@article{workman_stoler_harris_ercumen_kearns_mapunda_2021, title={Food, water, and sanitation insecurities: Complex linkages and implications for achieving WASH security}, volume={9}, ISSN={["1744-1706"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2021.1971735}, DOI={10.1080/17441692.2021.1971735}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Food, water and sanitation insecurities are complex, multi-dimensional phenomena that entail more than availability and access; food, water, and sanitation resources must be safe and culturally appropriate. Researchers and implementers concerned with these insecurities have demonstrated that there are notable interactions between them resulting in significant psychological and biological outcomes. Recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in Bangladesh, Kenya (WASH Benefits) and Zimbabwe (SHINE) demonstrated no effect from water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions on linear growth, and mixed evidence on enteropathogen burden and risk of diarrhoea in young children. These data suggest a need for a more comprehensive understanding of WASH security. The risks posed by multiple resource insecurities shift depending on the individual, their movement throughout their day, their economically and socially prescribed roles, and ecological features such as seasonality and precipitation. By more fully integrating food, water and sanitation security in interventions and subsequent impact evaluations, we can achieve WASH security—one that addresses myriad transmission pathways and co-occurring diseases—that ultimately would improve health outcomes throughout the world. In this critical review, we outline the complexity of combined resource insecurities as a step towards transformative WASH.}, journal={GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH}, author={Workman, Cassandra L. and Stoler, Justin and Harris, Angela and Ercumen, Ayse and Kearns, Joshua and Mapunda, Kenneth M.}, year={2021}, month={Sep} }
 @article{masten_harris_kearns_borrion_peters_gadhamshetty_2021, title={Global Environmental Engineering for and with Historically Marginalized Communities}, volume={38}, ISSN={["1557-9018"]}, DOI={10.1089/ees.2021.0103}, abstractNote={Marginalized communities lack full participation in social, economic, and political life, and they disproportionately bear the burden of environmental and health risks. This special issue of Environmental Engineering Science, the official journal of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), reports research on the unique environmental challenges faced by historically marginalized communities around the world. The results of community-based participatory research with an Afro-descendant community in Columbia, Native American communities in Alaska, United States, villagers in the Philippines, disadvantaged communities in California, United States, rural communities in Mexico and Costa Rica, homeless encampments in the San Diego River (United States) watershed entrepreneurs in Durban, South Africa, and remote communities in the island nation of Fiji are presented. The research reported in this special issue is transdisciplinary, bringing engineers together with anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and public health experts. In the 13 articles in this special issue, some of the topics covered include inexpensive technologies for water treatment, novel agricultural strategies for reversing biodiversity losses, and strategies for climate change adaptation. In addition, one article covered educational strategies for teaching ethics to prepare students for humanitarian engineering, including topics of poverty, sustainability, social justice, and engineering decisions under uncertainty. Finally, an article presented ways that environmental engineering professors can engage and promote the success of underrepresented minority students and enable faculty engaged in community-based participatory research.}, number={5}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE}, author={Masten, Susan J. and Harris, Angela and Kearns, Joshua and Borrion, Aiduan and Peters, Catherine A. and Gadhamshetty, Venkataramana R.}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={285–287} }
