https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34995 −1 biosolids for ≤50, 50–100, 100–250, 250–1000 μm size fractions, respectively. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated wrinkled and fractured surfaces due to degradation. The adsorption of dissolved organic matter onto microbeads was confirmed through FT-IR microscopy, while using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) the presence of trace metals including Cd (2.34 ng g⁻¹), Cu (180.64 ng g⁻¹), Ni (12.69 ng g⁻¹), Pb (1.17 ng g⁻¹), Sb (14.43 ng g⁻¹), and Zn (178.03 ng g⁻¹) was revealed. Surface modified microbeads were capable of adsorbing Cu compared to the pure microbeads, which may be attributed to the complexation of Cu with dissolved organic matter associated with the microbeads in the matrix. It was further revealed that the biosolids derived microbead-metal complexes decreased soil respiration (up to ∼ 26%) and dehydrogenase activity (up to ∼ 39%). Hence, microbeads reaching biosolids during wastewater treatment are likely to serve as a vector for trace element contamination, transportation, and toxicity when biosolids are applied to soil.]]> Wed 29 May 2019 11:33:56 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46637 Wed 28 Feb 2024 14:49:30 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:35139 Wed 22 Jul 2020 16:29:40 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:36537 Wed 21 Feb 2024 10:03:31 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47530 Wed 19 Apr 2023 08:49:34 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47139 Wed 14 Dec 2022 15:20:30 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47121 Wed 14 Dec 2022 12:32:24 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34459 PA/PMS) was nearly 4.4–15.9 fold higher than that in PMS/base system (k_PMS/base) without any polyphosphates. Increases in PA (or PB) concentration, PMS dose and pH favored the rapid dye degradation. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) data confirmed AO7 and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) were decomposed to a series of organic intermediates. The radical quenching and probe oxidation experiments indicate the degradation of organic compounds in the PA/PMS and PB/PMS processes was not reliant on sulfate radical (SO₄•−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) species but on O₂•− and ¹O₂ reactive species. Comparison experiments show that the polyphosphate/PMS process was much more favorable than PDS/base process. The present work provides a novel way to activate PMS for contaminant removal using industrial polyphosphate wastewaters.]]> Wed 13 Mar 2019 13:19:26 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:33206 Wed 12 Sep 2018 16:43:08 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37835 80% of the total inorganic As in pore water and total As concentration declined from 933 μg/L to 177 μg/L with time. AWD irrigation practice with Si fertilization significantly reduced the total As levels in pore water. Arsenic concentration in different rice plant tissues showed significant variations due to water and fertilizer management. Lower concentrations of As in rice grains were observed using AWD (average 93.0 μg/kg) than those observed in CF (average 121 μg/kg) irrigation practice. The addition of Si also significantly (p < 0.03) decreased As uptake by rice plants while adding of P has no significant effect and this is also true for Si and P interaction. AWD irrigation practice with Si fertilization resulted in a reduction of grain As level at around 12%–21%, while grain yield increased by 13%.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 15:22:37 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24098 in vitro data for barite contaminated soils using the physiologically based extraction test (PBET) methodology. The existence of barite in plant tissue and the possibility of 'biomineralised' zones was also investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Soils with low barium (Ba) concentrations showed a higher proportion of Ba extractability than barite rich samples. Barium uptake to spinach from soil was different between short term spiking studies and field weathered soils. Furthermore, Ba crystals were not evident in spinach tissue or acid digest solutions grown in barium nitrate spiked soils despite high accumulation. Barite was found in the plant digest solutions from barite contaminated soils only. Results indicate that under the conservative assumptions made, a child would need to consume extreme quantities of soil over an extended period to cause chronic health problems.]]> Wed 10 Nov 2021 15:05:34 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24419 Wed 10 Nov 2021 15:05:12 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:49296 Wed 10 May 2023 14:02:14 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44270 2 content in the feed gas and corresponds to 6.24 ng TEQ WHO 2005/mg of dieldrin and total PCDD/F concentration of 96.8 ng/mg of dieldrin.]]> Wed 10 May 2023 09:36:08 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39312 Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were identified as the two dominant phyla in the remediation of diesel contaminated soil. