Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas M. Wang, Garrett Strong, Vanessa DaSilva, Lijun Gao, Rafael Huacuja, Ivan A. Konstantinov, Mari S. Rosen, Alex J. Nett, Sean Ewart, Roland Geyer, Susannah L. Scott, Damien Guironnet
Summary: The study introduces a new tandem catalysis strategy to convert PE into propylene, the key monomer for making PP, with high selectivity. By using multiple consecutive ethenolysis events and transfer dehydrogenation reactions, effective disassembly of polyethylene is achieved.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mehnaz Shams, Iftaykhairul Alam, Indranil Chowdhury
Summary: The interactions of nanoscale plastics with natural organic matter (NOM) and silica surfaces were investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The study found that polyethylene and polystyrene nanoscale plastics showed higher deposition on NOM-coated surfaces compared to silica surfaces, and the deposition increased with increased ionic strength. Overall, nanoscale plastics' fate and mobility in the environment will be significantly influenced by their interactions with NOM.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng-Hao Lee, James Kar-Hei Fang
Summary: This study investigates the aggregation properties of nanoplastics in aquatic environments and finds that aggregation is significantly enhanced in artificial seawater and coastal seawater compared to pure water and river water. It also reveals that larger aggregates with decreased colloidal stability deposit more quickly, increasing the risk of nanoplastics to marine benthic organisms, particularly in warmer waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weize Zhu, Siyuan Lu, Haibo Jiang, Ping Wang, Chunguang He, Hongfeng Bian, Junyuan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the toxic effects of micro/nano plastics (MPs/NPs) with different sizes and organic pollutants on rice. It was found that 50 nm amino-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) inhibited photosynthesis and DNA repair in rice, while 5 μm PS-NH2 affected gene expression and chlorophyll content. Phenanthrene (Phe) reduced the toxicity of PS-NH2, with the relief effect more evident for 50 nm PS-NH2+Phe.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Carbery Maddison, C. I. Sathish, Daggubati Lakshmi, O'Connor Wayne, Thava Palanisami
Summary: Understanding the degradation of microplastics in marine environments is essential for assessing their risks. Our study demonstrates that long-term marine weathering leads to significant degradation of plastic surfaces and bulk-phases, with variations depending on time and plastic polymer type. Moreover, secondary micronanoplastics are formed from weathered plastic surfaces. Our findings provide valuable information for developing risk assessment frameworks and future plastics policy.
NPJ MATERIALS DEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Harshita Nigam, Rahul Jain, Anushree Malik, Vikram Singh
Summary: The study investigated the effects of nanoplastics on the growth and functionality of green microalgae. The results showed that increasing concentrations of nanoplastics inhibited the growth of microalgae, reduced chlorophyll-a synthesis, and exhibited toxicity to the cells. Furthermore, the exposure to nanoplastics led to abnormal cellular functionality and metabolic secretions.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yun Shi, Jiada Du, Tingman Zhao, Bo Feng, Haohao Bian, Shengdao Shan, Jun Meng, Peter Christie, Ming Hung Wong, Jin Zhang
Summary: In this study, an efficient and reusable composite was prepared from CTAB modified magnetic biochar, which showed improved removal performance of polystyrene and carboxylate-modified polystyrene nanoparticles from water. The removal efficiency decreased in alkaline conditions and was gradually decreased by the presence of NaCl. Phosphate ions had the biggest impact on the removal performance. Furthermore, the composite was able to remove the nanoparticles in real surface water with high efficiencies, even after multiple recycling. The removal process was mainly through aggregation rather than adsorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vinko Zadjelovic, Robyn J. Wright, Tony R. Walker, Vladimir Avalos, Paula E. Marin, Joseph A. Christie-Oleza, Carlos Riquelme
