Thiocyanate-induced labilization of schwertmannite: Impacts and mechanisms

Schwertmannite is an amorphous iron(III)-oxyhydroxysulfate that forms in acid mine drainage(AMD) environments. The characteristic of high heavy metal adsorption capability makes schwertmannite a potentially useful, environmentally friendly material in wastewater treatment. Unstable schwertmannite is prone to recrystallization.Understanding the mechanisms that induce schwertmannite labilization and affect its capacity to remove heavy metals are of great environmental and geochemical significance.Thiocyanate(SCNˉ) is a hazardous pseudohalide that is also normally found in AMD.However, little is known about the impact of Fe(III)-binding ligand SCNˉ on schwertmannite stability and its subsequent capacity to bind trace elements. Here, we investigated the adsorption of SCNˉ on schwertmannite and subsequent mineral transformation to characterize this little-known process. The appearance of Fe2+indicated that the interactions between schwertmannite and SCNˉ may involve complexation and reduction reactions. Results showed that the majority of the adsorbed-SCNˉ was immobilized on schwertmannite during the 60-days transformation. The transformation rates of schwertmannite increased with increasing concentrations of SCNˉ. Goethite was detected as the dominant transformation product with or without SCNˉ. The mechanisms of SCNˉ-promoted dissolution of schwertmannite can be described as follows:(1) formation of Fe(III)–NCS complexes on the schwertmannite surface and in solution, a process which increases the reactivity of solid phase Fe(III);(2) the extraction of Fe(III) from schwertmannite by SCNˉ and subsequent schwertmannite dissolution; and(3) the formation of secondary minerals from extracted Fe(III). These findings may improve AMD treatment strategies and provide insight into the use and potential reuse of schwertmannite as a trace element sorbent.     

Rates and processes affecting As speciation and mobility in lake sediments during aging

Sediments from an arsenic(As) contaminated groundwater vent site were used to investigate As( Ⅲ) binding, transformation and redistribution in native and iron oxide amended lake sediments using aging spiked batch reactions and a sequential extraction procedure that maintains As(V) and As( Ⅲ) speciation. In the native sediments, fractionation analysis revealed that 10% of the spiked As( Ⅲ) remained intact after a 32-day aging experiment and was predominantly adsorbed to the strongly sorbed(NH_4H_2PO_4 extractable) and amorphous Fe oxide bound(H_3PO_4 extractable) fractions. Kinetic modelling of the experimental results allowed identifying the dominant reaction path for depletion of dissolved As( Ⅲ) to As( Ⅲ)absorbed on to the solid phase, followed by oxidation in the solid phase. Arsenite was initially adsorbed primarily to the easily exchangeable fraction((NH_4)_2SO_4 extractable), then rapidly transformed into As(V) and redistributed to the strongly sorbed and amorphous Fe oxide bound fractions. Oxidation of As( Ⅲ) in recalcitrant fractions was less efficient. The iron oxide amendments illustrated the controls that iron oxides can have on As( Ⅲ) binding and transformation rates. In goethite amended samples As( Ⅲ) oxidation was faster and primarily occurred in the strongly sorbed and amorphous Fe oxide bound fractions. In these samples,19.3 μg Mn was redistributed(compared to the native sediment) from the easily exchangeable and crystalline Fe oxide bound fractions to the strongly sorbed and amorphous Fe oxide bound fractions, indicating that goethite may act as a catalyst for Mn(Ⅱ) oxidation, thereby producing sorbed Mn( Ⅲ/Ⅳ ), which then appears to be involved in rapidly oxidizing As( Ⅲ).     

