Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dengpan Dong, Samhitha Kancharla, Justin Hooper, Marina Tsianou, Dmitry Bedrov, Paschalis Alexandridis
Summary: The addition of ethanol was found to alter the structure of perfluorooctanoate ammonium (PFOA) micelles in aqueous solutions, transitioning from a compact and slightly ellipsoidal shape to a more diffuse state, eventually breaking into smaller PFOA clusters. The increase in ethanol concentration led to a shift from co-surfactant to co-solvent behavior, impacting the formation and structure of PFOA micelles. Both experiments and simulations provided insights on achieving co-solvent conditions with other additives, which can inform strategies to modulate PFAS surfactant self-assembly in water for environmental management.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hak-Hyeon Kim, Seyfollah Gilak Hakimabadi, Anh Le-Tuan Pham
Summary: The study found that Ga2O3 photocatalyst could effectively degrade Cr(vi) and 6:2 FtS, while In2O3 also showed capability in removing both substances, but at slower rates. On the other hand, poor removal of 6:2 FtS was observed with the TiO2 photocatalyst.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zizi Li, Zhi-Mei Luo, Yanjun Huang, Jia-Wei Wang, Gangfeng Ouyang
Summary: The elimination and restriction of PFOA and PFOS have led manufacturers to shift production to substitutes, which still pose threats to the environment. This review summarizes the progress in degrading these substitutes and discusses future prospects for optimization. Differences in the degradation of various substitutes are also discussed to derive designing principles for more degradable F-containing compounds.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Heng-Yi Lin, Yan-Kai Huang, Pei-Yi Hsu, Wei-Hsing Tuan, Makio Naito
Summary: This study demonstrates the possibility of preparing bone substitutes in the clinic, achieving densification of calcium sulfate through hydration while maintaining its degradability. Strength is enhanced through dendrite entanglement and microstructure refinement.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dustin T. Savage, J. Zach Hilt, Thomas D. Dziubla
Summary: A study was conducted on a thermoresponsive polymeric network with increased swelling ability towards fluorocontaminants by incorporating fluorinated comonomers. Gels with TFEA demonstrated a higher response window towards TPFOS but required a longer equilibration time. Selecting and adjusting the feed ratios of fluorinated comonomers can be useful for tailoring the swelling response of the network to TPFOS.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jeremy R. Gauthier, Scott A. Mabury
Summary: Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly found in the environment. Analysis of PFAS using mass spectrometry often underestimates the total fluorine concentration. This study utilized F-19 NMR technique to accurately detect and quantify PFAS compounds in environmental and biological samples, revealing the presence of PFAS that were missed by routine mass spectrometric methods.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeffrey T. McDonough, Richard H. Anderson, Johnsie R. Lang, David Liles, Kasey Matteson, Theresa Olechiw
Summary: This study validated the effectiveness of commercially available stabilization amendments in mitigating PFAS leaching from AFFF-impacted source zones, with bench-scale and field-scale experiments demonstrating a reduction of over 99% in PFAS leachability. The results strongly support the chemical stabilization of PFAS.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael A. Brook
Summary: This article discusses the stability and functionality of silicones, highlighting the limited organic chemistry practices in commercial silicones. The study presents a series of simple organic reactions applied to silicone oils, enabling the preparation of a wide range of functional silicones.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael A. Brook
Summary: Silicones are commonly used for their stability in various environmental conditions and can be given additional functionalities through the introduction of organic functional groups. However, the application of organic chemistry in commercial silicones is limited, which restricts the types of desired functionalities. This review presents a series of simple organic reactions that can effectively take place on silicone oils, enabling the preparation of a wide variety of functional silicones.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chandrabhan Verma, Lipiar K. M. O. Goni, Ibrahim Y. Yaagoob, Hemlata Vashisht, Mohammad A. J. Mazumder, Akram Alfantazi