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the preferred metabolic pathway of nitrogen was from ammonium to glutamate via glutamine, and the enzymes governing this transformation were glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthetase; while in nitrate based amendment, the conversion from nitrite to ammonium was restrained by the low abundance of nitrite reductase enzyme and therefore retarded the TPH degradation rate. It is concluded that during the process of nitrogen enhanced bioremediation, the most efficient nitrogen cycling direction was from ammonium to glutamine, then to glutamate, and finally joined with carbon metabolism after transforming to 2-oxoglutarate.]]> Wed 10 Aug 2022 11:08:14 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32892 Wed 08 Aug 2018 09:58:30 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32891 Wed 08 Aug 2018 09:51:43 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:43096 Wed 07 Feb 2024 17:17:32 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52702 Wed 07 Feb 2024 14:37:28 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47041 Wed 07 Feb 2024 14:34:42 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46921 Wed 07 Dec 2022 10:40:48 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34417 Wed 06 Mar 2019 16:11:38 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34067 Wed 06 Feb 2019 09:51:04 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30371 Wed 04 Sep 2019 09:54:34 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52185 Wed 04 Oct 2023 11:03:56 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52165 80%). However, physico-chemical properties of biochar such as particle size, pore size, pore volume should be clarified and its influence on the composting process evaluated in further studies.]]> Wed 04 Oct 2023 10:56:18 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34954 Wed 04 Dec 2019 10:03:09 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30777 Wed 02 Mar 2022 14:25:53 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46692 Tue 29 Nov 2022 09:42:38 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34281 Tue 26 Feb 2019 12:16:19 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47649 90 m (23 μg L−1) depths. Piper-plot elucidated that the aqueous chemistry was dominated with Na-SO4, Na-Ca-SO4, Na-Mg-SO4 type saline water. Principal component analysis grouped As concentration with well depth, pH, salinity, Fe and CO3, exhibiting that these hydrogeochemical factors could have potential role in controlling As release/sequestration into the aquifers of study area. Geochemical modeling showed positive saturation indices only for iron (Fe) oxide-phases, indicating Fe oxides as the major carriers of As. Overall, this study provides insights to tackle emerging As threat to the communities in Punjab, Pakistan, as well as help develop suitable management/mitigation strategies – based on the baseline knowledge of As levels/species and factors governing As contamination in the study area.]]> Tue 24 Jan 2023 14:58:34 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47634 2 = 0.98). Finally, the cycling experiments for MB adsorption by bagasse synthesized rGO confirmed that the as-prepared rGO was reusable. Taken together, all results in this work provided the new insights into the green reduction of GO by bagasse, and the formation of rGO/bagasse material presented a great potential in the disposal of dye waste water.]]> Tue 24 Jan 2023 14:24:10 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:49607 Tue 23 May 2023 17:32:07 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47409 Tue 17 Jan 2023 16:29:29 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:41931 Zea mays) and Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) grown in PAHs contaminated soils to degrade benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and pyrene (PYR) was assessed. Of the three bacterial cultures isolated, two belonged to Gram-positive bacteria of phylum Actinobacteria namely Arthrobacter sp. MAL3 and Microbacterium sp. MAL2. The Gram-negative bacterial culture was Stenotrophomonas sp. MAL1, from the phylum Proteobacteria. The cultures were grown in the presence of BaP and PYR as sole carbon sources and with the addition of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) mixture. After 10-14 days of exposure, all the bacterial isolates exhibited a complete degradation of PYR with the addition of LMWOAs mixture, whereas only 38.7% of BaP was degraded by Stenotrophomonas sp. MAL1 with the addition of LMWOAs mixture. In addition, enhanced PAHs biodegradation by bacterial culture was observed when the PAHs present as mixture (BaP + PYR) with the addition of LMWOAs. Dioxygenase genes were detected in Stenotrophomonas sp. MAL1 (phnAC), and Arthrobacter sp. MAL3 (nidA and PAH-RHDa). Therefore, this study provides new insights on the influence of LMWOAs in enhancing the degradation of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs in soil by rhizosphere bacterial cultures.]]