Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Jez, Carlo Bravo, Domen Lestan, Simon Gluhar, Ladislau Martin-Neto, Maria De Nobili, Marco Contin
Summary: The study found that CaEDTA remediation significantly decreased the free fraction of humic acids in soils contaminated with potentially toxic metals, while the bound fraction of humic acids and fulvic acids remained unchanged. Disturbance of intermolecular bonds during remediation affected the composition of the free humic acid fraction, confirming a selective removal of non-radical molecules such as carbohydrates while increasing the concentration of free radicals in acidic soil. The restoration of free humic fractions is likely to be a long-term process, indicating that CaEDTA soil washing is moderately conservative in terms of soil organic matter remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mariusz Z. Gusiatin, Sylwia Pasieczna-Patkowska, Magdalena Balintova, Marcin Kusmierz
Summary: Energy can be obtained through pyrolysis of organic wastes, and the resulting biochar can be used for wastewater treatment. This study investigated the effectiveness of different biochars and activated carbon in treating soil washing wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. Willow biochar and Norit SX2 activated carbon were found to have better structural properties and showed the most effective treatment of the wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Piccolo, Antonio De Martino, Francesco Scognamiglio, Roberto Ricci, Riccardo Spaccini
Summary: This study demonstrated that using natural organic surfactants, such as humic acids, for washing heavily contaminated industrial soil can effectively and rapidly remove heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. This method is not only environmentally friendly and sustainable, but also promotes soil biodiversity, natural attenuation of unextracted pollutants, and accelerates further soil reclamation techniques.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Wen-Jing Gong, Zi-Fan Niu, Xing-Run Wang, He-Ping Zhao
Summary: Long-term heavy metal contamination in soil at an electroplating site in Zhangjiakou, China significantly inhibited soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon content, leading to a decrease in bacterial community richness. However, certain bacterial taxa such as Sphingomonadaceae were able to survive in the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals and showed potential for soil remediation. High-throughput sequencing identified Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi as dominant bacterial phyla in the contaminated soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Li, Xinwei Shi, Qiujie Ling, Songying Li, Jiayu Wei, Meifen Xin, Dongyu Xie, Xuan Chen, Kehui Liu, Fangming Yu
Summary: This study reveals the important role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by Enterobacter sp. FM-1 in soil microbial community composition and the remediation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil. EPS addition helps change soil pH, increase soil microbial biomass, and regulate soil nutrient reserves. The addition of different EPS fractions also alters soil microbial community composition to facilitate microbial adaptation to the contaminated environment.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yubo Cao, Xuan Wang, Xinyuan Zhang, Tom Misselbrook, Zhaohai Bai, Lin Ma
Summary: This study explored a novel method to immobilize heavy metals in composting by increasing their combination with humic substances using an electric-field assistant technique. The results showed that the application of an electric field enriched bacterial abundance, enhanced bacterial metabolism, and significantly increased humic substance and humic acid contents in compost product. The findings support the future development of electric field implementation as an intrinsic bioremediation technique for heavy metal immobilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue-Ting Bai, Jichen Wang, Hailiang Dong, Jia-Min Chen, Yuan Ge
Summary: The research found that heavy metals/metalloids have adverse effects on soil microorganisms, leading to significant decreases in soil microbial biomass, activity, and bacterial alpha-diversity. In addition, soil properties play a major role in the variation of microbial activity.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qiuguo Zhang, Dongsheng Zou, Xinyi Zeng, Longcheng Li, Andong Wang, Fen Liu, Hua Wang, Qingru Zeng, Zhihua Xiao
Summary: In recent years, biomass has been widely used in agriculture due to its low cost and convenience. However, the increasing soil pollution of heavy metals poses threats to human health. Direct addition of biomass to soil can affect the bioavailability and content of heavy metals, with potential to both activate and immobilize heavy metals in the soil. Future research should focus on controlling heavy metal levels when using biomass in agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Jiuwei Song, Philip C. Brookes, Shengdao Shan, Jianming Xu, Xingmei Liu
Summary: This study investigated the remediation effects of heavy metal remediation agents on heavy metals in contaminated soils and their effects on the structure and function of microbial communities in soil aggregates. The agents decreased the concentrations of available heavy metals mainly by increasing soil pH. Changes in bacterial community structure were related to heavy metal contents, and the addition of remediation agents altered microbial composition.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Changning Li, Haiyun Li, Tuo Yao, Ming Su, Fu Ran, Jianhong Li, Li He, Xin Chen, Chen Zhang, Huizhen Qiu
Summary: The addition of microbial inoculation in swine manure composting can reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, increase the content of humic acid and fulvic acid, and promote the propagation of specific bacteria. In addition, MI can enhance amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as metabolism of enzyme families and glycan biosynthesis.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiongxin Peng, Shuang Gai, Kui Cheng, Fan Yang
