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Wang Z, Dai S, Cowan EA, Dietrich M, Schlesinger WH, Wu Q, Zhou M, Seramur KC, Das D, Vengosh A. Isotopic Signatures and Outputs of Lead from Coal Fly Ash Disposal in China, India, and the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12259-12269. [PMID: 37556313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and technology to reduce the atmospheric emission of Pb from burning coal for power generation, minimal attention has been paid to Pb associated with coal ash disposal in the environment. This study investigates the isotopic signatures and output rates of Pb in fly ash disposal in China, India, and the United States. Pairwise comparison between feed coal and fly ash samples collected from coal-fired power plants from each country shows that the Pb isotope composition of fly ash largely resembles that of feed coal, and its isotopic distinction allows for tracing the release of Pb from coal fly ash into the environment. Between 2000 and 2020, approx. 236, 56, and 46 Gg Pb from fly ash have been disposed in China, India, and the U.S., respectively, posing a significant environmental burden. A Bayesian Pb isotope mixing model shows that during the past 40 to 70 years, coal fly ash has contributed significantly higher Pb (∼26%) than leaded gasoline (∼7%) to Pb accumulation in the sediments of five freshwater lakes in North Carolina, U.S.A. This implies that the release of disposed coal fly ash Pb at local and regional scales can outweigh that of other anthropogenic Pb sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Shifeng Dai
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Matthew Dietrich
- The Polis Center, IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - William H Schlesinger
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Mingxuan Zhou
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Keith C Seramur
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Debabrata Das
- Department of Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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2
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Rivera NA, Ling FT, Jin Z, Pattammattel A, Yan H, Chu YS, Peters CA, Hsu-Kim H. Nanoscale heterogeneity of arsenic and selenium species in coal fly ash particles: analysis using enhanced spectroscopic imaging and speciation techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. NANO 2023; 10:1768-1777. [PMID: 37457049 PMCID: PMC10339362 DOI: 10.1039/d2en01056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion byproducts are known to be enriched in arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). This enrichment is a concern during the handling, disposal, and reuse of the ash as both elements can be harmful to wildlife and humans if mobilized into water and soils. The leaching potential and bioaccessibility of As and Se in coal fly ash depends on the chemical forms of these elements and their association with the large variety of particles that comprise coal fly ash. The overall goal of this research was to determine nanoscale and microscale solid phase mineral associations and oxidation states of As and Se in fly ash. We utilized nanoscale 2D imaging (30-50 nm spot size) with the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN) in combination with microprobe X-ray capabilities (∼5 μm resolution) to determine the As and Se elemental associations. Speciation of As and Se was also measured at the nano- to microscale with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The enhanced resolution of HXN showed As and Se as either diffusely located around or comingled with Ca- and Fe-rich particles. The results also showed nanoparticles of Se attached to the surface of fly ash grains. Overall, a comparison of As and Se species across scales highlights the heterogeneity and complexity of chemical associations for these trace elements of concern in coal fly ash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
| | - Florence T Ling
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University Princeton New Jersey 08544 USA
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, La Salle University Philadelphia PA 19141 USA
| | - Zehao Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
| | - Ajith Pattammattel
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Hanfei Yan
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Yong S Chu
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Catherine A Peters
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University Princeton New Jersey 08544 USA
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University Box 90287 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA
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3
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Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
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4
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Wang X, Garrabrants AC, Chen Z, van der Sloot HA, Brown KG, Qiu Q, Delapp RC, Hensel B, Kosson DS. The influence of redox conditions on aqueous-solid partitioning of arsenic and selenium in a closed coal ash impoundment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128255. [PMID: 35042166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A closed coal ash impoundment case study characterized the effects of field redox conditions on arsenic and selenium partitioning through monitoring of porewater and subsurface gas in conjunction with geochemical speciation modeling. When disposed coal ash materials and porewater were recovered for testing, oxidation led to lower arsenic and higher selenium concentrations in leaching test extracts compared to porewater measurements. Multiple lines of evidence suggest multiple mechanisms of arsenic retention are plausible and the concurrent presence of several redox processes and conditions (e.g., methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, and Fe(III)-reduction) controlled by spatial gradients and dis-equilibrium. Geochemical speciation modeling indicated that, under reducing field conditions, selenium was immobilized through the formation of insoluble precipitates Se(0) or FeSe while arsenic partitioning was affected by a progression of reactions including changes in arsenic speciation, reduction in adsorption due to dissolution and recrystallization of hydrous ferric oxides, and precipitation of arsenic sulfide minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Andrew C Garrabrants
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Zhiliang Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Hans A van der Sloot
- Hans van der Sloot Consultancy, Glenn Millerhof 29, 1628 TS Hoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin G Brown
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Qili Qiu
- School of Environmental Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211167, China
| | - Rossane C Delapp
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States
| | - Bruce Hensel
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States.
