| 1. |
- Das, Supriyo Kumar, et al.
(author)
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Phosphorus dynamics in shallow eutrophic lakes : an example from Zeekoevlei, South Africa
- 2009
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In: Hydrobiologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0018-8158 .- 1573-5117. ; 619, s. 55-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Zeekoevlei is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa and has been suffering from hyper-eutrophic conditions since last few decades. We have used total P (TP), dissolved phosphate (PO4 (3-)), organic P (OP), calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) bound P fractions to investigate the relevant physical, chemical and biological processes responsible for sedimentation and retention of P and to study phosphorus (P) dynamics in this shallow lake. In addition, redox proxies (V/Cr and Th/U ratios) are used to study the prevailing redox conditions in sediments. Adsorption by CaCO3 and planktonic assimilation of P are found to control P sedimentation in Zeekoevlei. Low concentration of the labile OP fraction in surface sediments restricts the release of P by bacterial remineralisation. Low molar Ca/P and Fe/P ratios indicate low P retention capacity of sediments, and P is most likely released by desorption from wind-induced resuspended sediments and mixing of pore water with the overlying water column.
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| 2. |
- Chen, Baowei, et al.
(author)
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Methylation of inorganic mercury by methylcobalamin in aquatic systems
- 2007
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In: Applied organometallic chemistry. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0268-2605 .- 1099-0739. ; 21:6, s. 462-467
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The methylation of inorganic Hg(II) by methylcobalamin in aquatic systems was studied using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV-digestion cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-UV-CV AFS). Monomethylmercury (MMC) could be positively identified as the reaction product in the aqueous solution. The salinity and pH of the aquatic system have great effects on the formation of MMC, because they could change the species of the reactants in the solution. From an electrophile reaction point of view, salinity and pH alter the electron density of the methyl donor and the electrophilicity of metal ion in the reaction system. This methylation of inorganic Hg(II) is shown to be possible even in highly saline solutions, which indicates its importance in aquatic environments. Kinetic experiments showed that the methylation reaction was fast and first-order for Hg(II). The first-order reaction rate was determined to be 0.00612 and 0.000287 min-1 for pH 5.0 and 1.5, respectively. It is suggested that this methylation could occur in the absence of enzymes, in which Hg(II) acts as an electrophile to attack methylcobalamin with a subsequent transfer of carbanion methyl group to the higher oxidized state of Hg(II).
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| 3. |
- Das, Supriyo Kumar, et al.
(author)
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Major and trace element geochemistry in Zeekoevlei, South Africa : A lacustrine record of present and past processes
- 2008
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In: Applied Geochemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0883-2927 .- 1872-9134. ; 23:8, s. 2496-2511
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study reports a multi-parameter geochemcial investigation in water and sediments of a shallow hyper-eutrophic urban freshwater coastal lake, Zeekoevlei, in South Africa. Zeekoevlei receives it greater fraction of dissolved major and trace elements from natural Sources (e.g., chemical weathering and sea salt). Fertilizers, agricultural wastes, raw sewage effluents and road runoff in contrast, constitute the predominant anthropogenic sources, which supply As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in this lake. The overall low dissolved metal load results from negligible industrial Pollution, high pH and elevated metal Uptake by phytoplankton. However, the surface sediments are highly polluted with Pb, Cd and Zn. Wind-induced sediment resuspension results in increased particulate and dissolved element concentrations in bottom waters. Low C/N ratio (10) indicates primarily an algal Source for the sedimentary organic matter. Variation in sedimentary organic C content with depth indicates a change in primary productivity in response to historical events (e.g., seepage from wastewater treatment plant, dredging and urbanization). Primary productivity controls the enrichment of most of the metals ill sediments, and elevated productivity with higher accumulation of planktonic debris (and siltation) results in increased element concentration in surface and deeper sediments. Aluminium, Fe and/or Mn oxy-hydroxides, clay minerals and calcareous sediments also play an important role in adsorbing metals in Zeekoevlei Sediments.
