Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume

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Dear Colleagues,

Since the twentieth century, large amounts of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants have been released into the pedosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere from irrational anthropogenic socioeconomic activities, resulting in significant negative hazards to ecological environment and public health. Particularly, a large amount of pollutants have been emitted into soil and water, causing significant threats to food and water supply safety. Nevertheless, pollutants’ source apportionment and the migration and transformation of contaminants in soil and water are not well understood, and safe utilization of the polluted soil and water requires proper remediation technology.

At present, the remediation of polluted soil and water is dependent on the degree of environmental risk. The most important issue linked to carrying out environmental remediation is the clarification of the source apportionment and migration routes of pollutants. Through various physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, polluted soil and water can be reused as agricultural land, construction land, domestic water, industrial water, etc. Meanwhile, the quality transformation of soil and water before and after remediation and their microbiological mechanism have received little attention. Therefore, novel remediation technologies and methods of reusing natural resources are urgently needed.

This Topic on “Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume” focuses on heavy metals, excess nutrient elements, pesticides, antibiotics, environmental hormones, antibiotics resistance genes, pathogens, microplastics, etc. We are pleased to invite you to contribute a manuscript to this Topic in the Journals Sustainability, Agronomy, Water, Microorganisms, Environments, and Pollutants. Contributors are welcome to submit reviews and original research articles, including but not limited to the following topics:

• Source apportionment, pollution processes, migration, transformation, and environmental risks of inorganic and organic pollutants in soil and water;
• Remediation technologies of polluted soil and water;
• Environmental quality transformation and microbiological mechanisms in polluted soil and water.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Hongbiao Cui
Dr. Ru Wang
Prof. Dr. Yu Shi
Prof. Dr. Haiying Lu
Dr. Lin Chen
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agronomy agronomy	3.7	5.2	2011	15.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Environments environments	3.7	5.9	2014	23.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.5	6.4	2013	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Pollutants pollutants	-	-	2021	21.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Water water	3.4	5.5	2009	16.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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13 pages, 2095 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Acacia karroo’s Potential Aspect in the Phytoremediation of Soil Pollution

by Nontobeko Gloria Maphuhla and Opeoluwa Oyehan Oyedeji

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083315 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 343

Abstract

The rise in contaminated sites presents a significant issue for the environment and human health, necessitating the decontamination of the surroundings and the adoption of effective decontamination strategies. This investigation was initiated to assess the potential aspects of Acacia karroo in conjunction with [...] Read more.

The rise in contaminated sites presents a significant issue for the environment and human health, necessitating the decontamination of the surroundings and the adoption of effective decontamination strategies. This investigation was initiated to assess the potential aspects of Acacia karroo in conjunction with enzyme activity, a method that shows promise for mitigating soil contamination. Acacia karroo, with its hyperaccumulator traits, demonstrates great capacity. Enzymes significantly efficiently convert and detoxify harmful substances to a non-toxic level. ICP-MS quantified the concentrations of trace elements in Acacia karroo, while colorimetric assays were used to determine the activity levels of the enzymes. Ten toxic elements were identified in leaf samples of Acacia karroo in the following sequence: Sr > Zn > Cr > V > Rb > Cu > Ni > Y > Sc > Co; concentrations ranged between 203.86 ± 4.48 ppm (Zn) and 10.12 ± 0.09 ppm (Sc). The concentration of these metals was very high, posing a potential risk of harming the environment. Meanwhile, the three identified enzymes, invertase (INV), phosphatase (PHO), and catalase (CAT), have high and average activity levels, respectively. PHO and CAT showed a positive correlation with Zn, Rb, Sr, and Y, while INV correlated positively with Sc, V, Cr, Co, Cu, and Ni content. The principal component analysis (PCA) findings in this study demonstrated an inconclusive correlation between soil enzyme activity and soil heavy metal content. Both positive and negative correlations between soil enzyme activity and heavy metals were observed. This investigation revealed Acacia karroo as an optimal botanical species for phytoremediation. Consequently, a correlation analysis demonstrated that incorporating the Acacia karroo species along with enzyme activity seems to be a highly promising environmentally friendly technique for remediating soil pollution. The Acacia species can also be used in phytoremediation efforts to help conserve biodiversity. Subsequent investigations should focus on the operational mechanisms of different plant parts used as herbal remedies, isolated compounds, their efficacy, adverse effects, and practical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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12 pages, 932 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Three Varieties of Mustard Grown under Five Soil Management Practices

by Anjan Nepal, George F. Antonious, Frederick N. Bebe, Thomas C. Webster, Buddhi R. Gyawali and Basanta Neupane

