Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A-toxic\/hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering in 2012"

Naphthenic acids degradation and toxicity mitigation in tailings wastewater systems and aquatic environments: A review

Abstract: Naphthenic acids, NAs (classical formula CnH2n+zO2, where n is the carbon numbers, z represents zero or negative even integers), found in oil sands process waters (OSPWs), are toxic to aquatic environments depending upon several factors such as pH, salinity, molecular size and chemical structure of NAs. Among various available methods, biodegradation seems to be generally the most cost-effective method for decreasing concentrations of NAs (n ≤ 21) and reducing their associated toxicity in OSPW, however the mechanism by which the biodegradation of NAs occurs are poorly understood. Ozonation is superior over biodegradation in decreasing higher molecular weight alkyl branched NAs (preferentially, n ≥ 22, −6 ≥ z ≥ −12) as well as enabling accelerated biodegradation and reducing toxicity. Photolysis (UV at 254 nm) is effective in cleaving higher molecular weight NAs into smaller fragments that will be easier for microorganisms to degrade, whereas photocatalysis can metabolize selective NAs (0 ≥ z ≥ −6) efficie...

Zinc oxide nanoparticles cause nephrotoxicity and kidney metabolism alterations in rats

Abstract: Although zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been widely used, their potential hazards on mammalian and human remain largely unknown. In this study, the biochemical compositions of urine and kidney from the rats treated with ZnO NPs (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) were investigated using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique with the pattern recognition of partial least squares-discriminant analysis. Hematology, clinical biochemistry and kidney histopathological examinations were also performed. Metabolic profiles from rats treated with ZnO NP(S) exhibited increases in the levels of taurine, lactate, acetate, creatine, phosphocholine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, α-glucose, and 3-D-hydroxybutyrate, as well as decreases in lipid, succinate, citrate, α-ketoglutarate, hippurate and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in urine after ZnO NPs treatment for 14 days. A similar alteration pattern was also identified in kidney. Urine choline and phosphocholine increased significantly shortly after ZnO NPs treatment, moreover, some amino acids and glucose also increased during the experimental period. However, succinate, citrate and α-ketoglutarate in urine exhibited a different alteration trend, which showed increases on the first day after ZnO NPs treatment, but decreases gradually until the termination of the study. A similar alteration pattern of urinary (1)H NMR spectra was also detected in kidney. Moreover, ZnO NPs (1000 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in serum creatine and blood urea nitrogen, decreases in hemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and overt tubular epithelial cell necrosis. These findings show that ZnO NPs can disturb the energy metabolism and cause mitochondria and cell membrane impairment in rat kidney, which may contribute to ZnO NPs-induced nephrotoxicity.

The effectiveness of sewage treatment processes to remove faecal pathogens and antibiotic residues

Abstract: Pathogens and antibiotics enter the aquatic environment via sewage effluents and may pose a health risk to wild life and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of faecal bacteria, and selected antibiotic residues in raw wastewater and treated sewage effluents from three different sewage treatment plants in the Western Cape, South Africa. Sewage treatment plant 1 and 2 use older technologies, while sewage treatment plant 3 has been upgraded and membrane technologies were incorporated in the treatment processes. Coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were used as bioindicators for faecal bacteria. A chromogenic test was used to screen for coliforms and E. coli. Fluoroquinolones and sulfamethoxazole are commonly used antibiotics and were selected to monitor the efficiency of sewage treatment processes for antibiotic removal. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) were used to quantitate antibiotic residues in raw and treated sewage. Raw intake water at all treatment plants contained total coliforms and E. coli. High removal of E. coli by treatment processes was evident for treatment plant 2 and 3 only. Fluoroquinolones and sulfamethoxazole were detected in raw wastewater from all sewage treatment plants. Treatment processes at plant 1 did not reduce the fluoroquinolone concentration in treated sewage effluents. Treatment processes at plant 2 and 3 reduced the fluoroquinolone concentration by 21% and 31%, respectively. Treatment processes at plant 1 did not reduce the sulfamethoxazole concentration in treated sewage effluents. Treatment processes at plant 2 and 3 reduced sulfamethoxazole by 34% and 56%, respectively. This study showed that bacteria and antibiotic residues are still discharged into the environment. Further research needs to be undertaken to improve sewage treatment technologies, thereby producing a better quality treated sewage effluent.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using silver ion-doped TiO₂ and its application to the degradation of real textile wastewater.

