Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Rou-Rou Xu, Zhou Pei, Wen-Qian Wang et al.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
The judgment and assessment of remediation effect on urban black-odor river still depend on the physical-chemical parameters and lack in ecological safety effects. A set of combined biological toxicity tests were applied to evaluate the ecological effects of one urban black-odor river before and after the remediation. The special growth rate of Chlorella vulgaris and mortality rate of Daphnia magna were used to assess acute toxicity. The Salmonella Typhimurium/Reverse Mutation Assay was applied to test the mutagenicity. The tests by C. vulgaris growth showed that there was no inhibition before and after remediation by overlying water, in contrast promoted the growth of C. vulgaris. The tests by D. magna showed slight toxicity on site 3# before remediation and nontoxic after remediation. The mutagenicity of organic extracts from overlying water at all sampling sites were positive before remediation, but were eliminated after remediation except from 3 of 4 sites on TA98 strain. The addition of the liver microsomal S9 induced the positive mutagenicity on site 4# compared to S9 absence. The results clarified the applicable and the importance of the biological toxicity tests on assessing the remediation effect and potential ecological risk of urban black-odor river.
A. Osman, Mohamed Hosny, Abdelazeem S. Eltaweil et al.
Environmental Chemistry Letters · 2023
Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10–20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8–85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
A. Tripathi, Sujita Kumar Kar, R. Shukla
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience · 2018
Cognitive deficits are one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia that evolve during the course of schizophrenia, after being originated even before the onset of illness. Existing pharmacological and biological treatment modalities fall short to meet the needs to improve the cognitive symptoms; hence, various cognitive remediation strategies have been adopted to address these deficits. Research evidences suggest that cognitive remediation measures improve the functioning, limit disability bettering the quality of life. The functional outcomes of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia are resultant of neurobiological changes in specific brain areas. Recent years witnessed significant innovations in cognitive remediation strategies in schizophrenia. This comprehensive review highlights the biological correlates of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and the remedial measures with evidence base.
Rakesh Kumar, Rama Sinha, P. Sharma et al.
Processes · 2021
Fluoride is widely found in soil–water systems due to anthropogenic and geogenic activities that affect millions worldwide. Fluoride ingestion results in chronic and acute toxicity, including skeletal and dental fluorosis, neurological damage, and bone softening in humans. Therefore, this review paper summarizes biological processes for fluoride remediation, i.e., bioaccumulation in plants and microbially assisted systems. Bioremediation approaches for fluoride removal have recently gained prominence in removing fluoride ions. Plants are vulnerable to fluoride accumulation in soil, and their growth and development can be negatively affected, even with low fluoride content in the soil. The microbial bioremediation processes involve bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biosorption. Bacterial, fungal, and algal biomass are ecologically efficient bioremediators. Most bioremediation techniques are laboratory-scale based on contaminated solutions; however, treatment of fluoride-contaminated wastewater at an industrial scale is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this review recommends the practical applicability and sustainability of microbial bioremediation of fluoride in different environments.
T. Głąb, K. Gondek, M. Mierzwa-Hersztek
Scientific Reports · 2021
Biochar and zeolite are widely used in the remediation of soil contaminated with toxic heavy metals. However, the interaction of these amendments and their effects on grass productivity have not been comprehensively summarized. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of zeolite and biochar used as soil amendments in the process of remediating soil contaminated with Cd, Pb and Zn. In a pot experiment, the following treatments were applied: zeolite, biochars produced at temperatures of 350 °C and 550 °C, mixtures of biochars and zeolite, and a control treatment without any amendments. The soil amendments were tested on two grass species: tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). The root morphometric parameters and aboveground production were determined in 2017 and 2018. Higher biomass production was observed in the tested grasses in the treatments with zeolite alone (0.229 kg DM m−2) or mixed with the biochars (0.239 kg DM m−2) than in control treatment (0.029 kg DM m−2). Zeolite used in contaminated soil significantly affected root biomass and root morphology parameters. Zeolite application resulted in significantly higher root biomass (2.30 mg cm−3) and root length (76.61 cm cm−3) than those in the treatments without zeolite (0.29 mg cm−3 and 6.90 cm cm−3). Biochar as a soil amendment did not affect most root morphometric parameters. The application of biochars only slightly reduced the root diameter of cocksfoot. The root diameter of tall fescue was similar in all treatments (0.075 mm) except the control (0.063 mm) and biochar 550 treatments (0.067 mm), in which slightly thinner roots were observed.
E. Womack, Ashli Brown, D. Sparks
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture · 2014
Aflatoxins are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic compounds produced predominantly as secondary metabolites by certain species of fungi belonging to the Aspergillus genus. Owing to the significant health risks and economic impacts associated with the presence of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities, a considerable amount of research has been directed at finding methods to prevent toxicity. This review compiles the recent literature of methods for the detoxification and management of aflatoxin in post-harvest agricultural crops using non-biological remediation.
Cheng Zhang, Kai Yan, Changkui Fu et al.
