Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Scott D. Midgley, Dominik Fleitmann, Ricardo Grau-Crespo
Summary: The presence of bromine as a trace-element in calcium carbonate speleothems is a useful proxy for past volcanic activity. However, the chemical nature of bromine-containing impurities in speleothems is not well-understood, which hinders the interpretation of experimental measurements. A computer simulation study based on quantum mechanical calculations was conducted to investigate the incorporation of bromine in calcium carbonate polymorphs. The study discusses the distribution of bromate oxyanions and charge-compensating cations and predicts their stability and solubility limits.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Remelli, Alessandro Scibona, Daniele Nizzoli, Luciana Mantovani, Mario Tribaudino, Fulvio Celico, Cristina Menta
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using earthworms and plants for the decontamination of soil polluted with PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The results showed that this method significantly reduced the concentrations of pollutants in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ran Xiao, Amjad Ali, Yaqiong Xu, Hamada Abdelrahman, Ronghua Li, Yanbing Lin, Nanthi Bolan, Sabry M. Shaheen, Jorg Rinklebe, Zengqiang Zhang
Summary: Earthworms have the potential to remediate soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), but thorough research and reviews on this topic are currently lacking. This review provides insights into the distribution and abundance of earthworms in PTEs contaminated soils, the influence of PTEs on earthworm communities, factors affecting earthworm PTEs accumulation and elimination, and the dynamics of PTEs in earthworm-amended soils.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jonathan D. Judy, Jennifer Sarchapone, Caleb Gravesen, Ganga Hettiarachchi, Caroline Buchanan, Derek LaMontagne, Julio Pachon
Summary: This study found that a variety of inexpensive and accessible soil nutrient test methods correlate with bioaccessible Pb at a specific site, regardless of whether Pb-immobilizing amendments have been used.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amanda D. Harwood, Samuel A. Nutile, Adam M. Simpson
Summary: Remediation of hydrophobic organic contaminants using activated carbon is effective, but current laboratory experiments may overpredict the extent or speed of remediation compared to field conditions. In this study, the bioaccumulation of DDT, DDD, and DDE residues by earthworms exposed to laboratory-aged or field-aged soils was compared, and the results showed that activated carbon significantly reduced the bioaccumulation of DDX in earthworms in both laboratory and field conditions. However, the rate of reduction was faster in laboratory-aged soils compared to field-aged soils, indicating differences in temperature and activated carbon incorporation methods between the two may impact the effectiveness of remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Guerra-Garces, C. A. Garcia-Negrete, K. Pastor-Sierra, G. C. Arteaga, M. Barrera-Vargas, M. C. Jimenez de Haro, A. Fernandez
Summary: Cellulose fibers are the main raw material for paper manufacture, which can be virgin or recycled. Most Tetra Pak packages are not recycled, highlighting the need for alternatives to promote recycling. This study investigates the effect of morphologically diverse fillers on the performance of composite materials.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabrine Hattab, Iteb Boughattas, Tiziana Cappello, Nesrine Zitouni, Ghada Touil, Ilef Romdhani, Alexandre Livet, Nourreddine Bousserrhine, Mohamed Banni
Summary: Heavy metal pollution has harmful consequences on soil fertility, and earthworms are used as test organisms to evaluate the ecotoxicity of polluted soils. This study exposed Eisenia andrei to polymetallic contaminated soils for 7 and 14 days in southeastern Tunisia. The results showed increased heavy metal accumulation, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity in earthworms after 14 days of exposure, as well as changes in biochemical and transcriptional responses. These findings support the use of earthworms as bioindicator species for pollution monitoring and provide valuable information about the harmful impact of biota exposure to contaminated soils.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangxiang Wang, Yongxing Cui, Li Chen, Kun Tang, Dawei Wang, Zhigang Zhang, Jialuo Yu, Linchuan Fang
Summary: Lead contamination in cropland soil increases microbial relative C limitation and phosphorus limitation, affecting microbial metabolism and soil C turnover.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhisheng Ren, Lu Wang, Hao Wang, Shuhua Liu, Min Liu
