Impact of iron addition on phosphorus dynamics in sediments of a shallow peat lake 10 years after treatment

Internal phosphorus (P) loading is a key water quality challenge for shallow lakes. Addition of iron (Fe) salts has been used to enhance P retention in lake sediments. However, its effects on sediment geochemistry are poorly studied, albeit pivotal for remediation success. Here, we assess the factors controlling the retention of P and long-term effects following application of FeCl3 (0.5-1 mol Fe/m2, 2010) in the eutrophic, shallow peat lake Terra Nova (the Netherlands). Treatment reduced P levels in the lake for two years, but afterwards summer release of P intensified, resulting in higher surface water P concentrations than before treatment. Porewater and sediment analyses indicate that the majority of the added Fe is still undergoing redox cycling within the top 10 cm of sediment accounting for the binding of up to 70 % of sedimentary P. Sequential extractions further suggest that organic matter (OM) plays a key role in the resulting P and Fe dynamics: While reduction of P binding Fe(III) phases results in P release to porewaters, the produced Fe2+ remains bound to the solid phase presumably stabilized by OM. This causes P release from the sediments in excess to Fe during temporary low oxygen conditions in summer months, as confirmed by whole core flux incubation experiments. Quantitative coprecipitation of P with Fe upon reoxygenation of the water body is then impossible, leading to a gradual increase in surface water P. This first long-term study on a shallow peat lake underpins the role of OM for Fe cycling and the need to carefully consider the sediment properties and diagenetic pathways in the planning of Fe-amendments.

Transport-limited kinetics of phosphate retention on iron-coated sand and practical implications

Iron-coated sand (ICS) is a by-product from drinking water treatment made of sand coated with ferric iron (hydr)oxides. It is considered a suitable material for large-scale measures for phosphate removal from natural and agricultural waters to prevent eutrophication. Previous studies demonstrated that the residence time of water must be very long to reach equilibrium partitioning between phosphate and ICS but specifics for application are missing. First, SEM-EDX images were used to support the conceptual assumption that P adsorption inside the coating is a transport-limited process. Second, a conceptual model of phosphate adsorption was proposed considering two types of sites: one type with fast adsorption kinetics and reaching equilibrium with the percolating solution, and another type for which adsorption is also reversible but described by pseudo-first-order kinetics. The latter is conceived to account for transport-limited adsorption in the interior of the coating while the former fraction of sites is assumed to be easily accessible and located close to the grain surface. Third, the kinetics of phosphate adsorption on ICS were quantitatively determined to describe and predict phosphate retention in filters under various flow conditions. The model was calibrated and validated with long-term column experiments, which lasted for 3500 h to approach equilibrium on the slowly reacting sites. The model reproduced the outflowing phosphate concentrations: the pronounced increase after a few pore volumes and the slow increase over the remaining part of the experiment. The parameterized model was also able to predict the time evolution of phosphate concentrations in the outflow of column experiments with different flow velocities, flow interruption, and in desorption experiments. The equilibrium partition coefficient for the experimental conditions was identified as 28.1 L/g-Fe at pH 6.8 and a phosphate concentration of 1.7 mg-P / L. The optimized first-order mass transfer coefficient for the slow adsorption process was 1.56 10^-4 h^-1, implying that the slow adsorption process has a time scale of several months. However, based on the parameterized model, the slow adsorption process accounted for 95.5% of the equilibrium adsorption capacity, emphasizing the potential relevance of this process for practical applications. The implications for the design, operation, and lifespan of ICS filters are exemplarily illustrated for different scenarios.

