Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rizwan Khan, Muhammad Ali Inam, Ick Tae Yeom, Kang Hoon Lee, Kashif Hussain Mangi
Summary: The present study investigated the removal of nZnO from complex water matrices using conventional coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation process. The results showed that sedimentation was efficient in removing uncoated nZnO, but the presence of synthetic organic coating agent and dissolved organic matter significantly decreased the removal efficiency. The addition of PACl affected the charge potential of nZnO particles, resulting in charge neutralization. The study also found the presence of smaller particles even after the treatment process, which may increase the possibility of particles release into the aquatic environment.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hossein Khoshsang, Khadijeh Abbasi, Ali Ghaffarinejad
Summary: A simple and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing CuO and ZnO nanoparticles using sunflower petal extract was presented. The optimal conditions for CuO and ZnO nanoparticle synthesis were determined by evaluating the concentration of the petal extract, amount of petals used, and synthesis temperature. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted using various techniques, and it was found that CuO nanoparticles were spherical with a size less than 50 nm, while ZnO nanoparticles had a similar morphology with a particle size less than 20 nm. The XRD patterns indicated monoclinic and hexagonal crystal structures for CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, respectively.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. M. Bloor, R. D. Handy, S. A. Awan, D. F. L. Jenkins
Summary: The study developed a low-cost aerogel made from graphene oxide cross-linked with alginate for the removal of lead ions from potable water. The aerogel exhibited high affinity and capacity for Pb2+ adsorption, as well as the ability to adsorb other toxic metal salts. The primary mechanism involved in the removal of Pb2+ by the aerogel was ion exchange, with potential contributions from other phenomena such as proton tunnelling for its ultra-high efficiency in Pb2+ remediation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Zubair, M. S. Roopesh, Aman Ullah
Summary: In this study, feather keratin derived biosorbents were synthesized using water dispersed graphene oxide. The cross-linking of feather keratin with graphene oxide was successfully achieved, resulting in increased surface area and morphological changes. The biosorbents showed excellent performance in removing metal oxyanions and cations from polluted water. The electrostatic interaction, chelation, and complexation were found to be the primary contributors in the biosorption mechanism. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of modifying chicken feather keratin with graphene oxide for removing multiple trace metal ions from contaminated water.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khalid Umar, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej, Qazi Inamur Rahman, Mohammad Zuhaib, Amir Khan, Qamar Zia, Saeed Banawas, Hera Nadeem, Mohd Farhan Khan, Faheem Ahmad
Summary: The sol-gel technique was used to fabricate ZnO Nano-swirlings (ZNsw) with specific agitation conditions. The size and morphology of ZNsw were studied using various characterization techniques. The results showed that ZNsw formed large clusters with folded long thread-lengths. Additionally, ZNsw exhibited high photocatalytic activity and antifungal properties.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zoltan Kovacs, Viktoria Marta, Tamas Gyulavari, Aron Agoston, Lucian Baia, Zsolt Pap, Klara Hernadi
Summary: Zinc oxide hollow spheres were successfully fabricated using sucrose-derived carbon spheres as templates, and the photocatalytic activity was further enhanced by the deposition of noble metal composites. The results showed that the application of carbon sphere templates and the deposition of noble metals played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Indrajit V. Bagal, Pratik Mane, Maheshwari Arunachalam, Hyojung Bae, Mandar A. Kulkarni, Fawad Tariq, Soon Hyung Kang, Jun-Seok Ha, Sang-Wan Ryu
Summary: By constructing a type-II heterostructure of N-doped ZnO nanowires with an ultra-thin ZnS layer, a core-shell structure is formed which can accelerate the charge transfer process and significantly enhance the resistance to photo-corrosion of N-doped ZnO NWs. The optimal ZnS/N:ZnO core-shell nanowires exhibited a photocurrent density of 0.85 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 Vs RHE, which was 3-fold higher than ZnO nanowires. The reported approach provides possibilities for the construction of efficient and highly stable PEC water-splitting devices.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ishita Naskar, Sathish Deshagani, Melepurath Deepa
Summary: The ASC constructed from zinc cobaltite micro-star shaped porous superstructure coated with zinc oxide nano stubs and coupled with porous flaky activated carbon from green tea exhibits greatly enhanced performance parameters, with increased specific capacitance, energy and power density. The sub-stoichiometry in the ZnO overlayer enhances electrical conductivity and overall electron circulation, leading to deep electrolyte penetration and sufficient ion-accommodation sites in the composite.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Satyendra Jyoti, Satyendra Singh, Sumistha Das, Shaili Srivastava
Summary: A comparative study was conducted to remove hexavalent chromium from wastewater using synthesized nanoparticles such as chitin, chitosan, zinc oxide, and ZnO-chitosan composite. The results showed that the ZnO-chitosan nanobiocomposite had the highest uptake capacity for chromium (VI). The optimal conditions for adsorption were found to be a concentration of 20 ppm, a dosage of 0.5 g/l, pH 3, and a time of 60 min.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang-Ming Lu, Chi-Feng Tseng, Bing-Yi Lan, Chia-Fen Hsieh