 @article{thompson_kearns_2021, title={Modeling and experimental approaches for determining fluoride diffusion kinetics in bone char sorbent and prediction of packed-bed groundwater defluoridator performance}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2589-9147"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.wroa.2021.100108}, abstractNote={Fluoride (F) in groundwater (GW) in excess of 1.5 mg/L is a globally distributed problem impacting the health of hundreds of millions of people, many of whom cannot access centralized treatment infrastructure. Animal (e.g., cow) bone char has received emerging interest as a low-cost F sorbent for use in decentralized household and community water treatment. Pilot column tests using full-sized granular bone char particles can be used to assess treatment performance of fixed-bed contactors, but are costly, time consuming, and require large amounts of test water. Rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) can be used to simulate F uptake in bone char contactors if the relationship between F intraparticle diffusion kinetics and bone char particle size is known. Two common approaches to the RSSCT assume either constant (CD) or linear proportional (PD) sorbate diffusivity as a function of sorbent particle size. This study used experimentally determined pseudo-equilibrium and kinetic F sorption data in model groundwater as inputs to the homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) to determine F intraparticle diffusion coefficients for different-sized bone char particles, and to fit RSSCT and pilot column breakthrough data to evaluate CD and PD approaches. Results of this study, corroborated by incorporation of additional literature data, indicate approximately linearly proportional diffusivity of F as a function of bone char particle size. Congruently, the PD-RSSCT approach provided a superior simulation of pilot column F breakthrough compared to the CD-RSSCT. PD-RSSCT breakthrough data closely matched pilot breakthrough on a scaled service time basis up to around 500 bed volumes, corresponding to a relative F breakthrough of about 40%, and provided a slightly conservative indicator of F removal thereafter. The PD-RSSCT was compared with a hybrid modeling and empirical workflow using the HSDM with experimentally determined pseudo-equilibrium and kinetic parameter inputs as time-and-cost-saving approaches to evaluating full-sized groundwater treatment system performance. This comparison and a sensitivity analysis of HSDM input parameters used in the hybrid workflow indicated that greater precision can be obtained using the PD-RSSCT.}, journal={WATER RESEARCH X}, author={Thompson, Margaret O. and Kearns, Joshua P.}, year={2021}, month={Aug} }
 @article{kearns_dickenson_knappe_2020, title={Enabling Organic Micropollutant Removal from Water by Full-Scale Biochar and Activated Carbon Adsorbers Using Predictions from Bench-Scale Column Data}, volume={37}, ISSN={["1557-9018"]}, DOI={10.1089/ees.2019.0471}, abstractNote={Organic micropollutants (MPs), such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial compounds, and waste breakdown products occurring in waters at ng/L-μg/L levels are a threat to ecosystems and human h...}, number={7}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE}, author={Kearns, Joshua and Dickenson, Eric and Knappe, Detlef}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={459–471} }
 @article{kearns_krupp_hartman_szogas_de boskey_harrington_2019, title={Evaluation of arsenic field test kits as a learning exercise for engineering students in global water and sanitation class}, volume={14}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.24908/ijsle.v14i1.12528}, DOI={10.24908/ijsle.v14i1.12528}, abstractNote={Around 150 million people in more than 70 countries around the world are exposed to elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater used for drinking and cooking. Inexpensive arsenic field test kits are readily commercially available and have been promoted for classifying the safety of water sources. However, the accuracy and reliability of test kits has been called into question by some researchers. The purpose of this project was to provide decision support to a small nonprofit community development organization in central Mexico regarding the applicability of field test kits for assessing the safety of rural groundwater supplies. Test kit evaluation was conducted as an experiential learning exercise for undergraduate and graduate students in a University engineering course on Global Water and Sanitation. Recounting the scale and scope of the ongoing arsenic crisis in Bangladesh, as well as the sensational epidemic of “arsenical beer” in Manchester, England in 1900 that popularized the Gutzeit chemistry upon which test kits are based, spurred student interest and enthusiasm for the learning activities. Reviewing the contradictory and inconclusive literature from the recent two decades on the use of test kits provided a sobering case study for students to grapple with the difficulties and uncertainties inherent in conducting humanitarian science and engineering in the developing world. This study found generally poor performance of test kits, in particular for waters containing As in excess of 95 mg/L.The field kits tested could not be used to classify waters as “safe,” i.e., below the WHO Guideline Value of 10 mg/L to 95% level of confidence. This study lends further caution to the use of test kits for identification of safe water sources.