Leaching-induced migration and compositional form change of Cu,Zn, and Cd from sludge to loess

Land utilization of sewage sludge has become one of the major issues in environmental mitigation in China. This is particularly important in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China. Sludge enriched with organic matter and nutrients might effectively help to resolve the problems of silty loess soils as evidenced by porosity defect, structural alterations and absence of fertility. After sludge flows into the loess, irrigation water contains heavy metals that leach and migrate into sludge and consequently related human health risks may occur that raise concerns; and this situation needs to be rectified. The characteristics of the vertical migration and composition form change of Cu, Zn, and Cd from composted sludge to loess, and corresponding influencing factors, were investigated by performing a soil column simulation test under the leaching treatment of a one-year irrigation water capacity. Results demonstrated that: (1) composted sludge significantly improved loess fertility, and irrigation leaching transported only a small quantity of organic matter in sludge in the plough layer; (2) although some of the Cu, Zn, and Cd in composted sludge migrated to and concentrated in the middle and upper layers of the soil column during leaching, these metals were mostly retained in the plough layer; and (3) after the leaching treatment of the one-year irrigation water capacity, the compositions of Cu, Zn, and Cd (particularly Cu and Zn) in both plough layer and loess began to stabilize with low concentrations in the exudate. These findings confirmed the applicability of composted sludge in loess regions. This study provided a new insight into the sludge reuse in alkaline soils in arid and semi-arid region.     

Polychlorierte Dibenzo-p-dioxine und Dibenzofurane (PCDD/F)

Distillation residues of dry cleaning machines contain small quantities of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), independent of the type of solvent employed. PCDD/F were not only detectable in distillation residues using perchloroethylene as dry cleaning solvent, but also similar quantities and congeneric patterns of PCDD/F were found in residues from machines operated with stoddart solvent or CFC 113. Current results suggest that PCDD/F occurrence is linked to the dirt adhering to the textiles. Dirty textiles were a prerequisite for finding PCDD/F in the distillation residues. The congeneric patterns of the identified PCDD/F in the distillation residues were found to be similar as those from household dust, sewage sludge, as well as those from soil, sediments, and street dust. The investigations clearly show that perchloroethylene is not linked to PCDD/F formation. The freshly produced, commercial perchloroethylene as well as laboratory-distilled perchloroethylene did not contain any detectable quantities of PCDD/F. Also, the possibility of PCDD/F formation through decomposition reactions of the solvents during the dry cleaning process can be excluded on the basis of existing data.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins and dibenzofurans emissions in a primary copper smelter in China

Metallurgical production is the largest polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) emission source in China. However, PCDD/F monitoring and research are rarely conducted on primary metallurgical production. In this study, a demonstration primary copper smelter in China was selected to investigate PCDD/F characteristics and control. Samples were collected from major PCDD/F release points in the smelter process (fly ashes and waste water sludge). Specific analysis of PCDD/F congeners was carried out using a high resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry method. The results showed that PCDD/Fs might be unintentionally produced in the primary copper smelter processes, with sample concentrations of 180–6110 pg/g dry wt; highly chlorinated PCDD/F homologues were predominant. The toxicity of all the samples was calculated to be 120 pg WHO TEQ/g, fly ashes from the refining process furnaces air pollution control device and sludge were hazardous waste with higher PCDD/F toxicity. Both precursor formation and de novo synthesis were found to contribute to PCDD/F formation in the smelter process. PCDD/F characteristics and formation were compared with reported secondary copper smelters. Life-cycle control of PCDD/F was proposed for retrofitting of this smelter and for similar plants in China's primary copper production sector, including control at the PCDD/F formation, removal and disposal stages.     

