Ecotoxicological Assessment of Soils Formed by Weathering of Igneous Rocks of Teschenite-Picrite Association (Beskydy Mountains, Czech Republic)

Increased concentrations of trace elements in rocks of teschenite-picrite association should also be reflected in the soils developed on these rocks. An addition of biochar to contaminated soils can be effective in decreasing of inorganic contaminants. The threshold of geochemical anomaly for soils overlying the teschenite association and the influence of chromium (Cr) concentration on its mobility after biochar amendment using F. candida as testing organism were determined. The inhibition was not demonstrated in the tested soil with a concentration of Cr at 400 mg Cr/kg. High concentrations of Cr in soils were associated with the presence of chromspinel, which is resistant to the weathering processes. A significant stimulatory effect was found after the addition of biochar made of wood in the sample with 10% of PL (p = 0.0402) amendment and the sample with 5 % of AC (p = 0.0229) amendment.

Download Full-text

The Sustainable Production of a Novel Laccase from Wheat Bran by Bordetella sp. JWO16: Toward a Total Environment

Catalysts ◽

10.3390/catal11060677 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 677

Author(s):

John Onolame Unuofin

Keyword(s):

Wheat Bran ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Residual Activity ◽

Dye Decolorization ◽

Fermentation Medium ◽

Biochemical Properties ◽

Synthetic Dyes ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Capital Intensive ◽

Agroindustrial Residue

Laccase is increasingly adopted in diverse industrial and environmental applications, due to its readily accessible requirements for efficient catalytic synthesis and biotransformation of chemicals. However, it is perceived that its industrial production might incur some unfavorable overhead, which leads to expensive market products, and the corresponding negative environmental feedback, due to the use of capital-intensive and precarious chemicals. To this end, this study was designed to evaluate the performance indicators of the valorization of wheat bran by a novel Jb1b laccase and its subsequent application in waste minimization and water management, on a laboratory scale. Optimal Jb1b laccase was produced in submerged fermentation medium containing wheat bran, an agroindustrial residue, through response surface methodology (RSM) algorithm, and was applied in dye decolorization and denim bioscouring, respectively. Results showed that the resultant enzyme manifested unique biochemical properties, such as enhanced tolerance at certain physicochemical conditions, with a residual activity of at least ca. 76%. Furthermore, phenomenally high concentrations of synthetic dyes (0.2% w v−1) were decolorized over 56 h, and a 6 h mediator-supported simultaneous denim bleaching and decolorization of wash effluent was observed. The sustainability of the production and application processes were inferred from the reusability of the fermentation sludge as a potential biofertilizer, with subsequent prospects for the biostimulation and bioaugmentation of contaminated soils, whereas the decolorized water could be adopted for other uses, amongst which horticulture and forestry are typical examples. These phenomena therefore authenticate the favorable environmental feedbacks and overhead realized in this present study.

Download Full-text

Remediation of mercury-contaminated soils and sediments using biochar: a critical review

Biochar ◽

10.1007/s42773-021-00087-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Qian Yang ◽

Yongjie Wang ◽

Huan Zhong

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Functional Materials ◽

Redox Conditions ◽

Existing Problems ◽

Soils And Sediments ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Biochar Amendment

