Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bing Deng, Robert A. Carter, Yi Cheng, Yuan Liu, Lucas Eddy, Kevin M. Wyss, Mine G. Ucak-Astarlioglu, Duy Xuan Luong, Xiaodong Gao, Khalil JeBailey, Carter Kittrell, Shichen Xu, Debadrita Jana, Mark Albert Torres, Janet Braam, James M. Tour
Summary: Soil contamination is a pressing environmental concern. This study developed a rapid and energy-efficient electrothermal process to simultaneously remove heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Li, Xinhui Sun, Wenjun Zhang, Zhaoyang Sun, Shuo Na, Zheng Chen, Lei Wang, Chaolei Yuan, Hongwen Sun
Summary: Studies have shown that Fe(III)-modified montmorillonite has the potential to remediate soil contaminated by arsenic and poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by promoting the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) and transformation of anthracene.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marie Davin, Gilles Colinet, Marie-Laure Fauconnier
Summary: This paper reviews three scientific trends leading current PAH-contaminated soil/sediment remediation studies and management. Firstly, the choice of compounds studied is discussed, suggesting the classical 16 US-EPA PAH compounds may no longer be sufficient. Secondly, the lack of PAH remediation trials on co-contaminated or aged-contaminated material is highlighted. Finally, the systematic use of the bioavailability measurement protocol as a tool to improve remediation processes and strategies is recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mahmoud Mazarji, Tatiana Minkina, Svetlana Sushkova, Saglara Mandzhieva, Gholamreza Nabi Bidhendi, Anatoly Barakhov, Amit Bhatnagar
Summary: This article discusses the application of nanomaterials in the remediation of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil, highlighting the contributions of different NM characteristics to process enhancement and summarizing the best operating conditions. Additionally, attention is given to the influence of soil type and pollutant type on process performance, as well as the potential implications of NMs and PAHs on soil properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jia Xing, Guoren Xu, Guibai Li
Summary: This study compared sewage sludge-based biochars (SSBBs) with lignocellulose-based biochars (LCBBs) in terms of their pyrolysis processes, various fractions, and potential soil applications. Significant differences were found in carbon content, surface functional groups, ash fractions, and potential toxic elements between SSBBs and LCBBs. The differences determined the discrepancies in soil application potential and mechanisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dishen Li, Pinjie Su, Mingbo Tang, Guohui Zhang
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis of 56 published studies and found that the application of biochar can significantly reduce the concentration of PAHs in soil, improve the physicochemical properties of soil, and enhance microbial diversity. The study also highlighted the importance of biochar production conditions and soil physicochemical properties in influencing PAH persistence.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liang Shen, Yifang Liu, Jiabao Gong, Erle Qiao
Summary: The adsorption behavior of pyrene and seven types of surfactants on kaolinite surfaces was studied. The results showed that pyrene was more easily adsorbed on the 001 (-) side of kaolinite. Some surfactants had strong interactions with pyrene, forming aggregates. However, high concentration of surfactant inhibited pyrene desorption on the kaolinite surface.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Adriana Nowak, Ireneusz Nowak
Summary: Honey is a natural food with pro-health properties but can also be contaminated with environmental pollutants. Research focuses on heavy metals and pesticides in honey, with urban and industrial areas showing higher contamination levels than ecological and rural locations. Propolis and bee pollen contain more pollutants compared to honey. Most toxic pollutants in honey/bee products are not a threat to consumer health, although pesticides and heavy metals are of concern due to exceedance of maximum limits in some studies.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Claudio A. Lagos, Tsiri Diaz, Estefania Saucedo, Cesar Arriagada, John Larsen, Pablo F. Jaramillo-Lopez
Summary: Soil pollution with PAH like phenanthrene is harmful to the environment and organisms, requiring appropriate remediation techniques. The study found that phenanthrene reduced maize biomass and affected AMF root colonization. The negative growth response of mycorrhiza in maize exposed to phenanthrene needs further investigation to identify underlying mechanisms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei Ge, Huan Zhou, Yan Li, Yanqin Wang, Zhenfeng Zhou, Juan Wu, Chao Chai
