Environments

17 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Soil Aging on Cadmium Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility at a Contaminated Site

by Gianniantonio Petruzzelli, Meri Barbafieri, Elisabetta Franchi, Danilo Fusini, Marco Vocciante and Francesca Pedron

Environments 2023, 10(6), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060105 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

The effect of aging on cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and bioaccessibility was investigated in naturally aged field soil within a contaminated site. The results, which are based on a comparison of investigations carried out in 2018 and 2022 on the same soil samples, provide [...] Read more.

The effect of aging on cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and bioaccessibility was investigated in naturally aged field soil within a contaminated site. The results, which are based on a comparison of investigations carried out in 2018 and 2022 on the same soil samples, provide a realistic evaluation of the variation in Cd chemical forms due to long-term aging. The data obtained show a significant reduction (from approximately 30% to 60%) in the mobile and bioavailable forms of cadmium, while the total quantity in soil did not change significantly. The effect of aging on the bioavailable fractions is also reflected in the reduction in the amount of the metal absorbed by plants. On the one hand, this indicates a reduction in the potential contamination of the food chain, while on the other, it highlights the limitations of the use of phytoextraction as a clean-up technology in this specific site. In the case under study, it should also be noted that there was no decrease in cadmium bioaccessibility over time, which remained very high even after four years of cadmium aging in the soil, which was about 60% of the total content in the most contaminated soil samples. This highlights the potential health risks related to the incidental ingestion of Cd-contaminated soil, which could become the main exposure route in the case of the final use of the site as a park or public green area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) Contamination of Soil)

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16 pages, 2942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of Environmental Impact on Offshore Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Pipelines

by Shahriar Shams, D. M. Reddy Prasad, Monzur Alam Imteaz, Md. Munir Hayet Khan, Amimul Ahsan and Md. Rezaul Karim

Environments 2023, 10(6), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060104 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4223

Abstract

There has been a steady growth in the length of pipelines over the past 45 years, with over 6000 operating platforms extracting oil. Several facilities would reach their operational life, which can no longer be economically viable for their production and will eventually [...] Read more.

There has been a steady growth in the length of pipelines over the past 45 years, with over 6000 operating platforms extracting oil. Several facilities would reach their operational life, which can no longer be economically viable for their production and will eventually undergo the decommissioning procedure. Almost 3000 petroleum industries will likely be decommissioned worldwide in the next 17 years. By 2030, the total cost of decommissioning globally amounted to about USD 104.5 billion. The choice to decommission the offshore oil and gas sector is considered complicated and crucial as it must evaluate numerous variables such as cost, health and safety, and environmental consequences. This review paper aims to assess the decommissioning activity, specifically on pipelines in the oil and gas industry. The purpose of this study is to understand and evaluate significant environmental impacts associated with decommissioning of oil pipelines and to propose mitigation measures to address the challenges of decommissioning. Waste disposal, a threat to biodiversity and air pollution, is a major environmental concern in decommissioning oil and gas pipelines. Among the decommissioning measures, leave in-situ has the lowest environmental impact while repurposing and recycling, with the application of environmental impact qualitatively and quantitatively by integrating 3D information models, mathematical models embedded in hydrodynamic models look promising for decommissioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment II)

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13 pages, 2830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptations of Potential Nitrogenase Activity and Microbiota with Long-Term Application of Manure Compost to Paddy Soil

by Zhalaga Ao, Juan Xia, Honoka Seino, Katsuhiro Inaba, Yukitsugu Takahashi, Chie Hayakawa, Hideaki Hirai and Isamu Maeda

Environments 2023, 10(6), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060103 - 16 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1666

Abstract

Biological nitrogen fixation complements nitrogen from fertilizers in crop plants under natural conditions. It also contributes to the reduction in chemical fertilizer (CF) utilization in cultivated lands, which fits the concept of sustainable agriculture. From this viewpoint, however, it is still unknown in [...] Read more.

