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Rabbani M, Taqi Rabbani M, Muthoni F, Sun Y, Vahidi E. Advancing phytomining: Harnessing plant potential for sustainable rare earth element extraction. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 401:130751. [PMID: 38685517 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are pivotal for advanced technologies, driving a surge in global demand. Import dependency on clean energy minerals raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks. Conventional REEs productionis resource-intensive and environmentally harmful, necessitating a sustainable supply approach. Phytomining (agromining) utilizes plants for eco-friendly REE extraction, contributing to the circular economy and exploiting untapped metal resources in enriched soils. Critical parameters like soil pH, Casparian strip, and REE valence influence soil and plant uptake bioavailability. Hyperaccumulator species efficiently accumulate REEs, serving as energy resources. Despite a lack of a comprehensive database, phytomining exhibits lower environmental impacts due to minimal chemical usage and CO2 absorption. This review proposes phytomining as a system for REEs extraction, remediating contaminated areas, and rehabilitating abandoned mines. The phytomining of REEs offers a promising avenue for sustainable REEs extraction but requires technological advancements to realize its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rabbani
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | | | - Frida Muthoni
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- The Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ehsan Vahidi
- Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
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Viana T, Ferreira N, Tavares DS, Abdolvaseei A, Pereira E, Henriques B. Eco-friendly methodology for removing and recovering rare earth elements from saline industrial wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:96617-96628. [PMID: 37578580 PMCID: PMC10482783 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied with a Box-Behnken design to optimize the biosorption (removal and bioconcentration) of rare earth elements (REEs) (Y, La, Ce Eu, Gd, Tb) by living Ulva sp. from diluted industrial wastewaters (also containing Pt and the classic contaminants Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, and Cd). Element concentration (A: 10-190 μg/L), wastewater salinity (B: 15-35), and Ulva sp. dosage (C: 1.0-5.0 g/L) were the operating parameters chosen for optimization. Analysis of the Box-Behnken central point confirmed the reproducibility of the methodology and p-values below 0.0001 validated the developed mathematical models. The largest inter-element differences were observed at 24 h, with most REEs, Cu, Pb and Hg showing removals ≥ 50 %. The factor with the greatest impact (positive) on element removal was the initial seaweed dosage (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The optimal conditions for REEs removal were an initial REEs concentration of 10 μg/L, at a wastewater salinity of 15, and an Ulva sp. dosage of 5.0 g/L, attaining removals up to 88 % in 24 h. Extending the time to 96 h allowed seaweed dosage to be reduced to 4.2 g/L while achieving removals ≥ 90 %. The high concentrations in REE-enriched biomass (∑REEs of 3222 μg/g), which are up to 3000 times higher than those originally found in water and exceed those in common ores, support their use as an alternative source of these critical raw materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainara Viana
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nicole Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela S Tavares
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Azadeh Abdolvaseei
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Central Laboratory of Analysis, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Pinto J, Colónia J, Abdolvaseei A, Vale C, Henriques B, Pereira E. Algal sorbents and prospects for their application in the sustainable recovery of rare earth elements from E-waste. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27767-8. [PMID: 37227641 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and sustainable secondary sourcing of Rare-Earth Elements (REE) is essential to counter supply bottlenecks and the impacts associated with primary mining. Recycled electronic waste (E-waste) is considered a promising REE source and hydrometallurgical methods followed by chemical separation techniques (usually solvent extraction) have been successfully applied to these wastes with high REE yields. However, the generation of acidic and organic waste streams is considered unsustainable and has led to the search for "greener" approaches. Sorption-based technologies using biomass such as bacteria, fungi and algae have been developed to sustainably recover REE from e-waste. Algae sorbents in particular have experienced growing research interest in recent years. Despite its high potential, sorption efficiency is strongly influenced by sorbent-specific parameters such as biomass type and state (fresh/dried, pre-treatment, functionalization) as well as solution parameters such as pH, REE concentration, and matrix complexity (ionic strength and competing ions). This review highlights differences in experimental conditions among published algal-based REE sorption studies and their impact on sorption efficiency. Since research into algal sorbents for REE recovery from real wastes is still in its infancy, aspects such as the economic viability of a realistic application are still unexplored. However, it has been proposed to integrate REE recovery into an algal biorefinery concept to increase the economics of the process (by providing a range of additional products), but also in the prospect of achieving carbon neutrality (as large-scale algae cultivation can act as a CO2 sink).
