Sulfide Production by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria with Lactate as Feed in an Upflow Anaerobic Fixed Film Reactor

The sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) have the capability of reducing sulfate (SO4-2) under anaerobic conditions into sulfide (S-2) which can precipitate metals as metal sulfides. The optimum conditions for sulfide production by SRB utilizing lactate, in an upflow anaerobic fixed film reactor (UAFFR) were not previously established. The main objective of this research was to investigate these conditions for the growth of SRB to ensure the highest sulfide production under consistent behaviour of the system. Substrate containing lactate as the organic carbon source along with sulfate, nitrogen and phosphorus as the required nutrients was used as a feed to the UAFER which was seeded with SRB. It was found that an optimum sulfide production occurred with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 6 kg d-1 m-3, while the theoretical oxygen demand to sulfate ratio (ThOD/SO4) ranged from 1.5 to 2.25. Also, the optimum total nitrogen and phosphorus demands were determined to be about 250 and 50 mg L-1 respectively. A total nitrogen concentration above 600 mg L-1 started showing toxicity and lowered the sulfide production. The optimum ThOD:N:P for sulfide production and growth of SRB in the UAFFR was 100:5:1 under optimum conditions.     

Enhanced Mobilization of Field Contaminated Soil-bound PAHs to the Aqueous Phase under Anaerobic Conditions

Although microbially-mediated redox environments can alter the characteristics of soil/sediment organic matter (SOM) and its interactions with persistent hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) bound to soils and sediments, the nature of their effects has not been adequately addressed. In this study, a field soil collected from a manufacturer gas plant site and contaminated historically with creosotes was incubated under aerobic and anoxic/anaerobic conditions along with various amendments (extra carbon and enrichment minerals) for stimulating microbial activities. Anaerobic conditions stimulated significant fractions of bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) encompassing naphthalene through benzo[g,h,i]perylene to be mobilized to the aqueous phase, leaving their aqueous phase concentrations far in excess of solubility (increases in their apparent aqueous phase concentrations by factors as high as 62.8 relative to their initial aqueous phase concentrations). Such effects became more evident for high molecular weight PAHs. Dissolved organic matter exhibiting a high affinity for PAHs was liberated from soils during the anaerobic soil incubations. Feasibility of this concept for field applications was evaluated with a lab-scale continuous flow system composed of an anaerobic soil column followed by an aerobic bioreactor inoculated with PAH-degrading microbes. High quantities of PAHs exceeding their aqueous solubilities were eluted from the anaerobic soil column and those mobilized PAHs were readily bioavailable in the secondary aerobic bioreactor. This study may offer a potential method for cost-effective and performance-efficient ex situ remediation technologies (or in situ if appropriate hydrological control available in the contaminated field site) and risk assessment for the HOC-contaminated soils/sediments.     

填埋场中硫化氢恶臭污染防治技术研究进展

硫化氢是垃圾填埋场恶臭污染的主要贡献者之一,填埋场中的硫化氢恶臭污染不仅危害现场工人的身体健康,而且影响周围居民的正常生活。该文概述了垃圾填埋场中硫化氢恶臭的污染状况和特征,从硫化氢的源头控制和末端治理两方面阐述了垃圾填埋场硫化氢恶臭防治技术的研究进展。目前,有关填埋场硫化氢恶臭的控制技术主要集中在末端处理,如对填埋气中的硫化氢进行净化或者采用高效的覆盖层材料来减少硫化氢释放,而对于填埋场内的源头控制手段还非常有限。该文着重提出了利用填埋场堆体内部含量丰富的铁资源的微生物氧化还原以及反硝化脱硫菌的特征代谢作用进行硫化氢的内源削减两大方法,并探讨了其他相关技术的发展趋势,对完善填埋场的硫化氢恶臭污染控制理论与实践具有参考价值。     

Transformation and sorption of fipronil in urban stream sediments

Fipronil is an urban-use insecticide, and the increased use has led to its frequent detections in urban streams. Most studies on the environmental fate of fipronil so far have focused on soils, and little is known about its behavior in sediment-water systems. In this study, we investigated the transformation and sorption of fipronil in urban stream sediments from California, incubated under facultative and anaerobic conditions. Degradation of fipronil in sediments generally followed exponential decay kinetics, and the first-order half-lives of fipronil were only 4.6-18.5 days in anaerobic sediments. The persistence of fipronil under facultative conditions was considerably longer, with half-lives from 25 to 91 days. Sterilization generally decreased the dissipation of fipronil, indicating that microbial activity was an important factor in fipronil transformations in sediments. Under facultative conditions, fipronil sulfide and sulfone were observed, while only fipronil sulfide was detected in anaerobic samples. The sorption coefficient K d consistently increased with organic carbon contents of sediments. In the same sediment, K d usually also increased with contact time, suggesting decreased availability for aged residues. Results from this study showed that the stability of fipronil in sediments depends closely on the oxygen status and that due to the readily conversion of fipronil to the sulfone and sulfide metabolites, the overall risk assessment of fipronil in surface aquatic systems should take into consideration fipronil as well as its metabolites.     

