Article
Environmental Sciences
Chi-fong Ko, Yi-Chen Yang, Jennifer Ia Wen Wen Liu, Yang-hsin Shih
Summary: This study focused on the thermal treatment of PBDE-contaminated soil, with the optimal conditions determined to be heating at 450 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes with a heating rate of 10 degrees Celsius per minute. Through this method, BDE-209 was successfully removed from the soil to below detection limits, indicating the feasibility of remediating PBDE-contaminated soil through thermal treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kike Oloruntoba, Omotayo Sindiku, Oladele Osibanjo, Christine Herold, Roland Weber
Summary: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. Improper handling and disposal of e-waste in developing countries can lead to PBDE contamination. A study in Nigeria found high levels of PBDE in soil and edible plants near dumpsites, indicating potential risks to the food chain and human health. Better management of end-of-life products containing PBDEs is needed to reduce exposure risk in Africa.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aalekhya Reddam, Andreas Sjodin, Whitney Cowell, Richard Jones, Shuang Wang, Frederica Perera, Julie B. Herbstman, Allison Kupsco
Summary: This study found associations between exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and birth outcomes in a cohort of Dominican and African American newborns, mainly affecting birth weight and length.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinsong Xue, Qingqing Xiao, Min Zhang, Dan Li, Xiaofei Wang
Summary: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardants found in various materials. They have been detected in soil, air, water, dust, and animal tissues, and are associated with a range of toxic effects on different organ systems. Understanding the mechanisms and potential toxicity of PBDEs is important for developing effective prevention strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naomi Azar, Linda Booij, Gina Muckle, Tye E. Arbuckle, Jean R. Seguin, Elizabeth Asztalos, William D. Fraser, Bruce P. Lanphear, Maryse F. Bouchard
Summary: The study found that prenatal exposure to background levels of PBDEs, especially BDE-47, was associated with lower IQ scores in boys, but not in girls. This suggests that exposure to PBDEs during early development may have a sex-dependent and detrimental effect on a child's neurodevelopmental trajectory.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer Ia Wen Wen Liu, Yu-Jie Lin, Chi-Fong Ko, Jiann-yuan Ding, Yang-hsin Shih
Summary: A farm in Taoyuan, Taiwan has been contaminated with decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) for over 10 years, posing a hazardous risk to humans. The study investigates thermal treatment as a method to remove BDE-209 from soil. While heating to 450 degrees C for 30 minutes effectively removes BDE-209, it also reduces soil organic matter, damages microbial biomass, and affects revegetation. By using sugarcane bagasse as an amendment, soil fertility can be restored and bacterial composition improved, making it a promising method for sustainable remediation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mantong Jin, Shunfei Zhang, Jiaqi He, Zhuhao Lu, Shanshan Zhou, Nanxi Ye
Summary: The study investigated PBDE contamination in the microenvironment of family automobiles in Hangzhou City, China. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was found to be the major component, primarily sourced from volatile polyurethanes in seat covers and foot pads. Infants and toddlers were most exposed to PBDEs, with BDE-47 and -99 posing the primary health risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Neng Wang, Cui Lai, Fuhang Xu, Danlian Huang, Mingming Zhang, Xuerong Zhou, Mengyi Xu, Yixia Li, Ling Li, Shiyu Liu, Xinyu Huang, Jinxin Nie, Hanxi Li
Summary: Due to widespread production and use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in China, their potential impact on human health development should not be underestimated. A review of the literature found that PBDEs and NBFRs enter the aquatic environment through atmospheric deposition, surface runoff, sewage effluent, and microplastic decomposition. The distribution of these compounds in the aquatic environment is highly correlated with local economic structure and population density. Additionally, risk assessment showed high-risk areas are often located in coastal areas with e-waste dismantling sites, mainly due to the historical legacy of electronic waste.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingbing Sun, Jing Liu, Yu-Qi Zhang, Kenneth M. Y. Leungb, Eddy Y. Zeng
Summary: This study found that PBDEs in microplastics can leach upon ingestion, but the leaching kinetics of inherent contaminants from ingested microplastics are poorly understood. Although the bioaccumulation of PBDEs in fish oil can be accelerated in the gastrointestinal tract, the steady-state concentrations of PBDEs in cod tissue lipid through ingestion of microplastics were found to be below the lower end of the global PBDE concentration, suggesting that ingestion of microplastics by organisms remains a negligible pathway.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruixue Guo, Yumeng Qi, Beibei Li, Nannan Wu, Jie Tian, Zunyao Wang, Ruijuan Qu
Summary: This study systematically investigates the degradation kinetics and mechanisms of two common PBDEs congeners on biomass under sunlight irradiation conditions. It reveals the highest photodegradation rate on specific types of biomass and highlights the involvement of hydroxyl H in lignin from biomass in the formation of primary products.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Binxu Liu, Ningning Song, Tao Jiang, Juan Wu, Lei Zhang, Wei Ge, Chao Chai
