Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiang Wu, Hao Wu, Ai Zhang, Kourouma Sekou, Zhenzhen Li, Jinyun Ye
Summary: The study found that polystyrene microplastics had a negative impact on the ability of Chlorella vulgaris to degrade endocrine-disrupting antibiotics in freshwater aquaculture wastewater, including inhibited growth, decreased EPS polysaccharide content, and altered gene expression.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siwei Gu, Emma Mary Boase, Christopher Q. Lan
Summary: This study found that manipulating the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the cultivation medium can significantly enhance the Pb(II) adsorption capacity of green alga by increasing the charges on the cell surface. The presence of functional groups containing C=O, such as carboxyl, plays a major role in this adsorption enhancement process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Adel I. Alalawy, Qi Yang, Min Zhang, Fahad M. Almutairi, Ghena M. Al-Jahani, Fahad M. Almasoudi, Maeidh A. Alotaibi, El-Sayed Salama
Summary: In this study, the cultivation of freshwater microalga (Tetradesmus obliquus GEEL-11) in municipal wastewater supplemented with NaCl concentrations was investigated. The addition of 75 mM salt resulted in maximum microalgal growth, while higher salt concentrations hindered the growth. T. obliquus GEEL-11 demonstrated effective nutrient removal and showed potential for biodiesel production.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mingxiang Qv, Dian Dai, Dongyang Liu, Qirui Wu, Chunming Tang, Shuangxi Li, Liandong Zhu
Summary: In this study, a microalgae-bacteria symbiosis (ABS) system was developed for pollutants removal by co-culturing Chlorella sorokiniana with activated sludge, and the interaction mechanism was investigated. The ABS system achieved almost complete removal of ammonia nitrogen, with removal efficiencies of 65.3% for total nitrogen and 42.6% for total phosphorus. Brevundimonas greatly promoted microalgal biomass growth and microalgae contributed to the increase in the abundance of Dokdonella and Thermomonas, facilitating nitrogen removal. The study also identified key extracellular polymeric substances for the formation of flocs by microalgae and activated sludge.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yujing Li, Linghua Zhang, Weifeng Liu, Zepeng Zhou
Summary: In this study, the mechanism of NaCl tolerance of Halomonas sp. H36 was investigated, and it was proven that the strain has the function of simultaneous urea hydrolysis-nitrification-denitrification. This provides a solution for the incomplete removal of nitrogen from mixed strains and inhibition of microbial activity by high salt concentrations in high-salt urea wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shivangi, Siddhant Bhardwaj, Tapan Sarkar
Summary: Ni/NiO/SnO2 hybrids were successfully synthesized, showing high metal ion adsorption capacity and organic dye photodegradation capability, with a good removal effect on pollutants in water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shangshi Ye, Yingxu Chen, Xiaoling Yao, Jingdong Zhang
Summary: Photoelectrocatalysis, as a powerful technique combining photocatalysis with electrochemistry, has been extensively explored for simultaneous removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals in wastewater. The bias potential in the photoelectrocatalytic system can promote oxidation of organic pollutants on the photoanode and reduce heavy metals on the cathode, addressing mixed pollution issues effectively. Various research advances, operation variables, and challenges in utilizing solar energy for photoelectrocatalysis are discussed, with future industrial applications prospects proposed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanhui Liu, Peng Tang, Yingming Zhu, Wancen Xie, Ping Yang, Zhenghua Zhang, Baicang Liu
Summary: The study focused on improving the adsorption performance of porous biochar aerogel (PBA) for removing organic compounds from shale gas flowback and produced water (SGFPW). By optimizing the tuning of PBAs, a high adsorption removal rate and capacity were achieved, surpassing other carbon adsorbents for SGFPW treatment. Analysis of organic compound characterization and PBAs' physicochemical properties revealed an efficient adsorption mechanism based on electron-donor-acceptor interaction, hydrophobic effect, and hydrogen-bond formation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongfu Li, Ziyue Qiu, Hongwu Cui, Lu Wang, Litao Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the role of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in the regulation of photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, lipid production, and nutrient removal from wastewater by Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The addition of 3 μM 5-ALA in wastewaters increased the photosynthetic activity of the cells, facilitated cellular growth and metabolism, promoted lipid production, and accelerated nutrient removal.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juan Peng, Kai-Lu Cao, Si-Bo Lv, Yu-Xuan Hu, Jia Lin, Qian-Zhi Zhou, Jiang -Hai Wang
Summary: This article reviews the technology of using microalgae to remove antibiotic contaminants, including strain selection, treatment systems, and degradation mechanisms. The article points out that isolating ideal microalgae strains and developing efficient cultivation modes are crucial for improving removal efficiency. In addition, the article summarizes novel approaches to antibiotic degradation by microalgae and discusses related ecological considerations.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Wan Adibah Wan Mahari, Wan Aizuddin Wan Razali, Hidayah Manan, Mursal Abdulkadir Hersi, Sairatul Dahlianis Ishak, Wee Cheah, Derek Juinn Chieh Chan, Christian Sonne, Pau Loke Show, Su Shiung Lam
