Surfactants in sludge-amended agricultural soils: a review

Surfactants are included in different detergent formulations and are one of the most ubiquitous and important families of organic compounds. Although the generic term applies to a great number of products, 80% of their demand is covered by only ten types of compounds. The global surfactant market volume size is more than 18 million tons per year. Large quantities of surfactants are continuously released into the environment, where they can or cannot be degraded depending on their structure. The alkylbenzenesulphonate (LAS) is the most widely used surfactant. LAS can be degraded under aerobic conditions but is persistent in the environment under anaerobic conditions. Surfactants may enter the terrestrial environment through several routes, with the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser on agricultural land being by far the most important. High concentrations of surfactants and their degradation products may affect the biota. On the other hand, due to their amphiphilic nature, surfactants may interact both with inorganic as well as organic contaminants affecting their bioavailability.     

Desorption technologies for remediation of cesium-contaminated soils: a short review

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - This review summarizes the mechanisms for desorbing and extracting cesium (Cs+) from clay minerals and soil. Most techniques use ion exchange with acids,...     

铅锌污染耕地中重金属耐受细菌调查

对铅锌矿冶炼厂周围耕地中的细菌总数和抗性细菌群体数进行了调查。结果表明 ,随着污染的加重 ,土壤中可培养的细菌数量急剧减少 ,抗性细菌的比例增加。但是 ,细菌对Pb、Zn胁迫的适应进化反应不一样。经过长期的选择作用后 ,多数细菌群体能够耐受低浓度的Pb污染 (<2mmol·L-1) ,部分群体对低浓度Pb(0 .5mmol·L-1)有依赖性 ,但没有观察到能够耐受Pb浓度大于 4mmol·L-1的群体 ;0 .5mmol·L-1的Zn对细菌有抑制作用 ,但在所调查的样品中都存在能够耐受 4～ 6mmol·L-1Zn污染的群体 ,有的群体甚至能耐受 8mmol·L-1的Zn污染。能同时耐受Pb、Zn 2种重金属污染的群体数量较少 ,且耐受水平也较低 ,仅达到 2mmol·L-1。     

土壤中铅的吸附-解吸行为研究进展

铅是重要的土壤重金属污染元素之一，了解铅在土壤中的物理化学行为，有利于预防和修复土壤的铅污染。土壤中铅的吸附-解吸行为，依吸附机理的不同，分为专性吸附和非专性吸附。土壤铅吸附的机理还存在不同的观点，如水解吸附／非水解吸附机理，单分子吸附／双分子吸附机理等。影响土壤中铅吸附-解吸行为的主要因素，有土壤矿物组成、土壤有机质、pH、温度、竞争离子等。文章最后对描述土壤铅吸附过程的主要数学方程(Langmuir方程、Freundlich方程和Temkin方程)作了论述。     

Iron oxidation-reduction and its impacts on cadmium bioavailability in paddy soils: a review

Redox conditions in paddy soils may vary as they are submerged and drained during rice growth. This change may bring about reductive dissolution of iron (Fe) oxides and subsequent formation of secondary Fe-bearing minerals in rice paddies. The mobility and bioavailability of metal contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) in paddy soils are closely related to the chemical behaviors of Fe. Therefore, in this paper, advances in the study of paddy Fe redox transformations and their effects on Cd availability to rice are briefly reviewed. Current concepts presented in this review include the forms of Fe in paddy soils, the reactions involved in Fe oxidation-reduction, chemical factors affecting Fe redox processes, Cd availability to rice and the impacts of Fe transformation on Cd uptake and translocation in rice. Prospects for future research in this area are also discussed.     

