Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sridhar Chinthakindi, Hongkai Zhu, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study analyzed PFAS compounds in pet food packaging and pet foods, confirming that PFCA concentrations were significantly higher than PFSA in pet food packaging.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuqian Jia, Jieshu Qian, Bingcai Pan
Summary: A dual-functional modification of MIL-101(Cr) was successfully introduced for the efficient enrichment of PFASs, enabling ultrasensitive quantitative analysis of nine selected PFASs using UHPLC-MS/MS. The designed solid extractant showed excellent performance in selective enrichment and analysis of PFASs at trace concentrations in real applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyi Sun, Xupu Yang, Yizhe Zhang, Yi Liu, Fang Xiao, Huicai Guo, Xuehui Liu
Summary: This study investigates the potential connection between PFAS exposure and depressive symptoms in adults using data from the NHANES database. The findings reveal that heightened exposure to certain PFAS compounds is associated with a diminished risk of depressive symptoms in adults.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta O. O. Barbosa, Nuno Ratola, Vera Homem, M. Fernando R. Pereira, Adrian M. T. Silva, Ana R. L. Ribeiro, Marta Llorca, Marinella Farre
Summary: Eighteen PFASs were studied in surface waters of four river basins in Portugal. All sampling sites showed contamination in at least one season. The most frequent PFASs varied between dry and wet seasons. PFOS and PFOA were the most frequent in dry season, while PFOA and PFBS were the most frequent in wet season. The potential environmental risks of PFASs were evaluated based on risk quotient (RQ), showing generally low risk except for PFTeA which posed high risks for fish and daphnids.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shafali Garg, Pankaj Kumar, George W. Greene, Vandana Mishra, Dror Avisar, Radhey Shyam Sharma, Ludovic F. Dumee
Summary: This review critically discusses and benchmarks the current nano-enabled methods for PFAS sensing and monitoring in wastewater, comparing them with conventional detection methods. The results show that electrochemical and biosensing methods are the most reliable and promising tools for future PFAS sensing.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruno Ameduri
Summary: This review discusses the differences between fluoropolymers (FPs) and low-molar-mass per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), highlighting the safety, durability, and diverse applications of FPs in various aspects of daily life. It also provides information on the recycling and risk assessment of FPs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Phum Tachachartvanich, Ettayapuram Ramaprasad Azhagiya Singam, Kathleen A. Durkin, J. David Furlow, Martyn T. Smith, Michele A. La Merrill
Summary: Research findings indicate that emerging per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may have adverse effects on the human endocrine system and exhibit competitive antiandrogenic effects.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junjun Ji, Lingyan Song, Jing Wang, Zhiyun Yang, Haotian Yan, Ting Li, Li Yu, Lingyu Jian, Feixiang Jiang, Junfeng Li, Jinping Zheng, Kefeng Li
Summary: The case-control study revealed a positive association between PFASs exposure and COVID-19 susceptibility, with PFASs-associated metabolites implicated in mitochondrial function and immune activity. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and further understand the impact of PFASs exposure on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV2 infection.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie M. Eick, Dana E. Goin, Jessica Trowbridge, Lara Cushing, Sabrina Crispo Smith, June-Soo Park, Erin DeMicco, Amy M. Padula, Tracey J. Woodruff, Rachel Morello-Frosch
Summary: This study suggests that consumption of animal products during pregnancy may contribute to elevated prenatal PFAS levels.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jean Noel Uwayezu, Ivan Carabante, Tore Lejon, Patrick van Hees, Patrik Karlsson, Patrik Hollman, Jurate Kumpiene
Summary: Electrochemical degradation using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes has been proven to be an effective method for treating water contaminated with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Factors such as current density and treatment time were found to significantly impact the degradation efficiency of PFAS, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). High concentrations of organic carbon and chloride in wastewater samples were identified as important factors affecting the efficiency of PFAS electrochemical degradation. Increasing treatment time is recommended to effectively degrade PFAS in both water and wastewater samples.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tonghui Jin, Mohammad Peydayesh, Raffaele Mezzenga
