https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42991 100 countries, and their distribution is extensive and widespread in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In order to meet the challenges of global food security, it is imperative to bring barren salt-affected soils under cultivation. Various inorganic and organic amendments are used to reclaim the salt-affected lands. The selection of a sustainable ameliorant is largely determined by the site-specific geographical and soil physicochemical parameters. Recently, biochar (solid carbonaceous residue, produced under oxygen-free or oxygen-limited conditions at temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000 ^OC) has attracted considerable attention as a soil amendment. An emerging pool of knowledge shows that biochar addition is effective in improving physical, chemical and biological properties of salt-affected soils. However, some studies have also found an increase in soil salinity and sodicity with biochar application at high rates. Further, the high cost associated with production of biochar and high application rates remains a significant challenge to its widespread use in areas affected by salinity and sodicity. Moreover, there is relatively limited information on the long-term behavior of salt-affected soils subjected to biochar applications. The main objective of the present paper was to review, analyze and discuss the recent studies investigating a role of biochar in improving soil properties and plant growth in salt-affected soils. This review emphasizes that using biochar as an organic amendment for sustainable and profitable use of salt-affected soils would not be practicable as long as low-cost methods for the production of biochar are not devised.]]> Wed 28 Feb 2024 15:22:05 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42992 Wed 28 Feb 2024 15:21:39 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42905 Wed 28 Feb 2024 14:51:26 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46449 Wed 23 Nov 2022 14:10:37 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37162 Wed 17 Nov 2021 16:29:46 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53573 Wed 15 May 2024 15:05:18 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26052 Pennisetum purpureum, Medicago sativa, Sinapis alba and Helianthus annuus) were grown separately on three different soils (CI, CNI and CTRL) in plastic pots. Two types of water (tap water and wastewater) and two loadings were applied throughout the planting period based on the field capacity (FC 100 and 150%). The overall dry matter yield was compared between the soils and treatments. Under wastewater irrigation, among the four species grown in the CI soil, P. purpureum (171 g) and H. annuus (151 g) showed high biomass yields, followed by S. alba (115 g) and M. sativa (31 g). The plants grown under tap water showed about 70% lower yields compared to the abattoir wastewater irrigation (AWW). Similar trends in the biomass yields were observed for CNI and CTRL soils under the two water treatments, with the biomass yields in the following order CI > CNI > CTRL soils. The results confirm the beneficial effects of AWW at the greenhouse level. However, a proper cropping pattern and wastewater irrigation management plan is essential to utilise the nutrients available in the wastewater-irrigated land treatment sites. The increase in fertility is evident from the effects of wastewater on biomass growth and also the abundance of nutrients accumulated in plants. A mass balance calculation on the applied, residual and the plant-accumulated nutrients over a few cropping periods will help us in understanding the nutrient cycling processes involved in the abattoir-irrigated land treatment sites, which will serve as an effective tool for the environmental management.]]> Wed 11 Apr 2018 12:50:36 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:37210 Eisenia fetida, were exposed to a soil containing readily available benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and highly sequestered B[a]P NERs aged in soil for 350 days. B[a]P bioaccumulation was assessed and DNA damage (as DNA single strand breaks) in earthworm coelomocytes were evaluated by comet assay. The concentrations of B[a]P in earthworm tissues were generally low, particularly when the soil contained highly sequestered B[a]P NERs, with biota-soil accumulation factors ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 kg_OC/kg_lipid. The measurements related to genotoxicity, that is percentage (%) of DNA in the tails and olive tail moments, were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the spiked soil containing readily available B[a]P than in soil that did not have added B[a]P. For example, for the soil initially spiked at 10 mg/kg, the percentage of DNA in the tails (29.2%) of coelomocytes after exposure of earthworms to B[a]P-contaminated soils and olive tail moments (17.6) were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those of unspiked soils (19.6% and 7.0, for percentage of DNA in tail and olive tail moment, respectively). There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in effects over the range of B[a]P concentrations (10 and 50 mg/kg soil) investigated. In contrast, DNA damage after exposure of earthworms to B[a]P NERs in soil did not differ from background DNA damage in the unspiked soil. These findings are useful in risk assessments as they can be applied to minimise uncertainties associated with the ecological health risks from exposure to highly sequestered PAH residues in long-term contaminated soils.]]