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Mestanza-Ramón C, Jiménez-Oyola S, Cedeño-Laje J, Villamar Marazita K, Gavilanes Montoya AV, Castillo Vizuete DD, Mora-Silva D, Carrera Almendáriz LS, Logroño-Naranjo S, Mazón-Fierro G, Herrera-Chávez R, D’Orio G, Straface S. Risks to Human Health from Mercury in Gold Mining in the Coastal Region of Ecuador. TOXICS 2024; 12:323. [PMID: 38787102 PMCID: PMC11125909 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is assessing the concentration of Hg in surface waters within the coastal region of Ecuador. The results are used to conduct a human health risk assessment applying deterministic and probabilistic methods, specifically targeting groups vulnerable to exposure in affected mining environments. Between April and June 2022, 54 water samples were collected from rivers and streams adjacent to mining areas to determine Hg levels. In the health risk assessment, exposure routes through water ingestion and dermal contact were considered for both adults and children, following the model structures outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate elevated Hg concentrations in two of the five provinces studied, El Oro and Esmeraldas, where at least 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) set by Ecuadorian regulations for the preservation of aquatic life. Furthermore, in El Oro province, 28% of the samples exceeded the MPL established for drinking water quality. The high concentrations of Hg could be related to illegal mining activity that uses Hg for gold recovery. Regarding the human health risk assessment, risk values above the safe exposure limit were estimated. Children were identified as the most vulnerable receptor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish effective regulations that guarantee the protection of river users in potentially contaminated areas. Finally, it is important to continue investigating the contamination caused by human practices in the coastal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Juan Cedeño-Laje
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Karla Villamar Marazita
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador; (A.V.G.M.); (D.D.C.V.)
| | - Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador; (A.V.G.M.); (D.D.C.V.)
| | - Demmy Mora-Silva
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
| | | | - Santiago Logroño-Naranjo
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
| | - Guido Mazón-Fierro
- Faculty of Business Administration, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador;
| | - Renato Herrera-Chávez
- Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Administrativas, Universidad Nacional del Chimborazo, Av. Antonio José de Sucre Km 1 ½ Vía a Guano, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador;
| | - Giovanni D’Orio
- Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Straface
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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Zhu W, Li Z, Li P, Sommar J, Fu X, Feng X, Yu B, Zhang W, Reis AT, Pereira E. Legacy Mercury Re-emission and Subsurface Migration at Contaminated Sites Constrained by Hg Isotopes and Chemical Speciation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5336-5346. [PMID: 38472090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The re-emission and subsurface migration of legacy mercury (Hg) are not well understood due to limited knowledge of the driving processes. To investigate these processes at a decommissioned chlor-alkali plant, we used mercury stable isotopes and chemical speciation analysis. The isotopic composition of volatilized Hg(0) was lighter compared to the bulk total Hg (THg) pool in salt-sludge and adjacent surface soil with mean ε202HgHg(0)-THg values of -3.29 and -2.35‰, respectively. Hg(0) exhibited dichotomous directions (E199HgHg(0)-THg = 0.17 and -0.16‰) of mass-independent fractionation (MIF) depending on the substrate from which it was emitted. We suggest that the positive MIF enrichment during Hg(0) re-emission from salt-sludge was overall controlled by the photoreduction of Hg(II) primarily ligated by Cl- and/or the evaporation of liquid Hg(0). In contrast, O-bonded Hg(II) species were more important in the adjacent surface soils. The migration of Hg from salt-sludge to subsurface soil associated with selective Hg(II) partitioning and speciation transformation resulted in deep soils depleted in heavy isotopes (δ202Hg = -2.5‰) and slightly enriched in odd isotopes (Δ199Hg = 0.1‰). When tracing sources using Hg isotopes, it is important to exercise caution, particularly when dealing with mobilized Hg, as this fraction represents only a small portion of the sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå SE-90183, Sweden
| | - Zhonggen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- School of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ana T Reis
- EPIUnit─Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto 4050-600, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto 4050-600, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE─Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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Hao X, Zhao Q, Zhou X, Huang Q, Liu YR. Labile carbon inputs boost microbial contribution to legacy mercury reduction and emissions from industry-polluted soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133122. [PMID: 38056276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133122] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Soils is a crucial reservoir influencing mercury (Hg) emissions and soil-air exchange dynamics, partially modulated by microbial reducers aiding Hg reduction. Yet, the extent to which microbial engagements contribute to soil Hg volatilization remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized Hg-reducing bacterial communities in natural and anthropogenically perturbed soil environments and quantified their contribution to soil Hg(0) volatilization. Our results revealed distinct Hg-reducing bacterial compositions alongside elevated mercuric reductase (merA) gene abundance and diversity in soils adjacent to chemical factories compared to less-impacted ecosystems. Notably, solely industry-impacted soils exhibited increased merA gene abundance along Hg gradients, indicating microbial adaption to Hg selective pressure through quantitative changes in Hg reductase and genetic diversity. Microcosm studies demonstrated that glucose inputs boosted microbial involvement and induced 2-8 fold increments in cumulative Hg(0) volatilization in industry-impacted soils. Microbially-mediated Hg reduction contributed to 41.6% of soil Hg(0) volatilization in industry-impacted soils under 25% water-holding capacity and glucose input conditions over a 21-day incubation period. Alcaligenaceae, Moraxellaceae, Nitrosomonadaceae and Shewanellaceae were identified as potential contributors to Hg(0) volatilization in the soil. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into microbially-mediated Hg reduction and soil-air exchange processes, with important implications for risk assessment and management of industrial Hg-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xinquan Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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4
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Navrátil T, Rohovec J, Shanley J, Matoušková Š, Nováková T, Šmejkalová AH, Prokeš R. Atmospheric mercury and its deposition during the phasing out of an amalgam electrolysis plant: temporal, seasonal, and spatial patterns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123586-123602. [PMID: 37989951 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30784-2] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of mercury (Hg) were consumed and emitted into the atmosphere during the process of amalgam electrolysis used to produce chlorine and caustic soda since the nineteenth century. In Europe, amalgam electrolysis has been gradually replaced by advanced Hg-free technologies. In this work, we describe changes in atmospheric Hg and bulk Hg wet deposition during the phasing out of an amalgam electrolytic production line of a chlor-alkali plant in Neratovice, Czech Republic, central Europe. Bulk wet deposition Hg near the chlor-alkali plant was low at 3.6 ± 0.8 μg m-2 year-1 due in part to low annual precipitation amounts (486 ± 97 mm) in the period 2015-2021. Nevertheless, Hg deposition was elevated relative to a nearby reference site both before and after decommissioning of the electrolytic line. Switching off the amalgam electrolytic line did not notably affect bulk wet deposition Hg near the chlor-alkali plant. Levels of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and particle-bound Hg (PBM) monitored seasonally four times per year over 24-h time periods indicated rapid declines in four nearby settlements set in cardinal directions from the Hg emission source. Mean atmospheric GEM and PBM concentrations decreased rapidly from 9.0 ± 2.1 ng m-3 and 243 ± 255 pg m-3 in the period 2013-2017 when amalgam electrolysis was operating to 3.3 ± 0.4 ng m-3 and 32 ± 6 pg m-3 in the period 2018-2021 after its decommissioning in November 2017. Seasonal changes of GEM coincided with changes in temperature with the highest concentrations in summer, while PBM air levels were lowest in summer due to the highest seasonal precipitation amount. GEM concentrations at the four monitored settlements at Neratovice remained elevated at 2.8 ng m-3 with respect to regional background, but PBM levels decreased to background levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Navrátil
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Rohovec
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - James Shanley
- U.S. Geological Survey, PO Box 628, Montpelier, VT, 05601, USA
| | - Šárka Matoušková
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nováková
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | - Roman Prokeš
- Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, 603 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- RECETOX, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