Formation and transformation of schwertmannite in the classic Fenton process

The massive amount of sludge generated by the classic Fenton process, which has often been hypothesized to consist of ferric hydroxide, remains a major obstacle to its large-scale application. Therefore, reutilization of Fenton sludge has recently gained more attention.Understanding the formation, transformation, and properties of Fenton sludge combined with the stages of the Fenton reaction is pivotal, but not well illustrated yet. In this study,SEM-EDS, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS were applied to study the morphology, crystallinity,elemental composition, and valence state of Fenton sludge. The authors report that schwertmannite and 2-line ferrihydrite were generated and transformed in the oxidation phase and the neutralization phase of the Fenton process. SO_4~(2-) in the solution decreased by8.7%–26.0% at different molar ratios of Fe(II) to H_2 O_2; meanwhile, iron ion precipitated completely at pH 3.70 with the formation of schwertmannite containing sulfate groups in the Fenton sludge. The structural sulfate(Fe-SO_4) in schwertmannite was released from the precipitate with the addition of OH-, and the production of Fenton sludge decreased with increasing pH when pH 3.70. Goethite was found to form when the final p H was adjusted to 12 or at a reaction temperature of 80°C. Moreover, the possible thermal transformation to goethite and hematite indicated that Fenton sludge can be reused as a raw material for synthesizing more stable iron(hydro)oxides. The results provide useful insights into the formation and transformation of Fenton sludge, with implications for regulating the crystal type of Fenton sludge for further reuse.     

Effects of iron (hydr)oxides on the degradation of diethyl phthalate ester in heterogeneous (photo)-Fenton reactions

This work studied the structural effects of hematite(α-Fe2 O3), 2-line ferrihydrite(HFO) and goethite(α-FeOOH) on diethyl phthalate ester(DEP) degradation. The results showed that the degradation of DEP was faster under 365 nm light irradiation than in the dark in the presence of iron(hydr)oxides. The apparent kinetic rates of DEP degradation followed the order HFO goethite ≈ hematite in the dark and HFO hematite goethite under 365 nm light irradiation. Two pathways governed H2 O2 decomposition efficiency on iron(hydr)oxide surfaces:(1) forming UOH on inherent surface hydroxyl groups(Fe-OH) and(2) producing O2 and H2 O on the surface oxygen vacancies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) analyses indicated that HFO not only has high Fe-OH content but also has high Vo content, resulting in its low H2 O2 utilization efficiency(η). DEP was degraded through hydrogen abstraction and deesterification, and the major products were(OH)2-DEP, mono-ethyl phthalate(MEP), OH-MEP,and phthalate acid(PA). The study is important in understanding the transformation of phthalate esters in top surface soils and surface waters under ultraviolet light.     

Enhanced removal of Cr(Ⅵ) by biochar with Fe as electron shuttles

Biochar is extensively used as an effective soil amendment for environmental remediation.In addition to its strong contaminant sorption capability, biochar also plays an important role in chemical transformation of contaminant due to its inherent redox-active moieties.However, the transformation efficiency of inorganic contaminants is generally very limited when the direct adsorption of contaminants on biochar is inefficient. The present study demonstrates the role of Fe ion as an electron shuttle to enhance Cr(Ⅵ) reduction by biochars. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of Fe(Ⅲ) levels,pyrolysis temperature of biochar, initial solution pH, and biochar dosage on the efficiency of Cr(Ⅵ) removal. Results showed a significant enhancement in Cr(Ⅵ) reduction with an increase in Fe(Ⅲ) concentration and a decrease of initial pH. Biochar produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures(e.g., 700°C) favored Cr(Ⅵ) removal, especially in the presence of Fe(Ⅲ), while a higher biochar dosage proved unfavorable likely due to the agglomeration or precipitation of biochar. Speciation analysis of Fe and Cr elements on the surface of biochar and in the solution further confirmed the role of Fe ion as an electron shuttle between biochar and Cr(Ⅵ). The present findings provide a potential strategy for the advanced treatment of Cr(Ⅵ) at low concentrations as well as an insight into the environmental fate of Cr(Ⅵ) and other micro-pollutants in soil or aqueous compartments containing Fe and natural or engineered carbonaceous materials.     

Effects of Al~(3+)doping on the structure and properties of goethite and its adsorption behavior towards phosphate

Al substitution in goethite is common in soils, and has strong influence on the structure and physicochemical properties of goethite. In this research, a series of Al-doped goethites were synthesized, and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction(XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure(EXAFS)spectroscopy. The adsorption behavior of these samples towards PO43-was also investigated. Characterization results demonstrated that increasing Al content in goethite led to a reduction in crystallinity, increase in specific surface area(SSA), and morphology change from needle-like to granular. Rietveld structure refinement revealed that the lattice parameter a remained almost constant and b slightly decreased, but c was significantly reduced, and the calculated crystal density increased. EXAFS analysis demonstrated that the Fe(Al)–O distance in the structure of the doped goethites was almost the same, but the Fe–Fe(Al) distance decreased with increasing Al content. Surface analysis showed that, with increasing Al content, the content of OH groups on the mineral surface increased. The adsorption of phosphate per unit mass of Al-doped goethite increased, while adsorption per unit area decreased owing to the decrease of the relative proportion of(110) facets in the total surface area of the minerals. The results of this research facilitate better understanding of the effect of Al substitution on the structure and properties of goethite and the cycling of phosphate in the environment.     