Summary: Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue, and this study reveals the significant contribution of misused expanded polystyrene (EPS) in a construction site near Antofagasta, Chile. The study found a staggering number of EPS spheres that have the potential to be released into the environment, leading to chronic pollution. The observations also highlight the presence of EPS microplastic pollution and the accumulation of litter, exacerbating the pollution problems within the region and posing a potential threat to marine and terrestrial organisms.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyue Wei, Qiang Zhang, Chengfeng Shen, Xu Zhao, Fan Zhang, Xuehui Liu, Gang Wu, Shimei Xu, Yu-Zhong Wang
Summary: Polypropylene waste is transformed into terminal functionalized long-chain chemicals using anionic surfactants. The reaction involves exothermic oxidative cracking and endothermic thermal cracking, requiring only 5 minutes heating at 80°C. This research offers a new approach to convert plastic waste into high-value-added chemicals rapidly and under mild conditions.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Pavon, Miguel Aldas, Jose-Miguel Ferri, David Bertomeu, Franciszek Pawlak, Maria-Dolores Samper
Summary: This study characterized the presence of biodegradable polymers in recycled plastics using FTIR and DSC techniques, revealing the impact of different biodegradable polymers on the properties of recycled plastic materials. Additionally, the study investigated how the performance of recycled PET blends contaminated with TPS and PHB changes over time.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jialin Chi, Yafei Yin, Wenjun Zhang, Christine Putnis, Lijun Wang
Summary: The study reveals that the interaction between nanoplastics and pesticides mixed in soil can lead to their occlusion within mineral particles. This occlusion process involves molecular interactions and the concentration of pesticides.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yunyi Wang, Zhaolan Wei, Ke Xu, Xuan Wang, Xiao Gao, Qi Han, Shuwei Wang, Mingqing Chen
Summary: Nanoplastics are found everywhere in the global environment and have gained attention due to their potential influence on diabetes. In this study, mice were orally exposed to Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) at different dosage levels and combined with a high fat diet and streptozocin injection to investigate the effects and mechanisms of PS-NPs exposure. The results showed that exposure to PS-NPs aggravated various indicators of diabetes and this effect may be partly mediated by the inhibition of AKT/GSK3 beta phosphorylation.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alexander Landera, Daniella Martinez, Jay Salinas, Alberto Rodriguez, Estevan J. Martinez, Oleg Davydovich, Michael S. Kent
Summary: Experimental and computational studies were conducted to investigate the breakdown process of polystyrene sulfonate by Fenton reaction. The results showed simultaneous molecular weight reduction and loss of aromaticity, confirming the findings through calculations. With two molar equivalents of H2O2 per styrene monomer, more than half of the material was broken down to low molecular weight compounds. The calculations revealed insights into the reaction pathways, indicating the necessity of at least two hydroxyl radicals for cleaving backbone C-C bonds or eliminating aromaticity.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Fernanda Rodriguez-Fonseca, Jeysson Sanchez-Suarez, Manuel Fernando Valero, Sonia Ruiz-Balaguera, Luis Eduardo Diaz
Summary: The inherent resistance of synthetic plastics to degradation has created a waste accumulation problem, which can only be addressed with novel methods like biodegradation. Streptomyces strains show potential for degrading synthetic plastics, but research in this field is still in its early stages. Considering the diverse ecological niches associated with Streptomyces, these actinobacteria could serve as complementary agents for plastic waste management and enhance carbon cycle dynamics.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Sanluis-Verdes, P. Colomer-Vidal, F. Rodriguez-Ventura, M. Bello-Villarino, M. Spinola-Amilibia, E. Ruiz-Lopez, R. Illanes-Vicioso, P. Castroviejo, R. Aiese Cigliano, M. Montoya, P. Falabella, C. Pesquera, L. Gonzalez-Legarreta, E. Arias-Palomo, M. Sola, T. Torroba, C. F. Arias, F. Bertocchini
Summary: The saliva of wax worms has the ability to oxidize and depolymerize polyethylene, providing a potential solution for biodegradation of plastic waste.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iftaykhairul Alam, Linda M. Guiney, Mark C. Hersam, Indranil Chowdhury
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephen E. Taylor, Carolyn Pearce, Indranil Chowdhury, Libor Kovarik, Ian Leavy, Steven Baum, Andy Bary, Markus Flury
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mrittika Hasan Rodela, Indranil Chowdhury, Amanda K. Hohner
