Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Annika Parviainen, Anton Vazquez-Arias, Francisco Jose Martin-Peinado
Summary: Polluted urban soils in playgrounds and garden areas contain high levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), posing risks to human health. The mineralogical source of PTEs in urban soils and the presence of inhalable small particles rich in PTEs highlight the importance of addressing soil pollution in urban areas.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
S. C. Sithole, O. O. Agboola, L. L. Mugivhisa, S. O. Amoo, J. O. Olowoyo
Summary: Issues of food security and the hazardous effects of heavy metals on food substances are a concern for global development. This study examined the levels of heavy metal contamination in Pleurotus ostreatus grown in polluted soil from mining areas. The results showed that while there were no carcinogenic risks associated with consuming the mushrooms, continuous consumption may pose health hazards due to high levels of certain heavy metals. It is recommended to avoid harvesting mushrooms from polluted soils.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James C. Hower, Zeljka Fiket, Kevin R. Henke, John K. Hiett, Jon S. Thorson, Madan Kharel, Shifeng Dai, Luis F. O. Silva, Marcos L. S. Oliveira
Summary: The mineralogical and geochemical features of mining and processing wastes collected from Owen County, part of the Central Kentucky Lead-Zinc district, were investigated. The main minerals found in the samples were calcite, quartz, and dolomite, with sphalerite, galena, and barite as the principal sulfides and sulfates. The geochemistry of major elements reflected the mineralogy, while trace elements showed different groupings between minerals. The data illustrated the processes and conditions that control sulfide-mineral oxidation and its potential environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gorazd Zibret, Barbara Ceplak
Summary: By studying the alluvial and stream sediments in the area of historical zinc smelting tradition, it was found that the abandoned slag and ore roasting residue waste dumps are the main sources of zinc, cadmium, and lead. Contaminated particles are transported by the Voglajna River into the Savinja River, and eventually reach the Sava River more than 30 km downstream, causing anomalies in the sediment levels.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudia Araceli Vasquez Ugaz, Noemi Leon-Roque, Juan L. Nunez-Leon, Davy W. Hidalgo-Chavez, Jimy Oblitas
Summary: This study analyzed the geochemical and environmental changes in the La Sierre mine area and determined the persistent contamination over time. Concentrations of ten trace elements were measured in soil, water, and sediment samples. High amounts of trace elements were found in soil and water samples, while some sediment samples partially complied with the regulations.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Michael Opare Asare, Jerry Owusu Afriyie
Summary: This study provides an overview of soil contamination by metals due to ancient mining and metallurgy activities, highlighting the adverse effects on ecosystems and lives. It emphasizes the need to understand the persistence, distribution, and bioavailability of metals for selecting proper remediation techniques for contaminated soils. Additionally, it raises the question of the long-term fate of metal contaminations in soils and the bioaccumulation of metals in recent fields even after centuries without mining and metallurgy activities.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Philipp Wanner
Summary: This review critically synthesizes the current knowledge of plastic mobility and plastic-pesticide interactions in agricultural soils, highlighting the potential risks of plastic contamination for groundwater systems and drinking water supplies. Improved regulatory measures are deemed necessary to protect aquifers and drinking water supplies from plastic and pesticide contamination.
