Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Peixoto, Isabel Henriques, Susana Loureiro
Summary: The study found that copper hydroxide nanopesticide has significant impacts on soil microbial communities in agriculture, especially on the structure of bacterial and fungal communities. The application of nanopesticide led to lower richness and higher diversity in exposed bacterial communities, as well as decreased diversity and richness in exposed fungal communities. Additionally, the presence of isopod Porcellionides pruinosus may attenuate the effects of nanopesticide.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenlan Xu, Qing Tang, Aimei Hong, Lingxiangyu Li
Summary: This study found that the aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution of Cu(OH)(2) nanopesticide in soil solutions were influenced by soil type, and closely related to pH and organic matter content.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siying Chen, Yingju Qin, Xiaolin Ye, Jian Liu, Xiliang Yan, Li Zhou, Xiaohong Wang, Christopher J. Martyniuk, Bing Yan
Summary: This study evaluated the behavioral changes and potential neurotoxicity induced by Cu-(OH)(2) nanopesticide in zebrafish larvae. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed altered neurotransmitter pathways and reduced levels of neurotransmitters following exposure to the nanopesticide. The study presented a model for Cu-(OH)(2) nanopesticide-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish, which can inform ecological risk assessments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Natalia E. Jimenez, Vicente Acuna, Maria Paz Cortes, Damien Eveillard, Alejandro Eduardo Maass
Summary: Constraint-based modeling is used to characterize the metabolism of communities, considering the maximization of biomass production as the objective. In nature, communities may display suboptimal growth rates due to essential functions not directly related to cell growth. This suboptimal states allow for metabolic plasticity, allowing quick shifts between alternative flux distributions in response to environmental changes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Li Xie, Wenying Shou
Summary: Microbial communities perform important functions through inter-species interactions. In order to improve community function, effective selection strategies are designed in silico to enhance community fitness and overcome counter-intuitive evolutionary dynamics. Experimental manipulations are devised to shift the evolutionary path towards higher heritability, accelerating community function improvement even in high-dimensional or unknown landscapes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amanda Pacholak, Agnieszka Zgola-Grzeskowiak, Ewa Kaczorek
Summary: The purpose of this research was to investigate the biodegradation of nitrofurantoin (NFT), a potential carcinogenic nitrofuran antibiotic, by two microbial communities from different environmental niches. The study found that NFT significantly altered the community structure and increased biodiversity in the aquatic systems. The research also discovered new transformation products of NFT.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Subhashree Mohapatra, Himadri Tanaya Das, Bankim Chandra Tripathy, Nigamananda Das
Summary: Mixed multimetallic-based nanocomposites have shown great potential in environmental remediation and energy storage applications. A ternary CoO/Ni(OH)(2)/Cu(OH)(2) composite with sea-urchin-like morphology was synthesized and exhibited excellent photocatalytic and electrochemical performances. The composite achieved a 90% degradation of Congo red dye under visible light illumination and demonstrated a high specific capacity of 405 C g(-1) in electrochemical analysis. The assembled supercapattery also showed promising energy density and cycle stability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Ronne Aggerbeck, Tue Kjaergaard Nielsen, Jesper Bruun Mosbacher, Niels Martin Schmidt, Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
Summary: The presence of muskoxen has a significant impact on the soil microbial community in Arctic fens. Grazed soils exhibit higher microbial diversity and a different microbial composition compared to ungrazed soils. The presence of muskoxen also affects methane cycling in the ecosystem.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiwen Cheng, Douglas F. Call
Summary: This study validates a low-cost and simple method for enriching exoelectrogens from mixed microbial inoculum. By culturing with acetate and granular activated carbon, the abundance of exoelectrogenic bacteria was significantly increased, enhancing their capability to reduce the granular activated carbon.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Govindhasamy Murugadoss, Thiruppathi Kannappan, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabathar, Rajesh Kumar Manavalan, Shyju Thankaraj Salammal, Nachimuthu Venkatesh
Summary: The development of a heterojunction nanocomposite has improved optoelectronic properties. In this study, cerium oxide (CeO2), copper oxide (CuO), and ceria-copper-copper hydroxide (CeO2-CuO-Cu(OH)(2)) nanocomposites were prepared and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were investigated. The integration of CeO2 and CuO with Cu(OH)(2) modified the band gap, leading to improved photocatalytic efficiency. CeO2 enhanced light absorption, while CuO acted as an electron trap in the composite, resulting in enhanced optical properties. The heterojunction combination in the nanocomposite facilitated charge separation and increased charge participation in catalyzed conversion reactions. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiencies were achieved using the CeO2-CuO-Cu(OH)(2) nanocomposite for fast green (96.4%) and bromophenol blue (92.7%).
