Evaluation of biosurfactants for crude oil contaminated soil washing

An evaluation of the ability of aqueous biosurfactant solutions (aescin, lecithin, rhamnolipid, saponin and tannin) for possible applications in washing crude oil contaminated soil was carried out. The biosurfactants behaviour in soil-water, water-oil and oil-soil systems (such as foaming, solubilization, sorption to soil, emulsification, surface and interfacial tension) was measured and compared with a well-known chemical surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) at varying concentrations. Results showed that the biosurfactants were able to remove significant amount of crude oil from the contaminated soil at different solution concentrations for instance rhamnolipid and SDS removed up to 80% oil and lecithin about 42%. The performance of water alone in crude oil removal was equally as good as those of the other biosurfactants. Oil removal was due to mobilization, caused by the reduction of surface and interfacial tensions. Solubilization and emulsification effects in oil removal were negligible due to the low crude oil solubilization of 0.11%. Therefore, these studies suggest that knowledge of surfactants' behaviour across different systems is paramount before their use in the practical application of oil removal.     

基于超声波-微波耦合效应的石油烃类污染土壤的热脱附规律与参数优化

以邻二甲苯为石油烃类污染物代表,以污染土壤质量的减少量以及冷凝液质量的增加量表征土壤污染物的平均脱附效率,研究了微波-超声波耦合热源处理石油烃类污染土壤的脱附规律。结果表明,在超声波功率恒定(800 W)情况下,增大微波功率 (从200 W增到400 W),能显著提升装置内反应温度(从128.3 ℃增到270.1 ℃),显示了微波较强的热效应;在微波功率恒定(350 W)情况下,增大超声波功率 (从600 W增到1 400 W),对装置升温效果影响不明显(从169.4 ℃增加到187.9 ℃),表明了超声波较弱的热效应。超声波/微波耦合热源修复壤土的最优工艺参数为土水比20∶1、超声波功率800 W、微波功率350 W、辐照10 min,相应的最高污染物平均脱附率为77.28%,处理效果优于单热源条件。对于不同的土壤粒径及有机质含量,不同类型土壤的平均脱附率排序为砂土(88.36%)>壤土(64.29%)>黏土(52.61%);综合考虑土壤介电损耗因子、土壤比热容、土壤通透性影响的结果,土水比最优值设为10∶1;综合考虑土壤颗粒单层吸附/多层吸附作用的结果,土壤污染物浓度最优值为8%(砂土)、4%(壤土、黏土)。     

污染土壤直接热脱附燃烧器低氮优化设计及数值模拟

为解决直接热脱附设备二燃室燃烧器氮氧化物排放高的问题,利用热平衡计算方法建立其输入和输出能量平衡关系式,得到二燃室温度维持1 100 ℃时所需燃气量和助燃风量;同时,结合空气分级技术、燃料分级技术和部分预混燃烧技术对燃烧器进行优化设计,并对其燃烧情况进行了数值模拟计算。热平衡计算结果表明,维持二燃室燃烧温度1 100 ℃所需的燃气量和助燃风量分别为1 003和22 066 m³·h⁻¹。数值模拟结果表明,增加燃气预混喷口可显著强化燃气/空气混合,使燃烧更为迅速,可防止滞后的火焰冲刷壁面,也有助于分散火焰,避免局部高温。增加二级空气通道可降低空气的出口流速,防止出现脱火现象,且利于燃气径向扩散,避免火焰集中。以上2种方法均能有效降低氮氧化物排放量,且采用燃气部分预混后二燃室出口处一氧化碳浓度大幅降低。在同时采用燃气预混喷口和二级空气通道后,NO_x浓度稳定在45 mg·m⁻³左右,相比于现有燃烧器减少了85%。该研究结果可为直接热脱附设备二燃室燃烧器的低氮设计提供参考。     

Ecotoxicity of oil sludges and residuals from their washing with surfactants: soil dehydrogenase and ryegrass germination tests

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Oil sludge washing (OSW) with surfactants and co-solvents is used to recover the oil, and this process leaves some residuals (sediments and surfactant...     

