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To determine contamination sources and pathways, the use of multiple isotopes, including metal isotopes, can increase the reliability of environmental forensic techniques. This study differentiated contamination sources in groundwater of a mine area and elucidated geochemical processes using Cu, Zn, S–O, and O–H isotopes. Sulfate reduction and sulfide precipitation were elucidated using concentrations of dissolved sulfides, δ34S SO4 , δ18O SO4 , and δ66Zn. The overlying contaminated soil was possibly responsible for the contamination of groundwater at <5 mbgl, which was suggested by low δ65Cu values (0.419–1.120‰) reflecting those of soil (0.279–1.115‰). The existence of dissolved Cu as Cu(I) may prevent the increase in δ65Cu during leaching of contaminated soil in the sulfate-reducing environment. In contrast, the groundwater at >5 mbgl seemed to be highly affected by the contamination plume from the adit water, which was suggested by high SO 4 2− concentrations (407–447 mg L−1) and δ65Cu (0.252–2.275‰) and δ66Zn (−0.105‰–0.362‰) values at a multilevel sampler approaching those of the adit seepages. Additionally, the O–H isotopic ratios were distinguished between <5 mbgl and >5 mbgl. Using δ65Cu and δ66Zn to support the determination of groundwater contamination sources may be encouraged, particularly where the isotopic signatures are distinct for each source. [Display omitted] • δ65Cu could differentiate among contamination sources in groundwater. • δ65Cu may not increase despite sulfide precipitation in a reducing environment. • δ66Zn and δ34S in groundwater had a good correlation, reflecting sulfate reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the hydrogeochemical evolution of heavy metals and assesses impacts of mining activities on the groundwater resources and potential human health risks in the coal mining areas of Ib valley coalfield. In this perspective, a total of one hundred and two mine water and groundwater samples were collected from different locations. The water samples were analysed for some selected heavy metals i.e. Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, As, Se, Al, Sr, Ba, Cd, Cr, V and Fe using ICP-MS. In addition, pH and SO 4 2− concentration were also measured following APHA procedure. The water pH in the Ib valley coalfields ranged from 3.26 to 8.18 for mine water and 5.23 to 8.52 for groundwater, indicating acidic to alkaline nature of water. Mn in mine water and Zn in groundwater environment were observed as the most dominant metals. The water hazard index (WHI) reflects that around 80% of mine water are non-toxic (WHI<5), 5% slightly toxic (510) and 15% extremely toxic (WHI>15). Relatively high pH and low concentration of dissolved metals and SO 4 2− in groundwater as compared to mine water indicate lesser impact of mining activities. The calculated drinking water quality index (DWQI) suggests that Mn, Al, Ni and Fe in mine water and Mn, Fe, Ni and Pb in groundwater were the major objectionable metals which caused the water quality deterioration for drinking uses. Further, the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for adult male, female and child populations identifies Co, Mn, Ni as the key elements making the water hazardous for human health. Comparatively higher ratio of ingestion rate and body weight in child population might be causing higher health risks in child population as compared to adult male and adult female population. [Display omitted] • Mn, Al, Ni and Fe were the major objectionable metals causing water quality deterioration • The Ficklin-Caboi plot categorised the Ib valley water into three classes. • Groundwater are less toxic compared to mine water. • Co, Mn and Ni expressed higher non-carcinogenic risks. • Child population are at higher risk as compared to adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural soil contaminated with heavy metals and the subsequent heavy metals uptake by rice have increasingly been reported in the last few decades. In this study, pot experiments with two contaminated soils (acidic soil from Jiangxi Province and slightly alkaline soil from Hunan Province) were conducted to investigate the effects of water management (flooding and aerobic treatment) on the uptake of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) by rice (Oryza sativa L.). The pore water contents of these heavy metals were determined during the growing season. Flooding the soil decreased Cd, Pb, and Cr in soil pore water, but increased As in the soil solution. Relative to the aerobic treatment, flooding decreased the Cd in the soil solution by 17.3–94.5% and 54.7–88.3% in acidic and slightly alkaline soils, respectively. The total As in the soil solutions increased by 0.2–20.9 and 0.1–15.2 times throughout the growing season in acidic and slightly alkaline soils, respectively. In acidic soil, flooding significantly decreased the Cd contents in iron plaque and rice tissues, significantly increased the Cr content in iron plaque, slightly decreased the Cr uptake by rice, and decreased the Pb content in the aboveground parts of rice, and increased the Pb content in rice roots and iron plaque. Relatively fewer changes were observed in rice grown in slightly alkaline soil. Results suggested that flooding the acidic soil had mixed results on heavy metal bioavailability, and the bioavailability in slightly alkaline soil was not notably impacted by flooding. • Flooded treatment decreased Cd in rice grown in acidic soil but not in alkaline soil. • Flooded treatment increased Pb in rice root but decreased Pb in aboveground part. • Flooded treatment slightly decreased the bioavailability of Cr to rice. • Arsenic was more bioavailable to rice under flooded than under aerobic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aims to appraise the spatial variations and pathways of groundwater contaminations and associated health risks in the Surma basin, Bangladesh using geostatistics, Fuzzy GIS technique and health risk modelbased on ninety groundwater samples. The results show that the mean concentrations of As, Fe, Mn and NO 3 are below the Bangladesh water quality standard, whereas As, Fe and Mn concentrations exceed World Health Organization guideline values in several sampling sites. The compositional study identifies weathering of source rocks, reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn-oxyhydroxide minerals and various anthropogenic inputs as the key sources of groundwater contamination. The kriged maps show the elevated risks of Fe, Mn and NO 3 concentrations from the south to northern parts and As concentration from the north to southwestern parts of the Surma basin. The results of fuzzy GIS maps confirm the outcomes of kriged maps. Cross validation results show better performance of indicator kriging over probability kriging. The results also show a spatial heterogeneity with As, Fe, Mn and NO 3 concentrations, indicating the low to medium risk categories. A health risk assessment is performed using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). The HQ values imply that the risk of contamination through oral ingestion pathway is medium to high levels for both adults and children as the trace elements show HQ values more than one. It is found that drinking water of several upazilas exhibits high contamination and that children are more susceptible to the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults in the study area. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • As, Fe, Mn and NO 3 contaminations and health risks of drinking water were appraised. • Pollutants in the Surma basin are modeled spatially. • Drinking water of several upazilas exhibited the high contamination risk. • Children were more susceptible to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phenol is one of the most widespread, toxic and recalcitrant compounds in water sources. Due to its persistent nature, conventional wastewater treatment methods are not effective to remove or degrade phenol from water. In this work, novel photocatalysts were developed to effectively degrade phenol under simulated sunlight. The catalysts were composed of one-dimensional titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanorods decorated with silver (Ag) nanoparticles, coated by an ultrathin magnesium oxide (MgO) overlayer through atomic layer deposition (ALD). Material properties of prepared catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS). The photocatalytic performance of phenol degradation under simulated sunlight was evaluated and correlated with the material properties. The Ag nanoparticles promoted light absorption and transfer of photo-induced electron-hole pairs from within TiO 2 nanorods to the catalyst surface. The ultrathin MgO overlayer with a sub-nanometer thickness did not hinder charge transfer to the surface, but rather, it further increased the light absorption and inhibited surface charge recombination through a surface passivation effect, promoting phenol degradation. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism was investigated by examining hydroxyl and superoxide radical production in the photocatalytic system. The results from this work demonstrated a new strategy for fabricating efficient solar-driven photocatalysts for the degradation of persistent water contaminants. