutaraldehyde) which can modify or form complexes with some EPS macromolecules. As a result, due to its sensitivity to sludge origin and/or extraction procedure, SEC appears to be a suitable tool for an accurate qualitative EPS characterization.

Effect of substrate feeding on viscosity evolution of anaerobic granular sludges

This work aims to describe the effect of the feeding regime of anaerobic activity tests on the limit viscosity (mu(lim)) evolution of the granules. Batch experiments were performed with 3 different sources of substrate: acetate, peptone, and glucose. Despite, the substrate origin was shown to affect the mu(lim) evolution of granules, no clear relationship was found between the mu(lim) evolution, type of substrate and other granule physico-chemical characteristics (i.e. pH; % of Volatile Suspended Solid; concentration of exopolymeric substances, divalent cations, P and S). The origin of granules and the substrate feeding regime modify the surface shape of the granules and may change granule-granule interactions under a shear stress, thus affecting the evolution of the mu(lim) value during long term reactor operation.

Biosorption properties of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) towards Cd, Cu and Pb for different pH values

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pH on the metal biosorption of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from two different activated sludges called A and B. The composition and physico-chemical characteristics of EPS were determined. The biosorption capacities of the EPS were examined at pH 4, 6, 7 and 8 successively with three metals Cu, Pb and Cd using differential pulse polarography (DPP) as an investigation tool and Ruzic's model was used to produce polarographic titration curves. Two apparent pKa were obtained, the first were 6.6 (EPS A) and 5.7 (EPS B), attributed to carboxylic and phosphoric groups whereas the second was 8.7 for EPS A and 9.4 for B and these were attributed to phenolic and amino functional groups. Whatever the EPS and the metal considered, the conditional binding constant did not show significant differences in the strength of complex formed between the EPS and metals. But for all metals, the number of EPS binding sites was significantly lowered by a decrease in the pH of the medium. At pH 4, the metal biosorption capacity of EPS is very low. At pH 6, the number of EPS binding sites increased in the following order: Pb>Cu>Cd whereas at pH 7 and 8, this order changed and was: Cu>Pb>>Cd. Simulations of the speciation states of Cu, Pb and Cd at the different pH values in ultra-pure water (25 degrees C, ionic strength 0.045 M) were performed with MINEQL 4.5 software and indicated the presence of hydroxylated forms and sometimes solid forms for Pb and Cu. But the polarographic titration curves revealed precipitation of Cu only at the end of the experiments at pH 8.

[Toward a better knowledge of the pesticides used by municipality in rural society: example of Limousin Region (France)]

A survey concerning pesticide uses by municipalities located in countryside areas, was carried out through inquiries submitted to 39 different municipalities representative of the Limousin area (France) except for Limoges city. The rate of answers was 72 % (28 municipalities). Extensive breeding of bovines and sheep represents the majority of agricultural practices in this area. The objective of this investigation to highlight the operational pesticides uses among different municipalities. The main results showed the use of a large number of different commercial products (61, representing 46 active molecules) as well as the intensive use of herbicides such as Glyphosate. Compared to the usual regional agricultural uses in Limousin, the part of Dichlobenil, Diuron, Isoxaben and Diflufénicanil used by the municipalities could be strong. The municipalities usually try to comply with the safety requirements regarding pesticide uses but the need for preventive actions such as the training of municipality workers as well as informations regarding alternative weeding techniques is required. Moreover, due to the relatively low permeability of the treated surfaces, the discharge of pesticides by water run-off can be significant and thus can contribute significantly to the pollution of the natural aquatic environments or the water resources for water supply.

Effect of inoculum and sludge concentration on viscosity evolution of anaerobic granular sludges

The rheological behaviour of granular sludges (diameter 20-315 microm) originating from different anaerobic reactors was carried out using rotation tests. The sieved granular sludges suspensions display a non-Newtonian rheological behaviour and the limit viscosity was therefore used as a rheological parameter. The values obtained, which depend on the shear rate used, were strongly influenced by the total suspended solids (TSS) content of granular sludge and an exponential relation was found between the TSS and the rheological parameter limit viscosity. The increase of viscosity as a function of TSS content of the granular sludge as well as the increase of granule size underlines the importance of the interaction between granules in the evolution of this rheological parameter. Significant differences in granular sludge limit viscosity were found for granular sludge of different origins. All measurements performed with 10 g.l(-1) TSS granular sludge indicate the ability of the chosen rheological parameter to describe different granular sludge quality.