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiao Zhang, Lili Zhang, Chun Hu, Min Yang
Summary: Highly dispersed LaAlO3/Al2O3 framework Cu+/Cu2+ catalyst was synthesized by a solid-liquid mixed sol-gel method, which showed efficient removal of refractory pollutants over a wide pH range.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ozlem Gulmez, Ozkan Aksakal, Ozlem Baris, Emrah Bayram
Summary: Pseudomonas stutzeri inoculation enhances the growth and antioxidant system of Lemna minor treated with Cu(OH)2 nanopesticide, increasing the relative growth rate (RGR) and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, while decreasing copper (Cu) content and oxidative stress.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ashish B. B. George, Tong Wang, Sergei Maslov
Summary: The dynamics of microbial communities are influenced by competition for resources and cross-feeding. A new model incorporating energetic and thermodynamic constraints reveals that microbial growth can be limited not only by depletion of resources but also by accumulation of byproducts. This model explains the convergence in community structure and function, providing a possible explanation for functional convergence in microbial communities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Tayyab, Ziqi Yang, Caifang Zhang, Waqar Islam, Wenxiong Lin, Hua Zhang
Summary: Sugarcane monoculture leads to soil problems such as acidification and degradation, reducing soil fertility and beneficial microbes. Analysis showed the impact of this cultivation method on soil and microbial communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierre Stallforth, Maria Mittag, Axel A. Brakhage, Christian Hertweck, Ute A. Hellmich
Summary: Interactions between microorganisms are often mediated by specialized metabolites, which can be subject to community-dependent modifications in complex microbiomes. Chemical and biological tools can shed light on this poorly understood aspect of chemical ecology. Loss-of-function modifications are abundant, while gain-of-function modifications are underexplored but play an important role in microbial interactions, presenting great potential for our understanding of microbial interactions and targeted interference with microbial signaling.
TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jinbo Liu, Chi Zhang, Hanzhong Jia, Eric Lichtfouse, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: This paper reviews the dissipation of PAHs in soils through abiotic processes such as photodegradation and oxidation. It discusses the role of soil components in degradation rates, pathways, and mechanisms, as well as the potential risks of abiotic transformations.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yinghao Wen, Eric Lichtfouse, Virender K. Sharma, Xingmao Ma
Summary: The persistence of recalcitrant pollutants in water is a major health issue. This study investigated the effect of phosphate on the degradation of atrazine by peroxydisulfate under visible light. The presence of phosphates was found to significantly decrease the efficiency of atrazine removal, due to the formation of less reactive phosphate radicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Chen, Yongyi Wang, Yajing Huang, Jian Hua, Wei Qu, Dehua Xia, Chun He, Virender K. Sharma, Dong Shu
Summary: This study found that pollutants containing phenolic moiety can greatly enhance the efficiency of the Fe(III)/H2O2 system without catalyst in degrading pollutants. Kinetics analysis revealed the self-catalytic degradation of the pollutants, with the best performance observed at pH 4.0. Spectroscopic measurements and theoretical calculations revealed a previously overlooked self-catalytic mechanism involving the formation of a yellow-colored high-spin P-Fe(III)-OOH complex, which subsequently converts to Fe(II). The oxidation of phenolic moiety generates hydroquinone, which also facilitates the cycling of Fe(III)/Fe(II) and the generation of hydroxyl radicals responsible for efficient decontamination.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam Tolgyesi, Attila Cseh, Andrea Simon, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The study aimed to develop a method for analyzing multiple groups of food contaminants, including 266 pesticides, 12 mycotoxins, 14 alkaloid toxins, and 3 Alternaria toxins. The method used QuEChERS sample preparation and LC-MS/MS analysis under alkaline mobile phase conditions. The developed method has been successfully validated through satisfactory analyses of various quality control, proficiency test, and validation samples.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Manpreet Kaur Ubhi, Manpreet Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur Grewal, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: This article reviews the different synthesis routes of phosphorous- and boron-doped graphene and their applications in supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and electronic devices such as fuel and solar cells. The direct and post-treatment methods are discussed, with the latter offering a more stable and controllable technique that preserves the original graphene structure. The review also highlights the latest progress in using phosphorous and boron-doped graphene for energy-related applications.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nisha Singh, Meshal M. Abdullah, Xingmao Ma, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The increasing use of plastic products in agriculture has led to the accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils, which raises concerns about their impact on soil health, crop productivity, and food safety. The interaction between plants, soil, and microplastics/nanoplastics can negatively affect plant growth and induce oxidative stress. However, the current knowledge about the fate and impact of microplastics/nanoplastics in the plant-soil nexus is limited, hindering further progress in this field. This review aims to address this gap by summarizing the sources, investigation techniques, impact on soil properties, accumulation in plants, and possible phytotoxicity mechanisms of microplastics/nanoplastics in agriculture.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christopher V. Marbaniang, Krishnamoorthy Sathiyan, Thomas J. McDonald, Eric Lichtfouse, Poulami Mukherjee, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The global contamination of water resources by organic contaminants necessitates the development of advanced remediation techniques. Conventional water treatments are inadequate and can produce toxic byproducts. Safer alternatives, such as treatment with ferrate, are required. This review focuses on the synthesis and activation of ferrate(VI), specifically discussing different synthesis methods and the activation of ferrate(VI) by various metal ions. The most effective systems for removing organic contaminants from contaminated water are compared.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Virender K. Sharma, Junyue Wang, Mingbao Feng, Ching-Hua Huang
Summary: The occurrence of micropollutants in water poses a threat to public health and the environment. The addition of certain amino acids can enhance the removal efficiency of these micropollutants by ferrate(VI).
