Article
Ecology
Paula Madejon, Maria Teresa Dominguez, Ignacio Giron, Pilar Burgos, Maria Teresa Lopez-Fernandez, Oscar Garcia Porras, Engracia Madejon
Summary: The study focused on the application of assisted phytoremediation to accelerate the restoration of uranium mining areas. By applying sugar lime and seeding common grasses, the development of vegetation and accumulation of soil organic matter were improved, leading to decreased uranium and manganese availability in the soil-plant system.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Geila S. Carvalho, Jakeline R. Oliveira, Isabela C. F. Vasques, Marina Justi, Monna Lysa T. Santana, Marcel T. P. Job, Joao Jose Marques
Summary: Zinc deficiency is widespread in cultivated soils, and this study evaluated the effectiveness of different chemical extractors in correlating with the bioavailability of zinc and lead in soils treated with steel mill wastes. The results showed that the USEPA 3051A method extracted greater contents of zinc and lead from soil. Steel mill wastes significantly influenced the content of zinc and lead in the soil, with MPR and PM having higher natural levels of these elements.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
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
Engineering, Environmental
Farzana Kastury, Wayne Tang, Carina Herde, Matt R. Noerpel, Kirk G. Scheckel, Albert L. Juhasz
Summary: A novel method using iron (III) and sulfuric acid was developed to immobilize lead in contaminated soil, resulting in a significant reduction in lead bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The effectiveness of the method was confirmed through in vivo and in vitro assays, demonstrating a reduction of lead bioavailability by 73% to 93% and the formation of plumbojarosite in treated soils.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Proto, L. Newsome, E. Jensen, R. Courtney
Summary: Management of metal(loid) tailings at historic sites requires rehabilitation to mitigate pollution risks. Geochemical analyses are commonly used, but plant-based approaches may provide more accurate measures of revegetation success. This study uses a plant bioassay to predict plant uptake of metal(loid)s and rehabilitation success. Results show that geochemical content alone is not sufficient to predict phytoavailability and recommend supplementing geochemical analyses with plant-based bioassays for mine tailings revegetation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Taylor R. Alvarado, Andrew C. Lee, Bryan Tomlin, Paul Schwab
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate commonly used internal standards (ISs) in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and develop a protocol for evaluation. The results showed that In-115 was the most consistent IS, but it is necessary to screen soils prior to analysis to avoid interference from naturally occurring concentrations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mikolaj Antoni Gralak, Iwona Lasocka, Maria Leontowicz, Hanna Leontowicz, Piotr Latocha, Shela Gorinstein
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of different cultivars of Actinidia arguta on the bioavailability of mineral elements and the mineral profile of rats fed atherogenic diets enriched with kiwiberries. The results showed that the addition of kiwiberries in the diet increased the liver iron content but decreased the bioavailability of manganese, zinc, and copper. This effect may be related to the bioactive compounds present in kiwiberries.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Piotr Bawiec, Jan Sawicki, Paulina Lasinska-Pracuta, Marcin Czop, Ireneusz Sowa, Katarzyna Ilowiecka, Wojciech Koch
Summary: Bioavailability refers to the fraction of a substance that is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. This study aimed to assess the bioavailability of selenium (Se) from dietary supplements and explore the influence of diet type on relative bioavailability. The research used a two-stage in vitro digestion model to simulate the digestion of food containing dietary supplements. Selenium bioavailability ranged from 19.31% to 66.10% in the presence of food matrix. Sodium selenate had the highest bioavailability, followed by organic forms and sodium selenite. The basic diet with moderate protein and high carbohydrate and fiber content positively influenced Se bioavailability. The pharmaceutical form of the product also affected bioavailability, with tablets having the highest bioavailability, followed by capsules and coated tablets.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kai Ning, Kuan Gong, Hansong Chen, Qingliang Cui, Chaoyang Xin, Xiaojing Tong, Jianping Qiu, Shaocheng Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the sequestration, speciation, and migration of Pb(II) in the soil-plant system using phosphate-modified kitchen waste biochar. The results showed that the modified biochar had a higher adsorption capacity and sequestration potential for Pb(II) compared to pristine biochar, leading to a significant decrease in Pb uptake by ryegrass. The binding of Pb(II) with the modified biochar was primarily attributed to surface hydroxyl and phosphate groups, promoting the stable speciation of Pb in soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seyedeh Malihe Hoseini, Somayeh Namroodi, Amir Sayadshirazi, Annalisa Zaccaroni
Summary: The study found that little information is available on the Caspian seal's exposure to contaminants, especially in Southern sub-populations. Tissue samples collected from 20 Caspian seals revealed the presence of trace elements and pesticides in various body matrices. Age and sex-related variations were observed in the concentrations of certain contaminants. High levels of mercury and low levels of zinc were detected, raising concerns about the reproductive health of seals. Similarly, the levels of DDTs detected were within the range known to cause adverse reproductive effects in marine mammals. Therefore, pollutant monitoring is crucial for the conservation of the Caspian seal.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Truong Xuan Vuong, Joseph Stephen, Tu Binh Minh, Thu Thuy Thi Nguyen, Tuan Hung Duong, Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham
Summary: Heavy metal contamination in agricultural land is a concerning issue in Vietnam. This study investigated the effectiveness of using peanut shell-derived biochar for remediating Zn and Pb in soil. The results showed that the biochar was effective in stabilizing the heavy metals and has potential for remediation.