TiO2/Schwertmannite nanocomposites as superior co-catalysts in heterogeneous photo-Fenton process

The heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction is an effective technique in combating organic contaminants for both soil and water remediation,and extensive studies have focused on enhancing its efficiency and reducing its costs.In this work,we developed novel photoFenton catalysts by simply milling commercially available TiO_2(P25)with Schwertmannite(Sh),a natural iron-oxyhydroxysulfate nanomineral.We expect that the photo-generated electrons from TiO_2could continuously migrate to Sh,which then could enhance the separation of electron-hole pairs on TiO_2and accelerate the reduction of Fe(III)to Fe(II)on Sh,leading to high degradation efficiency of the target organic contaminants.SEM and TEM results showed the distribution of TiO_2on Sh surface for the nanocomposites(TiO_2/Sh).Under simulated sunlight irradiation,the much higher content of Fe(II)was determined on TiO_2/Sh than on Sh via a common method in the iron ore,and the consumption of H_2O_2and the production of·OH were more significant in the TiO_2/Sh system than those in the TiO_2and Sh systems.These results well support our hypothesis that the photo-generated electrons could migrate from TiO_2to Sh on the composites,and can also explain the much higher degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B(RhB)in the TiO_2/Sh system.Besides,TiO_2/Sh had lower Fe dissolution as compared with Sh,and retained high catalytic stability after four repeated cycles.Above merits of the TiO_2/Sh composites,in combining with their simple synthesis method and low-cost property,indicated that they should have promising applications as heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts.     

Photoassisted Fenton degradation of phthalocyanine dyes from wastewater of printing industry using Fe(Ⅱ)/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in up-flow fluidized-bed

Fe(II)/γ-Al2O3 powders synthesized using the dipping method were produced from a mixed aqueous solution containing aluminium oxide(γ-Al2O3) and iron(II)-precursor(FeSO4), and used for photoFenton degradation of phthalocyanine dyes(PCS) under ultraviolet(UV) irradiation in an up-flow fluidized bed. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, ESCA, BET, EDS and SEM. The results showed that Fe2+ion was compounded on the γ-Al2O3 carrier. The effects of different reaction parameters such as catalyst activity, dosage and solution pH on the decolorization of PCS were assessed. Results indicated that maximum decolorization(more than 95%) of PCS occurred with20 wt% Fe(II)/γ-Al2O3 catalyst(dosage of 60 g/L) using a combination of UV irradiation and heterogeneous Fenton system. The degradation efficiency of PCSincreases as pH decreases, exhibiting a maximum efficiency at pH 3.5. The recycled catalyst was capable of repeating three runs without a significant decrease in treatment efficiency, and this demonstrated the stability and reusability of catalyst.     

Isolation, identification and arsenic-resistance of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans HX3 producing schwertmannite

Schwertmannite, a ubiquitous mineral present in iron oxyhydroxides formed in iron- and sulfate-rich acid media, favors incorporation of some toxic anions in its structure. We reported an iron-oxidizing bacterial strain HX3 from a municipal sludge that facilitates the formation of pure schwertmannite in cultures. Ferrous iron oxidation by the isolated strain HX3 was optimum at an initial pH of 2.0-3.3 and temperature of 28-35°C. Pure schwertmannite was found through bacterial oxidation of ferrous iron at an initial pH 2.8and temperature 28°C. Following 16 S rDNA gene sequence analysis the bacterial strain HX3 was identified as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The arsenic-resistance A. ferrooxidans HX3 showed the potential of environmental application in arsenic removal from the As（Ⅲ）- and iron-rich acid sulfate waters directly by As（Ⅲ） adsorption or the formation of schwertmannite in the environment.     

