Article
Engineering, Environmental
Changhyeon Yoo, Tae-Jun Ko, Jae-Hoon Hwang, Sohrab Alex Mofd, Stephanie Stoll, Brandon Osorto, Lody L. Morillo, Sang Sub G. Han, Kelsey Rodriguez, Jeffrey Lundin, Woo Hyoung Lee, Yeonwoong Jung
Summary: In this study, 2D MoS2-PU sponges were developed and demonstrated their proficiency in environmental applications such as crude oil recovery and seawater desalination. The sponges exhibited excellent photothermal properties and high evaporation rates, providing a new pathway for versatile environmental technologies.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yonghong Song, Lu-An Shi, Hanye Xing, Kun Jiang, Jin Ge, Liang Dong, Yang Lu, Shu-Hong Yu
Summary: By fabricating ferrimagnetic sponges with hydrophobic porous channels, it is possible to remotely heat heavy crude oil, reducing its viscosity and increasing the flow rate into the pores. When equipped with a self-priming pump, continuous recovery of viscous crude oil can be achieved via remote magnetic heating.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuanyang Yan, Miao He, Peizhang Zhou, Xinjuan Zeng, Xiangxuan Huang, Pihui Pi, Shouping Xu, Li Wang, Xiufang Wen
Summary: This study introduces an innovative absorbent material, which is coated with light-absorbing and electrical materials on a sponge surface, endowing it with excellent photothermal and electrothermal properties. The sponge can significantly improve the crude oil absorption rate under sunlight or voltage, making it suitable for crude oil clean-up under various weather conditions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xingwang Wu, Yonggang Lei, Shuhui Li, Jianying Huang, Lin Teng, Zhong Chen, Yuekun Lai
Summary: This study introduces a superhydrophobic/oleophilic carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole coated melamine sponge for fast and efficient cleanup of high-viscosity oil spills on the sea. The novel absorbent can convert light and electricity to heat, significantly reducing the viscosity of crude oil and accelerating absorption rate. With lower cost and fast oil absorption speed, this work provides a new option to tackle large-scale oil spill disasters on the sea surface.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyong Liu, Mengyao Chen, Che Lin, Fuying Li, John Tosin Aladejana, Jiahui Hong, Gang Zhao, Zipeng Qin, Xiaowang Zhu, Weijie Zhang, Dinggui Chen, Xiangfang Peng, Tingjie Chen
Summary: Rapid and efficient clean-up of viscous crude oil spills remains a global challenge. In this study, a solar-heated ink modified plant fiber sponge (PFS@GC@PDMS) was designed as a high-performance absorbent for crude oil clean-up and recovery. The modified sponge exhibited excellent compressibility, hydrophobicity, and oil absorption capacity. It can be used for continuous absorption of oil spills on the water surface.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Biswajit Dehingia, Hemen Kalita
Summary: Water contamination caused by oil spills and industrial waste discharge is a global ecological disaster. The development of a low-cost method for efficient oil-water separation is urgently needed. This study presents a simple and cost-effective approach to fabricate graphene modified melamine sponge (rGO-MS) for efficient oil-water separation. The rGO-MS exhibited excellent hydrophobicity and mechanical integrity, with high absorption capacity for various oils and organic solvents. It also showed high separation efficiency for different types of oil. The use of inexpensive materials and easy fabrication techniques make the large-scale production of rGO-MS economically viable.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinmei He, Yaxin Wu, Guozheng Cao, Lei Shen, Yanqing Lv, Bin Zhang, Jianwei Ge, Mengnan Qu
Summary: This study reports a hydrophobic/oleophilic and photothermal polydopamine (PDA)/FeCo2S4/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated polyurethane (PU) sponge fabricated through chemical polymerization and dip-coating methods. The composite sponge exhibits high hydrophobicity, high absorption capacity for oils and organic liquids, excellent chemical resistance, stable recycling, and outstanding photothermal conversion capability. Furthermore, a method of in situ pumping for uninterrupted recovery of oil spills from the water surface is designed. The PDA/FeCo2S4/PDMS@PU sponge shows great potential as an ideal sorbent candidate for crude oil collection and large-scale oil spill treatment.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lunqiang Jin, Yusha Gao, Yanping Huang, Minghui Ou, Zhen Liu, Xiang Zhang, Chao He, Baihai Su, Weifeng Zhao, Changsheng Zhao
