Heavy Metals in Water Percolating Through Soil Fertilized with Biodegradable Waste Materials

The influence of manure and composts on the leaching of heavy metals from soil was evaluated in a model lysimeter experiment under controlled conditions. Soil samples were collected from experimental fields, from 0- to 90-cm layers retaining the layout of the soil profile layers, after the second crop rotation cycle with the following plant species: potatoes, spring barley, winter rapeseed, and winter wheat. During the field experiment, 20 t DM/ha of manure, municipal sewage sludge composted with straw (SSCS), composted sewage sludge (SSC), dried granular sewage sludge (DGSS), “Dano” compost made from non-segregated municipal waste (CMMW), and compost made from municipal green waste (CUGW) was applied, i.e., 10 t DM/ha per crop rotation cycle. The concentrations (μg/dm³) of heavy metals in the leachate were as follows: Cd (3.6–11.5)?<?Mn (4.8–15.4)?<?Cu (13.4–35.5)?<?Zn (27.5–48.0)?<?Cr (36.7–96.5)?<?Ni (24.4–165.8)?<?Pb (113.8–187.7). Soil fertilization with organic waste materials did not contaminate the percolating water with manganese or zinc, whereas the concentrations of the other metals increased to the levels characteristic of unsatisfactory water quality and poor water quality classes. The copper and nickel content of percolating water depended on the concentration of those metals introduced into the soil with organic waste materials. The concentrations of Cd in the leachate increased, whereas the concentrations of Cu and Ni decreased with increasing organic C content of organic fertilizers. The widening of the C/N ratio contributed to Mn leaching. The concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Mn in the percolating water were positively correlated with the organic C content of soil.     

Heavy metal levels in apple orchards after the application of two composts

Abstract

Two composts were tested in eleven different Malus domestica orchards: one was a sewage sludge and bark compost with a low heavy metal content, the other was a municipal solid waste compost with a higher concentration of metals. For six years the zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) content were monitored in the soil, both in ‘total’ and EDTA extractable form, and in leaves and fruits. The resulting data demonstrate clearly that the sewage sludge and bark compost did not cause any significant increase of heavy metal levels in soil and plants; this compost can thus be used to fertilize the soil with no danger either to the environment or to crops. In contrast, the municipal solid waste compost led to a notable accumulation of all the metals examined in the soil and, above all in the case of Pb and Cd, also in the vegetation and the fruits.     

废弃混凝土对水中重金属铜和铅的吸附特性

工业废水的直接或间接排放导致我国自然水体受重金属污染程度较高,对重金属污水处理刻不容缓,但现有重金属去除方法普遍存在工艺过于复杂或投资高等缺点。由于废弃混凝土颗粒含有水泥水化产物和未水化的水泥颗粒,具有一定的活性和较高的比表面积,因此该研究拟尝试采用废弃混凝土颗粒作为重金属污染水的吸附材料。通过重金属浸出试验发现,重金属浸出量与废弃混凝土粒径相关,粒径越大,重金属析出量越小。基于试验数据以及《国家污水综合排放标准》的排放阈值要求,最终确定了废弃混凝土颗粒材料的最佳选取粒径。随后,通过静态吸附试验,重点考察了吸附时间、吸附剂用量、重金属初始质量浓度对废弃混凝土吸附重金属铜和铅的影响。结果表明：铜和铅在废弃混凝土上的吸附是一个先快速而后缓慢的过程,在100 min基本达到吸附平衡,且废弃混凝土对铜和铅的吸附量随铜和铅初始质量浓度的升高而提高,去除率则随着铜和铅初始质量浓度的升高而降低,随着废弃混凝土用量的升高而提高。废弃混凝土对铜和铅的吸附符合Langmiur等温吸附模型,拟合得到的最大吸附量分别为40.75和86.73 mg/g;准二阶动力学模型更适合描述废弃混凝土对铜和铅的吸附过程,说明控制吸附速率的主要是化学吸附。与其他常见的天然吸附剂材料相比,废弃混凝土对水中重金属铜和铅具有良好的吸附性能,可以作为吸附材料来处理含铜和铅的污染水。     

Competitive adsorption of zinc,cadmium, copper,and lead in three highly‐weathered Brazilian soils