Environments 2024, 11(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040077 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 520

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution represents a global health issue. Different methods and technologies are adopted to mitigate the problem of heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has been gaining attention as an environmentally friendly method to remediate this problem. The purpose of this research is to [...] Read more.

Heavy metal pollution represents a global health issue. Different methods and technologies are adopted to mitigate the problem of heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has been gaining attention as an environmentally friendly method to remediate this problem. The purpose of this research is to explore the effectiveness of phytoremediation in agricultural settings to assess the effect of five soil management practices (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn accumulation in the mustard (leaves and pods) of three mustard Brassica juncea varieties (black mustard, yellow mustard, and mighty mustard). The accumulation in mustard was quantified using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results showed that the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the three mustard varieties exceeded one (BAF > 1) for Cd and Mo. It indicates that mustard is a good accumulator of Cd and Mo, whereas BAF values for Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn were less than one (BAF < 1). The accumulated Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn levels were below the allowable limit, whereas the Cd and Pb levels were beyond the limit. This result indicates that the investigated mustard varieties can be grown on heavy metal polluted sites for Cd and Mo phytoremediation purposes, but care is needed with regard to Cd and Mo toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 3147 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization Behavior and Mechanism of Cd²⁺ by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Anoxic Environments

by Lang Liao, Qian Li, Yongbin Yang, Rui Xu and Yan Zhang

Water 2024, 16(8), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16081086 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 493

Abstract

It is vital to remove cadmium from wastewater because of its potential harm to the natural environment and human health. It was found that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) had a good fixing effect on Cd under a strict anaerobic environment. However, there are few [...] Read more.

It is vital to remove cadmium from wastewater because of its potential harm to the natural environment and human health. It was found that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) had a good fixing effect on Cd under a strict anaerobic environment. However, there are few reports on the immobilization effect and mechanism of SRB on Cd in an anoxic environment. This study revealed the effects of initial Cd²⁺ concentration, initial SO₄²⁻ concentration, temperature, pH, and C/N ratio on the immobilization of Cd²⁺ by SRB in aqueous solution under an anoxic environment. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of initial concentration of Cd²⁺ within 0 mg/L~30 mg/L, initial concentration of SO₄²⁻ within 1200 mg/L, temperature within 25 °C~35 °C, pH neutral, and C/N ratio of 20:1, the immobilization rate of Cd²⁺ by SRB is above 90%. The characterization results showed that bioadsorption and chemical precipitation were the main mechanisms of SRB immobilization of Cd²⁺ in an anoxic environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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24 pages, 3668 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Base Layer of Ferrous Sulfate-Amended Pine Bark Reduces Phosphorus Leaching from Nursery Containers

