{"title":"Removal of toxic arsenic(iii) from an old endemic black-foot disease groundwater by oxidative electrosorption","authors":"P.-A. Chen, C. Peng, S.-H. Liu, H. -. Wang","doi":"10.1071/en23001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en23001","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Naturally occurring arsenic was the likely cause of endemic black foot disease in groundwaters in Taiwan, and levels still exceed Taiwan EPA water quality standards. A method for the clean-up of these groundwaters that is both feasible and environmentally friendly is urgently needed. Oxidation of As(III) as H3AsO3 to the less toxic As(V)− and removal of As in groundwater was performed quantitatively by electrosorption using materials derived from agricultural wastes; this shows that this method has the potential to be a novel, green remediation method. Rationale Naturally occurring arsenic in the groundwater caused black-foot disease (BFD) in the 1950s on the southwest seashore of Taiwan. Recently, we found that the concentration of arsenic in groundwater taken from currently sealed wells in areas previously affected by BFD remained higher than the Taiwan (EPA) water quality standard. Although clean tap water is available in that area, removal of arsenic from the groundwater is of great importance to expand possible utilisation. Methodology Removal of arsenic from two old endemic BFD groundwaters with activated carbon (AC) electrodes recycled from agricultural wastes by electrosorption using capacitive deionisation (CDI) processes was studied. A better understanding of arsenic electrochemistry involved in electrosorption was investigated by in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. Results Arsenic removal efficiencies (61–93%) remained high across concentrations (5 and 196 mg/L). A high oxidation rate constant (0.93 h−1) for As(III)0 to As(V)− was found, allowing the electrosorption of As(V)− onto the meso- and micro-pores of the AC CDI electrodes with rate constants of 0.021 and 0.0013 h−1, respectively. Removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater for drinking water was achieved with six CDI reactors in series. Moreover, in the presence of other ions (such as Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+), 60–73% of As(III)0 and As(V)− ions were removed from the groundwaters by electrosorption. Discussion We have developed an engineering-feasible method for converting As(III)0 to less toxic As(V)−, enabling its removal by electrosorption, which demonstrates the feasibility for green remediation of BFD waters as well as other arsenic-contaminated groundwaters.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86025454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Selenium speciation and characteristics of selenium-enriched crops in Guiyang seleniferous soil, southwestern China","authors":"Z. Pan, Ju Chen, Minzi Wang, Yanfei Feng, W. Meng","doi":"10.1071/en22084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22084","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Elemental selenium plays an important role in maintaining human health and the growth of plants and animals. We studied the availability of selenium in soils and agricultural crops in Guiyang City, China, and found that the soil is selenium-rich and the crops are selenium-enriched. These results can help to understand and improve the development of mountain agriculture and rural revitalisation. Rationale Selenium (Se) is a critical element for both maintaining human health and the growth of plants and animals. The content of Se in crops is primarily determined by its speciation in soil. Therefore, the investigation of soil Se and its speciation has become a key focus of current research. Methodology In this study, taking a typical seleniferous area in Guiyang City as the study area, we investigated selenium speciation in Se-rich soil and its distribution characteristics in both soil and crops using atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) and a five-step extraction processing methods. Moreover, we further explored the key factors that affect the distribution of Se in soil. Results The findings are summarised as follows: (1) the Se content in all investigated samples met the standards of selenium-rich soil (0.40 mg/kg). The Se content in the soil surrounding crop roots ranged from 0.96 to 4.29 mg/kg, with an average value of 2.18 mg/kg. (2) Soil Se primarily existed in organic, residual, and iron and manganese oxide-binding species. The organic, sulfide-binding, and elemental Se species were the major contributors, accounting for an average of 47.00%, while the content of water-soluble, exchangeable, and carbonate-binding Se species was significantly lower. (3) Almost all crops, regardless of their types, were found Se-enriched, accounting for approximately 89.47% of the total crops in the study area. The average Se content was 0.35, 0.12, and 0.026 mg/kg in tea, rice, and corn, respectively. Discussion Varying soil physical–chemical properties, such as the content of soil organic matter content and pH levels, etc. can impact the distribution of Se in soil differently. These findings can serve as a scientific foundation for the effective utilisation of selenium-rich land resources in Guiyang city. They can also support and facilitate the development of modern specialty and high-efficiency mountain agriculture, ultimately contributing to rural revitalisation and the national implementation of the Big Ecology Strategy.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"326 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77196550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dedication to Professor Kevin Francesconi, father of organoarsenicals in the environment","authors":"J. Feldmann","doi":"10.1071/en23040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en23040","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"92 4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83671493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W. O. Matos, F. L. da Silva, Savarin Sinaviwat, A. Raab, E. Krupp, G. S. Lopes, A. R. Nogueira, J. Feldmann
