Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laura Simon-Sanchez, Michael Grelaud, Claudia Lorenz, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Alvise Vianello, Fan Liu, Jes Vollertsen, Patrizia Ziveri
Summary: The seafloor is a major sink for microplastic pollutants, but there is a lack of reliable data on the historical evolution of microplastic pollution. This study presents a high-resolution reconstruction of microplastic pollution in the NW Mediterranean Sea using a palaeoceanographic approach and advanced analytical methods. The fate and changes of microplastics in sediments are also investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Mahsa Shirkhodaie, Shahram Seidi, Farzaneh Shemirani, Farnaz Zaroudi
Summary: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based composites have emerged as a solution to the limitations of MOFs, such as fragility, powdered form, and stability issues. These composites exhibit enhanced adsorption performance, making them ideal sorbents for environmental pollutant extraction. This review presents the latest advancements and applications of MOF-based composites in extracting pollutants.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi-Wei Lin, Emma F. Shapiro, Francisco J. Barajas-Rodriguez, Arsen Gaisin, Mohamed Ateia, John Currie, Damian E. Helbling, Rosa Gwinn, Aaron I. Packman, William R. Dichtel
Summary: Trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) pose significant challenges to wastewater treatment, and cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) polymers show promise in removing TrOCs from complex water matrices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Gavin Hill, Celine Moreira, Florence Huynh, Ana Trufasila, Faith Ly, Richard Lloyd, Hasan Sawal, Christopher J. Wallis
Summary: Accelerated UV-weathering cycles are commonly used to assess the durability of plastic materials like polyethylene films. A newly defined temperate accelerated UV-weathering cycle, based on the British Standard PAS 9017:2020, was found to be effective in correlating with outdoor exposure. High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography analysis provided detailed insights into the physico-chemical changes in the PE films during exposure. The 14-day temperate accelerated UV-weathering cycle showed approximate correlation to 90 days of outdoor exposure in Florida for the PE film studied.
Article
Environmental Sciences
John W. Scott, Andrew Turner, Andres F. Prada, Linduo Zhao
Summary: This study demonstrates that consumer plastics containing TiO2 for coloration or tinting purposes, when not designed for exterior use (lacking encapsulation or antioxidants), might experience accelerated weathering in the marine environment, with additives that promote photoactivity playing a significant role in plastic persistence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Celine Moreira, Richard Lloyd, Gavin Hill, Florence Huynh, Ana Trufasila, Faith Ly, Hasan Sawal, Christopher Wallis
Summary: This study combines laboratory analysis and outdoor exposure testing to investigate the chemical and physical changes in polyethylene films. By utilizing molecular weight and IR spectroscopic mapping analysis, the formation of polyethylene microparticles or waxes is elucidated. Parallel testing in Florida and France correlates laboratory findings to real-world outdoor exposure timeframes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chao Chen, Xinghua Pang, Qian Chen, Min Xu, Yinlong Xiao, Jun Wu, Yanzong Zhang, Yan Liu, Lulu Long, Gang Yang
Summary: This study observed the temporal changes in the adsorption mechanism of tetracycline (TC) by polystyrene (PS) and found that the pseudo-second-order model accurately predicted the adsorption kinetics. The isothermal adsorption processes followed the Freundlich model, but their interactions weakened at lower temperatures or increasing salinities. The adsorption of TC was largely pH-dependent, with the maximum adsorbed TC content on the PS surface at a pH of 5. Mechanistic studies revealed that TC complexes with aged PS were controlled by hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Peiyao Dong, Wenhui Qiu, Xin He, Yong Zhang, Chunmiao Zheng
Summary: This study conducted experiments and modeling analysis on four commonly used sulfonamide antibiotics, revealing different migration orders and influences in porous media by calcium ions and humic acid. Despite similar molecular structures, these antibiotics showed significant differences in adsorption and transport characteristics.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fan Ding, Manglai Gao
Summary: This review systematically expounds wettability and its related applications in enhanced oil recovery, organic contaminant adsorption, and oil/water separation, summarizing the influencing factors, altering methods, and roles in different scenarios. Alteration of wettability plays a crucial role in the recovery of oil, adsorption of organic contaminants, and efficient separation of oil from water in various applications.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lauren N. Pincus, Ajith Pattammattel, Denis Leshchev, Kewei Zhao, Eli Stavitski, Yong S. Chu, Satish C. B. Myneni
Summary: As plastics degrade in the environment, chemical oxidation leads to the formation of inorganic coatings on their surface by adsorbing minerals and forming minerals in situ. These inorganic coatings have negative implications for plastic fate, hindering recycling efforts and increasing the potential for plastic to adsorb contaminants. Characterization of inorganic coatings formed on weathered polyethylene using various techniques revealed a heterogeneous distribution of elements and speciation, including common soil inorganics such as iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, aluminosilicates, and carbonates.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Deborah Cristina Crominski da Silva Medeiros, Christopher Nzediegwu, Chelsea Benally, Selamawit Ashagre Messele, Jin-Hyeob Kwak, M. Anne Naeth, Yong Sik Ok, Scott X. Chang, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: Biochar has been extensively studied as an adsorbent for removing contaminants from wastewater. It has unique characteristics that make it effective in pollutants removal. Various mechanisms, such as precipitation, surface complexation, and ion exchange, contribute to the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants. The production and modification of biochar can enhance its adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into biochar wastewater remediation systems is proposed.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Omid Moradi, Iman Daneshmand Sharabaf