Article
Biology
Oimahmad Rahmonov, Jerzy Cabala, Robert Krzysztofik
Summary: Remnants of former Zn-Pb mining in southern Poland play a crucial role in geographical space, with many areas finding new economic and residential functions while enriching biodiversity. These sites offer opportunities to observe and document ecological and geochemical transformations, providing insights into the functioning of ecosystems influenced by mining activities.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Laura J. Swinkels, Jan Schulz-Isenbeck, Max Frenzel, Jens Gutzmer, Mathias Burisch
Summary: The Freiberg district in Europe hosts one of the largest series of epithermal polymetallic vein deposits, allowing for the study of these systems through systematic collection of historical samples. Detailed investigations revealed six distinctive mineral associations within the veins. The architecture of the district is related to the evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal fluid systems, with constraints indicating vein formation between 200 and 1,800 meters below the paleowater table.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Petr Drahota, Petra Venhauerova, Ladislav Strnad
Summary: Gold mining activities are an important source of arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) pollution. This study investigates the distribution, speciation, and mobility of As and Sb in mining wastes and soil samples from two ore districts in the Czech Republic. The results show that As and Sb are mainly associated with secondary mineral phases and crystalline iron (hydr)oxides in the mining wastes, while in the soils, they are bound to iron (hydr)oxides and clay minerals. The leaching of As and Sb from the samples is pH-dependent and generally low, but the addition of low phosphate concentrations can increase the mobility of As. Overall, the findings highlight the potential environmental hazard of As and Sb dispersion from mining wastes through rainwater leaching.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guilherme Lopes, Wei Li, Matthew G. Siebecker, Donald Lewis Sparks, Luiz Roberto Guimaraes Guilherme
Summary: Studies in Brazil and elsewhere have found elevated levels of zinc in areas surrounding mining and smelting sites. This study evaluated zinc desorption and speciation in soils affected by mining and smelting activities in Brazil, showing differences in the exchangeable fraction and presence of various zinc forms. The findings suggest that specific zinc precipitate/sorbed forms in soil can significantly affect zinc desorption and mobility.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yosra Achour, Radhia Souissi, Haifa Tlil, Fouad Souissi, Mikael Motelica-Heino
Summary: The present study demonstrates the potential of root exudates in mobilizing potentially toxic elements in rhizospheric carbonated soils. The study found that the pH of the solution increased along with the dissolution of carbonates, resulting in increased leaching of Ca and Mg. Cd and Zn showed significant extraction, while Pb showed less extraction. As and Sb exhibited lower mobility, except in certain soils. The study suggests that the mobility of Cd, Zn, Pb, As, and Sb is influenced by the solubility of their host minerals and the soil pH.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Zhou, Yong Chen, Xuemei Yue, Dajun Ren, Yanzhong Liu, Ke Yang
Summary: This study identified the major sources of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil in ancient mining areas using the PMF model. The SPLIzone and SELIzone methods were employed to assess the integrated pollution and ecological risks of various elements. It was found that Cu and Cd were the most contaminated elements, with mining as the major pollution source and smelting industrial activities contributing to the highest ecological risk. This study provides a quantitative method for assessing the hazards of heavy metal sources, which is valuable for the study and management of heavy metal pollution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pin Gao, Benru Song, Rui Xu, Xiaoxu Sun, Hanzhi Lin, Fuqing Xu, Baoqin Li, Weimin Sun
Summary: The study on soil contamination due to mining activities in China reveals that severely contaminated mine sites exhibit lower bacterial diversity, while the bacterial community patterns in root endosphere differ from bulk soil and rhizosphere soil. Core microbes shared in the root endosphere and rhizosphere soil of the contaminated site play significant roles in the survival of Cyberus plants in harsh environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Raymond L. Njinga, Tunde L. Ogundele, Adebiyi S. Adebayo, Michael A. Olatunji, Ayodele P. Olufemi, Christopher J. Olowookere, Kehinde Aladeniyi, Alcides Pereira, Muyiwa A. Arogunjo, Victor M. Tshivhase
