Review
Environmental Sciences
Ariane Andreola, Daniely Neckel Rosini, Mari Lucia Campos, Josieli Pietro Biasi, Vanilde Citadini-Zanette, Roseli Lopes da Costa Bortoluzzi, Davi Jose Miquelutti, Edilane Rocha Nicoleite
Summary: Mineral coal extraction in Santa Catarina State in Brazil has caused degradation to the local ecosystem, limiting its use. The uncontrolled disposal of waste and sterile mining with high concentrations of pyrite has led to the formation of acid mine drainage, which poses a threat to water resources, soil, and biodiversity. This study characterizes the heavy metal content in the mining waste and tailings, as well as the presence of fern and lycophyte species in the area. The results show that some fern species demonstrate resistance to degraded and contaminated environments, making them potential candidates for monitoring and environmental recovery.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guilherme Tavares Nunes, Marcio Amorim Efe, Cindy Tavares Barreto, Juliana Vallim Gaiotto, Aline Barbosa Silva, Fiorella Vilela, Amedee Roy, Sophie Bertrand, Patricia Gomes Costa, Adalto Bianchini, Leandro Bugoni
Summary: A study investigated the impact of a dam collapse in Brazil on the foraging behavior of seabirds, revealing that although there were no significant changes in foraging strategies, the concentration of non-essential elements in their prey increased while essential elements decreased. This suggests that the seabirds may be exposed to contaminants from tailings, leading to potential long-term deleterious effects on the populations using the region as foraging sites.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Barbara J. Arnold
Summary: With the increasing focus on recovering critical elements from various coal-related sources, evaluating coal preparation technologies for their role in recovery or rejection of these elements is crucial. Past studies on trace element removal from coal, including those considered hazardous air pollutants in the past, need to be reviewed. The mode of occurrence of these elements in coal plays a significant role in their recovery or rejection during coal preparation processes. Future work should consider element partitioning with coal macerals and comprehensive evaluations of hydrometallurgical principles for element recovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose E. Ortiz, Trinidad Torres, Ignacio Lopez-Cilla, Luis A. Galan, Yolanda Sanchez-Palencia, Milagros Ros, Ignacio Manteca, Sebastian Ramallo, Francisca Navarro, Tomas Rodriguez-Estrella, Ana Blazquez, Angeles G. Borrego, Blanca Ruiz-Zapata, Maria Jose Gil-Garcia, Erwin Heine
Summary: The study of trace element concentrations in the Coastal record of Cartagena Bay reveals the influences of natural processes and anthropogenic factors. Multivariate statistical analysis clarifies the geochemical behavior of elements. The research design explores the roles of natural contributions and human activities in geological records.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mayara de Almeida Ribeiro Carvalho, Wander Gustavo Botero, Luciana Camargo de Oliveira
Summary: This study used a systematic literature review to identify sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the aquatic environment. The analysis revealed both natural and anthropogenic sources, such as mining, agriculture, industries, and domestic effluents. The study also highlighted specific locations where environmental remediation studies should be conducted to prevent and address PTE pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Beilei Sun, Fangui Zeng, Tim A. Moore, Sandra Rodrigues, Chao Liu, Guoquan Wang
Summary: Prospecting for trace and rare earth elements is expected to increase in the future as the world adopts sustainable energy and digital technology. This study investigates the distribution of trace elements, especially lithium, in coal beds in Shanxi Province, China. The research finds that trace elements, including lithium, are associated with the inorganic portion of the coal seams.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
James C. Hower, Robert B. Finkelman, Cortland F. Eble, Barbara J. Arnold
Summary: Coal is a complex combination of macerals, minerals, and inorganic elements, along with liquids, gases, and semi-solid organics, all modified by coal metamorphism. Proper coal characterization is essential for academic research and industrial utilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maman Illatou Oumar El Farouk, Corinne Casiot, Marc Vinches, Eleonore Resongles, Remi Freydier, Mylene Marie, Sophie Delpoux, Angelique Desoeuvre, Moussa Konate, Boureima Ousmane
Summary: This study investigated arsenic and trace elements concentrations in groundwaters and surface waters in the Nigerien Liptako region, revealing significant pollution in some artisanal gold mining areas, posing potential health risks to the local population.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabrina Loise de Moraes Calado, Lilian Dalago Salgado, Gustavo Souza Santos, Fernando da Silva Carvalho Neto, Marcia Santos de Menezes
Summary: The study evaluated metal concentrations in aquatic organisms in Antonina Bay, southern Brazil, finding that some metals exceeded regulatory limits, posing a potential health risk for human consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julio Cesar Martinez-Ayala, Felipe Galvan-Magana, Arturo Tripp-Valdez, Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodriguez, Alejandra Pinon-Gimate, Miguel Angel Huerta-Diaz, Alberto Sanchez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigated the levels of heavy metals in the muscle of Rhizoprionodon longurio fish captured in the Gulf of California and found that the levels were below the limits allowed for human consumption. Therefore, it is safe to consume the meat from this shark species.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kunting Xie, Nangeng Xie, Zhiyang Liao, Xiaoshan Luo, Weijie Peng, Yong Yuan
