{"title":"Impact of migration and prediction on heavy metals from soil to groundwater in an abandoned lead/zinc smelting site","authors":"Yun-xia Zhang, Zhao-hui Guo, Hui-min Xie, Xi-yuan Xiao, Rui Xu","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5626-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5626-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Long-term metal smelting activities can lead to enrichment and dispersion of heavy metals in the site soil and groundwater. The migration and prediction of heavy metals from soil to groundwater in an abandoned lead/zinc smelting site were studied using machine learning model. The results showed that heavy metals in site soil mainly accumulated in the fill layer, and vertically migrated to groundwater significantly. The mean of Pb, As, and Cd in site soils significantly exceeded the screening value of risk control standard for soil contamination of development land. The mean of Zn, Cd, Pb and As in groundwater exceeded the corresponding groundwater Class VI limit of standard for groundwater quality of China. Soil contamination of heavy metals was serious in the pyrometallurgical area, hydrometallurgical area and raw material storage area, and Cd and Pb in the upper soil layer had a strong migration potential downward with active and reducible state. The synergistic remediation for site soil and groundwater in smelting site was suggested when groundwater level was below 5 m and soil Cd concentration exceeded 344 mg/kg, or when the soil active Pb concentration exceeded 5425 mg/kg.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shu-ting Tian, Dong-ye Zhao, Li-Juan Huo, Jun Ma, Rui Yang
{"title":"Comparing three stabilizers for stabilizing FeS nanoparticles: Performance and effects on immobilization of cadmium in water and soil","authors":"Shu-ting Tian, Dong-ye Zhao, Li-Juan Huo, Jun Ma, Rui Yang","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5602-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5602-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In this study, we evaluated effectiveness of three polysaccharide stabilizers (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and a water-soluble starch) for stabilizing FeS nanoparticles, and tested the stabilized nanoparticles for immobilization of Cd<sup>2+</sup> in water and soil. Fully stabilized FeS nanoparticles (100 mg/L FeS) were obtained using 0.010 wt% CMC, 0.025 wt% CMS, or 0.065 wt% starch. CMC-FeS showed a highly negative zeta potential, starch-FeS remained neutral, whereas CMS-FeS displayed a moderately negative potential. CMC-FeS showed the fastest sorption rate and highest sorption capacity for Cd<sup>2+</sup>. When a Cd-laden soil (58.3 mg/kg Cd) was amended with 100 mg/L CMC-FeS or CMS-FeS, the TCLP-leachable Cd was reduced by 88.4% and 68.0%, respectively. Both CMC-FeS and CMS-FeS were transportable through a model soil and showed high potential for in-situ immobilization of Cd<sup>2+</sup> in soil. Nearly complete breakthrough occurred at 4.5 pore volumes (PVs) for CMC-FeS and about 25 PVs for CMS-FeS. When the Cd-laden soil was treated with 55 PVs of CMC-FeS and CMS-FeS suspensions (100 mg/L), the water-leachable soluble Cd was reduced by 98.2% and 98.0%, respectively. The three stabilizers may find their best uses in soil remediation according to the target contaminants, transport properties in soil, and material cost.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of pH on the leaching behaviour of heavy metal(loid)s in copper smelting flue dust and mineralogical control mechanism","authors":"Xiao-yan Wang, Xi-yuan Xiao, Zhao-hui Guo, Chi Peng, Anaman Richmond, Sheng-guo Xue, Ataa Bridget","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5630-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5630-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The release behavior of heavy metal(loid)s in Cu smelting flue dust, collected from a deserted Cu smelter, and its mineralogical control mechanism were studied using toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test and wide pH range (3–13) dependent leaching experiments. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in TCLP leachate were 704, 82.7, 2.08, 3.1 and 3.26 times threshold of corresponding elements listed in identification standards for hazardous wastes of China (GB 5085.3—2007), respectively. High release percentage of As ranged from 26.0% to 28.1% over the entire pH range. The leachability of Cd, Cu, and Zn was significantly high under acidic conditions, while that of Pb was highly released at pH 13.0. The geochemical analysis showed that As solubility was partly controlled by the new formation of Ca, Cu, Pb, and Zn arsenates under pH 5.5–11.5, and that of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn was mainly controlled by hydroxide precipitation under alkaline condition. BCR extraction and XRD analysis indicated that higher leachate Cd and Zn concentrations were consistent with their higher content of active forms in dust. The study provides scientific guidance for the treatment and disposal of the flue dust for heavy metal(loid)s pollution prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Leachability of potentially toxic elements from soils: New insights into coupled effects of acidification and freeze-thaw","authors":"Tian-yu Fu, Jie Li, Rong-bing Fu","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5603-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5603-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Little was known about the leaching behavior of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from soils under the interaction between freeze-thaw (F-T) cycle and the solutions of varying pH values. In this study, PTEs leachability from soils before and after F-T tests was evaluated using toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) test. The microstructure and mineralogical evolution of soil mineral particles were conducted using pores (particles) and cracks analysis system (PCAS) and PHREEQC. The results indicated that during 30 F-T cycles, the maximum leaching concentrations of PTEs were 0.22 mg/L for As, 0.61 mg/L for Cd, 2.46 mg/L for Cu, 3.08 mg/L for Mn, 29.36 mg/L for Pb and 8.07 mg/L for Zn, respectively. Under the coupled effects of F-T cycle and acidification, the porosity of soil particles increased