Showing papers in "Journal of Environmental Sciences-china in 2008"

Progress in carbon dioxide separation and capture: a review.

Abstract: This article reviews the progress made in CO2 separation and capture research and engineering. Various technologies, such as absorption, adsorption, and membrane separation, are thoroughly discussed. New concepts such as chemical-looping combustion and hydrate-based separation are also introduced briefly. Future directions are suggested. Sequestration methods, such as forestation, ocean fertilization and mineral carbonation techniques are also covered. Underground injection and direct ocean dump are not covered.

A review on the generation, determination and mitigation of Urban Heat Island

Abstract: Urban Heat Island (UHI) is considered as one of the major problems in the 21st century posed to human beings as a result of urbanization and industrialization of human civilization. The large amount of heat generated from urban structures, as they consume and re-radiate solar radiations, and from the anthropogenic heat sources are the main causes of UHI. The two heat sources increase the temperatures of an urban area as compared to its surroundings, which is known as Urban Heat Island Intensity (UHII). The problem is even worse in cities or metropolises with large population and extensive economic activities. The estimated three billion people living in the urban areas in the world are directly exposed to the problem, which will be increased significantly in the near future. Due to the severity of the problem, vast research effort has been dedicated and a wide range of literature is available for the subject. The literature available in this area includes the latest research approaches, concepts, methodologies, latest investigation tools and mitigation measures. This study was carried out to review and summarize this research area through an investigation of the most important feature of UHI. It was concluded that the heat re-radiated by the urban structures plays the most important role which should be investigated in details to study urban heating especially the UHI. It was also concluded that the future research should be focused on design and planning parameters for reducing the effects of urban heat island and ultimately living in a better environment.

Research progress of novel adsorption processes in water purification: a review

Abstract: As an effective, efficient, and economic approach for water purification, adsorbents and adsorption processes have been widely studied and applied in different aspects for a long time. In the recent years, a lot of novel adsorption processes have been developed for enhancing the efficiency of removing the organic and inorganic contaminants from water. This article reviews some new adsorbents and advanced adsorption methods that specialize in their compositions, structures, functions, and characteristics used in water treatment. The review emphasizes adsorption/catalytic oxidation process, adsorption/catalytic reduction process, adsorption coupled with redox process, biomimetic sorbent and its sorption behaviors of POPs, and modified adsorbents and their water purification efficiency.

Heavy metal pollution in intertidal sediments from Quanzhou Bay, China

Abstract: The concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg, and As) in the intertidal surface sediments from Quanzhou Bay were determined to evaluate their levels and spatial distribution due to urbanization and economic development of Quanzhou region, southeast China. The ranges of the measured concentrations in the sediments are as follows: 24.8-119.7 mg/kg for Cu, 105.5-241.9 mg/kg for Zn, 34.3-100.9 mg/kg for Pb, 0.28-0.89 mg/kg for Cd, 51.1-121.7 mg/kg for Cr, 16.1-45.7 mg/kg for Ni, 0.17-0.74 mg/kg for Hg, and 17.7-30.2 mg/kg for As. The overall average concentrations of above metals exceed the primary standard criteria but meet the secondary standard criteria of the Chinese National Standard of Marine Sediment Quality. Several contents of Cu and Hg exceed the secondary standard criteria at some stations. The results of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) show that Cd causes strong pollution in most of the study area. There are no significant correlations among most of these heavy metals, indicating they have different anthropogenic and natural sources. Some locations present severe pollution by heavy metals depending on the sources, of which sewage outlets, aquatic breeding, and commercial ports are the main sources of contaminants to the area.

Investigation on emission factors of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants from crop residue burning.

