Article
Environmental Sciences
Luana Freire da Silva, Sanye Soroldoni, Felipe Kessler, Andreia Neves Fernandes, Grasiela Lopes Leaes Pinho
Summary: This study investigated the influence of environmental factors (UV radiation and salinity) on the degradation process of microplastics (MPs). The results showed that different polymers underwent changes in surface properties, chemical composition, and thermal characteristics after photodegradation. Saline medium increased the crystallinity index and the formation of new chemical bonds in certain samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahlam Zyoud, Ahed H. Zyoud, Shaher H. Zyoud, Hiba Nassar, Samer H. Zyoud, Naser Qamhieh, AbdulRazack Hajamohideen, Hikmat S. Hilal
Summary: A novel insoluble Ca-Alginate was used as a support substrate for ZnO nanoparticles to create ZnO@Ca-Alginate composite photocatalyst. The efficiency of this composite photocatalyst in the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) was compared with naked ZnO under different conditions and parameters. The results showed that the ZnO@Ca-Alginate photocatalyst had a high removal rate of MB and could be recovered and reused effectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahlam Zyoud, Ahed H. Zyoud, Shaher H. Zyoud, Hiba Nassar, Samer H. Zyoud, Naser Qamhieh, AbdulRazack Hajamohideen, Hikmat S. Hilal
Summary: A novel insoluble Ca-Alginate was used to prepare ZnO@Ca-Alginate composite photocatalyst, which showed efficient photodegradation of Methylene Blue under solar-simulated light. The composite catalyst exhibited maximum adsorption and photodegradation in slightly basic medium, with complete mineralization of Methylene Blue achieved. The catalyst can be recovered and reused without significant decrease in its effectiveness.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Meissner, Andrew Manaster
Summary: Sea-ice contamination poses a significant challenge in accurately retrieving sea-surface salinity (SSS) data in polar oceans using satellite technology. By analyzing the correlation of brightness temperature errors between different frequency bands, a reliable algorithm has been developed to detect and remove sea-ice contamination, leading to more accurate SMAP SSS retrievals and the ability to detect drifting icebergs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Congcong Li, Huixia Feng, Guannan Ju, Baiyi Chen, Baomei Huang
Summary: We have constructed a versatile self-cleaning superhydrophobic surface with reliable robustness, photodegradation, ease of manufacturing and magnetic navigation. This surface is conveniently fabricated by spraying a fluorosilane modified TiO2/Fe3O4 nanoparticles suspension onto an adhesive coated substrate. It shows significant robustness to damage tests and remains self-cleaning property even immersed in oil. It also exhibits excellent separation efficiency for various oil-water mixtures and has potential applications as a function integrated oil-water separation device.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mehnaz Shams, Linda M. Guiney, Mani Ramesh, Mark C. Hersam, Indranil Chowdhury
Summary: Graphene nanomaterials have been commercialized and disseminated into surface waters, but their photodegradation in natural aquatic environments is minimal and slow. This study evaluated the photodegradation of graphene oxide and partially reduced graphene oxide in Columbia River Water, finding that both direct and indirect photolysis occur simultaneously. However, the concentrations of photosensitizers in surface water are not sufficient to initiate degradation of graphene oxide. Overall, graphene nanomaterials show minimal phototransformation in natural surface water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mengxuan He, Xunqiang Mo, Weiqing Meng, Hongyuan Li, Wenbin Xu, Zhimei Huang
Summary: Maintaining carbon sequestration is increasingly important and challenging during coastal wetland carbon restoration. This study investigated the effects of water, nitrogen, and salinity on soil organic carbon (SOC) in wetlands dominated by Phragmites australis and Suaeda salsa. The results revealed that water, nitrogen, and salinity significantly influenced SOC in Phragmites australis wetland, while having little impact on Suaeda salsa wetland. Optimal conditions for maximizing SOC were also determined for each wetland type. The findings of this study can provide support for soil carbon sink management in coastal wetland restoration.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Prashil Badwaik, Shubham Chobe, Ateeque Malani
Summary: The adsorption behavior of crude oil on different reservoir surfaces was investigated, and it was found that the adsorbed light oil has interfacial layers followed by a liquid-like behavior. The interactions between oil molecules and the rock surface were dominated by dispersion and electrostatic forces. The study provides insights for the design of efficient solvents.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ted Hullar, Theo Tran, Zekun Chen, Fernanda Bononi, Oliver Palmer, Davide Donadio, Cort Anastasio