Gas chromatographic identification of sulfur gases in soil atmospheres

Simple gas Chromatographic methods for identification of sulfur gases in soil atmospheres are described. They involve the use of a flame photometric detector fitted with a sulfur filter and of Teflon columns packed with Chromosorb T and Deactigel. The methods permit identification of 13 volatile sulfur compounds (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen Sulfide, carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, sulfur hexafluoride, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, n-butyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, ethyl methyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and diethyl disulfide) in air containing trace (nanogram) amounts of these compounds, and they are not subject to interference by various gases known to be evolved from soils under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The Deactigel column is not required if the gas mixture analyzed does not contain hydrogen sulfide or carbonyl sulfide.     

废水厌氧处理反应器功能拓展研究进展

废水厌氧处理技术自从1860年左右开始得到快速发展,尤其是高效厌氧反应器的研发,使得其应用范围逐步由传统温和的环境和水质条件转向各种极端条件。然而,一般认为厌氧反应器的目标主要还停留在实现废水中有机污染物的甲烷化与高效去除层面,功能比较单一。在实际厌氧反应器中,其他污染物如氮、硫等同样得到不同程度的去除;此外,厌氧反应器的其他新型功能拓展研究也逐步受到关注。然而,目前这些研究大多数围绕着某一个特定研究点展开,相对独立,其研究现状和应用效果缺乏系统的汇总与梳理。该文一方面对厌氧处理技术的发展和厌氧反应器传统功能研究现状进行归纳;另一方面着重对其实现脱硫、脱氮、除磷、除钙软化以及原位沼气提纯等拓展功能的作用原理和过程特点进行综述,以达到系统解析厌氧反应器在废水处理中多重功能作用的目的。同时,该文在综述过程中发现目前多功能厌氧反应器在构型、运行参数、耦合模型构建与调控等方面的研究存在严重不足,难以保证反应器整体性能最优化。通过综述废水厌氧处理反应器功能拓展研究进展可能会对厌氧处理技术进一步发展以及新型多功能厌氧反应器研发有着一定的借鉴意义。     

Sulfur compounds volatilized from soils at different moisture contents

Releases of volatile sulfur-containing compounds from a tidal marsh soil, an agricultural soil, and a forest soil at four moisture contents and under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions were measured. A dynamic, cryogenic collection procedure with subsequent separation and detection by glass-capillary gas chromatography was used. The largest emission fluxes, predominantly hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide, were from the tidal marsh soil samples dried to moisture contents typical of a well-drained aerobic soil. Smaller amounts of carbonyl sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethylsulfide, and dimethyldisulfide were also detected. The only significant S emissions from the agricultural soil were dimethylsulfide and carbon disulfide from water-saturated samples. No gaseous S compounds were detected from the forest soil.     

Gas production during refuse decomposition

Gas production in sanitary landfills is a subject of much concern because of the potential hazards of CH₄ combustion and of groundwater contamination by CO₂. This study investigated the pattern of sanitary landfill gas production and the factors which affect it. A basis for study was prepared by examining factors which influence gas production in soil and sewage sludge digesters. The factors studied included moisture content, temperature, pH, alkalinity, Eh, and nutrition. It was then undertaken to determine whether or not this information was applicable to the landfill. A pattern for landfill gas production was proposed based on the assumption that an anaerobic environment would be achieved and maintained after refuse placement. Four phases were identified: I. Aerobic; II. Anaerobic Non-Methanogenic; III. Anaerobic Methanogenic Unsteady; and IV. Anaerobic Methanogenic Steady. The duration of these phase and the relative amounts of gases produced within each phase were studied. An investigation of information available on factors affecting gas production in sanitary landfills also was made. It was found that, in general, the principles developed from the study of gas production in other media were applicable to the landfill environment. It was found that gas production increases with increased moisture content but that conditions of high infiltration are often conducive to reduction in gas production apparently caused by modifications to the microbial environment. There appears to exist a typical pattern of temperature variation within the landfill with a peak temperature being reached during the initial phase of aerobic decomposition. The magnitude of this peak is related to the refuse temperature at placement. Subsequent temperatures are lower and tend to fluctuate with season. Optimum temperatures for gas production are in the range of from 30°C to 35°C, however, landfill temperatures are often lower than this. Optimum levels of pH and alkalinity exist which maximize gas production rates. The types and amounts of gas produced are influenced by refuse composition. A scheme was proposed to illustrate how the various factors influence landfill gas production and how these may interact. Those factors over which some control may be exerted during landfill design and operation were identified.     

