Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yiqing Guo, Xiaoqin Li, Li Liang, Zhang Lin, Xintai Su, Wenchao Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates that Sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) can efficiently remove Cd from soil by converting it into less available forms, with minimal impact of soil pH on the immobilization of Cd. Cd was successfully enriched on S-nZVI with distribution closely related to Fe, S, and O, and CdO and CdS were identified as key products for Cd immobilization in soil.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yilong Hua, Wei Wang, Nan Hu, Tianhang Gu, Lan Ling, Wei-xian Zhang
Summary: The core-shell structure of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has been shown to provide multiplex solution and surface chemistry for reliable and high-efficiency enrichment and separation of uranium from low-level sources. Treatment of uranium-tailings wastewater in continuous-flow reactors resulted in reacted nZVI with high uranium content and treated wastewater with significantly reduced uranium concentration. This research further supports the cost-effective use of nanotechnology for pollution control and resource recovery.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Gao, Jixue Sui, Kang Chen, Zongyuan Chen, Wangsuo Wu, Zhijun Guo
Summary: The study demonstrates that nZVI can effectively remove U(VI) from strongly alkaline solutions in anaerobic conditions, with a reduction efficiency of up to 95.5%, but the efficiency drops significantly in aerobic conditions due to oxidation and desorption processes. This offers new insights into the mechanisms of U(VI) interactions with nZVI in alkaline media and provides a potential approach for uranium recovery from spent nZVI.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianhang Gu, Wei Teng, Airong Liu, Zilong Deng, Lan Ling, Wei-xian Zhang
Summary: The spatial configuration of antimony complexes has a significant impact on the removal rate, with Sb(III) showing a higher reaction rate constant than Sb(V). The rate-limiting step is identified as Fe-O bond cleavage, with Sb(OH)3 favoring this process with lower energy barrier compared to Sb(OH)6. These findings suggest a new perspective on nZVI reactions with oxyanions like arsenic and selenium, highlighting the importance of complex spatial configurations in metal(loid) separation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Liang, Lu Tang, Jun Jiang, Meng-li Li, Hua-gang Lv, Yong He, Hong-yu Liu, Sheng-guo Xue
Summary: In this study, by utilizing the dual support effect of coupling surface-modified carbon black with a surfactant, the removal capacity and mobility of nanoscale zero-valent irons (nZVIs) were enhanced for in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Yue, Yuankun Yang, Shu Chen, Jun Yao, Huili Liang, Liang Jia, Kaibin Fu, Zhe Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel composite of Chlorella vulgaris-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (CV-nZVI) was reported for efficient removal of As(III) from contaminated water. The stabilization effect of C. vulgaris reduced the agglomeration of nZVI and enhanced its reactivity. The CV-nZVI showed a removal efficiency of 99.11% for As(III) at an optimal pH of 7.0, and exhibited reusability and regeneration capabilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Sun, Jie Li, Xing Sun, Jiayi Zheng, Zhen Wu, Weizhen Liu, Dongye Zhao, Zhang Lin
Summary: Arsenic-bearing lime-ferrate sludge (ABLFS) is a hazardous waste from nonferrous metallurgical industry, causing serious environmental pollution. A new method using zero valent iron (ZVI) and hydrothermal treatment effectively stabilized arsenic in ABLFS, converting it into a highly stable mineral form and reducing leachable arsenic concentration to far below regulatory levels. This study provides a promising treatment strategy for safe disposal of ABLFS.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yaru Li, He-Ping Zhao, Lizhong Zhu
Summary: This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of various nZVI synthesis methods, introduces modification methods for addressing undesired oxidation and agglomeration of nZVI, and explains the mechanisms behind efficient removal of organic pollutants by modified nZVI. Additionally, other assisting methods for enhancing nZVI mobility and reactivity are evaluated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tianen Zhang, Bing Xia, Yuanyuan Lu, Xiaoyu Zhang, Hongfeng Chen, Rongrong Ying, Shu Jin
Summary: The study found that the remediation of heavy metals in soil using nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) can effectively reduce the leaching toxicity and bioaccessibility of heavy metals, leading to a decrease in the availability of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong Cheng, Yingying Zhang, Tao Zhang, Feng Hou, Xiaoxin Cao, Lei Shi, Peiwen Jiang, Xiang Zheng, Jianlong Wang
Summary: Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a promising disinfection tool for pathogenic enteric viruses. The resistance difference between bacteriophages to nZVI is not well understood. This study found that PhiX174 bacteriophage exhibited stronger resistance to nZVI compared to MS2 bacteriophage. The damage to viral surface proteins and nucleic acids played a role in bacteriophage inactivation.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingjuan Qiao, Weizhou Jiao, Youzhi Liu
Summary: The study proposed a sequential NZVI-Na2S2O8 process for degrading NB-containing wastewater, achieving high efficiency in NB degradation and total organic carbon removal. Sulfate radicals (SO4 center dot-) and hydroxyl radicals ((OH)-O-center dot) were identified as playing a major role in the process through electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and radical capture experiments.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ibrahim Maamoun, Ramadan Eljamal, Omar Falyouna, Khaoula Bensaida, Yuji Sugihara, Osama Eljamal
Summary: The study found that Langmuir isotherm and pseudo 2nd order kinetic model were the best models to describe the removal of phosphorus by nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI). The research also confirmed the applicability of the proposed models in interpreting the experimental data and revealed the involvement of chemisorption mechanism in the removal process. Additionally, thermodynamic analysis showed the endothermic nature in the NZVI/P system and the occurrence of sorption and reaction rate analysis on two main diffusion steps.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meirong Li, Chenliu Tang, Weixian Zhang, Lan Ling
Summary: Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and its based materials provide an efficient solution for removing arsenic from contaminated water. Arsenic can be efficiently removed through the adsorption, co-precipitation, and reduction process of nZVI. Factors such as initial solution pH, contact time, nZVI dosage, arsenic initial concentration, coexisting ions, and organic matters also affect the removal efficiency.
