Showing papers in "Journal of Hazardous Materials in 2012"

Heavy metal removal from water/wastewater by nanosized metal oxides: a review.

Abstract: Nanosized metal oxides (NMOs), including nanosized ferric oxides, manganese oxides, aluminum oxides, titanium oxides, magnesium oxides and cerium oxides, provide high surface area and specific affinity for heavy metal adsorption from aqueous systems. To date, it has become a hot topic to develop new technologies to synthesize NMOs, to evaluate their removal of heavy metals under varying experimental conditions, to reveal the underlying mechanism responsible for metal removal based on modern analytical techniques (XAS, ATR-FT-IR, NMR, etc.) or mathematical models, and to develop metal oxide-based materials of better applicability for practical use (such as granular oxides or composite materials). The present review mainly focuses on NMOs’ preparation, their physicochemical properties, adsorption characteristics and mechanism, as well as their application in heavy metal removal. In addition, porous host supported NMOs are particularly concerned because of their great advantages for practical application as compared to the original NMOs. Also, some magnetic NMOs were included due to their unique separation performance.

A review of chemical, electrochemical and biological methods for aqueous Cr(VI) reduction

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium is of particular environmental concern due to its toxicity and mobility and is challenging to remove from industrial wastewater. It is a strong oxidizing agent that is carcinogenic and mutagenic and diffuses quickly through soil and aquatic environments. It does not form insoluble compounds in aqueous solutions, so separation by precipitation is not feasible. While Cr(VI) oxyanions are very mobile and toxic in the environment, Cr(III) cations are not. Like many metal cations, Cr(III) forms insoluble precipitates. Thus, reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) simplifies its removal from effluent and also reduces its toxicity and mobility. In this review, we describe the environmental implications of Cr(VI) presence in aqueous solutions, the chemical species that could be present and then we describe the technologies available to efficiently reduce hexavalent chromium.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron: Future prospects for an emerging water treatment technology

Abstract: For the past 15 years, nanoscale metallic iron (nZVI) has been investigated as a new tool for the treatment of contaminated water and soil. The technology has reached commercial status in many countries worldwide, however is yet to gain universal acceptance. This review summarises our contemporary knowledge of nZVI aqueous corrosion, manufacture and deployment, along with methods to enhance particle reactivity, stability and subsurface mobility. Reasons for a lack of universal acceptance are also explored. Key factors include: concerns over the long-term fate, transformation and ecotoxicity of nZVI in environmental systems and, a lack of comparable studies for different nZVI materials and deployment strategies. It is highlighted that few investigations to date have examined systems directly analogous to the chemistry, biology and architecture of the terrestrial environment. Such emerging studies have highlighted new concerns, including the prospect for remobilisation of heavy metals and radionuclides over extended periods. The fundamental importance of being able to accurately predict the long-term physical, chemical and biological fate of contaminated sites following nZVI treatment is emphasised and, as part of this, a universal empirical testing framework for nZVI is suggested.

A survey of photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation.

Abstract: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process which has been the subject of a huge amount of studies related to air cleaning and water purification. All these processes have been carried out mainly by using TiO 2 -based materials as the photocatalysts and ca. 75% of the articles published in the last 3 years is related to them. This review illustrates the efforts in the search of alternative photocatalysts that are not based on TiO 2 , with some exceptions concerning particularly innovative modifications as nanoassembled TiO 2 or TiO 2 composites with active carbon, graphite and fullerene. Papers reporting preparation, characterization and testing of binary, ternary and quaternary compounds, have been reviewed. Despite many of these photocatalysts being effective for the photodecomposition of many pollutants, most of them do not allow a complete mineralization of the starting compounds, differently from TiO 2 .

Antibiotic resistance gene abundances associated with antibiotics and heavy metals in animal manures and agricultural soils adjacent to feedlots in Shanghai; China.