Influence of soil properties on heavy metal sequestration by biochar amendment: 2. Copper desorption isotherms

Contaminant desorption constrains the long-term effectiveness of remediation technologies, and is strongly influenced by dynamic non-equilibrium states of environmental and biological media. Information is currently lacking in the influence of biochar and activated carbon amendments on desorption of heavy metal contaminants from soil components. In this study, copper sorption-desorption isotherms were obtained for clay-rich, alkaline San Joaquin soil with significant heavy metal sorption capacity, and eroded, acidic Norfolk sandy loam soil having low capacity to retain copper. Acidic pecan shell-derived activated carbon and basic broiler litter biochar were employed in desorption experiments designed to address both leaching by rainfall and toxicity characteristics. For desorption in synthetic rain water, broiler litter biochar amendment diminished sorption-desorption hysteresis. In acetate buffer (pH 4.9), significant copper leaching was observed, unless acidic activated carbon (pH_pzc = 3.07) was present. Trends observed in soluble phosphorus and zinc concentrations for sorption and desorption equilibria suggested acid dissolution of particulate phases that can result in a concurrent release of copper and other sorbed elements. In contrast, sulfur and potassium became depleted as a result of supernatant replacements only when amended carbon (broiler litter biochar) or soil (San Joaquin) contained appreciable amounts. A positive correlation was observed between the equilibrium aluminum concentration and initial copper concentration in soils amended with acidic activated carbon but not basic biochar, suggesting the importance of cation exchange mechanism, while dissolution of aluminum oxides cannot be ruled out.     

Medium optimization for the production of anti-cyanobacterial substances by Streptomyces sp. HJC-D1 using response surface methodology

Bioremediation using isolated anti-cyanobacterial microorganism has been widely applied in harmful algal blooms (HABs) control. In order to improve the secretion of activated anti-cyanobacterial substances, and lower the cost, a sequential optimization of the culture medium based on statistical design was employed for enhancing the anti-cyanobacterial substances production and chlorophyll a (Chl a) removal by Streptomyces sp. HJC-D1 in the paper. Sucrose and KNO₃ were selected as the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources based on the one-at-a-time strategy method, and sucrose, KNO₃ and initial pH were found as major factors that affected the anti-cyanobacterial ability of the isolated stain via the Plackett–Burman design. Based on the response surface and canonical analysis, the optimum condition of culture medium was obtained at 22.73 g l^-1 of sucrose, 0.96 g l^-1 of KNO₃, and initial pH 8.82, and the Chl a removal efficiency by strain HJC-D1 increased from 63?±?2 % to 78?±?2 % on the optimum conditions.     

Heterogeneous Fenton-like discoloration of Rhodamine B using natural schorl as catalyst: optimization by response surface methodology

A cationic dye, Rhodamine B (RhB), could be efficiently discolored by heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction catalyzed by natural schorl. In this work, with the main goal of the optimization for RhB discoloration, central composite design under the response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the experiment design and process optimization. The significance of a second-order polynomial model for predicting the optimal values of RhB discoloration was evaluated by the analysis of variance and 3D response surface and counter plots for the interactions between two variables were constructed. The Pareto graphic analysis of the discoloration process indicated that, among all the variables, solution pH (X ₃, 47.95 %) and H₂O₂ concentration (X ₁, 24.39 %) had the largest influences on the heterogeneous Fenton-like discoloration of RhB. Based on the model prediction, the optimum conditions for RhB discoloration were determined to be 45 mM H₂O₂ concentration, 2.5 g/L schorl dosage, solution pH 2, and 110 min reaction time, with the maximum RhB discoloration ratio of 98.86 %. The corresponding experimental value of RhB discoloration ratio under the optimum conditions was determined as 99.31 %, which is very close to the optimized one, implying that RSM is a powerful and satisfactory strategy for the process optimization.     

Application of central composite face-centered design and response surface methodology for the optimization of electro-Fenton decolorization of Azure B dye

Purpose

The aim of this work was to improve the ability of electro-Fenton technique for the remediation of wastewater contaminated with synthetic dyes using a model azo dye such as Azure B.

Methods

Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of main parameters, such as dye concentration, electrode surface area, treatment time, and voltage. In this study, central composite face-centered experimental design matrix and response surface methodology were applied to design the experiments and evaluate the interactive effects of the four studied parameters. A total of 30 experimental runs were set, and the kinetic data were analyzed using first- and second-order models.