> Wed 10 Nov 2021 15:04:24 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32893 Wed 08 Aug 2018 10:05:32 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48970 Wed 07 Feb 2024 14:54:53 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50508 Wed 07 Feb 2024 14:28:38 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:37163 2) had the lowest BMI compared to those with normal eGFR. The majority affected were male farmers. The severity of the disease was inversely associated with BMI values and had a higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition, those who consume water from household dug wells had significantly lower eGFR (p < 0.0001). A linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between lower eGFR and lower BMI (p < 0.001). We hypothesised that the low BMI in those with CKDu may have increased susceptibility to develop CKDu, in the presence of exposure to multiple nephrotoxins and adverse conditions.]]> Wed 07 Apr 2021 20:21:25 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37009 Wed 05 Aug 2020 14:09:19 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38915 Wed 02 Mar 2022 15:01:20 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38372 Wed 01 Sep 2021 12:12:32 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50685 Wed 01 May 2024 15:09:13 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50383 Tue 31 Oct 2023 08:53:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26146 Tue 31 Jul 2018 16:35:15 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51254 Tue 29 Aug 2023 10:47:01 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48678 in situ assessment of vapour intrusion from VOC contamination. A solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) technique was applied for sample pre-concentration before the GC–MS​ measurement. Practical in-field soil gas SPME sampling methods have been developed to optimise the SPME extraction efficiency to then ultimately improve the detection limits of portable GC–MS. An Australian site impacted by a chlorinated VOC, trichloroethylene (TCE), was the subject of the case study. To rapidly assess soil vapour samples in subsurface soil, in-house-developed retractable soil vapour sampling probes (SVSPs) were installed at the site in clusters at depths of 1 m, 2 m and 3 m below ground level at each sampling location. Use of the SVSPs for sampling enabled the generation of a three-dimensional map and distribution contours for TCE concentrations using the in situ measurement results of a portable GC–MS analysis for vapour intrusion investigation. The results of the portable GC–MS​ analysis were compared with the results from conventional USEPA methods, such as TO-15 and Method 8265 for soil vapour and groundwater samples, respectively. This work demonstrates that the developed methodology of using a portable GC–MS system has the capability for in-field quantitative analysis of VOCs for rapid contaminated site vapour intrusion assessment.]]> Tue 28 Mar 2023 10:28:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50419 CTAB > SDS, which is opposed to their CMC (Triton X-100: 0.28 mM＜CTAB: 1.07 mM＜SDS: 7.69 mM). Rising the surfactant concentration would not enhance the defluorination, the best one was obtained at its CMC. Moreover, changing the pH of the US bath liquid by adding acid or alkaline solution inhibited the defluorination, which might be attributed to acid or base causing damage to the chemical properties or physical structure of surfactant (certified by the SEM tests). Additionally, the mechanism of enhanced PFOA defluorination was examined by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, which proved that adding surfactant facilitated the generation of the radicals (·OH and SO4∙-), as well as the radicals’ amount increased over time during 60 min. Finally, the inhibited defluorination of adding surfactant directly to the PFOA solution was studied by the SEM analysis, the results demonstrated that adsorption and wrapping between surfactant micelles and PFOA reduced the contact between PFOA and radicals and affected the surfactant effect on the surface tension.]]> Tue 25 Jul 2023 18:05:23 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:55369 Tue 21 May 2024 09:42:30 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37098 Tue 18 Aug 2020 09:48:42 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47398 Tue 17 Jan 2023 11:21:30 AEDT ]]> 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:47050 Tue 13 Dec 2022 14:58:04 AEDT ]]> 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:47038 Tue 13 Dec 2022 14:22:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46997 Tue 13 Dec 2022 10:26:36 AEDT ]]> 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:51611 92%), PO43−-P (>89%) and COD (>84%) as well as increased production of ROS and neutral lipids, indicating their significant mutualistic interactions with the native bacterial communities for efficient bioremediation of wastewaters. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene-based community data in wastewaters revealed selective enrichment of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, resulting in enhanced microalgal growth and nutrient removal. The findings of this novel study suggest that microalgal–bacterial co-cultures mediate interspecies interactions for a shift in population dynamics of the indigenous bacteria in wastewaters to facilitate enhanced bioremediation of effluents with sustainable production of biomass and biodiesel.]]> Tue 12 Sep 2023 13:42:26 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42895 Tue 06 Sep 2022 14:39:21 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42866 Tue 06 Sep 2022 09:17:31 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51455 Tue 05 Sep 2023 18:15:02 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:34213 Cu > Cd, Zn, Cr. The corresponding values for furnace slag were 4.3 to 5.2 mg/g, and the order of adsorption capacities was Pb, Cu, Cd > Cr > Zn. Fixed-bed column study on furnace slag/sand mixture (1:1 w/w) revealed that the adsorption capacities were generally less in the mixed metal system (1.1-2.1 mg/g) than in the single metal system (3.4-3.5 mg/g). The data for both systems fitted well to the Thomas model, with the adsorption capacity being the highest for Pb and Cu in the single metal system and Pb and Cd in the mixed metal system. Our study showed that fly ash and blast furnace slag are effective low-cost adsorbents for the simultaneous removal of Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr and Zn from water.]]> Thu 28 Oct 2021 13:03:23 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32391 Thu 28 Oct 2021 12:36:12 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:45385 Thu 27 Oct 2022 16:12:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:45331 Thu 27 Oct 2022 09:05:11 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:37718 Thu 25 Mar 2021 09:31:53 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:29605 week 4 > week 3 > week 2. On the other hand, under the 50 % FC loading rate treatments, the highest N₂O emission was recorded in the first few weeks and in the following order: week 1 > week 2 > week 3 > week > 4. Since N₂O is a greenhouse gas with high global warming potential, its emission from wastewater irrigation is likely to impact global climate change. Therefore, it is important to examine the effects of abattoir wastewater irrigation on soil for N₂O emission potential.]]> Thu 21 Oct 2021 12:53:23 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24104 Thu 21 Oct 2021 12:52:12 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38732 Thu 20 Jan 2022 14:25:03 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48966 Thu 20 Apr 2023 10:29:33 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32271 -1 soil). Both the bacterial strains exhibited a great potential in remediating weathered hydrocarbons of engine oil. Addition of inorganic fertilizers (NPK), at recommended levels for bioremediation, resulted in significant inhibition in biostimulation/enhanced natural attenuation as well as bioaugmentation. The data on dehydrogenase activity clearly confirmed those of bioremediation strategies used, indicating that this enzyme assay could serve as an indicator of bioremediation potential of oil-contaminated soil. Extraction of TPHs from engine oil-contaminated soil with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPCD), but not 1-butanol, was found reliable in predicting the bioavailability of weathered hydrocarbons. Also, 454 pyrosequencing data were in accordance with those of bioremediation strategies used in the present microcosm study, suggesting the possible use of pyrosequencing in designing approaches for bioremediation.]]> Thu 17 May 2018 13:51:27 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38961 -1) in agricultural soils. The half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were 4.21 ± 0.29 and 4.02 ± 0.95, respectively, whereas the maximum health risk index (HRI) was 3.85 ± 0.049 and 5.33 ± 0.271, respectively, for Mustang and Lancer. In other words, the malondialdehyde content increased significantly in Mustang (around five-fold) and Lancer (around four-fold) compared with the control treatment. Results revealed that Cd content was well above the acceptable limit (HRI >1) in the two cultivars when exposed to different levels of Cd stress. The tolerant cultivar (Mustang) has potential to chelate Cd in the nonedible parts of plants in variable fractions and can be used efficiently to improve growth and macro- and micro-nutrients content while reducing Cd concentration in plants in Cd-contaminated soil. It can also diminish the HRI, which may help to protect humans from Cd risks. The two cultivars' nutrient availability and sorption capacity significantly shape their survival and adaptability under Cd stress. Based on what is documented in the current study, we can conclude that Mustang is more tolerant and poses fewer health hazards to people than Lancer because of its capacity to maintain grain macro- and micro-nutrients under Cd stress.]]