Summary: In this study, hydrogen and methane were used as reactive gases for growing single-layer graphene on a copper foil substrate using chemical vapor deposition. The graphene was then transferred to a silicon substrate for the growth of nano zinc oxide. The characteristics of CVD-deposited graphene and the nano zinc oxide were analyzed using various instruments. The graphene/zinc oxide nano-heterostructure sensor showed high sensitivity and repeatability in detecting hydrogen gas due to the specific surface area and oxygen vacancy defects of the zinc oxide nanostructure, as well as the P-N heterojunction formed between zinc oxide and graphene.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rushikesh L. Chopade, Pritam P. Pandit, Varad Nagar, Vinay Aseri, Badal Mavry, Anuj Sharma, Apoorva Singh, Rohit Kumar Verma, Garima Awasthi, Kumud Kant Awasthi, Mahipal Singh Sankhla
Summary: The identification of harmful metal ions in aquatic environments is a global concern. Biosensors, combining a biological recognition element and a physical transducer, can detect and indicate the concentration of analytes in the fluid through changes in physicochemical properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sankar Rajan, K. Marimuthu, C. Balaji Ayyanar, Anish Khan, Suchart Siengchin, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa
Summary: This research aims to develop and improve polymer composites for human implants, and evaluate their mechanical properties. The study finds that nanoparticles reinforced polymer composites, particularly graphene oxide reinforced high-density polyethylene, exhibit good mechanical and tribological properties, making them suitable for bio implant materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
F. H. Abdullah, N. H. H. Abu Bakar, M. Abu Bakar
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in the fabrication, modification, and industrial application of zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, highlighting the potential for improved efficiency and use of renewable resources in greener photocatalytic technologies.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Long Kong, Yanxin Wu, Cong Li, Jian Liu, Jianbo Jia, Hongyu Zhou, Bing Yan
Summary: The interaction between nano-cell and nano-pollutant plays a crucial role in determining the combined cytotoxicity of nanoparticles and pollutants. The impact of CNPs and ZnONPs on Cr(VI) differs, with CNPs reducing the cytotoxicity of CNP-Cr(VI) adducts while ZnONPs enhancing the cytotoxicity of ZnONP-Cr(VI) adducts. In-depth investigations on the interaction mechanisms are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the combined cytotoxicity of different NPs and pollutants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Water Resources
E. Y. Shaba, J. O. Jacob, J. O. Tijani, M. A. T. Suleiman
Summary: This review extensively discusses the influence of synthesis parameters on the properties and applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles, including morphology, mineralogical phase, textural properties, microstructures, and size. Moreover, it also analyzes the potential of zinc oxide as a nanoadsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. J. Alvarez-Robles, M. P. Bernal, R. Clemente
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the tolerance and oxidative response to trace elements of common reed and rice grown in contaminated mining soils under different water saturation conditions. The research found that common reed is a good candidate for phytostabilization of TEs contaminated soils under both flooded and unflooded conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. Baragano, G. Ratie, C. Sierra, V. Chrastny, M. Komarek, J. R. Gallego
Summary: This study introduces a novel approach combining multivariate statistics and environmental forensic techniques to identify distinct pollution sources in a severely polluted estuarine area, showcasing the efficacy of the method. Factor analysis and clustering were used to differentiate sub-areas with different geochemical behaviors, highlighting the usefulness of this methodology in pollution source identification.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Barbora Hudcova, Jeremy B. Fein, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Michael Komarek
Summary: This study quantified the sorption of Zn(II) and As(V) onto Mg-Fe LDH/BC composites and modeled their adsorption behavior. The results revealed that LDH is the main phase responsible for the removal of metal(loid)s from solution, while BC only contributes in systems with the most effective type of BC. Different adsorption mechanisms were observed at different concentrations, with inner-sphere surface complexation dominating at low concentrations and precipitation and formation of amorphous ferric arsenates contributing at higher concentrations. Increasing As(V) concentrations led to enhanced Mg leaching and destruction of the LDH structure. Overall, the study highlights the importance of comprehensive studies to optimize the behavior of novel composite materials in environmental technologies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zibo Xu, Zhonghao Wan, Yuqing Sun, Bin Gao, Deyi Hou, Xinde Cao, Michael Komarek, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: In this study, a series of Fe-biochar with distinct Fe/C speciation were produced and their redox reactivity for Cr(VI) and As(III) oxidation/reduction was evaluated. The results showed that the redox performance of Fe-biochar was influenced by the transition of Fe/C speciation, and different Fe-biochar exhibited different oxidation/reduction behaviors under oxic and anoxic conditions. The electron-donating capacity and electron-accepting capacity of Fe-biochar played important roles in its redox reactivity.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. J. Alvarez-Robles, M. P. Bernal, S. De Brasi-Velasco, F. Sevilla, R. Clemente
