Many wetlands around the world act as sinks for pollutants, in particular for trace elements. In comparison to terrestrial environments, wetlands are still far less studied. A collaborative effort among world experts, this book brings the current knowledge concerning trace elements in temporary waterlogged soils and sediments together. It discusses factors controlling the dynamics and release kinetics of trace elements and their underlying biogeochemical processes. It also discusses current technologies for remediating sites contaminated with trace metals, and the role of bioavailability in risk assessment and regulatory decision making. This book is intended for professionals around the world in disciplines related to contaminant bioavailability in aquatic organisms, contaminant fate and transport, remediation technologies, and risk assessment of aquatic and wetland ecosystems.
Many wetlands around the world act as sinks for pollutants, in particular for trace elements. In comparison to terrestrial environments, wetlands are still far less studied. A collaborative effort among world experts, this book brings the current knowledge concerning trace elements in temporary waterlogged soils and sediments together. It discusses factors controlling the dynamics and release kinetics of trace elements and their underlying biogeochemical processes. It also discusses current technologies for remediating sites contaminated with trace metals, and the role of bioavailability in risk assessment and regulatory decision making. This book is intended for professionals around the world in disciplines related to contaminant bioavailability in aquatic organisms, contaminant fate and transport, remediation technologies, and risk assessment of aquatic and wetland ecosystems.
Soils with high Ni contents occur in several parts of the world, especially in areas with ultramafic rocks which cause serious environmental impacts. This book aims to extend the knowledge on the risks and problems caused by elevated Ni contents and to cover the existing gaps on issues related to various aspects and consequences of high Ni contents in soils and plants. Nickel in Soils and Plants brings together discussions on Ni as a trace element and as a micronutrient essential for plant growth and its role in plant physiology. It analyzes the biogeochemistry of Ni at the soil plant interface, and explains its behavior in the rhizosphere resulting in Ni deficiency or toxicity, or Ni tolerance of various Ni hyperaccumulators. Included are Ni resources and sources, the origin of soil Ni, its geochemical forms in soils and their availability to plants, a special reference on soils enriched with geogenic Ni, such as serpentine soils, and the special characteristics of those ecosystems. Recent advancements in methods of Ni speciation, including the macroscale and X- ray absorption spectroscopy studies as well as serious views on Ni kinetics, are also covered. Written by a team of internationally recognized researchers and expert contributors, this comprehensive work addresses the practical aspects of managing Ni in soils and plants for agricultural production, and managing soils with high Ni levels by using organic and inorganic amendments. The text also addresses practical measures related to Ni toxicity in plants, the removal and recovery of Ni from high Ni wastes, and offers environmentally friendly innovative processes for mining Ni from soils containing high Ni levels.
Vanadium is an essential element for humans and animals. The toxicity of vanadium at higher concentrations could be a global environmental concern and a significant issue for both environmental protection and economic benefits. The relevance of anthropogenic vanadium in the environment has increased significantly in recent years due to an increased demand for vanadium in high-temperature industrial activities. This book summarizes vanadium’s current research and explains its behavior and mobilization in the environment, especially in soils, sediments, water and plants. Through case studies from various countries, it discusses critical limits set and risk assessment approaches and remediation approaches of vanadium-contaminated soils. FEATURES Provides a comprehensive overview of vanadium in the total environment Covers the role of vanadium in various environments such as soils, sediments, water and plants Includes bioavailability studies and further case studies from various countries around the world Focuses on a better understanding of biogeochemical processes of vanadium Is written by international experts who present the current stage of the knowledge including innovative remediation and management approaches of vanadium-contaminated sites This book will be of use to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in soil science, environmental science, soil ecology, water science, plant science, ecotoxicology, geology and geography as well as scientists, lecturers, environmental and technical engineers, ecologists, applied ecological scientists and managers.
This book offers various soil and water treatment technologies due to increasing global soil and water pollution. In many countries, the management of contaminated land has matured, and it is developing in many others. Topics covered include chemical and ecological risk assessment of contaminated sites; phytomanagement of contaminants; arsenic removal; selection and technology diffusion; technologies and socio-environmental management; post-remediation long-term management; soil and groundwater laws and regulations; and trace element regulation limits in soil. Future prospects of soil and groundwater remediation are critically discussed in this book. Hence, readers will learn to understand the future prospects of soil and groundwater contaminants and remediation measures. Key Features: Discusses conventional and novel aspects of soil and groundwater remediation technologies Includes new monitoring/sensing technologies for soil and groundwater pollution Features a case study of remediation of contaminated sites in the old, industrial, Ruhr area in Germany Highlights soil washing, soil flushing, and stabilization/solidification Presents information on emerging contaminants that exhibit new challenges This book is designed for undergraduate and graduate courses and can be used as a handbook for researchers, policy makers, and local governmental institutes. Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technologies: A Practical Guide is written by a team of leading global experts in the field.
