From waste to soil: Technosols made with construction and demolition waste as a nature-based solution for land reclamation.

Population growth has driven an increased demand for solid construction materials, leading to higher amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Efficient strategies to manage this waste include reduction, reuse, and recycling. Technosols-soils engineered from recycled waste-can potentially help with environmental challenges. However, there is a critical need to explore the potential of Technosols constructed with C&DW for land reclamation, through the growth of native vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate this potential by studying two Brazilian native tree species (Guazuma ulmifolia and Piptadenia gonoacantha). Technosols were created using C&DW, with and without organic compost and a liquid biofertilizer. A soil health index (SHI) was applied to evaluate the soil quality regarding physical, chemical, and biological indicators of Technosols compared to a control soil (Ferralsol). The results showed that P. gonoacantha plants presented the same height and total biomass in all treatments, while G. ulmifolia plants exhibited greater height and total biomass when grown in Technosols. The enhanced plant development in the Technosols was primarily associated with higher cation exchangeable capacity and nutrients concentration in plant tissues. Technosols with added compost provided higher fertility and total organic carbon. Additionally, Technosols presented higher SHI (∼0.68) compared to control (∼0.38) for both studied species. Our experiment reveals that construction and demolition waste (C&DW) have significant potential to form healthy Technosols capable of supporting the growth of native Brazilian trees. This approach offers a promising alternative for addressing C&DW disposal challenges while serving as a nature-based solution for land reclamation.

Rare Earth Element Accumulation in Fiddler Crabs (Minuca rapax) from the Rio Doce Tropical Estuary Strongly Affected by Mine Tailings Following the Fundão Disaster.

A mining tailing dam rupture in Brazil in November 2015 released millions of tons of mining waste into the Rio Doce ecosystem, leading to long-term aquatic ecosystem impacts. Although multiple lines of evidence indicate tailings associations with potentially toxic elements in estuarine sediments and biological impact and bioaccumulation pathways in fishes, the extent of contamination in base benthic species is still largely unknown. Moreover, Rare Earth Elements (REE) have not received any attention in this regard. This study assessed REE in fiddler crabs (Minuca rapax) sampled from the Rio Doce estuary in 2017, nearly 2 years after the disaster. The ΣREE in crab hepatopancreas and muscle were high (327.83 mg kg-1 w.w. and 33.84 mg kg-1 w.w., respectively, compared to other assessments in crabs, indicating a preference for REE bioaccumulation in the hepatopancreas compared to muscle. Neodimium, La, and Ce were detected at the highest concentrations. The REE from the Rio Doce Basin were, thus, transported and deposited in the estuary with the mine tailings slurry, leading to bioaccumulation in crabs. This may lead to trophic effects and other ecological impacts not readily measured by typical impact assessment studies, revealing an invisible and not typically acknowledged damage to the Rio Doce estuary.

Seasonal drives on potentially toxic elements dynamics in a tropical estuary impacted by mine tailings.

This study investigates the impact of seasonality on estuarine soil geochemistry, focusing on redox-sensitive elements, particularly Fe, in a tropical estuary affected by Fe-rich mine tailings. We analyzed soil samples for variations in particle size, pH, redox potential (Eh), and the content of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb. Additionally, sequential extraction was employed to understand the fate of these elements. Results revealed dynamic changes in the soil geochemical environment, transitioning between near-neutral and suboxic/anoxic conditions in the wet season and slightly acidic to suboxic/oxic conditions in the dry season. During the wet season, fine particle deposition (83%) rich in Fe (50 g kg-1), primarily comprising crystalline Fe oxides, occurred significantly. Conversely, short-range ordered Fe oxides dominated during the dry season. Over consecutive wet/dry seasons, substantial losses of Fe (-55%), Mn (-41%), and other potentially toxic elements (Cr: -44%, Cu: -31%, Ni: -25%, Pb: -9%) were observed. Despite lower pseudo-total PTE contents, exchangeable PTEs associated with carbonate content increased over time (Cu: +188%, Ni: +557%, Pb: +99%). Modeling indicated climatic variables and short-range oxides substantially influenced PTE bioavailability, emphasizing the ephemeral Fe oxide control during the wet season and heightened ecological and health risks during the dry seasons.

