Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Sun, Taijun Hang, Ling Cao, Xialei Fan, Youlong Feng, Li Tan, Keyu Li, Qinyi Wang, Yingxiang Liu, Gongjun Yang
Summary: Large quantities of BFRs are produced and consumed in China, leading to high concentrations in the environment; an assessment using Pheretima suggests traditional processing may reduce BFR residues; little risk related to BFR exposure was found for patients taking formulated Pheretima-containing TCMs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Montse Marques, Marti Nadal, Jose L. Domingo
Summary: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a type of brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) that are mainly introduced to the human body through dietary intake. This review discusses recent studies conducted from 2012 to 2022, which show a general trend of decreasing levels of PBDEs in food and consequently, a decrease in dietary intake. The lack of tolerable daily intakes of PBDEs remains a challenge for assessing the human health risks associated with these compounds.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marija Dvorscak, Karla Jagic, Lucija Besednik, Iva Simic, Darija Klincic
Summary: Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is an effective method for extracting organic pollutants from human milk samples. By optimizing extraction conditions such as solvent type and volume, extraction temperature, etc., high-quality extracts can be obtained.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Allison Kupsco, Andreas Sjodin, Whitney Cowell, Richard Jones, Sharon Oberfield, Shuang Wang, Lori A. Hoepner, Dympna Gallagher, Andrea A. Baccarelli, Jeff Goldsmith, Andrew G. Rundle, Julie B. Herbstman
Summary: Data collected from a birth cohort in New York City revealed that prenatal PBDE exposures were not associated with child growth trajectories in Dominican and African American children. The study found no significant impact of cord levels of individual PBDEs or total PBDE mixture on childhood BMIz. Adjusting for postnatal PBDE exposures did not alter the results.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Timothy M. Ullmann, Heng Liang, Hector Mora, Jacques Greenberg, Katherine D. Gray, Jessica Limberg, Dessislava Stefanova, Xin Zhu, Brendan Finnerty, Toni Beninato, Rasa Zarnegar, Irene Min, Thomas J. Fahey
Summary: The study investigated the effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) on thyrocytes. PBDEs demonstrated genotoxicity but not cytotoxicity in follicular thyrocytes in vitro. These findings suggest that PBDEs may have carcinogenic potential in human thyroid cells.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiong Zhang, Jiajun Peng, Anyan Huang, Shukai Zheng, Xiaoling Shi, Boyu Li, Wenlong Huang, Wei Tan, Xin Wang, Kusheng Wu
Summary: Animal studies have shown that exposure to PBDEs can affect lipid balance, and this study investigated the relationship between PBDEs in adipose tissues and blood lipid metabolism in female patients undergoing plastic surgery. The results indicated that certain PBDE congeners were associated with dyslipidemia and blood pressure alteration, and a non-linear relationship was observed between PBDEs and blood lipid levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Han, Jiali Cheng, Lei He, Minna Zhang, Shan Ren, Jiazheng Sun, Xiangyang Xing, Zhenwu Tang
Summary: The study conducted in Tianjin, China, revealed that PBDE concentrations in urban soils have decreased in recent years, primarily originating from local industrial production processes and consumer products. More research is needed to further investigate the changing trend of PBDE pollution and its potential impact on human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rama Shanker Sahu, Yu-huei Peng, Chi-Fong Ko, Tzu-Ho Chou, Hepsiba Niruba Catherine, Chien-ying Yang, Chih-ping Tso, Yuh-fan Su, Yang-hsin Shih
Summary: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of brominated flame retardants, have attracted the attention of researchers due to their persistence in the environment and widespread use in consumer products. Described as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, PBDEs' full understanding regarding their environmental behavior and fate remains elusive.
TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinran Guo, Shaohong Peng, Liwang Jiang, Xiaoning Mo, Yunhong Zhu, Yang Liu, Kaihan Cai, Qingbin Song
Summary: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to environmental pollution and human health risks due to the release of high concentrations of PBDEs. However, recycling waste electronic plastics using solvent processes can help reduce these risks. This study focused on the recycling of HIPS from waste TV sets using d-limonene and n-propanol as solvent and precipitant, respectively. The research investigated the relationship between precipitation conditions and the size of precipitate particles, as well as the effect of these conditions on the removal percentage of PBDEs. The results showed that specific conditions, such as lower HIPS concentration, lower precipitation temperature, higher mass ratio of n-propanol to HIPS solution, and greater stirring speed, can promote the formation of smaller and more uniform precipitate particles, thereby improving the removal percentage of PBDEs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mantong Jin, Ziyu Xu, Shunfei Zhang, Liwei Sun, Jiangfan Wu
Summary: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly found in the environment due to the use of brominated flame retardants. This study detected PBDEs in air, dust, and particulate matter samples from bedrooms in Hangzhou, indicating wide occurrence of PBDE pollution in bedrooms. The concentration of PBDEs was highest in dust, followed by air and particulate matter. The main source of PBDEs in residential environments was identified as mattresses, curtains, and mattresses combined with curtains. The study also found that infants had the highest daily exposure dose of PBDEs in the air and particulate matter phases.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bingmeng Xie, Xueqiong Lin, Kusheng Wu, Jiongyu Chen, Shuyi Qiu, Jianan Luo, Yiteng Huang, Lin Peng
Summary: This study found that certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast adipose tissues are associated with prognostic biomarkers and progression-free survival of breast cancer patients. Further research is needed for confirmation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Wu, Yu Li, Hailin Xiao, Mingli Fu
Summary: The study used a combination of modification and regulation to control PBDE degradation by plants and microorganisms, finding that adding lipophilic groups through modification can enhance degradation efficiency. Molecular docking methods and 3D-QSAR models were employed to design PBDE derivatives for improved degradation, with optimal regulation achieved through supplying an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Chen, Wei Wang, Lizhong Zhu
Summary: This study reveals that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) can be transported from roots to shoots in rice plants through an amino acid transporter, which has important implications for the bioaccumulation and health risks of PBDEs in rice. It identifies lysine histidine transporter (LHT) as the carrier protein for PBDEs and demonstrates the potential co-transport of PBDEs, phenylalanine, and tyrosine by LHT. The study also provides a molecular explanation for the bioaccumulation and translocation of PBDEs in rice plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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
Ying Wang, Xiang Gao, Yinghao Cheng, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Zhaomin Dong, Wenhong Fan
Summary: Due to its unique properties, nano-TiO2 can affect the behavior and toxicity of heavy metals and other pollutants in water. However, the specific impact of nano-TiO2 on the bioaccumulation mechanisms of heavy metals is not yet fully understood. This study utilized quantitative structure bioaccumulation relationship (QSBAR) models to investigate the relationship between physicochemical parameters of heavy metals and their accumulation in Daphnia magna, both in the presence and absence of nano-TiO2 at low metal exposure concentrations. The results revealed that different physicochemical parameters influenced metal bioaccumulation in Daphnia magna. In the absence of nano-TiO2, a Comprehensive Parameter composed of seven parameters was able to describe metal accumulation, while in the presence of nano-TiO2, metal accumulation increased with the Van Der Waals radius of metals. This study demonstrates the changing bioaccumulation mechanism of heavy metals in the presence of nano-TiO2.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Mukit Hossain, Hanwei Yu, Youngwoo Choo, Gayathri Naidu, Dong Suk Han, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study improves the selectivity of lithium ions by modifying the electrode surfaces using the metal-organic framework ZiF-8. The in-situ growth of ZiF-8 on the surface of activated carbon electrodes increases the selectivity of lithium ions compared to bare electrodes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaolei Wang, Xiaoli Zhao, Di Shi, Zhaomin Dong, Xiao Zhang, Weigang Liang, Lingling Liu, Xia Wang, Fengchang Wu
Summary: This study attempted to assess the likelihood of organophosphate esters (OPEs) inducing biological effects in humans by integrating physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models and in vitro bioassays. The total exposure level of OPEs for Chinese residents was determined, and human PBPK models were developed to predict their concentrations in human tissues. The study proposes a new framework to improve health risk assessment of contaminants without sufficient toxicity data and decrease the need for animal experimentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunlong Luo, Ravi Naidu, Cheng Fang
Summary: Raman imaging can directly visualize the adsorption of perchlorate and allow real-time monitoring due to the low Raman activity and minimal interference of water. The enhancement of perchlorate's Raman signal on porous silver enables the monitoring of low-level adsorption.