Chemical Reviews · 2021
The applications of fluorinated molecules in bioengineering and nanotechnology are expanding rapidly with the controlled introduction of fluorine being broadly studied due to the unique properties of C-F bonds. This review will focus on the design and utility of C-F containing materials in imaging, therapeutics, and environmental applications with a central theme being the importance of controlling fluorine-fluorine interactions and understanding how such interactions impact biological behavior. Low natural abundance of fluorine is shown to provide sensitivity and background advantages for imaging and detection of a variety of diseases with 19F magnetic resonance imaging, 18F positron emission tomography and ultrasound discussed as illustrative examples. The presence of C-F bonds can also be used to tailor membrane permeability and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and delivery agents for enhanced cell uptake and therapeutics. A key message of this review is that while the promise of C-F containing materials is significant, a subset of highly fluorinated compounds such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been identified as posing a potential risk to human health. The unique properties of the C-F bond and the significant potential for fluorine-fluorine interactions in PFAS structures necessitate the development of new strategies for facile and efficient environmental removal and remediation. Recent progress in the development of fluorine-containing compounds as molecular imaging and therapeutic agents will be reviewed and their design features contrasted with environmental and health risks for PFAS systems. Finally, present challenges and future directions in the exploitation of the biological aspects of fluorinated systems will be described.
A. Saka, L. Jule, Shuma Soressa et al.
Scientific Reports · 2022
Biological approach synthesis and characterization of Iron Sulfide (FeS) thin films from banana peel extract for contamination remediation of environment studied. Iron chloride, Sodium thiosulfate and Ethylene-di-amine-tetra acetate (EDTA) were used as precursor solutions without further purification. The nanoparticle of banana peel was extracted and prepared with synthesized FeS thin films and analyzed by X ray-diffraction for structural examination, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) for surface morphological analysis, Ultra-violet-visible-spectrometer (UV–Vis) and photo-luminescence spectro-photo-meter (P-L) for optical characterizations. XRD peaks are shown with recognized to (110), (200), (310), and (301) crystalline planes. The occurrence of this deflection peak are recognised the FeS crystal segment of the tetragonal crystalline systems. SEM micrographs of the films prepared biological method show the distribution of grains, which cover the surface of the substrate completely and are uniform and films deposited purely have defects. The photo-luminescence, absorbance, and transmittance strength of banana peel extract FeS thin film is greater than pure FeS thin films in which wide-ranging and symmetries groups were perceived. In the present study, the comparison of pure FeS thin films and Nano synthesized banana peel extract with FeS thin films was studied. It is observed that Nano synthesized banana fibre absorbs higher than pure FeS thin films in solar cell application. Finally, green synthesis is an ecofriendly, easy and cheap promising method for the fabrication of thin films for solar cell applications.
G. Misra, W. Smith, Madeline G. Garner et al.
New Space · 2021
This article aims to inform the development of biological perchlorate remediation schemes for the preparation of safer human Mars habitats and contaminant-free in situ resource utilization (ISRU) f...
Paul N. Cheremisinoff, Glenn Goessmann
Remediation Journal · 1992
Abstract Although many conventional physical remediation methods are viewed as proven, they often only relocate wastes to other sites or into the air. How do the emerging biological and chemical in situ methods perform in the same applications? This article reviews their results (much of it in the laboratory) as well as their promise of more complete neutralization of hazardous wastes, lower capital costs, and longer‐duration cleanup processes. The optimal method may be a combination of chemical and biological in situ techniques with physical pump‐and‐treat methods.
Zhen Xu, Chao Song, Yue Zhu et al.
Research Square · 2021
Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are toxic to humans and can easily accumulate in the environment. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) and modified NZVI have been developed to remediate PBDE contamination. However, their degradation in soil systems and their microbial toxicity have not been widely explored. In this study, NZVI supported on biomass carbon was applied to remove decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) from contaminated soil. A removal efficiency of 100% was achieved within 384 h as BDE-209 reacted with 0.10 g/g soil biomass carbon NZVI particles (BC–NZVI) at pH 7.00. The reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the BDE-209 removal efficiency increased with increasing BC–NZVI dosage and decreasing initial BDE-209 concentration, pH, and moisture content. Biological activity assays (dehydrogenase activity and soil basal respiration) were conducted to provide a preliminary risk assessment of the BC–NZVI application in BDE-209 contaminated soil. The results demonstrate that BC–NZVI has a strong potential for in situ remediation of organic-contaminated soil.
Paul E. Flathman, Bryon J. Krupp, Paul Zottola et al.
Remediation Journal · 1996
Abstract In‐situ biological solid‐phase (or land) treatment was cost‐effectively used to remediate 1,500 cubic yards (1,100 m 3 ) of contaminated soil within three months of field operation following spillage of an estimated 12,000 gallons (45,000 L) of vinyl acetate from a railroad tank car onto surface soil. The vinyl acetate rapidly hydrolyzed to acetate and acetaldehyde with concentrations ranging up to 22,000 and 3,000 mg/kg, respectively. Ethanol, a metabolic intermediate, was found to accumulate in soil to concentrations as high as 280 mg/kg. The estimate for excavation, transportation, and disposal of the contaminated soil as a special waste, and for backfilling of the excavated area, was $850,000. The cost for biological remediation of the contaminated soil was $400,000, which was less than half the cost of excavation. In‐situ biological treatments have been used to readily remove contaminants, such as acrylonitrile, styrene, butylcellosolve, ethylacrylate, and n‐butylacrylate, at other sites involving railroad incidents.