改性天然磷灰石促进Pb/Zn复合污染土壤的稳定化修复

采用草酸和柠檬酸分别与天然磷灰石共培养以对其改性,并将改性磷灰石用于Pb/Zn复合污染土壤的稳定化修复,借助XRD、FTIR等仪器方法表征改性磷灰石的物相组成及其P结合形态的转变,采用TCLP方法评价改性天然磷灰石对土壤重金属的修复效果.研究表明,草酸改性磷灰石诱导了草酸钙生成,并且32.4%的P由稳定形态转化为水溶态,而柠檬酸改性未能使磷灰石主要成分发生显著变化,仅有0.28%的P转化为水溶态P.与天然磷灰石相比,改性磷灰石提高了对Pb和Zn的稳定性.草酸改性磷灰石可同时有效地稳定土壤中的Pb和Zn,稳定化效率分别为68%—100%和64%—73%,其固定机制主要是形成难溶的磷酸盐沉淀;柠檬酸改性磷灰石对Pb和Zn的稳定化效率分别为20%和62%—69%,对Pb和Zn的稳定性主要是通过吸附作用.总之,草酸改性磷灰石对Pb和Zn的稳定化优于柠檬酸改性磷灰石,是一种高效经济的土壤重金属稳定化修复材料.     

Migration and remediation of organic liquid pollutants in porous soils and sedimentary rocks: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Underground pollution of soils and sediments is a major yet overlooked health issue, because pollutants are often trapped into inaccessible&nbsp;and complex...     

土壤与沉积物对多环芳烃类有机物的吸附作用

吸附作用是疏水性有机物在土壤和沉积物环境中的重要迁移转化行为之一。多环芳烃是环境中一种重要的疏水性有机污染物。文章着重阐述了多环芳烃类有机物在土壤和沉积物中有机质和粘土矿物吸附机理，指出土壤、沉积物有机质的结构异质性是导致非线形吸附的重要原因；分析了影响多环芳烃吸附过程的诸多因素，并提出该研究领域存在的问题以及今后发展的方向。     

Analysis of psychoactive substances and metabolites in sludges,soils, sediments and biota: a review

The use of psychoactive substances, including illegal drugs, drugs of abuse and psychiatric pharmaceuticals, is a major health and environmental issue. In particular, drugs are found in urban sewage and water ecosystems. The analysis of drugs in wastewater is challenging because drugs occur at trace levels in complex organo-mineral media, calling for advanced analytical methods. Here we review recent methods developped to analyze drugs in sludge, sediments, soils and biota. Extraction methods include solid–liquid extraction, sonication, microwave, and quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe extraction (QuEChERS). We compare and discuss advantages and disadvantages of each analytical step for various sample types.

     

How application of agricultural waste can enhance soil health in soils acidified by tea cultivation: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Tea is one of the world’s most consumed beverages and an important crop of many developing countries. Intensive tea cultivation has negative impacts on soil...     

Chemical changes in agricultural soils of Korea: data review and suggested countermeasures

