The Number and Morphological Diversity of Bacteriophages in Soils

Eurasian Soil Science - Epifluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of bacteriophages in all samples of the studied soils (Haplic Chernozem, Albic Retisol (Cutanic, Siltic), Haplic Kastanozem,...     

Remediation of Cadmium Pollution in Soils by Different Amendments: A Column Study

Abstract

A column study was conducted to determine the effect of city compost, lime, gypsum, and phosphate on cadmium (Cd) mobility in three well‐recognized benchmark soils of India [viz., (Islamnagar) Vertisol, (Amarpur) Inceptisol, and (Khala) Alfisol]. Columns made of PVC were filled with soil treated with different treatment doses [viz., 0.5% city compost, 1% city compost, 2% city compost, 2.5 t lime/ha, 5 t lime/ha, 2.5 t lime/ha+0.5% city compost, 2.5 t gypsum/ha, 2.5 t gypsum/ha+0.5% city compost, and 100 kg P₂O₅/ha as potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄). The columns were leached with 100 mg L^?1 Cd under saturated condition. The amount of water moving through the soils was measured as the pore volume. A delayed breakthrough curve (BTC) of Cd in the presence of lime has been observed in all the studied benchmark soil series. Among the treatments, lime application reduced the movement of Cd from surface soil to lower depth of soil to a large extent resulted in 9, 25, and 45% more retention of Cd in surface soil of the Islamnagar, Amarpur, and Khala series respectively. Explanation for reduced Cd mobility in limed soil can be derived from pH changes of soils. In comparison to control soil, phosphate application caused 6, 21, and 30% more retention of Cd in surface soil in the Islamnagar, Amarpur, and Khala series, respectively. Combined application of lime and city compost reduced the movement of Cd in the soil profile. It appears that organic matter controls the sorption of Cd in soils. The amount of Cd sorbed increased with increasing organic carbon content, but gypsum application may leach Cd beyond the root‐zone depth. A rapid breakthrough curve was observed under gypsum‐treated soils. Retardation factor revealed that a somewhat lower degree of Cd retention occurred in the Khala series, which might possibly be attributed to less clay content and low pH. Overall, the column study indicated that total Cd accumulation occurred up to depths of 5–7.5 cm, 7.5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm in soils of Islamnagar, Amarpur, and Khala series, respectively.     

Transport of Escherichia coli and F-RNA Bacteriophages in a 5-M Column of Saturated, Heterogeneous Gravel

The relative transport and attenuation of bacteria, bacteriophages, and bromide was determined in a 5?m long?×?0.3?m diameter column of saturated, heterogeneous gravel. The average pore velocity (V), longitudinal dispersivity (?? _x ), and total removal rate (??) were derived from the breakthrough curves at 1, 3, and 5?m, at a flow rate of 24.8?L?h^?1. The experiments largely confirmed the differences in transport and attenuation patterns among bacteria, phages, and bromide, and between colloid-associated and ??free?? microorganisms, previously observed in a study using homogeneous pea gravel. Cultured Escherichia coli J6-2 cells were transported faster than phage MS2 and bromide, consistent with velocity enhancement of the larger particles. The evidence for velocity enhancement of phage MS2 compared with bromide was less conclusive, with some evidence of retardation of the phage as a result of adsorption?Cdesorption processes in the finer media. On average, phage in sewage and adsorbed to kaolin particles were transported faster than free phage, suggesting that most sewage phage are adsorbed to colloids. However, average velocities of cultured and sewage E. coli differed far less, suggesting that most E. coli in sewage exist as individual (non colloid-associated) cells. There was no conclusive evidence that the wider pore size range in the heterogeneous mixture compared with pea gravel increased velocity enhancement effects. Removal rates of free phage were far higher than in the pea gravel, and were attributed to adsorption in the finer materials. Equivalent increases in removal of cultured and sewage E. coli and colloid-associated phage were attributed to straining in finer materials and settling in quiescent zones. Inactivation (??) rates (determined in the pea gravel study) indicated little contribution to removal of either free or attached microorganisms. The results showed the importance of association with colloids in determining the relative transport of bacteria and viruses in alluvial gravels.     

