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Cheng M, Zhang H, Li Y, Chen W. Riboflavin secreted by Shewanella sp. FDL-2 facilitates its reduction of Se(iv) and Te(iv) by promoting electron transfer. RSC Adv 2023; 13:34445-34454. [PMID: 38024980 PMCID: PMC10667860 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07093j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological reduction of selenite (Se(iv)) or tellurite (Te(iv)) to Se0 or Te0 has received increasing attention, as related studies have favored the development of Se/Te pollution control methods. In the presence of the electron donor, the microbes acquired energy and transferred electrons to Se(iv) or Te(iv) to achieve their detoxication. However, the microbial electron transfer pathways involved in this process are still not fully understood. In this study, we reported that marine Shewanella sp. FDL-2 (FDL-2) was capable of reducing Se(iv) and Te(iv) through a novel riboflavin-involved pathway. The results showed that FDL-2 can effectively reduce 10 mM Se(iv) and 5 mM Te(iv) to Se0 and Te0, which was further confirmed by XPS and XRD analyses. RT-qPCR results indicate the upregulation of genes coding flavin-related proteins, and the production of flavin-related substances by strain FDL-2 during Se(iv)/Te(iv) bioreduction was proven by fluorescence chromatography analysis. In addition, the presence of riboflavin enhanced the electron transfer efficiency, indicating its promoting effect on the bioreduction of Se(iv)/Te(iv). Overall, our results highlight a riboflavin-involved electron transfer pathway during Se(iv)/Te(iv) bioreduction and thus deepen our understanding of the corresponding mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Cheng
- Solid-State Fermentation Resource Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Yibin University Yibin City Sichuan Province 644000 China
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University Yantai 264000 China
| | - Haikun Zhang
- Yantai Institute of Costal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences Yantai 264000 China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University Yantai 264000 China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- Solid-State Fermentation Resource Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Yibin University Yibin City Sichuan Province 644000 China
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2
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Yin N, Chang X, Xiao P, Zhou Y, Liu X, Xiong S, Wang P, Cai X, Sun G, Cui Y, Hu Z. Role of microbial iron reduction in arsenic metabolism from soil particle size fractions in simulated human gastrointestinal tract. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107911. [PMID: 37030286 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107911] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota provides protection against arsenic (As) induced toxicity, and As metabolism is considered an important part of risk assessment associated with soil As exposures. However, little is known about microbial iron(III) reduction and its role in metabolism of soil-bound As in the human gut. Here, we determined the dissolution and transformation of As and Fe from incidental ingestion of contaminated soils as a function of particle size (<250 μm, 100-250 μm, 50-100 μm and < 50 μm). Colon incubation with human gut microbiota yielded a high degree of As reduction and methylation of up to 53.4 and 0.074 μg/(log CFU/mL)/hr, respectively; methylation percentage increased with increasing soil organic matter and decreasing soil pore size. We also found significant microbial Fe(III) reduction and high levels of Fe(II) (48 %-100 % of total soluble Fe) may promote the capacity of As methylation. Although no statistical change in Fe phases was observed with low Fe dissolution and high molar Fe/As ratios, higher As bioaccessibility of colon phase (avg. 29.4 %) was mainly contributed from reductive dissolution of As(V)-bearing Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides. Our results suggest that As mobility and biotransformation by human gut microbiota (carrying arrA and arsC genes) are strongly controlled by microbial Fe(III) reduction coupled with soil particle size. This will expand our knowledge on oral bioavailability of soil As and health risks from exposure to contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyi Yin
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhui Chang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimao Xiong
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Cai
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxin Sun
- Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanshan Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhengyi Hu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China; Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, People's Republic of China
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3
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Root RA, Chorover J. Molecular speciation controls arsenic and lead bioaccessibility in fugitive dusts from sulfidic mine tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:288-303. [PMID: 36226550 PMCID: PMC9945096 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00182a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Communities nearby mine wastes in arid and semi-arid regions are potentially exposed to high concentrations of toxic metal(loid)s from fugitive dusts deriving from impoundments. To assess the relation between potentially lofted particles and human health risk, we studied the relationship between pharmacokinetic bioaccessibility and metal(loid) molecular speciation for mine tailings dust particulate matter (PM), with elevated levels of arsenic and lead (up to 59 and 34 mmol kg-1, respectively), by coupling in vitro bioassay (IVBA) with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Mine tailing efflorescent salts (PMES) and PM from the surface crust (0-1 cm, PMSC) and near surface (0-25 cm) were isolated to <10 μm and <150 μm effective spherical diameter (PM10 and PM150) and reacted with synthetic gastric and lung fluid for 30 s to 100 h to investigate toxic metal(loid) release kinetics. Bioaccessible (BAc) fractions of arsenic and lead were about 10 and 100 times greater in gastric than in lung fluid simulant, respectively, and 10-100% of the maximum gastric BAc from PM10 and PM150 occurred within 30 s, with parabolic dissolution of fine, highly-reactive particles followed by slower release from less soluble sources. Evaporite salts were almost completely solubilized in gastric-fluid simulants. Arsenate within jarosite and sorbed to ferrihydrite, and lead from anglesite, were identified by XAS as the principal contaminant sources in the near surface tailings. In the synthetic lung fluid, arsenic was released continuously to 100 h, suggesting that residence time in vivo must be considered for risk determination. Analysis of pre- and post-IVBA PM indicated the release of arsenic in lung fluid was principally from arsenic-substituted jarosite, whereas in synthetic gastric fluid arsenic complexed on ferrihydrite surfaces was preferentially released and subsequently repartitioned to jarosite-like coordination at extended exposures. Lead dissolved at 30 s was subsequently repartitioned back to the solid phase as pyromorphite in phosphate rich lung fluid. The bioaccessibility of lead in surface tailings PM was limited due to robust sequestration in plumbojarosite. Kinetic release of toxic elements in both synthetic biofluids indicated that a single IVBA interval may not adequately describe release dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Root
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, USA.