Summary: The development of advanced materials and technologies for the purification of oily wastewater has become a central topic. In this study, a superhydrophobic polyurethane (PU) sponge adsorbent was designed via mussel-inspired coatings, showing outstanding mechanical properties and excellent adsorption of oils and organic solvents.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahsa Khalilifard, Soheila Javadian
Summary: A magnetic superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge was developed by coating functionalized oleic acid Fe3O4 nanoparticles on graphene oxide connected to a commercial polyurethane sponge, which showed high adsorption capacity for organic solvents and oils in water while repelling water with a contact angle of 158 degrees. The magnetic properties of the modified sponge allowed for improved adsorption under exposure to a magnetic field, as well as easy control and recycling with a magnet. This modified sponge proved to be an excellent adsorbent for practical applications in separating oil-polluted water.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao Yang, Bo Wang, Shuai Ma, Jiahuan Qi, Zhenfeng Chen, Yuezhan Feng, Chuntai Liu, Changyu Shen
Summary: A novel multifunctional magnetic sponge (P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS) with outstanding solar/electro-thermal performance was developed for efficient cleanup of viscous crude oil spills. The sponge exhibited superior hydrophobicity and magnetic responsivity, enabling it to be magnetically driven for oil/water separation and easy recycling. It also possessed remarkable solar/Joule heating capability, allowing for the rapid decrease of crude oil viscosity and efficient absorption.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Limei Dong, Junfeng Li, Dan Zhang, Xiuping Chen, Yihao Guan, Zhining Wang, Yiming Li
Summary: In this study, a new strategy coupling a polyurethane (PU) sponge with phase change materials (PCMs) is proposed to realize the efficient utilization of solar energy and crude oil cleanup. The resulting PEG@CNTs/MC/PU/PDMS (named as PEG@CMPP) exhibited excellent photothermal conversion and high absorption capacity for high-viscosity crude oil. The proposed approach integrates the high efficiency of solar-assisted heating and energy-conserving advantage, thereby providing a feasible strategy for highly efficient remediation of viscous crude oil spills.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junfeng Li, Limei Dong, Dan Zhang, Xiuping Chen, Ying Xue, Yihao Guan, Yiming Li
Summary: Efficient recovery of crude oil spills is a great challenge worldwide. Researchers have developed a new phase change material (PCM)-included polyurethane (PU) sponge that can convert and store solar energy, effectively reducing the viscosity of crude oil and absorbing oil under sunlight. This study provides a potential strategy for the efficient utilization of clean energy and treatment of crude oil spills pollution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin Lv, Xin Liu, Ruiying Geng, Xiaoke Hu, Cheng Tang, Qianguo Xing, Jie Guo, Chuanyuan Wang
Summary: The effects of suspended particles (SP) and dispersants on marine oil snow (MOS) formation were investigated through laboratory experiments. The results showed that a concentration of 0.2 g/L SP was more suitable for MOS formation in crude oil and diesel oil. The addition of dispersants stimulated MOS formation, but the effects differed between crude oil and diesel oil.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
M. F. Khalil, Ibrahim El-Boghdady, E. R. Lotfy
Summary: Oil spill recovery using a rotating drum skimmer covered with a sponge layer was investigated experimentally. The results showed that the sponge-covered surface outperformed the standard steel surface in oil recovery, regardless of the viscosity of the collected oil. The porous cover improved the skimmer's performance by absorbing oil. Increasing the oil slick thickness led to a higher recovery rate with the sponge-covered drum compared to the plain steel drum. This study suggests the potential use of different porous sorbent materials to enhance efficiency and oil recovery rate.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lars Schreiber, Blake Hunnie, Ianina Altshuler, Esteban Gongora, Madison Ellis, Christine Maynard, Julien Tremblay, Jessica Wasserscheid, Nathalie Fortin, Kenneth Lee, Gary Stern, Charles W. Greer