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • An ultrathin MgO layer is coated on Ag_TiO 2 by atomic layer deposition. • Phenol is effectively degraded under simulated sunlight by the novel photocatalyst. • 5 cycles of ALD coating of MgO on Ag_TiO 2 shows the highest phenol degradation. • The ultrathin MgO layer promotes O 2 − production without inhibiting electron transfer. • HO 2 and O 2 − are the main reactive species for phenol degradation on MgO@Ag_TiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The residues and risks of heavy metals in the environment and organisms have attracted great concern for many years. However, the information on their long-term spatiotemporal trends and potential health and ecological risks are scarce. In this study, a total of 1815 seawater samples, 451 sediment samples, and 54 seafood samples were collected in Xiangshan Bay, China, between 2011 and 2016. The residue, distribution, seasonal variation, and potential health risks of seven heavy metals in seawater, sediment, and seafood were evaluated. Dissolved Zn (mean = 16.8 μg L−1) and Cu (mean = 3.4 μg L−1) concentrations were high in seawater. Sediments were mainly contaminated by Zn (mean = 120.8 mg kg−1) and Cr (mean = 81.7 mg kg−1). The highest levels of Cu and Zn were observed in Ostreidae with the concentrations of 84.3 and 99.0 mg kg−1, respectively. The Kendall test indicated that only As, Cu, Cd, and Hg showed decreasing trends in seawater with time and no significant temporal trends were identified for heavy metals in sediment between 2011 and 2016. Only As may pose non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children in some seafood. These data provide a reliable reference for government to use in developing reasonable and scientific regulations on the ecological and food safety of this area. Highlights • Long-term spatiotemporal trends of seven heavy metals were in seawater, sediment, and seafood were investigated. • The potential health risks in the seafood of this area were evaluated by hazard indexes. • As may pose non-carcinogenic risks to adults and children in some seafood in certain sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A method was modified for the preconcentration of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) from seawater by a solid phase extraction using a commercially available resin Nobias-chelate PA1®. All the determination was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) which had a low detection limit for Pt, Pd and Rh, about 16.53, 16.41 and 26.88 pg L−1, respectively. It was found that the adsorption performance of the resin was closely related to the matrix, ligands and pH of the samples. Significant difference in recovery was found in various samples: seawater ≈ artificial seawater > ultra-pure deionized water. This method had low method blank in the range of 5.51–8.89 pg L−1 and high enrichment factor of up to 180–200. The recoveries of Pt and Pd were 93 ± 4.2% in the spiked real seawater. However, the recovery of Rh on the resin was below 70% but stable in the range of 65–68%. It indicated that the Rh recovery seemed to be reproducible and higher volumes of seawater must be processed in order to obtain the lower limit of quantification and excellent recovery. Highlights • An off-line pre-concentration method for Pt, Pd and Rh in seawater was developed. • The method had low system blanks and could quantitative recovery Pt, Pd and Rh. • The method is easy to operate and the enrichment factor could reach to 200-fold. • This method successfully tested the actual samples and obtained excellent results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of low-cost biomass and its utilization for producing cost effective and eco-friendly bioenergy as well as for removing heavy metals from water can be explored as an approach to meet the sustainable development goals. In light of the above-mentioned study, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of Billy goat weed (B GW ; Ageratum conyzoides) was carried out to produce bio-oil. In addition, the residual biochar from the HTL process was activated to obtain Act-BC and was further modified to produce MnO 2 -loaded biochar (Act-BC@MnO 2 -25%). The HTL of B GW was done at three different temperatures, i.e., 250 °C, 350 °C and 450 °C in a high-pressure batch reactor to maximize the bio-oil yield. Also, two different HTL methods i.e., single-stage HTL and triple-stage HTL of B GW were compared and discussed in detail. The bio-oil obtained via the triple-stage HTL was rich in carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. It also showed a higher heating value (HHV) and bio-oil yield (46%) than the single-stage. The residual biochar obtained at 450 °C (Act-BC) and MnO 2 modified (Act-BC@MnO 2 -25%) were then tested to adsorb multiple heavy metal (i.e., Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II)) from water. The kinetics data obtained from the adsorption experiment with Act-BC@MnO 2 -25% were well fitted to PSO kinetics model. The isotherm data were well aligned with the Langmuir model; the adsorption capacity of Act-BC@MnO 2 -25% was estimated to be 198.70 ± 11.40 mg g−1, 93.70 ± 6.60 mg g−1, 78.90 ± 7.20 mg g−1 and 30.50 ± 2.10 mg g−1 for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II), respectively. Furthermore, Act-BC@MnO 2 -25% remained active for metal ions absorption even after six consecutive uses. The result obtained from this study clearly demonstrates that the triple-stage HTL of B GW is a promising technology to achieve both remediation of metal-contaminated water and production of bioenergy. [Display omitted] • Triple-stage HTL applied to convert Ageratum conyzoides to bio-oil and biochar. • Biochar modified with MnO 2 for better adsorption of heavy metals. • Kinetics and isotherm data fitted well to PSO kinetics and Langmuir isotherms, respectively. • MnO 2 -loaded Act-BC showing 3–4 times higher adsorption capacities than Act-BC. • 87.1% of MnO 2 -loaded Act-BC adsorption capacity maintained after 6 consecutive uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of water contamination by heavy metal ions as highly persistent pollutants with harmful influence primarily on biological systems, even in trace levels, has become a great environmental concern globally. Therefore, there is a need for the use of highly sensitive techniques or preconcentration methods for the removal of heavy metal ions at trace levels. Thus, this research investigates a novel approach by examining the possibility of using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel layered material for the simultaneous preconcentration of seven heavy metal ions; Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution and three river water samples. The quantification of the heavy metals was performed by the means of FAAS technique. The characterization of biomaterial was performed by SEM/EDS, FTIR analysis and pHpzc determination before and after the remediation process. The reusability study as well as the influence of interfering ions (Ca, K, Mg, Na and Zn) were evaluated. The conditions of preconcentration by the column method included the optimization of solution pH (5), flow rate (1.5 mL/min), a dose of biosorbent (200 mg), type of the eluent (1 mol/L HNO 3), sample volume (100 mL) and sorbent fraction (<0.25 mm). The biosorbent capacity ranged from 4.45 to 57.70 μmol/g for the investigated heavy metals. The practical relevance of this study is further extended by novel data regarding adsorbent cost analysis (17.49 $/mol). The Punica granatum sorbent represents a highly effective and economical biosorbent for the preconcentration of heavy metal ions for possible application in industrial sectors. [Display omitted] • Punica granatum showed effective for preconcentration of seven heavy metal ions. • Cost analysis showed economical nature of investigated biosorbent (17.49 $/mol). • Method accuracy was established by three different river samples. • Punica granatum could be used in six cycles of preconcentration. • No interferences were observed for Cu ion preconcentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution occurs mainly due to inorganic and organic pollutants, such as nutrients, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. For the modeling and optimization of pollutants removal, artificial intelligence (AI) has been used as a major tool in the experimental design that can generate the optimal operational variables, since AI has recently gained a tremendous advance. The present review describes the fundamentals, advantages and limitations of AI tools. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are the AI tools frequently adopted to predict the pollutants removal processes because of their capabilities of self-learning and self-adapting, while genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are also useful AI methodologies in efficient search for the global optima. This article summarizes the modeling and optimization of pollutants removal processes in water treatment by using multilayer perception, fuzzy neural, radial basis function and self-organizing map networks. Furthermore, the results conclude that the hybrid models of ANNs with GA and PSO can be successfully applied in water treatment with satisfactory accuracies. Finally, the limitations of current AI tools and their new developments are also highlighted for prospective applications in the environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the use of partial nitritation (PN) in nitrogen removal processes for livestock wastewater, this work investigated the inhibitory effects of heavy metals and antibiotics on the nitrifying bacterial activities of the PN processes. Biomass was collected from a continuous-flow internal-loop airlift reactor and cultured with fixed ammonium concentrations of 921 mg N L −1 . Batch activity tests were conducted to determine the specific oxygen uptake rate. The individual and interactive inhibitory effects of Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfamethazine (SMZ) were evaluated using an orthogonal test. The results showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values of Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , OTC and SMZ on PN sludge