Article
Environmental Sciences
Sujing Wang, Na Zheng, Siyu Sun, Yining Ji, Qirui An, Xiaoqian Li, Zimeng Li, Wenhui Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed seven organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in marine samples from Liaodong Bay to evaluate their accumulation and trophic transfer in marine food webs. The concentration of OPFRs in marine organisms ranged from 2.60 to 776 ng/g ww, with lipids being a critical factor affecting their levels. Tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) were the most frequently detected OPFRs, while tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) was dominant in most marine species (16/24). No correlation between OPFR concentration and trophic level was observed in Liaodong Bay marine organisms. The results suggest that TCIPP in Chinese seawater does not pose a potential ecological risk to marine species, but further research is needed to understand the accumulation and ecological risks of OPFRs in different marine food webs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjue Zhong, Yannan Cui, Ruixuan Li, Rongyan Yang, Yao Li, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: The study investigated the concentration and partition of organic phosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in the Haihe Basin of China, revealing the widespread environmental contamination of oligomeric OPFRs. The results suggested that the emissions from manufacturing plants and airport operation were two important sources of OPFRs in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yin-E Liu, Xiao-Jun Luo, Yu Liu, Yan-Hong Zeng, Bi-Xian Mai
Summary: The study found significant differences in PFR and plasticizer concentrations among different insect taxa, with higher PFR concentrations in the larvae of litchi stinkbugs and grasshoppers, and higher concentrations in the adults of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies. Negative linear correlations were observed between the ratios of PFR and plasticizer concentrations in adult to larva and log KOW in the four studied insect taxa. Additionally, the contaminant concentrations in dragonfly ecdysis were significantly higher than in dragonfly larvae, indicating ecdysis as an important pathway for removing PFRs and plasticizers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qianyi Huang, Rui Hou, Lang Lin, Hengxiang Li, Shan Liu, Yuanyue Cheng, Xiangrong Xu
Summary: The accumulation and trophodynamics of organo-phosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and their metabolites were studied in the Pearl River estuarine food web of China. The concentration of OPFRs varied among different species, with the highest in crabs and the lowest in fish. The most abundant metabolites were di-alkyl phosphates (DAPs), with concentrations higher than or equal to their parent compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Hou, Lang Lin, Hengxiang Li, Shan Liu, Xiangrong Xu, Yiping Xu, Xiaowei Jin, Yong Yuan, Zijian Wang
Summary: Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) are emerging as alternative flame retardants to legacy compounds, with concerns raised over their presence, bioaccumulation, fate, and risks in aquatic environments. NBFRs show source-dependent distribution, high bioaccumulative properties, resistance to degradation processes, and sorption to sludge and sediments in aquatic environments. Ecological risk assessments have suggested potential risks of NBFRs primarily in source areas. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in monitoring, toxicokinetics, transformation processes, and ecological risk assessments of NBFRs in aquatic environments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ya Yang, Ying Meng, Shuang Liu, Lai Wei, Qinghui Huang
Summary: This review investigates the occurrence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in aquatic ecosystems and human-related areas over the past decade. It finds that emission source intensity, water chemistry, and organic carbon content play important roles in the partition and transfer processes of OPEs in water. Photodegradation and reductive degradation show potential in improving the removal efficiency of chlorinated OPEs. Overall, most surveyed OPEs pose negligible ecological and health risks, but OPEs with moderate threats or chronic effects on aquatic ecosystems should receive more attention.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quan Zhang, Jing Li, Shu Lin, Zeteng Ying, Yan Wang, Shitao Hu, Xunjie Mo
Summary: This study evaluated the removal efficiency of OPFRs and investigated the exposure risk in tap water in Hangzhou. The results showed a decline in OPFRs concentrations after treatment, and the exposure doses were much lower than the reference dose. However, residual levels and potential risks of OPFRs in the watershed should still be a concern.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luyao Gu, Boyuan Hu, Yilin Fu, Wei Zhou, Xiaomin Li, Kai Huang, Qun Zhang, Jie Fu, Haiyan Zhang, Aiqian Zhang, Jianjie Fu, Guibin Jiang