Application of the IAS theory combining to a three compartments description of natural organic matter to the adsorption of atrazine or diuron on activated carbon

The study of natural organic matter (NOM) adsorption on an activated carbon showed that equilibrium cannot be described according to a simple model such as a Freundlich isotherm and confirms the need for a closer description of the organic matter to simulate the competitive adsorption with micropollutants. A representation of the organic matter in three fractions is chosen: non-adsorbable, weak and strong adsorbable. The Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) can, under restrictive conditions, be used to effectively predict the competition between the pesticides and the organic matter. Therefore, it was noted that the model simulated with good precision the competition between atrazine or diuron and natural organic matter in aqueous solution for two activated carbons (A and B). The same parameters for the modeling of organic matter adsorption (Freudlich constants for two absorbable fractions) are used with the two pesticides. However, IAST does not allow correct modeling of pesticide adsorption onto two other (C and D) activated carbons in solution in natural water to be described. IAS theory does not reveal competition between diuron and NOM and pore blockage mechanism by the NOM is proposed as the major effect for the adsorption capacity reduction. However, the difference observed between the two pesticides could be due to in addition to the pore blockage effect, a particular phenomenon with the diuron, especially with D activated carbon. We can suppose specific interactions between the diuron and the adsorbed organic matter and a competition between adsorption sites of NOM and activated carbon surface.

[Rheological measurement used as a tool to assess sludges settleability]

The activated sludge process is the most widely used biological wastewater treatment method. The measurement of some physico-chemical parameters in aeration tanks do not still allow to avoid clarification operation failure. This study focus on the ability to apply rheological measurements on activated sludge at standard concentrations in order to assess sludge settleability. Measurements in shear flow show a pseudonewtonian region which corresponds to the maximum dispersion of the suspensions that can be detected with the rotational system used. The Bingham's viscosity and shear stress are used to characterise activated sludge. Different shear sensitivities of flocs seem to result from various operational conditions of activated sludge process. Significant relationships with different parameters of settleability point out the ability of Bingham's shear stress to express the compressibility of the activated sludge. According to the protocol of measurement of the study, Bingham's shear stress may influence the nature of the sludge on its settleability.

Rheology measurement for on-line monitoring of filaments proliferation in activated sludge tanks

Rheological behaviour of filamentous sludges originated from activated sludge reactors was studied. Filamentous bulking was detected via a hysteresis loop developed from rheograms resulting from increasing-decreasing shear rates. The rheological parameter reduced hysteresis area (rHa), corresponding to the loop area developed by rheograms was used to quantify filamentous bulking. Application to the evolution of several bulkings was carried out and it was shown that filaments proliferation and disappearance were correlated with, respectively, the increasing and decreasing of the value of the parameter rHa. In parallel with rheological measurement, parameters used for the study of sludge quality, such as sludge volume index (SVI) and settling initial flow (F0), were determined for comparison during the evolution of several bulkings. It was shown that rHa was more sensitive to the appearance of filamentous bulking than SVI and F0, therefore it was concluded that detection of filamentous bulking can be shown from rHa.

Determination of some rheological parameters for the characterization of activated sludge

The rheological characterization of activated sludge originating from different aeration tanks and from a lab-scale plant was carried out using rotation tests. Two rheological parameters were used: limit viscosity (mu(infinity)) and reduced hysteresis area (rHa). Mu(infinity) was strongly influenced by the total suspended solids (TSS) content of sludge and an exponential relation was found between TSS and the rheological parameter mu(infinity). Significant differences in sludge viscosity were found for sludge of different origins, but all of 10 g/l TSS content, indicating ability of viscosity to show different sludge qualities. Marked changes in activated sludge microorganisms communities were shown to have an influence on rheological parameters. During aerobic digestion of sludge, variations in mu(infinity) were noticed, indicating change of sludge quality. An over-growth of filamentous bacteria species was shown to induce a particular rheological behavior which could be characterized by rHa. This parameter was proposed as an index of filamentous bacteria proliferation in activated sludge aeration tanks.