Summary: This study examined the feasibility of deriving Soil Environment Criteria (SEC) using the bio-accessibility of pollutants. Soil samples from 33 locations at 12 mining/smelting sites in China were collected and analyzed for soil properties, chemical fraction distributions, and bioaccessibilities of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As). The measured and predicted bioaccessibilities of these potentially hazardous trace elements (PHEs) were found to be feasible for deriving SEC. This research will contribute to the development of regional soil environmental standards for mining/smelting soils contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As based on bioaccessibility.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shengen Zhu, Wenhao Zhang, Guangdong Song, Yadong Li, Binxin Hu, Feng Zhu, Hua Zhang, Yubin Wei, Tengfei Sun, Jing Tang
Summary: Coal quality analysis is crucial for the rational and sustainable utilization of coal resources. This study proposes a method using LIBS to reconstruct PCs, improving the regression metrics and establishing quantitative models for ash content, volatile matter, and calorific value. The accuracy of the models is significantly improved, and the feasibility and effectiveness of LIBS-based analysis for coal quality detection are demonstrated.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Inti E. Rodriguez-Levy, Paul A. Van Damme, Fernando M. Carvajal-Vallejos, Lieven Bervoets
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of metals and metalloids in different edible fish species from markets in two cities along the Beni River in the Bolivian Amazon, revealing that the size of detritivore fish was significantly positively correlated with the concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, and nickel. A risk analysis was performed to assess local health risks associated with fish consumption, indicating that mercury posed the highest risk. Chronic mercury intoxication could occur when fish consumption exceeded certain amounts.
Article
Geology
Luojing Wang, Dawei Lv, James C. Hower, Zhihui Zhang, Munira Raji, Jigen Tang, Yamin Liu, Jie Gao
Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the geochemical characteristics and paleoclimate significance of Middle Jurassic Aalenian coals in the Ordos Basin in north China. The results show that these coals are highly enriched in critical elements and have a negative Eu anomaly. The Sr/Cu and Sr/Ba data indicate a climate change from a relatively arid condition to a more humid climate.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Doriana Maria Popa, Marioara Moldovan, Doina Prodan, Cornel Aldea, Calin Lazar, Cecilia Lazea, Mirela Crisan, Lucia Maria Sur, Sorin C. Man, Cristina Borzan
Summary: Heavy metal contamination in soils can severely affect human health, especially in areas where factories operate. High levels of toxic trace elements such as lead, aluminum, cadmium were found near contaminated areas, and studying soil element concentrations can help predict the health status of the exposed population.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esmaeil Allahkarami, Abolfazl Dehghan Monfared, Luis Felipe Oliveira Silva, Guilherme Luiz Dotto
Summary: In this study, fixed-bed experiments were conducted using a novel Pb-Fe spinel-activated carbon adsorbent for phenol uptake from water. The adsorbent was characterized and compared to pristine activated carbon. The results showed that the Pb-Fe spinel-activated carbon composite had a higher adsorption capacity and was suitable for fixed-bed adsorption of phenol.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alcindo Neckel, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Laercio Stolfo Maculan, Bashir Adelodun, Paloma Carollo Toscan, Brian William Bodah, Leila Del Moro, Luis F. O. Silva
Summary: The Tinto River in Spain is studied using Sentinel-3B OLCI satellite images to analyze the dispersion of nanoparticles and ultra-fine particles in suspended sediments. Water turbidity levels, suspended pollution potential, and presence of chlorophyll-a are examined in this study. Hazardous elements such as As, Cd, Ni, V, Se, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Sn are identified in the nanoparticles and ultra-fine particles. The satellite images show a decrease in water turbidity levels from 23.47 g-3 in 2019 to 16.38 g-3 in 2021.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Diana Pinto, Maria Eliza Nagel-Hassemer, Leila Dal Moro, Giana de Vargas Mores, Brian William Bodah, Alcindo Neckel
Summary: The objective of this study is to assess particles containing rare-earth elements (REEs) in abandoned deposits of Brazilian fine coal tailings (BFCTs) and identify extraction methods. The BFCT areas were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, focused ion beam coupled with scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis. The results showed higher concentrations of REEs in smaller coal fines. These easily extractable deposits, located close to transportation routes, present an opportunity for secondary market utilization rather than discarding.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alcindo Neckel, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Laercio Stolfo Maculan, Brian William Bodah, Affonso Celso Goncalves Jr, Luis F. O. Silva
Summary: This study identifies the types of ultra-fine air pollutants present in the local atmosphere of Budapest using satellite images and physical sample collection. The results reveal the presence of ultra-fine particles containing elements harmful to human health. The study also highlights the importance of reducing pollutants for a better quality of life in the city.