PROGRESS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Chen, Lei Han, Qiu Wang, Chenglang Liu, Yuzhen Liu, Jie Li
Summary: Hand-to-mouth activity is the main way for children to come into contact with contaminated soil. Bioavailability is an important factor affecting their health risk. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has been extensively studied for immobilizing As-contaminated soil, but its efficiency has not been investigated using in vitro assay and its influence on As-RBA. In this study, two contaminated soil samples were amended with 1% and 2% nZVI for 56 days to study its effect on As fraction, As bioaccessibility, and As relative bioavailability (RBA). The results showed that nZVI treatment significantly decreased the fractions of exchangeable and carbonate-bound As in the soil, and also affected the bioaccessibility and RBA of As. The findings suggest the importance of considering As-RBA in assessing the effects of nZVI on human health.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue Li, Miao Gao, Yingchao Huo, Houqi Liu, Jie Li, Tianyin Huang, Ruquan Ye, Wenwei Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of shell structure on the reactivity and air stability of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). The results show that nZVI with a highly crystalline and weakly hydrophilic shell exhibits higher intrinsic activity for nitrate reduction and improved air stability compared to nZVI with an amorphous, hydrophilic iron hydroxide oxide shell. The crystalline shell facilitates more efficient interfacial electronic transfer and suppresses side reactions, while the protective hematite shell enhances anti-aging ability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
C. Boente, D. Baragano, N. Garcia-Gonzalez, R. Forjan, A. Colina, J. R. Gallego
Summary: This study presents an innovative methodology for assessing the distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in soil-polluted areas, utilizing multi-variate statistical and geostatistical algorithms, soil pollution indices, and geochemical & geomorphological/climate variables. Through comprehensive soil sampling in an area around a former As-Hg mine, factors such as Hg, As, Pb, and Sb were identified as main pollutants of concern, with their mobility influenced by climatic/geomorphological variables. The study also found that pollution from chimneys affects the entire study area, while the distribution of PTEs from spoil heaps is more associated with factors like slope and watercourses.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. Baragano, G. Ratie, C. Sierra, V. Chrastny, M. Komarek, J. R. Gallego
Summary: This study introduces a novel approach combining multivariate statistics and environmental forensic techniques to identify distinct pollution sources in a severely polluted estuarine area, showcasing the efficacy of the method. Factor analysis and clustering were used to differentiate sub-areas with different geochemical behaviors, highlighting the usefulness of this methodology in pollution source identification.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
L. C. Staicu, P. J. Wojtowicz, D. Baragano, M. Posfai, Z. Molnar, E. Ruiz-Agudo, J. L. R. Gallego
Summary: This study investigates bioremediation of metal-laden, arsenic-dominated retentate using Shewanella sp. O23S, showing that addition of cysteine can increase removal rates and contribute to enhanced efficiency through the production of hydrogen sulfide. By utilizing a biological system with naturally sourced inocula and inexpensive reagents, real metal-laden industrial effluents can be treated to medium-to-high efficiency.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Boente, M. T. D. Albuquerque, J. R. Gallego, V. Pawlowsky-Glahn, J. J. Egozcue
Summary: This study introduces a new methodology based on CoDa principles to establish Compositional Pollution Indicators (CI). By analyzing a database of soil samples from the contaminated region of Langreo, Northwestern Spain, three different CIs were obtained and characterized through simulated results. The research aims to provide a better understanding of relative enrichment trends and fate of PTEs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Gil-Diaz, R. A. Perez, J. Alonso, E. Miguel, S. Diez-Pascual, M. C. Lobo
Summary: Little attention has been given to the development of remediation strategies for soils polluted with mixtures of pollution (metal(loid)s and organic compounds). This study evaluates the effectiveness of different types of commercial iron nanoparticles for the remediation of an industrial soil co-contaminated with Cr and PCBs. The results suggest that iron nanoparticles can significantly reduce the concentrations of Cr and PCBs in the soil, especially the nZVI-Pd showing better performance than nZVI.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra Rua-Diaz, Ruben Forjan, Manoel Lago-Vila, Beatriz Cerqueira, Elena Arco-Lazaro, Purificacion Marcet, Diego Baragano, Jose Luis R. Gallego, Emma F. Covelo
