Article
Engineering, Chemical
Clara Skuse, Raphael Ricardo Zepon Tarpani, Patricia Gorgojo, Alejandro Gallego-Schmid, Adisa Azapagic
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO)-enhanced membranes can effectively reduce the environmental impacts of seawater desalination via reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane distillation (MD) technologies. The study shows that using GO-enhanced membranes in RO systems can decrease the impacts by 3-7% and avoid the release of 380-850 kt CO2 eq. per year globally. The MD-GO scenarios have 27-34% lower impacts compared to MD scenarios. However, using solar-thermal energy instead of natural gas in MD desalination would lead to even lower impacts in nine categories than RO powered predominantly by fossil fuels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haroon R. Mian, Guangji Hu, Kasun Hewage, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Rehan Sadiq
Summary: Due to population growth, urbanization, water contamination, and climate change, global water resources are facing increasing pressure. This study developed an integrated framework combining life cycle thinking and water quality assessment techniques to evaluate the performance of drinking water management strategies in terms of water quality, environment, and economics. The findings from the case study showed variations in environmental impacts, water pollution, and economic costs among different drinking water management strategies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mostafa Dadashi Firouzjaei, Srinivasa Kartik Nemani, Mohtada Sadrzadeh, Evan K. Wujcik, Mark Elliott, Babak Anasori
Summary: In this study, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of MXenes was performed, revealing that electricity usage is the most significant factor contributing to environmental impacts, while chemical usage has a smaller impact. The results indicate that the synthesis of MXene can be made more sustainable by using renewable energy and recycled resources.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Andrea Carboni, Danielle L. Slomberg, Mohammad Nassar, Catherine Santaella, Armand Masion, Jerome Rose, Melanie Auffan
Summary: Mesocosms have emerged as a useful tool for studying the environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials over the past decade. Study results show that mesocosm size, experiment duration, and indoor/outdoor location play major roles in defining the distribution of ENMs/metals. While benthic communities may face higher exposure levels, planktonic organisms are generally exposed to lower concentrations of potentially more reactive and toxic ENM species.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wei Chen, Jinglan Hong, Chengxin Wang, Lu Sun, Tianzuo Zhang, Yijie Zhai, Qian Zhang
Summary: The study evaluates water availability and degradation caused by gold refining through water footprint assessment, finding that energy consumption and associated pollution have major impacts on human health and ecosystem. Recommendations on energy reduction and adjustment are proposed to mitigate the water footprint generated by gold production.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Angela Maffia, Assunta Maria Palese, Maria Pergola, Gessica Altieri, Giuseppe Celano
Summary: The aim of this research is to assess the sustainability performance of the olive oil supply chain in a typical production area in Southern Italy. The results show that, considering various aspects, the organic system BIO1 is the most sustainable system.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matia Mainardis, Francesca Magnolo, Carmen Ferrara, Charlene Vance, Gloria Misson, Giovanni De Feo, Stijn Speelman, Fionnuala Murphy, Daniele Goi
Summary: This study investigated different management strategies for seagrass valorisation to reduce environmental and economic impact, finding that ecological restoration and anaerobic digestion were the best alternatives in terms of environmental performance. Composting was identified as the best alternative economically due to lower operating costs and higher fertilizer value.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Seda Capa, Alp Ozdemir, Zerrin Gunkaya, Aysun Ozkan, Mufide Banar
Summary: This study examines the effects of industrial wastewater treatment and water recovery processes on the environment using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Life Cycle Cost methodologies. The results show that the electricity consumption is the main factor impacting the environment, and the water recovery process has significant benefits in reducing certain impact categories. The study suggests that industrial parks should establish appropriate energy policies to improve the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Shibao Lu, Yue Jiang, Weisheng Deng, Xu Meng
Summary: This study used the life cycle assessment method to calculate the water footprint of China's northern coal base from 2006 to 2015. The results showed that while energy production is increasing, the water footprint of most coal basins is decreasing due to a decrease in unit yield water footprint. Over the past 10 years, the modified water stress index associated with the outflow of virtual water has also shown a significant upward trend, with six coal basins reaching a moderate pressure level. By 2020, the total water footprint of nine coal basins will reach 1.57 billion m(3), while the predicted area can only supply 1.19 billion m(3) of water resources. The water resources needed for the development of Ningdong and Hami in 2020 will be severely insufficient, so the development strategy should be adjusted to ensure water safety for the bases.