Summary: Organophosphate esters (OPEs), a class of new pollutants, have been detected in global aquatic products, raising concerns due to their potential bioaccumulative behavior and associated risks. The study assessed the concentrations, profiles, and health risks of OPEs in aquatic products, revealing Asia as the most polluted region with increasing pollution. Chlorinated OPEs showed accumulation predominance, and some OPEs were found to bioaccumulate and/or biomagnify in aquatic ecosystems. While the overall exposure risks were relatively low, special groups like children and fishermen may face higher health risks. Recommendations were made for future research, including long-term global monitoring and comprehensive toxicological studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Berta Sala, Joan Gimenez, Julio Fernandez-Arribas, Carlota Bravo, Elena Lloret-Lloret, Antonio Esteban, Jose Maria Bellido, Marta Coll, Ethel Eljarrat
Summary: The study analyzed concentrations of organophosphate esters (OPEs) plasticizers in European sardine, European anchovy, and European hake from the Western Mediterranean Sea. OPEs were found in all individuals, with sardines having the highest concentrations and hakes the lowest, suggesting no biomagnification of OPEs in the food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuelei Chen, Xuezhen Zhao, Zhixiong Shi
Summary: The study investigated the occurrence of thirteen OPFRs in breast milk samples collected from Beijing mothers in 2018, revealing China as one of the most affected regions by OPFRs. Personal characteristics of mothers were found to impact the levels of certain OPFRs in breast milk, with most nursing infants' daily OPFR intake not raising significant health concerns. However, two OPFRs, TPhP and EHDPP, were noted to have higher estimated daily intakes than corresponding reference doses, potentially posing health risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yann Aminot, Lin Tao, Karine Heas-Moisan, Charles Pollono, Margaret O'Loghlin, Catherine Munschy
Summary: This study investigated the levels and spatial distribution of 11 organophosphate esters (OPEs) in over 100 filter-feeding bivalve samples collected from contrasting pressure sites along the French coasts. The results revealed the widespread occurrence of OPEs in coastal bivalves and emphasized the importance of biomonitoring. The study provides essential reference data for future studies and highlights the need for systematic monitoring of OPEs.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chi Yao, Hanpei Yang, Ying Li
Summary: This review provides comprehensive data on the occurrence and impact of organophosphate flame retardants in the environment, focusing on their accumulation, metabolism, and toxic effects in organisms, while also pointing out the current research gaps.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joyce Cristale, Izabela Oliveira Santos, Gisela de Aragao Umbuzeiro, Enelton Fagnani
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and sources of ten OPEs in the Piracicaba River Basin in Brazil. It was found that OPE levels were higher in urban areas compared to rural and non-urban areas, with nine OPEs detected at higher concentrations in a site affected by textile industry effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manviri Rani, Keshu, Meenu, Mika Sillanpaa, Uma Shanker
Summary: Due to their extensive manufacturing and use, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have become hazardous, bioaccumulative, and recalcitrant pollutants in various environmental matrices. Various methods, such as photocatalysis, have been found effective in removing BFRs from the environment. This review discusses the occurrence, toxicity, and removal of BFRs, as well as highlighting research gaps in this area.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mei-Hong Chen, Wan-Li Ma
Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge on organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in aquatic environments, with a focus on their consumption, applications, ecotoxicity, and occurrence in China. Risk assessments based on measured concentrations show low ecological risk in most aquatic environments in China and a low risk to human health from drinking water and aquatic products. Gaps in knowledge and future research directions on OPFRs in aquatic environments are also identified.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiong Yang, Yuqing Wang, Ying Liu, Junfeng Liu, Xiurong Hu, Jianmin Ma, Xuejun Wang, Yi Wan, Jianying Hu, Zhaobin Zhang, Xilong Wang, Shu Tao
Summary: The high-speed rail (HSR) network in China has rapidly developed since the 2000s. The future expansion of the railway network and construction of an HSR system will have significant impacts on regional development and air pollutant emissions. This study uses a transportation network-multiregional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to analyze the dynamic effects of HSR projects on economic growth, regional disparities, and air pollutant emissions in China. The results show that HSR system improvement can stimulate positive economic impact but also increase emissions, and different regions experience varying effects on GDP growth and air pollution emissions due to HSR investment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian Wang, Yuqing Wang, Ying Liu, Junfeng Liu, Xiurong Hu, Jianying Hu, Yi Wan, Xuejun Wang, Jianmin Ma, Xilong Wang, Shu Tao