> Tue 16 Aug 2022 09:58:23 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46296 Tue 15 Nov 2022 09:18:54 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46266 Tue 15 Nov 2022 08:07:28 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48327  β-glucosidase > acid phosphatase > FDA hydrolase. Urease activity was generally not affected and showed high stability against heat disturbance. The β-glucosidase activity recovered to the control level by 30 days, while 80% and 90% recovery on average occurred for acid phosphatase and FDA hydrolase, respectively. Long-term As contamination altered soil enzyme functional resistance and resilience to heat disturbance and resulted in three kinds of responses: (i) no apparent alteration (urease); (ii) moderate As contamination increased enzyme heat resistance (β-glucosidase); (iii) the resistance and resilience decreased with increasing As concentration (acid phosphatase and FDA hydrolase). The results demonstrated that different enzyme-catalytic biochemical processes have different functional stabilities under combined As and heat disturbance, and the negative changes in the soil enzyme activity led to losses in soil functions. Our study provides further evidence on the impacts of heavy metal/metalloid on soil enzyme functional stability in response to additional disturbance.]]> Tue 14 Mar 2023 16:47:38 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:43089 Tue 13 Sep 2022 12:26:39 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47046 Tue 13 Dec 2022 14:44:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47014 Tue 13 Dec 2022 11:48:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:35161 Zea mays L.) metabolome on exposure to high molecular weight PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and pyrene (PYR) in a hydroponic medium, individually and as a mixture (BaP + PYR) using GC-MS. The differences in the metabolites were analyzed using XCMS (an acronym for various forms (X) of chromatography-mass spectrometry), an online-based data analysis tool. A significant variation in metabolites was observed between treatment groups and the unspiked control group. The univariate, multivariate and pathway impact analysis showed there were more significant alterations in metabolic profiles between individual PAHs and the mixture of BaP and PYR. The marked changes in the metabolites of galactose metabolism and aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis in PAHs treated maize leaves exhibit the adaptive defensive mechanisms for individual and PAHs mixture. Therefore, the metabolomics approach is essential for an understanding of the complex biochemical responses of plants to PAHs contaminants. This knowledge will shed new light in the field of phytoremediation, bio-monitoring, and environmental risk assessment.]]> Tue 13 Apr 2021 09:16:53 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51630 Tue 12 Sep 2023 20:07:41 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32679 Tue 10 Jul 2018 15:38:12 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39474 Acacia inaequilatera, Acacia pyrifolia, Acacia stellaticeps, Banksia seminuda, Chloris truncata, Hakea prostrata, Hardenbergia violacea, and Triodia wiseana were transplanted in a soil contaminated with diesel and engine oil as TPH at pollution levels of 4,370 (TPH1) and 7,500 (TPH2) mg kg^-1, and an uncontaminated control (TPH0). After 150 days, the presence of TPH negatively affected the plant growth, but the growth inhibition effect varied between the plant species. Plant growth and associated root biomass influenced the activity of rhizo-microbiome. The presence of B. seminuda, C. truncata, and H. prostrata significantly increased the TPH removal rate (up to 30% compared to the unplanted treatment) due to the stimulation of rhizosphere microorganisms. No significant difference was observed between TPH1 and TPH2 regarding the plant tolerance and rhizoremediation potentials of the three plant species. The presence of TPH stimulated cluster root formation in B. seminuda and H. prostrata which was associated with enhanced TPH remediation of these two members of Proteaceae family. These results indicated that B. seminuda, C. truncata, and H. prostrata wild plant species could be suitable candidates for the rhizoremediation of TPH-contaminated soil.]]> Tue 09 Aug 2022 14:32:31 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50598 Tue 07 Nov 2023 15:28:52 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34057 in situ by embedding magnetite into the palygorskite structure through co-precipitation method. The physico-chemical characteristics of Pal-IO and their pristine components were examined through various spectroscopic and micro-analytical techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of Pal-IO in removing Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The surface morphology, magnetic recyclability and adsorption efficiency of regenerated Pal-IO using desorbing agents HCl (Pal-IO-HCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-Na₂) (Pal-IO-EDTA) were compared. The nanocomposite showed a superparamagnetic property (magnetic susceptibility: 20.2 emu g^-1) with higher specific surface area (99.8 m² g^-1) than the pristine palygorskite (49.4 m² g^-1) and iron oxide (72.6 m² g^-1). Pal-IO showed a maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 26.6 mg g^-1 (experimental condition: 5 g L^-1 adsorbent loading, 150 agitations min^-1, initial Pb(II) concentration from 20 to 500 mg L^-1, at 25 °C) with easy separation of the spent adsorbent. The adsorption data best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.9995) and pseudo-second order kinetic model (R² = 0.9945). Pb(II) desorption using EDTA as the complexing agent produced no disaggregation of Pal-IO crystal bundles, and was able to preserve the composite's magnetic recyclability. Pal-IO-EDTA exhibited almost 64% removal capacity after three cycles of regeneration and preserved the nanocomposite's structural integrity and magnetic properties (15.6 emu g^-1). The nanocomposite holds advantages as a sustainable material (easily separable and recyclable) for potential application in purifying heavy metal contaminated wastewaters.]]