Abstract

Equilibrium adsorption experiments on zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were conducted in three horizons of two Ultisols and one Oxisol with and without liming, from Viçosa‐MG (Brazil). Equilibrium solutions were applied as a “cocktail”; containing 700 mg L^‐1 of Zn, 20 mg L#lb¹ of Cd, 200 mg L^‐1of Cu, and 300 mg L^‐1 of Pb and its dilutions of 1:5 and 1:20. After shaking, the mixture was centrifuged, the supernatant collected and the pH and the concentrations of metals in the mixture were determined. Soil order, soil horizon, and liming had significant effects on the metal adsorption. Some important changes in the adsorption characteristics of the metals, especially in Zn and Cd, were observed due to competition between the different cations present in the solution. Also, desorption of Zn and Cd was observed with an increasing concentration of the solution. The adsorption data for Zn and Cd did not fit the linear, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm equations for most situations, as these equations do not consider the possibility of a decrease in the amount of metal adsorbed with increasing metal competition for the adsorption sites. Due to the competition with other metals, the equations, which offered the best fit for Zn and Cd, were quadratic polynomial models. On the other hand, for Cu and Pb, the equations, which showed the best fit were linear, Langmuir, and Temkin, for different situations. The reasons for this behavior were related to the strong competitive forces for the adsorption sites presented by these two metals.     

Enhancement of Metal Sorption by Composted Paper Mill Waste Following Microbial Manipulation

The biosorptive-capacity of composted paper mill waste (PMW) for the heavy metals [Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II)] was improved by inoculation of sterilized compost with a Bacillus brevis strain followed by incubation. This strain was originally isolated from the compost and adsorbed up to 31% of its dry weight of lead and 28% in copper at an initial concentration of 185.2mg/L and 182.3mg/L respectively. Estimated numbers of the bacterium following 21 days growth in the compost at 25°C reached 10⁹ cells/g. The modified compost exhibited up to a three-fold increase in capacity for removal of lead and up to a two-fold increase in capacity for removal of copper from aqueous solution.     

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Farmyard Manure Application on Heavy‐Metal Uptake in Wheat

The risks related to municipal solid waste compost application in comparison to farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers on durum wheat were investigated on a short‐term experiment. Compost was applied at 40 t ha^?1 and 80 t ha^?1 with or without chemical fertilizers. Analogously, farmyard manure was applied at 40 t ha^?1. Both compost and farmyard manure improved plant growth and nutrient uptake. However, compost amendment showed more effectiveness, especially at 80 t ha^?1. Alternatively, this dose of compost involved an increase of plant copper, cadmium, and zinc concentrations in plant tissues. Metal accumulation did not thwart the enhancement of wheat yield. Furthermore, grain translocation factor reached 1 only in the case of copper; however, it showed a significant decrease following compost application (ranged between 0.57 and 0.69). Bioconcentration factor showed a significant decrease with municipal solid waste compost supply, constituting an internal detoxification mechanism.     

Compost use in viticulture: Effect on heavy metal levels in soil and plants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the long‐term effect of compost application on the heavy metal content in soil, leaves, and fruit of grape (Vitis vinifera). Two types of compost were tested in a vineyard. One was compost with a low heavy metal content, which was derived from sewage sludge and bark (SB compost). The other type was compost with a higher concentration of metals, which was derived from municipal solid waste (MSW compost). For 6 years, the levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in their total (aqua regia digestion), EDTA‐extractable, and DTPA‐extractable forms were monitored in soil, leaves, musts, and wines. The resulting data clearly demonstrate that SB compost did not cause any significant increase in heavy metal levels in the soil and the plants. Thus, this type of compost can be used for soil fertilization with no danger either to the environment or to crops. In contrast, the use of MSW compost caused a significant accumulation of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the soil, in vegetation, and in musts. Skin‐contact fermentation dramatically decreased the heavy metal content of the wines. The concentration of heavy metals in plant tissues was found to be positively correlated with the DTPA‐extractable form of the metals in the soil, but not correlated with the total or the EDTA‐extractable forms.     

Long-term amendment of four different compost types on a loamy silt Cambisol: impact on soil organic matter,nutrients and yields

This study investigated the long-term effects of different composts (urban organic waste compost (OWC), green waste compost (GWC), cattle manure compost (MC) and sewage sludge compost (SSC)) compared to mineral fertilisation on a loamy silt Cambisol, after a 7-year start-up period. The compost application rate was 175 kg N ha^?1, with 80 kg mineral N ha^?1 and without. Soil characteristics (soil organic carbon (SOC), carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and soil pH), nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)) and crop yields were investigated between 1998 and 2012. SOC concentrations were increased by compost applications, being highest in the SSC treatments, as for soil pH. N contents were significantly higher with compost amendments compared to mineral fertilisation. The highest calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL)-extractable P concentrations were measured in the SSC treatments, and the highest CAL-extractable K concentrations in the MC treatments. Yields after compost amendment for winter barley and spring wheat were similar to 40 kg mineral N ha^?1 alone, whereas maize had comparable yields to 80 kg mineral N ha^?1 alone. We conclude that compost amendment improves soil quality, but that the overall carbon (C) and N cycling merits more detailed investigation.     

