Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Ram Kang, Seo Young Kim, Minwoo Kang, Tae Kwon Lee
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of using fungal enzymes to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products from aquatic environments, demonstrating that Bjerkandera spp. TBB-03 enzymes exhibit remarkable stability and can effectively remove acetaminophen and bisphenol A under various conditions. Additionally, the presence of acetaminophen improved the removal of sulfamethoxazole by TBB-03 laccase.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Wang, Zheyun Yin, Yarui Liu, Hongwen Sun, Hongkai Zhu, Hao Chen, Kai Zhang
Summary: Hydrochars were prepared from municipal sewage sludge by hydrothermal carbonization treatment. The study found that reaction temperature had a greater impact on the properties of hydrochars and the presence of PPCPs than reaction time. The hydrothermal process effectively reduced the load of PPCPs in hydrochars, except for caffeine and acetaminophen, with their concentrations being affected by the reaction temperature.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheuk Wai Lung, Zexiao Zheng, Irene M. C. Lo
Summary: In this study, a novel solar/TiO2/chlorine system was developed for the degradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and the inactivation of Escherichia coli in drinking water. The addition of chlorine significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency of PPCPs and demonstrated excellent disinfecting abilities. The system showed satisfactory performance in different water matrices and the TiO2 photocatalyst was found to be stable and reusable.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ying Xiang, Huihui Wu, Lu Li, Meng Ren, Hantong Qie, Aijun Lin
Summary: This study reported the accumulation data of 81 PPCPs in surface water or sediment in China, selected 20 PPCPs with high frequency for ecological risk assessment, and found that certain PPCPs have relatively high pollution levels. The study also revealed that the pollution characteristics of PPCPs vary in each watershed, with some regions being more susceptible to contamination.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Zhou, Jing Jing, Ruyue Yu, Yunze Zhao, Yuxuan Gou, Zhengyu Zhang, Huaizhi Tang, Hongyan Zhang, Yuanfang Huang
Summary: The Huangshui catchment on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was studied to investigate the abundance, distribution characteristics, and influencing factors of microplastics (MPs) in surface agricultural soils. The results showed that MPs were present in soil with levels ranging from 6 to 444 items/kg, and smaller-sized MPs were more abundant than larger-sized MPs. The main source of MPs was residual mulching film in farmland. The spatial distribution analysis revealed higher MP abundance in agricultural soils in neighboring urban areas. Human activities, population density, and irrigation were found to play a key role in MP pollution, while the direct effects of soil properties on MP abundance remain unclear.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chengshu Wang, Guanghui Zhang, Pingzong Zhu, Shiqi Chen, Yuanqiang Wan
Summary: Soil function assessment is important for mitigating soil degradation and achieving sustainable use of soil resources. This study investigated the spatial variation of soil functions with land use type and slope position in a small agricultural watershed. The results showed significant variations in soil properties and functions between different land use types and slope positions. Soil erosion was found to be the dominant process affecting soil functions by altering soil properties. Measures promoting nutrient accumulation and controlling soil erosion should be implemented to enhance soil functions. These findings are valuable for designing soil and water conservation measures in agricultural watersheds to enhance ecological services.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yikun Hu, Lu Li, Biqing Li, Lai Peng, Yifeng Xu, Xu Zhou, Renhui Li, Kang Song
Summary: This study investigated the presence and distribution of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in 19 lakes in Wuhan and assessed their short-term and long-term ecological risk. Ten typical PPCPs were detected, with ibuprofen and naproxen being the most predominant. Positive correlations were found between ibuprofen and NH4+-N, as well as between some PPCPs and suspended particles. The potential ecological risks of PPCPs to the lakes were evaluated.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sixing Dai, Lei Xiao, Qinliu Li, Gazi Hao, Yubing Hu, Wei Jiang
Summary: Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising photocatalytic material for degrading pollutants. This study focuses on modifying the surface of g-C3N4 to enhance its photocatalytic activity. By treating g-C3N4 with NaOH, surface hydroxylated nanofibers were obtained, which were then used to create 0D/1D Co3O4-NTCN nanocomposites. The modified g-C3N4 showed improved photodegradation performance, and the unique structure of the nanocomposites enhanced light exposure and charge transfer. The results demonstrated high photodegradation ratios for various pollutants within a short time.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sixing Dai, Yue Wang, Lei Xiao, Gazi Hao, Yubing Hu, Guangpu Zhang, Wei Jiang
