Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoshuang Sun, Zongxin Ran, Yuerong Wu, Chengwei Zhong, Weiwei Zhu, Hameed Hllah, Jiang Yu
Summary: A novel synergistic oxidation technology based on modified nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) was developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remediation in actual contaminated soil. The treatment effect of the optimized oxidation process was improved by 1.3-1.5 times compared to unoptimized processes. The oxidation mechanism of PAHs treated by the coupling system of SE-nZVI-KMnO4 was speculated to involve adsorption and electrophilic substitution reaction.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaolong Shen, Tariq Hussain, Micala Mitchek, Joe Wong, Danny Reible
Summary: Activated carbon is widely used in water treatment for sorption of organic contaminants and as in-situ treatment for legacy contaminants. This study investigates the kinetics of PCB adsorption onto two forms of activated carbon (granular and powdered) over a period of 52 weeks. The results show that equilibrium adsorption is achieved much faster with powdered activated carbon compared to granular activated carbon.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert Ramo, Stefano Bonaglia, Inna Nybom, Anne Kreutzer, Gesine Witt, Anna Sobek, Jonas S. Gunnarsson
Summary: A study compared the remediation efficiency of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) in thin-layer capping for organic contaminants. It was found that PAC performed better, although the use of PAC may have adverse effects on benthic community and non-target areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Pietro P. Falciglia, Guido De Guidi, Fabiana Vento, Guglielmo Finocchiaro, Elisa Castro, Monica Granetto, Tiziana Tosco, Federico G. A. Vagliasindi
Summary: A new Liquid Activated Carbon (LAC)-enhanced microwave (MW) treatment method for the remediation of PAH-contaminated soils was studied. The role of different doses of LAC was investigated, and it was found that LAC significantly increased the absorption capability of the MW electric field, resulting in high soil temperatures and shortened removal kinetics of PAH. The mobility of LAC was also tested, and it was shown to have good mobility when applied by gravity-driven percolation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristian Taboada Timoszczuk, Felipe Rodrigues dos Santos, Ligia Dias Araujo, Satie Taniguchi, Rafael Andre Lourenco, Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques, Paulo Alves de Lima Ferreira, Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira, Patricia Andrade Neves, Denise Prates, Marcia Caruso Bicego
Summary: The study revealed that the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment cores from the southern Brazilian continental shelf is influenced by variations in sources and emissions. The historical deposition reflected the impact of different periods of socio-economic and industrial development on PAH concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nan Sun, Shijie Yu, Zhenxing Cai, Jin Liu, Tianyi Wang, Bowei Qi, Zijian Wang, Siming Wang, Anpei Yang, Guanglei Zhu, Weichen Gao, Ying Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments in rice and crab coculture farming systems. Rice straw biochar was used to inhibit the release and migration of PAHs from sediments, reducing the bioavailability and biological effects of PAHs. The results provide theoretical and technical support for the utilization of straw waste and remediation of PAHs pollution.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thiloka Kariyawasam, Gregory S. Doran, Julia A. Howitt, Paul D. Prenzler
Summary: PAHs are harmful pollutants in the environment. Extraction and quantification are important steps to understand contamination and implement remediation. Traditional extraction methods have limitations and newer, more environmentally friendly methods are being explored.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenghu Yang, Wei Wu, Xiaotian Zhou, Qing Hao, Tiejun Li, Yangzhi Liu
Summary: In this study, the sorption behaviors and mechanisms between polystyrene microplastics (micro-PS) and 4-rings polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pyrene (Pyr) and its derivatives (5-Pyr) were investigated at neutrality. The results showed that the sorption rates of micro-PS for 5-Pyr were higher than those for parent Pyr, with different substituents having varying effects on sorption behavior. The main sorption mechanisms were possibly hydrophobic interaction, pi-pi interaction, and pore-filling, which could improve predictions of environmental behaviors and bioavailability of PAHs and micro-PS.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marie Davin, Gilles Colinet, Marie-Laure Fauconnier
Summary: This paper reviews three scientific trends leading current PAH-contaminated soil/sediment remediation studies and management. Firstly, the choice of compounds studied is discussed, suggesting the classical 16 US-EPA PAH compounds may no longer be sufficient. Secondly, the lack of PAH remediation trials on co-contaminated or aged-contaminated material is highlighted. Finally, the systematic use of the bioavailability measurement protocol as a tool to improve remediation processes and strategies is recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jia Xing, Guoren Xu, Guibai Li
Summary: This study compared sewage sludge-based biochars (SSBBs) with lignocellulose-based biochars (LCBBs) in terms of their pyrolysis processes, various fractions, and potential soil applications. Significant differences were found in carbon content, surface functional groups, ash fractions, and potential toxic elements between SSBBs and LCBBs. The differences determined the discrepancies in soil application potential and mechanisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongchen Wu, Jingfu Wang, Jianyang Guo, Xinping Hu, Jingan Chen
