Toxicity of binary mixtures of Cu, Cr and As to the earthworm Eisenia andrei.

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) mixtures were used in the past for wood preservation, leading to large scale soil contamination. This study aimed at contributing to the risk assessment of CCA-contaminated soils by assessing the toxicity of binary mixtures of copper, chromium and arsenic to the earthworm Eisenia andrei in OECD artificial soil. Mixture effects were related to reference models of Concentration Addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) using the MIXTOX model, with effects being related to total and available (H2O and 0.01 M CaCl2 extractable) concentrations in the soil. Since only in mixtures with arsenic dose-related mortality occurred (LC50 92.5 mg/kg dry soil), it was not possible to analyze the mixture effects on earthworm survival with the MIXTOX model. EC50s for effects of Cu, Cr and As on earthworm reproduction, based on total soil concentrations, were 154, 449 and 9.1 mg/kg dry soil, respectively. Effects of mixtures were mainly antagonistic when related to the CA model but additive related to the IA model. This was the case when mixture effects were based on total and H2O-extractable concentrations; when based on CaCl2-extractable concentrations effects mainly were additive related to the CA model except for the Cr-As mixture which acted antagonistically. These results suggest that the CCA components do interact leading to a reduced toxicity when present in a mixture.

Condition and Sperm Characteristics of Perch Perca fluviatilis inhabiting Boreal Lakes Receiving Metal Mining Effluents.

One of the world's largest, but low-grade, sulfide nickel deposits in northeastern Finland has been exploited by a bioheapleaching technology since 2008. Bioheapleaching is a relatively new, cost-effective technology, but humid climate, e.g., in boreal temperate environments, causes challenges to the management of the water balance in the ore heaps with wide catchment area, and the mining effluents have caused substantial metal and salting contamination of the receiving waterbodies. In our study, the impacts of metal-extracting bioheapleaching mine effluents on muscle and liver element concentrations, body condition, liver and testes mass, and sperm count and motility of male perch Perca fluviatilis were analysed. Liver, testes, and carcass mass of perch in relation to their length were lower in the mining-impacted lakes than in the reference lake, which may be due to the metal contamination, food availability, and energy demand under multistressor conditions. The sperm counts of the males in the mining-impacted lakes were lower, but the endurance of their sperm motility was longer than the endurance of sperm of the reference males. These findings suggested that the condition and sperm characteristics of perch were altered in lakes receiving metal mining effluents. Measured variables seem to be useful indicators for metal mining impacts on freshwater fish but only if high natural variation in these characteristics can be controlled by multiyear monitoring scheme.

Assessment of Fish Embryo Survival and Growth by In Situ Incubation in Acidic Boreal Streams Undergoing Biomining Effluents.

The applicability of an in situ incubation method in monitoring the effects of metal mining on early life stages of fish was evaluated by investigating the impacts of a biomining technology utilizing mine on the mortality, growth, and yolk consumption of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) embryos. Newly fertilized eggs were incubated from autumn 2014 to spring 2015 in six streams under the influence of the mine located in North-Eastern Finland and in six reference streams. Although the impacted streams clearly had elevated concentrations of several metals and sulfate, the embryonic mortality of the two species did not differ between the impacted and the reference streams. Instead, particle accumulation to some cylinders had a significant impact on the embryonic mortality of both species. In clean cylinders, mortality was higher in streams with lower minimum pH. However, low pH levels were evident in both the reference and the mine-impacted groups. The embryonic growth of neither species was impacted by the mining activities, and the growth and yolk consumption of the embryos was mainly regulated by water temperature. Surprisingly, whitefish embryos incubated in streams with lower minimum pH had larger body size. In general, the applied in situ method is applicable in boreal streams for environmental assessment and monitoring, although in our study, we did not observe a specific mining impact differing from the effects of other environmental factors related to catchment characteristics.

Optimizing the H3PO4 leaching conditions of post-precipitated sewage sludge using response surface methodology.