Removal of Anthracene from Recently Contaminated and Aged Soils

Water, Air, &; Soil Pollution - Suspended microplastic and black carbon (BC) particles were determined in surface waters of the Jade system, southern North Sea, including freshwater sources. On...     

A Comparative Study of Immobilized Nitrifying and Co-Immobilized Nitrifying and Denitrifying Bacteria for Ammonia Removal from Sludge Digester Supernatant

Bench scale kinetic experiments were conducted to examine the use of cell immobilization in calcium alginate to remove ammonia in anaerobic sludge digester supernatant. Two systems, immobilized nitrifiers and co-immobilized nitrifiers and denitrifiers, were studied with and without the addition of methanol. Results indicated that partial nitrification (to nitrite) was achieved in both systems. The co-immobilized reactors did not exhibit the extent of nitrite accumulation observed in the solely nitrifying reactors. The nitrifying reactors were unable to buffer the hydrogen ion production, during the nitrification process, to the level the co-immobilized cell reactors achieved. Both of these differences suggested the occurrence of denitrification in the co-immobilized reactors. Scanning electron microscopic images of bacteria immobilized in the alginate spherical beads support the results of the kinetic experiments. Nitrifiers colonized in the 100–200 μm peripheral layer of the beads. Large voids caused by nitrogen gas due to denitrification were found in a number of co-immobilized bead samples.     

Removal of Lead from Contaminated Soils by Typha Angustifolia

A greenhouse study was demonstrated for removal of lead (Pb) from contaminated soil by the narrow — leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia. The plants were grown in sandy loam soil containing various concentrations of Pb(NO₃)₂ (53.3, 106.7, 160, 213.3, and 266.7 mg Pb kg^-1 soil). Most lead was accumulated in roots and then transported to leaves. In soil contaminated with 266.7 mg kg^-1 of lead, the plants accumulated 7492.6 mg Pb kg^-1 dry weight in the roots and 167 mg Pb kg^-1 dry weight in the leaves. Yet, no growth retardation from lead was detected. T. angustifolia has high potential as a plant to clean up lead contaminated soil due to its vigorous growth, high biomass productivity, and because it is a perennial in nature. Further work is required to study on the iron plaque formation and its role in metal immobilization.     

Variations of Metal Availability and Bio-accessibility in Water-Logged Soils with Various Metal Contents: In Vitro Experiments

Reducing conditions of submerged soils were simulated in laboratory experiments by keeping various soil samples from urban areas under an aqueous solution in sealed flasks for several lengths of time. A polluted soil from a different origin was also included for comparison. Metals dissolved at various times were determined, and availability and bio-accessibility of metals present in the solid phase were estimated. Although significant amounts of Fe and Mn were dissolved, other metals were released to the solution to a much lesser extent. This effect is attributed to the greater solubility of reduced forms of Fe and Mn, and the small amounts of other metals dissolved during water-logging were related with metals retained by, or occluded in, the reduced Fe or Mn compounds. The amounts of available and bio-accessible metals remaining in the solid phase were significantly increased by water-logging, particularly the latter form. Such increase of metal mobility is likely to favour metal leaching to the water table as well as the transfer of potentially toxic elements to humans during recreational activities.     

石油污染土壤中正十六烷降解菌的效果研究

从山东东营石油污染土壤中驯化筛选出一株正十六烷降解菌TZSX2,经生理生化和16S r DNA基因测序,通过构建细菌系统发育树确定其为红球菌属(Rhodococcus)。通过不同环境因子对TZSX2的生长情况和其对正十六烷的降解率的影响研究,确定菌株TZSX2的最适生长和降解温度为28~36℃,对正十六烷的降解率超过30%;TZSX2能够耐受较高浓度的正十六烷,在正十六烷浓度为2 m L·L~(-1)时,降解率为79%,正十六烷浓度为20 m L·L~(-1)时,降解率仍可达到12%;在碱性条件(pH=9)下对初始浓度为10m L·L~(-1)的正十六烷的降解率高达91%。综上,所筛选的TZSX2菌株可以耐碱性,适用于极端环境中石油污染的修复,对高浓度的正十六烷具有优异的降解效果。     

Adsorptive Removal of Pentachlorophenol by Anthracophyllum discolor in a Fixed-Bed Column Reactor

