Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiansong Qi, Mosammat Mustari Khanaum, Kyle Boutin, Marinus L. Otte, Zhulu Lin, Xuefeng Chu
Summary: The objective of this study was to improve watershed-scale hydrologic modeling by considering real wetland features during wetland parameterization. A joint modeling framework, coupling a surface delineation algorithm with a semi-distributed hydrologic model, was proposed. Results showed that this new approach effectively avoided misestimating wetland-related parameters and improved modeling of hydrologic processes in a wetland-dominated watershed.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Kate E. Thatcher, Alexander E. Bond, Simon Norris
Summary: The study focuses on the impact of thermal stress changes in radioactive waste disposal facilities on the host rock, with numerical modelling investigating the stress states of rocks under different parameter combinations. The results show that horizontal fracturing between host rocks is unlikely under the disposal concept discussed, with ground surface uplift ranging from 9-13 cm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hong Zhang, Peili Lu, Daijun Zhang, Shuangwu Kou, Kai Bao, Chenglong Li, Jun Wang, Yuanyuan Mao
Summary: This research identifies surface water-related risks from shale gas development in mountainous areas as water shortage and water pollution. It constructs a water risk assessment method based on dangers, exposures, and vulnerabilities, and applies it in Chongqing, China. The results show mainly low and relatively low levels of risks covering 60% of the area, with a spatial difference of west > northeast > southeast areas.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
I. S. Albores, R. R. Buchholz, I. Ortega, L. K. Emmons, J. W. Hannigan, F. Lacey, G. Pfister, W. Tang, H. M. Worden
Summary: The wildfire season in the Western U.S. in 2020 was unusually large, with lightning ignitions causing a majority of burned area and resulting in almost three times the average carbon monoxide emissions. Simulations show that the fire season had a sustained impact on air quality, with noticeable transport of ozone and fine particulate matter.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abdullah Yasar, Saba Rana, Muhammad Moniruzzaman, Masooma Nazar, Amtul Bari Tabinda, Rizwan Haider, Aqeel Ahmad, Ahmad Mukhtar, Muhammad Abdul Qyyum, Sami Ullah
Summary: The quality of tyre pyrolysis oil and the pollution generated through tyre pyrolysis units were investigated, showing that the emissions exceed permissible limits and have a severe impact on the surrounding environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dallas G. Abraham, Hannah K. Liberatore, Md. Tareq Aziz, David B. Burnett, Leslie H. Cizmas, Susan D. Richardson
Summary: Oil and gas production generate a large amount of brine wastewater containing various contaminants. The improper disposal of this wastewater may contaminate freshwater aquifers and impact drinking water sources. This study found that chlorinated oil and gas wastewater formed high levels of disinfection byproducts, including trihalomethanes exceeding regulatory limits, while chloraminated wastewater had higher formation of iodinated disinfection byproducts and haloacetamides. These findings highlight the potential adverse impact of oil and gas wastewater on downstream drinking water supplies and public health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cheng Zhong, Camilla L. Nesbo, Konstantin von Gunten, Yifeng Zhang, Xiaoqing Shao, Rong Jin, Kurt O. Konhauser, Greg G. Goss, Jonathan W. Martin, Yuhe He, Pei-Yuan Qian, Brian D. Lanoil, Daniel S. Alessi
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of FPW on soil microbiota in the Montney Formation of western Canada. The results show that soil type plays a crucial role in the microbial community response to FPW exposure. FPW exposure leads to reduced soil respiration, changes in microbial community structure and functional potentials. Additionally, FPW-exposed soils exhibit higher species richness and more unique functional genes. These findings highlight the complex impacts of microbial communities following FPW exposure and the site-specific effects in spills evaluation and agricultural reuse of FPW.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dominic C. C. DiGiulio, Robert J. J. Rossi, Eric D. D. Lebel, Kelsey R. R. Bilsback, Drew R. R. Michanowicz, Seth B. C. Shonkoff
Summary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are over 3.2 million abandoned wells in the United States. In this study, gas samples from 48 abandoned wells in western Pennsylvania were analyzed to estimate emission rates of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene. The results indicate that VOCs are emitted from abandoned wells and their magnitude depends on the flow rate and concentration of VOCs in the gas stream. One-quarter of the abandoned wells are located within 100 m of buildings in Pennsylvania, raising concerns for inhalation risk to nearby residents and workers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nick Martin
Summary: The framework presented assesses the relative risk to watershed-scale water resources from systemic changes by simulating two experiments within a Monte Carlo structure. It provides quantification of prediction uncertainty and utilizes stochastic weather generators and deterministic water balance models for simulation. The framework is calibrated for climate change impact analysis, with probabilistic time histories of different water resource availability changes based on simulated weather.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca M. Kreiling, Patrik M. Perner, Kenna J. Breckner, Tanja N. Williamson, Lynn A. Bartsch, James M. Hood, Nathan F. Manning, Laura T. Johnson
Summary: Reducing phosphorus (P) concentrations in aquatic ecosystems is crucial for improving water quality and preventing harmful algal blooms. This study focused on the Maumee River network, a major source of P loads to Lake Erie, to understand the role of rivers in P transport. The researchers found that stream sediment acted as a P sink at most sites, but could become a P source if stream water SRP concentrations decrease. Factors such as agricultural land use and stream size influenced the concentrations of SRP and sediment P saturation, which in turn affected the spatial variation in the zero equilibrium P concentration (EPC0).
