Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiawei Yu, Hanyang Liu, Fang Kang, Bingqing Zhu, Xudong Wu, Mingming Han, Chengge Hu, Xiang Huang, Longquan Wang, Youqun Chu, Juan Li, Zhouqing Xie
Summary: The study revealed high levels of fine particles, EPFRs, and PAHs in operating rooms with laminar flow systems. PM2.5 was identified as the dominant particle, mainly consisting of calcareous and metal-related particles, with anesthetic gas-related particles also present. EPFRs in the ORs were mainly carbon-centered radicals, posing potential health risks to surgeons and anesthetists.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feifei He, Jianjiang Lu, Zhuoying Li, Min Li, Zilong Liu, Yanbin Tong
Summary: Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are hazardous substances that exist stably in the atmosphere and are closely related to lung cancer. This study assessed the inhalation risk for EPFRs in PM2.5 and investigated the factors influencing this risk. The findings showed a strong correlation between EPFR concentrations and conventional pollutants, and identified temperature and wind speed as major factors influencing EPFR concentration in the atmosphere.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhansheng Li, Hongxia Zhao, Xintong Li, Tadiyose Girma Bekele
Summary: EPFRs are a class of hazardous pollutants that pose harmful effects on human health and exist in PM2.5 in Dalian, China. Coal combustion and vehicular exhaust are the primary sources of EPFRs, providing important evidence for controlling air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sijia Liu, Weilin Huang, Jingjing Yang, Yu Xiong, Ziqing Huang, Jinling Wang, Tingting Cai, Zhi Dang, Chen Yang
Summary: Microplastics (MPs), resulting from the breakdown of plastic wastes, are widely distributed in the environment. Under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the further fragmentation of MPs may lead to the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). This study investigated the correlation between EPFRs concentrations and UV energy, using different types of plastics and UV light sources. The results showed that the structure of MPs and the level of UV energy influenced the generation of EPFRs. It was also observed that UVC radiation led to faster formation of free radicals compared to UVB and UVA. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of EPFRs formation on microplastic particles and highlights the broad impacts of EPFRs on the fate and transport of MPs in aquatic environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng Ni, Ning Gao, Na Chen, Chi Zhang, Ze Liu, Kecheng Zhu, Virender K. Sharma, Hanzhong Jia
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of EPFRs in different soil particles and their contribution to OP. The results showed that the highest concentration of EPFRs was found in soil particles with diameters <0.15 mm. The DTT assay revealed that the redox activity of contaminated soil particles was 4 to 8 times higher than that of un-contaminated samples, and it was strongly associated with EPFRs, ROS, and PAHs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengfei Cheng, Xuqiang Zhao, Hassan El-Ramady, Tamer Elsakhawy, Michael Gatheru Waigi, Wanting Ling
Summary: The study revealed that metal oxides play a dual role in photocatalysis, both promoting the photodegradation of contaminants like triclosan and inhibiting it by competing with the contaminants for irradiation. Additionally, metal oxides were found to promote the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), with EPFRs yields dependent on the concentration of metal oxides. This research provides new insights into the environmental impacts of metal oxides and the formation and fate of EPFRs in soil and aquatic environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sikandar Azam, Vasily Kurashov, John H. Golbeck, Sekhar Bhattacharyya, Siyang Zheng, Shimin Liu
Summary: Coal dust is a major hazardous pollutant in coal mining environment and contains environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). This study used EPR spectroscopy to analyze EPFRs characteristics in different types of nano-size coal dust and compared their stability and EPR parameters. EPFRs in coal were found to be stable and mostly comprised of oxygenated carbon centered or carbon and oxygen centered free radicals. EPFRs concentration in coal dust was proportional to carbon content and inversely related to g-values. The characteristics of EPFRs in coal dust were similar to those found in other environmental pollutants. It is recommended to study the role of EPFR-loaded coal dust in inhalation toxicity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. Sakr, Orhan Kizilkaya, Sierra F. Carlson, Simon Chan, Reuben A. Oumnov, Jaqueline Catano, Richard L. Kurtz, Randall W. Hall, E. D. Poliakoff, Phillip T. Sprunger
Summary: XPS and UPS techniques were used to study the adsorption of phenol on metal oxide surfaces, revealing that at high temperatures, electron transfer and the formation of surface radicals occur.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuting Liu, Guorui Liu, Lili Yang, Da Li, Minghui Zheng
Summary: This article summarizes the role of different metal compounds in the formation and stabilization of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). It emphasizes the importance of understanding EPFR characteristics and developing control strategies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhaoyue Sun, Xinghao Wang, Cun Liu, Guodong Fang, Longgang Chu, Cheng Gu, Juan Gao
Summary: This study investigated the phototransformation of anthracene (ANT) at amorphous silica (AS)/air interfaces with the addition of low-molecular-weight organic compounds (LMWOCs), revealing that the presence of certain organic acids improved the generation of (OH)· and enhanced ANT removal. Conversely, the presence of other compounds decreased ANT removal and produced coupling products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Wang, Danli Liang, Jiarong Liu, Lin Du, Eric Vejerano, Xiuhui Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the influence of acidic and basic pollutants on the formation of EPFRs using DFT and AIMD calculations. The findings showed that these pollutants can enhance the formation of EPFRs through different mechanisms. Acidic pollutants transfer hydrogen atoms to form EPFRs, while basic pollutants extract hydrogen atoms to form phenoxy EPFRs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng Ni, Chi Zhang, Haonan Ma, Jinbo Liu, Zhiqiang Wang, Kecheng Zhu, Ming Li, Hanzhong Jia
