Heavy metal phytoextraction by Sedum alfredii is affected by continual clipping and phosphorus fertilization amendment

Improving the efficacy of phytoextraction is critical for its successful application in metal contaminated soils. Mineral nutrition affects plant growth and metal absorption and subsequently the accumulation of heavy metal through hyper-accumulator plants. This study assessed the effects of di-hydrogen phosphates (KH₂PO₄, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, NaH₂PO₄ and NH₄H₂PO₄) application at three levels (22, 88 and 352 mg P/kg soil) on Sedum alfredii growth and metal uptake by three consecutive harvests on aged and Zn/Cd combined contaminated paddy soil. The addition of phosphates (P) significantly increased the amount of Zn taken up by S. alfredii due to increased shoot Zn concentration and dry matter yield (DMY) (P<0.05). The highest phytoextraction of Zn and Cd was observed in KH₂PO₄ and NH₄H₂PO₄ treatment at 352 mg P/kg soil. The amount of Zn removed by phytoextraction increased in the order of 1st clipping<2nd clipping<3rd clipping, and for Cd extraction the order was 2nd clipping<1st clipping<3rd clipping. These results indicate that the application of P fertilizers coupled with multiple cuttings can enhance the removal of Zn and Cd from contaminated soils by S. alfredii, thus shortening the time needed for accomplishing remediation goals.     

Photocatalytic reduction of organic pollutant under visible light by green route synthesized gold nanoparticles

We report a rapid method of green chemistry approach for synthesis of gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)using Lagerstroemia speciosa leaf extract(LSE). L. speciosa plant extract is known for its effective treatment of diabetes and kidney related problems. The green synthesis of Au NPs was complete within 30 min at 25°C. The same could also be achieved within 2 min at a higher reaction temperature(80°C). Both UV–visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy results suggest that the morphology and size distribution of Au NPs are dependent on the pH of gold solution,gold concentration,volume of LSE,and reaction time and temperature. Comparison between Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)spectra of LSE and the synthesized Au NPs indicate an active role of polyphenolic functional groups(from gallotannins,lagerstroemin,and corosolic acid)in the green synthesis and capping of Au NPs. The green route synthesized Au NPs show strong photocatalytic activity in the reduction of dyes viz.,methylene blue,methyl orange,bromophenol blue and bromocresol green,and 4-nitrophenol under visible light in the presence of Na BH_4. The non-toxic and cost effective LSE mediated Au NPs synthesis proposed in this study is extremely rapid compared to the other reported methods that require hours to days for complete synthesis of Au NPs using various plant extracts. Strong and stable photocatalytic behavior makes Au NPs attractive in environmental applications,particularly in the reduction of organic pollutants in wastewater.     

Application of sequential leaching, risk indices and multivariate statistics to evaluate heavy metal contamination of estuarine sediments: Dhamara Estuary, East Coast of India

In the present study, concentration of some selected trace metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Cd) are measured in Brahmani, Baitarani river complex along with Dhamara estuary and its near shore. Chemical partitioning has been made to establish association of metals into different geochemical phases. The exchangeable fraction is having high environmental risk among non-lithogeneous phases due to greater potential for mobility into pore water. The metals with highest bio-availability being Cd, Zn and Cr. The metals like Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu represent an appreciable portion in carbonate phase. Fe–Mn oxides act as efficient scavenger for most of the metals playing a prime role in controlling their fate and transport. Among non-lithogeneous phases apart from reducible, Cr showed a significant enrichment in organic phase. Risk assessment code values indicate that all metals except Fe fall under medium-risk zone. In estuarine zone Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr are released to 32.43, 26.10, 21.81 and 20 %, respectively, indicating their significant bio-availability pose high ecological risk. A quantitative approach has been made through the use of different risk indices like enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution load index. Factor analysis indicates that in riverine zone, Fe–Mn oxides/hydroxides seem to play an important role in scavenging metals, in estuarine zone, organic precipitation and adsorption to the fine silt and clay particles while in coastal zone, co-precipitation with Fe could be the mechanism for the same. Canonical discriminant function indicates that it is highly successful in discriminating the groups as predicted.     