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| 4. |
- Ebena, Gustav, et al.
(author)
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Origin and distribution of low molecular weight organic acids and bacteria in a depth profile of a soil covered tailings impoundment in northern Sweden
- 2007
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In: Journal of Geochemical Exploration. - : Elsevier BV. - 0375-6742 .- 1879-1689. ; 92:2-3, s. 186-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The tailings at Kristineberg, northern Sweden, have a very low content of organic carbon, a feature common with many sulfidic tailing impoundments. Three different experiments were set-up to assess the role of carbon dioxide in a depth profile. Firstly, pore gas was collected in vials from ground water pipes at various points in the profile of a dry covered tailings impoundment and analyzed in the laboratory for CO2, O-2, N-2, H-2, and CH4 contents. Secondly, pore water was extracted from tension lysimeters at various depths. This water was analyzed for numbers of bacteria (iron-oxidizing and sulfur-oxidizing, both by MPN), and low molecular weight organic acids. Thirdly, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (Strain DSMZ No 1927) was grown on a mixture of irradiated tailings and sterile water. The amount of organic acids produced was monitored. The largest bacterial count of iron-oxidizing bacteria, 4.7 x 10(5)/g tailings, was at the oxidation front, while the heterotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were mainly found in the unsaturated, oxidized zone, 2.65 x 10(4)/g tailings. The oxidation front was also the location where the largest amount of organic acids was found in the field study (formate 0.83 mg/l and acetate 0.51 mg/l). The acetic acid found coincides with the highest count of iron-oxidizing bacteria. The intrusion of O-2 and CO2 at the studied location is enough for microbiological activity, although the overall effect on AMD production is not addressed. The results from laboratory incubations indicate that the microbial community produces organic carbon with CO2 as the sole carbon source, up to 1.35 mg/l after 16 weeks measured as TOC. To conclude, we suggest that knowledge of the intrusion of both CO2 and O-2 is vital for a full understanding of the microbial ecology, and thus the weathering processes, in a dry covered tailings impoundment. Hence, the CO, produced in the till cover and entering the tailings ecosystem is crucial to the function of the ecosystem. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 5. |
- Björn, Annika, 1972-
(author)
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Microbial Transformation of Organotin Compounds under Simulated Landfill Conditions
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Mono- and di-alkyltins are used extensively as heat stabilizers for processing of poly vinyl chloride (PVC). Tin mercaptide stabilizers are some of the most effective PVC stabilizers available. The main applications for tin stabilizers are building/construction products, such as pipes, fittings, siding and profiles (windows etc.), packaging and flexible PVC plastics. Most PVC products have been and are subjected to landfilling, when their use is terminated. The structure of the polymer itself and the substances used as additives have been a concern for environmental authorities in many countries since long, which also includes their presence in landfills. In the case of the organotin stabilizers their leaching out from (PVC) plastics into the leachate phase of landfills with the risk for further transport to ground and surface waters is in focus.The main objectives of this thesis take their start in this background and, thus, included the elucidation of whether organotin compounds (OTs) in stabilized PVC products contribute to the pool of OTs observed in landfill leachates and if these compounds are degradable by the microorganisms developing under anaerobic landfill conditions.To reach these aims and the research questions raised the forwarded PVC materials were added to muniscipal solid waste (MSW) processed in containers used to simulate the ageing of landfills under forced conditions. These include traditional landfill simulation reactors (LSRs) at a scale of ca 100 L and also at a smaller scale ca 5 L constructed for the purpose of this study, i.e. the modular environmental test system (METS). The latter were used to investigate temperature effects on the possible release of OTs from different types of PVC materials. The capacity by microorganisms in landfill environments were used to investigate their capacity to degrade or transform organotin stabilizer compounds focused on in this thesis. Differences in this capacity in relation to the ageing of landfills and exposure to the alkyltin stabilizers were studied with microorganisms sampled from LSRs spiked with PVC over time and from landfill site.Access to sensitive and reliable equipment and analytical protocols for the analysis of OTs and their transformation intermediates