Biological nitrogen fixation complements nitrogen from fertilizers in crop plants under natural conditions. It also contributes to the reduction in chemical fertilizer (CF) utilization in cultivated lands, which fits the concept of sustainable agriculture. From this viewpoint, however, it is still unknown in paddy fields how soil bacterial nitrogenase and microbiota are affected by applied materials in the soil. Therefore, in this study, the effects of long-term material applications on potential nitrogenase activity and the microbiota of soil bacteria were investigated. The nitrogenase activity tended to be higher in manure compost (MC)-applied soils than in CF-applied soils in both summer and winter. Soil bacterial alpha diversity increased whereas soil ammonia availability decreased with the MC application. The dynamic response of soil bacterial microbiota was caused by the MC application. The abundance of Nitrospira, a class of ammonia and nitrite oxidation bacteria, was lower and the abundance of alpha-Proteobacteria was higher in the MC-applied soils than in the CF-applied soils. These results suggest that the alpha diversity increase and restricted availability of NH₃-N might contribute to the increase in potential nitrogenase activity in the long-term MC-applied soils. Full article

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15 pages, 6655 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Implementing Green Roofs in the Private Realm for City-Wide Stormwater Management in Vancouver: Lessons Learned from Toronto and Portland

by Junlin Wang, Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya and Caterina Valeo

Environments 2023, 10(6), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060102 - 15 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1877

Abstract

Green roofs are an innovative stormwater management technology that has numerous environmental benefits. Citywide implementation is critical to maximizing the benefits of green roofs, especially in terms of jurisdictional encouragement and advancing management programs. The City of Vancouver is interested in developing a [...] Read more.

Green roofs are an innovative stormwater management technology that has numerous environmental benefits. Citywide implementation is critical to maximizing the benefits of green roofs, especially in terms of jurisdictional encouragement and advancing management programs. The City of Vancouver is interested in developing a rainwater management strategy that supports the widespread implementation of green roofs on private property. Performance control for a green roof on private property requires standards on local natural factors that affect performance; development considerations; supporting legal tools; maintenance and operation responsibilities; equity through the different types of private properties; and finally, cost. Research into the rainwater management strategies for the cities of Toronto and Portland for green roof implementation was conducted to provide insight into the best approaches for such an implementation in Vancouver. Portland and Toronto both have independent green roof standards in addition to separate rainwater management strategies. Portland focuses on a post-occupancy inspection program to monitor a green roof’s ongoing performance, while Toronto established the Green Roof Bylaw to encourage the implementation of green roofs. Incentive programs that educate and encourage private owners to take the initiative to construct and effectively operate green roofs are essential to the success of a private green roof program. Full article

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19 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

European LIFE Projects Dedicated to Ecological Restoration in Mediterranean and Black Sea Coastal Lagoons

by Rutger De Wit and Nathalie Boutin

Environments 2023, 10(6), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060101 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

This paper discusses how ecological restoration has been pursued through projects financed by L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement (LIFE) of the European Commission in Mediterranean and Black Sea coastal lagoon sites affiliated with the Natura 2000 network. While the LIFE [...] Read more.

This paper discusses how ecological restoration has been pursued through projects financed by L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement (LIFE) of the European Commission in Mediterranean and Black Sea coastal lagoon sites affiliated with the Natura 2000 network. While the LIFE programme started in 1992, the first project focusing on ecological restoration in a coastal lagoon setting in this eco-region was attributed in 1995. In total, 50% (27) of the 54 LIFE projects in the Mediterranean and Black Sea coastal lagoons comprised a worksite on ecological restoration. Eighteen finalized projects, all realized after 2008, have been sufficiently documented for our analysis. The ecological restoration works included (i) removing solid waste and alien invasive species, (ii) re-building lagoons, (iii) creating islets for bird colonies, (iv) restoring the hydrodynamics of the lagoons, and (v) restoring and protecting vegetation. The latter includes submerged aquatic vegetation in the lagoons, halophytes on tidal flats and in fringing salt marshes, freshwater marsh plants, and dune vegetation. Abandoned salt works (Salinas), originally created within the coastal lagoons or on their shoreline, represent significant areas that can be managed for conservation or restoration. Coastal lagoons are transitional waters, and successful restoration of water quality and aquatic communities must include the concept of the aquatic continuum. Combating eutrophication requires managing the watersheds of the lagoons to drastically decrease nutrient loadings. Unfortunately, these issues have only been marginally addressed by the LIFE projects, as they were too often limited by the perimeter of the Natura 2000 sites. In principle, the Water Framework Directive takes care of these issues and, according to an integrative vision, links them with the protected Natura 2000 sites. In practice, however, the LIFE projects and the water policies in the member states still suffer from sectorial approaches. Full article

