Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Shi, Qun Xie, Zhen-Liang Li, Yun-Feng Pan, Zhen Yuan, Lang Lin, Xiang-Rong Xu, Heng-Xiang Li
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing worldwide attention on the adsorption of heavy metals on microplastics (MPs), which are emerging carriers for environmental pollutants. However, the understanding of heavy metal adsorption on biodegradable MPs in estuarine environments is still limited. This study investigated the aging of biodegradable and conventional MPs in the Pearl River Estuary after long-term exposure and their impacts on heavy metal adsorption from seawater. The results showed that both types of MPs could adsorb heavy metals, with fluctuating adsorption capacities on different MPs and exposure times. The aging characteristics of MPs played a significant role in heavy metal adsorption, accounting for 51.0% of the contribution, while environmental factors only contributed to 13.2%.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianru Zhao, Kehong Yang, Fengyou Chu, Qian Ge, Dong Xu, Xibin Han, Liming Ye
Summary: The concentrations of six heavy metals in offshore surface sediments of western Pearl River Estuary were analyzed to investigate their sources and spatial variations. Three-scale spatial variations in heavy metal concentrations were identified: nugget, local, and regional scale, representing sample errors, anthropogenic pollution, and natural variation, respectively. The anthropogenic heavy metals showed sharp and heterogeneous variations within a range of 60 km. Potential polluted areas for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As were identified in Maoming Port, Hailing Bay, coastal area northeastern Hainan Island, Nandu River, Baoling River, and Wanquan River estuaries. These polluted areas ranged up to 60 km and tended to extend with currents. The natural heavy metals showed continuous and relatively homogeneous variations within a range of 180 km, mainly influenced by riverine input and paleo-sealevel changes.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui-Ze Liang, Yang-Guang Gu, Hai-Song Li, Yan-Jie Han, Jie Niu, Hong Su, Richard W. Jordan, Xiang-Tian Man, Shi-Jun Jiang
Summary: Surface sediments from the intertidal zone of the Pearl River estuary were analyzed for heavy metal contamination. The concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were significantly higher than background levels, indicating possible natural and anthropogenic sources.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jieying Chen, Xiaohui Huang, Ye Jing, Zhiliang Wen, Chuanfu Zang
Summary: This study quantitatively clarified the evolution of ecological carrying capacity (ECC) in the Pan-Pearl River Basin (PPRB) using the pressure-state-response index system and ecological footprint method. The results showed that although rapid economic development in the PPRB led to resource consumption and environmental damage, the ECC and comprehensive ecological carrying capacity (CECC) are predicted to improve in the future. The ECC of Hunan Province decreased significantly during 2007-2010, while the ECC of Guangdong Province increased significantly during 2015-2019.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuantian Li, Puxia Wu, Claudio O. Delang, Qilin He, Fengbao Zhang
Summary: The investigation on the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in sediments from the Weihe River revealed a decreasing trend over the years, with higher values concentrated in urban areas. The results of ecological risk assessment indicated that most pollutants originated from external sources, while heavy metals were significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liming Deng, Asfandyar Shahab, He Xiao, Jieyue Li, Saeed Rad, Jinping Jiang, GuoYu, Pingping Jiang, Hongwei Huang, Xiangkui Li, Bilal Ahmad, Jamil Siddique
Summary: The study found that the concentration of dissolved heavy metals in the Lijiang River water slightly increased after rainstorms, but still met drinking water standards. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that several heavy metals in the normal season were mainly influenced by anthropogenic sources, while in the high flow season, the concentration of heavy metals was more influenced by rainstorms. The water quality index indicated good water quality during rainstorm season, but health risk assessment revealed potential health risks due to arsenic in the rainstorm season.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jayakumar Renganathan, Insamam S. Ul Huq, Kamaraj Ramakrishnan, Manthiram Karthik Ravichandran, Ligy Philip
Summary: The study identified the presence of various PhACs in the surface waters of the River Cauvery, with some being strongly influenced by seasonality and positively correlated with PCPs, HMs, and nutrients. Moreover, higher concentrations of PhACs were recorded in the upstream and wastewater discharge points.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ankit Pratim Goswami, Sanjib Das, Ajay S. Kalamdhad
Summary: The study characterized bed sediments in a river system by analyzing sediment samples collected over a period of time, revealing significant anthropogenic contamination and ecological risk. Continuous monitoring and management are necessary to prevent pollution from human activities impacting the river sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Li, Guangyuan Lu, Wen-Xiong Wang, Huizhen Li, Jing You