}, number={1}, journal={International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering, Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship}, author={Kearns, J.P. and Krupp, A.S. and Hartman, S. and Szogas, K. and Boskey, M. de and Harrington, J.M.}, year={2019}, month={May}, pages={32–46,} }
 @article{kearns_shimabuku_knappe_summers_2019, title={High Temperature Co-pyrolysis Thermal Air Activation Enhances Biochar Adsorption of Herbicides from Surface Water}, volume={36}, ISSN={["1557-9018"]}, DOI={10.1089/ees.2018.0476}, abstractNote={Abstract Recent interest has arisen in the use of biochar as a low-cost adsorbent for control of organic micropollutants in water. However, compared with activated carbon (AC), biochar adsorption c...}, number={6}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE}, author={Kearns, Joshua P. and Shimabuku, Kyle K. and Knappe, Detlef R. U. and Summers, R. Scott}, year={2019}, month={Jun}, pages={710–723} }
 @misc{kearns_2019, title={Moving towards transformational WASH}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2214-109X"]}, DOI={10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30394-8}, abstractNote={As noted by the Lancet Commission on pollution and health,1Landrigan PJ Fuller R Acosta NJR et al.The Lancet Commission on pollution and health.Lancet. 2018; 391: 462-512Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1280) Google Scholar the anthropogenic release of chemicals from industry and agriculture and the breakdown of consumer waste constitutes a major threat to water and global public health. Chemical pollution is severe and increasing in developing countries, where chemical substances are produced, used, and disposed of in an unregulated manner. The global public health consequences of pollution are similar to or greater than those of widespread infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.1Landrigan PJ Fuller R Acosta NJR et al.The Lancet Commission on pollution and health.Lancet. 2018; 391: 462-512Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1280) Google Scholar, 2Landrigan PJ Fuller R Pollution, health and development: the need for a new paradigm.Rev Environ Health. 2016; 31: 121-124Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar However, chemicals have so far been neglected by the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) development sector. Amy Pickering and colleagues3Pickering AJ Null C Winch PJ et al.The WASH Benefits and SHINE trials: interpretation of WASH intervention effects on linear growth and diarrhoea.Lancet Glob Health. 2019; 7: e1139-e1146Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (89) Google Scholar analyse the recent WASH Benefits trials and the Sanitation, Hygiene, Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial, in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, which revealed that household WASH interventions are unlikely to reduce diarrhoea or improve child growth. One explanation for why WASH interventions have failed to produce health benefits is that WASH interventions control for pathogens but not chemicals. Exposure to many synthetic chemicals can dysregulate immune function in ways that lead not only to increased vulnerability to non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, but also to greater susceptibility to pathogens and reduced effectiveness of vaccinations against infectious diseases.4Winans B Humble MC Lawrence BP Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?.Reprod Toxicol. 2011; 31: 327-336Crossref PubMed Scopus (76) Google Scholar, 5Erickson BE Linking pollution and infectious disease: chemicals and pathogens interact to weaken the immune system, reduce vaccine efficacy, and increase pathogen virulence.Chem Eng News. 2019; 97: 28-33Google Scholar For example, immunotoxicity has been demonstrated for several compound classes, including halogenated organics, plasticisers such as phthalates and bisphenol-A, numerous pesticides including atrazine and chlordane, flame retardants, and per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).4Winans B Humble MC Lawrence BP Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?.Reprod Toxicol. 