This study investigates pentachlorophenol (PCP) adsorption by the white-rot fungus Anthracophyllum discolor in a fixed-bed column reactor. PCP adsorption at different concentrations (20, 30, and 50?mg?L^?1) and pH values (5.0, 5.5, and 6.0) was determined and modeled using the Thomas model. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify functional groups of biomass that may participate in the interaction of PCP. The biosorption capacity of A. discolor was pH-dependent, and the PCP adsorbed increased with the decrease in the pH solution. Acid pH values of the influent gave an increase in saturation time in all PCP concentrations. By contrast, the increase in PCP concentration caused that the binding sites were filled quickly, resulting in a decrease in saturation time. The Thomas model was found suitable for describing the entire dynamic of the column with respect to the PCP concentration and pH of the solution. FTIR results showed that amines, carboxylates, alkanes, and C?CO groups might participate in the PCP adsorption on the biomass surface. It was concluded that A. discolor biomass was a good adsorbent for PCP removal from influent with mainly acidic pH.     

Potential of Fodder Soybean Genotypes for Phosphorus Removal in Poultry Manure-Enriched Soils

Plant-based phosphorus (P) remediation strategies have been suggested to reduce high P accumulation in soil. Eleven fodder soybean genotypes were evaluated to explore their potential for the removal of P from poultry manure-enriched soils. Field experiments were conducted at a site that had a history of heavy poultry manure applications. Green house experiments were conducted using the soils selected for field trials to confirm the results. Harvesting of whole plants, excluding roots of the genotypes, was done at the pod formation stages and plant samples were oven dried at 70°C for three days. The dry samples were ground and analyzed for total P content. Genotype 091734, provided the maximum P removal from amended and unamended soils. Fodder soybean genotypes could play an important role in the extraction of P from poultry manure-enriched soils, which are important from the ecological point of view.     

Determination of Solute Organic Concentration in Contaminated Soils Using a Chemical-equilibrium Soil Column System

Groundwater risk assessment of contaminated soils implies determination of the solute concentration leaching out of the soil. Determination based on estimation techniques or simple experimental batch approach has proven inadequate. Two chemical equilibrium soil column leaching tests for determination of solute concentration in a contaminated soil were developed; (1) a chemical Equilibrium and Recirculation column test for Volatile organic chemicals (ER-V) and (2) a chemical Equilibrium and Recirculation column test for Hydrophobic organic chemicals (ER-H). The two test systems were evaluated using two soils with different content of organic carbon (f_oc of 1.5 and 6.5%, respectively). A quadruple blind test of the ER-V system using glass beads in stead of soil showed an acceptable recovery (65–85%) of all of the 11 VOCs tested. Only for the most volatile compound (heptane, K_H～80) an unacceptable recovery was found (9%). The contact time needed for obtaining chemical equilibrium was tested in the ER-H system by performing five test with different duration (1, 2, 4, 7 and 19 days) using the low organic carbon soil. Seven days of contact time appeared sufficient for achieving a solute equilibrium concentration. The repeatability of both test systems (evaluated by performing five identical tests) was considered acceptable (8–16% and 7–28% for the ER-V and ER-H system, respectively). Comparing determined solute concentration in both systems for volatile and hydrophobic chemicals with estimated concentrations using an K_ow–K_oc relation and determined total soil concentrations, large differences between measured and estimated solute concentrations were observed, especially for the hydrophobic chemicals (PAHs). This clearly illustrates the need for a reliable method to measure solute phase concentration of PAHs in contaminated soils. Overall a reliable and reproducable system for determining solute concentration of a wide range of organic compounds in contaminated soils has been developed.     

Ammonia Removal from Oil Refinery Effluent in Vertical Upflow Macrophyte Column Systems

Constructed vertical macrophyte systems, for nitrogen removal from oil refinery wastewater, were investigated. Detailed studies were carried out in laboratory columns (diameter, 0.06 m; depth, 0.5 m; operating volume, 0.6 L) planted with common reed, Phragmites australis. Through a vertical flow format, collected oil refinery wastewater was supplied directly to the columns. Wastewater quality varied through the experimental period with initial ammonia concentrations ranging from 3 to 20 mg N L^-1. Effective ammonia removal was obtained for the planted columns with a hydraulic detention time of 5 hr. Removal efficiencies above 90% was obtained for high (above 6 mg N L^-1) ammonia inflow concentrations. A satisfactory ammonia removal was obtained at shorter detention times for the low initial concentrations. Longer detention times also provided organic nitrogen removal. Recirculation of the flow, which provides the same total detention time but a higher hydraulic loading, provides the possibility to adjust the flow rate and the inflow ammonia concentration with detention time to achieve a target outflow concentration.     

