Hazardous Materials

The removal of pentavalent arsenic by graphite intercalation compound functionalized carbon foam from contaminated water Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Pinki Rani Agrawal, Nahar Singh, Saroj Kumari, Sanjay R. Dhakate Abstract In the present investigation, Graphite intercalation compound (GIC) functionalized phenolic resin based carbon foam for removal of arsenic (As(V)) from contaminated water is developed by sacrificial template technique followed by carbonization at 1000 °C in N2. The GICCF adsorbent is characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphological study, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns explains the phase information and interlayer spacing of the adsorbent, whereas Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) gives the information about surface functionality and mechanism of adsorption of As(V) over the surface of adsorbent. The time data is fitted well in pseudo second order kinetics and follows multilinear nature of intra-particle diffusion model. The adsorption nature of adsorbent and adsorbate is explained by Langmuir isotherm better than Freundlich isotherm, Temkin isotherm, and D-R isotherm. The adsorption capacity of adsorbent is 62.5 μgg−1, which is calculated by Langmuir isotherm. Arsenic removal by GICCF is taken place within two hrs up to acceptable limit. The proposed GICCF can be regenerated after treating with 0.1 M HNO3 and 0.1 M HCl solution and it can be used for multiple times. Graphical abstract

Simultaneous arsenic and fluoride removal using {201}TiO2–ZrO2: Fabrication, characterization, and mechanism Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Yaqin Yu, Zhen Zhou, Zhaoxia Ding, Meimei Zuo, Jiemin Cheng, Chuanyong Jing Abstract The coexistence of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F) in drinking water is an urgent environmental issue that causes increasing public concerns. The need for effective simultaneous removal of As and F has motived great research efforts. Herein, a novel {201}TiO2–ZrO2 composite was synthesized and its application mechanism was explored. Batch adsorption experiments show that the As(III), As(V), and F adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics with the Langmuir adsorption capacity at 58.5, 21.6, and 13.1 mg/g, respectively. EXAFS and in situ ATR-FTIR results suggested that TiO2 surface sites were occupied by As(III) and As(V) in bidentate binuclear structures, and ZrO2 sites preferentially adsorbed As(III) and F in monodentate mononuclear configurations. This molecular structure obtained in the mono-adsorption system was integrated with the charge distribution multisite surface complexation model to accurately predict the As and F co-existing adsorption behaviors. The results in competitive adsorption, regeneration, and application evidenced that the {201}TiO2-ZrO2composite is a promising adsorbent for simultaneous As and F removal. Graphical abstract

Waste-wood-derived biochar cathode and its application in electro-Fenton for sulfathiazole treatment at alkaline pH with pyrophosphate electrolyte Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Fengxia Deng, Hugo Olvera-Vargas, Orlando Garcia-Rodriguez, Yingshi Zhu, Jizhou Jiang, Shan Qiu, Jixian Yang Abstract For the first time, a biomass-derived porous carbon cathode (WDC) was fabricated via a facile one-step pyrolysis of recovered wood-waste without any post-treatment. The WDC along with pyrophosphate (PP) as electrolyte were used in electro-Fenton (EF) at pH 8 for sulfathiazole (STZ) treatment. The H2O2 accumulation capacity of WDC was optimized via the following parameters: pyrolysis temperature, applied current and electrolyte. Results showed that the WDC cathode prepared at 900 °C achieved the highest H2O2 accumulation (13.80 mg L−1 in 3 h) due to its larger electroactive surface area (28.81 cm2). Interestingly, it was found that PP decreased the decomposition rate of H2O2 in solution as compared to conventional electrolyte, which resulted in higher H2O2 accumulation. PP allowed operating EF at pH of 8 due to the formation of Fe2+-PP complexes in solution. Moreover, Fe2+-PP was able to activate oxygen to produce OH. In this way, the degradation of STZ took place through four main pathways: 1) via OH from the Fe2+-PP complex, 2) via OH from EF reactions, 3) via surface OH at the boron doped diamond electrode (BDD) and 4) via SO4- from BDD activation. Finally, microtox tests revealed that some toxic intermediates were generated during WDC/BDD/PP EF treatment, but they were removed at the end of the process. Graphical abstract

