Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongxin Li, Jianlong Wang, Dongbei Yue, Jianchao Wang, Chu Tang, Lingyue Zhang
Summary: Thermal oxidation can enhance the photocatalysis performance of g-C3N4, but its effect on adsorption performance has not been fully studied, which is important for the application of g-C3N4 as adsorbents and photocatalysts. In this study, sheet-like TCN prepared through thermal oxidation was found to have significantly improved adsorption performance for humic acids and fulvic acids. The major adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic interactions, p-p interactions, hydrogen bonding, and a special pH-dependent conformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianchao Wang, Hongxin Li, Dongbei Yue
Summary: The study demonstrates that urea-derived graphitic carbon nitride has high adsorption capacity for humic substances, influenced by calcination temperature and time, the amount of amino groups, and aromaticity. The adsorption affinity of HSs is mainly affected by pH, alkali metals, and alkali earth metals.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianchao Wang, Dongbei Yue, Mingchun Li, Huijing Wang, Jianbing Wang, Chunrong Wang, Huijiao Wang
Summary: This study evaluated the application of carbon nitride nanosheets (CN-Ns) for adsorption of humic substances and leachate nanofiltration concentrates. The results showed that increasing the thermal oxidation temperature improved the adsorption performance of CN-Ns and their affinity for humic substances. This finding is important for the treatment of landfill leachate.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lin Xu, Jia Zhang, Samuel Barnie, Hui Zhang, Fei Liu, Honghan Chen
Summary: This study revealed the diverse adsorption mechanisms of PCP on HSs with different degrees of humification, highlighting the significant effect of coexisting Cr(VI) on PCP adsorption only by HSs with higher humification degrees.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianchao Wang, Dongbei Yue, Dongyu Cui, Lingyue Zhang, Xinwei Dong
Summary: This study systematically investigated the adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of humic substances (HSs) on graphitic carbon nitride derived from urea, revealing great adsorption capacity primarily mediated by electrostatic interactions, pi-pi interactions, and hydrogen bonding.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jean-Noel Uwayezu, Leo W. Y. Yeung, Mattias Backstrom
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pH, humic acid, fulvic acid, and Na2SO4 on the distribution of PFOS isomers between hydrargillite and the water phase. The results showed that the distribution coefficients of PFOS isomers increased at lower pH and decreased at alkaline conditions. The presence of humic substances slightly increased the sorption, while Na2SO4 contributed to increased sorption through ionic strength effects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yankun He, Lanlan Qin, Haiou Huang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the adsorption and retention of humic substances by MWCNT membranes, revealing that the presence of calcium ions can enhance the adsorption of humic substances, suggesting a potential for effective removal of humic substances in drinking water treatment.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiqing Wang, Atif Muhmood, Haizhong Yu, Yuqi Li, Wenying Fan, Pengjiao Tian
Summary: A novel struvite-humic acid composite (S-HA) derived from an anaerobic digestate showed high adsorption and reduction capacities for chromium (VI). The composite contained higher amounts of oxygen-containing and aromatic functional groups and had a larger specific surface area. XPS analysis revealed that a portion of the bonded Cr (VI) was reduced to Cr (III). These findings demonstrate the outstanding potential of the struvite-humic acid composite for chromium adsorption and reduction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rabia Zafar, Truong Hai Bang, Yun Kyung Lee, Most Shirina Begum, Iqra Rabani, Seongjin Hong, Jin Hur
Summary: In this study, the effects of abiotic and biotic aging processes on the adsorption behavior of aquatic humic substances (HS) on polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) were explored. Results showed that aging treatments led to surface modifications on PE MPs, increased HS adsorption, with highest kinetic rate for UV-aged PE, and enhanced adsorption tendency attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fan Yang, Qiang Fu, Markus Antonietti