Abstract: Eight antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), 7 heavy metals, and 6 antibiotics were quantified in manures and soils collected from multiple feedlots in Shanghai. The samples were analyzed to determine if ARG abundances were associated with heavy metal concentration and independent of antibiotics. The results revealed the presence of chloramphenicol, sulfonamides and tetracyclines at concentration ranges of 3.27–17.85, 5.85–33.37 and 4.54–24.66 mg kg −1 , respectively. Typical heavy metals, such as Cu, Zn, and As, were detected at concentration ranges of 32.3–730.1, 75.9–4333.8, and 2.6–617.2 mg kg −1 . All ARGs tested were detected in the collected samples except tet B(P), which was absent in animal manures. Overall, sulfonamide ARGs were more abundant than tetracycline ARGs. Except for sul II, only a weak positive correlation was found between ARGs and their corresponding antibiotics. On the contrary, significant positive correlations ( p sul A and sul III were strongly correlated with levels of Cu, Zn and Hg. The data demonstrated that the presence of ARGs was relatively independent of their respective antibiotic inducer. In addition to antibiotics, toxic heavy metals, such as Hg, Cu, and Zn, exerted a strong selection pressure and acted as complementary factors for ARG abundance.

Effective removal of heavy metal ions Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ from aqueous solution by polymer-modified magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract: We prepared novel Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and copolymers of acrylic acid (AA) and crotonic acid (CA). The MNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infra-red spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. We explored the ability of the MNPs for removing heavy metal ions (Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+) from aqueous solution. We investigated the adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@APS@AA-co-CA at different pH in solution and metal ion uptake capacity as a function of contact time and metal ion concentration. Moreover, adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics were studied to understand the mechanism of the synthesized MNPs adsorbing metal ions. In addition, we evaluated the effect of background electrolytes on the adsorption. Furthermore, we explored desorption and reuse of MNPs. Fe3O4@APS@AA-co-CA MNPs are excellent for removal of heavy metal ions such as Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ from aqueous solution. Furthermore, the MNPs could efficiently remove the metal ions with high maximum adsorption capacity at pH 5.5 and could be used as a reusable adsorbent with convenient conditions.

Fabrication of novel magnetic chitosan grafted with graphene oxide to enhance adsorption properties for methyl blue.

Abstract: A novel magnetic composite bioadsorbent composed of magnetic chitosan and graphene oxide (MCGO) was prepared as the magnetic adsorbent. The morphology, chemical structure and magnetic property of the MCGO were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electronic microscope (SEM), respectively. Adsorption of methyl blue (MB) onto MCGO was investigated with respect to pH, adsorption time, initial MB concentration and temperature. Kinetics data and adsorption isotherm, obtained at the optimum pH 5.3, were better fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and by Langmuir isotherm, respectively. The values of activation parameters such as free energy (ΔG, -0.74∼-1.46kJmol(-1)), enthalpy (ΔH, -10.28kJmol(-1)) and entropy (ΔS, -36.35Jmol(-1)K(-1)) were determined, respectively, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous, favorable and exothermic process in nature. Moreover, the MCGO was stable and easily recovered, the adsorption capacity was about 90% of the initial saturation adsorption capacity after being used four times.

Remediation of mercury contaminated sites - A review

Abstract: Environmental contamination caused by mercury is a serious problem worldwide. Coal combustion, mercury and gold mining activities and industrial activities have led to an increase in the mercury concentration in soil. The objective of this paper is to present an up-to-date understanding of the available techniques for the remediation of soil contaminated with mercury through considering: mercury contamination in soil, mercury speciation in soil; mercury toxicity to humans, plants and microorganisms, and remediation options. This paper describes the commonly employed and emerging techniques for mercury remediation, namely: stabilization/solidification (S/S), immobilization, vitrification, thermal desorption, nanotechnology, soil washing, electro-remediation, phytostabilization, phytoextraction and phytovolatilization.