Summary: This work systematically investigated the interactions between hematite with different facets and various NPAHs under visible light. The results showed that hematite nanocube (HNC) exhibited a higher degradation rate for NPAHs due to its greater number of electron accepting sites and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the degradation pathways of different NPAHs were found to be significantly different. The findings of this study provide theoretical guidance for the removal of NPAHs and the application of hematite photocatalysts in environmental remediation.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agnieszka Krzyszczak, Michal P. Dybowski, Magdalena Konczak, Bozena Czech
Summary: In recent years, there has been significant progress in the study of thermal transformation of waste into valuable materials such as biochar. High-temperature processes can lead to the formation of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, the pyrolysis process can also result in the formation of derivatives containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, which may have higher toxicity than parent PAHs. The bioavailability of PAHs is an important parameter in the agricultural application of carbonaceous materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinfeng Zhao, Guofeng Shen, Lin Shi, Hao Li, Di Lang, Lu Zhang, Bo Pan, Shu Tao
Summary: Residential biomass and coal burning are important emission sources for environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). This study conducted a field campaign in rural China to evaluate the presence and characteristics of EPFRs generated from residential biomass and coal burning. The results showed that EPFRs emissions from crop residues burning were significantly higher than those from firewood and coal. Fuel type was found to be the primary factor controlling EPFR discharge. Biomass burning had higher EPFRs per particle compared to coal combustion. EPFRs had stronger relationships with carbonaceous components. EPFRs from biomass burning were mainly generated during the pyrolysis of fuels, while EPFRs from coal combustion were mainly associated with refractory organic compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huibin Guo, Yidan Wang, Kaixing Yao, Han Zheng, Xinji Zhang, Rui Li, Ning Wang, Haiyan Fu
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics and formation mechanism of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in combustion particles after photoexcitation using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results showed that secondary EPFRs can be generated after illumination, and their lifetime is approximately 1 day. Non-extractable substances were found to be the main contributors to secondary EPFRs, followed by extractable organics. The findings of this study have important implications for assessing the health risks of atmospheric particles.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liping Liu, Puqi Jia, Yalin Huang, Jie Han, Eric Lichtfouse
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chloe Morel, Henri Schroeder, Claude Emond, Jonathan D. Turner, Eric Lichtfouse, Nathalie Grova
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(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)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helene Greige-Gerges, Petra Gerges, Jeanne Lichtfouse, Eric Lichtfouse, Sophie Fourmentin
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Han, Shanshan He, Eric Lichtfouse
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(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)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed I. Osman, Samer Fawzy, Eric Lichtfouse, David W. Rooney
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Wang, Zhen Pan, Wenxiang Zhang, Shaochang Huang, Guojie Yu, Mohamad Reza Soltanian, Eric Lichtfouse, Zhien Zhang
Summary: Carbon capture and storage systems can slow down global warming by sequestering carbon dioxide from large fixed point sources, such as power plants or industrial facilities. However, these systems often consume a significant amount of energy and materials and emit pollutants. This study compared monoethanolamine absorption and two-stage membrane separation for carbon dioxide separation in a supercritical pulverized coal power plant. The results showed that membrane separation is more efficient and requires less energy than absorption, with lower environmental impact scores in various categories.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anh Tuan Hoang, Ashok Pandey, Eric Lichtfouse, Van Ga Bui, Ibham Veza, Huu Luong Nguyen, Xuan Phuong Nguyen
Summary: Green H2 plays a key role in the energy transition and Vietnam has the potential to produce it using solar and wind energy. This article reviews the progress and potential of green H2 production in Vietnam, analyzes the roadmaps and policies of various countries, and provides policy recommendations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Avinash Alagumalai, Balaji Devarajan, Hua Song, Somchai Wongwises, Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Omid Mahian, Mikhail Sheremet, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: Biohydrogen, a carbon-neutral and sustainable energy carrier, shows promise as a replacement for conventional fossil fuels with its high energy yield. However, the commercial uptake of biohydrogen is hindered by supply-side issues. To address this, optimizing operating parameters is necessary for large-scale biohydrogen production. This review highlights the role of machine learning in categorizing and predicting biohydrogen production data, assessing the accuracy and potential of different algorithms, and discussing their practical implications for the transportation sector's adoption of biohydrogen. Machine learning algorithms have proven effective in modeling complex interactions and identifying efficient biohydrogen production methods, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy source.
