Article
Ecology
Paula Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez, Ignacio Giron, Pilar Burgos, Maria Teresa Lopez-Fernandez, Oscar Garcia Porras, Engracia Madejon
Summary: The study focused on the application of assisted phytoremediation to accelerate the restoration of uranium mining areas. By applying sugar lime and seeding common grasses, the development of vegetation and accumulation of soil organic matter were improved, leading to decreased uranium and manganese availability in the soil-plant system.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jin Fan, Chongfeng Bu, Yangzhou Qi, Wenjuan Zhou, Chun Wang, Yingxin Wei, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: This study explored the potential of biocrusts as a novel approach for remediating heavy metal pollution in mining areas. The results showed that biocrusts have the ability to enrich heavy metals, but their activation effect is relatively small. Additionally, biocrusts can reduce the ecological risk of heavy metals in soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Isidoria Silva Gonzaga, Jose Carlos de Jesus Santos, Luiz Fernando Ganassali Junior, Pryanka Thuyra Nascimento Fontes, Jady da Silva Araujo, Thomas Antonio Silva Gonzaga
Summary: The study demonstrated that biochar can significantly enhance phytoremediation of copper-contaminated soils, especially orange bagasse biochar. In low-copper soil, biochar significantly promoted plant growth and copper uptake, while in high-copper soil, it helped reduce plant copper uptake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Shiyu, Liu Hui, Zhao Yingliang
Summary: Mining plays a crucial role in human history, but also has negative impacts on the environment and health. Mine tailings are a significant threat from ore processing. Geopolymerization offers a promising approach to recycle mine tailings and convert waste into value.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min-Suk Kim, Sang-Hwan Lee, Jeong-Gyu Kim
Summary: Biochar application can alter various soil chemical properties and affect plant arsenic uptake and phytotoxicity. However, the increased available arsenic from biochar did not significantly impact arsenic uptake by plants due to the interaction with available phosphorus. Biochar application negatively affected soil chemical properties and plant arsenic uptake.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Honorine Gauthier-Manuel, Diane Radola, Flavien Choulet, Martine Buatier, Raphael Vauthier, Tatiana Morvan, Walter Chavanne, Frederic Gimbert
Summary: The study found that weathering of metal-rich minerals in historical coal tailings heap leads to severe contamination of Beuveroux river water and suspended particles. The ecotoxicity of the acid mine drainage (AMD) was assessed using Chironomus riparius larvae and showed lethal and sub-lethal effects. Metal bioaccumulation and subcellular fractionation in the larvae tissues indicated strong bioavailability of As, Pb and Tl, explaining the observed biological responses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Li Zhang, Xiangsheng Li, Lichun Chang, Tianpeng Wang, Jianli Liang, Runmao Lin, Jian Wu, Xiaowu Wang
Summary: This study successfully increased the genetic diversity of Brassica juncea by introgressing the A genome of Brassica rapa. New B. juncea germplasm with expanded phenotypic variations was developed, and the introgression of B. rapa segments was tracked using SNP markers. The results showed that the introgression of the B. rapa genome significantly increased the genetic diversity of B. juncea.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Prashant Vasisth, Naveen Singh, Omkar Maharudra Limbalkar, Mohit Sharma, Gokulan Dhanasekaran, Mohan Lal Meena, Priyanka Jain, Sarika Jaiswal, Mir Asif Iquebal, Anshul Watts, Kiran B. Gaikwad, Rajendra Singh
Summary: Interspecific hybridization has led to the development of improved canola varieties with higher productivity and adaptability. Through the analysis of multiple traits in different hybrids, specific genetic factors contributing to yield have been identified. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of interspecific hybridization in enhancing crop diversity and productivity.