Solar water disinfection (SODIS): A review from bench-top to roof-top

Abstract: Solar water disinfection (SODIS) has been known for more than 30 years. The technique consists of placing water into transparent plastic or glass containers (normally 2L PET beverage bottles) which are then exposed to the sun. Exposure times vary from 6 to depending on the intensity of sunlight and sensitivity of the pathogens. Its germicidal effect is based on the combined effect of thermal heating of solar light and UV radiation. It has been repeatedly shown to be effective for eliminating microbial pathogens and reduce diarrhoeal morbidity including cholera. Since 1980 much research has been carried out to investigate the mechanisms of solar radiation induced cell death in water and possible enhancement technologies to make it faster and safer. Since SODIS is simple to use and inexpensive, the method has spread throughout the developing world and is in daily use in more than 50 countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. More than 5 million people disinfect their drinking water with the solar disinfection (SODIS) technique. This review attempts to revise all relevant knowledge about solar disinfection from microbiological issues, laboratory research, solar testing, up to and including real application studies, limitations, factors influencing adoption of the technique and health impact.

Immobilization of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) by the addition of rice straw derived biochar to a simulated polluted Ultisol.

Abstract: To develop new remediation methods for acidic soils polluted by heavy metals, the chemical fractions of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) in an Ultisol with and without rice straw biochar were compared and the effect of biochar incorporation on the mobility and bioavailability of these metals was investigated. In light of the decreasing zeta potential and increasing CEC, the incorporation of biochar made the negative soil surface charge more negative. Additionally, the soil pH increased markedly after the addition of biochar. These changes in soil properties were advantageous for heavy metal immobilization in the bulk soil. The acid soluble Cu(II) and Pb(II) decreased by 19.7-100.0% and 18.8-77.0%, respectively, as the amount of biochar added increased. The descending range of acid soluble Cd(II) was 5.6-14.1%, which was much lower than that of Cu(II) and Pb(II). When 5.0 mmol/kg of these heavy metals was added, the reducible Pb(II) for treatments containing 3% and 5% biochar was 2.0 and 3.0 times higher than that of samples without biochar, while the reducible Cu(II) increased by 61.6% and 132.6% for the corresponding treatments, respectively. When 3% and 5% biochar was added, the oxidizable portion of Pb(II) increased by 1.18 and 1.94 times, respectively, while the oxidizable portion of Cu(II) increased by 8.13 and 7.16 times, respectively, primarily due to the high adsorption affinity of functional groups of biochar to Cu(II). The residual heavy metal contents were low and changed little with the incorporation of biochar.

Superparamagnetic high-surface-area Fe3O4 nanoparticles as adsorbents for arsenic removal.

Abstract: Superparamagnetic ascorbic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles with a high specific surface area were successfully synthesized via an environmentally friendly hydrothermal route in the absence of any templates. The as-synthesized ascorbic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles have a diameter of less than 10 nm, thus leading to a high specific surface area of about 179 m(2)/g, which is even larger than those of well-defined mesoporous structures. The only used capped agent is ascorbic acid, which serves as a functionalized molecule to make sure the high dispersibility and stability of the ascorbic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles in aqueous solution. The ascorbic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic properties at room temperature and saturation magnetization approaches 40 emu g(-1). The ascorbic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were evaluated as an absorbent to remove heavy metal arsenic from wastewater. The adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption capacity of 16.56 mg/g for arsenic (V), and 46.06 mg/g for arsenic (III).

Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: pollution and ecological risk assessment in street dust of Tehran.

Abstract: 50 street dust samples from four major streets in eastern and southern Tehran, the capital of Iran, were analyzed for metal pollution (Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn and Li). Hakanson's method was used to determine the Risk Index (RI) and ecological risks. Amongst these samples, 21 were also analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Correlation, cluster and principal component analyses identified probable natural and anthropogenic sources of contaminants. The dust had elevated concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe and PAHs. Enrichment factors of Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn showed that the dust is extremely enriched in these metals. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and PAHs and, to a lesser extent, Cr and Ni have common anthropogenic sources. While Mn and Li were identified to have natural sources, Cd may have different anthropogenic origins. All samples demonstrated high ecological risk. Traffic and related activities, petrogenic and pyrogenic sources are likely to be the main anthropogenic sources of heavy metals and PAHs in Tehran dust.