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Wei X, Li X, Tang L, Yu J, Deng J, Luo T, Liang J, Chen X, Zhou Y. Exploring the role of Fe species from biochar-iron composites in the removal and long-term immobilization of SeO 42- against competing oxyanions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126311. [PMID: 34118543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126311] [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: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Carbothermal reduction is a convenient and cost-effective method to produce biochar (BC) supported iron-based nano-particles (INP) for oxyanion contaminants removal. However, considering the possible desorption of the target oxyanion during change of the surrounding environment, the detailed removal mechanisms remain unclear and the long-term efficiency of different INPs cannot be predicted. In this study, different BC/Fe composites were synthesized by controlling the pyrolysis temperatures (500-800 °C). BC/Fe3O4 composite synthesized at 500 °C (BC/Fe500) possessed the strongest surface acidity thus with the best SeO42- removal performance, and BC/Fe0/Fe3O4 composite synthesized at 650 °C (BC/Fe650) possessed the best reducing ability toward SeO42-. Through the co-removal experiments (SeO42- and common competing oxyanions co-existed) and the investigation of Se stability loaded on BC/Fe composites, the removal of SeO42- by BC/Fe500 through highly reversible adsorption could not achieve long-term immobilization of Se, making it an appropriate adsorbent for pre-treatment only, while the efficient reduction of SeO42- to Se0 by BC/Fe650 could largely improve its long-term stability. This study supplies a possible strategy for Se immobilization against common competing oxyanions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
| | - Jiangfang Yu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resource, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ting Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xuwu Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yaoyu Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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6
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Wang Z, Coyte RM, Cowan EA, Stapleton HM, Dwyer GS, Vengosh A. Evaluation and Integration of Geochemical Indicators for Detecting Trace Levels of Coal Fly Ash in Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10387-10397. [PMID: 34282893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs), in particular, coal fly ash, are one of the major industrial solid wastes in the U.S., and due to their high concentrations of toxic elements, they could pose environmental and human health risks. Yet detecting coal fly ash in the environment is challenging given its small particle size. Here, we explore the utility and sensitivity of using geochemical indicators (trace elements, Ra nuclides, and Pb stable isotopes), combined with physical observation by optical point counting, for detecting the presence of trace levels of coal fly ash particles in surface soils near two coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and Tennessee. Through experimental work, mixing models, and field data, we show that trace elements can serve as a first-order detection tool for fly ash presence in surface soils; however, the accuracy and sensitivity of detection is limited for cases with low fly ash proportion (i.e., <10%) in the soil, which requires the integration of more robust Ra and Pb isotopic tracers. This study revealed the presence of fly ash particles in surface soils from both the recreational and residential areas, which suggests the fugitive emission of fly ash from the nearby coal-fired power plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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7
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Li Q, Wang Y, Xing L, Qi T, Zhang L, Liu J, Zhang S, Ma Y, Wang L. Selenium uptake and simultaneous catalysis of sulfite oxidation in ammonia-based desulfurization. J Environ Sci (China) 2021; 103:207-218. [PMID: 33743903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Accelerating the (NH4)2SO3 oxidation gives rise to the reclaiming of byproduct, while there are secondary environmental risks from reduction of the coexisted selenium species by sulfite. In this study, a bi-functional Co-SBA-15-SH, were synthesized through Co impregnation and sulfhydryl (-SH) decoration, which can simultaneously uptake Se and accelerate sulfite oxidation efficiently. Meanwhile, the adsorption kinetics and migration mechanism of Se species were revealed through characterization and density functional calculations, with maximum adsorption capacity of 223 mg/g. The inhibition of Se0 re-emission and poisonous effect of Se on sulfite oxidation was also investigated. Using the findings of this study, the ammonia desulfurization can be improved by enabling purification of the byproduct and lowering the toxicity of effluent by removing toxic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangwei Li
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Yuguo Wang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Lei Xing
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Tieyue Qi
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China
| | - Shihan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, P.R. China
| | - Yongliang Ma
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lidong Wang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, PR China.
