Article
Ecology
Luciano Alves de Oliveira, Hannah Dougherty, Richard A. C. Cooke, Bryan M. Maxwell, Matthew J. Helmers, Francois Birgand, Cameron M. Pittelkow, Reid D. Christianson, Laura E. Christianson
Summary: Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors in the US, with high aspect ratios, can benefit from improved hydraulic understanding to enhance hydraulic loading and nitrate removal. Tracer tests were conducted at different design styles of bioreactors, showing that the wide bioreactor had the most dispersion, while the advanced design with baffles had higher volumetric efficiencies and nitrate removal compared to conventional and wide designs. The Morill Dispersion and Short Circuiting Indices were strongly correlated, highlighting the importance of aspect ratio and baffles in woodchip bioreactor performance.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thi Phuong An Tran, Hoon Cho, Gye-Chun Cho, Jong-In Han, Ilhan Chang
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of gellan gum in terms of Ni2+ adsorption and water flow rate control, making it suitable as a filter material for contaminated water treatment.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Alessandro Sacco, Giuseppe Luigi Cirelli, Delia Ventura, Salvatore Barbagallo, Feliciana Licciardello
Summary: The study evaluated a combined approach for assessing clogging occurrences in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands, showing that clogging was in the initial stages of development.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuhao Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Xianghui Li, Yanshun Liu, Hao Yu, Minghui Ma
Summary: In this study, porous geopolymers (PGPs) with controllable pore structures were successfully fabricated using the proposed foaming-liquid film balance control method. The results showed that interconnected pores can enhance the migration of solute and improve the long-term removal efficiency. PGP-PRBs demonstrated excellent performance for the removal of heavy metals, indicating their potential application in groundwater decontamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunquan Wang, Rui Ma, Gaofeng Zhu
Summary: This study introduces a novel method to predict hydraulic conductivity curves (HCCs) fully from the soil water retention curve (SWRC) without requiring additional parameters. Testing with soil samples shows that this method significantly improves the prediction of HCC compared to traditional methods.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
V. F. Bense, T. Kruijssen, M. P. van der Ploeg, B. L. Kurylyk
Summary: Assessing aquitard hydraulic properties is difficult but critical for understanding recharge and discharge in aquifer systems. This study compares traditional methods for estimating hydraulic conductivity to new methods using numerical modeling, head monitoring, and heat source inference, showing that the latter yields accurate results efficiently.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Runwei Li, Liang Li, Zhiming Zhang, Gang Chen, Youneng Tang
Summary: This study focused on the limiting factors of metal removal in landfill leachate treatment, finding that metal bisulfide and humic acid-metal complexes played important roles in the process. It also compared the limitations under different sulfide concentrations.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gang Li, Kai Zhao, Huijun Dong, Haitao Li, Zhifei Zhang, Baiheng Ma, Hailong Li, Yangxiao Zhou
Summary: Artificial water diversion plays a significant role in wetland restoration and groundwater recovery in regions with over-exploitation. However, the lack of understanding of local water cycling processes and balance can hinder effective water utilization and management. This study focused on the Baiyangdian Lake in the North China Plain, where surface water leakage and evapotranspiration contribute to water loss. The findings showed that the average leakage rate was more than twice the evapotranspiration rate, and the lake water loss volume by leakage exceeded the average total lake capacity due to severe groundwater overexploitation. These findings provide insights for accurate water diversion, groundwater recharge, and wetland recovery assessments.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Shubham A. Kalore, G. L. Sivakumar Babu
Summary: This paper presents a new probabilistic retention criterion for geotextile filtration, taking into account the random nature of soil grain and geotextile constriction sizes. It also proposes a theoretical approach to predict the constriction size distribution and the expected partial clogging of geotextile. The developed design criteria are applicable to various types of soils and offer an improvement in design compared to existing criteria.