Volatilization of sulfur from unamended and sulfate-treated soils

Volatilization of sulfur from unamended and sulfate-treated soils was studied by sensitive gas chromatographic techniques using a flame photometric detector fitted with a sulfur filter. The soils employed were surface samples of 25 Iowa soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties. No release of volatile sulfur compounds was detected when 11 of these soils were incubated under aerobic or waterlogged conditions before or after treatment with sulfate (400 μg sulfate S/g soil). Fourteen soils released volatile sulfur compounds when incubated under waterlogged conditions before and after addition of sulfate, but only 4 of these soils released volatile sulfur compounds when incubated under aerobic conditions. Where volatilization of sulfur was observed, the volatile sulfur detected was identified as dimethyl sulfide or as dimethyl sulfide associated with smaller amounts of carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, methyl mercaptan, and (or) dimethyl disulfide. No trace of hydrogen sulfide was detected. Where release of volatile sulfur was observed, the amount of sulfur volatilized at 30°C in 60 days under aerobic or waterlogged conditions was very small and did not account for more than 0–05% of the sulfur in the unamended or sulfate-treated soils studied. It is concluded that gaseous loss of sulfur from unamended or sulfate-treated soils is insignificant under conditions likely to be encountered in the field.     

Evolution of volatile sulfur compounds from soils treated with sulfur-containing organic materials

Release of volatile S compounds from soils treated with S-containing organic materials was studied by sensitive gas chromatographic techniques. Methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide were identified as gaseous products of decomposition of animal manures, sewage sludges and plant materials in soils under aerobic or waterlogged conditions. No release of hydrogen sulfide was detected. Most of the S volatilized from soils treated with sludges was in the form of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. whereas most of the S volatilized from soils treated with manures and plant materials was in the form of methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. More S compounds were released, and more S was volatilized, by decomposition of manures, sludges or plant materials in soils under waterlogged conditions than by decomposition under aerobic conditions. When calculated as a percentage of the S added as organic material, the average amount of S volatilized under aerobic or waterlogged conditions was < 0.2% < 0.5% and < 3.4% for the sludges, manures and plant materials, respectively. The five volatile S compounds produced by decomposition of manures, sludges and plant materials in soils under aerobic and waterlogged conditions also were produced by decomposition of plant proteins (zein, gluten and gliadin). It is concluded that the volatile S compounds released by decomposition of the above organic materials in soils are largely, if not entirely, produced by microbial degradation of methionine and cystine in these materials.     

Simultaneous derivatization and trapping of volatile products from aqueous photolysis of thiamethoxam insecticide

An aqueous photolysis study was conducted with radiolabeled thiamethoxam, 4H-1,3,5-oxadiazin-2-imine, 3-[(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)methyl]tetrahydro-5-methyl-N-nitro, to establish the relevance of aqueous photolysis as a transformation process for (14)C-[thiazolyl]-thiamethoxam. (14)C-[thiazolyl]-thiamethoxam was applied to sterile sodium acetate pH 5 buffer solution at a dose rate of approximately 10 ppm. The resulting samples were incubated for up to 30 days at 25 degrees C under irradiated and nonirradiated conditions. The irradiated samples were exposed to a 12-hour-on and 12-hour-off light cycle. Volatile fractions accounted for up to an average of 56.76% of the total dose for the irradiated incubations and <0.08% for the nonirradiated incubations. These fractions were proposed to be a mixture of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and isocyanic acid (CONH). Verification of these components was accomplished by trapping with cyclohexylamine and formation of the thiocarbamate and the isocyanic acid derivatives. A similar method of trapping thiocarbamate metabolites was reported (Chen and Casida, 1978) where filter paper saturated with isobutylamine in methanol was arranged to trap (14)COS and (14)CO(2) under a positive flow of O(2) at 25 degrees C. Mass spectroscopy of the derivatized components confirmed the presence of carbonyl sulfide as the cyclohexylamine thiocarbamate and of isocyanic acid as its cyclohexylamine derivative. Evidence from this study indicates that thiamethoxam degrades significantly under photolytic conditions.     