Summary: Surfactants, due to their interactions with metallic surfaces, have the potential to inhibit colloidal and corrosion. However, their application in aqueous phase corrosion inhibition is limited due to their molecular size and effectiveness only at high concentrations. Polymeric surfactants, on the other hand, offer a solution to these challenges with their macromolecular polymeric structure and abundant polar functional groups. The inclusion of polar functional groups also aids in their solubility in industry-based electrolytes. This viewpoint provides information on the use of polymer surfactants as alternative corrosion inhibitors, including their properties, requirements, and potential benefits.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ravi Moreno Araujo Pinheiro Lima, Helinando Pequeno de Oliveira
Summary: The development of supramolecular structures through the charge-charge interaction of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles and oppositely charged polypyrrole chains has led to the creation of self-supported and flexible electrodes for supercapacitors. By incorporating graphene nanoplatelets, the energy density of polypyrrole hydrogel-based supercapacitors has been enhanced. The optimization of electrode synthesis by adjusting the concentration of supramolecular arrangements, pyrrole, and graphene nanoplatelets has resulted in improved capacitive retention and areal capacitance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaotong Yi, Yimu Wei, Wangjing Zhai, Peng Wang, Donghui Liu, Zhiqiang Zhou
Summary: Surfactants and pesticides can be simultaneously detected in the environment due to their widespread use and large amounts of emissions. This study investigated the effects of three surfactants on the degradation of the amide pesticide metolachlor in a water-sediment system. The study found that these surfactants had no significant effect on the degradation of metolachlor at environmental concentrations. However, at critical micelle concentration, a cationic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant promoted the degradation of metolachlor, while an anionic surfactant prolonged its degradation half-life. The presence of surfactants not only affected the environmental behavior of pesticides but also increased their joint toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yida Fang, Anderson Ellis, Youn Jeong Choi, Treavor H. Boyer, Christopher P. Higgins, Charles E. Schaefer, Timothy J. Strathmann
Summary: In this study, adsorption of 75 PFASs in diluted AFFF mixture using different resins and GAC was investigated. The results showed that anion-exchange resins exhibited significant adsorption of PFASs compared to other resins and GAC, regardless of the PFAS charge. The study provides insights into the impact of resin properties on PFAS adsorption and guidelines for selecting resins to remove a wider range of PFASs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Chase Nau-Hix, Thomas M. Holsen, Selma Mededovic Thagard
Summary: This study assessed the influences of discharge energy, grounded electrode size and position, and number of high voltage discharge points on the production of reactive species and the degradation of pollutants in a gas-liquid electrical discharge plasma reactor. The results showed that discharge energy and plasma area greatly affect the treatment effectiveness, and increasing the number of discharge points reduces the production rates of reactive species. The findings suggest that using a single HV electrode and a grounded electrode spanning the treatment zone can result in the highest contaminant removal rates.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natacha Huynh, Joao Paulo Cosas Fernandes, Vincent H. Mareau, Laurent Gonon, Stephanie Pouget, Pierre-Henri Jouneau, Lionel Porcar, Hakima Mendil-Jakani
Summary: The study presented the elaboration and functional properties of a new generation of hybrid membranes for PEMFC applications, revealing the structure and performance of the new material through characterization methods. The SG phase mainly grows in the amorphous interbundle domains, with limited impact on the ion channels but leading to discontinuity in ion conductivity.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Selly Jemutai-Kimosop, Francis Orata, Victor O. Shikuku, Veronica A. Okello, Zachary M. Getenga
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Ng, Natalia Quinete, Piero R. Gardinali
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Autumn Henderson, Brian Ng, Steven Landeweer, Natalia Quinete, Piero Gardinali
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Quinete, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Leila S. Lemos, Jailson F. Moura, Salvatore Siciliano, Piero R. Gardinali
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. M. Abdullah, Natalia Soares Quinete, Piero Gardinali, Kevin O'Shea
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Isabella C. Bordon, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Isabel Moreira, Natalia Quinete
Summary: The study found that PFAS contamination trends appear to directly affect morphometric indices, including Fulton's condition factor (FCF), the Hepatossomatic index (HSI), and the weight to length scaling coefficient (SC). The SC varied among sampling sites and fish populations, with FCF and two PFAS (PFDA and PFOA) showing higher discriminating contributions.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kathleen Lugo Charriez, Leila Soledade Lemos, Yailee Carrazana, Javier A. Rodriguez-Casariego, Jose M. Eirin-Lopez, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Piero Gardinali, Natalia Quinete