BIOFUEL RESEARCH JOURNAL-BRJ
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masoumeh Ghalkhani, Hakimeh Teymourinia, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, Neda Irannejad, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Ceren Karaman, Fatemeh Karimi, Elena Niculina Dragoi, Eric Lichtfouse, Jagpreet Singh
Summary: Global waste production is expected to reach 2.59 billion tons by 2030, exacerbating environmental pollution and health safety issues. The inefficient waste management in the circular economy is characterized by 37% landfilling, 33% open discharge or burning, and only 13.5% recycling. Therefore, there is a need for methods to recycle waste into valuable materials through resource recovery, which depends heavily on the development of efficient and reusable nanobiocatalysts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hui Wang, Qifan Ying, Eric Lichtfouse, Zexu Hu, Yongfa Diao
Summary: The presence of metal foam in phase change materials (PCM) improves the storage of latent heat thermal energy but reduces natural convection and increases cost. We studied the internal flow of heat transfer in a PCM filled with metal foam at different filling heights. Results show that the configuration of bottom-filled PCM has higher natural convection and shorter melting time in the pure PCM area. However, the melting time is longer in the bottom-filled configuration in the metal foam-PCM composite region.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongbo Liu, Haodong Zhang, Xinyi Dong, Chengyang Wu, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: To tackle antibiotic pollution in black water, we developed g-C3N4/TiO2 photocatalyst membranes and tested their efficacy in removing sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline. We compared these membranes with PVDF membranes and studied the influencing factors and application aspects of membrane filtration-photocatalytic systems for antibiotic removal. The g-C3N4/TiO2 membranes exhibited improved porosity, hydrophilicity, and permeability. The PgT-3 (PVDF/g-C3N4/TiO2) membrane with 0.03 wt% g-C3N4/TiO2 showed the best overall performance, with removal efficiencies of 72.8% and 63.9% for SMZ and TC, respectively. The pH of the solution played a role in antibiotic removal, and the complexity of black water hindered the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/TiO2 membranes. The absorption of visible light by g-C3N4 enhanced electron transfer and the generation of oxidation-active species (h+), leading to effective removal of SMZ and TC.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Xiang-Wei Lin, Dong-Qing Zhu, Zhi-Fu Zhou, Shu-Qin Xue, Teng-Fei Liu, Jia-Feng Wang, Bin Chen, Eric Lichtfouse
Summary: The dynamics of superheated liquids in flashing jets were studied, and it was found that the flashing patterns can be classified into non-flashing, transitional flashing, and flare flashing. The contribution of thermodynamic effect decreases as mechanical effect intensifies. An index k was proposed to identify different flashing regions, and a new correlation for drop size was proposed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPHASE FLOW
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anuradha Sharma, Peter R. Makgwane, Eric Lichtfouse, Naveen Kumar, Ahmad Hosseini Bandegharaei, Muhammad Tahir
Summary: Heterostructured nanomaterials, specifically nickel sulfide-based heterostructures, have shown potential in environmental science, particularly in waste water treatment. This review provides a thorough analysis and summary of recent progress in the application of nickel sulfide-based heterostructures in water decontamination, focusing on synthesis strategies, structural properties, and improved photocatalytic performances.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)