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Toxics
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Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites
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Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 July 2024) | Viewed by 11072

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Qing Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
Interests: safe waste disposal and high-value utilization; ecological recycling agriculture; ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites and safety risk assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The goal of this Special Issue is to publish papers that risk characterization of contaminated sites, and after ecological reconstruction,  the potentially toxic elements (such as cadmium and arsenic) bioavailability, and which affect on the ecological system, for example, the biodiversity, etc.

Potential toxic elements on the soil- microbial-crop system, which indicates the change ecological in soil, or microbial, or crops, which are welcome!

Prof. Dr. Qing Huang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • contaminated sites
  • safety risk assessment
  • potential toxic elements
  • cadmium
  • arsenic
  • ecological reconstruction
  • risk characterization
  • bioavailability
  • biodiversity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2934 KiB  
Article
Study on the Environmental Impact and Benefits of Incorporating Humus Composites in Anaerobic Co-Digestion Treatment
by Ke Zhao, Qiang Wei, Mingxuan Bai and Mengnan Shen
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050360 - 13 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1446
Abstract
This study evaluated the environmental impact and overall benefits of incorporating humus composites in the anaerobic co-digestion of kitchen waste and residual sludge. The life cycle assessment method was used to quantitatively analyze the environmental impact of the entire anaerobic co-digestion treatment process [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the environmental impact and overall benefits of incorporating humus composites in the anaerobic co-digestion of kitchen waste and residual sludge. The life cycle assessment method was used to quantitatively analyze the environmental impact of the entire anaerobic co-digestion treatment process of waste, including garbage collection, transportation, and final product utilization. Moreover, the comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact, energy-saving and emission-reduction abilities, and economic cost of using humus composites in the anaerobic co-digestion treatment process was conducted using a benefit analysis method. The results showed that the anaerobic co-digestion of kitchen waste and residual sludge significantly contributed to the mitigation of global warming potential (GWP), reaching −19.76 kgCO2-eq, but had the least impact on the mitigation of acidification potential (AP), reaching −0.10 kgSO2-eq. In addition, the addition of humus composites significantly increased the production of biogas. At a concentration of 5 g/L, the biogas yield of the anaerobic co-digestion process was 70.76 m3, which increased by 50.62% compared with the blank group. This amount of biogas replaces ~50.52 kg of standard coal, reducing CO2 emissions by 13.74 kg compared with burning the same amount of standard coal. Therefore, the anaerobic co-digestion treatment of kitchen waste and residual sludge brings considerable environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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17 pages, 3722 KiB  
Article
Distribution, Ecological Risk, and Source Identification of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Sediments of a Headwater of Beijiang River Affected by Mining in Southern China
by Fei Luo, Fawang Zhang, Wenting Zhang, Qibo Huang and Xing Tang
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020117 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
In this study, the contents of eight heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Sb and Tl) in 50 sediment samples from a headwater of Beijiang River were studied to understand their pollution, ecological risk and potential sources. Evaluation indexes including sediment [...] Read more.
In this study, the contents of eight heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Sb and Tl) in 50 sediment samples from a headwater of Beijiang River were studied to understand their pollution, ecological risk and potential sources. Evaluation indexes including sediment quality guidelines (SDGs), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), risk assessment code (RAC) and bioavailable metal index (BMI) were used to evaluate the heavy metal(loid)s pollution and ecological risk in the sediments. Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify the sources of heavy metal(loid)s. The results showed that the average concentration of heavy metal(loid)s obviously exceeded the background values, except Cr. Metal(loid)s speciation analysis indicated that Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were dominated by non-residual fractions, which presented higher bioavailability. The S content in sediments could significantly influence the geochemical fractions of heavy metal(loid)s. As was expected, it had the most adverse biological effect to local aquatic organism, followed by Pb. The EF results demonstrated that As was the most enriched, while Cr showed no enrichment in the sediments. The assessment of Igeo suggested that Cd and As were the most serious threats to the river system, while Cr showed almost no contamination in the sediments. Heavy metal(loid)s in sediments in the mining- and smelting-affected area showed higher bioavailability. According to the results of the above research, the mining activities caused heavier heavy metal(loid)s pollution in the river sediment. Three potential sources of heavy metal(loid)s in sediment were distinguished based on the Pearson’s correlation analysis and PCA, of which Cd, Pb, As, Zn, Sb and Cu were mainly derived from mining activities, Cr was mainly derived from natural sources, Tl was mainly derived from smelting activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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19 pages, 5602 KiB  
Article
Potential Application Performance of Hydrochar from Kitchen Waste: Effects of Salt, Oil, Moisture, and pH
by Xuesong Su, Jizu He, Muhammad Amjad Khan, Kenlin Chang, Yin Liu, Genmao Guo, Xiaohui Li, Fangming Jin, Meijuan Kuang, Shaban Gouda and Qing Huang
Toxics 2023, 11(8), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080679 - 8 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1717
Abstract
The surge in kitchen waste production is causing food-borne disease epidemics and is a public health threat worldwide. Additionally, the effectiveness of conventional treatment approaches may be hampered by KW’s high moisture, salt, and oil content. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising new [...] Read more.
