International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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15 pages, 2020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lead, Zinc and Cadmium Accumulation, and Associated Health Risks, in Maize Grown near the Kabwe Mine in Zambia in Response to Organic and Inorganic Soil Amendments

by Patricia N. Mwilola, Ikabongo Mukumbuta, Victor Shitumbanuma, Benson H. Chishala, Yoshitaka Uchida, Hokuto Nakata, Shouta Nakayama and Mayumi Ishizuka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239038 - 4 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5987

Abstract

Health risks due to heavy metal (HM) contamination is of global concern. Despite concerns of high levels of HMs in soils near Kabwe mine in Zambia, edible crop production is common, posing potential health risks. This study assessed the potential of chicken manure [...] Read more.

Health risks due to heavy metal (HM) contamination is of global concern. Despite concerns of high levels of HMs in soils near Kabwe mine in Zambia, edible crop production is common, posing potential health risks. This study assessed the potential of chicken manure (CM), triple superphosphate (TSP) and a blended fertilizer (BF; consisting of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer and composted chicken manure) to reduce lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in soils and their accumulation in maize grown near the Kabwe mine. Maize was grown to maturity and its HM concentrations and associated health risk indices were calculated. All soil amendments decreased bioavailable soil Pb concentrations by 29–36%, but only CM decreased Zn, while the amendments increased or had no effect on Cd concentrations compared to the control. The amendments reduced Pb (>25%) and Zn concentrations (>18%) in the maize stover and grain. However, Cd concentrations in maize grain increased in the BF and TSP treatments. Bioaccumulation factors showed that Cd had the highest mobility from the soil into maize stover and grain, indicating the need for greater attention on Cd in Kabwe despite its apparently lower soil concentration compared to Pb and Zn. The hazard quotients for Pb and Cd were much greater than one, indicating a high risk of possible exposure to toxic levels by people consuming maize grain grown in this area. This study demonstrated the significant potential of manure and phosphate-based amendments to reduce Pb and Zn, and to some extent Cd, uptake in maize grain and consequently reduce associated health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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21 pages, 2249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of a Multi-Agent Carbon Emission Reduction Strategy under the Chinese Dual Governance System: An Evolutionary Game Theoretical Approach

by Wenke Wang, Xiaoqiong You, Kebei Liu, Yenchun Jim Wu and Daming You

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228463 - 16 Nov 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3219

Abstract

A central-local dual governance system is the basic system of environmental governance in China. Co-governance between the central environmental protection department (CEPD) and local environmental protection departments (LEPDs) is an important means to effectively promote China’s carbon emission reduction strategy. Accordingly, this paper [...] Read more.

A central-local dual governance system is the basic system of environmental governance in China. Co-governance between the central environmental protection department (CEPD) and local environmental protection departments (LEPDs) is an important means to effectively promote China’s carbon emission reduction strategy. Accordingly, this paper discusses their interactive decision-making and investigates how to optimize the strategic relationships between the CEPD, LEPDs, and carbon emission enterprises (CEEs) under the dual governance system by constructing a trilateral evolutionary game model and analyzing evolutionary stability strategies, achieving a numerical experiment simulation of evolution processes and determining the impacts of various factors using MATLAB, leading to several countermeasures and suggestions. The results indicate that the CEPD should rationally use the incentive mechanism for LEPDs, improve the carbon tax system, and further penalize the nepotistic relationship of LEPDs and CEEs. Furthermore, it is essential to reform the current LEPD performance evaluation system and reduce the cost of LEPD positive regulation through subsidies and financial transfer payments. Additionally, the CEE strategy is affected by carbon reduction tax rates, penalties, subsides, and emission reduction costs and revenues. This study reveals the consequences of interactions between CEPD, LEPDs, and CEEs and presents options for the redesign of incentive and regulatory mechanisms to improve carbon emission reduction performance in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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20 pages, 2088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Production of Biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis Strain Al-Dhabi-130 under Solid-State Fermentation Using Date Molasses from Saudi Arabia for Bioremediation of Crude-Oil-Contaminated Soils

by Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Galal Ali Esmail and Mariadhas Valan Arasu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228446 - 15 Nov 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Crude oil and its derivatives are the most important pollutants in natural environments. Bioremediation of crude oil using bacteria has emerged as a green cleanup approach in recent years. In this study, biosurfactant-producing Bacillus subtilis strain Al-Dhabi-130 was isolated from the marine soil [...] Read more.

