Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahnoor Alam Khan, Monzur Alam Imteaz
Summary: Based on previous experiments, Skye sand is an effective adsorbent for removing arsenic from water. This paper presents experimental results on arsenic and iron removal using a prototype filter made of Skye sand. The results show that the current filter consistently removes arsenic to a level below the detection limit and also removes iron below the acceptable limit. The prototype filter is capable of producing arsenic-free water continuously for a long period of time.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Congwei Zhong, Dong Hoon Lee, Jin Hwi Kim, Joo-Hyon Kang
Summary: The study demonstrated that iron oxide-coated sand (IOCS) had higher and more stable removal efficiencies of heavy metals in urban stormwater runoff compared to traditional filter media like sand, under varying chemical conditions. The competition of heavy metal ions with other cations for available sites on the IOCS surface may be the main reason for decreased adsorption efficiencies.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Israel Quino Lima, Oswaldo Eduardo Ramos Ramos, Mauricio Ormachea Munoz, Maria Isabel Chambi Tapia, Jorge Quintanilla Aguirre, Arslan Ahmad, Jyoti Prakash Maity, Md Tahmidul Islam, Prosun Bhattacharya
Summary: Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a global issue, and in the Bolivian Altiplano, the presence of high levels of arsenic, boron, and manganese in shallow wells poses health risks. Groundwater flows from southeast to northwest, indicating interactions between groundwater and surface water in the region.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Aminur Rahman, Sazal Kumar, A. S. M. Fazle Bari, Abhishek Sharma, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
Summary: The efficiency of 20 arsenic and iron removal plants in rural Bangladesh was evaluated, with arsenic removal ranging from 67% to 98% and iron removal being evident in more than 80% of the samples. Although significant arsenic removal was achieved, the cancer risk assessment showed levels above the threshold limits, indicating the need for further reductions in arsenic concentrations in treated water. Suggestions for improvement include changes in design, regular cleaning, and monitoring. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these modifications in improving plant performance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Annaduzzaman, Luuk C. Rietveld, Devanita Ghosh, Bilqis A. Hoque, Doris van Halem
Summary: Anoxic storage containers can enhance arsenic removal in groundwater treatment systems, even when the oxidation process is slower compared to aerobic storage. Aeration prior to storage may lead to rapid oxidation of Fe2+ and impact the removal efficiency of As.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mrinal Roy, Case M. van Genuchten, Luuk Rietveld, Doris van Halem
Summary: Arsenic is a toxic element found in many groundwater sources around the world. Traditional removal techniques often require chemical treatment, but a novel bio-FeEC system was developed in this study, which effectively removes arsenic without the need for chemicals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jin-li Cui, Jinsu Yang, Yanping Zhao, Tingshan Chan, Tangfu Xiao, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: Understanding the distribution and speciation of arsenic (As) associated with iron (Fe) in subsoil profiles is important for predicting the immobilization of high geogenic As and safe utilization of As-containing soil during land development. This study investigated the As enrichment mechanisms in four subsoil cores from Hong Kong using sequential chemical extraction and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. The results showed that the subsoil profiles had relatively high concentrations of As, mainly in the form of As(V) associated with the residual fraction. Poorly crystalline Fe (oxyhydr)oxides played a key role in immobilizing most of the high geogenic As.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nimisha Thakur, W. Armstrong
Summary: A green, low-cost adsorbent based on geopolymer microspheres was reported for arsenic adsorption for the first time. The iron oxide modified geopolymer microparticles showed excellent arsenic adsorption performance, especially with high removal rates for different arsenic species under specific conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Rotiroti, Tullia Bonomi, Elisa Sacchi, John M. McArthur, Rasmus Jakobsen, Alessandra Sciarra, Giuseppe Etiope, Chiara Zanotti, Veronica Nava, Letizia Fumagalli, Barbara Leoni
Summary: Understanding the factors that control arsenic concentrations in groundwater is crucial for providing safe water in regions with arsenic-polluted aquifers. This study evaluated the source, transport, and fate of arsenic in Pleistocene aquifers through an analysis of redox properties in the Po Plain, Italy. The study found that arsenic concentrations in groundwater are influenced by the operation of multiple terminal electron acceptors, the presence of organic matter, and the positioning of well-screens. The conceptual model proposed may be applicable to Pleistocene aquifers worldwide with similar characteristics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thiago Augusto Formentini, Geert Cornelis, Jon Petter Gustafsson, Kathrin Leicht, Charlotta Tiberg, Britta Planer-Friedrich, Neal Durant, Dimin Fan, Dan B. Kleja