Contrasting plant-induced changes in heavy metals dynamics: Implications for phytoremediation strategies in estuarine wetlands.

Wetland plants play a crucial role in regulating soil geochemistry, influencing heavy metal (HM) speciation, bioavailability, and uptake, thus impacting phytoremediation potential. We hypothesized that variations in HM biogeochemistry within estuarine soils are controlled by distinct estuarine plant species. We evaluated the soils (pH, redox potential, rhizosphere pH, HM total concentration, and geochemical fractionation), plant parts (shoot and root), and iron plaques of three plants growing in an estuary affected by Fe-rich mine tailings. Though the integration of multiple plant and soil analysis, this work emphasizes the importance of considering geochemical pools of HM for predicting their fate. Apart from the predominance of HM associated with Fe oxides, Typha domingensis accumulated the highest Cr and Ni contents in their shoots (> 100 mg kg-1). In contrast, Hibiscus tiliaceus accumulated more Cu and Pb in their roots (> 50 mg kg-1). The differences in rhizosphere soil conditions and root bioturbation explained the different potentials between the plants by altering the soil dynamics and HM's bioavailability, ultimately affecting their uptake. This study suggests that Eleocharis acutangula is not suitable for phytoextraction or phytostabilization, whereas Typha domingensis shows potential for Cr and Ni phytoextraction. In addition, we first showed Hibiscus tiliaceus as a promising wood species for Cu and Pb phytostabilization.

Degraded mangroves as sources of trace elements to aquatic environments.

Mangrove forests have been reported as sinks for metals because of the immobilization of these elements in their soils. However, climate change may alter the functioning of these ecosystems. We aimed to assess the geochemical dynamics of Mn, Cu, and Zn in the soils of a mangrove forest dead by an extreme weather event in southeastern Brazil. Soil samples were collected from dead and live mangroves adjacent to each other. The physicochemical parameters (total organic carbon, redox potential, and pH), total metal content, particle size, and metal partitioning were determined. Distinct changes in the soil geochemical environment (establishment of suboxic conditions) and a considerable loss of fine particles was caused by the death of the mangroves. Our results also showed a loss of up to 93 % of metals from soil. This study highlights the paradoxical role of mangroves as potential metal sources in the face of climate change.

Geospatial modeling and ecological and human health risk assessments of heavy metals in contaminated mangrove soils.

Heavy metal-contaminated wastes can threaten mangrove forests, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The study evaluated the geospatial distribution of heavy metals concentrations in soils, the ecological and human health risks, and metal contents in soil fractions and mangrove organisms in the Botafogo estuary, Brazil, one of the most environmentally impacted estuaries in the country. The metal concentrations exceeded by up to 2.6-fold the geochemical background; 91%, 59%, 64%, 31%, and 82% of the soils were contaminated with Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni, respectively. Adverse effects to the biota may occur due to Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb exposures. Contents of clay and organic matter were the main factors governing the distribution of metals in soil, contributing to up to 63% of the total variability. However, the geospatial modeling showed that the predictive ability of these variables varied spatially with the metal and location. The ecological and human health risks assessments indicated that the metal concentrations in soils are safe for the environment and human beings. There was a low transfer of metals from the soil to the biota, with values of sediment-biota accumulation factor (SBAF) and biological accumulation coefficients (BAC) lower than 1.0, except for Zn (SBAF = 13.1). The high Zn bioaccumulation by Crassostrea rhizophorae may be associated with the concentrations of Zn in the bioavailable fractions.

Iron hazard in an impacted estuary: Contrasting controls of plants and implications to phytoremediation.