2011; 31: 327-336Crossref PubMed Scopus (76) Google Scholar, 5Erickson BE Linking pollution and infectious disease: chemicals and pathogens interact to weaken the immune system, reduce vaccine efficacy, and increase pathogen virulence.Chem Eng News. 2019; 97: 28-33Google Scholar Therefore, WASH interventions that do not control for chemicals in addition to pathogens might fail to achieve gains in health indicators associated with waterborne disease. The WASH sector has yet to recognise and grapple with the challenge of mitigating threats to health from chemical toxicants in water. For example, Pickering and colleagues make recommendations for improving WASH interventions, but do not mention chemicals. There is an urgent need for WASH to move beyond the current, limited focus on microbial pathogens, towards a holistic approach to water and health in developing countries that takes chemicals into account. As a step to address this challenge, some colleagues and I have formed the WASH-Toxics Working Group. I declare no competing interests. The WASH Benefits and SHINE trials: interpretation of WASH intervention effects on linear growth and diarrhoeaChild stunting is a global problem and is only modestly responsive to dietary interventions. Numerous observational studies have shown that water quality, sanitation, and handwashing (WASH) in a household are strongly associated with linear growth of children living in the same household. We have completed three randomised efficacy trials testing improved household-level WASH with and without improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) on stunting and diarrhoea in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Full-Text PDF Open AccessMoving towards transformational WASH – Authors' replyWe agree with Karen Levy and Joseph Eisenberg that observational studies of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions with carefully designed counterfactuals can play a valuable role in generating evidence on effectiveness, particularly in urban settings. Randomised controlled trials for community-level WASH infrastructure interventions are not always feasible in urban settings, because of the political and logistical constraints of defining treatment and control groups; strong observational designs could help fill the gap. Full-Text PDF Open AccessMoving towards transformational WASHThe observational reanalysis by Amy Pickering and colleagues (August, 2019)1 of controls in the WASH Benefits trials and the Sanitation, Hygiene, Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial is a compelling reminder that observational studies are susceptible to confounding bias. However, we should not discount the value of observational studies in global health research, because ethical and logistical issues often limit the feasibility of randomised control trials (RCTs) and observational studies are a requisite precursor to trials. Full-Text PDF Open Access}, number={11}, journal={LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH}, author={Kearns, Josh}, year={2019}, month={Nov}, pages={E1493–E1493} }
 @article{kearns_bentley_mokashi_redmon_levine_2019, title={Underrepresented groups in WaSH – the overlooked role of chemical toxicants in water and health}, volume={9}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2019.059}, DOI={10.2166/washdev.2019.059}, abstractNote={AbstractThe anthropogenic release of chemicals from industry, agriculture and the breakdown of consumer wastes constitute a major threat to water resources and public health. Pollution is severe and increasing in the developing world where chemical substances are produced, used, and disposed of in an unregulated manner. The global public health consequences of chemical pollution are comparable to or greater than those of widespread infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, chemicals have so far been neglected by the WaSH sector. Here, we report the results of a systematic review of the Journal of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Development (2011–2018) and oral/poster presentations given at the UNC Water & Health Conference (2010–2018). The review enumerated studies that focused on water quality and treatment from a chemical perspective, highlighting in particular organic contaminants of emerging concern. Organic chemicals were addressed in only 2% of journal articles and fewer than 0.7% of conference presentations. Geogenic contaminants arsenic and fluoride were only addressed in 2–3% of articles and presentations. The review concludes that a rapid, major effort to address toxic chemicals in WaSH is necessary to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.}, journal={Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development}, author={Kearns, J.P. and Bentley, M.J. and Mokashi, P. and Redmon, J.H. and Levine, K.}, year={2019}, month={Dec}, pages={4} }