| | - Jon Chorover
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, USA.
- Arizona Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, USA
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Zou Q, Wei H, Chen Z, Ye P, Zhang J, Sun M, Huang L, Li J. Soil particle size fractions affect arsenic (As) release and speciation: Insights into dissolved organic matter and functional genes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130100. [PMID: 36334574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soil particle size fractions (PSFs) are important for arsenic (As) partitioning, migration, and speciation transformation. However, information is lacking about the environmental fate of As and its distribution on different PSFs. In the present study, two types of soils from mining areas were divided into four PSFs, including coarse sand (2-0.25 mm), fine sand (0.25-0.05 mm), silt (0.05-0.002 mm), and clay (< 0.002 mm) fractions. The results showed that As was enriched in the coarse sand, which was primarily affected by the content of organic carbon (OC), followed by iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn) (hydr)oxides. The elevated total As (TAs), As(III), organic As, Fe(II), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were mainly originated from the clay fraction. The intensified humification degree of DOM and promoted bacterial metabolism related to As/iron bioreduction were also exhibited in the clay fractions. The dynamics of As fractions in soils indicated the potential formation of secondary minerals and re-adsorption of As in the PSFs. The highest abundances of arrA, arsC, arsM, and Geo genes were found in the clay fraction, implying that the clay fraction potentially released more As, including As(III) and organic As. Results from the correlation analysis showed that elevated DOC concentrations promoted the catabolic responses of iron-reducing microorganisms and triggered microbial As detoxification. Overall, this study provides valuable information and guidance for the remediation of As-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zou
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Hang Wei
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Zhiliang Chen
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China.
| | - Ping Ye
- Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 510303, China
| | - Jianqiang Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Mengqiang Sun
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Restoration in Farmland Soil, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
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5
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Zou L, Zhu F, Long ZE, Huang Y. Bacterial extracellular electron transfer: a powerful route to the green biosynthesis of inorganic nanomaterials for multifunctional applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:120. [PMID: 33906693 PMCID: PMC8077780 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles (MNPs) using various biological entities as smart nanofactories has emerged as one of the foremost scientific endeavors in recent years. The biosynthesis process is environmentally friendly, cost-effective and easy to be scaled up, and can also bring neat features to products such as high dispersity and biocompatibility. However, the biomanufacturing of inorganic nanomaterials is still at the trial-and-error stage due to the lack of understanding for underlying mechanism. Dissimilatory metal reduction bacteria, especially Shewanella and Geobacter species, possess peculiar extracellular electron transfer (EET) features, through which the bacteria can pump electrons out of their cells to drive extracellular reduction reactions, and have thus exhibited distinct advantages in controllable and tailorable fabrication of inorganic nanomaterials including MNPs and graphene. Our aim is to present a critical review of recent state-of-the-art advances in inorganic biosynthesis methodologies based on bacterial EET using Shewanella and Geobacter species as typical strains. We begin with a brief introduction about bacterial EET mechanism, followed by reviewing key examples from literatures that exemplify the powerful activities of EET-enabled biosynthesis routes towards the production of a series of inorganic nanomaterials and place a special emphasis on rationally tailoring the structures and properties of products through the fine control of EET pathways. The application prospects of biogenic nanomaterials are then highlighted in multiple fields of (bio-) energy conversion, remediation of organic pollutants and toxic metals, and biomedicine. A summary and outlook are given with discussion on challenges of bio-manufacturing with well-defined controllability. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zou
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation & Utilization From Poyang Lake Wetland, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Fei Zhu
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation & Utilization From Poyang Lake Wetland, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Zhong-Er Long
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation & Utilization From Poyang Lake Wetland, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Yunhong Huang
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Exploitation & Utilization From Poyang Lake Wetland, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
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6