Adsorption of Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions by water treatment residuals

A study on the removal of Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions by water treatment residuals(WTR)was conducted in batch conditions. The sorption process of Co(Ⅱ) followed pseudosecondorder kinetics, with 30 hr required to reach equilibrium. Using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, a relatively high maximum sorption capacity of 17.31 mg/g Co(Ⅱ) was determined. The adsorption of Co(Ⅱ) was dependent on pH values and was affected by the ionic strength. Results show that Co(Ⅱ) adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process and was favorable at high temperature. Most of the adsorbed Co(Ⅱ) stayed on the WTR permanently, whereas only small amounts of adsorbed Co(Ⅱ) were desorbed. The shifting of peaks in FT-IR spectra indicated that Co(Ⅱ) interacted with the WTR surface through strong covalent bond formation with Fe(Al)–O functional groups. It was concluded that WTR can be a suitable material from which to develop an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Co(Ⅱ) from wastewater.     

Toxic effects of acetochlor, methamidophos and their combination on nifH gene in soil

Toxic effects of two agrochemicals on nifH gene in agricultural black soil were investigated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis （DGGE） and sequencing approaches in a microcosm experiment. Changes of soil nifH gene diversity and composition were examined following the application of acetochlor, methamidophos and their combination. Acetochlor reduced the nifH gene diversity （both in gene richness and diversity index values） and caused changes in the nifH gene composition. The effects of acetochlor on nifH gene were strengthened as the concentration of acetochlor increased. Cluster analysis of DGGE banding patterns showed that nifH gene composition which had been affected by low concentration of acetochlor （50 mg/kg） recovered firstly. Methamidophos reduced nifH gene richness that except at 4 weeks. The medium concentration of methamidophos （150 mg/kg） caused the most apparent changes in nifH gene diversity at the first week while the high concentration of methamidophos （250 mg/kg） produced prominent effects on nifH gene diversity in the following weeks. Cluster analysis showed that minimal changes of nifH gene composition were found at 1 week and maximal changes at 4 weeks. Toxic effects of acetochlor and methamidophos combination on nifH gene were also apparent. Different nifH genes （bands） responded differently to the impact of agrochemicals： four individual bands were eliminated by the application of the agrochemicals, five bands became predominant by the stimulation of the agrochemicals, and four bands showed strong resistance to the influence of the agrochemicals. Fifteen prominent bands were partially sequenced, yielding 15 different nifH sequences, which were used for phylogenetic reconstructions. All sequences were affiliated with the alpha- and beta-proteobacteria, showing higher similarity to eight different diazotrophic genera.     

Arsenic uptake by arbuscular mycorrhizal maize （Zea mays L.） grown in an arsenic-contaminated soil with added phosphorus

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus mosseae) and phosphorus (P) addition (100 mg/kg soil) on arsenic (As) uptake by maize plants (Zea mays L.) from an As-contaminated soil were examined in a glasshouse experiment.Non-mycorrhizal and zero-P addition controls were included.Plant biomass and concentrations and uptake of As,P,and other nutrients,AM colonization,root lengths,and hyphal length densities were determined.The results indicated that addition of P significantly inhibited root colonization and development of extraradical mycelium.Root length and dry weight both increased markedly with mycorrhizal colonization under the zero-P treatments,but shoot and root biomass of AM plants was depressed by P application.AM fungal inoculation decreased shoot As concentrations when no P was added,and shoot and root As concentrations of AM plants increased 2.6 and 1.4 times with P addition,respectively.Shoot and root uptake of P,Mn,Cu,and Zn increased,but shoot Fe uptake decreased by 44.6%,with inoculation, when P was added.P addition reduced shoot P,Fe,Mn,Cu,and Zn uptake of AM plants,but increased root Fe and Mn uptake of the nonmycorrhizal ones.AM colonization therefore appeared to enhance plant tolerance to As in low P soil,and have some potential for the phytostabilization of As-contaminated soil,however,P application may introduce additional environmental risk by increasing soil As mobility.     