Phosphorus adsorption on iron-coated sand under reducing conditions

Mitigation measures are needed to prevent large loads of phosphate originating in agriculture from reaching surface waters. Iron-coated sand (ICS) is a residual product from drinking water production. It has a high phosphate adsorption capacity and can be placed around tile drains, taking no extra space, which increases the farmers' acceptance. The main concern regarding the use of ICS filters below groundwater level is that limited oxygen supply and high organic matter concentrations may lead to the reduction and dissolution of iron (hydr)oxides present and the release of previously adsorbed phosphate. This study aimed to investigate phosphate adsorption on ICS at the onset of iron reduction. First, we investigated whether simultaneous metal reduction and phosphate adsorption were relevant at two field sites in the Netherlands that use ICS filters around tile drains. Second, the onset of microbially mediated reduction of ICS in drainage water was mimicked in complementary laboratory microcosm experiments by varying the intensity of reduction through controlling the oxygen availability and the concentration of degradable organic matter. After 3 yr, ICS filters in the field removed phosphorus under low redox conditions. Over 45 d, the microbial reduction of manganese and iron oxides did not lead to phosphate release, confirming field observations. Electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy did not evince systematic structural or compositional changes; only under strongly reducing conditions did iron sulfides form in small percentages in the outer layer of the iron coating. Our results suggest that detrimental effects only become relevant after long periods of operation.

Coupled dynamics of iron, manganese, and phosphorus in brackish coastal sediments populated by cable bacteria

Coastal waters worldwide suffer from increased eutrophication and seasonal bottom water hypoxia. Here, we assess the dynamics of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and phosphorus (P) in sediments of the eutrophic, brackish Gulf of Finland populated by cable bacteria. At sites where bottom waters are oxic in spring, surface enrichments of Fe and Mn oxides and high abundances of cable bacteria were observed in sediments upon sampling in early summer. At one site, Fe and P were enriched in a thin layer (~ 3 mm) just below the sediment-water interface. X-ray absorption near edge structure and micro X-ray fluorescence analyses indicate that two-thirds of the P in this layer was associated with poorly crystalline Fe oxides, with an additional contribution of Mn(II) phosphates. The Fe enriched layer was directly overlain by a Mn oxide-rich surface layer (~ 2 mm). The Fe oxide layer was likely of diagenetic origin, formed through dissolution of Fe monosulfides and carbonates, potentially induced by cable bacteria in the preceding months when bottom waters were oxic. Most of the Mn oxides were likely deposited from the water column as part of a cycle of repeated deposition and remobilization. Further research is required to confirm whether cable bacteria activity in spring indeed promotes the formation of distinct layers enriched in Fe, Mn, and P minerals in Gulf of Finland sediments. The temporal variations in biogeochemical cycling in this seasonally hypoxic coastal system, potentially controlled by cable bacteria activity, have little impact on permanent sedimentary Fe, Mn, and P burial.

Coprecipitation of Phosphate and Silicate Affects Environmental Iron (Oxyhydr)Oxide Transformations: A Gel-Based Diffusive Sampler Approach

Sorption of nutrients such as phosphate (P) and silicate (Si) by ferric iron (oxyhydr)oxides (FeOx) modulates nutrient mobility and alters the structure and reactivity of the FeOx. We investigated the impact of these interactions on FeOx transformations using a novel approach with samplers containing synthetic FeOx embedded in diffusive hydrogels. The FeOx were prepared by Fe(III) hydrolysis and Fe(II) oxidation, in the absence and presence of P or Si. Coprecipitation of P or Si during synthesis altered the structure of Fe precipitates and, in the case of Fe(II) oxidation, lepidocrocite was (partly) substituted by poorly ordered FeOx. The pure and P- or Si-bearing FeOx were deployed in (i) freshwater sediment rich in dissolved Fe(II) and P and (ii) marine sediment with sulfidic pore water. Iron(II)-catalyzed crystallization of poorly ordered FeOx was negligible, likely due to surface passivation by adsorption of dissolved P. Reaction with dissolved sulfide was modulated by diffusion limitations and therefore the extent of sulfidation was the lowest for poorly ordered FeOx with high reactivity toward sulfide that created temporary, local sulfide depletion (Fh < Lp). We show that coprecipitation-induced changes in the FeOx structure affect coupled iron-nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. The gel-based method enriches our geochemical toolbox by enabling detailed characterization of target phases under natural conditions.