Summary: The erosion of wildfire ash into surface waters can lead to contamination and alteration of water quality, but the physicochemical properties that determine ash particle stability and transport are not well understood. This study characterized ash samples from three wildfires and found that lighter colored ash, indicative of higher combustion temperatures, had higher pH, electrical conductivity, specific surface area, and zeta potential. Ash particles with higher combustion temperature have greater potential for downstream mobilization, while dark gray ash with higher organic content may have increased stability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mehnaz Shams, Linda M. Guiney, Lijuan Huang, Mani Ramesh, Xiaoning Yang, Mark C. Hersam, Indranil Chowdhury
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iftaykhairul Alam, Linda M. Guiney, Mark C. Hersam, Indranil Chowdhury
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navid B. Saleh, Arsalan Khalid, Yuhao Tian, Craig Ayres, Indu V. Sabaraya, Jaana Pietari, David Hanigan, Indranil Chowdhury, Onur G. Apul
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong-Gui Zhu, Chang-Gui Pan, Feng-Jiao Peng, Chao-Yang Zhou, Jun-Jie Hu, Kefu Yu
Summary: This comprehensive survey investigated the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification of parabens and their metabolite 4-HB in a marine food web. Results showed that parabens were the predominant pollutants in marine organisms, with significant bioaccumulation from sediments. The estimated trophic magnification factor indicated biomagnification for MeP and trophic dilution for 4-HB. Overall, the risks for humans consuming marine organisms were found to be low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andres F. Torres-Franco, Deborah Leroy-Freitas, Cristina Martinez-Fraile, Elisa Rodriguez, Pedro A. Garcia-Encina, Raul Munoz
Summary: Anaerobic and microalgae-based technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives for municipal wastewater treatment. However, the presence of viruses in the treated wastewater is a major concern for reuse applications. This study assessed the ability of these technologies to reduce viruses during secondary wastewater treatment. The results showed that all technologies were effective in reducing the concentration of viruses, with microalgae-based treatment exhibiting the highest potential for reducing the disinfection requirements of treated wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Young Gwang Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Spencer J. Washburn, Scott C. Brooks, Ji Won Yoon, Lucien Besnard
Summary: The study uses Hg isotope ratios to identify the sources and exposure pathways of mercury in bivalves, finding that dissolved Hg phases in the water column are the primary source and exposure pathway to bivalves. This provides new insights into using bivalves as bioindicators for sediment quality monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Geng, Ying Xu, Rui Liu, Dianhai Yang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigates the effect of cation exchange resin (CER) on the sequential recovery of hydrogen and methane from anaerobic digestion (AD) and the corresponding mechanisms. The results show that CER can simultaneously enhance the production of hydrogen and methane by promoting the solubilisation, hydrolysis, and acidification of organic matter. Additionally, CER facilitates effective contact between bacteria and organic particulates and reduces the energy barrier for mass transfer during methane production. The study also reveals changes in the microbial community structure and metagenomics during the AD process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Lin, Zhan Jin, Shunfeng Jiang, Zhiquan Wang, Suqing Wu, Ke Bei, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng
Summary: Dehumidification combined with addition of absorbent resin supplement (ARS) was used to achieve rapid evaporation of non-pretreated urine, resulting in high water evaporation efficiency and nutrient recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangli Che, Chaoran Lin, Shen Li, Jiao Liu, Longhai Zhu, Shilei Yu, Nan Wang, Haoshuai Li, Mutai Bao, Yang Zhou, Tonghao Si, Rui Bao
