• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.502-522
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• 2022

Clay minerals are natural materials that show widespread applications in various branches of science, including environmental sciences, in particular the remediation of water contaminated with various water pollutants. Modified clays and minerals have attracted the attention of researchers in the recent past since the modified materials are seemingly more useful and efficient for removing emerging water contaminants. Therefore, modified engineered materials having multi-functionalities have received greater interest from researchers. The advanced clay-based materials are highly effective in the remediation of water contaminated with organic and inorganic contaminants, and these materials show enhanced selectivity towards the specific pollutants. The review inherently discusses various methods employed in the modification of clays and addresses the challenges in synthesizing the advanced engineered materials precursor to natural clay minerals. The changes in physical and chemical properties, as investigated by various characterization techniques before and after the modifications, are broadly explained. Further, the implications of these materials for the decontamination of waterbodies as contaminated with potential water pollutants are extensively discussed. Additionally, the insights involved in the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants are discussed in the review. Furthermore, the future perspectives and specific challenges in the scaling up of the treatment methods in technology development are included in this communication.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2011

$AlPO_4$-type material was synthesized by a reaction of $Al(OH)_3$ and H3PO4 with organic templates from wastewater of detergent manufacturer. The surface of material was coated with carboxylate groups by the reaction of succinic anhydride with surface amino groups which were formed by treatment of the material with APTMS. Powder XRD patterns showed the characteristic patterns of $AlPO_4$. Morphology of the material was examined using a SEM and the functional groups were investigated by FT-IR analysis. The surface charge of a aqueous suspension was analyzed: $AlPO_4-NH_2$ has positively charged surface while $AlPO_4$-COOH has negatively charged one. They were used for the removal of toxic metals from aqueous solution. The lead ions were adsorbed on the surface by the formation of complexes with carboxylate of surface and $K_d$ was 91.1 mL/g. In conclusion, the $AlPO_4$-COOH might be applicable in the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous system.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.301-309
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• 2016

Due to undesirable hazardous interactions with biological systems, this investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of chronic exposure to silver on certain biochemical and some oxidative stress parameters with histopathological examination of brain, as well as the possible protective role of selenium and/or vitamin E as nutritional supplements. Thirty six male rats were divided into six groups of six each: the first group used as a control group. Group II given both vitamin E (400 mg/kg) of diet and selenium (Se) (1 mg/L) in their drinking water. Group III given silver as silver nitrate ($AgNO_3$) (20 mg/L). Group IV given vitamin E and $AgNO_3$. Group V given both $AgNO_3$ and selenium. Group VI given $AgNO_3$, vitamin E and Se. The animals were in the same exposure conditions for 3 months. According to the results which have been obtained; there was an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase activities and cholesterol level, a decrease in serum total protein, calcium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in Ag-intoxicated rats. Moreover, the findings showed that $Ag^+$ ions affected antioxidant defense system by decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and increasing vitamin E concentration with a high level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue. The histological examination also exhibited some nervous tissue alterations including hemorrhage and cytoplasm vacuolization. However, the co-administration of selenium and/or vitamin E ameliorated the biochemical parameters and restored the histological alterations. In conclusion, this study indicated that silver could cause harmful effects in animal body and these effects can be more toxic in high concentrations or prolonged time exposure to this metal. However, selenium and vitamin E act as powerful antioxidants which may exercise adverse effect against the toxicity of this metal.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.158-164
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• 2009