The leaching procedure of post-precipitated aluminium phosphate sludge with dilute phosphoric acid was developed. The leaching offers a route to recover both critical phosphorous from sewage sludge and the metal used in precipitation. Using phosphoric acid as leaching solution makes it possible to continue the recovery process without the need to remove chloride or sulfate anions. The optimization of the leaching was based on experimental three-level-four-variable central composite face-centered design. The four variables included were acid concentration, volume of acid, temperature and time of leaching. The leaching was conducted for dewatered and water-containing sludge (total solid content 3-4%) and for both second-order regression models were obtained. For water-containing sludge optimal conditions for leaching are solid to liquid ratio (S/L) 400 gL-1, a temperature of 60 °C and a leaching time of 6 h. For the dewatered sludge, optimal leaching is attained when S/L ratio 119 gL-1 with 2 M acid is used at a temperature of 20 °C. The obtained results enable the developing of full-scale process where phosphate in the sludge is refined to phosphorous acid and metal used in sludge production recycled back to precipitation.

Toxicity Testing of Silver Nanoparticles in Artificial and Natural Sediments Using the Benthic Organism Lumbriculus variegatus.

The increased use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in industrial and consumer products worldwide has resulted in their release to aquatic environments. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of AgNP on pelagic species, whereas few studies have assessed the risks to benthic invertebrates despite the fact that the sediments act as a large potential sink for NPs. In this study, the toxicity of sediment-associated AgNP was evaluated using the standard sediment toxicity test for chemicals provided by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. The freshwater benthic oligochaete worm Lumbriculus variegatus was exposed to sediment-associated AgNP in artificial and natural sediments at concentrations ranging from 91 to 1098 mg Ag/kg sediment dry weight. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was used as a reference compound for Ag toxicity. The measured end points of toxicity were mortality, reproduction, and total biomass. In addition, the impact of sediment-associated AgNP on the feeding rate of L. variegatus was studied in a similar test set-up as mentioned previously. The addition of AgNP into the sediment significantly affected the feeding rate and reproduction of the test species only at the highest concentration (1098 mg/kg) of Ag in the natural sediment with the lowest pH. In comparison, the addition of AgNO3 resulted in reproductive toxicity in every tested sediment, and Ag was more toxic when spiked as AgNO3 than AgNP. In general, sediments were observed to have a high capacity to eliminate the AgNP-derived toxicity. However, the capacity of sediments to eliminate the toxicity of Ag follows a different pattern when spiked as AgNP than AgNO3. The results of this study emphasize the importance of sediment-toxicity testing and the role of sediment properties when evaluating the environmental effects and behavior of AgNP in sediments.

Optimization of Selective Hydrometallurgical Tantalum Recovery from E-Waste Using Zeolites.

To protect future high-tech metal demand, a selective and efficient recovery method for tantalum from a tantalum-rich e-waste component sample was developed. Ultrasound-assisted digestion of the component sample was optimized, and the highest dissolution rate was achieved using a mixture of 8 mol/L H2SO4 and HF at a temperature of 60 °C. The determined amount of tantalum was as high as 11 000 ± 1000 mg/kg, which results in a high potential for recyclable tantalum. The other major elements of this complex e-waste fraction were silicon, iron, aluminum, and tin. Efficient recovery of tantalum from the leachate was performed using the zeolite material ZSM-5. Extremely high selectivity and a recovery rate of over 98% were obtained. In terms of adsorption efficiency, selectivity, and durability of the material, optimal adsorption was obtained using the diluted sample at 0.5 mol/L of H2SO4. The adsorption capacity of ZSM-5 for tantalum was determined to be 10.5 ± 0.6 mg/g, and tantalum was selectively eluted with 1:4 diluted ethanolamine with a yield of 87.2 ± 1.5%.

Uranyl complexes of alkyl-bridged ditopic diaminotetraphenol ligands and their use as uranyl ion extractors.