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Colónia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Smii H, Leite C, Pinto J, Henriques B, Beyrem H, Soares AMVM, Dellali M, Pereira E, Freitas R. The environmental remediation capacity of Ulva lactuca: the potential of macroalgae to reduce the threats caused by Titanium in marine invertebrate species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159586. [PMID: 36273566 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a result of the wide use of Titanium (Ti) compounds in various products, Ti and Ti nanoparticles (nTi) are released into aquatic environments, inducing varying degrees of toxicity on aquatic fauna. Ulva lactuca, green macroalgae commonly found in coastal areas, has been extensively studied due to its worldwide distribution and capacity to accumulate trace elements under toxic conditions, which makes it a good universal sorbent. The present study aimed to establish the remediation properties of U. lactuca by evaluating the toxicity of Ti and nTi in bivalves, in the presence and absence of algae. Using the bivalve species Mytilus galloprovincialis, Ti toxicity was evaluated by assessing changes in mussel's metabolic capacity and oxidative status. Results evidenced cellular damage in M. galloprovincialis exposed to Ti and nTi. This was a result of the inactivation of antioxidant defences. The presence of U. lactuca limited cellular damage, however, this was not a result of the previously demonstrated bioremediation capacity, as no accumulation of Ti was verified in algal tissues. As a metabolic depression was verified for mussels exposed to Ti/nTi in the presence of algae, we hypothesise that U. lactuca may have been responsible for changes to the water quality which induced this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanen Smii
- Department of Coastal Ecology and Ecotoxicology Unit, LR01ES14 Laboratory of Environment Biomonitoring, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunis 7021, Tunisia
| | - Carla Leite
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Hamouda Beyrem
- Department of Coastal Ecology and Ecotoxicology Unit, LR01ES14 Laboratory of Environment Biomonitoring, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunis 7021, Tunisia
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Dellali
- Department of Coastal Ecology and Ecotoxicology Unit, LR01ES14 Laboratory of Environment Biomonitoring, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunis 7021, Tunisia
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Carreira ARF, Veloso T, Macário IPE, Pereira JL, Ventura SPM, Passos H, Coutinho JAP. The role of biomass elemental composition and ion-exchange in metal sorption by algae. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 314:137675. [PMID: 36586444 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of macroalgae, microalgae and cyanobacteria for metal sorption has been widely reported. Still, there are no studies allowing a direct comparison of the performance of these biomasses, especially while evaluating metal competition. The simultaneous sorption of Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ present in a multi-elemental solution by six macroalgae, two microalgae and three cyanobacteria was evaluated. Brown macroalgae were shown to be the most promising biosorbent, with Undaria pinnatifida having a total metal sorption capacity of 0.6 mmol g-1. Overall, macroalgae performed better than microalgae, followed by cyanobacteria. Carboxyl groups were identified as being the main functional groups involved in metal sorption, and all biomass samples were found to be selective to Cu2+. This was linked not only to its higher complexation constant value with relevant functional groups when compared to the remaining metals, but also the Irving-Williams series. The release of K+ and Ca2+ to the aqueous solution during the metal sorption was followed. The obtained results suggest they are readily exchanged with metals in the solution, indicating the occurrence of an ion-exchange mechanism in metal sorption by most biomass. Red macroalgae are an exception to the reported trends, suggesting that their metal sorption mechanism may differ from the other biomass types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R F Carreira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Telma Veloso
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês P E Macário
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia P M Ventura
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Passos
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João A P Coutinho
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Pinteus S, Susano P, Alves C, Silva J, Martins A, Pedrosa R. Seaweed’s Role in Energetic Transition—From Environmental Pollution Challenges to Enhanced Electrochemical Devices. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030458. [PMID: 35336831 PMCID: PMC8945715 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Earth is currently facing the effects of climate change in all environmental ecosystems; this, together with pollution, is the cause of species extinction and biodiversity loss. Thus, it is vital to take actions to mitigate and decrease the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The emergence of energetic transition from fossil fuels to greener energies is clearly defined in the United Nations 2030 agenda. Although this transition endorses the ambitious goal to supply greener energy for all developed societies, the increased demand for the minerals essential to develop cleaner energetic technologies has highlighted several economic and environmental issues. Currently, these minerals are mainly obtained by mining activities that generate high levels of soil and water pollution, coupled with the intensive use of water and hazardous gas release. On the other hand, the exponential increase of