Abstract: Emission factors of particulate matter (PM), element carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), SO2, NO(x), CO, CO2, and ten ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F-, Cl-, NO2-, NO3-, SO4(2-)) were estimated from the domestic burning of four types of commonly produced crop residues in rural China: rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, and cotton stalk, which were collected from the representative regions across China. A combustion tower was designed to simulate the cooking conditions under which the peasants burned their crop residues in rural China, to measure the emission factors. Results showed that wheat straw had the highest emission factor for the total PM (8.75 g/kg) among the four crop residues, whereas, corn stover and wheat straw have the highest emission factor for EC (0.95 g/kg) and OC (3.46 g/kg), respectively. Corn stover also presents as having the highest emission factors of NO, NO(x), and CO2, whereas, wheat straw, rice straw, and cotton stalk had the highest emission factors of NO2, SO2, and CO, respectively. The water-soluble ions, K+ and Cl-, had the highest emission factors from all the crops. Wheat straw had a relatively higher emission factor of cation species and F-, Cl-, NO2- than other residues.

Characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in leachate with different landfill ages.

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to investigate the characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in leachate with different landfill ages through the chemical, spectroscopic, and elemental analysis. Humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and hydrophilic (HyI) fractions were isolated and purified by the XAD-8 resin combined with the cation exchange resin method. The analytical results of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) revealed that the fluorescence peaks were protein-like fluorescence for young landfill leachate, while the fluorescence peaks for medium and old landfill leachate were humic-like and fulvic-like fluorescence, respectively. Elemental analysis showed that carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content decreased with landfill age, while the oxygen content increased. Moreover, the nitrogen content in these isolated fractions followed: HA > HyI > FA. The results of elemental analysis, FT-IR, and fluorescence EEMs also confirmed that aromatic carbons and portions of aliphatic functional groups were more abundant in leachate samples with increasing landfill age.

Using geoaccumulation index to study source profiles of soil dust in China.

Abstract: Source apportionment studies of TSP (atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters 2). The Al and Fe concentrations were not high enough for them to be considered contaminants.

Aqueous oxytetracycline degradation and the toxicity change of degradation compounds in photoirradiation process.

Abstract: The extensive use of antibiotics has been a worldwide environmental issue. In this study the fate of oxytetracycline (OTC), under photoirradiation, was investigated. The results showed that OTC photolysis followed first order model kinetics. Direct photolysis rate was found to be dependent on the initial OTC concentration, with k value ranging from 0.0075 to 0.0141 min(-1), in the OTC concentration from 40 to 10 mg/L. OTC photolysis was highly pH-dependent and strongly enhanced at a high pH value, with a k value of 0.0629 min(-1) at pH 9. Enhanced OTC photolysis has also been observed in the presence of nitrate and low concentration of dissolved organic matter. Upon irradiation for 240 min, only 13.5% reduction of TOC occured in spite of a rapid consumption of 90% of OTC. The byproducts from OTC photolysis have been analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), and the degradation pathway of OTC in the photo process was proposed. By employing luminescent bacterium to assess the adversity of the degradation compounds, an increased effect of toxicity occured in spite of the great consumption of OTC in the photoirradiation process. After irradiation for 240 min, the inhibition rate was 47%, significantly higher than the initial rate of 21% (p < 0.05), revealing a potentially higher adversity risk on the microorganism upon OTC photolysis.

Heavy metal pollution in Tianjin Bohai Bay, China.

Abstract: The contamination levels and distribution characters of heavy metals in coastal waters and sediments from Tianjin Bohai Bay, China were examined Pb and Zn were found as the main heavy metal pollutants in the coastal waters of the bay High levels of Pb and Zn appeared especially near the estuary, indicating that river discharge was the main pollution source Moreover, atmospheric deposition resulted in Pb contamination in the middle of the embayment Analysis of data for the period 1987-2004 indicated that Pb pollution in coastal waters of Tianjin Bohai Bay originated primarily from river discharge before 2001 Pb levels did not decrease after 2001 when annual runoff levels declined; indicating that Pb pollution by atmospheric deposition had increased due to the use of leaded petrol in motorcars Pb, Zn, and Cd were the dominant polluting elements in surficial sediments from Tianjin Bohai Bay, with levels in excess of the corresponding upper limits of environmental background values High concentrations of polluting elements were found in tidal sediments near water bodies such as Qihe and Dagu estuaries

Phosphate removal from wastewater by model-La(III) zeolite adsorbents.