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atac Bascetin, Deniz Adiguzel, Hasan Eker, Serkan Tuylu
Summary: This study investigates the geochemical and geomechanical properties of paste material stored by the surface paste disposal method. The results show that the use of cement improves the volume compressibility coefficient by approximately 25%, while the combination of cement and fly ash improves it by about 75%. This demonstrates the feasibility of using fly ash for long-time storage in the industry, reducing costs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seth E. Younger, Jeffery B. Cannon, Steven T. Brantley
Summary: Innovative solutions are required to restore streamflow in the face of climate change and growing populations. The study found that longleaf pine cover can reduce evapotranspiration and increase streamflow, contributing to ecological forest restoration in eastern forests.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyue Zhang, Lei Chen, Zhenyao Shen
Summary: The study revealed significant spatiotemporal variation of fecal coliform (FC) in an urbanizing watershed, with peak FC levels occurring in summer and autumn in upstream and downstream areas respectively. When the impervious surface area reached 65%, the key source of FC shifted from agriculture to urban. However, there was a poor correlation between urban landscape pattern changes and annual FC variation. Urbanization speed was identified as the main driver for deteriorating FC pollution, with Low Impact Development potentially leading to a significant reduction in FC levels at the watershed scale.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weilong Song, Shuyue Liu, Ming Xie, Pin Zhao, Xinhua Wang
Summary: Using seawater desalination concentrate as feed solution in forward osmosis (FO) process for simultaneous wastewater pre-concentration and disposal of waste concentrate has great potential. However, the understanding of membrane fouling mechanisms in FO process using seawater concentrate as feed solution, especially the influence of concentrate on membrane fouling, is still limited due to the short operation time in previous studies. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating membrane fouling behaviors in FO with seawater concentrate as feed solution, particularly in long-term operation. The results show that in long-term operation, the use of seawater concentrate as feed solution leads to significant aggravation of membrane fouling on both the active layer and support layer sides of FO membrane, which is not observed in short-term operation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Allison Mitchell, Anamaria Bukvic, Yang Shao, Jennifer L. Irish, Daniel L. McLaughlin
Summary: The U.S. Mid-Atlantic coastal region, particularly Hampton Roads, Virginia, is experiencing higher rates of sea level rise (SLR) due to land subsidence. Current adaptation plans for coastal flooding are developed at the municipal level, lacking consideration of flooding beyond administrative boundaries. This study evaluates flooding impacts at the watershed scale in Hampton Roads, identifying at-risk areas and exploring the implications on municipalities, land uses, and land covers. The findings highlight the need for collaborative adaptation planning across hydrologically influenced spatial scales.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charles D. Spellman, Peter M. Smyntek, Charles A. Cravotta, Travis L. Tasker, William H. J. Strosnider
Summary: Municipal wastewater (MWW) and mine drainage (MD) are common sources of freshwater pollution in mining regions. Mixing MWW and MD can improve downstream water quality by reducing nutrient and metal concentrations. A study conducted in central Pennsylvania showed that the mixing of MWW, MD, and upstream water significantly decreased phosphate, aluminum, and iron concentrations in the stream. Geochemical models indicated that precipitation and adsorption were the primary mechanisms for phosphate attenuation. The findings suggest that in-stream mixing of MD with untreated or secondarily treated MWW may have a significant impact on downstream transport of pollutants in mining regions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jens Blotevogel, Robert J. Giraud, Anthony K. Rappe
Summary: Thermal treatment is the only technology currently available for destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastes. However, concerns exist about the emission of incomplete combustion products from incinerators. Researchers used advanced theory to investigate the thermal destruction pathways and mechanisms of PFAS, and ranked them based on thermal stability. The results showed that PFAS can be effectively destroyed at temperatures lower than other commonly incinerated organic compounds. Rating: 8/10.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liping Fang, Zebin Hong, Thomas Borch, Qiantao Shi, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study found that under anoxic conditions, iron oxyhydroxides (such as goethite) can facilitate the oxidation of As(III) while reducing structural Fe(III). The formation of an active metastable Fe(III) phase at the defective surface of goethite, through atom exchange, is responsible for the oxidation of As(III). Defects in goethite significantly enhance electron transfer and atom exchange between surface-bound Fe(II) and structural Fe(III), resulting in an increase in As(III) oxidation. Atom exchange-induced regeneration of active goethite sites facilitates As(III) coordination and electron transfer with Fe(III). These findings shed new light on As risk management in soils and subsurface environments by highlighting the synergetic effects of defects in the Fe crystal structure and Fe(II)-induced catalytic processes on anoxic As(III) oxidation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zebin Hong, Fangbai Li, Thomas Borch, Qiantao Shi, Liping Fang
