1
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Schwab L, Gallati N, Reiter SM, Kimber RL, Kumar N, McLagan DS, Biester H, Kraemer SM, Wiederhold JG. Mercury Isotope Fractionation during Dark Abiotic Reduction of Hg(II) by Dissolved, Surface-Bound, and Structural Fe(II). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15243-15254. [PMID: 37748105 PMCID: PMC10569049 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Stable mercury (Hg) isotope ratios are an emerging tracer for biogeochemical transformations in environmental systems, but their application requires knowledge of isotopic enrichment factors for individual processes. We investigated Hg isotope fractionation during dark, abiotic reduction of Hg(II) by dissolved iron(Fe)(II), magnetite, and Fe(II) sorbed to boehmite or goethite by analyzing both the reactants and products of laboratory experiments. For homogeneous reduction of Hg(II) by dissolved Fe(II) in continuously purged reactors, the results followed a Rayleigh distillation model with enrichment factors of -2.20 ± 0.16‰ (ε202Hg) and 0.21 ± 0.02‰ (E199Hg). In closed system experiments, allowing reequilibration, the initial kinetic fractionation was overprinted by isotope exchange and followed a linear equilibrium model with -2.44 ± 0.17‰ (ε202Hg) and 0.34 ± 0.02‰ (E199Hg). Heterogeneous Hg(II) reduction by magnetite caused a smaller isotopic fractionation (-1.38 ± 0.07 and 0.13 ± 0.01‰), whereas the extent of isotopic fractionation of the sorbed Fe(II) experiments was similar to the kinetic homogeneous case. Small mass-independent fractionation of even-mass Hg isotopes with 0.02 ± 0.003‰ (E200Hg) and ≈ -0.02 ± 0.01‰ (E204Hg) was consistent with theoretical predictions for the nuclear volume effect. This study contributes significantly to the database of Hg isotope enrichment factors for specific processes. Our findings show that Hg(II) reduction by dissolved Fe(II) in open systems results in a kinetic MDF with a larger ε compared to other abiotic reduction pathways, and combining MDF with the observed MIF allows the distinction from photochemical or microbial Hg(II) reduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Schwab
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Doctoral
School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Environmental
Engineering Institute IIE-ENAC, Soil Biogeochemistry Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale
de Lausanne (EPFL), Route
des Ronquos 86, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Gallati
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofie M. Reiter
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard L. Kimber
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Soil
Chemistry and Chemical Soil Quality Group, Department of Environmental
Sciences, University of Wageningen, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - David S. McLagan
- Environmental
Geochemistry Group, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department
of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
- School
of Environmental Studies, Queen’s
University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Harald Biester
- Environmental
Geochemistry Group, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan M. Kraemer
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan G. Wiederhold
- Department
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Zhang L, Guo Y, Xiao K, Pan F, Li H, Li Z, Xu H. Extreme rainstorm reshuffles the spatial distribution of heavy metals and pollution risk in sediments along the mangrove tidal flat. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115277. [PMID: 37480789 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115277] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves as typical blue carbon ecosystems exhibit a high level of heavy metal accumulation capability. In this study, we investigated how extreme rainstorm effects the spatial variability and pollution risk of sediment heavy metals (i.e., Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As and Hg) at different compartments of a typical tidal flat, including the bare mudflat, mangrove zone, and tidal creek in Shenzhen Bay, China. The results showed that the extreme rainstorm can change the sediment particle size, which further regulated the spatial distribution, and source-sink pattern of heavy metals. Due to the strong rainstorm flushing, the concentrations of most heavy metals increased toward the sea and the comprehensive pollution level increased by 8.3 % after the extreme rainstorm. This study contributes to better understanding of how extreme rainstorm regulates heavy metal behavior in mangrove sediments to achieve sustainable development of mangroves under the pressures of extreme weather events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licong Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yuehua Guo
- CCCC-FHEC Ecological Engineering Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Kai Xiao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Feng Pan
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Hailong Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhenyang Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Hualin Xu
- Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve, Shenzhen 518048, PR China
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3
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Guo Z, Wang Z, Liu J, Sun Y, Yang L, Feng J, Hou B, Yan W. Efficient Mercury(II) Capture by Functionalized Poly(pyrrole methane)s: the Role of Chloro and Imino Groups. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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4
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McLagan DS, Schwab L, Wiederhold JG, Chen L, Pietrucha J, Kraemer SM, Biester H. Demystifying mercury geochemistry in contaminated soil-groundwater systems with complementary mercury stable isotope, concentration, and speciation analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1406-1429. [PMID: 34981096 PMCID: PMC9491299 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00368b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Interpretation of mercury (Hg) geochemistry in environmental systems remains a challenge. This is largely associated with the inability to identify specific Hg transformation processes and species using established analytical methods in Hg geochemistry (total Hg and Hg speciation). In this study, we demonstrate the improved Hg geochemical interpretation, particularly related to process tracing, that can be achieved when Hg stable isotope analyses are complemented by a suite of more established methods and applied to both solid- (soil) and liquid-phases (groundwater) across two Hg2+-chloride (HgCl2) contaminated sites with distinct geological and physicochemical properties. This novel approach allowed us to identify processes such as Hg2+ (i.e., HgCl2) sorption to the solid-phase, Hg2+ speciation changes associated with changes in groundwater level and redox conditions (particularly in the upper aquifer and capillary fringe), Hg2+ reduction to Hg0, and dark abiotic redox equilibration between Hg0 and Hg(II). Hg stable isotope analyses play a critical role in our ability to distinguish, or trace, these in situ processes. While we caution against the non-critical use of Hg isotope data for source tracing in environmental systems, due to potentially variable source signatures and overprinting by transformation processes, our study demonstrates the benefits of combining multiple analytical approaches, including Hg isotope ratios as a process tracer, to obtain an improved picture of the enigmatic geochemical behavior and fate of Hg at contaminated legacy sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S McLagan