Abstract: Phosphorus is one of the primary nutrients which leads to eutrophication and accelerates aging process in enclosed water bodies. Because of the poor phosphorus selectivity of other adsorbents, the novel La(III)-modified zeolite adsorbent (LZA) was prepared by modifying 90 nm zeolite with lanthanide to selectively remove phosphate in the presence of various omnipresent anions, such as sulfates, bicarbonates, and chlorides. Through batch and fixed bed operation, the following optimum conditions were obtained: concentration of lanthanum chloride solution 0.05 mol/L; solid/liquor ratio 1/25; pH 10; calcination temperature 550°C; time 1 h. The value of the Freundlich model constants Kf and 1/n were found to be 16.76 mg/L and 0.2209, respectively. In addition, when calculated at pH 6.0, distribution coefficient KD could be as high as 36.6. Furthermore, in the alkaline pH range, solution of 0.8 mol/L NaCl was used to regenerate the saturated LZA, which could reach the high regeneration efficiency as high as 100%. Because of the good selectivity and regenerability of LZA, it might serve as a potential way for advanced phosphate removal from the sewage containing other anions.

Effects of several amendments on rice growth and uptake of copper and cadmium from a contaminated soil.

Abstract: Heavy metals in variable charge soil are highly bioavailable and easy to transfer into plants. Since it is impossible to completely eliminate rice planting on contaminated soils, some remediation and mitigation techniques are necessary to reduce metal bioavailability and uptake by rice. This pot experiment investigated the effects of seven amendments on the growth of rice and uptake of heavy metals from a paddy soil that was contaminated by copper and cadmium. The best results were from the application of limestone that increased grain yield by 12.5-16.5 fold, and decreased Cu and Cd concentrations in grain by 23.0%-50.4%. Application of calcium magnesium phosphate, calcium silicate, pig manure, and peat also increased the grain yield by 0.3-15.3 fold, and effectively decreased the Cu and Cd concentrations in grain. Cd concentration in grain was slightly reduced in the treatments of Chinese milk vetch and zinc sulfate. Concentrations of Cu and Cd in grain and straw were dependent on the available Cu and Cd in the soils, and soil available Cu and Cd were significantly affected by the soil pH.

Biosorption of copper ions from dilute aqueous solutions on base treatedrubber (Hevea brasiliensis) leaves powder: kinetics, isotherm, and biosorption mechanisms

Abstract: The e ciency of sodium hydroxide treated rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) leaves powder (NHBL) for removing copper ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The e ects of physicochemical parameters on biosorption capacities such as stirring speed, pH, biosorbent dose, initial concentrations of copper, and ionic strength were studied. The biosorption capacities of NHBL increased with increase in pH, stirring speed and copper concentration but decreased with increase in biosorbent dose and ionic strength. The isotherm study indicated that NHBL fitted well with Langmuir model compared to Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The maximum biosorption capacity determined from Langmuir isotherm was 14.97 mg/g at 27°C. The kinetic study revealed that pseudosecond order model fitted well the kinetic data, while Boyd kinetic model indicated that film di usion was the main rate determining step in biosorption process. Based on surface area analysis, NHBL has low surface area and categorized as macroporous. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses revealed that hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino are the main functional groups involved in the binding of copper ions. Complexation was one of the main mechanisms for the removal of copper ions as indicated by FT-IR spectra. Ion exchange was another possible mechanism since the ratio of adsorbed cations (Cu 2+ and H + ) to the released cations (Na + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ ) from NHBL was almost unity. Copper ions bound on NHBL were able to be desorbed at > 99% using 0.05 mol/L HCl, 0.01 mol/L HNO3, and 0.01 mol/L EDTA solutions.