{"title":"Assessment of trace element content throughout the white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming cycle","authors":"W. O. Matos, F. L. da Silva, Savarin Sinaviwat, A. Raab, E. Krupp, G. S. Lopes, A. R. Nogueira, J. Feldmann","doi":"10.1071/en22098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22098","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Intensive aquaculture is the main source of fisheries products. Thus, investigating the food safety of these products and the environmental impacts of the farms on mangroves is necessary. A shrimp productive cycle was evaluated with a focus on trace element accumulation in shrimps and effluent. The results revealed secure levels of elements in the final product; however, the effluent produced in farms is an important source of contamination to mangrove environment. Rationale Aquaculture systems have increased in the last years due to the high demand for seafood consumption, this could impact the environment and subject fisheries to accumulation of toxic elements. To understand some parameters of food safety and environmental impact, the present study evaluated the concentration of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, V and Zn) throughout the production cycle of shrimp. Methodology About 50 shrimps per cycle were collected in a shrimp farm in Brazil and their trace element contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and microwave-induced plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (MIP-OES). Results At their final lifecycle stage, shrimp samples present a content (mg g−1) of elements following the trend: Cu (102 ± 12) > Al (20.06 ± 4.24) > Zn (14.82 ± 2.46) > Mn (6.24 ± 0.94) > As (2.65 ± 0.42) > Se (0.932 ± 0.140) > Co (0.380 ± 0.05) > Mo (0.254 ± 0.03) > V (0.204 ± 0.02). Discussion The content of Cd and Pb are in allowance with Brazil and USA legislation for crustaceans, however, the content of As is 3–4-fold higher than that allowed by guidelines in all stages of the growth of the shrimp. The final effluent of the shrimp’s pond into the mangroves shows a high mass fraction of Zn and Mn that could be a source of contamination. Some correlations between some elements in the shrimp samples were found, such as As–Se, Se–Co and Se–V. This study was a scoping experiment to study the content of trace elements throughout the farming cycle of shrimps, encouraging the researcher to undergo a wide survey to evaluate the environmental impact of aquaculture shrimp farming.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"75 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90982955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enrichment of saccharides at the air–water interface: a quantitative comparison of sea surface microlayer and foam","authors":"T. Jayarathne, D. K. Gamage, K. Prather, E. Stone","doi":"10.1071/en22094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22094","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Saccharides contribute substantially to dissolved organic carbon in the ocean and are enriched at the ocean surface. In this study, we demonstrate that saccharides are more enriched in persistent whitecap foam compared to the sea surface. The maturation of bubbles at the air–water interface is thus expected to enhance the enrichment of organic matter at the ocean surface and ultimately in the sea spray aerosol that forms when bubbles burst at the ocean surface. Rationale Organic matter accumulates at the ocean surface. Herein, we provide the first quantitative assessment of the enrichment of dissolved saccharides in persistent whitecap foam and compare this enrichment to the sea surface microlayer (SSML) during a 9 day mesocosm experiment involving a phytoplankton bloom generated in a Marine Aerosol Reference Tank (MART). Methodology Free monosaccharides were quantified directly, total saccharides were determined following mild acid hydrolysis and the oligo/polysaccharide component was determined as the difference between total and free monosaccharides. Results Total saccharides contributed a significant fraction of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), accounting for 13% of DOC in seawater, 27% in SSML and 31% in foam. Median enrichment factors (EFs), calculated as the ratio of the concentrations of saccharides relative to sodium in SSML or foam to that of seawater, ranged from 1.7 to 6.4 in SSML and 2.1–12.1 in foam. Based on median EFs, xylitol, mannitol, glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, rhamnose and ribose were more enriched in foam than SSML. Discussion The greatest EFs for saccharides coincided with high chlorophyll levels, indicating increasing ocean surface enrichment of saccharides during phytoplankton blooms. Higher enrichments of organic matter in sea foam over the SSML indicate that surface active organic compounds become increasingly enriched on persistent bubble film surfaces. These findings help to explain how marine organic matter becomes highly enriched in sea spray aerosol that is generated by bursting bubbles at the ocean surface.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"113 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73294201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thermochemical conversion characteristics of biosolid samples from a wastewater treatment plant in Brisbane, Australia","authors":"S. Hla, Nuttaphol Sujarittam, A. Ilyushechkin","doi":"10.1071/en22074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22074","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials. They can be used as fertiliser and solid amendments in agriculture if treated according to regulatory requirements. If farming applications of biosolids decline due to potential pollution from their heavy metal content, an alternative to traditional methods of biosolid disposal is required. In this context, thermal processing of biosolids is an economically and environmentally suitable option to convert large quantities of biosolids into useful energy. Rationale Due to more stringent environmental