Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satoshi Irei
Summary: This study investigated the transformation of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) into oxidized mercury in bulk liquid solutions. It found that sulfuric acid significantly enhanced the concentration of oxidized mercury, while pure water and seawater showed relatively stable dissolved mercury levels. The slow oxidation reaction by sulfuric acid led to higher concentrations of oxidized mercury compared to equilibrated elemental mercury concentrations.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ningla Yang, Jie Hu, Deliang Yin, Tianrong He, Xiang Tian, Shu Ran, Xian Zhou
Summary: In this study, the effects of agricultural dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in soil and mercury (Hg) enrichment in rice grains were investigated. Results showed that the addition of DOM from different agricultural sources significantly elevated MeHg concentrations in the soil and increased total Hg and MeHg contents in rice grains. The specific composition and properties of the DOM from rice straw, composted rice straw, and composted cow dung had the most significant impact on Hg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alyssa A. Carrell, Grace E. Schwartz, Melissa A. Cregger, Caitlin M. Gionfriddo, Dwayne A. Elias, Regina L. Wilpiszeski, Dawn M. Klingeman, Ann M. Wymore, Katherine A. Muller, Scott C. Brooks
Summary: This study utilized high-throughput amplicon sequencing to analyze the microbiome of periphyton communities in a contaminated watershed in East Tennessee, United States. The research found that nutrient amendments impacted the structure and function of periphyton communities and identified specific bacterial families correlated with Hg methylation potential. The study also highlighted the significant role of microbiome structure in influencing rates of Hg transformation within periphyton communities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Byran C. Fuhrmann, Marc W. Beutel, Peggy A. O'Day, Christian Tran, Andrew Funk, Sarah Brower, Jeffery Pasek, Mark Seelos
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal patterns of MeHg cycling in a sulfate-rich, hypereutrophic reservoir using microcosm incubations. Results showed that aeration and SRB inhibitor decreased MeHg concentration, while methanogenic inhibitor increased MeHg concentration. The addition of organic carbon and microbial inhibitors also had significant impacts on MeHg concentration.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yazeed Abdelmageed, Carrie Miller, Carrie Sanders, Timothy Egbo, Alexander Johs, Boakai Robertson
Summary: The study revealed the important role of microbial communities in Hg methylation in contaminated bank soils from East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) in Tennessee, USA. By comparing contaminated and uncontaminated soil samples, differences in microbial community composition in different seasons and information about microbial families associated with Hg methylation were identified. These findings provide insights into the biogeochemical drivers of MeHg production and are crucial for future remediation efforts.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingying Xu, Van Liem-Nguyen, Moritz Buck, Stefan Bertilsson, Erik Bjorn, Andrea G. Bravo
Summary: The study identified diverse clades of potential Hg-II methylators in wetland soils, including various bacteria and archaea. It also found that local physicochemical conditions are crucial for shaping the structure of Hg methylating microbial communities in wetlands.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Lin Li, Hao Ouyang, Zhiqing Long, Qinpeng Zhang, Yunqi Jiang, Meng Cai, Shenglun Xiong, Sangshan Peng, Guangyu Xu, Qing He
Summary: Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal and selective detection of trace mercury in the environment is critical yet challenging. This study describes the design and synthesis of a new fluorescent probe for selective detection of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+. The probe shows high selectivity and sensitivity towards Hg2+/CH3Hg+ against other tested ions and is effective in detecting them in tap water and real-world groundwater, with potential practical applications in mercury detection.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ting Sun, Zoe Lindo, Brian A. A. Branfireun
Summary: Climate change-driven ground warming will alter mercury cycling processes in high boreal and subarctic peatlands, particularly increasing MeHg production in subarctic peatlands. Increased soil temperature promotes microbial metabolism and organic matter turnover, resulting in higher concentrations of MeHg in the water.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hasti Ziaei, Balaji Rao, Tea V. Wood, Uriel Garza-Rubalcava, Ashkan Alborzi, Huayun Zhou, Paul Bireta, Nancy Grosso, Danny Reible
Summary: The South River in Waynesboro, Virginia is contaminated with mercury due to historical releases from an industrial facility. Two sampling events were conducted in 2015 to assess mercury concentrations in the bank interstitial waters during base flows and after flooding events. The results showed higher mercury concentrations during bank drainage compared to base flow conditions. Laboratory experiments using South River sediments revealed that drainage cycles can result in high mercury leachate from contaminated sediment. A remedial approach involving sediment removal and the placement of biochar and an armoring layer successfully decreased mercury concentrations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuying Wei, Xiaopeng Zhang, Cheng Gao, Xinxin Wang, Ning Zhang, Junjiang Bao, Gaohong He
Summary: The organic-inorganic hybrid nanowires prepared by hydrothermal method can be used to prepare mesoporous Co3O4 nanotube sorbents, which have a well-defined tubular structure, abundant active sites, and high redox property, effectively removing Hg0 from flue gas.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Jie Li, Qi Lin, Zheng-Hua Zhang, Tai-Bao Wei, Bingbing Shi, Hong Yao, You-Ming Zhang
