The effect of heavy precipitation on the leaching of heavy metals from tropical coastal legacy tailings.

The continued growth in demand for mineral resources has led to a large amount of mining wastes, which is a major challenge in the context of carbon neutrality and climate change. In this study, runoff migration, batch leaching, and column experiments were used to investigate the short-, medium-, and long-term leaching of heavy metals from legacy tailings, respectively; the cumulative metal release kinetic equations were established, and the long-term effects of tailings leaching were verified by HYDRUS-1D. In runoff migration experiments, surface dissolution of tailings and the co-migration of adsorbed soil particles by erosion were the main carriers in the early stages of leachate formation (Mn ∼ 65 mg/L and SO up to 2697.

Metal distribution behavior based on soil aggregate size in a post-restoration coastal mining area.

Soil aggregate size plays an important role in controlling the distribution and transport of metals. Metals immobilized in soil particles will pose potential risks through production/sink flow and infiltration. This study explored the distribution behavior of metals based on soil aggregate size in a restored coastal mining area by establishing Structural Equation Model (SEM) and column experiments.

Efficient removal of Cr(VI) by a 3D Z-scheme TiO-ZnCdS graphene aerogel via synergy of adsorption and photocatalysis under visible light.

Efficient and robust photocatalysts for environmental pollutants removal with outstanding stability have great significance. Herein, we report a kind of three dimensional (3D) photocatalyst presented as Z-scheme heterojunction, which combining TiO and ZnCdS with graphene aerogel to contrast TiO-ZnCdS graphene aerogel (TSGA, x=0.5) through a moderate hydrothermal process.

One-step synthesis of nitrogen-functionalized graphene aerogel for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium in water.

The efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) with high toxicity has attracted widespread concern since it causes serious harm to ecological environment and public health. Herein, we report a novel nitrogen-functionalized graphene aerogel with stereoscopic structure through a simple hydrothermal method and freeze drying for Cr(VI) removal from water. Graphene oxide (GO) and nitrogenous organics polyethyleneimine (PEI) and pyrrole are used as raw materials for preparing PEI/polypyrrole/GO aerogel (PPGA) adsorbent.

Enhanced removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by polymer-mediated nitrogen-rich reduced graphene oxide.

The efficient removal of heavy metal by rationally designed carbon-based adsorbents is a key challenge in the field of water purification. Herein, we report a nitrogen-enriched lignosulfonate exfoliated graphene oxide (N-LEGO) for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from aqueous solution. The nitrogen content of N-LEGO reached 13.

Surface oxygen vacancies and carbon dopant co-decorated magnetic ZnFeO as photo-Fenton catalyst towards efficient degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride.

Carbon doped strategy has been recognized as an efficient strategy to enhance photo-Fenton degradation performance. However, the preparation of high efficiency C-doped photocatalyst has been a significant challenge. Herein, we synthesized magnetic carbon-doped ZnFeO via a facile solvothermal-calcination route.

Hierarchical health risk assessment and influence factors of an ecological post-restoration oil shale mining area based on metal bioavailability.

The environmental problems caused by mining are continuous and multifaceted, in order to help manage and plan restored mining areas, the bioavailability of metals is an effective tool for measuring the potential risks to human health. This study analyzes the geochemical fractions of eight metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) to compare their bioavailability and establishes a Hierarchical health risk (HHR) model to assess the human health risks of the mine area after restoration. The results indicated that children have the highest non-carcinogenic risks exposed through ingestion (HI-ingestion) due to their special behaviors; HI-dermal may be enriched in the body; and HI-inhalation is lowest, as it is related to soil particle size.

Integrated ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in an oil shale mining area after restoration.

Although the mining area has been restored, the environmental problems caused by years of large-scale oil shale mining are still continuing, coupled with the intensive distribution of the surrounding petrochemical industry, posing a serious threat to the local ecological environment. In this study, we investigated eight heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Mn and Zn) contamination and distribution around mining area, evaluated the potential risks of environment, identified the main sources of metal pollution and performed source apportionment. The results showed that the original north and south dumps were seriously polluted, and the CF values were significantly higher than other sampling sites.

