Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Festus M. Adebiyi, Odunayo T. Ore, Adedapo O. Adeola, Solomon S. Durodola, Oluwasemola F. Akeremale, Kayode O. Olubodun, Olaniran K. Akeremale
Summary: Radioactive pollution is commonly believed to stem from human activities, but studies show that naturally occurring radioactive materials also significantly contribute to human exposure to ionizing radiation. Exposure to high concentrations of radioactive materials such as potassium K-40, uranium U-238 and U-235, and thorium Th-232 poses severe health risks. The occurrence of radioactive pollution in Nigerian environments is concerning, with concentrations exceeding permissible levels in water, soil, and air, indicating the need for effective remediation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Boguslaw Michalik, Alla Dvorzhak, Ruth Pereira, Joana Lourenco, Hallvard Haanes, Christian Di Carlo, Cristina Nuccetelli, Gennaro Venoso, Federica Leonardi, Rosabianca Trevisi, Flavio Trotti, Raffaella Ugolini, Lea Pannecoucke, Pascale Blanchart, Danyl Perez-Sanchez, Almudena Real, Alicia Escribano, Laureline Fevrierj, Antti Kallio, Lindis Skipperud, Simon Mark Jerome, Jelena Mrdakovic Popic
Summary: This paper discusses the existence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and their impact on workers, the public, and non-human biota. It also highlights the knowledge gaps and characteristics of NORM exposure situations, as well as the progress made in the methodology for identifying and managing NORM radiation exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
R. Kusiorowski, A. Gerle, K. Dudek, K. Zwiazek
Summary: The research investigates the use of combustion waste as an additive in ceramic production, finding that combustion waste can be a valuable secondary raw material for ceramic clinker products as it enhances the sintering process of clinker ceramics.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deepankara Shastri, John Donald J. Raj, Kantha D. Arunachalam
Summary: Post-cold war, radioactivity monitoring has become complex due to nuclear fallout and increased use of radioactive materials, necessitating novel methods for detection. This study explores the use of Zircon as a reference signature for radioactivity monitoring, showing how variations in lattice parameters can be correlated with radioactivity levels. The research suggests using crystal structural damage as a nuclear forensic signature for advanced assessment of accumulated radioactivity in specific geographical locations.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
JuHyun Lee, Yong-Jae Kim, Jung-Seok Chae, Jung Suk Oh, EunHee Kwon, Jong-Myoung Lim, Hoon Lee, Jeong Hee Han, Mai Khanh Pham, Svetlana Nour, Jerome La Rosa, Pawel Gaca, Benoit Daniel
Summary: New reference materials, zirconium silicate, bauxite and phosphogypsum, were produced and characterized according to an ISO guide. Their homogeneity was evaluated using X-ray fluorescence, and characterizations were performed through a collaborative study with nine expert radioanalytical laboratories. The assigned radionuclides vary for each of the three candidate materials.
APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jelena Mrdakovic Popic, Laura Urso, Boguslaw Michalik
Summary: Despite the heterogeneity in the implementation of EU recommendations on NORM regulation among EU states, the European RadoNorm project aims to advance the understanding of NORM behavior and exposure through an international survey, and to develop measures and remediation activities based on the gathered information.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wei-Hui Fang, Rosa Muller, Rajesh B. Jethwa, Victor Riesgo-Gonzalez, Ning Li, Sebastian D. Pike, Andrew D. Bond, He-Kuan Luo, Cheng Zhang, Dominic S. Wright
Summary: A series of titanium compounds containing the natural dyes quinizarin and alizarin were synthesized and structurally characterized in the solid state. This study includes the first examples of a discrete metallocyclic arrangement formed exclusively using quinizarin ligands, as well as the first examples of lanthanide containing titanium compounds of the alizarin family of ligands.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Na Xu, Yuchen Yang, Mengmeng Peng, Qing Li, Chuanpeng Xu, Shifeng Dai
Summary: Combustion of coal produces coal combustion residues (CCRs) that contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), which can be harmful to humans. The activity of CCRs depends on both the concentrations of radionuclides and the variations in coal ash yields. Therefore, determining threshold values for radionuclides in coal with different ash yield levels is significant.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Na Xu, Yuchen Yang, Mengmeng Peng, Qing Li, Chuanpeng Xu, Shifeng Dai
Summary: The potential harm of naturally occurring radioactive materials in coal combustion residues to humans depends on the U content and ash yield in coal. The threshold of U content in coal varies depending on the ash yield levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jina Jeong, Sungwook Choung, Do Hwan Jeong, Moon Su Kim, Hyun Gu Kim, Jeongwoo Kim
Summary: High-concentration occurrence probability estimation models were developed to estimate 238U and 222Rn in groundwater using in-situ monitoring data. The models were trained with sensitive monitoring data and various statistical analyses to overcome challenges, resulting in high classification accuracy. The developed models can effectively estimate the probability of high-concentration risk of 238U and 222Rn in groundwater, showcasing wide practical applicability.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohsen M. M. Ali, Hongtao Zhao, Nassir Yassin, Abdullah Ahmed Al-Shami, Waleed Alquraishi, Ibrahim Alfasatleh, Omar Alqudah