Summary: With the ongoing warming of the Arctic Ocean and reduction of sea ice cover, the risk of oil spills and the impact of oil biodegradation in the Arctic are increasing. However, this topic is currently poorly understood. A study conducted in the 1980s revisited two oil spill sites in the Canadian High Arctic and found that residual oil remains present after almost four decades. The presence of residual oil significantly affects microbial communities in sediments, with implications for biodegradation in the short Arctic summers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yi-Yen Tsai, Carlos I. Vazquez, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Ashely K. Garcia, Clarence Le, Priyanka Patel, Mourad Sadqi, Wei-Chun Chin
Summary: This study found that exposures to modified and unmodified dust particles did not show obvious cytotoxicity on A549 cells. Modified particles (MTRD) also had less harmful effects on mucus viscosity with less calcium leaching out, compared to unmodified particles (UCRD). This suggests that modified dust particles may offer better potential for less interference with airway mucus viscosity and clearance.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOPROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chia-Ming Yang, Tzung-Hai Yen, Hui-Ling Liu, Yu-Jing Lin, Po-Yen Lin, Leung Sze Tsui, Chun-Hui Chen, Yu-Ping Chen, Yu-Chieh Hsu, Chih-Hong Lo, Tsung-Ru Wu, Hsin-Chih Lai, Wei-Chun Chin, Dorota G. Pijanowska, Tsann-Long Hwang, Chao-Sung Lai
Summary: The fully integrated Mirror-LAPS system allows for chemical imaging of diffusion-based reactions and biological imaging with advantages of portability and real-time monitoring. With optimized parameters, it can quickly construct 2D images and real-time videos, providing a reliable platform for cell-based research.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chih-Cheng Tang, Ying-Ting Chen, Yi-Ming Zhang, Huey-Ing Chen, Peter Brimblecombe, Chon-Lin Lee
Summary: Marine plastic debris can degrade into microplastics and enter the food chain. This study found that heat and light exposure can cause cracking and decay of polyoxymethylene pellets, resulting in the formation of 100-300 micron fragments. Changes under UV irradiation were minimal as it couldn't penetrate the particle interiors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Chao-Chien Wu, Chin-Chou Wang, Wen-Yu Chung, Chau-Chyun Sheu, Yi-Hsin Yang, Ming-Yen Cheng, Ruay-Sheng Lai, Sum-Yee Leung, Chi-Cheng Lin, Yu-Feng Wei, Ching-Hsiung Lin, Sheng-Hao Lin, Jeng-Yuan Hsu, Wei-Chang Huang, Chia-Cheng Tseng, Yung-Fa Lai, Meng-Hsuan Cheng, Huang-Chi Chen, Chih-Jen Yang, Shih-Chang Hsu, Chian-Heng Su, Chien-Jen Wang, Huei-Ju Liu, Hua-Ling Chen, Yuan-Ting Hsu, Chih-Hsing Hung, Chon-Lin Lee, Ming-Shyan Huang, Shau-Ku Huang
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the potential contribution of environmental exposure to adult asthma and its heterogeneity. The results showed that increasing levels of PM2.5 and PAHs were associated with a modest increase in relative risk for emergency and outpatient visits. Metal and organic pollutants posed a significant risk for asthma and its severity, correlating with oxidative stress markers. Circulating sphingolipid metabolites were also found to be associated with asthma, environmental exposure, and inflammatory markers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruei-Feng Shiu, Lu-Yi Chen, Hui-Ju Lee, Gwo-Ching Gong, Chuping Lee
Summary: The widespread presence of microplastics in global oceans raises concerns about their negative impacts on ecosystems. Understanding the mechanistic transport of microplastics is crucial for evaluating their fate and ecological risks. This study suggests a three-step process for microplastic transfer between air and sea phases, involving the incorporation of microplastics into gel aggregates, accumulation of plastic-gel aggregates on the water surface, and ejection of aggregates when trapped air bubbles burst. The composition of water, such as salinity and gel concentration, can modulate the aggregation and transport of microplastics. This research provides valuable insights into the fate of microplastics in the ocean and their transport at air-sea interfaces.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jih Ming Chyan, Chien Jung Lin, Mu Jin Yu, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Da Ji Huang, Chien Sa Lin, Delia B. Senoro
Summary: This study found that using naturally aged incineration bottom ash as an alternative substrate for HSSF constructed wetlands can effectively remove BOD and nitrogen species, and significantly increase the removal rate of total phosphorus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Achmad Chusnun Ni'am, Fahir Hassan, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Jheng-Jie Jiang