Relation between extracellular polymers' composition and its ability to complex Cd, Cu and Pb

Activated sludges originated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an important role in heavy metal removal from effluents. Extracellular polymers (ECP) form a major part of the activated sludge and are heavily involved in biosorption of heavy metals. The complexation of three heavy metals (Cd, Cu and Pb) with ECP extracted from six activated sludges, originated from different WWTPs, was investigated at pH 7. ECP in the study were shown to be mainly composed of proteins, humic acids, uronic acids and polysaccharides along with smaller amounts of lipids and nucleic acids. IR spectra confirmed the presence of the functional groups usually found in the ECP and the content in each fraction was determined using colorimetric methods. The determination of surface charge was carried out on each ECP sample and allowed two pK(a) values characteristic of two distinctive functional groups to be determined. At the pH used in the study, the value of these constants indicates that only one functional group is under protonated form. A polarographic method was used to determine the complexation parameters (number of binding sites and complexation constant) of ECP solutions towards metals. The following orders were established for the number of binding sites: Cu > Pb > or = Cd and for the stability of the ECP-metal complex: Cd > Pb approximately = Cu. A matrix of correlation between the composition of the polymers and the complexation parameters showed that the number of binding sites and the complexation constant were strongly linked to proteins, polysaccharides and humic substances content.

Effect of pH and ionic environment changes on interparticle interactions affecting activated sludge flocs: a rheological approach

The rheological behaviour of activated sludge was investigated through the determination of sludge suspension equilibrium viscosity (micro(eq)) while varying the pH, sodium chloride and calcium chloride concentrations over a wide range. Micro(eq) was used to investigate the influence of environmental changes on the rheological behaviour of activated sludges, on the basis that it is representative of interparticle interactions affecting sludge flocs. Micro(eq) was shown to increase with increasing pH and to decrease with cation addition. The surface charge presented by sludge flocs was shown to be a factor that greatly affects micro(eq), as demonstrated by the linear correlation with zeta-potential (zeta-potential). A decrease in electrostatic charge was supposed to decrease repulsive effect between particles that facilitate flow and to promote a compaction of flocs that lower viscosity. Cation addition was shown to generate a viscosity decrease, in the same proportion, independent of the valency of the cation. The decrease in the particles double layer thickness coupled to the decrease in surface charge were supposed to induce a decrease in interparticle interactions which leads to lower viscosity values.

Use of image analysis and rheological studies for the control of settleability of filamentous bacteria: application in SBR reactor

To monitor the ability of flocs to settle in Sequencing Batch Reactor sludge, two methods were tested during two operation cycles. Firstly, an automated image analysis procedure has been tested to quantify the floc size and the length and number of filaments. Secondly, rheological measurements (Bingham viscosity and shear stress) have been used to characterise the dispersion of the sludge which can reflect the cohesive strength of aggregates and so the influence of filamentous bacteria on rheological properties. These results were compared with settling parameters such as Sludge Volume Index or settling velocity. Correlations between the measured parameters with image analysis and parameters such as Sludge Volume Index have been obtained. If it is more difficult to analyze rheological results, it seems however that the thixotropy and the Bingham viscosity distinguish poor settlement owing to some filamentous bulking. The first results are promising, although they require confirmation in the long term.

Rapid and sensitive discriminating determination of acetylcholinesterase activity in amniotic fluid with a choline sensor

A simple method for the separate determination of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in amniotic fluid is reported. This determination is performed with an enzyme electrode involving an immobilized choline oxidase membrane associated with the amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. Acetylcholine or butyrylcholine, in the presence of samples containing acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase are specifically hydrolyzed, the formation of choline being detected vs time by the sensor with no need for a selective inhibitor. The dynamic linear ranges for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase are respectively 100 microU to 10 mU and 30 microU to 3 mU per ml sample.