Crude oil and its derivatives are the most important pollutants in natural environments. Bioremediation of crude oil using bacteria has emerged as a green cleanup approach in recent years. In this study, biosurfactant-producing Bacillus subtilis strain Al-Dhabi-130 was isolated from the marine soil sediment. This organism was cultured in solid-state fermentation using agro-residues to produce cost-effective biosurfactants for the bioremediation of crude-oil contaminated environments. Date molasses improved biosurfactant production and were used for further optimization studies. The traditional “one-variable-at-a-time approach”, “two-level full factorial designs”, and a response surface methodology were used to optimize the concentrations of date molasses and nutrient supplements for surfactant production. The optimum bioprocess conditions were 79.3% (v/w) moisture, 34 h incubation period, and 8.3% (v/v) glucose in date molasses. To validate the quadratic model, the production of biosurfactant was performed in triplicate experiments, with yields of 74 mg/g substrate. These findings support the applications of date molasses for the production of biosurfactants by B. subtilis strain Al-Dhabi-130. Analytical experiments revealed that the bacterial strain degraded various aromatic hydrocarbons and n-alkanes within two weeks of culture with 1% crude oil. The crude biosurfactant produced by the B. subtilis strain Al-Dhabi-130 desorbed 89% of applied crude oil from the soil sample. To conclude, biosurfactant-producing bacterial strains can increase emulsification of crude oil and support the degradation of crude oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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13 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study to Investigate the Potential of Combined Extract of Leaves and Seeds of Moringa oleifera in Groundwater Purification

by Mir Waqas Alam, Pratibha Pandey, Fahad Khan, Basma Souayeh and Mohd Farhan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207468 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4963

Abstract

Several parts of the Moringa oleifera plant have revealed incredible potential for water quality improvement. However, the purification potential of a combined leaf and seed extract of Moringa oleifera plants remains unexplored. To the best of our knowledge, this research would be the [...] Read more.

Several parts of the Moringa oleifera plant have revealed incredible potential for water quality improvement. However, the purification potential of a combined leaf and seed extract of Moringa oleifera plants remains unexplored. To the best of our knowledge, this research would be the first to work towards exploiting the combined potential of a leaf and seed extract of the Moringa oleifera plant in the process of water purification. In this study, we investigated the combined effectiveness of the leaf and seed extract in the purification of groundwater. The jar test method was used to analyze the effectiveness of Moringa plant extract (in combination) on different quality parameters of groundwater. Treatment with the combined plant extract (seed and leaf) resulted in significant improvement of various physicochemical (hardness, pH, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), and metallic impurities) and biological parameters (E.coli count) over individual seed and leaf extracts in groundwater samples. Experimental findings have strongly shown the enhanced purification efficacy of the hexane extract of combined plant materials in comparison to the individual extracts, thereby providing us with a potent natural coagulant that could combat the side effects of chemical coagulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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14 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surfactant-Enhanced Solubilization of Chlorinated Organic Compounds Contained in DNAPL from Lindane Waste: Effect of Surfactant Type and pH

by Raúl García-Cervilla, Arturo Romero, Aurora Santos and David Lorenzo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124494 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

Application of surfactants in the remediation of polluted sites with dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) still requires knowledge of partitioning between surfactants and pollutants in the organic and aqueous phases and the time necessary to reach this balance. Two real DNAPLs, generated as [...] Read more.