Article
Water Resources
B. Flem, L. Stalsberg, A. Seither
Summary: This study analyzes the national groundwater management systems in Norway and Sweden and their implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), with emphasis on international river basin districts and transborder cooperation. The findings offer recommendations for authorities and policy-makers on how to improve transboundary groundwater management.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hisham Hafez, Rawaz Kurda, Nadia Al-Ayish, Tatiana Garcia-Segura, Wai Ming Cheung, Brabha Nagaratnam
Summary: The paper studied concrete sustainability assessment frameworks and developed a new multi-criteria decision analysis framework, ECO2. ECO2 can optimize concrete mix proportions based on user-defined sustainability objectives and consider environmental impacts over the entire life cycle.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liping Dai
Summary: The study finds that effective water cooperation between Israel and Palestine is unlikely in the future due to political tensions, technological constraints, differing perceptions of water value, mistrust, lack of enforcement mechanisms, and domestic political influences.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huda Majid Al Zarkani, Toufic Mezher, Mutasem El-Fadel
Summary: The dependence on the petroleum industry is still evident despite the advancements and market penetration of renewable technologies, due to the increase in global energy demand. Minimizing the environmental impacts associated with the petroleum industry, especially in terms of industrial residuals, is crucial. This study analyzes and synthesizes the life cycle assessment of waste-wastewater management from the petroleum industry operations, focusing on the sources, types, and current management approaches while highlighting the role of LCA. It identifies literature gaps, such as the lack of studies on the reuse options of PW and the need for regionalized site-specific characterization factors and sensitivity analysis integration.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioannis Souliotis, Nikolaos Voulvoulis
Summary: In accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive, management responses should be developed to improve water quality, enhance ecosystem health, and ensure the effective provision of ecosystem services.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eugeniusz Pronin
Summary: This study compared the assessment of bathing waters in Poland using the Bathing Water Directive and a new method based on chlorophyll-a concentration, which showed that the latter method provided clearer results on water quality. The study also suggested that chlorophyll-a concentration could serve as an additional parameter for assessing the quality of bathing waters and provide information on water ecosystem conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
T. Yasmin, S. Dhesi, I. Kuznetsova, R. Cooper, S. Krause, I. Lynch
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth systematic review of literature to explore the context of water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) sustainability and resilience in refugee communities. The results indicate concerns about the lengthy waiting period for refugees to achieve repatriation/integration into host communities, which is often in the Global South. It emphasizes the need to understand the specific factors and interdependencies in each refugee camp, as 'one-size-fits-all' solutions may not be suitable for different camps.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xi Wu, Xiangyu Wang, Iseult Lynch, Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Lisi Wu, Youxue Deng, Yu Xie, Ping Ning, Nanqi Ren
Summary: By photocatalysis, the passivation layers of Fe-0 were activated into semiconductors and S-scheme heterojunctions were constructed with MoS2, enhancing the efficiency of visible-light degradation of tetracycline.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaini Yang, Xiangyu Wang, Iseult Lynch, Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Lisi Wu, Jun Ma
Summary: An ultra-high NZVI-loaded PAN film with a unique 3D honeycomb structure was successfully designed and demonstrated excellent Cr(VI) removal activity and tolerance to coexisting ions. The film maintained a removal efficiency of over 80% even after long-term use.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changjian Xie, Xiaowei Li, Lisha Hei, Yiqing Chen, Yuling Dong, Shujing Zhang, Shan Ma, Jianing Xu, Qiuxiang Pang, Iseult Lynch, Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang
Summary: In this study, the toxic effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (n-CeO2) on stem cells, tissue regeneration, and neuro-regeneration were investigated using freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica as a model. The study found that n-CeO2 not only disrupted the homeostasis of normal planarians, but also inhibited the regeneration processes of regenerated planarians. Ce3+ exhibited higher toxicity than n-CeO2.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Kukkola, Stefan Krause, Yasmin Yonan, Liam Kelleher, Uwe Schneidewind, Gregory H. Sambrook Smith, Holly Nel, Iseult Lynch
Summary: This article presents a technique for setting up detection limits on any fluorescent microscope using the fluorophore Nile Red for microplastic identification. It also introduces a morphology-specific identification key to reduce subjectivity among researchers. The method establishes detection limits for nine common polymer types and five natural substrates that could result in false-positive signals when using Nile Red. It is applied to real freshwater samples and validated by micro-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy, reducing subjectivity in microplastic identification and enhancing transparency, repeatability, and harmonization in the research community.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Changjian Xie, Evangelos Voyiatzis, Klaus Faserl, Andrew J. Chetwynd, Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh, Georgia Melagraki, Zhiyong Zhang, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Antreas Afantitis, Chunying Chen, Iseult Lynch
Summary: As antimicrobials, graphene materials (GMs) have potential advantages over traditional antibiotics. The antibacterial mechanism of GMs, whether it originates from parallel or perpendicular interactions or a combination of both, remains unclear. This study demonstrates that GMs with high surface oxygen content (SOC) predominantly attach in parallel to bacterial cell surfaces in suspension. The interaction mode shifts to perpendicular when the SOC reaches a threshold of around 0.3. These findings help to understand the different physical mechanisms leading to the antibacterial activity of GMs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pingfan Zhou, Peng Zhang, Mengke He, Yu Cao, Muhammad Adeel, Noman Shakoor, Yaqi Jiang, Weichen Zhao, Yuanbo Li, Mingshu Li, Imran Azeem, Like Jia, Yukui Rui, Xingmao Ma, Iseult Lynch
Summary: The study found that nano hydroxyapatite, iron oxide nanoparticles, and nano zero valent iron can significantly reduce the accumulation of cadmium in rice and promote plant growth. These nanoparticles reduce cadmium content through adsorption and the formation of iron plaques, and alleviate oxidative damage by regulating hormones, metal ion balance, and gene expression. This study provides a theoretical basis for using nanoparticles to reduce cadmium accumulation in edible plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pingfan Zhou, Yaqi Jiang, Muhammad Adeel, Noman Shakoor, Weichen Zhao, Yanwanjing Liu, Yuanbo Li, Mingshu Li, Imran Azeem, Yukui Rui, Zhiqiang Tan, Jason C. White, Zhiling Guo, Iseult Lynch, Peng Zhang
Summary: Nickel (Ni), as a trace element, can improve plant growth and development. A study compared the effects of NiO nanoparticles (n-NiO), NiO bulk (b-NiO), and NiSO4 on soybean growth and nutrition. n-NiO at 50 mg kg-1 significantly increased seed yield by 39% and promoted fatty acid and starch content. n-NiO had long-lasting regulatory effects, and its Ni2+ supply decreased phytotoxicity concerns. Majority of Ni in seeds was in ionic form, with only a small portion as n-NiO.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher Green, Antoaneta Bilyanska, Mags Bradley, Jason Dinsdale, Lorraine Hutt, Thomas Backhaus, Frank Boons, David Bott, Chris Collins, Sarah E. Cornell, Mark Craig, Michael Depledge, Bob Diderich, Richard Fuller, Tamara S. Galloway, Gary R. Hutchison, Nicola Ingrey, Andrew C. Johnson, Rachael Kupka, Peter Matthiessen, Robin Oliver, Stewart Owen, Susan Owens, John Pickett, Sam Robinson, Kerry Sims, Pete Smith, John P. Sumpter, Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally, Mengjiao Wang, Tom Welton, Katherine J. Willis, Iseult Lynch
Summary: Chemicals play a vital role in modern society but their use comes with risks. This study used a Delphi-style approach to identify 15 global chemical threats that should be considered in environmental and chemical policies. The findings highlight the importance of broad thinking, collaboration, and systems approaches to address these challenges, and call for further collaboration between researchers, industry, regulators and policymakers.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia V. Silva, Catia S. A. Santos, Anastasios G. Papadiamantis, Sandra F. Goncalves, Marija Prodana, Rudo A. Verweij, Iseult Lynch, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Susana Loureiro