Summary: The removal of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from water using membrane-based techniques has garnered increasing attention worldwide due to the widespread presence and high toxicity of these compounds. Different membrane technologies, such as direct filtration, adsorption-based membranes, and hybrid processes, have been developed to address the risk of exposure to PFASs and their environmental dispersion. The performance, treatment efficiencies, and mechanisms of these membrane processes for PFASs removal are analyzed, with a focus on the advantages, limitations, challenges, and prospects of applying these technologies in a practical and sustainable manner.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Arslan, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: PFASs are synthetic organofluorine aliphatic compounds extensively used since the 1940s, but they are non-biodegradable and extremely toxic to the environment. Recent studies have shown that wetlands can serve as a nature-based solution for PFASs removal through the plant-microbe interplay. Understanding the role of plants, microbes, and their interaction is crucial for designing an effective passive treatment wetland system.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junjie Zhang, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Jonas Roe, Gabriela Castro, Ingvild B. Kroglund, Susana Villa Gonzalez, Jan Eivind Ostnes, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
Summary: This study analyzed 32 PFASs in 49 Tawny Owl body feathers collected in Trondelag, Norway from 2017 to 2020. It was found that 30 PFASs were detected in at least one feather, with concentrations ranging from 31 to 203 ng/g. PFHpA and FOSAA had the highest concentrations. PFOS, a banned substance in Norway, was found in all samples. The sum concentration of PFASs slightly increased over the sampling years. Tawny Owl feathers can be used as a potential alternative matrix for future biomonitoring studies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fengwen Wang, Weiru Wang, Daiyin Zhao, Jiaxin Liu, Peili Lu, Neil L. Rose, Gan Zhang
Summary: This study collected rainwater samples from Chongqing, China, over four seasons and analyzed them for 17 PFASs. The results showed that paper packaging production and AFFF usage were the major sources of PFASs, with distinct seasonal variations and wet deposition being the main pathway. This study provides important information for understanding PFASs occurrence and atmospheric wet deposition in Chongqing and other urban centers in China.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siyuan Zhang, Xingquan Li, Ding He, Daijun Zhang, Zhen Zhao, Hongtao Si, Fengwen Wang
Summary: Sixteen paired surface sediment samples were collected from upstream to downstream of the water-level-fluctuation zone of Three Gorges Reservoir in China. The concentration of PFASs in the sediments was influenced more by anthropogenic activities than physicochemical parameters, with PFOA-based products identified as the major source. The study provides basic data on PFASs in surface sediments and highlights the important transport of PFASs from upstream to downstream reaches for further research.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shih-Hung Yang, Ying Shi, Mark Strynar, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of carbon and sulfur sources on the gene expression of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 in the biotransformation of 6:2 FTSA. Results showed that in sulfur-rich medium, only defluorination occurred while in sulfur-free growth media, both desulfonation and defluorination were observed. The study also validated the desulfonation and defluorination abilities of enzymes through heterologous gene expression and in vitro assays.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shih-Hung Yang, Libo Shan, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: The study investigated the potential of phytoremediation for 6:2 FTSA by Arabidopsis thaliana coupled with bioaugmentation of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 under different nutrient and microbiome conditions. The research found that plant and microbial interactions under different nutrient and microbiome conditions have a significant impact on the removal of 6:2 FTSA, with factors such as hyperaccumulation and translocation by plants, as well as an increase in Rhodococcus, affecting the biotransformation and removal of 6:2 FTSA.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bilal Abada, Jana Safarik, Kenneth P. Ishida, Shankararaman Chellam
Summary: This study comprehensively characterizes the impact of co-existing foulants on the performance decline and recovery of eight-year-old reverse osmosis membranes. Silicon and bioorganic foulants were identified as the main causes of fouling. Chemical cleaning methods did not fully restore membrane permeability, indicating the need for membrane replacement. The study suggests that incorporating silicon pretreatment can improve reverse osmosis performance and extend membrane lifespan in municipal potable reuse.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Fahad Asiri, Jinha Kim, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: The aquaculture industry faces security threats from antibiotic overuse and increasing demand for aquaculture feeds. This study found that biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and chitosan have potential as replacements for antibiotics and aquaculture feeds. The use of chitosan-harvested PHB-rich Zobellella denitrificans ZD1 as a multifunctional feed showed antimicrobial properties, served as an energy source, and enhanced immune response in brine shrimp Artemia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fahad Asiri, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: Converting waste into healthy proteins can solve waste management and feed supply issues, benefiting the aquaculture industry.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Brent Alspach, Bilal Abada, Shankar Chellam
