Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiyuan Liu, Huading Shi, Yanfei An, Jin Ma, Wenhao Zhao, Yajing Qu, Haiyan Chen, Lingling Liu, Fengcheng Wu
Summary: Rare earth elements (REEs), considered as emerging pollutants, have been increasingly released into the environment due to their extensive use in industries, agriculture, and high-tech devices. However, limited research has been conducted on REEs in urban soils. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential sources and risks of REEs in the urban environment. The study analyzed the concentration and distribution of REEs in urban park soils and used microgeochemical and random forest methods to determine the pollution sources of REEs. The results showed that the high concentrations of REEs were mainly found in the western part of Beijing near an industrial area, confirming the anthropogenic pollution sources from industry and traffic. Risk assessment indicated that the daily intake of REEs for both children and adults was below the reference threshold, suggesting negligible health risks.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junjie Yuan, Kangpeng Jin, Zhan Shi, Liangwei Fu, Biao Xu
Summary: This study investigates the effect of Yb doping on the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe prepared by solvothermal synthesis. The results show that Yb doping increases the p-type carrier concentration, enhances the power factor, and reduces the lattice thermal conductivity by intensifying phonon scattering.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eugenia Krasavtseva, Victoria Maksimova, Dmitry Makarov
Summary: This study focuses on the impact of mining tailings in the Kola Subarctic on the environment, finding high levels of heavy metals and rare earth elements in the tailings. Under certain conditions, these elements can dissolve into the environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiuying Zhang, Wang Shu, Fadong Li, Ming Li, Jun Zhou, Chao Tian, Shanbao Liu, Futian Ren, Gang Chen
Summary: This study investigated the pollution of nitrate in water sources from the largest rare earth mining site in southern China. The results showed a high proportion of samples with nitrate concentrations exceeding the health standard, with the highest risk found in the mining area. The study also found that nitrate pollution is influenced by multiple nitrogen sources and transformation processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen Zhong, Yong Geng, Zewen Ge, Xue Rui, Jingjing Liang, Wendong Wei
Summary: Energy efficient lights, such as fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, are crucial for carbon neutrality in the building sector. The demand for yttrium, europium, and terbium, which are essential for energy efficient lighting, has decreased due to the transition from fluorescent lamps to LED lamps, resulting in oversupply and unsustainable supply chains. This study analyzes the supply and demand dynamics of these rare earth elements in China's lighting sector from 2021 to 2060 and suggests policy recommendations to address imbalance and mitigate environmental impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chun-wan Wei, Cheng Xu, Wen-lei Song, Wei Chen, Aiguo Shi, Zhuoqi Li, Chaoxi Fan
Summary: The Huayangchuan carbonatite in the North Qinling orogenic belt is unique due to its abundance of quartz and high heavy rare earth element (HREE) content. The Si supersaturation and HREE enrichment in carbonatite are still unknown. Detailed mineralogical investigation and in situ geochemical analyses suggest that quartz crystallized simultaneously with mafic minerals from a Si supersaturation magma and Si assimilation from the wall-rocks may contribute to the high Si activity during clinopyroxene formation. The study also proposes that primary HREE enrichment in the residual melts is a result of fractional crystallization and crystal fractionation of early LREE-rich minerals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tal Benaltabet, Eldad Gutner-Hoch, Adi Torfstein
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficiency of mussels as biomonitors for removing heavy metals and REEs through a relocation experiment in a contaminated lagoon. The coupling between the elemental and Pb isotopic compositions of shell and soft tissue of mussels can be used to monitor short-term pollution events. The results also highlight the importance of considering terrigenous material in coastal settings when analyzing pollution.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wanli Yi, Xuefeng She, Huai Zhang, Zhenlong An, Jingsong Wang, Qingguo Xue
Summary: The crystallization experiment of molten rare earth (RE) slag under different cooling rates was conducted to study the element migration and phase distribution during the RE phase crystallization. Two RE phases were identified, namely (Ca, Ce, La)5(SiO4)6F and (Ca,Ce,La,Mg)3(Ti,Al,Nb)2O7. The Ca and P elements in the (Ca,Ce,La)5(SiO4)6F phase migrated from the inside to the outside during the cooling crystallization process, forming the Ca3(PO4)2 phase at the outer edge of the phase. The (Ca,Ce,La)5(SiO4)6F phase was distributed inside the furnace-cooled slag, while the (Ca,Ce,La,Mg)3(Ti,Al,Nb)2O7 phase was distributed in the surface layer. Based on the phase distribution characteristics, the central hollowing method was proposed for the preliminary enrichment of valuable elements Ti, Nb, and RE in RE slag.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Zhou, Xinyi Yu, Junjun Wang, Guanzhou Qiu, Hongbo Zhao, Li Shen
Summary: This study investigated the non-contact bioleaching of REEs using Aspergillus niger strain and explored the optimal culture and leaching conditions. Metabolomic analysis revealed the differential metabolites produced by the strain before and after leaching, highlighting the important roles of organic acids and their derivatives in the process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinhu Lai, Jinfu Liu, Daishe Wu, Jinying Xu