Summary: Oysters serve as efficient biomonitors of pollution status in the Pearl River Estuary, with highly seasonal and geographical variations in PAH pollution. Environmental factors such as precipitation, water temperature, and salinity significantly influence PAH levels in oysters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fangzhou Chen, Xiu Pei Koh, Mandy Lok Yi Tang, Jianping Gan, Stanley C. K. Lau
Summary: This study used a microbial community-based index to assess the ecological status of the Pearl River estuary in China, showing poor overall status. The index values decreased from the upper estuary to offshore areas and were positively correlated with nutrients and fecal indicator bacteria, representing eutrophication and fecal pollution levels. Machine learning analysis identified several bio-indicators at the genus level to supplement the index and improve assessment accuracy.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Changping Yang, Gang Yu, Yan Liu, Binbin Shan, Liangming Wang, Dianrong Sun, Yingbang Huang
Summary: This study analyzed six heavy metals in surface sediments from the coastal Pearl Bay to assess their distribution patterns and potential ecological risks. Results showed that the coastal Pearl Bay was not polluted by the examined metals except for Cd, which might cause contamination and ecological risk. Further research is recommended to investigate the acute source and transferring mechanisms of Cd.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siyang Li, Yilin Wang, Lihong Liu, Houwei Lai, Xiancan Zeng, Jianyu Chen, Chang Liu, Qijin Luo
Summary: This study analyzed microplastics pollution in the Pearl River Estuary in the South China Sea, finding that abundance was higher during the rainy season, mainly sourced from rivers, and composed mainly of fibers, granules, and fragments, with polyethylene being a significant component.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guangcai Yin, Hanghai Zhu, Zhiliang Chen, Chuanghong Su, Zechen He, Xinglin Chen, Jinrong Qiu, Tieyu Wang
Summary: In this study, the contents of ten heavy metals in surface soil samples from the Pearl River Delta region were investigated. The results showed that the soil quality was generally good, with slightly elevated levels of certain heavy metals compared to background values. The source apportionment analysis revealed that the majority of soil heavy metals in the PRD region could be attributed to natural and industrial sources, with smaller contributions from transportation and agricultural activities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiyan Yang, Chuyue Long, Chenmin Xie, Jiaxun Lu, Xiaodong Wang, Canchuan Zhang, Li Zhang, Shejun Chen, Yuxin Sun
Summary: Spatial and temporal trends of tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in mangrove sediments from the Pearl River Estuary in South China were evaluated. The highest TBBPA concentration was observed in Guangzhou mangrove wetland near a dockyard and a ferry terminal. The concentrations of HBCD in Shenzhen mangrove sediments were influenced by rapid development.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiping Ye, Jianyao Chen, Zuobing Liang, Shaoheng Li, Shin-ichi Onodera, Mitsuyo Saito, Gnanachandrasamy Gopalakrishnan
Summary: This study used sequential extraction to investigate the historical dynamics and fluxes of manganese fractions in sediments from the Pearl River Estuary in southern China. The results showed that the acid-soluble fraction was the dominant fraction, while the reducible fraction had a higher content in surface sediments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Xiangying Jin, Pengran Guo, Peng Guan, Song Wang, Yongqian Lei, Guanhua Wang
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang Cai, Ting Zhang, Qiong Liu, Pengran Guo, Yongqian Lei, Yi Wang, Fuxian Wang
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zeng-Hui Diao, Wei Qian, Zai-Wang Zhang, Jian-Chao Jin, Zhi-Liang Chen, Peng-Ran Guo, Fu-Xin Dong, Liu Yan, Ling-Jun Kong, Wei Chu
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeng-Hui Diao, Fu-Xin Dong, Liu Yan, Zhi-Liang Chen, Peng-Ran Guo, Xiao-Jie Xia, Wei Chu
Summary: This study investigates the applicability of sludge biochar catalyst (SBC) coupling with ultrasound (US) for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and phenol. Results show that the SBC/US process has a superior removal performance for Pb(II) compared to SBC without US, and can also remove coexisting metal ions along with Pb(II). The synergistic removal of Pb(II) and phenol by SBC/US process involves adsorption, precipitation, reduction, and Fenton-like oxidation processes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeng-Hui Diao, Liu Yan, Fu-Xin Dong, Zhi-Liang Chen, Peng-Ran Guo, Wei Qian, Wen-Xuan Zhang, Jing-Yi Liang, Shi-Ting Huang, Wei Chu
Summary: The study systematically investigated the ultrasound-assisted catalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by an acid mine drainage based nZVI (AMD-nZVI) coupling with FeS2 system. The results showed that nearly 98% of Cr(VI) removal was achieved within 60 minutes under optimal reaction conditions, and other pollutants could be effectively removed simultaneously. The study proposed an enhanced reaction mechanism involving the regeneration of more Fe2+ and H+ by AMD-nZVI/FeS2/US process, leading to the reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) species.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Enzong Xiao, Jinli Cui, Weimin Sun, Shiming Jiang, Mengyan Huang, Deguan Kong, Qihang Wu, Tangfu Xiao, Xiaoxu Sun, Zengping Ning
