Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Indumathi Ilango, Raj Mohan Balakrishnan
Summary: The removal of ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin hydrochloride in water was studied using L-Leucine functionalized nickel ferrite nanocomposite. The results showed that the nanocomposite was effective in removing low-concentrated antibiotics from wastewater under certain conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Cui, Jiliang Ma, Gaojie Jiao, Runcang Sun
Summary: A novel FeLaO3-modified sulfomethylated lignin (SL) biochar adsorbent (FLO@CSL) was developed for effective removal of phosphates from wastewater, showing remarkable selectivity and adsorption capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanyang Zhang, Saeed Ahmed, Zexiao Zheng, Fei Liu, Chui-Fan Leung, Tak-yip Choy, Yau-ting Kwok, Bingcai Pan, Irene M. C. Lo
Summary: The pilot-scale adsorption system using La@201 as the adsorbent demonstrated high efficiency and stability in phosphorus removal, showing great potential for practical applications. The study provides new insights into the design and scaling-up of novel adsorbents and adsorption technology for polishing phosphate treatment from natural waters and wastewater.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuan Zhou, Can Jin, Guifeng Liu, Guomin Wu, Shuping Huo, Zhenwu Kong
Summary: This study demonstrates the tunable covalent binding of lignin onto amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from wastewater. The synthesized lignin-based magnetic adsorbents showed different adsorption performance towards Pb(II) with varying ratios of AMNP/lignin. The magnetic cores in the network facilitated the fast recovery of the magnetic adsorbents after the adsorption process, with good superparamagnetic properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Yilin Mao, Rongwei Xiong, Xiufang Gao, Li Jiang, Yancong Peng, Yan Xue
Summary: This review summarized phosphorus metabolism in microalgae, examined key factors impacting phosphorous removal by microalgae from wastewater, and reviewed the current status of research on phosphorous metabolism in microalgae-based municipal wastewater treatments. Additionally, methods for the recovery of microalgae after phosphorous removal were summarized to ensure sustainability in municipal wastewater treatment. Finally, a potential approach utilizing nanomaterials was proposed to enhance overall phosphorous removal performance in municipal wastewater.
Article
Polymer Science
Fatimah Mohammed Alzahrani, Norah Salem Alsaiari, Khadijah Mohammedsaleh Katubi, Abdelfattah Amari, Faouzi Ben Rebah, Mohamed A. Tahoon
Summary: A magnetic polymer-based nanocomposite was successfully fabricated for the removal of dye and metal ion pollutants from water. The nanocomposite exhibited high efficiency in adsorbing contaminants, showed good adaptability to different conditions and water types, and demonstrated promising reusability for multiple cycles of pollutant removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoxia Ye, Yun Li, Huiting Lin, Yichong Chen, Minghua Liu
Summary: LMNA, a lignin-based magnetic nanoparticle adsorbent, was synthesized by loading a magnetic core onto alkali lignin, showing excellent adsorption capacity for diclofenac sodium and high reusability. The adsorption performance of LMNA was attributed to a combination of electrostatic attractions, pi-pi stacking interactions, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The high magnetic saturation strength of LMNA allowed for easy recycling, making it a promising material for wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Panpan Song, Liuping Du, Jiuyin Pang, Guiquan Jiang, Jianmin Shen, Yanli Ma, Shixue Ren, Shujun Li
Summary: Researchers have successfully prepared a lignin-based epoxy asphalt (ELEA) with thermoplastic and thermosetting properties by introducing a lignin-based vitrimer system into the asphalt. ELEA shows good operability, thermal stability, and potential for recycling, in line with the trend towards the development of a circular economy.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enmin Zong, Xuanren Wang, Lirong Zhang, Jiayao Yang, Xiaohuan Liu
Summary: The application of lignin-based adsorbents in efficient phosphate removal from wastewater has been extensively studied. However, most existing lignin-based adsorbents are not recyclable. In this study, a recyclable, nanostructured bio-adsorbent called LG-NH2@Fe3O4@Zr-La was developed, which exhibited high phosphate adsorption capacity and selectivity against other anions. The reusable composite also demonstrated efficient removal of phosphate under acidic conditions and could be easily separated using an external magnetic field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enmin Zong, Runfang Fan, Hao Hua, Jiayao Yang, Shengtao Jiang, Jinfeng Dai, Xiaohuan Liu, Pingan Song
Summary: This study presents a novel magnetically recyclable bio-adsorbent for removing Congo red dye from water. The adsorbent exhibits easy separation and excellent anti-interference capability, with a removal efficiency of 92% after five consecutive cycles. This work provides a sustainable strategy for the development of efficient, separable, and recyclable bio-derived adsorbents for organic dye removal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fan Wang, Rongrong Ma, Yaoqi Tian