Enhanced removal of toxic hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by magnetic Zr-MOF@polypyrrole: performance and mechanism.

Magnetic Zr-based metal organic framework (UiO-66) @Polypyrrole (magnetic UiO-66@Ppy) was prepared to eliminate Cr(VI) from water. SEM and TEM results clearly revealed that the magnetic UiO-66@Ppy was a core-double-shell structure with the core of FeO, inner shell UiO-66, and outer shell Ppy. The introduction of zirconium MOFs UiO-66 effectively prevented the agglomeration of polypyrrole and provided more available adsorption sites, the surface area increased from 9.

Leaching characteristics of heavy metals in tailings and their simultaneous immobilization with triethylenetetramine functioned montmorillonite (TETA-Mt) against simulated acid rain.

For further understanding leaching characteristics of heavy metals in tailings and better immobilization on heavy metals against acid rain, batch experiments were conducted. The leaching results of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Mn(II) can be well fit by second-order kinetics equation, and Pb(II) can be well fit by two-constant equation. The leaching intensity of heavy metals in tailings was ranged as: Mn(II)> Cu(II)> Cd(II)> Zn(II)> Pb(II).

Adhesion of Sphingomonas sp. GY2B onto montmorillonite: A combination study by thermodynamics and the extended DLVO theory.

Bacterial adhesion on mineral surface are of fundamental importance in geochemical processes and biogeochemical cycling, such as mineral transformation and clay-mediated biodegradation. In this study, thermodynamics analysis combined with classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory as well as the extended DLVO (XDLVO) theory were employed to investigate the adhesion of the Gram-negative PAH-degrading bacteria Sphingomonas sp. GY2B on montmorillonite (Mt).

Fast and efficient aqueous arsenic removal by functionalized MIL-100(Fe)/rGO/δ-MnO ternary composites: Adsorption performance and mechanism.

Because of its significant toxicological effects on the environment and human health, arsenic (As) is a major global issue. In this study, an Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF) (Materials of Institut Lavoisier: MIL-100 (Fe)) which was impregnated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by using a simple hydrothermal method and coated with birnessite-type manganese oxide (δ-MnO) using the one-pot reaction process (MIL-100(Fe)/rGO/δ-MnO nanocomposites) was synthesized and applied successfully in As removal. The removal efficiency was rapid, the equilibrium was achieved in 40 min and 120 min for As(III) and As(V), respectively, at a level of 5 mg/L.

Functional rGO aerogel as a potential adsorbent for removing hazardous hexavalent chromium: adsorption performance and mechanism.

A novel functional rGO aerogel was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. In this process, graphene oxide (GO) was used as the precursor and oxidant to synthesize the aerogels. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) and pyrrole monomer (reducing agent) were selected to use as hole scavenger and nitrogen sources.

Synthesis of nano-scale zero-valent iron-reduced graphene oxide-silica nano-composites for the efficient removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions.

Design and synthesis of arsenic adsorbents with high performance and excellent stability has been still a significant challenge. In this study, we anchored nano-zero-valent iron (NZVI) on the surface of graphene-silica composites (GS) with high specific surface area, forming the NZVI/GS nano-composite. The prepared nano-materials were used to remove As(III) and As(V) through adsorption from aqueous solutions.

Synthesis of graphene/SiO@polypyrrole nanocomposites and their application for Cr(VI) removal in aqueous solution.

A novel hybrid nanocomposite, polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy) anchored on the graphene/silica nanosheets with the high specific surface area (polypyrrole-graphene/silica, GS-PPy), was synthesized by a facile in situ polymerization and shows great potential to remove hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in aqueous solutions. Characterizations by XRD, TEM, SEM, BET, FT-IR and XPS, have confirmed that the PPy nanoparticles were well-distributed on the surface of GS nanosheets. The effects of pH, contact time, the concentration of Cr(VI), temperature, coexisting ions and the number of adsorption-desorption cycles were studied.

A novel modified graphene oxide/chitosan composite used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions.

A novel adsorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions has been successfully prepared by modifying graphene oxide/chitosan composite with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA-2Na) (GEC). This modified composite was characterized by various technologies; including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the adsorption of Cr(VI) by GEC under different conditions.