Summary: Numerous new methods have been developed for synthesizing novel nanomaterials with unique functions. One novel strategy involves forming fluorescent nanoparticles in situ, which can efficiently sense Hg2+ in living cells and separate Hg2+ from water.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ewa Korejwo, Dominika Saniewska, Jacek Beldowaki, Piotr Balazy, Michal Saniewski
Summary: Polar regions play a crucial role in the global mercury cycle and serve as interesting research sites due to potential different sources of mercury. Understanding mercury transformations in the Arctic is challenging due to the region being in transition and highly impacted by global climate change. Benthic organisms are valuable bioindicators of heavy metal contamination.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mark Xavier Bailon, Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary, Cheolho Jeon, Yong Sik Ok, Yongseok Hong
Summary: This study investigates the impact of sulfur loading on biochar's sorption capacities for methyl mercury and its efficacy as an amendment material for mercury-contaminated sediments. The results suggest that a sulfur loading of 1% is the most effective, and higher sulfur loading decreases the control effectiveness for methyl mercury. Increasing sulfur functionalization during impregnation shifts the sorption process of methyl mercury from Hg-O to Hg-S. The study also highlights the significant reduction in methyl mercury levels and changes in microbial community structure in biochar-amended sediments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siqi Zhang, Mingxing Wang, Jiang Liu, Shanyi Tian, Xueling Yang, Guangquan Xiao, Guomin Xu, Tao Jiang, Dingyong Wang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on the mercury (Hg) cycle in rice paddies using insights from soil dissolved organic matter (DOM). The results show that adding biochar can significantly reduce the bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in rice plants and increase the aromaticity and molecular weight of DOM. However, biochar addition can also enhance microbial activity and MeHg production in the soil.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary, Rishikesh Bajagain, Donggyun Seo, Yongseok Hong, Seunghee Han
Summary: Metal contamination and other geochemical alterations disrupt microbial composition and functional activities, leading to disturbances in biogeochemical cycles. This study investigated the distribution of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and trace metals in anthropogenically affected sediment. The microbial communities and functional gene profiles were analyzed to explore their relationship with Hg-methylation and geochemical features. Results showed that THg and MeHg levels increased towards the lower horizons of the sediment cores, while Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn were the major metals present at all depths. The enrichment and contamination indices indicated high concentrations of trace metals in the anthropogenically affected sediment. Various functional genes and dominant microbial taxa were detected, with correlations between major taxa and geochemical variables suggesting the significant impact of sediment geochemistry on microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles. Archaeal methanogens and bacterial phyla Chloroflexi and Firmicutes were also implicated in the enhancement of MeHg levels. Overall, these findings provide insights into the microbial communities involved in Hg-methylation process and other biogeochemical cycles.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Caitlin Asato, Mian Wang, Xinwei Mao, Christopher J. Gobler, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Summary: The study found that 1,4-dioxane mainly originated from household products, and NRBs were effective in removing both 1,4-dioxane and total nitrogen.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Patricia M. Clyde, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Roy E. Price, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Bruce J. Brownawell
Summary: This study monitored the removal of 26 different pharmaceuticals and personal care products in various nitrogen removing biofilters, finding that a large portion of removal occurred within the anoxic nitrifying layer. The results suggest that nitrogen removing biofilters are effective at removing PPCPs and are comparable or even better than conventional wastewater treatment plants in terms of PPCP removal efficiency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiayan Ye, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Oliver N. Shipley, Michael G. Frisk, Nicholas S. Fisher
Summary: By studying the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in the muscle tissue of six commonly consumed fish species caught off Long Island, New York, it was found that long-term consumption of these coastal fish could pose health risks, mainly due to mercury exposure. However, concentrations of other trace elements were well below levels considered toxic for humans.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaushik Londhe, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Carrie A. McDonough, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Summary: This paper highlights the importance of considering the isomeric distribution of PFASs in contaminated matrices when designing appropriate remediation strategies. It also summarizes the known occurrence and variation in the physicochemical properties of PFAS isomers that influence their detection, fate, toxicokinetics, and treatment efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Craig S. Young, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Laine H. Sylvers, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Christopher J. Gobler
Summary: The increasing introduction of non-indigenous macroalgae in recent decades has raised concerns about their impact on marine life. This study focuses on the invasive red seaweed Dasysiphonia japonica and its ability to cause harmful algal blooms and induce significant mortality in larval and juvenile fish and bivalves.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arjun K. Venkatesan, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Christopher J. Gobler
