Rapid and long-effective removal of broad-spectrum pollutants from aqueous system by ZVI/oxidants

• The coupling of oxidants with ZVI overcome the impedance of ZVI passive layer. • ZVI/oxidants system achieved fast and long-effective removal of contaminants. • Multiple mechanisms are involved in contaminants removal by ZVI/oxidant system. • ZVI/Oxidants did not change the reducing property of ORP in the fixed-bed system. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) technology has recently gained significant interest in the efficient sequestration of a wide variety of contaminants. However, surface passivation of ZVI because of its intrinsic passive layer would lead to the inferior reactivity of ZVI and its lower efficacy in contaminant removal. Therefore, to activate the ZVI surface cheaply, continuously, and efficiently is an important challenge that ZVI technology must overcome before its wide-scale application. To date, several physical and chemical approaches have been extensively applied to increase the reactivity of the ZVI surface toward the elimination of broad-spectrum pollutants. Nevertheless, these techniques have several limitations such as low efficacy, narrow working pH, eco-toxicity, and high installation cost. The objective of this mini-review paper is to identify the critical role of oxygen in determining the reactivity of ZVI toward contaminant removal. Subsequently, the effect of three typical oxidants (H₂O₂, KMnO₄, and NaClO) on broad-spectrum contaminants removal by ZVI has been documented and discussed. The reaction mechanism and sequestration efficacies of the ZVI/oxidant system were evaluated and reviewed. The technical basis of the ZVI/oxidant approach is based on the half-reaction of the cathodic reduction of the oxidants. The oxidants commonly used in the water treatment industry, i.e., NaClO, O₃, and H₂O₂, can be served as an ideal coupling electron receptor. With the combination of these oxidants, the surface corrosion of ZVI can be continuously driven. The ZVI/oxidants technology has been compared with other conventional technologies and conclusions have been drawn.     

Seasonal changes of metal accumulation and distribution in shining pondweed (Potamogeton lucens)

In this study, submerged aquatic plant Potamogeton lucens, corresponding sediment and water samples were seasonally collected from Lake Sapanca (Turkey) and analysed for their heavy metal contents (Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Cd). While heavy metals concentrations in the water samples were decreased as Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Mn > Cu > Cd, in sediment samples were Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd, respectively. Generally, heavy metals concentrations in the plant tissues were decreased in sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. It was determined that Cu, Mn and Zn were actively transported to the root, where they were accumulated especially in autumn. Lower accumulation factor ratios were seen in spring than other seasons. Cd exhibited a relatively clear pattern of increasing accumulation in P. lucens with increasing sediment metal concentrations. Significant positive correlations were observed between Cr, Cu, Ni and Cd contents in sediment and Cd contents in root of P. lucens. The investigations suggested that Ni and Mn have a tendency to be accumulated in leaf especially in autumn and Cr and Cd to be accumulated in shoot especially in summer.     

Analysis of chemical contamination within a canal in a Mexican border colonia

This study examines urban pollution within Derechos Humanos, a colonia popular in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. General water quality indicators (coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids, ecologically relevant cations and anions), heavy metals (copper, lead, nickel, zinc, iron and cadmium), and volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and dichlorobenzene and xylene isomers) were quantified within a wastewater canal running adjacent to the community. Water samples were collected at multiple sites along the banks of the canal and evidence of anthropogenic emissions existed at each sampling location. Sample site 2, approximately 10 m upstream of the colonia, contained both the widest range of hazardous pollutants and the greatest number exceeding US Environmental Protection Agency surface water standards. At each sampling location, high concentrations of total coliform (> 10(4) colonies/100 mL sample), lead (ranging from 0.05 to 0.40 mg/L), nickel (levels from 0.21 to 1.45 mg/L), and benzene (up to 9.80 mg/L) were noted.     