Summary: In recent years, the synthesis of artificial humic substances (A-HS) through alkaline hydrothermal processing of waste biomass has been described. These A-HS have shown to have various effects on soil, including water and mineral binding, soil structure alteration, inhibition of fertilizer mineralization, and promotion of plant growth. The observed macroscopic effects have been attributed to the stimulation of the microbiome, which plays a key role in this anthropogenic soil system. By understanding this complex system, it is possible to address global issues such as soil fertility, nutrition for a growing population, and climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Liu, Tuo Zhang, Yan'an Tong, Qihong Zhu, Daoyou Huang, Xibai Zeng
Summary: Humic substances and calcareous substances are important components in soil and can affect the mobility of metals. This study developed a new remediation scheme for cadmium-contaminated soil by coupling humic substances and calcareous substances. The results showed that this approach effectively reduced the bioavailable cadmium concentration in soil and decreased cadmium accumulation in rice tissues.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiongxin Peng, Shuang Gai, Kui Cheng, Fan Yang
Summary: The study conducted hydrothermal humification kinetics experiments using corn straw as raw material and employed characterization techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to determine the formation mechanism of artificial humic substances (A-HS). The results showed that in an alkaline environment, rapid dissociation of lignocellulose can occur, with cellulose and hemicellulose being hydrolyzed into glucose and xylose, further dehydrated to form 5-hydroxy furfural and furfural, and then rehydrated to synthesize levulinic acid and other small molecular acids. These small precursors then combine with lignin fragments to form fulvic acids, humic acids, and even humin. The proposed mechanism of hydrothermal humification is of great significance for the design, synthesis, and application of A-HS in sustainable agriculture.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gricel Alcira Portillo Miranda, Tavares Araruna Junior, Eduardo de Albuquerque Brocchi, Hongtao Wang
Summary: The research shows that humic substances obtained from recycling mineral coal tailings can reduce the environmental impact of mining and increase soil stability. The long-term stability advantage of humic substances is clear, and their effects on stability are more pronounced over a longer period of time.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Ramos dos Santos, Judith Schellekens, Peter Buurman, Jean-Thomas Cornelis, Karen Vancampenhout, Wilson Tadeu Lopes da Silva, Plinio Barbosa de Camargo, Pablo Vidal-Torrado
Summary: Complexation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) with cations and minerals plays a significant role in soil carbon stabilization and metal transport in the environment. Understanding the mechanisms controlling DOM binding properties in the soil is crucial for addressing major environmental challenges. However, the impact of DOM source on these mechanisms remains understudied.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaojia Chen, Yijun Zou, Qinyu Li, Chengjian Wu, Peng Zhou, Zheng Chen, Jiping Shi, Zhijun Zhao
Summary: This study explores the effects of thermophilic bacteria on crude fiber content, carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, and microbial communities during Chinese medicine residues composting. Results demonstrate that thermophilic microbial agents can increase composting temperature, accelerate compost maturation, and promote crude fiber degradation.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Juan Antelo, Sarah Fiol, Ivan Carabante, Arantxa Arroyo, Juan S. Lezama-Pacheco, Natasha Josevska, Chloe Protopapa, Jurate Kumpiene
Summary: This study found that the presence of arsenic can delay the transformation of schwertmannite into more stable crystalline goethite, especially under higher arsenic loadings and more acidic conditions. Additionally, under anoxic conditions, both Fe(II) and ascorbic acid can promote the mineral transformation or reductive dissolution of schwertmannite, with arsenic reducing the catalytic effect of Fe(II) and stabilizing the schwertmannite particles.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hermano M. Queiroz, Tiago O. Ferreira, Diego Barcellos, Gabriel N. Nobrega, Juan Antelo, Xose L. Otero, Angelo F. Bernardino
Summary: The study found that the deposition of Fe-rich tailings in the Rio Doce Estuary in Brazil significantly influenced the enrichment of phosphorus in estuarine soils. Over time, there was a significant decrease in the crystallinity of Fe oxyhydroxides in estuarine soils, while the content of low crystallinity Fe oxyhydroxides increased. These changes were associated with dissimilatory Fe reduction, leading to a significant increase in the concentration of readily available phosphorus.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Diego Aran, Erika S. Santos, Maria Manuela Abreu, Juan Antelo, Felipe Macias
