Environmental Remediation Projects Research Articles

Intensifying Cadmium remediation: the impact of synergy between Crambe abyssinica and plant growth-promoting microorganisms

Cd, a toxic metal, is naturally found in the environment and is exacerbated by human activities such as mining, agriculture, and industrial processes. Its contamination in soils poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems, prompting the need for effective remediation strategies. This study focuses on the use of Crambe abyssinica, an oilseed plant known for its tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, including Cd contamination, for phytoremediation of contaminated soils, associated with bioremediation through plant growth-promoting microorganisms. The study involved growing Crambe in vitro. Methods included seed asepsis, substrate contamination with various Cd concentrations, and inoculation with beneficial microorganisms such as Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bacillus subtilis along with Bacillus megaterium, Azospirillum. brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Trichoderma harzianum. Data such as plant length and root area were measured, and the nutrient and Cd content in the plants were assessed. Results indicated that inoculation with microorganisms significantly enhanced the nutrient content in Crambe plants, even under different Cd concentrations. Notably, A. brasilense and P. fluorescens were particularly effective, not only increasing nutrient uptake but also enhancing Cd accumulation in the plants, which is crucial for phytoremediation. The presence of these microorganisms also led to a significant reduction in the Cd concentration in the substrate, showcasing their potential in bioaugmentation. The study highlights the efficacy of using Crambe abyssinica in conjunction with specific microorganisms for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. The synergistic effects of these plant-microorganism interactions not only promote plant growth and health but also enhance the phytoextraction of Cd, offering a sustainable solution to soil contamination. Future research should focus on optimizing these interactions and exploring their applications in larger-scale environmental remediation projects.

Preparation of Cementitious Materials from Mechanochemically Modified Copper Smelting Slag Compounded with High-Aluminum Fly Ash.

Copper smelting slag discharged from mining and high-aluminum fly ash generated during the combustion of coal for energy production are two typical bulk solid wastes, which are necessary to carry out harmless and resourceful treatment. This research proposed an eco-friendly and economical method for the co-consumption of copper smelting slag and high-aluminum fly ash. Cementitious materials were compounded with copper smelting slag and high-aluminum fly ash as the main materials were successfully prepared, with a 28-d compressive strength up to 31.22 MPa, and the heavy metal leaching toxicity was below the limits of the relevant standards. The optimum mechanical properties of the cementitious materials were obtained by altering the material proportion, ball mill rotation speed, and CaO dosage. Under the combined effect of mechanical ball milling at a suitable speed and chemical activation with a certain alkali concentration, the prepared cementitious materials had an initial activation. The pastes of the cementitious materials generated a gel system during the subsequent hydration process. The two steps together improved the mechanical strength of the cured products. The preparation was simple to operate and offered a high stability of heavy metals. The heavy metal contaminants were kept at a low content throughout the process from raw materials to the prepared cured specimens, which was suitable for application in practical environmental remediation projects and could provide effective solutions for ecological environment construction.

Contemporary Progress in the Applications of Iron-based Magnetic Nanoparticles in Multicomponent Synthesis: A Review

Abstract: In recent decades, organic synthetic reactions have advanced towards a greener and sustainable reactions by the usage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Such nanoparticles can be quickly recovered and reused in various organic syntheses. MNPs are a sustainable methodology while encountering environmental and profitable advantage. Due to their properties, MNPs have broad impacts on multiple fields. For instance, their size and magnetic properties have significant implications for various biomedicine, environmental remediation projects, and catalysis. MNPs are an alternative to conventional materials. These are smaller and have a high surface area that allows them to have copious catalytic sites. Amongst various MNPs, iron-based nanoparticles are being profoundly explored in different multicomponent reactions (MCRs). A convergent reaction, which retains most of the significant atoms of the starting components. This investigation targets to equip its readers a brief appertaining to nanoparticles, their processing, and characterization and summarize the evolution in applications of Iron-based MNPs in multicomponent synthetic procedures since 2010.

