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
Engineering, Chemical
Peter Radziszewski, Dieter Blum
Summary: Currently, potential acid generating tailings are managed by either covering them with water or a capillary barrier to reduce the risk of oxidation. Effluent seeping through the containment area is treated using various methods. However, none of these methods address the treatment of potentially acid generating tailings as a run-of-plant stream. This study aims to explore the economic potential of an electrochemical technology that can neutralize acid tailings effluent and concentrate heavy metal salts.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
V Rey, C. A. Rios, L. Y. Vargas, T. M. Valente
Summary: Tailings facilities and associated waters often lead to environmental concerns. This study in Colombia focused on acid mine drainage from gold exploitation. Results showed efficiency of low-cost natural zeolite-rich tuff for treatment of the contaminated water.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Cacciuttolo, Deyvis Cano, Maria Custodio
Summary: This article defines mine tailings in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary way, combining geotechnical, hydraulic, environmental, and geochemical aspects for sustainable mining. It examines the experiences of copper and gold mining projects in Chile and Peru to address the definition of mine tailings and the associated socio-environmental risks. The article discusses key aspects in responsible mine tailings management, such as metallic-metalloid components characterization, non-metallic components, metallurgical reagents, and risk identification. It emphasizes the potential toxicity of mine tailings to communities and the environment, advocating for safe and responsible management practices to prevent accidents and potential socio-environmental impacts.
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
Water Resources
Nathaniel Small, Mohammadhossein Sadeghiamirshahidi, Christopher H. Gammons
Summary: This paper introduces a new method of using a naturally occurring mineral called trona to induce cementation of mine tailings. Three different methods of introducing dissolved trona were tested and compared, showing successful solidification of the tailings in all methods, but with different amounts of precipitated calcite at different depths. The distinctions in precipitation profile can have applications in solving common problems associated with tailings, such as dust emission and liquefaction. The even distribution of precipitated calcite in the slurry mixing method also shows potential for preventing AMD.
MINE WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. Ruiz-Sanchez, Julio C. Juarez Tapia, G. T. Lapidus
Summary: The mining industry generates a large amount of tailings annually, which requires a systematic study on acid mine drainage potential and the dissolution of potentially toxic elements. Recovering valuable metals through metallurgical processes is also possible. The research found that the tailings have a low risk for generating acid drainage due to the small amount of pyrite, and proposed a process for obtaining metallic copper through leaching and electrolysis.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(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
Construction & Building Technology
Zuoan Wei, Junkang Zhao, Wensong Wang, Yonghao Yang, Sunning Zhuang, Ting Lu, Zhenkun Hou
Summary: Limited recycling options and large stockpiles of gold tailings can lead to social and environmental issues, which can be alleviated through recycling. This study investigated the possibility of producing sintered bricks from gold mine tailings, with optimized process parameters found to be crucial for the properties of the bricks. Clay content, forming moisture, and sintering parameters were all found to have different correlations with the properties of the sintered bricks.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdellatif Elghali, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Hassan Bouzahzah, Mustapha Abdelmoula, James J. Dynes, Heather E. Jamieson
Summary: When mine tailings are exposed to water and oxygen, acid mine drainage (AMD) can be generated, leading to the release of metal(oid)s into the environment. Fresh and oxidized tailings show significant differences in their physical, mineralogical, and geochemical properties, with oxidized tailings releasing large amounts of iron, sulfur, and zinc.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yusong Zhang, Jie Zhang, Lin Wu, Lin Tan, Fei Xie, Jiangguo Cheng
Summary: This study proposed a method for extracting aluminum and lithium directly from bauxite mine tailings using mixed acid, avoiding roasting for reduced energy consumption and achieving effective results. The minerals in the tailings have fine dissemination sizes and low liberation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lingyan Zhou, Wei Yan, Xiaoying Sun, Junjiong Shao, Peipei Zhang, Guiyao Zhou, Yanghui He, Huiying Liu, Yuling Fu, Xuhui Zhou
Summary: The study reveals that coastal wetlands have higher aboveground biomass but lower R/S compared to inland wetlands. Climate, soil, and hydrological factors have different impacts on R/S in wetlands, with a more significant effect on inland wetlands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadanand Pandey, Elvis Fosso-Kankeu, Johannes Redelinghuys, Joonwoo Kim, Misook Kang