Summary: The present study designed a phosphogypsum slag-based cementitious material (PS) and investigated its potential use for solidifying/stabilizing lead-contaminated soils. The physicochemical properties, performance, and mechanisms of lead stabilization in soil were studied using various methods. The results showed that the PS solidified body had acceptable compressive strength for backfill treatments or roadbed materials. The leaching concentrations of lead were within the safety limit specified in Chinese standard, indicating the potential for safe disposal and reuse of PS stabilized soil.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth George, Joseph James, Richard Devereux, Yongshan Wan, Gary L. Diamond, Karen D. Bradham, Kirk G. Scheckel, David J. Thomas
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the ingestion of diets amended with Pb-contaminated soil and the composition of the fecal microbiome in a mouse model. The results showed that treated soil caused a shift in the fecal intestinal flora, lower bioavailability of Pb in bone, blood, and kidney, and differences in Pb speciation compared to untreated soil. Several phyla and families of bacteria were observed to be modulated, including those that are resistant to Pb and those linked to health or disease. This study provides new insights into the relationship between the fecal microbiome and Pb-contaminated soils, which can aid in the selection of effective and safe remediation approaches.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sanmay Kumar Patra, Sudip Sengupta, Som Sankar Das, Debashis Mazumdar
Summary: Phosphorus (P) performs a dual role in providing plant nutrition and suppressing lead (Pb) toxicity in soil-plant system. Using soluble P to remediate lead toxicity is a cost-effective soil rehabilitation technique. An incubation experiment was conducted to assess the bioavailability of Pb and P in Pb-laden soils with simultaneous application. The results reveal significant reductions in bioavailable soil-Pb concentrations due to interactions between Pb and P as well as interactions between Pb and incubation time.
CLEAN-SOIL AIR WATER
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qianjun Liu, Jiayi Luo, Jiepeng Tang, Zhiliang Chen, Zhaowei Chen, Qintie Lin
Summary: Iron oxide-lignin composites (GLS) are effective in immobilizing Cd and Pb in soil and exhibit better stability under acid rain conditions. GLS has a higher adsorption capacity and unique microstructure, transforming mobile and exchangeable Cd/Pb into organic and amorphous Fe oxide-bound fractions.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kunio Ishikawa, Koichiro Hayashi
Summary: This paper discusses the fabrication methods of carbonate apatite (CO(3)Ap) artificial bone, including dissolution-precipitation reaction and using a precursor. CO(3)Ap artificial bone has higher osteoconductivity, can be resorbed by osteoclasts, and is replaced by new bone through bone remodeling.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fusheng Zha, Shaogeng Chen, Bo Kang, Long Xu, Yinbin Shen, Runkai Wang
Summary: This study investigates the synergistic curing effect of MgO and microorganisms on soil contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals. The results show that the addition of MgO significantly improves the compressive strength of the soil and meets international solid waste disposal standards.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ananthanarayanan Yuvaraj, Ramasundaram Thangaraj, Natchimuthu Karmegam, Balasubramani Ravindran, Soon Woong Chang, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Soundarapandian Kannan
Summary: The article discusses the dumping of heavy metals in the environment due to the industrial revolution and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, and current strategies for the remediation of metal-polluted soils and water. Biochar combined with earthworms and vermifiltration is an emerging technique that shows promise in reducing metal ion concentrations effectively.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
M. D. Suttle, A. J. King, N. K. Ramkissoon, E. Bonato, I. A. Franchi, J. Malley, P. F. Schofield, J. Najorka, T. Salge, S. S. Russell
Summary: This study simulates the hydrothermal conditions on carbonaceous chondrite planetesimals in the early solar system and investigates the alteration effects under different water-to-rock ratios and temperatures. The experiments demonstrate that all samples experienced significant alteration, forming various alteration minerals. The results also show that higher water-to-rock ratios lead to more advanced alteration.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Laura Santos, Agnieszka Dybowska, Paul F. Schofield, Richard J. Herrington, Giannantonio Cibin, D. Barrie Johnson
Summary: Limonite layers in laterite mines contain valuable base metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Limonite bioprocessing, which uses acidophilic prokaryotes to oxidize sulfur and reduce iron and manganese minerals, releases these metals. However, some limonites may contain toxic Cr(VI), which inhibits microbial activity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. Griffin, L. Daly, S. Piazolo, L. Forman, B. E. Cohen, M. R. Lee, P. W. Trimby, R. J. Baumgartner, G. K. Benedix, B. Hoefnagels