by 4.79%, as confirmed by the microstructure damage caused by the evolution of pores and cracks. The anisotropy of soil particles increased under F-T effects, whereas that decreased under the coupled effects of F-T cycle and acidification. The results from SEM-EDS, PCAS quantification and PHREEQC modeling indicated that the release mechanism of PTEs was not only associated with the microstructure change in mineral particles, but also affected by protonation, as well as the dissolution and precipitation of minerals. Overall, these results would provide an important reference for soil remediation assessments in seasonal frozen areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141510032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adsorption of Cr(VI) on calcined MgAl-layered double hydroxides and recycling of spent adsorbents for the removal of organic dyes","authors":"Chao-rong Chen, Zhen-yu Xie, Qi Chen, Wei Peng, Gao-feng Wang, Bo-wen Yang, Fei Ge","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5636-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5636-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Adsorption is considered an effective strategy for removing Cr(VI) from wastewater, but disposal of spent adsorbents is still a thorny problem. This work aims to develop an efficient adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal and recycling spent adsorbent as catalyst for the removal of organic dyes. In this study, MgAl-mixed oxides adsorbents (MgAlO) were synthesized via hydrothermal and calcination steps to effectively adsorb Cr(VI) from wastewater. The influence of initial pH and temperature on the adsorption performance of MgAlO was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) was 95.2 mg/g at a MgAlO dosage of 1.0 g/L and a pH value of 5.5. The combination of XRD, FT-IR, and UV-vis DRS analyses revealed that CrO<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> anions were intercalated into the interlayer spaces of layered double hydroxides, and high temperatures can accelerate the reconstruction of MgAlO. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by MgAlO followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which included intra-particle diffusion, film diffusion, and chemical reaction. Furthermore, the resulting spent adsorbent (Cr-MgAlO) after adsorption was reused as a catalyst for methyl orange (MO) removal after adsorption (75.6% removal rate) and showed no significant decrease in removal rate after 5 cycles. The results of this study provide insights into the reuse of spent Cr(VI) adsorbent for environmental catalytic applications, which are of great importance for the disposal of waste adsorbent.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141510038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jie Cao, Zhao-hui Guo, Rui Xu, Wen-jun Cai, Xi-yuan Xiao
{"title":"Source quantitative identification and control for preferential contaminants in stream sediments from an abandoned lead/zinc mine","authors":"Jie Cao, Zhao-hui Guo, Rui Xu, Wen-jun Cai, Xi-yuan Xiao","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5598-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5598-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Sediment is an important sink for metals within mining environments. This study employs a combination of positive matrix factorization (PMF), random forest (RF) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to investigate the source attribution and released effects of toxic elements in stream sediments originating from an abandoned lead/zinc mine. The results show that the integrated PMF-RF-FAHP approach allows for the quantitative identification of metal sources and the prioritization of control measures within the mine. The primary source of contamination in the mine stream sediments was identified as the toxic elements releasing from the ore sorting area, followed by contributions from the mining area. The transport of toxic elements from mine into stream sediments is influenced by surface water flows, of which the upstream ore sorting area is an important factor to the contamination of the tailings area, riparian zone and hazardous waste landfills. The levels of main toxic elements, such as As, Cd, Sb, and Tl in stream sediments significantly exceed the background values for stream sediments in China, respectively. The similarities in sources for As, Cd, Sb and Tl in both soils and sediments exceeded 60%. The ore sorting area accounted for 48% of As, 82% of Cd and 78% of Sb contamination, while the mining area accounted for 94% of Tl contamination. This study presents a valuable methodology for pinpointing pollutant sources in mines rich in toxic elements like As and Cd. It is valuable and helpful to provide insights into tracing metal contamination and facilitating regional environmental management, both during mine industrialization and after abandonment.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
He Wei, Yong He, Jun Jiang, Xiang-zhi Song, Wei Lou, Zhao Zhang, Ke-neng Zhang
{"title":"Enhanced transport of K-nZVI by bentonite suspensions in porous media","authors":"He Wei, Yong He, Jun Jiang, Xiang-zhi Song, Wei Lou, Zhao Zhang, Ke-neng Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5629-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5629-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Due to high reactivity and relatively low cost, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) has become an alternative material for in-situ remediation of contaminated sites. However, factors such as short transport distance and easy deposition in porous media also seriously restrict its injection remediation effect. The optimum ratio of bentonite and kaolin supported nano zero-valent iron (K-nZVI) in the remediation agent was determined by sedimentation and rheological tests. The transport characteristics of deionized water and bentonite suspensions carrying K-nZVI in porous media under different injection pressures were investigated using simulating column tests. The results show that bentonite suspensions could significantly improve the stability and dispersibility of K-nZVI. The proportion of bentonite and K-nZVI are 5% and 0.4%, respectively, which is the best ratio of the remediation agent. The transport capability of K-nZVI carried by deionized water increases with the increase of injection pressure, while there is a critical injection pressure for bentonite suspensions carrying K-nZVI remediation agent. The numerical simulation results show that the diffusion radius of K-nZVI is positively correlated with the injection pressure and negatively correlated with the viscosity of the remediation agent. The results provide theoretical guidance for the remediation project of heavy metal pollution in non-ferrous smelting sites.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shao-xiong Li, Xiang-feng Kong, Zhe Gao, Yu-hong He, Bao-zhong Ma, Jia Yang, Bin Yang, Da-chun Liu