 @article{kearns_krupp_diek_mitchell_dossi_hartman_2018, title={Lead-lag series and staged parallel operational strategies improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of bonechar for control of fluoride in groundwater}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2043-9083"]}, DOI={10.2166/washdev.2018.111}, abstractNote={Abstract
               Affordable, locally managed, decentralized treatment technologies are needed to protect health in resource-poor regions where communities consume groundwater containing elevated levels of fluoride (F). Bonechar is a promising low-cost sorbent for F that can be produced using local materials and simple pyrolysis technology. However, the sorption capacity of bonechar is low relative to the quantities of F that must be removed to meet health criteria (typically several mg/L), especially at pH typical of groundwaters containing high levels of geogenic F. This necessitates large bonechar contactors and/or frequent sorbent replacement, which could be prohibitively costly in materials and labor. One strategy for improving the feasibility of bonechar water treatment is to utilize lead-lag series or staged parallel configurations of two or more contactors. This study used column testing to quantify potential benefits to bonechar use rate, replacement frequency, and long-run average F concentration in treated water of lead-lag series and staged parallel operational modes compared with single contactor mode. Lead-lag series operation exhibited the largest reduction in bonechar use rate (46% reduction over single contactor mode compared with 29% reduction for staged parallel) and lowest long-run average F levels when treating central Mexican groundwater at pH 8.2 containing 8.5 mg/L F.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT}, author={Kearns, J. and Krupp, A. and Diek, E. and Mitchell, S. and Dossi, S. and Hartman, S.}, year={2018}, month={Dec}, pages={777–784} }
 @article{thompson_shimabuku_kearns_knappe_summers_2016, title={Biochar sorbents for sulfamethoxazole removal from surface water, stormwater, and wastewater effluent}, volume={50}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2016.03.049}, DOI={10.1016/j.watres.2016.03.049}, abstractNote={This study examined sorption of the human and veterinary antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX) at environmentally relevant concentrations from laboratory clean water, surface water, stormwater, and wastewater effluent to wood and wastewater-sludge derived biochars produced under a wide range of conditions. SMX sorption by commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC) was also quantified as a benchmark. Wood-based biochar produced around 850 °C performed similarly to PAC. Biochar sorption capacity increased with surface area up to ∼400 m2/g. However, a further increase in surface area did not correspond to an increase in sorption capacity. Sorbent H:C ratios correlated with SMX uptake by PAC and wood-based biochars, but not for the sludge-based biochars. This is possibly due to an indirect influence of the high ash content in sludge-based biochars, as the isolated ash fraction exhibited negligible SMX sorption capacity. The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the natural and anthropogenic waters fouled most of the sorbents (i.e., decreased SMX uptake). The sludge-based biochars experienced less DOM fouling relative to wood-based biochar, particularly in the wastewater effluent. Biochar and PAC sorption kinetics were similar when examined over a contact time of four-hours, suggesting their performance ranking would be consistent at contact times typically utilized in water treatment systems. In the presence of DOM, SMX relative removal (C/C0) was independent of SMX initial concentration when the initial concentration was below 10 μg/L, thus permitting the relative removal results to be applied for different SMX initial concentrations typical of environmental and anthropogenically impacted waters.}, journal={Water Research}, author={Thompson, K.A. and Shimabuku, K.K. and Kearns, J.P. and Knappe, D.R.U. and Summers, R.S.}, year={2016}, month={Jun}, pages={11253–11262} }