Immunotoxicity of four nanoparticles to a marine bivalve species, Tegillarca granosa Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Shanjie Zha, Jiahuan Rong, Xiaofan Guan, Yu Tang, Yu Han, Guangxu Liu Abstract The increasing application of nanomaterials drives the unintentional release of nanoparticles (NPs) into the ocean, which may pose a potential threat to marine organisms. It has been demonstrated that exposure to NPs could chanllenge the immune responses of marine species. However, the affecting mechanism behind remains poorly understood. In this study, the immunotoxic impacts and the mechanisms underpinning the effects of four major NPs, including nZnO, nFe2O3, nCuO, and carbon nanotube (MWCNT), were investigated in blood clam, Tegillarca granosa. The results showed that exposure to tested NPs resulted in reduced total counts, altered cell composition, and constrained phagocytic activities of haemocytes. The intracellular contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the degree of DNA damage of haemocytes were significantly induced, whereas the haemocyte viability was suppressed. Furthermore, NP exposures led to significant increases in the in vivo contents of neurotransmitters. Down-regulations of the immune- and neurotransmitter-related genes were detected as well. Our data suggest that NP exposures hampered the immune responses of blood clams most likely through (1) inducing ROS, causing DNA damage, and reducing cell viability of haemocytes, (2) altering the in vivocontents of neurotransmitters, and (3) affecting the expression of immune- and neurotransmitter-related genes. Graphical abstract

The enhanced photocatalytic properties of MnO2/g-C3N4 heterostructure for rapid sterilization under visible light Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Beibei Wu, Yuan Li, Kun Su, Lei Tan, Xiangmei Liu, Zhenduo Cui, Xianjin Yang, Yanqin Liang, Zhaoyang Li, Shengli Zhu, Kelvin Wai Kwok Yeung, Shuilin Wu Abstract Herein, a heterostructure based on MnO2 and g-C3N4 was constructed on the surface of metallic Ti implants, in which MnO2 favored the transfer and separation of free charges to enhance the photoconversion efficiency of g-C3N4 by 21.11%. Consequently, the yield of ROS was promoted significantly, which denatured protein and damaged DNA to kill bacteria efficiently. In addition, glutathione (GSH, l-γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine) defending oxidative stress in bacteria, was oxidized by MnO2 in the hybrid coating once the bacterial membrane was disrupted by ROS. Hence, after visible light irradiation for 20 min, MnO2/g-C3N4 coating exhibited superior disinfection efficacy of 99.96% and 99.26% against S. aureus and E. coli severally. This work provided a practical sterilization strategy about MnO2/g-C3N4 systems through the synergistic effects of enhanced photodynamic antibacterial therapy and oxidization effect of MnO2 with great biosafety, in which MnO2 enhanced the photocatalyst property of g-C3N4 to generate more ROS and deplete GSH to improve antibacterial efficiency. It will bring more insight into rapid and highly effective disinfection and antibacterial strategy without using traditional high-temperature, ultraviolet ray and antibiotics that cause side-effects. Graphical abstract

Fungicides chlorothanolin, azoxystrobin and folpet induce transcriptional alterations in genes encoding enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and metabolism in honey bees (Apis mellifera) at sublethal concentrations Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Verena Christen, Jana Krebs, Karl Fent Abstract Fungicides are highly used for plant protection but their molecular and chronic effects are poorly known. Here, we analyse transcriptional effects in the brain of honey bees of three frequently applied fungicides, azoxystrobin, chlorothanolin and folpet, after oral exposure for 24, 48 and 72 h. Among transcripts assessed were genes encoding proteins for immune and hormone system regulation, oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism, and acetylcholine receptor alpha 1. Azoxystrobin and folpet induced minor alterations, including down-regulation of hbg-3 by azoxystrobin and induction of ndufb-7 by folpet. Chlorothanolin induced strong transcriptional down-regulation of genes encoding enzymes related to oxidative phosphorylation and metabolism, including cyp9q1, cyp9q2 and cyp9q3, acetylcholine receptor alpha 1 and hbg-3 and ilp-1, which are linked to hormonal regulation and behavioural transition of honey bees. Exposures to chlorothanolin in different seasonal times showed different responsiveness; responses were faster and often stronger in April than in June. Chlorothanolin caused the strongest effects and affected transcriptional abundance of genes related to energy production, metabolism and the endocrine system. Disturbed energy production may reduce foraging activity and hormonal dysregulation, such as the transition of nurse bees to foragers. Further analyses are needed to further substantiate potential adverse effects of chlorothanolin in bees on the physiological level. Graphical abstract

