Cadmium(II) and zinc(II) adsorption by the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica: effect of temperature, pH and water hardness

The biosorption of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions onto dried Fontinalis antipyretica, a widely spread aquatic moss, was studied under different values of temperature, initial pH and water hardness. The equilibrium was well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Maximum biosorption capacity of cadmium was independent on temperature and averaged 28.0 mg g(-1) moss, whereas for zinc, capacity increased with temperature, from 11.5 mg g(-1) moss at 5 degrees C to 14.7 mg g(-1) moss at 30 degrees C. Optimum adsorption pH value was determined as 5.0 for both metal ions. Cadmium uptake was unaffected by the presence of calcium ions, but zinc sorption was improved when water hardness increased from 101.1 to 116.3 mg CaCO(3)l(-1). Inversely, as hardness increases, the competition with calcium ions strongly reduces the affinity of the biosorbent for zinc.     

Influence of acid volatile sulfides and simultaneously extracted metals on the bioavailability and toxicity of a mixture of sediment-associated Cd, Ni, and Zn to polychaetes Neanthes arenaceodentata

Laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of acid volatile sulfides (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) in sediments on the bioavailability and toxicity of Cd, Ni, and Zn in sediments to polychaete worms Neanthes arenaceodentata. Cohorts of juvenile N. arenaceodentata were exposed to sediments spiked with metal mixtures containing Cd, Ni, and Zn (0.5-15 micromol x g(-1) of total SEM) with Low- (approximately 1 micromol x g(-1)), Medium- (approximately 5 micromol x g(-1)), and High-AVS concentrations (approximately 10 micromol x g(-1)) for 20 days to determine mortality, growth rate, and metal bioaccumulation. Tissue Cd and Zn concentrations at the end of the exposure were significantly higher in sediments with the low-AVS concentration at a given SEM concentration due to the increased dissolved metal concentrations in overlying water (OW). However, tissue Ni concentrations were not related to dissolved Ni in the OW. AVS concentrations also influenced the toxicity of metals to the worms. Significant mortality was observed only at the highest SEM treatments at Low-AVS series. Most individuals survived at the highest SEM treatments at Medium- and High-AVS series. Similarly, the growth rates of worms were reduced in treatments having higher molar differences between SEM and AVS ([SEM-AVS]). Overall, the bioavailability and toxicity of metals in sediments was not well predicted by sediment metal concentrations only, but considering the influence of geochemical factors (AVS) on the metal bioavailability improved the prediction of toxicity. Also, the relationship between tissue metal concentration and toxicity was used to determine which contaminant was most responsible for the observed toxicity of the metal mixture.     

Evaluating phenanthrene sorption on various wood chars

A certain amount of wood char or soot in a soil or sediment sample may cause the sorption of organic compounds to deviate significantly from the linear partitioning commonly observed with soil organic matter (SOM). Laboratory produced and field wood chars have been obtained and analyzed for their sorption isotherms of a model solute (phenanthrene) from water solution. The uptake capacities and nonlinear sorption effects with the laboratory wood chars are similar to those with the field wood chars. For phenanthrene aqueous concentrations of 1 microg l(-1), the organic carbon-normalized sorption coefficients (log K(oc)) ranging from 5.0 to 6.4 for field chars and 5.4-7.3 for laboratory wood chars, which is consistent with literature values (5.6-7.1). Data with artificial chars suggest that the variation in sorption potential can be attributed to heating temperature and starting material, and both the quantity and heterogeneity of surface-area impacts the sorption capacity. These results thus help to corroborate and explain the range of logK(oc) values reported in previous research for aquifer materials containing wood chars.     