Xiu Li Liu, Lin Zhao, She Jiang Liu et al.
Advanced Materials Research · 2010
In this study, a biological permeable reactive barrier system was designed to evaluate the remediation effectiveness of BTEX-contaminated groundwater. The biological barrier using immobilized bio-beads encapsulated with calcium alginate and activated carbon fiber as microbial carrier is able to biodegrade BTEX entering the barrier system. A laboratory-scale experiment using one continuous up-flow stainless steel column was then performed to evaluate the feasibility of this designed system. The second column was filled with bio-beads immobilizing BTEX-degrading microbial consortium. Simulated BTEX-contaminated groundwater, in which dissolved oxygen (DO) content was saturated, was pumped into this system at a flow rate of 0.07ml/min. Samples from the column were analyzed for BTEX and effluent DO. Results showed that BTEX could be well removed in this biological barrier.
Seyed Morteza Naghib, Hamid Reza Garshasbi
Green Plant Extract-Based Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles and their Biological Activities · 2023
Environmental deterioration is currently a major problem for both emerging and wealthy nations. Extensive industrialization and intensive agricultural activity are the main causes of land, water, and air contamination. There are numerous conventional treatments for various environmental contaminants, but each has drawbacks. As a result, a different approach is necessary, one that is efficient, less harmful, and produces better results. In terms of cleaning up the environment, nanomaterials have garnered much interest. Nanomaterials outperform more traditional methods for environmental remediation due to their enormous surface area and strong reactivity. For particular applications, they can be altered to include new functionalities. Nanoscale materials can be very reactive due to the high surface-area to-volume ratio and a greater number of reactive sites. These traits enable greater contaminant interaction, which prompts a rapid decrease in pollutant concentration. In order to remove toxins from diverse environmental media (e.g., soil, water, and air), environmental remediation primarily uses various methods.
Karamba Kabiru Ibrahim, Mohd Arif Syed, Mohd Yunus Shukor et al.
BIOTROPIA · 2016
Cyanide and its complexes are produced by industries all over the world as waste or effluents. Biodegradation is considered to be the cheapest and the most effective method to get rid of cyanide in the environment. Several studies on different types of microorganisms that can degrade cyanide in the environment have been carried out. Hydrolytic, oxidative, reductive, and substitutive/transfer reactions are some of the common pathways used by microorganisms in cyanide degradation. Biodegradation of cyanide can occur aerobically or an-aerobically depending on the environmental conditions. Immobilised enzymes or microorganisms prove to be very effective method of degradation. Microorganisms such as Klebsiella oxytoca, Corynebacterium nitrophilous, Brevibacterium nitrophilous, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Rhodococcus UKMP-5M have been reported to be very effective in biodegradation of cyanide.
Elena Grebenshchikova, Natalia Shelkovkina, Natalia Gorbacheva
E3S Web of Conferences · 2020
During the construction of highways, significant damage is caused to the environment: the soil cover is degraded, vegetation cover and the natural landscape are destroyed. The issue of minimizing the negative impact of this direction on the environment was not given enough attention. Therefore, one of the main issues of environmental protection is the timely implementation of works on reclamation of disturbed lands. Land areas of temporary allotment for road construction that are subjected to mechanical impact after the stage of technical reclamation are subject to biological reclamation, which is aimed at landscaping the roadside area. To achieve these goals, we used the method of developing measures for the reclamation of disturbed land during the construction of the highway. Activities on biological remediation can be performed as a result of: the serial complexity of the species composition of plant communities, which has long co-exist with man-made recultivated territories; the launch of the rehabilitation process which can be carried out simultaneously in a multispecies complex of phytocenosis, suggesting further its sustainable functioning. As a result of biological reclamation measures, using crops that are resistant to pollutants and meliorants, it is possible to gradually reduce the content of pollutants in the soil due to natural self-cleaning processes as a result of removal of elements by plants and their leaching outside the root layer of the soil.
Sándor Guba, Viola Somogyi, Erzsébet Szabóné Bárdos
Hungarian Journal of Industry and Chemistry · 2015
Abstract The degradability of two commercially available pesticides was studied using heterogeneous photocatalytic and activated sludge treatment methods. The first pesticide contained 5% quizalofop-P-ethyl as an active ingredient and petroleum naphtha as a solvent, the latter causing difficulties both in photocatalytic and biological treatment methods. The active ingredient of the second compound was acetamiprid. The photocatalysis proved to be effective both under laboratory conditions (using UV light) and when exposed to sunlight, but the pesticides remained stable during the employed biological treatment. Preliminary information on its behaviour in soil was obtained from transport modelling.
Marijke M. A. Ferdinandy-van Vlerken
Water Science and Technology · 1998
Biological techniques can be applied in remediation of sediments contaminated with organic pollutants, such as mineral oil, PAH, PCB and chlorobenzenes. Within the period of 1989-1997 several techniques were developed from laboratory to full-scale. The chances for bioremediation lay in the relatively small environmental impact and the low costs of the techniques. Little energy is required, no emissions to soil or air occur and the natural structure of the sediments is not destroyed. The costs vary between 45 (landfarming) and 70 (reactors) Dutch Guilders per ton dry weight. The quality of the product to meet the legal standards for re-use was achieved for some, but not all, of the sediments. However, bioassays and leaching tests showed that bioremediation strongly reduces the ecotoxicity and dispersion risks of the material. Further research of the actual risks, accompanied by policy development of the standards for re-use, might increase the number of different types of sediments which can be successfully remediated by biotechnology.