Summary: The assemblage of root-associated microorganisms plays a crucial role in improving plant adaptation to environmental stress, especially in metal(loid) hyperaccumulator plants. This study on the root microbiome of Pteris vittata revealed its beneficial role in plant growth, particularly in arsenic requisition. The findings provide valuable insights into how the root microbiome contributes to the fitness of its host.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ting Zhang, Tuodi Zhang, Jing Zhang, Deyi Zhang, Pengran Guo, Hongxia Li, Chunlei Li, Yi Wang
Summary: The stearic acid-based phase change material with graphene oxide and attapulgite aerogel showed excellent thermal properties, high heat storage capacity and thermal response behavior, making it suitable for applications in thermal energy storage, conversion, and utilization.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ziwei Guo, Ge Bai, Bing Huang, Nan Cai, Pengran Guo, Liang Chen
Summary: A novel catalyst RM-BC(HP) was synthesized using red mud and coconut shells through hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis at 800 degrees C. The catalyst showed high efficiency in degrading dyes and antibiotics, indicating promising applications in water treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan-ping Zhao, Jin-li Cui, Li-ping Fang, Ya-li An, Shu-chai Gan, Peng-ran Guo, Jiang-han Chen
Summary: This study investigated the degradation and transformation mechanisms of ROX in paddy soil, finding that ROX degrades more rapidly in flooded soils compared to non-flooded soils. The transformation products of ROX in flooded soils inhibited soil enzyme activities but this effect disappeared over time due to the sorption of transformed As products to amorphous Fe oxides.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jin-li Cui, Jinsu Yang, Yanping Zhao, Tingshan Chan, Tangfu Xiao, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: Understanding the distribution and speciation of arsenic (As) associated with iron (Fe) in subsoil profiles is important for predicting the immobilization of high geogenic As and safe utilization of As-containing soil during land development. This study investigated the As enrichment mechanisms in four subsoil cores from Hong Kong using sequential chemical extraction and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. The results showed that the subsoil profiles had relatively high concentrations of As, mainly in the form of As(V) associated with the residual fraction. Poorly crystalline Fe (oxyhydr)oxides played a key role in immobilizing most of the high geogenic As.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Tang, Zhi Li, Yanping Zhao, Jia Sun, Jianteng Sun, Zhenghui Liu, Tangfu Xiao, Jinli Cui
Summary: Road dust in urban areas is heavily contaminated with trace metals, posing a significant health risk to residents. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of the geochemical enrichment, speciation, and bioaccessibility of trace metals in road dust samples from Guangzhou, China. The results showed a significant accumulation of trace metals, primarily bound to iron/manganese oxides and carbonates. The in vitro gastrointestinal method revealed high bioaccessibility of certain trace metals, but the bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment showed a negligible noncarcinogenic risk. However, the population still faces a cumulative probability of carcinogenic risk, primarily contributed by arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Hulong Yi, Jinli Cui, Jianteng Sun, Xingyu Zhou, Tiancai Ye, Shuchai Gan, Jingcheng Chen, Yuzhong Yang, Weixin Liang, Pengran Guo, Amal Abdelhaleem, Tangfu Xiao
Summary: Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a global problem that affects more than 100 million people worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the factors that regulate the evolution of dissolved arsenic in shallow groundwater in a typical affected region. The results showed that the relatively low arsenic concentration in the study area was primarily controlled by the well-oxygenated environment and the competitive roles of phosphate and silicate. Further analysis revealed that reactive organic matter and Fe reduction played important roles in arsenic enrichment.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuqin Liu, Xiaoji Ye, Xi Zhou, Chao Chen, Yiquan Huang, Shuting Fang, Pengran Guo, Gangfeng Ouyang
Summary: Here, we demonstrate the ability of a dual-purpose periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) probe to track the complex chlorinated paraffin (CP) composition in living animals. The PMO probe serves as an adsorbent-assisted atmospheric pressure chemical ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (APCI-FT-ICR-MS) platform and an in vivo sampling device. The PMO probe enables synchronous solvent-free ionization and in-source thermal desorption of CP homologues, resulting in improved detection limits and the identification of potential CP metabolites in living fish.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinli Cui, Jinsu Yang, Mischa Weber, Jia Yan, Ruohong Li, Tingshan Chan, Yi Jiang, Tangfu Xiao, Xiaoyan Li, Xiangdong Li
Summary: The interactions between phosphate and an iron-titanium coprecipitated oxide composite were studied, and the removal and recovery of phosphate were confirmed through experiments with real wastewater. At pH 7, the presence of calcium significantly increased the removal of phosphate by precipitating it as hydroxyapatite. Acetate had no influence on phosphate removal capacity and molecular mechanisms. At pH 4, the presence of acetate and high calcium concentration facilitated the formation of amorphous FePO4 precipitate. The Fe-Ti composite decreased the formation of amorphous FePO4 and facilitated phosphate recovery.