The monitoring of chemical properties, including heavy metals, in soils is necessary if better management and remediation practices are to be established for polluted soils. The National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology initiated a monitoring study that investigated fertility and heavy metal contents of the benchmarked soils. The study covered paddy soils, upland soils, and horticultural soils in the plastic film houses, and orchard soils throughout the Korea from 1990 to 1998. Likewise, 4047 samples of paddy and 2534 samples of plastic house in 1999 and 2000 were analyzed through the Soil Environment Conservation Act. Soil chemical properties such as pH, organic matter, available phosphate and extractable calcium, magnesium and potassium contents, and heavy metal contents such as cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, mercury, and cobalt contents were analyzed. The study showed that the average contents of organic matter, available phosphate, and extractable potassium rapidly increased in plastic house soils than in upland or paddy soils. Two kinds of fertilizer recommendation systems were established for the study: the standard levels by national soil average data for 77 crops and the recommendation by soil test for 70 crops. Standard nitrogen fertilizer application levels for cereal crops changed from 94 kg/ha in 1960s, 99 kg/ha in 1970s, 110 kg/ha in 1980s to 90 kg/ha in 1990s. The K2O-fertilizer also changed from 67 kg/ha in 1960s, 76 kg/ha in 1970s, 92 kg/ha in 1980s, and only 44 kg/ha in 1990s. In rice paddy fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 1.01), 4.70 mg kg(-1) (0-41.59), 4.84 mg kg(-1) (0-66.44), and 4.47 mg kg(-1) (0-96.70), respectively. In the uplands, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.135 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 0.660), 2.77 mg kg(-1) (0.07-78.24), 3.47 mg kg(-1) (0-43.00), 10.70 mg kg(-1) (0.30-65.10), and 0.57 mg kg(-1) (0.21-2.90), respectively. In plastic film houses, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soil were 0.12 mg kg(-1) (ranging from 0 to 1.28), 4.82 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 2.68 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 31.19 mg kg(-1) (0.19-252.0), and 0.36 mg kg(-1) (0-4.98), respectively. In orchard fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg in surface soils (0-20 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0-0.49), 3.62 mg kg(-1) (0.03-45.30), 2.30 mg kg(-1) (0-27.80), 16.60 mg kg(-1) (0.33-105.50), 0.44 mg kg(-1) (0-4.14), and 0.05 mg kg(-1) (0.01-0.54), respectively. For polluted soils with over the warning content levels of heavy metals, fine red earth application, land reconsolidation and soil amelioration such as lime, phosphate, organic manure, and submerging were recommended. For the countermeasure areas, cultivation of non-edible crops such as garden trees, flowers, and fiber crops; land reformation; and heavy application of fine red earth (up to 30 cm) were strongly recommended. Land use techniques should be changed to be harmonious with the environment to increase yield and income. Soil function characteristics should be taken into account.     

Contamination of lead (Pb) in the coastal sediments of north and south of Iran: a review study

Coastal areas of Iran are heavily affected by urbanisation, industrialisation, and maritime activities. One consequence of this environmental pressure is the contaminants accumulation, as heavy metals, into the marine ecosystem. In this review, the coastal areas in the north and south of the country were assessed for lead (Pb) contamination of, one of the most toxic metals found in the environment. All studies conducted during 2006–2016 with at least 10 specimens that reported the mean and standard deviation of Pb were considered in this review. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Q and I² statistics. The Pb mean concentration overall studies was estimated to be 21.88?µg/g (95% CIs: 16.25–27.50). Random effect model showed no statistical difference in mean Pb concentration levels between south and north coasts. However, the variability in Pb mean concentrations within southern coasts was considerable and statistically significant. Moreover, the Pb concentrations in the northern coasts of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, in south of Iran, decreased in the following order Hormozgan > Khuzestan > Sistan-VA-Balluchestan > Bushehr while in the southern coasts of Caspian Sea, in north of Iran, decreased in the order Guilan > Mazandaran > Golestan.     

赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia foetida)对三种土壤Zn、Pb有效态含量的影响

以褐土(Cinnamonsoil)、潮棕壤(Aquicbrownsoil)和酸性棕壤(Acidbrownsoil)为供试土壤,通过培养实验,研究了土壤中重金属Zn、Pb对赤子爱胜蚓(Eiseniafoetida)生长率的影响,赤子爱胜蚓(Eiseniafoetida)对不同土壤中有效态Zn、Pb含量的影响,并与野生环境中生长的灰暗异唇蚓(Allolobaphoracaliginosa)进行比较。结果表明:重金属的污染明显抑制了赤子爱胜蚓的生长;赤子爱胜蚓可以显著提高潮棕壤中DTPA-Pb的含量,对DTPA-Zn的含量影响不大;加赤子爱胜蚓,褐土中DTPA-Zn和Pb的含量显著高于加灰暗异唇蚓,潮棕壤中DTPA-Zn的含量和酸性棕壤中大DTPA-Pb的含量则相反。     

Analytical methods for microplastics in the environment: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Microplastic pollution is a recently discovered threat to ecosystems requiring the development of new analytical methods. Here, we review classical and advanced...     