 @article{thompson_shimabuku_kearns_knappe_summers_cook_2016, title={Environmental Comparison of Biochar and Activated Carbon for Tertiary Wastewater Treatment}, volume={50}, ISSN={["1520-5851"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b03239}, DOI={10.1021/acs.est.6b03239}, abstractNote={Micropollutants in wastewater present environmental and human health challenges. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) can effectively remove organic micropollutants, but PAC production is energy intensive and expensive. Biochar adsorbents can cost less and sequester carbon; however, net benefits depend on biochar production conditions and treatment capabilities. Here, life cycle assessment was used to compare 10 environmental impacts from the production and use of wood biochar, biosolids biochar, and coal-derived PAC to remove sulfamethoxazole from wastewater. Moderate capacity wood biochar had environmental benefits in four categories (smog, global warming, respiratory effects, noncarcinogenics) linked to energy recovery and carbon sequestration, and environmental impacts worse than PAC in two categories (eutrophication, carcinogenics). Low capacity wood biochar had even larger benefits for global warming, respiratory effects, and noncarcinogenics, but exhibited worse impacts than PAC in five categories due to larger biochar dose requirements to reach the treatment objective. Biosolids biochar had the worst relative environmental performance due to energy use for biosolids drying and the need for supplemental adsorbent. Overall, moderate capacity wood biochar is an environmentally superior alternative to coal-based PAC for micropollutant removal from wastewater, and its use can offset a wastewater facility's carbon footprint.}, number={20}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY}, author={Thompson, Kyle A. and Shimabuku, Kyle K. and Kearns, Joshua P. and Knappe, Detlef R. U. and Summers, R. Scott and Cook, Sherri M.}, year={2016}, month={Oct}, pages={11253–11262} }
 @article{kearns_knappe_summers_2015, title={Feasibility of Using Traditional Kiln Charcoals in Low-Cost Water Treatment: Role of Pyrolysis Conditions on 2,4-D Herbicide Adsorption}, volume={32}, ISSN={["1557-9018"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84946830926&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1089/ees.2015.0243}, abstractNote={Abstract Prior research has established that pyrolysis temperature during charcoal production is the primary variable influencing adsorption capacity. The first objective of this work was to monitor thermal conditions during charcoal production within three common traditional kiln models. Then, a programmable laboratory furnace pyrolyzer was used to generate chars from eucalyptus, pine, and longan woods and bamboo under a similar range of thermal conditions as identified in the field study. Using chars produced from the furnace, the second objective of this study was to investigate the influence of biomass feedstock and grain size, peak pyrolysis temperature, and duration of thermal treatment on 2,4-D herbicide sorption capacity. A third objective was to determine if chars produced in the laboratory furnace using thermal profiles similar to those observed in the horizontal drum kiln would exhibit similar adsorbent characteristics to kiln charcoals. Field observations revealed significant variability in te...}, number={11}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE}, author={Kearns, Joshua P. and Knappe, Detlef R. U. and Summers, R. Scott}, year={2015}, month={Nov}, pages={912–921} }
 @article{kearns_shimabuku_mahoney_knappe_summers_2015, title={Meeting multiple water quality objectives through treatment using locally generated char: improving organoleptic properties and removing synthetic organic contaminants and disinfection by-products}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2043-9083"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2015.172}, DOI={10.2166/washdev.2015.172}, abstractNote={A variety of natural and anthropogenic contaminants can compromise the safety and esthetics of surface water collected for drinking and disinfected using chlorine by households in developing communities. While household chlorination is effective against most microbial pathogens, many users find the taste and odor of chlorine unacceptable and revert to drinking untreated water. Moreover, reactions between chlorine and the dissolved organic matter form harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs). Char adsorbers have been used to treat drinking water for thousands of years and are still widely used today. Results obtained here demonstrate that locally produced biomass chars (biochars) exhibit removal capacities comparable to those of activated carbon for removal of THMs, synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs) such as warfarin (WFN) (anticoagulant pharmaceutical, rodenticide), and naturally occurring trace organics such as the taste-and-odor compound 2-methylisoborneol (cyanobacterial metabolite). Results show chars can be used effectively to remove objectionable tastes and odors related to chlorine and cyanobacteria, DBPs, and SOCs. The use of char may lead to microbial risk reduction through greater acceptance of chlorine-based disinfection due to improved water esthetics, as well as chemical risk reduction associated with DBP and SOC exposure.