Achieving arsenic concentrations of <1 μg/L by Fe(0) electrolysis: The exceptional performance of magnetite

Consumption of drinking water containing arsenic at concentrations even below the World Health Organization provisional limit of 10 μg/L can still lead to unacceptable health risks. Consequently, the drinking water sector in the Netherlands has recently agreed to target 1 μg/L of arsenic in treated water. Unfortunately, in many poor, arsenic-affected countries, the costs and complexity of current methods that can achieve <1 μg/L are prohibitive, which highlights the need for innovative methods that can remove arsenic to <1 μg/L without costly support infrastructure and complicated supply chains. In this work, we used Fe(0) electrolysis, a low cost and scalable technology that is also known as Fe(0) electrocoagulation (EC), to achieve <1 μg/L residual dissolved arsenic. We compared the arsenic removal performance of green rust (GR), ferric (oxyhydr)oxides (Fe(III) oxides) and magnetite (Mag) generated by EC at different pH (7.5 and 9) in the presence of As(III) or As(V) (initial concentrations of 200-11,000 μg/L). Although GR and Fe(III) oxides removed up to 99% of initial arsenic, neither Fe phase could reliably meet the 1 μg/L target at both pH values. In contrast, EC-generated Mag consistently achieved <1 μg/L, regardless of the initial As(V) concentration and pH. Only solutions with initial As(III) concentrations ≥2200 μg/L resulted in residual arsenic >1 μg/L. As K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that Mag also sorbed arsenic in a unique mode, consistent with partial arsenic incorporation near the particle surface. This sorption mode contrasts with the binuclear, corner sharing surface complex for GR and Fe(III) oxides, which could explain the difference in arsenic removal efficiency among the three Fe phases. Our results suggest that EC-generated Mag is an attractive method for achieving <1 μg/L particularly in decentralized water treatment.

Sorption of phosphate and silicate alters dissolution kinetics of poorly crystalline iron (oxyhydr)oxide

Iron (oxyhydr)oxides (FeOx) control retention of dissolved nutrients and contaminants in aquatic systems. However, FeOx structure and reactivity is dependent on adsorption and incorporation of such dissolved species, particularly oxyanions such as phosphate and silicate. These interactions affect the fate of nutrients and metal(loids), especially in perturbed aquatic environments such as eutrophic coastal systems and environments impacted by acid mine drainage. Altered FeOx reactivity impacts sedimentary nutrient retention capacity and, eventually, ecosystem trophic state. Here, we explore the influence of phosphate (P) and silicate (Si) on FeOx structure and reactivity. Synthetic, poorly crystalline FeOx with adsorbed and coprecipitated phosphate or silicate at low but environmentally relevant P/Fe or Si/Fe ratios (0.02-0.1 mol mol^-1) was prepared by base titration of Fe(III) solutions. Structural characteristics of FeOx were investigated by X-ray diffraction, synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-energy X-ray scattering. Reactivity of FeOx was assessed by kinetic dissolution experiments under acidic (dilute HCl, pH 2) and circum-neutral reducing (bicarbonate-buffered ascorbic acid, pH 7.8, E_h ∼ -300 mV) conditions. At these loadings, phosphate and silicate coprecipitation had only slight impact on local and intermediate-ranged FeOx structure, but significantly enhanced the dissolution rate of FeOx. Conversely, phosphate and silicate adsorption at similar loadings resulted in particle surface passivation and decreased FeOx dissolution rates. These findings indicate that varying nutrient loadings and different interaction mechanisms between anions and FeOx (adsorption versus coprecipitation) can influence the broader biogeochemical functioning of aquatic ecosystems by impacting the structure and reactivity of FeOx.

Emerging investigator series: interdependency of green rust transformation and the partitioning and binding mode of arsenic

