Title: Journal of Environmental Quality

Title: Journal of Environmental Quality

ISO Abbreviated Title: J. Environ. Qual.

JCR Abbreviated Title: J Environ Qual

ISSN: 0047-2425

Issues/Year: 4

Journal Country/Territory: United States

Language: English

Publisher: Amer Soc Agronomy

Publisher Address: 677 S Segoe Rd, Madison, WI 53711

Subject Categories:

Environmental Sciences: Impact Factor 2.357, 7/126 (1999); Impact Factor 1.485, 23/127 (2000); Impact Factor 1.155, 47/129 (2001); Impact Factor 1.868, 17/132 (2002); Impact Factor 1.682, 28/131 (2003); Impact Factor 1.617, 33/134 (2004); Impact Factor 2.121, 24/140 (2005); Impact Factor 2.291, 54/180 (2009)

Burge, W.D. and Enkiri, N.K. (1978), Adsorption-kinetics of bacteriophage -X-174 on soil. Journal of Environmental Quality, 7 (4), 536-541.

Full Text: J Env Qua7, 536.pdf

Abstract: The adsorption of bacteriophage X-174 by a soil followed classical square-root-of-time kinetics, indicating that the rate of adsorption was controlled by diffusion. These results, however, are explained by the heterogeneity of the virus population relative to adsorption rate. The presence of at least two virus populations distinguishable by the rates at which they are adsorbed by the soil and desorption of the adsorbed virus upon dilution are demonstrated experimentally.

Keywords: Adsorption Rate, Diffusion, Virus, Brownian Motion

Fiskell, J.G.A., Mansell, R.S., Selim, H.M. and Martin, F.G. (1979), Kinetic behavior of phosphate sorption by acid, sandy soil. Journal of Environmental Quality, 8 (4), 579-584.

Full Text: J Env Qua8, 579.pdf

Abstract: The time dependency of phosphate sorption-desorption in fertilized soil is particularly important to the efficiency with which plant roots absorb applied phosphorus from the soil solution. In this study, phosphorus sorption by two acid, sandy soils was measured with time using a laboratory batch technique for a range of initial phosphorus concentrations in solution. A comparison of experimental data with results calculated using a two-site sorption-desorption model showed that for contactimes > 1 hour the observed phosphorus sorption in both these sandy soils could be described by assuming rapid and slow reversible reactions to occur simultaneously at two separate types of sorption sites. However, for shorter contact times (< 1 hour) the 2-site model did not describe the P sorption adequately. The orders of the forward reactions at the rapid and slow sorption sites were fractional and first-order, respectively, with regard to the P concentration in solution. For a given soil, one set of rate coefficient values was sufficient to describe the solution phase concentration of P for several different initial concentrations.

Keywords: Spodosols, Inorganic Phosphorus

Notes: highly cited

Travis, C.C. and Etnier, E.L. (1981), A survey of sorption relationships for reactive solutes in soil. Journal of Environmental Quality, 10 (1), 8-17.

Full Text: J Env Qua10, 8.pdf

Abstract: The present study provides a survey of relationships in current use to quantify sorption of reactive solutes by soil. Equilibrium models discussed include the linear, Freundlich, Langmuir, two-surface Langmuir, and competitive Langmuir isotherms. Kinetic sorption models reviewed are the reversible linear, reversible nonlinear, kinetic product, bilinear, mass transfer, Elovich, Fava and Eyring, and two-site kinetic model. The models reviewed appear to provide a reasonably good basis for extrapolation and interpolation of data. There is a continuing need, however, to upgrade these methodologies as demand for accuracy and realism increases. [145 Refs]

Keywords: Soils, Chemical Reactions, Solutions – Sorption, Reactive Solutes

Larsen, V.J. and Schierup, H.H. (1981), The use of straw for removal of heavy metals from waste water. Journal of Environmental Quality, 10 (2), 188-193.

Full Text: J Env Qua10, 188.pdf

Abstract: The efficiency of barley straw (Hordeum vulgare L.) in removing heavy metals from solutions was investigated in capacity and in column experiments. In the capacity experiments the efficiency of the straw was compared to that of activated carbon, pine sawdust, and CaCO₃. It was found that 1 g of straw was able to adsorb amounts of Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cd ranging from 4.3 to 15.2 mg. One gram of activated carbon removed from 6.2 to 19.5 mg and pine sawdust from 1.3 to 5.0 mg. From 1.6 to 19.8 mg of the different metals were precipitated by CaCO₃.