Application of surfactants in the remediation of polluted sites with dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) still requires knowledge of partitioning between surfactants and pollutants in the organic and aqueous phases and the time necessary to reach this balance. Two real DNAPLs, generated as wastes in the lindane production and taken from the polluted sites from Sabiñanigo (Spain), were used for investigating the solubilization of 28 chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) applying aqueous surfactant solutions of three nonionic surfactants (E-Mulse^® 3 (E3), Tween^®80 (T80), and a mixture of Tween^®80-Span^®80 (TS80)) and an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)). The initial concentrations of surfactants were tested within the range of 3–17 g·L⁻¹. The pH was also modified from 7 to >12. The uptake of nonionic surfactants into the organic phase was higher than the anionic surfactants. Solubilization of COCs with the nonionic surfactants showed similar molar solubilization ratios (MSR = 4.33 mmol_COCs·g⁻¹_surf), higher than SDS (MSR = 0.70 mmol_COCs·g⁻¹_SDS). Furthermore, under strong alkaline conditions, the MSR value of the nonionic surfactants was unchanged, and the MSR of SDS value increased (MSR = 1.32 mmol_COCs·g⁻¹_SDS). The nonionic surfactants did not produce preferential solubilization of COCs; meanwhile, SDS preferentially dissolved the more polar compounds in DNAPL. The time required to reach phase equilibrium was between 24 and 48 h, and this contact time should be assured to optimize the effect of the surfactant injected on COC solubilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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15 pages, 5470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Size Biomass Derived from Pomegranate Peel for Enhanced Removal of Cefixime Antibiotic from Aqueous Media: Kinetic, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Study

by Mehdi Esmaeili Bidhendi, Zahra Poursorkh, Hassan Sereshti, Hamid Rashidi Nodeh, Shahabaldin Rezania and Muhammad Afzal Kamboh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124223 - 13 Jun 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Nano-sized activated carbon was prepared from pomegranate peel (PG-AC) via NaOH chemical activation and was fully characterized using BET, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, and XRD. The newly synthesized PG-AC was used for cefixime removal from the aqueous phase. The effective parameters on the adsorption [...] Read more.

Nano-sized activated carbon was prepared from pomegranate peel (PG-AC) via NaOH chemical activation and was fully characterized using BET, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, and XRD. The newly synthesized PG-AC was used for cefixime removal from the aqueous phase. The effective parameters on the adsorption process, including solution pH (2–11), salt effect (0–10%), adsorbent dosage (5–50 mg), contact time (5–300 min), and temperature (25–55 °C) were examined. The experimental adsorption equilibrium was in close agreement with the type IV isotherm model set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The adsorption process was evaluated with isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic models and it is were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.992) and pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.999). The Langmuir isotherm provided a maximum adsorption capacity of 181.81 mg g⁻¹ for cefixime uptake onto PG-AC after 60 min at pH 4. Hence, the isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic models were indicated for the multilayer sorption followed by the exothermic physical adsorption mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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17 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparison of Azithromycin Removal from Water Using UV Radiation, Fe (VI) Oxidation Process and ZnO Nanoparticles

by Amirreza Talaiekhozani, Sahar Joudaki, Farhad Banisharif, Zeinab Eskandari, Jinwoo Cho, Ghasem Moghadam and Shahabaldin Rezania

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051758 - 8 Mar 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4033

Abstract

Antibiotics are resistant to biodegradation, and their removal by biological processes is difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate the removal of azithromycin from water using ultraviolet radiation (UV), Fe (VI) oxidation process and ZnO nanoparticles. The effect of different parameters [...] Read more.