Summary: The study investigated the distribution, congener patterns, possible sources, and ecological risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the surface sediments of 20 fishing ports along the coast of Bohai Sea. The results showed that BDE-209 was the dominant congener and high concentrations of PBDEs were found near Liaohe River, Haihe River, manufacturing plants of BFRs near Laizhou Bay, and tipping areas of marine garbage.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xuehui Xu, Meiying Liu, Yufei Zhang, Yuexin Zhang
Summary: Although research on the toxic effects of PBDEs on animals has made progress, their phytotoxicity to plants, particularly low and medium brominated PBDE congeners, has been overlooked. This study found that PBDEs inhibited seed germination, root and shoot elongation, and seedling biomass of maize in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest inhibition rate occurring at 15 mg L-1. PBDE exposure induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in maize roots, as evidenced by increased levels of MDA and g-H2AX. Additionally, PBDEs increased the production of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the roots, with BDE-99 causing the most severe damage and ROS generation.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hongyu Li, Yunxue Li, Bushra Maryam, Zhiyong Ji, Jun Sun, Xianhua Liu
Summary: The combined toxicity of microplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) poses a significant threat to aquaculture and food safety, affecting the health and gene expression of farmed fishes.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lai-Xin Liu, Ru-Rong Gu, Yang Jin, Xue-Qin Chen, Xu-Wen Li, Yue-Ming Zheng, Zhao-Bing Gao, Yue-Wei Guo
Summary: Natural polybrominated diphenyl ethers have various biological activities. In this study, five polybrominated diphenyl ether natural products and 30 new derivatives were synthesized and their activities were studied, which may contribute to the discovery of new marine polybrominated diphenyl ether derived drugs.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Liu, Na Liu, Huijie Lu, Wenkui Yuan, Lizhong Zhu
Summary: This study revealed the mechanism of how polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) affect rice, and identified fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) as the target protein of 2, 2 ', 4, 4 '-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47). It combined novel chemoproteomics with conventional proteomics to investigate the direct interaction between organic pollutants and proteins.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yunqiang Yi, Zhexi Huang, Baizhou Lu, Jingyi Xian, Eric Pokeung Tsang, Wen Cheng, Jianzhang Fang, Zhanqiang Fang
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunqiang Yi, Guoquan Tu, Pokeung Eric Tsang, Zhanqiang Fang
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yunqiang Yi, Guoquan Tu, Dongye Zhao, Pokeung Eric Tsang, Zhanqiang Fang
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nuanqin Zhang, Eric Pokeung Tsang, Kuang Wang, Jianzhang Fang, Yaowei Li, Guangying Zhou, Zhanqiang Fang
Summary: By modifying Cu2O with iron-nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes, the study demonstrates ultrahigh catalytic performance in the activation of peroxymonopersulfate to degrade fluconazole, as well as reducing the acute biotoxicity of various recalcitrant pollutants. This research not only enhances the reactivity and applicability of PMS activators, but also proposes a new reaction mechanism for the fluconazole degradation pathway.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Na Li, Guang-Guo Ying, Huachang Hong, Eric Po Keung Tsang, Wen-Jing Deng
Summary: The study found that children in Hong Kong are exposed to various plasticizers and their alternatives, with high concentrations of t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP) and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP). Compared to Japanese and German children, the concentrations of phthalate metabolites in Hong Kong children were lower. Bisphenol analogs play a significant role in the exposure pathways of children in Hong Kong.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yunqiang Yi, Guoquan Tu, Guangguo Ying, Zhanqiang Fang, Eric Pokeung Tsang
Summary: The study successfully synthesized magnetic biochar from stainless steel pickling waste liquor and rice straw, with high specific surface area and adsorption capacity for crystal violet. The material exhibited good adsorption efficiency and maintained high performance even after multiple adsorption-regeneration cycles.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhexi Huang, Yunqiang Yi, Nuanqin Zhang, Pokeung Eric Tsang, Zhanqiang Fang
Summary: After ball milling treatment, the adsorption capacity of magnetic biochar for fluconazole was significantly improved, with the maximum adsorption capacity approximately five times higher than that of pristine magnetic biochar. This enhancement in adsorptive performance was mainly attributed to an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunqiang Yi, Fangying Kou, Pokeung Eric Tsang, Zhanqiang Fang
Summary: This study introduced sodium borohydride as a co-milling additive to enhance the mechanochemical degradation of BDE209-contaminated soil, achieving a removal efficiency of approximately 100% with 2 h of ball milling. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the main degradation intermediates and degradation pathway of BDE209. The findings suggest that sodium borohydride-assisted mechanochemistry is a concurrent process of stepwise and multistage debromination.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Long Zhou, Zheng Li, Yunqiang Yi, Eric Pokeung Tsang, Zhanqiang Fang