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manh-Thuong Nguyen, Carlos A. Fernandez, Mostofa Haider, Kung-Hui Chu, Guoqing Jian, Somayeh Nassiri, Difan Zhang, Roger Rousseau, Vassiliki-Alexandra Glezakou
Summary: Cement and concrete are essential materials for constructing durable habitats and infrastructure. However, concrete cracking leads to expensive repairs and contributes to climate change. Therefore, the development of more durable cementitious materials with self-healing capabilities is urgently needed. This review presents five different strategies to achieve self-healing in cement-based materials and discusses the self-healing agents and mechanisms involved.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Brent Alspach, Bilal Abada, Shankar Chellam
Summary: The expanding use of reverse osmosis in water treatment is being improved by advanced membrane forensics, allowing for a broader range of applications and cost savings. Conventional RO membrane autopsies help identify causes of fouling and assess membrane condition, while advanced methods aid in addressing challenges and extending membrane element life.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Myung Hwangbo, Yiru Shao, Paul B. Hatzinger, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: Methanotrophs found in acidic environments play a vital role in controlling the release of atmospheric methane and in the biodegradation and bioremediation of pollutants. They utilize methane as a carbon and energy source and can degrade chlorinated volatile organic compounds under low pH conditions. This paper provides an overview of the occurrence, diversity, and physiological activities of these methanotrophs, highlighting their potential applications in contaminant biodegradation and bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Woo Jin Park, Myung Hwangbo, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: The rapid accumulation of end-of-life polyurethanes (PUR) in the environment is a global crisis. This study investigated the microbial community involved in PUR biodegradation and isolated and characterized two PUR-utilizing isolates. The results showed the potential of Pseudomonas in the rapid biodegradation of PUR foam.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jooho Chung, Jinha Kim, John C. Blazier, Myung Hwangbo, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: This study investigates the diversity and functions of nitrifying bacteria in cabbage fields. The findings reveal that these bacteria exhibit high nitrification ability and N2O emission, which is crucial for improving nitrogen utilization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jinha Kim, Mark E. Fuller, Paul B. Hatzinger, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: We present draft genome sequences of Pseudomonas extremaustralis NQ5, Arthrobacter strain NQ4, and Arthrobacter strain NQ7. These bacteria were isolated from a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor, soils from San Antonio, TX, USA, and sediments from Galveston Bay, TX, USA. They possess the ability to degrade nitroguanidine, an explosive compound found in some insensitive munitions.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinha Kim, Myung Hwangbo, Chih-Hsuan Shih, Kung-Hui Chu
Summary: Stable isotope probing (SIP) is a powerful tool for studying microbial community structure and function. It has provided substantial information to understand complex microbial ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the advances and applications of SIP-based technologies and discusses important factors to be considered in experimental designs and data interpretation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bilal Abada, Sanket Joag, Brent Alspach, Angel Bustamante, Shankararaman Chellam
Summary: This study thoroughly characterized fouled nanofiltration membranes from a 2-stage pilot-scale direct potable reuse plant in El Paso, Texas. It identified silicon oxides/silica as dominant foulants, especially on the lag element, and organosilicon moieties on the lead element. The study also found that fouling led to irreversible productivity loss and traditional cleaning agents were not effective in restoring water permeability.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bilal Abada, Jana Safarik, Kenneth P. Ishida, Shankararaman Chellam
Summary: This study examined the fouling characteristics of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes taken from a potable reuse facility. The results revealed that the fouling varied among different stages and elements, with bioorganics dominating the fouling. Cleaning agents were found to be effective against bioorganics but not silicon fouling. The study highlights the importance of analyzing and evaluating the post-cleaning characteristics of RO membranes to optimize pretreatment and cleaning protocols.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