Antibiotics are resistant to biodegradation, and their removal by biological processes is difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate the removal of azithromycin from water using ultraviolet radiation (UV), Fe (VI) oxidation process and ZnO nanoparticles. The effect of different parameters such as pH, temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT), the concentration of Fe (VI) and ZnO nanoparticles and UV intensity on the removal of azithromycin from water was investigated. The optimal conditions for the removal of azithromycin were a pH of 2, a temperature of 25 °C, a HRT of 15 min, and a ratio of ZnO nanoparticles to the initial concentration of azithromycin (A/P) of 0.00009 which was fitted by Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the optimal conditions for the removal of azithromycin using UV radiation were a pH of 7, a temperature of 65 °C, a HRT of 60 min, and UV radiation power of 163 mW/cm². For the Fe (VI) oxidation process, the optimal conditions were a pH of 2, a temperature of 50 °C and a HRT of 20 min. Also, the optimal ratio of Fe (VI) to the initial concentration of antibiotic was between 0.011 and 0.012. The results of this study showed that the Fe (VI) oxidation process, UV radiation, and ZnO nanoparticles were efficient methods for the removal of azithromycin from water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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12 pages, 2073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide in Septic Tanks for Treating Black Water via an Immobilized Media of Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria

by Jeong-Hee Kang, Hyeong-Gyu Namgung, Jeong-Il Cho, Sung Soo Yoo, Bong-Jae Lee and Hyon Wook Ji

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030684 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3267

Abstract

In South Korea, the installation of septic tanks for treating black water (STBW) is regulated even in sewage treatment areas to prevent the black water deposition in combined sewers. STBWs in which black water is anaerobically decomposed generate high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide [...] Read more.

In South Korea, the installation of septic tanks for treating black water (STBW) is regulated even in sewage treatment areas to prevent the black water deposition in combined sewers. STBWs in which black water is anaerobically decomposed generate high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). In this study, an immobilized media of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) was used to remove the H₂S. SOB media was prepared by using activated sludge collected from a wastewater treatment plant. Prior to field application, an appropriate cultivation period and aeration rate for SOB activation were estimated through a laboratory-scale test. The SOB was activated after a 23-day cultivation period and an aeration rate of 0.25 L-water/L-air/min. Moreover, the maximum H₂S removal efficiency was observed at a cultivation period of 43 days and an aeration rate of 0.38 L-water/L-air/min. Then, the SOB media was installed on STBWs of various capacities. The H₂S removal efficiency was compared between with and without SOB media. The maximum H₂S elimination capacity with SOB media was 12.3 g/m³/h, which was approximately three times higher than without SOB media. Furthermore, the energy efficiency and oxidation rate were also three times higher with SOB, demonstrating the applicability of SOB for H₂S removal in STBW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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13 pages, 2909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugarcane Bagasse as an Efficient Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics

by Thaisa Caroline Andrade Siqueira, Isabella Zanette da Silva, Andressa Jenifer Rubio, Rosângela Bergamasco, Francielli Gasparotto, Edneia Aparecida de Souza Paccola and Natália Ueda Yamaguchi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020526 - 14 Jan 2020

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 5199

Abstract

Adsorption in biomass has proven to be a cost-effective option for treatment of wastewater containing dyes and other pollutants, as it is a simple and low cost technique and does not require high initial investments. The present work aimed to study the adsorption [...] Read more.

Adsorption in biomass has proven to be a cost-effective option for treatment of wastewater containing dyes and other pollutants, as it is a simple and low cost technique and does not require high initial investments. The present work aimed to study the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB) using sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The biomass was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption studies were conducted batchwise. Kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. The results showed that SCB presented a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.41 mg g⁻¹ at 45 °C after 24 h of contact time. Adsorption kinetics data better fitted the pseudo-second order model, indicating a chemical process was involved. The Sips’s three-parameter isotherm model was better for adjusting the data obtained for the adsorption isotherms, indicating a heterogeneous adsorption process. The process showed to be endothermic, spontaneous, and feasible. Therefore, it was concluded that SCB presented as a potential biosorbent material for the treatment of MB-contaminated waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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15 pages, 4923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidation of Flame Retardant Tetrabromobisphenol A by a Biocatalytic Nanofiber of Chloroperoxidase

by José Luis García-Zamora, Verónica Santacruz-Vázquez, Miguel Ángel Valera-Pérez, María Teresa Moreira, Diana L. Cardenas-Chavez, Mireya Tapia-Salazar and Eduardo Torres

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 4917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16244917 - 5 Dec 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Background: Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA), a flame retardant compound, is considered a ubiquitous pollutant, with potential impact on the environment and human health. Several technologies have been applied to accelerate its degradation and minimize environmental impacts. Due to its aromaticity character, peroxidase enzymes may be [...] Read more.

