TOF-SIMS and FE-SEM/EDS to verify the heavy metal fractionation in serpentinite quarry soils

CATENA, 136, 2016, 30–43

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2015.03.005

This study aims at extensively defining serpentinite quarry soils and analysing their content and distribution of heavy metals using chemical sequential extraction. The association with the different geochemical phases of the soil was verified using TOF-SIMS and SEM-EDS techniques. Seven soils were chosen in two serpentinite quarries located in Moeche (M) and Silleda (C) (Galicia, northwest of Spain). The selected areas for soil sampling were: dump sites (M1, M2 and C1), rock extraction sites (M3, C2), and quarry boundaries (M4 and C3). The total soil concentration of Co, Cr, Ni, and V varied from 1472 to 7132, 1499 to 4309, 76 to 373, and 21 to 140 mg kg− 1, respectively. In all cases they exceed the maximum limit permitted in soils. After chemical sequential extraction it was found that the high content of Co, Cr, Ni, and V is associated with the residual fraction of the soils. In addition, Fe and Mn oxides have a high capacity for Co fixation, whereas Cr, Ni, and V are mainly associated with magnesium silicates. The fractions related to organic matter and the soluble or available forms are, respectively low and very low, not exceeding 2.5% in any of the soils. This association of the metals with magnesium silicates and Fe oxides, and the low content of metals bound to organic matter were identified by using the TOF-SIMS and SEM-EDS techniques. Both techniques confirmed and verified the results obtained during the chemical sequential extraction by checking the interaction of heavy metals with the different components of the soil.

Perspectives on the use of by-products to treat soil and water pollution

Microporous and Mesoporous Materials

Volume 210, 1 July 2015, Pages 199–201

doi:10.1016/j.micromeso.2015.02.001

The use of modified by-products in pollution removal is conceptually very interesting, as shown in a paper by Peng et al. (2015) recently published in Microporous and Mesoporous Materials. However, we would like to stimulate a debate on the convenience of simultaneously continuing to research on the purging potential of raw by-products and waste materials.

Effect of crushed mussel shell addition on bacterial growth in acid polluted soils

Applied Soil Ecology

Volume 85, January 2015, Pages 65–68

doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2014.09.010

We applied three different doses of crushed mussel shell (CMS) on two Cu-polluted acid soils to study the effect of these amendments on the growth of the bacterial community during 730 days. Soil pH increased in the short and medium term due to CMS addition. In a first stage, bacterial growth was lower in the CMS-amended than in the un-amended samples. Thereafter, bacterial growth increased slowly. The soil having the highest initial pH value (4.5) showed the first significant increase in bacterial growth 95 days after the CMS amendment. However, in the soil with the lowest initial pH value (3.8) bacterial growth increased significantly only after 730 days from the CMS addition. The highest dose of CMS caused that, at the end of the incubation period, pH value have increased 2 units, whereas bacterial growth was 4–10 times higher. In view of these results, CMS amendment could be considered as an agronomic sound practice for strongly acid soils (pH <4.5).

Effect of crushed mussel shell addition on bacterial growth in acid polluted soils

Applied Soil Ecology, 85 (2015) 65-68

doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2014.09.010

We applied three different doses of crushed mussel shell (CMS) on two Cu-polluted acid soils to study the effect of these amendments on the growth of the bacterial community during 730 days. Soil pH increased in the short and medium term due to CMS addition. In a first stage, bacterial growth was lower in the CMS-amended than in the un-amended samples. Thereafter, bacterial growth increased slowly. The soil having the highest initial pH value (4.5) showed the first significant increase in bacterial growth 95 days after the CMS amendment. However, in the soil with the lowest initial pH value (3.8) bacterial growth increased significantly only after 730 days from the CMS addition. The highest dose of CMS caused that, at the end of the incubation period, pH value have increased 2 units, whereas bacterial growth was 4–10 times higher. In view of these results, CMS amendment could be considered as an agronomic sound practice for strongly acid soils (pH <4.5).