Remediating the sky: the role of geoenvironmental engineers and applied geoscientists in geochemical carbon dioxide removal

The largest environmental remediation project in human history has begun – that of removing hundreds of billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the atmosphere over the coming century. This removal, together with deep and rapid emissions reduction, will be essential in preventing dangerous climate change. This briefing introduces the field of geochemical CO 2 removal (gCDR), which proposes to accelerate the natural reaction of atmospheric CO 2 with rocks or anthropogenic materials. It also explores the critical role that geoenvironmental engineers and geoscientists will have in researching and deploying these technologies. While currently at an early stage of development, it is possible that gCDR will operate at a global scale (billion tonnes of CO 2 per year) by mid/late-century, resulting in an industry that generates hundreds of billions to a trillion dollars in annual revenue, equivalent in scale to the present-day oil industry. The core technical competencies of this industry will be derived from geoscience disciplines requiring the contribution of thousands and possibly tens of thousands of workers globally. To realize these opportunities, our community needs to lead in the development of gCDR, help to pioneer its deployment, create standards for monitoring and verification, and incorporate gCDR into existing education programmes and professional development. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Climate change and resilience in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/Climate-change-and-resilience-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology

Dynamics of multiple stakeholders’ benefits due to mining area environmental remediation based on risk reduction and ecosystem services

Environmental remediation of heavy metal-mining sites can improve human well-being through pollution risk control and improved ecosystem services. A cost-benefit dynamic analysis for the multiple stakeholders involved in the project can better explain the overall efficiency and provide guidance for further mine remediation. Taking Asia's largest monomeric realgar mine environmental remediation project (MER) as a case, we conducted, for the first time, a dynamic cost–benefit analysis for multiple stakeholders over a 60-year period regarding environmental risks, health risks and ecosystem services. The results show that by improving the environment and ecosystem, the payback period is expected to begin 5 years after the end of the project, with a benefit‒cost ratio of 2.71 by 2050. Local residents, the direct beneficiaries, receive 13.2% of the benefits, which come from agricultural soil remediation projects (66.6%) and health risk reduction (33.4%). The government, as an investor, receives 3.3% of the benefits. Downstream water users are the main beneficiaries, receiving 76.5% of the total benefits, mainly from the benefit of As-contaminated water purification (97.9%). Compensation from downstream beneficiaries for improved water might be channeled into sharing the burden of MER implementation. Notably, the intercropping remediation of hyperaccumulators and low-accumulation crops for agricultural soils in MER provides employment and sustainable agricultural income during and after remediation, respectively. This green and sustainable remediation model improves both the environment and the livelihood of residents and should be recommended for nearly one million mining sites worldwide.

J. curcas and Manihot esculenta are potential super plants for phytoremediation in multi-contaminated mine spoils

Phytoremediation approaches have increasingly been applied in environmental remediation projects. In this study, the potentials of Manihot esculenta (M. esculenta), Vigna unguiculata (V. unguiculata) and J. curcas curcas (J. curcas) in remediating multi-contaminated mine spoils was evaluated. The target potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are Cd, As, Zn, Pb, and Hg. The test plants were grown and monitored under growth stress conditions for 270 days. Using inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry and EPA method 200.8, the total elemental contents in the shoot and root parts of the plants were determined. Significant differences (p< 0.01) were observed in the uptake performance of the test plants. For example, M. esculenta and J. curcas, bioaccumulated 50- 80 % of the various baseline PTE contents in their root parts at 270 days after planting. In contrast, < 27 % of PTEs were found in the root parts of V. unguiculata, except Zn at 70 %. Growth stressors and soil PTEs were factors that reduced biomass production in respective plants by 25 %. Cummulatively, the performance order M. esculenta> J. curcas> V. unguiculata was observed for multi-contaminant removal in soils. Techniques for enhancing the easy cultivation of the test plants are recommended to enhance their applicabilities in phytoremediation projects.

Mercury Pollution and Cleanup in the South River, Virginia

Mercury pollution has detrimental effects on ecosystems and on human health. This case study describes the efforts of the South River Science Team to characterize industrial mercury pollution in the South River near Waynesboro, VA. The team studied the movement of mercury through the river ecosystem for 6 years and used their findings to help design remedial projects to reduce mercury exposure to humans and wildlife. This case study can be used to introduce concepts of mercury pollution, fate and transport, and the decisions involved in designing environmental remediation projects. Each section of the case study ends with a series of discussion questions meant to lead into the next section.

Soil Odor as An Extra-Official Criterion for Qualifying Remediation Projects of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil.