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Hu J, Zheng L, Liu S, Chen Y, Li C, Ni J, Chen Y, An S. Quantifying the impacts of coal mining activities on topsoil using Hg stable isotope: A case study of Guqiao mining area, Huainan City. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122378. [PMID: 37586683 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122378] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The Hg released from coal mining activities can endanger soil ecosystems and pose a risk to human health. Understanding the accumulation characteristics of mercury (Hg) in coal mining soil is important for effectively controlling Hg emissions and developing measures for the prevention and control of Hg contamination. To identify the potential sources of Hg in soils, the Hg concentration and isotopic composition characteristics of raw coal and different topsoil types from the areas surrounding a coal mine were determined in this study. The results showed that Hg in coal mainly exists mainly in the form of inorganic Hg, and Hg has experienced Hg2+ photoreduction prior to incorporating into coal. In addition, the composition of Hg isotopes differed significantly among different topsoil types, and the δ202Hg value of the farmland soil exhibited large negative excursions compared to the coal mining soil. The ternary mixed model further revealed the presence of substantial differences in potential Hg sources among the two regions, with the coal mining soil being greatly disturbed by anthropogenic activity, and the relative contributions of Hg from raw coal, coal gangue, and background soil to coal mining soil being 33.42%, 34.4%, and 32.19%, respectively. However, Hg from raw coal, coal gangue and background soil contributed 17.04%, 21.46%, and 61.51% of the Hg in the farmland soil, indicating that the accumulation of Hg in farmland soil was derived primarily from the background soil. Our study demonstrated that secondary pollution in soil caused by immense accumulation of solid waste (gangue) by mining activities offers a significant challenge to ecological security. These findings provide new insights into controlling soil Hg in mining areas and further highlight the urgency of strict protective measures for contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Liugen Zheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Sikui Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Yeyu Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jincheng Ni
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Yongchun Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Coal Mine Ecological Environment Protection, Huainan, 232001, Anhui, China
| | - Shikai An
- National Engineering Laboratory of Coal Mine Ecological Environment Protection, Huainan, 232001, Anhui, China
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Wang T, Cao W, Wang Y, Qu C, Xu Y, Li H. Surface modification of quartz sand: A review of its progress and its effect on heavy metal adsorption. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115179. [PMID: 37356400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Quartz sand (SiO2) is a prevalent filtration medium, boasting wide accessibility, superior stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, its utility is often curtailed by its sleek surface, limited active sites, and swift saturation of adsorption sites. This review outlines the prevalent strategies and agents for quartz sand surface modification and provides a comprehensive analysis of the various modification reagents and their operative mechanisms. It delves into the mechanism and utility of surface-modified quartz sand for adsorbing heavy metal ions (HMIs). It is found that the reported modifiers usually form connections with the surface of quartz sand through electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, pore filling, chemical bonding, and/or molecular entanglement. The literature suggests that these modifications effectively address issues inherent to natural quartz sand, such as its low superficial coarseness, rapid adsorption site saturation, and limited adsorption capacity. Regrettably, comprehensive investigations into the particle size, regenerative capabilities, and application costs of surface-modified quartz sand and the critical factors for its wider adoption are lacking in most reports. The adsorption mechanisms indicate that surface-modified quartz sand primarily removes HMIs from aqueous solutions through surface complexation, ion exchange, and electrostatic and gravitational forces. However, these findings were derived under controlled laboratory conditions, and practical applications for treating real wastewater necessitate overcoming further laboratory-scale obstacles. Finally, this review outlines the limitations of partially surface modified quartz sand and suggests potential venues for future developments, providing a valuable reference for the advancement of cost-effective, HMI-absorbing, surface-modified quartz sand filter media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Weiyuan Cao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Handan Environmental Monitoring Center Station, Handan 056000, China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Chinese Acad Sci, Res Ctr Ecoenvironm Sci, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Haixiang Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China.
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7
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Ghaffar I, Hussain A, Hasan A, Deepanraj B. Microalgal-induced remediation of wastewaters loaded with organic and inorganic pollutants: An overview. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:137921. [PMID: 36682632 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137921] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The recent surge in industrialization has intensified the accumulation of various types of organic and inorganic pollutants due to the illegal dumping of partially and/or untreated wastewater effluents in the environment. The pollutants emitted by several industries pose serious risk to the environment, animals and human beings. Management and diminution of these hazardous organic pollutants have become an incipient research interest. Traditional physiochemical methods are energy intensive and produce secondary pollutants. So, bioremediation via microalgae has appeared to be an eco-friendly and sustainable technique to curb the adverse effects of organic and inorganic contaminants because microalgae can degrade complex organic compounds and convert them into simpler and non-toxic substances without the release of secondary pollutants. Even some of the organic pollutants can be exploited by microalgae as a source of carbon in mixotrophic cultivation. Literature survey has revealed that use of the latest modification techniques for microalgae such as immobilization (on alginate, carrageena and agar), pigment-extraction, and pretreatment (with acids) have enhaced their bioremedial potential. Moreover, microalgal components i.e., biopolymers and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) can potentially be exploited in the biosorption of pollutants. Though bioremediation of wastewaters by microalgae is quite well-studied realm but some aspects like structural and functional responses of microalgae toward pollutant derivatives/by-products (formed during biodegradation), use of genetic engineering to improve the tolerance of microalgae against higher concentrations of polluatans, and harvesting cost reduction, and monitoring of parameters at large-scale still need more focus. This review discusses the accumulation of different types of pollutants into the environment through various sources and the mechanisms used by microalgae to degrade commonly occurring organic and inorganic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imania Ghaffar
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hussain
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ali Hasan
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Balakrishnan Deepanraj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
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Singh AD, Khanna K, Kour J, Dhiman S, Bhardwaj T, Devi K, Sharma N, Kumar P, Kapoor N, Sharma P, Arora P, Sharma A, Bhardwaj R. Critical review on biogeochemical dynamics of mercury (Hg) and its abatement strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:137917. [PMID: 36706814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is among the naturally occurring heavy metal with elemental, organic, and inorganic distributions in the environment. Being considered a global pollutant, high pools of Hg-emissions ranging from >6000 to 8000 Mg Hg/year get accumulated by the natural and anthropogenic activities in the atmosphere. These toxicants have high persistence, toxicity, and widespread contamination in the soil, water, and air resources. Hg accumulation inside the plant parts amplifies the traces of toxic elements in the linking food chains, leads to Hg exposure to humans, and acts as a potential genotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic entity. However, excessive Hg levels are equally toxic to the plant system and severely disrupt the physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Thus, a plausible link between Hg-concentration and its biogeochemical behavior is highly imperative to analyze the plant-soil interactions. Therefore, it is requisite to bring these toxic contaminants in between the acceptable limits to safeguard the environment. Plants efficiently incorporate or absorb the bioavailable Hg from the soil thus a constructive understanding of Hg uptake, translocation/sequestration involving specific heavy metal transporters, and detoxification mechanisms are drawn. Whereas recent investigations in biological remediation of Hg provide insights into the potential associations between the plants and microbes. Furthermore, intense research on Hg-induced antioxidants, protein networks, metabolic mechanisms, and signaling pathways is required to understand these bioremediations techniques. This review sheds light on the mercury (Hg) sources, pollution, biogeochemical cycles, its uptake, translocation, and detoxification methods with respect to its molecular approaches in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Dev Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
| | - Kanika Khanna
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Jaspreet Kour
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Shalini Dhiman
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Tamanna Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Kamini Devi
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Neerja Sharma
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Nitika Kapoor
- P.G. Department of Botany, Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- School of Bioengineering Sciences and Research, MIT-ADT University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priya Arora