We investigated the impact of aging-induced structural modifications of carbonate green rust (GR), a mixed valent Fe(ii,iii) (hydr)oxide with a high oxyanion sorption affinity, on the partitioning and binding mode of arsenic (As). Suspensions of carbonate GR were produced in the presence of As(v) or As(iii) (i.e. co-precipitated with As(iii) or As(v)) and aged in anoxic and oxic conditions for up to a year. We tracked aqueous As over time and characterized the solid phase by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In experiments with initial As(v) (4500 μg L-1, As/Fe = 2 mol%), the fresh GR suspension sorbed >99% of the initial As, resulting in approximately 14 ± 8 μg L-1 residual dissolved As. Anoxic aging of the As(v)-laden GR for a month increased aqueous As to >60 μg L-1, which was coupled to an increase in GR structural order revealed by Fe K-edge XAS. Further anoxic aging up to a year transformed As(v)-laden GR into magnetite and decreased significantly the aqueous As to <2 μg L-1. The As binding mode was also modified during GR transformation to magnetite from sorption to GR particle edges to As substitution for tetrahedral Fe in the magnetite structure. These GR structural modifications altered the ratio of As partitioning to the solid (μg As/mg Fe) and liquid (μg As per L) phase from 2.0 to 0.4 to 14 L mg-1 for the fresh, month, and year aged suspensions, respectively. Similar trends in GR transformation and As partitioning during anoxic aging were observed for As(iii)-laden suspensions, but occurred on more rapid timescales: As(iii)-laden GR transformed to magnetite after a day of anoxic aging. In oxic aging experiments, rapid GR oxidation by dissolved oxygen to Fe(iii) precipitates required only an hour for both As(v) and As(iii) experiments, with lepidocrocite favored in As(v) experiments and hydrous ferric oxide favored in As(iii) experiments. Aqueous As during GR oxidation decreased to <10 μg L-1 for both As(v) and As(iii) series. Knowledge of this interdependence between GR aging products and oxyanion fate improves biogeochemical models of contaminant and nutrient dynamics during Fe cycling and can be used to design more effective arsenic remediation strategies that rely on arsenic sorption to GR.

Sustaining efficient production of aqueous iron during repeated operation of Fe(0)-electrocoagulation

Iron-electrocoagulation is a promising contaminant (e.g. arsenic) removal technology that is based on electrochemical Fe(II) production from steel electrodes and subsequent transport of Fe(II) to the bulk solution, where contaminant removal occurs. Although Fe-electrocoagulation systems have been shown to effectively remove contaminants in extended field trials, the efficiency of field systems can be lower than in laboratory studies. One hypothesis for this disparity is that the Faradaic efficiency of short-term laboratory experiments is higher than field systems operated over extended periods. The Faradaic efficiency is a pivotal performance indicator that we define as the measured Fe dosage normalized by the theoretical Fe dosage calculated by Faraday's law. In this work, we investigated the Faradaic efficiency in laboratory experiments for up to 35 operating cycles (>2 months) with varied Fe(0) anode purity, charge dosage rate, and electrolyte composition. Our results showed that the Faradaic efficiency decreased continuously during repeated operation under typical field conditions (charge dosage rate = 4 C/L/min, synthetic groundwater) regardless of the Fe(0) anode purity, leading to a Faradaic efficiency ≈ 0.6 after 2 months. By contrast, increasing the charge dosage rate to ≥15 C/L/min produced a Faradaic efficiency >0.85 over the entire experiment for both Fe(0) anode purities. Electrolyte solutions free of oxyanions also resulted in sustained Faradaic efficiency >0.85, regardless of the charge dosage rate. Our results confirm a previously proposed relationship between low Faradaic efficiency and the formation of macroscopic electrode surface layers, which consist of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides on the anode and a mixture of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and calcite on the cathode. Based on these results, we discuss potential strategies to maintain a high Faradaic efficiency during Fe-electrocoagulation field treatment.

Fate of Adsorbed U(VI) during Sulfidization of Lepidocrocite and Hematite

The impact on U(VI) adsorbed to lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) and hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) was assessed when exposed to aqueous sulfide (S(-II)_aq) at pH 8.0. With both minerals, competition between S(-II) and U(VI) for surface sites caused instantaneous release of adsorbed U(VI). Compared to lepidocrocite, consumption of S(-II)_aq proceeded slower with hematite, but yielded maximum dissolved U concentrations that were more than 10 times higher, representing about one-third of the initially adsorbed U. Prolonged presence of S(-II)_aq in experiments with hematite in combination with a larger release of adsorbed U(VI), enhanced the reduction of U(VI): after 24 h of reaction about 60-70% of U was in the form of U(IV), much higher than the 25% detected in the lepidocrocite suspensions. X-ray absorption spectra indicated that U(IV) in both hematite and lepidocrocite suspensions was not in the form of uraninite (UO₂). Upon exposure to oxygen only part of U(IV) reoxidized, suggesting that monomeric U(IV) might have become incorporated in newly formed iron precipitates. Hence, sulfidization of Fe oxides can have diverse consequences for U mobility: in short-term, desorption of U(VI) increases U mobility, while reduction to U(IV) and its possible incorporation in Fe transformation products may lead to long-term U immobilization.