Summary: The use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus eryngii can effectively degrade PAHs in agricultural soils, with the highest efficiency observed when SMS is applied at a high rate and frequency.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Longmiao Yuan, Yingqin Wu, Qiaohui Fan, Ping Li, Jianjun Liang, Yan hong Liu, Rong Ma, Ruijie Li, LeiPing Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of soil organic matter (SOM) and low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the adsorption of PAHs by minerals. The results showed that among the three minerals tested, Montmorillonite exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for PAHs, with the adsorption order of Pyrene>Phenanthrene>Naphthalene in accordance with their octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow). Inorganic ions (Ca2+) affected the adsorption of PAHs by competitive adsorption and cation-pi interactions. Furthermore, SOM enhanced the sorption of PAHs through various mechanisms, while LMWOAs significantly inhibited PAHs adsorption and promoted their desorption from minerals, thus increasing their bioavailability and providing a new strategy for improving PAHs cleanup efficiency.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chaomeng Dai, Yueming Han, Yanping Duan, Xiaoying Lai, Rongbing Fu, Shuguang Liu, Kah Hon Leong, Yaojen Tu, Lang Zhou
Summary: The rapid economic and population growth in coastal areas has led to serious PAHs pollution. This review compared the pollution characteristics of different coastal areas and summarized the remediation methods for PAHs contamination in soil and sediments. It also introduced new green and sustainable systems. Integrated approaches are the best choice for PAHs remediation, but new technologies are still needed due to environmental heterogeneity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen Wu, Feng Li, Shengwei Yi, Fei Ge
Summary: Soils contaminated with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have become a global environmental concern, requiring urgent remediation. Traditional physical and chemical methods are not environmentally friendly, while genetically engineered microorganisms offer a more ecofriendly and cost-effective strategy for efficient bioremediation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhijun Luo, Yanghong Min, Lingling Qu, Youye Song, Yongxiang Hong
Summary: The photochemical process of ferrous oxalate effectively degrades phenanthrene in contaminated soil under visible light irradiation by generating hydroxyl radicals. Ferrous oxalate possesses excellent visible light absorption ability, which is crucial for enhancing the degradation efficiency of phenanthrene.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carlotta Carlini, Sampriti Chaudhuri, Oliver Mann, Daniel Tomsik, Thorsten Hueffer, Nicolas Greggio, Diego Marazza, Thilo Hofmann, Gabriel Sigmund
Summary: Biochar has been proven to immobilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and hetero-PAH in residually contaminated soils, and performs better than commercial activated carbon (AC). Steam-activated biochar (SABC) showed higher efficacy than AC, while pristine biochar (BC) had slightly lower performance but was still acceptable. Therefore, BC and SABC can be valid substitutes for AC in stabilizing residually contaminated soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Anton-Herrero, Liliana Vega-Jara, Carlos Garcia-Delgado, Begona Mayans, Raquel Camacho-Arevalo, Eduardo Moreno-Jimenez, Cesar Plaza, Enrique Eymar
Summary: The study showed that biochar combined with fertilization can reduce the bioavailability of copper and lead in soil, decrease copper content in pepper leaves, and lower arsenic and lead content in plants. Additionally, biochar combined with biostimulant can decrease the bioavailable content of cadmium in soil and its uptake by pepper plants.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
I Sanchis, E. Diaz, A. H. Pizarro, J. J. Rodriguez, A. F. Mohedano
Summary: Nitrate pollution of water bodies is a serious global environmental problem, and there is a lack of cost-effective solutions for its removal. Catalytic reduction is an emerging technology that can transform nitrate into harmless nitrogen gas, but it faces challenges in stability and catalyst regeneration.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eduardo Moreno-Jimenez, Fernando T. Maestre, Maren Flagmeier, Emilio Guirado, Miguel Berdugo, Felipe Bastida, Marina Dacal, Paloma Diaz-Martinez, Raul Ochoa-Hueso, Cesar Plaza, Matthias C. Rillig, Thomas W. Crowther, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