> Tue 05 Feb 2019 12:51:19 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34058 2+/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process was examined. Degradation efficiency, intermediate products, AOX (adsorbable organic halogen) formation and mineralization were considered. An overall negative impact was observed within the concentration of Cl⁻ up to 100 mM, differing from the dual effect of chloride on dye degradation process as previously observed. The presence of high levels of Cl⁻ led to a low production of AOX and a reduction of the formation of chlorinated by-products. The mineralization was also restrained when the Cl⁻ concentration was increased. Degradation pathways for these processes are proposed. These findings provide valuable information about the degradation pathways of dyes and about the formation mechanism of chlorinated by-products in industrial saline wastewater treatment.]]> Tue 05 Feb 2019 12:50:55 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:33556 Tue 03 Sep 2019 18:31:47 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34599 Tue 02 Apr 2019 11:41:10 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52785 2/g. EDX and XPS measurements confirmed the successful cross-linking of GO with DSAC. The adsorption experiments were well described by the Harkin-Jura model and they followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 666.67 mg/g at 318 K. Thermodynamic evaluation indicated a spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic in nature. Regenerability and reusability investigations demonstrated that the GO@DSAC composite could be reused for up to 10 desorption-adsorption cycles with a removal efficiency of 81.78%. The selective adsorptive performance of GO@DSAC was examined in a binary system containing Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene orange (MO). The results showed a separation efficiency (α) of 98.89% for MB/MO and 93.66% for MB/RhB mixtures, underscoring outstanding separation capabilities of the GO@DSAC composite. Overall, the GO@DSAC composite displayed promising potential for the effective removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.]]> Thu 26 Oct 2023 15:39:53 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:31956 −1 biosolids. Soil samples were analyzed for SOC fractions, including total organic carbon (TOC), labile, and non-labile carbon contents. The natural abundances of soil δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N were measured as isotopic tracers to fingerprint carbon derived from biosolids. An automated soil respirometer was used to measure in-situ diurnal CO₂ fluxes, soil moisture, and temperature. Application of biosolids increased the surface (0–15 cm) soil TOC by > 45% at both sites, which was attributed to the direct contribution from residual carbon in the biosolids and also from the increased biomass production. At both sites application of biosolids increased the non-labile carbon fraction that is stable against microbial decomposition, which indicated the soil carbon sequestration potential of biosolids. Soils amended with biosolids showed depleted δ¹³C, and enriched δ¹⁵N indicating the accumulation of biosolids residual carbon in soils. The in-situ respirometer data demonstrated enhanced CO₂ fluxes at the sites treated with biosolids, indicating limited carbon sequestration potential. However, addition of biosolids on both the clay loam and sandy loam soils found to be effective in building SOC than reducing it. Soil temperature and CO₂ fluxes, indicating that temperature was more important for microbial degradation of carbon in biosolids than soil moisture.]]> Thu 21 Oct 2021 12:52:20 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34735 Thu 21 Oct 2021 12:51:21 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42070 2) from a lead-acid battery to break down PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTS). By optimising the PbO₂ panel (activating and doping) and working conditions including supporting electrolyte (1 L 10 mM Na₂SO₄), initial concentration (10 μM), temperature (room temperature), current density (5 A for a 10 cm x 10 cm PbO₂ panel) etc., we successfully remove > 99% PFAS (individual PFAS monitored via HPLC-MS) whilst mineralising ∼59% PFOA (defluorination, F− released and monitored via F-ISE, fluoride-ion selective electrode). By studying the pseudo-first-order kinetics of the PFAS breakdown (0.0028–0.007 min−1) and defluorination (0.84–5.9 x 10⁻⁸ min⁻¹), we assign the difference to the adsorption of PFAS on the PbO₂ panel and the appearance of intermediates before the full defluorination. The leaked HF gas (∼10−5 M, collected using 0.25 L 0.1 M NaOH) and Pb²⁺ (∼12 μM, or ∼ 2.5 ppm) are also confirmed. This study employs an economic industrial material, highlights the contribution of adsorption towards the PFAS removal and breakdown, and identifies the possible leakage of secondary contaminants.]]> Thu 18 Aug 2022 09:20:17 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34837 20 mM) apparently accelerated AO7 discoloration rate. The apparent effects of the two co-existing inorganic ions were determined by roles of the dominating ions at varied molar ratio of [NH₄⁺]/[Cl⁻]. The present study may have technical implications for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing diverse ions in practice.]]