> Thu 17 Mar 2022 14:21:24 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48440 Thu 16 Mar 2023 14:38:59 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:54294 Thu 15 Feb 2024 14:53:16 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:32335 Thu 14 Apr 2022 11:05:50 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:29676 Thu 14 Apr 2022 11:03:42 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:35935 9882 groundwater samples) were used to describe As variability in groundwater of Pakistan and for comparison with global data. The mean groundwater As content reported in these studies was 120 µg/L (range: 0.1-2090 µg/L; SD: ±307). About 73% of the values for mean As contents in the 43 studies were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit (10 µg/L) for drinking water, while 41% were higher than the permissible limit of As in Pakistan (50 µg/L). It was observed that groundwater samples in some areas of Punjab and Sindh provinces contained high As concentrations which were almost equal to concentrations reported in the most contaminated areas of the world. We predicted that the mean values of ADD, HQ and CR were 4.4 µg kg^-1day^-1(range: 0-77 µg kg^-1day^-1), 14.7 (range: 0-256) and 0.0029 (range: 0-0.0512), respectively, based on mean As concentrations reported in Pakistan. In addition, this article proposes some integrated sustainable solutions and future perspectives keeping in view the regional and global context, as well as the on-ground reality of the population drinking As-contaminated water, planning issues, awareness among civil society and role of the government bodies. Based on available data, it is predicted that almost 47 million people in Pakistan are residing in areas where more than 50% of groundwater wells contain As concentrations above the WHO recommended limit of As in drinking water.]]> Thu 14 Apr 2022 10:59:13 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:23232 . 1 for As in drinking water, vegetables and rice, for Mn in drinking water, vegetables, rice and wheat, for Pb in rice and wheat indicated the potential health risk to the local population. An assessment of As and other elements of other food components should be conducted to understand the actual health hazards caused by ingestion of food in people residing in the middle Gangetic plain.]]> Thu 14 Apr 2022 10:59:04 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:35120 in situ treatment and remediation approaches are limited for low-permeability aquifers materials, particularly because of limitations to the delivery of reactive chemicals or access to contaminated plumes. In this paper, we describe the development of a cutting-edge solution for the remediation of contaminated groundwater in a low-permeability and low water-bearing aquifer contaminated with the chlorinated hydrocarbon trichloroethylene (TCE). The remediation technique introduced coupling of large-diameter permeable reactive barrier wells (PRB wells) with: (1) extraction wells through in a highly impacted plume; and (2) re-injection wells at the fringe of the plume. A pump-and-treat system (PTS) was employed at the site in a separate plume to reduce the mass of TCE near the second source zone. This research focuses only on the large diameter PRB well system. Conceptual site model development, design considerations, implementation and performance evaluation demonstrated how each of these elements were applied in the field. Approaches for coupling technologies to increase technical and economic feasibility are presented. Extraction and reinjection wells of treated groundwater at the fringe of the plume promoted a positive hydraulic gradient, facilitated groundwater transport through the reactive media, and contained the plume. Detailed geospatial and statistical analysis with over 10 years' monitoring data showed that dissolved TCE plume delineation shrank, and still concentration continues to decline, and were projected to meet the demands of remediation compliance regulations in the next few years. The results of this study indicate that significant remediation was achieved despite the challenging hydraulic conditions of the aquifer. The developed the remediation technology and conclusions indicate the system's usefulness at other sites.]]> Thu 11 May 2023 11:46:01 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:54648 Thu 07 Mar 2024 15:27:21 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26517 Thu 05 Oct 2023 16:40:22 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:43512 Thu 02 Nov 2023 14:46:48 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:31523 Sphingobium SA2 and nutrient amendment. In a field with ~ 280 mg/kg Hg, 60% of Hg was removed by bio-augmentation in 7 days, and the removal was improved when nutrients were added. Whereas in artificially spiked soils, with ~ 100 mg/kg Hg, removal due to bio-augmentation was 33 to 48% in 14 days. In the field contaminated soil, nutrient amendment alone without bio-augmentation removed 50% of Hg in 28 days. Nutrient amendment also had an impact on Hg remediation in the spiked soils, but the best results were obtained when the strain and nutrients both were applied. The development of longer root lengths from lettuce and cucumber seeds grown in the remediated soils confirmed that the soil quality improved after bioremediation. This study clearly demonstrates the potential of Hg-reducing bacteria in remediation of Hg-contaminated soils. However, it is desirable to trap the volatilized Hg for enhanced bioremediation.