Summary: Crude oil and petroleum products from the Ma'rib Refinery in central Yemen were analyzed for radioactivity, with results showing potential environmental and health risks within recommended limits. The study provides insight into natural radionuclide activity in the Yemen petroleum industry, aiding in the assessment of radiological hazards.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laura Stoy, Victoria Diaz, Ching-Hua Huang
Summary: A new valorization process using ionic liquid for preferential extraction of rare-earth elements (REEs) from coal fly ash (CFA) has been developed. Alkaline pretreatment significantly improves REE leaching efficiency from recalcitrant CFAs, while weathered CFAs show slightly higher REE leaching efficiency than unweathered ones. Additionally, a particular high extraction efficiency for scandium is consistently exhibited across different CFAs using this method.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Faustyna Wieronska-Wisnewska, Dorota Makowska, Andrzej Strugala
Summary: The research presented in the paper focused on determining the content and mode of arsenic occurrence in Polish commercial coal, finding that arsenic in coal is mainly associated with mineral matter. The study also showed that the amount of arsenic passing to gas during combustion is influenced by the parameters of the combustion process and the chemical composition of the coals. Statistical analysis indicated that the presence of arsenic in coal, mainly in association with disulphides, carbonates, and sulphates, significantly influences the amount of Asgas in the flue gas.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nazanin Love, Robbe Geysmans, Sara Leroi-Werelds, Tanja Perko, Robert Malina, Wouter Schroeyers
Summary: In 2021, global cement production accounted for approximately 7% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The use of alternative cementitious binders made from secondary raw materials can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production. A study conducted in Belgium through semi-structured interviews with concrete industry representatives revealed industry concerns regarding the usage of NORM-contained cementitious binders, including availability of by-products, financial factors, quality and performance, sustainability parameters, customer demand, and acceptance of NORM-contained by-products. Regulatory certainty was identified as a key driver, and the study highlighted three core expectations for the role of governments in facilitating the transition to alternative binders.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily A. Caffrey, Arthur S. Rood, Helen A. Grogan, John E. Till, Kurt Herman
Summary: TENORM, the slightly radioactive waste streams from the oil and gas industry, has raised concerns as it may end up in municipal landfills without proper regulations. Despite ongoing litigation and disputes, doses to landfill workers and the public are low, well below regulatory limits, highlighting the minimal health risks involved.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Natalia Neal-Walthall, Udonna Ndu, Nelson A. Rivera, Dwayne A. Elias, Heileen Hsu-Kim
Summary: This study explored the use of DGT passive samplers to quantify the methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation potential and inorganic mercury (IHg) methylation potential in freshwater wetlands. The results showed that the vertical distribution of bioavailable MeHg is important for macrofauna food sources, and DGT samplers can predict IHg methylation and MeHg bioaccumulation potentials without explicitly determining IHg and MeHg speciation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danielle F. Mello, Laura L. Maurer, Ian T. Ryde, Dong Hoon Songr, Stella M. Marinakos, Chuanjia Jiang, Mark R. Wiesner, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Joel N. Meyer
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in consumer products and biomedical applications. However, their toxicity mechanisms are still not well understood. This study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and found that AgNPs indirectly promote mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to adverse outcomes at the organismal level. It also revealed the role of gene-environment interactions in the susceptibility to AgNPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rachel Weinberg, Rachel Coyte, Zhen Wang, Debabrata Das, Avner Vengosh
Summary: Subsurface coal mining and coal combustion have significant environmental and human health impacts. Studies have shown that coal fly ash can be used to neutralize acid mine drainage, but it also poses potential risks to the environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Avner Vengosh, Erika Weinthal
Summary: The installation of rooftop photovoltaic solar energy in the U.S. has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, while also shifting the water footprint to the countries where PV panels are manufactured.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Avner Vengosh, Zhen Wang, Gordon Williams, Robert Hill, Rachel Coyte, Gary S. Dwyer
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zehao Jin, Jie Ren, Nelson A. Rivera, James C. Hower, Heileen Hsu-Kim
Summary: This study investigated the leachability of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in coal fly ash and found that major elements (Fe, Ca, and Al) can predict the leaching potential of As but not for Se. Heating and pH were not important predictive variables. These results suggest that correlation models combined with on-site elemental analysis with portable analyzers may enable a screening method for leachable As in coal ash.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhen Wang, Robert Hill, Gordon Williams, Gary S. Dwyer, Jun Hu, Ewald Schnug, Roland Bol, Yajie Sun, Drew S. Coleman, Xiao-Ming Liu, Michael R. Sandstrom, Avner Vengosh