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xiang He, Zuhua Yuhua, Shaker Qaidi, Haytham F. Isleem, Osama Zaid, Fadi Althoey, Jawad Ahmad
Summary: This review paper discusses recent advances in the production of mine tailings-based geopolymer composites as a potential sustainable building material. It provides in-depth studies on the behaviors and characteristics of these composites and explores their physical properties, mechanical properties, durability properties, microstructural properties, thermal properties, leaching behavior, and potential applications. The article also highlights the need for further research on the environmental footprints and economic benefits of mine tailings-based geopolymer composites and outlines future study opportunities based on existing challenges.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lei Kang, Lunwen Qian, Ming Zheng, Liyang Chen, Hao Chen, Liu Yang, Liang You, Bin Yang, Mingli Yan, Yuanguo Gu, Tianyi Wang, Sarah-Veronica Schiessl, Hong An, Paul Blischak, Xianjun Liu, Hongfeng Lu, Dawei Zhang, Yong Rao, Donghai Jia, Dinggang Zhou, Huagui Xiao, Yonggang Wang, Xinghua Xiong, Annaliese S. Mason, J. Chris Pires, Rod J. Snowdon, Wei Hua, Zhongsong Liu
Summary: This study presents a chromosome-scale de novo assembly of a yellow-seeded Brassica juncea genome and population analyses of 480 accessions from 38 countries, shedding light on the origin, domestication history, and morphological diversification of B. juncea. The research supports the hypothesis that B. juncea most likely originated in West Asia 8,000-14,000 years ago via natural interspecific hybridization, and new crop types evolved through spontaneous gene mutations and introgressions along three independent routes of eastward expansion. Selective sweeps, genome-wide trait associations, and tissue-specific RNA-sequencing analysis provide insights into the domestication history of flowering time and seed weight, as well as human selection for morphological diversification in this versatile species.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ian M. Power, Carlos Paulo, Hannah Long, Justin A. Lockhart, Amanda R. Stubbs, David French, Robert Caldwell
Summary: This study explores the potential for stabilizing brucite-bearing mine tailings through in situ cementation while sequestering CO2. The research shows that the abundance of brucite, water availability, and grain sizes are key factors influencing the carbonation process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ha T. T. Pham, Ly N. Nguyen, Thuy T. Le, Mai Q. Le, Toan K. Tran
Summary: The study examined the impact of simulated acid rain on three Brassica species in Vietnam. The results showed that acid rain caused direct damage to leaves, leading to discoloration, curling, and necrosis. As the pH dropped, parameters such as shoot and root length, leaf area, biomass, and chlorophyll content decreased, while the accumulation of proline content in leaves increased. Among the species, Brassica rara exhibited the highest resistance to acid rain, with the highest proline content at pH 3.0.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Robert A. Root, Jon Chorover
Summary: This study investigated the release kinetics of toxic metals from mine tailings dust particles using in vitro bioassay and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Arsenate within jarosite and sorbed to ferrihydrite, as well as lead from anglesite, were identified as the principal sources of contamination in the near surface tailings. The bioaccessible fractions of arsenic and lead were found to be higher in gastric fluid than lung fluid simulant, and the release of these elements showed a parabolic dissolution pattern for fine, highly-reactive particles followed by slower release from less soluble sources. The release of arsenic in lung fluid was mainly from arsenic-substituted jarosite, while in gastric fluid, arsenic complexed on ferrihydrite surfaces was preferentially released and subsequently repartitioned to jarosite-like coordination at extended exposures. Lead was primarily dissolved in phosphate rich lung fluid and subsequently repartitioned back to the solid phase as pyromorphite.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Tuomela, V Pekkala, A. Rauhala, A. Torabi Haghighi, P. Leviakangas
Summary: The mining industry produces significant amounts of waste materials, which can be used as alternative civil engineering materials. This study evaluated the frost behavior of tailings from metal mines in northern Finland and Sweden, finding that finer tailings are more susceptible to frost.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Huiping Huang, Junwei Wang, Shuxiang Mao, Qi Wu, Yuxiao Tian, Feng Wang, Pei Wang, Ke Huang, Qiuyun Wu
Summary: This study investigated the phenotypic and glucosinolate contents variation in 60 mustard resources from different areas in China. The results showed significant differences in both agronomic traits and glucosinolate contents among different mustard resources. Further analysis on JC 18-56 resource revealed notable variations in glucosinolate contents and composition among different organs at different growth stages.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojuan Chen, Yu Zhou, Jiesen Li, Suresh C. Pillai, Nanthi Bolan, Juhua He, Ning Li, Song Xu, Xin Chen, Qinghua Lin, Hailong Wang
Summary: Biochar obtained from pyrolysis of biomass waste has the potential to be used in wastewater treatment due to its large surface area and active sites. In this study, biochar was prepared from sorghum straw and its adsorption kinetics towards tartrazine was investigated. The optimized biochar was also used as a catalyst for peroxydisulfate activation to degrade tartrazine. The degradation pathways and reactive substances were analyzed, showing the potential ecological benefits of this catalytic system.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Suazo-Hernandez, Nicolas Arancibia-Miranda, Rawan Mlih, Lizethly Caceres-Jensen, Nanthi Bolan, Maria de la Luz Mora