Summary: By analyzing over 1300 topsoil samples, we found that warmer arid and tropical ecosystems, particularly in less developed countries, have the lowest contents of multiple soil micronutrients. We also provide evidence that temperature increases may result in abrupt reductions in soil micronutrient content when a temperature threshold of 12-14 degrees Celsius is crossed, potentially affecting 3% of the planet over the next century. Our findings have important implications for understanding the global distribution of soil micronutrients and their impact on ecosystem functioning, rangeland management, and food production in the warmest and poorest regions of the planet.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Rafael Anton-Herrero, Carlos Garcia-Delgado, Gabriel Anton-Herrero, Begona Mayans, Laura Delgado-Moreno, Enrique Eymar
Summary: The use of biostimulants in agriculture is increasing, and the European Union has introduced a new fertilizer regulation that includes the concept of biostimulants. This study aimed to develop a methodology to test the efficiency of commercial products as biostimulants for Capsicum annuum L. in hydroponic conditions. The results showed that biostimulants led to increased plant weight, lower leaf moisture percentage, higher chlorophyll values, and potential water savings.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Sarrion, R. P. Ipiales, M. A. de la Rubia, A. F. Mohedano, E. Diaz
Summary: Chicken meat and bones waste were treated through hydrothermal treatment, nutrient recovery and anaerobic digestion to evaluate their potential in circular economy. The acidic hydrothermal treatment resulted in high heating value bio-oil, while the non-acidic reactions produced poor combustion hydrochar. High amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen were solubilized in the process water under acidic conditions, while these nutrients were mainly retained in the hydrochar under non-acidic conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andres Sarrion, Enrique Medina-Martos, Diego Iribarren, Elena Diaz, Angel F. Mohedano, Javier Dufour
Summary: This study evaluated a novel strategy for food waste valorization from an environmental life-cycle perspective. The system, based on acid-assisted hydrothermal carbonization of food waste combined with the exploitation of hydrochar and nutrient recovery stage, showed better environmental performance compared to stand-alone anaerobic digestion. The use of hydrochar as a substitute for fossil fuels and the reduced impacts of soil application contribute to the promising circular economy concept for food waste valorization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu-Rong Liu, Marcel G. A. van der Heijden, Judith Riedo, Carlos Sanz-Lazaro, David J. J. Eldridge, Felipe Bastida, Eduardo Moreno-Jimenez, Xin-Quan Zhou, Hang-Wei Hu, Ji-Zheng He, Jose L. Moreno, Sebastian Abades, Fernando Alfaro, Adebola R. R. Bamigboye, Miguel Berdugo, Jose L. Blanco-Pastor, Asuncion de los Rios, Jorge Duran, Tine Grebenc, Javier G. G. Illan, Thulani P. P. Makhalanyane, Marco A. A. Molina-Montenegro, Tina U. U. Nahberger, Gabriel F. F. Penaloza-Bojaca, Cesar Plaza, Ana Rey, Alexandra Rodriguez, Christina Siebe, Alberto L. L. Teixido, Nuria Casado-Coy, Pankaj Trivedi, Cristian Torres-Diaz, Jay Prakash Verma, Arpan Mukherjee, Xiao-Min Zeng, Ling Wang, Jianyong Wang, Eli Zaady, Xiaobing Zhou, Qiaoyun Huang, Wenfeng Tan, Yong-Guan Zhu, Matthias C. C. Rillig, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthias C. Rillig, Marcel G. A. van der Heijden, Miguel Berdugo, Yu-Rong Liu, Judith Riedo, Carlos Sanz-Lazaro, Eduardo Moreno-Jimenez, Ferran Romero, Leho Tedersoo, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
Summary: The authors investigate the relationship between soil stressors exceeding critical thresholds and ecosystem services. They find that multiple stressors crossing a high-level threshold reduce soil functioning and can predict ecosystem functioning. Increasing environmental stressors may decrease ecosystem functioning in soils. However, this relationship has not been globally assessed. Using global field surveys and natural and human factors, the authors test the relationship between stressors exceeding different critical thresholds and ecosystem services maintenance. Their analysis shows that multiple stressors, especially those crossing a high-level threshold, significantly reduce soil biodiversity and functioning globally. The number of stressors exceeding the >75% threshold consistently predicts multiple ecosystem services, enhancing the prediction of ecosystem functioning.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andres Sarrion, M. Angeles de la Rubia, Nicole D. Berge, Angel F. Mohedano, Elena Diaz