Article
Agronomy
Jelena Maksimovic, Radmila Pivic, Aleksandra Stanojkovic-Sebic, Marina Jovkovic, Darko Jaramaz, Zoran Dinic
Summary: This study aimed to examine the possibility of improving the prediction of bioavailability of trace elements by using a different strategy of model development. Results indicated that forming a testing set based on soil type yields models with more reliable predictions than the basic ones. To enhance the performance of prediction models, it is necessary to include additional physicochemical parameters and conduct comprehensive statistical analysis with extensive testing sets.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yufang Wei, Zipei Li, Wenjuan Ran, Hairong Yuan, Xiujin Li
Summary: This study found that by combining KOH or LFD modifications with trace element supplementation, the biomethane yield of anaerobic co-digestion can be significantly increased. Changes in microbial community at the genus level can affect the main digestion pathways, ultimately influencing co-digestion performance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theo Guerin, Alina Ghinet, Christophe Waterlot
Summary: This study focused on evaluating the accumulation of Cd, Pb, and Zn in five cultivars of chicory grown on contaminated agricultural soil. The results showed significant decreases in the concentrations of these metals in the roots over time, indicating the ability of chicory to reduce metal pollution in the soil.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shan Ahamed Tharifkhan, Anand Babu Perumal, Arunkumar Elumalai, Jeyan Arthur Moses, Chinnaswamy Anandharamakrishnan
Summary: Millets are traditional staple foods in dryland regions, rich in essential nutrients but also containing anti-nutritional factors that may reduce bioavailability. Methods such as soaking, germination, and autoclaving can reduce these factors and enhance nutrient bioavailability.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mehrdad Mohtadi, Bruce R. James, Allen P. Davis
Summary: This study focused on the continuous column adsorption of stormwater dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) using a mixture of coal activated carbon and quartz sand. Among the eight model organic nitrogenous compounds studied, only pyrrole showed appreciable adsorption performance. The adsorption efficiency of pyrrole for DON removal was consistently greater than 91% for all tested superficial velocities, indicating the potential for employing adsorption processes in removing stormwater DON fractions.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Balint Balazs, Eszter Kelemen, Tiziana Centofanti, Marta W. Vasconcelos, Pietro P. M. Iannetta
Summary: The food- and feed-value systems in the European Union lack self-sufficiency in high-protein legume grain production due to multiple barriers. Recognizing and promoting legumes as cornerstone species for more sustainable agri-food systems is deemed necessary and logical. By integrating key pathways and enablers, the sustainable transformation of legume production and consumption in Europe can be promoted.
AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Michelle Huffert, Allen P. Davis, Ahmet H. Aydilek
Summary: This study examined the reuse of dredged materials (DM) as a topsoil alternative in highway slopes, finding that the DM met requirements for pH, organic matter, and particle size distribution. The leach tests showed that DM leached metals concentrations below drinking water maximum contaminant levels for >95% of the samples tested. Extraction data indicated higher total concentrations of certain metals in DM compared to topsoil, but similar concentrations in the EDTA-extracted fractions, suggesting strong binding of metals.
JOURNAL OF GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Basanta Kumar Biswal, Kuppusamy Vijayaraghavan, Max Gerrit Adam, Daryl Lee Tsen-Tieng, Allen P. Davis, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: Bioretention systems are effective low-impact development technologies that can manage high runoff volumes and reduce nitrogen pollutants through various mechanisms. Denitrification is the major pathway of permanent nitrogen removal and factors like multilayer biofilter media and wet storm events can significantly improve nitrogen removal efficiency.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kuppusamy Vijayaraghavan, Basanta Kumar Biswal, Max Gerrit Adam, Soon Hong Soh, Daryl Lee Tsen-Tieng, Allen P. Davis, Soon Hoe Chew, Puay Yok Tan, Vladan Babovic, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: Bioretention is a popular stormwater management strategy used in urban environments to combat water quality and hydrological impacts of stormwater. Most research contributions come from a few countries and research groups, leading to operational failures in diverse geographical locations. Future research needs to consider bioretention design in different climates and address current technical challenges.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Dylan C. Owen, Allen P. Davis, Ahmet H. Aydilek
Summary: Soil erosion prevention and management is a major environmental challenge in highway construction projects. The study found that straw mulching significantly improved green vegetation establishment, reduced runoff volume, and decreased sediment and nutrient loss. Additionally, compost amendment with straw mulching improved soil hydraulic conductivity and aggregation, leading to reduced runoff volume and sediment and nutrient loss.