Summary: Human exposure to ionizing radiation in Nigeria is mainly due to mining activities, which lead to varying levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in the farmland soil. The study found that some locations exceeded the reference limit of radionuclide activity concentrations, and the variations were attributed to different agricultural practices and artisanal mining operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agripina Ramirez, Gregorio Garcia, Olaf Werner, Rosa M. Ros
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jesus Eduardo Castellanos-Aquila, Pablo Palacios Clemente, Gregorio Garcia, Monica Araceli Olea-Amezcua, Juan Francisco Rivas-Silva, Perla Wahnon
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pablo Sanchez-Palencia, Gregorio Garcia, Jose C. Conesa, Perla Wahnon, Pablo Palacios
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Agripina Ramirez, Gregorio Garcia, Olaf Werner, Jose Navarro-Pedreno, Rosa M. Ros
Summary: The study evaluated pollution by Pb, Zn, and Cr in the surroundings of Haina, Dominican Republic, and explored potential sustainable solutions through phytoremediation technologies. Soil analysis revealed strong Pb pollution and medium-impact Zn pollution, highlighting the need for agricultural and residential restrictions in certain areas. Despite low levels of potentially toxic elements in plant tissues, most plants studied may be suitable for phytoremediation of Zn in the field, with further research needed to assess their full potential.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Szymon Lucjan Rozanski, Jose Matias Penas Castejon, Donald G. McGahan
Summary: This study assessed the oral bioaccessibility and human health risk of metal(loid)s in potentially polluted urban topsoils, finding relatively low levels of pollution. However, soil pica behavior may lead to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, especially for children with lapses of adult supervision.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Pablo Sanchez-Palencia, Gregorio Garcia, Perla Wahnon, Pablo Palacios
Summary: All-inorganic perovskites, such as CsPbI3, are new candidates for photovoltaic applications. This study investigates the possibility of improving their stability and reducing toxicity by fine-tuning the chemical composition. A systematic ab initio study reveals that all-inorganic perovskites with the formula RbaCs1-aSnbPb1-bI2Br (a = 0-0.125 and b = 0-1) could be suitable candidates for photovoltaic applications with improved stability and reduced Pb concentration.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Luis Alberto Alcolea-Rubio, Ana Vanessa Caparros-Rios, Virginia Robles-Arenas, Cristobal Garcia-Garcia, Gregorio Garcia, Rocio Millan, Araceli Perez-Sanz, Roberto Rodriguez-Pacheco
Summary: Salt efflorescences from metal sulphides and their waste are an important source of pollution in mining areas, especially in the Mediterranean region. This study characterized saline efflorescences and their leachates in a Mediterranean mining area in Southeast Spain. The physicochemical properties were determined using various techniques, and the results showed a wide range of crystalline habits and colors in the salt efflorescences. Sulphates were the dominant mineral group, followed by silicates, oxides, and sulphides. The geochemistry of the salt efflorescences indicated high concentrations of potentially toxic elements, posing a significant risk to soil and drinking water quality.
Article
Environmental Studies
Roberto Rodriguez-Pacheco, Gregorio Garcia, Ana Vanessa Caparros-Rios, Virginia Robles-Arenas, Cristobal Garcia-Garcia, Rocio Millan, Araceli Perez-Sanz, Luis Alberto Alcolea-Rubio
Summary: Mine waste is a major environmental and management problem due to its large quantity and the presence of toxic elements. This study focused on characterizing and evaluating metal-bearing mining waste in abandoned areas. The mineralogy and geochemical characteristics were determined using XRD, WDXRF, and TG-MS techniques, and leaching tests were conducted to assess the risk and mobility of toxic elements. The results showed that the waste was enriched in Zn, Pb, As, Sb, and Cd, and their leachates had high metal content. The primary sources of these pollutants were sulphides and sulphates from oxidation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Annina Moser, Olesya Yarema, Gregorio Garcia, Mathieu Luisier, Filippo Longo, Emanuel Billeter, Andreas Borgschulte, Maksym Yarema, Vanessa Wood
Summary: This paper investigates the synthesis and electronic structure of colloidal Cu x SbSe4 nanocrystals through experiment and theory. It is found that the wider the band gap of Cu x SbSe4 nanocrystals, the more Cu-vacancies exist, which is confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The study also reveals that Sb(Cu) antisite defects can create mid-gap states, leading to sub-bandgap absorption. This work provides a comprehensive study of the characteristics of Cu x SbSe4 nanocrystals and highlights the potential opportunities and challenges for their application in infrared devices.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Estela de Domingo, Gregorio Garcia, Cesar L. Folcia, Josu Ortega, Jesus Etxebarria, Silverio Coco