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Park J, Chung H, Kim SH, An J, Nam K. Effect of neutralizing agents on the type of As co-precipitates formed by in situ Fe oxides synthesis and its impact on the bioaccessibility of As in soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140686. [PMID: 32673914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccessibility of heavy metals in soil is closely related to their potential risk. Therefore, developing techniques for reducing it needs considerable attention. In this study, we aimed to co-precipitate soil As(V) through an in situ formation of Fe oxides, thereby reducing its bioaccessibility. Soil As(V) was co-precipitated by introducing 2% Fe-nitrate (w/w) and 30% water (v/w) into soil at pH ~7. Two different neutralizing agents (NaOH and CaO) were used to induce the precipitation of Fe oxides, and their effects on the speciation of As were investigated. In all the stabilized soils, the exchangeable As fraction decreased, and the fraction of As bound to amorphous Fe oxides increased by a factor of more than 1.4. In contrast, a marked decrease in bioaccessibility of As was achieved using NaOH (40% to 7%). X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that highly bioaccessible forms of calcium iron arsenate (yukonite and arseniosiderite) could be generated in CaO-stabilized soil. Our study found that neutralizing agents may play an important role in stabilizing As(V) and lowering its bioaccessibility through determining the type of formed Fe oxides in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhee Park
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyong Chung
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsung An
- Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Semyung University, 65 Semyung-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 27136, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoungphile Nam
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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7
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Deng H, Fitts JP, Tappero RV, Kim JJ, Peters CA. Acid Erosion of Carbonate Fractures and Accessibility of Arsenic-Bearing Minerals: In Operando Synchrotron-Based Microfluidic Experiment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12502-12510. [PMID: 32845141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Underground flows of acidic fluids through fractured rock can create new porosity and increase accessibility to hazardous trace elements such as arsenic. In this study, we developed a custom microfluidic cell for an in operando synchrotron experiment using X-ray attenuation. The experiment mimics reactive fracture flow by passing an acidic fluid over a surface of mineralogically heterogeneous rock from the Eagle Ford shale. Over 48 h, calcite was preferentially dissolved, forming an altered layer 200-500 μm thick with a porosity of 63-68% and surface area >10× higher than that in the unreacted shale as shown by xCT analyses. Calcite dissolution rate quantified from the attenuation data was 3 × 10-4 mol/m2s and decreased to 3 × 10-5 mol/m2s after 24 h because of increasing diffusion limitations. Erosion of the fracture surface increased access to iron-rich minerals, thereby increasing access to toxic metals such as arsenic. Quantification using XRF and XANES microspectroscopy indicated up to 0.5 wt % of As(-I) in arsenopyrite and 1.2 wt % of As(V) associated with ferrihydrite. This study provides valuable contributions for understanding and predicting fracture alteration and changes to the mobilization potential of hazardous metals and metalloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Deng
- Energy Geosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jeffrey P Fitts
- Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Ryan V Tappero
- Photon Sciences Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Julie J Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Catherine A Peters
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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8
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Avasarala S, Brearley AJ, Spilde M, Peterson E, Jiang YB, Benavidez A, Cerrato JM. Crystal Chemistry of Carnotite in Abandoned Mine Wastes. MINERALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:883. [PMID: 33425380 PMCID: PMC7793562 DOI: 10.3390/min10100883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The crystal chemistry of carnotite (prototype formula: K2(UO2)2(VO4)2·3H2O) occurring in mine wastes collected from Northeastern Arizona was investigated by integrating spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction analyses. Raman spectroscopy confirms that the uranyl vanadate phase present in the mine waste is carnotite, rather than the rarer polymorph vandermeerscheite. X-ray diffraction patterns of the carnotite occurring in these mine wastes are in agreement with those reported in the literature for a synthetic analog. Carbon detected in this carnotite was identified as organic carbon inclusions using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses. After excluding C and correcting for K-drift from the electron microprobe analyses, the composition of the carnotite was determined as 8.64% K2O, 0.26% CaO, 61.43% UO3, 20.26% V2O5, 0.38% Fe2O3, and 8.23% H2O. The empirical formula, (K1.66 Ca0.043 Al(OH)2+ 0.145 Fe(OH)2+ 0.044)((U0.97)O2)2((V1.005)O4)2·4H2O of the studied carnotite, with an atomic ratio 1.9:2:2 for K:U:V, is similar to the that of carnotite (K2(UO2)2(VO4)2·3H2O) reported in the literature. Lattice spacing data determined using selected area electron diffraction (SAED)-TEM suggests: (1) complete amorphization of the carnotite within 120 s of exposure to the electron beam and (2) good agreement of the measured d-spacings for carnotite in the literature. Small Differences between the measured and literature d-spacing values are likely due to the varying degree of hydration between natural and synthetic materials. Such information about the crystal chemistry of carnotite in mine wastes is important for an improved understanding of the occurrence and reactivity of U, V, and other elements in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant Avasarala