Biosorption uses adsorbents derived from non-living biomass and removes toxic metals from industrial wastewater. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of low cost biosorbents to remove heavy metal ions (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) from aqueous solutions using chemically modified rice husk and saw dust (Pseudotsuga menziesi, Quercus, Populus). Batch-type adsorption experiments were carried out using rice husk and saw dust treated with NaOH and/or tartaric acid in artificial wastewater 100 mg metal/L). The experimental results showed that the adsorption specificity of each biosorbent was Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn irrespective of the types of biosorbents. The adsorption capacity of Pb and Cu onto NaOH-treated sawdust was increased 2${\sim}$3 times compared to the untreated one. In addition, the tartaric acid treatment increased the adsorption capacity of rice husk for Zn and Cd approximately 5${\sim}$10 fold compared to the untreated one. Surface conditions and changes in functional groups by chemical modification of each biosorbent were confirmed by SEM and FT-IR. Overall, the results show that chemical modification increases the metal removal capacity of rice bran and sawdust.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1138-1149
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• 2017

The use of microalgal biomass is an interesting technology for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions owing to its high metal-binding capacity, but the interactions with bacteria as a strategy for the removal of toxic metals have been poorly studied. The goal of the current research was to investigate the potential of Burkholderia tropica co-immobilized with Chlorella sp. in polyurethane discs for the biosorption of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions and to evaluate the influence of different Hg(II) concentrations (0.041, 1.0, and 10 mg/l) and their exposure to different contact times corresponding to intervals of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 h. As expected, microalgal bacterial biomass adhered and grew to form a biofilm on the support. The biosorption data followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the adsorption equilibrium was well described by either Langmuir or Freundlich adsorption isotherm, reaching equilibrium from 1 h. In both bacterial and microalgal immobilization systems in the co-immobilization of Chlorella sp. and B. tropica to different concentrations of Hg(II), the kinetics of biosorption of Hg(II) was significantly higher before 60 min of contact time. The highest percentage of biosorption of Hg(II) achieved in the co-immobilization system was 95% at pH 6.4, at 3.6 g of biosorbent, $30{\pm}1^{\circ}C$, and a mercury concentration of 1 mg/l before 60 min of contact time. This study showed that co-immobilization with B. tropica has synergistic effects on biosorption of Hg(II) ions and merits consideration in the design of future strategies for the removal of toxic metals.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.385-398
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• 1999

The Narim gold mine is located approimately 200km southeast of Seoul within the Muju mineralized district of the Sobaegsan gneiss complex, Korea. Environmental geochemistry were undertaken for various kinds of water (surface, ground and mine water) collected of April, September and November in 1998 from the narim mine creek. Hydrogeochemical compositions of water samples are characterized by the relatively significant enrichment of Na+K, alkali ions, $HCO_{3}$, $NO_{3}$, Cl and F in groundwater, wheras the mine and surface waters are relatively enriched in Ca+Mg, hea표 metals and $SO_{4}$. Therefore, the groundwaters belong to the (Na+Ca)-( $HCO_{3}+SO_{4}$) type, respectively. The pH and EC values of the non-mining creek surfers are relatively lower compared with those of the surface water of the mine and ore dump area. The d values ($\delta$D-8$\delta^{18}$O) of all kinds of water from the Narim mine creek are 5.8 to 13.1 The range of $\delta$D and $\delta^{18}$O values (relative to SMOW) are shown in distinct two groups as follows: for the April waters of -64.8 to -67.8$\textperthousand$ and -9.6 to -10.0$\textperthousand$(d value=10.1 to 13.1), and for the November waters of -65.9 to -70.2$\textperthousand$ and -9.3 to -9.6$\textperthousand$ (d value=5.8 to 7.9), respectively. This range variation indicates that two group water were composed of distinct waters with seasonal difference. Geochemical modeling showed that mostly toxic metals (As, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) may exist largery in the from of metal $(M2^+)$ and metal-sulfate $(MSO_4\;^{2-$\mid$),\; and \;SO_4^{2-$\mid$}$ concentration influenced the speciation of heavy metals in the meteoric water. These metals in the groundwater could be formed of $CO_3 \;and \;(OH)_3$ complex ions. Using computer program, saturation index of albite, calcite, dolomite in meteoric water show undersaturated and progreddively evolved toward the saturation state, however, ground and mine water are nearly saturated. The gibbsited water-mineral reaction and stabilities suggest that the weathering of silicate minerals may be stable kaolinite, illite and Nasmectite. The clay minerals will be transformed to more stable kaolinite owing to the contiunous reaction.