Modelling partitioning and distribution of micropollutants in the lagoon of Venice: a first step towards a comprehensive ecotoxicological model

The model presented in this paper integrates a large amount of recent and ad hoc collected data concerning environmental contamination from micropollutants in the lagoon of Venice. This model represents the first step in setting up of an ecotoxicological model for the Venice lagoon, to simulate fate of contaminants from abiotic matrices to organisms. Distribution and partitioning of organic and inorganic contaminants are modelled by a two-dimensional model, based both on deterministic and empirical submodels and adapted to a large spectrum of different substances (polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals). The model was successfully calibrated on a wide set of experimental data. Sensitivity analysis showed that the model is generally not very sensible to parameters values but it is sensible to external conditions (e.g., pollutants loads). Distribution of dissolved and total concentrations of contaminants was obtained for a series of PCDD/F and PCBs congeners and for eight heavy metals. These distributions represent integrated information on ecosystem health, complementary to monitoring data and they are useful to be used for comparisons with various water quality criteria. Simulation scenarios under different external conditions are proposed as examples of use of the model for management purposes.     

青岛城市污水厂污泥有机质、养分及重金属含量

对青岛市4个典型城市污水厂脱水污泥中有机质、养分及重金属指标进行了调查研究,结果表明,所调查的青岛市4个典型城市污水厂污泥中的有机质平均含量为48.58%,总氮、总磷、总钾平均含量分别为36 437.76 mg/kg、12 590.13 mg/kg2、791.55 mg/kg;青岛市4个典型城市污水厂脱水污泥中的重金属...     

化学方法降低城市污泥的重金属含量及其前景分析

城市污泥含有丰富的氛、磷、河和有机质,农用前景广阔。但其中重金属含量常超标而受到限制。利用化学试剂如酸、有机物、表面活性剂等与污泥中的重金属发生作用,形成溶解性的金属离子或金属－试剂络合物,再通过淋滤．可以剔除污泥中大量的重金属,使其降低到符合农用标准。本文介绍了化学方法去除污泥事金属的原理和效果,分析了影响因素,包括重金属种类、污泥特性、操作方法、剔除时间等。并对该法的应用前景进行了讨论。     

Reviewing the relevance of dioxin and PCB sources for food from animal origin and the need for their inventory,control and management

Background

In the past, cases of PCDD/F and PCB contamination exceeding limits in food from animal origin (eggs, meat or milk) were mainly caused by industrially produced feed. But in the last decade, exceedances of EU limit values were discovered more frequently for PCDD/Fs or dioxin-like(dl)-PCBs from free range chicken, sheep, and beef, often in the absence of any known contamination source.

Results

The German Environment Agency initiated a project to elucidate the entry of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in food related to environmental contamination. This paper summarizes the most important findings. Food products from farm animals sensitive to dioxin/PCB exposure—suckling calves and laying hens housed outdoor—can exceed EU maximum levels at soil concentrations that have previously been considered as safe. Maximum permitted levels can already be exceeded in beef/veal when soil is contaminated around 5 ng PCB-TEQ/kg dry matter (dm). For eggs/broiler, this can occur at a concentration of PCDD/Fs in soil below 5 ng PCDD/F–PCB-TEQ/kg dm. Egg consumers—especially young children—can easily exceed health-based guidance values (TDI). The soil–chicken egg exposure pathway is probably the most sensitive route for human exposure to both dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs from soil and needs to be considered for soil guidelines. The study also found that calves from suckler cow herds are most prone to the impacts of dl-PCB contamination due to the excretion/accumulation via milk. PCB (and PCDD/F) intake for free-range cattle stems from feed and soil. Daily dl-PCB intake for suckler cow herds must in average be less than 2 ng PCB-TEQ/day. This translates to a maximum concentration in grass of 0.2 ng PCB-TEQ/kg dm which is less than 1/6 of the current EU maximum permitted level. This review compiles sources for PCDD/Fs and PCBs relevant to environmental contamination in respect to food safety. It also includes considerations on assessment of emerging POPs.

Conclusions

The major sources of PCDD/F and dl-PCB contamination of food of animal origin in Germany are (1) soils contaminated from past PCB and PCDD/F releases; (2) PCBs emitted from buildings and constructions; (3) PCBs present at farms. Impacted areas need to be assessed with respect to potential contamination of food-producing animals. Livestock management techniques can reduce exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs. Further research and regulatory action are needed to overcome gaps. Control and reduction measures are recommended for emission sources and new listed and emerging POPs to ensure food safety.