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Adrian J. Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Ying-Bing Jiang
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC 01 1120, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction & Engineering, MSC01 1070, Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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9
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Sharma A, Muyskens A, Guinness J, Polizzotto ML, Fuentes M, Tappero RV, Chen-Wiegart YCK, Thieme J, Williams GJ, Acerbo AS, Hesterberg D. Multi-element effects on arsenate accumulation in a geochemical matrix determined using µ-XRF, µ-XANES and spatial statistics. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:1967-1979. [PMID: 31721742 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519012785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soils regulate the environmental impacts of trace elements, but direct measurements of reaction mechanisms in these complex, multi-component systems can be challenging. The objective of this work was to develop approaches for assessing effects of co-localized geochemical matrix elements on the accumulation and chemical speciation of arsenate applied to a soil matrix. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe (µ-XRF) images collected across 100 µm × 100 µm and 10 µm × 10 µm regions of a naturally weathered soil sand-grain coating before and after treatment with As(V) solution showed strong positive partial correlations (r' = 0.77 and 0.64, respectively) between accumulated As and soil Fe, with weaker partial correlations (r' > 0.1) between As and Ca, and As and Zn in the larger image. Spatial and non-spatial regression models revealed a dominant contribution of Fe and minor contributions of Ca and Ti in predicting accumulated As, depending on the size of the sample area analyzed. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of an area of the sand grain showed a significant correlation (r = 0.51) between Fe and Al, so effects of Fe versus Al (hydr)oxides on accumulated As could not be separated. Fitting results from 25 As K-edge microscale X-ray absorption near-edge structure (µ-XANES) spectra collected across a separate 10 µm × 10 µm region showed ∼60% variation in proportions of Fe(III) and Al(III)-bound As(V) standards, and fits to µ-XANES spectra collected across the 100 µm × 100 µm region were more variable. Consistent with insights from studies on model systems, the results obtained here indicate a dominance of Fe and possibly Al (hydr)oxides in controlling As(V) accumulation within microsites of the soil matrix analyzed, but the analyses inferred minor augmentation from co-localized Ti, Ca and possibly Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Sharma
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Amanda Muyskens
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Joseph Guinness
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Matthew L Polizzotto
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Montserrat Fuentes
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Ryan V Tappero
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Yu Chen K Chen-Wiegart
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Juergen Thieme
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Garth J Williams
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Alvin S Acerbo
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Dean Hesterberg
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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10
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Fu B, Hower JC, Dai S, Mardon SM, Liu G. Determination of Chemical Speciation of Arsenic and Selenium in High-As Coal Combustion Ash by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Examples from a Kentucky Stoker Ash. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:17637-17645. [PMID: 31458363 PMCID: PMC6643703 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b02929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the chemical speciation of arsenic and selenium in coal fly ash is essential in the evaluation of the environmental behavior of fly ash disposed in a landfill in a natural environment. In this study, a series of high-As coal fly ash from stoker boilers were collected to determine the chemical forms of arsenic and selenium. The ash surface chemical characteristics and the speciation of arsenic and selenium were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray-induced Auger electron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the surface enrichment ratio for selenium (63.3-309.5) is higher than that of arsenic (1.2-21.2). The Wagner chemical-state plot of arsenic indicates that As is mainly present as As(V) bonded to oxygen ligands, that is, the [AsO4]3- anion; Se is found predominantly as elemental Se (62.0-83.3%), followed by selenite (16.7-38%). The extreme enrichment of both arsenic and selenium arsenic is controlled by iron oxides in the coal fly ash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Fu
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of
Earth and Space Sciences, University of
Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - James C. Hower
- Center
for Applied Energy Research, University
of Kentucky, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, United States
- E-mail: (J.C.H.)