Long-term monitoring and source apportionment of PM2.5/PM10 in Beijing, China

Abstract: During 2001–2006, PM2.5 (particle matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns) and PM10 (particle matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns) were collected at the Beijng Normal University (BNU) site, China, and in 2006, at a background site in Duolun (DL). The long-term monitoring data of elements, ions, and black carbon showed that the major constituents of PM2.5 were black carbon (BC) crustal elements, nitrates, ammonium salts, and sulfates. These five major components accounted for 20%–80% of the total PM2.5. During this period, levels of Pb and S in PM remained rather high, as compared with the levels in other large cities in the world. Source apportionment results suggest that there were 6 common sources for PM2.5 and PM10, i.e., soil dust, vehicular emission, coal combustion, secondary aerosol, industrial emission, and biomass burning. Coal combustion was the largest contributor of PM2.5 with a percentage of 16.6%, whereas soil dust played the most important role in PM10 with a percentage of 27%. In contrast, only three common types of sources could be resolved at the background DL site, namely, soil dust, biomass combustion, and secondary aerosol from combustion sources.

Kinetics and isotherms of Neutral Red adsorption on peanut husk.

Abstract: Adsorption of Neutral Red (NR) onto peanut husk in aqueous solutions was investigated at 295 K. Experiments were carried out as function of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Toth isotherm models. The results indicated that the Toth and Langmuir models provided the best correlation of the experimental data. The adsorption capacity of peanut husk for the removal of NR was determined with the Langmuir and found to be 37.5 mg/g at 295 K. The adsorption kinetic data were modeled using the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intra-particle diffusion kinetic equations. It was seen that the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic equations could describe the adsorption kinetics. The intraparticle diffusion model was also used to express the adsorption process at the two-step stage. It was implied that peanut husk may be suitable as adsorbent material for adsorption of NR from aqueous solutions.

Biosorption characteristics of unicellular green alga Chlorella sorokiniana immobilized in loofa sponge for removal of Cr(III)

Abstract: Loofa sponge (LS) immobilized biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana (LSIBCS), isolated from industrial wastewater, was investigated as a new biosorbent for the removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solution. A comparison of the biosorption of Cr(III) by LSIBCS and free biomass of C. sorokiniana (FBCS) from 10–300 mg Cr(III)/L aqueous solutions showed an increase in uptake of 17.79% when the microalgal biomass was immobilized onto loofa sponge. Maximum biosorption capacity for LSIBCS and FBCS was found to be 69.26 and 58.80 mg Cr(III)/g biosorbent, respectively, whereas the amount of Cr(III) ions adsorbed onto naked LS was 4.97 mg/g. The kinetics of Cr(III) biosorption was extremely rapid and equilibrium was established in about 15 and 20 min by LSIBCS and FBCS, respectively. The biosorption equilibrium was well defined by Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The biosorption was found to be pH dependent and the maximum sorption occurred at the solution pH 4.0. Desorption studies showed that 98% of the adsorbed Cr(III) could be desorbed with 0.1 mol/L HNO3, while other desorbing agents were less effective in the order: EDTA > H2SO4 > CH3COOH > HCl. The regenerated LSIBCS retained 92.68% of the initial Cr(III) binding capacity up to five cycles of reuse in continuous flow-fixed bed columns. The study revealed that LSIBCS could be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of Cr(III) from wastewater.

Startup and operation of anaerobic EGSB reactor treating palm oil mill effluent.

Abstract: A bench-scale expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor was applied to the treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) The reactor had been operated continuously at 35°C for 514 d, with organic loading rate (OLR) increased from 145 to 175 kg COD/(m3-d) The results showed that the EGSB reactor had good performance in terms of COD removal on the one hand, high COD removal of 91% was obtained at two days' of hydraulic retention time (HRT), and the highest OLR of 175 kg COD/(m3-d) On the other hand, only 46% COD in raw POME was transformed into biogas in which the methane content was about 70% (V/V) A 30-d intermittent experiment indicated that the maximum transformation potential of organic matter in raw POME into methane was 56% Volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation was observed in the later operation stage, and this was settled by supplementing trace metal elements On the whole, the system exhibited good stability in terms of acidity and alkalinity Finally, the operational problems inherent in the laboratory scale experiment and the corresponding countermeasures were also discussed