Summary: This review provides a progress report on the significant developments in electron selectivity (ES) of nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) over the past decade, including the definition of ES, quantification approaches, factors affecting ES, and latest techniques for increasing ES.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theresa Wing Ling Lam, Yui Chain Jade Tsui, Lincoln Fok, Lewis Ting On Cheung, Eric Po Keung Tsang, John Chi-Kin Lee
Summary: This study explores household decarbonizing cooling behavior by applying an emotional extension of the theory of planned behavior. The results show that subjective norms have the most significant influence, followed by affective connection to nature and negative anticipated emotions. Attitude towards the behavior and perceived behavioral control were found to have a non-significant effect on behavioral intention.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jing Liu, Wen-Jing Deng, Guang-Guo Ying, Eric P. K. Tsang, Hua-Chang Hong
Summary: The study found that multiple antibiotics were widely distributed in rivers and seawater in Hong Kong, with tetracyclines being the most commonly used. Antibiotic concentrations in seawater were lower compared to river water, possibly due to pollution from nearby rivers. Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin posed medium to high ecological risks in most places.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Liu, Li-Xin Hu, Wen-Jing Deng, Guang-Guo Ying, Huachang Hong, Eric P. K. Tsang, Damia Barcelo
Summary: Increased disinfection efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to elevated concentrations of disinfectants in sewage and surface runoff in Hong Kong, resulting in the generation of toxic disinfection byproducts. Our study found various disinfection byproducts in rivers and seawater in Hong Kong, with bromoform posing the highest risk to aquatic organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Chun-Leung Kwok, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Pui-Yu Ho, Shek-Man Yiu, Vonika Ka-Man Au, Wing-Kei Ho, Po-Keung Tsang, Jing Xiang, Chi-Fai Leung, Chi-Chiu Ko
Summary: In this study, it was discovered that by introducing substituents with different electronic properties into iminopyridine complexes, the catalytic efficiency of water reduction catalysts can be enhanced. Under visible light conditions, these catalysts can photochemically reduce water to produce hydrogen in aqueous acetonitrile.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baizhou Lu, Zhanqiang Fang, Pokeung Eric Tsang, Jinhua Wu
Summary: In this study, guava leaf extract (GLE) was used as a green promoter to enhance the traditional zero-valent iron Fenton-like (ZVI/H2O2) process. The removal rate and k(obs) of norfloxacin by the ZVI/H2O2/GLE system were significantly increased compared to the ZVI/H2O2 system. Mechanism investigation showed that the attack of reactive oxygen species and the promotion of reactive oxygen species generations were the main factors contributing to the improved reactivity. This study provides an important reference for the practical application of guava leaf in promoting the ZVI/H2O2 process in environmental pollution control.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chun Leung Kwok, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Pui-Yu Ho, Shek-Man Yiu, Wai-Lun Man, Vonika Ka-Man Au, Po-Keung Tsang, Chi-Fai Leung, Chi-Chiu Ko, Marc Robert
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth Alvarez-Chavez, Stephane Godbout, Mylene Genereux, Caroline Cote, Alain N. Rousseau, Sebastien Fournel
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of alternative filtering materials and bed aeration on the retention of nutrients and fecal bacteria in woodchip bedded stand-off pads for cows. The results showed that the alternative biofilters were more efficient in removing COD, SS, TN, and NO3-N, while conventional biofilters were more efficient for PO4-P removal. Aeration did not have a significant effect under the tested temperature conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yike Zhang, Zengyi Ma, Zhuoting Fang, Yuandong Qian, Zhiping Huang, Yilong Ye, Jianhua Yan
Summary: This study investigates the application of oxygen enrichment melting technology in the melting of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. The results demonstrate that oxygen enrichment technology can reduce energy consumption and operating costs, as well as decrease pollution emissions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liangang Xiao, Mingkai Leng, Philip Greenwood, Rongqin Zhao, Zhixiang Xie, Zengtao You, Junguo Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of grazing exclusion on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and vegetation recovery. It finds that grazing exclusion can increase the potential for SOC accumulation, and higher annual precipitation is positively correlated with SOC accumulation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beatrice Cantoni, Jessica Ianes, Beatrice Bertolo, Selena Ziccardi, Francesco Maffini, Manuela Antonelli