Distribution, sources, and fluxes of heavy metals in the Pearl River Delta, South China.

Riverine samples were collected at various locations in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in time and space and to estimate the fluxes of heavy metals to the coastal waters off South China. Most of the elements exhibit clear temporal and spatial trends. Principal component analysis shows that surface erosion is the major factor affecting metal concentrations in particulates in the PRD.

Pd nanoparticles supported on MIL-101/reduced graphene oxide photocatalyst: an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst for triphenylmethane dye degradation.

To improve the photocatalytic efficiency of chromium-based metal-organic framework (MIL-101) photocatalyst, Pd nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide were used to modify the MIL-101 via a facile method. The resulting novel photocatalyst was characterized by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was indicated that the photocatalyst afforded high photocatalytic efficiency for degradation of two triphenylmethane dyes, brilliant green and acid fuchsin, under exposure to visible light irradiation.

Fast adsorption of nickel ions by porous graphene oxide/sawdust composite and reuse for phenol degradation from aqueous solutions.

This work describes the preparation of an effective and low-cost porous graphene oxide/sawdust composite by a freeze-drying method. The composite exhibits a strong ability to adsorb nickel ions. The nickel ions adsorbed on graphene oxide/sawdust composite was reduced by sodium borohydride to generate a catalyst which was used in the degradation of phenol in water.

Removal of para-nitrochlorobenzene from aqueous solution on surfactant-modified nanoscale zero-valent iron/graphene nanocomposites.

This study demonstrated a remarkably simple and efficient method for the synthesis of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI)/graphene (GN) nanocomposites. In order to prevent the agglomeration and restack of nanocomposites, chemical functionalization of nanocomposites with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was proposed. The adsorption performance of surfactant-modified NZVI/GN nanocomposites was evaluated for the removal of para-nitrochlorobenzene (p-NCB) from aqueous solutions.

Removal of As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solutions using nanoscale zero valent iron-reduced graphite oxide modified composites.

Nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) has high adsorption capacity of As(III) and As(V), but it is limited in practical use due to its small particle size and aggregation effect. Reduce graphite oxide (RGO) has been used as a support because of its high surface area. In order to utilize the advantage of NZVI and RGO as well as to avoid the disadvantage of NZVI, we loaded NZVI onto RGO via chemical reactions in this study.

[Adsorption properties of modified graphene for methylene blue removal from wastewater].

In this study, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was chosen to modify graphene, which was applied to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The characteristics of graphene and modified graphene were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of factors including pH, contact time, temperature, and dosage on the adsorption properties of MB onto graphene and modified graphene were investigated.

Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by graphene modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

In this study, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was chosen to modify graphene, which was prepared using a modified Hummers' method. The characteristics of graphene and modified graphene were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The effect factors including pH, contact time, temperature, and dosage on the adsorption properties of Cr(VI) onto graphene and modified graphene were investigated.

Removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) modified nanoscale zero valent iron.

The interactions of tetracycline (TC) with nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) were investigated using batch experiments as a function of reactant concentration, pH, temperature, and competitive anions. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM), BET surface area and Zeta (ζ)-potential analyses indicated that the mean particle size was 10-40 nm with a surface area of 36.90 m(2)/g, and a iso-electric point of PVP-NZVI was 7.

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ELEVATED CO2 ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION IN THE MARINE MACROALGA HIZIKIA FUSIFORMIS (SARGASSACEAE, PHAEOPHYTA) GROWN AT LOW AND HIGH N SUPPLIES(1).

The short-term and long-term effects of elevated CO2 on photosynthesis and respiration were examined in cultures of the marine brown macroalga Hizikia fusiformis (Harv.) Okamura grown under ambient (375 μL · L(-1) ) and elevated (700 μL · L(-1) ) CO2 concentrations and at low and high N availability. Short-term exposure to CO2 enrichment stimulated photosynthesis, and this stimulation was maintained with prolonged growth at elevated CO2 , regardless of the N levels in culture, indicating no down-regulation of photosynthesis with prolonged growth at elevated CO2 .