Fraction distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of Moshui Lake

Abstract: To examine the status and risk of heavy metal pollution in urban lakes, in China, the distribution of several heavy metals (e.g., Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the sediment of Moshui Lake, Hangyang District, Wuhan City, was characterized. The process of rapid urbanization and industrialization of the district was also studied to find out its relationship with the metal accumulation profile in the sediment. It was found that the total concentration of heavy metals in the sediment was higher than the severe effect level (SEL), at all sampling sites, except those in the riparian zone. The Cr and Cu maximum concentrations were 1,780 and 1,250 mg/kg, approximately 16 and 11 times as much as the SEL values, and they appeared as deep as 32 cm in one sample. The carbonate and exchangeable fractions of Zn were more than 50% of the total Zn content, resulting in very high risk according to the Risk Assessment Code (RAC). For Cu and Ni, a medium RAC value was found for carbonate and exchangeable fractions of 11%-20%. As sensitive indicators of contaminants in aquatic systems, heavy metals in the sediment reflect the outcome of regional urbanization, industrialization, and environmental management. With rapid urbanization, sedimentary Pb and Zn concentrations increased. The experimental results showed that high sedimentary heavy metal concentrations had resulted from rapid urbanization and industrialization, which would absolutely lead to substantial aquatic environmental decline in urban lakes.

Heavy metal contamination and source in arid agricultural soil in central Gansu Province, China.

Abstract: Concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) were measured in arid agricultural and irrigated agricultural soils collected in Daba Village, Shajiawuan Village, Gangou Village and Sifangwu Village, located in central Gansu Province, China. Concentrations except Hg and Pb were lower than the background values in grey calcareous soil in the selected arid agricultural soils. Pb concentration exceeded the threshold of arid agricultural soils in China by 72.46%. These results showed that there was indeed serious pollution with Pb, a slight pollution problem for other selected metals in the irrigated agricultural soils in Daba Village. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the soil data, applying varimax rotation with Kaiser Normalization. The result showed that the irrigated factor, agricultural factor and anthropogenic factor all contributed to the relations between selected chemical properties. The main factor of accumulation of Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg and As was lithological factor in arid agricultural areas. There is a striking dissimilarity of origin of Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg and As in agricultural soil between the irrigate agriculture and arid agriculture.

Adsorption of formaldehyde vapor by amine-functionalized mesoporous silica materials

Abstract: The amine-functionalized mesoporous silica materials were prepared via the co-condensation reaction of tetraethoxysilane and three types of organoalkoxysilanes: 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane, n-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-(2-(2-aminoehtylamino)ethylamino) propyl-trimethoxysilane. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was used as a template for forming pores. Specific surface area and pore volume of the amine-functionalized mesoporous silica materials were determined using surface area and pore size analyzer. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope was employed for identifying the functional groups on pore surface. In addition, the amine-functionalized mesoporous silica materials were applied as adsorbents for adsorbing formaldehyde vapor. FTIR spectra showed the evidence of the reaction between formaldehyde molecules and amine groups on pore surface of adsorbents. The equilibrium data of formaldehyde adsorbed on the adsorbents were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm. The sample functionalized from n-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane showed the highest adsorption capacity owing to its amine groups and the large pore diameter.

Cancer risk assessment from exposure to trihalomethanes in tap water and swimming pool water.

Abstract: We investigated the concentration of trihalomethanes (THMs) in tap water and swimming pool water in the area of the Nakhon Pathom Municipality during the period April 2005-March 2006. The concentrations of total THMs, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform in tap water were 12.70-41.74, 6.72-29.19, 1.12-11.75, 0.63-3.55 and 0.08-3.40 microg/L, respectively, whereas those in swimming pool water were 26.15-65.09, 9.50-36.97, 8.90-18.01, 5.19-22.78 and ND-6.56 microg/L, respectively. It implied that the concentration of THMs in swimming pool water was higher than those in tap water, particularly, brominated-THMs. Both tap water and swimming pool water contained concentrations of total THMs below the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) phase I, but 1 out of 60 tap water samples and 60 out of 72 swimming pool water samples contained those over the Standard of the USEPA phase II. From the two cases of cancer risk assessment including Case I Non-Swimmer and Case II Swimmer, assessment of cancer risk of non-swimmers from exposure to THMs at the highest and the average concentrations was 4.43 x 10(-5) and 2.19 x 10(-5), respectively, which can be classified as acceptable risk according to the Standard of USEPA. Assessment of cancer risk of swimmers from exposure to THMs at the highest and the average concentrations was 1.47 x 10(-3) and 7.99 x 10(-4), respectively, which can be classified as unacceptable risk and needs to be improved. Risk of THMs exposure from swimming was 93.9%-94.2% of the total risk. Cancer risk of THMs concluded from various routes in descending order was: skin exposure while swimming, gastro-intestinal exposure from tap water intake, and skin exposure to tap water and gastro-intestinal exposure while swimming. Cancer risk from skin exposure while swimming was 94.18% of the total cancer risk.