were 50.1, 35.4, 447 and 1890 mg L −1 , respectively. The joint toxicities of heavy metals (Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ ) and antibiotics (OTC and SMZ) in the PN mixed culture were generally synergistic, except for between Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ , which was antagonistic. In joint toxicity tests, the significance of the inhibitory effect of Zn 2+ (15.3–164.3 mg L −1 ), Cu 2+ (13.8–90.9 mg L −1 ), OTC (27.0–866.5 mg L −1 ) and SMZ (290–3490 mg L −1 ) on the nitrifying bacterial activity can be ranked in the following order: SMZ > Cu 2+  > Zn 2+  > OTC. Additionally, different exposure times (1 h, 3 h and 24 h) with or without aeration were also comparatively studied. These results show that a greater PN sludge activity loss than when exposure without aeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A toxicity biosensor Acinetobacter baylyi Tox2 was constructed with the host strain A. baylyi ADP1 harboring a new and medium-copy-number plasmid pWH1274_lux, and was applied to detect the cytotoxicity of heavy metal contaminated seawater. The gene cassette luxCDABE was controlled by constitutively expressed promoter P tet on pWH1274_lux and the bioluminescence intensity of the biosensor reduces in proportional to the concentrations of toxic compounds. A. baylyi Tox2 exhibits tolerance to salinity, hence it is applicable to seawater samples. A. baylyi Tox2 and Mugilogobius chulae were exposed to different concentrations of heavy metals (Hg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Cd 2+ ) in artificial seawater for performance comparison and Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between A. baylyi Tox2 toxicity detection and the fish ( M. chulae ) exposure test. This suggests that the performance of A. baylyi Tox2 is comparable to the conventional fish toxicity test in terms of cytotoxicity detection of heavy metal contaminated seawater. Furthermore, A. baylyi Tox2 was used to evaluate cytotoxicity of field-collected seawater samples. The results indicate that there was a significant correlation between the luminescence inhibition ratio (IR) of A. baylyi Tox2 and heavy metal concentrations detected by ICP-MS in the samples. Two seawater samples, which contained a high concentration of total heavy metals, exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than the samples containing low concentrations of heavy metals. In conclusion, A. baylyi Tox2 can be used as an alternative tool to aquatic animals for the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of heavy metal contamination in the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino-decorated Zr-based magnetic Metal-Organic Frameworks composites (Zr-MFCs) were prepared by a facile and efficient strategy. The nano-sized Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 core (about 15 nm) was coated with a shell of Zr-MOFs (about 5 nm) by means of in-situ growth. And, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @UiO-66 and its amino derivatives (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @UiO-66-NH 2 and Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @UiO-66-Urea) were successfully prepared by using different precursors. The obtained Zr-MFCs were demonstrated to be efficient adsorbents for metal ions/organic dyes removal from aqueous solution, with high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics. It was found that the amine-decorated MFCs were highly efficient for metal ions/dyes removal compared to raw MFC-O. Among them, MFC-N exhibited the highest capacity for Pb 2+ (102 mg g −1 ) and methylene blue (128 mg g −1 ), while MFC-O exhibited the highest capacity for methyl orange (219 mg g −1 ). Moreover, anionic and cationic dyes could be selectively separated and removed from the mixed solution just by adjusting the solution pH with Zr-MFCs as the adsorbents. And these Zr-MFCs materials can be easily regenerated by desorbing metal ions/organic dyes from the sorbents with appropriate eluents, and the adsorption capacity can be remained unchanged after 6 recycles. The obtained results demonstrated the great application potential of the prepared MFCs as fascinating adsorbents for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drainage of potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) for paddy rice cultivation results in the formation of active acid sulfate soils (AASS) and subsequently post-active acid sulfate soils (PAASS). The drainage of PASS causes severe environmental problems including acidification and metal contamination of soil and water resources. This study examined the vertical distribution and partitioning of Al, As, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in six tropical acid sulfate soils representing AASS and PAASS under long-term paddy rice cultivation (>145 years). The bulk soil samples were analyzed for total concentrations of Al, As, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The partitioning of these elements was examined by a sequential extraction procedure. Labile Al is higher in ASS which is associated with low soil pH. During drainage, mobilization of As, Cu, and Pb is limited by coprecipitation with (poorly) crystalline Fe oxides minerals in the topsoil and partly oxidized layer of both soil types. These elements are associated with iron (mono) sulfides in unoxidized layer. When PASS are exposed to air, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn are leached from the soils and are dominantly associated with iron sulfides in the unoxidized sediments. Labile Mn, Ni, and Zn are elevated in the unoxidized layer of PAASS because these elements are leached from the partly oxidized layers and adsorbed onto soil constituents. Cobalt is probably precipitated or adsorbed onto (poorly) crystalline minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of health risks due to heavy metals exposure via drinking water from ex-mining ponds in Klang Valley and Melaka has been conducted. Measurements of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, Na, Mg, Ca, and dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, ammoniacal nitrogen, total suspended solid, biological oxygen demand were collected from 12 ex-mining ponds and 9 non-ex-mining lakes. Exploratory analysis identified As, Cd, and Pb as the most representative water quality parameters in the studied areas. The metal exposures were simulated using Monte Carlo methods and the associated health risks were estimated at 95th and 99th percentile. The results revealed that As was the major risk factor which might have originated from the previous mining activity. For Klang Valley, adults that ingested water from those ponds are at both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, while children are vulnerable to non-carcinogenic risk; for Melaka, only children are vulnerable to As complications. However, dermal exposure showed no potential health consequences on both adult and children groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based nanomaterials, especially carbon nanotubes and graphene, have drawn wide attention in recent years as novel materials for environmental applications. Notably, the functionalized derivatives of carbon nanotubes and graphene with high surface area and adsorption sites are proposed to remove heavy metals via adsorption, addressing the pressing pollution of heavy metal. This critical revies assesses the recent development of various functionalized carbon nanotubes and graphene that are used to remove heavy metals from contaminated water, including the preparation and characterization methods of functionalized carbon nanotubes and graphene, their applications for heavy metal adsorption, effects of water chemistry on the adsorption capacity, and decontamination mechanism. Future research directions have also been proposed with the goal of further improving their adsorption performance, the feasibility of industrial applications, and better simulating adsorption mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thallium (Tl) has drawn wide concern due to its high toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, as well as its tendency for significant accumulation in the human body and other organisms. The need to develop effective strategies for trace Tl removal from drinking water is urgent. In this study, the removal of trace Tl (0.5 μg L −1 ) by conventional quartz sand filtration enhanced by nanosized manganese dioxide (nMnO 2 ) has been investigated using typical surface water obtained from northeast China. The results indicate that nMnO 2 enhanced quartz sand filtration could remove trace Tl(I) and Tl(III) efficiently through the adsorption of Tl onto nMnO 2 added to a water matrix and onto nMnO 2 attached on quartz sand surfaces. Tl(III)-HA complexes might be responsible for higher residual Tl(III) in the effluent compared to residual Tl(I). Competitive Ca 2+ cations inhibit Tl removal to a certain extent because the Ca 2+ ions will occupy the Tl adsorption site on nMnO 2 . Moreover, high concentrations of HA (10 mgTOC L −1 ), which notably complexes with and dissolves nMnO 2 (more than 78%), resulted in higher residual Tl(I) and Tl(III). Tl(III)-HA complexes might also enhance Tl(III) penetration to a certain extent. Additionally, a higher pH level could enhance the removal of trace Tl from surface water. Finally, a slight increase of residual Tl was observed after backwash, followed by the reduction of the Tl concentration in the effluent to a “steady” state again. The knowledge obtained here may provide a potential strategy for drinking water treatment plants threatened by trace Tl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals in water are critical global environmental problems. In particular, the anionic heavy metal chromium (Cr) has