Summary: This study investigated the toxicokinetics of engineered nanoparticles in Chironomus riparius, showing that absorption of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was higher in the simulating aged form (Ag2S NPs) compared to pristine Ag NPs and AgNO3. Water uptake was the main route of Ag accumulation, and chironomid larvae exhibited a strong ability to accumulate Ag. This is the first study on the toxicokinetics of nanoparticles in Chironomus, providing important insights into their exposure and interactions in the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia V. Silva, Ana Rita R. Silva, Nathaniel J. Clark, Joanne Vassallo, Marta Baccaro, Neja Medve Scek, Magdalena Grgi, Abel Ferreira, Marti Busquets-Fite, Kerstin Jurkschat, Anastasios G. Papadiamantis, Victor Puntes, Iseult Lynch, Claus Svendsen, Nico W. van den Brink, Richard D. Handy, Cornelis A. M. van Gestel, Susana Loureiro
Summary: Mesocosms are useful for simulating realistic scenarios of organism exposure to nanoparticles. An indoor mesocosm experiment was conducted to assess the toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation of silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2S NPs) and AgNO3 in freshwater invertebrates. The study found that single-species tests could not reliably predict bioaccumulation in the more complex mesocosm scenario.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kostas Blekos, Kostas Chairetakis, Iseult Lynch, Effie Marcoulaki
Summary: Efficient and machine-readable representations are necessary for accurately identifying, validating, and communicating information about chemical structures. However, existing standards do not cover the multi-component structures of nanomaterials (NMs) due to the unique challenges posed by their nature. In this study, we propose a set of principles to guide the development of NM representations that facilitate machine processing and cooperation with nanoinformatics tools. We demonstrate how the recently introduced InChI-based NM representation can potentially be expanded to encode morphology, mixture properties, distributions of properties, and auxiliary information for data reuse.
JOURNAL OF CHEMINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangyu Wang, Min Jiang, Iseult Lynch, Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Lisi Wu, Jun Ma
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient composite Fe/Fe2O3@UiO-66 material was constructed by employing an urchin-like core-shell structure of Fe/Fe2O3 onto UiO-66 through a facile ion exchange precipitation method. The urchin-like core-shell configuration extended the life span of Fe0 and produced more active sites, while the addition of Fe2O3 broadened the absorption spectrum and achieved high-efficiency separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs with the load of Fe/Fe2O3. The findings of this research provide a promising method for promoting the catalytic properties of MOF-based materials and Fe/Fe2O3.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Wu, Xiangyu Wang, Iseult Lynch, Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Lisi Wu, Ping Ning, Nanqi Ren
Summary: A novel Z-scheme heterojunction catalyst (Fe0@CQDs-TiO2(b)) was designed by decorating nZVI with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and implanting them into black TiO2 (b-TiO2). This catalyst optimized the band gap of b-TiO2 during the light reaction and enhanced the photo-elimination capacity of metronidazole.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiling Guo, Peng Zhang, Changjian Xie, Evangelos Voyiatzis, Klaus Faserl, Andrew J. Chetwynd, Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh, Georgia Melagraki, Zhiyong Zhang, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Antreas Afantitis, Chunying Chen, Iseult Lynch
Summary: As antimicrobials, graphene materials (GMs) have potential advantages over traditional antibiotics due to their physical mechanisms of action, which reduce the chance of microbial resistance. This study shows that GMs with high surface oxygen content (SOC) primarily attach in parallel to the bacterial cell surface, while the interaction mode shifts to perpendicular when the SOC reaches a certain threshold. The rigidity of GMs is closely related to these distinct interaction modes. By understanding the interaction mode of GMs with bacteria, the antibacterial activity of GMs can be better understood.