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16 pages, 8779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Grain Dryer Noise Emissions

by William Lubitz, Kyle Teeter, Ethan Parker, Rachel Dalton and James Dyck

Environments 2023, 10(6), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060100 - 12 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2318

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the environmental noise emissions from grain dryers and the potential impact of practical noise pollution mitigations such as barriers adjacent to dryers. Grain dryers are an essential part of grain production in many parts of the world, including [...] Read more.

There is increasing interest in the environmental noise emissions from grain dryers and the potential impact of practical noise pollution mitigations such as barriers adjacent to dryers. Grain dryers are an essential part of grain production in many parts of the world, including Ontario, Canada. Most dryers are large, stationary units that include a burner to provide process heat and a fan or blower to move heated air through the grain being dried. This study measured sound levels at a range of distances from multiple grain drying facilities in Ontario, Canada, over two drying seasons. It was found that the sound level at a given distance varied substantially, depending on the dryer type and presence of blocking features such as grain bins or buildings. Noise emissions did not necessarily correlate to the size or drying capacity of the facility, with some smaller top dry dryers having higher noise emissions than other much larger tower dryers. Targeted investigations of the impact of practical remediations in the form of physical sound barriers showed sound level reductions were possible that were similar in magnitude to those achieved by highway sound walls along roadways, with most sound reduction being at higher frequencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Solutions Mitigating Environmental Noise Pollution II)

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24 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Aspect Concerning Phthalates Contamination: Analytical Approaches and Assessment of Biomonitoring in the Aquatic Environment

by Dario Savoca, Salvatore Barreca, Riccardo Lo Coco, Diletta Punginelli, Santino Orecchio and Antonella Maccotta

Environments 2023, 10(6), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060099 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

This review is a survey of recent progress in studies concerning the impact of phthalic acid esters in aquatic organisms. After introducing the classification, properties, sources, fate, and toxic effects related to phthalates, an overview of the techniques of extraction and analysis of [...] Read more.

This review is a survey of recent progress in studies concerning the impact of phthalic acid esters in aquatic organisms. After introducing the classification, properties, sources, fate, and toxic effects related to phthalates, an overview of the techniques of extraction and analysis of these substances is provided. As a result, the general concepts of environmental bioindicators, biomonitoring systems, and other concepts related to phthalate contamination in the aquatic environment are presented. Recent bioaccumulation data of different phthalates are summarised in a table and organised according to the type of organism, tissue, and geographical area of sampling. Bioindicator organisms that are more representative of the different phthalates are highlighted and discussed as along with other variables that may be relevant in the assessment of the environmental pollution of these substances. The final part looks at the environmental perspectives and suggests new directions and research objectives to be achieved in the future. Full article

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14 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Assurance of Potential Radioanalytical Methods for ¹⁴C in Environmental Samples

by Saroa Rozas, Raquel Idoeta, María Teresa Rodríguez and Margarita Herranz

Environments 2023, 10(6), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060098 - 09 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1430

Abstract

Today, the measurement of ¹⁴C in environmental samples is of particular interest, as it enables the assessment of the impact caused by nuclear activities and the fossil fuel industry on the environment. In order to assure the quality of ¹⁴C measurement [...] Read more.