M. Amélia Santos, Anna Irto, Péter Buglyó et al.
Molecules · 2022
Hydroxypyridinones (HPs) are recognized as excellent chemical tools for engineering a diversity of metal chelating agents, with high affinity for hard metal ions, exhibiting a broad range of activities and applications, namely in medical, biological and environmental contexts. They are easily made and functionalizable towards the tuning of their pharmacokinetic properties or the improving of their metal complex thermodynamic stabilities. In this review, an analysis of the recently published works on hydroxypyridinone-based ligands, that have been mostly addressed for environmental applications, namely for remediation of hard metal ion ecotoxicity in living beings and other biological matrices is carried out. In particular, herein the most recent developments in the design of new chelating systems, from bidentate mono-HP to polydentate multi-HP derivatives, with a structural diversity of soluble or solid-supported backbones are outlined. Along with the ligand design, an analysis of the relationship between their structures and activities is presented and discussed, namely associated with the metal affinity and the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding metal complexes.
GR Koerner, RM Koerner
Geosynthetic Testing for Waste Containment Applications · 1990
This paper presents the results of a biological growth study in geotextile filters used in landfill leachate collection systems. After reviewing the first year's activity, a completely new experimental approach has been taken. Using 100 mm diameter columns for the experimental incubation and flow systems, the effects of six landfill leachates are evaluated. Aerobic and anaerobic states, four different geotextiles, and soil/no soil conditions above the geotextiles are involved in the testing program. This results in 96 individual test columns. Flow data is measured regularly, and over the first six months of evaluation the following trends have been observed. • no clogging (0%–25% flow reduction) 6 of 96 columns = 7% • minor clogging (25%–50% flow reduction) 4 of 96 columns = 4% • moderate clogging (50%–75% flow reduction) 37 of 96 columns = 38% • major clogging (75%–95% flow reduction) 35 of 96 columns = 36% • severe clogging (95%–100% flow reduction) 14 of 96 columns = 15% For two of the landfill leachates, backflushing has been attempted so as to reinstitute flow. This procedure works well for the geotextile alone while not as well for the geotextile/soil columns. The exception is the nonwoven heat set geotextile. All tests are still ongoing and will be dismantled and further investigated at the end of 12 months exposure time. The experimental setup and procedure has been written up as a tentative ASTM test method and is currently in task group review.
Leslie Cordone, Chris Carlson, William Plaehn et al.
Remediation Journal · 2016
An aerobic fixed film biological treatment system has been successfully treating recovered groundwater/landfill leachate containing 1,4‐dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and other constituents since 2003. The most likely mode of 1,4‐dioxane biotransformation is via a cometabolic pathway in the presence of THF. Pilot studies conducted during the process development phase established a design basis process loading factor of 0.6 g 1,4‐dioxane and THF (as chemical oxygen demand [COD])/g total solids per day and proved the efficacy of the process. Full‐scale design includes the use of three parallel moving bed bioreactors with effluent recycle capability. Removal efficiencies in excess of 98 percent have been documented for 1,4‐dioxane. Evolving operational challenges are associated with recent trends in 1,4‐dioxane pretreatment discharge limitations in combination with ongoing process optimization and increased influent flow rate conditions associated with seasonal precipitation patterns. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yamini Vinayagam, Devi Rajeswari Vijayarangan
Research Square · 2024
Abstract Industrial effluent contains hazardous metals like lead and nickel that must be eliminated to prevent serious illnesses. The biological production of nanocomposites, which uses a range of biological resources including microbes and plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, has drawn a lot of attention in recent years. The goal of the current study is to generate Y 2 O 3 nanocomposites, in a unique, feasible, and biodegradable manner by using biological substances. The characterization outcomes demonstrated that Aspergillus penicillioides was capable of extracellular synthesis of Y 2 O 3 nanocomposites with a spherical shape. Using Y 2 O 3 nanocomposites, lead and nickel were photocatalyzed. The effect of functional elements, like nanocatalyst dosage, pH, lead and nickel concentration, and the light source, was examined in the batch adsorption assessments. With a higher adsorption rate of 60% for lead and nickel concentrations of 4 µg/ml, 2 µg/ml for the nanocatalyst, and a pH of 6, the photocatalytic reduction of lead and nickel demonstrated the effectiveness of the Y 2 O 3 nanocomposites as a catalyst. The pseudo-first, second order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models were used to explain the adsorption isotherm and its kinetics. The biological applications, which included analysis of bacterial protein leakage, antioxidant activity, and antibiotic activity, were also demonstrated. Eco-friendliness of the Y 2 O 3 nanocomposite was determined by the hemolytic assay. Ultimately, our study exhibits the novel bio-based Aspergillus penicillioides -arbitrated Y 2 O 3 nanocomposites that work well as a bioremediating agent.
Richard A. Brown, James G. Mueller, Alan G. Seech et al.