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Anket Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renu Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
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Floreani F, Zappella V, Faganeli J, Covelli S. Gaseous mercury evasion from bare and grass-covered soils contaminated by mining and ore roasting (Isonzo River alluvial plain, Northeastern Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120921. [PMID: 36565908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120921] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High amounts of mercury (Hg) can be released into the atmosphere from soil surfaces of legacy contaminated areas as gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0). The alluvial plain of the Isonzo River (NE Italy) suffered widespread Hg contamination due to the re-distribution of Hg-enriched material discharged by historical cinnabar mining at the Idrija mine (Slovenia), but an assessment of Hg0 releases from the soils of this area is still lacking. In this work, Hg0 fluxes at the soil-air interface were evaluated using a non-steady state flux chamber coupled with a real-time Hg0 analyser at 6 sites within the Isonzo River plain. Measurements were performed in summer, autumn, and winter both on bare and grass-covered soil plots at regular time intervals during the diurnal period. Moreover, topsoils were analysed for organic matter content and Hg total concentration and speciation. Overall, Hg0 fluxes tracked the incident UV radiation during the sampling periods with daily averages significantly higher in summer (62.4 ± 14.5-800.2 ± 178.8 ng m-2 h-1) than autumn (15.2 ± 4.7-280.8 ± 75.6 ng m-2 h-1) and winter (16.9 ± 7.9-187.8 ± 62.7 ng m-2 h-1) due to higher irradiation and temperature, which favoured Hg reduction reactions. In summer and autumn significant correlations were observed between Hg0 fluxes and soil Hg content (78-95% cinnabar), whereas this relationship was not observed in winter likely due to relatively low emissions found in morning measurements in all sites coupled with low temperatures. Finally, vegetation cover effectively reduced Hg0 releases in summer (∼9-68%) and autumn (∼41-78%), whereas the difference between fluxes from vegetated and bare soils was not evident during winter dormancy due to scarce soil shading. These results suggest the opportunity of more extended spatial monitoring of Hg0 fluxes particularly in the croplands covering most of the Isonzo River alluvial plain and where bare soils are frequently disturbed by agricultural practices and directly exposed to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Floreani
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 5, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Valeria Zappella
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jadran Faganeli
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornace 41, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Stefano Covelli
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, Trieste, Italy
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10
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Lv D, Wu Q, Ouyang D, Wen M, Zhang G, Wang S, Duan L. Differentiated emission control strategy based on comprehensive evaluation of multi-media pollution: Case of mercury emission control. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 123:222-234. [PMID: 36521986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impact of multi-media mercury pollution under differentiated emission control strategies in China, a literature review and case studies were carried out. Increased human exposure to methylmercury was assessed through the dietary intake of residents in areas surrounding a typical coal-fired power plant and a zinc (Zn) smelter, located either on acid soil with paddy growth in southern China, or on alkaline soil with wheat growth in northern China. Combined with knowledge on speciated mercury in flue gas and the fate of mercury in the wastewater or solid waste of the typical emitters applying different air pollution control devices, a simplified model was developed by estimating the incremental daily intake of methylmercury from both local and global pollution. Results indicated that air pollution control for coal-fired power plants and Zn smelters can greatly reduce health risks from mercury pollution, mainly through a reduction in global methylmercury exposure, but could unfortunately induce local methylmercury exposure by transferring more mercury from flue gas to wastewater or solid waste, then contaminating surrounding soil, and thus increasing dietary intake via crops. Therefore, tightening air emission control is conducive to reducing the comprehensive health risk, while the environmental equity between local and global pollution control should be fully considered. Rice in the south tends to have higher bioconcentration factors than wheat in the north, implying the great importance of strengthening local pollution control in the south, especially for Zn smelters with higher contribution to local pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Minneng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gehui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
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11
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Pavithra KG, SundarRajan P, Kumar PS, Rangasamy G. Mercury sources, contaminations, mercury cycle, detection and treatment techniques: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137314. [PMID: 36410499 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is considered a toxic pollutant harmful to our human health and the environment. Mercury is highly persistent, volatile and bioaccumulated and enters into the food chain, destroying our ecosystem. The levels of mercury in the water bodies as well as in the atmosphere are affected by anthropogenic and natural activities. In this review, the mercury species as well as the mercury contamination towards water, soil and air are discussed in detail. In addition to that, the sources of mercury and the mercury cycle in the aquatic system are also discussed. The determination of mercury with various methods such as with modified electrodes and nanomaterials was elaborated in brief. The treatment in the removal of mercury such as adsorption, electrooxidation and photocatalysis were explained with recent ideologies and among them, adsorption was considered one of the efficient techniques in terms of cost and mercury removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Grace Pavithra
- Department of Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P SundarRajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR) Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Gayathri Rangasamy
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; University Centre for Research and Development & Department of Civil Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
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12
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Martino M, Tassone A, Angiuli L, Naccarato A, Dambruoso PR, Mazzone F, Trizio L, Leonardi C, Petracchini F, Sprovieri F, Pirrone N, D'Amore F, Bencardino M. First atmospheric mercury measurements at a coastal site in the Apulia region: seasonal variability and source analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:68460-68475. [PMID: 35543786 PMCID: PMC9508219 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of the Italian Special Network for Mercury (ISNM) "Reti Speciali", a sampling campaign to monitor atmospheric mercury (Hg) was carried out at Monte Sant'Angelo (MSA). This is a coastal monitoring station in the Apulia region, representative of the Southern Adriatic area, within the Mediterranean basin. This work presents continuous Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) measurements over about three years at MSA, using the Lumex RA-915AM mercury analyzer. The aim was to obtain a dataset suitable for the analysis of Hg concentrations in terms of source and transport variation. Diurnal cycles of GEM were evaluated to observe the influence of local atmospheric temperature and wind speed on potential re-emissions from surrounding sea and soil surfaces. Data were also analyzed in terms of long-range transport, using backward trajectory cluster analysis. The spatial distribution of potential sources, contributing to higher measured GEM values, was obtained employing Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) statistics. The influence of major Hg anthropogenic point sources, such as mining activities and coal-fuel power plants, both regionally and continentally, from mainland Europe, was observed. The role of the vegetation GEM uptake in modulating the seasonal GEM variability was also investigated. The potential of wildfire influence over the highest detected GEM levels was further examined using active fire data and the evaluation of the vegetation dryness index during the selected episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Martino
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Angiuli
- Apulia Region Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA Puglia), Bari, Italy
| | - Attilio Naccarato
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Fiorella Mazzone
- Apulia Region Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA Puglia), Bari, Italy
| | - Livia Trizio
- Apulia Region Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA Puglia), Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Pirrone
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy
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Zhu W, Fu X, Zhang H, Liu C, Skyllberg U, Sommar J, Yu B, Feng X. Mercury Isotope Fractionation during the Exchange of Hg(0) between the Atmosphere and Land Surfaces: Implications for Hg(0) Exchange Processes and Controls. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1445-1457. [PMID: 34964623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atmosphere-surface exchange of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) is a vital component in global Hg cycling; however, Hg isotope fractionation remains largely unknown. Here, we report Hg isotope fractionation during air-surface exchange from terrestrial surfaces at sites of background (two) and urban (two) character and at five sites contaminated by Hg mining. Atmospheric Hg(0) deposition to soils followed kinetic isotope fractionation with a mass-dependent (MDF) enrichment factor of -4.32‰, and negligible mass-independent fractionation (MIF). Net Hg(0) emission generated average MDF enrichment factors (ε202Hg) of -0.91, -0.59, 1.64, and -0.42‰ and average MIF enrichment factors (E199Hg) of 0.07, -0.20, -0.14, and 0.21‰ for urban, background, and Hg mining soils and cinnabar tailing, respectively. Positive correlations between ε202Hg and ambient Hg(0) concentration indicate that the co-occurring Hg(0) deposition (accounting for 10-39%) in a regime of net soil emission grows with ambient Hg(0). The MIF of Hg(0) emission from soils (E199Hg range -0.27 to 0.14‰, n = 8) appears to be overall controlled by the photochemical reduction of kinetically constrained Hg(II) bonded to O ligands in background soils, while S ligands may have been more important in Hg mining area soils. In contrast, the small positive MIF of Hg(0) emission from cinnabar ore tailing (mean E199Hg = 0.21‰) was likely controlled by abiotic nonphotochemical reduction and liquid Hg(0) evaporation. This research provides critical observational constraints on understanding the Hg(0) isotope signatures released from and deposited to terrestrial surfaces and highlight stable Hg isotopes as a powerful tool for resolving atmosphere-surface exchange processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ulf Skyllberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
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14
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Yan C, Qu Z, Wang J, Cao L, Han Q. Microalgal bioremediation of heavy metal pollution in water: Recent advances, challenges, and prospects. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131870. [PMID: 34403898 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid economy development and population surge, the water resources available for direct use on the earth have been in shortage. Therefore, water pollution remediation inevitably becomes the focus of global attention. Aside from their capacity to fix and effectively control the emission of carbon dioxide thus achieve negative carbon emission, microalgae and its products modified by genetic engineering and other technologies also have a broad prospect in sewage treatment such as efficiently removing all kinds of pollutants in water and producing high-quality biofuels after use. Therefore, research on these organisms has gradually deepened in recent years. This paper summarizes the bioremediation mechanism of heavy metal ions in water by using microalgae and their modified products. The relevant research progresses since 2015 are critically reviewed and discussed. Challenges and prospects are also put forward for their industrial implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chicheng Yan
- Miami College, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Zhengzhe Qu
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 211106, China
| | - Jieni Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Leichang Cao
- Miami College, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Qiuxia Han
- Miami College, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
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15
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Geng X, Zhao W, Zhou Q, Duan Y, Huang T, Liu X. Effect of the Mechanochemical Process on the Stability of Mercury in Simulated Fly Ash, Part 2: Sulfur Additive. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c03784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinze Geng
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Weimeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Engineering Laboratory for Energy System Process Conversion & Emission Control Technology of Jiangsu Province, School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yufeng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Tianfang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiaoshuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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16
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Ballabio C, Jiskra M, Osterwalder S, Borrelli P, Montanarella L, Panagos P. A spatial assessment of mercury content in the European Union topsoil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144755. [PMID: 33736262 PMCID: PMC8024745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mapping of surface soil Hg concentrations, a priority pollutant, at continental scale is important in order to identify hotspots of soil Hg distribution (e.g. mining or industrial pollution) and identify factors that influence soil Hg concentrations (e.g. climate, soil properties, vegetation). Here we present soil Hg concentrations from the LUCAS topsoil (0-20 cm) survey including 21,591 samples from 26 European Union countries (one sample every ~200 km2). Deep Neural Network (DNN) learning models were used to map the European soil Hg distribution. DNN estimated a median Hg concentration of 38.3 μg kg-1 (2.6 to 84.7 μg kg-1) excluding contaminated sites. At continental scale, we found that soil Hg concentrations increased with latitude from south to north and with altitude. A GLMM revealed a correlation (R2 = 0.35) of soil Hg concentrations with vegetation activity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and soil organic carbon content. This observation corroborates the importance of atmospheric Hg0 uptake by plants and the build-up of the soil Hg pool by litterfall over continental scales. The correlation of Hg concentrations with NDVI was amplified by higher soil organic matter content, known to stabilize Hg in soils through thiol bonds. We find a statistically significant relation between soil Hg levels and coal use in large power plants, proving that emissions from power plants are associated with higher mercury deposition in their proximity. In total 209 hotspots were identified, defined as the top percentile in Hg concentration (>422 μg kg-1). 87 sites (42% of all hotspots) were associated with known mining areas. The sources of the other hotspots could not be identified and may relate to unmined geogenic Hg or industrial pollution. The mapping effort in the framework of LUCAS can serve as a starting point to guide local and regional authorities in identifying Hg contamination hotspots in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Jiskra
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, Grenoble, France.
| | - Pasquale Borrelli
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Panos Panagos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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Heavy Metal-Resistant Filamentous Fungi as Potential Mercury Bioremediators. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7050386. [PMID: 34069296 PMCID: PMC8156478 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi native to heavy metals (HMs) contaminated sites have great potential for bioremediation, yet are still often underexploited. This research aimed to assess the HMs resistance and Hg remediation capacity of fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of plants resident on highly Hg-contaminated substrate. Analysis of Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations by X-ray spectrometry generated the ecological risk of the rhizosphere soil. A total of 32 HM-resistant fungal isolates were molecularly identified. Their resistance spectrum for the investigated elements was characterized by tolerance indices (TIs) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Clustering analysis of TIs was coupled with isolates’ phylogeny to evaluate HMs resistance patterns. The bioremediation potential of five isolates’ live biomasses, in 100 mg/L Hg2+ aqueous solution over 48 h at 120 r/min, was quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. New species or genera that were previously unrelated to Hg-contaminated substrates were identified. Ascomycota representatives were common, diverse, and exhibited varied HMs resistance spectra, especially towards the elements with ecological risk, in contrast to Mucoromycota-recovered isolates. HMs resistance patterns were similar within phylogenetically related clades, although isolate specific resistance occurred. Cladosporium sp., Didymella glomerata, Fusarium oxysporum, Phoma costaricensis, and Sarocladium kiliense isolates displayed very high MIC (mg/L) for Hg (140–200), in addition to Pb (1568), Cu (381), Zn (2092–2353), or Cd (337). The Hg biosorption capacity of these highly Hg-resistant species ranged from 33.8 to 54.9 mg/g dry weight, with a removal capacity from 47% to 97%. Thus, the fungi identified herein showed great potential as bioremediators for highly Hg-contaminated aqueous substrates.
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18
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Phytoremediation and Microorganisms-Assisted Phytoremediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soils: Challenges and Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052435. [PMID: 33801363 PMCID: PMC7967564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global threat to human and environmental health because of its toxicity, mobility and long-term persistence. Although costly engineering-based technologies can be used to treat heavily Hg-contaminated areas, they are not suitable for decontaminating agricultural or extensively-polluted soils. Emerging phyto- and bioremediation strategies for decontaminating Hg-polluted soils generally involve low investment, simple operation, and in situ application, and they are less destructive for the ecosystem. Current understanding of the uptake, translocation and sequestration of Hg in plants is reviewed to highlight new avenues for exploration in phytoremediation research, and different phytoremediation strategies (phytostabilization, phytoextraction and phytovolatilization) are discussed. Research aimed at identifying suitable plant species and associated-microorganisms for use in phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils is also surveyed. Investigation into the potential use of transgenic plants in Hg-phytoremediation is described. Recent research on exploiting the beneficial interactions between plants and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that are Hg-resistant and secrete plant growth promoting compounds is reviewed. We highlight areas where more research is required into the effective use of phytoremediation on Hg-contaminated sites, and conclude that the approaches it offers provide considerable potential for the future.