Summary: The common reed plant has shown high tolerance to high concentrations of arsenic contamination, accumulating arsenic mainly as As(III) in its roots with minimal translocation to the aerial parts. Despite minor nutrient imbalances, the plant did not display any signs of toxicity.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Ratie, Z. Vankova, D. Baragano, R. Liao, A. Sipkova, J. R. Gallego, V Chrastny, S. Lewandowska, S. Ding, M. Komarek
Summary: The remobilization of metals in contaminated soils is a threat to humans and ecosystems. This study investigated possible remobilization processes in different types of soil and land uses by coupling isotope data and leachability. The results showed that the Zn and Cd isotope systems can be used to decipher the mechanisms behind the remobilization processes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anugrah Ricky Wijaya, Irma Kartika Kusumaningrum, Lukmannul Hakim, Anna Francova, Vladislav Chrastny, Martina Vitkova, Zuzana Vankova, Michael Komarek
Summary: This study focused on analyzing the metal concentrations and Pb isotopes of road-side dust in central Jakarta to assess contamination sources from various areas. The results indicated that the highest metal concentrations were found in the traffic area, and the Pb contamination originated from industry and railway, spreading to the bay and residential areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Martin Novak, Alexandre Andronikov, Chris Holmden, Yulia V. Erban Kochergina, Frantisek Veselovsky, Tomas Paces, Martina Vitkova, Vaclav Kachlik, Ondrej Sebek, Jakub Hruska, Marketa Stepanova, Jan Curik, Eva Prechova, Daniela Fottova, Irina E. Andronikova, Vojtech Erban, Magdalena Koubova, Iva Vostra, Marie Houskova, Arnost Komarek
Summary: Magnesium, calcium, and strontium isotopes were studied in a Central European headwater catchment recovering from acidification caused by acid rain. The sources of these base cations in runoff were constrained using a combination of isotope and non-isotope data. The isotopic composition of Mg, Ca, and Sr in precipitation, throughfall, and runoff were monitored, and various minerals were analyzed. The results suggest that biotite is the main source of geogenic Mg, while apatite and plagioclase are the likely sources of geogenic Ca. Plagioclase weathering contributes to a significant proportion of geogenic Sr in runoff.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jaroslav Semerad, Ondrej Lhotsky, Alena Filipova, Ondrej Urban, Katerina Sirova, Jana Bohackova, Michael Komarek, Tomas Cajthaml
Summary: In this study, a sequence of anoxic/oxic chemico-biological treatments was used to successfully degrade HCHs in extremely contaminated soil. The best results were achieved with mZVI/nZVI, grass cuttings, and oxygen-releasing compounds, with 80% removal of HCHs achieved in 129 days and 98% degradation achieved after 1106 days. Switching between aerobic and anaerobic phases, along with the addition of grass, created suitable conditions for the biodegradation of HCHs and monochlorobenzene/benzene by microbes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Efstratios Kelepertzis, Ioannis Matiatos, Fotini Botsou, Christina Antonopoulou, Ioannis Lappas, Elissavet Dotsika, Vladislav Chrastny, Pascal Boeckx, Sotirios Karavoltsos, Michael Komarek
Summary: The Atalanti basin in central Greece is facing groundwater quality deterioration threats due to both natural and human-induced contamination sources. This study used a combination of statistical and hydrogeochemical techniques, as well as stable isotope compositions, to investigate the origin of salinity and nitrate contamination. The findings showed that irrigation return flow and marine aerosols were the main contributors to high salinity, while fertilizers and sewage waste were the dominant sources of nitrate. The study also revealed the influence of redox conditions on the biogeochemical transformations of nitrogen species and the mobilization of chromium (VI).
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Liu, Mengmeng Wang, Qiaozhi Zhang, Zibo Xu, Claudia Labianca, Michael Komarek, Bin Gao, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: Oxidative extraction has become an economically viable option for recycling lithium from spent LiFePO4 batteries. In this study, the releases behaviour of Li from spent LiFePO4 batteries under different oxidizing conditions was investigated with NaClO as the oxidant. Mechanochemical oxidation produced lithium carbonate, while hydrometallurgical oxidation produced lithium chloride.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabel Martinez-Alcala, Maria Pilar Bernal, Rafael Clemente, Francisco Pellicer-Martinez, Agustin Lahora
Summary: The increasing scarcity of conventional water for crop irrigation in arid and semiarid regions has led to the exploration of nonconventional water resources. However, concerns about the presence and potential negative effects of emerging contaminants in reclaimed water may deter its use. This study examined the suitability of reclaimed water for irrigation through a mesocosm experiment, finding that it had low concentrations of contaminants compared to water spiked with emerging contaminants. The results suggest that with improved water treatment technologies, reclaimed water can be safely used for irrigation without posing a risk of contamination by emerging contaminants.
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Maria Pilar Bernal, Matias B. Vanotti
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aikaterini Mitzia, Martina Vitkova, Gildas Ratie, Rostislav Choteborsky, Delphine Vantelon, Alexander Neaman, Michael Komarek
Summary: This study investigates the long-term behavior of stabilizing amendments for soil remediation and finds that different amendments have different effects on metal immobilization. Biochar and nZVI-BC are the most effective for long-term immobilization.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)