Summary: In this study, the porous metal-organic framework MIL-88B was synthesized and characterized, and its modified form NH2-MIL-88B was found to have a higher adsorption capacity than MIL-88B. The experiments showed that NH2-MIL-88B had high adsorption capacity for direct red dye 23 at lower pH values and complete removal of dye was achieved under optimal conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chih-Feng Chen, Yun-Ru Ju, Yee Cheng Lim, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: The study in Taiwan found that microplastic abundance in harbor regions was higher than in coastal regions, with small colored particles dominating. The diversity index indicated higher microplastic diversity in harbor regions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruihan Liu, Yanhua Wang, Yanni Yang, Lezu Shen, Bei Zhang, Zhibao Dong, Chanjuan Gao, Baoshan Xing
Summary: In the aquatic environment, oxygen-containing microplastics have the potential to act as carriers for hydrophilic organic compounds. The adsorption of these compounds on the microplastics is influenced by factors such as surface morphology, size, oxygen content, and surface charge. The main adsorption mechanisms include hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and electrostatic interaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luana Freire da Silva, Sanye Soroldoni, Felipe Kessler, Andreia Neves Fernandes, Grasiela Lopes Leaes Pinho
Summary: This study investigated the influence of environmental factors (UV radiation and salinity) on the degradation process of microplastics (MPs). The results showed that different polymers underwent changes in surface properties, chemical composition, and thermal characteristics after photodegradation. Saline medium increased the crystallinity index and the formation of new chemical bonds in certain samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannah Ray, Francois Perreault, Treavor H. Boyer
Summary: Ammonia is a critical compound used in the production of various industrial products, but it is also a pollutant in wastewater. This study successfully recovered ammonia from urine using reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, with low process cost and economic value.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Edgardo Cruces, Nicolas Arancibia-Miranda, Karen Manquian-Cerda, Francois Perreault, Nanthi Bolan, Manuel Ignacio Azocar, Victor Cubillos, Jaime Montory, Maria Angelica Rubio, Binoy Sarkar
Summary: This study aims to understand how properties of modified aluminosilicate geomaterials influence the antibacterial performance of nanocomposites when prepared with bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). The research found that different geomaterials resulted in different crystal phases and distributions of Cu/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles, with zeolite achieving a more uniform distribution and lower oxidation and agglomeration, thereby enhancing antibacterial activity.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eva Gil, Xiaochuan Huang, Kuichang Zuo, Jun Kim, Susana Rincon, Jose Maria Rivera, Kiarash Ranjbari, Francois Perreault, Pedro Alvarez, Alejandro Zepeda, Qilin Li
Summary: In this study, a modified ultrafiltration membrane using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) showed significantly improved water permeability and resistance to natural organic matter (NOM) fouling without sacrificing membrane selectivity. The modification involved incorporating a water-stable nanocrystalline MOF-Co into the membrane. This research highlights the potential of MOFs as excellent additives for enhancing membrane performance.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Kiarash Ranjbari, Wey Lyn Lee, Ali Ansari, Ana C. Barrios, Fariya Sharif, Rafiqul Islam, Francois Perreault
Summary: This study focuses on the in-situ nucleation of silver nanoparticles on stainless steel to provide localized antibacterial action for biofouling control. Two different passivation approaches were compared, and it was found that sulfidized AgNPs exhibited the highest bacterial inactivation and were the preferred strategy for controlling biofilm formation on the stainless steel surfaces.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hojung Rho, Pingfeng Yu, Zhe Zhao, Chung-Seop Lee, Kangmin Chon, Francois Perreault, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Gary Amy, Paul Westerhoff
Summary: Biofouling on membrane surfaces is a problem for desalination and wastewater reuse. Ultraviolet (UV) light can control biofilm growth, but delivering light to membrane surfaces is challenging. Nano-enabled optical fibers emitting UV light from LEDs can disinfect and oxidize. We used these fibers as spacers on RO membranes and found that UV-C fibers were more effective in preventing biofouling than UV-A fibers.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Yusi Li, Elisabeth R. Thomas, Mariana Hernandez Molina, Stewart Mann, W. Shane Walker, Mary Laura Lind, Francois Perreault
Summary: Pervaporation is a membrane desalination process that can handle water with higher total dissolved solids. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), silica/silicate, graphene oxide (GO), and zeolite are commonly used materials for synthesizing pervaporation desalination membranes. PVA is the most common material with high permeance. The surface free energies of different materials were evaluated to analyze the scaling/fouling propensity of the membranes, indicating that materials with higher hydrophilicity may be beneficial for high-efficiency pervaporation desalination in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Indu Venu Sabaraya, Xintong Li, Francois Perreault, Andrei Dolocan, Jean Anne C. Incorvia, Mary Jo Kirisits, Navid B. B. Saleh