Summary: Biochar is a promising material for remediating polluted soils, with properties depending on feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. In this study, biochar produced from corncob at different temperatures was tested for its capacity to remediate Cu- and As-contaminated mining soil. The biochar exhibited higher surface area with increasing pyrolysis temperature, but also contained high molecular weight PAHs at the maximum temperature, posing potential ecotoxicological risks. The application of biochar to the soil partially immobilized Cu, especially when using biochar obtained at 500°C, due to its structure and pH and organic matter content increase. However, all three types of biochar led to an insignificant increase in soluble As fraction. Overall, biochar produced at 500°C outperformed the other two products in terms of soil recovery, considering its lower PAH content, higher Cu immobilization ratio, and negligible increase in As availability. The data on Cu and As availability were confirmed using two extraction methodologies, suggesting the operational approach can be used in other soil remediation actions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jose E. Ortiz, Yolanda Sanchez-Palencia, Jose L. R. Gallego, Angeles G. Borrego, Diego Baragano, Trinidad Torres
Summary: This study measured the concentrations of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere of a rural area in northern Spain. The results showed that the total atmospheric PAH concentration was slightly lower than in other rural areas and much lower than in urban areas. The particulate fraction had a greater content of high molecular weight PAHs, while the gas phase had more low molecular weight homologues. The concentrations of PAHs showed seasonal variability, with higher concentrations found during winter and autumn in the gas phase and during winter and spring in the particulate fraction. The historical record also revealed an increase in PAH concentrations from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, followed by a decrease in recent years.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
A. M. Diaz, R. Forjan, J. R. Gallego, L. Benavente-Hidalgo, J. M. Menendez-Aguado, D. Baragano
Summary: This study successfully remediated soil contaminated by high concentrations of As and metals by combining nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) with dunite mining waste and compost, while also improving soil fertility.
Article
Agronomy
MARiA R. O. S. A. Yague, MARiA C. A. R. M. E. N. Lobo, P. I. L. A. R. Garcia
Summary: This study investigated the reuse of two organic waste products as fertilisers. The results showed that the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) treatment had the highest oxidable carbon (OC) content, while the mineral N content was lower in the SMS treatment compared to the unfertilised soil (CO) treatment after 90 days of incubation. The enzymatic activity of arylsulfatase (ARYL) and urease (URE) was higher in the SMS treatment, and the activity of β-galactosidase (GAL) decreased over time in the anaerobic digestate (DIG) treatment. Organic fertilisation treatments had different effects on soil N mineralisation and enzyme activity.
PLANT SOIL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carolina Mancho, Sergio Diez-Pascual, Juan Alonso, Mar Gil-Diaz, M. Carmen Lobo
Summary: Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for crops, but its primary source, phosphate rock, is becoming scarce and expensive. Therefore, finding alternative sources of phosphorus and developing new recovery technologies are necessary. One promising option is the recovery of struvite from urban wastewater, which not only reduces eutrophication risk but also allows for P reuse.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander Prosenkov, Christine Cagnon, Jose Luis R. Gallego, Ana Isabel Pelaez
Summary: Abandoned brownfields pose a challenge for recovery, and indigenous microorganisms are crucial for sustainable remediation. Understanding microbial communities, identifying detoxifying microorganisms, and studying their interactions will greatly enhance the success of remediation efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. Salgado, C. A. Lopez-Sanchez, A. Colina, D. Baragan, R. Forjan, J. R. Gallego
Summary: A combination of low-density geochemical survey, multispectral data obtained with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Remote Sensing (UAV-RS), and machine learning techniques was tested for predicting contaminant distribution in highly variable zones. The methodology proved effective in an area affected by Hg and As contamination, providing accurate prediction and mapping of contaminant content in soil and vegetation. The results were superior to those obtained from satellite or spectrometry data, making this methodology a powerful alternative for studying soil and vegetation pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sergio Forcada, Mario Menendez-Miranda, Carlos Boente, Jose Luis Rodriguez Gallego, Jose M. Costa-Fernandez, Luis J. Royo, Ana Soldado
Summary: The distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dairy farm production chain was studied in 16 livestock farms in Spain. The results showed that farms near industrial areas had higher levels of PTEs and PAHs in the soil and forage, but not in the milk. However, overall, the levels of contaminants in the soil, forage, and milk were relatively low.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Boente, Carlos Sierra, Julian Martinez, Eduardo Rodriguez-Valdes, Elias Afif, Javier Rey, Isabel Margarida Horta Ribeiro Antunes, Jose Luis Rodriguez Gallego
Summary: Mineral processing and metallurgy production centers can lead to significant soil contamination, as observed in the mining district of Linares. Elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in agricultural and residential areas, exceeding regional guidelines. Chemical speciation analysis indicated high availability of Pb, Zn, and Cd, primarily bound to carbonates. Health risk assessment identified potential threats from Pb and As. Remediation strategies should consider size fractionation treatment for mining-affected soils, while evenly distributed pollutants pose challenges for metallurgical-affected areas.