The coordination chemistry of uranyl ions was studied using long n-alkyl chain (n = 5-8) bridged by N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-tert-butylbenzyl)diaminoalkanes (H4L1-H4L4) as ligands. All ligands formed 2:1 (U-to-L ratio) complexes with uranyl ions, but in addition 1:1 complexes could be characterized using ligands H4L2 and H4L3. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy (IR and NMR), and X-ray diffraction. The 2:1 complexes are of two types: [(UO2)2(H2Lm)(NO3)2(solvent)2] (m = 1 and 2; solvent = ethanol or propanol) or (cation)2[(UO2)2(H2Lm)(NO3)2(anion)2]·xsolvent (m = 2 and 4; cation = triethylammonium, anion = nitrate or thiocyanate, and solvent = dichloromethane and acetonitrile; x = 1 or 2). The 1:1 complexes have the formula [(UO2)2(H2Lm)2] (m = 2 and 3). In the solid state, 2:1 complexes are almost in a linear conformation with the uranyl ion at both ends of the ligand. The 1:1 complexes are cyclic dinuclear molecules. Preliminary studies of the ligands as uranyl ion extractors from water to dichloromethane were also performed. A high extraction efficiency was observed with H4L3 for uranyl ions, and in the presence of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) ions, a good extraction selectivity for uranyl ions was found with H4L1.

Preconcentration and speciation analysis of mercury: 3D printed metal scavenger-based solid-phase extraction followed by analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A selective method for preconcentration and determination of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (iHg) in natural water samples at the ng L-1 level has been developed. The method involves adsorption of Hg species into a 3D printed metal scavenger and sequential elution with acidic thiourea solutions before ICP-MS determination. Experimental parameters affecting the preconcentration of MeHg and iHg such as the sample matrix, effect of the flow rate on adsorption, eluent composition, and elution mode have been studied in detail. The obtained method detection limits, considering the preconcentration factors of 42 and 93, were found to be 0.05 ng L-1 and 0.08 ng L-1 for MeHg and iHg, respectively. The accuracy of the method was assessed with a certified groundwater reference material ERM-CA615 (certified total iHg concentration 37 ± 4 ng L-1). The determined MeHg concentration was below MDL while iHg concentration was determined to be 41.2 ± 0.5 ng L-1. Both MeHg and iHg were also spiked to natural water samples at 5 ng L-1 concentration and favorable spiking recoveries of 88-97% were obtained. The speciation procedure was successfully applied to two lake water samples where MeHg and iHg concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 0.24 ng L-1 and 0.50-0.62 ng L-1, respectively. The results obtained demonstrate that the developed 3D printed metal scavenger-based method for preconcentration and speciation of Hg is simple and sensitive for the determination of Hg species at an ultra-trace level in water samples.

Alkyl-Substituted Aminobis(phosphonates)-Efficient Precipitating Agents for Rare Earth Elements, Thorium, and Uranium in Aqueous Solutions.

The efficient and environmentally sustainable separation process for rare earth elements (REE), especially for adjacent lanthanoids, remains a challenge due to the chemical similarity of REEs. Tetravalent actinoids, thorium, and traces of uranium are also present in concentrates of REEs, making their separation relevant. This study reports six simple water-soluble aminobis(phosphonate) ligands, RN[CH2P(O)(OH)2]2 (1 R = CH2CH3, 2 R = (CH2)2CH3, 3 R = (CH2)3CH3, 4 R = (CH2)4CH3, 5 R = (CH2)5CH3, 6 R = CH2CH(C2H5)(CH2)3CH3) as precipitating agents for REEs, Th, and U, as well as gives insight into the coordination modes of the utilized ligands with REEs at the molecular level. Aminobis(phosphonates) 4-6 with longer carbon chains were found to separate selectively thorium, uranium, and scandium from REEs with short precipitation time (15 min) and excellent separation factors that generally range from 100 to 2000 in acidic aqueous solution. Ligands 1-6 also improved separation factors for adjacent lanthanoids in comparison to traditional oxalate precipitation agents. Importantly, precipitated metals can be recovered from the ligands with 3 molar HNO3 with no observed ligand decomposition enabling the possibility of recycling the ligands in the separation process. NMR-monitored pH titrations for 1 showed deprotonation steps at pK a 1.3, 5.55, and >10.5, which indicate that the ligands remain in a deprotonated [L]-1 form in the pH range of 0-4 used in the precipitation studies. 31P NMR titration studies between 1 and M(NO3)3 (M = Y, La, Lu) gave satisfactory fits for 1:3, 1:2, and 1:1 metal-ligand stoichiometries for Y, La, and Lu, respectively, according to an F-test. Therefore, aminobis(phosphonate) precipitation agents 1-6 are likely to form metal complexes with fewer ligands than traditional separation agents like DEHPA, which coordinates to REEs in 1:6 metal-ligand ratio.