Due to its abundance and role as a micronutrient for plants iron (Fe) is rarely perceived as a contaminant. However, in redox active environments, Fe bioavailability increases sharply representing an environmental risk. In this study, a recent catastrophic mining dam failure is used as a field framework to evaluate the role of wetland plants on Fe biogeochemistry and assess their potential for phytoremediation programs. To achieve these objectives, a Fe geochemical partitioning and the concentration of Fe in different plant compartments (iron plaque on root surfaces, roots, and leaves) were determined in two sites vegetated by different wetland species. Soils exhibited contrasting Fe biogeochemical dynamics. Lower pseudo-total contents and more reactive Fe oxides were observed in the soil vegetated by Typha domingensis. Iron plaque was present on both species but more concentrated in Fe in T. domingensis. T. domingensis showed Fe shoot concentrations (3874 mg kg-1) 10-fold higher than in Hibiscus tiliaceus, which prevented Fe absorption through iron plaque formation and root accumulation. In conclusion, contrasting biogeochemical effects on Fe (e.g., rhizosphere acidification) lead to different phytoremediation abilities. T. domingensis showed a high potential for Fe phytoremediation on sites affected by Fe-enriched wastes and should be tested in assisted phytoremediation approaches.

Mine tailings in a redox-active environment: Iron geochemistry and potential environmental consequences.

Iron (Fe) oxyhydroxides provide many functions in soils, mainly owing to their large surface area and high surface charge density. The reactivity of Fe oxyhydroxides is function of their mineralogical characteristics (e.g., crystallinity degree and crystal size). Detailed studies of these features are essential for predicting the stability and reactivity of these minerals within soil and sediments. The present study aimed to evaluate geochemical changes in Fe-rich tailings after the world's largest mining disaster in SE Brazil (in 2015) and to predict the potential environmental implications for the estuary. The mineralogical characteristics of the tailings were studied at three different times (2015, 2107, and 2019) to assess how an active redox environment affects Fe oxyhydroxides and to estimate the time frame within which significant changes occur. The study findings indicate a large decrease in the Fe oxyhydroxides crystallinity, which were initially composed (93%) of highly crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides (i.e., goethite and hematite) and 6.7% of poorly crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides (i.e., lepidocrocite and ferrihydrite). Within 4 years the mineralogical features of Fe oxyhydroxides had shifted, and in 2019 poorly crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides represented 47% of the Fe forms. Scanning electron microscope micrographs and the mean crystal size evidenced a decrease in particle size from 109 nm to 49 nm for goethite in the d111 direction. The changes in mean crystal size increased the reactivity of Fe oxyhydroxides, resulting in a greater number of interactions with cationic and anionic species. The decreased crystallinity and increased reactivity led to the compounds being more susceptible to reductive dissolution. Overall, the findings show that the decrease in crystallinity along with higher susceptibility to reductive dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides can affect the fate of environmentally detrimental elements (e.g., phosphorus and trace metals) thereby increasing the concentration of these pollutants in estuarine soils and waters.

Litho-climatic characteristics and its control over mangrove soil geochemistry: A macro-scale approach.

Brazil hosts an extensive coastal area, marked by a great diversity of geoenvironments. The present study evaluated the role of geoclimatic factors in the geochemistry of mangrove soils by using wet extractions and several physical and chemical parameters. Soil samples were collected in 11 mangrove forests from NE (n = 94) and SE Brazil (n = 230). Our results show an important effect of the surrounding geology and climate on the geochemistry of the mangrove soils. NE mangroves are dominated by suboxic soils (mean: Eh of +150 ± 174 mV and pH 7.1 ± 0.5, respectively) while anoxic conditions prevail in the SE mangrove soils (mean: Eh -46 ± 251 mV and pH 6.5 ± 0.5). In the NE region, a period of several months without rainfall and high temperatures leads to soil suboxic conditions. Conversely, at the SE coast, the surrounding mountain range contributes to well-distributed rain favoring anoxic conditions. The contrasting geochemical environment caused differences in the geochemistry of elements such as C, Fe, and S. Significantly higher Fe (193 ± 24 µmol g-1) and organic carbon contents (6.9 ± 7.1%) were recorded in the SE coast. The higher organic carbon contents are possibly related to Fe organo-mineral associations. These differences are ultimately associated with the contrasting geological surroundings (crystalline massifs at the SE and the iron poor sedimentary formations at the NE). The higher contents of reactive Fe and organic carbon also triggered more intense pyritization in the SE mangroves (pyritic Fe: 93 ± 63 µmol g-1). Our results demonstrate that climate and geological surroundings create identifiable patterns at a regional level and, thus, studies should take these factors into account on future global modelling approaches.