AbstractThe transformation of mercury (Hg) into the more toxic and bioaccumulative form methylmercury (MeHg) in soils and sediments can lead to the biomagnification of MeHg through the food chain, which poses ecological and health risks. In the last decade, biochar application, an in situ remediation technique, has been shown to be effective in mitigating the risks from Hg in soils and sediments. However, uncertainties associated with biochar use and its underlying mechanisms remain. Here, we summarize recent studies on the effects and advantages of biochar amendment related to Hg biogeochemistry and its bioavailability in soils and sediments and systematically analyze the progress made in understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for reductions in Hg bioaccumulation. The existing literature indicates (1) that biochar application decreases the mobility of inorganic Hg in soils and sediments and (2) that biochar can reduce the bioavailability of MeHg and its accumulation in crops but has a complex effect on net MeHg production. In this review, two main mechanisms, a direct mechanism (e.g., Hg-biochar binding) and an indirect mechanism (e.g., biochar-impacted sulfur cycling and thus Hg-soil binding), that explain the reduction in Hg bioavailability by biochar amendment based on the interactions among biochar, soil and Hg under redox conditions are highlighted. Furthermore, the existing problems with the use of biochar to treat Hg-contaminated soils and sediments, such as the appropriate dose and the long-term effectiveness of biochar, are discussed. Further research involving laboratory tests and field applications is necessary to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the role of biochar in reducing Hg bioavailability in diverse soil types under varying redox conditions and to develop completely green and sustainable biochar-based functional materials for mitigating Hg-related health risks.

Download Full-text

Dynamic of Morphological and Physiological Parameters and Variation of Soil Characteristics during Miscanthus × giganteus Cultivation in the Diesel-Contaminated Land

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11040798 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 798

Author(s):

Valentina Pidlisnyuk ◽

Andriy Herts ◽

Volodymyr Khomenchuk ◽

Aigerim Mamirova ◽

Oleksandr Kononchuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contaminated Soil ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Soil Characteristics ◽

Physiological Parameters ◽

Wastewater Sludge ◽

Contaminated Land ◽

Miscanthus Giganteus ◽

Uncontaminated Soil ◽

Stems And Leaves ◽

Biochar Amendment

Miscanthus × giganteus (M. × giganteus) is a perspective plant produced on marginal and contaminated lands with biomass used for energy or bioproducts. In the current study, M. × giganteus development was tested in the diesel-contaminated soils (ranged from 250 mg kg−1 to 5000 mg kg−1) and the growth dynamic, leaves quantity, plants total area, number of harvested stems and leaves, SPAD and NPQt parameters were evaluated. Results showed a remarkable M. × giganteus growth in a selected interval of diesel-contaminated soil with sufficient harvested biomass. The amendment of soil by biochar 1 (produced from wastewater sludge) and biochar 2 (produced from a mixture of wood waste and biohumus) improved the crop’s morphological and physiological parameters. Biochar 1 stimulated the increase of the stems’ biomass, while biochar 2 increased the leaves biomass. The plants growing in the uncontaminated soil decreased the content of NO3, pH (KCl), P2O5 and increased the content of NH4. Photosynthesis parameters showed that incorporating biochar 1 and biochar 2 to the diesel-contaminated soil prolonged the plants’ vegetation, which was more potent for biochar 1. M. × giganteus utilization united with biochar amendment can be recommended to remediate diesel-contaminated land in concentration range 250–5000 mg kg−1.

Download Full-text

Lead (II) Removal from Contaminated Soils by Electrokinetic Remediation Coupled with Modified Eggshell Waste

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.777.256 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 777 ◽

pp. 256-261 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

André Ribeiro ◽

André Mota ◽

Margarida Soares ◽

Carlos Castro ◽

Jorge Araújo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contaminated Soil ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Removal Rate ◽

Electrokinetic Remediation ◽

Permeable Reactive Barrier ◽

Inorganic Contaminants ◽

Reactive Barrier ◽

Eggshell Waste ◽

Inorganic Fraction ◽

Maximum Removal

Electrokinetic remediation deserves particular attention in soil treatment due to its peculiar advantages, including the capability of treating fine and low permeability materials, and achieving consolidation, dewatering and removal of salts and inorganic contaminants like heavy metals in a single stage. In this study, the remediation of artificially lead (II) contaminated soil by electrokinetic process, coupled with Eggshell Inorganic Fraction Powder (EGGIF) permeable reactive barrier (PRB), was investigated. An electric field of 2 V cm-1was applied and was used an EGGIF/soil ratio of 30 g kg-1 of contaminated soil for the preparation of the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in each test. It was obtained high removal rates of lead in both experiments, especially near the cathode. In the normalized distance to cathode of 0.2 it was achieved a maximum removal rate of lead (II) of 68, 78 and 83% in initial lead (II) concentration of 500 mg-1, 200 mg-1 and 100 mg-1, respectively. EGGIF (Eggshell Inorganic Fraction) proved that can be used as permeable reactive barrier (PRB) since in all the performed tests were achieved adsorptions yields higher than 90%.