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:43:51 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30237 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:41:59 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:28139 −1). The objective was to understand how bioaccessible As by different methods was related to different As pools based on sequential extraction and 0.43 M HNO₃ extraction. Arsenic bioaccessibility was 7.6–25, 2.3–49, 7.3–44, and 1.3–38% in gastric phase (GP), and 5.7–53, 0.46–33, 2.3–42, and 0.86–43% in intestinal phase (IP) for UBM, SBRC, IVG, and PBET, respectively, with HNO₃-extractable As being 0.90–60%. Based on sequential extraction, As was primarily associated with amorphous (AF3; 17–79%) and crystallized Fe/Al oxides (CF4; 6.4–73%) while non-specifically sorbed (NS1), specifically sorbed (SS2), and residual fractions (RS5) were 0–10%, 3.4–20% and 3.2–25%. Significant correlation was found between As bioaccessibility by PBET and NS1 + SS2 (R² = 0.55 − 0.69), and UBM-GP and NS1 + SS2 + AF3 (R² = 0.58), indicating PBET mostly targeted As in NS1 + SS2 whereas UBM in NS1 + SS2 + AF3. HNO₃-extractable As was correlated to bioaccessible As by four methods (R² = 0.42 – 0.72) with SBRC-GP having the best correlation. The fact that different methods targeted different As fractions in soils suggested the importance of validation by animal test. Our data suggested that HNO₃ may have potential to determine bioaccessible As in soils.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:36:39 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26339 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:35:55 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26483 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:35:30 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30283 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:33:33 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30893 14C-labelled phenanthrene and a model bacterium Burkholderia sartisoli, we studied the mineralization of phenanthrene on the surface of a moderately heat-treated (up to 400 °C) palygorskite. The heat treatment at 400 °C induced a reduction of binding sites (e.g., by the elimination of organic matter and/or channel shrinkage) in the palygorskite and thus imparted a weaker sequestration of phenanthrene on its surface and within the pores. As a result, a supplement with the thermally modified palygorskite (400 °C) significantly increased (20–30%; p < 0.05) the biomineralization of total phenanthrene in a simulated soil slurry system. These results are highly promising to develop a clay mineral based technology for the bioremediation of PAH contaminants in water and soil environments.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:30:39 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:29897 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:29:55 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:26579 −1) under CO₂ environment (200 mL min⁻¹) (Composite 2). A uniform dispersion of nano-scale carbon spheres was formed on partially destroyed palygorskite structures. Composite 2, which indicated the formation of graphitised carbon nanoparticles, generated a 17-fold greater specific surface area than Composite 1 and also created micro- and mesopores in its structure. The nanocomposites, especially in Composite 1, contained organic surface functional groups (C⎯H, C=C, C=O) and indicated variable affinity to cationic and anionic dye compounds. While Composite 2 adsorbed a larger amount of anionic orange II dye (23 mg g⁻¹), Composite 1 adsorbed more cationic methylene blue (46.3 mg g⁻¹). Isothermal and kinetic modelling of the adsorption data indicated that in addition to electrostatic attraction for methylene blue adsorption on both nanocomposites, a pore diffusion mechanism was involved and the boundary resistance was greater for orange II than methylene blue adsorption. Being a material developed from green biomass (starch) and an abundant natural resource (palygorskite), these nanocomposites have immense potential for application in environmental remediation including in situ immobilisation of contaminants in soil.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:26:11 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:25140 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:17:12 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:24388 -1) and lowest half-life time (t_1/2 = 1-26 days) values reported to date in liquid cultures and highlighted the use of consortium-A for the remediation of acidic soils due to its tolerance up to pH 5. Furthermore, bioaugmentation of these consortia has proven to be effective in degradation of LMW (>95%) and HMW (90%) PAHs from spiked soil slurries. Amendment of consortia-A and N exhibited 10.7 and 44.3% more total PAHs degradation, respectively than natural attenuation in 60 days even from the real long-term mixed contaminated soils. Thus the results of this study demonstrate the great potential of these novel bacterial consortia, particularly consortium-N for use in field-scale bioremediation of PAHs in long-term mixed contaminated neutral soils.