Summary: Freight transport in China has become increasingly important in terms of CO2 and air pollutant emissions, but few studies have used consumption-based methods to assess its environmental impact. Using multi-regional input-output tables, this study employs structural path analysis to determine the link between interprovincial trade-related freight turnover and responsible sectors of final consumption. The findings reveal significant growth in interprovincial trade turnover and associated emissions, with final consumption in equipment, construction, service, and food driving the most freight turnover. Optimizing China's industrial geographical layout and trade structure is essential to reduce CO2 emissions associated with the freight transport system.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinming Shen, Wenxin Hu, Chenke Xu, Cheng Xu, Yi Wan, Jianying Hu
Summary: The study found that benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) commonly detected in the environment can promote foam cell formation in macrophages, thereby increasing the risk of atherosclerosis in humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Areej Aljarb, Jiacheng Min, Mariam Hakami, Jui-Han Fu, Rehab Albaridy, Yi Wan, Sergei Lopatin, Dimitrios Kaltsas, Dipti Naphade, Emre Yengel, Mohamed Nejib Hedhili, Roaa Sait, Abdul-Hamid Emwas, Arwa Kutbee, Merfat Alsabban, Kuo-Wei Huang, Kaimin Shih, Leonidas Tsetseris, Thomas D. Anthopoulos, Vincent Tung, Lain-Jong Li
Summary: Growing continuous monolayer films of TMDs without disrupting grain boundaries is a challenge. The presence of an interfacial reconstructed (IR) layer within the substrate-epilayer gap affects the orientations of nucleating TMDs domains and materials' properties. These findings have implications for the development of TMD-based electronics and optoelectronics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Azzaya Khasbaatar, Andrew Cheng, Austin L. Jones, Justin J. Kwok, Sang Kyu Park, Jessica K. Komar, Oliver Lin, Nicholas E. Jackson, Qian Chen, Dean M. DeLongchamp, John R. Reynolds, Ying Diao
Summary: The aggregation of conjugated polymers in solution is crucial for the morphology and performance of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the specific structures of polymer aggregates in solution and their effects on OSC morphology and performance have not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigate the impact of polymer aggregate structures on the morphology and processing resilience of OSCs using a benzodithiophene-based donor polymer (PM7) and its ester-functionalized derivatives (PM7 D1 and D2). Our results show that PM7 solution forms a combination of semi-crystalline fiber aggregates and amorphous polymer chain network aggregates, while PM7 D1 and D2 solutions primarily form amorphous network aggregates through sidechain associations. Interestingly, the fiber aggregates of PM7 break down at elevated solution temperatures, while the polymer network aggregates remain stable. This temperature-dependent behavior leads to highly processing temperature-sensitive performance in blade-coated devices fabricated from PM7 and ITIC-4F, whereas PM7 D1 and D2 polymers exhibit improved processing temperature resiliency. Furthermore, we find that amorphous, network-like aggregates contribute to superior device performance in blade-coated OSCs due to the formation of blend films with short pi-pi stacking distance, small domain spacing, and face-on preferred molecular orientation. Conversely, fiber-like aggregates result in large pi-pi stacking distance, large domain spacing, and isotropic molecular orientation, which degrade device performance.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liu Liu, Hongyang Cui, Yixuan Huang, Hao Yan, Yulan Zhou, Yi Wan
Summary: A new metabolic pathway has been discovered that transforms phenolic xenobiotics into more lipophilic and bioactive dimer products. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play a central role in mediating this cross-coupling metabolism. This study provides supporting evidence for overlooked toxicological effects induced by direct reactions between xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites during metabolic processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hang Liu, Hongyang Cui, Yixuan Huang, Yi Yang, Ling Jiao, Yulan Zhou, Jianying Hu, Yi Wan
Summary: Environmental pollutants can disrupt the homeostasis of endogenous metabolites in organisms. Enzymes can catalyze hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) exchange and be used to screen for critical biological molecules affected by environmental pollutants. This research provides a tool for discovering more molecular targets of metabolic disruptors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoqi Nina Zhao, Ximin Hu, Melissa Gonzalez, Craig A. Rideout, Grant C. Hobby, Matthew F. Fisher, Carter J. McCormick, Michael C. Dodd, Kelly E. Kim, Zhenyu Tian, Edward P. Kolodziej