The efficiency of the straw was not reduced in column experiments where flow rates of 167 to 370 ml/min were used. The efficiency of the straw was improved by 10–90% when being mixed with CaCO₃.

A column packed of barley straw and saturated with Cu was regenerated with 1 liter of acid (±1.0N HCl) and could be reused at least five times.

Keywords: Hordeum vulgare L., Zinc, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Cadmium

Sharpley, A.N., Ahuja, L.R. and Menzel, R.G. (1981), The release of soil phosphorus to runoff in relation to the kinetics of desorption. Journal of Environmental Quality, 10 (3), 386-391.

Full Text: J Env Qua10, 385.pdf

Abstract: The release of P from surface soil to runoff water under simulated rainfall conditions was investigated for five soils at several rates of fertilizer P application. A simplified kinetic model proposed earlier, describing the desorption of soil P, adequately described both the concentration of soluble P in runoff during an event and mean values for successive events. During an event the logarithm of soluble P concentration decreased linearly as the logarithm of time increased. Mean soluble P concentrations of individual runoff events increased linearly with amount of desorbable P in the surface soil (top 0.5 cm), while the effect of increased rain intensity on concentrations could be explained by a power function related to water/soil ratio. The average depth of runoff-surface soil interaction calculated from the data using the kinetic model ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 mm for the five soils, and was significantly related to degree of soil aggregation. These depths agreed closely with those determined using 32P as a tracer in earlier studies. The depth of interaction increased with increase in soil slope, kinetic energy of the raindrops, and, to a lesser extent, rainfall intensity. The use of the kinetic model would improve modeling of soluble P loading in runoff.

Keywords: Phosphate Release, Water-Extractable P, Soil Aggregation

Anthony, R.G. and Kozlowski, R. (1982), Heavy metals in tissues of small mammals inhabiting waste-water-irrigated habitats. Journal of Environmental Quality, 11 (1), 20-22.

Full Text: J Env Qua11, 20.pdf

Abstract: Concentrations of heavy metals in liver and kidney of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and white-footed mice (Permyscus leucopus) from waste-water-irrigated and control areas were analyzed. Heavy metals were not accumulating in meadow voles inhabiting a reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) field irrigated with sewage effluent. In contrast, Pb and Cd concentrations were significantly higher in tissues of white-footed mice inhabiting an irrigated forested site as compared with a control forested site. However, concentrations of Pb and Cd were not high enough to be considered toxic. Cadmium/zinc ratios for kidneys of small mammals were higher than those for soils and vegetation on irrigated areas, demonstrating the potentially hazardous uptake of Cd. Heavy metals were not accumulating to hazardous levels in herbivorous small mammals inhabiting areas irrigated with sewage effluent at application rates ranging from 5.0 to 7.5 cm/week for 14 years.

Keywords: Waste-Water Renovation, Peromyscus, Microtus

Nichols, D.S. and Boelter, D.H. (1982), Treatment of secondary sewage effluent with a peat-sand filter bed. Journal of Environmental Quality, 11 (1), 86-92.

Full Text: J Env Qua11, 86.pdf

Abstract: A peat-sand filter bed was constructed to provide additional treatment of the secondary sewage effluent from a campground located on the shore of North Star Lake, within the Chippewa National Forest in north-central Minnesota. This effluent contained an average of 30.9 mg/liter total nitrogen, 8.63 mg/liter total phosphorus, and 122,000 fecal coliforms/100 ml. An average of 6.8 cm/week was applied from late May through early October for 8 years. The peat-sand filter bed accomplished almost complete removal of fecal coliform bacteria and P. About 90% of the waste-water N was removed during the 2nd and 3rd years of operation, but this declined to about 50% by the 5th year, due to oxidation of the peat and release of N. The high Fe, Al, and ash content of the peat contributed to the filter’s highly efficient removal of P. Microbial immobilization in the peat contributed to N and P removal during the first 2 or 3 years of waste water application. Rough-stalked bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.) planted on the peat surface of the filter was very important in overall N and P removal. Nutrient uptake by the bluegrass increased each year and accounted for 45% of the P and virtually all of the N removed from the waste water in the 5th year of the study.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Tertiary Treatment, Water Quality

Notes: highly cited

? Mingelgrin, U. and Gerstl, Z. (1983), Reevaluation of partitioning as a mechanism of non-ionic chemicals adsorption in soils. Journal of Environmental Quality, 12 (1), 1-11.