Unfortunately, many property owners in southeastern Mexico do not trust environmental authorities, and the de facto method they use to evaluate the progress in environmental remediation projects is soil smell. This criterion was evaluated to determine if it was reliable to assess soil fertility and toxicity. Three soils (Fluvisol, Gleysol, and Arenosol), were contaminated with 2% medium or heavy crude oil (30.2, 17.1°API, respectively), and treated for 18 months to simulate bioremediation or natural attenuation. Every two months, field capacity, water repellency, hydrocarbon concentration, acute toxicity and soil odor were measured. Odor was measured in controlled conditions with a group of unexperienced panelists. During remediation, the Fluvisol and Gleysol were perceived to have an odor intensity between slight to low, and were considered acceptable. Meanwhile, in the Arenosol, the odor intensity was between low to medium and was considered unacceptable. After treatment, the hydrocarbon concentration was reduced to low levels, very near Mexican norm, and all the soils, including the Arenosol, were perceived to have an intensity between neutral to slightly agreeable, were considered acceptable, and no toxicity was observed in the earthworm bioassay (no false positives). However, in various soil samples from the Fluvisol and Arenosol, important risks were present with respect to field capacity and water repellency. Due to these observations, even though soil smell may be a trustworthy guide to soil toxicity, it does not ensure that the remediated soil’s fertility has been restored.

Balancing Environmental Remediation, Environmental Justice, and Health Disparities: the Case of Lake Apopka, Florida

Agricultural production in the United States provides numerous economic contributions from the national scale to the local, providing farmworker and laborer jobs for hundreds of thousands of people [1]. Unfortunately, conventional agricultural operations are often associated with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can cause environmental degradation and health problems. Large-scale conventional agriculture is often using pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer intensive, and these chemicals may contaminate natural environments, harming wildlife, and degrading water quality. When contamination incidents occur, government agencies and non-profit organizations respond in various ways, including environmental remediation. These efforts can be successful in restoring water quality and improving biodiversity. But, what happens when clean-up efforts are able to improve the physical environment but do not address human health? We use the case of Lake Apopka, Florida, to analyze a case of agricultural contamination that resulted in damage to the environment and the health of the farmworkers who were exposed to these harmful chemicals. Our analysis explores how government agencies and non-profit organizations were successful in their conservation efforts, but failed to help the farmworkers and other people who were sick as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals. We conclude with recommendations for policy makers and environmentalists to better address and include marginalized or vulnerable communities in environmental remediation projects.

Methodology to Quantify Social Sustainability Index for Environmental Projects

Currently, there is a growing interest among professionals in recognising the concepts of sustainability in the decision-making of environmental remediation projects, a practice called sustainable ...

Quantitative Assessment of Life Cycle Sustainability (QUALICS): Framework and its application to assess electrokinetic remediation

In recent years, the broader environmental impacts of remediation that arise from different remediation activities has drawn attention of practitioners, remediation design professionals and academicians to evaluate the net environmental benefit of environmental remediation projects. The main objective of this paper is to describe the Quantitative Assessment of Life Cycle Sustainability (QUALICS) framework, a new tool developed to strengthen decision-making in the selection of sustainable remedial technologies for the clean-up of contaminated sites. The proposed framework is a combination of two multi-criteria evaluation methods namely, the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The QUALICS uses a multi-criteria assessment framework to support decision-making in remediation projects. A description of the methodology adopted for sustainability assessment of alternative remedial strategies using QUALICS framework is presented in this study. In addition, a case study is discussed to demonstrate the application of the QUALICS framework for the sustainability assessment of different remediation options for clean-up of a contaminated site. The case study involves sustainability assessment of different remediation options namely, electrokinetic remediation (EKR), excavation/disposal, and phytoremediation for remediation of a contaminated site. A sensitivity analysis was also performed for the EKR option by varying different parameters including electrode materials, energy source, electrolyte used, to analyze their influence on the sustainability of the alternative remedial options. The proposed framework can also be applied to any project in general to quantify and compare the sustainability indices of each of the alternative options considered and thereby identify the most sustainable option.

Rapid detection of cadmium and its distribution in Miscanthus sacchariflorus based on visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

Monitoring the effectiveness of Miscanthus sacchariflorus to meet the basic requirements for environmental remediation projects is an important step in determining its use as a productive bioenergy crop for phytoremediation. Conventional chemical methods for the determination of cadmium (Cd) contents involve time-consuming, monotonous and destructive procedures and are not suitable for high-throughput screening. In the present study, visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology combined with chemometric methods was used to assess the Cd concentrations in M. sacchariflorus. The total Cd concentrations in different plant tissues were measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Partial least-squares regression and least-squares support vector machine were implemented to estimate Cd contents from spectral reflectance. Successive projections algorithm and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) methodology were used for selecting optimal wavelength. The CARS-partial least-squares regression model resulted in the most accurate predictions of Cd contents in M. sacchariflorus leaves, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.87 and a root mean square error (RMSE) value of 97.78 for the calibration set, and an R2 value of 0.91 and a RMSE value of 75.95 for the prediction set. The CARS-least-squares support vector machine model resulted in the most satisfactory predictions of Cd contents in roots, with R2 values of 0.95 (RMSE, 0.92 × 103) for the calibration set and 0.90 (RMSE, 1.64 × 103) for the prediction set. Finally, the Cd concentrations in different plant tissues were visualized on the prediction maps by predicted spectral features on each hyperspectral image pixel. Thus, visible and near-infrared imaging combined with chemometric methods produces a promising technique to evaluate M. sacchariflorus' Cd phytoremediation capability in high-throughput metal-contaminated field applications.