Abstract: Methylene blue dye (MB) was degraded photocatalytically in aqueous solution using Ag(+) doped TiO(2) under UV irradiation. The degradations of the dye using untreated TiO(2) and Ag(+) doped TiO(2) were compared. Ag(+) doped TiO(2) was found to be more efficient. Using Ag(+) doped TiO(2) the filtration process was eliminated, as the particles became more settleable. The effect of various parameters such as catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, depth of solution, degree of adsorption, pH and O(2) on dye degradation was studied. The extent of mineralization was studied by observing the COD removal at different time intervals. The effects of various interfering ions such as Cl(-), NO(3) (-), CO(3) (2-), SO(4) (2-), Ca(2+) and Fe(3+) and electron acceptors such as H(2)O(2), KBrO(3) and (NH(4))(2)S(2)O(8) on the dye degradation was also studied. The degradation kinetics fitted well to Langmuir-Hinshelwood pseudo first order rate law. An aqueous solution of MB (20ppm) degraded by more than 99% after UV irradiation for 180 min with Ag(+) doped TiO(2) (2 g/L) and by more than 95% with untreated TiO(2) (2 g/L)(.) The COD removal was more than 91% with Ag(+)doped TiO(2) and more than 86% with untreated TiO(2) after 240 min. The degradation and COD removal of 5 times diluted textile wastewater was more than 98% and 79% respectively with 1 g/L Ag(+) doped TiO(2) after UV irradiation for 420 min.

Oil refinery wastewater treatment using physicochemical, Fenton and Photo-Fenton oxidation processes.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with hydrocarbon oil. Three different oil-contaminated wastewaters were examined and compared: (i) a 'real' hydrocarbon wastewater collected from an oil refinery (Conoco-Phillips Whitegate refinery, County Cork, Ireland); (ii) a 'real' hydrocarbon wastewater collected from a car-wash facility located at a petroleum filling station; and (iii) a 'synthetic' hydrocarbon wastewater generated by emulsifying diesel oil and water. The AOPs investigated were Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) (Fenton's reagent), Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)/UV (Photo-Fenton's reagent) which may be used as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, conventional treatment techniques. Laboratory-scale batch and continuous-flow experiments were undertaken. The photo-Fenton parametric concentrations to maximize COD removal were optimized: pH = 3, H(2)O(2) = 400 mg/L, and Fe(2+) = 40 mg/L. In the case of the oil-refinery wastewater, photo-Fenton treatment achieved approximately 50% COD removal and, when preceded by physicochemical treatment, the percentage removal increased to approximately 75%.

Reproductive toxicology of nickel – Review

Abstract: The goal of this minireview is to summarize our current knowledge on the reproductive toxicity of soluble nickel salts. We made an attempt to present the most relevant data obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments performed on mammals, mammalian primary cell cultures and cell lines. Nickel has been demonstrated to disturb the mammalian reproductive functions at several levels of regulation. The results of previous investigations indicate that the hormonal effects may play an important role in the reproductive toxicology of nickel both at the neuroendocrine and gonadal levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. At the molecular level, it may be important that nickel may substitute certain other metals in metal dependent enzymes, leading to an altered protein function. It readily crosses the cell membrane via calcium channels and competes with calcium for specific receptors. Nickel can cross-link aminoacids to DNA, lead to formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), moreover mimic hypoxia. These changes may lead to the activation of some signaling pathways, subsequent transcription factors and eventually to alterations in gene expression and cellular metabolism. These events are likely to be involved in the reproductive toxicity of nickel.