Summary: Phosphate rock contains important geological and environmental information. This study analyzes the lead isotopic compositions and trace element concentrations of global sedimentary and igneous phosphate rocks to evaluate their geological origin and potential for environmental tracing. The results show that sedimentary phosphate rocks have more radiogenic lead isotopes than igneous rocks, indicating different depositional environments. The lead isotopes and trace element proxies can be used to trace contamination from phosphate rock mining and fertilizer application. Overall, this study provides new data on the geochemistry of phosphate rocks and fertilizers, with implications for both geological and environmental research.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhen Wang, Shifeng Dai, Ellen A. Cowan, Matthew Dietrich, William H. Schlesinger, Qingru Wu, Mingxuan Zhou, Keith C. Seramur, Debabrata Das, Avner Vengosh
Summary: This study investigates the isotopic signatures and output rates of Pb in fly ash disposal in China, India, and the United States. It reveals that the isotopic composition of Pb in fly ash is similar to that of feed coal, allowing for easy tracing of Pb release into the environment. The disposal of Pb from fly ash in these countries has posed a significant environmental burden. Furthermore, coal fly ash contributes more to Pb accumulation than leaded gasoline in freshwater lakes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Faye Koenigsmark, Nelson A. A. Rivera, Eric M. M. Pierce, Heileen Hsu-Kim
Summary: Sulfidation of liquid mercury droplets reduces their mobilization potential, but the extent of surface corrosion plays a crucial role in this process. Liquid elemental mercury can pollute soils for long periods of time and undergo corrosion, resulting in the formation of reactive phases like mercury oxide. The transformation potential of corroded mercury droplets in the presence of reduced inorganic sulfur species is not well understood. This study investigated the dissolution of corroded mercury droplets in the presence of sulfide and found that the release of soluble mercury depends on the extent of surface corrosion and sufficient sulfide concentration for the formation of HgS solids.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Hang Deng, Daniel Giammar, Wei Li, Avner Vengosh
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andrew Middleton, Heileen Hsu-Kim
Summary: Low-grade residuals such as minewastes and combustion ash arepotential sources of critical metals such as rare-earth elements (REEs). Major challenges in the efficient recovery of REEs are the matrixinterferences in the waste extracts that impede subsequent purificationsteps. This study evaluated the impact of feedstock matrix variables such as aqueous aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and pH on the recovery of neodymium (Nd) and erbium (Er) by supported liquid membrane (SLM) separations. It was found that the absolute concentrations of Fe and Al, rather than their molar ratios, controlled the mass transfer of Nd and Er. The permeability coefficients of Nd and Er were most sensitive to the concentration of Fe3+ in the feedstock. Increasing the pH of the feedstock also increased the REE recovery rates. The results provide insights for predicting REE mass transfer rates and SLM separation performance for extraction of low-grade feedstocks.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pooja Lalwani, Dillon E. King, Katherine S. Morton, Nelson A. Rivera Jr, Javier Huayta, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Joel N. Meyer
Summary: Lead is a developmental toxicant that can enter mitochondria through the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. In this study, we developed mechanism-based hypotheses about the interactive effects of lead with other mitochondria-damaging chemicals and tested these hypotheses using human liver cells. The results showed that the combination of lead, FCCP, and RuRed significantly decreased cell viability, suggesting an interactive toxicity. Further analysis ruled out altered cellular uptake and membrane potential as the mechanisms for this toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nelson A. Rivera, Florence T. Ling, Zehao Jin, Ajith Pattammattel, Hanfei Yan, Yong S. Chu, Catherine A. Peters, Heileen Hsu-Kim
Summary: Coal combustion byproducts are enriched in arsenic (As) and selenium (Se), which are harmful to wildlife and humans if released into water and soils. This research aimed to determine the mineral associations and oxidation states of As and Se in fly ash at the nanoscale and microscale. The results showed that As and Se were associated with Ca- and Fe-rich particles and Se nanoparticles were attached to the surface of fly ash grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinliang Gao, Caineng Zou, Xiaowei Zhang, Wei Guo, Rongze Yu, Yunyan Ni, Dan Liu, Lixia Kang, Yuyang Liu, Andrew Kondash, Avner Vengosh
Summary: This study establishes a comprehensive database of shale gas extraction in China and analyzes the water usage and flowback and produced water production. The findings suggest that shale gas has a relatively low water footprint compared to other conventional energy resources in China. The study also proposes the evaluation of the potential impact of shale gas extraction on water resources in a specific region and the necessity of developing new hydraulic fracturing technologies and exploring alternative management and treatment strategies for produced water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Hu, Zhen Wang, Gordon D. Z. Williams, Gary S. Dwyer, Luke Gatiboni, Owen W. Duckworth, Avner Vengosh
Summary: This study investigates the accumulation of metal(loid)s originating from phosphate fertilizer in agricultural soils and plants, suggesting that the excessive application of phosphate fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of toxic metal(loid)s, increasing human exposure risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
