Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Wang, Ruilin Zhang, Scott W. Donne, Yaser Beyad, Xiangyue Liu, Xiaoyu Duan, Tongsa Yang, Peiyuan Su, Hongwen Sun
Summary: The study found that the addition of minerals and high temperatures promoted the formation of stable carbon structures in biochar, reducing carbon loss and increasing chemical and thermal stability.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Wang, Ruilin Zhang, Scott W. Donne, Yaser Beyad, Xiangyue Liu, Xiaoyu Duan, Tongsa Yang, Peiyuan Su, Hongwen Sun
Summary: The addition of minerals can enhance the carbon sequestration potential of biochar by promoting the formation of stable carbon structures and highly aromatic structures. The minerals also increase the chemical and thermal stability of biochar.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zibo Xu, Mingjing He, Xiaoyun Xu, Xinde Cao, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: The study evaluated the stability of biochar after different activation processes, finding that thermal activation improved thermal stability, while chemical activation enhanced chemical stability. Additionally, biochar activated with H2SO4 showed the best performance in terms of both chemical and thermal stability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong Liu, Jie Ma, Jiaoli Gao, Xingyi Chen, Xiaoxue Ouyang, Liping Weng, Haiming Li, Yali Chen, Yongtao Li
Summary: This study investigates the interaction and heteroaggregation of biochar nanoparticles (BCNPs) and iron mineral nanoparticles (IMNPs) in soil remediation. The results demonstrate that pH, humic acid (HA), and ionic strength (IS) play significant roles in the settling and stability of nanoparticles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junzhi Yu, Zhansheng Wu, Xiongfang An, Fei Tian, Bing Yu
Summary: This study introduces a new strategy for producing biochar with exceptionally high stability through co-pyrolysis of biomass and clay mediated by trace metal elements. Results show that the addition of metal ions during the co-pyrolytic process significantly improves the oxidation resistance of biochar and reduces the percentage of oxygen-containing functional groups. The presence of metal ions forms physical barriers on the surface, enhancing the anti-oxidation performance of biochar.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zibo Xu, Zhonghao Wan, Yuqing Sun, Bin Gao, Deyi Hou, Xinde Cao, Michael Komarek, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: In this study, a series of Fe-biochar with distinct Fe/C speciation were produced and their redox reactivity for Cr(VI) and As(III) oxidation/reduction was evaluated. The results showed that the redox performance of Fe-biochar was influenced by the transition of Fe/C speciation, and different Fe-biochar exhibited different oxidation/reduction behaviors under oxic and anoxic conditions. The electron-donating capacity and electron-accepting capacity of Fe-biochar played important roles in its redox reactivity.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nayela Zeba, Timothy D. Berry, Kevin Panke-Buisse, Thea Whitman
Summary: This study investigated the effects of weathering or ageing on biochar carbon mineralization. The results showed that low temperature aged biochar is more susceptible to biological degradation by soil microbes, which has implications for long term carbon storage in soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongyan Nan, Jianxiang Yin, Fan Yang, Ying Luo, Ling Zhao, Xinde Cao
Summary: The study demonstrates that the addition of exogenous Ca can significantly increase carbon retention in biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures, and the enhancement gradually increases with the rise of temperature.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yifeng Liu, Zhaoqing Liu, Jian Zhang, Feng-Shou Xiao, Xiaoming Cao, Liang Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that fixing small-sized palladium nanoparticles in tin-contained MFI zeolite crystals can effectively protect palladium from oxidation, resulting in superior catalytic performance in the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yalan Chen, Qiuyun Xu, Ke Sun, Lanfang Han, Haoran Sun, Yan Yang, Zhenyu Wang
Summary: Simulated diagenesis of biochars with different mineral content resulted in changes in properties, with slight improvements in sorption capacity and enhanced long-term stability and ability to immobilize pollutants.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Umar Abdulbaki Danhassan, Xin Zhang, Riying Qi, Mahmoud M. Ali, Kuichuan Sheng, Hongjian Lin
Summary: This study demonstrates that nickel-modified biochar has a significantly faster adsorption rate for sulfide ions than regular biochar, with a 2.72-fold increase in adsorption capacity. The increased adsorption is attributed to the addition of mesopores in the modified biochar. The study also reveals the mechanisms of sulfide adsorption and oxidation. This research has implications for biomass valorization and desulfurization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Kai Q. Li, Li Chen, Chun Hu, Jie Zhang, Jian W. Du
Summary: The effect of B and Si addition on the microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance of CrAlN coating was investigated. Three coatings, Cr0.42Al0.58N, Cr0.37Al0.59B0.02Si0.02N, and Cr0.35Al0.58B0.03Si0.04N, were prepared and all showed a single-phase cubic structure. The addition of B and Si increased the hardness of the CrAlN coating due to solid solution strengthening, except in the case of excess B and Si, which caused a slight reduction in hardness. The addition of B and Si hindered the precipitation of w-AlN and the dissociation of Cr-N bonds during annealing. Furthermore, the CrAlBSiN coatings exhibited improved hardness and better overall performance compared to Cr0.42Al0.58N.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Chun Hu, Li Chen, V Moraes
