Article
Environmental Sciences
S. T. Mullineaux, S. H. A. Redpath, N. Ogle, J. M. McKinley, N. J. Marks, D. M. Scantlebury, R. Doherty
Summary: This study examined the accumulation patterns of heavy metals in Eurasian Badgers through compositional statistical methods, revealing geo-spatial patterns of potentially toxic elements in soil and badger tissues, as well as the mechanisms by which they move in the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theo Wernicke, Sebastian Abel, Beate Escher, Jan Koschorreck, Heinz Ruedel, Annika Jahnke
Summary: This study aimed to assess the use of suspended particulate matter (SPM) as an alternative matrix for estimating the internal exposure concentrations of persistent and hydrophobic organic compounds in fish and mussels. The results showed that SPM could serve as a conservative proxy for the internal concentration of these organisms, except for older fish where age-dependent biomagnification exceeded the predictions based on thermodynamic equilibrium relative to SPM.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Ranjbar Jafarabadi, Mehdi Dashtbozorg, Eva Raudonyte-Svirbutaviciene, Alireza Riyahi Bakhtiari
Summary: The study identified the presence of chlorinated paraffins in coral species at the Larak coral reef. Soft corals were found to accumulate more chlorinated paraffins than Scleractinian corals, with zooxanthellae and mucus accumulating more chlorinated paraffins than tissue and skeleton. Congener group patterns were dominated by C-13 for SCCPs and C-17 for MCCPs, with some alterations between mucus and other coral compartments. High loadings of chlorinated paraffins were detected in the skeletons of bleached corals, and a negative correlation between chlorinated paraffin levels and symbiodinium density was observed.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raina Aman Qazi, Rozina Khattak, Luqman Ali Shah, Rizwan Ullah, Muhammad Sufaid Khan, Muhammad Sadiq, Mahmoud M. Hessien, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy
Summary: Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA). The modified MWCNTs exhibited improved dispersion in the polymer matrix. The nanocomposites showed enhanced thermal properties, electrical conductivity, and ammonia-sensing capabilities, with the PHB/f-MWCNTs/PMMA blend system demonstrating the best overall performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Louise J. Salt, Giuseppina Mandalari, Mary L. Parker, Mahamoud Hussein, Charlotte E. Mills, Robert Gray, Sarah E. Berry, Wendy Hall, Peter J. Wilde
Summary: This study investigates the digestion kinetics of interesterified (IE) fats in comparison with non-IE fats and rapeseed oil (RO). The results show that IE fats mainly exist in solid form and are strongly associated with the muffin matrix in the gastric phase, while RO forms liquid droplets that separate from the matrix. Lipolysis rates were not significantly different between IE and non-IE fats, but lipolysis of RO fat was slower due to the presence of long-chain PUFAs. The strong interaction between the hard fats and the muffin matrix resulted in delayed gastric emptying compared to the RO sample. The physical behavior of fats during digestion plays a crucial role in determining their digestion kinetics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theo Wernicke, Elisa Rojo-Nieto, Albrecht Paschke, Claudia Nogueira Tavares, Mario Brauns, Annika Jahnke
Summary: This study utilized PSDs in a river contaminated with HOCs to estimate concentrations in model lipids, with results showing that PSD-based data from SPM provided a more conservative estimate of HOC accumulation in fish compared to water. The body length of the fish was found to be a more suitable indicator for bioaccumulation than their trophic level, offering a potential alternative for future studies without the need for sacrificing vertebrate species for monitoring purposes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nazanin Karimi Bakhtiyar, Sama Esmaeili, Reza Javadpour, Saeed Zeinali Heris
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH and MWCNTs-OH) on the performance of a novel indirect laboratory heater redesigned with a helical tube. The experiments showed that as the concentration levels of the nanofluids increased, the system's performance also improved. The study demonstrated the potential of using nanofluids in indirect bath heating to reduce thermal energy consumption and improve efficiency.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Silvia Beatriz Brachetti-Sibaja, Diana Palma-Ramirez, Aide Minerva Torres-Huerta, Miguel Antonio Dominguez-Crespo, Hector Javier Dorantes-Rosales, Adela Eugenia Rodriguez-Salazar, Esther Ramirez-Meneses