• Biomaterials Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.328-336
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• 2018

Background: Biogenic fabrication of silver nanoparticles from naturally occurring biomaterials provides an alternative, eco-friendly and cost-effective means of obtaining nanoparticles. It is a favourite pursuit of all scientists and has gained popularity because it prevents the environment from pollution. Our main objective to take up this project is to fabricate silver nanoparticles from lichen, Usnea longissima and explore their properties. In the present study, we report a benign method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous-ethanolic extract of Usnea longissima and their characterization by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Silver nanoparticles thus obtained were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria. Results: Formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the appearance of an absorption band at 400 nm in the UV-vis spectrum of the colloidal solution containing both the nanoparticles and U. longissima extract. Poly(ethylene glycol) coated silver nanoparticles showed additional absorption peaks at 424 and 450 nm. FTIR spectrum showed the involvement of amines, usnic acids, phenols, aldehydes and ketones in the reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Morphological studies showed three types of nanoparticles with an abundance of spherical shaped silver nanoparticles of 9.40-11.23 nm. Their average hydrodynamic diameter is 437.1 nm. Results of in vitro antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Corynebacterium xerosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (gram positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneuomoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative bacteria) showed that it was effective against tested bacterial strains. However, S. mutans, C. diphtheriae and P. aeruginosa were resistant to silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: Lichens are rarely exploited for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. In the present work the lichen acts as reducing as well as capping agent. They can therefore, be used to synthesize metal nanoparticles and their size may be controlled by monitoring the concentration of extract and metal ions. Since they are antibacterial they may be used for the treatment of bacterial infections in man and animal. They can also be used in purification of water, in soaps and medicine. Their sustained release may be achieved by coating them with a suitable polymer. Silver nanoparticles fabricated from edible U. longissima are free from toxic chemicals and therefore they can be safely used in medicine and medical devices. These silver nanoparticles were stable for weeks therefore they can be stored for longer duration of time without decomposition.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 1998

Microorganisms such as alga are able to uptake toxic and heavy metal ions. After Cd(Ⅱ) was preconcentrated on the carbon paste electrode constructed by incorporating alga (Anabaena), it was determined with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. A well-defined oxidation peak of Cd(Ⅱ) was obtained at - 0.75 V vs. SCE. We investigated the optimum conditions using the peak, which are the effect of the amount of alga, pH, ionic strength, temperature, and preconcentration time on the preconcentration of Cd(Ⅱ) and that of the reduction time and potential on the reduction of Cd(Ⅱ) preconcentrated. Calibration curve for the determination of Cd(Ⅱ) was linear over the range of $1.0{\times}10^6\;M\;to\;8.0{\times}10^6$\;M (R=0.9978) and the detection limit was $5.0{\times}10^{-7}$\;M. The relative standard deviation was 3.1% (n=6) for $7.0{\times}10^{-6}\;M Cd(Ⅱ). In regeneration of the electrode surface with 0.1 M HCl, the response was reproducible continuously by 10 times.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater Environment
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.194-205
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• 1999