Summary: Columnar segregation in metal-organic triphenylene liquid crystals is modulated by blending two structurally dissimilar metallomesogens that can self-associate through complementary electron donor-acceptor interactions.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Pablo Sanchez-Palencia, Gregorio Garcia, Perla Wahnon, Pablo Palacios
Summary: This study discusses the use of organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites in optoelectronic devices and the challenges faced by all-inorganic perovskites like CsPbI3. By conducting a density functional theory study, the authors were able to investigate the properties of all-inorganic perovskites with tailored structural, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties through fine-tuning the chemical composition.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muqiu Hu, Xin Zhao, Jinghan Gu, Lulu Qian, Zhiqing Wang, Yuanyuan Nie, Xiaoyu Han, Long An, Haiqiang Jiang
Summary: Due to its simple process, environmental friendliness, and low operating costs, biometallurgy has become a popular technology for metals recovering from low-grade ores and tailings. An optimized agar was used to isolate and grow functional bacteria, resulting in the successful isolation of six functional stains. These strains were further tested for their ability to leach metals from polymetallic sulfide tailings, with significant improvements observed when the strains were mixed together. The selection of leaching process should be based on tailings composition and target metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saqib Hassan, Aswin Thacharodi, Anshu Priya, R. Meenatchi, Thanushree A. Hegde, R. Thangamani, Ht Nguyen, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is a compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system and is found in the environment. EDCs, such as Bisphenol A and pesticides, have been shown to have negative effects on the female reproductive system. Understanding the relationship between EDCs and women's health is crucial for developing strategies to protect reproductive health and informing public policy decisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lichang Zhou, Zhaoling Li, Boyi Cheng, Jinqi Jiang, Xinqi Bi, Zongping Wang, Guanghao Chen, Gang Guo
Summary: Thiosulfate can promote sulfur-mediated bacterial activity, inhibit glycogen accumulating organisms, and enhance denitrification efficiency. After the carbon source is reduced, the competitive ability of glycogen accumulating organisms increases, resulting in reduced sulfate reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire E. Campbell, Devyn L. Cotter, Katherine L. Bottenhorn, Elisabeth Burnor, Hedyeh Ahmadi, W. James Gauderman, Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez, Daniel Hackman, Rob McConnell, Kiros Berhane, Joel Schwartz, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Megan M. Herting
Summary: Recent studies have found a connection between air pollution and increased risk for behavioral problems during development. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to investigate how exposure during the transition to adolescence may affect emotional behaviors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-hong Liang, Ru-yu Yang, Mei-ling Liu, Ying-qi Pu, Wen-wen Bao, Yu Zhao, Li-xin Hu, Yu-shan Zhang, Shan Huang, Nan Jiang, Xue-ya Pu, Shao-yi Huang, Guang-hui Dong, Ya-jun Chen
Summary: This study examines the association between urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) exposure and Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. The findings suggest that higher exposure to GBS, particularly green spaces (GS) and blue spaces (BS), is associated with a decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties in young individuals. The joint effect of GS and BS may also contribute to the decrease in EBPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ruiz-Sobremazas, Mario Ruiz Coca, Miguel Morales-Navas, Rocio Rodulfo-Cardenas, Caridad Lopez-Granero, Maria Teresa Colomina, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed
Summary: Air pollution is associated with a range of health issues and gestational exposure to environmental pollutants may be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigated the effects of oral gestational exposure to particulate matter (PM) on ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). The findings suggest that this exposure may lead to social deficits and abnormal gene expression related to neurotransmitter systems. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of air pollution on neurodevelopmental disorders and the neurotransmission systems involved.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yagmur Kabakci, Sadiye Kosar, Ozgur Dogan, Fehmi Gorkem Uctug, Osman Atilla Arikan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of electrohydrolysis pretreatment on municipal solid waste. The results showed that applying electrohydrolysis pretreatment increased methane production and reduced the time required for hydrolysis, suggesting it is a promising method to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanwu Zhao, Yaozhong Pan, Hanyi Wu, Yu Zhu