| | - Shifeng Dai
- State
Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, China, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sarah M. Mardon
- Office
of Philanthropy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Guijian Liu
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of
Earth and Space Sciences, University of
Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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11
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Wang Z, Guo H, Xiu W, Wang J, Shen M. High arsenic groundwater in the Guide basin, northwestern China: Distribution and genesis mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 640-641:194-206. [PMID: 29859436 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
High arsenic (As) groundwater has been found in Pliocene confined aquifers at depths from 100 to 300 m of the Guide basin, but little is known on the main hydrogeochemical processes leading to its elevated concentrations. Ninety-seven water samples and fifty-three sediment samples were collected for chemical and/or isotopic analysis. Concentrations of As in groundwater of confined aquifer range from 9.9 to 377 μg/L (average 109 μg/L), which generally show a sharply increasing trend along with NH4+, HCO3-, CO32- and TOC along the inferred flow path, while NO3-, SO42-/Cl- and redox potential (Eh) have decreasing trends. Results of sequential extraction show that As bound to amorphous and crystalline Fe oxide minerals are the main As forms, accounting for around 50% of total As in sediments. Reductive dissolution of As-bearing Fe(III) oxide minerals under reducing conditions in confined aquifers lead to the mobilization of As in groundwater. In addition, alkaline environment and high concentrations of HCO3- and CO32- may make contributions to As enrichment in groundwater. High As groundwater in confined aquifer continuously flows out on the ground surface through tens of artesian wells, which may potentially contaminate low As groundwater in unconfined aquifer. Thus, further investigation is needed to evaluate long-term variations of water chemistry of low As groundwater and assess vulnerability of unconfined aquifer to As contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution & School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Huaming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution & School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Wei Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Jiao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution & School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution & School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, PR China
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12
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Avasarala S, Lichtner PC, Ali AMS, González-Pinzón R, Blake JM, Cerrato JM. Reactive Transport of U and V from Abandoned Uranium Mine Wastes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:12385-12393. [PMID: 29017012 PMCID: PMC5751750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The reactive transport of uranium (U) and vanadium(V) from abandoned mine wastes collected from the Blue Gap/Tachee Claim-28 mine site in Arizona was investigated by integrating flow-through column experiments with reactive transport modeling, and electron microscopy. The mine wastes were sequentially reacted in flow-through columns at pH 7.9 (10 mM HCO3-) and pH 3.4 (10 mM CH3COOH) to evaluate the effect of environmentally relevant conditions encountered at Blue Gap/Tachee on the release of U and V. The reaction rate constants (km) for the dissolution of uranyl-vanadate (U-V) minerals predominant at Blue Gap/Tachee were obtained from simulations with the reactive transport software, PFLOTRAN. The estimated reaction rate constants were within 1 order of magnitude for pH 7.9 (km = 4.8 × 10-13 mol cm-2 s-1) and pH 3.4 (km = 3.2 × 10-13 mol cm-2 s-1). However, the estimated equilibrium constants (Keq) for U-V bearing minerals were more than 6 orders of magnitude different for reaction at circumneutral pH (Keq = 10-38.65) compared to acidic pH (Keq = 10-44.81). These results coupled with electron microscopy data suggest that the release of U and V is affected by water pH and the crystalline structure of U-V bearing minerals. The findings from this investigation have important implications for risk exposure assessment, remediation, and resource recovery of U and V in locations where U-V-bearing minerals are abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Johanna M. Blake
- Department of Chemistry, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070
- Corresponding AuthorPhone: (001) (505) 277-0870; fax: (001) (505) 277-1918;
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13
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Elmes M, Gasparon M. Sampling and single particle analysis for the chemical characterisation of fine atmospheric particulates: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 202:137-150. [PMID: 28732276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the potential environmental and human health impacts of fine airborne particulate matter (APM), detailed physical and chemical characterisation is required. The only means to accurately distinguish between the multiple compositions in APM is by single particle analysis. A variety of methods and instruments are available, which range from filter-based sample collection for off-line laboratory analysis to on-line instruments that detect the airborne particles and generate size distribution and chemical data in real time. There are many reasons for sampling particulates in the ambient atmosphere and as a consequence, different measurement strategies and sampling devices are used depending on the scientific objectives and subsequent analytical techniques. This review is designed as a guide to some of the techniques available for the sampling and subsequent chemical analysis of individual inorganic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Elmes
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Massimo Gasparon
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia; National Institute of Science and Technology on Mineral Resources, Water and Biodiversity (INCT-Acqua), Brazil.