electronic waste derived from end-of-life electronic equipment is already raising environmental concerns due to heavy metal contamination as a result of their disposal. Thus, it is vital to develop sustainable and efficient strategies to mitigate energetic transition environmental footprints. This review highlights the use of seaweed biomass for toxic mineral bioremediation, recycling, and as an alternative material for greener energy-storage device development. Abstract Resulting from the growing human population and the long dependency on fossil-based energies, the planet is facing a critical rise in global temperature, which is affecting all ecosystem networks. With a growing consciousness this issue, the EU has defined several strategies towards environment sustainability, where biodiversity restoration and preservation, pollution reduction, circular economy, and energetic transition are paramount issues. To achieve the ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050, it is vital to mitigate the environmental footprint of the energetic transition, namely heavy metal pollution resulting from mining and processing of raw materials and from electronic waste disposal. Additionally, it is vital to find alternative materials to enhance the efficiency of energy storage devices. This review addresses the environmental challenges associated with energetic transition, with particular emphasis on the emergence of new alternative materials for the development of cleaner energy technologies and on the environmental impacts of mitigation strategies. We compile the most recent advances on natural sources, particularly seaweed, with regard to their use in metal recycling, bioremediation, and as valuable biomass to produce biochar for electrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susete Pinteus
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal; (P.S.); (C.A.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (R.P.); Tel.: +351-262-783-607 (S.P.)
| | - Patrícia Susano
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal; (P.S.); (C.A.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Celso Alves
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal; (P.S.); (C.A.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Joana Silva
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal; (P.S.); (C.A.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Alice Martins
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-630 Peniche, Portugal; (P.S.); (C.A.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Rui Pedrosa
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-614 Peniche, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (R.P.); Tel.: +351-262-783-607 (S.P.)
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Milinovic J, Vale C, Botelho MJ, Pereira E, Sardinha J, Murton BJ, Noronha JP. Selective incorporation of rare earth elements by seaweeds from Cape Mondego, western Portuguese coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148860. [PMID: 34243007 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the mechanism of incorporation of the rare earth elements (REEs), La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, into green (Codium tomentosum, Ulva rigida), red (Gracilaria gracilis, Osmundea pinnatifida, Porphyra sp), and brown seaweeds (Saccorhiza polyschides, Undaria pinnatifida) collected from a single site near the coastline of the Cape Mondego, western Portugal. The concentrations of REEs, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the biomasses were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The species showed differences in their incorporation and fractionation of REEs from the same environment: the sum of REEs was higher in U. rigida, C. tomentosum, G. gracilis, and O. pinnatifida (0.7-1.7 μg g-1) than in Porphyra sp., S. polyschides, and U. pinnatifida (0.1-0.2 μg g-1). Ratios of Ce/Yb ranged from 13 (in S. polyschides) to 103 (in U. rigida), indicating different proportions of light and heavy REEs among species. Good correlations were found between Al and Fe (R2 = 0.98), and between these elements and La, Ce, Nd, Gd (R2 = 0.88-0.97) and Yb (R2 = 0.66-0.71) for all species except C. tomentosum and G. gracilis. Profiles of REE values normalised to average upper-continental crust composition indicated positive anomalies of Eu and Tb that reinforced the singularity of these elements in the REE group. Correlations between the REEs and Al or Fe suggest that detrital terrigenous particles, adhered to seaweed walls, may be an important mechanism for the incorporation of REEs by seaweeds. Different patterns for C. tomentosum and G. gracilis may also be indicative of the higher influence of cell wall composition on REE incorporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Milinovic
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology - NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros dao Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria João Botelho
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros dao Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Sardinha
- CERENA, Natural Resources and Environment Studies Center, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bramley J Murton
- NOC, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton S014 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - João Paulo Noronha