Summary: This review highlights the significant role of microalgae in containing high-value compounds and sequestering carbon di-oxide. It discusses various emerging microalgae cultivation technologies and their applications in improving microalgal growth and wastewater treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jun Tang, Jun Yang, Sirui Zhao, Xiaoyu Wang, Zhengxin Xie
Summary: The study investigates the ecotoxicity of tetracycline (TC) on the freshwater alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa and its removal efficiency. The results show that TC has inhibitory effects on microalgal growth and photosynthetic activities but these effects are reversible. C. pyrenoidosa exhibits high removal efficiency for TC through biodegradation and abiotic processes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Zhang, Xiang He, Zan Zhu, Wei-Ning Wang, Sheng-Chieh Chen
Summary: The newly developed E-MOFilter coated with highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) particles has the ability to remove PM2.5 and VOCs simultaneously. Experimental results show that the MOF particles deposited more uniformly in the MERV 13 media, and the E-MOFilter performed well in terms of efficiency and air resistance during PM filtration tests.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qinan Song, Miao Li, Jiacheng Li, Shuo Zhang, Lei Yang, Xiaoyu Chen, Fanbin Meng, Xiang Liu
Summary: This study achieved simultaneous removal of nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite in an undivided electrochemical system by strictly regulating the oxidation reaction in the anode zone and reduction reaction in the cathode zone. The results demonstrated complete removal of ammonia and nitrite, with nitrate concentration reduced to 8.58 mg N/L. The strategy opens a new pathway for efficiently electrocatalytic removal of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia in an undivided single reactor.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Minmin Pan, Xinyu Zhu, Gang Pan, Irini Angelidak
Summary: This study proposes an integrated system for treating high-strength organic wastewater, such as potato juice wastewater, and upcycling nutrients for astaxanthin production. Pre-treatment with either acidification or methanation resulted in higher biomass yields of H. pluvialis, leading to significantly higher astaxanthin production compared to standard culture media. The integrated system contributed to efficient removal of COD, phosphorus, and ammonia, as well as simultaneous methane and astaxanthin production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhi-Feng Chen, Ying-Tao Tang, Xiao-Liang Liao, Jie-Ru Jiang, Zenghua Qi, Zongwei Cai
Summary: This study developed a rapid, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for determining the content of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and their metabolites in urine. By monitoring specific substances in urine, human exposure to OPFRs can be traced. Additionally, the study revealed that an important OPFR is predominantly present in its conjugated form in urine.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katie Wan Yee Yeung, Racliffe Weng Seng Lai, Guang-Jie Zhou, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
Summary: This study conducted toxicity tests on six marine species exposed to all-trans-RA (at-RA) to assess the ecological risk of at-RA towards the marine environment. Results showed that different species had varying sensitivity to at-RA. A species sensitivity distribution (SSD) was constructed based on the experimental results. The study found that current levels of RAs posed no immediate risks to the marine environment of Hong Kong.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Adela J. Li, Guang-Jie Zhou, Racliffe W. S. Lai, Priscilla T. Y. Leung, Chen C. Wu, Eddy Y. Zeng, Gilbert C. S. Lui, Kenneth M. Y. Leung
Summary: This study investigates the impact of chemical pollution and temperature extremes on marine medaka fish. The results show that extreme temperatures aggravate the adverse effects of chemical exposure on the fish, making them more vulnerable to temperature changes and extreme thermal events.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Li Ren, Yuanhong Zhong, Jingyi Xu, Jinxu Chen, Ting Zou, Xiao-Liang Liao, Zhi-Feng Chen, Lin Yu
Summary: In this study, Fe3-xCuxO4 nanoparticles were used as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading Climbazole (CBZ) in wastewater. The incorporation of copper in magnetite enhanced the catalyst's surface area and reducible ions, leading to improved catalytic efficiency. The optimized Fe(2.3)1Cu(0.69)O(4) exhibited the highest degradation efficiency and stability across a wide pH range. Sulfate radicals were identified as the main active species during the CBZ degradation process. The degradation products of CBZ were found to have lower toxicities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Wang, Guodong Cao, Jing Zhang, Yanyan Chen, Zhifeng Chen, Zenghua Qi, Ruijin Li, Chuan Dong, Zongwei Cai
Summary: The study revealed the presence of PPD-derived quinones in the fine particulate matter of two Chinese megacities, possibly originating from vehicle emissions. The estimated exposure levels suggest that the exposure caused by novel PPD-Qs may have been overlooked.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katie Wan Yee Yeung, Kevin King Yan Ho, Guang-Jie Zhou, Yuefei Ruan, Paul Kwan Sing Lam, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
Summary: This study investigated the spatiotemporal variations of retinoic acids and 4-oxo-RAs in Hong Kong's seawater, finding no significant seasonal variation but higher concentrations in the Deep Bay Water Control Zone and during algal blooms. The ecological risk of these compounds to Hong Kong's marine ecosystems was low based on risk quotient calculation, but monitoring their occurrence and distribution in areas prone to algal blooms is still necessary.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Wang, Guodong Cao, Jing Zhang, Zhifeng Chen, Chuan Dong, Jianmin Chen, Zongwei Cai