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - L Schwab
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - J G Wiederhold
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - L Chen
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - J Pietrucha
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - S M Kraemer
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - H Biester
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
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Wang H, Duan R, Zhou X, Wang J, Liu Y, Xu R, Liao Z. Efficient removal of mercury and chromium from wastewater via biochar fabricated with steel slag: Performance and mechanisms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:961907. [PMID: 36091466 PMCID: PMC9453161 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.961907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochar derived from biomass is regarded as a promising adsorbent for wastewater treatment, but the high cost of modification is still a challenge for its large-scale practical applications. In this study, we employed steel slag as a low-cost fabricant and synthesized hydrothermally carbonized steel slag (HCSS), as a stable environmentally functional material for heavy metal removal. Typically, positively and negatively charged heavy metal contaminants of Hg2+ and Cr2O72− were employed to testify the performance of HCSS as an adsorbent, and good capacities [(283.24 mg/g for Hg (II) and 323.16 mg/g for Cr (VI)] were found. The feasibility of HCSS on real wastewater purification was also evaluated, as the removal efficiency was 94.11% and 88.65% for Hg (II) and Cr (VI), respectively. Mechanism studies revealed that the modification of steel slag on bio-adsorbents offered copious active sites for pollutants. As expected, oxygen-containing functional groups in HCSS acted as the main contributor to adsorption capacity. Moreover, some reactive iron species (i.e., Fe2+) played an essential role in chemical reduction of Cr (VI). The adsorptive reactions were pH-dependent, owing to other more mechanisms, such as coprecipitation, ion-exchange, and electrostatic attraction. This promising recycling approach of biomass waste and the design of agro-industrial byproducts can be highly suggestive of the issues of resource recovery in the application of solid waste-derived environmentally functional materials for heavy metal remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabin Wang
- School of Energy and Environment Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Duan
- School of Energy and Environment Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinquan Zhou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Chemical Engineer and Pharmacy, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Energy and Environment Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of Energy and Environment Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Xu, ; Zhuwei Liao,
| | - Zhuwei Liao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Urban Construction Engineering Division, Wenhua College, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Xu, ; Zhuwei Liao,
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Al-Yaari M, Saleh TA. Mercury Removal from Water Using a Novel Composite of Polyacrylate-Modified Carbon. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:14820-14831. [PMID: 35557665 PMCID: PMC9088914 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of groundwater by mercury (Hg) is a serious global threat, and its removal is of great importance. Activated carbon (AC) is considered a very promising adsorbent to remove Hg from water systems. However, specific functional groups can be added to AC to enhance its adsorption efficiency. In this work, AC was synthesized from palm shells and grafted with a copolymer of acrylamide and methacrylic acid to produce a polyacrylate-modified carbon (PAMC) composite. The synthesized adsorbent (PAMC) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. PAMC was then evaluated for Hg removal from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption efficiency was optimized under several parameters (pH, contact time, and PAMC dosage). Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic investigations were performed to gain a further understanding of the adsorption properties. The adsorption data were best fitted by pseudo-second-order and Redlich-Peterson models. Also, the thermodynamic investigation confirmed the spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the Hg adsorption process over PAMC. The maximum adsorption capacity (q m) of PAMC was found to be 76.3 mg/g ,which is relatively higher than some activated carbon-based adsorbents. Therefore, PAMC offers a potential promise for wastewater treatment due to its fast and high uptake removal capacity in addition to the cheap and environmentally friendly activated carbon source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Yaari
- Chemical
Engineering Department, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tawfik A. Saleh
- Chemistry
Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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7
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The Legacy of Mercury Contamination from a Past Leather Manufacturer and Health Risk Assessment in an Urban Area (Pisa Municipality, Italy). SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An abandoned open green space in the urban setting of the Municipality of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) has been designed for renewal to foster the development of recreational activities and improve the lives of the surrounding communities. However, the geochemical site characterization revealed Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg concentrations in the soil exceeding the thresholds imposed by Italian regulations for residential use. Pb, Cu and Zn contents likely reflect the effects of urban vehicle traffic, while Hg contamination represents the legacy of a past artisanal tannery that used Hg(II)-chloride in leather processing in the mid-1900s. Mercury is widely distributed in the area, with the highest concentration in the uppermost soil layer, and reaching about 170 mg/kg in the common dandelion rhizosphere. Chemical extractions and thermal desorption experiments have indicated that most Hg is in the elemental free and matrix-bound fraction, with a possible minor amount (less than 4 wt%) of HgS and negligible methylated forms (0.1 wt%). The data suggest that soil processes could reduce Hg2+ to volatile Hg0. Mercury in groundwater, hosted in a shallow aquitard in the area, was below 0.2 µg/L. However, the presence of chloride in groundwater might result in the formation of Hg stable aqueous complexes, increasing Hg release from solids. Future water quality monitoring is hence recommended. The risk assessment highlighted that mercury in soil carries a risk of non-cancerous effects, in particular for children, posing the basis for management planning.