Summary: The presence of microplastics in the sediments of East Surabaya, Indonesia, is examined in this study. The researchers found that microplastics were found in most sampling sites, with various shapes and sizes. The spatial distribution of microplastics was closely related to coastal characteristics and population density. The highest risk of microplastics was found in the Bulak district.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hsiao-Ming Chang, Carlos Vazquez, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Wei-Chun Chin
Summary: Temperature has been found to influence the behavior and capacity of dissolved effluent organic matter (dEfOM) assembly into microgels. Higher temperatures increase assembly capacity but decrease size distribution, while assembly at 4 degrees C decreases relative assembly capacity but increases microgel size and granularity. These findings contribute to understanding the effects of temperature on dEfOM assembly and have implications for studying aquatic organic particle formation during global warming.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruei-Feng Shiu, Hui-Ju Lee, Hung-Te Hsu, Gwo-Ching Gong
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and partitioning of PFASs in a urban river-coastal system, focusing on their concentrations in water, SPM, and sediments. Results showed that the total concentrations of PFASs varied in different phases, with a decrease in water and SPM with increasing salinity. This study also provided evidence for the accumulation of PFASs on SPM through the presence of transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs).
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cassio Luiz Coutinho Almeida-da-Silva, Leticia Ferreira Cabido, Wei-Chun Chin, Ge Wang, David M. Ojcius, Changqing Li
Summary: Engineered nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm, such as silica and titanium, are present in various consumer products and can interact with epithelial tissues, leading to inflammation and potential precancerous lesions. Detecting these particles and lesions in biopsies is challenging, especially in clinical settings that screen large numbers of patients. Therefore, there is a need for improved imaging techniques to detect foreign particles and markers of inflammation in epithelial tissues for early disease diagnosis.
Article
Polymer Science
Parveen Kumar, Joshua Tamayo, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Wei-Chun Chin, Arvind Gopinath
Summary: Mucus, composed of glycosylated mucins, is a complex material that lines mammalian respiratory, reproductive, and gastrointestinal tracts. It serves as a barrier against harmful microbes and pollutants. The transport and dispersion of particles in mucin gels and solutions differ from small molecules due to interactions with the mucin network.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Patrichka Wei-Yi Chen, Madeline Olivia, Wen-Chen Chou, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Vladimir Mukhanov, An-Yi Tsai
Summary: Seagrass meadows are crucial ecosystems with microbial loop playing a key role in transferring organic matter to aquatic food chains. Bacterial growth rate is higher in seagrass habitats, while bacterial production in unvegetated waters is influenced by resource availability.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Antonietta Quigg, Peter H. Santschi, Adrian Burd, Wei-Chun Chin, Manoj Kamalanathan, Chen Xu, Kai Ziervogel
Summary: Marine gels and marine snow are important in regulating global and basin-scale ocean biogeochemical cycling. Exopolymeric substances, such as transparent exopolymer particles, are abundant in the ocean and support local microbial communities. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of these materials, but the relationship between microbial polymers and marine snow remains unclear.
Review
Polymer Science
Peter H. Santschi, Wei-Chun Chin, Antonietta Quigg, Chen Xu, Manoj Kamalanathan, Peng Lin, Ruei-Feng Shiu
Summary: Microgels play critical roles in various ocean processes, with exopolymeric substances from marine microbes being a major source. Many types of pollutants, especially hydrophobic ones, have been found to preferentially associate with marine microgels, impacting their transport and fate in the ocean. This review focuses on the interactions between gel-forming EPS and pollutants in the ocean.