Summary: The optimal conditions for synthesizing and purifying carbon nanotubes from ferrocene were determined through CVD, with key parameters being processing temperature and purification method. The CNTs produced by CVD were found to be superior to commercial ones for preparing composites with conductive polymers, enhancing structural stability and electrical properties. The synergistic effects among hydrogen bonds, stability, and conductivity were more pronounced in PANI/MWCNTs composites, suggesting potential for various technological applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sera Kasai, Keita Watanabe, Yoshihito Umemura, Yuka Ishimoto, Miho Sasaki, Haruka Nagaya, Soichiro Tatsuo, Tatsuya Mikami, Yoshinori Tamada, Satoru Ide, Masahiko Tomiyama, Masashi Matsuzaka, Shingo Kakeda
Summary: This study investigates the altered hippocampal intra-networks in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using MRI, and finds that two hippocampal intra-networks are significantly associated with MCI, independent of hippocampal volume, suggesting a different pathology in MCI compared to brain atrophy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lihui Feng, Liying Feng, Qi Li, Jianmin Cui, Junqiang Guo
Summary: Two formaldehyde detection methods using composite film quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors demonstrate fast reaction, low cost, and ease of manufacture. The PVAm/MWCNTs sensor has a detection limit of 0.5 ppm and a sensitivity of 0.74 ppm/Hz. Different concentrations and proportions of formaldehyde result in varying performance in terms of reuse, gas selectivity, and response at room temperature for the sensors presented.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heidi Ahkola, Petra Lindholm-Lehto, Noora Perkola, Pia Valitalo, Paivi Merilainen, Kimmo Maenpaa, Julio Alberto Alegre Stelzer, Ilse Heiskanen, Johanna Jarvisto, Jari Nuutinen, Matti T. Leppanen
Summary: Sewage sludge is an inevitable byproduct of wastewater treatment, and reusing it can reduce waste and promote circular economy. However, sludge contains potentially harmful chemicals. This study determined concentrations of various compounds in different sludge treatments, and found that bioassays and sampler extracts detecting contaminants in sludge are complementary tools for chemical analyses in assessing environmental risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Zhaodong Ding, Long Chang, Kai Tian, Yongjun Jian
Summary: Energy conversion in micro/nano-systems, especially electrokinetic energy conversion, is currently being extensively researched. However, there are two different definitions of electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency in literature. This study investigates both definitions under periodic electrokinetic flow conditions for different fluid types. The results show that the two definitions give similar results for Newtonian fluids, but significant differences for viscoelastic fluids. It is shown that defining energy conversion efficiency by pure pressure-driven flow rate is incorrect in the case of viscoelastic flow.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND MECHANICS-ENGLISH EDITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiahui Zhang, Xin Qi, Mingyue Shen, Qiang Yu, Yi Chen, Jianhua Xie
Summary: This study investigated the delivery of functional β-carotene using an emulsion stabilized with whey protein isolate-Mesona chinensis polysaccharide (WPI-MCP) conjugate. Results showed that the WPI-MCP complex had better antioxidant properties and oxidative stability. The emulsions stabilized by this complex had smaller particle size and better stability when MCP was added at 0.2% (w/v).
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Wu, Qinghong Liao, Aixi Chen, Wenjie Nie
Summary: Theoretical proposal of a nonlinear optomechanical system with a suspended graphene sheet, a single atom, and an optical parametric amplifier for ground-state cooling and thermophonon flux exploration. Findings show controllable cooling properties and thermophonon flux magnitude through changing vacuum coupling strength. Maximum thermophonon flux aligns with minimum effective phonon number, attributed to optimal transfer of thermal noise energy at optimal cavity field detuning.