Summary: Deformation is a common process in rocks. EBSD technique can be used to infer slip-systems and understand plastic deformation in rocks. Analysis of nakhlite meteorites revealed variations in intracrystalline misorientation patterns between different deformation regions, indicating heterogeneity in sampling from the source crater.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. Griffin, L. Daly, T. Keller, S. Piazolo, L. Forman, M. R. Lee, R. J. Baumgartner, P. W. Trimby, G. K. Benedix, A. J. Irving, B. Hoefnagels
Summary: The study utilizes EBSD and emplacement end-member calculations to determine that crystal settling is the dominant mechanism for the emplacement of augite crystals in Martian nakhlite meteorites, despite some variability between individual samples.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Josefin Martell, Carl Alwmark, Luke Daly, Stephen Hall, Sanna Alwmark, Robin Woracek, Johan Hektor, Lukas Helfen, Alessandro Tengattini, Martin Lee
Summary: This study explores the three-dimensional distribution of hydrous phases within the nakhlite meteorite and reveals that the alteration is localized and of short duration. This implies that habitable environments could not have been sustained on Mars during the Amazonian period.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthieu Amor, J. Frederick W. Mosselmans, Ernesto Scoppola, Chenghao Li, Damien Faivre, Daniel M. Chevrier
Summary: Magnetite nanoparticles can have various applications, and their magnetic properties can be tuned by incorporating trace elements. In abiotic magnetite nanoparticles, element incorporation is mainly controlled by cation size and valence, while in biologically synthesized magnetite nanoparticles, there is biological control over element transfer. This understanding can help in predicting and tailoring the composition of magnetite nanoparticles for desired magnetic properties.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Sammy Griffin, Arya Udry, Luke Daly, Lucy Victoria Forman, Martin R. Lee, Benjamin E. Cohen
Summary: In order to understand volcanism on other planetary bodies, quantification of physical processes is necessary. This study investigates the petrogenesis of Martian Yamato nakhlites through quantitative analysis of augite phenocrysts. The results show continuous growth of augite with minimum magma chamber residence times of 88-117 +/- 6 yr or 9-12 yr. The Yamato nakhlites are suggested to have formed as low-viscosity lava flows or sills on Mars.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
M. E. Hodson, P. Brailey-Jones, W. L. Burn, A. L. Harper, S. E. Hartley, T. Helgason, H. F. Walker
Summary: Earthworms enhance plant growth by influencing the soil microbiome, rather than directly affecting nutrient availability. Understanding this mechanism could lead to changes in agricultural management to reduce fertiliser usage and carbon footprint. In an experiment, wheat plants showed increased biomass in the presence of earthworms and under regular watering, with earthworms also mitigating the negative effects of drought. Gene expression analysis revealed differential expression related to plant defences, stress response, and control of plant growth. The soil microbiome of earthworm-present treatments was associated with nutrient-rich environments and promoting plant growth.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Laura E. E. Jenkins, Martin R. R. Lee, Luke Daly, Ashley J. J. King, Cameron J. J. Floyd, Pierre-Etienne Martin, Natasha V. V. Almeida, Matthew J. J. Genge
Summary: Winchcombe is a CM chondrite that fell in England on February 28, 2021. Terrestrial phases such as calcite, calcium sulfates, and halite were observed within two polished sections of the meteorite. These terrestrial phases were formed after the meteorite fell and were influenced by the damp environment and laboratory conditions.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Martin R. Lee, Cameron Floyd, Pierre-Etienne Martin, Xuchao Zhao, Ian A. Franchi, Laura Jenkins, Sammy Griffin
Summary: LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02239 is a CM2 carbonaceous chondrite with mild aqueous alteration, containing xenoliths from a primitive chondritic parent body. The xenoliths consist of chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) in a fine-grained matrix. The mineralogy and oxygen isotopic composition of the chondrules and CAIs are similar to those in the CMs, indicating a common origin.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Helen Howard, Jens Najorka, Paul F. Schofield, Kalotina Geraki
Summary: This article analyzes the degraded mordant gilding on two early fourteenth-century paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti at the UK synchrotron facility Diamond Light Source. The study reveals the presence of arsenolite (As2O3) throughout the mordant, indicating light-induced photooxidation of orpiment. Analysis of cross-sections of the discolored mordant using synchrotron radiation (SR) microfocus X-ray fluorescence (mu-XRF) maps allowed imaging of the migration of As-Ag-S bearing species and provided insights into the oxidation state of As, Ag, and S. The study also identified the presence of acanthite Ag2S, xanthoconite Ag3AsS3, and arsenolite As2O3 in the mordant layer.