Comparison of different wastewater treatments for removal of selected endocrine-disruptors from paper mill wastewaters

Abstract: There is increasing concern about chemical pollutants that have the ability to mimic hormones, the so-called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). One of the main reasons for concern is the possible effect of EDCs on human health. EDCs may be released into the environment in different ways, and one of the most significant sources is industrial wastewater. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the treatment performance of different wastewater treatment procedures (biological treatment, filtration, advanced oxidation processes) for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand and seven selected EDCs (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and nonylphenol) from wastewaters from a mill producing 100 % recycled paper. Two pilot plants were running in parallel and the following treatments were compared: (i) anaerobic biological treatment followed by aerobic biological treatment, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis (RO), and (ii) anaerobic biological treatment followed by membrane bioreactor and RO. Moreover, at lab-scale, four different advanced oxidation processes (Fenton reaction, photo-Fenton reaction, photocatalysis with TiO2, and ozonation) were applied. The results indicated that the concentrations of selected EDCs from paper mill wastewaters were effectively reduced (100 %) by both combinations of pilot plants and photo-Fenton oxidation (98 %), while Fenton process, photocatalysis with TiO2 and ozonation were less effective (70 % to 90 %, respectively).

Effect of salt concentration and mediators in salt bridge microbial fuel cell for electricity generation from synthetic wastewater.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using agar salt bridges for proton transport in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC). It also tries to elucidate and effect of mediators on electricity production from wastewaters through experimentation using a simulated wastewater. In order to offset the very high cost of proton exchange membrane, salt bridges have been used in dual chamber MFCs. When the concentration of salt was varied in agar salt bridges from 1% to 10%, the volumetric power density changed from 1.71 to 84.99 mW/m(3) with a concomitant variation in power density from 0.32 to 16.02 mW/m(2). The maximum power density was observed at 5% salt concentration with 10% agar, which was accompanied by 88.41% COD reduction. In the case of methylene blue (0.01 mM) as the electron mediator, the voltage and current generation were 0.551 V and 0.47 mA, respectively. A maximum open circuit voltage of 0.718 V was seen at 0.08 mM methylene blue concentration, whereas maximum power densities of 17.59 mW/m(2) and 89.22 mW/m(3) were obtained. Different concentrations of neutral red were also tried out as mediators. A maximum open circuit voltage of 0.730 V was seen at 0.01 mM neutral red, corresponding to a power density of 12.02 mW/m(2) (volumetric power density of 60.97 mW/m(3)). Biofilm formation on the electrode surface was not observed in the presence of mediators, but was present in the absence of mediators. The results clearly demonstrated the feasibility to use agar salt bridge for proton transport and role of mediators in MFCs to generate electricity.

Graft polymerization and plasma treatment of polymer membranes for fouling reduction: A review

Abstract: This article presents a review of recent developments in surface modification of polymer membranes via graft polymerization and plasma treatment for reduction of fouling with organic compounds and microorganisms in pressure driven membrane processes. The factors affecting membrane fouling, such as membrane hydrophilicity, charge and surface roughness are discussed. The recent studies in which the reduction of organic fouling and biofouling by the modification of the membrane surface via ultraviolet/redox initiated surface grafting of hydrophilic polymers and low temperature plasma treatment are reviewed.

Moss biomonitoring of air pollution with heavy metals in the vicinity of a ferronickel smelter plant

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish the atmospheric deposition of various elements in the Kavadarci region, Republic of Macedonia (known for its ferronickel mining and metallurgical activities) using moss biomonitoring, and to determine whether the deposition is anthropogenic or from geogenic influences. The sampling network includes 31 moss samples evenly distributed over a territory of about 600 km2. A total of 46 elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hg, Ho, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb, Zn, Zr) were determined by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Based on a distribution pattern of elements determined in moss, two anthropogenic geochemical associations (Co-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mg-Ni and As-Cd-Cu-Hg-Pb-Zn), were detected. The distribution of these elements shows an increased content (especially Ni, Co and Cr) in the moss samples from the surroundings of the smelter plant compare...

Trends of atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Macedonia studied by the moss biomonitoring technique

Abstract: In 2002 and 2005 the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to air pollution studies in the Republic of Macedonia in the framework of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE-ICP Vegetation) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). In August 2005 samples of the terrestrial mosses Homolothecium lutescens and Hypnum cupressiforme were collected at 72 sites evenly distributed over the territory of the country, in accordance with the sampling strategy of the European moss survey programme. A total of 41 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy Hf, Ta, W, Hg, Pb, Th, and U) were determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize differen...