Background: Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA), a flame retardant compound, is considered a ubiquitous pollutant, with potential impact on the environment and human health. Several technologies have been applied to accelerate its degradation and minimize environmental impacts. Due to its aromaticity character, peroxidase enzymes may be employed to carry out its transformation in mild conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine the capacity of the enzyme chloroperoxidase (CPO) to oxidize TBBPA in several water samples. Methods: The oxidation capacity of CPO was evaluated in catalytic conditions using water samples from surface and groundwater, as well as effluents from wastewater treatment plants. The biocatalytic performance of CPO was improved due to its immobilization on nanofibers composed of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan (PVA/chitosan). Results: Free and immobilized CPO were able to transform more than 80% in short reaction times (60 min); producing more biodegradable and less toxic products. Particularly, the immobilized enzyme was catalytically active in a wider range of pH than the free enzyme with the possibility of reusing it up to five times. Conclusions: The biocatalytic oxidation of TBBPA under environmental conditions is highly efficient, even in complex media such as treated effluents of wastewater treatment plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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12 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Management of Cadmium Bioremediation Capacity of Metal-Resistant Pseudomonas sp. Strain Al-Dhabi-126 Isolated from the Industrial City of Saudi Arabian Environment

by Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Galal Ali Esmail, Abdul-Kareem Mohammed Ghilan and Mariadhas Valan Arasu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234788 - 29 Nov 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4504

Abstract

In this study, 23 bacterial strains were isolated from a Cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil in the industrial city, Riyadh of Saudi Arabia. Among these isolates six strains were found to withstand cadmium contamination and grow well. From the six isolates Pseudomonas sp. strain [...] Read more.

In this study, 23 bacterial strains were isolated from a Cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil in the industrial city, Riyadh of Saudi Arabia. Among these isolates six strains were found to withstand cadmium contamination and grow well. From the six isolates Pseudomonas sp. strain Al-Dhabi-122–127 were found to resist cadmium toxicity to a higher level. The isolates were subjected to biochemical and 16S rDNA gene sequence characterization to confirm their identification. The bacterial strain Al-Dhabi-124 showed 1.5 times higher Cd-degrading activity than Al-Dhabi-122 and Al-Dhabi-123, and Al-Dhabi-126 exhibited 3.5 times higher Cd-degrading activity, higher than the other strains. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer study showed that the strain Al-Dhabi-126 absorbed Cd, and that the bacterial strain Al-Dhabi-126 was found to tolerate cadmium level up to 2100 µg/mL. The bacterial strain Al-Dhabi-126 showed a maximum Cd removal efficacy at pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The efficacy decreased sharply after an increase in pH (9.0). An optimum temperature of 50 °C and pH 6.0 were found to be effective for the Cd removal process by the isolate. The study indicated that the bacterial strain Al-Dhabi-126 can be used effectively for the bioremediation of heavy metals like cadmium, a major toxic pollutant in industrial effluents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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12 pages, 3097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Degradation of Methylene Blue via PDS-Based Advanced Oxidation Process Using Natural Pyrite

by Liang Sun, Dehao Hu, Ziyu Zhang and Xiaoyan Deng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234773 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 3747

Abstract

H₂O₂- and PDS-based reactions are two typical advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this paper, a comparative study of H₂O₂/PDS-based AOPs employing natural pyrite as a catalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB) was reported. The adaptive [...] Read more.