Evaluation and prediction of emissions from a road built with bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI)

In autumn 2001, a full-scale test road was built with municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash at the D?vamyran landfill, Ume?, Northern Sweden. Leachates were collected from asphalted sections with either bottom ash or gravel as filling material. In this research, 12 months of ash leachate sampling were evaluated with respect to emissions of contaminants such as trace metals and chlorides (Cl). The usefulness of regression models describing trace metal mobility from bottom ash was also tested as predictive tools for reusability applications of MSWI bottom ash. Cl, Cu, and Cr had the highest mobility (considering leachate concentrations) in the ash leachate, though concentrations of Cl and Cu decreased during the sampling period (Cl from 10,000 to 600 mg l(-1); Cu from 1600 to 500 microg l(-1)). An increased mobility of Cr during the autumns (about 3-4 times higher compared to the summer) was noted with a maximum value of nearly 70 microg l(-1) during autumn 2001. Pb showed a very low mobility over the entire year with leachate concentrations of around 3-4 microg l(-1). Chemical equilibrium calculations using Minteq indicated that several Cu minerals were oversaturated in the leachate, thus mineral precipitation could be responsible for declining amounts of Cu in the leachate. Adsorption to iron oxides was found to be a probable explanation for the low mobility of Pb. A reasonably good agreement between regression models and field values were achieved for Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cu, while the models for Cd and Cr were less promising. Even though a large part of the variation (R2=61-97%) in the leaching experiment could be explained by only pH and L/S, field data were much more scattered than expected from field pH.     

The effects of temperature, pH, and ammonia concentration on the inactivation of Ascaris eggs in sewage sludge

The reported inactivation of Ascaris eggs during alkaline sludge stabilization is highly variable. The objective of our research was to better understand the sources of this variability by quantifying the effects of temperature, pH, and ammonia concentration on the inactivation of indigenous Ascaris eggs in wastewater sludge. Primary sludge was supplemented with ammonia (0, 1000, and 5000mg/l NH(3)-N) and Ca(OH)(2) and incubated in sealed bottles across the range of temperatures (20, 30, 40, and 50 degrees C) and pH (7 and 12) that may be encountered during treatment. Changes in egg viability over time were fit to a two-parameter kinetic model (shoulder and first-order region); to compare treatment conditions, the time for 99% inactivation (t(99)) was also calculated. Each 10 degrees C increase in temperature caused a significant decrease in t(99) at every pH and ammonia concentration tested. At 50 degrees C, the effect of temperature was dominant, such that no effect of pH or ammonia was observed. At 30 and 40 degrees C, raising the pH from 7 to 12 decreased t(99), but at 20 degrees C no pH effect was seen over 80 d (very little inactivation occurred). At 20, 30, and 40 degrees C, the addition of ammonia dramatically decreased t(99). The effect of pH could not be completely separated from that of ammonia, as the unamended sludge samples contained 100-200mg/l indigenous ammonia. Because temperature, pH, and ammonia all contributed to Ascaris egg inactivation, it is essential that these parameters are measured and accounted for when assessing the effectiveness of alkaline stabilization. Furthermore, inactivation by ammonia could be exploited to improve the effectiveness of alkaline sludge stabilization.     

Wastewater sludge as a potential raw material for antagonistic fungus (Trichoderma sp.): role of pre-treatment and solids concentration

Feasibility of production of antagonistic Trichoderma sp. conidial spores using wastewater sludge as a raw material employing different suspended solids concentration (10-50 g/l) was investigated in shake flasks. Maximum conidial spore count obtained for raw sludge was 1.98 x 10(4) CFU/ml, which was enhanced by sludge pre-treatments (alkaline and thermal alkaline). Conidial spore count ranging from 1.3 x 10(6) to 2.8 x 10(7) CFU/ml was observed for alkaline and thermal alkaline treated sludges. Optimal suspended solids concentration was 30 g/l (10(7) CFU/ml) whereas, lower (<20 g/l) and higher (>30 g/l) solids concentration were less efficient. Thermal alkaline pre-treated sludge showed diauxic growth due to multiplicity of sludge biodegradability. A simple, modified CFU filtration technique was also developed for fungal spore assessment in sludge. Bioassay of fermented sludge against spruce budworm larvae showed entomotoxicity (15036 SBU/microl), on par with Bacillus thuringiensis biopesticides. This study successfully demonstrated potential of wastewater sludge as a raw material for production of value added product, aiding in sludge management and proliferation of eco-friendly and economical biocontrol agents.     