Optimization of hydrothermal synthesis of pure phase zeolite Na-P1 from South African coal fly ashes.

Abstract: This study was aimed at optimizing the synthesis conditions for pure phase zeolite Na-P1 from three coal fly ashes obtained from power stations in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Synthesis variables evaluated were: hydrothermal treatment time (12-48 hours), temperature (100-160°C) and varying molar quantities of water during the hydrothermal treatment step (H(2)O:SiO(2) molar ratio ranged between 0-0.49). The optimum synthesis conditions for preparing pure phase zeolite Na-P1 were achieved when the molar regime was 1 SiO(2): 0.36 Al(2)O(3): 0.59 NaOH: 0.49 H(2)O and ageing was done at 47°C for 48 hours. The optimum hydrothermal treatment time and temperature was 48 hours and 140°C, respectively. Fly ashes sourced from two coal-fired power plants (A, B) were found to produce nearly same high purity zeolite Na-P1 under identical conditions whereas the third fly ash (C) lead to a low quality zeolite Na-P1 under these conditions. The cation exchange capacity for the high pure phase was found to be 4.11 meq/g. These results highlight the fact that adjustment of reactant composition and presynthesis or synthesis parameters, improved quality of zeolite Na-P1 can be achieved and hence an improved potential for application of zeolites prepared from coal fly ash.

An initial screening of antibiotic effects on microbial respiration in wetland soils

Abstract: Antibiotics are biologically active compounds that are routinely detected in the environment and usually associated with treated wastewater discharge. Due to their high biological activity, antibiotics may have more environmental impacts than other pharmaceuticals. Wetlands are often used to treat or polish wastewater, with the goals of reducing nutrient and carbon loading into the environment. Nitrogen and carbon processing in wetlands is largely associated with microbial activity, however impacts to microbial activity due to antibiotic loading into treatment wetlands is relatively unknown. Two wetland soils (mineral and peat) were individually spiked with ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole or tetracycline ranging from 1–1000 ppb to examine effects on microbial mediated evolution of CH4, CO2 and N2. The antibiotics both positively and negatively affected microbial respiration (a proxy for microbial activity) rates in the two wetland soils depending on soil properties and concentration. Sulfamethoxazole redu...

Dose- and time-dependent effect of copper ions on the viability of bull spermatozoa in different media.

Abstract: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of copper (Cu) on the motility and viability of spermatozoa in the presence of different culture media Specifically, we examined the dose- and time-dependent effect of copper ions (Cu2+) on the motility and viability of spermatozoa during different time periods (Time 0 h, 1 h, 24 h) The percentage of motile spermatozoa and progressive motile spermatozoa was determined after exposure to concentrations of 39; 78; 156; 312; 625; 125; 250; 500; 1000 μM/L of Cu2+ using the Sperm VisionTM CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer) system The cell viability was measured by the MTT (metabolic activity) assay The initial spermatozoa motility in the presence of Cu2+ in physiological saline solution (PS) showed slight increased values at doses <3120 μM/L of Cu2+ compared to the control group The long-term cultivation (Time 24 h) reduced the average motility values in all experimental groups (P < 0001) in comparison to the control group Identica

Resveratrol inhibits reproductive toxicity induced by deoxynivalenol

Abstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the release of progesterone by porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) after exposure to toxic concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON), resveratrol (RSV), and their combination (DON with RSV). Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated without (control) or with treatments of natural substances at various doses for 24 h: RSV (10, 30 and 50 μg/mL) / DON (2000, 3000 and 5000 ng/mL), and their combination (10 μg/mL of RSV with 2000 ng/mL of DON; 30 μg/mL of RSV with 3000 ng/mL of DON; 50 μg/mL of RSV with 5000 ng/mL of DON). Progesterone was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Progesterone release was significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated by RSV at the doses 50 μg/mL but not at 30 and 10 μg/mL and by DON treatment at all used doses (2000, 3000 and 5000 ng/mL). RSV in combination with DON stimulated significantly (P < 0.05) the progesterone release by GCs at the highest doses (50 μg/mL of RSV with 5000 ng/mL of DON). On the other hand, the stimulatory effect of RSV in combination with DON was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in comparison with alone DON effect. In conclusion, our results indicate, (1) the dose-depended stimulatory effects of RSV, DON and combination of RSV with DON on release of steroid hormone progesterone and (2) reduction of the stimulatory effect of DON by RSV. Our in vitro results suggest that reproductive toxicity of animals induced by a mycotoxin - deoxynivalenol can be inhibited by a protective natural substance - resveratrol.