Summary: The study conducted hydrothermal humification kinetics experiments using corn straw as raw material and employed characterization techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to determine the formation mechanism of artificial humic substances (A-HS). The results showed that in an alkaline environment, rapid dissociation of lignocellulose can occur, with cellulose and hemicellulose being hydrolyzed into glucose and xylose, further dehydrated to form 5-hydroxy furfural and furfural, and then rehydrated to synthesize levulinic acid and other small molecular acids. These small precursors then combine with lignin fragments to form fulvic acids, humic acids, and even humin. The proposed mechanism of hydrothermal humification is of great significance for the design, synthesis, and application of A-HS in sustainable agriculture.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaojia Chen, Yijun Zou, Qinyu Li, Chengjian Wu, Peng Zhou, Zheng Chen, Jiping Shi, Zhijun Zhao
Summary: This study explores the effects of thermophilic bacteria on crude fiber content, carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, and microbial communities during Chinese medicine residues composting. Results demonstrate that thermophilic microbial agents can increase composting temperature, accelerate compost maturation, and promote crude fiber degradation.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yanrong Chen, Yaoning Chen, Yuanping Li, Yihuan Liu, Hui Li, Hongjuan Jiang, Xinli Luo, Ping Tang, Li Chen, Haoqin Yan
Summary: The Fenton-like process utilizing Fe3O4 nanomaterials and Phanerochaete chrysosporium or oxalate was applied in composting to study its effects on humic substance formation and the bioavailability of Cd, Cu, and Pb. Results showed that it significantly promoted the passivation of Cd and Cu, while not showing obvious enhancement for Pb. This research offers a new perspective and method for composting to remediate heavy metal pollution.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pengfei Xu, Xiaoling Zhu, Huashang Tian, Guangxu Zhao, Yuxia Chi, Baolei Jia, Jie Zhang
Summary: In this study, bibliometric analysis was used to assess the applications of humic acids (HAs) in the environmental field. The results showed that HAs play important roles in environmental remediation, particularly in the treatment of organic pollutants and heavy metals. However, the molecular structure of HAs remains unclear, limiting their further applications.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiao-Jun Zheng, Qi Li, Hao Peng, Jian-Xiong Zhang, Wei-Jiang Chen, Bu-Chan Zhou, Ming Chen
Summary: Contamination of soil with heavy metals has become a global concern, leading to increased interest in the use of washing agents for soil remediation. This review summarizes recent findings on soil washing using different agents. Factors such as solubilizing capability, toxicity, and biocompatibility are crucial considerations for soil washing technologies. While some agents have limitations due to their adverse effects on soil, biosurfactants, humic acids, and low-molecular-weight organic acids have been suggested as suitable washing agents. The combination of agents and sequential washing have been adopted to enhance the overall effectiveness of the washing process, although environmental risks may arise. Overall, soil washing shows promising prospects for soil remediation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caiya Yan, Jia Wen, Qian Wang, Lang Xing, Xiaohong Hu
Summary: Biochar plays a crucial role in soil remediation, but its impact on arsenic remediation has been debated. This study found that unmodified biochar increased the bioavailability of arsenic, while HDTMA-modified biochar reduced arsenic bioavailability and plant uptake. Additionally, modified biochar promoted plant growth compared to unmodified biochar.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jia Wen, Zhuangzhuang Xue, Xiyan Yin, Xue Wang
Summary: This study focused on the adsorption efficiency of biochar and iron-modified biochar in treating Cr(VI) in wastewater. The results showed that iron-modified biochar had better adsorption efficiency, but the addition of lactic acid may decrease the removal of Cr(VI).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cuilian Yang, Jia Wen, Zhuangzhuang Xue, Xiyan Yin, Yangfang Li, Li Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the toxic effects of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on benthic organisms and found that oxidative stress induced by ZIF-8 NPs and the released Zn2+ were the crucial cause of the toxic effects. Additionally, the study revealed that ZIF-8 NPs and dissolved Zn2+ may lead to different mechanisms of toxicity and accumulation depending on the dosages.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangfang Li, Jia Wen, Zhuangzhuang Xue, Xiyan Yin, Li Yuan, Cuilian Yang
Summary: In this study, a millimeter-sized composite material PPS was successfully synthesized for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) from water. PPS exhibited strong adsorption capacity, excellent physicochemical properties, and reusability. The results also showed that PPS could efficiently remove Cr and Cr(VI) from contaminated soil.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia Wen, Lisha Yang
Summary: This study investigates the transportability of ZIF-8 NPs in porous media using a sand column, focusing on the effect of surfactant type and NP concentrations. The results show that ionic surfactants significantly enhance the transportability of ZIF-8 NPs, while nonionic surfactants tend to cause particle deposition at the inlet of the sand column.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhuangzhuang Xue, Jia Wen, Cuilian Yang, Li Yuan, Xiyan Yin, Yangfang Li