JOURNAL OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liuqin Huang, Junyue Luo, Linxin Li, Hongchen Jiang, Xiaoxi Sun, Jian Yang, Weiyu She, Wen Liu, Liqing Li, Allen P. Davis
Summary: Bioretention systems are environmentally friendly measures for managing urban stormwater runoff. This study investigated the fate of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ and NO3-) in bioretention systems under different configurations and stormwater conditions. The results showed that NH4+ was efficiently converted to NO3- by ammonia-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the oxic media. However, the pathways for NO3- removal varied depending on the configuration of the bioretention columns. Vegetation improved NO3- reduction through root assimilation and enhancement of microbial activity in the rhizosphere. The presence of an organic-rich saturation zone stimulated chemolithotrophic NO3- reduction coupled with oxidation of reductive sulfur compounds, while an organic-poor saturation zone allowed for multiple oligotrophic NO3- reduction pathways. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the variation in N transformation pathways for designing bioretention systems.
Editorial Material
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Laura L. McConnell, Coralia Osorio Roa, Thomas F. Hofmann
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sai Thejaswini Pamuru, Erica Forgione, Kristen Croft, Birthe Kjellerup, Allen P. Davis
Summary: Increases in urbanization have resulted in increased stormwater runoff and pollution mobilization from urban watersheds. This study assesses the chemical characteristics of urban stormwater, including the evaluation of pollutants and their behavior. The results provide an overview of the various pollutants found in urban stormwater and highlight the need for further research in this area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mehrdad Mohtadi, Bruce R. James, Gregory R. Krasnoff, Allen P. Davis
Summary: Conventional bioretention systems are not effective in removing stormwater dissolved organic nitrogen. Adsorption is found to be a greater controlling factor for ammonification than bioavailability. This study shows enhancements in ammonification rate, ammonification of bio-recalcitrant organic nitrogenous compounds, and bio-regeneration of the adsorbent. Factors such as temperature and bed media height also impact the ammonification process.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Gary S. Banuelos, Dante F. Placido, Hui Zhu, Tiziana Centofanti, Maria C. Zambrano, Claire Heinitz, Todd A. Lone, Colleen M. McMahan
Summary: The potential of guayule as an alternative crop for saline, boron- and selenium-laden soils in central California was evaluated. The study found that certain guayule accessions, specifically AZ1, AZ5, and AZ6, showed better tolerance to salinity and boron levels. Additionally, salinity increased rubber and resin production in some accessions. Guayule could also be useful in phytoremediation of selenium in poor quality soils or in soils irrigated with selenium-laden drainage water.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Dylan C. Owen, Colleen Gardina, Travis K. Ostrom, Allen P. Davis
Summary: Bioretention is a stormwater control measure that may be enhanced by the addition of compost, but this study found that compost-amended bioretention media leached greater concentrations of total nitrogen and phosphorus than unamended media. The leaching of nutrients was mainly due to the initial flush and the continued mineralization of compost organic matter. Based on the study's results, it is not recommended to add compost to bioretention media for nutrient removal.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siqi Cao, Michelle Bensi, Allen P. Davis, Birthe V. Kjellerup
Summary: The presence of dissolved and particulate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a bioretention stormwater control measure was studied. The study found that bioretention treatment significantly reduced the concentration of PCBs, but dissolved PCBs should also be considered in the treatment process.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Amanda O'Shaughnessy, Asli Y. Dayioglu, Allen P. Davis, Ahmet H. Aydilek
Summary: This study examines how different aspects of dam safety can be incorporated in transportation embankment management. Numerical modeling of transportation embankments under various water impoundment scenarios and recommendations for evaluating transportation embankments are provided. The results highlight the need for infrastructure inventories and hydrologic research.
Article
Microbiology
Siqi Cao, Allen Davis, Birthe Kjellerup
Summary: The study found bacteria capable of PCB transformation, including anaerobic dechlorination and aerobic degradation, were present and active in the bioretention.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