H₂O₂- and PDS-based reactions are two typical advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this paper, a comparative study of H₂O₂/PDS-based AOPs employing natural pyrite as a catalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB) was reported. The adaptive pH range in pyrite/PDS extended from 3 to 11, in contrast to the narrow effective pH range of 3–7 in pyrite/H₂O₂. As a result of the iron leaching, a synergistic effect of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis was observed in pyrite/PDS, whereas heterogeneous catalytic oxidation dominated pyrite/H₂O₂. Furthermore, the batch results showed that the MB removal by pyrite/PDS was highly dependent on chemical conditions (e.g., pH, pyrite and PDS concentration, temperature). Powerful SO₄^•− was generated by pyrite rapidly under acidic or weakly acidic conditions, while SO₄^•− and PDS were assumed by OH⁻ under alkaline condition. The lower pyrite loading (from 0.1 to 0.5 g/L) was affected the removal efficiency obviously, while the scavenging of SO₄^•− did not seem to be remarkable with the excessive amounts of pyrite (>0.5 g/L). Excessive amounts of PDS (>2 mmol/L) might negatively affect the pyrite/PDS system. The reaction temperature that increased from 20 to 40 °C had a positive effect on the degradation of MB. SEM and XRD showed that the passivation of catalyst did not occur due to the strong acid-production ability of pyrite/PDS, inhibiting the formation of Fe-oxide covering the pyrite surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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10 pages, 1596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment due to Fluoride Exposure from Tea Consumption in Iran Using Monte Carlo Simulation

by Mohammad Amin Karami, Yadollah Fakhri, Shahabaldin Rezania, Abdol Azim Alinejad, Ali Akbar Mohammadi, Mahmood Yousefi, Mansour Ghaderpoori, Mohammad Hossien Saghi and Mohammad Ahmadpour

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(21), 4261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214261 - 2 Nov 2019

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 4718

Abstract

Excessive intake of fluoride can cause adverse health effects. Consumption of tea as a popular drink could be a potential source of fluoride exposure to humans. This research aimed to evaluate the fluoride concentration in tea among the Iranian people using the available [...] Read more.

Excessive intake of fluoride can cause adverse health effects. Consumption of tea as a popular drink could be a potential source of fluoride exposure to humans. This research aimed to evaluate the fluoride concentration in tea among the Iranian people using the available data in the literature and to assess the health risk related to the consumption of tea in men, women, and children. The health risk assessment was conducted using the chronic daily intake and hazard quotient according to the approach suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. The fluoride content in published studies varied noticeably, ranging from 0.13 to 3.27 mg/L. The results revealed that the hazard quotient (HQ) in age groups of women (21–72 years) and children (0–11 years) was within the safe zone (HQ < 1) which showed that there was no potential of non-carcinogenic risk associated with drinking tea in these groups. However, in one case of the men (21–72 years), the HQ > 1 which shows a probable risk of fluorosis. The order of non-carcinogenic health risks in the studied groups was in the order of men > women > children. The results of this can be useful for organizations with the responsibility of human health promotion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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16 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Status, Challenges, and Policy Recommendations of China’s Marine Monitoring Systems for Coastal Persistent Organic Pollution Based on Experts’ Questionnaire Analysis