Summary: In this study, the addition of boron into CrAlN coatings was found to enhance their thermal stability, increase hardness, and optimize oxidation resistance. The incorporation of boron delayed the formation of wurtzite AlN and hexagonal Cr2N, while promoting the formation of alpha-Cr2O3, resulting in improved performance in isothermal oxidation experiments at 1100 degrees C for 15 hours.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Xu Sun, Zhe R. Liu, Li Chen
Summary: Alloying with Si or Ta effectively improves the properties of TiAlN coatings. Si and Ta mixed doping enhances the hardness, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance of the coatings. The maximum hardness is achieved with the Ti0.42Al0.43Si0.09Ta0.06N coating, while the Ti0.42Al0.43Si0.09Ta0.06N coating also exhibits the best oxidation resistance.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Giulia Infurna, Luigi Botta, Marco Maniscalco, Elisabetta Morici, Giuseppe Caputo, Salvatore Marullo, Francesca D'Anna, Nadka Tz Dintcheva
Summary: In this study, agricultural waste was recovered and converted into biofuel through a pyrolysis process, and the solid residual fraction was used as a filler for biocomposite production. The properties of the filler were characterized, and the performance of the biocomposites was evaluated using various analysis methods.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anqi Wang, Jun Hou, ChunMei Tao, Lingzhan Miao, Jun Wu, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Chemical sulfidation is effective in improving the reactivity of zero-valent iron (S-ZVI). Inspired by the biogeochemical process of sulfidation in nature, researchers explored the biogenetic sulfidation of ZVI (BS-ZVI) using sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). BS-ZVI showed a degradation rate of 96.3% for trichloroethylene (TCE), comparable to S-ZVI (97.0%), but with a slower degradation rate due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) excreted by SRB. Organic components of EPS, including polysaccharides, humic acid-like substances, and proteins, were detected in BS-ZVI. The acetylation degree of EPS increased with ZVI and S/Fe concentration, inhibiting TCE degradation. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of biogenetic sulfidation as an alternative method for improving the reactivity of ZVI.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenyu Wang, Tong Wang, Chuanxi Wang, Le Yue, Jing Li, Tianxi Liu, Yan Lv, Jason C. White, Xuesong Cao, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Loss of crop yield to pathogen damage seriously threatens efforts to achieve global food security. In this study, La-based nanomaterials with different morphologies and compositions were investigated for their control of bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum on tomato. Foliar application of LaPO4 nanorods significantly suppressed pathogen infection, and the disease control efficacy of different La-based nanomaterials varied. Mechanistically, LaPO4 nanorods supplied low levels of La ions to activate calmodulin and enhance phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity and pathogenesis-related gene expression. Additionally, La-based nanomaterials increased flavonoid and polyphenol content and antioxidative enzyme activity, reducing oxidative stress in tomato shoots. The higher disease control ability of LaPO4 nanorods was attributed to its bioavailability, slow-release ability, and P nutrient supplement. These findings highlight the importance of tuning nanomaterial morphology and composition for optimal sustainability and efficacy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanxin Ma, Lanfang Han, Heping Shang, Yi Hao, Xinxin Xu, Jason C. White, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Engineered nanomaterials (NMs) have shown positive effects in defending against biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture. Compared to conventional forms, NMs can more effectively trigger defense systems and strengthen plant immunity and growth. They can also reduce chemical use and remediate pollutants in soil. Nano-enabled strategies are likely to become a critical tool for improving crop resilience to climate change-induced stresses, and further research is encouraged.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xing Luo, Zhenyu Wang, Chuanxi Wang, Le Yue, Mengna Tao, Wade H. Elmer, Jason C. White, Xuesong Cao, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study found that lanthanum oxide nanomaterials with different sizes and surface modifications have significant control effects on cucumber wilt caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. The best pathogen control was achieved by foliar application of 10 nm PVP-coated La2O3 NMs, which decreased disease severity by 67.6% and increased fresh shoot biomass by 49.9%. Additionally, the application of La2O3 NMs improved cucumber yield, amino acid content, and vitamin content.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Dang, Chengcheng Li, Luis M. Nunes, Ronggui Tang, Junsong Wang, Shuofei Dong, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Wenxiong Wang, Baoshan Xing, Su Shiung Lam, Christian Sonne
Summary: Food security and sustainable agriculture are challenges that have been faced for a long time. The use of nanotechnology in agriculture can increase productivity and food security, but it also has negative environmental impacts, such as pollution of the human food chain.