Full Text: J Env Qua12, 1.pdf

Abstract: A critical evaluation of recent suggestions that the adsorption of nonionic organic compounds by soils can be well-correlated with the partition of the compounds between an aqueous and a nonpolar phase (usually 1-octanol), or with water solubility is presented. The physical basis proposed for these assumptions is that adsorption of nonionic organic compounds on soil organic matter is a “partition” process between the aqueous phase and a hydrophobic surface phase. The evidence presented in the literature for the dominance of a partition mechanism is insufficient to prove its general applicability. For example, systems in which a distinct hydrophobic phase at the solid surface does not exist are shown to exhibit the uptake behavior presumed to characterize partition. Theoretically, as well as practically, surface uptake cannot be simply defined as “adsorption” or “partition”, but rather there is a continuum of possible interactions starting with fixed site adsorption and ending with true partition between three-dimensional phases.

Keywords: Organic Matter, Solubility, Pesticides, Pollutants

Rock, C.A., Brooks, J.L., Bradeen, S.A. and Struchtemeyer, R.A. (1984), Use of peat for on-sits wastewater treatment: I. Laboratory evaluation. Journal of Environmental Quality, 13 (4), 518-523.

Full Text: J Env Qua13, 518.pdf

Abstract: Peat has been found to be an effective medium for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters. Recent research has indicated that a peat filter can be utilized in the treatment of septic tank effluent (STE). Laboratory columns were used to determine the treatment capacity of sphagnum (Sphagnum spp.) peat at varying hydraulic and organic loadings.

Thirty centimeters of peat compacted to a density of 0.12 Mg/m3 was found sufficient to treat STE at a hydraulic loading of 8.1 cm/d and an organic loading of 20.2 kg BOD5/1000 m2 per day (BOD5 = 5-day biochemical oxygen demand). The BOD reduction exceeded 95% and suspended solids 90%. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction was only 80% as the effluent COD exceeded 100 mg/L. The relatively high COD was attributed to the organic matter leached from the peat itself. This was reflected in a light yellow color and lowered pH in the effluent. The effect seemed to be temporary in nature and improved COD, color, and pH values were obtained with time. Excellent fecal coliform reduction was obtained, suggesting that a separate disinfection operation may not be necessary.

Nutrient removal under aerobic conditions revealed < 10% P and N removal; however, nitrification was nearly complete. Significant denitrification was promoted under anaerobic conditions and a 62% reduction in total N was observed.

Specifications for a full-scale filter include a hydraulic loading of 4.1 cm/d for a typical strength STE (10 kg BOD5/1000 m2 per day) as 8.1 cm/d proved to be excessive at low temperature (5°C). The filter should have a minimum of 30 cm of lightly compacted peat (0.10–0.12 Mg/m3) below the distribution pipes. These recommended design criteria result in a much smaller filter than previously tested.

Keywords: Septic Tank Effluent, Hydraulic Loading, Organic Removal, Nutrients, Fecal Coliform

Brooks, J.L., Rock, C.A. and Struchtemeyer, R.A. (1984), Use of peat for on-sits wastewater treatment: II. Field studies. Journal of Environmental Quality, 13 (4), 524-530.

Full Text: J Env Qua13, 524.pdf

Abstract: Three full-size sphagnum (Sphagnum spp.) peat filter fields were monitored to determine the treatment levels after application of septic tank effluent (STE). Systems I and II were designed with a liner and had overboard discharges, whereas system III was constructed with a subsurface discharge. Gravity-feed, dosed-feed, and pressure distribution systems all provided excellent organic and 99% fecal coliform removal without additional disinfection.

The 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) reduction exceeded 90% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction exceeded 80% in all three systems. Total suspended solids (TSS) measured 16 and 9 mg/L in the effluent from systems I and II, respectively. Systems I and II showed 58 and 62% total P reduction, respectively, while a total P reduction of 96% was obtained in system III. Nitrate-N in the effluent from all three systems was < 4.5 mg/L, well below the recommended limit of 10 mg/L. The pH of the effluents ranged from 5.3 to 6.5 and color averaged 330 standard units. In Maine, or other areas where the natural waters tend to be both colored and slightly acidic, neither parameter would be problematic when using an overboard discharge. Effluent from the well-aerated fields contained dissolved O2 averages of 4.6 and 6.7 mg/L for systems I and II.

Annual variation in weather conditions, including prolonged cold, with and without snow cover, and extreme short-term precipitation, had no adverse effects on the performance of the peat filter fields. The use of sphagnum peat for on-site wastewater treatment seems to be an acceptable alternative for areas where conventional systems cannot be installed.