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:16:17 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24816 in vivo measurement is reliable but resource insensitive, in vitro approaches promise to provide high-throughput RBA predictions. One challenge on using in vitro bioaccessibility (BAc) to predict in vivo RBA is how to minimize the heterogeneities associated with in vivo-in vitro correlations (IVIVCs) stemming from various biomarkers (kidney, blood, liver, urinary and femur), in vitro approaches and studies. In this study, 252 paired RBA-BAc data were retrieved from 9 publications, and then a Bayesian hierarchical model was implemented to address these random effects. A generic linear model (RBA (%) = (0.87 ± 0.16) × BAc + (4.70 ± 2.47)) of the IVIVCs was identified. While the differences of the IVIVCs among the in vitro approaches were significant, the differences among biomarkers were relatively small. The established IVIVCs were then applied to predict Pb RBA of which an overall Pb RBA estimation was 0.49 ± 0.25. In particular the RBA in the residential land was the highest (0.58 ± 0.19), followed by house dust (0.46 ± 0.20) and mining/smelting soils (0.45 ± 0.31). This is a new attempt to: firstly, use a meta-analysis to correlate Pb RBA and BAc; and secondly, estimate Pb RBA in relation to soil types.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:15:13 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:24695 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:10:54 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24350 -1 of total PAHs using novel acid-, metal-tolerant, N-fixing, P-solubilizing, and biosurfactant-producing LMW and HMW PAH-degrading bacterial combinations as inoculums was compared in slurry- and solid-phase microcosms over natural attenuation. Bioaugmentation of 5 % of bacterial consortia A and N in slurry- and solid-phase systems enhanced 4.6-5.7 and 9.3-10.7 % of total PAH degradation, respectively, over natural attenuation. Occurrence of 62.7-88 % of PAH biodegradation during natural attenuation in soil and slurry illustrated the accelerated rate of intrinsic metabolic activity of the autochthonous microbial community in the selected MGP soil. Monitoring of the total microbial activity and population of PAH degraders revealed that the observed biodegradation trend in MGP soil resulted from microbial mineralization. In the slurry, higher biodegradation rate constant (k) and lower half-life values (t_1/2) was observed during bioaugmentation with consortium N, highlighting the use of bioaugmentation in bioslurries/bioreactor to achieve rapid and efficient bioremediation compared to that of a static solid system. In general, natural attenuation was on par with bioaugmentation. Hence, depending on the type of soil, natural attenuation might outweigh bioaugmentation and a careful investigation using laboratory treatability studies are highly recommended before the upscale of a developed bioremediation strategy to field level.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:10:17 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47285 Mon 30 Oct 2023 17:10:01 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38254 Mon 29 Jan 2024 18:38:46 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38651 Mon 29 Jan 2024 17:49:32 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:36981 Mon 27 Jul 2020 10:07:42 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44820 Mon 24 Oct 2022 09:38:27 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38758 Mon 24 Jan 2022 15:01:09 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30026 neutral > alkaline soil. The EC50 values resulting in 50% decrease in worm weight over control for Pb in acidic, neutral and alkaline soils were 460, 3606 and 5753 mg/kg soil, respectively. Thus, the acidic soil recorded an EC50 well below the soil guideline value for Pb. Whereas, the LC50 values resulting in 50% mortality in worms over control were 1161, 4648 and 7851 mg/kg, respectively, for acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. The Pb concentrations in earthworms ranged from 0.2 to 740 mg/kg wet weight. Soils with low clay content and acidic to neutral pH values demonstrated an increased Pb toxicity in earthworms compared to the soils with alkaline pH. Conclusions: The worm weight loss is a more sensitive parameter than the mortality. This study emphasizes that the soil regulatory levels for Pb are not protective of worms in acidic soils. Therefore, care should be taken when using the current regulatory limits to assess and predict the safety of a contaminated site with acidic soils towards the ecological health.]]> Mon 23 Sep 2019 12:50:26 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:43435 P_app), with differences in ML retention and complexation amongst the chelants and the gut microbes. The decrease in ML permeability varied amongst the MLs. Chelating agents reduce intestinal absorption of MLs by forming complexes thereby making them less permeable. In the case of gut bacteria, the decrease in the intestinal permeability of MLs may be associated to a direct protection of the intestinal barrier against the MLs or indirect intestinal ML sequestration by the gut bacteria through adsorption on bacterial surface. Thus, both gut microbes and chelating agents can be used to decrease the intestinal permeability of MLs, thereby mitigating their toxicity.]]