Summary: In recent years, the release of metal and metallic oxide engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the environment has led to an increased accumulation in agricultural soils, posing significant risks to the ecosystem and soil health. This study examines the impact of ENPs on the physical and chemical properties of soils. The results show that the presence of ENPs can alter soil properties such as hydraulic conductivity, porosity, pH, CEC, EC, Eh, and SOM content, as well as influencing nutrient availability in the soil solution through complexation or precipitation with metal cations released from ENPs.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Suazo-Hernandez, Pamela Sepulveda, Lizethly Caceres-Jensen, Jorge Castro-Rojas, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Nanthi Bolan, Maria de la Luz Mora
Summary: In the past decade, the use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) as an adsorbent has gained attention due to its low cost, non-toxicity, high porosity, and BET-specific surface area. Immobilizing nZVI particles onto inorganic and organic substrates has decreased their agglomeration and enhanced their adsorption capacity for pollutants. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review studies on phosphate removal from aquatic systems. This study evaluates different types of nZVI and nanocomposites, factors affecting phosphate adsorption, and the mechanisms involved in phosphate removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guangcai Yin, Xingling Chen, Binoy Sarkar, Nanthi S. Bolan, Tian Wei, Haiyi Zhou, Hailong Wang
Summary: This study aims to unravel the co-adsorption mechanisms of Cd(II) and As(III) by a Pennisetum sp. straw biochar (BC) modified with Fe-Mn oxide (FMBC). The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) and As(III) by FMBC was 141.1 and 31.8 mg/g, respectively, which was 2.71 and 3.89 times higher than that of BC. In the dual-adsorbate system, Cd(II) increased the adsorption of As(III) on FMBC by 5.1-123.9%, while As(III) reduced the adsorption of Cd(II) by 0.7-24.8%, indicating respective synergism and competition effect.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hanbo Chen, Yurong Gao, Huiyun Dong, Binoy Sarkar, Hocheol Song, Jianhong Li, Nanthi Bolan, Bert F. Quin, Xing Yang, Fangbai Li, Fengchang Wu, Jun Meng, Hailong Wang, Wenfu Chen
Summary: Sustainable management of organic biowaste and arable soil contamination by toxic elements is a concern. A pot trial was conducted to remediate As/Pb co-contaminated soil using chitin, crawfish shell biochar, crawfish shell powder, and CT-CSB composite. Results showed that the addition of amendments decreased Pb bioavailability, with CT-CSB treatment being the most effective. CSP and CSB increased soil available As concentration, while CT and CT-CSB treatments reduced it. CT addition enhanced soil enzyme activities, while CSB-containing treatments suppressed most enzymes. Bacterial abundance and composition in soil were altered by the amendments, and soil chemical properties were strong predictors of As/Pb availability. CT-CSB can potentially immobilize As and Pb and restore soil ecological functions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Lokesh P. Padhye, Manish Kumar, Vasileios Antoniadis, Srinidhi Sridharan, Yuanyuan Tang, Narendra Singh, Choolaka Hewawasam, Meththika Vithanage, Lal Singh, Jorg Rinklebe, Hocheol Song, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, M. B. Kirkham, Hailong Wang, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Medical waste includes infectious, hazardous, radioactive, and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that are produced in the treatment, diagnosis, and immunisation processes of animals and humans. Common technologies for its safe management are incineration and sterilisation. Proper disposal and land application of medical waste ash are crucial to prevent the release of PTEs and ensure environmental safety. This review paper critically examines the dynamics of PTEs, environmental and health implications, and misconceptions regarding medical waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Hasintha Wijesekara, Mohsin Tanveer, Vanessa Boschi, Lokesh P. Padhye, Madhuni Wijesooriya, Lei Wang, Tahereh Jasemizad, Chensi Wang, Tao Zhang, Jorg Rinklebe, Hailong Wang, Su Shiung Lam, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, M. B. Kirkham, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Beryllium is a rare element found in the Earth's crust, coal, and minerals. It is used in aerospace, electronics, and mechanical industries as an alloy with other metals. The main sources of emissions to the atmosphere are coal and fossil fuel combustion, as well as incineration of municipal solid waste. In the environment, most beryllium is sorbed to soil particles and sediments, with contamination occurring through atmospheric deposition on plants. Beryllium and its compounds are toxic, and the general public is exposed through inhalation and ingestion of contaminated food and water.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gurwinder Singh, Kavitha Ramadass, Venkata D. B. C. DasiReddy, Xiangzhou Yuan, Yong Sik Ok, Nanthi Bolan, Xue Xiao, Tianyi Ma, Ajay Karakoti, Jiabao Yi, Ajayan Vinu