Download Full-text

The potentional of plants to cleanup metals from an old landfill site

Linnaeus Eco-Tech ◽

10.15626/eco-tech.2014.017 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Yahya Jani ◽

Charlotte Marchand ◽

William Hogland

Keyword(s):

Contaminated Soils ◽

Hazardous Materials ◽

Average Concentration ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Landfill Site ◽

Group Company ◽

Timothy Grass ◽

Xrf Scanning ◽

High Concentrations ◽

The Stability

Old landfill sites contain different hazardous materials like heavy metals which have the ability to affects the entire environment. These places are sometimes covered by plants to increase the stability of the soil and to reduce the effects of erosion. 15 soil samples (3 samples from each place) and 5-7 timothy-grass (Phleum pretense) plants from 5 different places were taken from an old landfill place in an active landfill site in Högbytorp /Sweden owned by Ragn-sells Group Company. XRF scanning was used to analyze the metal content of soil samples and of plants. High concentrations of metals were detected in the soil samples like Fe with an average of about 25000 ppm, Mn about 250 ppm and 2800 ppm of Ti. The plants results showed an average concentration of Fe in the shoots about 730 ppm, Mn about 60 ppm and Ti about 1760 ppm. On the other hand, the roots results showed an average concentration of about 10 000 ppm of Fe, about 160 ppm of Mn and 2200 ppm of Ti. These results gave the indication that the Timothy-grass has the ability to extract metals from contaminated soils and can help to cleanup these soils.

Download Full-text

Accumulation and transport of antimony and arsenic in terrestrial and aquatic plants in an antimony ore concentration area (south-west China)

Environmental Chemistry ◽

10.1071/en20003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 314

Author(s):

Ling Li ◽

Lu Liao ◽

Yuhong Fan ◽

Han Tu ◽

Shui Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Translocation Factor ◽

Pueraria Lobata ◽

West China ◽

Inductively Coupled ◽

South West ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Preferred Species

Environmental contextPhytoremediation requires an understanding of bioconcentration and translocation processes that determine behaviour and fate of potentially toxic elements. We studied the distribution of antimony and arsenic in terrestrial and aquatic soil-plant systems in an antimony ore zone. We found that the common climbing plant Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is suitable for phyto-stabilisation of antimony-bearing tailings, while tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) was able to extract antimony and arsenic from contaminated soils. AbstractAntimony (Sb) pollution is a major environmental issue in China. Many historical abandoned tailings have released high concentrations of Sb and its associated element arsenic (As) to surrounding environments. This has prompted the need to understand accumulation and translocation processes that determine the behaviour and fate of Sb and As in contaminated soil–plant systems and to identify suitable plant species for phytoremediation. Here we investigate distribution of Sb and As in terrestrial and aquatic dominant plant species and associated soils, all of which are naturally found in an Sb ore concentration area in south-west China. Total Sb and As concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The percentage of soluble Sb and As in the total concentrations were determined; the results showed that the basic soil environment facilitates the release of Sb and As from contaminated soils, and that Sb has higher mobility than As. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were used for evaluating the ability of plants to accumulate and transport Sb and As, respectively. The results indicated that all selected plant species have the potential to tolerate high concentrations of Sb and As. Consequently, this study suggested that Pueraria lobata (PL) can be used as the preferred species for phytostabilisation of abandoned Sb-bearing tailings, given that PL has well-developed roots and lush leaf tissues and the ability to translocate Sb from roots to aboveground parts. Thysanolaena maxima (TM) is suitable for phyto-extraction of Sb and As in contaminated soils.