STUDIES IN CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Nicholas T. T. Tran, Daniel Sier, Tony Kirk, Chanh Q. Tran, J. Frederick W. Mosselmans, Sofia Diaz-Moreno, Christopher T. Chantler
Summary: The discovery of a new physical process in manganese metal is reported. This process will also be present for all manganese-containing materials in condensed matter. The process was discovered using the XRHERFD technique, developed from the high-resolution RIXS and HERFD approaches. The findings have important implications for X-ray absorption spectroscopy and the interpretation of X-ray absorption fine-structure spectra.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Shauna L. McLoughlin, Richard A. D. Pattrick, J. Frederick W. Mosselmans, Joe Kelleher, Bart E. van Dongen
Summary: The agricultural soils of West Limerick, Ireland, have extremely high natural selenium concentrations due to the Carboniferous shales, which originated in anoxic marine environments and were reprecipitated in post-glacial marshes. This has led to selenosis and molybdenosis in grazing livestock. The study found high concentrations of selenium, molybdenum, and uranium in the soils, with a positive correlation to organic matter. Pasture grasses and the accumulator species Brassica oleracea showed high levels of selenium and molybdenum. The Se in the soil-plant system was mainly present as elemental Se and selenomethionine, leading to selenosis in dairy herds. The hyperaccumulating Brassica oleracea could be used to extract selenium and molybdenum and reduce toxicity. Evaluation: 8/10.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Benjamin E. Cohen, Darren F. Mark, William S. Cassata, Lara M. Kalnins, Martin R. Lee, Caroline L. Smith, David L. Shuster
Summary: Research found that the shergottites have a wide range of ages, with statistically robust Ar-40/Ar-39 isochron ages ranging from 161+/-9 Ma to 540+/-63 Ma, consistent with other dating methods. These data indicate that, despite experiencing shock metamorphism, the shergottites were sourced from the youngest volcanoes on Mars.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Martin R. Lee, Lydia J. Hallis, Luke Daly, Adrian J. Boyce
Summary: CM carbonaceous chondrites can be used to study the water content and isotopic composition of C-complex asteroids. Previous research has shown that CM chondrites have higher water content, possibly due to contamination on Earth. This study measured the concentration and isotopic composition of terrestrial and indigenous water in CM falls using stepwise pyrolysis, and found that the falls are rapidly contaminated upon exposure to Earth's atmosphere. However, the amount of water added does not increase over time. The petrologic types of CM chondrites strongly influence their ability to acquire terrestrial water.
METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xinze Lu, Geoffrey J. Gilleaudeau, Brian Kendall
Summary: The Late Ordovician mass extinction is the first major extinction event in the Phanerozoic, but the reasons for the decline in global biodiversity before the extinction are not well understood.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Junyao Kang, Daniel D. Gregory, Benjamin Gill, Shiqiang Huang, Changxin Lai, Zhaoshan Chang, Huan Cui, Ivan Belousov, Shuhai Xiao
Summary: Sedimentary pyrite is an important geological archive, but it can be altered by diagenetic and hydrothermal processes. This study successfully trained machine learning algorithms to distinguish pyrite origins using trace element data. The approach was validated and applied to identify the origins of pyrite in two sedimentary successions in South China.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