Trace elements in soils and plants in temperate forest plantations subjected to single and multiple applications of mixed wood ash

Wood ash, a by-product generated in power plants, can be used to fertilize forest plantations to replenish nutrients lost during harvesting. Although wood ash generally contains low levels of trace metals, release of some of these may occur soon after ash application in acid soils. The risk of heavy metal contamination associated with application of mixed wood ash was assessed in six Pinus radiata D. Don plantations, on two types of mineral soil differing in texture, drainage and CECe. Four of the stands received a single application of 4500 kg ha(-1) (March 2003), and in the other two stands the same treatment was applied over three consecutive years (2003-2005). Trace metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) concentrations were monitored throughout the 3 years in different components of the forest ecosystem--soil solid fraction, soil solution, tree needles, ground vegetation and different mushroom species. Repeated applications of wood ash led to moderate increases in soil extractable Mn and Zn, and Mn in all mushrooms species. However, the maximum concentrations did not reach levels potentially harmful to organisms. Concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cd decreased in some mushroom species, probably because of increased soil pH caused by the treatment. Heavy metal concentrations in tree needles and ground vegetation were not altered. Although the risk of heavy metal contamination appears to be low, the long-term effects of wood ash application must be assessed.     

Comparison of dried sludge and sludge ash for phosphorus recovery with acidic and alkaline leaching

Nowadays, the recovery of phosphorus has been in the spotlight due to its importance for food security and depleting sources. In this study, phosphorus recovery from dried sewage sludge and sludge ash by acid and alkaline leaching was evaluated. Optimum extraction time and temperature were determined as two hours and ambient temperature. Results showed the superiority of strong acidic conditions for leaching; 75 ml/g with 0.4N HCl and 25 ml/g with 0.6N HCl were determined as optimum conditions to achieve efficient phosphorus dissolution from sludge ash (94.6%) and dried sludge (91.1%), respectively, with the lower heavy metal concentrations. Lower L/S ratio put forward the dried sludge as a more advantageous resource for phosphorus extraction. Besides, by alkaline leaching of sludge ash and dried sludge, 60.3 and 70.3% phosphorus dissolutions were achieved with 75 ml/g and 1N NaOH; and the leachate was a suitable product for phosphorus precipitation due to its high pH.     

Kinetics of triclosan oxidation by aqueous ozone and consequent loss of antibacterial activity: relevance to municipal wastewater ozonation

Oxidation of the antimicrobial agent triclosan by aqueous ozone (O(3)) was investigated to determine associated reaction kinetics, reaction site(s), and consequent changes in antibacterial activity of triclosan. Specific second-order rate constants, k(O(3)), were determined for reaction of O(3) with each of triclosan's acid-base species. The value of k(O(3)) determined for neutral triclosan was 1.3(+/-0.1)x10(3)M(-1)s(-1), while that measured for anionic triclosan was 5.1(+/-0.1)x10(8)M(-1)s(-1). Consequently, triclosan reacts very rapidly with O(3) at circumneutral pH (the pH-dependent, apparent second-order rate constant, K(app,O(3)) , is 3.8x10(7)M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7). The pH-dependence of K(app,O(3)) and comparison of triclosan reactivity toward O(3) with that of other phenolic compounds indicates that O(3) reacts initially with triclosan at the latter's phenol moiety. k(O(3)) values for neutral and anionic triclosan were successfully related to phenol ring substituent effects via Brown-Okamoto correlation with other substituted phenols, consistent with electrophilic attack of the triclosan phenol ring. Biological assay of O(3)-treated triclosan solutions indicates that reaction with O(3) yields efficient elimination of triclosan's antibacterial activity. In order to evaluate the applicability of these observations to actual wastewaters, triclosan oxidation was also investigated during ozonation of effluent samples from two conventional wastewater treatment plants. Nearly 100% triclosan depletion was achieved for a 4 mg/L(8.3x10(-5)mol/L)O(3) dose applied to a wastewater containing 7.5 mg/L of DOC, and approximately 58% triclosan depletion for dosage of 6 mg/L(1.3x10(-4)mol/L)O(3) to a wastewater containing 12.4 mg/L of DOC. At O(3) doses greater than 1mg/L(2.1x10(-5)mol/L), hydroxyl radical reactions accounted for <35% of observed triclosan losses in these wastewaters, indicating that triclosan oxidation was due primarily to the direct triclosan-O(3) reaction. Thus, ozonation appears to present an effective means of eliminating triclosan's antibacterial activity during wastewater treatment.     