Column Elution Experiments on Volcanic Ash: Geochemical Implications for the Main Ethiopian Rift Waters

Column laboratory experiments were employed to assess the leaching behaviour of pyroclastic glassy ash deposits collected in the central Main Ethiopian Rift, where surface and groundwater resources are affected by fluoride (F^?) pollution, which is the cause of an endemic disease (fluorosis) in the local community. To elucidate the source of F^? and simulate the water–rock interaction processes, as well as quantify its distribution within different grain sizes, the pyroclastic ash was analysed by XRF, XRD and SEM and separated into coarse and fine fractions. Three columns were filled with raw (unsieved), coarse (63 μm–2 mm) and fine (<63 μm) fraction, respectively, and flushed with synthetic rain water in saturated conditions. Very fast F^? leaching was observed in the fine fraction column at the start of the experiment, while in the other two columns, F^? was slowly released; in addition, a strong accumulation of F^? was found in the fine fraction. The effect was more pronounced in the fine fraction column due to the available effective adsorbing surface area. Subsequent to elution experiments, the columns were characterised via moment analysis of tracer test. Finally, flow and transport modelling (MODFLOW-2000 and MT3DMS) was employed to compute the amount of F^? adsorbed onto the solid phase, comparing the calculated conservative transport of F^? and the observed concentrations. The results of this study suggest that fluoride is a fundamental constituent of the glass phase (about 0.3 wt.%) and that it is released during the incongruent dissolution of glassy particles. Dissolution of coatings on glass particles could provide an additional contribution to the geochemistry of the interacting fluids. These processes are more effective in the fine fraction due to a much higher reactive (specific) surface area.     

Removal of Heavy Metals from Calcareous Contaminated Soils by EDTA Leaching

The performance of EDTA for the treatment of calcareous soils contaminated with heavy metals from mining and smelting activities was evaluated in this study. Soil samples containing variable levels of contamination, from 500 to 35 000 mg kg^-1 Pb and 700 to 20 000 mg kg^-1 Zn, were subjected to EDTA treatment and the extraction of heavy metals was found to vary, ranging between 50 and 98% for Pb and 50 to 100% for Zn. Total residual concentrations were above the limits set by regulatory authorities; leachable metals, however, were efficiently removed and treated soils were all acceptable in terms of toxicity. The effect of EDTA concentration and pulp density was studied on a soil sample containing 12 000 mg kg^-1 Pb and 10 000 mg kg^-1 Zn. Heavy metals removal was improved at low pulp densities and when EDTA concentration was increased from 0.025 to 0.25 M. The tetrasodium salt Na₄-EDTA was found to be less effective for metals removal compared to the disodium salt Na₂-EDTA, though applied at higher concentrations. This experimental work has also demonstrated the great importance of soil matrix for the overall evaluation of the EDTA leaching as a cost effective remedial option. The simultaneous dissolution of calcite was found to consume approximately 90% of the available EDTA. It was thus concluded that for the treatment of calcareous soils the design criteria and cost estimations should be based on the calcite content of the soil.     

Enhanced Sequential Flushing Process for Removal of Mixed Contaminants from Soils