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14
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Martin R, Dowling K, Pearce DC, Florentine S, McKnight S, Stelcer E, Cohen DD, Stopic A, Bennett JW. Trace metal content in inhalable particulate matter (PM 2.5-10 and PM 2.5) collected from historical mine waste deposits using a laboratory-based approach. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2017; 39:549-563. [PMID: 27146864 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mine wastes and tailings are considered hazardous to human health because of their potential to generate large quantities of highly toxic emissions of particulate matter (PM). Human exposure to As and other trace metals in PM may occur via inhalation of airborne particulates or through ingestion of contaminated dust. This study describes a laboratory-based method for extracting PM2.5-10 (coarse) and PM2.5 (fine) particles from As-rich mine waste samples collected from an historical gold mining region in regional, Victoria, Australia. We also report on the trace metal and metalloid content of the coarse and fine fraction, with an emphasis on As as an element of potential concern. Laser diffraction analysis showed that the proportions of coarse and fine particles in the bulk samples ranged between 3.4-26.6 and 0.6-7.6 %, respectively. Arsenic concentrations were greater in the fine fraction (1680-26,100 mg kg-1) compared with the coarse fraction (1210-22,000 mg kg-1), and Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb and Zn were found to be present in the fine fraction at levels around twice those occurring in the coarse. These results are of particular concern given that fine particles can accumulate in the human respiratory system. Our study demonstrates that mine wastes may be an important source of metal-enriched PM for mining communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Martin
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kim Dowling
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Dora C Pearce
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Stafford McKnight
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Eduard Stelcer
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David D Cohen
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Attila Stopic
- Neutron Activation Group, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John W Bennett
- Neutron Activation Group, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
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15
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Vena MP, Jobbágy M, Bilmes SA. Microorganism mediated biosynthesis of metal chalcogenides; a powerful tool to transform toxic effluents into functional nanomaterials. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 565:804-810. [PMID: 27157896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium contained in soil and water can be taken up by certain crops and aquatic organisms and accumulate in the food-chain, thus removal of Cd from mining or industrial effluents - i.e. Ni-Cd batteries, electroplating, pigments, fertilizers - becomes mandatory for human health. In parallel, there is an increased interest in the production of luminescent Q-dots for applications in bioimaging, sensors and electronic devices, even the present synthesis methods are economic and environmentally costly. An alternative green pathway for producing Metal chalcogenides (MC: CdS, CdSe, CdTe) nanocrystals is based on the metabolic activity of living organisms. Intracellular and extracellular biosynthesis of can be achieved within a biomimetic approach feeding living organisms with Cd precursors providing new routes for combining bioremediation with green routes for producing MC nanoparticles. In this mini-review we present the state-of-the-art of biosynthesis of MC nanoparticles with a critical discussion of parameters involved and protocols. Few existing examples of scaling-up are also discussed. A modular reactor based on microorganisms entrapped in biocompatible mineral matrices - already proven for bioremediation of dissolved dyes - is proposed for combining both Cd-depletion and MC nanoparticle's production.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paula Vena
- INQUIMAE (CONICET), DQIAQF, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Jobbágy
- INQUIMAE (CONICET), DQIAQF, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara A Bilmes
- INQUIMAE (CONICET), DQIAQF, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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16
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Ollson CJ, Smith E, Scheckel KG, Betts AR, Juhasz AL. Assessment of arsenic speciation and bioaccessibility in mine-impacted materials. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 313:130-137. [PMID: 27060218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.03.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mine-impacted materials were collected from Victoria, Australia and categorized into three source materials; tailings (n=35), calcinated (n=10) and grey slimes (n=5). Arsenic (As) concentrations in these materials varied over several orders of magnitude (30-47,000mgkg(-1)), with median concentrations of 500, 10,800 and 1500mgkg(-1), respectively. When As bioaccessibility was assessed using the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC) assay, As bioaccessibility ranged between 4 and 90%, with mean gastric phase values of 30%, 49% and 82% for tailings, calcinated and grey slimes, respectively. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that As bioaccessibility was significantly different (P<0.05) between source materials. This was due to differences in As mineralogy, soil particle size as well as the concentration and nature of Fe present. X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) analysis identified arseniosiderite, yukonite, realgar, loellingite and mineral sorbed arsenate species in mine-impacted materials. Despite differences in physicochemical properties, 'mine wastes' are often reported under a generic descriptor. Outcomes from this research highlight that variability in As bioaccessibility can be prescribed to As mineralogy and matrix physicochemical properties, while categorizing samples into sub-groups can provide some notional indication of potential exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Ollson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
| | - Euan Smith
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, Cincinnati, OH 45224-1701 USA
| | - Aaron R Betts
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, Cincinnati, OH 45224-1701 USA