Summary: A lipidomic approach was developed in staghorn corals by comparing different solvent mixtures, with the more efficient BUME method selected for extracting polar lipids. Application of this method to various coral mass samples showed non-significant differences in lipid classes and compounds, suggesting its successful potential for coral assessments under climate change context with minimal sample masses and environmental impact.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Ng, Natalia Quinete, Stephanie Maldonado, Kathleen Lugo, Julian Purrinos, Henry Briceno, Piero Gardinali
Summary: The study highlights the potential risks of environmental exposure to various xenobiotics in South Florida surface waters, which could impact the endocrine systems of aquatic species and humans. Research in this region has mainly focused on inorganic pollutants, heavy metals, and pesticides, leaving a significant gap in understanding the occurrence, distribution, and biological significance of human-related organic contaminants in natural surface waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fred Sifuna Wanyonyi, Timothy Tizhe Fidelis, Gershom Kyalo Mutua, Francis Orata, Anthony M. S. Pembere
Summary: This study examined the adsorption of hazardous heavy metal ions on 242 zeolites using molecular simulations and machine learning techniques. Results show that total energy plays the biggest role in heavy metal sorption, while pore size is more important than average volume in determining adsorption capacity.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fred Sifuna Wanyonyi, Timothy Tizhe Fidelis, Hitler Louis, Gershom Kyalo Mutua, Francis Orata, Lydia Rhyman, Ponnadurai Ramasami, Anthony M. S. Pembere
Summary: The study focused on developing efficient adsorbents for removing anions in water. Screening and simulations were used to identify high-performing zeolites. The study also found charge transfer between zeolites and anions, and identified the most important descriptors for anion removal.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Flora Chirikona, Natalia Quinete, Jesleen Gonzalez, Gershom Mutua, Selly Kimosop, Francis Orata
Summary: This study assesses the levels of PFAS in the environment along the Nairobi River in Kenya. The study found higher levels of PFAS in water, with perfluoroundecanoic acid being the most prevalent. Compared to water, sediment and plant samples had lower levels of PFAS. The results of this study provide important information for local regulatory agencies to control PFAS pollution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuerong Li, Danni Cui, Brian Ng, Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Maria Guerra de Navarro, Piero Gardinali, Natalia Quinete
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic pollutants that are widely present in surface and drinking water. Non-targeted analysis (NTA) methods based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have been developed to comprehensively characterize PFAS in environmental samples. This study compared NTA workflows using online solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (online SPE-LC-HRMS) in screening PFAS in drinking and surface waters in Southern Florida. Tap water showed the highest number of PFAS features, indicating poor removal or breakdown of PFAS precursors. Furthermore, a semi-quantitation method for NTA (qNTA) was proposed for concentration estimation. NTA plays a crucial role in identifying and prioritizing non-traditionally monitored PFAS to better understand their toxicological and environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anahita Esmaeilian, Natalia Quinete, Piero R. Gardinali, Kevin O'Shea
Summary: In this study, the effects of physicochemical properties of Florida topsoil and Hanford site sediment as well as the influence of immobilizers on PFOS sorption were investigated. Organic matter was found to play a key role in PFOS retention, while food waste compost had no impact on PFOS uptake. However, activated charcoal amendment significantly enhanced PFOS sorption in both soils by increasing the soil/water partitioning coefficients.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Quinete, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
Summary: The current coronavirus pandemic is causing significant impacts and changes to our way of life. While the mechanisms of the COVID-19 virus are still being researched, there is evidence of its effects on the immune system, leading to respiratory distress. Major contaminants in drinking water may exacerbate COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, posing a threat to those exposed to the virus.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fred Sifuna Wanyonyi, Anthony Pembere, Gershom Kyalo Mutua, Francis Orata, Hitler Louis
SN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2020)