Remediation Journal · 2009
Abstract While biologically mediated reductive dechlorination continues to be a significant focus of chlorinated solvent remediation, there has been an increased interest in abiotic reductive processes for the remediation of chlorinated solvents. In situ chemical reduction (ISCR) uses zero‐valent iron (ZVI)–based technologies, such as nanoscale iron and bimetallic ZVI, as well as naturally occurring reduced minerals incorporating dual‐valent iron (DVI), such as magnetite, green rust, and iron sulfides that are capable of dechlorinating solvents. A more recent area of development in ISCR has been in combining biological and abiotic processes. There are several ways in which biological and abiotic processes can be combined. First, the interaction between the two may be “causative.” For example, the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment's biogeochemical reductive dechlorination (BiRD) technology combines a mulch barrier with hematite and gypsum to create an iron‐sulfide‐based reducing zone. Biodegradation under sulfate‐reducing conditions produces sulfide that combines with the hematite to form iron sulfides. As such, the BiRD technology is “causative”; the biological processes create reducing minerals. The biological generation of other reducing minerals such as magnetite, siderite, and green rust is feasible and is, with magnetite, observed in nature at some petroleum sites. A second type of interaction between abiotic and biotic processes is “synergistic.” For example, biological processes can enhance the activity of reduced metals/minerals. This is the basis of the EHC® ISCR technologies, which combine ZVI with a (slowly) degradable carbon substrate. This combination rapidly creates buffered, strongly reducing conditions, which result in more complete solvent degradation (i.e., direct mineralization). The extent and level of reducing activity commonly observed are much greater when both the carbon substrate and the ZVI are present. When the carbon substrate is expended, the reducing activity due to ZVI alone is much less. The understanding of biogeochemical processes and their impact on abiotic processes is still developing. As that understanding develops, new and improved methods will be created to enhance volatile organic compound destruction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ehsan Gazi, Paul R. Whatley, Maurice D. Walker et al.
Remediation Journal · 2025
ABSTRACT The remediation of urban infrastructure contaminated with an environmentally persistent pathogen requires a large proportion of surfaces to be treated with liquid‐based biocides. Critical to this wide area decontamination effort, will be logistically viable approaches that apply target quantities of formulation to these surfaces while ensuring complete surface coverage over the variety of geometries present. This work quantitatively evaluated the uniformity in delivering formulations at two different target volumes of 1000 and 3700 L/ha, through a range of sprayers, to a representative urban street. Agricultural‐based spray systems were assembled from commercial‐off‐the‐shelf components and mounted onto a quad bike and mobile elevated work platform (MEWP). These provided agile methods for treating pedestrian paving, roads, front gardens, house roofs, and external walls. Also, a combination of person‐worn electric‐ and gasoline‐powered backpack sprayers was evaluated for their use in delivering formulation into dense hedgerows. A remediation strategy was proposed on how the evaluated technologies may be deployed in a system‐of‐systems approach to deliver target doses onto the structures identified in this example street while minimizing contamination spread.
Annie Lee, Stewart H. Abrams, Eric Moskal et al.
Remediation Journal · 2013
Abstract This article presents a case study of the source‐area treatment of tetrachloroethene (PCE) in a low‐permeability formation using zero‐valent iron (ZVI). Evidence of the stimulation of biological reduction processes within the treatment zone occurred. Pneumatic fracturing and injection of microscale ZVI slurry in the overburden and weathered bedrock zones was performed at a commercial brownfields redevelopment site in Maryland. A 20,000‐square‐foot source area impacted with PCE at concentrations greater than 15,000 µg/L was treated at depths ranging from 10 to 70 feet bgs. An average ZVI dosage of 0.0024 iron‐to‐soil mass ratio within the overburden zone led to a 75 percent decrease in PCE mass in less than one year. For the weathered bedrock zone, an average 0.0045 iron‐to‐soil mass ratio resulted in a 92 percent decrease in PCE mass during the same period. The reducing environment and hydrogen generated by the ZVI may have stimulated Dehalobacter populations, as evidenced by concentrations up to 10 4 cells per milliliter measured within the treatment area despite a groundwater pH as high as 9. The biological reductive dechlorination of the chlorinated ethenes explains the temporary increase in trichloroethene and cis ‐1,2‐dichloroethene concentrations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paul E. Flathman, Douglas E. Jerger, Lucy S. Bottomley
Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation · 1989
Abstract On‐site biological cleanup following spills of biodegradable hazardous organic compounds in lagoon, soil, and ground water environments is a cost‐effective technique when proper engineering controls are applied. Biodegradation of hazardous organic contaminants by microorganisms minimizes liability by converting toxic reactants into harmless end products. Three case histories presented in this paper detail: • Bench‐scale evaluation of the potential for biological remediation in the spill site matrix • Field implementation of biological treatment techniques. Cost‐effectiveness, minimal disturbance to existing operations, and on‐site destruction of spilled contaminants are several of the advantages identified for implementing biodegradation as a technique for spill cleanup and environmental restoration.