RESULTS IN PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiaxuan Li, Yu Li, Xuedi Zhang, Song Miao, Mingqian Tan, Wentao Su
Summary: This study proposed a new strategy for the preparation of composite nanofibers for juice clarification and anti-browning control. The nanofibers prepared by microfluidic spinning combined multiple substances to improve the quality of fruit juice.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jia-Yong Lao, Yuefei Ruan, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Eddy Y. Zeng, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: This comprehensive review examines the occurrence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in various environments over the past decade and explores age-specific exposure to OPEs. The results suggest that dietary ingestion is the main exposure pathway, followed by dust ingestion. Exposure in schools/daycare centers and offices contributes significantly to OPE intake in non-adults and adults, respectively. Infants are the most vulnerable group, largely due to breast milk ingestion.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia-Yong Lao, Rongben Wu, Yongsheng Cui, Shiwen Zhou, Yuefei Ruan, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Jiaxue Wu, Eddy Y. Zeng, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: The study highlights the importance of atmospheric deposition and surface runoff as pathways for OPEs to enter and migrate in the Pearl River Estuary; the particle-mediated transport of OPEs is influenced by various factors, including physicochemical properties, environmental factors, and marine microbial activities; there is a need for increased attention to the input and environmental fate of OPEs in the estuary.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danyang Tao, Qianqian Jin, Yuefei Ruan, Kai Zhang, Linjie Jin, Yuting Zhan, Guanyong Su, Jiaxue Wu, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Paul K. S. Lam, Yuhe He
Summary: Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), commonly used in screens of electronic devices, have been identified as potential threats to the marine ecosystem. This study investigated the pollution status of LCMs in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), where primitive handling of e-waste is widespread. The results showed a widespread occurrence of LCMs in sediments, with a gradient of contamination from inshore to offshore regions. Preliminary risk assessment identified certain LCMs as top contributors to the risk in the PRE. Further investigation on the ecological impact of LCMs, as well as source identification and control measures, are necessary.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaru Cao, Huiju Lin, Qi Wang, Jing Li, Mengyang Liu, Kai Zhang, Shaopeng Xu, Guangling Huang, Yuefei Ruan, Jiaxue Wu, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: This study investigated the pollution status of phthalate esters (PAEs) at the eight riverine outlets of the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The results showed that PAEs were mainly derived from the wastewater of the PRD, with higher levels of contamination at the eastern outlets and during the dry season. The transportation of PAEs was influenced by both the dissolved and particulate phases, with the more hydrophobic pollutants transported by the particulate phase and the more hydrophilic ones transported by the dissolved phase.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Wang, Yuefei Ruan, Linjie Jin, Guangyuan Lu, Lan Ma, Leo W. Y. Yeung, Wen-Xiong Wang, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are pervasive and persistent chemicals with bioaccumulative properties, especially in aquatic ecosystems. The heavily industrialized Greater Bay Area in China is a significant source of PFAS contamination, which can potentially impact the health of local oysters and human consumption. This study analyzed PFAS concentrations in oysters and surrounding waters from the Pearl River Estuary in China and found relatively high levels of PFASs, but low risks to human health. Additionally, the study highlights the feasibility of using oysters as biomonitors for monitoring PFASs in coastal environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiong Cao, Yumeng Shi, Mengqi Yan, Hongkai Zhu, Shucong Chen, Ke Xu, Lei Wang, Hongwen Sun
Summary: Wearing masks during the pandemic is now normal, but certain masks may release microplastics and plastic additives like phthalates. This study used an experimental device to simulate the impact of different masks on inhaling microplastics and phthalates. The results showed that surgical masks offer protection, while cotton and fashion masks increase exposure to microplastics and phthalates indoors and outdoors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuelin Li, Yu Wang, Wenbin Bai, Qiuyue Zhang, Leicheng Zhao, Zhipeng Cheng, Hongkai Zhu, Hongwen Sun
Summary: In an e-waste-dismantling workplace in Central China, higher concentrations of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were found in the dust compared to the outdoor environment. The predominant NBFR found was BEHTBP, contributing 66.0-88.0% of the measured concentrations. The human exposure risk to NBFRs at the current level was found to be limited.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lihui Zhao, Miaomiao Teng, Xiaoli Zhao, Yunxia Li, Jiaqi Sun, Wentian Zhao, Yuefei Ruan, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Fengchang Wu