by Jacob H. Shreckhise and James E. Altland

Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040757 - 06 Apr 2024

Viewed by 517

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied to container-grown nursery crops readily leach through pine bark-based substrates and can subsequently runoff and contribute to surface water contamination. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of adding a layer of FeSO₄·7H₂ [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied to container-grown nursery crops readily leach through pine bark-based substrates and can subsequently runoff and contribute to surface water contamination. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of adding a layer of FeSO₄·7H₂O-amended pine bark (FSB) to the bottoms of nursery containers on P leaching characteristics. Phosphorus and iron (Fe) leaching in response to FSB layer height (4 or 7.5 cm), FeSO₄·7H₂O rate (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 kg·m⁻³ Fe), and form (i.e., granular versus liquid) used to formulate the FSB layer, and the inclusion of dolomite in the FSB layer were also investigated. Greenhouse studies lasting 15 and 19 weeks were conducted, in which 2.5 L nursery containers containing the FSB layer treatments below non-amended pine bark substrate were fertilized with 199 or 117 mg P from a soluble or controlled-release fertilizer, respectively. Leachate resulting from daily irrigation was collected and analyzed for P and Fe weekly. All FSB treatments leached less P than the control (non-amended pine bark only), with P reductions ranging from 22% (4 cm FSB with 0.3 kg·m⁻³ Fe) to 73% (7.5 cm FSB with 1.2 kg·m⁻³ Fe). Phosphorus leaching decreased linearly with an increase in Fe rate or layer height. The amount of Fe that leached from containers with FSB was <5% of that applied, regardless of the Fe rate. Granular- and liquid-applied FeSO₄·7H₂O with or without dolomite were equally effective at reducing P leaching. Adding 0.6 kg·m⁻³ Fe to the bottom 500 cm³ of pine bark increased P adsorption by 0.053 mg·cm⁻³ P, which equates to 17.9 mg P adsorbed per gram of FeSO₄·7H₂O added. Results from this research suggest that including an FSB layer in the bottom of nursery containers is an effective strategy for reducing P runoff from container-based nursery production sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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23 pages, 2841 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Biosurfactant-Assisted Phytoremediation of Diesel-Contaminated Soil by Three Different Legume Species

by Rimas Meištininkas, Irena Vaškevičienė, Austra Dikšaitytė, Nerijus Pedišius and Jūratė Žaltauskaitė

Environments 2024, 11(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040064 - 25 Mar 2024

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Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of HydroBreak PLUS biosurfactant on the phytoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil by three legume plant species: Medicago sativa, Lotus corniculatus, and Melilotus albus. Legumes were grown in soil contaminated with diesel (4.0 g kg [...] Read more.

This study aims to assess the impact of HydroBreak PLUS biosurfactant on the phytoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil by three legume plant species: Medicago sativa, Lotus corniculatus, and Melilotus albus. Legumes were grown in soil contaminated with diesel (4.0 g kg⁻¹, 6.0 g kg⁻¹) for 90 days, and the changes in soil diesel and nutrient concentrations, plant growth, and physiological parameters were measured. Diesel negatively affected the biomass production of all legumes, though the reduction in growth rate was observed only in L. corniculatus and M. albus. L. corniculatus had the highest diesel removal rate of 93%, M. albus had the lowest of 87.9%, and unplanted treatments had significantly lower diesel removal rates (up to 66.5%). The biosurfactant mitigated diesel-induced reduction in plant shoot and root weight and an increase in L. corniculatus root biomass (24.2%) were observed at 4.0 g kg⁻¹ diesel treatment. The use of biosurfactant accelerated diesel removal from the soil, though the effect was diesel soil concentration and plant species-dependent. In unplanted treatments, the diesel removal rates increased by 16.4% and 6.9% in the treatments with 4 and 6 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The effect of biosurfactants on diesel removal by plants was less pronounced and reached 4.6% and 3.2% in the treatments with 4 and 6 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The study revealed that the phytoremediation efficiency could not be directly linked to plant physiological parameters as only M. sativa changes in plant growth corresponded well with photosystem II performance. Implementation of legumes and biosurfactants has a positive effect on soil quality by its enrichment with inorganic P and soluble phenols, while no enrichment in NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 4225 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Soil Colloids on the Transport of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ under Different pH and Ionic Strength Conditions

by Zihao Ye, Dihao Xu, Jiawen Zhong, Shuang Gao, Jinjin Wang, Yulong Zhang, Huijuan Xu, Yongtao Li and Wenyan Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020352 - 09 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 917

Abstract

The co-transport of contaminants by soil colloids can generate substantial environmental risk, and this behavior is greatly affected by environmental conditions. In this study, AF4-ICP-MS was used to investigate the size distribution and composition of Cd/Pb-bearing colloids; saturated sand column experiments were used [...] Read more.