Summary: Hydrodynamic processes play a crucial role in the transmission of sediments, microbial assembly, and organic carbon redistribution in the ocean. Through experiments and analysis, we found that hydrodynamics shape the assembly of microbial communities and control the redistribution of different sourced organic carbon, thereby influencing microbial-mediated biogeochemical transformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Li, Jieyi Sun, Yibo Fu, Wentao Hong, Heli Wang, Qian Yang, Junhong Wu, Sen Yang, Jianhui Xu, Yunfei Zhang, Yirong Deng, Yin Zhong, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Sulfidation-oxidation treatment of magnetite (Fe3O4) enhances the production of dark center dot OH, which can efficiently degrade dissolved organic matter (DOM) and accelerate carbon cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Yu, Kaijun Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Ruiyang Liu, Pingping Zheng
Summary: This study implemented a microaerobic-aerobic configuration in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility and investigated the effects on sludge characteristics, pollutant removal, microbial community, and granulation mechanisms. The results showed successful transition from flocculent-activated sludge to well-defined AGS after two months of operation. The primary pathways for pollutant removal were simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Moreover, the incorporation of internal separators induced shifts in the flow pattern, which promoted granulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Shaoyang Hu, Guangrong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: Halogenated aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as halogenated phenols, have garnered widespread attention due to their high toxicity and prevalence. This study reports on the analysis, occurrence, and cytotoxicity of a group of emerging halogenated aromatic DBPs, known as halogenated polyhydroxyphenols (HPPs), in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyue Chen, Jinliang Huang, Peng Wang, Xi Tang, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: Accurate prediction of river water quality is crucial for sustainable water management. This study introduces wavelet analysis and transfer learning techniques to assist LSTM modeling, proposing a newly coupled modeling approach that improves short-term prediction of river water quality.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bang Du, Xinmin Zhan, Piet N. L. Lens, Yifeng Zhang, Guangxue Wu
Summary: Efficient anaerobic digestion relies on the cooperation of different microorganisms with different metabolic pathways. This study investigated the effects of different operational modes and the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on ethanol metabolic pathways. The results showed that the SBR mode and the presence of CO2 facilitated ethanol metabolism towards propionate production, while the CFR mode with extended solids retention time enriched Geobacter. Adjusting operational modes and PAC addition can modulate anaerobic ethanol metabolism and enrich Geobacter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanfa Wang, Si-Liang Li, Jun Zhong, Yuanbi Yi, Fujun Yue, Zenglei Han, Qixin Wu, Ding He, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: This study compares the carbon biogeochemical processes in karst and non-karst regions within large thermal stratified river-reservoir systems. The results demonstrate that karst reservoirs have a reduced potential for carbon emissions and highlight the importance of considering geologic settings to improve accuracy in regional and global CO2 emission estimates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunxia Jiang, Zelong Zhao, Dong Zhu, Xiong Pan, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental media of the Yangtze River using metagenomics. Core resistome dominated by multidrug resistance genes was found in all samples, while rare resistome dominated by various resistance genes was more prevalent in plasmids. Specific bacteria were identified as hosts for both core and rare resistomes, with high clinical concern ARGs found in the rare resistome. Particle-associated environment provided the most ideal conditions for resistome hosts. This study provided insights into the genetic locations of ARGs and the community assembly mechanisms of ARG hosts in freshwater environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yongtao He, Linchun Jia, Lei Xu, Zheng Wang, Yueling He, Ling Xiong, Xumeng Lin, Hong Chen, Gang Xue
Summary: By synergizing organic carbon source, thiosulfate, and zero-valent iron, efficient mixotrophic denitrification of oligotrophic secondary effluent can be achieved. Thiosulfate plays a vital role in promoting TN removal efficiency, while corrosion of Fe0 releases OH- to neutralize H+ from thiosulfate-driven denitrification, creating a suitable environment for denitrification. The coordination of thiosulfate and Fe0 maintains the dominance of Thiobacillus for denitrification.