Summary: A novel starch-based superhydrophobic absorbent (HMS-SiO2@MSC) was developed by introducing nanoparticles into starch cryogel, showing magnetism and superhydrophobicity for efficient oil spill cleanup.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohini Sadhu, Ronak Bhatt, Naznin Shaikh, Padmaja Pamidimukkala
Summary: In this study, a silver-based magnetic metal organic framework nanocomposite was prepared, consisting of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and silver-based benzene tricarboxylic acid MOF nanostructure. The synthesized nanostructure was characterized using various techniques, confirming its optical and morphological characteristics, as well as its potential for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangcheng Shan, Yumeng Zhao, Shufeng Bo, Liyu Yang, Zuoyi Xiao, Qingda An, Shangru Zhai
Summary: A novel magnetic adsorbent AL-NH2@Fe3O4-Ce with high affinity for phosphate and excellent recyclability was developed for efficient phosphorus reclamation from wastewater. Batch experiments showed significantly higher phosphate adsorption capacity compared to aminated lignin and cerium oxide, indicating promising applications. Mechanisms of electrostatic attraction and inner-sphere complexation were proposed based on XPS analysis and batch experiments, showcasing the potential of AL-NH2@Fe3O4-Ce as a future adsorbent for phosphate removal processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Boyu Du, Yating Bai, Zheng Pan, Jingyu Xu, Qingyu Wang, Xing Wang, Gaojin Lv, Jinghui Zhou
Summary: This study successfully separated fractionated lignin (L2) with more hydroxyl and carboxyl groups from black liquor using a simple sequential acid precipitation method, and then prepared high-efficiency and low-cost fractionated lignin-based magnetic nanoparticles (L2-MNPs) adsorbent by introducing L2 onto the surface of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs). The experimental results showed that L2-MNPs had a high adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB) dye in wastewater, making it an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and recyclable adsorbent.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changsong Li, Yijing Li, Qiang Li, Junling Duan, Juying Hou, Qin Hou, Shiyun Ai, Houshen Li, Yuechao Yang
Summary: The regenerable magnetic AL/Fe3O4/La(OH)(3) adsorbents showed high adsorption capacities for phosphate and glyphosate, with Fe3O4 and La(OH)(3) enhancing the adsorption process. The adsorbents can be rapidly separated with an external magnetic field due to the magnetic properties of Fe3O4, and 89% of the adsorption capacity remained after four adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating their potential for effective and reusable phosphate and glyphosate removal.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shanyu Meng, Zhaohui Tong, Shugang Zhang, Gengnan Li, Hanxi Bao, Steven D. Bruner, Yuncong C. Li, Yongsheng Chen
Summary: This study aims to synthesize a dendritic biopolymer ligand with highly active and abundant EDTA end groups, as well as elucidate its metal complex formation mechanism. By grafting the EDTA termination structure on a lignosulfonate core, the ligand shows strong interactions with divalent metals.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shanyu Meng, Hui Wang, Yuncong C. Li, Tiantian Li, Guodong Liu, Shugang Zhang, Zhaohui Tong
Summary: A biodegradable 3D biocomposite adsorbent was developed to reclaim iron from iron-rich water and promote plant growth. This adsorbent possesses a porous structure and high iron adsorption capacity, making it a potential substitute for crop production.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shugang Zhang, Mingchuan Yang, Shanyu Meng, Yuechao Yang, Yuncong C. Li, Zhaohui Tong
Summary: Bio-based slow-release fertilizers have the potential to address food scarcity, improve nutrient utilization, and prevent environmental pollution. This study proposes the fabrication of double-function and environmentally friendly slow-release fertilizers that have controllable fertilizer release and strong metal adsorption capabilities. By synthesizing a hydrophobic nanohybrid from low-cost lignin biowaste and clay, the release of hydrophobic fertilizer can be blocked and cationic ions can be absorbed. The results show that these controlled-release fertilizers exhibit excellent nitrogen release longevity and promote plant growth in trace-metal contaminated soil.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed I. D. Helal, Zhaohui Tong, Hassan A. Khater, Muhammad A. Fathy, Fatma E. Ibrahim, Yuncong Li, Noha H. Abdelkader
Summary: In order to address the low fertilizer use efficiency in crop production, slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) have been introduced as effective solutions to minimize nutrient losses. This study focuses on modifying the fabrication process to develop a controllable release fertilizer (CRU) using biowaste lignin and low-cost montmorillonite clay mineral. The CRUs exhibited a prolonged nitrogen release function, extending to 20 days in water and 32 days in soil. The significance of this research lies in the production of CRU beads that contain high nitrogen percentages and have a long soil residence period, which can enhance plant nitrogen utilization efficiency and contribute to agricultural production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohamed I. D. Helal, Mohamed M. El-Mogy, Hassan A. Khater, Muhammad A. Fathy, Fatma E. Ibrahim, Yuncong C. Li, Zhaohui Tong, Karima F. Abdelgawad
