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Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is of prime importance because of vital source of protein as major food legume. Globally, it is cultivated on large area to meet dietary requirements of humans. Climatic extremes (erratic rainfall, extreme high and low temperature) are key restrains for its production. Optimum sowing time is considered as an important factor to address climatic variations and to attain maximum yield. Foliar application of potassium (K) has also been reported to increase resistance against abiotic stresses. Similarly, exogenous application of plant based growth substances (bio-stimulants) like moringa leaf extract (MLE) are extensively used to enhance productivity of field crops. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the impact of foliar applied K and MLE on growth, physiology and productivity of kabuli chickpea grown under varying sowing dates. There were two sowing dates (normal sown; November 15 and late sown; December 15, 2020). Experiment was comprised of treatments i.e. control, water spray, foliar application of K at 1%, foliar application of MLE at 3% and combined application of K and MLE. Foliar applied K and MLE significantly improved physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of kabuli chickpea cultivated under normal and late sown conditions. Increase in growth and yield attributes like plant height, number of nodules per plant, nodules dry weight, branches and pods per plant, 100- grain weight, biological and grain yield were recorded in case of combined foliar application of K and MLE in normal and late sown chickpea. Maximum improvement in gas exchange attributes (stomatal conductance and transpiration rate), chlorophyll contents, antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) and osmolytes (proline) were recorded with combined application of K and MLE in both sowing dates. Thus, combined applied K and MLE can be used to enhance productivity of kabuli chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil amendment with two types of composts: animal manure (AC) and vegetable waste (VC) induced composts have potential to alleviate Cd toxicity to maize in contaminated soil. Therefore, Cd mobility in waste water irrigated soil can be addressed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments AC and VC that eventually reduces its translocation from polluted soil to maize plant tissues. The comparative effectiveness of AC and VC at 3% rate were evaluated on Cd solubility, its accumulation in maize tissues, translocation from root to shoot, chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM). Results revealed that the addition of organic soil amendments significantly minimized Cd mobility and leachability in soil by 58.6% and 47%, respectively in VC-amended soil over control. While, the reduction was observed by 61.7% and 57%, respectively when AC was added at 3% over control. Comparing the control soil, Cd uptake effectively reduced via plants shoots and roots by 50%, 46% respectively when VC was added in polluted soil. However, Cd uptake was decreased in maize shoot and roots by 58% and 52.4% in AC amended soil at 3% rate, respectively. Additionally, NPK contents were significantly improved in polluted soil as well as in plant tissues in both composts amended soil Comparative to control, the addition of composts significantly improved the maize dry biomass and chlorophyll contents at 3% rate. Thus, present study confirmed that the addition of animal manure derived compost (AC) at 3% rate performed well and might be consider the suitable approach relative to vegetable compost for maize growth in polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium contamination in croplands is recognized one of the major threat, seriously affecting soil health and sustainable agriculture around the globe. Cd mobility in wastewater irrigated soils can be curtailed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments (biochars) that eventually minimizes its translocation from soil to plant. This study explored the possible effects of various types of plants straw biochar as soil amendments on cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in wastewater degraded soil and its subsequent accumulation in sunflower tissues. The studied biochars including rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), acacia (AC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to wastewater irrigated soil containing Cd. Sunflower plant was grown as a test plant and Cd accumulation was recorded in its tissues, antioxidant enzymatic activity chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM and Soluble Cd) were also examined. Results revealed that addition of biochar significantly minimized Cd mobility in soil by 53.4%, 44%, 41% and 36% when RS, WS, AC and SB were added at 2% over control. Comparing the control soil, biochar amended soil effectively reduced Cd uptake via plants shoots by 71.7%, 60.6%, 59% and 36.6%, when RS, WS, AC and SB. Among all the biochar, rice husk induced biochar significantly reduced oxidative stress and reduced SOD, POD and CAT activity by 49%, 40.5% and 46.5% respectively over control. In addition, NPK were significantly increased among all the added biochars in soil–plant system as well as improved chlorophyll contents relative to non-bioachar amended soil. Thus, among all the amendments, rice husk and wheat