Summary: This study focuses on the fate of nutrients (N, P, and K) during the hydrothermal treatment of anaerobically digested sewage sludge to raise their concentrations in the liquid phase and facilitate their recovery as solid minerals. The optimization of the hydrothermal process was carried out by evaluating temperature and reaction time in an acid-free medium or with the addition of HCl. The release of nutrients in the process water was improved through HCl-assisted hydrothermal treatment, and the recovered solid showed high contents of P, Mg, and NH4-N with negligible heavy-metal content.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ricardo Paul Ipiales, Andres Sarrion, Elena Diaz, Emiliano Diaz-Portuondo, Angel F. Mohedano, Angeles de la Rubia
Summary: The study focuses on the upgrading of hydrochar from swine manure using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and various post-treatments. The conventional HTC process yields hydrochar with low quality, while HCl-assisted HTC or washing with HCl or acetone significantly improve the carbon content, higher heating value (HHV), and ash removal of the hydrochar. Washing with acetone also reduces the nitrogen and sulfur contents, making the hydrochar suitable for solid biofuel. The hydrochars obtained from HCl-assisted HTC and HCl/acetone washing exhibit higher thermal stability and better reactivity compared to conventional hydrochars.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eneko Suarez, Montserrat Tobajas, Angel F. F. Mohedano, Maria Reguera, Elvira Esteban, Angeles de la Rubia
Summary: Thermalchemical treatments of biowaste produce renewable carbon-rich materials and promote waste valorization. The study focuses on the agronomic application of fresh hydrochar, post-treated hydrochar, and biochar as soil amendments to enhance seed germination and plant growth. Washing the hydrochar improves its performance and removes substances that can be detrimental to germination and plant growth.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Begona Mayans, Rafael Anton-Herrero, Carlos Garcia-Delgado, Nely Carreras, Laura Delgado-Moreno, Consuelo Escolastico, Rocio Millan, Enrique Eymar
Summary: Livestock manure can be utilized to produce biogas by pre-treating it with ligninolytic fungi, which can break down lignin and facilitate the hydrolysis step, leading to higher biomethane production. Three strategies of incubation with Pleurotus fungi were evaluated, showing a significant increase in methane production compared to the control group. Extracts from Pleurotus fungi could be considered as a novel and promising tool for optimizing methane production.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Moreno Jimenez, Nuria Ferrol, Nicolas Corradi, Jesus M. Penalosa, Matthias C. Rillig
Summary: Studying the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on crop nutrition and their interactions with other soil microbes is crucial for optimizing agroecosystems and crops' uptake of micronutrients while reducing contamination from metal(loid)s.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Saeed V. Qaramaleki, Angel F. Mohedano, Charles J. Coronella
Summary: The study focuses on retrieving phosphorus and nitrogen from the process water of acid-assisted hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of cow manure. Different organic acids and sulfuric acid were examined as additives in HTC. With 0.3 M sulfuric acid, more than 99% of phosphorus and 15.6% of nitrogen were successfully extracted from manure during HTC at 170 degrees C for 10 minutes. Precipitation was used to recover the nutrients, primarily phosphorus, by increasing the ionic strength and raising the pH of the solution. XRD analysis revealed that the precipitate formed by HTC with oxalic acid was crystalline, although it did not match any known substance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angela Martinez-Gomez, Maria Fe Andres, Angel Baron-Sola, Fernando E. Diaz-Manzano, Ibraheem Yousef, Ismael F. Mena, Elena Diaz, Oscar Gomez-Torres, Azucena Gonzalez-Coloma, Luis E. Hernandez, Carolina Escobar
Summary: This study found that grape pomace-derived biochar, obtained through pyrolysis, has the potential to control root-knot nematodes. The biochar is rich in carbon and plant nutrients and provides a suitable environment for microbial growth. The results showed that the treated biochar effectively reduced the infection and reproduction of root-knot nematodes in tomato plants. Therefore, utilizing grape waste to produce biochar can not only mitigate waste management issues but also provide an effective solution for root-knot nematode control.
