Review
Engineering, Environmental
Liuwei Wang, Yuanliang Jin, Dominik J. Weiss, Nina J. Schleicher, Wolfgang Wilcke, Longhua Wu, Qingjun Guo, Jiubin Chen, David O'Connor, Deyi Hou
Summary: Stable isotope measurements hold great potential for identifying metal sources in soil, with specific isotopic signals serving as key prerequisites for source allocation. In particular, zinc and cadmium isotopes are valuable for identifying combustion-related industrial sources, while uncertainties may arise from biogeochemical low-temperature fractionation of other elements. Isotope-based source identification, in combination with other analytical approaches, can offer more accurate results for understanding the temporal changes of metal accumulation in soil systems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lulu Mao, Wenbo Ren, Xitao Liu, Mengchang He, Chunye Lin, Ying Zhong, Yang Tang, Wei Ouyang
Summary: In this study, the total mercury (THg) content and mercury isotope composition in sediments in the Lianxi River, Zijiang River, and South Dongting Lake were investigated to identify and quantify multiple mercury sources and evaluate mercury environmental processes. The results showed that the THg content, delta Hg-202, and Delta Hg-199 values in the sediments varied from 48.22 to 4284.32 μg/kg, 1.33 to 0.04‰, and 0.25 to 0.03‰, respectively. The sediments from the Lianxi River, Zijiang River, and South Dongting Lake exhibited distinct mercury isotope characteristics, indicating significant variations in dominant mercury sources in these regions. Source apportionment based on MixSIAR revealed that mercury in sediments mainly originated from industrial activities, with non-ferrous metal smelting being the dominant industrial mercury contributor in the Lianxi River. Compared to the Lianxi River, the relative contribution of mercury from industrial activities significantly decreased, while the relative contributions of mercury from background releases significantly increased in the Zijiang River and South Dongting Lake.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Sutliff-Johansson, S. Ponter, E. Engstrom, I Rodushkin, P. Peltola, A. Widerlund
Summary: This study evaluates the temporal trends of Tantalum (Ta) and Niobium (Nb) concentrations in northern Baltic Sea sediments, with a focus on the potential impact from the Ronnskar sulfide ore smelter in Sweden. Ta concentrations increased significantly near the smelter due to electronic waste processing, while Nb concentrations remained stable. Anthropogenic Ta showed associations with hydrous ferric oxides and organic matter, while Nb did not display notable changes.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shaochen Yang, Ping Li, Kaifeng Sun, Nan Wei, Jinling Liu, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Anthropogenic activities and climate change have led to increased mercury (Hg) levels in seawater, but the sources and processes of Hg in different marine compartments are not well understood. This study analyzed Hg concentrations and stable isotopes in seawater and fish samples collected from different marine compartments of the South China Sea to investigate Hg cycling in marine ecosystems. The results showed that estuarine seawater had higher Hg concentrations than marine continental shelf and pelagic seawater, and the sources of Hg varied in different compartments. This study highlights the importance of Hg stable isotopes for understanding Hg cycling in marine ecosystems.