To incinerate or not? - Effects of incineration on the concentrations of heavy metals and leaching efficiency of post-precipitated sewage sludge (RAVITA™).

The major element and heavy metal concentrations of post-precipitated sewage sludge (PPS) and its ash residue (PPA) were determined using microwave digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously done. In both PPS and PPA the heavy metal concentrations were clearly below the average concentrations than those encountered in sewage sludge in Europe. The leaching efficiency of the metal (Al/ Fe) used as a precipitation agent from post-precipitated sludge and its ash residue with phosphoric acid was also investigated with previously optimized leaching conditions. Tests resulted in leaching efficiencies for Al of 85 ± 1% and 99.5 ± 0.7% for PPS and PPA, respectively which were produced with aluminum as precipitation agent for phosphorus. Sludge, which was produced using iron as a precipitation agent, had a leaching efficiency of Fe 36.6 ± 0.9% and 68.0 ± 1.1%, for PPS and PPA, respectively. The leaching efficiency for P was 94 ± 3% and 96 ± 5% for Al-PPA and Fe-PPA, respectively.

Addition of thiourea and hydrochloric acid: Accurate nanogram level analysis of mercury in humic-rich natural waters by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

An analytical method was developed for the direct determination of total mercury in natural waters at low ng L-1 level by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presented method overcomes previously observed problems relating to poor spike recoveries by adding 0.12% thiourea in addition to 3% HCl to all samples and standards. The sample preparation is fast and easy to perform by the developed method since it requires only the addition of HCl and thiourea to the water samples. A very low instrument detection limit (0.4 ng L-1) was obtained without time-consuming preconcentration procedures. The accuracy and precision of the developed method were found excellent by the analysis of a certified groundwater reference material (ERM-CA615). The determined Hg concentration of 38.6 ± 0.5 ng L-1 was within the 95% confidence interval of the certified concentration of 37 ± 4 ng L-1. The analysis of natural water samples showed that total mercury levels ranged from concentrations lower than the method detection limit (2.0 ng L-1) to 10.9 ng L-1. Excellent recoveries of 96-108% for inorganic mercury (iHg) and 102-110% for methylmercury (MeHg) were obtained for spiked humic-rich natural water samples. To our knowledge, the developed method is the first ICP-MS method for the analysis of humic-rich natural water samples at ng L-1 concentrations without the need for hyphenated techniques or preconcentration procedures.

Determination of mercury at picogram level in natural waters with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry by using 3D printed metal scavengers.

The determination of ultra-trace concentrations of Hg in natural water samples via preconcentration using 3D printed metal scavenger technique followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed. The determination of Hg in certified reference material ERM-CA615 (groundwater) was performed with high accuracy and precision resulting in recovery of 100 ±â€¯3% and RSD <2.5%, respectively. Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing was used to fabricate the scavengers using a mixture of polyamide-12 powder with thiol-functionalized silica. The preconcentration procedure is based on the adsorption of Hg on the scavenger and followed by elution of the preconcentrated Hg from the filter with 0.3% thiourea in 8% HCl prior to its determination by ICP-MS. A preconcentration factor of 92.8 can be achieved by filtering 495 mL of water followed with the elution step. Very low instrumental detection limit and method detection limit were obtained resulting in 0.013 and 0.037 ng L-1, respectively. The method was applied successfully for the determination of Hg in different lake and river water samples. The developed method is the first preconcentration method enabling simple and accurate determination of Hg in pg L-1 concentrations in natural waters with ICP-MS.

Effect of macro- and micro-nutrients addition during anaerobic mono-digestion of grass silage in leach-bed reactors.