straw biochar performed well and might be considered the suitable approach for sunflower growth in polluted soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Great amounts of nutrients discharged into the urbanized coastal areas, which are continuously subject to violently anthropogenic metal contamination, will result in eutrophication and hypoxic episode. In order to study the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, nitrogen and phosphorus on the release of six metals including Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, As and Cr from coastal sediments, a series of 60-days microcosm experiments consisting of sediments and seawater were conducted. Severe hypoxia could result in the enhanced peak values of Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr concentrations in the overlying water. A higher level of water salinity could elevate the peak value of As concentration in water column, and a higher level of nitrogen could increase the peak value of Zn concentration in water. The exchange fluxes demonstrated that the diffusion from the sediments was a dominant process during the first 10 days, However, a relative equilibrium of adsorption and precipitation in the sediment-water interface reached during the later periods. In addition, the bioavailability of the studied metals in sediments was elevated under severe hypoxia, or a high level of water salinity, or high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The results of linear regression analysis suggested that higher metal bioavailability in sediments could facilitate the metal release, but the process could be restrained by the higher aqueous phosphorus due to the precipitation of metal phosphates. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Elevated hypoxia, salinity or nitrogen enhanced the metal release from sediments. • Higher water phosphates restrained the metal release from sediments. • Dissolved oxygen was the dominated factor for the release of Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr. • Increased hypoxia, salinity or nutrients could elevate the metal bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the feasibility of a novel Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 composite with visible light irradiation for the phenanthrene (PHE) degradation and algae inactivation in artificial seawater was firstly investigated. The experimental findings revealed that Ag 3 PO 4 phase was sucessfully formed on the Ca-based material, and the presence of Ca-based material could effectively keep Ag 3 PO 4 particles stable. An excellent performance on PHE degradation or algae inactivation was observed from Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 composite under visible light irradiation. The degradation of PHE or inactivation of algae not only could be efficiently achieved in the single mode, but also could be successfully achieved in the coexisting mode. Above 96% of PHE and algae were simultaneously removed within 12 h in the Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 /visible light system. It was further observed that the degradation of PHE and/or inactivation of algae increased with the increase of Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 dosage. HO was the primary radical responsible for PHE degradation, whereas HO and Ag+ released from Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 mainly contributed to the algae inactivation. A possible mechanism involving the catalytic removal of PHE and algae by Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 under visible light irradiation was proposed. This study provides helpful guide for the simultaneous removal of various pollutants in real seawater. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A novel Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 composite was prepared by a facile two-step method. • Removal of PHE and algae over Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 composite were efficiently achieved. • Removal of PHE and/or algae increased with the increase of Ca-Ag 3 PO 4 dosage. • HO was primary radical responsible for PHE degradation and algae inactivation. • A mechanism of the photocatalytic removal of PHE and algae was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, the application of a novel acid mine drainage-based nanoscale zero valent iron (AMD-based nZVI) for the remediation of nitrate and norfloxacin (NOR) was studied. Experimental results indicated that the catalytic reactivity of AMD-based nZVI toward nitrate reduction was superior to that of iron salt-based nanoscale zero valent iron (Iron salt-based nZVI). The presence of ultrasound irradiation could significantly enhance the reactivity toward both the nitrate reduction and NOR oxidation processes. The optimal efficiencies of nitrate and NOR by AMD-based nZVI/US process could be kept 96 and 94% within 120 min, respectively. Ammonia was identified as a major product in nitrate reduction process, while three oxidation products were observed in NOR degradation process. Both reduction reaction of nitrate from AMD-based nZVI and oxidation reaction of NOR from US-assisted Fenton system might be involved in AMD-based nZVI/US process. The AMD-based nZVI/US process showed a better performance on the removal of NOR compared with that of nitrate. The findings of the present work could be as a guide and show that AMD-based nZVI/US process is feasible for the remediation of both nitrate and NOR in real wastewater. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A novel zero valent iron was successfully synthesized using acid mine drainage. • A synergistic effect between nitrate reduction and NOR oxidation was achieved. • HO produced from US-assisted Fenton system was responsible for NOR oxidation. • A reaction mechanism for the nitrate reduction and NOR oxidation was proposed. • AMD-based nZVI has a better recyclability on the NOR removal than nitrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In-situ study on arsenic speciation and the release kinetics in marine sediments was scarce. In this study, the distributions of labile As and their speciation in coastal sediments of Daya Bay were obtained by separate diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) probes. Results showed that the DGT-labile As(V) was the main speciation in surface sediments (from −20 to 0 mm) with a concentration range of 0.07–3.05 μg·L−1, while the labile As(III) was the main speciation in deep layers of sediments (from −100 to −20 mm). In coastal areas, mariculture farms was the most dominated contributor to As(V) contamination in surface sediments. Both the apparent diffusion flux estimation and the DGT induced flux in sediments (DIFS) simulation indicated that As(V) contamination in surface sediments of mariculture, harbor and petrochemical areas suffered the potential risk of As(V) release into the overlying water from sediments. DIFS modeling also found that the sediments of mariculture farms were the main sediment As pools. Linear regression analysis indicated that the mobility of As mainly attributed to the As(V) in sediments. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Labile As(V) in coastal surface sediments increased due to human activities. • Labile As(III) was the dominated speciation in the deep layers of sediments. • Mariculture was the dominated source of As(V) contamination in surface sediments. • Sediments in mariculture farms were the largest As pool for supply to pore water. • As mobility in surface sediments mainly attributed to the As(V), not As(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ are both highly toxic pollutants and commonly co-exist in some industrial effluents and contaminated waters. In this study, simultaneous removal of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ by a novel sewage sludge-derived biochar immobilized nanoscale zero-valent iron (SSB-nZVI) was systematically investigated. It was well demonstrated that a porous structure was successfully formed on the SSB-nZVI when the starch was used as an additive. A synergistic effect on the adsorption and reduction over the SSB-nZVI was achieved, resulting in nearly 90 and 82% of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ removal within 30 min, respectively. Cr 6+ was reduced prior to Pb 2+ . A low pH could accelerate the corrosion of nZVI as well as phosphate leaching. When Malachite green was added as a coexisting organic pollutant, its effective removal was found due to the formation of a Fenton-like system. The SSB-nZVI could be run consecutively three times with a relatively satisfactory performance. Most of Cr 6+ was converted into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3 on the SSB-nZVI surface, whereas most of Pb 2+ species existed as Pb(OH) 2 (or PbO). A possible reaction mechanism on the SSB-nZVI involved the adsorption, reduction and precipitation of both Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ over the particles. Present study sheds light on the insight of the fate and transport of Cr 6+ and Pb 2+ in aquatic environment, as well provides helpful guide for the remediation of coexistence of pollutants in real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel biochar-supported zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) was synthesized through a green method. A high performance on the simultaneous removal of Cu 2+ and bisphenol A (BPA) by a combination of BC-nZVI with persulfate (BC-nZVI/PS) system was successfully achieved. The simultaneous efficiencies of Cu 2+ and BPA could reach 96 and 98% within 60 min, respectively. Both HO• and SO 4 •− were two major reactive species in BC-nZVI/PS system, and SO 4 •− was primary radical responsible for the degradation of BPA. Four kinds of Cu species, such as Cu(OH) 2 , CuO, Cu 2 O and Cu 0 were generated via the adsorption and reduction of the BC-nZVI, whereas six kinds of products of BPA including p-isopropenyl phenol and 4-isopropylphenol were generated via the combined oxidation of SO 4 •− and HO•. The possible reaction mechanism for the simultaneous removal of Cu 2+ and BPA by BC-nZVI/PS system contained a synergistic effect between the reduction of Cu 2+ and the oxidation of BPA. This is the first report on the feasibility of the remediation of coexistence of heavy metal and organic compound in aquatic environment using the BC-nZVI/PS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, clean-up of waters with coexisting heavy metal ions and organic pollutants is of great environmental importance. In this study, a novel sewage sludge-derived char-based catalyst was firstly synthesized, and coupled with hydrogen peroxide for the simultaneous removal of copper (II) and norfloxacin in aqueous solutions. The most relevant findings revealed that zero-valent iron and zero-valent aluminum particles were successfully formed on the catalyst surface when the