Summary: The study investigated historical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution through sedimentary records in three lakes in China. The results showed that PAH concentrations in sediment are still increasing in these lakes, showing a different trend compared to developed countries. The PAH pollution in South China started earlier in 1850, while the increases in North and Northeast China were observed from 1980. The PAH concentrations were highly correlated with local economic development. The study also identified the main sources of PAHs in lake sediments, including oil leaks, coal and biomass combustion, vehicle emissions, and diagenesis. The findings of this study provide important information for understanding and controlling PAH pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dishen Li, Pinjie Su, Mingbo Tang, Guohui Zhang
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis of 56 published studies and found that the application of biochar can significantly reduce the concentration of PAHs in soil, improve the physicochemical properties of soil, and enhance microbial diversity. The study also highlighted the importance of biochar production conditions and soil physicochemical properties in influencing PAH persistence.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ian J. Allan, Violette Raffard, Alfhild Kringstad, Kristoffer Naes
Summary: Passive sampling is proven effective in assessing contaminated sediments, and SPME is used to evaluate the performance of different materials for remediation of selected Norwegian harbour sediments. AC amendments reduce the availability of PAHs and PCBs significantly, while anthracite shows promise as a capping material despite being slightly less effective than AC.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Lin, Zhengnan Cen, Jinping Peng, Huimin Yu, Peng Huang, Qinghui Huang, Zhibo Lu, Mengyang Liu, Hongwei Ke, Minggang Cai
Summary: Due to its unique environment and geographic location, Svalbard has been identified as a potential pollution reservoir in the Arctic. This study found the presence of microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Textile materials and fisheries-related debris were identified as possible sources of microplastics and anthropogenic particles. PAHs in soils were mainly derived from traffic emissions and diesel combustion from a local power plant, while ship emissions were the dominant source of PAHs in sediments. Anthropogenic input was confirmed to be higher in Ny-Alesund, while transportation through ocean currents may contribute to the higher abundance of microplastics in Rijpfjorden.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liang Shen, Yifang Liu, Jiabao Gong, Erle Qiao
Summary: The adsorption behavior of pyrene and seven types of surfactants on kaolinite surfaces was studied. The results showed that pyrene was more easily adsorbed on the 001 (-) side of kaolinite. Some surfactants had strong interactions with pyrene, forming aggregates. However, high concentration of surfactant inhibited pyrene desorption on the kaolinite surface.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Albert A. Koelmans, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Vera N. de Ruijter, Svenja M. Mintenig, Merel Kooi
Summary: This Review examines the properties of microplastic particles and discusses methods of assessing the risks they pose to humans and the environment. Microplastic particles are widespread in the environment and can be found in the air we breathe and the food we eat. The lack of a risk assessment framework that considers the multidimensionality of microplastic particles compared to natural particles is a key challenge. This article reviews current understanding of microplastic characteristics and effects and proposes a method for quantifying exposure and effect thresholds using probability density functions.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Lei, Livio Carlucci, Huub Rijnaarts, Alette Langenhoff
Summary: This study selects Typha angustifolia and Juncus effuses as suitable plant species for phytoremediation of micropollutants (MPs). These two plant species were chosen due to their good ability to remove MPs, tolerate low temperatures, and resist the toxicity of MPs. The results of this study can also be applied to constructed wetlands for the removal of MPs from wastewater. Additionally, this study provides a detailed understanding of the uptake and degradation processes of the persistent MP propranolol in plants, which is significant for both the application of phytoremediation in MP removal and the development of constructed wetland studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lise M. Alkema, Caspar J. Van Lissa, Merel Kooi, Albert A. Koelmans
Summary: Current methods of characterizing plastic debris have limitations. By using Gaussian mixture models, we can identify different subsets of plastic particles and improve the accuracy of risk assessment and modeling of plastic distribution in the ocean.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Elijah. J. Petersen, Ana C. Barrios, Theodore B. Henry, Monique E. Johnson, Albert A. Koelmans, Antonio R. Montoro Bustos, Joanna Matheson, Matthias Roesslein, Jian Zhao, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Accurate measurements are crucial for fully understanding the potential risks of nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) to the environment and human health. This paper comprehensively reviews and suggests a next generation of control experiments to identify measurement artifacts and biases that may occur during NMP toxicity experiments. Incorporating these control experiments can reduce false positive and false negative results and provide a more accurate assessment of the potential risks of NMPs to both ecology and human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue Sun, Annemiek ter Heijne, Huub Rijnaarts, Wei-Shan Chen