Kinetic characterisation of an enriched Nitrospira culture with comparison to Nitrobacter

Nitrospira and Nitrobacter are nitrite-oxidising bacteria commonly identified in nitrogen removal wastewater treatment plants. Little is known about the growth parameters of Nitrospira or the effects of environmental conditions or inhibitory compounds on Nitrospira activity. These bacterial properties were investigated using an enriched Nitrospira culture and an enriched Nitrobacter culture or Nitrobacter literature values. Compared to Nitrobacter, Nitrospira was found to have a comparable optimal pH range (8.0-8.3); similar normalised activity-temperature relationship (0.44e(0.055(T-15))) for temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C and a similar oxygen half-saturation constant, K(O) (0.54+/-0.14 mgL(-1)). The major differences identified were that Nitrospira had a lower nitrite half-saturation constant, K(S) (0.9+/-0.07 mgNO(2)-NL(-1)); lower inhibition threshold concentrations for free ammonia (between 0.04 and 0.08 mg NH(3)-NL(-1)) and free nitrous acid (less than 0.03 mg HNO(2)-NL(-1)) and a higher yield (0.15+/-0.04 g VSS g N(-1)). Therefore, Nitrospira is more likely to dominate nitrite oxidation under conditions with low ammonium and nitrite concentrations, which would provide an advantage to them due to their lower K(S) value while avoiding any free ammonia or free nitrous acid inhibition.     

Equilibrium partitioning of a non-ionic surfactant and pentachlorophenol between water and a non-aqueous phase liquid

The partitioning of the non-ionic surfactant Tergitol NP-10 (TNP10) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) into a mineral oil light non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) were quantified in batch tests. Due to the ionizable nature of PCP, the effects of pH and ionic strength (micro) on the equilibrium partitioning were evaluated. NAPL:water partition coefficients (K(n:w)) of TNP10 ranged from 3 to 7 l(water)/l(NAPL). Enhanced PCP dissolution into water from the NAPL was achieved at aqueous TNP10 concentrations > or =200mg/l. Surfactant addition of 1200 mg/l TNP10 increased the aqueous PCP concentrations by 14-fold at pH 5 versus 2 to 3-fold at pH 7 as compared to PCP aqueous solubility. The more significant response at the lower pH is likely due to the greater hydrophobicity of PCP at the lower pH, which is approaching PCP's pK(a) of 4.7. Higher ionic strength (micro 0.11 versus 0.001 M) increased K(n:w) of PCP by 10-33% without surfactant, compared to a more than 150% increase with a dose of 4000 mg/l TNP10. This work contributes information relevant to the application of surfactants to remediate sites contaminated with NAPLs.     

