Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Oleg S. Pokrovsky, Liudmila S. Shirokova, Svetlana A. Zabelina, Guntram Jordan, Pascale Benezeth
Summary: Through studying the interaction of microorganisms with minerals, it was found that the microbial impact on Ca-Mg silicates is weak, and the acceleration of dissolution of basic silicate rocks in the presence of soil biota is solely due to pH decrease in porewaters.
NPJ MATERIALS DEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
P. J. Nolan, Sharon E. Bone, Kate M. Campbell, Donald Pan, Olivia M. Healy, Marty Stange, John R. Bargar, Karrie A. Weber
Summary: In the presence of complexing ligands under oxidizing conditions, low uranium concentrations are maintained in groundwater in an alluvial aquifer. The groundwater is saturated with respect to calcite and contains elevated levels of carbonate alkalinity. Groundwater geochemical modeling indicates equilibrium between calcite and/or a calcium-uranyl-carbonate mineral with the groundwater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kyle J. Chardi, Anshuman Satpathy, Walter D. C. Schenkeveld, Naresh Kumar, Vincent Noel, Stephan M. Kraemer, Daniel E. Giammar
Summary: Organic ligands have the potential to enhance the dissolution of crystalline uraninite and noncrystalline U(IV), leading to the mobilization of U forms. The extent of U mobilization is greater for noncrystalline U(IV) than for crystalline uraninite. This study suggests that organic ligands present in the environment can undermine the stability of immobilized U(IV) sources by mobilizing U forms to hazardous levels under anoxic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yvonne Roebbert, Chris Daniel Rosendahl, Ashley Brown, Axel Schippers, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani, Stefan Weyer
Summary: This study investigated the mobilization of noncrystalline U(IV) through ligand complexation and the associated U isotope fractionation. The results showed significant U isotope fractionation during U(IV) mobilization under anoxic conditions, which should be considered when using U isotopes for remediation monitoring or as a paleo-redox proxy. The different ligands used for U(IV) mobilization had varying effects on U isotope fractionation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charles J. Paradis, Kendyl N. Hoss, Cullen E. Meurer, Jiyan L. Hatami, Martin A. Dangelmayr, Aaron D. Tigar, Raymond H. Johnson
Summary: This study conducted a field tracer test to investigate the potential mechanisms controlling the mobility of uranium in contaminated groundwater. The results showed that uranium did not mobilize from the solid to the aqueous phase during the tracer test, but oxidative immobilization of iron and manganese was observed. The study suggested that desorption of U(VI) was the predominant mobilization mechanism, although it was not solely dependent on concentration. The study ruled out oxidative dissolution and concentration-dependent desorption as common mobilization mechanisms and highlighted the importance of advection, dispersion, and the mineral phase of uranium.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kyle J. Chardi, Walter D. C. Schenkeveld, Naresh Kumar, Daniel E. Giammar, Stephan M. Kraemer
Summary: Anthropogenic and biogenic ligands can mobilize uranium from noncrystalline U-(IV) phases, and the rate and extent of mobilization are influenced by geochemical processes. Competing metals and humic substances play a crucial role in the mobilization of uranium by these ligands.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Yang, Jiajia Wu, Lingbin Yan, Lifei Yu, Jingchun Liu, Chongling Yan
Summary: This study compared the sediment characteristics between halophyte plants habitat and mudflats in intertidal habitats, showing higher concentrations of trace elements in sediment associated with S. alterniflora in Beihai. Variations in magnetic minerals accumulation in different sites explained the differences in sediment-bound As, Hg, Sb, Cd and Sc between S. alterniflora and mudflats.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geology
Fan Zhang, Shuangming Wang, Yangquan Jiao, Liqun Wu, Hui Rong
Summary: Carbonaceous debris (CD) within sandstones in the Shuanglong uranium deposit of the northern Chinese Ordos Basin has been studied for its relationship with uranium enrichment and organic matter (OM). The distribution of CD, macerals, and uranium minerals was analyzed, revealing that higher organic matter maturity and porous inertinite are more advantageous for uranium enrichment. The medium coalification stage of CD, along with its low moisture content and high sulfur content, provides favorable conditions for the formation of uranium minerals like pitchblende and coffinite. Understanding the mechanism of uranium mineralization in relation to organic matter can provide valuable insights for prospecting.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinxin Zhang, Xianzhong Ke, Yao Du, Yanqiu Tao, Jiangkai Xue, Qinghua Li, Xianjun Xie, Yamin Deng
