Role of iron chemistry in controlling the release of pollutants from resuspended sediments

Aquatic sediments often contain a large number of chemical contaminants that are potential pollutants. It is often presumed that such contaminants are released to the water column during sediment resuspension and, in there, adversely impact aquatic life and other beneficial uses of the water. However, extensive laboratory and field studies of about 100 contaminated sediments from across the United States that specifically addressed this type of release showed that of about 30 common heavy metals, organic compounds, and other potential pollutants, only manganese II and ammonia were released to then remain in the water column after sediment resuspension. These results indicated that the chemistry of aqueous iron controls the availability of many contaminants in resuspended sediment. The formation of ferric hydroxide during sediment suspension into the water column, as a result of the reaction between ferrous iron in the sediments and dissolved oxygen in the water column, leads to rapid scavenging of many contaminants in the Fe(OH)₃ precipitate. The scavenged contaminants are redeposited in the sediments. This article reviews the role of the aqueous chemistry of iron as it relates to controlling the release of potential pollutants from resuspended sediments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A Precautionary Approach to Genetically Modified Organisms: Challenges and Implications for Policy and Science

The commercial introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has revealed a broad range of views among scientists and other stakeholders on perspectives of genetic engineering (GE) and if and how GMOs should be regulated. Within this controversy, the precautionary principle has become a contentious issue with high support from skeptical groups but resisted by GMO advocates. How to handle lack of scientific understanding and scientific disagreement are core issues within these debates. This article examines some of the key issues affecting precaution as a legal standard and as an approach to the use of science in decision-making processes. It is pointed out that there is a need for reflection over the level of scientific evidence required for applying the precautionary principle as well as who should have the burden of proof when there are uncertainties. Further, an awareness of the broader scientific uncertainties found in GMO risk assessment implies that a precautionary approach must be elaborated: both for acknowledging uncertainties and for identification of scientific responses. Since precaution is an important issue within the sustainable development framework, it is suggested that sustainability can provide a normative standard that can help to reveal the influence and negotiate the importance of the various forms of uncertainty. Wise management of uncertainties and inclusion of normative aspects in risk assessment and management may help to ensure sustainable and socially robust GMO innovations at present and in the future.     

模拟酸雨下自然红壤与污染红壤中Cd,Cu, Zn的释放特征

通过对2个自然红壤和2个污染红壤的模拟酸雨土柱淋溶试验,研究了酸雨作用下红壤中重金属Cd,Cu,Zn的释放特征与影响因素,比较了自然红壤与污染红壤重金属释放特征的差异.结果表明,自然红壤中Cd,Cu,Zn的释放量均随酸雨淋溶量增加而线性增加,累积释放量有ZnCuCd的规律,并且随酸雨酸度增加而增加,3种重金属释放量之间存在显著的线性关系.在污染红壤中,Cd的释放随着酸雨淋溶量的增加呈现对数型增长,Cu的释放模式仍为直线型增长,而Zn的释放在弱酸性酸雨作用下为直线型增长,在强酸性酸雨作用下则为对数型增长,3种重金属释放量之间存在非线性关系.污染红壤中重金属释放量顺序为CdZnCu,大约26%—76%的外源Cd和11%—68%的外源Zn被酸雨淋溶释放,但99%以上的外源Cu被土壤吸附.同时,3种重金属累积释放量均与淋出液中H+离子累积量呈现显著的对数关系;Cd和Zn与TOC累积释放量之间呈现显著的对数关系,Cu与TOC呈现显著的乘幂关系.在酸雨作用下,自然红壤由于重金属释放量很小,出现重金属污染的可能性较小;但污染红壤中大量Cd和Zn的释放可能导致土壤-水体系统发生重金属污染.