Efficient adsorption and visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride using mesoporous BiOI microspheres

Abstract: A novel microsphere-like BiOI hierarchical material was successfully synthesized by a one-step solution method at room temperature using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as structure directing reagent, its morphology, structure, surface area, photoabsorption were characterized, and the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) was evaluated under dark adsorption and visible light irradiation. It was shown that the BiOI microspheres formed in the precursor solution with PVP exhibit a mesoporous surface layer, 28.1m(2)g(-1) surface area, 1.91 eV band gap energy (E(g) value), and twofold removal ability to tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), i.e. adsorptive separation and visible light photocatalytic degradation. The adsorption process of TC on BiOI microspheres can be described by pseudo-second-order kinetics model and both Freundlich and Langmuir equations well described the adsorption isotherm but the former is better. More importantly, the BiOI microspheres exhibit an excellent photocatalytic degradation and mineralization capability to TC under visible light irradiation, which comes from its electronic band structure, high surface area and high surface-to-volume ratio. In addition, the BiOI microspheres are stable during the reaction and can be used repeatedly, showing promising prospect for the treatment of TCs in future industrial application.

A graphene oxide-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of 4-nitrophenol.

Abstract: A graphene oxide (GO) film coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated for sensitive determination of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The GO-based sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of 4-NP at the GO-film coated GCE were investigated in detail. In 0.1M acetate buffer with a pH of 4.8, 4-NP yields a very sensitive and well-defined reduction peak at the GO-modified GCE. It is found that the GO film exhibits obvious electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-NP since it not only increases the reduction peak current but also lowers the reduction overpotential. Based on this, an electrochemical method was proposed for the direct determination of 4-NP. Various kinetic parameters such as transfer electron number, transfer proton number and standard heterogeneous rate constant were calculated, and various experimental parameters were also optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the reduction peak current varies linearly with the concentration of 4-NP ranging from 0.1 to 120 μM, and the detection limit is 0.02 μM at the signal noise ratio of 3. Moreover, the fabricated sensor presented high selectivity and long-term stability. This electrochemical sensor was further applied to determine 4-NP in real water samples, and it showed great promise for simple, sensitive, and quantitative detection of 4-NP.

Competitive adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) onto xanthate-modified magnetic chitosan

Abstract: The competitive adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) onto a novel xanthate-modified magnetic chitosan (XMCS) was systematically investigated in single and ternary metal systems. In single system, equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) followed the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 76.9, 34.5 and 20.8mg/g, respectively. In ternary system, the combined action of the metals was found to be antagonistic and the metal sorption followed the order of Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Zn(II); the Langmuir isotherm fitted the data of Pb(II) and Cu(II) well while the isotherm data of Zn(II) correlated well with the Freundlich model. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) studies showed that the thiol and amino group participated in the adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II).

Adsorptive removal of naproxen and clofibric acid from water using metal-organic frameworks.

Abstract: Adsorptive removal of naproxen and clofibric acid, two typical PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products), has been studied using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the first time. The removal efficiency decreases in the order of MIL-101>MIL-100-Fe>activated carbon both in adsorption rate and adsorption capacity. The adsorption kinetics and capacity of PPCPs generally depend on the average pore size and surface area (or pore volume), respectively, of the adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism may be explained with a simple electrostatic interaction between PPCPs and the adsorbent. Finally, it can be suggested that MOFs having high porosity and large pore size can be potential adsorbents to remove harmful PPCPs in contaminated water.

Sulfate radical-based degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls: effects of chloride ion and reaction kinetics.