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Li Z, Chen X, Liu W, Li T, Qiu G, Yan H, Wang M, Chen J, Sun G, Wang Q, Feng X. Soil and ambient air mercury as an indicator of coal-fired power plant emissions: a case study in North China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:10.1007/s11356-021-12842-9. [PMID: 33635465 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12842-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are an important anthropogenic mercury (Hg) source in China, and it is crucial to understand the environmental impacts of this detrimental element emitted from this source. In the present study, field experiments were conducted for measuring Hg in ambient atmosphere and upland agricultural soils within a radius of 10 km surrounding a large scale coal-fired power plant (1550 MW) in Tangshan, Hebei province. Short-term (20 min) average of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM or Hg0) in ambient air varying from 1.5 to 9.0 ng/m3 and total Hg (THg) in surface agricultural soil (0-20 cm) varying from 9.2 to 43.5 μg/kg at different sites were observed. THg in two soil cores decreased with depth, with concentrations being 2-2.5 times higher in the surface layer than that in the deep layer (50-60 cm), indicating the possibility of the atmospheric input of Hg. Based on the information of the total atmospheric Hg emission since this CFPP's operation in 1970s and the increased THg in nearby soils, it was estimated that about 3.9% discharged Hg has accumulated in the nearby agricultural soils. The low retention rate of the total emitted Hg by soils is a result of high proportion of Hg0 (79.5%) in stack gas emission and potential loss of Hg from soil surface reemission. The positive shifting (~ 0.5‰) of Hg isotopic signature (δ202Hg) from deep soil to surface soil reflected Hg deposition from nearby CFPP emissions that are featured with much heavier Hg isotopic signatures inherited from feed coal (δ202Hg: -0.50‰) and different combustion products (δ202Hg: -0.95 to 3.71‰) compared with that in deep soil layer (δ202Hg: ca -1.50‰). Overall, this study demonstrated that this CFPP has a slight but distinguishable effect on the elevation of ambient GEM and agricultural soil THg in the local environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonggen Li
- School of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi, 563006, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xufeng Chen
- Tangshan Environmental Monitoring Center of Hebei Province, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- Tangshan Environmental Monitoring Center of Hebei Province, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Taishan Li
- Tangshan Institute of Environmental Protection, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Haiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Mingmeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Qingfeng Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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Guney M, Akimzhanova Z, Kumisbek A, Beisova K, Kismelyeva S, Satayeva A, Inglezakis V, Karaca F. Mercury (Hg) Contaminated Sites in Kazakhstan: Review of Current Cases and Site Remediation Responses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8936. [PMID: 33271828 PMCID: PMC7730887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) emissions from anthropogenic sources pose a global problem. In Central Asia, Kazakhstan's central and northern regions are among the most severely Hg-contaminated territories. This is due to two former acetaldehyde (in Temirtau) and chlor-alkali (in Pavlodar) plants, discharges from which during the second half of the 20th century were estimated over 2000 tons of elemental Hg. However, the exact quantities of Hg released through atmospheric emissions to the environment, controlled discharges to the nearby aquatic systems, leakages in the cell plant, and contaminated sludge are still unknown. The present review is the initiation of a comprehensive field investigation study on the current state of these contaminated sites. It aims to provide a critical review of published literature on Hg in soils, sediments, water, and biota of the impacted ecosystems (Nura and Irtysh rivers, and Lake Balkyldak and their surrounding areas). It furthermore compares these contamination episodes with selected similar international cases as well as reviews and recommends demercuration efforts. The findings indicate that the contamination around the acetaldehyde plant site was significant and mainly localized with the majority of Hg deposited in topsoils and riverbanks within 25 km from the discharge point. In the chlor-alkali plant site, Lake Balkyldak in North Kazakhstan is the most seriously contaminated receptor. The local population of both regions might still be exposed to Hg due to fish consumption illegally caught from local rivers and reservoirs. Since the present field data is limited mainly to investigations conducted before 2010 and given the persisting contamination and nature of Hg, a recent up-to-date environmental assessment for both sites is highly needed, particularly around formerly detected hotspots. Due to incomplete site remediation efforts, recommendations given by several researchers for the territories of the former chlor-alkali and acetaldehyde plant site include ex-situ soil washing, soil pulping with gravitational separation, ultrasound and transgenic algae for sediments, and electrokinetic recovery for the former and removal and/or confinement of contaminated silt deposits and soils for the latter. However, their efficiency first needs to be validated. Findings and lessons from these sites will be useful not only on the local scale but also are valuable resources for the assessment and management of similar contaminated sites around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Guney
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanel Akimzhanova
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Aiganym Kumisbek
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Kamila Beisova
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Symbat Kismelyeva
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Aliya Satayeva
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Vassilis Inglezakis
- Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK;
| | - Ferhat Karaca
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; (Z.A.); (A.K.); (K.B.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (F.K.)