Jacimaria R. Batista, Tina M. Gingras, Adriano R. Vieira
Remediation Journal · 2002
Abstract Ion‐exchange (IX) resin is perhaps the most promising technology to remove the contaminant perchlorate (ClO 4 − ) from waters. However, ion exchange is only a separation technology that transfers the perchlorate from waters to the waste solutions used to regenerate the resins. The waste solutions contain high perchlorate concentrations, and treatment technologies for these regenerant solutions are needed. In this article, we review the latest knowledge on perchlorate removal by ion‐exchange resins; propose three systems that combine ion‐exchange resins (for perchlorate removal) and biological reduction for treating the waste solutions resulting from resin regeneration; and discuss the challenges and research needed to fully develop the proposed technology. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dora M. Taggart, Trent A. Key
Environmental Contamination Remediation and Management · 2024
Abstract Molecular biological tools (MBTs) are used to assess and characterize the microbiology and associated biological processes at contaminated sites, including ecological roles, phylogenetic diversity, and metabolic and co-metabolic capabilities related to contaminant biodegradation and biotransformation. MBTs have changed our approach to the assessment and remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment. In contaminated-site management, several MBTs and stable isotope analysis methods can be used to measure the presence, abundance, and activity of petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and transformation pathways: (1) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify microorganisms and genes encoding enzymes for biodegradation or biotransformation, (2) DNA sequencing to comprehensively identify the microorganisms presence and microbial community structure, (3) stable isotope probing (SIP) provides conclusive evidence of biodegradation through the use of 13 C-labeled surrogate compounds of petroleum hydrocarbons that microbes use as carbon and/or energy sources, and (4) compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) measures the ratio of naturally occurring stable isotopes within a contaminant to indicate (bio)degradation. This chapter discusses the use, benefits, and limitations of MBTs. Several real-world case studies are provided to demonstrate how to investigate the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon constituents under varying field conditions to better characterize governing biogeochemical processes and to better inform remedial decisions.
Elvis G. Ngwenya, Maud Walsh, Caroline A. Metosh‐Dickey et al.
Remediation Journal · 2006
Abstract Biological and physicochemical approaches were utilized in a treatment train for acid mine dis charge (AMD) waters. Anaerobic bioreactors, chemical precipitation reactors, and biopolymer chelation reactors, operated in static, semicontinuous, and continuous flow modes, removed significant quantities of metals and sulfates associated with AMD water. Static tests indicated accept able copper removal via precipitation by generation of hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic reactors. However, low pH affected the biopolymer coating in the chelation reactor, resulting in loss of bed surface. Corrections of AMD to pH > 7 resulted in some metal precipitationprior to biopolymer treatment. A series of static semicontinuous tests at pH 5.0 provided improved metal and sulfate removal. Copper (Cu + ) was reduced to trace concentrations, while manganese (Mn + ), although reduced, proved to be the most recalcitrant of the metals. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alan F. Rozich
Remediation Journal · 1994
Abstract Biological systems are frequently used for wastewater treatment and hazardous materials remediation. The primary problem cited with these systems is the lack of a structured methodology that can be used to predict the performance for design and operational applications. The purpose of this article is to present the background and examples of a novel methodology for analyzing biological treatment processes. This technique is much more cost‐effective and accurate than conventional approaches. The article will address applications for both biological wastewater treatment systems and bioremediation processes.
Troy Fowler, Bruce Thompson, Jim Mueller
Remediation Journal · 2011
Abstract Remediating environmental contamination by either biological or chemical methods typically results in the generation of temporary chemical intermediates as part of the process. These intermediate compounds may be related to either contaminant degradation pathways or reactions generated from the amendment itself. This article summarizes previously researched pathways and representative case studies discussing the authors' experience in generating relatively high concentrations of acetone and 2‐butanone (also referred to as methyl ethyl ketone [MEK]) during both biological and chemical treatments. Experience shows that even relatively high concentrations of acetone and MEK intermediates are quickly attenuated and prove not to be a hazard outside of the treatment area. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dora M. Taggart, Kate Clark
Remediation Journal · 2021
Abstract Stakeholders of petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated (PHC) sites aim to meet remediation goals cost‐effectively. But contaminated sites are typically complex, and when inefficient remediation strategies are implemented, time and money are wasted. Various strategies can be implemented for site remediation and almost all at some point involve a biological component. Therefore, during site characterization, seeing the complete picture by obtaining multiple lines of evidence—chemistry (concentrations of contaminants and daughter products), geochemistry (redox status, electron acceptors, electron donors), microbiology (species and their genes for catalyzing biodegradation of reactions, i.e., functional genes), and the contaminant degradation ongoing at baseline (stable isotope methods)—is critically important for selecting the best remediation strategy. Additionally, molecular biological evidence is important for monitoring treatment progress and informing decisions to retreat, change treatments, or transition to monitored natural attenuation.
Marina Robas, P. Jiménez, D. González et al.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2021
Soil pollution from heavy metals, especially mercury, is an environmental problem for human health. Biological approaches offer interesting tools, which necessarily involve the selection of organisms capable of transforming the environment via bioremediation. To evaluate the potential use of microorganisms in phytorhizoremediation, bacterial strains were isolated from rhizospheric and bulk soil under conditions of chronic natural mercury, which were identified and characterized by studying the following: (i) their plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) activities; and (ii) their maximum bactericide concentration of mercury. Information regarding auxin production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore synthesis and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCd) capacity of the isolates was compiled in order to select the strains that fit potential biotechnological use. To achieve this objective, the present work proposes the Bio-Mercury Remediation Suitability Index (BMR-SI), which reflects the integral behavior of the strains for heavy metal polluted soil bioremediation. Only those strains that rigorously fulfilled all of the established criteria were selected for further assays.