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of industrial zones on urban heat islands using remote sensing images and a novel spectral index. The research found that the contraction or expansion of industrial zones has a significant effect on land surface temperature. The results are valuable for environmental assessment and fine management of industrial cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bang Du, Zhongzhong Wang, Piet N. L. Lens, Xinmin Zhan, Guangxue Wu
Summary: This study investigated the performance, syntrophic relationships, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways of ethanol-fed reactors with different operational modes and solids retention times. The results showed that different microorganisms were enriched under different SRT conditions, and syntrophic bacteria related to methane production could be enriched under low SRT conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Muralikrishnan Ramalingam, Gasim Hayder, Balamurugan Karupaiya Sathaiah, Madhava Krishna Reddy Gaddam, Senthil Kumar Muniasamy, Priya Arunkumar
Summary: The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata was used to remove chromium, nickel, and zinc from aqueous solutions. The study examined the adsorbents' properties and stability using SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The results showed that the biochar had high removal efficiency for the toxic metals, and the packed bed column effectively removed the heavy metal ions. The Thomas and Adams-Bohart models were found to best fit the regression values, and desorption studies were conducted to understand the sorption and elution processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vignesh Vinayagam, Kavitha Nagarasampatti Palani, Sudha Ganesh, Siddharth Rajesh, Vedha Varshini Akula, Ramapriyan Avoodaiappan, Omkar Singh Kushwaha, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: The presence of pollutants in water contributes to global pollution and poses significant threats to humans and wildlife. Finding effective wastewater treatment techniques is crucial for reducing pollutant accumulation in the environment. This paper highlights recent advances in the electrochemical advanced oxidation method and other processes for treating pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticide-polluted effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. M. M. Ahmed, Kai-Yue Chen, Fang-Yu Tsao, Yi-Cheng Hsieh, Yu-Ting Liu, Min Tzou
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of citric acid onto humic acid-iron hydr(o)xide coprecipitate (HAFHCP) and the reciprocal effects of citric acid and P sorption on HAFHCP. The results showed that citric acid could increase P availability and have an impact on P sorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xibo Xu, Zeqiang Wang, Xiaoning Song, Wenjie Zhan, Shuting Yang
Summary: The selection of predictor variables is crucial in building a digital mapping model for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Traditionally, spatial and spectral parameters have been used as predictor variables, but the temporal dimension is often overlooked. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating temporal indices in the model, leading to significant performance improvements. The temporal-spatial-spectral covariate combinations used in a random forest (RF) algorithm achieve satisfactory mapping accuracy and outperform other methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Pei, Xun Liu, Mengbo Cao, Zijun Wang, Hongbing Yang
Summary: Heteroatom doping can reconfigure the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, leading to the development of advanced oxidation water purification materials with superior performance and stability. In this study, a series of catalysts with different elemental doping were prepared using a simple and environmentally friendly method. The S-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for the removal of Tetracycline, with significantly increased kinetic constant and high oxidation and mineralization efficiency in a wide pH range. The degradation process was dominated by non-radical oxidation pathway after S doping, and the overall process moved towards low toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Srivalli Thimmarayan, Harshavardhan Mohan, Gaddapara Manasa, Karthi Natesan, Shanmugam Mahendran, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Byung-Taek Oh, R. Ravi Kumar, Rangasamy Sigamani Gandhimathi, Arul Jayaprakash, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial degradation of naphthalene (NPT) isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Bacillus sp. GN 3.4, a potential bacteria for NPT biodegradation, was isolated and the optimal conditions for NPT degradation were determined. The study suggests that Bacillus sp. GN 3.4 could potentially aid in bioremediation by eliminating NPT from the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)