Review
Microbiology
Mathiyazhagan Narayanan, Ying Ma
Summary: This review critically explores the potential of using biochar-based approach for remediation of metal-contaminated soils, highlighting the important role of biochar in improving soil characteristics, promoting plant growth, and enhancing phytoremediation potential.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esio de Castro Paes, Gustavo Vieira Veloso, Manoel Nelson de Castro Filho, Saulo Henrique Barroso, Elpidio Inacio Fernandes-Filho, Mauricio Paulo Ferreira Fontes, Emanuelle Merce s Barros Soares
Summary: Physical and chemical remediation techniques used in contaminated areas are expensive and damaging to the soil structure. Biological alternatives, such as phytoremediation, are economical and applicable to large areas. This study evaluates the ability of plant species adapted to Brazilian semi-arid conditions to grow in soils contaminated with Pb, and concludes that P. juliflora, A. peregrina, and U. ruziziensis are more suitable for cultivation in soils containing high levels of Pb.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunjiang Yu, Beibei Li, Chang Zhou, Shexia Ma, Yao Dang, Ming Zhu, Mingdeng Xiang, Bingbing Sun
Summary: The study investigated the mobility of 2,2'-Dibromobisphenol A (2,2'-DiBBPA) in soil environment and found that soil organic matter content and exogenous dissolved organic carbon were key factors affecting its adsorption. Black carbon also played a significant role in the adsorption of 2,2'-DiBBPA. The adsorptive behavior of 2,2'-DiBBPA was inhibited by heavy metal ions under alkaline conditions. These findings are important for understanding the migration of 2,2'-DiBBPA in agricultural soils and its bioaccumulation in organisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenshun Ke, Jiaqing Zeng, Feng Zhu, Xinghua Luo, Jingpei Feng, Jin He, Shengguo Xue
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution and geochemical partitioning of heavy metals (HMs) in soil samples from an abandoned lead smelting site. The results showed that As, Pb and Cd posed serious threats to soil quality with high spatial heterogeneity. The study also identified the major mineral hosts for HMs and found that quartz, montmorillonite, and goethite were closely associated with HMs minerals in contaminated soils, limiting their vertical migration and potential risks to groundwater.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linjie Xie, Peiyue Li, Dawei Mu
Summary: The study investigated the pollution level, spatial distribution characteristics, and origins of trace metals in the topsoil of the upstream area of the Guanzhong Basin. The most contaminated elements were Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb, and the average levels of all trace metal elements exceeded their local background values. The primary sources of contamination were agriculture, industry, mining, metal smelting, and traffic emissions. This study provides reliable references for determining the sources of trace metals in the region.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuefeng Xu, Rutian Bi, Yonghua Li
Summary: The concentrations of trace elements in agricultural soils have direct impacts on ecological security and quality of agricultural products. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantitatively analyze the effects of anthropogenic and natural environmental factors on the spatial distribution of heavy metals (HMs) and selenium (Se) in agricultural soils in a typical grain producing area in China. The study considered factors such as parent rock, soil physicochemical properties, topography, precipitation, mine activity, and vegetation. The findings provide insights into the factors driving the distribution of HMs and Se in agricultural soils.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Salwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Vivek Sharma, Janpriya Kaur, Arvind Kumar Shukla, Jaswinder Singh, Prabhjot Singh
Summary: Phytoremediation is an efficient method for managing toxic elements in contaminated soils. This study assessed the ability of three Brassica genotypes to remediate Cd contaminated soils, with results showing that B. juncea was the most tolerant genotype and had the highest biomass production and Cd accumulation. The findings suggest that B. juncea has the potential to be used for decontamination of Cd spiked soils and prevent its entry into the food chain.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Md Mahfuz Islam, Sayada Momotaz Akther, Md Faruque Hossain, Zakia Parveen
Summary: Currently, the release of trace metals in the Sundarbans mangrove areas in Bangladesh is a growing concern due to various causes. A study was conducted to investigate the distribution, contamination level, and ecotoxicity of eight trace metals in Sundarbans soils. The results showed that most trace metals were present in higher concentrations compared to other geological references. Statistical analyses revealed the correlations between different trace metals and soil properties. Assessment of pollution using different indices indicated moderate pollution by some metals and low pollution by others. The ecological risk index showed varying levels of risk in different areas of the Sundarbans mangroves.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yajie Wang, Jiefeng Li, Wenjiao Li, Yongfen Wei, Zhiyi Deng, Fusheng Li
Summary: Coal consumption increases consistently, and heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding coal mines has become a severe environmental issue. Investigating the relationship between bacterial communities and potential ecological risks from heavy metals is crucial for understanding the impact of coal production on ecosystem health.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhang Jiachun, Zhenming Zhang, Xianfei Huang
Summary: The study explored the spatial heterogeneity of pH and cadmium content in soils of tea gardens in plateau mountain regions, finding that pH values and cadmium content showed distinct distribution patterns. Various factors influencing environmental cadmium content were evaluated, with soil pH playing a significant role in areas with pH <= 5.5 and physical indicators having a larger impact in areas with pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Renata Muniz Araujo, Caroline Miranda Biondi, Clistenes Williams Araujo do Nascimento, Fernando Bruno Vieira da Silva, William Ramos da Silva, Franklone Lima da Silva, Djennyfer Karolaine de Melo Ferreira
Summary: The study revealed that Hg content in mangrove soils impacted by chlor-alkali plants exceeded local background levels by up to 180 times, posing high ecological risk while the daily average exposure for humans remained within tolerable levels recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the human health risk was deemed unacceptable in the estuary section closest to the plant, particularly for children.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qammer Zaib, Daeseung Kyung
Summary: Functionalized tea waste can effectively remove hexavalent chromium from water, and a model was established to predict the optimal adsorption conditions. The tea waste exhibited a competitive adsorption capacity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Zhang, Pei Wang, Mingguo Wang, Jinwei Liu, Lei Gong, Shibin Xia
Summary: This study focused on riparian soils in the lower sections of the Lhasa River to examine the characteristics and sources of heavy metals in high-cold regions. The research found that the topsoil was more polluted than the deep soil, with Cd being the primary contributor to overall contamination. The study identified five sources for the six heavy metals and concluded that the heavy metals in the riparian soil pose no harm to human health. Monitoring of these heavy metals is important to ensure their safe utilization.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yizhang Liu, Tangfu Xiao, Zhengjie Zhu, Liang Ma, Hang Li, Zengping Ning
Summary: This study investigated the pollution, fractionation and potential risks of heavy metals in soils from a mountainous area with black shale outcropping, with emphasis on Cd and Zn. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in black shales reflected high geochemical baseline in the study area. Metals released from oxidative weathering were redistributed and retained during pedogenic processes, leading to enrichment of certain metals in soils.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ye Sheng, Zhanqi Wang, Xu Feng
Summary: Heavy metals in soils can migrate into the food chain and affect human health. A study conducted in China analyzed topsoil samples surrounding a core water source and found varying degrees of enrichment of As, Hg, and Pb in the soils. The study also identified the main factors contributing to soil heavy metal pollution and proposed zoning control strategies for managing the pollution.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