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8
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Magnetic Sorbent for the Removal of Selenium(IV) from Simulated Industrial Wastewaters: Determination of Column Kinetic Parameters. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12051234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A novel meso- and microporous tire-derived-carbon support with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle adsorbents that selectively adsorbs Se(IV) ions from simulated contaminated water has been developed. In this work, the physicochemical characteristics of the composite adsorbent are characterized with respect to porosity and surface area, chemical composition, and microstructure morphology. The kinetics of this composite adsorbent in a fixed-bed setting has been determined. Several column runs were conducted and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the concentration gradient vs time. These results were then fit to a pseudo-second order rate law to obtain equilibrium values. Combining calculated equilibrium values with effluent concentration data, enabled the application of the Adams–Bohart model to determine reaction constants and column coefficients. Column parameters obtained from different flow rates and fittings of the Adams–Bohart model were remarkably consistent. These findings enable the application of this sorbent to fixed-bed column systems and opens up further research into mixed pollutants tests with real wastewater and scaling of selenium pollutant removal.
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9
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Wang H, Chen H, Chernick M, Li D, Ying GG, Yang J, Zheng N, Xie L, Hinton DE, Dong W. Selenomethionine exposure affects chondrogenic differentiation and bone formation in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121720. [PMID: 31812480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Excess selenium entering the aquatic environment from anthropogenic activities has been associated with developmental abnormalities in fish including skeletal deformities of the head and spine. However, mechanisms of this developmental toxicity have not been well-characterized. In this study, Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos were exposed to seleno-l-methionine (Se-Met) in a range of concentrations. Gene expression was evaluated for sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related box (Sox9a and Sox9b), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and melatonin receptor (Mtr). Alterations in the length of Meckel's cartilage, tail curvature, and decreased calcification were observed in skeletal stains at 10- and 22-days post-fertilization (dpf). Embryonic exposure of Osterix-mCherry transgenic medaka resulted in fewer teeth. Sox9a and Sox9b were up-regulated, while Runx2 and Mtr were down-regulated by Se-Met prior to hatch. Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) localized gene expression to areas observed to be affected in vivo. In addition, Se-Met exposures of a Mtr morpholino (Mtr-MO) as well as Luzindole exposed embryos developed similar skeletal malformations, supporting involvement of Mtr. These findings demonstrate that Se-Met modulates expression of key genes involved in chondrogenic differentiation and bone formation during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities/Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Tongliao, 028000, China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Melissa Chernick
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Dan Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jingfeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities/Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Tongliao, 028000, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - David E Hinton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Wu Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities/Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Tongliao, 028000, China; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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10
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Vengosh A, Cowan EA, Coyte RM, Kondash AJ, Wang Z, Brandt JE, Dwyer GS. Evidence for unmonitored coal ash spills in Sutton Lake, North Carolina: Implications for contamination of lake ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:1090-1103. [PMID: 31200305 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs, also known as "coal ash") contain high concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic elements that can pose ecological and human health risks upon their release into the environment. About half of the CCRs that are generated annually in the U.S. are stored in coal ash impoundments and landfills, in most cases adjacent to coal plants and waterways. Leaking of coal ash ponds and CCR spills are major environmental concerns. One factor which may impact the safety of CCRs stored in impoundments and landfills is the storage area's predisposition to flooding. The southeastern U.S., in particular, has a large number of coal ash impoundments located in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. In order to test for the possible presence of CCR solids in lake sediments following Hurricane Florence, we analyzed the magnetic susceptibility, microscopic