     

Legacies and health risks of heavy metals,polybrominated diphenyl ethers,and polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans at e-waste recycling sites in South China

● Heavy metals and organic toxins may persist in legacy sites for a long time. ● Contaminants pose potential harms to the nearby community (HI > 1). ● PCDD/Fs had the risk of endocrine disruption and reproductive risk. ● Further intervention is needed to reduce pollution and related risks. Informal electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling sites pose substantial health risks to surrounding environments and populations, yet they are not properly regulated. In this study, the soil levels of copper, lead, cadmium, eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 18 polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) were measured at two e-waste recycling sites in South China between 2014 and 2019. Both sites have been abandoned for natural restoration. Our results indicate that the mean Cd and PCDD/F levels at Site A in 2019 were higher than those recommended by current safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the highest exposure among children was 1.36 × 10⁻² mg/(kg·d) for Cu, followed by 5.05 × 10⁻³ mg/(kg·d) for Pb, 9.71 ng/(kg·d) for PBDEs, and 6.82 ng TEQ/(kg·d) for PCDD/Fs. Children were at elevated risk for health problem posed by Pb and Cu exposure at both sites (hazard quotient > 1) and by PCDD/Fs at Site A. Further risk assessment was conducted on the target organs and endpoints of heavy metals and PCDD/Fs. The hazard index (HI) for the target organ mixed-risk of heavy metals was high (HI = 1.27), as was that of PCDD/Fs (HI = 1.66), which can disrupt endocrine function and pose a risk of reproductive toxicity in children. Owing to incomplete cleaning, contaminants persist in soils over long periods and may harm nearby environments and communities. Our study demonstrates that heavy metal, PBDE, and PCDD/F contamination have not yet been remediated, and intervention is needed to reduce pollution and associated risks in areas affected by e-waste.     

Verglaste Filterstäube aus Müllverbrennungsanlagen

Solid waste residues from municipal solid waste incinerator flue gas cleaning systems basically consists of Al, Ca-silicates and metal oxides. At lower concentrations, environmentally harmful compounds such as alkali halide salts, heavy metals and traces of organic pollutants, e.g. PCDD, PCDF and PCB, are also present. For the reuse of the valuable materials (Al, Ca and metal oxides), an effective treatment technique for destroying the organic contaminants and separating the anorganic toxins from the non-toxic components has to be applied, which can only be achieved through thermal processing. Detailed investigations on vitrified electrostatic precipitator ash from municipal solid waste incinerator plants have shown promising results in regard to the mass balances, the chemical composition and the quality of the glass phase obtained.     

城市污水厂脱水污泥施用对马尼拉草生长及其对重金属迁移转化的影响

以厦门市筼筜污水处理厂的脱水干化污泥作为有机肥种植马尼拉草,通过盆栽试验,探讨污泥直接施用对马尼拉草生长和产量的影响及重金属在马尼拉草-土壤间的迁移转化和积累情况.结果表明,污泥中氮、磷、钾和有机质含量丰富,重金属含量均低于城镇污水处理厂污泥处置园林绿化用泥质的标准（GB/T23486—2009）;施用适量污泥可促进马...     

AB工艺减少污泥重金属的效果

在AB工艺中,利用A段活性吸附去除重金属从而降低B段污泥中重金属含量,使其达到农用标准（GB4284-84酸性土壤控制标准）。利用小型污水处理实验场,模拟研究了AB工艺A段中重金属的去除情况,对AB运行控制参数进行优化探讨,以使A段能有效去除大部分重金属,并尽可能降低有毒有害污泥产量。结果表明：溶解氧质量浓度控制在0.5mg·L-1,污泥质量浓度调节为约500mg·L-1时,Cu2＋去除率可达87.6%,Zn2＋的去除率为78.7%,Ni2＋去除率为51%。当污泥质量浓度在1000～1500mg·L-1时,A段处理后污泥沉降性能好转,对重金属离子的去除有较好的效果,且不过多截留污水中的有机物。且B段剩余污泥中的Cu2＋、Zn2＋、Ni2＋含量都基本达到酸性土壤污泥农用控制标准。因此,适当控制AB工艺相关参数条件,利用A段活性污泥去除大部分重金属,降低B段产泥中重金属含量,达到农业控制标准是可行的,污泥经处理后进行土地资源化利用可成为我国污泥处置与利用的一种有效途径。     