Article
Water Resources
Yuheng Yang, Baisha Weng, Denghua Yan, Xiaoyan Gong, Yanyu Dai, Yongzhen Niu, Guoqiang Dong
Summary: The study focused on analyzing the contribution of different water sources to streamflow in the Nagqu River watershed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed that rain and snowmelt reflected the chemical characteristics of precipitation, with groundwater and snowmelt being the primary sources of water flow. Different types of groundwater were identified in the region, with varying levels of permeability and recoverability.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saebom Jung, Sae Yun Kwon, Mi-Ling Li, Runsheng Yin, Jaeseon Park
Summary: This study investigates the sources of mercury (Hg) in the west coast of Korea using Hg stable isotopes. The results show that industrial Hg sources contribute significantly to the west coast of Korea, while riverine and atmospheric Hg sources play minor roles. The study also reveals that fish in the west coast are mainly exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) produced in the sediment, but in some southwest coast sites, external MeHg from rivers and the open ocean water column is more important as a source in fish.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhengcheng Song, Chuan Wang, Li Ding, Min Chen, Yanxin Hu, Ping Li, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Human activities have caused serious soil mercury pollution in industrial areas worldwide. Mercury contamination in soil was found to be significantly elevated in areas of mercury mining, gold mining, and zinc smelting, with atmospheric deposition speculated as the main pathway for soil mercury contamination. Speciation and concentration of mercury in emission gas are crucial factors for mercury pollution in surrounding soils.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Buyun Du, Runsheng Yin, Xuewu Fu, Ping Li, Xinbin Feng, Laurence Maurice
Summary: This study investigated the pathways of human mercury exposure using Hg isotopic analysis, finding isotopic differences between TGM and urine samples, as well as urine and dietary components. The positive Delta Hg-199 in urine samples from the urban area was attributed to fish consumption, with fish contributing 22% of urine Hg in urban families but limited Hg in mining and background areas. The study highlighted the utility of Hg isotopes as tracers for understanding Hg sources and fates in human bodies.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hyuntae Choi, Bohyung Choi, Yoshito Chikaraishi, Yoshinori Takano, Haryun Kim, Kitack Lee, Dhongil Lim, Kyung-Hoon Shin
Summary: This study used compound-specific isotope analysis to investigate the variation of delta N-15 associated with microbial processes in marine sediment samples. The results showed that the decrease in amino acid concentrations in sediment was accompanied by an increase in delta N-15 values. Phenylalanine displayed a depth-dependent variation in microbial utilization, while glycine showed the highest relative molar contribution and delta N-15 increase in deep sediment. These findings provide an important basis for interpreting the delta N-15 values of amino acids in sediment.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hezhong Yuan, Haixiang Wang, Azhong Dong, Yanwen Zhou, Rui Huang, Hongbin Yin, Lei Zhang, Enfeng Liu, Qiang Li, Binchan Jia, Yiwei Cai
Summary: This study investigates the sources of phosphorus in the Shijiuhu Lake catchment in China by analyzing the oxygen isotopic composition. The results show that agricultural activities are the main source of phosphorus in the soil, while eroded soil contributes to phosphorus in lake and pond sediments through drainage and runoff. The study suggests that reducing agricultural inputs is crucial for phosphorus reduction at the catchment scale.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sofie Lindstrom, Sara Callegaro, Joshua Davies, Christian Tegner, Bas van de Schootbrugge, Gunver K. Pedersen, Nasrrddine Youbi, Hamed Sanei, Andrea Marzoli
Summary: Various geochemical signals and proxy records have been used to link CAMP volcanic activity to the end-Triassic mass extinction. These records include iridium anomalies, carbon isotope excursions, atmospheric pCO2 changes, and climate cooling events, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the mass extinction.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Stefanie Helmrich, Dimitri Vlassopoulos, Charles N. Alpers, Peggy A. O'Day
Summary: Mercury is a global health concern, especially harmful for fetuses and children. Methylmercury is an environmentally relevant form of mercury, and its production and transformation rates are crucial for management.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saebom Jung, Sae Yun Kwon, Yongseok Hong, Runsheng Yin, Laura C. Motta
Summary: The study revealed diverse mercury sources at Gumu Creek, including commercial liquid mercury, phenyl-mercury, and fly ash, consistent with the types of waste deposited within the hazardous waste landfill (HWL). The results suggest that mercury isotope ratios can effectively identify potential mercury sources in heterogeneous environments with multiple anthropogenic activities.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Angana Chaudhuri, Anirban Chatterjee, Santanu Banerjee, J. S. Ray
Summary: An integrated approach using Sr-Nd isotope, trace and rare earth element analyses revealed that the Mesozoic sediments in the Kutch Basin primarily originated from late Palaeoproterozoic rocks, with lesser contributions from early Mesoproterozoic and early Palaeoproterozoic rocks. Different sources of sediments resulted in varying elemental and isotopic characteristics.
GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nabeel Abdullah Alrabie, Ferdaus Mohamat-Yusuff, Hashim Rohasliney, Zufarzaana Zulkeflee, Mohammad Noor Azmai Amal, Aziz Arshad, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli, Anugrah Ricky Wijaya, Najat Masood, Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani
Summary: Uncontrolled urbanization and growing industrialization are major sources of pollutants affecting urban stormwater quality and aquatic environment. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc are the dominant metal contaminants found in the sediments of the SMART ponds, with coal combustion identified as the primary source of anthropogenic lead. Control of coal combustion and areas with intensive human activities should be prioritized for environmental protection in the future.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xinyu Li, Guangyi Sun, Yunjie Wu, Mengying Zhou, Zhonggen Li, Xiangyang Bi, Jen -How Huang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: A systematic analysis was conducted on 159 coal samples from different regions, periods, and ranks across China, including antimony (Sb) isotopic composition, trace element contents, and total sulfur content (TS). The study discusses the origin of Sb in coal from different regions in China, highlighting the influence of hydrothermal fluid, leachate, terrigenous materials, and inorganic minerals on Sb enrichment. The establishment of the Sb isotopic fingerprint for coal is essential for researching Sb isotope fractionation and tracing Sb release and transport in the supergene eco-environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi Xia, Qianwen Deng, Guangyi Sun, Yunjie Wu, Shengying Qiao, Jamshed Ali, Xuewu Fu, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study developed an innovative method for digestion, preconcentration, and purification of low-Sb water samples for high precision isotope analysis. No isotopic fractionation was observed during sample preparation, and significant variations in Sb isotope ratios were observed in natural water samples, indicating the potential application of this method in studying aquatic Sb systematics and global Sb cycling.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junyao Yan, Ruolan Li, Muhammad Ubaid Ali, Chuan Wang, Bo Wang, Xingang Jin, Mingyu Shao, Ping Li, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Mine waste in historical mercury mining areas continuously emits mercury into the local environment, including aquatic ecosystems. This study used data on mercury concentration, speciation, and isotopes to trace mercury migration from the mine waste and determine its contribution to mercury pollution. The findings revealed that rainfall can increase mercury concentrations in river water and influence the partitioning and transport of mercury in karst fissure zones. Despite remediation efforts, the treated mine waste remains a significant source of mercury pollution in local aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Wang, Shaochen Yang, Ping Li, Chongyang Qin, Chuan Wang, Muhammad Ubaid Ali, Runsheng Yin, Laurence Maurice, David Point, Jeroen E. Sonke, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Anthropogenic mercury emissions have led to adverse health effects on humans. This study utilized the MeHg Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) approach to track the lifecycle of mercury in Hg-emission areas. The results revealed distinct differences in the isotopes of MeHg and IHg in rice, fish, and hair. The CSIA approach proved to be effective in understanding the biogeochemical cycle of mercury and its impact on human exposure, providing valuable information for pollution control policies and protection of human health.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mahmoud A. Abdelhafiz, Jiang Liu, Tao Jiang, Qiang Pu, Muhammad Wajahat Aslam, Kun Zhang, Bo Meng, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Rice paddies provide optimal conditions for methylmercury (MeHg) production, with paddy soil being the main source of MeHg in rice grains. The role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlling MeHg production in rice paddy systems is not well understood. This study investigated the variations in soil DOM and the influence of DOM concentration and optical characteristics on MeHg production in paddy soils from different cultivation sites in China. The results showed that MeHg production is correlated with the consumption of lower molecular weight DOM and the humic components of DOM play a significant role in MeHg variability in paddy soil. The study also revealed that allochthonous DOM limits Hg bioavailability in contaminated soils and autochthonous DOM enhances MeHg production in uncontaminated soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nantao Liu, Xinyuan Cai, Longyu Jia, Xun Wang, Wei Yuan, Che-Jen Lin, Dingyong Wang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study investigates the concentration and isotopic signatures of mercury (Hg) in the surface soil of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The spatial distribution and source contribution of Hg in the surface soil, as well as factors influencing Hg accumulation, are comprehensively studied. Results show that vegetation mediated atmospheric Hg0 deposition is the dominant source of Hg in the surface soil, followed by geogenic sources and atmospheric Hg2+ inputs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weiqing Zhou, Jianwei Zhou, Xinbin Feng, Bing Wen, Aiguo Zhou, Peng Liu, Guangyi Sun, Ziyi Zhou, Xin Liu