The co-transport of contaminants by soil colloids can generate substantial environmental risk, and this behavior is greatly affected by environmental conditions. In this study, AF4-ICP-MS was used to investigate the size distribution and composition of Cd/Pb-bearing colloids; saturated sand column experiments were used to investigate the impact of soil colloids on the transport of Cd/Pb under different pH and ionic strength conditions. AF4-ICP-MS characterization showed that natural colloids were primarily associated with two sizes ranges: 0.3–35 KDa (F1, fine nanoparticles) and 280 KDa–450 nm (F2, larger nanoparticles), which mainly consisted of organic matter (OM), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) (oxy)hydroxides and clay minerals. Fine nanoparticles could strongly adsorb Cd and Pb under all environmental conditions. Mn and Fe (oxy)hydroxides generally formed under neutral to alkaline conditions and exhibited adsorption capabilities for Cd and Pb, respectively. Transport experiments were conducted under different pH and ionic strength conditions. At pH 3.0, soil colloids had little effect on the transport of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺. At pH 5.0, soil colloids inhibited the transport of Cd²⁺ by 16.1%, and Pb²⁺ recovery was still 0.0%. At pH 7.0 and 9.0, soil colloids facilitated the transport of Cd²⁺ by 15.6% and 29.6%, facilitated Pb²⁺ by 1.3% and 6.4%. At an ionic strength of 0, 0.005, and 0.01 mol L⁻¹ NaNO₃, soil colloids facilitated the transport of Cd²⁺ by 77.7%, 45.8%, and 15.6%, only facilitated the transport of Pb²⁺ by 46.2% at an ionic strength of 0 mol L⁻¹ NaNO₃. At an ionic strength of 0.05 mol L⁻¹ NaNO₃, soil colloids inhibited the transport of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ by 33.1% and 21.0%, respectively. The transport of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ facilitated by soil colloids was clearly observed under low ionic strength and non-acidic conditions, which can generate a potential environmental risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 1787 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Cabbage Grown under Five Soil Amendments

by Anjan Nepal, George F. Antonious, Buddhi R. Gyawali, Thomas C. Webster and Frederick Bebe

Pollutants 2024, 4(1), 58-71; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants4010005 - 02 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 895

Abstract

Increased heavy metal pollution worldwide necessitates urgent remediation measures. Phytoremediation stands as an eco-friendly technique that addresses this issue. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of phytoremediation in agricultural practices. Specifically, to evaluate the impact of five soil amendments (chicken manure, sewage [...] Read more.

Increased heavy metal pollution worldwide necessitates urgent remediation measures. Phytoremediation stands as an eco-friendly technique that addresses this issue. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of phytoremediation in agricultural practices. Specifically, to evaluate the impact of five soil amendments (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on three cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) varieties (Capture, Primo vantage, and Tiara) yield, quality, and the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn in cabbage heads. The bioaccumulation efficiency of cabbage was determined using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Analysis revealed that soil enriched with chicken manure exhibited the highest cabbage yield. Each cabbage variety demonstrated very high bioaccumulation factor (BAF) indicating substantial heavy metal accumulation. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing crops for phytoremediation to mitigate heavy metal pollution. Additionally, the concentrations of metals below the permissible limits suggest that employing crops for phytoremediation can simultaneously ensure food productivity. This study emphasizes the necessity for further research into the use of crops for remediation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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13 pages, 1925 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Copper and Cadmium Accumulation and Phytorextraction Potential of Native and Cultivated Plants Growing around a Copper Smelter

by Changming Dou, Hongbiao Cui, Wei Zhang, Wenli Yu, Xue Sheng and Xuebo Zheng

Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122874 - 22 Nov 2023

Viewed by 833

Abstract

Phytoextraction is a promising technology for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil. Continuously screening potential plants is important for enhancing the efficiency of remediation. In this study, fourteen local native plant species and four cultivated plant species, along with their paired soils, were collected from [...] Read more.