Summary: Insufficient charge transfer between interfaces is a limiting factor in the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). This study presents a 2D/2D/2D CuO-MXene-OCN S-scheme heterojunction, which significantly improves the photocatalytic performance. The interfacial engineering with 2D/2D/2D structure provides new insights for the construction of layered S-scheme heterojunctions for PPCPs photocatalytic degradation.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Wenyong Wu, Meng Ma, Yaqi Hu, Wenchao Yu, Honglu Liu, Zhe Bao
Summary: The study found that irrigation with reclaimed water led to an increase in concentrations of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole in soil, while having significant effects on soil microbial abundance. Bacterial abundance increased significantly, but there was no significant effect on archaea abundance. The study highlighted the negative associations between the concentration of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in soil under reclaimed water irrigation and soil microbial abundance.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amin Mojiri, John L. Zhou, Harsha Ratnaweera, Shahabaldin Rezania, Mansoureh Nazari
Summary: This study focuses on the occurrence of PPCPs in natural water bodies globally and examines the impact of various factors on the fluxes of pollutants into receiving waterways. High concentrations of PPCPs in water bodies have harmful effects on aquatic organisms, while algae-based systems are found to be effective in removing certain PPCPs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunxia Zhang, Yong Wu, Bo Song, Lang Zhou, Fopeng Wang, Rui Pang
Summary: The investigation in Guizhou province revealed significant spatial variation in cadmium (Cd) content in farmland soils, with high-altitude areas being influenced by soil parent material while lower altitude areas were affected by mining activities and road traffic. The single factor pollution index showed that most sample sites fell under Cd class I (priority protection), indicating the need for strict control measures.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhujun Luo, Jianbo Liao, Shaoyu Tang, Shuona Chen, Kun Wei, Chao Xu, Zhun Liu, Lei Xu, Junfeng Niu
Summary: In this study, the electrochemical oxidation of TCPP was investigated, which demonstrated effective elimination of TCPP by pseudo-first order kinetics. The degradation efficiency reached 98.4% with a corresponding reaction rate constant of 0.0502 min 1. Quenching experiments revealed that center dot OH played a vital role with a contribution rate of 91.3%. Environmental indicators significantly influenced the degradation efficiency, and six intermediates were generated through oxidation, dichlorination, and hydrolysis reactions. TCPP induced cell apoptosis of E. coli, but the electrochemical oxidation process effectively degraded and detoxified TCPP.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thilakshani Atugoda, Meththika Vithanage, Hasintha Wijesekara, Nanthi Bolan, Ajit K. Sarmah, Michael S. Bank, Siming You, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Recent studies have shown that hydrophilic compounds such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) can be adsorbed onto plastic surfaces and coexist with microplastics in the environment.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniele Sadutto, Vicente Andreu, Timo Ilo, Jarkko Akkanen, Yolanda Pico
Summary: The study focused on the occurrence, distribution, and risk assessment of 32 PPCPs in water, sediment, and soil in the Mediterranean coastal wetland Albufera Natural Park in Spain, as well as the influent and effluent of ten WWTPs. Results showed that certain PPCPs were detected at higher concentrations in the lake and channels, while only a few were found in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
F. Beolchini, M. Hekeu, A. Amato, A. Becci, A. B. Ribeiro, E. P. Mateus, A. Dell'Anno
Summary: Sediment contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is a major environmental concern worldwide, with remediation strategies mainly based on physico-chemical and biological approaches. Physico-chemical methods are efficient but costly, while biotechnological methods are more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and time-consuming.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joao Brinco, Alexandra Branco Ribeiro, Joao Cardoso, Marco Gomes da Silva
Summary: This work describes the development of a methodology for determining the concentration of pesticides in used containers and presents the findings of a monitoring campaign conducted between April 2018 and February 2021. The results showed that the triple rinsing practice had a greater effectiveness in reducing pesticide residue in plastic containers compared to other materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paula Guedes, Celso Martins, Nazare Couto, Joana Silva, Eduardo P. Mateus, Alexandra B. Ribeiro, Cristina Silva Pereira