The surge in kitchen waste production is causing food-borne disease epidemics and is a public health threat worldwide. Additionally, the effectiveness of conventional treatment approaches may be hampered by KW’s high moisture, salt, and oil content. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising new technology to convert waste biomass into environmentally beneficial derivatives. This study used simulated KW to determine the efficacy of hydrothermal derivatives (hydrochar) with different salt and oil content, pH value, and solid-liquid ratio for the removal of cadmium (Cd) from water and identify their high heating value (HHV). The findings revealed that the kitchen waste hydrochar (KWHC) yield decreased with increasing oil content. When the water content in the hydrothermal system increased by 90%, the yield of KWHC decreased by 65.85%. The adsorption capacity of KWHC remained stable at different salinities. The KWHC produced in the acidic environment increases the removal efficiency of KWHC for Cd. The raw material was effectively transformed into a maximum HHV (30.01 MJ/kg). HTC is an effective and secure method for the resource utilization of KW based on the adsorption capacity and combustion characteristic indices of KWHC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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16 pages, 3482 KiB  
Article
The Fate of Heavy Metals and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Pyrolysis Coupling with Acid Washing Treatment for Sewage Sludge
by Zhiwei Li, Di Yu, Xuejiao Liu and Yin Wang
Toxics 2023, 11(5), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050447 - 9 May 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2180
Abstract
Pyrolysis is an emerging and effective means for sludge disposal. Biochar derived from sludge has broad application prospects, however, is limited by heavy metals. In this study, the fate of heavy metals (HMs) in pyrolysis coupling with acid washing treatment for sewage sludge [...] Read more.
Pyrolysis is an emerging and effective means for sludge disposal. Biochar derived from sludge has broad application prospects, however, is limited by heavy metals. In this study, the fate of heavy metals (HMs) in pyrolysis coupling with acid washing treatment for sewage sludge was comprehensively investigated for the first time. Most of the HMs redistributed in the pyrolyzed residues (biochar) after pyrolysis, and the enrichment order of the HMs was: Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. Compared with various washing agents, phosphoric acid presented a superior washing effect on most heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Cr) in biochars derived at low pyrolysis temperature and Ni in biochars derived at high pyrolysis temperature. The optimal washing conditions for heavy metals (including Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni) removal by H3PO4 were obtained by batch washing experiments and the response surface methodology (RSM). The total maximum HM removal efficiency was 95.05% under the optimal washing specifications by H3PO4 (acid concentration of 2.47 mol/L, L/S of 9.85 mL/g, and a washing temperature of 71.18 °C). Kinetic results indicated that the washing process of heavy metals in sludge and biochars was controlled by a mixture of diffusion and surface chemical reactions. After phosphoric acid washing, the leaching concentrations of HMs in the solid residue were further reduced compared with that of biochar, which were below the USEPA limit value (5 mg/L). The solid residue after pyrolysis coupling with acid washing resulted in a low environmental risk for resource utilization (the values of the potential ecological risk index were lower than 20). This work provides an environmentally friendly alternative of pyrolysis coupling with acid washing treatment for sewage sludge from the viewpoint of the utilization of solid waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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14 pages, 3199 KiB  
Article
Optimization Study of the Capacity of Chlorella vulgaris as a Potential Bio-Remediator for the Bio-Adsorption of Arsenic (III) from Aquatic Environments
by Reem Mohammed Alharbi, Essam Nageh Sholkamy, Khawla Ibrahim Alsamhary, Neveen Abdel-Raouf and Ibraheem Borie M. Ibraheem
Toxics 2023, 11(5), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050439 - 6 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1658
Abstract
This study examined the ability of the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris to remove arsenic from aqueous solutions. A series of studies was conducted to determine the optimal conditions for biological arsenic elimination, including biomass amount, incubation time, initial arsenic level, and pH values. [...] Read more.