不同来源重金属污染的土壤对水稻的影响

采用人工污染土壤、尾矿砂、污泥等不同载体的污染源来模拟土壤污染 ,研究其对水稻生长、吸收养分和吸收重金属的影响。结果表明 ,不同污染载体对水稻生长的影响不同 ,其影响的大小顺序为人工污染土壤 >尾矿砂 >污泥 >尾矿砂 +污泥。不同污染载体对水稻吸收重金属的影响亦不同 ,以纯化学试剂的形式添加到土壤中的重金属最易被提取出来 ,植物从中吸收的Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd最多 ,而从以污泥为污染载体的土壤中吸收的Zn、Pb、Cd最少。研究表明 ,用添加纯化学试剂的方法来模拟污染土壤对生态与环境的影响是可行的 ,确定土壤负载容量是安全的 ,因为在实验条件下它对供试植物的影响最明显     

Effect of clay minerals on extractability of heavy metals and sewage sludge mineralization in soil

An incubation experiment lasting 111 d was carried out to study the effect of the addition of three clay minerals (Na-bentonite, Ca-bentonite, and zeolite) to soil derived from sewage sludge on water-extractable and exchangeable forms of four heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ni), as well as on soil organic matter mineralization, microbial biomass C and the release of inorganic N. The addition of clay minerals led to a significant decrease in water-extractable and exchangeable forms of heavy metals. The extent of decrease ranged from 14 to 75% for the water-extractable heavy metals and from 12 to 42% for the exchangeable form over the incubation time, as compared with untreated soil. The reduction in extractability of heavy metals was greater due to the addition of Na-bentonite and Ca-bentonite than that due to the addition of zeolite. Addition of clay minerals did not affect any of the following microbiological parameters in the soil: microbial biomass C, organic C (C_org) mineralization, and metabolic quotient (qCO₂), and release of inorganic N during the first 3 weeks of incubation. However, as the incubation period increased, these parameters were significantly increased by the addition of clay minerals, especially by the addition of Na-bentonite and Ca-bentonite. This result is explained by a strong reduction in extractability of heavy metals after the addition of Na-bentonite and Ca-bentonite.     

Effect of lime on speciation of heavy metals during composting of water hyacinth

Composting is attractive and inexpensive method for treatment and biomass disposal of water hyacinth. However, the major disadvantage of water hyacinth composting is the high content of heavy metals in the final compost. Addition of lime sludge significantly reduced most bioavailable fractions (exchangeable and carbonate) of heavy metals. Studies were carried on composting of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with cattle manure and sawdust (6:3:1 ratio) and effects of addition of lime (1%, 2% and 3%) on heavy metal speciation were evaluated during 30 days of composting period. The Tessier sequential extraction method was employed to investigate the changes in speciation of heavy metals such as Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) during water hyacinth composting. Effects of physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH and organic matter on speciation of heavy metals were also studied during the process. Results showed that, the total metal content was increased during the composting process. The higher reduction in bioavailability factor (BF) of Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd and Cr was observed in lime 2 treatment about 62.1%, 64.4%, 71.9%, 62.1% and 58.9% respectively; however higher reduction in BF of Zn and Pb was observed in lime 1 treatment during the composting process. Reducible and oxidizable fractions of Ni, Pb and Cd were not observed during the process. Addition of lime was very effective for reduction of bioavailability of heavy metals during composting of water hyacinth with cattle manure and sawdust.     