screening, trace element composition, and strontium isotope ratios of bottom sediments collected in 2015 and in 2018 from Sutton Lake in eastern North Carolina and compared them to a reference lake. The results suggest multiple, apparently previously unmonitored, CCR spills into Sutton Lake from adjacent CCR storage sites. The enrichment of metals in Sutton Lake sediments, particularly those with known ecological impact such as As, Se, Cu, Sb, Ni, Cd, V, and Tl, was similar to or even higher than those in stream sediments impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Kingston, Tennessee, and the Dan River, North Carolina coal ash spills, and exceeded ecological screening standards for sediments. High levels of contaminants were also found in leachates extracted from Sutton Lake sediments and co-occurring pore water, reflecting their mobilization to the ambient environment. These findings highlight the risks of large-scale unmonitored spills of coal ash solids from storage facilities following major storm events and contamination of nearby water resources throughout the southeastern U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Andrew J Kondash
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Jessica E Brandt
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
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11
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Xiong X, Liu X, Yu IKM, Wang L, Zhou J, Sun X, Rinklebe J, Shaheen SM, Ok YS, Lin Z, Tsang DCW. Potentially toxic elements in solid waste streams: Fate and management approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 253:680-707. [PMID: 31330359 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid wastes containing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are widely generated around the globe. Critical concerns have been raised over their impacts on human health and the environment, especially for the exposure to PTEs during the transfer and disposal of the wastes. It is important to devise highly-efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies for the removal or immobilisation of PTEs in solid wastes. However, there is an inadequate overview of the global flow of PTEs-contaminated solid wastes in terms of geographical distribution patterns, which is vital information for decision making in sustainable waste management. Moreover, in view of the scarcity of resources and the call for a circular economy, there is a pressing need to recover materials (e.g., precious metals and rare earth elements) from waste streams and this is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly practice compared with ore mining. Therefore, this article aims to give a thorough overview to the global flow of PTEs and the recovery of waste materials. This review first summarises PTEs content in various types of solid wastes; then, toxic metal(loid)s, radioactive elements, and rare earth elements are critically reviewed, with respect to their patterns of transport transformation and risks in the changing environment. Different treatments for the management of these contaminated solid wastes are discussed. Based on an improved understanding of the dynamics of metal(loid) fates and a review of existing management options, new scientific insights are provided for future research in the development of high-performance and sustainable treatment technologies for PTEs in solid wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinni Xiong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xueming Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Iris K M Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin St, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Jin Zhou
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xin Sun
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kafrelsheikh, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhang Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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12
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Vriens B, Skierszkan EK, St-Arnault M, Salzsauler K, Aranda C, Mayer KU, Beckie RD. Mobilization of Metal(oid) Oxyanions through Circumneutral Mine Waste-Rock Drainage. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:10205-10215. [PMID: 31460112 PMCID: PMC6648139 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Most studies on the weathering of mine waste rock focus on the generation of acidic drainage with high metal concentrations, whereas metal(loid) release under neutral-rock drainage (NRD) conditions has received limited attention. Here, we present geochemical and mineralogical data from a long-term (>10 years) kinetic testing program with 50 waste-rock field barrels at the polymetallic Antamina mine in Peru. The weathering of most rock lithologies in the field experiments generated circumneutral to alkaline drainage (6 < pH < 9) but with concentrations of the oxyanion-forming metal(loid)s As, Mo, Se, and Sb in the mg/L range. The mobilization of As and Sb was particularly efficient from intrusive, marble and hornfels rocks that contained labile As- and Sb-sulfides, irrespective of bulk elemental content or waste-rock reactivity. High-alkalinity drainage from these materials sustained neutral-pH conditions that are unfavorable to oxyanion adsorption onto Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides and, therefore, enhanced As and Sb leaching. The release of Mo and Se from sulfidic skarn and intrusive waste rock was more proportional to elemental content but equally enhanced by pH-inhibited adsorption and negligible secondary mineral precipitation under NRD conditions. Our results demonstrate that oxyanion concentrations of environmental concern may be conveyed by neutral- to alkaline-pH waste-rock drainage and should be a focus of mine wastewater monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Vriens