Summary: The presence of oxygen vacancy resulting from Cu incorporation in goethite enhances the oxidation of As(III) by Fe(II) under oxic conditions. The electron transfer rate constant is enhanced, improving the electron efficiency of Fe(II) on defective surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pasquale Iovino, Simeone Chianese, Angelo Fenti, Jens Blotevogel, Dino Musmarra
Summary: Water reuse for irrigation is a significant global challenge due to water source depletion. This study investigated the removal of atrazine from simulated wastewater using electro-oxidation. The results showed that the presence of oxidizing chlorine species improved atrazine removal and led to the generation of intermediates. The electro-oxidation technique can efficiently treat polluted water, meet water quality recycling needs, and reduce resource consumption.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna L. Hermes, Merritt N. Logan, Brett A. Poulin, Amy M. McKenna, Todd E. Dawson, Thomas Borch, Eve-Lyn S. Hinckley
Summary: This study investigates the impact of increasing agricultural sulfur (S) applications on dissolved organic S content and composition. The results highlight the potential consequences of excess S in the environment and provide insights into the dominant microbial processes associated with different land use/land cover. The findings contribute to our understanding of the modern S cycle and highlight the importance of upland agricultural areas as sources of S.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joshua D. Landis
Summary: The Th-228:Ra-228 ratios can be used as a new method for absolute age-dating of plant and soil organic matter, and its effectiveness has been verified by its concordance with other radionuclide chronometers. It is of great importance for understanding the storage and pedogenic processes of soil organic matter.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Marcos V. Caiafa, Amelia R. Nelson, Thomas Borch, Holly K. Roth, Timothy S. Fegel, Charles C. Rhoades, Michael J. Wilkins, Sydney I. Glassman
Summary: Lodgepole pine forests are facing threats from increasing severity and frequency of wildfires and tree mortality from insect outbreaks. Soil microbial communities, which are essential for the survival and regeneration of these forests, are influenced by fire severity and soil depth, and their recovery over time is not yet fully understood.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jens Blotevogel, Selma Mededovic Thagard, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and widespread contaminants that can be found in unconventional water resources. Electrochemical oxidation, low-temperature plasma treatment, and sonolysis are three commercially available advanced water treatment technologies that can effectively destroy PFAS. Each technology has specific aspects that depend on water quality and quantity, making them suitable for different applications. These technologies offer practical and field-ready solutions to tap into unconventional water resources by destroying PFAS to very low levels.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nohyeong Jeong, Marin E. E. Wiltse, Aaron Boyd, Tamzin Blewett, Shinyun Park, Corey Broeckling, Thomas Borch, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Treatment and reuse of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced water are crucial to addressing water scarcity and pollution issues. This study examined the effectiveness of pretreatment followed by nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) in treating UOG produced water. The results showed that the pretreatment had a minor impact, NF permeates did not meet water quality criteria, and while RO removed most contaminants, some exceeded irrigation guidelines. Thorough analysis is required to understand the feasibility and potential risks of treating UOG produced water for beneficial reuse.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Letter
Engineering, Environmental
Jinxia Liu, Elizabeth Edwards, Jonathan Van Hamme, Mike Manefield, Christopher P. Higgins, Jens Blotevogel, Jinyong Liu, Linda S. Lee
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
David Zgonc, Pia Ramos, Yifan Gao, Eric M. Hoek, Jens Blotevogel, Anthony K. Rappe, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: This article critically reviews the recent advances in thermal treatment of PFAS, focusing on mature technologies and other promising options. It proposes thermal treatment as a component of PFAS destruction, rather than the sole method.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Holly K. Roth, Amelia R. Nelson, Amy M. McKenna, Timothy S. Fegel, Robert B. Young, Charles C. Rhoades, Michael J. Wilkins, Thomas Borch
Summary: Wildfires in the western U.S. impact water quality, while the increasing presence of beaver ponds can influence chemical properties and microbial composition. Beaver ponds play a significant role in fire-impacted systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ritesh Pawar, Zhewei Zhang, Andrea Hanson Rhoades, Jens Blotevogel, Radisav D. Vidic
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using direct contact membrane distillation technology to treat high-salinity produced water, and found that the increase in conductivity may be caused by the passage of ammonia vapor from the feed side to the permeate side.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruth F. Menger, Josianne J. Beck, Thomas Borch, Charles S. Henry
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a type of environmental contaminant that can have adverse effects on human health. Researchers have developed a paper-based analytical device (PAD) for fast, inexpensive detection of PFASs. The device quantifies PFAS using a color change resulting from the ion-pairing between PFAS and methylene green.