Hydrogeochemical variation and environmental isotope at the some abandoned metal mine (Sanggok, Keumsil, Jangpung and Samdeok) creeks of the Hwanggangri mining district were carried out based upon the physicochemical properties for surface water collected of February in 1998. Hydrogeochemical composition of the all water samples are characterized by the relatively significant enrichment of Ca$^{2}$, alkaline ions, N $O_3$$^{－}$ and Cl$^{－}$ in normal surface water, whereas the surface waters near the mining area are relatively enriched in Ca$^{2+$, Mg$^{2＋}$, heavy metals. HC $O_3$$^{－}$ and S $O_4$$^{2－}$. Surface waters of the mining creek have low pH, high EC and extremely high concentrations of TDS compared with surface water of the non-mining creeks. The range of $\delta$D and $\delta$$^{18}$O values (SMOW) in the waters are shown in －65.0 to－71.2$\textperthousand$ and －9.1 to－10.2$\textperthousand$. The d($\delta$D－$\delta$$^{18}$O) value with those of water samples ranged from 7.3 to 10.9. These $\delta$D and $\delta$$^{18/}$ of the acid mine water are more heavy values than those of surface water. The values have revealed the positive correlation between isotopic compositions and major elements, because those $\delta$D and $\delta$$^{18}$O values increase with increasing TDS. HC $O_3$$^{－}$ , S $O_4$$^{2－}$ and Ca$^{2＋}$ concentration. Using WATEQ4F, saturation index of albite calcite, dolomite and mostly clay minerals in water of the mining area show undersaturated and progressively evolved toward the equilibrium condition due to fresh water mixing, however, surface waters of the non-mining area are nearly saturated and/or supersaturated. Geochemical modeling showed that mostly toxic heavy metals within water in the mining creek may exist largely in the from of metal-sulfate (MS $O_4$$^{2－}$), free metal (M$^{2＋}$/), C $O_3$$^{－}$ and/or OH$^{－}$ complex ions. Based on the geology, water chemistry and environmental istopic data the water compositions from the Sanggok and Keumsil mine creek (consist mainly of Cambro-Ordovician carbonate rocks of the Cho-seon Supergroup) show higher PH, Ca$^{2＋}$, Mg$^{2＋}$ , HC $O_3$$^{－}$ and more heavy $\delta$D and $\delta$$^{18}$O values than those from the Jangpung and Samdeok mine creek (consist of age -unknown metasedimentary rocks of the Ogcheon Supergroup and/or Jurassic grani-toids), but each of these waters represents a similar hydrogeochemical evolution path by the mine water mixing.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.505-517
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• 2000

This study was undertaken to provide a drinking water quality on the basis of physicochemical properties. In this study, the 25 samples of supply waters of the Taejon area were sampled twice (February and August in 1999). Hydrochemistry of the supply water belongs to the $Ca^{2＋}$-${HCO_3}^{-1}$ type, whereas the supply water was characterized by the relatively significant enrichment of ${Ca}^{2+}$, ${Na}^{2+}$, ${K}^{2+}$, ${Cl}^{2+}$ ions and heavy metals compared to the original water from the Daecheong lake. Generally, the supply water has a mean values for $10.7^{\circ}C$ of temperature, 6.86 of pH, -12 mV of Eh, 88 ${\mu}S$/cm of EC and 70.379 mg/l of TDS in February, whereas the waters of the same sites in August are a slightly high temperature ($26.1^{\circ}C$), TDS (78.069 mg/l) and extremely high EC (442 ${\mu}S$/cm) value. These values are similar with physicochemical properties of the original lake water depending on the seasonal differences. Results of speciation calculation indicate that potentially toxic ions might exist mainly in the forms of free metal (${Cu}^{2+}$ or ${Zn}^{2+}$) and a small amount of ${CO_3}^{2-}$and ${OH}^{-}$in the supply water. The water seemed to be in equilibrium with kaolinite field of the normal stability diagrams for the natural water. Based on enrichment parameter of the supply water normalized by original lake water composition, the average value of those parameter can be calculated with nearly 1.00, but the those values for Cu＋Zn possible source of decrepit pipe lines are 126.75 in February and 115.63 in August samples. The parameter values varied with sampling sites, however, do not exceed by chemistry of drinking water standard. Solid compounds remained on the membrane filter papers after filtration are adhered to pale yellow or yellowish brown colored dissolved solids and precipitates, which are coated by 0.02 to 0.35 mm thick per 500 ml with colloidal particles of about 1 to 2${\mu}m$ size. The particles are mainly Fe-Cu-Zn compounds and partly detected to Mn and Pb.