Prediction of heavy metal contents and displacement in soils

Under laboratory conditions, the availability of cadmium, lead and copper in an Orthic Luvisol was investigated when applied to the soil at various initial concentrations. The metals were applied separately or concurrently with the other two heavy metal ions in order to bring about competition for the adsorption sites. The presence of competing metals increased the general availability especially of cadmium in the soil. Lead and copper were to a lesser extent also affected by the competition of other ions. On the basis of our ion-competition results we developed a longterm trend model suitable to predict the consequences of regular heavy metal loading (e.g. in the form of sewage sludge). The model takes into consideration the annual precipitation and the water suction profile of the soil. On the basis of the model predictions it has to be concluded that the threshold values for heavy metals in the sewage sludge regulation (Switzerland) are too high.     

Electrokinetic Copper and Iron Migration in Anaerobic Granular Sludge

The application of low-level direct electric current (0.15 mA cm^?2) as an electrokinetic technique to treat copper-contaminated mesophilic anaerobic granular sludge was investigated. The sludge was obtained from a full scale UASB reactor treating paper-mill wastewater and was artificially contaminated by Cu(NO₃)₂ or CuEDTA^2? with initial copper concentrations of 1000 mg . kg^?1 wet sludge. The effect of different electrokinetic cell layouts, pH and EDTA concentrations on the migration of copper and iron during electrokinetic treatment were evaluated. Both, the pH of the sludge cake or the copper complexation with EDTA significantly affected the migration direction of copper. In an ‘open’ cell (sludge cake in direct contact with air), the highest copper mobility was observed at pH 2.5 in both Cu(NO₃)₂ or CuEDTA^2? amended sludge. The highest copper accumulation was at the cathode (22 ± 2)% with CuEDTA^2? as contaminant. In a ‘closed’ cell (sludge cake not in contact with air), the highest accumulation was obtained for CuEDTA^2? at the anode and amounted to 4(± 0.5)% and 2(± 0.05)%, respectively, at a final pH of 4.2 and 7.7 in the sludge cake.     

Comparison of Sewage Sludge and Yard Waste Compost As Biofilter Material for Ammonia Removal

Sewage sludge compost and yard waste compost were compared with respect to their efficiency as biofilter material for removing ammonia from air. Ammonia removal efficiency was investigated using both small-scale filter columns in the laboratory and large-scale filter columns operated at a pig farm. The laboratory experiments were carried out using 30 cm high columns with a volume of 250 cm³ supplied with an artificially produced ammonia-air mixture, whereas 1 m columns with a volume of 27 liters supplied with the ambient air from the pig stable were used in the large-scale experiments. All filter columns were able to remove more than 95% of the ammonia in the inlet regardless of compost type and applied air flow rate. Ammonia concentration profiles inside the compost columns measured at the end of the experiments indicated that sewage sludge compost removes ammonia at significantly higher specific rates than yard waste compost. The likely explanation is that sewage sludge compost contains higher numbers of nitrifying bacteria originating from the wastewater treatment process.     

DNA- and RNA-derived assessments of fungal community composition in soil amended with sewage sludge rich in cadmium, copper and zinc

Current UK legislation permits the application of sewage sludge to agricultural land provided concentrations of heavy metals in soil do not increase above maximum permissible limits. However, even within the defined limits, we do not know how an increase in soil heavy metal concentrations is likely to affect biological diversity and activity. Here we report on the effects of sewage sludge addition, including sludge rich in the metals cadmium, copper and zinc, on soil fungal community composition using both an rDNA and rRNA DGGE approach. Sewage sludge addition altered fungal ITS-DGGE banding patterns, however, there were no additional effects of an increase in soil heavy metal concentrations. Similar results were obtained for the full range of copper rich sludge treatments even when copper concentrations were well above the maximum permissible limits. Our data therefore demonstrate that although an increase in soil organic matter content alters soil fungal community diversity and composition, increasing soil concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc up to current legislative limits had little additional effect regardless of whether rRNA or rDNA was analysed. This suggests that current UK limits for these three heavy metals are within a concentration range that the dominant soil fungi at this field site can tolerate.     