Synthesis of nanoporous zirconium oxophosphate and application for removal of U(VI)

Uniformly arrayed zirconium-phosphate nanoporous material was synthesized, characterized, and used as an adsorbent for removal of U(VI) in a NaNO3 solution with varying background conditions including pH, ionic strength, U(VI) concentrations, and carbonate concentrations. Batch U(VI) adsorption results showed that U(VI) adsorption reached steady-state condition within 48 h, and all the dissolved U(VI) (10(-6)M) was removed by this material at neutral pH and closed conditions to atmospheric CO2(g). The U(VI) adsorption followed a traditional Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the distribution coefficient (K(d)) calculated from the linear region of the Langmuir isotherm was 105,000 mL g(-1). Because this phosphate-bearing nanoporous material exhibits high thermal stability and has a very high Kd value, it can be applied as an efficient adsorbent for removing U(VI) from various contaminated waste streams, such as those present at the US Department of Energy defense sites and the proposed geologic radioactive waste disposal facility at Yucca Mountain in Nevada.     

Element levels in birch and spruce wood ashes: green energy?

Production of wood ash has increased strongly in the last ten years due to the increasing popularity of renewable and CO(2)-neutral heat and energy production via wood burning. Wood ashes are rich in many essential plant nutrients. In addition they are alkaline. The idea of using the waste ash as fertiliser in forests is appealing. However, wood is also known for its ability to strongly enrich certain heavy metals from the underlying soils, e.g. Cd, without any anthropogenic input. Concentrations of 26 chemical elements (Ag, As, Au, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sr, Ti, and Zn) in 40 samples each of birch and spruce wood ashes collected along a 120 km long transect in southern Norway are reported. The observed maximum concentrations are 1.3 wt.% Pb, 4.4 wt.% Zn and 203 mg/kg Cd in birch wood ashes. Wood ashes can thus contain very high heavy metal concentrations. Spreading wood ashes in a forest is a major anthropogenic interference with the natural biogeochemical cycles. As with the use of sewage sludge in agriculture the use of wood ashes in forests clearly needs regulation.     

Applicability of alkaline hydrolysis for remediation of TNT-contaminated water

This study was conducted to assess the applicability of alkaline hydrolysis as an alternative ex situ technology for remediating 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)-contaminated water. TNT reactivity had a strong dependence on the reaction pH (11-12) and initial TNT (5-25 mg L(-1)) in batch systems, resulting in pseudo first-order transformation rate, k ranging between 1.9 x 10(-3) and 9.3 x 10(-5) min(-1). In continuous flow stirred-tank reactor (CFSTR) systems with initial TNT of 1 mg L(-1), the highest 74% of TNT reduction was achieved at the reaction pH of 11.9 and 2-day hydraulic retention time under steady-state condition. Oxalate was produced as the major hydrolysate in the CFSTRs, indicating a ring cleavage during alkaline hydrolysis. It was also believed that TNT alkaline hydrolysis occurred through the production of color-forming intermediates via dimerization. It is concluded that alkaline hydrolysis can be an alternative treatment technology for remediation of TNT-contaminated water.     