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fei Lian, Yaru Han, Yikang Zhang, Jiaqi Li, BinBin Sun, Zexuan Geng, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: The colloidal stability of nanoplastics in aqueous solutions is influenced by photoaging and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The exposure order to sunlight and DOM plays a role in modifying the environmental behavior of nanoplastics. The study investigates the impact of molecular-weight-fractionated humic acids (HAs) on the aggregation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanoplastics (PET-NPs) under different exposure orders. The results highlight the active nature of HA-PET assemblies and provide new insights into the reaction of HA with nanoplastics beyond adsorption in the natural environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peng Deng, Yiming Gao, Li Mu, Xiangang Hu, Fubo Yu, Yuying Jia, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: By building an NP-plant database and using machine learning, this study predicts the response and uptake/transport of nanoparticles by plants. It reveals that plant responses are driven by various factors such as NP exposure dose, duration, plant age at exposure, and NP size and zeta potential. According to the prediction, Africa is a suitable area for nanoenabled agriculture.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinxin Xu, Anqi Liang, Hao Li, Heping Shang, Kun Qian, Weili Jia, Jason C. C. White, Chuanxin Ma, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Zinc oxide quantum dots enhance pumpkin growth by modulating endophytic and rhizosphere microbial communities. This study demonstrates that the direct improvement of plant physiological performance and the modulation of beneficial microorganisms contribute to the enhanced plant growth. Nano-enabled strategies have great potential for increasing crop growth and stress resistance.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingnan Chu, Zhimin Sha, Detian Li, Yanfang Feng, Lihong Xue, Dongmei Zhou, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Oxygen nanobubble-loaded biochars have been found effective in reducing copper toxicity in paddy soils and improving crop productivity. This amendment improves the redox potential and dissolved oxygen concentration in the rhizosphere, promotes root iron plaque formation, and inhibits copper influx. It also enhances soil microbial diversity and increases bacterial genes abundance involved in copper complexation and export. The sequestered copper in root iron plaque and soil bacteria prevents its accumulation in edible parts of the plants.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiehong He, Lanfang Han, Weiwei Ma, Chao Xu, Elvis Genbo Xu, Chuanxin Ma, Baoshan Xing, Zhifeng Yang
Summary: Hematite, a natural mineral with multiple crystal facets, plays a significant role in the migration and transformation of pollutants in the environment. This study investigated the photoaging of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on different crystal planes of hematite and identified the underlying mechanisms. The {012} crystal facet of hematite exhibited the strongest performance in PS-MPs photoaging, with particle size reduction and surface oxidation. The narrower bandgap and lower activation energy barrier of the {012} facet promoted effective charge carrier separation and OH formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuesong Cao, Xiaofei Chen, Yinglin Liu, Chuanxi Wang, Le Yue, Wade H. Elmer, Jason C. White, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Foliar spray with La-based nanomaterials effectively suppressed sheath blight in rice, with La10Si6O27 nanorods showing the greatest disease suppression. The nanorods had better bioavailability and slower dissolution, strengthening the plant's defense systems. Furthermore, the nanorods improved rice yield and nutritional quality without harming soil health, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable crop protection strategy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runze Xue, Ruyi Lan, Wenli Su, Zhenyu Wang, Xinyu Li, Jian Zhao, Chuanxin Ma, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) observations showed that polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics (25 nm) can be transferred to Daphnia magna's eggs and embryos through the brood chamber and ovary. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed the two pathways for maternal transfer: pathway I through the brood chamber and pathway II through the gut-ovary-oocyte transfer. The contribution from pathway I was much higher (88%) than pathway II (12%).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wanjun Gao, Yongzhi Zhang, Mengling Lin, Junlin Mao, Baoshan Xing, Yeyun Li, Ruyan Hou
Summary: In this study, the degradation behavior of glyphosate in Vulpia myuros cultivated in a hydroponic system was investigated. The results showed that V. myuros could absorb glyphosate, and the concentration of glyphosate in the plant decreased over time. The degradation dynamics of glyphosate fitted a first-order kinetic model, with a half-life of 5.08 days. The content of the glyphosate metabolite did not change significantly over time. These findings suggest that V. myuros has the potential to be used as a remediation plant for environmental restoration.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lei Lei, Siyu Zhang, Xuejiao Zhang, Bin Qin, Shuo Deng, Qing Zhao, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study revealed that human serum albumin (HSA) can exfoliate layered black phosphorus (LBP) after the formation of protein coronas. The sorption of HSA on LBP exhibits multiple intermediate equilibrium and size-dependent capacity. The exfoliation mechanism is mainly driven by HSA concentration and interactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Jun Hou, Lingzhan Miao, Jun Wu, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigated the impact of natural organic matter (NOM) on the degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) by sulfidated ferrihydrite under dynamic redox conditions. The results showed that NOM played a promoting or inhibiting role in CAP reduction, depending on the concentration of reductive dissolved sulfide. When the conditions transitioned from anoxic to oxic, CAP molecules underwent oxidative degradation to form various intermediate products. Two oxidative degradation pathways of CAP during the oxidation of sulfidated ferrihydrite were proposed based on computational and experimental analysis. Overall, this study revealed the important role of NOM in CAP degradation and the environmental behavior of ferrihydrite.