Summary: This study assesses the effects of AOPs on PFASs in drinking water systems, finding that all detected PFASs show an increase in concentration after treatment. The study also suggests that the increase in PFAS concentration may be correlated with nitrate levels in groundwater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuyin Tang, Mian Wang, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Xinwei Mao
Summary: A stable and robust 1,4-dioxane degrading enrichment culture was obtained from uncontaminated soil. The enrichment culture showed the capability to degrade 1,4-dioxane at high and environmentally relevant concentrations. These results suggest the potential application of the indigenous enrichment culture in 1,4-dioxane bioaugmentation.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anne -Cooper Doherty, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Qingyu Meng, Yuko Sakano, Abigail E. Noble, Kelly A. Grant, Adrienne Esposito, Christopher J. Gobler, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Summary: 1,4-dioxane contamination of drinking water is primarily associated with historical disposal practices and unintended industrial releases, and also from personal care and cleaning products. The contamination from consumer products is often unrecognized and there has been limited effort to understand this ongoing issue. Some US states, like New York and California, are taking proactive measures to restrict 1,4-dioxane in consumer products. This review summarizes the occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in consumer products, pathways of contamination, current policies, and future research needs.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Mian Wang, Patricia M. Clyde, Xinwei Mao, Bruce J. Brownawell, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of nitrifying sand filters in removing 1,4-dioxane from domestic wastewater without the need for bioaugmentation or biostimulation. The sand columns showed a high removal rate of 1,4-dioxane, outperforming conventional wastewater treatment approaches. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of 1,4-dioxane degrading genes and the resilience of the microbial community to antibiotic shocks and azide poisoning.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyu Huang, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Katherine Zhang, Abdulrahman G. Alhamzani, Benjamin S. S. Hsiao
Summary: A composite hydrogel bead composed of sodium alginate (SA) and aldehyde cellulose nanocrystal (DCNC) was developed for antibiotic remediation. The optimal composition ratio was found to be 40% (SA) and 60% (DCNC). The hydrogel showed high adsorption capacity for doxycycline (DOXY) and other tetracyclines, with maximum adsorption capacities of 421.5 mg g(-1) and 649.9 mg g(-1) at pH 7 and pH 11, respectively. The adsorption mechanism involved chemical reaction, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and pore diffusion/surface deposition. The hydrogel demonstrated high reusability and could be a promising biomaterial for antibiotic remediation applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisa M. Crawford, James Gelsleichter, Alisa L. Newton, Lisa A. Hoopes, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Nicholas S. Fisher, Douglas H. Adams, Maeva Giraudo, Anne E. Mcelroy
Summary: The ecology and life-histories of white sharks make them susceptible to mercury bioaccumulation, but the health consequences of mercury exposure are not well-studied. This study measured mercury levels in muscle and plasma of white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic and found a positive correlation between mercury levels and shark precaudal length. The study also found that some individuals had higher selenium:mercury ratios, suggesting potential protective effects of selenium.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Kaushik Londhe, Slavica Grdanovska, Charlie A. A. Cooper, Arjun K. K. Venkatesan
Summary: The study uses a lab-scale e-beam accelerator for the treatment of 1,4-dioxane in water. Low doses and short treatment times are sufficient to degrade most of the contaminant, even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The results show the potential of e-beam radiolysis as a promising technology for 1,4-dioxane treatment, with comparable energy consumption to other advanced oxidation processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Duning Li, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Yi Zhang, Rasel Das, Fahmida Akter, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Benjamin S. Hsiao
Summary: Although long-chain PFASs have been phased out by most manufacturers, short-chain PFASs are still commonly used and have different adsorption behavior. In this study, a high charge density cationic quaternized nanocellulose (QNC) was designed to improve the removal of both short- and long-chain PFASs from contaminated water.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuyin Tang, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Harold Walker, Christopher Gobler, Onur Apul, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Xinwei Mao
Summary: This study investigated the impact of residual H2O2 on the removal of AOP byproducts by two types of GAC, revealing that the presence of byproducts significantly inhibited the decomposition of H2O2 on Centaur. In multi-component systems, both GACs showed decreased byproduct removal kinetics and capacity due to competition.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Kaushik Londhe, Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Yi Zhang, Slavica Grdanovska, Thomas Kroc, Charlie A. Cooper, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Summary: PFAS, due to their recalcitrant nature and ubiquitous use, continue to be major water treatment hurdles. This study evaluates the direct irradiation treatment of PFAS-contaminated water by high energy electron beam and introduces the concept of electrical energy per order (EE/O) as a performance parameter. Results suggest that e-beam technology is a promising approach for PFAS treatment under favorable conditions.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2021)