Review
Fisheries
Nepheronia Jumalon Ogburn, Luchun Duan, Suresh Ramraj Subashchandrabose, Patrick Sorgeloos, Wayne O'Connor, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Ravi Naidu
Summary: Aquaculture, as one of the fastest growing food industry sectors, is facing sustainability challenges due to increasing global population and protein demand. The use of agricultural waste to produce Artemia, a kind of aquatic species, provides an environmentally sustainable solution for supporting aquaculture demand.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Md. Rashidul Islam, Peter Sanderson, Mathew P. Johansen, Timothy E. Payne, Ravi Naidu
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental behavior of beryllium in soil-water systems under different sorption conditions, and found that certain ions and factors such as temperature and concentration can affect the sorption and desorption of beryllium.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Mahbub Kabir, Mst. Mahmoda Akter, Zhenguo Huang, Leonard Tijing, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluates the role of water industries in hydrogen production from a circular economy perspective, providing significant insights for future hydrogen energy development.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sharaniya Roobavannan, Youngwoo Choo, Dai Quyet Truong, Dong Suk Han, Ho Kyong Shon, Gayathri Naidu
Summary: Lithium (Li) is increasing in value due to its use in energy storage devices for electric vehicles. Seawater mining of Li is a sustainable alternative to conventional land mining. In this study, a hybrid nanomaterial, HMO@ZIF, was developed to selectively adsorb Li from seawater. The encapsulation of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) onto hydrogen manganese oxide (HMO) particles led to improved Li uptake through increased surface area, additional functional groups, and zinc ion intercalation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiaxi Jiang, Pema Dorji, Umakant Badeti, Weonjung Sohn, Stefano Freguia, Sherub Phuntsho, Ibrahim El Saliby, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: Human urine is a valuable source of fertilisers, and this study investigated the use of a hybrid MBR and MCDI system for nutrient removal and recovery. The results showed that MCDI effectively removed nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium from the treated urine, and achieved high recovery rates in the concentrated brine. The study further demonstrated the feasibility of using MCDI for nutrient recovery without the need for chemical additives.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Mahbub Kabir, Golam Md. Sabur, Mst. Mahmoda Akter, Sang Yong Nam, Kwang Seop Im, Leonard Tijing, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This paper explores the integration of electrodialysis (ED) technology in the water industries (WIN) for sustainable desalination, resource, and energy recovery. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements and conduct a techno-economic and environmental sustainability analysis. They also discuss the use of ED for energy recovery and assess scaling-up issues based on recent scientific findings. The study offers novel insights for the development of a sustainable closed-loop economy in the water industries.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weonjung Sohn, Jiaxi Jiang, Sherub Phuntsho, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study demonstrates that incorporating biofilm carriers and powdered activated carbon in a membrane bioreactor enhances nitrification rates and reduces hydraulic retention time, resulting in higher energy efficiency and decreased footprint.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. S. Sajna, Tasneem Elmakki, Kira Schipper, Seungwon Ihm, Youngwook Yoo, Byungsung Park, Hyunwoong Park, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This review paper explores the potential of seawater desalination plants to address the increasing demand for water, energy, mineral resources, and foods, particularly in resource-scarce regions. By utilizing seawater and integrating renewable energy sources, these plants can contribute significantly to sustainable development and promote a circular economy.