> Thu 16 May 2019 14:15:52 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:40471 Thu 14 Jul 2022 08:34:22 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30549 10 μg/l and >50 μg/l, respectively, representing 77 and 37 wards. The study shows that the number of arsenic contaminated samples (and wards) in the southern part of the KMC exceeds that of other parts of the city. The daily intake of arsenic from drinking water was estimated as 0.95 μg per kg bw and the cancer risk was estimated as 1425/10⁶. Analyses of biological samples (hair, nail and urine) showed elevated concentrations of arsenic indicating the presence of subclinical arsenic poisoning, predicting an enhanced lifetime cancer risk for the population in southern part of the KMC. In the KMC, groundwater is not a sustainable source of freshwater due to arsenic, high iron, hardness and total dissolved solids. Its continued use is impelled by the lack of an adequate infrastructure to treat and supply surface water and in some wards the unaccounted for water (UFW) is even >45% incurred during distribution. The rare imposition of a water tax makes the water supply systems unsustainable and fosters indifference to water conservation. To mitigate the arsenic problem, continuous groundwater monitoring for pollutants, a treated surface water supply with strict policy implications, rainwater harvesting in the urban areas and introduction of water taxes seem to be long-term visible solutions.]]> Thu 14 Apr 2022 11:04:28 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24786 Thu 14 Apr 2022 11:03:26 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24840 Thu 14 Apr 2022 10:59:28 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39471 15N, δ¹³C and δ³⁴S) to stable isotope signatures in juvenile bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) up to 6.5 years post parturition. We found that maternal provisioning was detectable for up to 3.5 years after birth in muscle but only detectable in young-of-the-year for liver. Inclusion of sulphur revealed when maternal signatures disappeared from low-turnover tissue, while also identifying the spatial and trophic ecology patterns from fast-turnover tissue. These results reveal the importance of sampling fast turnover tissues to study the trophic ecology of juvenile elasmobranchs, and how the use of only δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C isotopes is likely to make maternal patterns more difficult to detect.]]> Thu 09 Jun 2022 09:43:28 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51476 Thu 07 Sep 2023 10:45:46 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47323 Thu 02 May 2024 14:49:33 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42691 Cannabis sativa L.) were found to be far superior for PFAS removal than the next best protein, soy. The use of hemp plant proteins as a possible pump-and-treat solution to PFAS remediation from groundwater has been successfully demonstrated with very good removals (>98%) of the main contaminants of PFOS and PFHxS in approximately 1 h of contact time, with salinity enhancing removal of short chain PFAS. Changes to the secondary structure of hemp proteins was found using FTIR spectroscopy analysis and calculated based on the integrated areas of the amide I component bands. The amount of β-turns increased from ∼9.3% (control) to 44.1% (undiluted groundwater); with a decrease in random coils (25.6–8.6%); α-helix (19.3–8.6%) and β-sheets (38.8–23.1%). These changes indicate that hemp proteins partially unfold during the reaction with PFAS with other FTIR evidence suggesting sorption at hydrophobic sites of the protein as well as with the side chains of the amino acids aspartic and glutamic acid. The absence of these side chains in soy protein, as evidenced from FTIR and amino acid analysis, being part of the reason why soy removed less (approx. half) of the Σ(PFHxS + PFOS) load when compared to hemp. The findings reported here will lead to new, environmentally friendly methods for PFAS remediation.]]> Thu 01 Sep 2022 09:43:23 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:31400 Cucumis sativa L) conducting 4 weeks pot study in 5 different soils spiked with As (0, 2, 4, 8 to 1024 mg kg_{-1 ) individually and with Zn at two phytotoxic doses. The As pore-water concentration was significantly reduced (df = 289, Adjusted R² = 0.84, p < 0.01) in the presence of Zn in the whole dataset, whereas Zn and Zn²⁺ activity in pore-water was reduced significantly only in the two alkaline soils. This outcome may be due to adsorption/surface precipitation or tertiary bridging complexation. No homogenous precipitation of zinc arsenate could be established using electron microscopy, XRD or even equilibrium calculations. For bioaccumulation phase, no significant effect of Zn on As uptake was observed except acidic MG soil whereas, Zn uptake was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by As in whole dataset. However, an additive response was observed mostly except acidic MG soil. The synergistic response (more than additive) was predominant in this soil for a wide range of inhibition concentration (0¿80%) at both Zn EC10 and EC50 levels. Since additive response is mostly considered in risk assessment for mixtures, precautions should be implemented for assessment of toxicity for As-Zn mixture in acidic soil due to their synergistic response in some soils.]]>} Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:43:26 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30284 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:33:35 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:29134 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:32:35 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30584 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:23:59 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30570 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:23:58 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24015 Sphingobium and Sphingomonas of α-proteobacteria group. However, the isolate formed a distinct phyletic line with the genus Sphingobium suggesting the strain belongs to Sphingobium sp. Toxicity studies indicated resistance to high levels of mercury with estimated EC₅₀ values 4.5 mg L^-1 and 44.15 mg L^-1 and MIC values 5.1 mg L^-1 and 48.48 mg L^-1 in minimal and rich media, respectively. The strain SA2 was able to volatilize mercury by producing mercuric reductase enzyme which makes it potential candidate for remediating mercury. ICP-QQQ-MS analysis of Hg supplemented culture solutions confirmed that almost 79% mercury in the culture suspension was volatilized in 6 h. A very small amount of mercury was observed to accumulate in cell pellets which was also evident according to ESEM-EDX analysis. The mercuric reductase gene merA was amplified and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated sequence homology with α-proteobacteria and Ascomycota group.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:16:45 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:23888 −1 soil) followed by PM (124.2 mg kg⁻¹ soil) and DAP (99 mg kg⁻¹ soil). Ammonia volatilization was reduced by approximately 70% with PL-BC and MS-BC. The decreased NH3 volatilization with biochars is attributed to multiple mechanisms such as NH₃ adsorption/immobilization, and nitrification. Moreover, biochar increased wheat dry weight and N uptake as high as by 24.24% and 76.11%, respectively. This study unravels the immense potential of biochar in decreasing N volatilization from soils and simultaneously improving use efficiency by wheat.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:13:40 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24099 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:11:45 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50618 Mon 31 Jul 2023 14:35:54 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37730 Mon 29 Jan 2024 17:46:06 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46630 Mon 28 Nov 2022 15:02:25 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51252 45° for tested four black soils, indicating that atrazine residue had the greatest P-limitation on soil microorganisms. Interestingly, microbial C- and P-limitations with different atrazine concentrations showed a strong linear relationship, especially in Qiqihar and Nongan soils. Atrazine treatment significantly negatively affected microbial metabolic limitation. Soil properties and EES interaction explained up to 88.2% for microbial C-/P-limitation. In conclusion, this study confirms the EES as a useful method in evaluating the effects of pesticides on microbial metabolic limitations.]]> Mon 28 Aug 2023 12:28:34 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48686 Mon 27 Mar 2023 15:00:55 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38759 in planta. BcNRAMP1 is expressed in the whole plant body of pak choi, with a higher abundance in root tissues than in shoots. Mn deficiency and Cd exposure strongly induced BcNRAMP1 transcription levels. Through transient expression of BcNRAMP1-GFP fusion protein in tobacco leaf epidermal cells, BcNRAMP1 was revealed as a plasma membrane protein. Expressing BcNRAMP1 in yeast enhanced yeast cells to absorb Mn, Cd, and iron (Fe). Overexpression of BcNRAMP1 in Arabidopsis wild-type and nramp1 mutant increased and complemented Mn and Cd transportation and accumulation, respectively. Using noninvasive microelectrode ion flux measurements, a direct evidence that BcNRAMP1 acts on Cd influx in Arabidopsis root cells was provided. The results of this study reveal that BcNRAMP1 functions as a NRAMP protein in planta, absorbing nutrient metal Mn and the toxic metal Cd.]]> Mon 24 Jan 2022 16:32:15 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47476 Mon 23 Jan 2023 11:26:30 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:43454 3). Sorption closely followed pseudo second order kinetics and was best described by the Langmuir model. FTIR analysis suggested that chemisorption was the predominant mechanism of Be sorption. Desorption was very low and best described by the Freundlich model. The low desorption reflected the high K_d (up to 6624 L/kg), and the presence of hysteresis suggested partially irreversible binding of Be with active surfaces of the soil matrix (minerals, SOM, oxyhydroxides of Fe/Al/Mn etc.). Intra-particle diffusion of Be and entrapment in the pores contribute to the irreversible binding. The sorption behaviour of Be helped to explain the relative immobility of Be at the site despite the significant quantities of Be disposed. Soil physicochemical properties were significant for Be sorption, through influencing both the uptake and desorption, and this demonstrates the implications of these measurements for evaluating potential future risks to the environment.]]