and end products are prerequisites for this kind of studies. This necessitated an adoption and adaptation of analytical methods for the low concentrations occurring in the environment. Two methods were established and well served the requirements.Indeed OTs migrated out from especially flexible PVC materials, while rigid PVC was less prone for OT release as judged from the METS simulations. The METS studies showed that the OT release increase substantially at higher temperatures and especially so when the temperature was higher than the glass transition of the PVC.materials.The organotin stabilizers were transformed, partly or completely degraded, by anaerobic microorganisms derived from landfill environments. Upon prolonged exposure to OTs leaching from PVC in LSR simulations the microorganisms displayed a higher efficiency in degradation of the leached OTs. The microorganisms would methylate inorganic tin and metyltin present in the MSW material as well as perform dealkylation depending on the tin concentrations prevailing. During these studies it was discovered that the organotin stabilzers were inhibiting the methanogens and fermentative bacteria, which lead to a retardation of the anaerobic mineralisation of the MSW in the assays. An in depth study revealed that the OTs themselves but also their ligands and degradation products from these together effected the inhibition.However, given the extent of leaching in relation to the water flows in landfills, the concentrations will mainly be too low to pose any risks to the surrounding environment.
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| 6. |
- Björn (Fredriksson), Annika, et al.
(author)
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Impacts of Temperature on the Leaching of Organotin Compounds From Poly(vinyl chloride) Plastics : A Study Conducted Under Simulated Landfill Conditions
- 2007
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In: Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology. - : Wiley. - 1083-5601 .- 1548-0585 .- 0193-7197 .- 1548-0577. ; 13:4, s. 176-188
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to investigate whether organotin-stabilized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) products could contribute to the pool of organotins observed in landfill leachates, and if the possible release could be related to different temperatures and landfill degradation phases. Small-scale anaerobic reactors filled with generic household waste, a mixture of inocula, and different PVC plastics were used in the study and incubated at 20, 37, 55, and 70°C. The reactor units incubated at temperatures of 20-55°C underwent the anaerobic degradation phases that are characteristic for the aging of landfilled waste material. There were, however, differences in the duration of the phases as well as in the total biogas production among the units. Under methanogenic conditions greater losses of organotin compounds were observed as compared to acidogenic conditions. It was shown that the release of organotin stabilizers increases considerably at temperatures above the glass transition of the PVC products. A dealkylation from di- into monoalkyltin species was observed, as well as a possible methylation of inorganic tin. However, the main part of the organotins was adsorbed into the solid waste matrix.
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| 7. |
- Hörsing, Maritha, 1970-
(author)
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Leaching and Transformation of Flame Retardants and Plasticizers under Simulated Landfill Conditions
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Many products used in our everyday life contain chemicals added to give them specific properties. Flame retardants (FRs) are added to prevent or retard fires in textiles, plastics etc., while plasticizers are supplied to make plastics more flexible. Through their widespread applications chemicals from both groups are emitted and spread in the environment during usage and disposal. For a long time these products were mainly disposed of in landfills, and in many areas they still are. Thus, since some of these chemicals also pose potential environmental risks and health hazards, there is a need to elucidate their fates during exposure to the landfill environmentThe objectives of this thesis were to investigate the leaching and transformation of FRs and plasticizers from products in which they are used under simulated landfill conditions. To assess the importance of changes in these processes as landfills progress through recognised ageing phases (accompanied by large transitions in both physico-chemical and biological conditions) it was desirable to simulate the changes that typically occur in landfills within a short time period, of 1-2 years.. This was achieved using the newly developed intermediate-scale (3 litre) Modular Environmental Test System (METS).The METS were employed in two studies. The first was an investigation of the leaching and degradation of plasticizers from PVC carpet material incubated at different