Bacteriophage PRD1 batch experiments to study attachment, detachment and inactivation processes

Knowledge of virus removal in subsurface environments is pivotal for assessing the risk of viral contamination of water resources and developing appropriate protection measures. Columns packed with sand are frequently used to quantify attachment, detachment and inactivation rates of viruses. Since column transport experiments are very laborious, a common alternative is to perform batch experiments where usually one or two measurements are done assuming equilibrium is reached. It is also possible to perform kinetic batch experiments. In that case, however, it is necessary to monitor changes in the concentration with time. This means that kinetic batch experiments will be almost as laborious as column experiments. Moreover, attachment and detachment rate coefficients derived from batch experiments may differ from those determined using column experiments. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of kinetic batch experiments and investigate the effects of different designs of the batch experiments on estimated attachment, detachment and inactivation rate coefficients. The experiments involved various combinations of container size, sand-water ratio, and mixing method (i.e., rolling or tumbling by pivoting the tubes around their horizontal or vertical axes, respectively). Batch experiments were conducted with clean quartz sand, water at pH 7 and ionic strength of 20 mM, and using the bacteriophage PRD1 as a model virus. Values of attachment, detachment and inactivation rate coefficients were found by fitting an analytical solution of the kinetic model equations to the data. Attachment rate coefficients were found to be systematically higher under tumbling than under rolling conditions because of better mixing and more efficient contact of phages with the surfaces of the sand grains. In both mixing methods, more sand in the container yielded higher attachment rate coefficients. A linear increase in the detachment rate coefficient was observed with increased solid-water ratio using tumbling method. Given the differences in the attachment rate coefficients, and assuming the same sticking efficiencies since chemical conditions of the batch and column experiments were the same, our results show that collision efficiencies of batch experiments are not the same as those of column experiments. Upscaling of the attachment rate from batch to column experiments hence requires proper understanding of the mixing conditions. Because batch experiments, in which the kinetics are monitored, are as laborious as column experiments, there seems to be no major advantage in performing batch instead of column experiments.

Effect of dissolved calcium on the removal of bacteriophage PRD1 during soil passage: the role of double-layer interactions

The objective of this work was to investigate and obtain quantitative relations for the effects of Ca(2+) concentration on virus removal in saturated soil and to compare the experimental findings with predictions of the DLVO theory. In order to do so, a systematic study was performed with a range of calcium concentrations corresponding to natural field conditions. Experiments were conducted in a 50-cm column with clean quartz sand under saturated conditions. Inflow solutions were prepared by adding CaCl(2,) NaCl and NaHCO(3) to de-ionized water. Values of pH and ionic strength were fixed at 7 and 10mM, respectively. Bacteriophage PRD1 was used as a conservative model virus for virus removal. The samples were assayed using the plaque forming technique. Attachment, detachment and inactivation rate coefficients were determined from fitting breakthrough curves. Attachment rate coefficients were found to increase with increasing calcium concentration. Results were used to calculate sticking efficiency, for which an empirical formula as a function of Ca(2+) was developed. Numerical solutions of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation were obtained to evaluate the effect of Ca(2+) on the double-layer interactions between quartz and PRD1. Based on these results, the DLVO interaction energies were calculated. It turned out that the experimental findings cannot be explained with the distance profiles of the DLVO interaction. The discrepancy between theory and experiment can be attributed to underestimation of the van der Waals interactions, chemisorption of Ca(2+) onto the surfaces, or by factors affecting the double-layer interactions, which are not included in the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. When abruptly changing from inflow solution containing Ca(2+) to a Ca(2+)-free solution, pronounced mobilization of viruses was observed. This indicates virus removal is not irreversible and that chemical perturbations of the groundwater can cause a burst of released viruses.