Summary: Photochemical reactions in snow and ice play an important role in removing pollutants from the atmosphere and releasing photoproducts into the air. This study measured the photodegradation rate constants of three dimethoxybenzene isomers under different conditions and found significant enhancements in LLRs and at the air-ice interface compared to aqueous solution. Computational modeling suggests that changes in light absorbance and more efficient photodecay are the major factors contributing to the rate enhancements at the air-ice interface.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabiana Vento, Angelo Nicosia, Lidia Mezzina, Gemma M. Rodriguez-Muniz, Miguel A. Miranda, Placido G. Mineo, Guido De Guidi
Summary: The photocatalytic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under solar light stimulation was investigated, and a possible degradation mechanism was proposed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadia Gaaloul, Oula Amrouni, Essam Heggy, Nessim Douss, Abderraouf Hzami, Nabil Khelifi, Bechir Bejaoui, Alberto Sanchez
Summary: The intensifying impacts of aridity and water stress on the wetlands in North Africa are often underestimated and largely unquantified. A study on the Bizerte Lagoon in the southern Mediterranean basin revealed significant changes in sedimentary patterns, sea surface salinity, and microfaunistic composition. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the degradation of wetland ecosystems in North Africa due to damming and changes in precipitation patterns.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Negash Tessema, Dame Yadeta, Asfaw Kebede, Gebiaw T. Ayele
Summary: The salt problem in Ethiopia is worsened by poor water quality, ineffective water management techniques, and a lack of drainage infrastructure. A systematic review is needed to understand the extent and consequences of the problem. The study reveals that soil and irrigation water salinity significantly affect crops and agricultural communities in Ethiopia, leading to lower agricultural production, food insecurity, and poverty. Without effective measures, the severity of soil and water salinity will impede agricultural production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdoul Aziz Gning, Philippe Orban, Raymond Malou, Joost Wellens, Johan Derouane, Mansour Gueye, Serge Brouyere
Summary: An experimental study in the Senegal River Delta showed that irrigation significantly recharges the water table and dilutes soil and shallow groundwater salinity, but when irrigation is stopped, water level and salinity return to their initial levels within a month due to evaporative recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sadaf Bashir Khan, Syed Irfan, Su Shiung Lam, Xiaohong Sun, Shenggui Chen
Summary: Surface water is the main source of drinkable water globally, but it can be polluted by various sources. Producing high-quality drinking water with nanofiltration membranes is possible, but fouling remains a major challenge. Recent advancements in 3D printing technology have the potential to revolutionize membrane design and production, leading to more efficient membrane module components. Surface imprinting technologies may play a significant role in water purification methods in the future.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Mayorga-Burrezo, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jeonghyo Kim, Martin Pumera
Summary: Growing awareness of the harmful effects of sunlight overexposure has led to the regular use of sunscreens. However, the increasing concentration of related pollutants has caused major environmental side-effects. To address this global threat, magnetically-driven photoactive microrobots have been developed for water remediation, offering an efficient solution. These microrobots exhibit magnetic steering motion and easy retrieval, thanks to their modified surface. By combining adsorption and photocatalytic activity, they can effectively degrade organic UV filters in suntan lotions. The magnetically-driven navigation contributes to the enhanced degradation of these harmful substances.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Emily N. Vebrosky, Laura M. Basirico, Kevin L. Armbrust
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2019)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Philip N. Smith, Kevin L. Armbrust, Richard A. Brain, Wenlin Chen, Nika Galic, Lula Ghebremichael, Jeffrey M. Giddings, Mark L. Hanson, Jonathan Maul, Glen Van Der Kraak, Keith R. Solomon
Summary: Atrazine, a triazine herbicide used mainly on corn, sorghum, and sugarcane in the US, has the potential to overlap with the ranges of listed species. However, due to factors such as insensitivity, lack of bioaccumulation, and incomplete exposure pathways, it may not have direct and indirect effects on most species.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART B-CRITICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Scott J. St. Romain, Laura M. Basirico, Yong-Ha Kim, Kevin L. Armbrust
Summary: This study used the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos to assess the effects of salinity and trace metals on its hydrolysis rate in seawater. It found that high salinity seawater and trace amounts of copper accelerated the hydrolysis rate, while sodium chloride significantly inhibited it. The research highlights the importance of considering the combined influences of salinity and trace metals when evaluating the environmental fate of hydrophobic organic compounds in aquatic ecosystems.
ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)