Abstract: Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on sulfate radical (SO(4)(·-)) have been recently used for soil and groundwater remediation. The presence of chloride ion in natural or wastewater decreases the reactivity of sulfate radical system, but explanations for this behavior were inconsistent, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, in this paper we investigated the effect of chloride ion on the degradation of 2,4,4'-CB (PCB28) and biphenyl (BP) by persulfate, based on the produced SO(4)(·-). The results showed that the presence of chloride ion greatly inhibited the transformation of PCB28 and BP. Transformation intermediates of BP were monitored, suggesting that the chloride ion can react with SO(4)(·-) to produce chlorine radical, which reacts with BP to generate chlorinated compounds. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of these processes, a kinetic model was developed for predicting the effect of chloride ion on the types of radical species and their distributions. The results showed that chloride ion could influence the selectivity of radical species and their distribution, and increase the concentration of the sum of radical species. In addition, the second-order rate constants of sulfate radical with PCBs were determined, and quantum-chemical descriptors were introduced to predict the rate constants of other PCBs based on our experimental data.

Occurrence of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater and sludge from wastewater treatment plants: Removal and ecotoxicological impact of wastewater discharges and sludge disposal

Abstract: The occurrence of sixteen pharmaceutically active compounds in influent and effluent wastewater and in primary, secondary and digested sludge in one-year period has been evaluated. Solid-water partition coefficients (Kd) were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of removal of these compounds from wastewater by sorption onto sludge. The ecotoxicological risk to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, due to wastewater discharges to the receiving streams and to the application of digested sludge as fertilizer onto soils, was also evaluated. Twelve of the pharmaceuticals were detected in wastewater at mean concentrations from 0.1 to 32 μg/L. All the compounds found in wastewater were also found in sewage sludge, except diclofenac, at mean concentrations from 8.1 to 2206 μg/kg dm. Ibuprofen, salicylic acid, gemfibrozil and caffeine were the compounds at the highest concentrations. LogKd values were between 1.17 (naproxen) and 3.48 (carbamazepine). The highest ecotoxicological risk in effluent wastewater and digested sludge is due to ibuprofen (risk quotient (RQ): 3.2 and 4.4, respectively), 17α-ethinylestradiol (RQ: 12 and 22, respectively) and 17β-estradiol (RQ: 12 and 359, respectively). Ecotoxicological risk after wastewater discharge and sludge disposal is limited to the presence of 17β-estradiol in digested-sludge amended soil (RQ: 2.7).

Application of titanium dioxide in arsenic removal from water: A review

Abstract: Natural arsenic pollution is a global phenomenon and various technologies have been developed to remove arsenic from drinking water. The application of TiO(2) and TiO(2)-based materials in removing inorganic and organic arsenic was summarized. TiO(2)-based arsenic removal methods developed to date have been focused on the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of arsenite/organic arsenic to arsenate and adsorption of inorganic and organic arsenic. Many efforts have been taken to improve the performance of TiO(2) by either combing TiO(2) with adsorbents with good adsorption property in one system or developing bifunctional adsorbents with both great photocatalytic ability and high adsorption capacity. Attempts have also been made to immobilize fine TiO(2) particles on supporting materials like chitosan beads or granulate it to facilitate its separation from water. Among the anions commonly exist in groundwater, humic acid and bicarbonate have significant influence on TiO(2) photocatalyzed oxidation of As(III)/organic arsenic while phosphate, silicate, fluoride, and humic acid affect arsenic adsorption by TiO(2)-based materials. There has been a controversy over the TiO(2) PCO mechanisms of arsenite for the past 10 years but the adsorption mechanisms of inorganic and organic arsenic onto TiO(2)-based materials are relatively well established. Future needs in TiO(2)-based arsenic removal technology are proposed.

Room temperature synthesis and highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of porous BiOI/BiOCl composites nanoplates microflowers.