Summary: The biodegradation of organic matter and the dissolution of iron oxides play important roles in the release of geogenic phosphorus to groundwater. However, the combined effects of natural organic matter and iron oxides on phosphorus mobilization are not well understood. This study investigates sediment samples from boreholes in the Central Yangtze River Basin and finds that sediments with high phosphorus levels contain more bioavailable phosphorus, particularly iron oxide bound phosphorus and organic phosphorus, compared to sediments with low phosphorus levels. The study also reveals the formation of stable phosphorus-iron-organic matter complexes that inhibit the dissolution of iron oxides and the degradation of organic matter, thereby limiting phosphorus mobilization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashwini Kumar Mohapatra, Surya Sujathan, Aravinth S. S. Ekamparam, Abhas Singh
Summary: Groundwater contamination with fluoride and uranium is a common issue in many parts of India, with limited understanding of their sources and mobilization mechanisms. The present study identified calcite precipitation-induced fluorite dissolution as a key factor contributing to the coexistence of elevated F and U in shallow groundwater, while elevated Mn in deeper groundwater may play a critical role in controlling F and U concentrations in the shallow aquifer.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jacek Futrzynski, Rafal Juroszek, Katarzyna Skrzynska, Yevgeny Vapnik, Evgeny Galuskin
Summary: A new genetic type of chromium garnet-uvarovite has been discovered in the Hatrurim Complex in Israel. This uvarovite is enriched in Ti4+ and V3+, lacks Fe3+, and has a larger lattice parameter a. Its crystallization is related to the oxygen fugacity and occurs under high-reducing conditions. The study reveals a gap in the natural isomorphic series between andradite and uvarovite.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Selva R. Kumar, Vetriarasu Venkatesan, R. Bhaskar, S. K. Ashok Kumar, Akella Sivaramakrishna, Kari Vijayakrishna, C. V. S. Brahmmananda Rao, N. Sivaraman, Suban K. Sahoo
Summary: A simple and reliable colorimetric probe has been synthesized and its sensing ability towards various metal ions has been studied through colorimetry. The probe shows significant color changes upon interaction with uranyl ions, enabling selective and sensitive visual detection of trace levels of UO22+ ions without the need for sophisticated instruments.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lucien Stolze, Maria Battistel, Massimo Rolle
Summary: This study investigates the oxidative dissolution of natural As-bearing sulfide minerals and the related release of arsenic under flow-through conditions. The results show that pore-water acidity controls the dissolution of sulfide minerals and the release of arsenic. The impact of surface passivation depends on flow velocity and the spatial distribution of reactive minerals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanhong Wang, Guanglong Zhang, Helin Wang, Yu Cheng, Han Liu, Zhou Jiang, Ping Li, Yanxin Wang
Summary: This study found that adding different types of dissolved organic matter can lead to changes in microbial community structure, thereby affecting the biotransformation of arsenic and iron, potentially enhancing arsenic mobilization and iron reduction.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Mingming Tian, Ziying Li, Yunlong Zhang, Licheng Jia, Jun Ning, Jimu Li, Hanghang He, Guolong Tang
Summary: The HLJ sandstone-type uranium deposit in the Songliao Basin is a newly discovered deposit with a unique tabular-shaped and multi-stratiform orebody. The high kaolinite content in the ore-controlling gray sandstones suggests an epigenetic origin, and the ore formation is attributed to exudative metallogeny. The acidic fluid responsible for uranium deposition is believed to originate from the uranium-rich source rocks of the Jiufotang Formation. This study provides valuable insights into the genesis of the HLJ uranium deposit.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ying Gao, Junjun Ding, Mengting Yuan, Nona Chiariello, Kathryn Docherty, Chris Field, Qun Gao, Baohua Gu, Jessica Gutknecht, Bruce A. Hungate, Xavier Le Roux, Audrey Niboyet, Qi Qi, Zhou Shi, Jizhong Zhou, Yunfeng Yang
Summary: Long-term, moderate warming did not affect the taxonomic composition of soil microbial communities, but altered the functional gene compositions. Genes associated with labile carbon degradation increased in relative abundance in the warming treatment, while those related to nitrogen cycling decreased. These results suggest that microbial functional potentials are more sensitive to long-term moderate warming than the taxonomic composition of microbial communities.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Lian, Zhongyu Mou, Connor J. Cooper, Ryne C. Johnston, Scott C. Brooks, Baohua Gu, Niranjan Govind, Sofi Jonsson, Jerry M. Parks