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption mechanisms of antimony (Sb) on iron (oxyhydr)oxides and finds that inner-sphere complexation occurs independently of pH and surface coverage. Lighter Sb isotopes are preferentially enriched on Fe (oxyhydr)oxides due to isotopic equilibrium fractionation. The results provide insights into the Sb adsorption mechanism by Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and clarify the Sb isotope fractionation mechanism, which is essential for future applications of Sb isotopes as tracers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jie Huang, Shichang Kang, Xinbin Feng, Wenjun Tang, Kirpa Ram, Junming Guo, Qianggong Zhang, Chhatra Mani Sharma, Chaoliu Li, Lekhendra Tripathee, Feiyue Wang
Summary: The Indian monsoon circulation plays a crucial role in transporting mercury pollution from South Asia to the Himalayas and Tibet Plateau region. A study found a strong overlap between Lake Gokyo and Indian anthropogenic sources, indicating the source of mercury from South Asia. The findings suggest that transboundary atmospheric transport can transport mercury from South Asia northwards to at least the Tanglha Mountains in the northern Himalaya-Tibet.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liwei Cui, Xue Tian, Hongxin Xie, Xin Cong, Lihong Cui, Han Wu, Jianxu Wang, Bai Li, Jiating Zhao, Yanshan Cui, Xinbin Feng, Yu-Feng Li
Summary: Cardamine violifolia, a selenium hyperaccumulator, can accumulate mercury in its roots and aboveground parts at concentrations up to 6000 μg/g. The bioaccumulation factors of Hg reached 1.8-223, and the translocation factor reached 1.5. The study revealed a positive correlation between Hg concentrations in plant tissues and soil. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms of Hg hyperaccumulation in C. violifolia and suggest its potential use in remediation of Hg-contaminated farmlands.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Xian Wu, Xuewu Fu, Hui Zhang, Kaihui Tang, Xun Wang, Hui Zhang, Qianwen Deng, Leiming Zhang, Kaiyun Liu, Qingru Wu, Shuxiao Wang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study examines the long-term changes in atmospheric mercury concentrations and isotopic compositions in northeastern and southwestern China. The results show continuous declines in gaseous elemental mercury concentrations, which are mainly attributed to reduced anthropogenic emissions. The estimated reduction rates of regional anthropogenic emissions range from 4.8% to 5.8% over the past 5-7 years.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei Yuan, Mu Liu, Daizhao Chen, Yao-Wu Xing, Robert A. Spicer, Jitao Chen, Theodore R. Them, Xun Wang, Shizhen Li, Chuan Guo, Gongjing Zhang, Liyu Zhang, Hui Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: The colonization and expansion of land plants happened earlier than previously thought, during the Ordovician-Silurian transition, based on analysis of Hg isotopes in marine sediments from South China. The negative excursions in Delta Hg-199 and Delta Hg-200 found in these sediments indicate increased terrestrial contribution of Hg due to the rapid expansion of vascular plants. This expansion coincided with rising atmospheric oxygen concentrations and global cooling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chaoyue Chen, Jen-How Huang, Kai Li, Stefan Osterwalder, Chenmeng Yang, Peter Waldner, Hui Zhang, Xuewu Fu, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study investigates the role of vegetation and soil in regulating atmospheric Hg0 in a forest in Switzerland. The results show that foliage acts as a net sink for Hg-0 and preferentially absorbs light Hg isotopes. The soil mostly serves as a net source of atmospheric Hg0, with higher emissions from moss-covered soils. The study highlights the importance of soil in influencing atmospheric Hg-0 isotope signatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fei Wu, Luhan Yang, Xun Wang, Wei Yuan, Che-Jen Lin, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Understanding the complexation of mercury (Hg) with soil organic matter is crucial for assessing Hg accumulation and sequestration in forest ecosystems. Separating soil organic matter into particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) can provide insights into Hg dynamics and cycling. The study found that atmospheric deposition is the main source of Hg in both POM and MAOM, with higher concentrations of Hg in MAOM compared to POM. The accumulation and sequestration of Hg in organic soil vary with vegetation succession, and the isotopic signatures of Hg are influenced by source mixing and sequestration processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingqing Wu, Baolin Wang, Haiyan Hu, Andrea G. Bravo, Kevin Bishop, Stefan Bertilsson, Bo Meng, Hua Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Methylmercury produced in rice paddies poses a high risk to humans and wildlife. Sulfate reduction and methanogenesis play important roles in controlling the reduction of Hg(II) and MeHg. Oxidative demethylation is the main degradative pathway for MeHg in rice paddies.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Liwei Cui, Xue Tian, Hongxin Xie, Xin Cong, Lihong Cui, Han Wu, Jianxu Wang, Bai Li, Jiating Zhao, Yanshan Cui, Xinbin Feng, Yu-Feng Li
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)