Article
Environmental Sciences
G. S. Rieder, D. C. Zamberlan, L. F. O. Silva, B. C. Borin, A. P. Schuch, J. B. T. da Rocha
Summary: The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers to meet the demand for food has detrimental effects on the environment. Biofertilizers have emerged as an environmentally safer alternative to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The study shows that the biofertilizer Beifort (R) does not exhibit toxicity towards Drosophila melanogaster, indicating its potential as a substitute for chemical fertilizers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Theodoro da Rosa Salles, Carlos Schnorr, Franciele da Silva Bruckmann, Enzo Cassol Vicensi, Altevir Rossato Viana, Andre Pasaglia Schuch, Wagner de Jesus da Silva Garcia, Luis F. O. Silva, Artur Harres de Oliveira, Sergio Roberto Mortari, Cristiano Rodrigo Bohn Rhoden
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption of furosemide using magnetic carbon nanotubes (CNT center dot Fe3O4) with different amounts of magnetite. The adsorbents were synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and co-precipitation methods. The experimental results showed that the CNT center dot Fe3O4 1:10 had the best performance, with a removal percentage of 82.39% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 83.5 mg g-1 at pH 2.0.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Osorio-Martinez, Luis F. F. Silva, Erico M. M. Flores, Gabriel T. T. Druzian, Jesus Olivero-Verbel
Summary: This study assessed the concentrations and toxicity of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban dust from Barranquilla, Colombia. The results showed that the PTEs in the dust had negative effects on the physiological parameters of Caenorhabditis elegans, indicating that it can be used as a sensitive organism for warning systems related to biota risks associated with air pollution.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Blanco Donado, Mozhgan Akbari Alavijeh, Daniel Badillo Romero, Luis F. O. Silva, Marcos L. S. Oliveira, Michael Schindler
Summary: This study investigates the physical and chemical properties of particulate matter (PM) derived from different sources in the industrial town of Barranquilla, Atlantico, Caribbean region. The interactions between different PM sources lead to the formation of various particles including carbon-rich particles, carbon allotropes, organics, coatings, and nanoparticles. These particles contain a complex mixture of chemical elements and exhibit strong interactions. The size range of the particles suggests their potential impact on human health.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victoria X. Nascimento, Diana Pinto, Sabrina F. Lutke, Maria C. F. da Silva, Fernando. M. Machado, Eder. C. Lima, Luis F. O. Silva, Guilherme L. Dotto
Summary: Sapelli wood sawdust-derived magnetic activated carbon (SWSMAC) was produced through single-step pyrolysis using KOH and NiCl2 as activating and magnetization agents. The obtained SWSMAC was a mesoporous material with good textural properties and exhibited ferromagnetic properties. It effectively adsorbed brilliant blue FCF dye through various interactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Glaydson S. dos Reis, Carlos E. Schnorr, Guilherme L. Dotto, Julien Vieillard, Matias S. Netto, Luis F. O. Silva, Irineu A. S. De Brum, Mikael Thyrel, Eder C. Lima, Ulla Lassi
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption and recovery of cerium (Ce(III)), a rare earth element, from an aqueous solution using a sustainable hydrochar made from wood waste. The hydrochar contained various surface functional groups, which significantly influenced its adsorption capacity. The pH of the solution strongly affected the Ce(III) removal, with the highest removal efficiency achieved at pH 6.0. The hydrochar exhibited high efficiency in Ce(III) adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 327.9 mg g(-1) at 298 K. The adsorption kinetics followed the general order model, while the equilibrium process fit the Liu isotherm model. The Ce(III) adsorption mechanism on the hydrochar involved electrostatic interactions and chelation between surface functional groups and Ce(III). The hydrochar also demonstrated excellent regeneration capacity using sulfuric acid as an eluent. This research presents a sustainable approach for developing an efficient adsorbent for Ce(III) removal with excellent physicochemical properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariele D. da Silva, Carlos Schnorr, Sabrina F. Lutke, Luis F. O. Silva, Christian Manera, Daniele Perondi, Marcelo Godinho, Gabriela C. Collazzo, Guilherme L. Dotto