垃圾填埋场渗滤液地下原位脱氮技术综述

氨氮是城市垃圾厌氧填埋过程中产生的常见的污染物。由于氨氮的持久性和生物毒性,生活垃圾填埋场渗滤液中氮的脱除已引起了人们的高度关注。文中结合国内外的研究现状的基础,论述了厌氧渗滤液回灌、强制通风好氧填埋、准好氧填埋和生物反应器填埋四种垃圾渗滤液原位脱氮处理技术的原理、技术特点、工程投资、运行成本以及处理效果等;指出了垃圾填埋场渗滤液原位脱氮技术的未来研究重点：填埋场内脱氮机理和脱氮速率的深入研究、工艺控制优化研究以及生物反应器填埋的实际应用设计研究。     

Formation of volatile sulfur compounds by microbial decomposition of sulfur-containing amino acids in soils

Evolution of volatile sulfur compounds from soils treated with S-containing amino acids was studied by sensitive gas chromatographic techniques involving use of a flame photometric detector fitted with a sulfur filter. The following volatile sulfur compounds were identified as products of microbial decomposition of S-containing amino acids in soils under aerobic or waterlogged conditions: methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide (evolved from soils treated with methionine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfone or S-methyl cysteine); ethyl mercaptan, ethyl methyl sulfide and diethyl disulfide (evolved from soils treated with ethionine or S-ethyl cysteine); and carbon disulfide (evolved from soils treated with cystine, cysteine, lanthionine or djenkolic acid). Small amounts of dimethyl sulfide and carbon disulfide were evolved from soils treated with homocystine, and trace amounts of carbonyl sulfide were evolved from soils treated with lanthionine or djenkolic acid. No volatile sulfur compounds were evolved from soils treated with cysteic acid, taurine, or S-methyl methionine. The amounts of sulfur volatilized from soils treated with the 14 S-containing amino acids studied represented from less than 0·1 per cent to more than 50 per cent of the sulfur added as amino acid. Hydrogen sulfide could not be detected as a gaseous product of microbial decomposition of S-containing amino acids in soils under aerobic or waterlogged conditions.     

Impact of sanitary landfill on air quality in Baghdad

Hydrogen sulfide, NH₃ and CH₄ are pollutant gases known to be generated from the fermentation of organic matter in solid waste. This work was conducted in a completed sanitary landfill in Baghdad to investigate the possible effect of gases generated and emitted from this landfill on the ambient air quality of the area. Pollutant gases were monitored twice a week for a 14 mo period using continuous monitoring type instruments. Results indicate that concentrations of H₂S, NH₃, and CH₄ occasionally reach relatively high levels. The air quality of the area is not substantially deteriorated.     

Re-evaluation of selectivity of malachite green test for presence of sulfite in mechanically deboned poultry

A study was undertaken to determine whether free chlorine or sulfide anions could yield positive results for the malachite green test in meat samples when sulfite was not present. Malachite green solution was added to a mechanically deboned poultry (MDP) sample spiked with either chlorine or sulfide ions. The presence of chlorine in MDP samples at any concentration tested did not yield a positive reaction for the malachite green test. When sulfide ions were introduced into MDP samples, positive results were observed at 40 micrograms sulfide ion/g MDP and above. Because aqueous solutions of sulfide at the levels mentioned have a relatively high pH, it was necessary to determine whether the pH or the presence of the sulfide ions had caused this positive reaction to the malachite green test. After a comparison of a solution of sulfide, and a solution of a matching pH, it was observed that the sulfide present caused the positive reaction to the malachite green test.     

An experimental study of two potential methylation agents of mercury in the atmosphere: CH3I and DMS

Experimental results from a study of the gas and aqueous phase reactions of elemental mercury (Hg⁰) with methyl iodide (CH₃I) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) are presented. In aqueous phase experiments with CH₃I we found no observable increase in methyl mercury (MeHg). A small formation of MeHg, however, was observed in some (but not all) gas phase experiments in sunlight. A loss of Hg⁰ and a simultaneous formation of oxidized mercury (Hg(II)) was also observed in these experiments. No reaction, neither methylation or oxidation, was found between Hg⁰ and DMS under any conditions investigated. These experiments suggest that a simple homogeneous gas or aqueous phase methylation of Hg⁰ by DMS or CH₃I in the atmosphere cannot account for the significant levels of MeHg observed in precipitation.     