Effect of bioflocculants on the coagulation activity of alum for removal of trihalomethane precursors from low turbid water

Reactivity of chlorine towards hydrophobic groups present in natural organic matter(NOM)provokes the formation of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes in chlorinated water. The present study aimed to investigate the variations in coagulant activity of alum using two different bioflocculants(coagulant aid) namely, Moringa oleifera and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba for the removal of hydrophobic fractions of NOM and subsequent chlorine consumption by treated water. Effect of dual coagulants on trihalomethane surrogate parameters such as total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, UV absorbing materials and prominent hydrophobic species such as phenolic groups along with aromatic chromophores, polyhydroxy aromatic moiety have also been studied. The concept of differential spectroscopy and absorbance slope index has been employed to understand the combined effects of alum-bioflocculants on the reactivity of NOM with chlorine. Our result shows that the combination of alum and C. tetragonoloba is more efficient for reducing trihalomethane surrogates from chlorinated water as compared to M. oleifera. C. tetragonoloba elicited synchronized effects of sweep coagulation and particle bridging-adsorption which eventually facilitated efficient removal of hydrophobic fractions of NOM. The variation in the mechanistic approach of bioflocculants was due to the presence of cationic charge on M. oleifera and adhesive property of C. tetragonoloba.     

Phosphorus speciation in the marine sediment of Kalpakkam coast,southeast coast of India

A study was carried out at Kalpakkam coast to find out the distribution of various fractions of phosphorus (P) in the marine sediment during pre-northeast monsoon period. Samples were collected from ten locations covering ~80 km² of the inner-shelf region. Sedimentary parameters such as sand, silt, clay, and organic carbon percentage were analyzed in order to find out their relation with various P fractions. The sediment was found to be predominantly sandy in nature with low silt and clay content. Among all the fractions (loosely bound (LoP), calcium bound (CaP), iron bound (FeP), aluminum bound (AlP), and organic (OP)), CaP fraction constituted the largest portion (68.7 %) followed by organic fraction (16.3 %). The bioavailable P fractions ranged from 5 to 44 % of the total P (TP) content. Relatively high LoP content was observed at the offshore locations with comparatively high mud percentage as compared with the near-shore locations. As FeP and AlP concentrations were directly proportional to the amount of fine-grain sediment, the low levels of these fractions found in this coastal area were therefore attributed to the sandy nature of the sediments. The order of abundance of the major forms of P in the surface sediments of Kalpakkam coast was as follows: CaP?>?OP?>?LoP?>?AlP?>?FeP.     

Comparative investigation of coal- and oil-fired boilers based on emission factors, ozone and secondary organic aerosol formation potentials of VOCs

Volatile organic compounds(VOCs) are the important precursors of the tropospheric ozone(O_3) and secondary organic aerosols(SOA),both of which are known to harm human health and disrupt the earth's climate system.In this study,VOC emission factors,O_3 and SOA formation potentials were estimated for two types of industrial boilers:coal-fired boilers(n=3) and oil-fired boilers(n=3).Results showed that EVOCs concentrations were more than nine times higher for oil-fire d boilers compared to those for coal-fired boilers.Emission factors of ΣVOCs were found to be higher for oil-fired boilers(9.26-32.83 mg-VOC/kg) than for coal-fired boilers(1.57-4.13 mg-VOC/kg).Alkanes and aromatics were obtained as the most abundant groups in coal-fired boilers,while oxygenated organics and aromatics were the most contributing groups in oil-fired boilers.Benzene,n-hexane and o-ethyl toluene were the abundant VOC species in coal-fired boiler emissions,whereas toluene was the most abundant VOC species emitted from oil-fired boilers.O_3 and SOA formation potentials were found 12 and 18 times,respectively,higher for oil-fired than for coal-fired boilers.Total OFP ranged from 3.99 to 11.39 mg-O_3/kg for coal-fired boilers.For oil-fired boilers,total OFP ranged from 36.16 to 131.93 mg-O_3/kg.Moreover,total secondary organic aerosol potential(SOAP) ranged from 65.4 to 122.5 mg-SOA/kg and 779.9 to 2252.5 mg-SOA/kg for the coal-fired and oil-fired boilers,respectively.     

Progress in carbon dioxide separation and capture： A review

This article reviews the progress made in CO2 separation and capture research and engineering. Various technologies, such as absorption, adsorption, and membrane separation, are thoroughly discussed. New concepts such as chemical-looping combustion and hydrate-based separation are also introduced briefly. Future directions are suggested. Sequestration methods, such as forestation, ocean fertilization and mineral carbonation techniques are also covered. Underground injection and direct ocean dump are not covered.     

A review on current status of municipal solid waste management in India

Municipal solid waste management is a major environmental issue in India. Due to rapid increase in urbanization, industrialization and population, the generation rate of municipal solid waste in Indian cities and towns is also increased. Mismanagement of municipal solid waste can cause adverse environmental impacts, public health risk and other socio-economic problem. This paper presents an overview of current status of solid waste management in India which can help the competent authorities responsible for municipal solid waste management and researchers to prepare more efficient plans.