Summary: This study investigated the ecology of biofilms collected from an acid mine drainage system using 16S bacterial metagenomics. It found that acidophilic bacteria in the biofilms were able to dissolve coal tailing and efflorescent crusts, leaching out metals and reducing solution pH. The biofilms were also found to enhance the dispersion of metals in aquatic systems by increasing the percentage of free hydrated metal speciated forms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuronjit Kumar Sarker, Nawshad Haque, Muhammed Bhuiyan, Warren Bruckard, Biplob Kumar Pramanik
Summary: This paper discusses the consumption and recovery of strategically important critical minerals (SICMs). Currently, abandoned mine tailings and other unconventional sources are becoming important sources for recovering SICMs. However, there are technical, economic, and environmental challenges in the process of recovering SICMs from tailings.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Taryn L. Noble, Bernd G. Lottermoser, Anita Parbhakar-Fox
MINE WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2016)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
T. L. Noble, B. G. Lottermoser, A. T. Townsend
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2016)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Nils Haneklaus, Yajie Sun, Roland Bol, Bernd Lottermoser, Ewald Schnug
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
John A. Long, Ross R. Large, Michael S. Y. Lee, Michael J. Benton, Leonid V. Danyushevsky, Luis M. Chiappe, Jacqueline A. Halpin, David Cantrill, Bernd Lottermoser
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Julie Hunt, Bernd G. Lottermoser, Anita Parbhakar-Fox, Eleanor Van Veen, Karsten Goemann
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2016)
Article
Environmental Sciences
E. M. van Veen, B. G. Lottermoser, A. Parbhakar-Fox, N. Fox, J. Hunt
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2016)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
S. Spuerk, M. Drobe, B. G. Lottermoser
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2017)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Daniela Gallhofer, Bernd G. Lottermoser
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Wierzbicka-Wieczorek, Bernd G. Lottermoser, Stefan Kiefer, Sven Sindern, Lars Gronen, Ana-Sophie Hensler
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2019)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marjan Knobloch, Bernd G. Lottermoser
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Justus Freer, Maximilian Luebeck, Johannes L. Sieger, Bernd G. Lottermoser, Marius Braun
Summary: This study precisely quantifies the effectiveness of biodegradable food processing by-products as dust suppressants in mine soils. Laboratory experiments and field trials show that these by-products can effectively reduce dust emissions, despite the impact of rainfall on their effectiveness. They serve as environmentally benign alternatives for short-term dust mitigation at mine sites.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johannes L. L. Sieger, Bernd G. G. Lottermoser, Justus Freer
Summary: This study investigates the potential of 14 polysaccharides and proteins from botanical and animal sources as dust suppressants on mine soils. The results show that the type and concentration of biopolymer have a significant effect on penetration resistance, moisture retention, and crust thickness. Xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, corn starch, fava bean protein concentrate, and plasma protein exhibit the highest potential as dust suppressants.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Leonard T. T. Krebbers, Bernd G. G. Lottermoser, Xinmeng Liu
Summary: This study used X-ray microcomputed tomography (CT) in combination with traditional techniques to examine graphite ores in 3D, and obtained reliable quantitative mineralogical information on key properties and 3D visualisation of graphite ores. CT allows for improved assessment of graphite deposits and their beneficiation, providing an improved method compared to other analytical tools.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johannes L. L. Sieger, Bernd G. G. Lottermoser, Justus Freer
Summary: This study investigates the effect of different biopolymer types, concentrations, and application rates on wind erosion and penetration resistance of mine soils. The results show that all treatments significantly enhance wind erosion resistance, with biopolymer type, concentration, and application rate having a significant effect. Depending on the biopolymer type and application parameter, soil loss ranges from 0.86 to 423.9 g/m(2) for medium-grained sand and from 0.3 to 225 g/m(2) for fine-grained silica sand. The research also reveals a negative correlation between soil loss and penetration resistance, indicating the potential of using pocket penetrometer as a low-cost method for evaluating dust suppressants.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Salman Safari, Bernd G. Lottermoser, Daniel S. Alessi
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2020)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