carcinogenic and genotoxic risks on human health. To this end, an ultralight and flexible nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)/chitosan (CS) aerogel was developed only by freeze-drying combined with physical thermal cross-linking for efficient one step co-removal of Cr(VI) and Cr(III). The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) and total Cr calculated according to the Langmuir model was 197.33 and 134.12 mg/g, respectively. Even in the presence of competing soluble organics, anions and oil contaminants, the resulting NFC/CS-5 aerogels showed excellent selectivity. The aerogel exhibited outstanding mechanical integrity, remaining intact after 17 compressions in air and underwater. Meanwhile, after 5 adsorption-desorption cycles, the aerogel was easy to regenerate and maintained a high regeneration efficiency of 80.25%. Importantly, self-assembled NFC/CS-5 aerogel filter connected with the peristaltic pump could purify 752 mL of industrial wastewater with Cr(VI) pre-concentration capacity of 49.71 mg/g. XPS and FT-IR verified that electrostatic interactions, reduction and complexation acted as the main driving forces for the adsorption process. Moreover, such aerogel possessed broad application prospects for alleviating heavy metal pollution in agriculture. [Display omitted] • An ultralight & flexible nanofibrillated cellulose/chitosan aerogel was synthesized. • The maximum adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) and total Cr were 197.33 and 134.12 mg/g. • Aerogels exhibited superior antifouling, selectivity and recyclability. • Self-assembled aerogel filter could purify 752 mL of industrial wastewater. • Adsorption coupled reduction and chelation mechanism was revealed by FTIR and XPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities in tropical rivers favor the eutrophication process, which causes increased concentration of heavy metals. The presence and bioaccumulation of metals are directly related to the presence of genotoxic damage in aquatic organisms. Thus, we evaluated the presence of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu and Al) and performed toxicogenetic tests in surface (S) and bottom (B) of water samples of the Poti river (Piaui/Brazil). Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests were performed in Allium cepa , and micronucleus (MN) and comet assay were performed in Oreochromis niloticus. The chemical analysis showed concentrations above the limit for Cu, Cr, Fe and Al according to Brazilian laws, characterizing anthropogenic disturbance in this aquatic environment. Toxicogenetic analysis presented significant cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects in different exposure times and water layers (S and B), especially alterations in mitotic spindle defects, MN formations, nuclear bud and DNA strand breaks. Correlations between Fe and cytotoxicity, and Al and mutagenicity were statistically significant and point out to the participation of heavy metals in genotoxic damage. Therefore, Poti river water samples presented toxicogenetic effects on all bioindicators analyzed, which are most likely related to heavy metals pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly wide use of semiconductor nanocrystals inevitably leads to their release into aquatic environment. The aggregation behaviors of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdSe/CdS core-shell quantum dots (MPA-QDs) under various water chemistry conditions were examined and their removal using Fe 3+ and Al 3+ coagulants was evaluated. Cationic species rather than concentrations affected the stability of MPA-QDs. Adding 2 mM Ca 2+ led to a much larger ζ-potential decrease and particle size increase than adding 150 mM K + at each tested solution pH. This indicated that complexation and depletion of surface-bound carboxyl groups by divalent Ca 2+ has a more pronounced effect than compression of the electrical double layer by high concentrations of monovalent K + . The presence of humic acid increased the stability of MPA-QDs, which might increase negative surface charging via overcoating or bind to the surface of MPA-QDs. The nanoparticles exhibited similar aggregation kinetics patterns in tap water and seawater, but varying patterns in the lake water because of the co-existence of 2.3 mM total of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . MPA-QDs (5 mg L −1 ) were readily coagulated by 2.4 mM Al 3+ or 1.2 mM Fe 3+ in tap water. Al 3+ and Fe 3+ can bind with carboxyl groups of the surface capping ligands, neutralize the negative charges on the surface of MPA-QDs and decrease the electrostatic repulsion forces to induce MPA-QDs aggregation. In addition, MPA-QDs could be bound with and wrapped into the flocs of hydrolysis products of coagulants. The results reported here could help broaden our understanding of the impacts and remediation of water-dispersed core-shell QD nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attenuation of the acid mine drainage is one of the most important environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. Mining waste deposits from an ancient metallurgical extraction of heavy metals were found near to the San Antonio marsh in Patagonia. The aim of this work was to determinate which mechanisms regulate the mobilization and retention of metals by acid drainage. A geological and geomorphological survey was carried out and samples from the mining waste deposits and the marsh were collected to determine soil texture, Eh pH, organic matter, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe content, and soil mineralogical composition. Metals in marsh plants were determined in above- and below-ground structures. In the mining waste deposits polymetallic sulphides were recognized where the oxidation and formation of oxy-hydroxides and sulphates of Fe, Cu, Pb and Zn occurs. Then, by the alteration of those minerals, the metals enter in solution and are mobilized with the surface drainage towards the marsh where adsorption in the soils fine fraction and organic matter and/or by plants occurs. Locally, in the mining waste deposits, the precipitation/dissolution of Cu, Pb, and Zn sulphates take place in small centripetal drainage basins. In topographically lower portions of the marsh desorption and removal of metals by tidal flow could also be happen. The results allow to concluding that the marsh adjacent to the mining waste deposits is a geochemically active environment that naturally mitigates the contamination caused by acid drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we studied some heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, U) probably associated to high molecular weight organic compounds present in the Antarctic snow. Snow-pit samples were collected and analysed for high molecular weight fraction and heavy metals bound to them by means of ultrafiltration treatment. High molecular weight dissolved organic matter (HMW-DOM) recovered by ultrafiltration showed a dissolved organic carbon concentration (HMW-DOC) of about 18–83% of the total dissolved organic carbon measured in Antarctic snow. The characterisation of HMW-DOM fraction evidenced an ageing of organic compounds going from surface layers to the deepest ones with a shift from aliphatic compounds and proteins/amino sugars to more high unsaturated character and less nitrogen content. The heavy metals associated to HMW-DOM fraction follows the order: Zn > Cu > Pb >> Cd ∼ As ∼ U. The percentage fraction of metals bound to HMW-DOM respect to total metal content follows the order: Cu >> Pb > Zn, Cd in agreement with humic substance binding ability (Irwing-William series). Going down to depth of trench, all metals except arsenic, showed a high concentration peak corresponding to 2.0–2.5 m layer. This result was attributed to particular structural characteristic of organic matter able to form different type of complexes (1:1, 1:2, 1:n) with metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of the dietary risk of heavy metal exposure to humans is important since it is the main source of exposure. This study aimed to estimate the degree of contamination and assess the probable health risk in the prawn food chain. In prawn feed, the concentrations of metals were detected in the following order: Hg > Co > Pb > Cd. The concentrations of heavy metals in prawn were the highest for Co and lowest for Cd. Trace amounts of As and Cr were detected in the analyzed sample. Target hazard quotients for heavy metals for adults were >1 for Pb, Cd, Hg, and Co, and for children, the same were high for Co and Hg, indicating significant health risks upon dietary exposure. All the prawn samples contained nine-fold and fourteen-fold higher concentrations than the maximum acceptable levels for Pb and Hg, respectively (0.5 mg kg −1 ; WHO/FAO). Human health risk due to the Co exposure is quite alarming as the level of exposure was found to be very high. In the prawn samples intended for human consumption, the hazard index (HI) was highest in the samples obtained from Bagerhat (3.25 in flesh and 3.26 in skin), followed by the samples obtained from Satkhira (2.84 in flesh and 3.10 in skin) and Dhaka City Corporation (2.81 in flesh and 3.42 in Skin); this indicates a potential risk of prawn consumption obtained from Southeast Bangladesh. This is particularly problematic as this area accounts for the majority of prawn production and export of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the occurrence and distribution of largely known pollutants (Ag, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Pd, and Zn), as well as emerging ones (Li, and V) in the water dissolved fraction, suspended particulate matter, and surface sediments from the lower course of the Negro River, Argentina. There are scarce preceding data on