Results

The experimental data fitted to the empirical second-order model of a suitable degree for the maximum decolorization of Azure B by electro-Fenton treatment. ANOVA analysis showed high coefficient of determination value (R ²?=?0.9835) and reasonable second-order regression prediction. Pareto analysis suggests that the variables, time, and voltage produce the largest effect on the decolorization rate.

Conclusion

Optimum conditions suggested by the second-order polynomial regression model for attaining maximum decolorization were dye concentration 4.83?mg/L, electrode surface area 15?cm², voltage 14.19?V, and treatment time of 34.58?min.     

Enhanced biodegradation of azo dyes using an integrated elemental iron-activated sludge system: I. Evaluation of system performance.

The objective of this research is to evaluate an integrated system coupling zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) and aerobic biological oxidation for the treatment of azo dye wastewater. Zero-valent (elemental) iron can reduce the azo bond, cleaving dye molecules into products that are more amenable to aerobic biological treatment processes. Azo dye reduction products, including aniline and sulfanilic acid, were shown to be readily biodegradable at concentrations up to approximately 25 mg/L. Batch reduction and biodegradation data support the proposed integrated iron pretreatment and activated sludge process for the degradation of the azo dyes orange G and orange I. The integrated system was able to decolorize dye solutions and yield effluents with lower total organic carbon concentrations than control systems without iron pretreatment. The success of the bench-scale integrated system suggests that iron pretreatment may be a feasible approach to treat azo dye containing wastewaters.     

Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains as probiotic agent with aflatoxin B(1) adsorption ability for use in poultry feedstuffs

In this study the aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) removal capacity, the tolerance to salivary and gastrointestinal conditions, autoaggregation and coaggregation with pathogenic bacteria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from broiler feces, were evaluated. Only four of twelve isolated strains were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae using molecular techniques. The results obtained in AFB(1) binding studies indicated that the amount of AFB(1) removed was both strain and mycotoxin-concentration dependent. Therefore, a theoretical model was applied in order to select the most efficient strain to remove AFB(1) in a wide range of mycotoxin concentration. The results indicated that S. cerevisiae 08 and S. cerevisiae 01 strains were the most efficient microorganisms in the mycotoxin removal. Viability on simulated salivary and gastrointestinal conditions was investigated and S. cerevisiae 08 strain showed the best results, achieving 98% of total survival whereas S. cerevisiae 01 reached only 75%. Autoaggregation and coaggregation assays showed S. cerevisiae 08 as the most appropriate strain, mainly because it was the unique strain able to coaggregate with the four bacterial pathogens assayed. Consequently, S. cerevisiae 08 is the best candidate for future in vivo studies useful to prevent aflatoxicosis. Further quantitative in vitro and in vivo studies are required to evaluate the real impact of yeast-binding activity on the bioavailability of AFB(1) in poultry. However, this study could be useful in selecting efficient strains in terms of AFB(1) binding and provide an important contribution to research into microorganisms with potential probiotic effects on the host.     

Characterization of hydrocarbon-degrading and biosurfactant-producing Pseudomonas sp. P-1 strain as a potential tool for bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil

The Pseudomonas sp. P-1 strain, isolated from heavily petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, was investigated for its capability to degrade hydrocarbons and produce a biosurfactant. The strain degraded crude oil, fractions A5 and P3 of crude oil, and hexadecane (27, 39, 27 and 13 % of hydrocarbons added to culture medium were degraded, respectively) but had no ability to degrade phenanthrene. Additionally, the presence of gene-encoding enzymes responsible for the degradation of alkanes and naphthalene in the genome of the P-1 strain was reported. Positive results of blood agar and methylene blue agar tests, as well as the presence of gene rhl, involved in the biosynthesis of rhamnolipid, confirmed the ability of P-1 for synthesis of glycolipid biosurfactant. ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectrum and mass spectrum analyses indicated that the extracted biosurfactant was affiliated with rhamnolipid. The results of this study indicate that the P-1 and/or biosurfactant produced by this strain have the potential to be used in bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.     

In situ bioremediation of nitrate and perchlorate in vadose zone soil for groundwater protection using gaseous electron donor injection technology.