Summary: Hydrogen is considered a promising candidate for future energy demands due to its high energy density and non-polluting combustion. However, issues with generation, storage, and utilization of hydrogen restrict its wider application. Solid materials can play a significant role in addressing these issues by effectively generating, storing, and utilizing hydrogen. This review provides a broad overview of materials for various hydrogen applications and emphasizes the importance of investing in materials research and development.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Xingxiu Huang, Genxing Pan, Lianqing Li, Xuhui Zhang, Hailong Wang, Nanthi Bolan, Bhupinder Pal Singh, Chongjian Ma, Fuwei Liang, Yanjie Chen, Huashou Li
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of using a mixture of biomass waste ash and biochar on soil pH, heavy metal remediation, and plant growth. The results showed that the mixed use could ameliorate soil acidification, reduce absorption of cadmium and lead by plants, and promote plant growth. The special fertilizer prepared from the mixture can be used to promote crop growth and reduce environmental pollution.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Shaopan Xia, Zhaoliang Song, Yaran Fan, Zimin Li, Bingbing Yu, Bhupinder Pal Singh, Laodong Guo, Yuchuan Fan, Nanthi Bolan, Xiangbin Ran, Yidong Wang, Hailong Wang
Summary: This study found that plant available silicon (ASi) content in coastal wetlands in China is mainly influenced by soil pH, particle size, and nutrients. Vegetation composition and plant-derived lignin have a minor effect on ASi patterns. Mean annual temperature and precipitation indirectly regulate ASi content by affecting soil geochemistry and nutrient distribution. Therefore, ASi distribution in China's coastal wetlands is mainly controlled by primary pedogenesis and specific weathering processes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fiza Pir Dad, Waqas-ud-Din Khan, M. B. Kirkham, Nanthi Bolan, Mohsin Tanveer
Summary: The pollution of microplastics (MPs) is a global concern as they are now a significant part of the food chain. This article reviews the current scientific literature on MPs and their impact on various life forms. Negative effects of MPs on humans are primarily attributed to oxidative stress and immune disruption. MPs not only affect the soil's chemical and physical properties, leading to reduced soil health and productivity, but also harm soil microorganisms. MP-induced plant growth reduction occurs through three mechanisms: reduced root and shoot growth, decreased photosynthesis accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species production, and compromised nutrient uptake due to altered root growth. In order to mitigate these negative effects, different MP removal methods are discussed, including coagulation, membrane filtration, biochar, and biological degradation in soil and wastewater effluents. The use of ozone as an ultrafiltration technique shows promise for MP removal. The article concludes with recommendations for future research to further understand the negative effects of MPs on various life forms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Deyi Hou, Liuwei Wang, Lauren Hale, Dilfuza Egamberdieva, Priit Tammeorg, Rui Li, Bing Wang, Jiaping Xu, Ting Wang, Hongwen Sun, Lokesh P. Padhye, Hailong Wang, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Joerg Rinklebe, M. B. Kirkham, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Biochar is an effective carrier for microbial inoculants due to its properties that promote microbial life. It contains organic carbon, nutrients, and functional groups that facilitate microbial adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, biochar-based microbial inoculants have been shown to enhance the persistence and colonization of microbes in soil and plant roots, benefiting soil biochemical processes and remediation of soil contamination. Future research should focus on improving carrier material performance and expanding the potential applications of this emerging biochar-based technology.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Bolan, Leela Kempton, Timothy McCarthy, Hasintha Wijesekara, Udara Piyathilake, Tahereh Jasemizad, Lokesh P. Padhye, Tao Zhang, Joerg Rinklebe, Hailong Wang, M. B. Kirkham, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals that can lead to serious health risks when inhaled as respiratory dust, causing diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. There is a large amount of in-situ asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the built environment, and it is not feasible to remove them completely. Therefore, containment, stabilization, and inertization or destruction are three approaches used for managing hazardous ACMs. Technologies such as thermal decomposition, bioremediation, and chemical treatment have been found effective in achieving safe disposal or recycling of ACMs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
James O'Connor, Bede S. Mickan, Sun K. Gurung, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Matthias Leopold, Nanthi S. Bolan
Summary: This study successfully transformed digestate into solid fertilizer through acidification, preventing nitrogen loss and promoting plant growth. The transformed digestate also had effects on soil chemistry and rhizosphere bacterial communities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Farooq
Summary: Plants capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store it as biomass. The roots of plants play a crucial role in transferring carbon into the soil's organic carbon pool. Implementing effective agricultural practices can sequester carbon in the long term and have multiple co-benefits.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)