inorganic pollution in the entire watershed and, in the case of the emerging pollutants, there are almost no studies performed worldwide. Sampling was conducted in 2019 at six sampling sites, three of them mostly river dominated and the rest under marine domain. The samples were subjected to an acid digestion in a microwave digester, and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Results: revealed that Cu, Li, V, and Zn were always on the top four of the highest average metal concentrations in water and sediment fractions. The pollution assessment indicated that the watershed might be exposed to anthropogenic pollution, as over 60% of Cu and Zn, and over 85% of Hg in water dissolved samples from the marine dominated sites were above the maximum recommended values from guidelines. The multivariate analyses characterized the watershed into two clusters, with metals in the sediment fraction mainly contributing to the uppermost sites. Indeed, sedimentary Cu and Zn background enrichment indices pointed out a moderate pollution of the river dominated sites. This study highlights the relevance of an integrative approach in metal pollution evaluation, as the results denoted a progressive deterioration of the watershed, affecting the water quality of the lower course of the Negro River and its adjacent coastal zone. Overall, these results contribute to a more complete evaluation of the potential to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, with implications for future treatment strategies to enhance the environmental quality of the area. [Display omitted] • Cu, Li, V, and Zn were always among the top four metals in the matrixes evaluated. • Dissolved Cu, Hg, and Zn values were above guidelines for protection of aquatic biota. • Sedimentary Cu and Zn values denoted a quality deterioration of the upper sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical and biological parameters of aquatic ecosystems are directly affected by mining activities, increasing the ecotoxicological risk related to exposure to contaminants and pollutants. In this study, a native and adapted floating aquatic macrophyte was used in a gold mining area as a model organism to assess the environmental risk and its potential application in bioremediation of heavy metals. The physicochemical parameters of water and sediments were evaluated, as well as the phytoremediation parameters (bioconcentration and translocation factors) of Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L. The results showed a significant bioconcentration of Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the roots of the macrophyte (high BCF: As > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr), confirming its suitability for use in rhizofiltration. Regarding arsenic bioconcentration, H. ranunculoides demonstrated a high BCF and TF > 1, indicating its phytoextraction potential, an essential requirement for plants to be used in bioremediation programs. [Display omitted] • A native floating aquatic macrophyte was used as bioindicator of metal contamination. • Water-sediments and plants collected demonstrated contamination in a gold mining area. • Ecotoxicological assessment showed risks of Arsenic contamination in water. • H. ranunculoides presented phytoextraction potential to bioremediation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental fate of the frequently used broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) is of high concern regarding the potential evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Moreover, it is known that AMX is prone to hydrolysis, yielding a variety of hydrolysis products (HPs) with yet unknown effects. Studies to identify those HPs and investigate their formation mechanisms have been reported but a long-term study on their stability in real water samples was missing. In this regard, we investigated the hydrolysis of AMX at two concentration levels in four distinct water types under three different storage conditions over two months. Concentrations of AMX and four relevant HPs were monitored by an LC-MS/MS method revealing pronounced differences in the hydrolysis rate of AMX in tap water and mineral water on the one hand (fast) and surface water on the other (slow). In this context, the occurrence, relative intensities, and stability of certain HPs are more dependent on the water type than on the storage condition. As clarified by ICP-MS, the main difference between the water types was the content of the metals copper and zinc which are supposed to catalyze AMX hydrolysis demonstrating an effective method to degrade AMX at ambient conditions. [Display omitted] • Hydrolysis kinetics and pathways of amoxicillin vary strongly in different water types. • These differences could be ascribed to the content of heavy metal ions (precisely: Cu and Zn) in the water samples. • The time-resolved formation and long-term stability of selected hydrolysis products were monitored. • A new degradation pathway to yield a considerably stable end product of amoxicillin hydrolysis is proposed. • These results have relevance to water treatment, environmental contamination and drinking water safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of five heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the sediments, water, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macroalgae from Kongsfjorden Fjord and the freshwater lakes of Ny-Ålesund in the Svalbard archipelago were determined in order to describe the anthropogenic impacts related to the Ny-Ålesund town. Water samples from nine stations, sediment samples from 23 stations, plankton samples from five stations, and six species of macroalgae were collected and subjected to heavy metal analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Only Cu and Zn were detected in the water samples. The plankton samples had only Zn, Cu, and Cr. The average metal concentrations in macroalgae fell in the decreasing order of Cu > Zn > Cr > Cd > Pb. In sediment samples, the metal order was as follows: Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd. Multivariate statistical analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to identify the source of the metal contamination. The metals were found to originate from a blend of both anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Pollution monitoring indices including geoaccumulation index (I geo), contamination factor, contamination degree (C deg), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk (PER) were calculated using the metal data. In the study area, I geo values of the metals showed pollution grades from 0 (uncontaminated) to 6 (extremely contaminated). C deg fell in classes from 1 (low contamination) to 4 (very high contamination). PLI values ranged between 0 and 5.68. PER values expressed that except for a few stations located at higher elevations in the glacial outwash plains, all other sites were highly polluted. The high level of pollution indices in the sites can be attributed to the anthropogenic activities persistent in the study area. [Display omitted] • Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb & Zn in Arctic sediment, water, plankton & macroalga were assessed. • Cd & Pb were not detected in zooplanktons & Pb was not detected in phytoplanktons. • Metal level trend in macroalga was Cu>Zn>Cr>Cd>Pb, & in sediment was Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd. • PCA reveals that metals are likely from anthropogenic activities in Ny-Ålesund. • Ecological risk assessment indicates very high metal contamination in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employed a facile method to synthesize feather keratin derived biosorbents using water dispersed graphene oxide. The successful cross-linking of feather keratin with graphene oxide was investigated through X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The modifications resulted in increased surface area of the keratin proteins with substantial morphological changes including the development of cracked and rough patches on the surface. The chicken feather keratin/graphene oxide based biosorbents exhibited excellent performance for the simultaneous removal of metal oxyanions including arsenic (As), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr) and cations including nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) up to 99%, from polluted synthetic water containing 600 μgL−1 of each metal concentration in 24 h. The insights into the biosorption mechanism revealed that the electrostatic interaction, chelation and complexation primarily contributed to the removal of multiple heavy metal ions in a single treatment. This study has demonstrated that modification of chicken feather keratin with graphene oxide is an effective way to improve its sorption capacity for removing multiple trace metal ions from contaminated water. [Display omitted] • Keratin based biosorbents are renewable, sustainable and environmentally benign. • Nanomodification of keratin led to the improvement of heavy metals bio-adsorption. • Keratin derived biosorbents removed As (III) and Se (VI) up to 99%. • Bio-adsorption of metal ions was carried out via electrostatic interaction, chelation and complexation. • Developed biosorbents have great potential to be used for simultaneous removal of multiple metals from contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing knowledge on the discharge of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the environment and their potential toxicity to microorganisms, the interaction of AgNPs with heavy metals remains poorly understood. This study focused on the effect of AgNPs on heavy metal concentration and form in sediment contaminated with heavy metals from the Xiangjiang River. The results showed that the concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd decreased and then increased with a change in form. The changes in form and concentrations of heavy metals in pore water suggested that Cu and Zn were more likely to be affected compared to Pb and Cd. The concentrations of Hg in sediment pore water in three AgNPs-dosed containers, increased greatly until they reached their peaks at 4.468 ± 0.133, 4.589 ± 0.235, and 5.083 ± 0.084 μg L −1 in Bare AgNPs, Citrate AgNPs and Tween 80 AgNPs, respectively. The measurements of Hg concentrations in the sediment pore water, combined with SEM and EDX analysis, demonstrated that added AgNPs stabilized in pore water and formed an amalgam with Hg 0 , which can affect Hg transportation over long distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There were considerable concerns about the zinc (Zn) pollution caused by electroplating, chemical, and computer-related high-tech industrial discharges in Kaohsiung Rivers situated at south Taiwan. There is, however, a lack of site-specific water chemistry based toxicity assessment and little is known about the sublethal toxicity on freshwater fish. This study proposes an integrated framework to link experimental and mechanistic model-based data analysis of lethal and sublethal Zn toxicities for grass carp ( Ctenopharyn odon idellus ) populations for providing the site-specific Zn water quality threshold in Kaohsiung Rivers. A biotic ligand model (BLM) that relates toxicity impairment of physiological active sites impacted by Zn species was used to elucidate the site-specific water chemistry affecting the bioavailability and biological response of grass carp exposed to Zn. Results indicated that 96-h LC50 for mortality and 28-d EC50 for growth inhibition were 474.7 ± 1.3 (mean ± SE) and 149 ± 23.5 μg L −1 , respectively. Here the BLM-based predicted steady-state LC50s for mortality were 2110.7, 818.2, 1303.6, 563.3, and 497.1 μg L −1 , whereas measured steady-state EC50s for growth inhibition were 726.8, 326.2, 373.4, 193.9, and 170.5 μg L −1 for the Agongdian, Houling, Love, Fengshan, and Gaoping Rivers, respectively. A positive correlation between Mg 2+ and EC50 values were found in both acute ( r = 0.94, p < 0.01) and chronic ( r = 0.97, p < 0.01) Zn exposures. This study suggests that the use of site-specific water chemistry data and ecophysiological traits would enhance the predictive capacities to assess the potential effect of metal toxicity posed to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroplating wastewater contains various types of toxic substances, such as heavy metals, solvents, and cleaning agents. Carbon foam was used as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from real industrial plating wastewater. Its sorption capacity was compared with those of a commercial ion-exchange resin (BC258) and a heavy metal adsorbent (CupriSorb™) in a batch system. The experimental carbon foam has a considerably higher sorption capacity for Cr and Cu than commercial adsorbents for acid/alkali wastewater and cyanide wastewater. Additionally, cytotoxicity test showed that the newly developed adsorbent has low cytotoxic effects on three kinds of human cells. In a pilot plant, the carbon foam had higher sorption capacity for Cr (73.64 g kg −1 ) than for Cu (14.86 g kg −1 ) and Ni (7.74 g kg −1 ) during 350 h of operation time. Oxidation pretreatments using UV/hydrogen peroxide enhance heavy metal removal from plating wastewater containing cyanide compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing need to develop novel and high-efficiency water purification technologies. This work systematically evaluated the potential of using graphene oxide (GO) directly as filter media for the removal of levofloxacin (LEV), an emerging contaminate, and lead (Pb), a heavy metal, from aqueous solution. Batch and fixed-bed experiments were conducted to determine the sorption behaviors of LEV and Pb onto the GO. In the batch system, GO showed strong sorption of the two contaminants with Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities of 256.6 and 227.2 mg g −1 , respectively. The removal of LEV and Pb by GO in fixed-bed columns was high under all tested conditions in both single and mixed solution systems. The removal efficiency of the two contaminants in the GO-sand columns increased with increasing GO content, but decreased with increasing injection flow rate. In the mixed solution system, although LEV and Pb competed for sorption, the GO media still had high removal efficiencies for them. The column experimental data were well described by the Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model, suggesting the model can be used for the design of GO-sand filters in large-scale applications. Findings from this work demonstrated that GO is a promising nano-adsorbent that can be used as a high-efficiency filter media in water treatment to remove hazardous metal elements and emerging contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom ash from open-burning of municipal waste practised in developing countries poses a risk of heavy metal leaching into groundwater. Compared to incineration ash, there is limited information on heavy metal leaching from open-burning ash and soil from non-engineered landfills. Batch and column experiments were conducted to address three specific objectives; (1) to determine aqua regia extractable concentrations of heavy metals in fresh ash, old ash and soil from beneath the landfill, (2) to determine the relationship between heavy metal leaching, initial and final pH of leaching solution, and aqua regia extractable concentrations, and (3) to determine the breakthrough curves of heavy metals in ashes and soil. Aqua regia extractable concentrations of Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni and Pb were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fresh and old ashes than soil beneath landfill and uncontaminated soil (control). Increasing initial solution pH from 5 and 7 to 9 significantly reduced the mobility of Pb, Zn and Cu but not Cd whose mobility peaked at pH 7 and 9. Concentrations of desorbed heavy metals were not correlated with aqua regia extractable concentrations. Final pH of leachate rebounded to close to original pH of the material, suggesting a putative high buffering capacity for all materials. Both batch and column leaching showed that concentrations of leached heavy metals were disproportionately lower (<5%) than aqua regia extractable concentrations in most cases. The retardation of heavy metals was further evidenced by sigmoidal breakthrough curves. Heavy metal retention was attributed to precipitation, pH-dependent adsorption and formation of insoluble organo-metallic complexes at near-neutral to alkaline pH. Overall, the risk of heavy metal leaching from ash and soil from the waste dump into groundwater was low. The high pH and the presence of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu make ash an ideal low-cost liming material and source of micronutrients particularly on acidic soils prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with cadmium, lead, mercury and other heavy metals, chromium is an important environmental pollutant, mainly concentrated in areas of intense anthropogenic pressure. The effect of potassium dichromate on Lemna minor populations was tested using the growth inhibition test. Cyto-histological and physiological analyses were also conducted to aid in understanding the strategies used by plants during exposure to chromium. Treatment with potassium dichromate caused a reduction in growth rate and frond size in all treated plants and especially at the highest concentrations. At these concentrations the photosynthetic pathway was also altered as shown by the decrease of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II and the chlorophyll b content and by the chloroplast ultrastructural modifications. Starch storage was also investigated by microscopic observations. It was the highest at the high concentrations of the pollutant. The data suggested a correlation between starch storage and reduced growth; there was greater inhibition of plant growth than inhibition of photosynthesis, resulting in a surplus of carbohydrates that may be stored as starch. The investigation helps to understand the mechanism related to heavy metal tolerance of Lemna minor and supplies information about the behavior of this species widely used as a biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental dredging is often used in river mouth areas to remove heavy metals. However, following dredging, high levels of metal-adsorbed suspended particulate matter (SPM) originating from polluted inflowing rivers might adversely affect the sediment–water interface (SWI). Here, we conducted a 360-day-long experiment investigating whether the riverine SPM adversely affects dredging outcome in a bay area of Lake Chaohu, China. We found that the heavy metal concentrations in the post-dredging surface sediment increased to pre-dredging levels for all metals studied (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) after the addition of SPM. In addition, the increased concentrations were mostly detected in the relatively bioavailable non-residual fractions. Of the metals studied, the rate of increase was the greatest for Zn and Cd (482.98% and 261.07%, respectively), mostly in the weak acid extractable fraction. These results were probably due to certain characteristics of SPM (fine grain size, and high concentrations of organic matter and heavy metals) and the good oxic conditions of the SWI. Furthermore, As was the only metal for which we observed an increasing trend of diffusive flux across the SWI. However, the flux was still significantly lower than that measured before dredging. In conclusion, the quantity and character of riverine metal-adsorbed SPM affect metal re-contamination across the post-dredging SWI, and this information should be incorporated into the management schemes of dredging projects dedicated to reducing metal contamination in similar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient research is available on flocculation of combined pollutants of heavy metals and antibiotics, which widely exist in livestock wastewaters. Aiming at solving difficulties in flocculation of this sort of combined pollution, a novel pH- and temperature-responsive biomass-based flocculant, carboxymethyl chitosan- graft -poly( N -isoproyl acrylamide- co -diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (denoted as CND) with two responsive switches [lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and isoelectric point (IEP)], was designed and synthesized. Its flocculation performance at different temperatures and pHs was evaluated using copper(II) and tetracycline (TC) as model contaminants. CND exhibited high efficiency for coremoval of both contaminants, whereas two commercial flocculants (polyaluminum chloride and polyacrylamide) did not. Especially, flocculation performance of the dual-responsive flocculant under conditions of temperature > LCST and IEP(contaminants)