Release kinetics of controlled release formulations of thiamethoxam employing nano-ranged amphiphilic PEG and diacid based block polymers in soil.

Abstract: Amphiphilic copolymers, synthesized from poly(ethylene glycols) and various aliphatic and aromatic diacids, which self-assemble into nanomicellar aggregates in aqueous media, were used to develop controlled release (CR) formulations of thiamethoxam (3-(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-1,3,5-oxadiazinan-4-ylidene(nitro)amine) using encapsulation technique Formulations were characterised by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and stability after accelerated storage test of the developed formulations were checked. The kinetics of thiamethoxam, released in sandy loam soil from the different formulations was studied. Release from the commercial formulation was faster than the CR formulations. The time taken for release of 50 % of thiamethoxam ranged from 3.56 to 6.07 days for the CR formulations. Although the diffusion exponent (n value) of thiamethoxam in soil ranged from 0.532 to 0.881 in th...

Pollution level and health risk assessment of road dust from an expressway

Abstract: Thirteen road dust and four soil samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to determine the elemental composition of road dust collected from Islamabad Expressway. The amounts of most of the elements determined were generally in the lower range of the global data with the exception of Ce, Nd, Sn and Zr, which were measured at higher concentrations in Islamabad. The magnitudes of Enrichment Factors (EFs) showed that the area around Islamabad Expressway is low to moderately polluted especially by elements such as Mg and Sb. Elemental health risk was assessed through dose calculations for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals; and by the determination of LADD (lifetime average daily dose). The carcinogenic metals studied showed the following variation in their LADD values; Cr>Ni>Co>Cd>As. Dose calculations for non-cancerous and cancerous elements showed the data obtained to lie within the safe threshold of 10(-3)-10(-6) mg kg(-1) day(-1) for most elements. The Soil-based elements Al, Fe, K, Mg, Na and Ti were the exception and originated from the exposed soil around the highway. Moreover highest Hazard Index (HI) was found to be associated with the presence of Al, Cr, Pb and V in road dust showing soil, transport and industry to be the major sources of road dust.

Morphology and antifungal effect of nano-ZnO and nano-Pd-doped nano-ZnO against Aspergillus and Candida.

Abstract: The present work was aimed to study the activity of nano-particulated ZnO and nano Pd doped nano-ZnO against Aspergillus and Candida species, commonly contaminating the water supply systems. Micro-ZnO was purchased from the market (Aldrich, USA) while nano ZnO were synthesized using sole gel and precipitation methods and their morphology was determined using XRD and TEM techniques. The average grain size of nano-ZnO estimated by these techniques was 30 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The doping of nano-ZnO with 5 % Pd was achieved by a thermal decomposition method and its morphology; as characterized by XRD, TEM and FESEM techniques; gave an average grain size of 35 nm. Serial dilutions of nano-ZnO doped with 5 % Pd, pure nano-ZnO and micro-ZnO (as a control) were prepared from 10 mg/mL stock solution of each in dermasel agar (OXOID), inoculated with standard strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and incubated at 37°C for 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Their antimicrobial effect was compared by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), determined as the dilution giving a negligible growth of microorganism. Nano-ZnO doped with 5 % nano-Pd, pure nano-ZnO and micro-ZnO, showed antifungal activity against Aspergilus niger with an MIC of 1.25, 2.5 and 5mg/mL, respectively. However, Candida albicans yeasts were relatively resistant to these compounds, with an MIC of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL for Pd doped nano-ZnO, nano-ZnO and micro-ZnO, respectively. Thus nano-ZnO was twice as potent in killing Aspergillus, as compared to its non-nano-counterpart and loading of nano-ZnO with 5 % nano-Pd further increased its activity, four times that of micro-ZnO. Further investigations are needed to confirm the potential use of nano-ZnO and its doping with nano-Pd in the treatment of water supply systems and food preservation.