Chi-Chun Huang, Chih-Ming Liang, Ting-I Yang et al.
PLOS ONE · 2021
Anthropogenic activities accompanied by heavy metal waste threaten the environment. Heavy metal pollution alters the soil microbial community composition, and the microorganisms that adapt to this stress increase in abundance. The remediation process of contaminated soil not only reduces the concentration of heavy metals but also alters the bacterial communities. High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing techniques were applied to understand the changes in soil microbial communities. Using the remediation approach of the soil mixing, the concentrations of heavy metals in the contaminated areas were diluted and the soil environment was changed. The change of soil environment as a disturbance contributed to the alteration of microbial diversity of the remediated areas. The pH and heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) were the most influential factors driving the changes in community structure. The bacterial community structure was significantly different among sample areas. The decrease of heavy metals in soil may be the important factors that changed the microbial composition. This study provides the better understanding of the changes in composition of microbial communities affected by the remediation process in heavy metal-contaminated soil.
E. IbekweS., P. Okerentugba, G. Okpokwasili
International journal of environmental bioremediation & biodegradation · 2020
Mathematical modeling is a method of simulating real-life situations with mathematical equations to forecast their future behaviour. The modeling of the microbiological parameters was done using SPSS 23 for descriptive statistics while E-view 10 software was used for pooled regression model. Crude oil-contaminated soil from Bodo in Ogoniland was sampled for treatment using bioremediation technology and seven treatment options designated as A to G were setup in triplicates in cells. Five were biostimulated with NH4NO3 and KH2PO4 while unamended and heat-treated served as control. The bioremediation lasted for 56 days with 50 % contaminated media amended with 1 % treatment material. The setup was sampled repeatedly at intervals for analysis within the study period. ES had highest THB count on day 28 while FS had the lowest counts on day 56. For hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB), CS had the highest count on day 42 while FS had the lowest HUB counts on day 56. For all the treatments options on day 0, the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) ranged from 846.25 to 4406 mg/kg while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) ranged from 2.02 to 202.70 mg/kg. In all the treatments by day 56, the TPH was < 405 mg/kg while PAH was < 6.5 mg/kg. By day 56, the percentage loss of TPH of treatment options as measured with GC-FID were AS (63 %), BS (72 %), CS (76 %), DS (95 %), ES (98 %), FS (59 %) and heat treated GS (47 % ). ES had the highest TPH (4403.91 mg/kg) on day 0 while CS recorded the lowest TPH (93.01 mg/kg) on day 56. By day 56, the percentage loss of PAH of treatments as measured with GC-FID were AS (98 %), BS (97 %), CS (93 %), DS (94 %), ES (96 %), FS (31 %) and heat treated GS (31 %). However, ES had the highest percentage loss (98 %) of TPH followed by DS (95 %) and lastly GS (47 %). FS had the highest PAH (201.67 mg/kg) on day 0 while AS had the lowest PAH (0.04 mg/kg) on day 56. The AS had the highest percentage loss of PAH (98 %) followed by BS (97 %) and lastly FS and GS (31 %). A total of 121 hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria were obtained which include Micrococcus sp 35 (28.93 %), Acinetobacter sp (9.92 %), Pseudomonas sp (28.93 %), Bacillus sp (14.05%), Alcaligenes sp (4.96 %), Proteus sp (1.65 %) and unidentified isolates (11.57 %). Regression model of bacteria showed the effect of time, nitrogen and phosphorous on microbiological and effect of HUB and THB on physicochemical parameters. Time and nitrogen had positive effect on HUB and THB while phosphorous had negative effect. A unit increase in time and nitrogen increased HUB by 0.0545 and 19.8826 while an increase in total phosphorus decreased HUB by 51.83. Time, HUB and THB affected TPH negatively. A unit increase in time, HUB and THB decreased TPH by 30.84, 74.75 and 145.1 unit respectively. These changes and effects by these mathematical models were statistically significant at P¨Cvalue <0.05 and t-values. F-values implied overall models were statistically significant. These models have established that adjusting of limiting nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous) is key to effective and efficient bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated media.
Wen-Li Cui, Yingying Liu, Wenguang Li et al.
Toxics · 2023
Soil remediation agents (SRAs) such as biochar and hydroxyapatite (HAP) have shown a promising prospect in in situ soil remediation programs and safe crop production. However, the effects of SRAs on soil microbial communities still remain unclear, particularly under field conditions. Here, a field case study was conducted to compare the effects of biochar and HAP on soil bacterial communities in a slightly Cd-contaminated farmland grown with sweet sorghum of different planting densities. We found that both biochar and HAP decreased the diversity and richness of soil bacteria, but they differently altered bacterial community structure. Biochar decreased Chao1 (−7.3%), Observed_species (−8.6%), and Shannon indexes (−1.3%), and HAP caused Shannon (−2.0%) and Simpson indexes (−0.1%) to decline. The relative abundance (RA) of some specific taxa and marker species was differently changed by biochar and HAP. Overall, sweet sorghum cultivation did not significantly alter soil bacterial diversity and richness but caused changes in the RA of some taxa. Some significant correlations were observed between soil properties and bacterial abundance. In conclusion, soil remediation with biochar and HAP caused alterations in soil bacterial communities. Our findings help to understand the ecological impacts of SRAs in soil remediation programs.