Assessment of Pb uptake, translocation and immobilization in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of sand tailings.

Abstract: The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of lead (Pb) on sand tailings was investigated. A pot experiment employing factorial design with two main effects of fertilizer and lead was conducted in a nursery using sand tailings from an ex-tin mine as the growing medium. Results showed that Pb was found in the root, stem, and seed capsule of kenaf but not in the leaf. Application of organic fertilizer promoted greater biomass yield as well as higher accumulation capacity of Pb. In Pb-spiked treatments, roots accumulated more than 85% of total plant Pb which implies that kenaf root can be an important sink for bioavailable Pb. Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) X-ray microanalysis confirmed that electron-dense deposits located along cell walls of kenaf roots were Pb precipitates. The ability of kenaf to tolerate Pb and avoid phytotoxicity could be attributed to the immobilization of Pb in the roots and hence the restriction of upward movement (translocation factor < 1). With the application of fertilizer, kenaf was also found to have higher biomass and subsequently higher bioaccumulation capacity, indicating its suitability for phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated site.

Adsorption behavior of Azo Dye C. I. Acid Red 14 in aqueous solution on surface soils

Abstract: Azo dyes have received considerable attention because of their association with various human health problems. The aim of the investigation is to determine the adsorption behavior of azo dyes in aqueous solution on DG06, GSE17200, and GSE17201 soils using C. I. Acid Red 14 (AR 14) as example. The experimental results indicate that the Freundlich model expresses the adsorption isotherm better than the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order model achieves adsorption of AR14 on the three soils well. Based on the pseudo-second-order model, the adsorption thermodynamic of AR 14 on DG06 soil have been studied and the thermodynamics parameter of AG° is determined and AG° value shows the adsorption process of AR14 on DG06 is mainly physical in nature. Furthermore, the effects of temperature, pH and salinity (NaCl) on adsorption have been investigated. The decrease in pH or the increase in salinity enhances the adsorption of AR14 by DG06, GSE17200, and GSE17201.

Batch studies of adsorption of copper and lead on activated carbon from Eucalyptus camaldulensis dehn. bark.

Abstract: Powdered activated carbon (PAC) prepared from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. bark was tested for its adsorption capacity for Cu(II) and Pb(II). The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, and temperature. The best adsorption of both Cu(II) and Pb(II) occurred at pH 5, where the adsorption reached equilibrium within 45 min for the whole range of initial heavy metal concentrations (0.1-10 mmol/L). The adsorption kinetics was found to follow the pseudo-second order model where equilibrium adsorption capacities and adsorption rate constants increased with initial heavy metal concentrations. The adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir better than Freundlich models within the temperature range (25-60 degrees C). The maximum adsorption capacities (qm) occurred at 60 degrees C, where qm for Cu(II) and Pb(II) were 0.85 and 0.89 mmol/g, respectively. The enthalpies of Cu(II) and Pb(II) adsorption were 43.26 and 58.77 kJ/mol, respectively. The positive enthalpy of adsorption indicated an endothermic nature of the adsorption.

Effects of field application of phosphate fertilizers on the availability and uptake of lead, zinc and cadmium by cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a mining tailing contaminated soil.