Cost performance index stability: insights from environmental remediation projects

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of the cost performance index (CPI) for environmental remediation projects as the topic is not addressed in the literature. CPI is defined as the earned value of work performed divided by the actual cost of the work, and CPI stability represents the point in time in a project after which the CPI varies by less than 20 percent (measured in different ways). Design/methodology/approach After collecting monthly earned value management (EVM) data for 136 environmental remediation projects from a United States federal agency in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, the authors used the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze CPI stability. The authors also used nonparametric statistical comparisons to identify any significant relationships between CPI stability and independent variables representing project and contract characteristics. Findings The CPI for environmental projects did not stabilize until the projects were 41 percent complete with respect to project duration. The most significant factors contributing to CPI stability were categorized into the following managerial insights: contractor qualifications, communication, stakeholder engagement, contracting strategy, competition, EVM factors, and macro project factors. Originality/value As CPI stability for environmental remediation projects has not been reported in the literature, this research provides new insights to help project managers understand when the CPIs of environmental remediation projects stabilize and which factors have the most impact on CPI stability.

Environmental remediation and its discontents: the contested cleanup of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Since protest forced the US Navy off Vieques Island, Puerto Rico in 2003, the US military has embarked on one of the largest environmental remediation projects it has ever undertaken. This article explores the way a narrowly conceived, technocratic cleanup process is translated onto an island with a deep history of grassroots mobilization and antagonism towards federal authority. The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is a crucible for considering the uneasy dynamics of cleanup. US law enshrines the RAB as the principal venue for public in the cleanup process. However, the prevailing technocratic framework, constrained by under-resourced bureaucratic agencies, clashes with more encompassing concepts of environmental justice. Citizen members of the RAB, nonetheless, approach the committee as a point of access to information about the remediation process, and leverage their participation as a tool for advancing a broader set of environmental justice claims.

Societal constraints related to environmental remediation and decommissioning programmes

The decisions related to decommissioning or environmental remediation projects (D/ER) cannot be isolated from the socio-political and cultural environment. Experiences of the IAEA Member States point out the importance of giving due attention to the societal aspects in project planning and implementation. The purpose of this paper is threefold: i) to systematically review societal constraints that some organisations in different IAEA Member States encounter when implementing D/ER programmes, ii) to identify different approaches to overcome these constraints and iii) to collect examples of existing practices related to the integration of societal aspects in D/ER programmes worldwide. The research was conducted in the context of the IAEA project Constraints to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation (CIDER). The research results show that societal constraints arise mostly as a result of the different perceptions, attitudes, opinions and concerns of stakeholders towards the risks and benefits of D/ER programmes and due to the lack of stakeholder involvement in planning. There are different approaches to address these constraints, however all approaches have common points: early involvement, respect for different views, mutual understanding and learning. These results are relevant for all on-going and planned D/ER programmes.

Current significant challenges in the decommissioning and environmental remediation of radioactive facilities: A perspective from outside the nuclear industry

This paper presents the results of implementing an extrajudicial environmental mediation procedure in the socioenvironmental conflict associated with routine operation of the El Cabril Disposal Facility for low- and medium- activity radioactive waste (Spain). We analyse the socio-ethical perspective of this facility's operation with regard to its nearby residents, detailing the structure and development of the environmental mediation procedure through the participation of society and interested parties who are or may become involved in such a conflict. The research, action, and participation method was used to apply the environmental mediation procedure. This experience provides lessons that could help improve decision-making processes in nuclear or radioactive facility decommissioning projects or in environmental remediation projects dealing with ageing facilities or with those in which nuclear or radioactive accidents/incidents may have occurred.

Report of decontamination at Tominari Elementary School.