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT}, author={Kearns, Joshua P. and Shimabuku, Kyle K. and Mahoney, Ryan B. and Knappe, Detlef R. U. and Summers, R. Scott}, year={2015}, pages={359–372} }
 @article{kearns_wellborn_summers_knappe_2014, title={2,4-D adsorption to biochars: Effect of preparation conditions on equilibrium adsorption capacity and comparison with commercial activated carbon literature data}, volume={62}, ISSN={["0043-1354"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2014.05.023}, DOI={10.1016/j.watres.2014.05.023}, abstractNote={Batch isotherm experiments were conducted with chars to study adsorption of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Chars generated from corncobs, bamboo and wood chips in a laboratory pyrolyzer at 400–700 °C were compared with traditional kiln charcoals collected from villages in S/SE Asia and with activated carbons (ACs). 2,4-D uptake by laboratory chars obtained from bamboo and wood chips after 14 h of pyrolysis at 700 °C, from wood chips after 96 h of pyrolysis at 600 °C, and one of the field-collected chars (basudha) was comparable to ACs. H:C and O:C ratios declined with pyrolysis temperature and duration while surface area increased to >500 m2/g. Increasing pyrolysis intensity by increasing temperature and/or duration of heating was found to positively influence adsorption capacity yield (mg2,4-D/gfeedstock) over the range of conditions studied. Economic analysis showed that high temperature chars can be a cost-effective alternative to ACs for water treatment applications.}, journal={WATER RESEARCH}, author={Kearns, J. P. and Wellborn, L. S. and Summers, R. S. and Knappe, D. R. U.}, year={2014}, month={Oct}, pages={20–28} }
 @article{huggins_wang_kearns_jenkins_ren_2014, title={Biochar as a sustainable electrode material for electricity production in microbial fuel cells}, volume={157}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.01.058}, DOI={10.1016/j.biortech.2014.01.058}, abstractNote={Wood-based biochars were used as microbial fuel cell electrodes to significantly reduce cost and carbon footprint. The biochar was made using forestry residue (BCc) and compressed milling residue (BCp). Side-by-side comparison show the specific area of BCp (469.9 m2 g−1) and BCc (428.6 cm2 g−1) is lower than granular activated carbon (GAC) (1247.8 m2 g−1) but higher than graphite granule (GG) (0.44 m2 g−1). Both biochars showed power outputs of 532 ± 18 mW m−2 (BCp) and 457 ± 20 mW m−2 (BCc), comparable with GAC (674 ± 10 mW m−2) and GG (566 ± 5 mW m−2). However, lower material expenses made their power output cost 17–35 US$ W−1, 90% cheaper than GAC (402 US$ W−1) or GG (392 US$ W−1). Biochar from waste also reduced the energy and carbon footprint associated with electrode manufacturing and the disposal of which could have additional agronomic benefits.}, journal={Bioresource Technology}, author={Huggins, T. and Wang, H. and Kearns, J. and Jenkins, P. and Ren, Z.J.}, year={2014}, month={Apr}, pages={114–119} }
 @article{kearns_bentley_mokashi_redmon_levine_2014, title={Synthetic organic water contaminants in developing communities: an overlooked challenge addressed by adsorption with locally generated char}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2043-9083"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2014.073}, DOI={10.2166/washdev.2014.073}, abstractNote={Chemical contamination of drinking water sources is a worldwide problem. However, few locally managed, sustainable, and low-cost on-site treatment technologies are available in rural, remote, and emergency/disaster relief/humanitarian crisis situations. Char filter-adsorbers have been used to treat drinking water for thousands of years and are still widely used today. Our studies show that some chars produced by traditional means from a range of feedstocks develop favorable sorption properties for uptake of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a prevalent herbicide and water contaminant. However, more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and scalable production of consistent highly sorptive chars can be accomplished with biomass gasification. Our laboratory studies demonstrate that locally produced char adsorbents derived from surplus agricultural and forestry biomass are effective for adsorbing 2,4-D. A year-long study of field-scale application of chars in Thailand is also presented. Based on these studies we present design recommendations for integrating char adsorbers into low-cost, multi-barrier treatment trains for on-site water provision.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT}, author={Kearns, J.P. and Bentley, M.J. and Mokashi, P. and Redmon, J.H. and Levine, K.}, year={2014}, pages={422–436} }