leaching of the sludge-derived char was reduced by the green tea extract. Nearly 100% of both copper (II) and norfloxacin were simultaneously removed due to a synergistic effect between the reduction of copper (II) and the oxidation of norfloxacin over the catalyst. The gradual addition mode of hydrogen peroxide exhibited a better performance on the simultaneous removal of copper (II) and norfloxacin. The coexisting anions like nitrate and phosphate had significant negative effects on the copper (II) removal, whereas carbonate, fluoride and phosphate had significant negative effects on the norfloxacin removal. Different copper species like zero-valent copper, copper oxide and copper hydroxide were identified in copper (II) reduction process, whereas a total of eight oxidative products were identified in norfloxacin oxidation process. A possible reaction mechanism for the simultaneous removal of copper (II) and norfloxacin by the sewage sludge-derived char-based catalyst/hydrogen peroxide system was proposed. The adsorption of both copper (II) and norfloxacin over the catalyst were firstly occurred, and then the reduction of copper (II) over both zero-valent iron and zero-valent aluminum particles on the catalyst surface as well as the Fenton oxidation of norfloxacin were followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination level, chemical fraction and ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments from Daya Bay (DYB) were conducted in this study. The results revealed that the concentration of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in sediments were in the range of 36.38–90.33, 9.54–61.32, 33.54–207.33, 7.80–18.43, 0.13–0.43 and 15.89–30.01 mg kg −1 , respectively, with bioavailable fractions of 13.29, 54.16, 47.60, 32.74, 68.14, 26.59%, respectively. A modified potential ecological risk index (MRI) was used for the ecological risk assessment, with ecological risk contribution ratios of 75.73, 14.29, 5.47, 1.74, 1.57 and 1.21% for Cd, As, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn, respectively. The main contaminants were Cd and As, with their ecological risks “High” and “Moderate” levels, and their enrichment degrees “Moderately Severe” and “Moderate”, respectively. The multivariate statistical analysis suggested that the various anthropogenic activities along the bay might contribute mainly to the heavy metals contamination in DYB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coexistence of organic compounds and heavy metals in aquaculture waters is a widespread problem. In this study, a rapid reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in a simultaneous manner was firstly reported through the photocatalysis of TiO 2 /Fe 0 composite under aerobic conditions. The significantly enhanced removals of Cr(VI) and CIP by TiO 2 /Fe 0 composite due to a synergetic effect between oxidation and reduction processes. Within 60 min UV light irradiation, the simultaneous removals of Cr(VI) and CIP by TiO 2 /Fe 0 composite were 97.7 and 94.6%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values by TiO 2 were 57.9 and 68.7%. CIP oxidation process could be significantly accelerated under acidic and aerobic conditions. Intriguingly, a low Pb(II) concentration could induce an enhancement of CIP oxidation, whereas a negative effect on both Cr(VI) reduction and CIP oxidation was observed at a relatively high concentration. A low concentration of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) did positively affect both Cr(VI) reduction and CIP oxidation processes, whereas a negative effect on CIP oxidation was found at a relatively high concentration. A possible reaction pathway and mechanism between CIP oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction was proposed. CIP was attacked by HO produced from the decomposition of water and photo-excited holes through substitution and hydroxylation processes, leading to the production of a series of intermediates, whereas the Cr(VI) was converted into Cr(III) through the capture of photo-excited electrons and Fe 0 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the application of FeS 2 /SiO 2 microspheres as a catalyst to activate H 2 O 2 for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) was systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that the presence of SiO 2 microspheres on the surface of FeS 2 could effectively make the reaction of aqueous Fe 2+ and H 2 O 2 smoothly continuous by controlling the release of aqueous Fe 2+ from FeS 2 . Nearly 100% of CIP was degraded after 60 min under the optimum conditions. A superior performance on the CIP degradation and high reusability of the catalyst was obtained in FeS 2 /SiO 2 microspheres activated H 2 O 2 system. A low concentration of ethylene diamine tetraacetie acid (EDTA) did positively affect the degradation rate of CIP. A synergetic effect between adsorption and oxidation processes contributed to the significant enhancement of CIP degradation. Seven oxidation intermediates were identified during the CIP degradation process, and the direct HO oxidation proved to be a main CIP degradation pathway. For degradation pathway of CIP, oxidation of piperazine ring would be its first step, followed by cleavage of the heterocyclic ring. Subsequently, the substitution, hydroxylation and decarboxylation processes occurred. This is the first report on the feasibility of FeS 2 /SiO 2 microspheres activated H 2 O 2 system