Soil Organic Matter Responses to Mangrove Restoration: A Replanting Experience in Northeast Brazil.

Mangroves are among the most relevant ecosystems in providing ecosystem services because of their capacity to act as sinks for atmospheric carbon. Thus, restoring mangroves is a strategic pathway for mitigating global climate change. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the organic matter dynamics in mangrove soils during restoration processes. Four mangrove soils under different developmental stages along the northeastern Brazilian coast were studied, including a degraded mangrove (DM); recovering mangroves after 3 years (3Y) and 7 years (7Y) of planting; and a mature mangrove (MM). The soil total organic carbon (CT) and soil carbon stocks (SCSs) were determined for each area. Additionally, a demineralization procedure was conducted to assess the most complex humidified and recalcitrant fractions of soil organic matter and the fraction participating in organomineral interactions. The particle size distribution was also analyzed. Our results revealed significant differences in the SCS and CT values between the DM, 3Y and 7Y, and the MM, for which there was a tendency to increase in carbon content with increasing vegetative development. However, based on the metrics used to evaluate organic matter interactions with inorganic fractions, such as low rates of carbon enrichment, C recovery, and low C content after hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment being similar for the DM and the 3Y and 7Y-this indicated that high carbon losses were coinciding with mineral dissolution. These results indicate that the organic carbon dynamics in degraded and newly planted sites depend more on organomineral interactions, both to maintain their previous SCS and increase it, than mature mangroves. Conversely, the MM appeared to have most of the soil organic carbon, as the stabilized organic matter had a complex structure with a high molecular weight and contributed less in the organomineral interactions to the SCS. These results demonstrate the role of initial mangrove vegetation development in trapping fine mineral particles and favoring organomineral interactions. These findings will help elucidate organic accumulation in different replanted mangrove restoration scenarios.

Copper release from waste rocks in an abandoned mine (NE, Brazil) and its impacts on ecosystem environmental quality.

This study aimed to estimate the impact of an abandoned copper (Cu) mine on ecosystem environmental quality, using integrated ecological and biogeochemical analyses. Through a controlled experiment, the amount of Cu released by waste rocks, Cu adsorbed in soils, Cu geochemical behaviour and its leached amount were measured. Furthermore, to investigate the impacts of mine drainage on the adjacent ecosystem, samples of sediments, water and aquatic macroinvertebrates were analysed. We found that waste rocks still have high Cu concentration even after 30 years under weathering, ranging from 7782 to 8717 mg kg-1, associated mainly with carbonates, amorphous oxides and sulphides. It was estimated that 7.2 tonnes of Cu were released by waste rocks into the environment over last 30 years. The concentration of Cu observed in Ubari stream water was (

Soil quality assessment of constructed Technosols: Towards the validation of a promising strategy for land reclamation, waste management and the recovery of soil functions.

Mine reclamation has long relied on reusing topsoil to mitigate mining impacts but recently constructed soils (i.e., Technosols) have emerged as novel technologies for restoring post mining landscapes. However, their success depends on their ability to sustain soil functions. To assess the efficiency of a limestone mine reclamation, we measured the soil quality (SQ) of a three- (SC3) and seven-year-old (SC7) Technosol under sugarcane, and one 20-year-old (P20) Technosol under pasture, constructed with limestone spoil in southeastern Brazil. Soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes were evaluated and compared with those of an adjacent natural soil (NS; Rhodic Lixisol). We also tested the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) for assessing the SQ of the studied soils. SMAF was suitable to detect SQ changes over the years of reclamation. After three and seven years under sugarcane cultivation, the Technosols showed similar SQ indexes (= 0.70 and 0.67) to that of the native soil (SQ = 0.69), whereas after 20 years under pasture the SQ (= 0.88) of P20 was superior to that of NS. Overall, the Technosols recovered most of the ecosystem services expected for healthy soils, especially in P20, where carbon stocks were 2.7 times higher than in NS (82.1 vs 30.35 Mg C ha-1). We highlight the importance of using soil quality assessment tools, such as SMAF, in mine reclamation. In summary, Technosols from limestone wastes could restore basic soil functions under tropical environmental conditions within only 20 years.