Today, the measurement of ¹⁴C in environmental samples is of particular interest, as it enables the assessment of the impact caused by nuclear activities and the fossil fuel industry on the environment. In order to assure the quality of ¹⁴C measurement results, the strategy to enlarge the validation of three radioanalytical methods in environmental samples using liquid scintillation spectrometry—the direct counting of water, bubbling of water and combustion of solids—is presented. Due certain difficulties, such as the lack of quality control materials and the scarcity of proficiency test and intercomparison exercises, especially in solid samples, a set of water and soil samples were prepared for the purpose by tracing them with known quantities of a ¹⁴C standard solution at two activity levels. Aliquots were subjected to the corresponding method and their activity concentration was calculated. Finally, uncertainty, detection limit, accuracy, precision, repeatability and linearity were analysed. The acceptance criteria for the quality parameters were previously established according to ISO 13528:2015 standard and Eurachem Laboratory Guide to Method Validation. In all the methods, the studied parameters fall within the acceptance range, so they are validated. The quality of the results in real samples is controlled through field validation. Full article

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19 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current to Biomass: Media Optimization and Strain Selection from Cathode-Associated Microbial Communities in a Two-Chamber Electro-Cultivation Reactor

by Ting Xie, Linda Ehrhardt, Peter Mike Günther, Johann Michael Köhler and Jialan Cao

Environments 2023, 10(6), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060097 - 07 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1640

Abstract

Cathode-associated microbial communities (caMCs) are the functional key elements in the conversion of excess electrical energy into biomass. In this study, we investigated the development of electrochemical caMCs based on two-chamber microbial electrolytic cells (MECs) after optimization of media composition. Microbial communities obtained [...] Read more.

Cathode-associated microbial communities (caMCs) are the functional key elements in the conversion of excess electrical energy into biomass. In this study, we investigated the development of electrochemical caMCs based on two-chamber microbial electrolytic cells (MECs) after optimization of media composition. Microbial communities obtained from a historical soil sample were inoculated into the cathode chamber of MECs. The inorganic medium with (A) carbon dioxide in air or (B) 100 mM sodium bicarbonate as carbon source was used in the absence of any organic carbon source. After 12 days of operation, the experimental results showed that (1) the bacterial community in group B exhibited lush growth and (2) a single strain TX168 Epilithonimonas bovis isolated from group A indicated electrochemical activity and synthesized large volumes of biomass using sodium bicarbonate. We also analyzed the caMCs of the MECs and reference samples without electro-cultivation using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that the caMCs of MECs in groups A and B were dominated by the genera Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. The caMCs were further inoculated and cultured on different agars to isolate specific electroactive bacterial strains. Overall, our study highlights the possibility of converting excess energy into biomass by electro-cultivation and the importance of selecting appropriate media to enrich specific microbial communities and single strains in MECs. Full article

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12 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Usage of Methanol Fuel Cells to Reduce Power Outages in the Etelä-Savo Region, Finland

by Pedro Gomez Hernandez, Thomas Leopold Berg and George Xydis

Environments 2023, 10(6), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060096 - 05 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465

Abstract

The operation of the electricity grid can be heavily affected by unexpected meteorological phenomena which generate emergency situations that cause extensive outages. This often has to do with weather-related events. In several places in the world, an electricity network operator is responsible for [...] Read more.

The operation of the electricity grid can be heavily affected by unexpected meteorological phenomena which generate emergency situations that cause extensive outages. This often has to do with weather-related events. In several places in the world, an electricity network operator is responsible for fairly compensating end-users. In Finland, there are areas where these weather-related impacts are significantly harsher than those in other areas. Based on this and historic data, the applicability and viability of a high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) backup power system was studied in order to assess the opportunity for its installation in the affected municipalities and regions. When implemented on a larger scale, from both technoeconomic and social perspectives, such systems have the potential to yield significant benefits. Compared to a diesel generator, the HT-PEMFC produced nearly half of the volume of CO₂ and its fuel costs were six times smaller; however, it remains inapplicable to individual detached households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Principles and Practices)

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24 pages, 3667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS-Based Comparative Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment Using Modified-DRASTIC, Modified-SINTACS and NV Index in a Porous Aquifer, Greece

by Marios C. Kirlas, Dimitrios K. Karpouzos, Pantazis E. Georgiou and Nicolaos Theodossiou