Keywords: Fecal Coliforms, Overboard Discharge, Subsurface Discharge, 5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Sphagnum Peat, Septic Tank Effluent

? Brown, D.S. and Combs, G. (1985), A modified Langmuir equation for predicting sorption of methylacridinium ion in soils and sediments. Journal of Environmental Quality, 14 (2), 195-199.

Full Text: J Env Qua14, 195.pdf

Abstract: An empirical model for predicting sorption isotherms of organic cations was tested using a set of 10 soils and sediments. The model is based on a competitive Langmuir equation with modifications for grouping the various competing ion species and for normalizing over a broad range of sediment properties. Normalization is accomplished by substituting cation exchange capacities (CECs) determined with NH₄⁺ for the Langmuir capacity term. Natural exchange ions are grouped and treated as a single competing species for simplicity. A single calibration enables estimation of sorption isotherms for other sediments for which estimates of CECs and competing electrolyte concentrations are known.

Keywords: Cation Exchange, Pollutant Sorption, Competitive Langmuir Equation

Levine, M.B., Tilghman, A., Barrett, G.W. and Taylor, D.H. (1989), Heavy metal concentrations during ten years of sludge treatment to an old-field community. Journal of Environmental Quality, 18 (4), 411-418.

Full Text: J Env Qua18, 411.pdf

Abstract: Heavy metal concentrations were determined in three trophic levels of an old-field community treated for 10 consecutive years with sewage sludge. The study site consisted of sludge-treated, fertilizer-treated, and control plots. Cadmium concentrations were highest each year in soils, vegetation, meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus Ord.) livers, and earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister, L. terrestris L.) from sludge-treated plots. Mean Cd concentrations in sludge decreased from 59.0 mg kg^–1 in 1978 to 19.8 mg kg^–1 in 1987, whereas Cd concentrations in soil increased from 1.13 mg kg–1 in 1979 to 1.94 mg kg^–1 in 1987. Plant species in sludge plots had significantly higher Cd concentration values than those collected from fertilizer or control plots. No yearly increase in Cd content was observed in meadow vole liver or kidney. Cadmium concentrations in earthworms were significantly greater in 1981 (139.2 mg kg^–1) than in 1987 (60.9 mg kg^–1). Copper concentrations were highest in soils, giant foxtail (Setaria faberii Hermm.), and earthworms from sludge-treated plots. Mean Cu concentrations in sludge ranged from 320.0 mg kg^–1 in 1978 to 380.6 mg kg^–1 in 1984. Copper concentrations in soil ranged from 14.7 mg kg^–1 in 1979 to 36.9 mg kg^–1 in 1986. Vegetation in sludge plots concentrated Cu less than vegetation in fertilizer or control plots. Cu concentrations in meadow vole liver decreased from 5.0 to 3.1 mg kg^–1 and in kidneys from 4.9 to 3.3 mg kg^–1 in 1978 and 1987, respectively. Copper concentration in earthworms ranged from 17.1 mg kg^–1 in 1981 to 23.0 mg kg^–1 in 1987. Although Pb concentrations in sludge declined from 473.0 mg kg^–1 in 1978 to 243.0 mg kg–1 in 1987, mean Pb concentrations in soil increased from 19.0 mg kg–1 in 1979 to 48.4 mg kg^–1 in 1986. However, only giant foxtail in sludge-treated plots significantly concentrated Pb. Mean Pb concentrations in earthworms ranged from 8.06 mg kg^–1 in 1986 to 16.8 mg kg^–1 in 1987. Mean Zn concentrations in sludge ranged from 865.8 mg kg^–1 in 1987 to 1281.0 mg kg^–1 in 1984. Zinc concentrations in soils increased from 52.4 mg kg^–1 in 1979 to 107.2 mg kg^–1 in 1987. Zinc concentrations varied substantially among plant species; mean Zn concentrations in 1987 ranged from 41.0 mg kg^–1 for Rubus frondosus Bigel. (a perennial) to 97.3 mg kg^–1 for giant foxtail (a summer annual). Zinc concentrations in earthworms decreased from 1218.5 mg kg^–1 in 1981 to 615.5 mg kg^–1 for 1987. The detritivore trophic level bioconcentrated heavy metals more than producer or primary consumer levels.

Sheppard, S.C., Gibb, C.L. and Hawkins, J.L. (1989), Fate of contaminants during utilization of peat materials. Journal of Environmental Quality, 18 (4), 503-506.