Summary: Minimizing the consumption of agrochemicals, particularly nitrogen, is essential for sustainable agricultural production. This study developed controlled-release fertilizers using a biobased nanocomposite of lignin and bentonite clay mineral, which greatly improved nitrogen use efficiency and enhanced the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomato plants under field conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunyan Tang, Meiqi Han, Xiaoran Yang, Tianlin Shen, Yangyang Gao, Yong Wang, Shugang Zhang, Denglun Chen, Di He, Yuncong C. Li
Summary: Controlled-release urea can improve crop nitrogen use efficiencies and yields by increasing inorganic nitrogen concentrations, enzyme activities, protein contents, and gene expressions. A field study with direct-seeded rice showed that controlled-release urea increased the inorganic nitrogen content in the rice root zone. Compared to standard urea, controlled-release urea had significantly higher enzyme activity and gene expression, resulting in improved nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield. Controlled-release urea has great potential for enhancing rice production.
Article
Agronomy
Nan Xu, Naba R. Amgain, Abul Rabbany, James M. McCray, Yuncong C. Li, Sarah L. Strauss, Rao Mylavarapu, Jehangir H. Bhadha
Summary: The addition of organic byproducts to soils is an important source of essential nutrients for plants. This study investigated the release patterns of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from bagasse, a sugarcane milling byproduct, in sugarcane and fallow fields. The results showed that bagasse decomposed faster when buried compared to being placed on the soil surface, and the decomposition rate was higher in Histosols than in Spodosols. Nitrogen and phosphorus showed net immobilization after one month of bagasse application when buried, while potassium presented no immobilization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenbo Peng, Hanxi Bao, Yigui Wang, Elizabeth Cote, William J. Sagues, Halena Hagelin-Weaver, Ji Gao, Dequan Xiao, Zhaohui Tong
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective route to selectively convert lignin into isolated phenolic acids using a low-cost graphene oxide-urea hydrogen peroxide catalyst under mild conditions. It opens a new way to selectively cleave lignin side chains to isolated biochemicals under mild conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuchen Wang, Heng Bao, David J. Kavana, Yuncong Li, Xiaoyu Li, Linlu Yan, Wenjing Xu, Bing Yu
Summary: This study investigated the spatial variability in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) and their possible relationships with other soil properties in the Hongqipao reservoir. The results showed high spatial variabilities in SOC, TN, SMBC, and SMBN, with contents decreasing with increasing soil depth. The study also revealed correlations among these soil properties and their mutual influence from other soil properties.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Karyn Pounds, Hanxi Bao, Yifei Luo, Jaysankar De, Keith Schneider, Melanie Correll, Zhaohui Tong
Summary: This study developed a real-time, simple, and user-friendly food quality detection prototype by combining a glycerol-based sensory film with visual color analysis and the k-nearest neighbors algorithm. It provides technology for accurate monitoring of food freshness and spoilage degree, suitable for large-scale food storage applications.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ariel Freidenreich, Sanku Dattamudi, Yuncong Li, Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
Summary: The agricultural soils in South Florida have low organic matter and high carbonate rock fragments. Sunn hemp and velvet bean are productive leguminous cover crops that can add dry biomass and nutrients to nutrient-poor soils. Intercropping these cover crops with carambola trees can supplement soil nutrients and organic matter, benefiting fruit production.
Article
Agronomy
Yanyan Lu, Maria Lucia Silveira, George A. O'Connor, Joao M. B. Vendramini, Yuncong C. Li
Summary: Land application of biochar as a soil amendment can help reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. However, the effects of biochar on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in sandy soils receiving fertilizers are not well understood. This study found that biochar materials had some ability to retain ammonium but not nitrate, and acted as a source of phosphorus. Applying biosolids instead of inorganic fertilizers resulted in lower leaching risks for nitrogen and phosphorus. The results highlighted the importance of understanding the source and application method of biochar in influencing nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics.
AGROSYSTEMS GEOSCIENCES & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)