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology - NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Henriques B, Morais T, Cardoso CED, Freitas R, Viana T, Ferreira N, Fabre E, Pinheiro-Torres J, Pereira E. Can the recycling of europium from contaminated waters be achieved through living macroalgae? Study on accumulation and toxicological impacts under realistic concentrations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147176. [PMID: 33971602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Europium (Eu) strategic importance for the manufacturing industry, high economic value and high supply risk, categorizes it as critical raw material. Due to anthropogenic contamination, Eu levels in ecosystems have been growing, which opens opportunities for innovation: its recovery and recycling from contaminated water as element source - circular economy. In this pioneering study, six widely available living marine macroalgae (Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria sp., Osmundea pinnatifida, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus spiralis) were characterized (water content and specific surface area) and evaluated in the pre-concentration and recovery of Eu from contaminated seawater, under different relevant contamination scenarios (10, 152 and 500 μg L-1). U. lactuca and Gracilaria sp. (3 g L-1, fresh weight) proved to be the most effective in removing Eu, reaching up to 85% in 72 h, while the highest Eu enrichment was observed in U. intestinalis biomass, up to 827 μg g-1 (bioconcentration factor of 1800), which is higher than Eu levels in common apatite ores. The effect of Eu exposure on macroalgae growth rate and organism biochemical performance (LPO, SOD, GPx and GSTs) was also evaluated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Although no cellular damage was recorded, findings revealed toxicity and defence mechanisms activation, emphasizing the need of further studies on the potential risks associated with the presence of this emerging contaminant in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Morais
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Celso E D Cardoso
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thainara Viana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nicole Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elaine Fabre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Trapasso G, Coppola F, Queirós V, Henriques B, Soares AMVM, Pereira E, Chiesa S, Freitas R. How Ulva lactuca can influence the impacts induced by the rare earth element Gadolinium in Mytilus galloprovincialis? The role of macroalgae in water safety towards marine wildlife. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112101. [PMID: 33765593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are gaining growing attention in environmental and ecotoxicological studies due to their economic relevance, wide range of applications and increasing environmental concentrations. Among REEs, special consideration should be given to Gadolinium (Gd), whose wide exploitation as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent is enhancing the risk of its occurrence in aquatic environments and impacts on aquatic organisms. A promising approach for water decontamination from REEs is sorption, namely through the use of macroalgae and in particular Ulva lactuca that already proved to be an efficient biosorbent for several chemical elements. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Gd, comparing the biochemical effects induced by this element in the presence or absence of algae. Using the bivalve species Mytilus galloprovincialis, Gd toxicity was evaluated by assessing changes on mussels' metabolic capacity and oxidative status. Results clearly showed the toxicity of Gd but further revealed the capacity of U. lactuca to prevent injuries to M. galloprovincialis, mainly reducing the levels of Gd in water and thus the bioaccumulation and toxicity of this element by the mussels. The results will advance the state of the art not only regarding the effects of REEs but also with regard to the role of algae in accumulation of metals and protection of aquatic organisms, generating new insights on water safety towards aquatic wildlife and highlighting the possibility for resources recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Trapasso
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Queirós
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAVQ-REQUIMTE, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAVQ-REQUIMTE, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, 30172 Venice, Italy; ISPRA, The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Cotas J, Pacheco D, Araujo GS, Valado A, Critchley AT, Pereira L. On the Health Benefits vs. Risks of Seaweeds and Their Constituents: The Curious Case of the Polymer Paradigm. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:164. [PMID: 33808736 PMCID: PMC8003528 DOI: 10.3390/md19030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To exploit the nutraceutical and biomedical potential of selected seaweed-derived polymers in an economically viable way, it is necessary to analyze and understand their quality and yield fluctuations throughout the seasons. In this study, the seasonal polysaccharide yield and respective quality were evaluated in three selected seaweeds, namely the agarophyte Gracilaria gracilis, the carrageenophyte Calliblepharis jubata (both red seaweeds) and the alginophyte Sargassum muticum (brown seaweed). It was found that the agar synthesis of G. gracilis did not significantly differ with the seasons (27.04% seaweed dry weight (DW)). In contrast, the carrageenan content in C. jubata varied seasonally, being synthesized in higher concentrations during the summer (18.73% DW). Meanwhile, the alginate synthesis of S. muticum exhibited a higher concentration (36.88% DW) during the winter. Therefore, there is a need to assess the threshold at which seaweed-derived polymers may have positive effects or negative impacts on human nutrition. Furthermore, this study highlights the three polymers, along with their known thresholds, at which they can have positive and/or negative health impacts. Such knowledge is key to recognizing the paradigm governing their successful deployment and related beneficial applications in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cotas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.C.); (D.P.); (L.P.)