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
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17
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Deonarine A, Kolker A, Foster AL, Doughten MW, Holland JT, Bailoo JD. Arsenic Speciation in Bituminous Coal Fly Ash and Transformations in Response to Redox Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:6099-106. [PMID: 27186791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The risk of the mobilization of coal ash into the environment has highlighted the need for the assessment of the environmental behavior of coal ash, particularly with respect to toxic trace elements such as arsenic (As). Here, we examined As speciation in coal fly ash samples and transformations in response to aquatic redox conditions. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that 92-97% of total As occurred as As(V), with the remainder present as As(III). Major As-bearing hosts in unamended ashes were glass, iron (oxyhydr)oxides, and calcium arsenate. Oxic leaching resulted in immediate As mobilization to the aqueous phase, reprecipitation of As-iron ferrihydrite, and As adsorption to mineral surfaces. Under anoxic conditions, the (reductive) dissolution of As-bearing phases such as iron ferrihydrite resulted in increased dissolved As compared to oxic conditions and reprecipitation of iron arsenate. Overall, As in coal ash is not environmentally stable and can participate in local biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- US Geological Survey , 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
| | - Allan Kolker
- US Geological Survey , 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
| | - Andrea L Foster
- US Geological Survey , 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Michael W Doughten
- US Geological Survey , 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
| | - James T Holland
- US Geological Survey , 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
| | - Jeremy D Bailoo
- US Geological Survey , 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, United States
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18
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Root RA, Hayes SM, Hammond CM, Maier RM, Chorover J. Toxic metal(loid) speciation during weathering of iron sulfide mine tailings under semi-arid climate. APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY : JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOCHEMISTRY AND COSMOCHEMISTRY 2015; 62:131-149. [PMID: 26549929 PMCID: PMC4632981 DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metalliferous mine-tailings pose a significant health risk to ecosystems and neighboring communities from wind and water dispersion of particulates containing high concentrations of toxic metal(loid)s (e.g., Pb, As, Zn). Tailings are particularly vulnerable to erosion before vegetative cover can be reestablished, i.e., decades or longer in semi-arid environments without intervention. Metal(loid) speciation, linked directly to bioaccessibility and lability, is controlled by mineral weathering and is a key consideration when assessing human and environmental health risks associated with mine sites. At the semi-arid Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter Superfund site in central Arizona, the mineral assemblage of the top 2 m of tailings has been previously characterized. A distinct redox gradient was observed in the top 0.5 m of the tailings and the mineral assemblage indicates progressive transformation of ferrous iron sulfides to ferrihydrite and gypsum, which, in turn weather to form schwertmannite and then jarosite accompanied by a progressive decrease in pH (7.3 to 2.3). Within the geochemical context of this reaction front, we examined enriched toxic metal(loid)s As, Pb, and Zn with surficial concentrations 41.1, 10.7, 39.3 mM kg-1 (3080, 2200, and 2570 mg kg-1), respectively. The highest bulk concentrations of As and Zn occur at the redox boundary representing a 1.7 and 4.2 fold enrichment relative to surficial concentrations, respectively, indicating the translocation of toxic elements from the gossan zone to either the underlying redox boundary or the surface crust. Metal speciation was also examined as a function of depth using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The deepest sample (180 cm) contains sulfides (e.g., pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite). Samples from the redox transition zone (25-54 cm) contain a mixture of sulfides, carbonates (siderite, ankerite, cerrusite, and smithsonite) and metal(loid)s sorbed to neoformed secondary Fe phases, principally ferrihydrite. In surface samples (0-35 cm), metal(loid)s are found as sorbed species or incorporated into secondary Fe hydroxysulfate phases, such as schwertmannite and jarosites. Metal-bearing efflorescent salts (e.g., ZnSO4·nH2O) were detected in the surficial sample. Taken together, these data suggest the bioaccessibility and lability of metal(loid)s are altered by mineral weathering, which results in both the downward migration of metal(loid)s to the redox boundary, as well as the precipitation of metal salts at the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Root
- Address correspondence to Robert Root, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 E. 4 St, Shantz 429, Tucson, AZ 85721 Telephone: +1 520-626-1307, Fax: 520-626-1647,
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19
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Blake JM, Avasarala S, Artyushkova K, Ali AMS, Brearley AJ, Shuey C, Robinson WP, Nez C, Bill S, Lewis J, Hirani C, Pacheco JSL, Cerrato JM. Elevated Concentrations of U and Co-occurring Metals in Abandoned Mine Wastes in a Northeastern Arizona Native American Community. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:8506-14. [PMID: 26158204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The chemical interactions of U and co-occurring metals in abandoned mine wastes in a Native American community in northeastern Arizona were investigated using spectroscopy, microscopy and aqueous chemistry. The concentrations of U (67-169 μg L(-1)) in spring water samples exceed the EPA maximum contaminant limit of 30 μg L(-1). Elevated U (6,614 mg kg(-1)), V (15,814 mg kg(-1)), and As (40 mg kg(-1)) concentrations were detected in mine waste solids. Spectroscopy (XPS and XANES) solid analyses identified U (VI), As (-I and III) and Fe (II, III). Linear correlations for the release of U vs V and As vs Fe were observed for batch experiments when reacting mine waste solids with 10 mM ascorbic acid (∼pH 3.8) after 264 h. The release of U, V, As, and Fe was at least 4-fold lower after reaction with 10 mM bicarbonate (∼pH 8.3). These results suggest that U-V mineral phases similar to carnotite [K2(UO2)2V2O8] and As-Fe-bearing phases control the availability of U and As in these abandoned mine wastes. Elevated concentrations of metals are of concern due to human exposure pathways and exposure of livestock currently ingesting water in the area. This study contributes to understanding the occurrence and mobility of metals in communities located close to abandoned mine waste sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Blake