Full Text: J Env Qua18, 503.pdf

Abstract: Since peat soils are used for a variety of industrial purposes, the fate of contaminants in peat is of interest for environmental impact studies. Peat soils effectively retain many contaminants and can receive contaminants from both the atmosphere and groundwater. We investigated the fate of I, Se, Cs, U, and Pb in peats subjected to treatments simulating commercial processes. The soils were contaminated with three concentrations of the study elements and incubated for 3 yr. Subsamples were subjected to static pyrolysis, extraction with base, acid hydrolysis, and extraction with chelates to represent burning of peat, humic and fulvic acid extraction as industrial materials, carbohydrate extraction for single-cell protein production, and application of chelate-based fertilizers. The results are presented as product concentration ratios and percent recoveries. In several cases, the contaminants were markedly concentrated. As an example, food products produced from fungal culture in peat hydrolysates may contain 50-fold higher U concentrations, on a dry wt. basis, than the original peat. Thus, contaminants are transferred to these products and this should be considered for environmental and human safety.

Notes: highly cited

? Pignatello, J.J. and Huang, L.Q. (1991), Sorptive reversibility of atrazine and metolachlor residues in field soil samples. Journal of Environmental Quality, 20 (1), 222-228.

Full Text: J Env Qua20, 222.pdf

Abstract: Predictions of the fate and transport of organic compounds in soils depend on sound sorption models. The impacts of slowly reversible (nonequilibrium) sorption on compound fate are not well quantified. Soil samples containing residues of the herbicides atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine) and metolachlor (2-chloro-N-[2-ethyl-5-methylphenyl]-N-[2-methoxy-1-methylethyl] -acetamide) were collected from fields 2 to 15 mo after their last application to assess the sorptive reversibility of these residues. The apparent sorption constant of the native herbicide, K(app), was determined from the sorbed and solution concentrations after suspension of the sample in water for 24 h. The “equilibrium” sorption constant, K(d), was determined in the same samples from 24 h sorption isotherms of freshly added herbicide, taking into account the fraction of labile native herbicide (f(L)). The ratio K(app)/K(d) varied from 2.3 to 42 and was directly related to the “age” of the residue (i.e., time between sampling and last application). The value of f(L) ranged from 0.056 to 0.60 and was inversely related to the age of the residue. The results indicate that contaminated samples collected from the field can contain a large fraction of contaminant in a slowly reversible sorbed state, and that this fraction increases with time.

Keywords: Adsorption, Alachlor, Aromatic-Hydrocarbons, Bioavailability, Estuary, Isotherms, Kinetics, Organic Compounds, Organic-Compounds, Sediments, Soils, Sorption, Sorption Models, Systems, Transport, Water

Notes: highly cited

? Scribner, S.L., Benzing, T.R., Sun, S.B. and Boyd, S.A. (1992), Desorption and bioavailability of aged simazine residues in soil from a continuous corn field. Journal of Environmental Quality, 21 (1), 115-120.

Full Text: J Env Qua21, 115.pdf

Abstract: The sorption/desorption behavior of field weathered (aged) simazine (2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine) residues from a 20-year continuous corn (Zea mays L.) field was compared to that of C-14-simazine recently added to the same soil. The apparent sorption coefficients of the aged residues determined from 24-h and 48-h desorption experiments were approximately 15 times higher than the sorption coefficients of added simazine. Aged simazine residues were also shown to be biologically unavailable to sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) and to microbial degraders, whereas recently added simazine showed herbicidal damage to sugarbeet and was substantially (ca. 48%) degraded during a 34-d incubation in soil. Apparently, the process of pesticide aging results in simazine residues that are less bioavailable, as shown by their resistance to plant uptake and microbial degradation, and that desorb slowly into soil solution. The concentration of simazine in water from field soil-samples (C) was monitored throughout a growing season, and compared to the equilibrium aqueous phase concentration (C(e)) predicted from the laboratory determined sorption coefficient (K(oc)) of added C-14-simazine. The fractional equilibrium values (C/C(e)) were approximately 1 at the time of simazine application in May but fell to 0.05 during July and August. These results show that the concentration of simazine in water contacting field soil is likely to be substantially lower than that predicted from laboratory determined sorption coefficients, except immediately following application.

Keywords: Aging, Atrazine, Degradation, Desorption, Equilibrium, Kinetics, Persistence, Sediments, Sorption, Sorption Coefficients, Systems, Water

? Guo, L., Bicki, T.J., Felsot, A.S. and Hinesly, T.D. (1993), Sorption and movement of alachlor in soil modified by carbon-rich wastes. Journal of Environmental Quality,