temperatures (20, 37, 55 and 70°C) prevailing in landfills. Plasticizers subjected to this investigation were the phthalates di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP), both of which were found to leach from the carpet. The leaching of DEHP and BBP generally increased with increases in the incubation temperature. However, the most rapid leaching of BBP occurred at 37°C, probably due to high microbial activity at this temperature. Both DEHP and BBP were shown to be degraded within the landfill environment and the degradation potential was highest during the methanogenic landfill phase. In the second METS study the leaching of FRs used in both reactive and additive applications (i.e. chemically bonded to and merely blended with the material, respectively) was characterised. The epoxy oligomer tetrabromobishpenol A (TBBPA) and the phosphorus-based Pyrovatex FRs were selected as representatives for the reactive FRs, while the nitrogen-based melamine and phosphorus-based Proban FRs were selected to represent additive classes. During the incubations, which lasted more than two years, the leaching from melamine was shown to be affected by the landfill phase development. The leaching from the Pyrovatex-treated material and the TBBPA epoxy oligomer seemed to result almost entirely from the washout of unreacted manufacturing residuals. This was also probably true for the FR in the Proban-treated material, although it is durable (despite being additively applied) and thus seemed to leach more slowly (manifested as an increase in phosphate levels in the leachate towards the end of the monitoring period).Finally, due to the paucity of knowledge regarding the fate of ether derivatives of TBBPA (which are also used as FRs) an anaerobic degradation assay was performed. The method employed for this assay was a modified, small-scale ISO standard method. In order to evaluate the degradation assay a uniform analytical protocol was developed. The degradation survey showed that losses of TBBPA, TBBPA-dimethyl ether and bisphenol A dimethyl ether occurred, but no losses of the most hydrophobic compound, TBBPA-dibromopropyl ether, were observed.
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| 8. |
- Thuy Nguyen, Lan, 1975-
(author)
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Mobilization of metals from mining wastes and the resuspension of contaminated sediments
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In some environmental situations, environmental effects caused by elevated metals resulting from past mining and smelting activities can be observed in nearby receiving water bodies several decades after mine and smelter closure. There is a growing need for managing the hazardous solid wastes such as mining wastes as well as for assessing water quality and for sustainable management of sediment quality. The work presented in this thesis examined the mobilization of metals from two metal sources: mining wastes from a mine site in Vietnam and sediments from a contaminated lake in Sweden in order to test the hypothesis that mobilization of metals will be increased, when the environmental conditions change by e.g. exposure of mining wastes to oxidative weathering, change of redox conditions at the water-sediment interface and resuspension of sediments. The results from this work under field and laboratory conditions have verified the hypothesis. The exposure of sulphidic mining wastes in oxidative weathering conditions may cause long-term production of ARD and the resultant long-term mobility of metals. The oxidation/resuspension of sediments is an important factor for the release of trace metals Zn, Cu and Cd into the solution and substantial amounts of particles and, hence, associated metals into overlying water. The concomitant changes in pH during oxidation/resuspension of sediment play a significant role in the metal release both to redox sensitive elements Fe and Mn and trace elements Zn, Cu and Cd. The concomitant change in DOC during oxidation/resuspension can also contribute to the increased mobility of study metals. The field study was coupled to intermittent operation of a hydropower plant. The mobility of the metals was higher under operation compared to non-operation and, thus, the potential impacts on dispersal of metal pollution to downstream aquatic environments. The sudden increase in water flow upon the hydropower plant upon shifts from inactive to active state could cause immediate release of particles and thus particulate metals in the overlying water. However, the magnitude and its integrated effects in fluxes of metals over the season call for further research. There is a need to further investigate the impacts of hydropower generation in a longer period of time and at a higher frequency of observations at the very start of the hydropower operation. The results from this multidisciplinary approach would give a basis for an optimal operation of the hydropower plant to minimize the metal pollution associated with the water flow.
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