Systematic study of effects of pH and ionic strength on attachment of phage PRD1

Objectives of this work are to investigate effects of pH and ionic strength (IS) on virus transport in saturated soil and to develop a quantitative relationship for these effects. A series of 50-cm column experiments with clean quartz sand under saturated conditions and with pH values of 5, 6, 7, 8, and IS values of 1, 10, and 20 mM were conducted. Bacteriophage PRD1 was used as a model virus. Applying a one-site kinetic model, attachment, detachment, and inactivation rate coefficients were determined from fitting breakthrough curves using the software package Hydrus-1D. Attachment rate coefficients increased with decreasing pH and increasing IS, in agreement with DLVO theory. Sticking efficiencies were calculated from the attachment rate coefficients and used to develop an empirical formula for sticking efficiency as a function of pH and IS. This relationship is applicable under unfavorable conditions for virus attachment. We compared sticking efficiencies predicted by the empirical formula with those from field and column experiments. Within the calibrated range of pH and IS, the predicted and observed sticking efficiencies are in reasonable agreement for bacteriophages PRD1 and MS2. However, the formula significantly overestimates sticking efficiencies for IS higher than 100 mM. In addition, it performs less well for viruses with different surface reactivity than PRD1 and MS2. Effects of pH and IS on detachment and inactivation rate coefficients were also investigated but the experimental results do not allow constraining these parameters with sufficient certainty.

Effect of sediment properties on the sorption of C12-2-LAS in marine and estuarine sediments

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are anionic high production volume surfactants used in the manufacture of cleaning products. Here, we have studied the effect of the characteristics of marine and estuarine sediments on the sorption of LAS. Sorption experiments were performed with single sediment materials (pure clays and sea sand), with sediments treated to reduce their organic carbon content, and with field marine and estuarine sediments. C12-2-LAS was used as a model compound. Sorption to the clays montmorillonite and kaolinite resulted in non-linear isotherms very similar for both clays. When reducing the organic content, sorption coefficients decreased proportionally to the fraction removed in fine grain sediments but this was not the case for the sandy sediment. The correlation of the sediment characteristics with the sorption coefficients at different surfactant concentrations showed that at concentrations below 10 microg C12-2-LAS/L, the clay content correlated better with sorption, while the organic fraction became more significant at higher concentrations.

Is part of the molecular basis of the perineurial barrier function the lack of endogenous carbohydrate-binding proteins?

The sugar part of cellular glycoconjugates and specific endogenous sugar receptors, i.e., lectins, can establish a system of biological recognition based on protein-carbohydrate interactions. An assortment of labelled (neo)glycoproteins, carrying different types of sugar moieties, is synthesized to localize respective sugar receptors. With these tools, the histochemical patterns of endogenous carbohydrate-binding receptors of the epi-, peri-, and endoneurium were analyzed in human sural and accessory nerves and in swine sciatic nerve. This approach is complementary to the application of plant lectins, focusing on endogenous carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins). In contrast to the epi- and endoneurium, which bound certain types of carbohydrates, such endogenous sugar receptors were histochemically not detectable in the perineurial cells. Moreover, no histochemical reaction was present in the "connective tissue septa" localized in the endoneurium in which the endoneurial vessels were embedded. This common property supplies evidence that these septa are composed of perineurial cells. They may represent a barrier in addition to the capillary endothelium. Our observations suggest histogenetical differences between the cell populations of epi- and endoneurium vs. perineurium. This significant difference in the ability to bind carbohydrate residues, conjugated to a carrier protein, is contradictory to the assumption that perineurial cells and fibroblasts are functional variants of the same cell type. The histochemical patterns of endogenous carbohydrate-binding receptors found in human and swine nerves were similar but not identical, with exception of the perineurium, reflecting phylogenetic differences in the expression of sugar-binding proteins. The absence of specific sugar receptors in perineurial cells, however, seems to be a more general phenomenon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Facilitatory interaction between cutaneous afferents from low threshold mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in segmental reflex pathways to alpha-motoneurons

EPSPs evoked by air puff stimulation of the hairy skin of the hindlimb or by low strength stimulation of the lateral sural nerve were facilitated by radiant heat of 50-53 degrees C but not by radiant heat of 42-43 degrees C. The results indicate that afferents from low threshold mechanoreceptors and from nociceptors of the skin converge onto common interneurons in reflex pathways to alpha-motoneurons. This would allow a functionally useful cooperation of these two types of afferents in spinal motor control.