Summary: This study explores the possibility of using a bioelectrochemical system to reduce methane and sulfide production in the sewer system. Results indicate that electrogenesis induced by specific anode potentials can suppress methane production while increasing sulfide production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Sun, Jill A. R. Soedarso, Jiamin Wang, Pieter Gremmen, Huub Rijnaarts, Wei -Shan Chen
Summary: This study improved the IC-PAD method for sulfide detection in domestic wastewater and introduced a SAOB-free sample collection method. The results showed that the IC-PAD method had high accuracy and precision in real domestic wastewater samples.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Wang, Nora B. Sutton, Yunhao Zheng, Hongmin Dong, Huub H. M. Rijnaarts
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, and swine wastewater can be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study found that the presence of ARGs in swine wastewater during treatment in a three-chamber anaerobic pond (3-CAP) varied across different seasons. Applying swine wastewater in the proper month can help mitigate the spread of ARGs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Astha Bhatta, Truong Minh Le, Koen Wetser, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld, Huub H. M. Rijnaarts
Summary: The combined effect of climate change, rapid industrialisation, and traditional water use has led to freshwater stress situations in industrial delta regions. Alternative Water Sources (AWSs) provide opportunities to alleviate freshwater stress and contribute to sustainable industrial development. This study developed a Decision Support Model (DSM) to assist decision-makers in selecting the most feasible AWS. The results showed that rainwater was the most feasible AWS in the study location, while other AWS options varied in their rankings for different scenarios.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Albert A. Koelmans, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Todd Gouin
Summary: The Laurentian Great Lakes are important and iconic ecosystems facing the problem of microplastic pollution, among other anthropogenic stressors. This study provides a comprehensive probabilistic risk assessment for these lakes, addressing the uncertainties and misalignments in the exposure and effect data for microplastics. The results show that although there is no lake-wide risk, there is a probability of risk from food dilution in certain parts of the lakes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elackiya Sithamparanathan, Nora B. Sutton, Huub H. M. Rijnaarts, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld
Summary: Discharge of nitrogen with wastewater causes eutrophication in surface water, but nutrient-rich wastewater can be valuable for agriculture. Tailoring N removal or conservation is important to meet the requirements of different water end uses. Improved vertical flow constructed wetlands with pumice as substrata showed the highest TN removal at both COD/N ratios.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Margherita Barchiesi, Merel Kooi, Albert A. Koelmans
Summary: This study introduces a new model that does not require calibration and can be used to estimate the volume and surface area of microplastic mixtures, thereby increasing the accuracy of risk assessments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Zhiyue Niu, Marie Hennebelle, Albert A. Koelmans
Summary: Using an in vitro gut fluid digestive model, researchers assessed the effect of digestive processes on chemical exchange kinetics on microplastics. Results showed that the digestive processes can increase chemical concentration on microplastics by a factor of 10-20, thereby reducing overall chemical bioavailability. These findings are important for assessing the risks of microplastics to human health and biomagnification in aquatic food webs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaiyi Wu, Merve Atasoy, Hans Zweers, Huub Rijnaarts, Alette Langenhoff, Tania V. Fernandes
Summary: Microalgae-based technologies can effectively remove organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewater, but the impact of wastewater characteristics on the removal is not well understood. This study evaluated the removal of sixteen OMPs by Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated in three types of wastewater. The results showed that the removal efficiency varied depending on the wastewater type, with longer retention time enhancing the removal of some OMPs. Wastewater soluble COD and biomass concentration were found to be the major factors affecting OMPs removal.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kaiyi Wu, Tino Leliveld, Hans Zweers, Huub Rijnaarts, Alette Langenhoff, Tania Fernandes
Summary: Single microalgae species are effective at removing various organic micropollutants, but increased species diversity may enhance this removal. In this study, a mixed microbial community showed higher removal capacity than Chlorella sorokiniana at a specific stage, but removal efficiency decreased due to overgrowth of filamentous green algae.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vera N. de Ruijter, Matthias Hof, Petranta Kotorou, Jesse van Leeuwen, Martine J. van den Heuvel-Greve, Ivo Roessink, Albert A. Koelmans
Summary: This study provides chronic dose-effect relationships and effect thresholds for benthic species exposed to environmentally relevant microplastics. Different species show varying effects and some species have effect thresholds lower than the concentrations found in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