Summary: Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised concerns due to their widespread presence in the environment and potential hazards to wildlife and human health. Although there are increasing numbers of effective PFAS alternatives, these alternatives also pose new challenges. This paper reviews how PFASs bind to transport proteins, nuclear receptors, and membranes, and discusses the variations in affinity for endogenous proteins introduced by structural features of PFAS alternatives. The toxic effects and mechanisms of action of legacy PFASs can be compared with their alternatives using binding models, and future studies should integrate in vitro experiments and in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling for better toxicity predictions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Linjie Jin, Qi Wang, Meng Yan, Jiarui Gu, Kai Zhang, Paul K. S. Lam, Yuefei Ruan
Summary: This study reported for the first time the tissue-specific uptake and depuration kinetics of two pairs of pharmaceutical enantiomers, S-(-)-metoprolol versus R-(+)-metoprolol and S- (+)-venlafaxine versus R-(-)-venlafaxine, in marine medaka. The results showed a higher bioaccumulation potential of S-venlafaxine compared to R-venlafaxine, while there was no significant difference between S- and R-metoprolol. Furthermore, the main metabolites were identified, and the eyes were found to have the highest tissue-specific bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for all four enantiomers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Wang, Yuefei Ruan, Linjie Jin, Lily S. R. Tao, Han Lai, Guifeng Li, Leo W. Y. Yeung, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: The ban/elimination of legacy PFASs has resulted in an increase in the production and use of emerging PFASs. However, the trophodynamics of these emerging PFASs in aquatic food webs are still not well understood. This study investigated the biomagnification potential of legacy and emerging PFASs in seawaters and marine organisms from the South China Sea. Significant trophic magnification was observed for 22 PFASs, including the first reported trophic magnification factors for certain PFASs. The presence of PFASs in seafood from the South China Sea suggests a potential human health risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Wang, Yuefei Ruan, Linjie Jin, Brian C. W. Kot, Kenneth Mei Yee Leung, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: This study conducted target analysis and suspect screening of halogenated flameretardants (HFRs) and their metabolites in the blubber of stranded finless porpoises and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Hong Kong between 2013 and 2020. The concentrations of tetra-/penta-/hexa-bromodiphenyl ethers (tetra-/penta-/hexa-BDEs) in porpoises and dolphins decreased over time, possibly due to the phasing out of these chemicals in China. Positive correlation was found between the concentrations of tetra-BDE and Me-MeO-tetra-BDE, suggesting the potential metabolism of tetra-BDE as a source of Me-MeO-tetra-BDE in marine mammals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoi Shan Chau, Shaopeng Xu, Yue Ma, Qi Wang, Yaru Cao, Guangling Huang, Yuefei Ruan, Meng Yan, Mengyang Liu, Kai Zhang, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: This study used a concurrent sampling strategy to investigate the flux of microplastics (MPs) in the Pearl River Estuarine (PRE). The results showed that tidal effect had a significant impact on MP abundances, and the ecological risk assessment revealed that less urbanized and populated rural areas on the western side have been underestimated.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eriko Yamazaki, Dipa Lalwani, Yuefei Ruan, Sachi Taniyasu, Nobuyasu Hanari, Nirmal J. I. Kumar, Paul K. S. Lam, Nobuyoshi Yamashita
Summary: The study conducted a nationwide investigation on road dust in India and found various PFAS compounds, with concentrations varying across regions and population density. The highest PFAS concentrations were observed in urban road dust, and PFAS posed a greater ingestion risk to toddlers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuefei Ruan, Paul K. S. Lam, Jia-Yong Lao, Guangling Huang, Kai Zhang, Qi Wang, Shaopeng Xu, Jiaxue Wu, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Eddy Y. Zeng, Bensheng Huang
Summary: Due to the lack of monitoring networks and criteria for emerging contaminants in rivers, it is challenging to quantify the influences of human activities on their occurrence and ecological impacts. In this study, organophosphate esters (OPEs) were investigated in the urban estuary of Pearl River Estuary (PRE) in South China. The results showed that OPEs occurrence was mainly influenced by land-based emissions and hydrological conditions. Tributyl phosphate and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate were identified as priority OPEs, requiring further monitoring and control measures in this estuary. The study indicates that urbanized riverine outlets are more environmentally stressed and have lower resilience to OPE pollution.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengqi Yan, Hongkai Zhu, Haining Luo, Tao Zhang, Hongwen Sun, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study analyzed urine samples collected from 12 cities in mainland China to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxidative stress biomarkers. The results showed that VOC exposure primarily came from cooking, solvents, and vehicle emissions. Regional variations in VOC concentrations were observed, with higher levels found in North and South China. The study also revealed a positive correlation between most VOCs and oxidative stress markers, suggesting potential health risks associated with VOC exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
