Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Zhang, Cen Wang, Jian Sun, Kun He, Haijiang Zou, Hongmei Xu, Jianjun Li, Kin-Fai Ho, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: This study investigated the emissions from different fuel-stove combinations in rural villages in Shanxi Province, China. The results showed that solid fuel combustion, particularly biomass burning, resulted in higher emissions of particles and organic compounds compared to coal combustion. The study also found that elevated kang and wood pellet burning had superior emission reduction effects. The research provides important insights into the formation mechanism of pollutants and can guide the implementation of emission control measures in household solid fuel combustion.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lutzen Portengen, George Downward, Bryan A. Bassig, Batel Blechter, Wei Hu, Y. Y. Wong, Bofu Ning, Mohammad L. Rahman, Bu -Tian Ji, Jihua Li, Kaiyun Yang, H. Dean Hosgood, Debra T. Silverman, Nathaniel Rothman, Yunchao Huang, Roel Vermeulen, Qing Lan
Summary: This study confirms that exposure to 5-methylchrysene (5MC) and other methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the main cause of lung cancer risk in non-smoking women exposed to smoky coal. The study also explores the impact of age at exposure and non-linear relations on lung cancer risk.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyang Lu, Weijun Tian, Surong Zhang, Meile Chu, Jing Zhao, Bingkun Liu, Kun Yang, Huimin Cao, Zhuo Chen
Summary: This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, source, and ecological risk of PAHs and SPAHs in surface sediments in Laizhou Bay. The results showed seasonal differences in concentrations of PAHs and SPAHs and a spatial distribution trend of estuary > coast > offshore. Combustion sources, including petroleum, coal, and biomass, were identified as the main contributors to PAHs and SPAHs. The risk level of PAHs was low-to-moderate, while SPAHs posed a moderate-to-high ecological risk.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paulina Godlewska, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: The study found that biochar derived from a mixture of SL and biomass (SLW) had a better effect on the persistence and bioavailability of PAHs in soil compared to biochar derived solely from sewage sludge (SL).
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Zhang, Chau-Thuy Pham, Bin Chen, Xuan Zhang, Yan Wang, Pengchu Bai, Lulu Zhang, Seiya Nagao, Akira Toriba, Trung-Dung Nghiem, Ning Tang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the levels of particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) in different areas of Hanoi, Vietnam in winter and summer from 2019 to 2022. The PAHs and NPAHs concentrations showed seasonal variations, with higher levels in winter. Biomass burning was identified as a major source of PAHs and NPAHs, and motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, were dominant in the summer. The study also assessed the cancer risks associated with exposure to PAHs and NPAHs, and found higher risks for females through ingestion and dermal absorption pathways.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guilherme Martins Pereira, Sofia Ellen da Silva Caumo, Adriana Grandis, Emerson Queiroz Mota do Nascimento, Alexandre Lima Correia, Henrique de Melo Jorge Barbosa, Marta Angela Marcondes, Marcos Silveira Buckeridge, Perola de Castro Vasconcellos
Summary: Research indicates that the long-range transport of smoke from South American forest fires was connected to the precipitation of darkened rainwater over the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yusuke Nakakuki, Takashi Hirose, Hikaru Sotome, Min Gao, Daiki Shimizu, Ruiji Li, Jun-Ya Hasegawa, Hiroshi Miyasaka, Kenji Matsuda
Summary: Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are suitable for optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices on the nanometer scale, showing a large effective conjugation length and ultrafast decay dynamics. The extended π-helicenes achieved a large effective conjugation length through helical fusion, leading to an absorption edge in the near-infrared region.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiushang Xu, Amy L. Vonder Haar, Rengo Yoshioka, Qizheng Zhang, Serhii Vasylevskyi, Andrew J. Musser, Akimitsu Narita
Summary: A benzo[rst]pentaphene derivative, BPP-MeOPA, was synthesized and characterized by NMR and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Investigation of its photophysical properties, including transient absorption spectroscopy, revealed improved absorption and emission features from an S-1 state with excitonic and charge-transfer character by introducing MeOPA groups.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Parmila Devi, Ajay K. Dalai
Summary: The occurrence, distribution, and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in pyrolysis streams (biochar, biocrude, and biogas) of three agricultural residues at pyrolysis temperatures of 400-800 degrees C. The formation of PAHs increased in a narrow temperature range (500-600 degrees C) due to temperature-induced reactions. Low molecular weight PAHs dominated in all product streams, while high molecular weight PAHs were found in very low concentrations. Leaching studies revealed that biochars produced at lower temperatures were more prone to leaching, while high temperature pyrolyzed biochar prevented the leaching of PAHs due to the presence of a hydrophobic carbonized matrix. The low leaching potential, low toxic equivalency, and permissible total PAHs values in biochar derived from all three feedstocks ensure ecological safety and warrant broader application.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Meng Qiao, Weixiao Qi, Huijuan Liu, Jiuhui Qu