Summary: In this study, cigarette butts were successfully transformed into highly porous carbon material (KCBC) through hydrothermal and K2CO3 activation. The resulting material exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for chloramphenicol and other antibiotics. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-increasing. The KCBC showed good reusability and maintained high adsorption levels even in the presence of alkaline pH and fulvic acid. This study provides valuable insights into the resource utilization of cigarette butts and the treatment of antibiotics-containing wastewater.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongsheng Cui, Jia Wen, Lisha Yang, Qi Wang
Summary: This study collected rice grain samples from 14 cities in Hunan Province, China and measured the contents of 9 heavy metals. The results showed that arsenic, lead, chromium, nickel, and cadmium accumulated significantly in the rice grain, posing greater health risks to the local residents. Immediate actions are needed to mitigate the contamination of these heavy metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lisha Yang, Jia Wen
Summary: This paper calculated the Hamaker constant of ZIF-8 for the first time using contact angle measurement parameters and discussed its dispersion in different solvent systems. The results showed that the energy potential barrier between ZIF-8 particles was high in the water system, but the particles were unstable in the toluene system. XDLVO theory was found to better describe the dispersion of ZIF-8 particles.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wenxing Cheng, Jia Wen
Summary: This paper outlines the application of plant polyphenols in green synthesis, introducing their use in medical fields and their synthetic routes. It summarizes the research progress of using polyphenol nanomaterials in environmental pollution remediation, discussing their removal effect, behavior, and mechanism of action. The factors influencing the physicochemical properties and performances of polyphenol nanomaterials during the removal process are analyzed. Finally, challenges and prospects of polyphenol nanomaterials are proposed.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangchu Zeng, Guanghua Zhang, Jia Wen, Xiuling Li, Junfeng Zhu, Zhe Wu
Summary: Heavy metals and azo dyes pose significant threats to aquatic systems and human health. A magnetic chitosan/polyethyleneimine embedded hydrophobic sodium alginate composite (MCPS) was developed for the simultaneous removal of these pollutants. In mono-polluted systems, the optimal pH values and adsorption capacities were determined for Cr(VI), MO, Cu(II), and MB. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model and the isotherm data fit the Langmuir model. In binary-polluted systems, MCPS showed simultaneous adsorption for Cr(VI)-MO and Cu(II)-MB, but the presence of heavy metals suppressed the removal of azo dyes. The pollutants could be effectively adsorbed and desorbed from MCPS by adjusting the pH, allowing for recyclability. The removal mechanism was elucidated using FT-IR, EDS, and XPS.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cuilian Yang, Zhuangzhuang Xue, Jia Wen
Summary: In recent years, the remediation of heavy metals and organic pollution in the water environment has been a hot research topic. Porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites or derivatives have shown great potential as efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbents and catalytic materials. This review summarizes the research progress on MOF-based materials in the past decade, including their synthesis, enhanced performance, interactions with pollutants, and limitations. Further research and development are needed to realize the practical application of MOF-based materials in environmental remediation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuru Zhang, Jia Wen, Yichen Zhou, Jiajia Wang, Wenxing Cheng
Summary: In this study, bulk spherical aerogel beads (PAP) were synthesized using green technology and used for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. The results showed that PAP had high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) and exhibited selectivity towards Cr(VI) in mixed heavy metal solutions. PAP also showed good reusability and anti-interference ability. The mechanisms of Cr(VI) removal by PAP were electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, reduction, and complexation. Overall, PAP provides a new insight into treating Cr(VI) contaminated wastewater using bulk monolith materials.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia Wen, Wenxing Cheng, Yaxin Zhang, Yichen Zhou, Yuru Zhang, Lisha Yang
Summary: The use of green, non-toxic raw materials, such as EGCG, is important for sustainable environmental development. This study focuses on the use of metal-polyphenol nanomaterials for water decontamination. A novel sandwich membrane, SESP, was prepared to address the challenges of nanomaterial recovery and metal ion leaching.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Wang, Jia Wen, Lisha Yang, Hongsheng Cui, Tianjing Zeng, Jin Huang
Summary: In this study, sewage sludge biochar (BC) was co-pyrolyzed with self-made Fe minerals to treat Cd and As co-contaminated water. The adsorption of Cd and As by the Fe-modified biochar was mainly controlled by chemical interactions, and goethite biochar (GtBC) showed the highest adsorption efficiency for Cd, while ferrihydrite biochar (FhBC) was more effective for As adsorption. Hematite biochar (HmBC) and GtBC were found effective for the adsorption of both Cd and As, while magnetite biochar (MBC) was not effective for either metal. XPS results confirmed Cd2+-pi interactions, complexation precipitation, and co-precipitation for Cd adsorption, while oxidation reactions also existed for As.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lisha Yang, Jia Wen, Qi Wang, Hongsheng Cui
Summary: This study investigates the transport and retention of ZIF-8 in saturated porous media under different pH, ionic strength, and NOM conditions. Experimental results show that high concentration of ionic strength and citric acid significantly increases the release of Zn2+ from ZIF-8. New ZIF phases were also detected during the transport process. ZIF-8 has weak mobility and is mainly retained near the column inlet. Straining increases the retention of ZIF-8 in porous media.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)