Summary: This study analyzed the pollution status, fractionation, plant accumulation characteristics, and potential risks of rare earth elements (REEs) in C. sinensis planting soil near ion-adsorption deposits in southern Ganzhou. The results showed that the soil was polluted by REEs, with fractionation between LREEs and HREEs, significant positive Ce anomaly, and negative Eu anomaly. C. sinensis had a weak ability to accumulate REEs in its fruit, with different concentrations of LREEs and HREEs in different areas. K2O, Fe2O3, and TOC were important soil factors influencing REE accumulation by C. sinensis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiyuan Liu, Wenhao Zhao, Jin Ma, Yongzhang Zhou, Yihang Wu, Yajing Qu, Yi Sun
Summary: This study measured the pollution of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and analyzed their spatial clustering and source-specific health risks. The high pollution clusters were mainly found in certain towns and urban areas. Industrial emissions were identified as the common source of both pollutants. The health risks posed by the combined pollution were found to be relatively serious, emphasizing the need for emission control. The results provide a basis for effective pollution management and control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Huazhou Hu, Jinliang Wang
Summary: This study utilized a selective nitration method to extract rare earth elements (REEs) and Li from electrolytic slag, successfully separating Fe and Al oxides. The fluorine volatilized as HF during nitration and was absorbed by an alkaline solution, effectively removing impurities and achieving high purity REE oxalates.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hao Su, Shuainan Ni, Chao Bie, Shan Wu, Xiaoqi Sun
Summary: This article introduces the application of a new ionic liquid [N-1888][NDA] in the separation of rare earth elements. By studying its extraction capacity, stripping property, and recycling stability, an efficient separation process for yttrium was developed. The experimental results showed that this process has a high separation factor and can produce high-purity yttrium without the use of salting-out reagents.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Keiko Hioki, Tae-Hoon Kim
Summary: This paper provides an overview of hot-deformed magnets and the efforts made to improve their properties by controlling their microstructures. Hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets have attracted attention as a material that could increase coercivity by reducing the use of heavy rare-earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinhang Qiao, Wenxuan Cui, Sheng Gao, Qiang Zhi, Bin Li, Yaochun Fan, Li Liu, Jianqiong Gao, Hongli Tan
Summary: This study investigated the occupational exposure to rare earth elements (REEs) in a major REE processing plant in North China. The results showed that external exposure significantly influenced internal REE exposure in the workers. Other factors such as residence time and type of work also had an impact on occupational exposure to selected REEs. The findings highlight the importance of assessing health risks and managing occupational hazards from REE exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shun-Shun Chen, Xu-Xiu Chen, Tian-Yu Yang, Li Chen, Zheng Guo, Xing-Jiu Huang
Summary: A temperature-modulated sensing strategy was proposed to identify and determine BTEX compounds. Highly effective identification of BTEX was achieved using linear discrimination and convolutional neural network analyses. Additionally, quantitative analysis of concentration was accomplished by establishing the relationship between concentration and response.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Myungkyung Noh, Jeong Yeon Sim, Jisung Kim, Jee Hwan Ahn, Hye-Young Min, Jong-Uk Lee, Jong-Sook Park, Ji Yun Jeong, Jae Young Lee, Shin Yup Lee, Hyo-Jong Lee, Choon-Sik Park, Ho-Young Lee
Summary: This study reveals that chronic exposure to PM induces chronic inflammation and development of COPD by dysregulating NAD+ metabolism and subsequent SIRT1 deficiency in pulmonary macrophages. Activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol effectively mitigates PM-induced inflammation and COPD development. Targeting metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in macrophages induced by PM is a promising strategy for COPD treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Liu, Linlin Qin, Yiming Qin, Tong Yang, Haoran Lu, Yulong Liu, Qiqi Zhang, Wenyan Liang
Summary: Co/NC/PAC electrode was prepared by compounding ZIF-67 with powder-activated carbon for the electrocatalytic treatment of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. The degradation efficiency of the four compounds reached 90.2-93.7% under optimal conditions, and the degradation order was pyridazine < pyrimidine < pyrazine < pyridine.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julien Couturier, Pierre Tamba Oulare, Blanche Collin, Claire Lallemand, Isabelle Kieffer, Julien Longerey, Perrine Chaurand, Jerome Rose, Daniel Borschneck, Bernard Angeletti, Steven Criquet, Renaud Podor, Hamed Pourkhorsandi, Guilhem Arrachart, Clement Levard
Summary: This study analyzes the properties of bauxite residue samples and explores the influence of bauxite ore origin, storage conditions, and storage time. The results show that the speciation of yttrium is related to the origin of bauxite ore, while no significant variation was observed with storage conditions or aging of the residues.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sakthinarenderan Saikumar, Ravi Mani, Mirunalini Ganesan, Inbakandan Dhinakarasamy, Thavamani Palanisami, Dharani Gopal