Abstract: A field trial was conducted to evaluate the reduction of bioavailability of heavy metals including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in a soil contaminated by mining tailings in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China. Three commercial phosphate (P) fertilizers including phosphate rock (PR), calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP), and single superphosphate (SSP) were applied to the plot at three P application rates, 50, 300, and 500 g/m2 with 9 treatments and control (CK). Plants, water soluble and exchangeable (WE) extraction procedure and modified toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) were employed. It was found that the addition of all three P fertilizers significantly decreased WE Pb (22.0%–81.4%), Cd (1.5%–30.7%) and Zn (11.7%–75.3%, exception of SSP treatments with no significant difference) and TCLP Pb concentration (27.1%–71.2%), compared with the control, leading to reduced uptake of Pb (16.0%–58.0%), Cd (16.5%–66.9%) and Zn (1.2%–73.2%) by cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.). It was suggested that P fertilizers induced immobilization of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, and Zn. CMP provided the most effective method of reducing metal toxicity, mobility, and phytoavailability. At the P application rate of 300 g/m2, CMP would be cost-effective to decrease WE Pb, Zn, and Cd concentration from 666 to 137 mg/kg, from 31.2 to 8.71 mg/kg, and from 1.69 to 1.36 mg/kg, respectively. SSP was more effective in reducing Pb bioavailability than PR but had variable effects on Zn bioavailability. Cd uptake by cabbage was negatively correlated with soil pH rather than with WE or TCLP, indicating that Cd uptake by cabbage was a complex process. It should be careful to evaluate the impact of phosphate application on Cd availability in soil.

Regeneration of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol used for carbon dioxide absorption.

Abstract: To improve the efficiency of the carbon dioxide cycling process and to reduce the regeneration energy consumption, a sterically hindered amine of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propranol (AMP) was investigated to determine its regeneration behavior as a CO2 absorbent The CO2 absorption and amine regeneration characteristics were experimentally examined under various operating conditions The regeneration efficiency increased from 862% to 983% during the temperature range of 358 to 403 K The most suitable regeneration temperature for AMP was 383 K, in this experiment condition, and the regeneration efficiency of absorption/regenerationruns descended from 983% to 940% A number of heat-stable salts (HSS) could cause a reduction in CO2 absorption capacity and regeneration efficiency The results indicated that aqueous AMP was easier to regenerate with less loss of absorption capacity than other amines, such as, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)

Phytotoxicity of cadmium on protein, proline and antioxidant enzyme activities in growing Arachis hypogaea L. seedlings

Abstract: Phytotoxicity of cadmium on growing Arachis hypogaea L. seedlings was studied. Seeds were exposed to 25, 50, and 100 mol/L CdCl2 concentrations, for a period of 10, 15, 20 and 25 d. The extent of damage to chlorophyll, protein, proline, nitrate and nitrite reductase, antioxidant enzyme activity in leaves and roots were evaluated after 10 d of cadmium stress. The higher concentration of cadmium (100 mol/L) resulted (leaves and roots) total chlorophyll 91.01%, protein 79.51%, 83.61%, nitrate reductase 79.39%, 80.72% and nitrite reductase 77.07%, 75.88% activity decreased with increase in cadmium concentrations and exposure periods. Cadmium caused significant changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes. Contrastingly Cd treated plant tissues showed an increase in proline 159.87%, 239.6%, gluthion reductase (GR) 337.72%, 306.14%, superoxide disumutase (SOD) 688.56%, 381.72%, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) 226.47%, 252.14%, peroxidase (POD) 72.19%, 60.29% and catalase (CAT) 228.96%, 214.74% as compared to control. Cadmium stress caused a significant increase in the rate of SOD activity in leaves and roots of plant species. Results show the crop A. hypogaea is highly sensitive even at very low cadmium concentrations.

Assessment of locomotion behavioral defects induced by acute toxicity from heavy metal exposure in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract: Locomotion behaviors are susceptible to disruption by a broad spectrum of chemicals and environmental stresses However, no systematic testing of locomotion behavior defects induced by metal exposure has been conducted in the model organism of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans In this study, the acute toxicity from heavy metal exposure on the locomotion behaviors was analyzed in nematodes Endpoints of head thrash, body bend, forward turn, backward turn, and Omega/U turn were chosen to evaluate the locomotion behavioral defects Our data suggest that the endpoints of head thrash, body bend, and forward turn will be useful for the evaluation of heavy metal toxicity in nematodes The endpoint of head thrash could detect the toxicity from Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Pb exposures at a low concentration (25 μmol/L) The endpoint of body bend could be explored to evaluate the toxicity from all assayed heavy metal exposures at different concentrations, whereas the endpoint of forward turn will be more useful for the evaluation of heavy metal toxicity at high concentrations Thus, endpoints of these locomotion behaviors establish a fast and economic way to assess the presence of acute toxicity from heavy metal exposure in nematode C elegans

Degradation of chlorpyrifos alone and in combination with chlorothalonil and their effects on soil microbial populations.