Noam Shani, Vasantha Aravinthan, Pierre Rossi et al.
Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation · 2013
Groundwater microbial community samples are traditionally collected using pumping techniques optimized for groundwater chemistry assessment, although the impact of groundwater pumping parameters on apparent bacterial community structures ( BCSs ) is not really known. We therefore studied the impact of pumping lift, flow regime, and tubing material on BCS , which were analyzed by terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐ RFLP ). Ruzicka dissimilarity coefficients were calculated between T‐ RFLP profiles to assess disparities between BCS . Variations in pumping lift, flow regime, and tubing material did not affect the apparent BCS in experiments using a homogenous water system under laboratory conditions showing that the conditions within the tube had no detectable effect on BCS . However, pumping groundwater from aquifer monitoring wells at different flow rates in the field revealed a significant impact on the apparent BCS . Water samples collected from fine sediment were the most affected by the pumping flow rate.
Claudia Campillo-Cora, Daniel Arenas-Lago, Manuel Arias-Estévez et al.
· 2023
Abstract. Chromium (Cr) pollution in soils is a global concern that should be assessed. Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) methodology is a highly sensitive tool that can directly indicate metal toxicity in the microbial community. Ten soils with a wide range of properties were spiked with 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg Cr·kg-1, in addition to the control. Bacterial growth (using [3H]-leucine incorporation technique) was used to determine PICT, that is, whether bacterial communities developed tolerance in response to Cr additions to different soil types. Some bacterial communities did not grow normally at 1000 or 2000 mg Cr·kg-1, probably due to high Cr toxicity, while others did. Regarding below 500 mg Cr·kg-1, bacterial communities showed two responses depending on soil type: 7 of the 10 studied soils showed increased tolerance to Cr, while for the remaining 3 soils did not develop tolerance to Cr. Furthermore, the Cr level from which bacterial communities developed tolerance was dependent on the soil, i.e. Cr was more toxic in some of studied soils. The Cr effect on microbial communities was mainly determined by Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and the fraction of Cr extracted with distilled water (H2O-Cr) (R2 = 95.6 %). Their effect on Cr in the soil might lead to an increase in toxicity (selection phase of PICT).
Xin Zhang, Hong Qi Wang, Qian Wang et al.
Applied Mechanics and Materials · 2012
Through greenhouse pots experiments, an orthogonal test method was employed here to study the optimum degradation conditions of cold-adapted degrading bacterial and the winter wheat. This orthogonal experiment selected four influencing factors: oil content, bacteria amount, soil moisture content and fertilizer. The results showed that in different stages, the optimum degradation conditions were different. Oil content and the bacterial amount were the two most important factors that influenced the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The impact of fertilizers on the degradation rate increased with time, while water content on the degradation rate decreased with time.
Tatiana V. Minnikova, Sergey I. Kolesnikov, Nikita S. Minin
Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University Geo Assets Engineering · 2024
Relevance. Soil pollution with oil has a significant impact on soil fertility and productivity when growing crops. During soil remediation, insufficient attention is paid to soil phytotoxicity assessment in terms of the intensity of the initial growth and development of plants. The results of the study of ordinary chernozem phytotoxicity evaluation on the example of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) after remediation with biochar and a bacterial preparation, containing strains of Bacillus & Paenibacillus, are presented. Aim. To evaluate ordinary chernozem integral phytotoxicity after remediation with biochar and a bacterial preparation, containing strains of Bacillus and Paenibacillus. Objects. Ordinary heavy loamy chernozem, under model conditions, which 5% of the soil mass are oil-contaminated. For soil remediation from oil pollution, biochar and a bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus strains were applied in various combinations: independent application of ameliorants, joint application, inoculation of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus on biochar. The period of soil incubation with biochar and of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus has a duration of 30 days. Methods. The residual oil content was determined by the method of extraction with carbon tetrachloride with detection on an infrared analyzer. Soil phytotoxicity after remediation was assessed by indicators of the intensity of initial growth and development of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): germination, germination rate, germination energy, germination friendliness, shoot length, root length, shoot phytomass, root phytomass. As a result of determining these indicators, a complex integral indicator of soil phytotoxicity (IIPht) was calculated. Results. The combined use of biochar with of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus in oil-contaminated soil leads to the most effective reduction in oil content than when self-introduced and inoculated with of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus on biochar at the recommended and 100-fold dose, the efficiency is 33 and 58%, respectively. Based on the analysis of phytotoxicity, the highest sensitivity of indicators of barley initial growth intensity was established: germination, friendliness and germination rate. With the independent application of biochar and of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus, the most informative indicators are shoot phytomass, germination and germination rate; with the combined application of biochar and of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus, germination energy, shoot length and shoot phytomass; with inoculation of of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus on a biochar, root length, phytomass of shoots and roots. The study of the phytotoxicity of oil-contaminated Haplic Chernozem after remediation made it possible to establish the ecological efficiency and expediency of using only biochar and biochar inoculated with of bacterial preparation with Bacillus & Paenibacillus.