regulations and frequently required long-distance transportation, the traditional disposal of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants in landfills and farms is becoming unsustainable. A potentially economical and environmental option is the thermochemical conversion of biosolids into energy and value-added products. This paper describes the chemical composition and energy content of a representative biosolid sample collected from a major wastewater-treatment plant in Queensland, Australia. Methodology The thermochemical behaviour and compositional changes in biosolids were investigated under a wide range of pyrolysis and gasification conditions using a horizontal tube furnace (HTF), a fixed-bed reactor and a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). In terms of practical application of by-products, we describe mineral matter transformations in char and ashes during pyrolysis and volatilisation as well as under different gasification conditions. Results HTF experiments revealed that at pyrolysis below 800°C, mainly organic species were released, while losses of inorganic elements (phosphorus, magnesium and zinc) occurred at higher temperatures. In-situ gasification behaviour of biosolid chars in the TGA reactor showed that the gasification reaction of biosolid chars occurred rapidly at temperatures above 720°C, regardless of the pyrolysis temperatures at which those chars were produced. Mineral matter transformations began at temperatures above 600°C, and mainly involved the transformation of amorphous phases into crystalline oxide and phosphide forms. Under gasification conditions, all crystalline phases appeared as different phosphates and alumino-silicates. Discussion The methods described here provide different options for the disposal of biosolids from wastewater by adjusting and optimising thermochemical conversion processes.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91074267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Benjamin M. Long, Samantha Harriage, Nick L. Schultz, Craig D. H. Sherman, Michael Thomas
{"title":"Pharmaceutical pollution in marine waters and benthic flora of the southern Australian coastline","authors":"Benjamin M. Long, Samantha Harriage, Nick L. Schultz, Craig D. H. Sherman, Michael Thomas","doi":"10.1071/en22054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22054","url":null,"abstract":"Environmental context Most human pharmaceutical waste is discharged to the environment. While the presence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater systems is well documented globally, little is known of the impact on marine ecosystems. We measured pharmaceuticals in a marine environment in south-eastern Australia and found pharmaceutical concentrations around 24 000 times higher in benthic flora than in the marine surface waters. We discuss the potential use of seaweeds as biological indicators of pharmaceutical pollution. Rationale Pharmaceuticals are emerging pollutants of concern with a range of adverse consequences for organisms and ecosystems. Their presence in freshwater and estuarine systems has been well documented, but less is known about their prevalence in open ocean, or their uptake by benthic flora. This preliminary survey of the southern Australian coastline sought to measure the concentrations of key pharmaceuticals in both surface waters and benthic flora. Methodology This study used LC-MS/MS to measure the concentration carbamazepine, tramadol and venlafaxine in (1) samples from wastewater treatment plants, (2) ocean surface waters and (3) several species of benthic flora. Surface waters and benthic flora were sampled at two sites near waste water treatment plant (WWTP) discharges, and one site away from any discharge. Results All three pharmaceuticals were detected in surface water samples with their risk assessed (via risk quotient) as medium risk (carbamazepine) or low risk (venlafaxine, tramadol). All three pharmaceuticals were also detected in benthic flora, particularly in brown macroalgae; Tramadol was measured at a maximum of 34.7 ng g−1 in Hormosira banksii, and Venlafaxine was recorded at a maximum of 17.3 ng g−1 in Caulocystis cephalornithos. Discussion The calculated bioconcentration factors suggest the pharmaceutical concentrations in benthic flora were up to ~24 000 times higher than in surrounding surface water. There was also evidence that proximity to WWTP outfalls influenced the levels of pharmaceuticals in benthic flora. The results suggest that the benthic flora may be suitable bioindicators of pharmaceutical contamination and that the potential impacts of pharmaceutical pollutants in marine ecosystems demand further investigation.","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134968765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ammonia emissions from nitrogen fertilised agricultural soils: controlling factors and solutions for emission reduction","authors":"Catrin Rathbone, Sami Ullah","doi":"10.1071/en23010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en23010","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"476 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76362530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Stiboller, Ariane Cofré Espinoza, Sophie Scholz, G. Raber, T. Schwerdtle
{"title":"Isolation and purification of arsenolipids from natural marine sources for use in speciation and toxicological studies","authors":"M. Stiboller, Ariane Cofré Espinoza, Sophie Scholz, G. Raber, T. Schwerdtle","doi":"10.1071/en22071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22071","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87235917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of molecularly imprinted polymers in recognition and detection of environmental oestrogens: a review","authors":"Cunming Hu, Yu Wang, Y. Wang, Ming Guan","doi":"10.1071/en22117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/en22117","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11714,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72721233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}