不同改性黏土矿物吸附净化磷污染水体的性能比较

比较了酸、热及其复合改性对凹凸棒石黏土、膨润土和高岭土等3种黏土矿物吸附净化不同程度磷污染水体能力的影响。结果发现,2%浓度酸处理、300℃热活化及酸热复合改性均可以显著提高凹凸棒石黏土的磷吸附净化能力,且以复合改性效果最好,Ⅴ类和劣Ⅴ类水的磷去除率均比原土提高30%以上;酸、热改性均能显著提高膨润土的磷吸附净化能力,但综合不同程度磷污染水体来看,热活化略优于酸改性,但酸热复合改性没有呈现更佳的效果;热改性显著提高高岭土的磷吸附净化能力,而酸改性却不同程度地降低了高岭土的磷吸附净化能力,酸热复合改性的效果亦不如热单独改性。结果表明,在针对不同程度磷污染水体时需根据黏土矿物特性选用酸处理、热活化或酸热复合改性方法来提高污水的吸附净化效率。     

Composting of Yard Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge Mixtures

Composting of yard waste and sludge/yard waste mixtures was investigated during laboratory and field testing. A strong correlation between moisture content and windrow peak temperatures was observed. Odors were detected at cocomposting windrows when temperatures exceeded 54°C. The sludge to yard waste mixture ratio was found to affect resulting compost particle size and, consequently, oxygen transport. Compost quality was excellent, with pesticides below detection level and low concentrations of heavy metals.     

Removal of Heavy Metals in Storm Water Runoff Using Porous Vermiculite Expanded by Microwave Preparation

The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of vermiculite for removing heavy metals from water. Vermiculite components were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, and the concentrations of metal ions were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Serial batch kinetic tests and batch sorption tests were conducted to determine the removal characteristics for heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Solution pH values of tests with the inflated vermiculites generally increased and then stabilized. Equilibrium pH was generally established within 5?h. Removal rates of inflated vermiculite were tested at the initial concentration of 3?mg/L. At equilibrium concentrations, except for chromium (36.23%), most heavy metals were effectively removed (96.08?C98.54%). Finally, sorption data were correlated with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. For each metal, the Q _max obtained using the Langmuir isotherm was as follows: lead, 725.4?mg?kg^?1; cadmium, 568.8?mg?kg^?1; zinc, 540.2?mg?kg^?1; copper, 457.2?mg?kg^?1; and chromium, 0.9?mg?kg^?1. The study results indicate that inflated vermiculite has outstanding removal rates and therefore can be used as an adsorbent for various heavy metals.     

Heavy metal and volatile organic chemical removal and treatment in on-site wastewater infiltration systems

Solvents, greases, and rinse waters from routine vehicle maintenance contain heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). In Wisconsin, these fluids enter catch basins along with rinsing waters and are discharged to soil infiltration systems drainfields after mixing with domestic wastewaters in a septic tank. The purpose of this study was to monitor heavy metal and VOC removal and treatment in catch basins and septic tanks at four publicly-owned motor vehicle service stations (MVSS). Cadmium, chromium, and lead were found in catch basin wastewater, septic tank effluent, and septic tank sludge at concentrations ranging from 0.002–7.7 mg L^?1. Lead was found in the highest concentration. The highest concentrations of metals were in septic tank sludge. Of the >50 VOCs scanned for in catch basin wastewater, septic tank effluent, and septic tank sludge samples, 29 were found in concentrations that exceeded analytical detection limits. Concentrations of detected VOCs ranged from 1.0–15,800 µg L^?1 and the highest concentrations of VOCs were found in catch basin wastewater and septic tank sludge. Acetone, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes were the most commonly found VOCs at all sampling locations. Thus, heavy metals and VOCs were not completely removed in catch basins and were discharged to septic tanks where removal occured possibly as these contaminants settled with solids in the sludge. The level of treatment was, however, inadequate and heavy metals and VOCs were discharged to drainfields.     