Download Full-text

Landsnail for Ecotoxicological Assessment of Chemicals and Soil Contamination – Ecotoxicological Assessment of Chemicals and Contaminated Soils Using the Terrestrial Snail, Helix aspersa, at Various Stage of Its Life Cycle: A Review

Environmental Indicators ◽

10.1007/978-94-017-9499-2_23 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 365-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Annette de Vaufleury

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle ◽

Soil Contamination ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Helix Aspersa ◽

Ecotoxicological Assessment ◽

Terrestrial Snail ◽

Snail Helix Aspersa

Download Full-text

Effects of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Heavy Metals (Pb, Zn, and Cd) on Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Pinus halepensis Seedlings in North Africa

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8122033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 2033

Author(s):

Chadlia Hachani ◽

Mohammed S. Lamhamedi ◽

Claudio Cameselle ◽

Susana Gouveia ◽

Abdenbi Zine El Abidine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

North Africa ◽

Mineral Nutrition ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽

Pinus Halepensis ◽

Translocation Factor ◽

Contaminated Sites ◽

High Concentrations

The pollution of soils by heavy metals resulting from mining activities is one of the major environmental problems in North Africa. Mycorrhizoremediation using mycorrhizal fungi and adapted plant species is emerging as one of the most innovative methods to remediate heavy metal pollution. This study aims to assess the growth and the nutritional status of ectomycorrhizal Pinus halepensis seedlings subjected to high concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd for possible integration in the restoration of heavy metals contaminated sites. Ectomycorrhizal and non-ectomycorrhizal P. halepensis seedlings were grown in uncontaminated (control) and contaminated soils for 12 months. Growth, mineral nutrition, and heavy metal content were assessed. Results showed that ectomycorrhizae significantly improved shoot and roots dry masses of P. halepensis seedlings, as well as nitrogen shoot content. The absorption of Pb, Zn, and Cd was much higher in the roots than in the shoots, and significantly more pronounced in ectomycorrhizal seedlings—especially for Zn and Cd. The presence of ectomycorrhizae significantly reduced the translocation factor of Zn and Cd and bioaccumulation factor of Pb and Cd, which enhanced the phytostabilizing potential of P. halepensis seedlings. These results support the use of ectomycorrhizal P. halepensis in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated sites.

Download Full-text

What do we know about how the terrestrial multicellular soil fauna reacts to microplastic?

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-18474 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Frederick Büks ◽

Loes van Schaik ◽

Martin Kaupenjohann

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Model Organisms ◽

Natural Soil ◽

Soil Food Webs ◽

Soil Ecosystems ◽

Plastic Type ◽

Wide Range ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Using Data

The ubiquitous accumulation of microplastic particles across all global ecosystems comes along with the uptake into soil food webs. In this work, we evaluated studies on passive translocation, active ingestion, bioaccumulation and adverse effects within the phylogenetic tree of multicellular soil faunal life. The representativity of these studies for natural soil ecosystems was assessed using data on the type of plastic, shape, composition, concentration and time of exposure.Available studies cover a wide range of soil organisms, with emphasis on earthworms, nematodes, springtails, beetles and lugworms, each focused on well known model organisms. Most of the studies applied microplastic concentrations similar to amounts in slightly to very heavily polluted soils. In many cases, however, polystyrene microspheres have been used, a combination of plastic type and shape, that is easily available, but do not represent the main plastic input into soil ecosystems. In turn, microplastic fibres are strongly underrepresented compared to their high abundance within contaminated soils. Further properties of plastic such as aging, coating and additives were insufficiently documented. Despite of these limitations, there is a recurring pattern of active intake followed by a population shift within the gut microbiome and adverse effects on motility, growth, metabolism, reproduction and mortality in various combinations, especially at high concentrations and small particle sizes.For future experiments, we recommend a modus operandi that takes into account the type, shape, grade of aging and specific concentrations of microplastic fractions in natural and contaminated soils as well as long-term incubation within soil mesocosms.

Download Full-text