 @article{cervini-silva_kearns_banfield_2012, title={Steady-state dissolution kinetics of mineral ferric phosphate in the presence of desferrioxamine-B and oxalate ligands at pH=4–6 and T=24±0.6°C}, volume={320}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.05.022}, DOI={10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.05.022}, abstractNote={Abstract Ferric phosphate (FePO 4 ·2H 2 O) is one of the most common secondary phosphate minerals in the environment. Nevertheless, few studies address the biological dissolution mechanism(s) of FePO 4 ·2H 2 O. This paper reports steady-state dissolution rates of synthetic FePO 4 ·2H 2 O at 4 ≤ pH 0  ≤ 6 by desferrioxamine-B (DFO-B) and oxalate (Ox) ligands. The composition of the influent solution was 10 mM NaClO 4 , 5 mM MES buffer. The influent solution was adjusted to 4 ≤ pH 0  ≤ 6 by adding aliquots of HNO 3 or NaOH stock solution. The initial concentrations of DFO-B and Ox, [DFO-B] 0 and [Ox] 0 , ranged from 0 to 135 μM, and 0 to 345 μM. Geochemical thermodynamic equilibrium modeling was conducted using MINEQL + (Schecher and McAvoy, 1998). Speciation calculations were based on thermodynamic formation constants at 298.17 K, K 298 (infinite dilution reference state). Ligand-promoted dissolution rates were determined after steady-state values. Iron concentrations in the effluent solution were quantified ( t  > 500 h). Typical effluent-flow rate was maintained at 0.10 ± 0.01 mL min − 1 . The measured dissolution rate of FePO 4 ·2H 2 O by DFO-B and Ox, R DFO–Ox Obs , was compared to the sum of dissolution rates by DFO-B ( R DFO-B ) or Ox ( R Ox ), R DFO – Ox Sum ( R DFO – Ox Sum  =  R DFO ‐ B  +  R Ox ). Results were analyzed using the t student test. Obtained data values with p  ≤ 0.05 ( ⁎ ) and ≤ 0.01 ( ⁎⁎ ) were considered to differ statistically from control experiments. Dissolution rates by DFO-B ( R DFO-B ) increased with [DFOB] 0 , and no evidence of surface masking became apparent. By contrast, dissolution rates by Ox ( R Ox ) varied with [Ox] 0 and pH 0 . The kinetics of dissolution by Ox was not explained by a first-order mineral dissolution behavior. Dissolution rates by DFO-B and Ox ( R DFO–Ox Obs ) surpassed R DFO-B or R Ox , and increased with proton activity. Reacting FePO 4 ·2H 2 O with DFO-B and high amounts of Ox resulted in higher values for R DFO–Ox Obs relative to R DFO-B . Observed ( R DFO – Ox Obs ) to calculated ( R DFO – Ox Sum  =  R DFO ‐ B  +  R Ox ) ratio was found to be highest at [DFOB] 0  = 50 μM and [Ox] 0  = 49 μM. Increases in the proton activity favors the dissolution of FePO 4 ·2H 2 O by DFO-B and Ox, explained because the sequestration of Fe(III) at the surface vicinity in the form of adsorbed Fe(III)-oxalate complexes. A direct comparison between the dissolution behavior of FePO 4 ·2H 2 O by DFO-B and Ox against those for goethite (α-FeOOH) and Al goethite (AlFeOOH) was conducted. The dissolution behavior was found to be a function of the mineral structure. R DFO-B values for FePO 4 ·2H 2 O by 22.5 μM DFO-B surpassed those for α-FeOOH or α-AlFeOOH by 20 μM DFO-B, namely, 37, and 11.6 and 3–5 μmol kg − 1  h − 1 , respectively. R Ox values for FePO 4 ·2H 2 O by 49 mM Ox surpassed that for α-FeOOH by 70 μM Ox or α-AlFeOOH by 50 μM Ox, namely, i.e., 12, and 0.7 and 0.1 μmol kg − 1  h − 1 . The latter results agree with the idea of the inhibition of Fe release in goethite because its sequestration in the form of adsorbed Fe(III) oxalate complexes. In contrast, a different scenario holds true for dissolution by 50 μM DFO-B and 49 μM Ox. The dissolution rates for FePO 4 ·2H 2 O, α-FeOOH, and α-AlFeOOH correspond to 50, and 39–42 and 71–129 μmol kg − 1  h − 1 , respectively. The high extent of iron release from Al goethite is best explained because high-energy surface sites formed after Al substitution in goethite.}, journal={Chemical Geology}, author={Cervini-Silva, J. and Kearns, J. and Banfield, J.}, year={2012}, month={Aug}, pages={1–8} }