Article
Environmental Sciences
Nina Ricci Nicomel, Loretta Y. Li, Gijs Du Laing
Summary: In this study, the effects of citric acid on the removal of Cu(II) by seven biosolids-based adsorbents were assessed. The results showed that only SBAC exhibited an increased Cu(II) removal efficiency in the presence of citric acid. Further investigation revealed that SBAC could effectively adsorb Cu(II) and reduce it to levels below the discharge limit.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicholas H. H. Humphries, Steven F. F. Thornton, Xiaohui Chen, Andrew W. W. Bray, Douglas I. I. Stewart
Summary: This study examined the microbial community of arable soils cultivated with barley under different applications of biosolids, simulating a 10-day flood. The results showed that biosolid application did not significantly change the soil microbiome, and the bacterial populations returned to their pre-flood profiles after flooding. This suggests that biosolid application does not increase environmental risk during flooding.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lyndon N. A. Sackey, Joana Koomson, Richard Kumi, Anthony A. Hayford, Phebe Kayoung
Summary: Agricultural application is a primary method for recycling sewage sludge, providing nutrients and organic matter to crops and soil. The research aimed to determine the quality of sewage sludge generated at the Kumasi Wastewater Treatment Plant. The study found that the sludge had lower trace metal concentrations and met accepted values for soil fertilizer, but had a high concentration of arsenic, which needs to be reduced before use in soil amendment.
Article
Agronomy
Majeed Ali, Talaat Ahmed, Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti
Summary: The study found that using municipal class A biosolids as organic fertilizer greatly enhanced the overall growth of tomato plants, but the fruits contained toxic levels of trace heavy metals.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Majeed Ali, Talaat Ahmed, Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh, Mohammad Al-Ghouti
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of different rates of municipal biosolids on plant characteristics and soil texture in Qatar. Results showed significant improvements in all parameters with the use of Class A biosolids, with minimal impact on groundwater due to low levels of heavy metals and modern irrigation practices in Qatar.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. D. Samarajeewa, J. R. Velicogna, D. M. Schwertfeger, J. Princz, R. M. Subasinghe, R. P. Scroggins, L. A. Beaudette
Summary: The study indicates that the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on soil microbial health and community structure vary depending on the concentration, whereas copper sulfate exhibits significant inhibitory effects on microbes at high concentrations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marta Domini, Giorgio Bertanza, Reza Vahidzadeh, Roberta Pedrazzani
Summary: This study examines the potential of sewage sludge in agriculture recovery and energy conversion from the perspective of a circular economy. Based on the extraction and analysis of data, the research finds that sewage sludge from Lombardy can be recovered in agriculture after additional treatment, but further improvements are needed to enhance its heating value and reduce water content for mono-combustion. The methodology and findings of this study can be applied in other areas as well.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hannah Rigby, Alan Dowding, Alwyn Fernandes, David Humphries, Rupert G. Petch, Christopher K. Reynolds, Martin Rose, Stephen R. Smith
Summary: Recycled bioresources were added to the feed of dairy cattle to study the transfer of organic contaminants to milk. Incorporating bioresources with soil at agronomic rates did not result in significant additional transfer of contaminants to milk. However, direct ingestion of biosolids by cattle significantly increased the transfer of contaminants to milk in comparison to control animals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Battle Karimi, Vincent Masson, Charles Guilland, Emmanuel Leroy, Sylvain Pellegrinelli, Emmanuel Giboulot, Pierre-Alain Maron, Lionel Ranjard
Summary: A meta-analysis was conducted on the ecotoxicity of copper, which found that microbial activity decreased by 30% when more than 400 kg of copper was applied yearly per hectare. Nematodes abundance remained unchanged for copper application up to 3200 kg/ha/year. The reproduction of collembola and enchytraeid declined by 50% after application of 400 and 1895 kg Cu/ha/year, respectively, while earthworm biomass was reduced by 15% after application of 200 kgCu/ha/year.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jorge Makhlouta Alonso, Renato Nunes Pereira, Elton Luis da Silva Abel, Marjorie Ochoski, Gilsonley Lopes dos Santos, Alan Henrique Marques de Abreu
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different substrates and fertilizer rates on the production of Schinus terebinthifolia seedlings. The results showed that producing Schinus terebinthifolia in Ilha's sewage sludge substrate is recommended and can save nursery costs. Multivariate analysis proved to be an effective method for assessing seedling quality.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zainab Abdulsada, Richard Kibbee, Banu Ormeci, Maria DeRosa, Juliska Princz