Phytoextraction is a promising technology for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil. Continuously screening potential plants is important for enhancing the efficiency of remediation. In this study, fourteen local native plant species and four cultivated plant species, along with their paired soils, were collected from around a copper smelter. The characteristics of soil pollution were evaluated using contaminant factors (CF) and a geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The phytoextraction potential of plants was investigated using the translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF). The soils around the smelter were very acidic, with a mean pH of 5.01. The CF for copper and cadmium were 8.67–32.3 and 5.45–44.2, and the Igeo values for copper and cadmium were 2.43–4.43 and −0.12–2.29, respectively, indicating that the level of soil contamination was moderate to severe. The copper concentrations in the root (357 mg/kg), shoot (219 mg/kg), and leaf (269 mg/kg) of Elsholtzia splendens Nakai were higher than that in the other species. The cadmium in the shoot (32.2 mg/kg) and leaf (18.5 mg/kg) of Sedum plumbizincicola was the highest, and Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. had the highest cadmium level (20 mg/kg) in the root. Soil total and CaCl₂-extractable copper and cadmium were positively correlated with copper and cadmium in the plant roots, respectively. The results of TF and BCF for copper and cadmium suggested that the accumulation and translocation capacities for cadmium were higher than those of copper in the eighteen plant species. Although not all plants met the criteria of being hyperaccumulators, Sedum plumbizincicola, Mosla chinensis Maxim, and Elsholtzia splendens Nakai showed the most potential as candidates for the phytoextraction of copper and cadmium contaminated soils, as indicated by their TF and BCF values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 3491 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Tank Leaching Efficiency through Electrokinetic Remediation: A Laboratory and Numerical Modeling Study

by Farnoush Eftekhari, Faramarz Doulati Ardejani, Mehdi Amini, Reza Taherdangkoo and Christoph Butscher

Water 2023, 15(22), 3923; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15223923 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1068

Abstract

Electrokinetic remediation is a cost-effective and efficient method that utilizes electrical current to transport ions within the subsurface. This process aims to remediate soil contamination caused by industrial activities, which poses threats to wildlife, water quality, and air quality. To assess the impact [...] Read more.

Electrokinetic remediation is a cost-effective and efficient method that utilizes electrical current to transport ions within the subsurface. This process aims to remediate soil contamination caused by industrial activities, which poses threats to wildlife, water quality, and air quality. To assess the impact of the electrokinetic process on tank leaching efficiency, two electrode configurations were tested: vertical and horizontal arrays. These tests considered variable electrode spacing and different voltages in the soil residue. Additionally, the movement of copper cations from the anode to the cathode under this process was investigated. Results show that the horizontal electrode array is more effective in transporting soil moisture because of its broader contact with the soil. After 20 days of using the electrokinetic method with vertical electrodes, the soil moisture content decreased by 12.28%; with horizontal electrodes, it dropped by 38.4%. Also, the concentration of copper in the soil near the cathode electrode increased from 0.54 to 0.77% after 20 days. The estimated copper ion content in the cathode area after 20 days was between 150 and 350 mol/m³, aligning closely with the measured value of 192.5 mol/m³. These results indicate that the electrokinetic process can significantly enhance copper recovery efficiency in tank leaching processes and curtail environmental side effects. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the benefits of using the electrokinetic process to remediate leaching residue and improve the efficiency of industrial processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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24 pages, 1647 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Farmyard Manure Enhances Phytoremediation and Mitigates Pb, Cd, and Drought Stress in Ryegrass

by Abdul Nasir, Muhammad Imran Khan, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz and Irfan Ahmad

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15319; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115319 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 705

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Here, a pot experiment was designed to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of ryegrass (Lolium perennne L.) for Pb- and Cd-polluted soils under various drought levels in the presence of farmyard manure (FYM). Three levels of Pb (0, 300, and 600 mg kg [...] Read more.

Here, a pot experiment was designed to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of ryegrass (Lolium perennne L.) for Pb- and Cd-polluted soils under various drought levels in the presence of farmyard manure (FYM). Three levels of Pb (0, 300, and 600 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (0, 100, and 200 mg kg⁻¹), and drought (field capacity 100, 50, and 30%) as well as two levels of FYM (0 and 1%) were used in this experiment. Results from this study showed a significant decrease (up to 84%) in the overall growth and physiology of ryegrass. A substantial increase in antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and POD) was observed under HMs and drought stress. By the application of FYM, antioxidant activities were significantly reduced. The ryegrass accumulated higher amounts of Pb (up to 150 mg kg⁻¹ in shoots and 193 mg kg⁻¹ in roots) and Cd (up to 71 mg kg⁻¹ in shoots and 92 mg kg⁻¹ in roots) in plant tissues; however, an FYM addition significantly reduced the accumulation of both metals. Furthermore, the results of this research indicated that ryegrass has a promising ability to phytoremediate Pb and Cd, and the addition of FYM may be helpful in enhancing metal stabilization and plant growth despite water constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 1593 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Phosphorus and Cadmium from Wastewaters by Periphytic Biofilm

by Jin Zhang, Yawei Liu, Jiajia Liu, Yu Shen, Hui Huang, Yongli Zhu, Jiangang Han and Haiying Lu