> Mon 19 Sep 2022 11:35:28 AEST ]]> 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:35269 Mon 08 Jul 2019 11:02:20 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46934 50% reduction in juvenile production at 0.5% microplastics concentration in soil. Also, significant genotoxicity in terms of DNA damage was observed in the F0 and F1 earthworms. Chemical analysis of microplastic-exposed soils showed the presence of several benzene derivatives that are associated with polystyrene particles. Our study, for the first time to our knowledge, demonstrated the long-term adverse effects on earthworms of polystyrene microplastics even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The results have significant implications for risk assessment of polystyrene microplastics to soil biota.]]> Mon 06 May 2024 14:06:56 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:36783 n). It was found there were two bands coherent to the doublet at location 2954 and 2872 cm⁻¹, respectively can be applied to identify the fraction of carbon chains. From C₂₀ to C₃₇, by the increase of the C_n, the intensities of the two bands were reduced as demonstrated. There were another two doublets existed at the region from 1480 to 1450 cm⁻¹ and the region at 750 and 730 cm⁻¹. It was observed the intensity of one coherent band at each of these regions was increased following the increase on the C_n. The bands center at 1462 and 730 cm⁻¹ were increased from C₂₀ to C₃₇. The intensity ratio of the coherent bands can be applied to identify the C_n. Successfully identify four different petroleum products with different fractions of carbon chains in soil samples, is evidence the theory can be applied to investigate the fraction of carbon chains in soil. Coupling with handheld FTIR, it is possible to rapidly estimate the dominant fraction of C_n in soil in field.]]> Mon 06 Jul 2020 09:25:42 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38320 −1) and dissolved organic matter(0–20 mg L⁻¹). The string rate of more than 100 rpm indicated the DGT will not likely be affected by flow rate in the aquatic environment. The study successfully indicates the DGT’s performance on diuron, providing a promising technique for future investigation of distribution and occurrence in the natural environment.]]> Fri 27 Aug 2021 12:02:40 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:41088 Fri 22 Jul 2022 17:11:19 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24387 Melaleuca diosmifolia leaf, Melia azedarach pod, Alnus cordata leaf and Pinus radiata cones because they all contain the essential elements (N, P, K, S and Fe) for dietary intake, applications as soil amendments, contaminant biosorbents and substrates for composting or biofertilizer preparation. Fruit peel of Quercus robur, M. diosmifolia leaf and bark, Eucalyptus leucoxylon pod and leaf, Pyrus ussuriensis and Prunus cerasifera leaf aqueous extracts indicated high phenolic content (35–66 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (70–90%). A. cordata and Morus alba pendula leaf emerged as a unique source of flavonoids (>95%). There are greater prospects for the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using these polyphenol-rich residues.]]> Fri 22 Apr 2022 10:27:02 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:24877 Fri 22 Apr 2022 10:25:28 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38745 Fri 21 Jan 2022 09:54:02 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53860 Fri 19 Jan 2024 12:31:46 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38433 3O₄), ferrihydrites, and desilicated minerals are identified in the RMSDN600 using XRD (X-ray diffraction) and XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure). Sorption isotherm for RMSD600 and SDN600 showed close-fitting with Langmuir and Freundlich model demonstrated monolayer and multilayer sorption of PFOS over the active sites of the adsorbents. The potential formation of micelles and hemi-micelles can occur in interparticle porous biochars as the concentration of PFOS exceeds critical hemi-micelle concentration (4.57-45.7 mg/L). The kinetic study followed Pseudo-second-order model for both adsorbents, demonstrated both physisorption and chemisorption of PFOS. The results revealed the adsorption of PFOS was governed by both hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction, with hydrophobic interaction as the dominant sorption mechanism. The higher adsorption capacity for RMSDN600 (194.6 mg/g) was recorded than that for SDN600 (178.6 mg/g) at pH 3.1 due to the abundance of protonated metal-based functional groups, and more ordered graphitic carbon structure resulting from catalytic degradation and transformation of cellulose and hemicellulose. Aromatic structure can potentially enhance PFOS sorption by non-ionic interaction. In contrast, metal-based and other oxygen-containing functional groups of adsorbents enhance adsorption capacity through electrostatic interaction and ion exchange reactions. Lower solution pH and smaller particle size of the adsorbents could also enhance sorption of PFOS from aqueous phase.]]> Fri 10 Sep 2021 15:11:32 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:51550 Fri 08 Sep 2023 15:06:19 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:54660 Fri 08 Mar 2024 10:56:33 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53605 Fri 08 Dec 2023 16:08:54 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44107 Fri 07 Oct 2022 13:58:33 AEDT ]]> 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:50207 Fri 07 Jul 2023 10:45:24 AEST ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:55055 Fri 05 Apr 2024 13:53:30 AEDT ]]>