GEOTEXTILES AND GEOMEMBRANES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Gioacchino Francesco Andriani, Nicola Pastore, Concetta Immacolata Giasi, Mario Parise
Summary: This study presents an integrated investigation of the hydraulic properties of homogeneous calcarenites with a complex pore network, focusing on water infiltration and retention mechanisms under high water inflow from dry to wet conditions. The experimental and model-based assessment of the materials' hydraulic properties under unsaturated conditions was conducted, with a particular emphasis on the dominance of macro-porosity on water flow and infiltration rate. Theoretical solutions and model predictions were compared with experimental data, highlighting the gravity-driven flow through macropores as the main mechanism for wetting front propagation.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
D. Moret-Fernandez, B. Latorre, M. Lopez, Y. Pueyo, J. Tormo, J. M. Nicolau
Summary: Estimating the van Genuchten parameters and saturated hydraulic conductivity of undisturbed soil samples is crucial for water flow simulations. The study proposed a method to optimize the parameters and applied it to different soil cores, detecting significant differences in hydraulic properties. The relationship between theoretical and optimized values was found to be robust.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefania Bilardi, Paolo S. Calabro, Nicola Moraci
Summary: Zero valent iron (ZVI) is commonly used in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for remediating contaminated groundwater. However, the hydraulic conductivity of ZVI can decrease over time due to iron corrosion processes. To address this issue, ZVI particles can be mixed with granular materials to maintain hydraulic conductivity. Based on recent studies and the basic principles of iron corrosion chemistry, this research reevaluated the results of long-term column tests on granular mixtures of ZVI and pumice or lapillus. The analysis revealed a clear correlation between the reactive behavior and hydraulic behavior, with the permeability ratio decreasing as the retardation factor increased. The retardation factor was also found to be a useful parameter for evaluating the influence of flow rate, contaminant concentration, and ZVI content on the reactive behavior of the granular medium.
Article
Environmental Studies
Marina Butylkina, Elena Ikkonen
Summary: The application of secondary pulp and paper sludge has a positive impact on the water and thermal properties of Retisol as well as the growth parameters of lettuce, indicating its potential for improving soil characteristics and plant productivity.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maki Ito, Shahid Azam
Summary: This research aimed to determine the hydraulic properties of evaporitic rocks through a detailed characterization protocol using samples from southern Saskatchewan, Canada. The study found that air entry values, residual suction values, and saturated hydraulic conductivities varied for anhydrites and dolomites, with fitting equations showing good correlation with vapour flow.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Huan Wang, Jia Xin, Xilai Zheng, Yunhai Fang, Mingmin Zhao, Tianyuan Zheng
Summary: This study investigates the influence of different types of biofilms on the deposition of suspended particles and clogging evolution during artificial recharge through percolation experiments in sand columns. The presence of a biofilm alters the surface charge and physical roughness of the porous media, affecting the electrostatic interaction between the media and suspended particles. Biofilms combine tightly with suspended particles, forming firm biofilm-particle aggregations. The biofilm occupies pore vacancies, narrowing the void space and inducing physical straining.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Asif Qureshi, Bruno Bussiere, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Fannie Lessard, Vincent Boulanger-Martel
Summary: The study focuses on the use of desulphurized tailings as a moisture-retaining layer in an insulation cover, resulting in reduced sulphide content and lower metal leaching. This approach shows promise in preventing acid mine drainage and mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Louise Darricau, Abdellatif Elghali, Patrick Martel, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical properties of sediments in Osisko urban lake, Quebec, Canada, and investigated the pollution in lake water due to sediment reactivity. sediment. The results showed that the sediments in Osisko lake pose a risk of water contamination if disturbed, and may require stabilization before disposal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Abdelmoujib Bahhou, Yassine Taha, Yassine El Khessaimi, Rachid Hakkou, Arezki Tagnit-Hamou, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: This review discusses the importance of using calcined marl as supplementary cementitious material in developing eco-friendly cement. It focuses on the properties of calcined marl, activation methods, influencing parameters, hydration, and microstructure to determine the optimal physical and chemical parameters for generating highly reactive marl.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pascal Marcotte, Carmen M. Neculita, Vincent Cloutier, Genevieve Bordeleau, Eric Rosa
Summary: The contamination of mine water by nitrogen-based compounds is a challenge for the mining industry, with explosive residues and cyanide derivatives being the main sources of nitrogen in this study. The management of nitrogen, especially ammoniacal nitrogen, is crucial for mining operations. Using hydrogeochemical mass balances and isotopic approaches, the study found that dewatering of underground workings is a significant source of nitrogen in the final effluent, with nitrification and denitrification identified as key mechanisms for nitrogen transformation onsite. The proposed approach for optimizing water management at mine sites shows great potential for application in the industry.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bisse Poaty, Benoit Plante, Bruno Bussiere, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: A new approach using inclined compacted benches for constructing waste rock piles was developed to control water infiltration and minimize contamination. The experimental waste rock pile and laboratory infiltration tests showed that rainfall rate and the design of the flow control layer significantly impact the diversion of water and water quality.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaneth Vasquez, Carmen M. Neculita, Gerardo Caicedo, Jairo Cubillos, Jair Franco, Mario Vasquez, Angie Hernandez, Fabio Roldan