Degradation of metabolites accumulated of benzo[a]pyrene by coupling Penicillium Chrysogenum with KMnO4

Several main metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） formed by Penicillium chrysogenum, Benzo[a]pyrene-1,6-quinone （BP 1,6- quinone）, trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene （BP 7,8-diol）, 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene （3-OHBP）, were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The three metabolites were liable to be accumulated and were hardly further metabolized because of their toxicity to microorganisms. However, their further degradation was essential for the complete degradation of BaP. To enhance their degradation, two methods, degradation by coupling Penicillium chrysogenum with KMnO4 and degradation only by Penicillium chrysogenum, were compared; Meanwhile, the parameters of degradation in the superior method were optimized. The results showed that （1） the method of coupling Penicillium chrysogenum with KMnO4 was better and was the first method to be used in the degradation of BaP and its metabolites; （2） the metabolite, BP 1,6-quinone was the most liable to be accumulated in pure cultures; （3） the effect of degradation was the best when the concentration of KMnO4 in the cultures was 0.01% （w/v）, concentration of the three compounds was 5 mg/L and pH was 6.2. Based on the experimental results, a novel concept with regard to the bioremediation of BaP-contaminated environment was discussed, considering the influence on environmental toxicity of the accumulated metabolites.     

Impact of atrazine and nitrogen fertilizers on the sorption of chlorotoluron in soil and model sorbents

Sorption of chlorotoluron in ammonium sulfate, urea and atrazine multi-solutes system was investigated by batch experiments. The results showed application of nitrogen fertilizers to the soil could affect the behavior of chlorotoluron. At the same concentration of N, sorption of chlorotoluron decreased as the concentration of atrazine increased on the day 0 and 6 in soil, respectively. The sorption of chlorotoluron increased from 0 to 6 d when soils were preincubated with deionized water, ammonium sulfate and urea solution for 6 d. That indicated incubation time was one of the most important factors for the sorption of chlorotoluron in nitrogen fertilizers treatments. The individual sorption isotherms of chlorotoluron in rubbery polymer and silica were strictly linear in single solute system, but there were competition sorption between pesticides or between pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers. That indicated the sorption taken place by concurrent solid-phase dissolution mechanism and sorption on the interface of water-organic matter or water-mineral matter.     

Potential of plant polyphenol oxidases in the decolorization and removal of textile and non-textile dyes

In this study an effort has been made to use plant polyphenol oxidases; potato （Solanum tuberosum） and brinjal （Solanum melongena）, for the treatment of various important dyes used in textile and other industries. The ammonium sulphate fractionated enzyme preparations were used to treat a number of dyes under various experimental conditions. Majority of the treated dyes were maximally decolorized at pH 3.0. Some of the dyes were quickly decolorized whereas others were marginally decolorized. The initial first hour was sufficient for the maximum decolorization of dyes. The rate of decolorization was quite slow on long treatment of dyes. Enhancement in the dye decolorization was noticed on increasing the concentration of enzymes. The complex mixtures of dyes were treated with both preparations of polyphenol oxidases in the buffers of varying pH values. Potato polyphenol oxidase was significantly more effective in decolorizing the dyes to higher extent as compared to the enzyme obtained from brinjal polyphenol oxidase. Decolorization of dyes and their mixtures, followed by the formation of an insoluble precipitate, which could be easily removed simply by centrifugation.     

Removal of heavy metals from sewage sludge by low costing chemical method and recycling in agriculture

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Isolation and preliminary characterization of a 3-chlorobenzoate degrading bacteria

A study was conducted to compare the diversity of 2-, 3-, and 4-chlorobenzoate degraders in two pristine soils and one contaminated sewage sludge. These samples contained strikingly different populations of mono-chlorobenzoate degraders. Although fewer cultures were isolated in the uncontaminated soils than contaminated one, the ability of microbial populations to mineralize chlorobenzoate was widespread. The 3- and 4-chlorobenzoate degraders were more diverse than the 2-chlorobenzoate degraders. One of the strains isolated from the sewage sludge was obtained. Based on its phenotype, chemotaxonomic properties and 16S rRNA gene, the organism S-7 was classified as Rhodococcus erythropolis. The strain can grow at temperature from 4 to 37℃. It can utilize several （halo）aromatic compounds. Moreover, strain S-7 can grow and use 3-chlorobenzoate as sole carbon source in a temperatures range of 10-30℃ with stoichiometric release of chloride ions. The psychrotolerant ability was significant for bioremediation in low temperature regions. Catechol and chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase activities were present in cell free extracts of the strain, but no （chloro）catechol 2,3- dioxygenase activities was detected. Spectral conversion assays with extracts from R. erythropolis S-7 showed accumulation of a compound with a similar UV spectrum as chloro-cis,cis-muconate from 3-chlorobenzoate. On the basis of these results, we proposed that S-7 degraded 3-chlorobenzoate through the modified ortho-cleave pathway.     