The globally important nature of wetland ecosystems has led to their increased protection and restoration as well as their use in engineered systems. Underpinning the beneficial functions of wetlands are a unique suite of physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate elemental cycling in soils and the water column. This book provides an in-depth coverage of these wetland biogeochemical processes related to the cycling of macroelements including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, secondary and trace elements, and toxic organic compounds. In this synthesis, the authors combine more than 100 years of experience studying wetlands and biogeochemistry to look inside the black box of elemental transformations in wetland ecosystems. This new edition is updated throughout to include more topics and provide an integrated view of the coupled nature of biogeochemical cycles in wetland systems. The influence of the elemental cycles is discussed at a range of scales in the context of environmental change including climate, sea level rise, and water quality. Frequent examples of key methods and major case studies are also included to help the reader extend the basic theories for application in their own system. Some of the major topics discussed are: Flooded soil and sediment characteristics Aerobic-anaerobic interfaces Redox chemistry in flooded soil and sediment systems Anaerobic microbial metabolism Plant adaptations to reducing conditions Regulators of organic matter decomposition and accretion Major nutrient sources and sinks Greenhouse gas production and emission Elemental flux processes Remediation of contaminated soils and sediments Coupled C-N-P-S processes Consequences of environmental change in wetlands# The book provides the foundation for a basic understanding of key biogeochemical processes and its applications to solve real world problems. It is detailed, but also assists the reader with box inserts, artfully designed diagrams, and summary tables all supported by numerous current references. This book is an excellent resource for senior undergraduates and graduate students studying ecosystem biogeochemistry with a focus in wetlands and aquatic systems.
Climate Change and Soil Interactions examines soil system interactions and conservation strategies regarding the effects of climate change. It presents cutting-edge research in soil carbonization, soil biodiversity, and vegetation. As a resource for strategies in maintaining various interactions for eco-sustainability, topical chapters address microbial response and soil health in relation to climate change, as well as soil improvement practices. Understanding soil systems, including their various physical, chemical, and biological interactions, is imperative for regaining the vitality of soil system under changing climatic conditions. This book will address the impact of changing climatic conditions on various beneficial interactions operational in soil systems and recommend suitable strategies for maintaining such interactions. Climate Change and Soil Interactions enables agricultural, ecological, and environmental researchers to obtain up-to-date, state-of-the-art, and authoritative information regarding the impact of changing climatic conditions on various soil interactions and presents information vital to understanding the growing fields of biodiversity, sustainability, and climate change. - Addresses several sustainable development goals proposed by the UN as part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development - Presents a wide variety of relevant information in a unique style corroborated with factual cases, colour images, and case studies from across the globe - Recommends suitable strategies for maintaining soil system interactions under changing climatic conditions
Reactions at mineral surfaces are central to all geochemical processes. As minerals comprise the rocks of the Earth, the processes occurring at the mineral–aqueous fluid interface control the evolution of the rocks and hence the structure of the crust of the Earth during processes such as metamorphism, metasomatism, and weathering. In recent years focus has been concentrated on mineral surface reactions made possible through the development of advanced analytical methods such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), advanced electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), phase shift interferometry, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and advanced synchrotron-based applications, to enable mineral surfaces to be imaged and analyzed at the nanoscale. Experiments are increasingly complemented by molecular simulations to confirm or predict the results of these studies. This has enabled new and exciting possibilities to elucidate the mechanisms that govern mineral–fluid reactions. In this Special Issue, “Mineral Surface Reactions at the Nanoscale”, we present 12 contributions that highlight the role and importance of mineral surfaces in varying fields of research.
This book discusses in detail the facts and findings related to the X-Press Pearl container vessel accident that occurred in May 2021 off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship was carrying a large consignment of chemicals and diverse hazardous materials that caused a disastrous and vast environmental and social catastrophe in the region. Through many case studies, accumulated knowledge, and experiences, the authors discuss the accident response, risk mitigation, investigation, and damage assessment activities from the very onset of the accident. It helps researchers and regulators understand the facts of this unique marine chemical accident and to formulate necessary future regulations as well as to develop robust safety and sustainability management systems and safety cultures. Features: Written by authorities who led the team involved in accident response and damage assessment Focuses on identifying plausible root causes, pitfalls in accident response, and weaknesses in current regulatory and management protocols Delivers in-depth understanding of a unique marine chemical accident to help formulate necessary future policies and regulations related to such disasters Includes many case studies related to the accident illustrated with photos and figures that are true evidence of the disaster, the response, and the mitigation Explains and discusses key research findings in a streamlined manner understandable for a wide audience A valuable resource for readers in environmental management and policy creation, as well as for researchers, professionals, academics, and students involved in environmental science, chemical engineering, technical safety and sustainability management, maritime, polymer, and ocean sciences. Countries where maritime disasters are a concern will also find this book is an important guide for taking a responsible approach when handling similar situations in the future; not least to avert such events from occurring.
Bio-organic Amendments for Heavy Metal Remediation: Water, soil and plant focuses on these core continuum media to explore remediation options using microbial, organic and combined approached. A volume in the Plant Biology, Sustainability and Climate Change series, this book offers a comprehensive view of techniques and approaches for addressing contamination by heavy metals.As anthropogenic activities increasingly negatively impact natural resources, there has been significant disturbance of water, soil, and plant continuum due to the accumulation of heavy metals. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain could pose life-threatening effects on plants as well as humans, and there is need to find effective and sustainable remediation options. The application of bio-organic amendments could serve as a sustainable solution to this problem.Employing microbial, organic and combined approaches to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in the food chain ultimately would lead to the production of safe food for humans.This book provides a comprehensive view of the challenge with a focus on the bioremediation of heavy metals contamination using ecotechnological approaches to protecting the soil, water and plant continuum. - Highlights remediation techniques/approaches for heavy metals under water, soil and plant continuums - Presents case-studies for real-world insights as well as current practices - Includes regulatory aspects for ensuring safe implementation