- Environmental Science & Technology Group (ESTg), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
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Qi H, Zhao B, Li L, Chen X, An J, Liu X. Heavy metal contamination and ecological risk assessment of the agricultural soil in Shanxi Province, China. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200538. [PMID: 33204447 PMCID: PMC7657894 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To assess contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in agricultural soil from Shanxi Province of China, a total of 33 samples in the surface soil were collected from 11 cities in Shanxi. The soil samples were digested by a mixed acid of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid on a microwave digestion system, then the levels of eight heavy metals were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The pollution levels of soil heavy metals were evaluated using a geo-accumulation index and their ecological risks were assessed using risk index calculated by Hakanson's method. As a result, the average concentrations of the heavy metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were 12.9 ± 4.8, 0.35 ± 0.23, 43 ± 14, 27 ± 19, 0.25 ± 0.14, 21.7 ± 5.7, 17 ± 13 and 89 ± 53 mg kg-1, respectively. By comparison to the Chinese soil environmental quality (GB15618-2018), only 9% of Cd samples and 3% of Cu samples exceeded their corresponding screening criteria. Subsequently, the results of geo-accumulation indices suggested that Shanxi's soil suffered from moderate to heavy contamination posed by Cd and Hg, and risk indices exhibited a similar trend that Cd and Hg were the main contributors for considerable to very high ecological risk. Finally, the analysis of variance indicated that the mean levels of Cd significantly occurred at Yuncheng areas among the 11 cities (n = 3, p < 0.05), but Hg concentrations did not have significantly statistical differences. This study demonstrated that metals Cd and Hg had higher levels and ecological risks for agricultural soil in Shanxi, especially, Yuncheng City suffered from heavy Cd contamination. The findings of the present study will provide basic information on management and control of the agricultural soil contamination in Shanxi Province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lihong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong, Shanxi 030619, People's Republic of China
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22
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Mahbub KR, King WL, Siboni N, Nguyen VK, Rahman MM, Megharaj M, Seymour JR, Franks AE, Labbate M. Long-lasting effect of mercury contamination on the soil microbiota and its co-selection of antibiotic resistance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115057. [PMID: 32806457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment are an exposure risk to humans and animals and is emerging as a global public health concern. In this study, mercury (Hg) driven co-selection of ARGs was investigated under controlled conditions in two Australian non-agricultural soils with differing pH. Soils were spiked with increasing concentrations of inorganic Hg and left to age for 5 years. Both soils contained ARGs conferring resistance to tetracycline (tetA, tetB), sulphonamides (sul1), trimethoprim (dfrA1) and the ARG indicator class 1 integron-integrase gene, intI1, as measured by qPCR. The last resort antibiotic vancomycin resistance gene, vanB and quinolone resistance gene, qnrS were not detected. Hg driven co-selection of several ARGs namely intI1, tetA and tetB were observed in the alkaline soil within the tested Hg concentrations. No co-selection of the experimental ARGs was observed in the neutral pH soil. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed proliferation of Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes in Hg contaminated neutral and alkaline soils respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed a strong effect of Hg, soil pH and organic carbon content on the co-selection of ARGs in the experimental soils. Additionally, although aging caused a significant reduction in Hg content, agriculturally important bacterial phyla such as Nitrospirae did not regrow in the contaminated soils. The results suggest that mercury can drive co-selection of ARGs in contaminated non-agricultural soils over five years of aging which is linked to soil microbiota shift and metal chemistry in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William L King
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Nachshon Siboni
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Viet Khue Nguyen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Justin R Seymour
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashley E Franks
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia; Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Maurizio Labbate
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Chalkidis A, Jampaiah D, Aryana A, Wood CD, Hartley PG, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK. Mercury-bearing wastes: Sources, policies and treatment technologies for mercury recovery and safe disposal. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 270:110945. [PMID: 32721358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Due to the lenient environmental policies in developing economies, mercury-containing wastes are partly produced as a result of the employment of mercury in manufacturing and consumer products. Worldwide, the presence of mercury as an impurity in several industrial processes leads to significant amounts of contaminated waste. The Minamata Convention on Mercury dictates that mercury-containing wastes should be handled in an environmentally sound way according to the Basel Convention Technical Guidelines. Nevertheless, the management policies differ a great deal from one country to another because only a few deploy or can afford to deploy the required technology and facilities. In general, elemental mercury and mercury-bearing wastes should be stabilized and solidified before they are disposed of or permanently stored in specially engineered landfills and facilities, respectively. Prior to physicochemical treatment and depending on mercury's concentration, the contaminated waste may be thermally or chemically processed to reduce mercury's content to an acceptable level. The suitability of the treated waste for final disposal is then assessed by the application of standard leaching tests whose capacity to evaluate its long-term behavior is rather questionable. This review critically discusses the main methods employed for the recovery of mercury and the treatment of contaminated waste by analyzing representative examples from the industry. Furthermore, it gives a complete overview of all relevant issues by presenting the sources of mercury-bearing wastes, explaining the problems associated with the operation of conventional discharging facilities and providing an insight of the disposal policies adopted in selected geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Chalkidis
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Deshetti Jampaiah
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
| | - Amir Aryana
- Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia
| | - Colin D Wood
- Australian Resources Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Kensington, WA 6152, Australia; Curtin Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (CUOGIC), Curtin University, Kensington, WA 6152, Australia
| | - Patrick G Hartley
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Ylias M Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Suresh K Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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24
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Singh S, Kumar V. Mercury detoxification by absorption, mercuric ion reductase, and exopolysaccharides: a comprehensive study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:27181-27201. [PMID: 31001776 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04974-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), the environmental toxicant, is present in the soil, water, and air as it is substantially distributed throughout the environment. Being extremely toxic even at low concentration, its remediation is utterly important. Therefore, it is necessary to detoxify the contaminant within the acceptable limits before threatening the environment. Although various conventional methods are being used, irrespective of high cost, it produces intermediate toxic by-product too. Biological methods are eco-friendly, clean, greener, and safer for the remediation of heavy metals corresponding to the conventional remediation due to their economic and high-tech constraints. Bioremediation is now being used for Hg (II) removal, which involves biosorption and bioaccumulation mechanisms or both, also mercuric ion reductase, exopolysaccharide play significant role in detoxification of mercury by acting a potential instrument for the remediation of heavy metals. In this review paper, we shed light on problems caused by mercury pollution, mercury cycle, and its global scenario and detoxification approaches by biological methods and result found in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Singh
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India.
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25
