Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Yang, Nan Zhang, Qi You, Xin Chen, Yinqing Zhang, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: Due to the increasing applications, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are released into the environment and undergo various transformations. The presence of chloride ion (Cl-) in aquatic environments and its strong affinity for silver play a significant role in these transformations. The concentration of Cl- affects the multistep chlorination of AgNPs, with dissolution accelerated at a Cl/Ag ratio of 1, and the intensive etching effect of Cl- leading to significant morphology changes. The overall transformation rate increases when the Cl/Ag ratio reaches 10,000, due to complexation of Cl- with AgCl(s) to form soluble AgClx(x-1)-species.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lisa M. Stabryla, Kathryn A. Johnston, Nathan A. Diemler, Vaughn S. Cooper, Jill E. Millstone, Sarah-Jane Haig, Leanne M. Gilbertson
Summary: Bacterial motility can be a significant predictor of AgNP resistance, guiding the development of nanoenabled antimicrobials. The study of bacterial resistance to AgNPs is still in its early stages, with limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The resistance to subinhibitory concentrations of AgNPs in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 strain was found to be associated with a cusS mutation, potentially enhancing silver ion efflux and suggesting a role for flagellum-based motility in the resistance mechanism.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Yang, Shimei Zheng, Ruixuan Li, Xin Chen, Kunkun Wang, Binbin Sun, Yinqing Zhang, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: The study shows that algal EPS can affect the oxidative dissolution and sulfidation of AgNPs, playing a role in promoting these processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weicheng Zhang, Ke Song, Runrun Ding, Hui Han, Lunguang Yao, Mingfei Ji, Zhaojin Chen, Haiying Yu, Chenxi Wu, Tao Fang
Summary: Sunlight-oxidative ageing is a critical process for microplastics in aquatic environments, and the generation of O-2(center dot-), O-1(2), and center dot OH can alter metal speciation. This study found that under simulated sunlight irradiation, polystyrene microplastics play a key role in mediating silver speciation, reducing Ag +, stabilizing silver nanoparticles, and suppressing acute toxicity to various aquatic organisms.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junmin Deng, Sunho Yoon, Mathieu Pasturel, Sungjun Bae, Khalil Hanna
Summary: This study comprehensively examines the effect of AgNPs on the reductive ability of NZVI, and finds that low doses of AgNPs decrease the reactivity of NZVI while high doses enhance it. Additionally, sulfate and humic acid are found to enhance the removal of p-NP in the NZVI-AgNP suspension.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robert M. Wheeler, Steven K. Lower
Summary: Aggregation is a crucial process for understanding the behavior of anthropogenic particles in aquatic environments. The model predicts that homoaggregation is negligible and at least 10% of nanoparticles or microplastics may remain unaggregated despite favorable bonding conditions for heteroaggregation. The study emphasizes the importance of considering disaggregation in the context of both heteroaggregation and homoaggregation of anthropogenic and natural particles.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Yang, Xin Chen, Nan Zhang, Binbin Sun, Kunkun Wang, Yinqing Zhang, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) released by Escherichia coli (E. coli) on the dissolution and sulfidation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the associated growth inhibition to E. coli. The results show that EPS inhibited AgNPs dissolution, but facilitated the reductive transformation of Ag+ to Ag(0) under simulated sunlight. EPS also enhanced the colloidal stability of AgNPs and promoted sulfidation, thereby reducing the available dissolved Ag+ ions and relieving the antibacterial activity of AgNPs to E. coli.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Boris Ershov, Vadim Ershov
Summary: For the first time, an electrochemical mechanism of the oxidative dissolution of silver nanoparticles in aqueous solutions is proposed and supported. This dissolution is driven by two interrelated processes: silver oxidation on a microanode and oxygen reduction on a microcathode. The solubility of nanoparticles is found to be directly proportional to their standard potential, and an empirical equation is derived to relate the solubility of AgNPs to their electrode potential and size. The dissolution process slows down and eventually stops when the nanoparticles undergo aggregation and reach a potential similar to that of bulk metal.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Y. Vicente-Martinez, M. Caravaca, A. Soto-Meca