Summary: The use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation in agriculture can reduce water consumption and provide nutrients to soil, but may also lead to soil contamination by CECs. Short-term irrigation of reclaimed wastewater did not significantly alter soil properties and helped maintain soil microbial diversity and functioning.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carolina M. G. B. Pires, Alexandra P. Ribeiro, Eduardo A. Mateus, Haroldo Ponte, Maria Jose J. S. Ponte
Summary: Rare earth elements are important for green energy technologies, but are considered critical raw materials. Electric field assisted mining using biodegradable electrolytes, such as organic acids, shows potential as an eco-friendly alternative for metal extraction. The selectivity of different electrolytes varies, with organic acids achieving better results compared to deep eutectic solvents.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rita Escorcio, Artur Bento, Ana S. Tome, Vanessa G. Correia, Ru'ben Rodrigues, Carlos J. S. Moreira, Didier Marion, Benedicte Bakan, Cristina Silva Pereira
Summary: Agro-industrial residues, such as fruit pomaces, are potential sources for the development of materials and food supplements. This study demonstrates the production of antimicrobial oligomers from cutin-rich materials isolated from tomato pomaces. The chemical composition of the pomaces and the corresponding cutin-rich materials were analyzed, and the resulting mixtures were screened for bactericidal activity. Esterified structures were found to be essential for activity against Escherichia coli, while monomers were effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Pinheiro, Daryna Piontkivska, Patricia Sequeira, Tiago M. Martins, Cristina Silva Pereira
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana Rita Ferreira, Paula Guedes, Eduardo P. Mateus, Alexandra B. Ribeiro, Nazare Couto
Summary: This study investigated the electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology as an alternative tertiary treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) to remove contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and Escherichia coli simultaneously. The results showed that the removal rate of CECs depended on their structure and physicochemical characteristics, as well as the electrode material and shape used. MMO with a higher surface area and circular-mesh electrode exhibited the highest removal efficiency for recalcitrant CECs (20-50%). Varying the current intensity had a minor effect on CECs removal. The overall removal efficiency of CECs exceeded 90% within 2 hours, with simultaneous removal of E. coli. The EO process was considered ecofriendly with a low estimated treatment cost of 1.1 euro/m3.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Joao Brinco, Paula Guedes, Marco Gomes da Silva, Eduardo P. Mateus, Alexandra B. Ribeiro
Summary: This work reviews recently developed methodologies for multiclass pesticide residue analysis in soil and evaluates them with respect to Green Analytical Chemistry principles, cost, and time. The analysis highlights different extraction, clean-up, and determination techniques used in the field. QuEChERS was found to be the most commonly used extraction method, although other methods such as pressurized fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and simple solid-liquid partitioning are still widely employed. GC-MS and LC-MS are the standard analytical techniques, with LC-MS becoming more popular due to its versatility in analyzing poorly volatile pesticide residues. The study compared twelve representative methods using analytical eco-scale, AGREE metrics, as well as cost and time considerations. The results show that the choice of reagents and operational parameters has a greater impact on the greenness of a method than the extraction and determination techniques, while cost and time are more dependent on the techniques themselves.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Clara Valero, Ana Cristina Colabardini, Patricia Alves de Castro, Lilian Pereira Silva, Laure Nicolas Annick Ries, Lakhansing Pardeshi, Fang Wang, Marina Campos Rocha, Iran Malavazi, Roberto Nascimento Silva, Celso Martins, Patricia Domingos, Cristina Pereira-Silva, Michael J. Bromley, Koon Ho Wong, Gustavo H. Goldman
Summary: This study reveals the key role of the transcription factor ZnfA in Aspergillus fumigatus responses to calcium and echinocandin Caspofungin (CSP), highlighting its involvement in iron homeostasis and cell wall organization. ZnfA works collaboratively with the CrzA transcription factor to modulate stress responses in A. fumigatus, bridging calcium signaling and CSP cellular response and uncovering complex connections among different pathways governing stress sensing and signaling in the fungus.
FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