Coaggregation of bacterial communities in aerobic granulation and its application on the biodegradation of sulfolane Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Muhammad Faizan Khan, Linlong Yu, Joo Hwa Tay, Gopal Achari Abstract Aerobic granulation is regarded as the future technology for wastewater treatment that can replace conventional activated sludge. In this study, two approaches of forming sulfolane degrading aerobic granules (SDAG) were successfully developed and evaluated. These include adaptation of pre-grown granules to sulfolane environment and coaggregation of pre-grown granules with bacterial culture native to sulfolane contaminated site. The adaption method required a longer period to form robust SDAG compared to coaggregation method where degradation of sulfolane was observed within 24 h. Electronic images revealed dominant filamentous bacteria on the surface of granules while DNA analysis unveiled the complexity of the dynamic change of microbial community during aerobic granule formation. The rate of sulfolane degradation by coaggregated granules reduced as the concentration of carbon source increased, nevertheless, the rate increased with increased biomass. In addition, the presence of co-contaminants can slightly impact the ability of newly cultivated granules to degrade sulfolane. Finally, the stability and settleability of the new aerobic granules was investigated under different environmental conditions. About 30% of the aerobic granules were lost after 14 d of operation without any continuous supply of carbon sources. The surviving SDAGs continued to display an intact structure coupled with good settleability. Graphical abstract

Highly efficient and stable p-LaFeO3/n-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Ting Ren, Zehua Jin, Jun Yang, Ruisheng Hu, Fu Zhao, Xiaojiao Gao, Chunxiao Zhao Abstract A series of catalysts with p-LaFeO3/n-ZnO heterostructure were designed and prepared by hydrothermal method. The structure, surface topographies, optical properties and interfacial interactions of these photocatalysts were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, PL, Uv–vis DRS, XPS, COD, TOC etc., indicating that p-n heterojunction formed at the interface between p-LaFeO3 and n-ZnO, which enhanced the photocatalytic activity. Among them, the 20%-p-LaFeO3/n-ZnO composite exhibits the best activity for the phenol degradation under visible light. The superior photocatalytic activity of the heterojunction photocatalyst is mainly attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunction which leads to an efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Besides, the 20%-p-LaFeO3/n-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst shows the excellent photocatalytic stability after 4 cycles. And from the free radical capture experiment, the degradation of phenol is dominated by the oxidation reaction of hydroxyl radicals and direct hole oxidation. What's more, certain intermediates were detected by HPLC and 3D-EEMs. Therefore, a photocatalytic mechanism of the 20%-p-LaFeO3/n-ZnO p-n heterojunction catalyst for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation was proposed. Graphical abstract

Effects of biochar amendments on antibiotic resistome of the soil and collembolan gut Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Jing Ding, Yue Yin, An-Qi Sun, Simon Bo Lassen, Gang Li, Dong Zhu, Xin Ke Abstract A diverse array of ARGs has been detected in the guts of soil fauna residing in farmland soil. Biochar has been widely used in farmland for soil remediation and improvement of soil quality; however, the effects of biochar amendment on the gut-associated ARGs of soil fauna remain unclear. In the present study, collembolans were cultivated in soils amended with 6 types of biochars. High-throughput qPCR was used to establish ARG profiles of the collembolan guts as well as the surrounding soils. A total of 73 and 162 subtypes of ARGs were detected in the collembolan guts and soils, respectively. Biochar amendment significantly altered the ARG compositions of the collembolan guts and soils, in a biochar quality-dependent manner. However, only manure-derived biochar, which contained elevated concentrations of heavy metals, increased the relative abundance of gut-associated ARGs. Changes in the gut microbial community, MGEs and biochar properties explained 84% of the total ARG variations in the collembolan guts. The findings of this study suggested that biochar properties should receive more attention, as high doses of heavy metals in biochar could increase the abundance of ARGs in collembolan guts, thereby contributing to the spread of ARGs in the environment through collembolan movement. Graphical abstract

Microbial antimonate reduction with a solid-state electrode as the sole electron donor: A novel approach for antimony bioremediation Publication date: 5 September 2019 Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 377 Author(s): Van Khanh Nguyen, Younghyun Park, Taeho Lee Abstract The anaerobic antimonate [Sb(V)] reduction with a solid-state electrode serving as the sole electron donor was demonstrated by employing a bioelectrochemical system. The highest Sb(V) reduction efficiency was observed at the biocathode potential of −0.7 V versus standard hydrogen electrode using a cathode potential range from −0.5 V to −1.1 V. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that both amorphous and crystallized Sb2O3 were formed as products of Sb(V) reduction. The irreversible recovery of bioelectrochemical Sb(V), when the cathode potential deviated from the optimal potential, was explained through the alteration in microbial communities, which was further elucidated by the next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Chryseobacterium koreense and Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens were the dominant species of microbial consortia at Sb(V)-reducing biocathodes. This study revealed a novel option for bioremediation of Sb at underground contaminated sites, where the delivery of organic electron donors is limited or ineffective.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
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alsfakia@gmail.com