- Department
of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Elliott K. Skierszkan
- Department
of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Melanie St-Arnault
- Norman
B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kristin Salzsauler
- Golder
Associates, Suite 200—2920 Virtual Way, Vancouver, BC V5M 0C4, Canada
| | - Celedonio Aranda
- Compañia
Antamina Minera S.A., Av. El Derby No. 055, Santiago de Surco, 15023 Lima, Peru
| | - K. Ulrich Mayer
- Department
of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Roger D. Beckie
- Department
of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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13
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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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14
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Schwartz GE, Hower JC, Phillips AL, Rivera N, Vengosh A, Hsu-Kim H. Ranking Coal Ash Materials for Their Potential to Leach Arsenic and Selenium: Relative Importance of Ash Chemistry and Site Biogeochemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2018; 35:728-738. [PMID: 29983540 PMCID: PMC6034393 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2017.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The chemical composition of coal ash is highly heterogeneous and dependent on the origin of the source coal, combustion parameters, and type and configuration of air pollution control devices. This heterogeneity results in uncertainty in the evaluation of leaching potential of contaminants from coal ash. The goal of this work was to identify whether a single leaching protocol could roughly group high-leaching potential coal ash from low-leaching potential coal ash, with respect to arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). We used four different leaching tests, including the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Protocol (TCLP), natural pH, aerobic sediment microcosms, and anaerobic sediment microcosms on 10 different coal ash materials, including fly ash, lime-treated ash, and flue gas desulfurization materials. Leaching tests showed promise in categorizing high and low-leaching potential ash materials, indicating that a single point test could act as a first screening measure to identify high-risk ash materials. However, the amount of contaminant leached varied widely across tests, reflecting the importance of ambient conditions (pH, redox state) on leaching. These results demonstrate that on-site geochemical conditions play a critical role in As and Se mobilization from coal ash, underscoring the need to develop a situation-based risk assessment framework for contamination by coal ash pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Schwartz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - James C. Hower
- Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Allison L. Phillips
- Levine Science Research Center, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nelson Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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15
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Scheibener SA, Rivera NA, Hesterberg D, Duckworth OW, Buchwalter DB. Periphyton uptake and trophic transfer of coal fly-ash-derived trace elements. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:2991-2996. [PMID: 28543800 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3864] [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: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether the bioavailability of trace elements derived from coal ash leachates varies with the geochemical conditions associated with their formation, we quantified periphyton bioaccumulation and subsequent trophic transfer to the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer. Oxic ash incubations favored periphyton uptake of arsenic, selenium, strontium, and manganese, whereas anoxic incubations favored periphyton uptake of uranium. Mayfly enrichment was strongest for selenium, whereas biodilution was observed for strontium, uranium, and arsenic. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2991-2996. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane A Scheibener
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nelson A Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dean Hesterberg
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Owen W Duckworth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David B Buchwalter