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a passive multi-unit field-pilot for treating acid mine drainage (AMD) from a coal mine in Colombia. The results showed that the passive multi-unit field-pilot achieved significant removal of sulfates, iron, manganese, and zinc from the AMD. Additionally, it was found that the post-treatment solids could generate acidic leachates containing high concentrations of iron and manganese under certain conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mouna Ettoumi, Marouen Jouini, Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Salah Bouhlel, Lucie Coudert, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: Phosphate beneficiation in Tunisia generates large amounts of sludge, but efficient water recovery methods using flocculants have been explored in this study. The physical and chemical properties of the phosphate sludge were characterized, and the impact of different flocculants on water recovery was investigated. The results showed that using Flomin 905 as a flocculant could significantly improve water recovery while reducing flocculant consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tomasz Suponik, Dawid M. Franke, Carmen M. Neculita, Tadeusz Mzyk, Robert Fraczek
Summary: This study presents a potential treatment method for contaminated groundwater from a waste heap in southern Poland. The method involves continuous monitoring of pH and electrical conductivity, followed by modeling the flow and migration of pollutants in groundwater. The study then proposes groundwater treatment through injection of nano zerovalent iron (nZVI), targeting the high concentrations and toxicity of Zn(II). The use of online monitoring for mining waste heaps and the introduction of electrical conductivity in the contaminant migration model aids in determining the locations for nZVI injection.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marouen Jouini, Alexandre Royer-Lavallee, Thomas Pabst, Eunhyea Chung, Rina Kim, Young-Wook Cheong, Carmen Mihaela Neculita
Summary: This study compares and evaluates the environmental and social impacts of primary and secondary sources of rare earth elements (REEs) production. The results show that production from secondary sources has lower environmental impact. Important impact categories related to particulate matter formation, abiotic resource depletion, and fossil fuel depletion could be mitigated by avoiding tailings disposal. Therefore, increasing the recycling of secondary REE sources is encouraged to balance demand and resource exploitation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mustapha Amrani, Yassine Taha, Azzouz Kchikach, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Rachid Hakkou
Summary: This paper explores the potential utilization of phosphate screening waste rock (SWR) as alternative aggregates for pavement applications. The findings show that SWR materials can be successfully used in low-volume traffic pavement projects and the residual phosphate can be recovered using the current mining company's processing method. Furthermore, the environmental investigations demonstrate that SWR does not pose any contamination risk to the surrounding environment. The economic feasibility analysis confirms the viability of SWR reuse.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pauline Segui, Amine el Mahdi Safhi, Mustapha Amrani, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: The mining industry faces significant environmental issues due to the management of large volumes of tailings, sludge, and residues. Research is being conducted to explore the utilization of these wastes as alternative aggregates for construction, which can conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impacts of mining.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Abdessamad Khalil, Yassine Taha, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Rachid Hakkou
Summary: This study aims to develop an applied methodological approach to assess and quantify the impact of coal mining on surrounding soils, in order to protect the health of the population living near coal mines. Geochemical indexes and geostatistical interpolation techniques were used to evaluate soil contamination. A case study conducted on an abandoned coal mine in Morocco revealed the effectiveness of this approach in identifying anomalous areas and sources of contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastien Ryskie, Etienne Belanger, Carmen M. Neculita, Patrice Couture, Eric Rosa
Summary: The efficiency of ozone microbubbles combined with lime precipitation on contaminant removal and its impact on toxicity for Daphnia magna were evaluated in this study. Results showed that ozone treatment had high removal efficiency for NH3-N, but abnormal toxicity issues were observed without metals pre-treatment.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Safa Chlahbi, Tikou Belem, Abdellatif Elghali, Samia Rochdane, Essaid Zerouali, Omar Inabi, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: This paper presents a case study of the Benguerir mine site in Morocco, investigating the potential valorization of waste rock based on its geological and geomechanical properties. The results indicate that the waste rock can be considered as an excellent alternative secondary raw material for civil engineering, ceramics, and cement industries.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hamza Zine, Rachid Hakkou, Abdelhak Elmansour, Sara Elgadi, Ahmed Ouhammou, Mostafa Benzaazoua
Summary: Mining activities have significant impacts on the environment, particularly in terms of the destruction of natural habitats and biodiversity loss. Studying the flora that thrives in mining sites can facilitate successful reclamation efforts. The study in four phosphate mine sites in Morocco found 215 vascular plant species, with the highest diversity observed in Ben Guerir mine. The findings highlight the importance of indigenous plant species and ecological restoration plans.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)