Summary: Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) have higher concentrations and toxicity in water environments, posing significant ecological risks to surface water ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yushi Ohno, Shogo Ando, Daisuke Furusho, Ryoyu Hifumi, Yuuya Nagata, Ikuyoshi Tomita, Shinsuke Inagi
Summary: Here, a facile and selective synthesis of cationic azatriphenylene derivatives was achieved through electrochemical intramolecular cyclization, where the key step involves atom-economical C-H pyridination without a transition-metal catalyst or an oxidant. This proposed strategy provides a practical approach for introducing cationic nitrogen (N (+)) into pi-electron systems, thus expanding the molecular design of N (+)-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Huimin Zhong, Cong Jiang, Jiahui Zou, Guancheng Zhu, Yanyan Huang
Summary: In this study, CeO2-based porous carbonaceous frameworks (CeO2 PCFs) were used as antioxidant nanozymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species and absorb benzo[a]pyrene. CeO2 PCFs exhibited excellent superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity, effectively eliminating superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide. The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging assay confirmed the free radical scavenging ability of CeO2 PCFs. Furthermore, CeO2 PCFs with large surface area and porous structure efficiently adsorbed benzo[a]pyrene. The designed CeO2 PCFs can serve as new antioxidant nanozymes for scavenging reactive oxygen species and adsorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Liu, Baptiste Carles, Christine Elias, Claire Tonnele, Daniel Medina-Lopez, Akimitsu Narita, Yannick Chassagneux, Christophe Voisin, David Beljonne, Stephane Campidelli, Loic Rondin, Jean-Sebastien Lauret
Summary: In this study, we conducted single-molecule spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures to investigate the optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). We found that temperature has an effect on the spectral characteristics of GQDs, and we used density functional theory calculations to explain these observations. Additionally, we discovered that the vibrational features can serve as a unique fingerprint for identifying GQDs.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Ma, Jijie Kong, Weidi Li, Xinying Cheng, Yueqing Zhang, Deyang Kong, Shaogui Yang, Shiyin Li, Limin Zhang, Huan He
Summary: This study conducted a systematic monitoring of NPAHs and PAHs in agricultural soils of the Taige Canal basin. The results showed that four-ring NPAHs and PAHs were predominant and mainly originated from vehicle exhaust emissions, coal combustion, and biomass combustion. The health risk posed by PAHs in soils was lower than that of NPAHs in the Taige Canal basin.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandra Keska
Summary: Most studies on vehicle engine exhaust emissions focus on qualitative and quantitative measurements, without considering the actual toxicity and harmful compounds. These studies measure the concentrations of individual compounds or selected groups, but fail to answer the question of actual toxicity. Current data indicate that cells exposed to exhaust emissions from older vehicles have higher survival rates compared to emissions from newer vehicles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leah Chibwe, Derek C. G. Muir, Yamini Gopalapillai, Dayue Shang, Jane L. Kirk, Carlos A. Manzano, Beau Atkinson, Xiaowa Wang, Camilla Teixeira
Summary: Our study revealed that PACs mass deposition increased between 2008 and 2017 coincident with crude oil production, and identified the potential of retene and benzo[ghi]fluoranthene in distinguishing sources in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR).
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haotian Wang, Xinghui Xia, Zixuan Wang, Ran Liu, Derek C. G. Muir, Wen-Xiong Wang
Summary: Dietary uptake plays a crucial role in the bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in freshwater pelagic ecosystems. This study found that the rate and interval of dietary uptake significantly influenced the relative contribution of PAH bioaccumulation, with higher trophic-level organisms showing a greater dependence on dietary uptake for PAH bioaccumulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Derek C. G. Muir, Elisabeth Galarneau
Summary: This review explores the sources and sinks of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in Canada, with wildfires being the dominant source, while the sinks are less well-understood. The impacts of changing emissions and environmental conditions on PACs in Canada remain uncertain, and further research is needed to assess future trends and implications.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Derek Muir, Luc T. Miaz
Summary: PFAS, specifically PFCAs and PFSAs, have been widely detected in global surface waters since the early 2000s. The majority of measurements come from coastal seas in Western Europe, China, Korea, and Japan, with highest median concentrations reported in China's Bohai and Yellow Seas region as well as Europe's North and Baltic seas. Significant declines in median PFSAs and C7-C12 PFCAs were observed in the period 2012-2018 in these regions, and for 2004-2017 in the Great Lakes. Mass discharge estimates indicate continued substantial riverine emissions of long chain PFCAs in the coastal seas of China and reductions in emissions for Western European rivers compared to earlier time periods.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuxin Ma, Simon Vojta, Jitka Becanova, Asta Zerue Habtemichael, Dave A. Adelman, Derek Muir, Rainer Lohmann