Summary: The study investigated the impact of AgNPs and CuONPs at different concentrations on soil health, revealing negative effects on bacterial diversity, community structure, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria population. CuONPs exhibited higher toxicity compared to AgNPs, leading to changes in soil bacterial community structure and function with increasing nanoparticle concentrations, highlighting the need for long-term field studies to further understand these impacts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Filip Mercl, Zdenek Kosnar, Petr Marsik, Martin Vojtisek, Jakub Dusek, Jirina Szakova, Pavel Tlustos
Summary: The study found that the application of biosolids as fertilizer had an impact on the transfer of pharmaceuticals to lettuce. Torrefaction and pyrolysis treatment altered the pharmaceutical content in biosolids as well as their translocation ability to plants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Ian Pepper, Cass Kelley, Mark Brusseau
Summary: Per and polyfluoroakyl substances (PFAS) are a type of emerging contaminants commonly found in the bloodstream of most humans in the U.S. These substances are present in both Class A and B municipal biosolids. The potential contamination of groundwater caused by PFAS leaching through soil after land application of biosolids has generated discussions about possible bans. This commentary discusses various factors that need to be considered to determine if PFAS from land applied biosolids is a significant source of human exposure via groundwater, including the occurrence of PFAS in biosolids and biosolids-amended soils and other critical factors.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefano Cesco, Youry Pii, Luigimaria Borruso, Guido Orzes, Paolo Lugli, Fabrizio Mazzetto, Giulio Genova, Marco Signorini, Gustavo Brunetto, Roberto Terzano, Gianpiero Vigani, Tanja Mimmo
Summary: In recent decades, agriculture and viticulture have been facing challenges such as increasing food production, changing vineyard areas, and higher altitudes and latitudes. The repeated use of Cu-based fungicides has led to accumulation of copper in vineyard soils, impacting soil fertility and plant growth. However, various strategies have been proposed to restrict Cu accumulation and ensure sustainable viticulture practices.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandra Ukalska-Jaruga, Grzegorz Siebielec, Sylwia Siebielec, Monika Pecio
Summary: The study investigates the impact of soil amendments on the stabilization and bioavailability of trace elements to earthworms. Results show that the type of amendment applied to the soil affects the accumulation of metals in earthworm tissues and the survival of earthworms.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongliang Chen, Masud Hassan, Md Nuruzzaman, Huiming Zhang, Ravi Naidu, Yanju Liu, Ling Wang
Summary: Adsorption is a promising remediation technology for separating organic and inorganic agrochemicals from contaminated soil and water. This study focuses on the use of iron-modified base-activated biochar (FeBBC) as a low-cost adsorbent for removing the insecticide imidacloprid from water. The FeBBC exhibits high adsorption capacity and both physical and chemical interactions contribute to the sorption process. The results demonstrate the potential of FeBBC as an effective adsorbent for removing organic contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Solmaz Bidast, Ahmad Golchin, Ahmad Baybordi, Amir Mohseni, Ravi Naidu
Summary: The potential of bare and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) for stabilising lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soil was investigated. The results showed that CMC-coated FeONPs were more effective in decreasing the availability of potentially toxic elements in the soil. CMC-coated goethite was the most effective treatment for reducing Zn and Cd availability, while CMC-coated magnetite was the most effective for Pb stabilisation.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andrew J. Coward, Anja C. Slim, Joel Brugger, Sasha Wilson, Tim Williams, Brad Pillans, Anton Maksimenko
Summary: Zebra rock is a macroscopic rock in the East Kimberly region of Australia, famous for its rhythmic iron-oxide pattern. Different formation mechanisms, including redoximorphic banding and Liesegang banding, have been proposed. This study combines mineralogy, geochemistry, and geological context to confirm the occurrence and timing of acid-sulfate interactions in zebra rock and determine the origin of these patterns. The study provides evidence of simultaneous development of iron-oxide banding and aluminosilicate dissolution, supporting an acidic fluid infiltration. However, the origin and temperature of the fluid could not be conclusively determined. A hydrothermal origin is also supported by mineralogical analysis. Rating: 8/10
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Weihua Liu, Yuan Mei, Barbara Etschmann, Matthew Glenn, Colin M. MacRae, Sam C. Spinks, Chris G. Ryan, Joel Brugger, David J. Paterson
Summary: The incorporation mechanisms of germanium in sphalerite have been investigated through experiments and molecular simulations. It is found that germanium can be incorporated into sphalerite through charge balance or coupled substitution with other metal ions. This study provides insights into the formation and extraction processes of germanium in zinc ores.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunlong Luo, Ravi Naidu, Cheng Fang
Summary: Raman imaging can directly visualize the adsorption of perchlorate and allow real-time monitoring due to the low Raman activity and minimal interference of water. The enhancement of perchlorate's Raman signal on porous silver enables the monitoring of low-level adsorption.