Dissipation of the herbicide [14C]dimethenamid under anaerobic conditions in flooded soil microcosms

The objective of this research was to investigate the dissipation of the herbicide dimethenamid under anaerobic redox conditions that may develop in the soil environment. Soil-water biometers were prepared with a saturated soil and made anaerobic by either glucose pretreatment (according to the Environmental Protection Agency registration study for anaerobic fate) or N2 sparging. Treatments included glucose pretreatment, NO3- + SO42- amendment, unamended, and autoclaved. Volatile, aqueous, extractable, and bound (unextractable) 14C-residues were quantified and characterized. The redox potential decreased over time, and evidence of denitrifying, iron-reducing, sulfate-reducing, and methanogenic conditions was observed, depending on the amendments. Anaerobic degradation of 14C-dimethenamid occurred in all treatments, and the time observed for 50% disappearance (DT50) was 13-14 days for nonautoclaved treatments. 14C-metabolites accumulated to up to 20% of applied 14C. At least two major metabolites were observed in nonautoclaved treatments, whereas only one was observed in autoclaved microcosms. More than 50% of the applied 14C was eventually incorporated into soil-bound residue.     

Hydrogen Sulfide and Odor Control in İzmir Bay

The city of ?zmir on the Aegean Sea shoreline is suffering from rotten odors emitted by anoxic river mouths. Anaerobic conditions in the shallowest portion of ?zmir Bay due to industrial and domestic wastewaters as well as eutrophication products in this very calm part of the Bay are responsible for this. The inner section of the Bay is becoming shallower with sediments rich in organic matter. Aerobic digestion of organic pollutants is limited by the oxygen input and the warm climate leads to an optimal medium for anaerobic processes when anoxic conditions take over. Anaerobic digestion products are odorous gases among which H₂S with a characteristic pungent odor is most effective in this case. Sulfur containing gases are formed from sulfides and sulfates in the sediment-water interface and are released into the air. Airborne H₂S concentrations are variable as they depend on factors such as high atmospheric diffusion coefficients under changing wind direction and speed, as well as variable such as water depths, organic loadings from rivers, air and water temperatures, sulfate concentrations in sediment and water phases, pH, and Eh. This study aimed to control noxious smells by inhibiting the anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria at the sediment surface. To achieve this aim, pH of the sediment-water interface was increased by spreading hydrated lime. Successful lime doses were investigated in laboratory models first and were then tested and applied in the estuary and downstream segment of one of the creeks. Rates of H₂S gas emissions and aqueous H₂S levels were measured. It was noted that waterborne H₂S levels at river mouths were reduced. Odor control efficiencies of 80–96% even after 10 days of lime addition in the field experiments were obtained. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that lime application to the sediment surface is a recommended method in odor control programs.     

Aqueous biphasic system to extract arbuscular mycorrhizal spores from soils

The aqueous biphasic system (ABS) method using PEG and ammonium sulphate improved the recovery of spores from tropical soils as compared with the sucrose gradient method. The ABS was not affected by low temperatures. The optimal recovery of spores was achieved when 100% PEG and 50% ammonium sulphate concentration and PEG₈₀₀₀ instead of PEG₄₀₀₀ were used. Under these conditions an optimal interface formation which facilitates the localization and recovery of spores was obtained. Both phases of the ABS are aqueous and did not affect either the viability of spores or the level of root colonization reached by these spores. Soil composition did not affect the number of spores obtained by the ABS method either.     

沉积物─水界面营养盐释放研究Ⅰ.根际土壤溶液采样器在底泥氮释放研究中的应用

采用根际土壤溶液采样器（Ｒｈｉｚｏｎ－ＳＭＳ）和自制的培养容器对厌氧条件下西湖底泥ＮＨ４＾＋－Ｎ的释放进行了室内模拟研究。结果表明：在厌氧条件下,ＮＨ４＾＋－Ｎ累计通量与时间关系曲线呈现３个阶段,根据通量－－时间曲线中两个线性阶段计算的厌氧条件下ＮＨ４＾＋－Ｎ的释放速率分别为１１．６０和５．１２ｍｇ ｍ＾－２ｄ＾－１。实验表明：Ｒｈｉｚｏｎ－ＳＭＳ具有使用方便、采样时空分辨率高等特点,可能成为间隙水地球化学研究的一种有力工具。