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Khan J, Sadia M, Wadood Ali Shah S, Zahoor M, Alsharif KF, Al-Joufi FA. Development of [(2E,6E)-2,6-bis(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)cyclohexanone] as fluorescence-on probe for Hg2+ ion detection: Computational aided experimental studies. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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9
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Worms IAM, Kavanagh K, Moulin E, Regier N, Slaveykova VI. Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation Methods for Quantitative Determination and Size Characterization of Thiols and for Mercury Size Speciation Analysis in Organic Matter-Rich Natural Waters. Front Chem 2022; 10:800696. [PMID: 35252112 PMCID: PMC8888841 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.800696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) efficiently separates various macromolecules and nano-components of natural waters according to their hydrodynamic sizes. The online coupling of AF4 with fluorescence (Fluo) and UV absorbance (UV) detectors (FluoD and UVD, respectively) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides multidimensional information. This makes it a powerful tool to characterize and quantify the size distributions of organic and inorganic nano-sized components and their interaction with trace metals. In this study, we developed a method combining thiol labeling by monobromo(trimethylammonio)bimane bromide (qBBr) with AF4–FluoD to determine the size distribution and the quantities of thiols in the macromolecular dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in highly colored DOM-rich water sampled from Shuya River and Lake Onego, Russia. We found that the qBBr-labeled components of DOM (qB-DOM) were of humic type, characterized by a low hydrodynamic size (dh < 2 nm), and have concentrations <0.3 μM. After enrichment with mercury, the complexes formed between the nano-sized components and Hg were analyzed using AF4–ICP-MS. The elution profile of Hg followed the distribution of the UV-absorbing components of DOM, characterized by slightly higher sizes than qB-DOM. Only a small proportion of Hg was associated with the larger-sized components containing Fe and Mn, probably inorganic oxides that were identified in most of the samples from river to lake. The size distribution of the Hg–DOM complexes was enlarged when the concentration of added Hg increased (from 10 to 100 nM). This was explained by the presence of small iron oxides, overlapping the size distribution of Hg–DOM, on which Hg bound to a small proportion. In addition, to provide information on the dispersion of macromolecular thiols in colored DOM-rich natural water, our study also illustrated the potential of AF4–FluoD–UVD–ICP-MS to trace or quantify dynamic changes while Hg binds to the natural nano-colloidal components of surface water.
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Yoon SY, Jang SB, Wong KT, Kim H, Kim MJ, Choong CE, Yang JK, Chang YY, Oh SE, Yoon Y, Jang M. Sulfur-anchored palm shell waste-based activated carbon for ultrahigh sorption of Hg(II) for in-situ groundwater treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:125995. [PMID: 34004581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study utilized a facile and scalable one-pot wet impregnation method for Hg(II) adsorption to prepare sulfur-anchored palm shell waste activated carbon powder (PSAC-S). The experimental results revealed that the sulfur precursors promote the surface charge on the PSAC and enhance Hg(II) removal via the Na2S > Na2S2O4 > CH3CSNH2 sequence. PSAC-S prepared using Na2S had significant Hg(II) sorption efficiencies, achieving a maximum sorption capacity of 136 mg g-1 from the Freundlich model. Compared to PSAC, PSAC-S had an enhancement in Hg(II) sorption behavior for heterogeneous interactions with sulfur. PSAC-S also demonstrated high Hg(II) sorption capacities over a wide range of solution pH, while ionic strength had an insignificant impact on Hg(II) removal efficiencies. Through various spectroscopic analyses, we identified the mechanisms of Hg(II) removal by PSAC-S as electrostatic interactions, Hg-Cl complexation, and precipitation as HgSO4. Moreover, PSAC-S unveiled high adsorption affinity and Hg(II) stability in actual groundwater (even in µg L-1 level). These overall results show the potentials of PSAC-S as an alternative, easily scalable material for in-situ Hg(II) remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeon Yoon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Byum Jang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Kien Tiek Wong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeseong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Choe Earn Choong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Kyu Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Young Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Oh
- Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 192-1 Hyoja-dong, Gangwon-do, Chuncheon-si 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeomin Yoon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Min Jang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea.