Abstract: This research represents a highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic removal of 450 ppb level of nitric oxide (NO) in air by utilizing flower-like hierarchical porous BiOI/BiOCl composites synthesized by a room temperature template free method for the first time. The facile synthesis method avoids high temperature treatment, use of organic precursors and production of undesirable organic byproducts during synthesis process. The result indicated that the as-prepared BiOI/BiOCl composites samples were solid solution and were self-assembled hierarchically with single-crystal nanoplates. The aggregation of the self-assembled nanoplates resulted in the formation of 3D hierarchical porous architecture containing tri-model mesopores. The coupling to BiOI with BiOCl led to down-lowered valence band (VB) and up-lifted conduction band (CB) in contrast to BiOI, making the composites suitable for visible light excitation. The BiOI/BiOCl composites samples exhibited highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for removal of NO in air due to the large surface areas and pore volume, hierarchical structure and modified band structure, exceeding that of P25, BiOI, C-doped TiO(2) and Bi(2)WO(6). This research results could provide a cost-effective approach for the synthesis of porous hierarchical materials and enhancement of photocatalyst performance for environmental and energetic applications owing to its low cost and easy scaling up.

Adsorption isotherms and kinetics studies of malachite green on chitin hydrogels.

Abstract: A chitin hydrogel with concentration 3 wt% (CG3) was successfully prepared from chitin solution dissolved in 8 wt% NaOH/4 wt% urea aqueous system at low temperature by crosslinking with 5 wt% epichlorohydrin. The experimental results revealed that CG3 exhibited high efficiency to remove dye (malachite green) from aqueous solution, as a result of their microporous structure, large surface area and affinity on the dye. The equilibrium process was described well by the Langmuir isotherm model, showing a monolayer adsorption. From kinetic experiments, the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that the overall rate of dye uptake could be controlled by external mass transfer at the beginning of adsorption, while intraparticle diffusion controlled the overall rate of adsorption at a later stage. The activation energy calculated from Arrhenius equation and the result of SEM and FTIR indicated that the adsorption of malachite green on the CG3 was physical process. This work provided an attractive adsorbent for removing of the hazardous materials from wastewater.

Review of Pb availability and toxicity to plants in relation with metal speciation; role of synthetic and natural organic ligands.

Abstract: Biogeochemical behavior of lead (Pb), a persistent hazardous pollutant of environmental concern, strongly depends on its chemical speciation. Therefore, in this review, link between Pb speciation: presence of organic ligands and its environmental behavior has been developed. Both, biogeochemical and ecotoxicological data are discussed in environmental risk assessment context and phytoremediation studies. Three kinds of organic ligands selected for this review include: (1) ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), (2) low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and (3) humic substances (HSs). The review highlights the effect of Pb speciation on: (i) Pb fate and behavior in soil; (ii) Pb plant uptake and accumulation in different plant parts; and (iii) Pb-induced phyto-toxicity. Effects of organic ligands on Pb speciation are compared: how they can change Pb speciation modifying accordingly its fate and biogeochemistry in soil-plant system? EDTA forms soluble, stable and phytoavailable Pb-chelates due to high binding Pb affinity. LMWOAs can solubilize Pb in soil by decreasing soil pH or increasing soil organic contents, but have little effect on its translocation. Due to heterogeneous structure, HSs role is complex. In consequence Pb speciation knowledge is needed to discuss phyto-toxicity data and improved soil phytoremediation techniques.

Visible light photocatalytic activity enhancement and mechanism of AgBr/Ag3PO4 hybrids for degradation of methyl orange.

Abstract: Novel AgBr/Ag(3)PO(4) hybrids were synthesized via an in situ anion-exchange method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Under visible light (λ>420 nm), AgBr/Ag(3)PO(4) degraded methyl orange (MO) efficiently and displayed much higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure AgBr or Ag(3)PO(4). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggests that AgBr/Ag(3)PO(4) transformed to be Ag@AgBr/Ag(3)PO(4)@Ag system while remained good photocatalytic activity after 5 times of cycle experiments. In addition, the quenching effects of different scavengers proved that reactive OH and h(+) played the major role for the MO degradation. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of AgBr/Ag(3)PO(4) is closely related to the efficient separation of electron-hole pairs derived from the matching band potentials between AgBr and Ag(3)PO(4), as well as the good electron trapping role of Ag nanoparticles in situ formed on the surfaces of AgBr and Ag(3)PO(4) particles during the photocatalytic reaction.