Summary: This study collected sediment material from a contaminated anoxic aquifer in Sweden and investigated the immobilization of arsenic (As) by four commercial zero-valent iron (ZVI) particles. The results showed that uncoated ZVI particles performed better in immobilizing As, and the effect of particle size on the immobilization was small.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marianela Batistelli, Barbara P. Mora, Florencia Mangiameli, Nadia Mamana, Gerardo Lopez, Maria F. Goddio, Sebastian Bellu, Juan C. Gonzalez
Summary: This study demonstrates the great capacity of a hybrid sorbent using chitosan doped with iron nanoaggregates to eliminate As(V) in groundwater, and identifies a method to optimize operating values.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Thi Hai Nguyen, Paripurnanda Loganathan, Tien Vinh Nguyen, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran, Thi Hoang Ha Nguyen, Hai Nguyen Tran, Quoc Bien Nguyen
Summary: In this study, pomelo peel biochar coated with iron (PPCI) was investigated as an adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from water. The PPCI showed high adsorption capacity for both arsenite and arsenate ions, and its performance was not affected by the solution pH. The characterization analysis revealed the adsorption mechanisms involved in the process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Francesc Corbera-Rubio, Michele Laureni, Nienke Koudijs, Simon Mueller, Theo van Alen, Frank Schoonenberg, Sebastian Luecker, Martin Pabst, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Doris van Halem
Summary: Rapid sand filters (RSF) are commonly used for groundwater treatment, however, the processes controlling the removal of iron, ammonia, and manganese are not well understood. This study investigated two drinking water treatment plant configurations and found that the removal of ammonium and manganese only occurred after iron depletion. The microbial composition and media coating within each compartment were found to be homogeneous, indicating the effect of backwashing. However, the removal of contaminants was stratified within each compartment, with proteins catalyzing ammonia oxidation and nitrifying genera showing significant differences in abundances between top and bottom samples. These findings highlight the potential of metaproteomics in understanding metabolic adaptations and interactions in dynamic ecosystems.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Locksley F. Castaneda, Oscar Coreno, Jose L. Nava
Summary: This paper investigates the simultaneous removal of arsenic, fluoride, and hydrated silica from natural well water using electrocoagulation. The best results were achieved at a current density of 5 mA cm-2 and a linear flow velocity of 1.2 cm s-1. This method effectively reduced the concentrations of arsenic and fluoride below the World Health Organization's guideline and maintained a hydrated silica concentration of 33 mg L-1.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xianjun Xie, Chun Lu, Rui Xu, Xueqian Yang, Lu Yan, Chunli Su
Summary: Fe-Mn bimetallic oxides with mesoporous structure were synthesized and studied for arsenic removal, with Fe1Mn1-300 showing the largest specific surface area and maximum arsenic absorption capacity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mehrnoosh Babaahmadifooladi, Liesbeth Jacxsens, Tom Van de Wiele, Ediu Carlos da Silva Junior, Gijs Du Laing
Summary: This study investigated the bioaccessible/dialyzable fractions of nickel in different foods and found that exposure assessments based on these fractions highlighted an overestimation of exposures when calculated based on total nickel concentrations in foods. This is particularly important when comparing exposure values with toxicological thresholds, especially those obtained through animal studies dosed at 100% accessibility/availability of nickel salts.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Natasha Natasha, Muhammad Shahid, Sana Khalid, Irshad Bibi, Muhammad Asif Naeem, Nabeel Khan Niazi, Filip M. G. Tack, James Anthony Ippolito, Jorg Rinklebe
Summary: Biochar has been recognized as a soil amendment that can reduce the impact of toxic trace elements on plant and human health, by influencing trace element biogeochemistry processes. This review specifically examines the key roles of biochar in trace element interactions, mobility, and phytoavailability in soil-plant systems.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bram Seynnaeve, Karel Folens, Chidharth Krishnaraj, Ivan K. Ilic, Clemens Liedel, Johannes Schmidt, An Verberckmoes, Gijs Du Laing, Karen Leus, Pascal Van der Voort
Summary: A new oxygen-rich porous polymer was synthesized and successfully used as support for anchoring amorphous zirconium oxide nanoparticles. The hybrid material exhibited excellent adsorption capacities for both arsenite and arsenate, with fast adsorption kinetics. The material showed applicability in real working environments and could be regenerated continuously for arsenic desorption.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaolin Wang, Marcella Fernandes de Souza, Michel J. Mench, Haichao Li, Yong Sik Ok, Filip M. G. Tack, Erik Meers
Summary: This study found that alfalfa performed well in soils with lower copper levels and can enhance copper uptake with the application of EDDS. However, alfalfa growth was severely affected in highly contaminated soils, and the use of EDDS resulted in wilting and significantly increased copper concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nerea Rodriguez Rodriguez, Maarten Everaert, Karel Folens, Jakob Busse, Thomas Abo Atia, Adam J. Williamson, Lieven Machiels, Jeroen Spooren, Nico Boon, Gijs Du Laing, Koen Binnemans