Abstract: In practice, pesticides are usually applied simultaneously or one after another for crop protection, and this type of pesticide application often leads to a combined contamination of pesticide residues in the soil environment. A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the influence of chlorothalonil on chlorpyrifos degradation and its effects on soil bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete populations. Under the experimental conditions here, the half-lives of chlorpyrifos alone, and in combination with chlorothalonil, at the recommended and double dosages, were measured to be 3.24, 2.77, and 2.63 d, respectively. Chlorpyrifos degradation was not significantly altered by its combination with chlorothalonil. However, the inhibitory effect of chlorpyrifos on soil microorganisms was increased by its combination with chlorothalonil, and the increase was related to the levels of chlorothalonil added. Compared to those in the controls, the populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were significantly reduced by 44.1%, 61.1%, and 72.8%, respectively, on the first day after treatment (DAT) by chlorpyrifos alone. With the addition of chlorothalonil, the inhibition was increased to 55.2%, 79.3%, and 85.8% at the recommended dosage, and 86.0%, 94.1%, and 90.8% at the double dosage, at one DAT, respectively. The results suggested that combined effects should be taken into account to assess the actual impacts of pesticide applications.

Effect of chromium on growth attributes in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Abstract: Heavy metal soil pollution takes place when the metal concentration of soil exceeds natural background level and causes ecological destruction and deterioration of the environment. In the present study, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chromium-contaminated soil in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth attributes. Three different levels of chromium (Cr) i.e., 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg were applied to three varieties of sunflower (G-3, G-9, and G-59). The results of morphological, chemical, and yield parameters were recorded at crop maturity. The result showed that germination, root, and shoot lengths were decreased with increase in Cr concentrations. A gradual decrease was observed for various morphological parameters like root fresh and dry weights, shoot fresh and dry weights, and plant height with increase in Cr levels. A comparison among Cr treatments obtained a significant decrease in yield parameters as achenes/capitulum, achenes/plant, and 100 achenes weight in three varieties. Cr was significantly absorbed by roots but its transport to other parts of plants was slow, and uptake in seeds was much lower than in roots and shoots.

Performance of a water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) system in the treatment of wastewater from a duck farm and the effects of using water hyacinth as duck feed.

Abstract: Nowadays, intensive breeding of poultry and livestock of large scale has made the treatment of its waste and wastewater an urgent environmental issue, which motivated this study. A wetland of 688 m2 was constructed on an egg duck farm, and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was chosen as an aquatic plant for the wetland and used as food for duck production. The objectives of this study were to test the role of water hyacinth in purifying nutrient-rich wastewater and its effects on the ducks' feed intake, egg laying performance and egg quality. This paper shows that the constructed wetland removed as much as 64.44% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 21.78% of total nitrogen (TN) and 23.02% of total phosphorus (TP). Both dissolved oxygen (DO) and the transparency of the wastewater were remarkably improved, with its transparency 2.5 times higher than that of the untreated wastewater. After the ducks were fed with water hyacinth, the average daily feed intake and the egg-laying ratio in the test group were 5.86% and 9.79% higher, respectively, than in the control group; the differences were both significant at the 0.01 probability level. The egg weight in the test group was 2.36% higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), but the feed conversion ratios were almost the same. The eggshell thickness and strength were among the egg qualities significantly increased in ducks fed with water hyacinth. We concluded that a water hyacinth system was effective for purifying wastewater from an intensive duck farm during the water hyacinth growing season, as harvested water hyacinth had an excellent performance as duck feed. We also discussed the limitations of the experiment.