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Sommar J, Osterwalder S, Zhu W. Recent advances in understanding and measurement of Hg in the environment: Surface-atmosphere exchange of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 721:137648. [PMID: 32182462 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere is the major transport pathway for distribution of mercury (Hg) globally. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM, hereafter Hg0) is the predominant form in both anthropogenic and natural emissions. Evaluation of the efficacy of reductions in emissions set by the UN's Minamata Convention (UN-MC) is critically dependent on the knowledge of the dynamics of the global Hg cycle. Of these dynamics including e.g. red-ox reactions, methylation-demethylation and dry-wet deposition, poorly constrained atmosphere-surface Hg0 fluxes especially limit predictability of the timescales of its global biogeochemical cycle. This review focuses on Hg0 flux field observational studies, namely the theory, applications, strengths, and limitations of the various experimental methodologies applied to gauge the exchange flux and decipher active sub-processes. We present an in-depth review, a comprehensive literature synthesis, and methodological and instrumentation advances for terrestrial and marine Hg0 flux studies in recent years. In particular, we outline the theory of a wide range of measurement techniques and detail the operational protocols. Today, the most frequently used measurement techniques to determine the net Hg0 flux (>95% of the published flux data) are dynamic flux chambers for small-scale and micrometeorological approaches for large-scale measurements. Furthermore, top-down approaches based on Hg0 concentration measurements have been applied as tools to better constrain Hg emissions as an independent way to e.g. challenge emission inventories. This review is an up-dated, thoroughly revised edition of Sommar et al. 2013 (DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2012.671733). To the tabulation of >100 cited flux studies 1988-2009 given in the former publication, we have here listed corresponding studies published during the last decade with a few exceptions (2008-2019). During that decade, Hg stable isotope ratios of samples involved in atmosphere-terrestrial interaction is at hand and provide in combination with concentration and/or flux measurements novel constraints to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the bi-directional Hg0 flux. Recent efforts in the development of relaxed eddy accumulation and eddy covariance Hg0 flux methods bear the potential to facilitate long-term, ecosystem-scale flux measurements to reduce the prevailing large uncertainties in Hg0 flux estimates. Standardization of methods for Hg0 flux measurements is crucial to investigate how land-use change and how climate warming impact ecosystem-specific Hg0 sink-source characteristics and to validate frequently applied model parameterizations describing the regional and global scale Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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26
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Tuhý M, Rohovec J, Matoušková Š, Mihaljevič M, Kříbek B, Vaněk A, Mapani B, Göttlicher J, Steininger R, Majzlan J, Ettler V. The potential wildfire effects on mercury remobilization from topsoils and biomass in a smelter-polluted semi-arid area. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 247:125972. [PMID: 32069734 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.125972] [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: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires can be responsible for significant mercury (Hg) emissions especially in contaminated areas. Here, we investigated the Hg distribution in topsoils and vegetation samples and temperature-dependent Hg mobilization from biomass-rich topsoils collected near a copper (Cu) smelter in Tsumeb (semi-arid Namibia), where Hg-rich Cu concentrates are processed. The thermo-desorption (TD) experiments conducted on representative biomass-rich topsoils (3.9-7.7 mg Hg/kg) indicated that more than 91% of the Hg was released at ∼340 °C, which corresponds to the predominant grassland-fire conditions. The mineralogical investigation indicated that the Hg comes mainly from the deposited smelter emissions because no distinct Hg-rich microparticles corresponding to the windblown dust from the nearby disposal sites of the technological materials (concentrates, slags, tailings) were found. A comparison with the TD curves of the Hg reference compounds confirmed that the Hg in the biomass-rich topsoils occurs as a mixture of Hg bound to the organic matter and metacinnabar (black HgS), which exhibits similarities with the TD pattern of smelter flue dust residue. Despite the installation of a sulfuric acid plant in the smelter in 2015 and a calculated drop in the estimated Hg emissions (from 1301 ± 457 kg/y for the period 2004-2015 to 67 ± 5 kg/y after 2015), the Hg legacy pool in the smelter surroundings can potentially be re-emitted back to the atmosphere by wildfire. Using the Hg spatial distribution data in the area (184 km2), the estimates indicate that up to 303 kg and 1.3 kg can be remobilized from the topsoils and vegetation, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Tuhý
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Rohovec
- Institute of Geology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Matoušková
- Institute of Geology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Kříbek
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ben Mapani
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, Private Bag, 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Jörg Göttlicher
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, DE-76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ralph Steininger
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, DE-76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Juraj Majzlan
- Institute of Geosciences, Friedrich-Schiller University, Burgweg 11, D-07749, Jena, Germany
| | - Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Shahid M, Khalid S, Bibi I, Bundschuh J, Khan Niazi N, Dumat C. A critical review of mercury speciation, bioavailability, toxicity and detoxification in soil-plant environment: Ecotoxicology and health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:134749. [PMID: 32000322 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by a non-essential and non-beneficial, although potentially toxic mercury (Hg), is becoming a great threat to the living organisms at a global scale. Owing to its various uses in numerous industrial processes, high amount of Hg is released into different environmental compartments. Environmental Hg contamination can result in food chain contamination, especially due to its accumulation in edible plant parts. Consumption of Hg-rich food is a key source of Hg exposure to humans. Since Hg does not possess any identified biological role and has genotoxic and carcinogenic potential, it is critical to monitor its biogeochemical behavior in the soil-plant system and its influence in terms of possible food chain contamination and human exposure. This review traces a plausible link among Hg levels, its chemical speciation and phytoavailability in soil, accumulation in plants, phytotoxicity and detoxification of Hg inside the plant. The role of different enzymatic (peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione, phytochelatins, proline and ascorbic acid) antioxidants has also been elucidated with respect to enhanced generation of reactive radicles and resulting oxidative stress. The review also outlines Hg build-up in edible plant tissues and associated health risks. The biogeochemical role of Hg in the soil-plant system and associated health risks have been described with well summarized and up-to-date data in 12 tables and 4 figures. We believe that this comprehensive review article and meta-analysis of Hg data can be greatly valuable for scientists, researchers, policymakers and graduate-level students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari-61100, Pakistan.
| | - Sana Khalid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari-61100, Pakistan
| | - Irshad Bibi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- UNESCO Chair on Groundwater Arsenic within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Camille Dumat
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir (CERTOP), UMR5044, Université J. Jaurès - Toulouse II, 5 allée Machado A., 31058 Toulouse, cedex 9, France; Université de Toulouse, INP-ENSAT, Avenue de l'Agrobiopole, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, France; Association Réseau-Agriville (http://reseau-agriville.com/), France
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28
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Eckley CS, Gilmour CC, Janssen S, Luxton TP, Randall PM, Whalin L, Austin C. The assessment and remediation of mercury contaminated sites: A review of current approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:136031. [PMID: 31869604 PMCID: PMC6980986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Remediation of mercury (Hg) contaminated sites has long relied on traditional approaches, such as removal and containment/capping. Here we review contemporary practices in the assessment and remediation of industrial-scale Hg contaminated sites and discuss recent advances. Significant improvements have been made in site assessment, including the use of XRF to rapidly identify the spatial extent of contamination, Hg stable isotope fractionation to identify sources and transformation processes, and solid-phase characterization (XAFS) to evaluate Hg forms. The understanding of Hg bioavailability for methylation has been improved by methods such as sequential chemical extractions and porewater measurements, including the use of diffuse gradient in thin-film (DGT) samplers. These approaches have shown varying success in identifying bioavailable Hg fractions and further study and field applications are needed. The downstream accumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in biota is a concern at many contaminated sites. Identifying the variables limiting/controlling MeHg production-such as bioavailable inorganic Hg, organic carbon, and/or terminal electron acceptors (e.g. sulfate, iron) is critical. Mercury can be released from contaminated sites to the air and water, both of which are influenced by meteorological and hydrological conditions. Mercury mobilized from contaminated sites is predominantly bound to particles, highly correlated with total sediment solids (TSS), and elevated during stormflow. Remediation techniques to address Hg contamination can include the removal or containment of Hg contaminated materials, the application of amendments to reduce mobility and bioavailability, landscape/waterbody manipulations to reduce MeHg production, and food web manipulations through stocking or extirpation to reduce MeHg accumulated in desired species. These approaches often rely on knowledge of the Hg forms/speciation at the site, and utilize physical, chemical, thermal and biological methods to achieve remediation goals. Overall, the complexity of Hg cycling allows many different opportunities to reduce/mitigate impacts, which creates flexibility in determining suitable and logistically feasible remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Eckley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region-10, 1200 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
| | - Cynthia C Gilmour
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA.
| | - Sarah Janssen
- USGS Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.