Summary: The study demonstrates that reduced sulfur groups on sulfide mineral surfaces can facilitate the formation of dimethylmercury, allowing for a direct transfer of methyl groups. Coordination of mercury by multiple sulfur atoms stabilizes the transition state and activates the bond for methyl transfer. Additionally, solvation effects play a significant role in reducing the energetic barrier for dimethylmercury formation on the nanoparticle surface compared to the reaction in a vacuum.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Christina S. Kang-Yun, Jin Chang, Scott C. Brooks, Baohua Gu, Jeremy D. Semrau
Summary: The genomes of Methylomonas sp. strain EFPC1 and Methylococcus sp. strain EFPC2, isolated from a mercury-contaminated stream in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, have been sequenced.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lijie Zhang, Michael Philben, Neslihan Tas, Alexander Johs, Ziming Yang, Stan D. Wullschleger, David E. Graham, Eric M. Pierce, Baohua Gu
Summary: The research investigates the main microbial methylators responsible for MeHg production in tundra soils, finding that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogens play key roles in Hg(II) methylation, depending on the availability of sulfate and potential syntrophic metabolisms between them. The study highlights the importance of understanding biogeochemical drivers of MeHg production in Arctic tundra soils to address potential threats to the ecosystem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun-Yun Hao, Yu-Jie Zhu, Ruo-Qun Yan, Baohua Gu, Xin-Quan Zhou, Ren-Rui Wei, Chuang Wang, Jiao Feng, Qiaoyun Huang, Yu-Rong Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different types and concentrations of thiols on the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants. The results showed that cysteine facilitated MeHg uptake and translocation, while glutathione only promoted uptake and penicillamine significantly inhibited uptake and translocation. Comparative transcriptomics analysis revealed that key genes may be involved in MeHg uptake.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xujun Liang, Nali Zhu, Alexander Johs, Hongmei Chen, Dale A. Pelletier, Lijie Zhang, Xixiang Yin, Yuxi Gao, Jiating Zhao, Baohua Gu
Summary: This study demonstrates that solar irradiation can enhance the reduction of mercuric Hg(II) to elemental Hg(0) by algal cells and their organic matter. Algal organic matter (AOM) was found to be more effective in reducing Hg(II) than algal cells themselves due to cell surface adsorption and uptake of Hg(II) inside the cells under solar irradiation. Additionally, sunlight facilitated the transformation of Hg to less bioavailable species compared to species formed in algal cells in the dark. These findings highlight the important functional roles and potential mechanisms of algae in Hg reduction and immobilization under varying lighting conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin N. Sulman, Fengming Yuan, Teri O'Meara, Baohua Gu, Elizabeth M. Herndon, Jianqiu Zheng, Peter E. Thornton, David E. Graham
Summary: The fate of organic carbon in permafrost soils is crucial for the climate system, and thawing permafrost is subject to dynamic hydrology that affects soil organic matter decomposition and greenhouse gas production. This study investigates the role of iron redox reactions and pH dynamics in predicting methane and carbon dioxide production as well as soil organic matter decomposition rates in iron-rich, frequently waterlogged Arctic soils.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Faye Koenigsmark, Michelle Chiu, Nelson Rivera, Alexander Johs, Jeremy Eskelsen, Donovan Leonard, Boakai K. Robertson, Anna Szynkiewicz, Christopher Derolph, Linduo Zhao, Baohua Gu, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Eric M. Pierce
Summary: At mercury (Hg)-contaminated sites, streambank erosion plays a crucial role in mobilizing Hg into nearby waterbodies. Understanding the solid-phase distribution of Hg in streambanks is important for Hg transport and bioavailability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lijie Zhang, Yongchao Yin, Yanchen Sun, Xujun Liang, David E. Graham, Eric M. Pierce, Frank E. Loeffler, Baohua Gu