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of ozonation and adsorption as in-series processes compared to standalone processes for the removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in drinking water. The combination of both processes proves to be more effective than adsorption and ozonation alone. Ozonation improves the adsorption performance of poorly-oxidizable CECs but worsens that of well-oxidizable compounds. This research highlights the importance of considering both processes in the removal of CECs in drinking water treatment plants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Li, Bingjun Liu, Yang Lu, Jianyu Fu
Summary: A new Standardized compound Drought and Saltwater intrusion Index (SDSI) was developed to detect changes in the severity of CDSEs in six estuaries. The study found that saltwater intrusion plays a dominant role in influencing SDSI severity, and CDSEs vary in frequency, duration and severity among different estuaries.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong-Qiang Li, Rui Sun, Chong-Miao Zhang, Zi-Xuan Liu, Rui-tao Chen, Jian Zhao, Hua-dong Gu, Huan-Cai Yin
Summary: In this study, an electron beam excitation multi-wavelength ultraviolet (EBE-MW-UV) system was established and found to have significantly higher microbial inactivation effects compared to single-wavelength UV-LEDs in water. Mechanism analysis revealed that EBE-MW-UV damaged microbial DNA and proteins, and generated additional reactive oxygen species, leading to microbial inactivation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaili Ma, Xinxin Han, Qiujuan Li, Yu Kong, Qiaoli Liu, Xu Yan, Yahong Luo, Xiaopin Li, Huiyang Wen, Zhiguo Cao
Summary: This study reveals that the use of a tryptophan-degrading microbial consortium (TDC) can enhance the hydrolysis efficiency of waste activated sludge (WAS), increasing the yield and quality of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improving the solubilization and release of organic substances from WAS.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ling Xiong, Rui Li
Summary: Incorporating Ecosystem Service Value (ESV) into land use planning can provide informed land management decisions. This study evaluates the ESV of Guizhou Province in China's karst region. The results show an increase in total ESV over the past two decades due to ecological restoration projects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Geetha Jenifel
Summary: This article discusses the importance of water and the pollution of freshwater resources, and introduces the use of machine learning models and blockchain technology to predict and protect water quality.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stanslaus Terengia Materu, Taotao Chen, Chang Liu, Daocai Chi, Meng Jun
Summary: The study showed that H2SO4-modified biochar can reduce P leaching, increase soil available P, and enhance plant P uptake in alternate wetting and drying irrigation systems. Biochar additions B20A and IAWDB20A-M were effective in improving yield, reducing P leaching, and increasing APB.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amir Nouri, Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh, Sirus Zinadini, Mark Van Loosdrecht
Summary: This study focuses on the development of an air-lift bio-electrochemical reactor (ALBER) with a continuous feeding regime to enhance nitrogen removal from synthetic wastewater. The effect of temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT), N -NH+4 /TN ratio, and current density on the reactor performance was investigated, and the ALBER achieved a maximum TN removal of 73%. The results suggest that the ALBER has potential for treating industrial wastewater at low temperatures.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peifang Wang, Guoxiang You, Yang Gao, Juan Chen, Xun Wang, Chao Wang
Summary: This study investigated the ecological processes of microbial communities and N- and P-transformation processes in multistage agricultural drainage ditches. The results showed that the microbial communities were co-shaped by agricultural practices and ditch size, which further governed the N and P removal performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaofeng Niu, Huan Wang, Tao Wang, Peiyu Zhang, Huan Zhang, Hongxia Wang, Xianghong Kong, Songguang Xie, Jun Xu
Summary: Microorganisms play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance, and environmental stressors can affect the assembly processes of microbial communities. The study found that different stressors have opposite effects on microbial community assembly in water and sediment, and warming has different influences compared to herbicides and nutrients.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuqing Tan, Qiming Cheng, Fengwei Lyu, Fei Liu, Linhao Liu, Yihong Su, Shaochun Yuan, Wenyu Xiao, Zhen Liu, Yao Chen
Summary: The exacerbation of global warming, extreme weather events, and rapid urbanization have led to increased flooding in urban areas. China has adopted sponge city as an efficient means of preventing and controlling urban floods. Using a SWMM-FVCOM model, the hydrological reduction and control effect of sponge city construction (SPCC) within a university campus were evaluated. The study found that implementing SPCC effectively mitigates surface runoff and reduces the severity of urban flooding. However, the efficacy of runoff control decreases with longer rainfall return periods.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhonghan Chen, Qiuyan Li, Shibo Yan, Juan Xu, Qiaoyun Lin, Zhuangming Zhao, Ziying He
Summary: Tidal rivers are important biochemical reaction channels, receiving carbon from wastewater and agricultural drains, affecting CO2 emissions. Through modeling and data analysis, researchers explored carbon distribution, emissions, and greenhouse effects, emphasizing the potential of river management to change global CO2 emissions under climate change.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