Single and joint effects of pesticides and mercury on soil urease

The influence of two pesticides including chlorimuron-ethyl and furadan and mercury （Hg） on urease activity in 4 soils （meadow burozem and phaeozem） was investigated. The soils were exposed to various concentrations of the two pesticides and Hg individually and simultaneously. Results showed that there was a close relationship between urease activity and organic matter content in soil. Chlorimuron-ethyl and furadan could both activate urease in the 4 soils. The maximum increment of urease activity by chlorimuronethyl was up to 14%-18%. There was almost an equal increase （up to 13%-21%） in the urease activity by furadan. On the contrary, Hg markedly inhibited soil urease activity. A logarithmic equation was used to describe the relationship （P〈0.05） between the concentration of Hg and the activity of soil urease in the 4 tested soils. Semi-effect dose （ED50） values by the stress of Hg based on the inhibition of soil urease in the 4 soils were 88, 5.5, 24 and 20 mg/kg, respectively, according to the calculation of the corresponding equations. The interactive effect of chlorimuron-ethyl or furadan with metal Hg on soil urease was mainly synergic at the highest tested concentrations.     

Organochlorine pesticides in soils under different land usage in the Taihu Lake region, China

A field study was conducted in the Taihu Lake region, China in 2004 to reveal the organochlorine pesticide concentrations in soils after the ban of these substances in the year 1983. Thirteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in soils from paddy field, tree land and fallow land. Total organochlorine pesticide residues were higher in agricultural soils than in uncultivated fallow land soils. Among all the pesticides, ΣDDX (DDD, DDE and DDT) had the highest concentration for all the soil samples, ranging from 3.10 ng/g to 166.55 ng/g with a mean value of 57.04 ng/g and followed by ΣHCH, ranging from 0.73 ng/g to 60.97 ng/g with a mean value of 24.06 ng/g. Dieldrin, endrin, HCB and α-endosulfan were also found in soils with less than 15 ng/g. Ratios of p,p'-(DDD DDE)/DDT in soils under three land usages were: paddy field ＞ tree land ＞ fallow land, indicating that land usage inlfuenced the degradation of DDT in soils. Ratios of p,p'-(DDD DDE)/DDT ＞1, showing aged residues of DDTs in soils of the Taihu Lake region. The results were discussed with data from a former study that showed very low actual concentrations of HCH and DDT in soils in the Taihu Lake region, but according to the chemical half-lives and their concentrations in soils in 1980s, the concentration of DDT in soils seemed to be underestimated. In any case our data show that the ban on the use of HCH and DDT resulted in a tremendous reduction of these pesticide residues in soils, but there are still high amounts of pesticide residues in soils, which need more remediation processes.     

Alterations of organ histopathology and metallolhionein mRNA expression in silver barb, Puntius gonionotus during subchronic cadmium exposure

Common silver barb,Puntius gonionotus,exposed to the nominal concentration of 0.06 mg/L Cd for 60 d,were assessed for histopathological alterations(gills,liver and kidney),metal accumulation,and metallothionein(MT)mRNA expression.Fish exhibited pathological symptoms such as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of primary and secondary gill lamellae,vacuolization in hepatocytes,and prominent tubular and glomerular damage in the kidney.In addition,kidney accumulated the highest content of cadmium,more than gills and liver.Expression of MT mRNA was increased in both liver and kidney of treated fish.Hepatic MT levels remained high after fish were removed to Cd-free water.In contrast,MT expression in kidney was peaked after 28 d of treatment and drastically dropped when fish were removed to Cd-free water.The high concentrations of Cd in hepatic tissues indicated an accumulation site or permanent damage on this tissue.