Nitrogen mineralization and eutrophication risks in mangroves receiving shrimp farming effluents.

Nitrogen (N) inputs originated from shrimp farming effluents were evaluated for potential changes in the net N mineralization for mangrove soils from Northeastern Brazil. Our study provides notable information and assessment for the potential enhancement of N mineralization in preserved and shrimp-impacted semi-arid mangrove soils of the Jaguaribe River estuary, which is one of the largest shrimp producers of Brazil, using an analytical and daily tidal variation experimental approach. Nitrogen-rich effluents promoted a significant (p value < 0.001) increase of the total soil N content (1998 ± 201 mg kg-1 on average) compared with the preserved sites (average: 1446 ± 295 mg kg-1). The effluents also increased the N mineralization in the shrimp-impacted sites (N-min: 86.6 ± 37.5 mg kg-1), when compared with preserved mangroves (N-min: 56.5 ± 23.8 mg kg-1). Over a daily tidal variation experiment, we found that just 30% (36.2 ± 20.6 mg kg-1) of mineralized N remains stored in the soil, whereas 70% (102.9 ± 38.8 mg kg-1) was solubilized in tidal waters. Therefore, the N mineralization process may trigger eutrophication by increasing N inorganic bioavailability in mangrove soils receiving N-rich effluents from shrimp ponds, which in turn might increase primary producers' activity. This approach has not been studied so far in semi-arid mangroves, where the shrimp farming activity is one of the most important economic activities.

Phosphorus enriched effluents increase eutrophication risks for mangrove systems in northeastern Brazil.

Discharge of effluents loaded with phosphorus (P) from anthropogenic activities constitutes serious eutrophication risks in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including mangroves. Three mangroves in NE-Brazil were studied to evaluate the impact of P-rich-effluents from shrimp farming and domestic sewage, in relation to a control area (natural mangrove). Soil phosphorus fractionation and water chemical analysis were performed to assess potential pollution. We observed the most labile P forms increased gradually and significantly from control to sewage to shrimp farm impacted mangroves as observed by increasingly dissolved orthophosphate (PO43-) content in water and the exchangeable/soluble P (Exch-P) extracted from soils, which is supported by the discriminant analysis. Exch-P results were correlated to Humic-Acid-P, which can release more labile P forms when mineralized. Our results demonstrate a substantial impact of aquiculture and sewage effluents in mangroves at both organic and inorganic P fractions, raising important concerns regarding pollution for these marine ecosystems.

Does food partitioning vary in leaf-eating crabs in response to source quality?

Mangroves have a relevant ecosystem function due to their efficiency in blue carbon sequestration. Autotrophic carbon conservation in mangroves remains controversial. In this sense, autotrophic nutrient assimilation by crabs can highlight their ecosystem function. This study aims to identify the relationship between quality sources and food partitioning in two leaf-eating crabs, Ucides cordatus and Goniopsis cruentata. Quantification of the litterfall biomass, analysis of the soil, the C/N ratio and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) were used to evaluate food sources and crab tissues in two mangrove forests. The litterfall and soil C contents and C/N ratios of the Pacoti River (PR) were higher than those of the Jaguaribe River. The higher C/N ratios of the litterfall of the PR led to higher nitrogen ingestion from complementary food sources (soil and omnivorous invertebrates). The nutritional requirements and food partitioning behavior of both species emphasize the ecosystem functions of leaf-eating crabs concerning the assimilation and conservation of autotrophic carbon and nitrogen in mangroves.

Are acid volatile sulfides (AVS) important trace metals sinks in semi-arid mangroves?

Acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) formation and its role on trace metals bioavailability were studied in semi-arid mangroves. The semi-arid climatic conditions at the studied sites, marked by low rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates, clearly limited the AVS formation (AVS contents varied from 0.10 to 2.34µmolg-1) by favoring oxic conditions (Eh>+350mV). The AVS contents were strongly correlated with reactive iron and organic carbon (r=0.84; r=0.83 respectively), evidencing their dominant role for AVS formation under semi-arid conditions. On the other hand, the recorded ΣSEM/AVS values remained >1 evidencing a little control of AVS over the bioavailability of trace metals and, thus, its minor role as a sink for toxic metals.