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a designed Technosol in rehabilitating uranium mine tailings, showing that the rehabilitated tailings improved physicochemical properties, reduced concentrations of hazardous elements, facilitated plant cover, and decreased ecotoxicological risks and spread of hazardous elements.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Lopez, J. Antelo, A. C. Silva, F. Bento, S. Fiol
Summary: This study analyzed compost samples from different sources and treated with different composting methods to investigate their chemical composition, physicochemical, and acid-base properties, revealing correlations and testing the potential value of compost as amendments. The application of compost improved soil pH, organic matter and nutrient content, and promoted seed germination and root growth in a mining area.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Mismel Ruiz-Garcia, Mario Villalobos, Juan Antelo, Nadia Martinez-Villegas
Summary: This study investigated the sorption behavior of thallium on clay and humic acids and revealed the mechanisms of cation sorption through modeling and experimental results. The study found that the sorption behavior of thallium differed at different pH values, providing further understanding of geochemical mechanisms in contaminated soils.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mitra Amini, Juan Antelo, Sarah Fiol, Rasoul Rahnemaie
Summary: This study evaluated the variations in extractable-P in soils under different redox conditions. The results showed that the solid to solution ratio and bicarbonate concentration significantly affected the extraction of phosphate, with more phosphate extracted under anoxic conditions. The effect of bicarbonate concentration was more pronounced in soil samples with higher organic carbon content. The CD-MUSIC model successfully predicted the effect of solid to solution ratio on extractable-P under both oxic and anoxic conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jon Petter Gustafsson, Juan Antelo
Summary: The solubility and bioavailability of arsenic in the environment are largely affected by its adsorption reactions with iron oxides. The adsorption of arsenate and phosphate on ferrihydrite suspensions was studied in batch experiments. A surface complexation model based on the CD-MUSIC concept was developed to describe the interactions. The experimental results showed that arsenate and phosphate displayed similar adsorption patterns in single-ion systems, but arsenate was preferentially adsorbed over phosphate in competitive systems. The developed model successfully described these adsorption patterns and predicted the presence of complexation compounds during adsorption.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Catarina Silva, Ana Teixeira, Juan Antelo, Patricia Valderrama, Rui Oliveira, Ana Cunha, Renaud Gley, Jose Paulo Pinheiro, Sarah Fiol, Fatima Bento
Summary: This study compares the characteristics of seven composts produced from different raw materials and composting methodologies, and explores their potential in agriculture. Although the organic matter stabilization in these composts is suitable for agricultural applications, they exhibit distinct elemental and structural compositions. Additionally, different fertilizers have varying effects on lettuce growth. Some common features were identified, such as mass loss, associations between groups of elements, and correlations between carbon nanostructures and aromaticity parameters.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Carlos Lazaro, Juan Antelo, Ivan Carabante, Alba Otero-Farina, Pedro V. Verdes, Bruno Dacunha-Marinho, Sarah Fiol
Summary: This study examined the thermal transformation from schwertmannite to hematite and its effect on metal(oid) partitioning. It was found that the transformation occurred at temperatures above 400 degrees C, and the presence of chromium had little impact on the transformation temperature. As the temperature increased, the mobility of chromium decreased, and it was less outcompeted by arsenic adsorption. At temperatures above 600 degrees C, non-mobile forms strongly associated with neo-formed hematite were found. The neo-formation of hematite led to a decrease in arsenic adsorption, potentially enhancing arsenic mobility in AMD systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana C. C. Silva, Pedro Rocha, Dulce Geraldo, Ana Cunha, Juan Antelo, Jose P. Pinheiro, Sarah Fiol, Fatima Bento
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of Cd2+ as a reactivity probe for compost extracts of fulvic acids, humic acids, and dissolved organic matter. The HA extract showed the highest reactivity among the extracts. Furthermore, the reactivity variation was the largest for HA, followed by FA and DOM extracts. A parameter, equivalent mass of fertiliser (m(EF)), was used to calculate the compost quality and compared with uncomposted organic fertiliser. The significance of this parameter was verified through a correlation analysis between binding extent and the effect of compost application on lettuce crop growth.