Occurrence of organic microcontaminants in the wastewater treatment process. A mini review.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant may receive various types of wastewater namely, urban, industrial, agricultural, washout from the streets, wet or/and dry atmospheric deposition. As such, scientists have detected in wastewaters all major categories of pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, but also substances that are widely used as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, classified as “PPCPs” (pharmaceuticals and personal care products). Finally, the latest categories of compounds to be looked upon in these types of matrices are illicit drugs (drugs of abuse, like cocaine, etc.) and doping substances. This review article summarises major categories of organic microcontaminants that have been detected in wastewaters and studies their fate during the wastewater treatment process. Occurrence of these compounds in the influents and effluents are reported, as well as percents of removal, mass balances and phase distributions.

Effect of silicon on reducing cadmium toxicity in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. cv. Claudio W.) grown in a soil with aged contamination.

Abstract: Agricultural soil contamination and subsequently crops still require alternative solutions to reduce associated environmental risks. The effects of silica application on alleviating cadmium (Cd) phytotoxicity in wheat plants were investigated in a 71-day pot experiment conducted with a historically contaminated agricultural soil. We used amorphous silica (ASi) that had been extracted from a diatomite mine for Si distribution at 0, 1, 10 and 15 ton ASi ha −1 . ASi applications increased plant biomass and plant Si concentrations, reduced the available Cd in the soil and the Cd translocation to shoots, while Cd was more efficiently sequestrated in roots. But ASi is limiting for Si uptake by plants. We conclude that significant plant-available Si in soil contributes to decreased Cd concentrations in wheat shoots and could be implemented in a general scheme aiming at controlling Cd concentrations in wheat.

Biomineralization based remediation of As(III) contaminated soil by Sporosarcina ginsengisoli

Abstract: Arsenic is a highly toxic metalloid and has posed high risk to the environment. As(III) is highly mobile in soil and leached easily into groundwater. The current remediation techniques are not sufficient to immobilize this toxic element. In the present study, an As(III) tolerant bacterium Sporosarcina ginsengisoli CR5 was isolated from As contaminated soil of Urumqi, China. We investigated the role of microbial calcite precipitated by this bacterium to remediate soil contaminated with As(III). The bacterium was able to grow at high As(III) concentration of 50mM. In order to obtain arsenic distribution pattern, five stage soil sequential extraction was carried out. Arsenic mobility was found to significantly decrease in the exchangeable fraction of soil and subsequently the arsenic concentration was markedly increased in carbonated fraction after bioremediation. Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) process in bioremediation was further confirmed by ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses. XRD spectra showed presence of various biomineralization products such as calcite, gwihabaite, aragonite and vaterite in bioremediated soil samples. The results from this study have implications that MICP based bioremediation by S. ginsengisoli is a viable, environmental friendly technology for remediation of the arsenic contaminated sites.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) BiOI/BiOCl composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities for the degradation of bisphenol-A.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) BiOI/BiOCl composite microspheres with enhanced visible-light photodegradation activity of bisphenol-A (BPA) are synthesized by a simple, one-pot, template-free, solvothermal method using BiI(3) and BiCl(3) as precursors. These 3D hierarchical microspheres with heterojunction structures are composed of 2D nanosheets and have composition-dependent absorption properties in the ultraviolet and visible light regions. The photocatalytic oxidation of BPA over BiOI/BiOCl composites followed pseudo first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. The highest photodegradation efficiency of BPA, i.e., nearly 100%, was observed with the BiOI/BiOCl composite (containing 90% BiOI) using a catalyst dosage of 1 g L(-1) in the BPA solution (C(0)=20 mg L(-1), pH=7.0) under visible light irradiation for 60 min. Under these conditions, the reaction rate constant was more than 4 and 20 times greater than that of pure BiOI and the commercially available Degussa P25, respectively. The superior photocatalytic activity of this composite catalyst is attributed to the suitable band gap energies and the low recombination rate of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs due to the presence of BiOI/BiOCl heterostructures. Only one intermediate at m/z 151 was observed in the photodegradation process of BPA by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, and a simple and hole-predominated photodegradation pathway of BPA was subsequently proposed. Furthermore, this photocatalyst exhibited a high mineralization ratio, high stability and easy separation for recycling use, suggesting that it is a promising photocatalyst for the removal of BPA pollutants.