Summary: Innovative and sustainable technologies are being developed to meet the demand for critical metals and valorize industrial waste streams. This study successfully recovered copper from copper sulfide tailings using microwave-assisted roasting and ammonia leaching, with high efficiency and selectivity against other metals. Bioleaching and environmental leaching tests were also applied to further reduce residual metal concentrations and evaluate process performance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Monojit Mondal, Dhrubajyoti Majumdar, Amit Bhatnagar, Binoy Sarkar, Meththika Vithanage, Erik Meers, Filip M. G. Tack, Deepak Pant, Ramesh Goel
Summary: This study successfully converted human urine into fertilizer through chemical and biological mineralization, and evaluated their fertilizer potential. The synthesized struvite products showed slow release fertilizer characteristics and improved plant growth and seed yield of cowpea. It was found that struvite has the potential for long-term phosphate supply. The chemogenic synthesis route yielded higher struvite compared to the biogenic synthesis, but the latter is preferred for its eco-friendliness.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maksymilian Malka, Gijs Du Laing, Torsten Bohn
Summary: This study investigated the effects of foliar application of selenium and zinc on the accumulation of macrominerals, macronutrients, and bioactive compounds in pea plants. The results showed that the application of selenate and zinc oxide positively affected the concentrations of magnesium and chlorophyll in different pea varieties. The study provides new nutritional data on biofortified peas and contributes to the improvement of agronomic biofortification.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mojtaba Mohseni, Wibke Zaengler, Kristof Demeestere, Gijs Du Laing, Sabita Bhandari, Anna K. Mechler, Sueleyman Yuece, Robert G. Keller, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study introduces a one-pot method to synthesize Fe-incorporated self-standing HPCs using bio-based precursors to serve as binder-free electrodes, with high specific surface area and tailorable porosity, demonstrating potential for efficient removal of micropollutants in water bodies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agnieszka Baran, Filip M. G. Tack, Antoine Delemazure, Jerzy Wieczorek, Marek Tarnawski, Gavin Birch
Summary: The quality of bottom sediments plays a crucial role in the functions of dam reservoirs. This study assesses the risk of metal contamination in sediments by combining different pollution indices. Zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were found to dominate sediment contamination. Ecological risk assessment revealed high risks for all three metals, while human health risks were high for Pb and Cd. Sediments from the Rybnik reservoir posed a high potential ecological risk for Copper (Cu). The use of sequential BCR extraction and ecotoxicity analyses provided a comprehensive risk assessment of metal contamination in dam reservoir sediments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Li, Lila Otero-Gonzalez, Piet N. L. Lens, Ivet Ferrer, Gijs Du Laing
Summary: Selenium and zinc are essential micronutrients often lacking in human and animal diets. SeZn-enriched duckweed and sludge can be used as slow-release biofertilizers, significantly increasing selenium concentrations in plants, particularly organic selenium-methionine in seeds, without negative effects on plant growth.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaoyu Zhou, Xin Liu, Xiao Yang, Gijs Du Laing, Yuan Yang, Filip M. G. Tack, Michael S. Bank, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: This study investigated the uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of different-sized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on rice seedlings. Results showed that 70 nm-sized PtNPs were more efficiently transferred in rice roots. Increasing PtNP concentration restricted particle uptake, while particle aggregation and dissolution were observed in plant cells and on root surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maksymilian Malka, Gijs Du Laing, Alzbeta Hegedusova, Torsten Bohn
Summary: Although selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients for human health, their deficiencies affect a significant portion of the global population. Biofortification of pea crops with Se/Zn can effectively increase the nutritional value. This study investigated the effects of foliar application of sodium selenate (Se) or zinc oxide (Zn) on seed accumulation of Se and Zn in two varieties of peas.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Taoufik El Rasafi, Abdallah Oukarroum, Abdelmajid Haddioui, Hocheol Song, Eilhann E. Kwon, Nanthi Bolan, Filip M. G. Tack, Abin Sebastian, M. N. Prasad, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: This review discusses the deleterious effects of cadmium in plants and the evolution of tolerance and resistance mechanisms. Cadmium negatively affects seed germination, early seedling growth, and plant biomass, as well as photosynthesis, water content, transpiration rate, and electrolyte leakage. Plants have developed detoxification mechanisms to exclude or accumulate cadmium, and utilize signaling pathways, hormone synthesis, antioxidant systems, and other strategies to adapt to cadmium toxicity. Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in reducing metal phytoavailability and enhancing plant morphological and physiological parameters for cadmium tolerance.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)