for the enhanced degradation of CIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bentonite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (B-nZVI) was used as a catalyst to activate persulfate (PS) for the simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and phenol from aqueous solutions. Experimental results indicated that the presence of bentonite could decrease the aggregation of nZVI and increase its reactivity. The removal rates of Cr(VI) and phenol by B-nZVI system were 99.90% and 6.50%, respectively. Whereas the corresponding values by B-nZVI/PS system were 99.30% and 71.50%, respectively. The presence of persulfate could not significantly decline B-nZVI reactivity toward Cr(VI) reduction but remarkably promote phenol oxidation. The addition of Cr(VI) did positively affect the oxidation rate of phenol, a significant synergistic effect between Cr(VI) reduction and phenol oxidation was achieved in B-nZVI/PS system. A positive correlation between persulfate decomposition and dissolved Fe 2+ was found. Cr(III) species such as Cr 2 O 3 , Cr(OH) 3 were identified in Cr(VI) reduction process, whereas the oxidation products such as catechol, 1,4-benzoquinone, propionic acid and formic acid were identified in phenol oxidation process. The reusability experiments of B-nZVI demonstrated that the structure of B-nZVI was relatively stable after four cycles of reuse. This is the first report for the feasibility of B-nZVI as a catalyst to activate persulfate for the simultaneous removal of heavy metal and organic pollutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bentonite-supported nZVI (B-nZVI) was used as a catalyst to activate H 2 O 2 for atrazine (ATZ) degradation in the presence of FeS 2. Results indicated that ATZ degradation by B-nZVI/H 2 O 2 process was significantly enhanced when FeS 2 was introduced, and nearly 98% of ATZ was degraded by B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process within 60 min under the optimum conditions. ATZ degradation of B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process was much higher than the sum of B-nZVI and FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 processes. The presence of HCO 3 −, PO 4 3− and F− exhibited significant negative effects on the ATZ degradation, whereas both Cu2+ and Ni2+ exhibited positive effects on that. Both citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with lower concentration enhanced ATZ degradation rate, but significant suppression effects on that with higher concentration. The degradation of ATZ and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) could be simultaneously achieved in B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process under certain conditions. High soluble Fe2+ induced an excellent decomposition of H 2 O 2 by B-nZVI and FeS 2. OH was dominant radical, and contributed to nearly 86% of the overall ATZ removal. A total of five intermediate products of ATZ were identified, and ATZ degradation was achieved via de-alkylation and hydroxylation processes. An enhanced reaction mechanism for ATZ degradation by B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process was proposed, and B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process exhibited an excellect catalytic performance within four successive runs. Unlabelled Image • ATZ degradation by B-nZVI/H 2 O 2 process was enhanced in the presence of FeS 2. • High Fe2+ was favorable to H 2 O 2 decomposition by B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process. • OH was dominant radical, and contributed to 86.1% of the overall ATZ removal. • Possible pathways of ATZ degradation were proposed based on intermediate products. • Enhanced mechanism for ATZ degradation by B-nZVI/FeS 2 /H 2 O 2 process was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of sludge biochar catalyst (SBC) coupling with ultrasound (US) irradiation for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and phenol was firstly investigated in this study. Results indicate that Pb(II) removal of SBC/US process was superior to that of SBC without US. The inhibitory order of the coexisting anions on Pb(II) removal was PO 4 3− > HCO 3 − > NO 3 − > F− > SO 4 2− > Cl−. Also, several coexisting metals ions inculding Cr(VI), Ni(II) and Cu(II) could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Pb(II). A high removal performance of Pb(II) by SBC/US process and its synergism with phenol oxidation had been successfully achieved. The simultaneous removal efficiencies of Pb(II) and phenol were high up to 95% within 60 min at optimum reaction conditions. Four kinds of Pb species inculding Pb0, PbCO 3 , PbO and Pb(OH) 2 were formed during the reaction, whereas five kinds of transformation compounds of phenol such as 1,4-benzoquinone, acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid and propionic acid were detected. Both HO and O 2 − contributed to the oxidation of phenol by SBC/US process, but HO was dominant radical. A reaction mechanism for the synergistic removal of Pb(II) and phenol by SBC/US process involving in four stages-namely adsorption, precipitation, reduction and Fenton-like oxidation processes was proposed. This study demonstrates that SBC/US process could be considered as a potential candidate for the remediation of real wastewaters containing Pb(II) and phenol. Image 1 • Pb(II) removal of SBC/US process was superior to that of SBC. • High removal performance of Pb(II) and