Dongping Lake is the only natural lake in the lower Yellow River and an important hub of South-North Water Diversion Project, its water quality is of vital importance to the environmental protection and the security of water supply. To assess the heavy metal (HM) contamination in Dongping Lake, samples in water and surface sediment were taken from 59 sampling sites over the entire lake. The statistical characteristics, pollution conditions, and source identifications were analyzed using coupling methods of entropy water quality index (EWQI), modified pollution index (mC d), enrichment coefficient (EF), geo-accumulation index (I geo), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and positive matrix factorization (PMF). In present study, the averaged concentrations of all studied HMs in water body of Dongping Lake were below the limit of drinking water quality standard recommended by WHO, and the EWQI and mC d of HM concentrations were identified to be in good and excellent conditions. The concentrations of almost all studied HMs in surface sediment of Dongping Lake exceeded the background values in the soil of Shandong Province, and Cd (cadmium) was the dominant pollutant. With EF > 2, I geo > 1, and E r > 80, Cd in sediment was under moderate pollution. The outcomes of source analysis revealed that the HMs in surface sediment were mainly derived from the primary and secondary industries. Specifically, manufacturing industries contributed the most to the HM contaminations in sediment of Dongping Lake. [Display omitted] • Heavy metal (HM) pollution in both water and surface sediment of Dongping Lake were evaluated. • All studied HM concentrations in lake water body were below the pollution limit. • HMs in surface sediment were in different pollution degrees. • Cd (cadmium) was the dominant pollutant in surface sediment of Dongping Lake. • Manufacturing was identified as the dominant sources for HMs in Dongping Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports for the first-time the possibility of deploying gas production by thiosulfate utilizing denitrifying bacteria (TUDB) as a proxy to evaluate water toxicity. The test relies on gas production by TUDB due to inhibited metabolic activity in the presence of toxicants. Gas production was measured using a bubble-type respirometer. Optimization studies indicated that 300 mg NO 3 − − N/L , 0.5 mL acclimated culture, and 2100 mg S 2 O 3 2−/L were the ideal conditions facilitating the necessary volume of gas production for sensitive data generation. Determined EC 50 values of the selected heavy metals were: Cr6+, 0.51 mg/L; Ag+, 2.90 mg/L; Cu2+, 2.90 mg/L; Ni2+, 3.60 mg/L; As3+, 4.10 mg/L; Cd2+, 5.56 mg/L; Hg2+, 8.06 mg/L; and Pb2+, 19.3 mg/L. The advantages of this method include operational simplicity through the elimination of cumbersome preprocessing procedures which are used to eliminate interferences caused by turbidity when the toxicity of turbid samples is determined via spectrophotometry. [Display omitted] • A novel gas production bioassay of TUDB was developed. • Gas production by TUDB was sensitive in detecting heavy metal-induced water toxicity. • Gas production was inversely proportional to the concentration of heavy metals. • Decreasing inhibitory order of the tested heavy metals was Cr6+>Cu2+Ag+>Ni2+>As3+>Cd2+>Hg2+>Pb2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the second largest water source for daily consumption, only next to surface water resources. Groundwater has been extensively investigated for its pollution level in urban areas. The groundwater quality assessments in industrial areas associated with every urban landscape are still lacking. This study was carried out in two industrial areas including Okhla and Mohan cooperative in New Delhi, India. The six groundwater samples were obtained for water quality assessment for 2015 and 2018. The heavy metals investigated in water samples were Cu, As, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Mn. The water quality was assessed in the heavy metals index (MI) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). From indexing approach, it was observed that pollution levels have increased in year 2018 as compared to the year 2015. MI < 1 for Cu in 2015 and 2018 in both industrial areas. In the case of remaining metals, MI ranged from 2.5 to 8.4. When the HPI indexing approach was adopted, water was unfit for drinking in both industrial areas in 2015 and 2018, with an HPI value > 100. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment (HI) ranged from 1.7 to 1.9 in 2015, increasing from 17.41 to 217 in 2018, indicating high risk in both years. Carcinogenic risk (CR) was within the acceptable range for 48% of each heavy metal analysed sample. When the Carcinogenic risk index was considered (CRI), all samples were beyond the acceptable range, and every person was prone to carcinogenic risk in 2015. [Display omitted] • Heavy metal was analysed in two industrial areas groundwater. • Heavy metal concentration increased in groundwater. • Increment of groundwater pollution risked to the human health. • MI and HPI indicate polluted water are not fit for human consumption. • Heavy metal concentration in groundwater could decreased with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the fact that most wastewater in China contained both industrial and domestic wastewater, a 52-d systematical investigation was conducted on the long-term effect of low concentration Cr(VI) (0.3–0.8 mg L −1 ) on P removal performance of granule-based EBPR system in this study. The mechanisms were likewise discussed. Results showed that high Cr(VI) concentration (⩾0.5 mg L −1 ) could significantly inhibit P removal, while this phenomenon was not found when Cr(VI) concentration was less than (or equal to) 0.4 mg L −1 . Most of the granules was disintegrated and filamentous bacteria overgrew inducing sludge bulking occurred at 0.7 mg L −1 Cr(VI). During the exposure test, the abundance of poly-phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) significantly decreased while the populations of glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs) and other bacteria increased. Both production and degradation of poly-β-hydroxyakanoates (PHAs) were apparently inhibited. An improved polysaccharide/protein (PS/PN) ratio was observed with the increasing Cr(VI) concentration, implying excessive polysaccharide was secreted by microorganisms to support its resistance to the toxicity of Cr(VI). Besides, good linear regression between PS/PN ratio and the granule size ( R 2 = −0.86, p < 0.01) was obtained, indicating that high PS/PN was adverse to granule stability. Correlation analysis indicated that the accumulation of granules intracellular Cr was directly responsible for the observed inhibitory effect on P removal process. The long-term Cr(VI) treatment had irreversible effects on granule-based EBPR system as it could not revive after a 16-d recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in levels of toxic heavy metals in river system during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown might potentially assist in development of a public health risk mitigation system associated with the water consumption. The water quality of Punnakayal estuary in the Thamirabarani River system from the south India, a vital source of water for drinking and domestic purposes, industrial usage, and irrigation was assessed here. A comparitive assessment of physico-chemical variables (pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, turbidity and NO 3), microbiological parameters (total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, fecal streptococci and escherichia coli) and toxic metals (As, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) suggested a decrease of 20% in the contaminant ratio during the lockdown period in comparison to the pre-lockdown period. The Health risk assessment models (HQ, HI, and TCR) highlighted carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards for both children and adults through the ingestion and dermal adsorption exposures. The HI values for both As and Cr exceeded the acceptable limit (>1) during the lockdown period, but the potential risk for children and adults remained low in compaisio with the pre-lockdown period. Our results suggested that the Thamirabarani River system remained hostile to human health even during the lockdown period, and it requires regular monitoring through a volunteer water quality committee with private and government participations. [Display omitted] • The study