Summary: Recently, the presence of N,N'-substituted p-phenylenediamine (PPD) antioxidants and their transformation products (TPs) in recycled tire rubber products has gained attention. These compounds, including the toxic 6PPD-quinone, were found in tire wear particles, recycled rubber doormats, and turf-field crumb rubbers. The study also revealed higher concentrations of PPD-derived chemicals compared to commonly studied industrial rubber additives in elastomeric consumer products like lab stoppers, sneaker soles, and rubber garden hoses. Overall, this highlights the importance of PPD antioxidants and related TPs as previously overlooked contaminants in tire rubbers and elastomeric consumer products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoqi Nina Zhao, Ximin Hu, Zhenyu Tian, Melissa Gonzalez, Craig A. Rideout, Katherine T. Peter, Michael C. Dodd, Edward P. Kolodziej
Summary: It was found that 6PPD, a tire rubber antioxidant, can form a highly toxic quinone transformation product (6PPDQ) during exposure to gas-phase ozone. Gas-phase ozonation of 6PPD was conducted and the ozone transformation products (TPs) were characterized. The major TPs included 6PPDQ, multiple isomers of C18H22N2O and C18H22N2O2, with presumptive N-oxide, N,N'-dioxide, and orthoquinone structures. The concentrations of these TPs were quantified in environmental samples, such as tire tread wear particles, aqueous leachates, roadway runoff, and roadway-impacted creeks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kwan-Ho Kim, Seyong Oh, Merrilyn Mercy Adzo Fiagbenu, Jeffrey Zheng, Pariasadat Musavigharavi, Pawan Kumar, Nicholas Trainor, Areej Aljarb, Yi Wan, Hyong Min Kim, Keshava Katti, Seunguk Song, Gwangwoo Kim, Zichen Tang, Jui-Han Fu, Mariam Hakami, Vincent Tung, Joan M. M. Redwing, Eric A. A. Stach, Roy H. H. Olsson, Deep Jariwala
Summary: Three-dimensional monolithic integration of memory devices with logic transistors is crucial for enhancing computational power and energy efficiency in big data applications, such as artificial intelligence. However, there is still a need for reliable, compact, fast, energy-efficient, and scalable memory devices. In this study, back-end-of-line-compatible FE-FETs using two-dimensional MoS2 channels and AlScN ferroelectric materials were successfully demonstrated, showing promising performance and stability in memory retention and endurance. This research paves the way for the integration of two-dimensional semiconductor memory with silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor logic in a three-dimensional heterostructure.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leyi Zheng, Junfeng Liu, Qiong Yang, Yuqing Wang, Ying Liu, Xiurong Hu, Jianying Hu, Yi Wan, Xuejun Wang, Jianmin Ma, Xilong Wang, Shu Tao
Summary: Currently, tourism is an important contributor to the Chinese economy. The Chinese government has implemented various policies to promote tourism development, including resident tourism subsidies. This study uses a CGE model to analyze the economic and environmental effects of different levels of resident tourism subsidy policies. The results show that tourism subsidies promote economic growth, support the transition to a low-carbon society, and have a positive effect on national emission reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming Chen, Jie Li, Yingzhe Piao, Wanli Yang, Chun Li, Yi Wan, Yanhao Yu, Lain-Jong Li, Xugang Guo, Xing Cheng
Summary: The surface functionalization using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) improves the growth of organic semiconductors and reduces interfacial traps, leading to high-performance organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). By optimizing the deposition conditions, it is found that SAMs deposited from vapor phase at a temperature of 120 degrees C and pressure of 0.02 bar exhibit no morphological defects. The defect-free SAMs show ultrasmooth surfaces and can be scaled up to wafer size. OTFTs with defect-free SAMs achieve an average mobility of 1.79 cm(2) V(-1)s(-1), outperforming devices with defective SAMs and advancing large-area and high-performance organic electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jui-Han Fu, Jiacheng Min, Che-Kang Chang, Chien-Chih Tseng, Qingxiao Wang, Hayato Sugisaki, Chenyang Li, Yu-Ming Chang, Ibrahim Alnami, Wei-Ren Syong, Ci Lin, Feier Fang, Lv Zhao, Tzu-Hsuan Lo, Chao-Sung Lai, Wei-Sheng Chiu, Zih-Siang Jian, Wen-Hao Chang, Yu-Jung Lu, Kaimin Shih, Lain-Jong Li, Yi Wan, Yumeng Shi, Vincent Tung
Summary: The large-scale batch growth of single-crystal 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is crucial for pushing the limits of semiconductor technology. This study demonstrates that the interaction between TMD grains and the exposed oxygen-aluminium atomic plane in sapphire plays a more dominant role than step-edge docking in controlling the single-crystal epitaxy of these materials. Reconstructing the surfaces of the sapphire substrate to a single type of atomic plane enables the epitaxial growth of TMDs without the aid of step edges.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feifan Wu, Ruichao Chen, Yu Li, Yi Wan, Jianying Hu
Summary: The study identified the metabolite of Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCTP), pentaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (PPCTP), in the livers of Japanese medaka fish. Exposure to HPCTP led to high concentrations of the chemical in both embryos and maternal muscle, indicating significant transfer. The study also found that HPCTP and PPCTP exhibited antagonistic activities that contributed to developmental toxicities in the embryos.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)