The association between some endocrine disruptors and hypospadias in biological samples.

Abstract: Hypospadias is a birth defect found in boys in which the urinary tract opening is not at the tip of the penis. The etiology of hypospadias is still unidentified, but endocrine disruptors are considered as one possible cause of hypospadias. In this study, target endocrine disruptor compounds were established for an assay. The target compounds included 5 phthalates (di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl-phthalate (DBP), mono-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-n-butyl-phthalate (MBP) and phthalic acid (PA)), 2 alkylphenols (n-nonylphenol (n-NP) and t-octylphenol (t-OP)) and bisphenol A. The association between these 8 endocrine disruptors and hypospadias was studied. The levels of endocrine disruptors in the urine and plasma of a control group were compared with those of a patient group. DEHP (P = 0.006) and n-NP (P = 7.26e-6) in the urine samples and PA (P = 0.009) and BPA (P = 7.22e-10) in the plasma samples showed a significant association with hypospadias. The levels of endocrine disruptors i...

Application of aqueous saponin on the remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-contaminated soil

Abstract: The aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of aqueous saponin for the removal and biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soil. Dissolution test confirmed the ability of saponin to increase the apparent solubility of the tested 3–5 rings PAH above the critical micelle concentration (approximately 1000 mg/L). Microbial test with pure culture of Sphingomonas sp. showed that saponin significantly enhanced the degradation of pyrene. For example, the percent degradation was 2.1 times higher in the presence of 2500 mg/L saponin than that of control without saponin after 60 hours incubation at around 108 CFU/mL initial cell loading. These results suggest that the binding of pyrene with saponin does not pose a serious constraint to bacterial uptake. Contrary to pyrene, saponin was chemically stable against the PAHs degrader. It is also not toxic to the cell at least up to 2500 mg/L. Finally, using a spiked soil sample, extraction tests with 10,000 mg/L of saponin ...

Yield, quality, and concentration of seven heavy metals in cabbage and broccoli grown in sewage sludge and chicken manure amended soil.

Abstract: The mobility of heavy metals from soil into the food chain and their subsequent bioaccumulation has increased the attention they receive as major environmental pollutants. The objectives of this investigation were to: i) study the impact of mixing native agricultural soil with municipal sewage sludge (SS) or chicken manure (CM) on yield and quality of cabbage and broccoli, ii) quantify the concentration of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Mo, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni) in soil amended with SS or CM, and iii) determine bioavailability of heavy metals to cabbage leaves and broccoli heads at harvest. Analysis of the two soil amendments used in this investigation indicated that Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Pb, and organic matter content were significantly greater (P 1 for Zn and Mo. Elevated Ni and Mo bioaccumulation factor (BAF >1) of cabbage grown in chicken manure mixed soil is a characteristic that would be less favorable when cabbage is grown on sites having high concentrations of these two metals.

Hypertension in chronic arsenic exposure: A case control study in West Bengal.

Abstract: Various systemic manifestations are reported to be caused by chronic arsenic exposure in the population living in the Indo-Bangladesh subcontinent. This study from West Bengal assesses the likelihood of occurrence of hypertension (HTN) in individuals resident in an area of high groundwater contamination with arsenic (Nadia district) compared to those from a non-contaminated area (Hoogly district) in West Bengal, India. Two hundred and eight study participants (Group 1) were recruited from a cross-sectional study in six villages in the Nadia district and 100 controls (Group 2) from a village in the Hoogly district. The two groups were evenly matched in regard to age and sex. History taking and clinical examination including blood pressure measurement were undertaken in each participant. Water samples from current and previous drinking water sources and hair and urine samples from each participant were collected for estimation of arsenic. The present study shows evidence of increased association of HTN in individuals resident in arsenic endemic region compared to those from a non-endemic region in West Bengal. There were increased odds ratios for HTN [Adjusted Odds Ratio, OR, 2.87 (95 %CI = 1.26-4.83)] in Group- 1 participants compared to Group- 2 people. Within Group 1, there was no difference in prevalence of HTN between those with and without skin lesion. There was a dose-effect relationship seen with increasing cumulative arsenic exposure and arsenic level in hair and HTN in participants living in arsenic endemic region.The findings reported here support an association between arsenic exposure and HTN. More work is needed to characterize the link further.