Summary: This study evaluated the transformation and effects of water treatment membranes and transistors enabled with MoS2 in complex landfill conditions. The results showed that MoS2-enabled devices did not undergo major chemical decay in the landfill and the complex environment resisted changes in microbial diversity upon exposure to MoS2. Further studies are needed to assess the potential effects of high concentrations of MoS2 on leachate microbiome.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ashton Collins, Mohamed Ateia, Kartik Bhagat, Tsutomu Ohno, Francois Perreault, Onur Apul
Summary: This study analyzed the surface interactions and leachate production of six microplastics under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The results showed that UV irradiation caused the release of organic matter from the surface of microplastics, with polystyrene and resin coated polystyrene producing the most leachate. The differences in leachate formation for different polymers were attributed to their chemical makeup and their interaction with UV. These findings suggest that leachate formation is an important source of organic compound influx to natural waters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamed E. A. Ali, Rayan Alghanayem, Aislinn Varela, Marion Bellier, Francois Perreault
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using air microbubbles (MB) for scaling mitigation in membrane distillation (MD) processes. The addition of MB was found to reduce membrane scaling and prevent salt crystal formation on the membrane surface. The effectiveness of scaling mitigation by MB was dependent on the MD operating conditions, with better performance at lower feed temperatures and flow rates. Continuous MB injection was more effective than a periodic on/off MB regime, emphasizing the prevention of scaling rather than dislodging of the scaling layer.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohamed E. A. Ali, Shimaa Elbakry, Moustafa Aboelfadl, Hosam Shawky, Qilin Li, Francois Perreault
Summary: Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technique for high water recovery in desalination. In this study, carbon black (CB) was used as a nanophotonic material to enhance MD performance. Different coating procedures were investigated to form a uniform layer of CB particles on PTFE and PVDF membranes. The coated membranes showed increased hydrophilicity and improved permeate flux and salt rejection. The PTFE membrane coated with 0.5% CB exhibited the highest water flux of 14.6 LMH compared to the commercial control with a flux of 8.0 LMH. The results suggested that the CB coating can enhance the performance of MD membranes.
JOURNAL OF COATINGS TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Dilara Hatinoglu, Francois Perreault, Onur G. Apul
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) can carry organic pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Therefore, it is important to understand the adsorptive interactions between MPs and PFAS in natural waters. This study developed a predictive model for the adsorption of PFAS by MPs using a subset of ionizable perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) and provided insights into the factors affecting their adsorption. The results showed that the polarizability and hydrophobicity of anionic PFCA were the most significant contributors to their adsorption by MPs, while van der Waals interactions between PFCA and water decreased their binding affinity. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of linear solvation energy relationships (LSER) for predicting the adsorption of ionizable PFAS by MPs after accounting for their ionization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana C. Barrios, Onur G. Apul, Francois Perreault
Summary: Bromide forms toxic disinfection by-products during disinfection, and current bromide removal technologies are often non-specific and costly due to naturally occurring competing anions. A silver-impregnated graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite with increased selectivity towards bromide was developed, reducing the amount of silver needed for removal. The nanocomposite showed good bromide removal even under anionic competition, and the adsorption mechanism was found to be more selective than traditional silver-based methods. These findings provide strategies for designing efficient and selective adsorbents for bromide removal in water treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Crane, Hannah Ray, Francois Perreault, Treavor H. Boyer
Summary: This study utilized reverse osmosis and nanofiltration to selectively recover urea from fresh human urine, and pH adjustment was used to stabilize urea permeation and ion rejection. Microfiltration pretreatment was effective in reducing membrane fouling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alec B. Nienhauser, Mahmut S. Ersan, Zunhui Lin, Francois Perreault, Paul Westerhoff, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: The electrochemical oxidation with boron-doped diamond electrode was studied for the removal of six legacy perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in semiconductor fabrication wastewaters. The degradation kinetics decreased with decreasing carbon length in single-solute systems. The presence of PFAS in the solution affected the potential affinity for PFAS on the electrode surface. The wettabiltiy of the electrode surface increased with longer chain length and decreased with increasing PFAS concentration. PFASs with a sulfonated head group degraded faster than their carboxylic counterparts. The presence of surfactants in the wastewater reduced the degradation efficiency. However, multi-solute solutions had higher degradation rates compared to single-solute PFAS systems. Real wastewater containing PFASs could be efficiently treated using electrochemical oxidation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)