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Hsu LC, Huang CY, Chuang YH, Chen HW, Chan YT, Teah HY, Chen TY, Chang CF, Liu YT, Tzou YM. Accumulation of heavy metals and trace elements in fluvial sediments received effluents from traditional and semiconductor industries. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34250. [PMID: 27681994 PMCID: PMC5041097 DOI: 10.1038/srep34250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal accumulation in sediments threatens adjacent ecosystems due to the potential of metal mobilization and the subsequent uptake into food webs. Here, contents of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and trace elements (Ga, In, Mo, and Se) were determined for river waters and bed sediments that received sewage discharged from traditional and semiconductor industries. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the metal distribution in relation to environmental factors such as pH, EC, and organic matter (OM) contents in the river basin. While water PCA categorized discharged metals into three groups that implied potential origins of contamination, sediment PCA only indicated a correlation between metal accumulation and OM contents. Such discrepancy in metal distribution between river water and bed sediment highlighted the significance of physical-chemical properties of sediment, especially OM, in metal retention. Moreover, we used Se XANES as an example to test the species transformation during metal transportation from effluent outlets to bed sediments and found a portion of Se inventory shifted from less soluble elemental Se to the high soluble and toxic selenite and selenate. The consideration of environmental factors is required to develop pollution managements and assess environmental risks for bed sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Ching Hsu
- Scientific Research Division, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, 101 Hsin-Ann Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Ching-Yi Huang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, 1727 Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Yen-Hsun Chuang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, 1727 Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Ho-Wen Chen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, 1727 Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Ya-Ting Chan
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung 402, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Heng Yi Teah
- Division of Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 332 Building of Environmental Studies, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-8563, Japan
| | - Tsan-Yao Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Chiung-Fen Chang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tunghai University, 1727 Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung 402, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Yu-Min Tzou
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung 402, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
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17
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Harkness JS, Sulkin B, Vengosh A. Evidence for Coal Ash Ponds Leaking in the Southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:6583-6592. [PMID: 27286270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b01727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs), the largest industrial waste in the United States, are mainly stored in surface impoundments and landfills. Here, we examine the geochemistry of seeps and surface water from seven sites and shallow groundwater from 15 sites in five states (Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina) to evaluate possible leaking from coal ash ponds. The assessment for groundwater impacts at the 14 sites in North Carolina was based on state-archived monitoring well data. Boron and strontium exceeded background values of 100 and 150 μg/L, respectively, at all sites, and the high concentrations were associated with low δ(11)B (-9‰ to +8‰) and radiogenic (87)Sr/(86)Sr (0.7070 to 0.7120) isotopic fingerprints that are characteristic of coal ash at all but one site. Concentrations of CCR contaminants, including SO4, Ca, Mn, Fe, Se, As, Mo, and V above background levels, were also identified at all sites, but contamination levels above drinking water and ecological standards were observed in 10 out of 24 samples of impacted surface water. Out of 165 monitoring wells, 65 were impacted with high B levels and 49 had high CCR-contaminant levels. Distinct isotope fingerprints, combined with elevated levels of CCR tracers, provide strong evidence for the leaking of coal ash ponds to adjacent surface water and shallow groundwater. Given the large number of coal ash impoundments throughout the United States, the systematic evidence for leaking of coal ash ponds shown in this study highlights potential environmental risks from unlined coal ash ponds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Harkness
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Barry Sulkin
- Environmental Consultant , Nashville, Tennessee, 37218, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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18