Summary: A novel method using magnetic core nanoparticles, coated with metallic nanomeric silver and functionalized with L-Cysteine, has been introduced for the total and simultaneous removal of various mercury species from aquatic environments. The experimental results show high adsorption efficiency within a short contact time, along with the ability to recover and reuse the nanoparticles. The thermodynamics reveal that the adsorption is of a physicochemical nature, and the equilibrium isotherms are described by a Langmuir model for all the Hg species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sicheng Xiong, Xuesong Cao, Hao Fang, Huiyuan Guo, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study demonstrated that EPS from Chlorella pyrenoidosa can readily reduce Ag+ to AgNPs, with visible light accelerating the photoreduction process. The presence of chloride ions (Cl-) shortened the duration of photoreduction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Prasanga Madhushani Kumarage, Liyana Arachchilage Dinithi Sandunika De Silva, Gang-Joon Heo
Summary: This article summarizes the antimicrobial resistance properties of Vibrio species isolated from aquatic environments to raise awareness about potential health risks related to Vibrio infections in aquaculture and public health.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ki Ha Min, Jin Woo Shin, Mi-Ran Ki, Seung Pil Pack
Summary: AgNPs were synthesized using Pinus koraiensis pinecone extract along with AgNO3 and diatomite. The resulting AgNPs were stable and showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The AgNPs/DE composite can be reused up to five times, demonstrating its potential in practical applications.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Jin, Chong Zhang, Xi-Yan Dong, Shuang-Quan Zang, Thomas C. W. Mak
Summary: This review summarizes the progress in the preparation and structural determination of monolayer-protected silver clusters, focusing on the strategies and methods for precise modification and hierarchical assembly of silver clusters through shell engineering. The correlations between structure-property and structure-functionality of silver clusters are discussed, with particular emphasis on the structure-luminescence relationship and the potential of silver clusters as lighting materials. The challenges and perspectives of functional silver clusters are also highlighted, aiming to inspire the development of functionality-oriented materials based on nanosized building blocks in the fields of nanotechnology and material science.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yinlong Xiao, Wei Tang, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Xiaohong Zhang, Jun Wu, Min Xu, Hong Xiao, Yan He, Ling Luo, Gang Yang, Chao Chen, Lihua Tu
Summary: This study investigated the aggregation, solubility, and Cd-adsorption of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) co-existing with humic acid (HA) and Cd2+. The results showed that pH was more influential on NP aggregation, while the contact sequence played a major role in determining NP solubility. Pre-equilibration of CuO NPs and HA before adding Cd2+ resulted in the highest solubility and lowest aggregation of the NPs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susanna Gevorgyan, Robin Schubert, Sven Falke, Kristina Lorenzen, Karen Trchounian, Christian Betzel
Summary: In recent years, silver nanoparticles have been widely used in various fields such as industry, technology, and medicine. This study focused on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using a low-molecular-weight fraction of Royal Jelly and investigated their antibacterial activity. The results showed that the size of the silver nanoparticles increased with the increase in silver ion precursor concentration, and most particles had dimensions in the range of 50-100 nm. Additionally, E. coli was more susceptible to the silver nanoparticles compared to B. subtilis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xin Liu, Gan Chen, Guoquan Tu, Zhuo Li, Baolin Deng, Weiyi Li
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun Yin, Zhe Yang, Chuyang Y. Tang, Baolin Deng
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liyuan Hou, Nicholas Griswold, Zhiqiang Hu
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feng Feng, Yan Li, Benjamin Latimer, Chiqian Zhang, Satish S. Nair, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A new algal growth model was developed in this study, taking into account factors such as light intensity, biomass concentration, and solids retention time. By simulating light decay and biomass concentration in indoor and outdoor A-MBRs, the model successfully predicted maximum algal productivity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Chiqian Zhang, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A novel photocatalyst, titanium incorporated hierarchical diatoms, was prepared to selectively remove pharmaceutical and personal care products in water bodies. The silica-titania frustules with nanopores effectively rejected high molecular weight organic matter while allowing the passage of small molecules.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengyang Wang, Peng Liao, Xiaoqing He, Peng Wan, Bin Hua, Baolin Deng