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Amiri V, Li P, Bhattacharya P, Nakhaei M. Mercury pollution in the coastal Urmia aquifer in northwestern Iran: potential sources, mobility, and toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:17546-17562. [PMID: 33398765 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of total dissolved mercury (HgT) in surface and groundwater resources in the coastal parts of Urmia aquifer (NW of Iran) was investigated to identify the possible sources and sinks of mercury and the geochemical mechanisms controlling its mobilization. The distribution of water samples on the Piper diagram demonstrates that most samples have the Ca-Mg-HCO3 facies. From 62 water samples collected in this area, one sample contained HgT concentrations exceeding the maximum contaminant level recommended by the WHO (6 μg/L). The principal component analysis (PCA) produced five principal components. The positive moderate correlation of HgT with EC, Cl, K, Mg, and Na indicated that the weathering of geological formations was one of the main sources of mercury in groundwater samples. Position of water samples in Eh-pH regions where microorganisms involved in mercury methylation and mineralization were potentially active demonstrated that the aquifer had undergone sulfate reduction and had reached the final stage of the terminal electron accepting process (TEAP) sequence in the methane production processes which are limited to only 37% of the water samples that have anaerobic conditions. Some Hg-bearing species are in nonequilibrium geochemical conditions. The supersaturation of water samples with magnetite and goethite indicated that these Fe-bearing minerals could act as the strong reducing agents for the reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Amiri
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Peiyue Li
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, China
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- KTH-International Groundwater Arsenic Research Group, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 10B, SE-10044, Stockholm, Sweden
- KWR Water Cycle Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Nakhaei
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Zeng Q, Hu L, Zhong H, He Z, Sun W, Xiong D. Efficient removal of Hg 2+ from aqueous solution by a novel composite of nano humboldtine decorated almandine (NHDA): Ion exchange, reducing-oxidation and adsorption. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124035. [PMID: 33035907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Efficient removal of Hg2+ from aqueous solution is key for environmental protection and human health. Herein, a novel composite of nano humboldtine decorated almandine was synthesized from almandine for the removal of Hg2+. Results showed that the Hg2+ removal process followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir equation, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 575.17 mg/g. Furthermore, Hg2+ removal by the composite was pH-dependent and low pH value facilitated the removal of Hg2+. SEM and HADDF-STEM results suggested a new rod morphology was generated and the adsorbed mercury was mainly enriched into this structure after reaction with Hg2+ solution. The removal mechanisms of Hg2+ by the composite was pH dependent, and included ion exchange, surface complexation, reduction and oxidation. Our results demonstrated that the composite was an ideal material for Hg2+ removal and the transformation ways of mercury related species could be a significant but currently underestimated pathway in natural and engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Liang Hu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Zhiguo He
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Faculty of Materials Metallurgy & Chemistry, Jiangxi University of Science & Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Daoling Xiong
- Faculty of Materials Metallurgy & Chemistry, Jiangxi University of Science & Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
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Bao S, Wang Y, Yu Y, Yang W, Sun Y. Cross-linked sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide as ultra-high capacity adsorbent for high selectivity and ppb level removal of mercury from water under wide pH range. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:116378. [PMID: 33401212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It is highly desirable but remains extremely challenging to develop a facile strategy to prepare adsorbent for dealing with heavy metal pollution in water. Here, we report a facile approach for preparing sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide (S-GO) by cross-linking method with an unprecedented adsorption capacity and ultrahigh selectivity for efficient Hg(II) removal. The adsorbents exhibit a prominent performance in capturing Hg(II) from wastewater with a record-high adsorption capacity of 3490 mg/g and rapid kinetics to reduce Hg(II) contaminants below the discharge standard of drinking water (2 ppb) within 60 min under a wide pH range even in the coexistent of other interfering metal ions. In addition, the adsorbents can be also easily recycled and reused multiple times with no apparent decline in removal efficiency. Considering the broad diversity, we developed also a magnetic Fe3O4/S-GO adsorbent by a simple chemical cross-linking reaction to achieve rapid separation of S-GO from their aqueous solution. In addition, the adsorbents were successfully applied in dealing with the practical industrial wastewater. The results indicate the potential of rationally designed sulfydryl-functionalized graphene oxide for high performance Hg(II) removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyou Bao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Physics and Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, Jilin Normal University, Changchun, 130103, China; MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
| | - Yingjun Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Physics and Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, Jilin Normal University, Changchun, 130103, China.