{"title":"Resourceful preparation of Sb2O3 in hazardous As-Sb dust from typical lead smelter","authors":"Shao-xiong Li, Xiang-feng Kong, Zhe Gao, Yu-hong He, Bao-zhong Ma, Jia Yang, Bin Yang, Da-chun Liu","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5606-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5606-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hazardous arsenic antimony dust (HAAD), a perilous by-product with significant antimony and arsenic concentrations generated in lead smelters, poses a substantial environmental threat. The imperative of resource recycling and the innocuous processing of HAAD stand as prevalent challenges and pressing priorities. This study introduces an innovative vacuum vaporization-condensation technique to synthesize Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. ICP analysis evidenced an enhancement in the purity of the Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> product from an initial 73.96% to 91.35%, with a concomitant reduction in As impurities from 18.10% to 6.20%, and residual contaminants approximating 0.17% following a dual-phase vacuum process. XRD assessments affirmed the feasibility of direct Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> synthesis via vapor-phase migration and condensate amalgamation, achieving substantial As<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> impurity diminution. SEM and EPMA observations underscored a homogenous particulate morphology in the refined Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. This methodology underscores its environmental compatibility, characterized by zero gaseous effluent, absence of wastewater expulsion, and elimination of reagent usage, thereby mitigating environmental detriments.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141510040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jie Jiang, Hao-hao Luo, Shu-fei Wang, Xiao-duo Ou, Jian Su, Jun-lin Chen
{"title":"Synthesis of foamed geopolymers by substituting fly ash with tailing slurry for the highly efficient removal of heavy metal contaminants: Behavioral and mechanistic studies","authors":"Jie Jiang, Hao-hao Luo, Shu-fei Wang, Xiao-duo Ou, Jian Su, Jun-lin Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5607-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5607-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study aimed to synthesize porous geopolymers from tailing slurry, a byproduct of bauxite mining, for use as potential materials for groundwater remediation. The effects of various factors, such as foaming agents, liquid-solid (L/S) ratio, and foam stabilizers, on the geopolymers’ pore structure and adsorption properties were investigated. Batch experiments and characterization methods were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity and mechanism of the geopolymers on binary heavy metals (Pb<sup>2+</sup> and Cu<sup>2+</sup>). The results showed that adjusting the foaming behavior resulted in a porous geopolymer with porosity of 81.4%, connectivity of 17.2%, and water absorption rate of 122.9%. The presence of closed pores and capillaries hindered the removal performance of heavy metals. In contrast, optimizing foaming behavior could increase the adsorption capacity of Pb<sup>2+</sup> from 7.49 mg/g to 24.95 mg/g by improving pore connectivity. The main removal mechanisms include physical sealing, chemical precipitation of heavy metal ions with —OH, and the formation of chemical bonds T (Si, Al)—O—M (Pb, Cu). Tailing slurry-based porous geopolymers (TPGs) demonstrated excellent heavy metal removal performance and exhibited great potential in remediating mine-polluted groundwater.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141510041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characterization of soil heavy metals at an abandoned smelting site based on particle size fraction and its implications for remediation strategy","authors":"Peng Zhao, Muhammad Adnan, Pei-wen Xiao, Xue-feng Yang, Hai-yan Wang, Bao-hua Xiao, Sheng-guo Xue","doi":"10.1007/s11771-024-5646-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5646-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Soil particle size plays a crucial role in the distribution and occurrence of soil heavy metals (HMs). Comparative studies on the distribution of HMs across soil particle sizes of various areas affected by smelting are scarce. Three soil profiles, including smelting slag heap (SH), traffic area (TA), and adjacent farmland (FA), were sampled at an abandoned Pb smelting site, and the geochemical distribution and occurrence of HMs in different soil particle fractions (>150 µm, 45 −150 µm, and <45 µm) were comparatively investigated. Results showed different distribution of HMs across soil fractions between the smelting site and farmland. Average accumulation factors (<i>F</i><sub>A</sub>) of HMs increased from 0.78 to 1.14 as the particle size increased in the SH related to the stockpiling and mechanical mixing of coarse slags, while decreased from 1.49 to 0.60 in the FA related to metal-enriched fine particles released from smelting. The coarser fraction had a higher mass loading of HMs (>50%) in the smelting site soils, where the contribution of waste residues was significant. Therefore, physical separation techniques are recommended in the remediation of soil contamination. The study connected smelting impacts and occurrence of HMs across particle sizes which has implications for remediation strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15231,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Central South University","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141509934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}