The feasibility of a sequentially enhanced process for the remediation of soils contaminated by mixed contaminants, specifically multiple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, was investigated. This process consists of sequential flushing using two chemical agents: a surfactant and a chelate. A series of laboratory column experiments was conducted with three different sequential schemes, designated as SEQ1, SEQ2, and SEQ3, in two distinct flushing stages, to remove PAHs and heavy metals from a field-contaminated soil. The SEQ1 scheme involved flushing 0.2 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by flushing 5 % Igepal. The SEQ2 scheme involved flushing 5 % Igepal followed by flushing 0.2 M EDTA. SEQ1 was investigated under a constant hydraulic gradient of 1.2, while the SEQ2 scheme was investigated under hydraulic gradients that increased from 1.2 to 4.0. The SEQ3 scheme consisted of sequential flushing of 5 % Igepal (first stage) and 0.2 M EDTA (second stage) under a constant low hydraulic gradient of 0.2. The selected sequential schemes allowed an assessment of the efficacy of sequencing the surfactant and chelating flushing for the removal of multiple heavy metals and PAHs under various hydraulic gradients. The hydraulic conductivity (or flow) was found to vary depending on the flushing agent and the sequence scheme. Under the high hydraulic gradient, the hydraulic conductivity was lower during chelant flushing stage as compared with surfactant flushing stage in both SEQ1 and SEQ2. However, under a low gradient condition (SEQ3), the hydraulic conductivity was approximately the same during both chelant and surfactant flushing stages. The contaminant removal was also significantly affected by the flushing agent and sequence and the applied hydraulic gradient. Heavy metals were removed during chelant flushing, while PAHs were removed during surfactant flushing. The total removal efficiencies of Pb, Zn, and Cu were 76 %, 63 %, and 11 % in SEQ1 and 42 %, 40 %, and 7 % in SEQ2, respectively, while the total removal efficiencies of phenanthrene, anthracene, benz(a)anthracene, and pyrene were 51 %, 35 %, 58 %, and 39 % in SEQ1 and 69 %, 50 %, 65 %, and 69 % in SEQ2, respectively. Overall, the total mass removal of heavy metals and PAHs was higher in SEQ1 as compared with SEQ2, demonstrating that SEQ1 is the effective sequence scheme. Comparison of the results of high and low gradient conditions (SEQ2 and SEQ3) reveals that the removal of contaminants, especially heavy metals, is rate-limited. Overall, this study showed that the removal of co-existing heavy metals and PAHs from soils is possible through the careful selection of the sequence under which the flushing of chelant and surfactant occurs and depends on the site-specific soil and contaminant conditions. Additional research is needed to establish the most optimal flushing scheme (sequence duration and flow velocity) to remove the mixed contaminants effectively and efficiently.     

应用淡水发光细菌测定土壤Cu急性毒性的影响因素研究

在环境污染物的毒性评价和监测中,发光细菌法是一种具有快速、灵敏和廉价等优点的直接生物测试方法。鉴于海水发光细菌在土壤中应用的局限性,本文拟应用淡水发光细菌青海弧菌Q67（Vibrio—qinghaiensis sp．-Q67）进行土壤中Cu的毒性测定,并对其在土壤Cu急性毒性测定的影响因素进行了研究,包括pH对青海弧菌Q67发光的影响,背景溶液的选择及0．01mol·L^-1 CaCl2对毒性测定的影响,以期确定淡水发光细菌测定土壤Cu急性毒性最佳条件。结果表明,青海弧菌Q67可以应用于pH范围在5．5～9．0之间的样品;不同的背景溶液中,青海弧菌Q67在高浓度人工土壤溶液中的发光最稳定,且不同背景溶液对Cu的毒性测定影响差异不显著,因此,推荐高浓度人工土壤溶液作为青海弧菌Q67应用于土壤样品毒性测定的背景溶液;常用的土壤浸提剂0．01mol·L^-1 CaCl2显著降低了Cu的毒性（全Cu表示）。研究结果对青海弧菌Q67毒性测试方法的建立和在土壤中的应用提供了非常重要的依据。     

Systematically Investigated the Influences of Permeable Pavement Materials on the Water Quality of Runoff: Batch and Column Experiments

To investigate the effect of permeable pavement surface materials (PPSMs) on the influences of pollutant removal in urban storm runoff, six commonly used PPSMs (porous asphalt, porous concrete, cement brick, ceramic brick, sand base brick, and shale brick) were selected and the research was carried out by batch and column experiments. Results indicated that in batch experiments, except for the shale brick, most of the PPSM will release different pollutants continuously with the contact time increasing. Compared with other materials, porous asphalt and ceramic brick could increase the concentration of pollutants in the runoff greatly. With the contact time increased to 48 h, the concentration of NO₃-N and TN increased to 13.0 and 23.1 mg/L for ceramic brick and 13.3 and 32.3 mg/L for porous asphalt, respectively. This is mainly due to the artificial activity that accelerates the wear of the PPSM. Furthermore, results showed that PPSM could eliminate pollutants and influenced the removal efficiency greatly in column experiments. Most PPSMs have a noticeable purification effect on different pollutants, among them the purification effect of porous asphalt is the best. The concentrations of COD, NH₃-N, and TN are 139.6, 1.32, and 7.79 mg/L in the effluent, respectively. These results may be attributed to the relatively stable environment in column experiments which is more suitable for the removal of pollutants. This study could offer new insight into the transformation of pollutants in damaged PPSM and provide useful guidelines for the better design of permeable pavement system.