| | - Weiwei Yang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
| | - Yinyong Sun
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
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Development of green vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent-based liquid–liquid microextraction for preconcentration of mercury in environmental and biological samples prior to spectrophotometric determination. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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15
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Fausey CL, Zucker I, Lee DE, Shaulsky E, Zimmerman JB, Elimelech M. Tunable Molybdenum Disulfide-Enabled Fiber Mats for High-Efficiency Removal of Mercury from Water. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:18446-18456. [PMID: 32227872 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b22823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The application of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) for water decontamination is expanded toward a novel approach for mercury removal using nanofibrous mats coated with MoS2. A bottom-up synthesis method for growing MoS2 on carbon nanofibers was employed to maximize the nanocomposite decontamination potential while minimizing the release of the nanomaterial to treated water. First, a co-polymer of polyacrylonitrile and polystyrene was electrospun as nanofibrous mats and pretreated to form pristine carbon fibers. Next, three solvothermal methods of controlled in situ MoS2 growth of different morphologies were achieved on the surface of the fibers using three different sets of precursors. Finally, these MoS2-enabled fibers were extensively characterized and evaluated for their mercuric removal efficiency. Two mercury removal mechanisms, including reduction-oxidation reactions and physicochemical adsorption, were elucidated. The two nanocomposites with the fastest (0.436 min-1 mg-1) and highest mercury removal (6258.7 mg g-1) were then further optimized through intercalation with poly(vinylpyrrolidone), which increased the MoS2 interlayer distance from 0.68 nm to more than 0.90 nm. The final, optimal fabrication technique (evaluated according to mercuric capacity, kinetics, and nanocomposite stability) demonstrated five times higher adsorption than the second-best method and obtained 70% of the theoretical mercury adsorption capacity of MoS2. Overall, results from this study indicate an alternative, advanced material to increase the efficiency of aqueous mercury removal while also providing the basis for other novel environmental applications such as selective sensing, disinfection, and photocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camrynn L Fausey
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Ines Zucker
- Porter School of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Danielle E Lee
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Evyatar Shaulsky
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Julie B Zimmerman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
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16
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Huang Y, Wang M, Gong Y, Zeng EY. Efficient removal of mercury from simulated groundwater using thiol-modified graphene oxide/Fe-Mn composite in fixed-bed columns: Experimental performance and mathematical modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136636. [PMID: 31991272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination in groundwater has been considered as an environmental and public health issue all over the world. Yet, effective in situ remediation techniques have been lacking. A thiol-modified graphene oxide/Fe-Mn composite (SGO/Fe-Mn) was employed as a reactive sorbent of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for in situ remediation of mercury contaminated groundwater using fixed-bed columns. Mercury existed as HgCl2, Hg(OH)2, and HgClOH, and was mainly removed through surface complexation. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller sorption isotherm model provided adequate fitting of the sorption isotherm data with a maximum monolayer sorption capacity of 112.03 ± 16.59 mg g-1. Breakthrough time, the time when 5% of initial Hg concentration is measured in the effluent, increased with the decrease of influent mercury concentration, pore velocity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The resultant column sorption capacity was enhanced at higher influent mercury concentration, lower groundwater pore velocity, lower DOM and DO. Moreover, when the SGO/Fe-Mn was thoroughly mixed with quartz sand in the column, the breakthrough time was increased and the resultant sorption capacity was improved compared to the case that SGO/Fe-Mn was packed between two layers of quartz sand. Mathematically, the Adams-Bohart model satisfactorily reproduced the initial behavior of mercury breakthrough curves (<40 pore volumes). Yan model adequately simulated the breakthrough curves. The results reveal the potential of SGO/Fe-Mn as an efficient PRB reactive material for in situ remediation of mercury in contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Mengxia Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yanyan Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
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17
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Liang W, Li M, Jiang S, Ali A, Zhang Z, Li R. Polyamine-co-2, 6-diaminopyridine covalently bonded on chitosan for the adsorptive removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 130:853-862. [PMID: 30840868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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18
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Gong Y, Huang Y, Wang M, Liu F, Zhang T. Application of Iron-Based Materials for Remediation of Mercury in Water and Soil. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:721-729. [PMID: 30756128 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination in soil and water has become a major concern to environmental quality and human health. Among the existing remediation technologies for mercury pollution control, sorption via iron-based materials has received wide attention as they are environmental friendly and economic, and their reactivity is high and controllable through modulating the morphology and surface properties of particulate materials. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on environmental application of a variety of iron-based sorbents, namely, zero valent iron, iron oxides, and iron sulfides, for mercury remediation. Techniques to improve the stability of these materials while enhancing mercury sequestration, such as nano-scale size control, surface functionalization, and mechanical support, were summarized. Mechanisms and factors affecting the interaction between mercury and iron-based materials were also discussed. Current knowledge gaps and future research needs are identified to facilitate a better understanding of molecular-level reaction mechanisms between iron-based materials and mercury and the long-term stability of the immobilized mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gong