Metals distribution in soils around the cement factory in southern Jordan

Thirty one soil samples were collected from south Jordan around the cement factory in Qadissiya area. The samples were obtained at two depths, 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery for Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu and Cr. Physicochemical factors believed to affect their mobility of metals in soil of the study area were examined such as; pH, TOM, CaCO3, CEC and conductivity. The relatively high concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium in the soil samples of the investigated area were related to anthropogenic sources such as cement industry, agriculture activities and traffic emissions. It was found that the lead, zinc and cadmium have the highest level in area close to the cement factory, while the concentration of chromium was low. This study indicate that all of the metals are concentrated on the surface soil, and decreased in the lower part of the soil, this due to reflects their mobility and physical properties of soil and its alkaline pH values. The use of factor analysis showed that anthropogenic activities seem to be the responsible source of pollution for metals in urban soils.     

Beneficial effect of saprobe and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth of Eucalyptus globulus co-cultured with Glycine max in soil contaminated with heavy metals

The effects of saprobe and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on growth, chlorophyll and N, P and K content of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. growing in soil contaminated by heavy metals in the presence or absence of Glycine max were investigated. Glomus mosseae and Glomus deserticola increased dry weight, shoot length, total N, P and K concentration and the quantity of chlorophyll in E. globulus shoots. The protection of Eucalyptus by AM fungi against the action of the heavy metals was more evident when this plant grew as an intercrop with soybean than as a monoculture. The presence of the saprobe fungi Fusarium concolor and Trichoderma koningii further enhanced shoot dry weight, N, P and K content of AM Eucalyptus. The co-inoculation of Eucalyptus with Glomus deserticola and T. koningii was more effective for Cd uptake. In addition, Glomus deserticola enhanced the amount of Pb absorbed by Eucalyptus plants. We showed that it is important to select the most efficient AM and saprobe fungi to stimulate plant growth in heavy-metal-contaminated soil and that the combination of both plays an important role in metal tolerance of Eucalyptus plants.     

Improved characterisation of inorganic components in airborne particulate matter

We set up a microanalytical procedure for non-volatile ions by ion chromatography (IC) and for elements by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). We analysed NO₃, SO₄, NH₄, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, S, Zn, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, and V. The use of complementary techniques yields reliable data for both trace and crustal elements, overcoming the analytical restrictions characteristic of the individual techniques. Some elements determined by two or by all three techniques can be used as data quality markers. The application of the procedure to a short PM_2.5 monitoring campaign is also described, aimed to the identification of fireworks tracers.     

HEAVY METAL DISTRIBUTION AND SPECIATION IN THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA

In the present study the concentrations of cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, zinc were analysed and the speciation of copper and zinc performed, with a summer and winter sampling, for two areas in the Northern Adriatic Sea and crossing at the farthest zones of the Po river-sea water interface. Results show that when salinity increases the concentrations of all investigated metals (with the exception of cobalt) present some degree of biogeochemical cycling. Copper is the element whose dissolved phase has the highest importance in metal transport across the salinity gradient. Results of speciation analysis demonstrate that the presence of excess amounts (5-8 fold) of unbound ligands confers a buffering capacity for potential inputs of dissolved metals into the Northern Adriatic Sea. The speciation of both copper and zinc in the dissolved phase was dominated by organic complexation.     

绍兴部分河道水中重金属的检测及污染评估

为探索绍兴部分河道水中重金属元素的含量,采用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱(ICP-AES)方法测定绍兴河道水中铬、锰、铁、汞、铅、镍、锡、镉、砷、铜、锌和钴12种重金属元素含量。参照国家有关标准,对重金属检测结果进行与国标标准限值进行比较而达到对重金属的污染评价。结果表明:绍兴部分河流不存在重金属污染情况,但个别元素接近标准限值。     

东莞麻涌农用地重金属的化学形态及生物效应

通过对东莞麻涌镇农用地重金属Cd、Cu、Ni、Pb总量及化学形态调查研究。结果显示,以国家土壤二级标准为参考,该目标地土壤Cd含量超标率达79.25%,Cu超标率达51.50%,Ni,Pb未超标。其中Cd离子交换态所占比例较大,达21.83%,Cu、Pb、Ni以残渣态为主。场地作物(菜心、通菜和葱)重金属含量测试结果表明,其含量结果与土壤中Cd、Cu、Ni、Pb各形态、总量之间存在不同程度的联系。