Seabird colonies as important global drivers in the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.

Seabirds drastically transform the environmental conditions of the sites where they establish their breeding colonies via soil, sediment, and water eutrophication (hereafter termed ornitheutrophication). Here, we report worldwide amounts of total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) excreted by seabirds using an inventory of global seabird populations applied to a bioenergetics model. We estimate these fluxes to be 591 Gg N y-1 and 99 Gg P y-1, respectively, with the Antarctic and Southern coasts receiving the highest N and P inputs. We show that these inputs are of similar magnitude to others considered in global N and P cycles, with concentrations per unit of surface area in seabird colonies among the highest measured on the Earth's surface. Finally, an important fraction of the total excreted N (72.5 Gg y-1) and P (21.8 Gg y-1) can be readily solubilized, increasing their short-term bioavailability in continental and coastal waters located near the seabird colonies.

Geochemical speciation and dynamic of copper in tropical semi-arid soils exposed to metal-bearing mine wastes.

The potentially hazardous effects of rock wastes disposed at open pit in three different areas (Pr: Ore processing; Wr: Waste rock and Bd: Border) of an abandoned copper mine were evaluated in this study, with emphasis on acid drainage generation, metal contamination and copper geochemical dynamics in soils. Samples of waste rock were analyzed by Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Soil samples were analyzed to determine the total metal contents (XRF), mineralogy (XRD), pH (H2O and H2O2), organic and inorganic carbon, % of total N, S and P, particle size, and a sequential extraction procedure was used to identify the different copper fractions. As a result of the prevalence of carbonates over sulphides in the wastes, the soil pH remained close to neutral, with absence of acid mine drainage. The geochemical interaction between these mineral phases seems to be the main mechanism to release Cu(2)(+) ions. Total Cu in soils from the Pr area reached 11,180mg.kg(-1), while in Wr and Bd areas the values reached, on average, 4683 and 1086mg.kg(-1), respectively, indicating a very high level of soil contamination. In the Pr and Wr, the Cu was mainly associated with carbonates and amorphous iron oxides. In the Bd areas, the presence of vegetation has influenced the geochemical behavior of copper by increasing the dissolution of carbonates, affecting the buffer capacity of soils against sulphide oxidation, reducing the pH levels and enhancing the proportion of exchangeable and organic bound Cu. The present findings show that the use of plants or organic amendments in mine sites with high concentration of Cu carbonate-containing wastes should be viewed with caution, as the practice may enhance the mobilization of copper to the environment due to an increase in the rate of carbonates dissolution.

Etnopedologia: uma abordagem das etnociências sobre as relações entre as sociedades e os solos / Ethnopedology: an ethnosciences approach on relations between societies and soils

A avaliação do conjunto de conhecimentos gerados e transmitidos por populações humanas caracteriza-se como o campo de atuação dos estudos etnocientíficos. Esta avaliação de conhecimentos relacionados aos solos e sua associação com recursos naturais, bem como estratégias desenvolvidas para produção são os objetos de estudo da etnopedologia. A utilização de metodologias participativas que promovam a inserção direta dos envolvidos na pesquisa são premissas básicas nos trabalhos etnopedológicos. As áreas de avaliação etnopedológicas relacionam-se, dentre outros aspectos, a nomenclaturas para classificação das terras e práticas de manejo. O crescente desenvolvimento etnopedológico revela o reconhecimento da importância do solo como um recurso limitado e essencial para a vida e reforça uma visão conservacionista importante a ser considerada na construção de trabalhos na área de ciências do solo.

The overall assessment of knowledge produced and transmitted by a human group is set as ethnoscience field. This evaluation of information related to soils and its relation with natural resources, as well as strategies developed to production, are the scope of study from ethnopedology. Participatory methodologies which promote the inclusion of those directly involved are basic assumptions of ethnopedology. Areas of evaluation from ethnopedology studies are related, among other aspects, to nomenclatures for soil classification and management practices. The increasing ethnopedological development reveals soil importance recognition as a limited and essential resource for life and strengthens an important conservationist view to be considered in researches of soil science.