RESUMEN
This paper deals with the evaluation of geo- and bioavailability of trace elements, including heavy metals, present in a typical serpentinite-derived soil of the Pollino Massif (Southern Italy). Precisely, the research was aimed to (1) assess processes and factors controlling the mobility of metals in the soil in order to identify the elements "potentially harmful" for the human health, (2) estimate possible metals accumulation in horticultural crops, and (3) evaluate phyto- and genotoxicity of Cr naturally present in soils and water. The studied profile has a homogeneous mineralogical composition consisting of metal-rich phases as prevailing minerals. The three-step sequential extraction was performed on soil samples from which four fractions (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual) were obtained and analysed by ICP-MS. The lowest contents of metals are in the exchangeable and oxidizable fractions suggesting a metal contamination is unlikely for the studied soil. Conversely, the residual and reducible fractions are the more metal enriched fractions. Among heavy metals, mainly Pb and Cd and subordinately Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn are associated with Fe- and Mn-oxi/hydroxides that, under acidic conditions, may release the adsorbed metals in circulating water. The high contents of heavy metals, including Cr and Ni, of analysed vegetables suggest a metal transfer from soil to plant. However, no significant effects on Vicia faba seeds were observed by in vivo phyto- and genotoxicity tests. Conversely in vitro genotoxicity tests, performed on HepG2 human cell line, showed that DNA damage and cytotoxic effect depending on Cr concentration may occur.
Asunto(s)
Metales Pesados/análisis , Metales Pesados/toxicidad , Suelo/química , Oligoelementos/análisis , Oligoelementos/toxicidad , Ácidos/análisis , Disponibilidad Biológica , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Humanos , Italia , Verduras/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidadRESUMEN
A number of water purification processes have been developed in recent years based on the utilisation of low-cost materials with high pollutant removal efficiency. Among these materials, fly ash and zeolite synthesised from fly ash are two examples of high-efficiency adsorbents. Column absorption tests were performed in order to compare the manganese sorption behaviour of an Italian coal fly ash and zeolite synthesised from it. Different masses of both materials (10-60 g) were exposed to solutions containing a total metal concentration of 10 mg/L. Batch adsorption studies were also conducted to determine the effect of time on the removal on Mn sequestration. The results indicate that both materials are effective for the removal of Mn from aqueous solution by precipitation due to the high pH of the solid/liquid mixtures. However, the leaching tests reveal that the amount of Mn removed from the fly ash was greater than that leached from the zeolite, thereby indicating that the metal is partially sequestrated by zeolite.
Asunto(s)
Ceniza del Carbón/química , Manganeso/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Zeolitas/química , Adsorción , Precipitación Química , SolucionesRESUMEN
Over the last few years a great deal of research has been carried out in order to develop remediation methods for reducing environmental risks due to polluting metals. Zeolite formation in contaminated soils mixed with coal fly ash could be a useful method to reduce both the availability and the mobility of metals in contaminated areas. In this study a soil sample--treated with coal fly ash and artificially contaminated with a high concentration of Ni--was used for synthesizing zeolite at low temperatures. The role played by this mineral in the immobilization of heavy metal was investigated. The materials were analysed chemically (sequential extraction) and by XRD and SEM-EDS analyses. The synthesis was carried out both in the laboratory and on a bench-scale for 1 year. Zeolite crystallization readily occurred after a month. The presence of Ni does not exert any influence on zeolite formation. On the other hand newly-formed zeolites reduce the toxicity of the element in the polluted soil. A reduction in heavy metal availability was observed after ammonium acetate extraction. The use of the modified BCR three-step sequential extraction (sequential extraction protocol developed by Community Bureau of Reference of the Commission of the European Communities) suggests that Ni mobilization takes place when zeolite structure collapses after the BCR second step. The Ni thus available was mobilized in the third step.