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Diana Pacheco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.C.); (D.P.); (L.P.)
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Glacio Souza Araujo
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará—IFCE, Campus Aracati, CE 040, km 137,1, Aracati 62800-000, Ceara, Brazil;
| | - Ana Valado
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, ESTeSC-Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, Apartamento 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alan T. Critchley
- Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment, Sydney, NS B1P 6L2, Canada
| | - Leonel Pereira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.C.); (D.P.); (L.P.)
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal;
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Dias M, Pinto J, Henriques B, Figueira P, Fabre E, Tavares D, Vale C, Pereira E. Nutshells as Efficient Biosorbents to Remove Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury from Contaminated Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1580. [PMID: 33562399 PMCID: PMC7914985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The release of potentially toxic elements into the environment, and their effects on aquatic ecosystems still present a real threat. To avoid such contamination, the use of biological sorbents as an alternative to conventional and expensive water remediation techniques has been proposed. The present study evaluated the potential of 0.5 g L-1 of peanut, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut, and almond shells to remove the requisite concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) from contaminated water. Hazelnut shells were identified as the sorbent with the highest potential and were evaluated in mono- and multi-contaminated mineral water. The influence of sorbent-intrinsic and solution-intrinsic characteristics were assessed. Differences among sorbents were attributed to varying percentages of their main components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Matrix complexity increase caused a decrease in Cd removal, presumably due to the diminution in electrostatic interaction, and complexation with anions such as Cl-. When simultaneously present in the solution, contaminants competed, with Pb showing higher affinity to the sorbent than Hg. High efficiencies (>90%) obtained for hazelnut shells for all elements in ultrapure water and for Pb and Hg in mineral water) reveals the high potential of this low-cost and abundant waste for use in the remediation of contaminated waters (circular economy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Dias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - João Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Bruno Henriques
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
| | - Paula Figueira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
- CIIMAR–Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Elaine Fabre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Daniela Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.D.); (E.F.); (D.T.)
| | - Carlos Vale
- CIIMAR–Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.P.); (P.F.); (E.P.)
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Ecotoxicity Responses of the Macrophyte Algae Nitellopsis obtusa and Freshwater Crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus to 12 Rare Earth Elements. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12177130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to unique chemical properties, rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in versatile technological applications. They are considered emerging environmental contaminants, since they become mobile instead of being bound in rocks. At present, the information on REE effects to aquatic biota is scarce and contradictory. This study aims to explore the ecotoxicity of 11 lanthanides (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, and Lu) and yttrium (Y) to charophyte algae Nitellopsis obtusa and microcrustaceans Thamnocephalus platyurus. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) were assessed in characean cells at 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 days of exposure, and 24-h LC50s were determined in shrimps. According to the EU−Directive 93/67/EEC hazard classification scheme and 24-day LC50 values generated for N. obtusa, REE effects were assigned from “harmful” to “very toxic” (Gd), while 24-h LC50s for T. platyurus were classified as “harmful” or “toxic” (based on nominal concentrations) and as “toxic” or “very toxic” (based on REE free ion concentrations calculated with CHEAQS Next software). The data obtained for algae showed correlations with the REE atomic numbers (r = −0.68, p < 0.05) and ionic radii (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) at the most extended 24-day exposure only. The analysis of the trends of concentration−response (c–r) curves obtained at increasing exposure durations (8–24 days), alongside the 24-day LC50s ranging within almost two orders of magnitude, allowed a more-toxic heavy REE group to be distinguished, and somewhat different modes REE actions to be envisioned for N. obtusa.
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