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yao Huang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Mengxia Wang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Fangfei Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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19
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High Efficiency Mercury Sorption by Dead Biomass of Lysinibacillus Sphaericus-New Insights into the Treatment of Contaminated Water. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12081296. [PMID: 31010243 PMCID: PMC6514844 DOI: 10.3390/ma12081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal frequently used in illegal and artisanal extraction of gold and silver which makes it a cause of environmental poisoning. Since biosorption of other heavy metals has been reported for several Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains, this study investigates Hg removal. Three L. sphaericus strains previously reported as metal tolerant (CBAM5, Ot4b31, and III(3)7) were assessed with mercury chloride (HgCl2). Bacteria were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-SEM). Sorption was evaluated in live and dead bacterial biomass by free and immobilized cells assays. Hg quantification was achieved through spectrophotometry at 508 nm by reaction of Hg supernatants with dithizone prepared in Triton X-114 and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS). Bacteria grew up to 60 ppm of HgCl2. Non-immobilized dead cell mixture of strains III(3)7 and Ot4b31 showed a maximum sorption efficiency of 28.4 µg Hg/mg bacteria during the first 5 min of contact with HgCl2, removing over 95% of Hg. This process was escalated in a semi-batch bubbling fluidized bed reactor (BFB) using rice husk as the immobilization matrix leading to a similar level of efficiency. EDS-SEM analysis showed that all strains can adsorb Hg as particles of nanometric scale that can be related to the presence of S-layer metal binding proteins as shown in previous studies. These results suggest that L. sphaericus could be used as a novel biological method of mercury removal from polluted wastewater.
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20
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Shetaya WH, Huang JH, Osterwalder S, Mestrot A, Bigalke M, Alewell C. Sorption kinetics of isotopically labelled divalent mercury ( 196Hg 2+) in soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 221:193-202. [PMID: 30639815 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the sorption kinetics of Hg2+ is the key to predicting its reactivity in soils which is indispensable for environmental risk assessment. The temporal change in the solubility of 196Hg2+ spikes (6 mg kg-1) added to a range of soils with different properties was investigated and modelled. The sorption of 196Hg2+ displayed a biphasic pattern with a rapid initial (short-term) phase followed by a slower (time-dependent) one. The overall reaction rate constants ranged from 0.003 to 4.9 h-1 and were significantly correlated (r = 0.94) to soil organic carbon (SOC). Elovich and Spherical Diffusion expressions compellingly fitted the observed 196Hg2+ sorption kinetics highlighting their flexibility to describe reactions occurring over multiple phases and wide timeframes. A parameterized Elovich model from soil variables indicated that the short-term sorption is solely controlled by SOC while the time-dependent sorption appeared independent of SOC and decreased at higher pH values and Al(OH)3 and MnO2 concentrations. This is consistent with a rapid chemical reaction of Hg2+ with soil organic matter (SOM) which is followed by a noticeably slower phase likely occurring through physical pathways e.g. pore diffusion of Hg2+ into spherical soil aggregates and progressive incorporation of soluble organic-Hg into solid phase. The model lines predicted that in soils with >4% SOC, Hg2+ is removed from soil solution over seconds to minutes; however, in soils with <2% SOC and higher pH values, Hg2+ may remain soluble for months and beyond with a considerable associated risk of re-emission or migration to the surrounding environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H Shetaya
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Air Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
| | - Jen-How Huang
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrien Mestrot
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Bigalke
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine Alewell
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Andrea C, Stefano C, Andrea E, Elena P, Elisa P, Asta G, Janko U, Enrico Z, Luca Z. Mercury in the unconfined aquifer of the Isonzo/Soča River alluvial plain downstream from the Idrija mining area. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 195:749-761. [PMID: 29289021 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This work aims at evaluating mercury (Hg) occurrence, spatial distribution and speciation in groundwater of the Isonzo/Soča River upper alluvial plain downstream from the Idrija Hg mine (Western Slovenia). Several wells and piezometers were sampled both in static and dynamic mode. Total (THg) and filtered (FHg) concentrations were generally higher in static (THg, 1.87-855 ng L-1; FHg, 0.20-13.61 ng L-1) than in dynamic mode (THg, 0.08-78.77 ng L-1; FHg, 0.28-6.65 ng L-1). The estimated background value accounts for 2-3 ng L-1. On the basis of hydrochemistry and isotopic composition, the main sources of groundwater were established. Hg concentrations in the Slovenian sector, supplied by local rainfall, are comparable to values measured close to the Isonzo River. Possible further Hg local sources have been suggested. Stability field analysis for the aqueous Hg species revealed that in the presence of chloride Hg solubility may be increased by the formation of chlorocomplexes. Mercury that rarely enters reduced surrounding conditions can be bound to sulphur to form polysulphide species depending on the pH of water. Since Hg-contaminated alluvial sediments of the Isonzo River may act as a secondary Hg source in groundwater, a borehole was dug down to the water table. Mercury content and speciation revealed that cinnabar (HgS) is the prevalent form followed by the matrix-bound Hg (Hgbound). Variations of the physico-chemical boundary conditions, as well as the raising/lowering of the water table, may be locally responsible for the slight variability of Hg concentrations in the aquifer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cerovac Andrea
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Covelli Stefano
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy.