When present in the vadose zone, potentially toxic nitrate and perchlorate anions can be persistent sources of groundwater contamination. Gaseous electron donor injection technology (GEDIT), an anaerobic variation of petroleum hydrocarbon bioventing, involves injecting electron donor gases, such as hydrogen or ethyl acetate, into the vadose zone, to stimulate biodegradation of nitrate and perchlorate. Laboratory microcosm studies demonstrated that hydrogen and ethanol promoted nitrate and perchlorate reduction in vadose zone soil and that moisture content was an important factor. Column studies demonstrated that transport of particular electron donors varied significantly; ethyl acetate and butyraldehyde were transported more rapidly than butyl acetate and ethanol. Nitrate removal in the column studies, up to 100%, was best promoted by ethyl acetate. Up to 39% perchlorate removal was achieved with ethanol and was limited by insufficient incubation time. The results demonstrate that GEDIT is a promising remediation technology warranting further validation.     

The effects of extracellular algicidal compounds of Bacillus sp. B1 on Heterosigma akashiwo: a metabolomics approach

Heterosigma akashiwo (H. akashiwo), a harmful algal species, has been a global environmental problem. Extracellular algicidal compounds (EACs) extracted from Bacillus sp. B1 exhibited algicidal effects against H. akashiwo. However, little is known about the algicidal mechanism and metabolic process. In this study, metabolomics and physiological analyses were combined to investigate the cellular responses of H. akashiwo when treated with EACs. The results indicated that EACs at 10% (v_EACs/v_sample) showed more than 90% inhibition of H. akashiwo. EAC treatment resulted in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in algal cells, causing stress responses such as inhibition of photosynthetic pigment synthesis, reduction of sugar synthesis, imbalance of osmotic pressure in the cell membrane, disruption of cell size and morphology, and eventual cell death. The results reveal the underlying mechanism of the algicidal process and provide new insights into algae-bacteria interactions and the application of metabolomics to algal research.

     

Development of a three-stage system for wastewater toxicity monitoring: a design and feasibility study.

A three-stage system was developed to automate a batchwise toxicity testing protocol designed for assessing wastewater toxicity to activated sludge. The three-stage system used the luminescent bacterium Shkl. The three stages were cell storage, cell activation, and continuous toxicity testing. Shkl cells were stored in a bioreactor at 4 degrees C when the system was not in use and activated in another bioreactor for use in toxicity tests conducted in a continuous manner. The system could quickly be switched between the "off" and "on" modes, and operation of the system was easy. The stability of the system, in terms of cell density and bioluminescence in the storage and activation bioreactors, and the response of the activated cells to a metal and an organic toxicant were studied. The feasibility of the system design was demonstrated by simulating zinc toxicity episodes in synthetic wastewater. The needs for further modifications and improvements of the system were discussed.     

Influence of soil properties on heavy metal sequestration by biochar amendment: 1. Copper sorption isotherms and the release of cations

The amendment of carbonaceous materials such as biochars and activated carbons is a promising in situ remediation strategy for both organic and inorganic contaminants in soils and sediments. Mechanistic understandings in sorption of heavy metals on amended soil are necessary for appropriate selection and application of carbonaceous materials for heavy metal sequestration in specific soil types. In this study, copper sorption isotherms were obtained for soils having distinct characteristics: clay-rich, alkaline San Joaquin soil with significant heavy metal sorption capacity, and eroded, acidic Norfolk sandy loam soil having low capacity to retain copper. The amendment of acidic pecan shell-derived activated carbon and basic broiler litter biochar lead to a greater enhancement of copper sorption in Norfolk soil than in San Joaquin soil. In Norfolk soil, the amendment of acidic activated carbon enhanced copper sorption primarily via cation exchange mechanism, i.e., release of proton, calcium, and aluminum, while acid dissolution of aluminum cannot be ruled out. For San Joaquin soil, enhanced copper retention by biochar amendment likely resulted from the following additional mechanisms: electrostatic interactions between copper and negatively charged soil and biochar surfaces, sorption on mineral (ash) components, complexation of copper by surface functional groups and delocalized π electrons of carbonaceous materials, and precipitation. Influence of biochar on the release of additional elements (e.g., Al, Ca) must be carefully considered when used as a soil amendment to sequester heavy metals.     

An 'inherent' biodegradability test for oil products: description and results of an international ring test. CONCAWE Biodegradation Task Force.