Removal of antimonate ions from an aqueous solution by anion exchange with magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide and the formation of a brandholzite-like structure

Abstract: A magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide intercalated with NO3 − (NO3•Mg–Al LDH) removed Sb(V) in solution. The antimony (Sb) removal increased with time and with an increasing molar ratio of Al/Sb, i.e., the quantity of NO3•Mg–Al LDH. The removal of Sb(V) in solution by NO3•Mg–Al LDH was not due to the reaction of Sb(V) with dissolved Mg2+ but was rather caused by anion exchange between Sb(V), i.e., Sb(OH)6 −, in an aqueous solution and NO3 − in the interlayer of the Mg–Al LDH. The intercalation of Sb(OH)6 − in the interlayer of Mg–Al LDH is thought to result in the formation of a brandholzite-like structure. Some Sb(OH)6 − was likely adsorbed on the surface of the NO3•Mg–Al LDH. The efficiency of the Sb removal decreased in the following order, irrespective of the reaction time: NO3•Mg–Al LDH ≈ Cl•Mg–Al LDH > SO4•Mg–Al LDH > CO3•Mg–Al LDH. The removal of Sb by SO4•Mg–Al LDH and Cl•Mg–Al LDH was also caused by anion exchange between Sb(V), i.e., Sb(OH)6 −, in an aqueous solution and SO4 2− and Cl− i...

Treatment of concentrated fruit juice wastewater by the combination of biological and chemical processes

Abstract: Concentrated fruit juice industries use a wide volume of water for washing and fruit processing, generating a large volume of wastewater. This work studied the combination of an aerobic biological process with a chemical coagulation/flocculation step to treat a high concentrated fruit juice wastewater. This wastewater presents a good biodegradability (BOD5/COD = 0.66) allowing a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal above 90% in most reactors. The best results in aerobic biological treatment were obtained in reactors initially loaded with 2 g VSS L−1 of biomass concentration and 20 g COD L−1 of organic matter concentration. Three different kinetic models were evaluated (Monod, Haldane and Contois). The Haldane-inhibition model was the one that best fitted the COD biodegradation. AQUASIM© software allowed calculate the following kinetic constants ranges for aerobic biodegradation: K s: 6–20 g COD L−1; v max: 2.0–5.1 g COD g−1 VSS day−1 and K i values: 0.10–0.50 g COD L−1. These constants corresponds to maxi...

A Generalized Model for Transport of Contaminants in Soil by Electric Fields

Abstract: A generalized model applicable to soils contaminated with multiple species under enhanced boundary conditions during treatment by electric fields is presented. The partial differential equations describing species transport are developed by applying the law of mass conservation to their fluxes. Transport, due to migration, advection and diffusion, of each aqueous component and complex species are combined to produce one partial differential equation hat describes transport of the total analytical concentrations of component species which are the primary dependent variables. This transport couples with geochemical reactions such as aqueous equilibrium, sorption, precipitation and dissolution. The enhanced model is used to simulate electrokinetic cleanup of lead and copper contaminants at an Army Firing Range. Acid enhancement is achieved by the use of adipic acid to neutralize the basic front produced for the cathode electrochemical reaction. The model is able to simulate enhanced application of the process by modifying the boundary conditions. The model showed that kinetics of geochemical reactions, such as metals dissolution/leaching and redox reactions might be significant for realistic prediction of enhanced electrokinetic extraction of metals in real world applications.

Spatial aspects of surface water quality in the Jakara Basin, Nigeria using chemometric analysis.

Abstract: Multivariate statistical techniques such as hierarchical Agglomerated cluster analysis (HACA), discriminant analysis (DA), principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA) were applied to identify the spatial variation and pollution sources of Jakara River, Kano, Nigeria. Thirty surface water samples were collected: 23 along Getsi River and 7 along the main channel of River Jakara. Twenty-three water quality parameters, namely pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), Faecal coliform, total solids (TS), nitrates (NO3 −), phosphates (PO4 3−), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), and calcium(Ca) were analysed. HACA grouped the sampling points into three clusters based on the similarities of river water quality characteristics: industrial, domestic, and agricultural water pollution sources. For...