| | - Emili Andrea
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Pavoni Elena
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Petranich Elisa
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Gregorič Asta
- Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia; Aerosol d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Zavagno Enrico
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Zini Luca
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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22
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Kozyatnyk I, Bouchet S, Björn E, Haglund P. Fractionation and size-distribution of metal and metalloid contaminants in a polluted groundwater rich in dissolved organic matter. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 318:194-202. [PMID: 27427886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the concentration levels, fractionation and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and metals (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Ba, Hg and Pb) in a polluted groundwater from an industrial area in Northern Sweden. DOM was mainly recovered in the hydrophobic acidic and hydrophobic neutral sub-fractions (45 and 35%, respectively) while most metals were found in the acidic sub-fractions (46-93%) except for V, Fe and As, which were predominant in the basic sub-fractions (74-93%) and Cd in the neutral ones (50%). DOM exhibited a broad MWD in groundwaters, usually from 5 to 200kDa and was dominated by high molecular weight hydrophobic acids, low molecular weight hydrophilic acids and hydrophilic neutral compounds. Most of the studied metals (Fe, Cr, Co, Sn, Ba, Hg) were associated with the high molecular weight DOM fraction (ca. 40-100kDa). Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Ni interacted with a broad range of DOM size fractions but were still most abundant in the high molecular weight fraction. Few metal/metalloids (As, V and Cr in some cases) presented a very weak affinity for DOM and presumably existed predominantly as "free" inorganic ions in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kozyatnyk
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Sylvain Bouchet
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter Haglund
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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23
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Moreno-Brush M, Rydberg J, Gamboa N, Storch I, Biester H. Is mercury from small-scale gold mining prevalent in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:150-159. [PMID: 27552048 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate on the fate of mercury (Hg) in areas affected by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Over the last 30 years, ASGM has released 69 tons of Hg into the southeastern Peruvian Amazon. To investigate the role of suspended matter and hydrological factors on the fate of ASGM-Hg, we analysed riverbank sediments and suspended matter along the partially ASGM-affected Malinowski-Tambopata river system and examined Hg accumulation in fish. In addition, local impacts of atmospheric Hg emissions on aquatic systems were assessed by analysing a sediment core from an oxbow lake. Hg concentrations in riverbank sediments are lower (20-53 ng g-1) than in suspended matter (∼400-4000 ng g-1) due to differences in particle size. Elevated Hg concentrations in suspended matter from ASGM-affected river sections (∼1400 vs. ∼30-120 ng L-1 in unaffected sections) are mainly driven by the increased amount of suspended matter rather than increased Hg concentrations in the suspended matter. The oxbow lake sediment record shows low Hg concentrations (64-86 ng g-1) without evidence of any ASGM-related increase in atmospheric Hg input. Hg flux variations are mostly an effect of variations in sediment accumulation rates. Moreover, only 5% of the analysed fish (only piscivores) exceed WHO recommendations for human consumption (500 ng g-1). Our findings show that ASGM-affected river sections in the Malinowski-Tambopata system do not exhibit increased Hg accumulation, indicating that the released Hg is either retained at the spill site or transported to areas farther away from the ASGM areas. We suspect that the fate of ASGM-Hg in such tropical rivers is mainly linked to transport associated with the suspended matter, especially during high water situations. We assume that our findings are typical for ASGM-affected areas in tropical regions and could explain why aquatic systems in such ASGM regions often show comparatively modest enrichment in Hg levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Moreno-Brush
- Institut für Geoökologie, AG Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany; Professur für Wildtierökologie und Wildtiermanagement, Universität Freiburg, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Johan Rydberg
- Institut für Geoökologie, AG Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nadia Gamboa
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias, Sección Química; GRIDES-PUCP, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú - PUCP, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 32, Peru
| | - Ilse Storch
- Professur für Wildtierökologie und Wildtiermanagement, Universität Freiburg, Tennenbacherstr. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Biester