Effect of Calcium on the Soil Adsorption of Cadmium and Zinc in Some Spanish Sandy Soils

Castellón Plain is a natural area with an extension of 464 km², situated in Castellón (eastern coast of Spain), with an important number of ceramic industries which generate waste waters containing cadmium and zinc. In this paper, equilibrium adsorption isotherms have been obtained to examine the behaviour of cadmium and zinc in three selected soils of Castellón Plain (Spain) by means of batch experiments. Both metals exhibit non-linear adsorption isotherms with adsorption maximum beyond the dissolved concentration range considered in this study. Statistical analysis showed that data fit slighty better to Freundlich linearization than that of Langmuir. Adsorption coefficients obtained from Freundlich approximation were calculated to evaluate the relative cadmium and zinc distribution between solution and studied soils obtaining coefficients ranging from 5200 to 5900 μg kg^-1μg l^{-1 -n} for cadmium and from 3500 to 43200 μg kg^-1μg l^{-1 -n} for zinc. The effects of salt concentration and calcium competition for adsorption sites were investigated providing different concentrations of CaCl₂ in background solutions. Adsorption capacities of cadmium and zinc in the studied soils decreased when the salt concentration increased. A tenfold increase in calcium concentration reduced the cadmium adsorption capacity approximately by one third whereas the Ca²⁺ ion does not seem a significant competitor with Zn²⁺ for adsorption sites in soils with high organic matter content, where precipitation of zinc can be expected.     

Study of nickel sorption onto biological sludges. possibilities for heavy metals removal treatments

Nickel adsorption onto a sludge wasting from a biological aeration tank is described in this work. This procedure is planned as an alternative method for metal removal from industrial effluents containing heavy metals in low concentrations. Experimental results of equilibrium adsorption and laboratory equipment operation are reported. Equilibrium data of nickel adsorption were fitted to the Freundlich equation. On the basis of this equation, the effect of several parameters such us metal concentration, sludge concentration and metal dosing rate were tested. Nickel removal efficiency is about 80% in the most favourable cases. Aeration during metal-sludge contact was also tested but little enhancing in metal uptake was observed. This analysis can be used to define the best operation conditions in practical cases either for metal or organic matter removal.     

膨润土对重金属离子的竞争性吸附研究

通过间歇震荡平衡法研究了膨润土对4种重金属离子Cd2+、Zn2+、Cu2+、Pb2+的竞争性吸附特性及其机制。研究结果表明:与单一离子体系比较,膨润土在竞争体系中对Cd2+、Zn2+、Cu2+、Pb2+4种重金属离子的吸附量均呈下降趋势。竞争体系下,其它重金属离子的存在显著抑制了膨润土对Cd2+的吸附,降幅为19.20%~37.50%,而对Pb2+的吸附能力几乎没有影响,降幅仅为0.41%~2.83%。膨润土对4种重金属离子的富集系数,其大小顺序依次为Pb2+>Cu2+>Zn2+>Cd2+。该选择性吸附顺序与重金属离子的一级水解常数密切相关。     

肥料重金属含量状况及施肥对土壤和作物重金属富集的影响

本文对肥料中重金属的含量状况以及施肥对土壤和农作物重金属累积影响的研究进展进行了系统分析和总结。过磷酸钙中锌（Zn）、 铜（Cu）、 镉（Cd）、 铅（Pb）含量高于氮肥、 钾肥和三元复合肥,有机-无机复混肥料中的Pb含量高于其他化肥。有机肥如畜禽粪便、 污泥及其堆肥中的重金属含量高于化肥,猪粪中的Cu、 Zn、 砷（As）、 Cd含量明显高于其他有机废弃物,鸡粪中铬（Cr）含量高;污泥和垃圾堆肥中Pb或汞（Hg）含量高。商品有机肥Zn、 Pb和镍（Ni）含量高于堆肥,Hg含量高于畜禽粪便。多数研究表明,氮磷钾配施与不施肥相比土壤Cd和Pb含量增加,施用有机肥比不施肥提高土壤Cu、 Zn、 Pb、 Cd含量。施用化肥对农作物重金属富集的影响不明确,而施用有机肥可提高作物可食部位Cu、 Zn、 Cd、 Pb 的含量,影响大小与有机肥种类、 用量、 土壤类型和pH以及作物种类等有很大关系。在今后的研究中应着重以下几个方面, 1）典型种植体系下土壤重金属的投入/产出平衡; 2）不同种植体系下长期不同施肥措施对土壤重金属含量、 有效性影响的动态趋势; 3）典型种植体系和施肥措施下土壤对重金属的最高承载年限; 4）现有施肥措施下肥料中重金属的最高限量标准。