Eco-friendly approach for leaching out heavy metals from sewage sludge

Sewage sludge contains rich organic matter and nutrients essential for the growth of plants but the presence of toxic heavy metals restricts its land application. To overcome this, the study aims an eco-friendly approach for leaching out heavy metals. Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plant, Chennai, India was characterised. The analysis of total heavy metal concentration was done by digesting in nitric acid and different forms were extracted by community bureau of reference sequential method. Heavy metals: As, Cd, Cr, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry Perkin Elmer Optima 5300 DV. The experimental set-up for heavy metal leaching was held for five consecutive days at different concentrations of humic acid (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) at varied pH (5–9). Results revealed that at the end of fifth day at pH 8, 1% humic acid is capable of leaching out 75.5% cadmium, 66.0% nickel, 52.0% lead, 51.2% zinc, 31.2% copper and 8.5% cadmium from sewage sludge. Statistically positive correlation (0.7088) existed between the percentage of heavy metals leached out and the sum of soluble and reducible fractions. Thus, from ecological point of view, humic acid can be used to leach out heavy metals from sewage sludge serving the need in restoration of soil fertility upon land application.     

广州城市水体沉积物中重金属形态分布研究

选取广州城市水体中的４ 个污染沉积物样品,采用连续提取法研究沉积物中重金属元素（ Ｐｂ 、 Ｚｎ 、 Ｃｕ 、 Ｎｉ 、 Ｃｒ 、 Ｍｎ） 的形态分布,结果表明：重金属元素主要以残渣态、有机结合态和氧化铁结合态存在,其中 Ｐｂ 、 Ｎｉ、 Ｍｎ 以残渣态和氧化铁结合为主, Ｚｎ 以残渣态和有机结合态为主, Ｃｕ 以有机态和氧化铁结合态为主, Ｃｒ 以氧化铁结合态为主。沉积物中固相组分对重金属的富集能力为：无定型氧化锰＞ ＞ 碳酸盐＞ 氧化铁＞ 有机质,而富集量则是后两者大于前两者。     

蚯蚓-稻壳炭联合堆肥对工业污泥中重金属的影响研究

蚯蚓堆肥相关研究多集中在生活污泥方面,对工业污泥的探索较少。该研究以马鞍山某钢铁污水处理站污泥为例,添加不同比例稻壳炭(2%、4%、8%),设置污泥单独堆肥、稻壳炭与污泥堆肥以及蚯蚓-稻壳炭联合污泥堆肥试验,探索蚯蚓与稻壳炭联合堆肥对工业污泥中重金属形态和生物有效性的影响。研究表明,(1)相比污泥单独堆肥,稻壳炭联合污泥堆肥能增加污泥pH、EC、TP和降低TOC、TN,而蚯蚓联合稻壳炭堆肥污泥可增加TN,并进一步增加污泥EC、TP,显著降低污泥的pH、TOC。(2)稻壳炭堆肥中重金属Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd含量因浓缩效应而上升;而蚯蚓联合稻壳炭堆肥,重金属含量显著下降,添加4%稻壳炭时,重金属Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd质量分数达到最小值,分别为856.64、137.10、158.92、15.48mg·kg-1。(3)重金属形态分析表明,随着稻壳炭比例增加,稻壳炭堆肥中重金属Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd的交换态和碳酸盐结合态转化为残渣态及铁锰氧化态的比例增大,添加8%稻壳炭时DTPA提取的有效态重金属质量分数最低,分别为705.72、47.95、50.43、4.47 mg·kg-1;蚯蚓-稻壳炭联合堆肥会使得污泥中重金属交换态、碳酸盐结合态、铁锰结合态和有机结合态均向残渣态转化,添加4%稻壳炭与蚯蚓的协同转化能力最大,Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd有效态重金属质量分数分别为629.84、38.63、36.76、1.63mg·kg-1,说明稻壳炭添加入蚯蚓堆肥可进一步降低工业污泥中重金属有效性,使重金属钝化。本研究可为稻壳炭联合蚯蚓堆肥处理工业污泥提供参考和科学依据。     