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingzhu Liu, Nannan Wu, Xiaoyu Li, ShengNan Zhang, Virender K. Sharma, Jamaan S. Ajarem, Ahmed A. Allam, Ruijuan Qu
Summary: This study investigated the oxidation reaction of benzophenones, commonly used UV filters, by the oxidant potassium permanganate (KMnO4). The addition of potassium permanganate enhanced the reaction rate and efficiency. The degradation of benzophenones involved hydroxylation, bond breaking, polymerization, and carboxylation processes. Toxicity assessments revealed that the intermediate products formed during the degradation process posed a decreasing ecological risk.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cen Zhao, Luis E. Arroyo-Mora, Anthony P. DeCaprio, Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Kevin E. O. 'Shea, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The study demonstrates the effective degradation of the cyanotoxin CYN and its model compound 6-HOMU using ferrate(VI) oxidation. The uracil ring of CYN is oxidized and cleaved, leading to the generation of nontoxic cylindrospermopsic acid. This method shows promise for the treatment of CYN and uracil-based toxins in drinking water.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shengqi Zhang, Kaiting Zhang, Yuwei Xie, Yao-Yin Lou, Eric Lichtfouse, Mingbao Feng, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: The demand for clean water is increasing worldwide, but wastewater decontamination is limited by refractory organic and inorganic compounds, requiring more efficient treatment methods. This review discusses the use of ruthenium-based catalysts for polluant removal or transformation at a concentration range of 1.0-100 mg/L under acid or neutral conditions. Various catalytic oxidation and reduction methods, as well as the environmental impact of ruthenium catalysts, are examined, including electrooxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, activation of inert oxidants, hydrogen-assisted reduction, electroreduction, and N-O bond activation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Binglin Guo, Junyue Wang, Krishnamoorthy Sathiyan, Xingmao Ma, Eric Lichtfouse, Ching-Hua Huang, Virender K. Sharma
Summary: Low levels of natural organic matter (NOM) enhance removal of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole by ferrate(VI) through the formation of more reactive Fe(V) species. The presence of antibiotics in water sources threatens public health and ecosystems. Nine types of NOM and NOM model compounds were found to improve the removal of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole by ferrate(VI) under mild alkaline conditions, possibly due to the presence of phenolic moieties in NOMs. The formation of Fe(V) through single-electron transfer from NOM to Fe(VI) generates NOM radicals within milliseconds, resulting in the enhanced removal of antibiotics despite concurrent reactions between Fe(V) and NOM moieties, radicals, and water. Humic and fulvic acids from lake and river waters also showed similar results, supporting the enhanced abatement of antibiotics in real water situations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Poulami Mukherjee, Krishnamoorthy Sathiyan, Tomer Zidki, Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda, Virender K. Sharma
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Untika Pengsomjit, Waleed Alahmad, Pakorn Varanusupakul, Sibel A. Ozkan, Virender K. Sharma, Charoenkwan Kraiya
Summary: This paper presents a greener methodology for determining streptomycin in honey using gel electromembrane extraction (G-EME) technique with exfoliated graphene (EG). The addition of EG enhances the extraction efficiency and sensitivity. The problem of increased electric current and electroendosmosis due to graphene-based nanomaterials is solved by tuning the acceptor phase's volume.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Virender K. Sharma, Xingmao Ma, Radek Zboril
Summary: Water is a crucial component of the United Nations' sustainable development goals, and water reuse is becoming increasingly accepted in response to global water scarcity. However, traditional treatment processes face challenges in treating low concentrations of pollutants in the presence of other chemicals. Advanced oxidation processes and the use of single atom catalysts offer promising solutions to these challenges.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)