> Mon 19 Sep 2022 15:12:20 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51765 Cd > Pb > As(III)>As(V) for E. coli; and Hg > Cd > As(III)>Pb > As(V) for the two Lactobacillus sp. Arsenite (AsIII) showed higher toxicity than arsenate (AsV) to gut bacteria. While As is an anion, Cd, Pb and Hg are cations and hence their binding capacity to the bacterial cell wall varied based on the charge dependent functional groups. However, the toxic effects of PTEs for a bacteria are controlled by their speciation and bioavailability.]]> Mon 18 Sep 2023 14:23:29 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47379 Mon 16 Jan 2023 13:46:54 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38485 Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Lagos Lagoon, southwest Nigeria to determine risks to ecological receptors and humans. Residual As was the predominant geochemical fraction (86.2%) in sediments. Arsenite [As (III)] concentrations which ranged from 0.06 to 0.53 mg kg^-1 in catfish muscle tissue, accounting for 25.9% of total As was the dominant species. Less toxic dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) which varied between 0.06 and 0.27 mg kg^-1 made up to 10.8% of total As in catfish muscle tissue. Estimated human average daily intake (ADI) of As as As (III) and DMA were 1.35 x 10^-4 and 0.62 x 10^-4 mg kg^-1 BW with corresponding hazard quotients (HQs) of 0.45 and 0.21, respectively, indicate no apparent health hazard to adult consumers. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) of 0.78 x 10^-3 for total As, 0.20 x 10^-3 for As (III), and 0.93 x 10^-3 for DMA, for adults from the consumption of catfish is slightly higher than the US EPA threshold and indicates moderate carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, 12.5% bioavailable fraction of As in sediment and relatively higher levels of As (III) in fish tissues has ecological and public health implications.]]> Mon 09 May 2022 16:19:19 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:40434 500 μg L−1(acetamiprid). To assess uptake and elimination, shrimp were exposed to a fixed 5 μg L−1 water concentration for eight days (uptake) or four days of exposure followed by four days of depuration (elimination). Neonicotinoid water and tissue concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry following solid-phase extraction and QuEChER extraction respectively. The lower toxicity associated with acetamiprid could be associated with lower accumulation in the tissue, with concentrations remaining below 0.01 μg g−1. The activity of acetylcholinesterase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase in abdominal tissues was determined by spectrophotometric assay, with significant sublethal effects detected for all four neonicotinoids. Depuration reduced the tissue concentration of the active ingredient and reduced the activity of oxidative stress enzymes. Given acetamiprid showed no acute toxicity and reduced impact on the enzymatic activity of P. monodon, it may be an appropriate alternative to other neonicotinoids in shrimp producing areas.]]> Mon 08 Aug 2022 13:25:28 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39548 Mon 08 Aug 2022 11:27:19 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46807 Mon 05 Dec 2022 08:51:51 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:55844 Mon 01 Jul 2024 10:00:35 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:33284 Fri 28 Sep 2018 15:47:21 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39212 Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Escherichia coli. Lead toxicity to these three microbes was also examined at various pH values. Bioaccessibility of Pb was measured using gastric and intestinal extractions. Both Pb spiked and Pb-contaminated shooting range field soils were used to measure Pb bioaccessibility in the presence and absence of gut microbes. The results indicated that Pb toxicity to gut microbes, as measured by LD₅₀ value, decreased with increasing pH, and was higher for Lactobacillus species. Gut microbes decreased the bioaccessible Pb; the effect was more pronounced at low pH, mimicking gastric conditions than in conditions closer to the intestine. Lead adsorption by these microbes increased at the higher pH tested, and E. coli adsorbed higher amounts of Pb than did the Lactobacillus species. The effect of gut microbes on reducing Pb bioaccessibility may be attributed to microbially-induced immobilization of Pb through adsorption, precipitation, and complexation reactions. The study demonstrates that bioaccessibility and subsequently bioavailability of metal(loid)s can be modulated by gut microbes, and it is important to undertake bioaccessibility measurements in the presence of gut microbes.]]