Current test guidelines for assessing 'inherent' (potential) biodegradability were designed for water-soluble, organic compounds of low volatility and are unsuitable for most oil products. It was against this background, that CONCAWE (the oil companies' European organisation for environment, health and safety) formed a task force to develop a standard test protocol for assessing the 'inherent' biodegradability of oil products.     

Alternate approaches for assessing impacts of oil sands development on air quality: A case study using the First Nation Community of Fort McKay

Previous analyses of continuously measured compounds in Fort McKay, an indigenous community in the Athabasca Oil Sands, have detected increasing concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and total hydrocarbons (THC), but not of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), total reduced sulfur compounds (TRS), or particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm; PM_2.5). Yet the community frequently experiences odors, dust, and reduced air quality. The authors used Fort McKay’s continuously monitored air quality data (1998–2014) as a case study to assess techniques for air quality analysis that make no assumptions regarding type of change. Linear trend analysis detected increasing concentrations of higher percentiles of NO₂, nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and THC. However, comparisons of all compounds between an early industrial expansion period (1998–2001) and current day (2011–2014) show that concentrations of NO₂, SO₂, THC, TRS, and PM_2.5 have significantly increased, whereas concentrations of O₃ are significantly lower. An assessment of the frequency and duration of periods when concentrations of each compound were above a variety of thresholds indicated that the frequency of air quality events is increasing for NO₂ and THC. Assessment of change over time with odds ratios of the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile concentrations for each compound compared with an estimate of natural background variability showed that concentrations of TRS, SO₂, and THC are dynamic, higher than background, and changes are nonlinear and nonmonotonic. An assessment of concentrations as a function of wind direction showed a clear and generally increasing influence of industry on air quality. This work shows that evaluating air quality without assumptions of linearity reveals dynamic changes in air quality in Fort McKay, and that it is increasingly being affected by oil sands operations.

Implications: Understanding the nature and types of air quality changes occurring in a community or region is essential for the development of appropriate air quality management policies. Time-series trending of air quality data is a common tool for assessing air quality changes and is often used to assess the effectiveness of current emission management programs. The use of this tool, in the context of oil sands development, has significant limitations, and alternate air quality change analysis approaches need to be applied to ensure that the impact of this development on air quality is fully understood so that appropriate emission management actions can be taken.     

Kinetic studies on the extraction of oil from a new feedstock (Chukrasia tabularis L. seed) for biodiesel production using a heterogeneous catalyst

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study has identified a new feedstock Chukrasia tabularis L. (C. tabularis) seed for the production of biodiesel. Oil was extracted from the seeds...     

Evaluation of Acinetobacter sp. B9 for Cr (VI) resistance and detoxification with potential application in bioremediation of heavy-metals-rich industrial wastewater

Present work demonstrates Cr (VI) detoxification and resistance mechanism of a newly isolated strain (B9) of Acinetobacter sp. Bioremediation potential of the strain B9 is shown by simultaneous removal of major heavy metals including chromium from heavy-metals-rich metal finishing industrial wastewater. Strain B9 tolerate up to 350 mg L^?1 of Cr (VI) and also shows level of tolerance to Ni (II), Zn (II), Pb (II), and Cd (II). The strain was capable of reducing 67 % of initial 7.0 mg L^?1 of Cr (VI) within 24 h of incubation, while in presence of Cu ions 100 % removal of initial 7.0 and 10 mg L^?1 of Cr (VI) was observed with in 24 h. pH in the range of 6.0–8.0 and inoculum size of 2 % (v/v) were determined to be optimum for dichromate reduction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies suggested absorption or intracellular accumulation and that might be one of the major mechanisms behind the chromium resistance by strain B9. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological changes in the strain due to chromium stress. Relevance of the strain for treatment of heavy-metals-rich industrial wastewater resulted in 93.7, 55.4, and 68.94 % removal of initial 30 mg L^?1 Cr (VI), 246 mg L^?1 total Cr, and 51 mg L^?1 Ni, respectively, after 144 h of treatment in a batch mode.     

Correction to: Evaluation of hydrochar efficiency for simultaneous removal of diclofenac and ibuprofen from aqueous system using surface response methodology

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The original publication of this paper contain typographical mistakes.