Environments 2023, 10(6), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060095 - 04 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is of pivotal importance for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, particularly in regions with intense agricultural activity. This research primarily aims to assess and delineate groundwater vulnerability zones using a comparative approach of three different GIS-based modified models, namely [...] Read more.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is of pivotal importance for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, particularly in regions with intense agricultural activity. This research primarily aims to assess and delineate groundwater vulnerability zones using a comparative approach of three different GIS-based modified models, namely Pesticide DRASTIC-LU, Nitrate SINTACS-LU and Nitrate NV index. For this reason, eight hydrogeological parameters were employed to analyze the spatial distribution of groundwater vulnerability in the Nea Moudania aquifer, Chalkidiki, Greece. This multi-model methodology was implemented to ascertain the most reliable method for the study area. Results indicated that the southern and southwestern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential, whilst the northern part displayed the lowest. Moreover, single-parameter sensitivity analysis has revealed that land use and topography were the most critical parameters of the vulnerability indexes, whereas hydraulic conductivity was the least influential. Finally, the three vulnerability models were validated with nitrate concentrations of groundwater samples. Results revealed that the Nitrate NV index was the most accurate method, trailed by the Pesticide DRASTIC-LU and the Nitrate SINTACS-LU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment Volume II)

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26 pages, 3198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Presence of Phthalate Esters Used as Common Plasticisers in Maltese Shoreline Sand

by Marija Muscat, Emmanuel Sinagra and Frederick Lia

Environments 2023, 10(6), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060094 - 01 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1983

Abstract

DBP and DEHP are two of the most common plasticisers used in modern industries, which have aroused a major concern over their ubiquitous occurrence and hazardous environmental effects. This study presents the first data of phthalates occurrence and distribution in Maltese shoreline sand. [...] Read more.

DBP and DEHP are two of the most common plasticisers used in modern industries, which have aroused a major concern over their ubiquitous occurrence and hazardous environmental effects. This study presents the first data of phthalates occurrence and distribution in Maltese shoreline sand. DBP and DEHP occurrence was investigated in three busy and secluded beaches, respectively. Analytical determination involved quantifying DBP and DEHP from 75 samples using UPLC–MS/MS through triple repeatability. The concentrations ranged between 0.0095 and 0.07034 µg/g and <LOQ and 0.0977 µg/g for DBP and DEHP, respectively. Statistical analysis of the comparison of phthalates in different beaches demonstrated that the occurrence of DBP and DEHP in Maltese shoreline sand varies. The differences in the occurrence of phthalates were attributed to the beach topography and anthropogenic pressures. Analysis of the effects of anthropogenic activities on the occurrence of phthalates showed a positive association. Distribution analysis showed that DBP and DEHP exhibit an uneven distribution along the shoreline. Conversely, different distributions were observed at distances away from the sea. The uneven distributions observed were associated with anthropogenic activities, different chemodynamic properties and wave action. Cluster analysis was performed to prove the interactions between the phthalates concentrations and the characteristics of the beaches. Full article

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13 pages, 1404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergy Effect during Water Treatment by Electric Discharge and Chlorination

by Antonina P. Malyushevskaya, Piotr Koszelnik, Anna Yushchishina, Olena Mitryasova, Andrii Mats and Renata Gruca-Rokosz

Environments 2023, 10(6), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060093 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

Water treatment, such as disinfection, is an integral stage of its use for human life. The use of plasma technology with high-voltage electric discharge in a liquid for obtaining a bactericidal effect is discussed. It has been experimentally shown that among the factors [...] Read more.

Water treatment, such as disinfection, is an integral stage of its use for human life. The use of plasma technology with high-voltage electric discharge in a liquid for obtaining a bactericidal effect is discussed. It has been experimentally shown that among the factors accompanying a high-voltage electric discharge in a liquid and affecting the viability of bacteria, cavitation is the main one. Simultaneous use of electric discharge in the special cavitation mode and oxidizing agents makes it possible to achieve stable disinfection of water. At the same time, bactericidal doses of the oxidizing agent are reduced by a factor of 10 relative to existing standards, and the energy costs for electric discharge exposure, enhanced by small doses of an oxidizing agent, are reduced by 6 times compared to the costs of disinfection by only an electric discharge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies for Advanced Water Purification II)

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21 pages, 3399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Dispersed Oil Sorption in Oily Wastewater onto Hydrophobized/Oleophilized Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Grains

by Akihiro Matsuno and Ken Kawamoto

Environments 2023, 10(6), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060092 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2116

Abstract

The discharge of untreated oily wastewater into the environment has serious impacts on human health, living nature, and ecosystems and leads to significant economic losses. Many engineering techniques have been proposed and applied to treat oily wastewater, but limited studies have investigated low-cost [...] Read more.