The effect of macro- (NH4Cl) (set I) and micro-nutrients (Fe, Ni, Co and Mo) (set II) addition on chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilisation during anaerobic mono-digestion of grass silage was investigated in two sets of leach bed reactor experiments at 35°C. Results showed that addition of NH4Cl and micro-nutrients improved COD solubilisation by 18% (0.56 g SCOD g-1 volatile solids) and 7% (0.45 g SCOD g-1 VS), respectively than control. About 20-50% of the added micro-nutrients were bioavailable in the produced leachates, while the rest (50-80%) were adsorbed onto the grass silage. Results of biological methane potential assays showed that, specific methane yields of grass silage were improved by 17% (0.36 ± 0.02 m3 CH4 kg-1 VSadded) when NH4Cl was supplemented while Fe, Ni, Co and Mo addition improved methane yields by 15% (0.33 ± 0.005 m3 CH4 kg-1 VSadded) when compared to control.

An uptake and elimination kinetics approach to assess the bioavailability of chromium, copper, and arsenic to earthworms (Eisenia andrei) in contaminated field soils.

The aim of this study was to determine the bioavailability of metals in field soils contaminated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) mixtures. The uptake and elimination kinetics of chromium, copper, and arsenic were assessed in the earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to soils from a gradient of CCA wood preservative contamination near Hartola, Finland. In soils contaminated with 1480-1590 mg Cr/kg dry soil, 642-791 mg Cu/kg dry soil, and 850-2810 mg Ag/kg dry soil, uptake and elimination kinetics patterns were similar for Cr and Cu. Both metals were rapidly taken up and rapidly excreted by Eisenia andrei with equilibrium reached within 1 day. The metalloid As, however, showed very slow uptake and elimination in the earthworms and body concentrations did not reach equilibrium within 21 days. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were low for Cu and Cr (< 0.1), but high for As at 0.54-1.8. The potential risk of CCA exposure for the terrestrial ecosystem therefore is mainly due to As.

Gold Nanoparticles on 3D-Printed Filters: From Waste to Catalysts.

Three-dimensionally printed solid but highly porous polyamide-12 (PA12) plate-like filters were used as selective adsorbents for capturing tetrachloroaurate from acidic solutions and leachates to prepare PA12-Au composite catalysts. The polyamide-adsorbed tetrachloroaurate can be readily reduced to gold nanoparticles by using sodium borohydride, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide, UV light, or by heating. All reduction methods led to polyamide-anchored nanoparticles with an even size distribution and high dispersion. The particle sizes were somewhat dependent on the reduction method, but the average diameters were typically about 20 nm. Particle sizes were determined by using a combination of single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, helium ion microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Dispersion of the particles was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Due to the high adsorption selectivity of polyamide-12 toward tetrachloroaurate, the three-dimensional-printed filters were first used as selective gold scavengers for the acidic leachate of electronicwaste (WEEE). The supported nanoparticles were then generated directly on the filter via a simple reduction step. These objects were used as catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. The described method provides a direct route from waste to catalysts. The selective laser sintering method can be used to customize the flow properties of the catalytically active filter object, which allows the optimization of the porous catalytic object to meet the requirements of catalytic processes.

Stabilisation of MSWI bottom ash with sulphide-rich anaerobic effluent.

Effluent of an anaerobic sulphate-reducing wastewater treatment process was used to stabilise bottom ash. The effect of stabilisation on the concentration and binding of Ca, P, S, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cr, and Mo were studied by comparing results of sequential extraction from fresh and stabilised bottom ash. The stabilisation treatment improved the retention of Ca, Cu, Pb, S, and Zn in bottom ash compared to a treatment with ion-exchanged water. In addition to retention, Cu, S, and Zn were accumulated from the anaerobic effluent in the bottom ash. Concentrations of As, Cr, and Mo remained on the same level, whereas leaching of P increased compared to control treatment with ion-exchanged water. Improved retention and accumulation were the result of increased binding to less soluble fractions. The highest increases were in the sulphide and organic carbon bound fraction and in the carbonate fraction. Enhanced carbonation was probably due to CO2 deriving from the degradation of organic carbon. Flushing of stabilised bottom ash with ion-exchanged water ensured that the observed changes were not easily reversed. Most of the sulphide in the anaerobic effluent was removed when it was passed through bottom ash. The objective was to study the feasibility of sulphide-rich anaerobic effluent in bottom ash stabilisation and changes in the binding of the elements during stabilisation. In addition, the ability of the process to remove sulphide from the effluent was observed.