土壤重金属污染的植物修复中转基因技术的应用

重金属污染的植物修复技术以其费用低廉、不污染环境等优点一度成为环境科学界研究的热点。为了克服植物修复技术中超积累植物生长缓慢和地上部生物量小等带来的限制，近年来研究者通过大量试验研究发展，外源基因在植物体内的高效表达可以提高植物吸收、运输、降解污染物的能力和修复的效率。本文首先对目前国内外重金属污染土壤植物修复的研究动态进行综述，重点论述了PCs、MTs、MerA、MerB、ArsC、γ-ECS等转基因在土壤重金属污染植物修复中的应用，最后指出在充分考虑到转基因植物给生态环境带来潜在威胁的前提下，转基因技术的研究与开发不仅可以促进多学科的交叉研究和丰富环境科学的研究领域，更重要的是在很大程度上有效地克服了目前土壤重金属污染植物修复中存在并急需解决的棘手问题，为土壤重金属污染的植物修复提供了更加广阔的应用和发展前景。     

High immobilization of soil cesium using ball milling with nano-metallic Ca/CaO/NaH2PO4: implications for the remediation of radioactive soils

This report shows that cesium can be immobilized in soils with an efficiency of 96.4% by ball milling with nano-metallic Ca/PO₄. In Japan, the major concern on ¹³⁷Cs deposition and soil contamination due to the emission from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant showed up after a massive quake on March 11, 2011. The accident rated 7, the highest possible on the international nuclear event scale, released 160 petabecquerels (PBq) of iodine ¹³¹I and 15 PBq of ¹³⁷Cs according to the Japanese Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. Both ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³¹I radioactive nuclides are increasing cancer risk. Nonetheless, ¹³⁷Cs, with a half-life of about 30 years compared with 8 days for ¹³¹I, is a major threat for agriculture and stock farming and, in turn, human life for decades. Therefore, in Japan, the ¹³⁷Cs fixation and immobilization in contaminated soil is the most important problem, which should be solved by suitable technologies. Ball milling treatment is a promising treatment for the remediation of cesium-contaminated soil in dry conditions. Here, we studied the effect, factors and mechanisms of soil Cs immobilization by ball milling with the addition of nano-metallic Ca/CaO/NaH₂PO₄, termed “nano-metallic Ca/PO₄.” We used scanning electron microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction. Results show that immobilization efficiency increases from 56.4% in the absence of treatment to 89.9, 91.5, and 97.7 when the soil is ball-milled for 30, 60 and 120 min, respectively. The addition of nano-metallic Ca/PO₄ increased the immobilization efficiency to about 96.4% and decreased the ball milling time. SEM/EDS analysis allows us to observe that the amount of Cs decreased on soil particle surface. Use of nano-metallic Ca/PO₄ over a short milling time also decreases Cs leaching. Therefore, ball milling with nano-metallic Ca/PO₄ treatment may be potentially applicable for the remediation of radioactive Cs-contaminated soil in dry conditions.     

Accumulation and fate of microplastics in soils after application of biosolids on land: A review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The recent discovery of microplastic occurrence in most ecosystems is raising health concerns globally, yet the fate of microplastics is poorly known, particularly...     

Green construction for low-carbon cities: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The construction industry is a major user of non-renewable energy and contributor to emission of greenhouse gases, thus requiring to achieve net-zero carbon...     

Combined technologies for the remediation of soils contaminated by organic pollutants. A review

Organic-contaminated soils are a major health issue because pollutants can be transferred to waters, air, and living organisms. Many remediation technologies have been developed, yet single methods are usually not fully efficient due to the wide diversity of soil and pollutant properties. Therefore, combining several methods has recently shown wider application range, higher efficiency, and better economic benefits. Here we compare combined remediation technologies to clean organic-contaminated soils, with focus on physical–chemical, physical–chemical-biological, and biological-microbial methods. Physical–chemical methods are the most widely used due to their high efficiency, yet they are costly, and they alter soil properties. These issues can be alleviated by adding a biological treatment. Combined biological-microbial methods are more recent and rely on bioengineering.