The discharge of untreated oily wastewater into the environment has serious impacts on human health, living nature, and ecosystems and leads to significant economic losses. Many engineering techniques have been proposed and applied to treat oily wastewater, but limited studies have investigated low-cost and effective techniques using by-products and waste/scrap materials from the construction industry. Materials to treat oily wastewater are needed not only to mitigate environmental pollution but also to promote the reuse and recycling of industrial by-products, especially in developing countries. This study, therefore, examined the sorption capacity of dispersed oil in wastewater (dispersed soybean oil in water; initial oil concentrations, C_i = 10–1000 mg/L; oil droplet size in water <2 μm) onto the hydrophobized/oleophilized autoclaved porous aerated concrete (AAC) grains made from waste scrap in Vietnam by using batch sorption tests in the laboratory. The AAC grains (sizes 0.106–0.25, 0.25–0.85, and 0.85–2.00 mm) were hydrophobized/oleophilized using oleic and stearic acids (coating concentrations of 1.0, 5.0, and 10 g/kg), and two sands (0.18–2.00 and 0.30–2.00 mm) were used as control samples. The results showed that the hydrophobized/oleophilized AAC grains had high sorption capacity for dispersed oil (i.e., high oil removal efficiency) compared to the control sands. Especially, the removal of AAC grains coated with stearic acid was >80% in high oil concentration solutions (C_i = 100 and 1000 mg/L), indicating that the hydrophobized/oleophilized AAC grains have high potential as useful adsorbents to trap dispersed oil in oily wastewater. Moreover, adsorption isotherms were drawn to examine the sorption characteristics of dispersed oil onto AAC grains. For all tested samples, the sorption of dispersed oil increased linearly with increasing equilibrium concentration. The commonly used Langmuir model, on the other hand, did not capture the measured isotherms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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20 pages, 3494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contaminant Risk and Social Vulnerability Associated with Crustacean Shellfish Harvest in the Highly Urbanized San Diego Bay, USA

by Theresa Sinicrope Talley, Chad Loflen, Nina Venuti, David Pedersen, Richard Gossett and Mark D. Baker

Environments 2023, 10(6), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10060091 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

People in coastal cities around the world harvest seafood from local bays despite well-documented health risks. In cities such as San Diego, California, USA, much information about contaminants and human consumption patterns exists for finfish but is largely lacking for shellfish. This study [...] Read more.

People in coastal cities around the world harvest seafood from local bays despite well-documented health risks. In cities such as San Diego, California, USA, much information about contaminants and human consumption patterns exists for finfish but is largely lacking for shellfish. This study sought to better understand shellfish contamination risks and human vulnerability to inform management and advisories. In summer 2018 and winter 2019, we sampled crustaceans for chemical contaminants and anthropogenic debris and throughout the year surveyed people harvesting from three public fishing piers around San Diego Bay. Of the emerging contaminants found, pyrethroids, benzylbutyl phthalate, PFOS and anthropogenic debris were in differing concentrations in the muscle and viscera of the California spiny lobster and two species of crabs. Combined with previous metal and organic contaminant data from the lobster, 22 contaminants were detected with 5 exceeding consumption thresholds and 8 lacking defined thresholds. California spiny lobster was the main crustacean harvested from piers, attracting shellfishers from a range of ages, incomes, home locations and self-identified racial/ethnic groups. Consumption preferences (e.g., muscle or viscera) were non-discriminant, making lobster contamination a community-wide risk. More monitoring of emerging contaminants and different shellfish species (and tissues) of interest is recommended to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of health risks, especially because the use of bivalves as sentinels may not reveal the same risks (e.g., PFAS, phosphate flame retardants). Full article

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