Water 2023, 15(18), 3314; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183314 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 888

Abstract

Phosphorus (Pi) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in water sources pose significant health risks and environmental concerns. Periphytic biofilms have been recognized for their ability to effectively remove these contaminants from aquatic environments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of photon and electron [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (Pi) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in water sources pose significant health risks and environmental concerns. Periphytic biofilms have been recognized for their ability to effectively remove these contaminants from aquatic environments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of photon and electron treatments on Pi and Cd removal by periphytic biofilms. The experiments spanned a monthly timeframe, focusing on how photon and electron treatments affected the contaminant removal efficiency of periphytic biofilms. The results revealed that while the introduction of electrons had a minimal impact on contaminant accumulation, the enhancement of photon exposure significantly improved the absorption capacity of periphytic biofilms. This, in turn, led to enhanced removal of Pi and Cd from the water. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that photons played a crucial role in inducing nitrate and ammonium conversion, thereby facilitating the accumulation of 4.70 mg kg⁻¹ Pi and 2.40 mg kg⁻¹ Cd in periphytic biofilms. In contrast, electron treatment had limited effects on nitrate conversion. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the removal of water contaminants by periphytic biofilms under the influence of electron and photon treatments. Furthermore, they have practical implications for improving pollutant removal capabilities in aquatic ecosystems using periphytic biofilms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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14 pages, 2072 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Reduction of NH₃ Emissions from Urea by Long-Term No-Tillage and Stover Mulching with Inhibitors: An Isotopic Field Study in Northeast China

by Jiayi Zhao, Lei Yuan, Huaihai Chen, Xin Chen, Hongbo He, Xudong Zhang, Hongtu Xie and Caiyan Lu

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092235 - 26 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 829

Abstract

Large nitrogen (N) losses during fertilization in agricultural production may result in energy wastage, soil and water contamination, and potentially influence crop development. Thus, with the help of a ¹⁵N-labeled tracer, we carried out a field monitoring analysis of NH₃ emissions [...] Read more.

Large nitrogen (N) losses during fertilization in agricultural production may result in energy wastage, soil and water contamination, and potentially influence crop development. Thus, with the help of a ¹⁵N-labeled tracer, we carried out a field monitoring analysis of NH₃ emissions in a long-term (9-year) conservation tillage agroecosystem of Mollisols in northeast China, in order to determine whether a no-tillage regime and four levels of stover mulching (0%, 33%, 67%, and 100%), combined with urease and nitrification inhibitors, could improve fertilizer utilization efficiency in agricultural systems by reducing ammonia volatilization. Our results showed that in comparison with ridge tillage, no-tillage with stover mulching levels of 33%, 67%, and 100% significantly reduced NH₃ emission rates and cumulative volatilization from 159.67 to 130.42 g N ha⁻¹ and ¹⁵N-NH₃ cumulative volatilization emission by 26% (on average). Furthermore, the application of urease and nitrification inhibitors significantly reduced ¹⁵N-NH₃ volatilization levels from 1.19 to 0.98 g N ha⁻¹. Our research results demonstrate that a long-term no-tillage regime and straw mulching can significantly reduce NH₃ volatilization in fertilizers. Furthermore, when combined with the use of urease and nitrification inhibitors, these practices further enhance the reduction in NH₃ volatilization. Although the volatilization of ¹⁵N-NH₃ is minimally studied in Mollisols, these findings provide a solid foundation for improving fertilizer utilization efficiency, reducing crop production costs and mitigating subsequent environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies, 2nd Volume)

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