> Fri 27 May 2022 11:09:22 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:41080 Fri 22 Jul 2022 17:04:21 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44714 a]pyrene (B[a]P) and pyrene (PYR) was investigated. A glasshouse experiment was conducted to measure the changes in morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and the bioaccumulation and biodegradation ability of the plants in soils spiked with 48 and 194 mg kg⁻¹ of B[a]P and PYR, respectively. The per cent removal efficacy of B[a]P and PYR by the tested plant species over a period of 50 days was from 6 to 26% and 14 to 40% respectively. The maximum removal of both B[a]P and PYR was observed in Sudan grass (C4), vetiver (C4), maize (C4), and sunflower (C3). In terms of accumulation in root and shoot, the concentration of PYR was higher in both C3 and C4 plant species when compared to B[a]P. Overall the results indicated that C4 plants were more efficient than their C3 counterparts in terms of morphological, physiological, biochemical and degradation ability of PAHs.]]> Fri 21 Oct 2022 08:51:37 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:52662 Fri 20 Oct 2023 09:09:08 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32675 Acinetobacter venetianus in 96 h, while the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the aqueous phase was only 56.8%, indicating that degraded metabolites existed in solution. To solve this problem, a Fenton-like system consisting of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and hydrogen peroxide was used for further oxidation of the metabolites after biodegradation. Results showed that the total COD removal increased from 56.8% to 89% under the optimal condition. In addition, effects of initial pH (2.0–9.0), ZVI dosage (0–2.0 g L-1), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) dosage concentration (0–15 mmol L-1) and temperature (298–308 K) on the treatment efficiency of the combined process were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that changes to the surface of nZVI occurred. GC-MS revealed that the degraded metabolites were mineralized practically by nZVI/H₂O₂ system. The results points towards the potential of Fenton-like oxidation as a short post-treatment after a biological process for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater.]]> Fri 17 Nov 2023 11:42:05 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51710 Fri 15 Sep 2023 14:16:08 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:41801 Fri 12 Aug 2022 12:24:43 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34692 −1 PO₄-P solution, to produce a parallel set of P-exposed biochars. Biochar exterior and/or interior surfaces were quantitatively characterised using laser-ablation (LA)-ICP-MS, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray. The results highlighted the general importance of Fe minerals in P capture. XPS analysis of POCAD550 indicated lower oxidation state Fe2p3 bonding compared to POCAD450, and LA-ICP-MS indicated stronger covariation of Fe and S, even after P exposure. This suggests that low-solubility Fe/S compounds are formed during pyrolysis, are affected by process parameters and impact on P capture. Other data suggested capture roles for aluminium, calcium and silicon. Overall, our analyses suggest that a range of mechanisms for P capture are concurrently active in biochar. We highlighted the potential to manipulate these through choice of form and composition of feedstock as well as pyrolysis processing, so that biochar may be increasingly tailored towards specific functionality.]]> Fri 12 Apr 2019 14:00:53 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44115 Fri 07 Oct 2022 14:19:31 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:55588 Fri 07 Jun 2024 12:01:31 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50211 Fri 07 Jul 2023 11:34:15 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:41930 Zea mays), Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense), vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), sunflower (Helianthus annuus)and wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia sp.)has been evaluated by ecotoxicological tests such as root nodulation and leghaemoglobin assay using garden pea (Pisum sativum)and acute, chronic and genotoxicity assays using earthworm (Eisenia fetida). The phytoremediated soil exhibited lesser toxicity supporting improved root nodulation and leghaemoglobin content in P. sativum and reducing DNA damage in E. fetida when compared to contaminated soil before remediation. Also, the results of the ecotoxicological assays with the legume and earthworm performed in this study complemented the results obtained by the chemical analysis of PAHs in phytoremediated soil. Therefore, these findings provide a basis for a framework in which remediation efficacy of PAHs-contaminated sites can be evaluated effectively with simple ecotoxicological bioassays using legumes and earthworms.]]> Fri 02 Jun 2023 10:30:15 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53514 coal tar > pitch. Increases in Frap of cPAHs were observed in coal tar-treated soils after 48 d soil incubation (0.33%–1.16% for soil M, p ≥ 0.05, 6.24%–9.21% for soil G, p < 0.05) and was attributed to the continuous migration of coal tar as a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) into soil pore structures. Slow desorption was dominated by source materials, whereas the extents and rates of rapid desorption (Frap and krap) were more controlled by the quantity of soil organic matter (SOM), rather than quality of SOM (as in solvent-spiked soils). The results of this study challenged the role of PAH source materials as ‘sinks’ and led to the proposed roles of coal tar and pitch and source materials alike as ‘reservoirs’ with a risk-driven perspective.]]> Fri 01 Dec 2023 10:58:45 AEDT ]]>