Review
Fisheries
Nepheronia Jumalon Ogburn, Luchun Duan, Suresh Ramraj Subashchandrabose, Patrick Sorgeloos, Wayne O'Connor, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Ravi Naidu
Summary: Aquaculture, as one of the fastest growing food industry sectors, is facing sustainability challenges due to increasing global population and protein demand. The use of agricultural waste to produce Artemia, a kind of aquatic species, provides an environmentally sustainable solution for supporting aquaculture demand.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Md. Rashidul Islam, Peter Sanderson, Mathew P. Johansen, Timothy E. Payne, Ravi Naidu
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental behavior of beryllium in soil-water systems under different sorption conditions, and found that certain ions and factors such as temperature and concentration can affect the sorption and desorption of beryllium.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques in investigating the geochemistry of vanadium in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is primarily hosted by phyllosilicate-III and is strongly associated with potassium-rich clay minerals. The findings suggest that differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments may not be possible, which has implications for vanadium isotope system studies.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Qiushi Guan, Yuan Mei, Weihua Liu, Joel Brugger
Summary: Molybdenum (Mo) is extracted from magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits, and understanding the thermodynamic properties of aqueous Mo complexes is crucial for predicting Mo transport and deposition in ore-forming environments. However, there is a discrepancy between experimental studies at different temperatures and pressures. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the stability of Mo(VI) chloride complexes in high-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal fluids.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Alexander Kalintsev, Qiushi Guan, Joel Brugger, Artas Migdisov, Barbara Etschmann, Rahul Ram, Weihua Liu, Yuan Mei, Denis Testemale, Hongwu Xu
Summary: The structure of uranyl aqua ion (UO22+) and its inorganic complexes under relevant conditions to U mobility in ore-forming systems and nuclear waste repositories were characterized using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculations. The findings reveal the changes in coordination number of these complexes with temperature and pressure, providing insights into their stability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jowenna X. F. Sim, Barbara Drigo, Casey L. Doolette, Sotirios Vasileiadis, Erica Donner, Dimitrios G. Karpouzas, Enzo Lombi
Summary: Pesticides, such as fipronil, propyzamide, and flutriafol, have long lasting effects on non-target microorganisms. These pesticides affect soil microbial community structure, enzymatic activities, and abundance of key functional genes. Although the microbial community can recover from the pesticide effects, the persistent inhibitory effects on soil enzymatic activities indicate the lack of functional recovery.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Hamisi, Barbara Etschmann, Andrew Tomkins, Iain Pitcairn, Zsanett Pinter, Adam Wlodek, Laura Morrissey, Steven Micklethwaite, Nicolas Trcera, Stuart Mills, Joel Brugger
Summary: Scapolite is a common mineral that contains S, Cl, and C in metamorphic terranes. It can interact with fluids, leading to albitisation of scapolite and release of volatile components. Scapolite plays an important role in buffering the oxidation state, salinity, and sulfur speciation of rocks and fluids, and can influence hydrothermal mineralisation processes.
Article
Mineralogy
Owen P. Missen, Stuart J. Mills, Joel Brugger, William D. Birch, Peter Elliott
Summary: This study describes a new hydrated magnesium nickel tellurite mineral called Wortupaite, which has a zemannite-like structure. The mineral was discovered in the Wortupa gold mine in Australia and characterized using techniques such as electron probe microanalysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
MINERALOGICAL MAGAZINE
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Esmat Ebadati, Eliza Switalska, Enzo Lombi, Stephen C. Warren-Smith, Drew Evans
Summary: Soil nutrients are essential for plant growth, but their availability can be influenced by soil pH. This review focuses on the development of polymer materials for in-ground pH sensing and discusses the importance of pH in nutrient availability and toxicity control.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)