- Institut für Geoökologie, AG Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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Wang Y, Schaefer JK, Mishra B, Yee N. Intracellular Hg(0) Oxidation in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11049-11056. [PMID: 27654630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The disposal of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) wastes in mining and manufacturing areas has caused serious soil and groundwater contamination issues. Under anoxic conditions, certain anaerobic bacteria can oxidize dissolved elemental mercury and convert the oxidized Hg to neurotoxic methylmercury. In this study, we conducted experiments with the Hg-methylating bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132 to elucidate the role of cellular thiols in anaerobic Hg(0) oxidation. The concentrations of cell-surface and intracellular thiols were measured, and specific fractions of D. desulfuricans ND132 were examined for Hg(0) oxidation activity and analyzed with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The experimental data indicate that intracellular thiol concentrations are approximately six times higher than those of the cell wall. Cells reacted with a thiol-blocking reagent were severely impaired in Hg(0) oxidation activity. Spheroplasts lacking cell walls rapidly oxidized Hg(0) to Hg(II), while cell wall fragments exhibited low reactivity toward Hg(0). EXAFS analysis of spheroplast samples revealed that multiple different forms of Hg-thiols are produced by the Hg(0) oxidation reaction and that the local coordination environment of the oxidized Hg changes with reaction time. The results of this study indicate that Hg(0) oxidation in D. desulfuricans ND132 is an intracellular process that occurs by reaction with thiol-containing molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Wang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Jeffra K Schaefer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Bhoopesh Mishra
- Department of Physics, Illinois Institute of Technology , Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Nathan Yee
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
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25
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Richard JH, Biester H. Mercury removal from contaminated groundwater: Performance and limitations of amalgamation through brass shavings. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 99:272-280. [PMID: 27176550 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Brass shavings have been proposed as a cost-effective filter material to remove Hg from contaminated groundwater. This method, which is based on the reduction of reactive Hg(II) and subsequent formation of amalgams, has been shown to be fast and effective in the short term. However, the effectiveness of brass filters and their stability over the long term, especially if used in passive filter systems such as permeable reactive barriers (PRB) under high flow conditions, is unknown. To evaluate the performance and limitations of brass shavings for Hg removal from contaminated groundwater, we performed long-term pilot scale filtration tests (6 and 28 months) at two former wood impregnation sites with severe groundwater contamination (up to 870 μg L(-1) Hg). The results showed that even under high flow conditions (>60 m d(-1)), 60-80% of the Hg was removed in the first 8 mm of the brass shavings filter bed. The kinetics of filtration, Hg total removal performance (>99.95%), and loading capacity (164 g L(-1)) surpassed those of a Hg-specific synthetic resin (LEWATIT(®)MonoPlus TP-214). However, under natural pH conditions (pH 6.4 and 6.7), Zn was leached from the brass and exceeded the threshold value (0.5 mg L(-1)) in the filter outflow by up to a factor of 40. Increasing pH (>8.5) decreased the Zn concentration (<0.05 mg L(-1)) but affected Hg removal due to the formation of Zn-hydroxide/carbonate coatings on the brass (up to 15% performance reduction). Thus, the use of brass shavings as an exclusive filter material in PRBs is restricted to aquifers with high pH. However, brass is ideal as a low-cost, thin-bed prefilter in onsite systems to remove the main Hg load from groundwater when Zn release is managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Helge Richard
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Harald Biester
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
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Richard JH, Bischoff C, Biester H. Comparing Modeled and Measured Mercury Speciation in Contaminated Groundwater: Importance of Dissolved Organic Matter Composition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:7508-16. [PMID: 27328766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In addition to analytical speciation, reliable Hg species modeling is crucial for predicting the mobility and toxicity of Hg, but geochemical speciation codes have not yet been tested for their prediction accuracy. Our study compares analyses of Hg species in highly Hg-contaminated groundwater (Hgtot: 0.02-4 μmol·L(-1)) at three sites with predictions of Hg speciation obtained from three geochemical codes (WHAM, Visual MINTEQ, PHREEQC) with and without implementation of Hg complexation by dissolved organic matter (DOM). Samples were analyzed for chemical composition, elemental, inorganic, and DOM-bound Hg (Hg(0), Hginorg, HgDOM). Hg-DOM complexation was modeled using three approaches: binding to humic/fulvic acids, binding to thiol-groups, or a combination of both. Results of Hg(0) modeling were poor in all scenarios. Prediction accuracy for Hginorg and HgDOM strongly depended on the assumed DOM composition. Best results were achieved when weaker binding sites, simulated by WHAMs DOM submodel, were combined with strongly binding thiol groups. Indications were found that thiol-DOM ratios in groundwater are likely to be lower than in surface water, highlighting the need for analytical thiol quantification in groundwater DOM. This study shows that DOM quality is a crucial parameter for prediction of Hg speciation in groundwater by means of geochemical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Helge Richard
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Cornelia Bischoff
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Harald Biester
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
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