Summary: This study reveals significant oxidative potential induced by emerging PPD-quinones in urban PM2.5, contributing to our understanding of the toxicity of both PM2.5 and PPD-quinones, and aiding in the assessment of their environmental risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Fan Chen, Zhi-Cheng Lin, Zenghua Qi, Zongwei Cai, Zhi-Feng Chen
Summary: Exposure to pollutants can cause damage to the eyes of aquatic organisms. Zebrafish is a commonly used model to study ocular toxicity and has shown morphological changes, retinal damage, and abnormalities in visual signal processes. The underlying mechanisms involve thyroid hormone signaling, retinoic acid signaling, and retinal glucose metabolism. This review discusses the phenotypes and signaling pathways associated with ocular toxicity from contaminants, detection methods, and a predictive model for potential ocular toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi-Feng Chen, Zhi-Cheng Lin, Si-Qi Lu, Xiao-Fan Chen, Xiao-Liang Liao, Zenghua Qi, Zongwei Cai
Summary: This study evaluated the toxic effects of common azoles on zebrafish larvae and found that azole exposure can cause abnormalities in retinal morphology, color perception, and thyroid hormone levels. Furthermore, it demonstrated the antagonistic effects of azoles on thyroid receptors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Adela Jing Li, Racliffe Weng Seng Lai, Guang-Jie Zhou, Priscilla To Yan Leung, Eddy Y. Zeng, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
Summary: The contamination of copper in the marine environment is increasing, especially after the ban of organotin compounds and the increase of the use of Cu-based antifouling paints. This study aimed to investigate the interacting effect of temperature and copper exposure on survival and development in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. The results showed that the interaction between Cu and temperature had a more significant impact on gene expressions than on apical endpoints.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue-Rui Huang, Si-Si Liu, Jin-Xin Zi, Sheng-Ming Cheng, Jun Li, Guang-Guo Ying, Chang-Er Chen
Summary: This study used an in situ tool, diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), to investigate the distribution and exchange kinetics of five typical PFAS in four soils. The results showed a nonlinear relationship between PFAS masses in DGT and time, indicating that PFAS were partially supplied by the solid phase in all soils. A dynamic model called DGT-induced fluxes in soils/sediments (DIFS) was used to interpret the results and determine the distribution coefficients for the labile fraction (Kdl), response time (tc), and adsorption/desorption rates (k1 and k-1). The findings suggest that the availability of PFAS in soils is controlled by Kdl, while the release of PFAS from soils may be kinetically constrained, especially for more hydrophilic PFAS.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiao-Pei Li, Shu-Qing Qiu, Dong-Qiao Lei, Chen-Si Wang, Lingtian Xie, Guang-Guo Ying, Guo-Yong Huang
Summary: In this study, the ecotoxicological effects of Bisphenol 4-[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl] phenol (BPTMC) on marine medaka embryos were examined. Low concentrations of BPTMC stimulated certain developmental and behavioral effects, while higher concentrations led to inflammatory response and altered heart rate and swimming velocity. BPTMC also affected the concentrations of estrogen receptors, vitellogenin, and endogenous 17 beta-estradiol, as well as transcriptional levels of estrogen responsive genes in the embryos or/and larvae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jin-Ge Zhang, Wenjun Shi, Dong-Dong Ma, Zhi-Jie Lu, Si-Ying Li, Xiao-Bing Long, Guang-Guo Ying
Summary: Imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (THM) exhibit negative effects on parental fish, but their intergenerational effects at environmentally relevant concentrations are still unclear. This study investigates the intergenerational effects by exposing F0 zebrafish to IMI and THM and examining the F1 generations. The results show that IMI and THM affect fecundity, gonadal development, sex hormones, and VTG levels in F0 zebrafish, and also influence sex hormones, heart rate, and spontaneous movement rate in F1 generation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie-Ru Jiang, Zhi-Feng Chen, Xiao-Liang Liao, Qian-Yi Liu, Jia-Ming Zhou, Shi-Ping Ou, Zongwei Cai
Summary: Tire wear particles (TWPs) are increasingly present in water, but little is known about their environmental consequences. In this study, TWP leachates were analyzed to identify potentially toxic organic substances using high-resolution mass spectrometry and toxicity identification. Thirteen substances were structurally identified, with cyclic amines found to be toxic to the tested algal species. Metabolomic analysis revealed differential metabolites associated with linoleic acid and purine metabolism, and oxidative stress was identified as a key factor in algal growth inhibition. This study highlights the risk posed by TWP leachable substances to aquatic organisms.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Racliffe Weng Seng Lai, Guang-Jie Zhou, Mana Man Na Yung, Aleksandra B. Djurisic, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
Summary: This study investigated the effects of temperature and salinity on the physicochemical properties and sublethal toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles. Results showed that at high temperature and salinity, ZnO nanoparticles aggregated more but released fewer zinc ions. They had significant impacts on the survival, attachment rate, and filtration rate of mussels, suggesting that mussels may accumulate more zinc through particle filtration under higher temperature and salinity, resulting in elevated toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