Gill reactivity of aluminium-species following liming

In acidified aluminium (Al) rich freshwater positively charged Al-species (Al(i)) are the key toxic components due to the accumulation in fish gills. As a countermeasure, liming is used to increase the pH and reduce the concentration of Al(i)-species; in particular low molecular mass (LMM) Al(i)-species by hydrolyses. However, very toxic high molecular mass (HMM) Al polymers can form in the unstable mixing zone immediately after liming. In the present work gill reactivity of LMM and HMM Al-species was studied under controlled conditions in eight channel-tank mixing zone systems in the field where Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) kept in cages were exposed to defined mixing zone water. Mixing zones were created by continually liming acid river water (pH 5.0-5.7) high in LMM Al(i) to pH 6.0 and 6.4, respectively. Transformation processes affecting the Al-speciation as a function of time after liming were documented by in situ hollow fibre ultrafiltration interfaced with ion chromatography, while the Al accumulation in fish gills was used as bioindicator. For fish exposed to mixing zone water immediately after liming (1 min) the Al accumulation in gills (mug Al g(-1)) was higher (factor of 2) than for fish exposed to acid water prior to liming, due to the formation of gill reactive HMM Al(i)-species. The Al accumulation in gills followed a first order kinetic expression reaching steady-state conditions after 24-h exposures. The deposition rate of Al in gills (mug Al g(-1) h(-1)) correlated with the water concentrations of HMM Al(i) (R(2)=0.80) in the mixing zones, and for LMM Al(i) in the acid water (R(2)=0.92). Due to the transient nature of HMM Al(i) the deposition rate of Al decreased from the point of liming with a factor of 10 downstream the channel-tank system (i.e. 100 min after liming). The concentration of gill accumulated Al was higher (factor of 3) immediately after high level liming (pH 6.4) than following low level liming (pH 6.0). However, high level liming was more efficient in detoxifying Al in downstream waters. Furthermore, the bioavailability of a given LMM Al(i) concentration as well as bioreactivity following liming was dependent on the TOC and silicon concentration in the acid water. Increased concentration of TOC (1.5 to 4.3 mg l(-1)) and silicon (0.3 to 1.0 mg l(-1)) reduced the gill reactivity of Al(i) by approximately 50%.     

Some chemical properties of hazelnut husk and its suitability for particleboard production

Hazelnut husk is a renewable natural resource that has not industrial utilization yet. The objective of this study was to examine some chemical properties (holocellulose, cellulose, lignin and ash contents, alcohol–benzene, hot and cold water solubility and solubility in dilute alkali (1% NaOH)) of hazelnut husk and to evaluate its suitability to produce composite panels. For this study, particleboards were produced using hazelnut husk as an alternative raw material for the forest products industry. Two panel density levels (0.6 and 0.7 g/cm³) and three types of resins (urea-formaldehyde (UF), phenol formaldehyde (PF), melamine-formaldehyde (MUF)) were selected as treatments. The findings indicated that hazelnut husk waste is a valuable renewable natural resource for particleboard production and could be utilized as a substitute for wood in board production. Its shortcomings, such as higher water absorption and thickness swelling could easily be controlled by adding water repellent chemicals in production. The bending and the internal bond strength properties of the hazelnut husk boards produced met the requirement for the general purpose product standards (TS-EN 312-2) at 0.70 g/cm³ density.     

Triclosan in a sewage treatment process--balances and monitoring data

In a German sewage treatment plant that processes 200000 m(3) wastewater per day, the concentrations of 2,4,4'-trichloro, 2'-hydroxy-phenylether (triclosan) in the in-flowing ( approximately 1000 ng x l(-1)) as well as in the out-flowing water ( approximately 50 ng x l(-1)) are compared to the concentrations measured in sludge (1200 ng x g(-1)). Considering the mass flow of water and sludge in the respective plant, balances including water and sludge are calculated. Thirty percent of the triclosan is sorbed with weak bonds to the sludge, while some amounts are sorbed as bound residues in the sludge. About 5% is dissolved in the out-flowing water. Thus most of the in-flowing material is not recovered as the parent compound but it is likely that it is transformed to other metabolites or unrecovered bound residues. These data are compared to the monitoring of sewage sludge of 20 different plants in this region, most of which are smaller, though. The concentrations found in these sludges vary from 1000-8000 ng x g(-1).     