by Wenlu Zhao, Huorong Chen, Jun Wang, Mingyu Zhang, Kai Chen, Yali Guo, Hongwei Ke, Wenyi Huang, Lihua Liu, Shengyun Yang and Minggang Cai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173083 - 25 Aug 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring and management in typical semi-enclosed bays is a major global environmental issue. This study concentrated on a questionnaire survey and analysis of marine environmental management and monitoring departments at all levels in China, and proposed suggestions on the [...] Read more.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring and management in typical semi-enclosed bays is a major global environmental issue. This study concentrated on a questionnaire survey and analysis of marine environmental management and monitoring departments at all levels in China, and proposed suggestions on the construction and improvement of POPs monitoring and management system. Results show that POPs are initially involved in China’s current marine environmental monitoring system, and the monitoring strength and capability still need to be continuously improved, mainly in the recognition, funding input, relevant standards, monitoring, and evaluation technical regulations of marine environmental POPs monitoring. Therefore, in order to gradually improve the monitoring and management system of China’s offshore marine environment POPs, this study suggests starting from four directions: (1) Building POPs monitoring system of a marine ecological environment, and strengthening POPs monitoring in different environmental media; (2) strengthening land-based POPs emission and the related human activities’ intensity survey, and establishing a POPs information sharing database; (3) optimizing POPs monitoring technology in the marine environment, and improving POPs supervision and management technical support system; and (4) participating in regional and international marine environment POPs monitoring and evaluation projects, and strengthening the construction of talent teams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1816 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential for Mycorrhizae-Assisted Phytoremediation of Phosphorus for Improved Water Quality

by Jessica A. Rubin and Josef H. Görres

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010007 - 22 Dec 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6580

Abstract

During this 6th Great Extinction, freshwater quality is imperiled by upland terrestrial practices. Phosphorus, a macronutrient critical for life, can be a concerning contaminant when excessively present in waterways due to its stimulation of algal and cyanobacterial blooms, with consequences for ecosystem functioning, [...] Read more.

During this 6th Great Extinction, freshwater quality is imperiled by upland terrestrial practices. Phosphorus, a macronutrient critical for life, can be a concerning contaminant when excessively present in waterways due to its stimulation of algal and cyanobacterial blooms, with consequences for ecosystem functioning, water use, and human and animal health. Landscape patterns from residential, industrial and agricultural practices release phosphorus at alarming rates and concentrations threaten watershed communities. In an effort to reconcile the anthropogenic effects of phosphorus pollution, several strategies are available to land managers. These include source reduction, contamination event prevention and interception. A total of 80% of terrestrial plants host mycorrhizae which facilitate increased phosphorus uptake and thus removal from soil and water. This symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants facilitates a several-fold increase in phosphorus uptake. It is surprising how little this relationship has been encouraged to mitigate phosphorus for water quality improvement. This paper explores how facilitating this symbiosis in different landscape and land-use contexts can help reduce the application of fertility amendments, prevent non-point source leaching and erosion, and intercept remineralized phosphorus before it enters surface water ecosystems. This literature survey offers promising insights into how mycorrhizae can aid ecological restoration to reconcile humans’ damage to Earth’s freshwater. We also identify areas where research is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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23 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessReview

Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for Soil and Groundwater Remediation

by Alazne Galdames, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, Maider Orueta, Miguel Sánchez-Arzalluz and José Luis Vilas-Vilela

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165817 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 124 | Viewed by 11674

Abstract

Zero-valent iron has been reported as a successful remediation agent for environmental issues, being extensively used in soil and groundwater remediation. The use of zero-valent nanoparticles have been arisen as a highly effective method due to the high specific surface area of zero-valent [...] Read more.

Zero-valent iron has been reported as a successful remediation agent for environmental issues, being extensively used in soil and groundwater remediation. The use of zero-valent nanoparticles have been arisen as a highly effective method due to the high specific surface area of zero-valent nanoparticles. Then, the development of nanosized materials in general, and the improvement of the properties of the nano-iron in particular, has facilitated their application in remediation technologies. As the result, highly efficient and versatile nanomaterials have been obtained. Among the possible nanoparticle systems, the reactivity and availability of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) have achieved very interesting and promising results make them particularly attractive for the remediation of subsurface contaminants. In fact, a large number of laboratory and pilot studies have reported the high effectiveness of these NZVI-based technologies for the remediation of groundwater and contaminated soils. Although the results are often based on a limited contaminant target, there is a large gap between the amount of contaminants tested with NZVI at the laboratory level and those remediated at the pilot and field level. In this review, the main zero-valent iron nanoparticles and their remediation capacity are summarized, in addition to the pilot and land scale studies reported until date for each kind of nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Remediation and Management)

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