The use of an agricultural waste material, Jujuba seeds for the removal of anionic dye (Congo red) from aqueous medium.

Abstract: The feasibility of using Indian Jujuba Seeds (IJS) (Zizyphus maruritiana), abundantly available in and around the Nallamalla forest in Andhra Pradesh, for the anionic dye (Congo red, CR) adsorption from aqueous solution, has been investigated as low cost and eco-friendly adsorbent. Adsorption studies were conducted on a batch process, to study the effects of contact time, initial concentration of CR, pH and temperature. Maximum colour removal was observed at pH 2. The equilibrium data was analyzed by the Langmuir, the Freundlich and the General isotherms. The data fitted well with the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 55.56 mg g(-1). The pseudo-second-order kinetics was the best for the adsorption of CR, by IJS (Z. maruritiana) with good correlation. Thermodynamic parameters, such as standard free energy change (ΔG°), standard enthalpy change (ΔH°) and standard entropy change (ΔS°), were analyzed. The results suggest that IJS (Z. maruritiana) is a potential low-cost adsorbent for the CR dye removal from synthetic dye wastewater.

Investigation of the possibility of using waste cooking oil as a rejuvenating agent for aged bitumen

Abstract: The ageing of the bitumen during storage, mixing, transport and laying on the road, as well as in service life, are the most important problems presented by the use of bitumen in pavements. This paper investigates the possibility of using waste cooking oil (WCO), which is a waste material that pollutes landfills and rivers, as an alternative natural rejuvenating agent for aged bitumen to a condition that resembles the original bitumen. With this target, the physical and chemical properties of the original bitumen, aged bitumen and rejuvenated bitumen were measured and compared by the bitumen binder tests - softening point, penetration, Brookfield viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the behaviour of the WCO rejuvenated bitumen is investigated and compared with virgin bitumen after using the rolling thin film oven ageing process. In general, the results showed that using 3-4% of WCO the aged bitumen group 40/50 was rejuvenated to a condition that closely resembled the physical, rheological properties of the original bitumen (80/100), however, there was a difference in the tendency to ageing between the WCO rejuvenated bitumen and the virgin bitumen during mixing, transport and laying on the road.

Selenium reduces cadmium uptake and mitigates cadmium toxicity in rice.

Abstract: Hydroponic experiments were performed to investigate physiological mechanisms of selenium (Se) mitigation of Cd toxicity in rice. Exogenous Se markedly reduced Cd concentration in leaves, roots, and stems. Addition or pretreatment of 3 μM Se in 50 μM Cd solution significantly addressed Cd-induced growth inhibition, recovered root cell viability, and dramatically depressed O(2)(-), H(2)O(2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Supplemental Se counteracted 50 μM Cd-induced alterations of certain antioxidant enzymes, and uptake of nutrients, e.g. depressed Cd-induced increase in leaf and root superoxide dismutase (SOD) and leaf peroxidase (POD) activities, but elevated depressed catalase (CAT) activity; decreased Cd-induced high S and Cu concentrations in both leaves and roots. External Se counteracted the pattern of alterations in ATPase activities induced by Cd, e.g. significantly elevated the depressed root H(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities, but decreased the ascent root Na(+)K(+)-ATP activity. Results indicate that alleviated Cd toxicity by Se application is related to reduced Cd uptake and ROS accumulation, balanced nutrients, and increased H(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities in rice.