Arsenate removal from water by a weak-base anion exchange fibrous adsorbent

A weak-base anion exchange fiber named FVA with primary amino groups for selective and rapid removal of arsenate species was prepared by means of electron irradiation induced liquid phase graft polymerization of N-vinylformamide onto polyethylene coated polypropylene fibers and by the subsequent alkaline hydrolysis of amide group on the grafted polymer chains. Two types of FVA were prepared. One was a non-woven cloth type named FVA-c for the batch-mode study, which clarified that uptake of arsenate species decreases with an increase in pH, and chloride and sulfate do not strongly interfere with uptake of arsenate species different from conventional anion exchange resins based on crosslinked polystyrene matrices. The other was a filamentary type one named FVA-f used in the column-mode study, which clarified that arsenate species were successfully removed from neutral pH arsenate solutions containing 1.0-99 mg of As/L at feed flow rates of 100-1050 h(-1) in space velocity (SV). The most important findings are that the 1% breakthrough point in uptake from the arsenate solution containing 1.0mg of As/L at the high feed flow rate of 1050h(-1) in SV was as large as 4670 bed volumes, giving the 1% breakthrough capacity of 0.298 mmol/g of FVA-f. Adsorbed arsenate was able to be quantitatively eluted with 1M hydrochloric acid and FVA-f was simultaneously regenerated. Then, the repeated use of FVA-f was possible.     

Waste ashes for use in agricultural production: I. Liming effect, contents of plant nutrients and chemical characteristics of some metals

The chemical characteristics of 89 municipal waste ashes, including food scrap ash (FSA), animal waste ash (AWA), horticulture waste ash (HWA), sewage sludge ash (SSA) and incinerator bottom ash (IBA), from various locations in Japan were examined with the aim of evaluating their suitability for use in agriculture. Although the waste ashes came from different sources and consisted of various materials, the gross elemental composition was similar. Acid neutralization capacity (liming effect) for the waste ashes was equivalent to 10-30% of CaO and followed the sequence SSA > IBA > AWA > FSA > HWA. Average P concentrations for the five types of waste ashes ranged from 10 to 29 g kg(-1) and average K concentrations ranged from 14 to 63 g kg(-1), respectively. Metal contents in the waste ashes were compared with levels in Japanese agricultural soils. K in the waste ashes was 1.3-6 times higher and Ca was 3-12 times higher; contents of the other metals in FSA, AWA and HWA were generally less than five times higher, but Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb in SSA or IBA were approximately 10-200 times higher than those in soils. Moreover, the ceiling amounts of waste ashes that may be applied to main Japanese agricultural soils were calculated by using soil contamination standards for Cu. Water solubility of P and metals in the waste ashes were also examined.     

Competition for oxygen by iron and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol oxidizing bacteria in boreal groundwater

Kinetics of simultaneous iron and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) oxidation by groundwater enriched cultures were studied in order to reveal the competition for oxygen in aerobic in situ bioremediation of boreal groundwater. Chemical iron oxidation at near neutral pH in synthetic groundwater depended by the first order on the concentrations of ferrous iron and dissolved oxygen and by the second order on pH. The chemical iron oxidation rate constant was on average 2.2 x 10(13)mol(-2)L(2)atm(-1)min(-1). Chemical iron oxidation was insignificantly affected by natural organic matter, 2,4,6-tri-, 2,3,4,6-tetra- or pentachlorophenol in groundwater. Biological oxidation of iron followed zero-order kinetics. At pH of 6.3 and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 11.5 mgL(-1), the rate of biological iron oxidation was 3.8 x 10(-4)mmolL(-1)min(-1) and up to one order of magnitude higher than the chemical oxidation rate, 5.2 x 10(-6) mmolL(-1)min(-1). Biological oxidation of iron was completely inhibited by pentachlorophenol at 23 micro mol-1. With a groundwater enriched culture, oxygen was consumed at higher rates by 2,4,6-TCP oxidizers (2.5-7.6 x 10(-5)mmolDOL(-1)min(-1)) than the iron oxidizing bacteria (0.8-3.1 x 10(-5) mmolDOL(-1)min(-1)) at both low and saturated DO-concentrations. The results indicate that in situ iron oxidation is predominantly biogenic in the studied boreal aquifer. 2,4,6-TCP degrading bacteria consumed DO at higher rates than the iron oxidizing bacteria and thereby, favour bioremediation of the polychlorophenol contaminated groundwater.