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Chan YT, Kuan WH, Tzou YM, Chen TY, Liu YT, Wang MK, Teah HY. Molecular Structures of Al/Si and Fe/Si Coprecipitates and the Implication for Selenite Removal. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24716. [PMID: 27095071 PMCID: PMC4837376 DOI: 10.1038/srep24716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aluminum and iron oxides have been often used in the coagulation processes during water purification due to their unique surface properties toward anions. In the presence of silica, the coprecipitation of Al/Si or Fe/Si might decrease the efficiency of wastewater purification and reuse. In this study, surface properties and molecular structures of Al/Si and Fe/Si coprecipitates were characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Also, the selenite removal efficiency of Al/Si and Fe/Si coprecipitates in relation to their surface and structural properties was investigated. While dissolved silicate increased with increasing pH from Fe/Si coprecipitates, less than 7% of silicate was discernible from Al/Si samples over the range from acidic to alkaline conditions. Our spectroscopic results showed that the associations between Al and Si were relatively stronger than that between Fe and Si in coprecipitates. In Al/Si coprecipitates, core-shell structures were developed with AlO6/AlO4 domains as the shells and Si frameworks polymerized from the SiO2 as the cores. However, Si framework remained relatively unchanged upon coprecipitation with Fe hydroxides in Fe/Si samples. The Si core with Al shell structure of Al/Si coprecipitates shielded the negative charges from SiO2 and thereby resulted in a higher adsorption capacity of selenite than Fe/Si coprecipitates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Chan
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Rd., Taichung 40227, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Hui Kuan
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming-Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Min Tzou
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Rd., Taichung 40227, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsan-Yao Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsin-Chu 30043, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Rd., Taichung 40227, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Kuang Wang
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Heng-Yi Teah
- Division of Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 332 Building of Environmental Studies, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-8563, Japan
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19
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Zhen X, Rong L, Ng WC, Ong C, Baeg GH, Zhang W, Lee SN, Li SFY, Dai Y, Tong YW, Neoh KG, Wang CH. Rapid toxicity screening of gasification ashes. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 50:93-104. [PMID: 26923299 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.02.016] [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: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The solid residues including bottom ashes and fly ashes produced by waste gasification technology could be reused as secondary raw materials. However, the applications and utilizations of these ashes are very often restricted by their toxicity. Therefore, toxicity screening of ash is the primary condition for reusing the ash. In this manuscript, we establish a standard for rapid screening of gasification ashes on the basis of in vitro and in vivo testing, and henceforth guide the proper disposal of the ashes. We used three different test models comprising human cell lines (liver and lung cells), Drosophila melanogaster and Daphnia magna to examine the toxicity of six different types of ashes. For each ash, different leachate concentrations were used to examine the toxicity, with C0 being the original extracted leachate concentration, while C/C0 being subsequent diluted concentrations. The IC50 for each leachate was also quantified for use as an index to classify toxicity levels. The results demonstrated that the toxicity evaluation of different types of ashes using different models is consistent with each other. As the different models show consistent qualitative results, we chose one or two of the models (liver cells or lung cells models) as the standard for rapid toxicity screening of gasification ashes. We may classify the gasification ashes into three categories according to the IC50, 24h value on liver cells or lung cells models, namely "toxic level I" (IC50, 24h>C/C0=0.5), "toxic level II" (C/C0=0.05<IC50, 24h<C/C0=0.5) and "toxic level III" (IC50, 24h<C/C0=0.05). Such a simple yet informative approach can help to determine the toxic effects of various types of ashes generated in gasification plants every day. Subsequently, appropriate disposal methods can be recommended for each toxicity category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhen
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Le Rong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Wei Cheng Ng
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Cynthia Ong
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 4 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Gyeong Hun Baeg
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 4 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wenlin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Si Ni Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Sam Fong Yau Li
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yanjun Dai
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yen Wah Tong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, Create Tower #15-02, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Koon Gee Neoh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Chi-Hwa Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore.