This study examined the ability of the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris to remove arsenic from aqueous solutions. A series of studies was conducted to determine the optimal conditions for biological arsenic elimination, including biomass amount, incubation time, initial arsenic level, and pH values. At 76 min, pH 6, 50 mgL−1 metal concentration, and 1 gL−1 bio-adsorbent dosage, the maximum removal of arsenic from an aqueous solution was 93%. The uptake of As (III) ions by C. vulgaris reached an equilibrium at 76 min of bio-adsorption. The maximum adsorptive rate of arsenic (III) by C. vulgaris was 55 mg/gm. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich equations were used to fit the experimental data. The best theoretical isotherm of Langmuir, Freundlich, or/and Dubinin–Radushkevich for arsenic bio-adsorption by Chlorella vulgaris was determined. To choose the best theoretical isotherm, the coefficient of correlation was used. The data on absorption appeared to be linearly consistent with the Langmuir (qmax = 45 mgg−1; R2 = 0.9894), Freundlich (kf = 1.44; R2 = 0.7227), and Dubinin–Radushkevich (qD–R = 8.7 mg/g; R2 = 0.951) isotherms. The Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were both good two-parameter isotherms. In general, Langmuir was demonstrated to be the most accurate model for As (III) bio-adsorption on the bio-adsorbent. Maximum bio-adsorption values and a good correlation coefficient were observed for the first-order kinetic model, indicating that it was the best fitting model and significant in describing the arsenic (III) adsorption process. SEM micrographs of treated and untreated algal cells revealed that ions adsorbed on the algal cell’s surface. A Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to analyze the functional groups in algal cells, such as the carboxyl group, hydroxyl, amines, and amides, which aided in the bio-adsorption process. Thus, C. vulgaris has great potential and can be found in eco-friendly biomaterials capable of adsorbing arsenic contaminants from water sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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13 pages, 2501 KiB  
Article
Effect of Foliar Spraying of Gibberellins and Brassinolide on Cadmium Accumulation in Rice
by Bei Li, Song Wang, Xiaoshuang You, Zhenzhou Wen, Guirong Huang, Caicheng Huang, Qiaoxian Li, Kuiyuan Chen, Yihan Zhao, Minghua Gu, Xiaofeng Li, Yanyan Wei and Yan Qin
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040364 - 11 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1997
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metals that contaminate rice cultivation, and reducing Cd contamination in rice through agronomic measures is a hot research topic. In this study, foliar sprays of gibberellins (GA) and brassinolide (BR) were applied to rice under Cd [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metals that contaminate rice cultivation, and reducing Cd contamination in rice through agronomic measures is a hot research topic. In this study, foliar sprays of gibberellins (GA) and brassinolide (BR) were applied to rice under Cd stress in hydroponic and pot experiments. After foliar spraying of GR and BR, the biomass of rice plants grown in either hydroponics or soil culture was significantly higher or even exceeded that in the absence of Cd stress. In addition, photosynthetic parameters (maximum fluorescence values), root length and root surface area, and CAT, SOD and POD activities were significantly improved. The MDA content decreased in the shoots, suggesting that the application of GR and BA may have enhanced photosynthesis and antioxidant function to alleviate Cd stress. Furthermore, the BR and GA treatments decreased the Cd content of rice roots, shoots and grains as well as the Cd transfer coefficient. Cd chemical morphology analysis of rice roots and shoots showed that the proportion of soluble Cd (Ethanol-Cd and Water-Cd) decreased, whereas the proportion of NaCl-Cd increased. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of Cd in rice roots and above ground showed that the proportion of Cd in the cell wall increased after foliar spraying of GA and BR. The results indicate that after foliar application of GA and BR, more of the Cd in rice was transformed into immobile forms and was fixed in the cell wall, thus reducing the amount in the seeds. In summary, foliar sprays of GA and BR can reduce the toxic effects of Cd on rice plants and reduce the Cd content in rice grains, with GA being more effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Reconstruction and Safety Risk Assessment of Contaminated Sites)
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