measured hazardous heavy metal in water during the COVID-19 lockdown. • Order of heavy metal enrichments (Zn > Fe > Cu > As > Cr > Pb > Cd) in both phases. • TCR values also demonstrated "higher risk of cancer" in children and adults. • The study suggested that the Thamirabarani River system remained hostile to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination in wastewater poses a severe threat to the environment and public health. Chemical precipitation is the most conventional process for heavy metal wastewater treatment. However, the flocculent structure of chemical precipitation sludge raises the problem of poor sludge settling performance that is difficult to overcome. Inspired by the biological granular sludge (BGS) formation process, we report here a facile and effective strategy to produce abiological granular sludge (ABGS) to solve this problem. In this procedure, controlled double-jet precipitation was performed to simulate the cell multiplication process in BGS formation by controlling the solution supersaturation. Meanwhile, ZnO seeds and flocculant polyacrylamide were added to simulate the role of nuclei growth and extracellular polymeric substances in BGS formation process, respectively. This procedure generates ABGS with a dense structure, large size and regular spherical morphology. The settling velocity of ABGS can reach up to 3.0cms−1, significantly higher than that of flocculent sludge (<1cms−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of contaminants such as heavy metals in an aqueous environment has become a global concern. In the present study, a bio-filter was designed to eliminate heavy metals from river wastewater contaminated with industrial effluents. Moreover, we analyzed simple tap water, bio-filtered water, and unfiltered river wastewater and measured the concentrations of different heavy metals in the samples, such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu). The current experiment explored irrigation effects of three water regimes (tap water, bio-filtered water, and wastewater) on two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (NARC-2009 and NARC-2011). Results of the present study indicated that wastewater negatively influenced the growth parameters and photosynthetic contents along with a significant increase in oxidative damage in terms of electrolyte leakage (EL) (50 and 61%), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) (52 and 61 μmol/g), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (16 and 17.7 μmol/g) contents in NARC-2009 and NARC-2011 respectively. However, bio-filtered water positively regulated the growth profile, activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), total soluble sugars, amino acids, total protein, and proline contents in wheat as compared with untreated wastewater. In addition, bio-filtered water had significant impacts on the reduction of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cu concentrations in roots, shoots, and grains of both wheat varieties as compared to wastewater. The concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (15 and 18), Ni (35 and 57), Pb (5 and 7), and Cu (69 and 72) in roots, Cd (5 and 6), Ni (24 and 43), Pb (3 and 4), and Cu (16 and 19) in shoots, and Cd (0.7 and 1.0), Ni (11 and 26), Pb (2 and 3), and Cu (1.6 and 1.5) in grains of NARC-2009 and NARC-2011 were found under river wastewater treatment. Overall, wastewater treatment through bio-filtration process is an effective strategy for the reduction of toxic elements in bio-filtered water and their accumulation by plants. • River wastewater negatively influenced the growth attributes, physiological and defence profile of wheat plants. • Biofilter reduced the heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, lead, and copper contents in river wastewater and wheat plants. • Biofiltered water potentially improved the growth and antioxidants activities in wheat as compared to river wastewater. • Biofiltered water significantly reduced the heavy metals contents in different organs of wheat as compared to wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive heavy metal content in drinking water could lead to red water and acute and chronic diseases. A field study in combination with batch experiments using pipe scales of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) in the study area, was used to determine the content distribution and migration of As, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, and V in DWDS. In the field study, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and V contents in pipe scales and drinking water were extremely low and did not exceed the Chinese drinking water standards. However, Mn concentrations at the end of the DWDS with aged and corrosive pipes were relatively high, which presented a risk of excessive release. The batch experiment showed that As in pipe scales would not be released into water under static immersion conditions; however, pipe scales would release excessive Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, and V in the initial reaction stage, and the heavy metal contents released by tubercle scales in the initial release stage were at least twice as much as those released by loose scales. The mass percentage of four metals (excluding Cd and Pb) released from pipe scales was extremely low. The field study and batch experiment data both suggested a strong correlation between Cr and V released into the water, indicating a synergistic effect. There were differences in heavy metals released in the field research and the batch experiment. The amount of Cd, Cr, Pb, and V released were not consistent with its proportion in pipe scales. As release did not occur under static conditions, but may be promoted by the water flow in the actual network. The effect of water flow on heavy metal release in DWDS should be considered. [Display omitted] • Severe corrosion of drinking water systems would lead to Mn release. • A significant correlation between Cr and V was found in field study and batch tests. • Powder scales yielded a heavy metal release peak within 1–2 h's exposure to water. • Metal released from tubercle scale was initially 2–2.5 times higher than loose scale. • Pb and Cd had high released weight ratio although their content in scales were low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Problems of co-occurrence of organic and heavy metals pollutants in water. [•] Impacts of heavy metals on 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) degradation. [•] Bioremediation of 1,2-DCA degradation in water co-contaminated with heavy metals. [•] Microbial population and diversity profiling in the co-contaminated water. [•] Identification of important bacterial phylotypes involved in the bioremediation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A stratified random design was used to track temporal changes in sediment contamination. [•] Geospatial clustering provided a refined picture of local contaminated and clean zones. [•] Sediment contamination in the Detroit River remained stable over the past decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We report simultaneous destruction of organics and recovery of chromium in tannery sludge by SCWO. [•] Destruction of COD increases with higher temperature and oxidant, with maximum value 96.5%. [•] Recovery efficiency of Cr from sludge to ash reaches more than 98% under all conditions. [•] Recovered chromium in solid ash is in amorphous structure under temperature 500°C. [•] Leaching toxicity of heavy metals like Cr is greatly reduced through stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The lowest total metal concentrations were detected at sites close to the dam wall. [•] Heavy metal concentrations were very low, reflecting the natural background levels. [•] The mean concentrations of metals never exceeded drinking water quality guidelines. [•] PCA/FA demonstrated dissolved metals in the reservoirs controlled by natural sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To assist in assessing a potential contaminated sediment threat near a drinking water intake in a large lake, a technique known as the fingerprint analysis of leachate contaminants (FALCON), was investigated and enhanced to help draw more statistically significant definitive conclusions. This represents the first application of this approach, originally developed by the USEPA to characterize and track leachate penetration in groundwater and contaminant migration from waste and landfill sites, in a large lake from the point-of-view of source water protection. FALCON provided valuable information regarding contaminated sediment characterization, source attribution, and transport within a surface water context without the need for knowledge of local hydrodynamic conditions, potentially reducing reliance on complicated hydrodynamic analysis. A t-test to evaluate the significance of correlations was shown to further enhance the FALCON procedure. In this study, the sensitivity of FALCON was found to be improved by using concentration data from both conserved organics and heavy metals in combination. Furthermore, data analysis indicated that it may be possible to indirectly assess the success of remediation efforts (and the corresponding need to plan for a treatment upgrade in the event of escalating contaminant concentrations) by examining the temporal change in correlation between the source and intake sediment fingerprints over time. This method has potential for widespread application in situations where conserved contaminants such as heavy metals and higher molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are being or have previously been deposited in sediment somewhere in, or within range of, an intake protection zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]