| | - Todd P Luxton
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
| | - Paul M Randall
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Lindsay Whalin
- San Francisco Bay Water Board, 1515 Clay St., Ste. 1400, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
| | - Carrie Austin
- San Francisco Bay Water Board, 1515 Clay St., Ste. 1400, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
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Chong X, Wang Y, Liu R, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zheng W. Pollution characteristics and source difference of gaseous elemental mercury between haze and non-haze days in winter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 678:671-680. [PMID: 31078858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The distribution characteristics and sources of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) on haze and non-haze days are still not clear. During the winter heating period in 2017, the GEM concentrations in Qingdao were studied for their differences, sources, and pollution characteristics on haze and non-haze days. The GEM concentration on haze days (2.81 ± 2.23 ng/m3) was higher than that on non-haze days (1.90 ± 1.21 ng/m3) and the difference was significant (p < 0.01) during the period of artificial heating. The average concentration of GEM was 2.27 ng/m3 in the heating period, but lower than that before heating (3.30 ng/m3). However, the mercury to carbon monoxide ratio (GEM/CO) on haze days was lower than that on non-haze days. The ratio of GEM/CO in this study was lower than that in other studies reported from China. There was a positive correlation between the GEM/CO ratio and the air temperature (p < 0.01), suggesting that the mercury released from the Earth's surface was important. The environmental policies of China also contributed to decrease of the GEM/CO ratio. Similar diurnal patterns appeared on both haze and non-haze days, with one GEM peak at 14:00-15:00. This pattern was different from the bimodal pattern of other atmospheric pollutants in the morning and evening rush hours and was controlled by GEM from the Earth's surface (mostly re-emission of legacy Hg) whether on haze or non-haze days. Principal component analysis showed that the contribution of GEM directly from anthropogenic sources was relatively small. The main influencing factor on haze days was air temperature. GEM concentrations showed large spatial differences in air masses from different places. The GEM concentration in air masses from southern and the western Shandong Province was higher than from the north on haze days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Chong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ruhai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Qingdao Environmental Monitoring Center, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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30
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Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, Dadar M, Pivina L, Lindh U, Butnariu M, Aaseth J. Mercury exposure and its effects on fertility and pregnancy outcome. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 125:317-327. [PMID: 31136080 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), a highly toxic environmental pollutant, shows harmfulness which still represents a big concern for human health, including hazards to fertility and pregnancy outcome. Research has shown that Hg could induce impairments in the reproductive function, cellular deformation of the Leydig cells and the seminiferous tubules, and testicular degeneration as well as abnormal menstrual cycles. Some studies investigated spontaneous abortion and complicated fertility outcome due to occupational Hg exposure. Moreover, there is a relation between inhaled Hg vapour and reproductive outcome. This MiniReview evaluates the hypothesis that exposure to Hg may increase the risk of reduced fertility, spontaneous abortion and congenital deficits or abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Lyudmila Pivina
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan.,CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Ulf Lindh
- Biology Education Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Butnariu
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,CONEM Romania Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Group, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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31
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Xie H, Liu M, He Y, Lin H, Yu C, Deng C, Wang X. An experimental study of the impacts of solar radiation and temperature on mercury emission from different natural soils across China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:545. [PMID: 31392424 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7717-4] [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: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) emission from natural soil is one of the most important contributors to global Hg cycles. Research on Hg emission from soil to air has been carried out in China. Currently, most of the research focuses on contaminated sites in China, while research in other regions is rare. To provide more accurate information on Hg emissions from soil to air in China and obtain additional laboratory data to verify the role of solar radiation and temperature in this process, we sampled and measured Hg emission fluxes from various natural soils (range, 48-240 ng/g) across mainland China under different solar radiation (0-900 W·m-2) and temperature (15-45 °C) conditions in a laboratory. We found that in different places in China, Hg emissions from natural soils occurred more easily when the soil Hg concentration, temperature, and solar radiation were high, but the impacts were different among the regions due to different soil types. Hg emissions from natural soils (0.071-24 ng·m2·h-1) were typically lower than those from contaminated sites, suggesting that additional measurements in natural soils are desirable. The results of this study could provide more accurate information on Hg emission from natural soil to air and help establish a nationwide natural soil Hg emission inventory in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Yipeng He
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huiming Lin
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chenghao Yu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chunyan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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32
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Osterwalder S, Huang JH, Shetaya WH, Agnan Y, Frossard A, Frey B, Alewell C, Kretzschmar R, Biester H, Obrist D. Mercury emission from industrially contaminated soils in relation to chemical, microbial, and meteorological factors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 250:944-952. [PMID: 31085481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention entered into force in 2017 with the aim to phase-out the use of mercury (Hg) in manufacturing processes such as the chlor-alkali or vinyl chloride monomer production. However, past industrial use of Hg had already resulted in extensive soil pollution, which poses a potential environmental threat. We investigated the emission of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) from Hg polluted soils in settlement areas in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, and its impact on local air Hg concentrations. Most soil Hg was found as soil matrix-bound divalent Hg (HgII). Elemental mercury (Hg0) was undetectable in soils, yet we observed substantial Hg0 emission (20-1392 ng m-2 h-1) from 27 soil plots contaminated with Hg (0.2-390 mg Hg kg-1). The emissions of Hg0 were calculated for 1274 parcels covering an area of 8.6 km2 of which 12% exceeded the Swiss soil remediation threshold of 2 mg Hg kg-1. The annual Hg0 emission from this area was approximately 6 kg a-1, which is almost 1% of the total atmospheric Hg emissions in Switzerland based on emission inventory estimates. Our results show a higher abundance of Hg resistance genes (merA) in soil microbial communities with increasing soil Hg concentrations, indicating that biotic reduction of HgII is likely an important pathway to form volatile Hg0 in these soils. The total soil Hg pool in the top 20 cm of the investigated area was 4288 kg; hence, if not remediated, these contaminated soils remain a long-term source of atmospheric Hg, which is prone to long-range atmospheric transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Osterwalder
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jen-How Huang
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Waleed H Shetaya
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Air Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Yannick Agnan
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, EPHE, UMR Metis, 75252 Paris, France
| | - Aline Frossard
- Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Frey
- Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Christine Alewell
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ruben Kretzschmar
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, CHN, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Harald Biester
- Institut für Geökologie, AG Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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33
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Liu T, Wang J, Feng X, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Cheng S. Spectral insight into thiosulfate-induced mercury speciation transformation in a historically polluted soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:938-944. [PMID: 30677959 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We studied the effect of different doses (0.5%, 2% and 5% (w/w)) of ammonium thiosulfate on mercury (Hg) speciation fractionation following its addition to the soil, as well as its accumulation by oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), and compared them to a non-treated control in a historically polluted soil. The oilseed rape, corn, and sweet potato were planted consecutively in the same soils on days 30, 191, and 276, respectively after the addition of thiosulfate to the soil. The key results showed that bioavailable Hg contents in the rhizosphere soils ranged from 0.18 to 2.54 μg kg-1, 0.28 to 2.77 μg kg-1, and 0.24 to 2.22 μg kg-1, respectively, for the 0.5%, 2% and 5% thiosulfate treatments, which were close to the control soil (0.25 to 1.98 μg kg-1). The Hg L3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) results showed a tendency of the Hg speciation to transform from the Hg(SR)2 (initial soil, 56%; day-191 soil, 43%; day-276 soil, 46%, and day-356 soil, 16%) to nano particulated HgS (initial soil, 26%; day-191 soil, 42%; day-276 soil, 42%, and day-356 soil, 73%) with time in the soil treated with a 5% dose of thiosulfate. The Hg contents in the tissues of the crops, except for oilseed rape, were slightly affected by the addition of thiosulfate to the soil at all dosages, compared to the control. The addition of thiosulfate did not induce the movement of bioavailable Hg to the lower layer of the soil profile. We conclude a promotion of Hg immobilization by thiosulfate in the soil for over one year, offering a promising method for in-situ Hg remediation at Hg mining regions in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Zongqiang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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34
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Wang C, Song Z, Li Z, Zhu W, Li P, Feng X. Mercury speciation and mobility in salt slurry and soils from an abandoned chlor-alkali plant, Southwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 652:900-906. [PMID: 30380496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Chlor-alkali plants (CAPs) are major consumers of mercury (Hg) and may be a source of severe Hg pollution to the environment. In this paper, the total mercury (THg) concentrations and the speciation and mobility of Hg were measured in salt slurry and soils collected from an abandoned CAP in Yunnan Province, China. THg concentrations in the salt slurry samples varied widely and ranged from 0.43 to 2640 mg/kg; THg concentrations varied vertically and were lower towards the surface than deeper in the profile. In the soils, a sample collected from electrolysis workshop had the highest THg concentration (3650 mg/kg). The main fractions of Hg in the salt slurry and soils were Hg2+ and Hg0, which accounted for 47.4% and 22.9% of THg in the salt slurry and 28.0% and 43.8% of THg in the soils on average, respectively. The Hg0 concentrations decreased with depth in the soil profiles. The total soluble Hg (TSHg) concentrations in the salt slurry averaged at 140 μg/L and ranged from 0.77 to 564 μg/L. The salt slurry and soils at the study site were seriously contaminated with Hg, which could potentially be released to the atmosphere or water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - Zhonggen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
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