Summary: Microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems poses a growing concern due to its trophic transfer and negative effects on marine organisms. This study investigates the transfer and impacts of polystyrene microplastics in an estuarine food chain. The results show that microplastics can be transferred through the food chain, although the transfer rates are low. The exposed organisms exhibit stress responses, suggesting the potential risk of microplastics reaching humans through the food chain.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yan-Jiao Li, Ying Yuan, Wen-Bing Tan, Bei-Dou Xi, Hui Wang, Kun-Long Hui, Jia-Bao Chen, Yi-Fan Zhang, Lian-Feng Wang, Ren-Fei Li
Summary: This review investigated and analyzed the distribution, composition, and abundance of heavy metals and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill. The results showed that heavy metals have lasting effects on ARGs, and complexes of heavy metals and organic matter are common in landfill. This study provides a new basis to better understand the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs in landfill.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessy Joseph, Ari Vaisanen, Ajay B. Patil, Manu Lahtinen
Summary: Efficient and environmentally friendly porous hybrid adsorbent beads have been developed for the removal of arsenic from drinking water. The structural tuning of the adsorbents has been shown to have a significant impact on their adsorption performance, with high crystallinity leading to increased adsorption capacity and selectivity towards As5+.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangyang Liu, Minhua Xiao, Kaiqin Huang, Juntao Cui, Hongli Liu, Yingxin Yu, Shengtao Ma, Xihong Liu, Meiqing Lin
Summary: This study measured the levels of phthalate metabolites in breast milk collected from mothers in southern China. The results showed that phthalates are still prevalent in the region, and breastfeeding contributes to phthalate intake in infants. However, the levels detected do not pose significant health risks to infants based on dietary exposure. The increasing exposure to certain phthalates calls for further research into their sources and potential risks.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiqiang Wu, Jianxing Sun, Liting Xu, Hongbo Zhou, Haina Cheng, Zhu Chen, Yuguang Wang, Jichao Yang
Summary: Ocean depth affects microbial diversity, composition, and co-occurrence patterns of microplastic microbial communities. Deterministic processes dominate the assembly of mesopelagic plastisphere microbial communities, while stochastic processes shape the assembly of bathypelagic microbial communities. The relationships between microorganisms in the mesopelagic layer are more complex and stable, with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota playing important roles.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tingting Xiao, Renjie Chen, Chen Cai, Shijie Yuan, Xiaohu Dai, Bin Dong, Zuxin Xu
Summary: Based on the efficiency of catalytic ozonation techniques in enhancing sludge dewaterability, this study investigated its effectiveness in simultaneous reduction of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes. The results showed that catalytic ozonation conditioning changed the distribution of antibiotics and achieved high degradation rates. It also significantly reduced the abundance of ARGs, inhibited horizontal gene transfer, and decreased the signal transduction of typical ARGs host bacteria.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang Deng, Xiaohong Guan
Summary: This article discusses two different development approaches for ferrate(VI) technology in water treatment, arguing that process integration is a promising method that can drive technological innovation and revolution in water treatment, achieving higher treatment efficiency, reduced costs and energy consumption, and a smaller physical footprint.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Lu Zhang, Zhihao Huang, Yuxin Xu, Qingqing Zhao, Hongju Wang, Meiqing Shi, Xiangnan Li, Kai Jiang, Dapeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a floating catalytic foam was designed and prepared to enhance the mass transfer in immobilized photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. The floating catalytic foam could float on the water surface and establish a temperature gradient, effectively promoting the diffusion and adsorption of target molecules during the photocatalytic process.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Nafees, Adiba Khan Sehrish, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Linlin Qiu, Aasim Saeed, Shoaib Ahmad, Shafaqat Ali, Hongyan Guo
Summary: The accumulation of cadmium and antibiotics in edible plants and fertile soil is a worldwide problem. This study investigated the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles to alleviate the toxicity of both cadmium and antibiotics and promote spinach growth.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lurui Wan, Kai Wang, Yuan Chen, Zhiyong Xu, Wenbo Zhao
Summary: In this study, a low viscosity and high thermal stability SO2 absorbent with dual interacting sites was successfully synthesized. The absorbent showed the highest absorption enthalpy change and entropy change values among reported SO2 absorbents, and exhibited lower viscosity and comparable thermal stability to ILs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengwei Zhou, Guojie Ye, Yang Zong, Zhenyu Zhao, Deli Wu
Summary: This study utilized Mo powder and STPP to enhance the performance of the sodium percarbonate system in pollutant degradation. The presence of Mo and STPP resulted in a higher degradation rate of the model pollutant SMX, with low oxidant consumption. The system generated multiple active species through a series of chain reactions at different pH values, exhibiting excellent performance towards electron-rich pollutants. Furthermore, Mo demonstrated excellent stability and reusability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)