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20
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Otter RR, McKinney D, Brown B, Lainer S, Monroe W, Hubbs D, Read B. Bioaccumulation of metals in three freshwater mussel species exposed in situ during and after dredging at a coal ash spill site (Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:334. [PMID: 25957195 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
On December 22, 2008, a dike containing coal fly ash at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant (TN, USA) failed, and within months, dredging operations began to remove ash-contaminated sediments. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the bioaccumulation of metals in three mussel species during and after dredging operations. Mussels were caged for approximately 1 year during dredging and after, and then mussel condition index values and As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Se, Hg, U, Fe, Mg, Al, Sb, Ba, Be, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ag, Sr, Tl, V, and Zn concentrations in soft tissue were determined via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometery. Overall, the differences observed in metal bioaccumulation and mussel health suggest that mussels in the immediate downstream area of the dredging site may have been impacted, as evidenced by a significant decrease in mussel condition index values, but that this impact did not result in increased tissue concentrations of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Otter
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Box 60, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA,
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21
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Arnold MC, Lindberg TT, Liu YT, Porter KA, Hsu-Kim H, Hinton DE, Di Giulio RT. Bioaccumulation and speciation of selenium in fish and insects collected from a mountaintop removal coal mining-impacted stream in West Virginia. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:929-938. [PMID: 24723096 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A major contaminant of concern for mountaintop removal/valley fill (MTR/VF) coal mining is selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient that can be toxic to fish. Creek chubs (Semotilus atromaculatus), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and composite insect samples were collected in March-July, 2011-2013 at two sites within the Mud River, West Virginia. One site (MR7) receives MTR/VF coal mining effluent, while the reference site (LFMR) does not. MR7 water had significantly higher concentrations of soluble Se (p < 0.01) and conductivity (p < 0.005) compared to LFMR. MR7 whole insects contained significantly higher concentrations of Se compared to LFMR insects (p < 0.001). MR7 creek chubs had significantly higher Se in fillets, liver, and ovary tissues compared to LFMR samples (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.02, respectively). MR7 green sunfish fillets contained significantly higher Se (p < 0.0001). Histological examination showed LFMR creek chub gills contained a typical amount of parasitic infestations; however MR7 gills contained minimal to no visible parasites. X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses revealed that MR7 whole insects and creek chub tissues primarily contained organic Se and selenite. These two species of Mud River fish were shown to specifically accumulate Se differently in tissues compartments. Tissue-specific concentrations of Se may be useful in determining potential reproductive consequences of Se exposure in wild fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Arnold
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, LSRC A350, Durham, NC, 27708, USA,
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22
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Rowe CL. Bioaccumulation and effects of metals and trace elements from aquatic disposal of coal combustion residues: recent advances and recommendations for further study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 485-486:490-496. [PMID: 24742559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Advances have been made recently in assessing accumulation and effects of coal combustion residues (CCR). I provide a brief review of recent advancements, provide a tabulated summary of results of recent work, and put forth recommendations for future studies. One advancement is that mercury accumulation has begun to receive (limited) attention, whereas it had rarely been considered in the past. Additionally, some constituents of CCR have been shown to be accumulated by adults and transferred to offspring, sometimes compromising offspring health. Studies have demonstrated that amphibians, possessing complex life cycles, may accumulate and transfer some contaminants to terrestrial systems. Some study has been given to molecular and cellular effects of CCR exposure, although these studies have been limited to invertebrates. Population models have also been applied to CCR affected systems and have shown that CCR may affect animal populations under some conditions. In light of these advancements, there are several topics that require further assessment. First, more attention to Hg and its dynamics in CCR affected systems is warranted. Hg can be highly accumulative and toxic under some conditions and may interact with other components of CCR (notably Se), perhaps altering accumulation and effects of the contaminant mixtures. Second, further investigation of maternal transfer and effects of CCR contaminants need to be conducted. These studies could benefit from incorporation of quantitative models to project impacts on populations. Finally, more attention to the organic constituents of CCR (PAHs) is required, as a focus on inorganic compounds only may restrict our knowledge of contaminant dynamics and effects as a whole. While further studies will shed light on some chemical and biological nuances of exposure and effect, information available to date from numerous study sites implicates CCR as a bulk effluent that presents risks of bioaccumulation and effects on organisms in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Rowe
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, P.O. Box 38, Solomons, MD 20688, United States.
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