On 19 April 2011, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology designated 13 elementary schools, including Tominari Elementary School in Date city, as high-dose schools that needed to restrict outdoor activities due to the effects of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Approximately 1 week later, the municipal government took action to remove the topsoil from the school grounds, and the prohibition of outdoor activities at Tominari Elementary School was lifted. The school staff continued to work on decontaminating the surrounding areas using high-pressure washers and brushes. There were certain positive outcomes, but a more effective decontamination method was required. In July 2011, the municipal government started an environmental remediation project, both inside and outside the school buildings, with researchers and decontamination workers at Tominari Elementary School, involving members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), local communities, and volunteers using various effective and specialised forms of decontamination. As a result, Tominari Elementary School was able to recommence swimming lessons at the end of the first semester, which had been thought to be impossible. This article will provide information about the importance of 'dialogue' for decontamination, how engagement of the experts gave members of the PTA and the local community a feeling of 'security and safety', and how the decontamination work was an ever-expanding collaborative work of a large number of people.

Simulation-based costing for early phase life cycle cost analysis: Example application to an environmental remediation project

Simulation-based costing (SBC) has been slow to be adopted by the traditional cost estimating community. This can be attributed to many factors, including complexity, how to gather data and develop probabilistic inputs, cost of SBC software, and a lack of understanding of the benefits of developing cost versus risk profiles. This article presents an overview of how SBC can be effectively utilized for early phase life cycle cost (LCC) estimation. A formal process for conducting LCC incorporating SBC is presented not only to provide a structured approach but to also convey to stakeholders how such a study is conducted. This article also presents a case study where total ownership cost versus risk profiles were developed using this proposed process in order to support budgetary and planning considerations for a large environmental remediation project. This research argues that SBC is needed during the concept exploration phase because this is when budgets are often fixed and expectations set.

Metals and PCB levels in some edible marine organisms from the Ionian Sea: dietary intake evaluation and risk for consumers.

Concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cu, As, Hg, Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in edible marine organisms from different trophic levels and feeding behaviour like bivalve molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Chlamys glabra), gastropod molluscs (Hexaplex trunculus) and some commercial species of fish (Trachurus trachurus, Boops boops, Sarpa salpa and Gobius niger). These species were collected in the first inlet of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), classified as 'Site of National Interest' established by National Law 426 (1998) and included in the 'National Environmental Remediation and Restoration Projects'. The aim of this work was to investigate contamination levels and public health risks, associated with consuming seafood harvested from these areas. Moreover, in this study, was also estimated the weekly intake in children and adults, both for metals and PCBs. In comparison with the permissible limits set by EC Regulations, Cd and Pb levels were over the limit in the H. trunculus (in all sampling stations) and in the fish T. trachurus respectively. PCBs were over the legal limit in all sampled species with the exception of M. galloprovincialis (station 1), C. glabra and the herbivorous fish S. salpa. In the fish T. trachurus, for example, the concentration of six target PCBs was about five times higher than the EC limit. The estimated intakes of those trace elements included in this study through seafood consumption by the population exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives for Cd and Hg in the H. trunculus and T. trachurus, especially in children. Moreover, hazard quotience (HQ) for Hg and Cd was >1 in the children for T. trachurus and H. trunculus consumption. As regard non-dioxin-like PCB (NDL-PCB), the estimated intake were always above the 'provisional guidance value' (70ng/kg body weight) Arnich et al. (Regul Toxicol Pharm 54: 287-2, 2009) for all sampled organism. Thus, health risks due to the dietary Hg, Cd and PCBs intake, especially for children, cannot be excluded. Therefore, an extended remediation programme is necessary to safeguard marine ecosystem, human health and, not less important, the economic activities, in the Taranto marine area.

The Art of Socioecological Transformation

This article uses two artistic case studies, Bird Yarns (a knitting collective engaging questions of climate change) and SLOW Cleanup (an artist-driven environmental remediation project) to examine the “work” art can do with respect to socioecological transformations. We consider these cases in the context of geography's recent interest in “active experimentations and anticipatory interventions” in the face of the challenges posed by the environmental and social uncertainties of the Anthropocene. We propose two dimensions to the force of art with respect to these concerns. First, it provides a site and set of practices from which scientists, artists, and communities can come to recognize as well as transform relations between humans and nonhumans. Second, it encourages an accounting of the constitutive force of matter and things with implications for politics and knowledge production. Through these two dimensions, we explore how the arts can enable forms of socioecological transformation and, further, how things might be different in the future, enabling us to explore who and what might play a part in defining and moving toward such a future.