沉积物再悬浮-重金属释放机制研究进展

水-沉积物界面重金属迁移和转化行为已成为水环境质量研究的热点。因自然、生物、人为活动等驱动的沉积物再悬浮使得沉积物颗粒吸附和结合的重金属可能通过吸附-解吸平衡和氧化还原反应而释放进入上覆水体。随着外在污染源输入逐步得到控制,沉积物再悬浮释放重金属将成为水体重要的内在污染源而对水环境质量和水生生物产生影响。本文综述了最近几年的相关研究文献,对沉积物再悬浮的动力来源及发生机制、再悬浮-重金属释放机制及主要影响因素进行了阐述,探讨了该领域未来可能的研究方向。相关研究发现,当干扰切应力大于沉积物的临界切应力值时,沉积物再悬浮发生,且再悬浮颗粒量随干扰切应力的增强而增大;再悬浮使还原态沉积物暴露于有氧环境,有机质和硫化物的氧化是沉积物结合态重金属释放的主要机理,而沉积物颗粒电性吸附的重金属则通过解吸进入水体;切应力大小、再悬浮水体理化性质、沉积物理化性质以及微生物活性等因素调控着沉积物吸附态或结合态重金属的释放。本文指出再悬浮沉积物释放重金属的去向（再分配机理）以及再悬浮-重金属释放的动力学过程、沉积物悬浮-重金属释放复合预测模型的建立、沉积物悬浮-释放重金属的生物可利用性及生物毒害评价将是本领域需要进一步研究的重点。     

Properties and effect of forming sewage sludge into lightweight ceramics

In this work we investigated the chemical, thermal and toxic properties of dried sewage sludge (DSS), the preparation and properties of lightweight sludge ceramic (LSC) and the mechanisms of action of the organic and inorganic foaming agents (OFAs and IFAs). The chemical components and thermal properties of the raw materials were studied by Energy Dispersive X-ray Detection (EDX) and Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC/TGA). The mineral phases of the raw materials and the formed ceramics were determined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The leaching characteristics of heavy metals were investigated with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Different ratios of DSS and clay were mixed and pressed into raw pellets. After drying and preheating treatment, the raw pellets were sintered at 1150°C for 10 min. The physical properties of LSC (50 wt% DSS added) were tested. The results showed that when the addition of DSS was above 50 wt%, LSC began to shrink, and a maximum density occurred. The environmental safety of LSC was satisfactory. XRD showed that some new mineral phases formed in the LSC. Observation of the microstructure by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) indicated that the body of LSC was porous.     

Sewage sludge ditch for recovering heavy metals can improve crop yield and soil environmental quality

• Indirect use of sludge in ditches alongside plants was tested in field experiments. • The dried and stabilized sludge in ditches was recovered with heavy metals. • Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in the planted soil were all in a safe range. • The indirect use of sludge increased plant yield, soil N content and C storage. The treatment and disposal of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) is an urgent problem to be resolved in many countries. Safely using the nutrients within MSS to increase crop yield and enhance the fertility of poor soil could contribute to achieving sustainable development. An indirect use of MSS in ditches alongside Pennisetum hybridum plants was studied in field plots for 30 months and the contents of heavy metals and macronutrients were monitored in soil, sludge and plant samples. We found that the yield of P. hybridum was significantly increased by 2.39 to 2.80 times and the treated plants had higher N content compared with no sludge. In addition, the organic matter (OM) and N contents in the planted soil increased significantly compared with the initial soil. The OM content in the planted soil of the MSS treatment was 2.9 to 5.2 times higher than that with no sludge, and N increased by 2.0 to 3.8 times. However, MSS had no significant effect on the N, P and K contents in the soil at the bottom of the MSS ditch, and the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) were also within the safe range. Moreover, the moisture content and phytotoxicity of MSS after this indirect use were reduced and the heavy metal contents changed little, which is favorable to the further disposal of recovered MSS. Therefore, this indirect use of MSS is beneficial to agricultural production, soil quality and environmental sustainability.