Preparation and characterization of sodium iron titanate ion exchanger and its application in heavy metal removal from waste waters.

The ion exchange properties of sodium iron titanates, namely, NaFeTiO(4), Na(2)Fe(2)Ti(6)O(16) and iron-doped sodium nonatitanate were investigated. Conventional solid state and sol-gel methods were used in the synthesis of the sodium iron titanates. Structural characterization of the materials was performed with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Based on TG analyses, the novel iron-doped sodium nonatitanate was proven to be a member of the layered titanate family. The different sodium iron titanates were compared based on the efficiency in separating Ni from aqueous streams by conducting batch experiments with a batch factor of 1000 ml/g. Iron-doped sodium nonatitanate exhibited the best ion exchange performance compared to the other sodium iron titanates studied. It was found to be selective for nickel over potassium and showed 99% removal efficiency for Ni.

Lumbriculus variegatus (Annelida) biological responses and sediment sequential extractions indicate ecotoxicity of lake sediments contaminated by biomining.

We assessed potential ecotoxicity of lake sediments affected by biomining effluents in northeastern Finland. Growth, reproduction and behavior of the sediment-dwelling oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller 1774) were used as ecotoxicity endpoints. Standardized chronic bioassays were used for growth and reproduction, and acute and chronic tests with Multispecies Freshwater Biomonitor (MFB) for behavior assessments. Sequential extractions were used to characterize metal bioavailability and exposure conditions in the sediments, which indicated mining-induced contamination gradients of S, Cu, Ni and U and also bioavailability gradients of S and Ni. Among the ecotoxicity endpoints, growth and reproduction responses of the standard bioassays appeared more sensitive than the behavioral responses at 21 d. In the two most mining-affected test sediments, mean number of worms and dry biomass decreased 35-42% and 46-51% in comparison to the reference sediment, respectively. The behavioral changes of worms, i.e. peristaltic and overall locomotory activity, decreased on average 20-70% and 2-61% at 21 d in the same sediments. However, these behavioral changes were observed at the onset of exposure indicating MFB technique is a suitable and rapid screening level ecotoxicity assessment tool.

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Lumbriculus variegatus is a function of dissolved silver and promoted by low sediment pH.

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to benthic organisms is a major concern. The use of AgNPs in industry and consumer products leads to increasing release of AgNPs into the aquatic environment-sediments being the major sink. Effects of sediment pH on the toxicity of AgNPs to benthic oligochaeta Lumbriculus variegatus were studied in a 23-d toxicity test. Artificially prepared sediments (pH 5 and 7) were spiked with varying concentrations of uncoated AgNP, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNP, and silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) as dissolved Ag reference. Number of individuals and biomass change were used as endpoints for the toxicity. The toxic effects were related to the bioaccessible concentration of dissolved Ag in the sediments, assessed with a 2-step extraction procedure. The toxicity of 2 AgNPs was similar and greatly enhanced in the acidic sediment. Because the toxic effects were well related to the bioaccessible concentration of dissolved Ag in the sediments, the toxicity of sediment-associated AgNPs to L. variegatus is suggested to be a function of dissolved Ag rather than a result from NP-specific modes of toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1889-1897. © 2018 SETAC.

Treatment of leachate from MSWI bottom ash landfilling with anaerobic sulphate-reducing process.

Removal of sulphate and toxic elements from the leachate of a field landfill lysimeter (112m(3)), containing municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash, was studied. The leachate was treated in two parallel laboratory upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors without and with ethanol as additional carbon source. With ethanol more than 65% of sulphate was removed, while without ethanol removal was negligible. The treatment removed Ba, Ca, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Tl, Sb, Se, Sr, and Zn of the studied 35 trace and other elements. The sequential extraction of the reactor sludge at the end of runs confirmed that with a few exceptions (Ba, Ca, and Cu) the main mechanism by which the elements were removed was precipitation as sulphides.