Uranium and other heavy metal resistance and accumulation in bacteria isolated from uranium mine wastes

Abstract: Ten bacterial strains isolated from uranium mine wastes were characterized in terms of their uranium and other metal resistance and accumulation. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified the strains as members of genera Bacillus, Serratia, and Arthrobacter. Strains were able to utilize various carbon sources, particularly aromatic hydrocarbons, grow at broad pH and temperature ranges and produce non specific acid phosphatase relevant for metal phosphate precipitation in contaminated environment. The isolates exhibited high uranium and other heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cu and Cd) resistance and accumulation capacities. Particularly, Arthrobacter sp. J001 and Bacillus sp. J003 were superior in terms of U resistance at low pH (pH 4.0) along with metals and actinides (U and Th) removal with maximum cell loading of 1088 μmol U, 1293 μmol Th, 425 μmol Cu, 305 μmol Cd, 377 μmol Zn, 250 μmol Ni g(-1) cell dry wt. Genes encoding P(1B)-type ATPases (Cu-CPx and Zn-CPx) and ABC transporters (nik) as catalytic tools for maintaining cellular metal homeostasis were detected within several Bacillus spp., with possible incidence of horizontal gene transfer for the later gene showing phylogenetic lineage to α Proteobacteria members. The study provides evidence on intrinsic abilities of indigenous bacteria from U-mine suitable for survival and cleaning up of contaminated mine sites.

Heterogeneous photocatalysis of real textile wastewater: evaluation of reaction kinetics and characterization.

Abstract: Real textile wastewater collected from the cotton dyeing bath of a fabric dyeing and finishing plant was subjected to heterogeneous photocatalysis using Ag+ doped TiO2 under UV irradiation in a batch reactor. The photocatalysts were characterized by FESEM, XRD, EDS, FTIR, DRS and BET analyses. The kinetics of the reaction was also evaluated. Colour removal was more than 88%, 94% and 99%, respectively for undiluted, 2 times diluted and 5 times diluted wastewater with Ag+ doped TiO2 (2.5 g/L) after UV irradiation for 360 minutes. The COD removal for undiluted, 2 times diluted and 5 times diluted wastewater was 47%, 70% and 92%, respectively under similar conditions. The reaction followed Langmuir-Hinshelwood pseudo first order kinetic model and the data fitted well to polynomial regression analysis.

Improved urban stormwater treatment and pollutant removal pathways in amended wet detention ponds.

Abstract: Dissolved and colloidal bound pollutants are generally poorly removed from stormwater in wet detention ponds. These fractions are, however, the most bio-available, and therefore three wet detention ponds were amended with planted sand filters, sorption filters and addition of precipitation chemicals to enhance the removal of dissolved pollutants and pollutants associated with fine particles and colloids. The three systems treated runoff from industrial, residential and combined (residential and highway) catchments and had permanent volumes of 1,990, 6,900 and 2,680 m(3), respectively. The treatment performance of the ponds for elimination of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (Tot-N), total phosphorous (Tot-P), PO(4)-P, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Hg were within the range typically reported for wet detention ponds, but the concentrations of most of the pollutants were efficiently reduced by the planted sand filters at the outlets. The sorption filters contributed to further decrease the concentration of PO(4)-P from 0.04 ± 0.05 to 0.01 ± 0.01 mg L(-1) and were also efficient in removing heavy metals. Dosing of iron sulphate to enrich the bottom sediment with iron and dosing of aluminium salts to the inlet water resulted in less growth of phytoplankton, but treatment performance was not significantly affected. Heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr and Cu) accumulated in the sediment of the ponds. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb in the roots of the wetland plants were generally correlated to the concentrations in the sediments. Among 13 plant species investigated, Rumex hydrolapathum accumulated the highest concentrations of heavy metals in the roots (Concentration Factor (CF) of 4.5 and 5.9 for Zn and Ni, respectively) and Iris pseudacorus the lowest (CF < 1). The translocation of heavy metals from roots to the aboveground tissues of plants was low. Therefore the potential transfer of heavy metals from the metal-enriched sediment to the surrounding ecosystem via plant uptake and translocation is negligible.