phenol had achieved in SBC/US process. • HO was dominant radical responsible for the degradation of phenol. • Transformation products of Pb(II) and phenol after reaction were identified. • A mechanism for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and phenol was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Immobilization of metals by BC-nZVI process was superior to that of BC or nZVI. • Immobilization of Cd or Pb was inhibited with addition of 2,4-dichlorophenol. • Cd and Pb availability decreased, whereas soil pH and organic matter increased. • Stable metals speices such as CdCO 3 , Cd(OH) 2 , PbCO 3 and Pb(OH) 2 were formed. • Mechanism for the simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb in soil was proposed. Risk associated with heavy metals in soil has been received widespread attention. In this study, a porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) was applied to immobilize cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in clayey soil. Experiment results indicated that the immobilization of Cd or Pb by BC-nZVI process was better than that of BC or nZVI process, and about 80% of heavy metals immobilization was obtained in BC-nZVI process. Addition of BC-nZVI could increase soil pH and organic matter (SOM). Cd or Pb immobilization was inhibited with coexisting organic compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), but 2,4-DCP could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Cd or Pb immobilization at low concentration levels. Simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb was achieved in BC-nZVI process, and both Cd and Pb availability significantly decreased. Stable Cd species inculding Cd(OH) 2 , CdCO 3 and CdO were formed, whereas stable Pb species such as PbCO 3 , PbO and Pb(OH) 2 were produced with BC-nZVI treatment. Simultaneous immobilization mechanism of Cd and Pb in soil by BC-nZVI was thereby proposed. This study well demonstrates that BC-nZVI has been emerged as a potential technology for the remediation of multiple heavy metals in soil. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biodegradable plastics, as alternatives to conventional plastics, are increasingly used, but their interactions with organic pollutants are still unknown. In this study, the sorption and desorption behaviors on a type of biodegradable plastic−poly(butylene adipate co-terephtalate) (PBAT) were investigated, and at the same time two types of conventional plastics−polyethylene (PE c and PE v) and polystyrene (PS) were used for comparison. Phenanthrene (PHEN) was chosen as one of representative organic pollutants. Results indicated that the sorption and desorption capacities of PBAT were not only higher than those of the other types of microplastics, but also higher than those of carbonaceous geosorbents. The surface area normalized results illustrated that sorption and desorption of the microplastics were positively correlated with their abundance of rubbery subfraction. The sorption kinetic results showed that the sorption rates of PBAT and PE c were higher than PE v and PS. The effects of water chemistry factors including salinity, dissolved organic matter and Cu2+ ion on the sorption process displayed the same trend, but the degrees of influence on the four microplastics differed. The degrees of influence were mainly dependent on the abundance of rubbery subfraction for microplastics. These findings indicate that the biodegradable poly(butylene adipate co-terephtalate) microplastics are actually stronger vectors than the conventional microplastics, and crystallization characteristics of the microplastics have great influences on the vector effect. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Biodegradable microplastics sorbed/desorbed more PHEN than conventional ones. • Sorption/desorption capacities depended on the content of rubbery subfraction. • Plastic additives didn't alter the microplastics adsorption process. • High salinity and low DOM strengthen the sorption of PHEN onto microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative impacts of residual antibiotics in the environment on ecosystem and human health are big concerns. However, little information is available on the antibiotic bioaccumulation in aquaculture farms. In this study, the bioaccumulative potentials of 21 antibiotics in the plasma, bile, liver and muscle of cultured fish from a typical aquaculture area were systematically investigated. Results indicated that antibiotic distribution in the cultured fish was mainly influenced by species and specific substances. The mean values of log bioaccumulation factors (Log BAFs) for the detected antibiotics were in the range of 0.43-3.70, 0.36-4.75, −0.31-4.48, and 0.23-4.33 in the fish plasma, bile, liver and muscle tissues, respectively. For grass carp, both ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin showed high transportability from the plasma to the muscle and liver. The correlations of various antibiotic concentrations between the plasma and the other three tissues indicated that the concentrations of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in the fish tissues could be predicted by their concentrations in the plasma. Based on the calculated hazard quotients, human health risk evaluation of antibiotic exposure by fish consumption indicated that the consumption of these cultured fish posed low risks to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]