- †Department of Chemistry, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Sumant Avasarala
- ‡Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Kateryna Artyushkova
- §Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- ∥Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian J Brearley
- ∥Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Christopher Shuey
- ⊥Southwest Research and Information Center, P.O. Box 4524, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87196, United States
| | - Wm Paul Robinson
- ⊥Southwest Research and Information Center, P.O. Box 4524, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87196, United States
| | - Christopher Nez
- #Tachee Uranium Concerns Committee, Blue Gap, Arizona 86520, United States
| | - Sadie Bill
- #Tachee Uranium Concerns Committee, Blue Gap, Arizona 86520, United States
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- ∇Community Environmental Health Program, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Chris Hirani
- ○Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Juan S Lezama Pacheco
- ◆Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- ‡Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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20
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Gonzales P, Felix O, Alexander C, Lutz E, Ela W, Eduardo Sáez A. Laboratory dust generation and size-dependent characterization of metal and metalloid-contaminated mine tailings deposits. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 280:619-26. [PMID: 25222928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The particle size distribution of mine tailings material has a major impact on the atmospheric transport of metal and metalloid contaminants by dust. Implications to human health should be assessed through a holistic size-resolved characterization involving multidisciplinary research, which requires large uniform samples of dust that are difficult to collect using conventional atmospheric sampling instruments. To address this limitation, we designed a laboratory dust generation and fractionation system capable of producing several grams of dust from bulk materials. The equipment was utilized in the characterization of tailings deposits from the arsenic and lead-contaminated Iron King Superfund site in Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona. Results show that metal and metalloid contaminants are more concentrated in particles of < 10 μm aerodynamic diameter, which are likely to affect surrounding communities and ecosystems. In addition, we traced the transport of contaminated particles from the tailings to surrounding soils by identifying Pb and Sr isotopic signatures in soil samples. The equipment and methods developed for this assessment ensure uniform samples for further multidisciplinary studies, thus providing a tool for comprehensive representation of emission sources and associated risks of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gonzales
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Omar Felix
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Caitlin Alexander
- Division of Community, Environment, and Policy, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1656 E. Mabel St., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Eric Lutz
- Division of Community, Environment, and Policy, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1656 E. Mabel St., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Wendell Ela
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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21
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Mandaliev PN, Mikutta C, Barmettler K, Kotsev T, Kretzschmar R. Arsenic species formed from arsenopyrite weathering along a contamination gradient in Circumneutral river floodplain soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 48:208-217. [PMID: 24283255 DOI: 10.1021/es403210y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a toxic trace element, which commonly occurs as contaminant in riverine floodplains and associated wetlands affected by mining and ore processing. In this study, we investigated the solid-phase speciation of As in river floodplain soils characterized by circumneutral pH (5.7-7.1) and As concentrations of up to 40.3 g/kg caused by former mining of arsenopyrite-rich ores. Soil samples collected in the floodplain of Ogosta River (Bulgaria) were size-fractionated and subsequently analyzed using a combination of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and selective chemical extraction of poorly crystalline mineral phases. Arsenic and Fe were found to be spatially correlated and both elements were strongly enriched in the fine soil particle size fractions (<2 μm and 2-50 μm). Between 14 and 82% of the total As was citrate-ascorbate extractable. Molar As/Fe ratios were as high as 0.34 in the bulk soil extracts and increased up to 0.48 in extracts of the fine particle size fractions. Arsenic K-edge XAS spectra showed the predominance of As(V) and were well fitted with a reference spectrum of As(V) adsorbed to ferrihydrite. Whereas no As(III) was detected, considerable amounts of As(-I) were present and identified as arsenopyrite originating from the mining waste. Iron K-edge XAS revealed that in addition to As(V) adsorbed to ferrihydrite, X-ray amorphous As(V)-rich hydrous ferric oxides ("As-HFO") with a reduced number of corner-sharing FeO6 octahedra relative to ferrihydrite were the dominating secondary As species in the soils. The extremely high concentrations of As in the fine particle size fractions (up to 214 g/kg) and its association with poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and As-HFO phases suggest a high As mobilization potential under both oxic and anoxic conditions, as well as a high bioaccessibility of As upon ingestion, dermal contact, or inhalation by humans or animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar N Mandaliev
- Soil Chemistry Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich , CHN, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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