Summary: Organophosphate esters (OPEs) were detected at elevated concentrations in the Great Lakes region, particularly chlorinated compounds, with some dependence on temperature. The main sources were likely anthropogenic influence from surrounding rural and urban areas. Nearly all OPEs underwent net gas-phase deposition to the lakes, dominated by TCEP and TCPPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sarah L. Roberts, Jane L. Kirk, Derek C. G. Muir, Johan A. Wiklund, Marlene S. Evans, Amber Gleason, Allison Tam, Paul E. Drevnick, Ashu Dastoor, Andrei Ryjkov, Fan Yang, Xiaowa Wang, Greg Lawson, Martin Pilote, Jonathan Keating, Benjamin D. Barst, Jason M. E. Ahad, Colin A. Cooke
Summary: The study found that anthropogenic atmospheric Hg deposition in western Canada is showing a synchronous decreasing trend, while increasing in the east, with spatial patterns mainly driven by longitude and proximity to point sources. Recent sediment-derived Hg fluxes were consistent with wet deposition monitoring results, validating the reliability of the research method.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Engineering, Environmental
Xianming Zhang, Xiangfei Sun, Ruifen Jiang, Eddy Y. Zeng, Elsie M. Sunderland, Derek C. G. Muir
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
John MacInnis, Amila O. De Silva, Igor Lehnherr, Derek C. G. Muir, Kyra A. St Pierre, Vincent L. St Louis, Christine Spencer
Summary: The study found that melting snow and ice increased PFAS concentrations in Lake Hazen, while river water from non-glacial freshwater continuum was identified as a major source of contamination. Additionally, the distribution of PFAS in vegetation and soil changed as water flowed downstream.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Cynthia A. de Wit, Katrin Vorkamp, Derek Muir
Summary: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have accumulated in polar environments due to long-range transport. Climate change has been identified as a factor influencing POP levels and trends, and recent studies have found correlations between climate indices and POP temporal trends. Temperature, precipitation, and sea-ice have also been recognized as important climate parameters affecting POP levels. However, the complexity of physical, chemical, and biological processes requires greater interdisciplinary scientific exchange and collaboration.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Iris Koch, Pranab Das, Bronte E. McPhedran, John M. Casselman, Kristy L. Moniz, Peter van Coeverden de Groot, James Qitsualik, Derek Muir, Stephan Schott, Virginia K. Walker
Summary: This study analyzed mercury levels in fish species from the Arctic waters, finding that most species had mercury levels below the guidelines for subsistence fisheries, but 70% of lake trout samples exceeded the safe threshold and 19% exceeded commercial sale levels. Therefore, it is recommended to establish consumption advisories for lake trout to protect human health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadia Facciola, Magali Houde, Derek C. G. Muir, Steven H. Ferguson, Melissa A. McKinney
Summary: This study compares the feeding ecology and contaminant concentrations in ringed seals from two Canadian sub-Arctic and two Arctic sites, providing insight into how climate-driven diet shifts may affect contaminant exposures in Arctic species. The results suggest that the changing prey fish communities in the sub-Arctic may serve as a harbinger of future conditions in the Arctic. Differences in diet and contaminant concentrations between sub-Arctic and Arctic seals were observed, with seals in Sachs Harbour potentially consuming both southern and Arctic species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Derek C. G. Muir, Gordon J. Getzinger, Matt McBride, P. Lee Ferguson
Summary: In the past 50 years, the measurement of chemical contaminants in the environment has greatly expanded. However, only a fraction of substances in commerce or of concern have been determined. A bibliometric survey was conducted, which found that pharmaceuticals and current use pesticides accounted for a significant proportion of measured substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Leah Chibwe, Amila O. De Silva, Christine Spencer, Camilla F. Teixera, Mary Williamson, Xiaowa Wang, Derek C. G. Muir
Summary: Increased demand for recycling plastic has raised concerns about the potential introduction of hazardous chemicals. A comprehensive screening of 21 plastic flake and pellet samples from Canadian recycling companies revealed the high detection frequencies and concentrations of organophosphorus ester flame retardants and plasticizers, suggesting their incorporation into recycled goods. Although individual concentrations met European Union threshold limits for recycled granules and waste plastic flakes, further research is needed to determine their toxicological thresholds. Our study emphasizes the importance of additional screening to fully understand the presence of potentially hazardous chemicals in goods made from recycled plastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Amila O. De Silva, Cora J. Young, Christine Spencer, Derek C. G. Muir, Martin Sharp, Igor Lehnherr, Alison Criscitiello
Summary: This study reports the detection of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in ice cores from the Canadian high Arctic, indicating that the cryosphere can serve as a reservoir for these substances and support their potential long-range transport.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Hayley Hung, Crispin Halsall, Hollie Ball, Terry Bidleman, Jordi Dachs, Amila De Silva, Mark Hermanson, Roland Kallenborn, Derek Muir, Roxana Suhring, Xiaoping Wang, Simon Wilson
Summary: Climate change has significant effects on the physical environment in the Arctic, which in turn affects the distribution of contaminants and impacts the Arctic ecosystems. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about the indirect effects of climate change on contaminants, and more research is needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