Summary: Climate warming leads to permafrost thaw, which is predicted to increase the formation of toxic methylmercury and greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide). A 145-day microcosm incubation study with Arctic tundra soil shows that nitrous oxide significantly inhibits microbial methylmercury formation, methanogenesis, and sulfate reduction, while slightly promoting carbon dioxide production. Analysis of microbial communities reveals that nitrous oxide decreases the abundance of methanogenic archaea and microbial clades associated with sulfate reduction and methylmercury formation. Depletion of nitrous oxide leads to rapid resumption of methylmercury formation and sulfate reduction, while methane production remains low, indicating differential effects on susceptible microbial guilds. The formation of methylmercury strongly coincides with sulfate reduction, supporting previous reports linking sulfate-reducing bacteria to methylmercury formation in Arctic soil. This research highlights the complex biogeochemical interactions governing methylmercury and methane formation, providing a basis for future mechanistic studies on the understanding of these processes in thawing permafrost ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuang Zhang, Baohui Li, Yi Chen, Mengqiang Zhu, Joel A. Pedersen, Baohua Gu, Zimeng Wang, Hui Li, Jinling Liu, Xin-Quan Zhou, Yun-Yun Hao, Hong Jiang, Fan Liu, Yu-Rong Liu, Hui Yin
Summary: Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin with adverse health impacts on humans. This research demonstrates that trivalent manganese (Mn(III)) can degrade MeHg in natural environments, suggesting potential applications for remediating heavily polluted soils and engineered systems containing MeHg.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongxia Du, Xin Gu, Alexander Johs, Xiangping Yin, Tyler Spano, Dingyong Wang, Eric M. Pierce, Baohua Gu
Summary: There are over 3000 mercury-contaminated sites worldwide that contain liquid metallic mercury (Hg(0)l), which continuously releases elemental mercury (Hg(0)) into the environment through volatilization and solubilization in water. Current treatment technologies for in situ removal or sequestration of Hg(0)l are limited. This study investigated the effectiveness of sonochemical treatments coupled with complexing agents, polysulfide and sulfide, in oxidizing and stabilizing Hg in various environmental matrices. Results showed that sonication, especially in the presence of polysulfide, effectively broke up and oxidized Hg(0)l beads through acoustic cavitation. With the addition of polysulfide, Hg(0) volatilization and solubilization were significantly reduced. Sonochemical treatment with polysulfide also resulted in the rapid oxidation of Hg(0)l and precipitation of HgS in water, soil, and quartz sand, demonstrating its potential as an effective method for converting Hg(0)l to insoluble HgS precipitates and preventing further emissions to the environment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lijie Zhang, Christina S. Kang-Yun, Xia Lu, Jin Chang, Xujun Liang, Eric M. Pierce, Jeremy D. Semrau, Baohua Gu
Summary: This study investigates the interactions of methanotrophs and Hg(II)methylating bacteria with mercuric mercury and methylmercury in aquatic systems. The results show that the adsorption and uptake dynamics of Hg(II) and MeHg differ between these microorganisms. Although methanotrophs cannot methylate Hg(II), they play important roles in immobilizing both Hg(II) and MeHg, potentially influencing their bioavailability and trophic transfer, and affecting global carbon and mercury cycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun-Yun Hao, Hui -Wen Liu, Jiating Zhao, Jiao Feng, Xiuli Hao, Qiaoyun Huang, Baohua Gu, Yu-Rong Liu
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) in agricultural ecosystems can influence the conversion of mercury (Hg) to neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg), but the mechanism is poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of MPs on Hg methylation in paddy soils and found that MPs significantly increased MeHg production. The microbial communities associated with Hg methylation were different in the plastisphere (region around the MPs) compared to the bulk soil, and these differences could contribute to the distinct MeHg production ability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongxia Du, Xiangping Yin, Xin Gu, Dingyong Wang, Eric M. M. Pierce, Baohua Gu
Summary: This study found that Hg(0)(aq) reacted strongly with organic matter or organic matter-coated minerals in water, but weakly with inorganic mineral suspended particulate matter (SPM). Almost 100% of Hg(0)(aq) could be recovered as purgeable gaseous Hg(0) after reactions with mineral SPM, regardless of the mineral types, concentrations, and reaction time. However, incomplete recoveries were observed in the presence of organic matter or organic matter-coated minerals, but the addition of borohydride immediately restored the purgeability and recovery of Hg(0)(aq).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Tamar Barkay, Baohua Gu
Summary: This article reviews the current knowledge on MeHg degradation and its potential pathways and mechanisms, highlighting detoxification processes by resistant microorganisms using the mer system and other demethylation processes. It emphasizes the uncertainties and known effects of environmental factors on MeHg degradation.
ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU
(2021)