Summary: Due to its toxicity, Cu(II) ions released in aquatic environments pose a serious threat to the environment and human health. Citrus fruit residues can be utilized to produce activated carbons as sustainable and low-cost alternatives. In this study, eight activated carbons were developed from orange peel, mandarin peel, rangpur lime peel, and sweet lime peel, using CO2 and H2O as activating agents. These activated carbons exhibited promising adsorption properties for Cu(II) ions, with a micro-mesoporous structure, a specific surface area of around 400 m(2) g(-1), and a pore volume of around 0.25 cm(3) g(-1). The adsorption process was favored at pH 5.5 and reached equilibrium within 60 minutes, removing approximately 80% of Cu(II) ions. The Sips model provided the best fit to the equilibrium data, with maximum adsorption capacities ranging from 67.83 to 88.04 mg g(-1) for different activated carbons. The thermodynamic behavior indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. The mechanism was suggested to be controlled by surface complexation and Cu2+-pi interaction. Desorption of Cu(II) ions was possible using a 0.5 mol L-1 HCl solution. The results of this study demonstrate that citrus residues can be effectively utilized as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
V. Nieto-Barbosa, R. A. Cubillos-Gonzalez, G. Tiberio-Cardoso, A. Neckel, F. J. N. Gonzalez-Anleo, I. C. Ceron-Vinasco
Summary: Climate change is a progressive phenomenon that cannot be stopped, only mitigated. This poses a challenge in proposing resilient design strategies due to the high level of uncertainty. The collection of climatic data for specific locations is also limited. In this study, a cycle of measurements was conducted in a social housing case study in Tunja, Colombia to analyze and validate the reliability of the collected data. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed acceptable average reliability but data below the minimum acceptability value, highlighting the importance of reducing uncertainty in resilient design.
REVISTA INGENIERIA DE CONSTRUCCION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ronald K. S. Santos, Carlos Schnorr, Luis F. O. Silva, Bruna F. F. Nascimento, Jorge V. F. L. Cavalcanti, Yasmin Vieira, Guilherme L. L. Dotto, Mauricio A. Motta Sobrinho
Summary: The consumption of acai fruit has led to increased demand for its pulp, resulting in large amounts of acai endocarp residues and local environmental pollution. Chemical and physical routes were explored to produce acai endocarp adsorbents, and the results showed that the chemical route generated biochar with better adsorption properties and stability. This research provides a locally viable solution for adding value to residues from acai production and helps solve local environmental problems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alcindo Neckel, Paloma Carollo Toscan, Henrique Aniceto Kujawa, Brian William Bodah, Cleiton Korcelski, Laercio Stolfo Maculan, Caliane Christie Oliveira de Almeida Silva, Affonso Celso Goncalves Junior, Aline Snak, Leila Dal Moro, Luis F. O. Silva
Summary: The study aims to identify hazardous elements in the soils of urban cemeteries in Passo Fundo, Brazil and propose sustainable architectural solutions to mitigate toxicological risks. Soil samples were collected from the cemeteries and nearby areas, and architects specialized in sustainable cemetery design were interviewed. The concentration of lead in the vicinity of the cemeteries exceeded the federal limits, indicating a potential danger to human health even at greater distances. The study emphasizes the importance of construction features that can reduce contamination and highlights the significance of urban vegetation in cemetery design.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana M. Gasparotto, Diana Pinto, Natalie de Paula, Manoel Maraschin, Dison S. P. Franco, Elvis Carissimi, Edson L. Foletto, Sergio L. Jahn, Luis F. O. Silva, Guilherme L. Dotto
Summary: In this study, activated alumina impregnated with Fe-Al-La composite was used for fluoride removal from water for the first time. The optimal conditions were found to be pH 6.5 and adsorbent dosage of 3.0 g L-1. Langmuir isotherm was employed to describe the adsorption process, and a maximum adsorption capacity of 8.17 mg g(-1) at 298 K and pH 6.5 was achieved. The adsorption process was found to be homogeneous and monolayer. The prepared adsorbent showed better fluoride removal performance compared to granular activated alumina, increasing the adsorption capacity from 16% to 42% under the same conditions. Additionally, the adsorbent exhibited great selectivity towards fluoride and minimal influence from co-existing ions Cl-, SO42- and NO3-.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