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转基因抗虫棉对棉田土壤细菌数量及群落结构的影响

以转基因抗虫棉（GK12、33B）及其亲本对照（SM、5415）为材料,利用稀释平板法和基于rRNA基因PCR扩增的变性梯度凝胶电泳（DGGE）技术研究了棉田土壤中细菌数量和群落结构在转基因棉种植第一年的动态变化。结果表明：棉田土壤细菌数量随棉花生育期逐渐增加,于花铃中期达到最大值,转基因棉与其亲本之间细菌数量差异不显著。放线菌数量随生育期变化较小,转基因棉与其亲本之间在花铃中期出现显著差异。DGGE结果显示,转基因棉和亲本都存在丰富且相似的条带,聚类分析表明大多数转基因棉和亲本间条带相似性达80%以上,根据不同的生理期分成2个簇;主成分分析表明转基因棉和亲本细菌群落结构没有显著差异,但在不同生育期存在一定差异,表明生育期是影响细菌群落结构的主要因素,与聚类分析结果相吻合。研究结果初步说明转基因棉对棉田土壤细菌数量和群落结构没有显著影响。     

改性沸石吸附柱去除和回收脱磷尿液废水中氨氮试验研究

经鸟粪石沉淀法回收尿液中磷后的废水中仍含有高浓度的氨氮,若直接排放,不仅会造成水体污染,也导致氮资源浪费。本文在5％HCl浸提,400℃焙烧,结合微波处理改性沸石以提高氨氮吸附能力的基础上,研究了改性沸石吸附柱高度（H）、吸附柱串联数量（N）以及水力停留时间（T）对脱磷尿液废水中氨氮去除效果的影响,评价了HCl溶液、NaCl溶液及其组合对吸附氨氮饱和的沸石的再生效果。结果表明：HCl-焙烧-微波改性沸石对氨氮的平衡吸附量为17．9mg·g-1,是天然沸石对氨氮平衡吸附量（6．9mg·g^-1）的2．6倍。当柱高H=35cm,水力停留时间亚2．0h,吸附柱串联个数N=3时,改性沸石对脱磷尿液废水中氨氮的去除效果最佳。当吸附柱内氨氮负荷小于6370mg时,吸附柱出水中氨氮浓度低于30mg·L-1。10％HCI＋5g·L-1 NaCl混合液作为沸石再生剂时,氨氮洗脱率达到88．3％,再生沸石的平衡吸附量可达16．4mg·g-1,为改性沸石的91．6％。可见,改性沸石吸附柱可有效去除脱磷尿液废、水中氨氮,同时10％HCI＋5g·L-1 NaCl混合溶液能够有效实现沸石再生和氨氮回收。研究结果为脱磷尿液废水中氨氮处理与回收中试试验奠定了基础。     

Removal of Denim Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Inorganic Adsorbents in a Fixed-Bed Column

The adsorption behavior of denim blue from aqueous solutions in column systems, using both carbonaceous material and Fe-zeolitic tuff (Fe-Z), was determined. The breakthrough data obtained for denim blue adsorption were fitted to the empty-bed contact time, Bohart?CAdams, Thomas, and Yoon?CNelson models. The parameters such as breakthrough and saturation times, bed volumes, kinetic constants, adsorption capacities, and adsorbent usage rates (AUR) were determined. The results show that the breakthrough time increases proportionally with increasing bed height, but it decreases as the kinetic constant increases. The adsorption capacity for denim blue for carbonaceous material was higher than Fe-Z. AUR was lower for carbonaceous material than Fe-Z. The results indicated that the carbonaceous material from pyrolysis of sewage sludge is a good adsorbent for denim blue removal.