Summary: Efficient removal of arsenic from drinking water is essential due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity. A novel mass re-equilibrium process between two media with different adsorption characteristics can enhance overall arsenic removal efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Jianying Zhang, Timothy Canter, Dick Chen, Jingrang Lu, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: Phototrophic microorganisms, such as microalgae and cyanobacteria, use light as an energy source to produce bioenergy and biomaterials efficiently. Improving light-harvesting efficiency and metabolic pathways can enhance biomass yield and product production. Future research should focus on integrating phototrophic microorganisms with emerging technologies for harnessing solar energy.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Zhiqiang Hu, Yanyan Zhang, Jingrang Lu
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of the impact of different eutrophic scenarios on cyanobacterial community succession and cyanotoxin production. It highlights the key roles of temperature, nitrogen fixation, and nitrogen and phosphorus levels in regulating cyanobacterial communities and toxin production in freshwater bodies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xing Xing, Yurong Zhao, Congbin Xu, Yali He, Chen Yang, Kang Xiao, Jianzhong Zheng, Baolin Deng
Summary: Membrane distillation, an emerging desalination technology, has great potential for treating high-salinity industrial wastewater. However, the wetting of hydrophobic membranes has posed a major challenge. In this study, an omniphobic membrane was prepared by growing nano-ZnO needles on a PVDF membrane surface, followed by fluorination. The modified membrane exhibited superior antiwetting properties and high salt rejection, making it promising for treating high-salinity wastewaters containing surface-active substances.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yurong Zhao, Xing Xing, Congbin Xu, Yali He, Chen Yang, Jianzhong Zheng, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: In this study, a novel method was developed to construct a biomimetic nanostructure with omniphobicity on a polypropylene membrane. The modified membrane showed improved salt rejection and antiwetting capacity against surfactants compared to the pristine membrane.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Li, Chiqian Zhang, Xiaoqing He, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: This study demonstrates that tunable diatom micro/nanostructures can be produced by adjusting the solids retention time (SRT) of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). As the SRT increases, the porosity of diatoms decreases and the silicon content increases. The surface area and pore numbers of diatoms decrease linearly with SRT. Additionally, the efficiency of nitrate and phosphorus removal by diatoms changes with SRT.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John Earwood, Gan Xu, Yangchuan Xing, Baolin Deng
Summary: A 3D photothermal evaporator was prepared by modifying basalt fabric with TiO2 nanoparticles, which can efficiently treat oily wastewater and generate solar steam. The coating of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the hydrophilicity and photocatalytic properties of the basalt membrane, mitigating the fouling effect and increasing the evaporation efficiency.
SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bei Li, Chiqian Zhang, Cong Jin, Jinhua Wu, Ping Li
Summary: The leachate from municipal solid waste transfer stations poses challenges due to its complex composition, high concentrations of organic matter, and odorous nature. Anaerobic digestion of leachate can lead to excessive accumulation of volatile organic acids (VFAs), which acidify the digestate and disrupt the anaerobic process. In this study, a facultative anaerobic system with air exposure and an obligate anaerobic system without air exposure were compared to understand the impact of anaerobic degree on intermediate accumulation and process stability. The obligate system showed better performance, with lower VFA concentrations and higher COD removal rates, indicating its potential for stable anaerobic digestion of leachate. Microbial sequencing revealed that VFA-oxidizing bacteria played a crucial role in VFA degradation in the obligate system.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rahamat Ullah Tanvir, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: A systematic N-2-based assay was developed to evaluate the denitrification kinetics of various carbon sources under anoxic conditions. Acetate had the fastest denitrification rate, while formate and disaccharides exhibited slower kinetics.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liyuan Hou, Zhiqiang Hu
Summary: This study compared the overall treatment performance and methanogenic populations in AnMBRs treating low strength wastewater containing simple and complex carbohydrates at decreasing HRTs. The results showed that decreasing HRTs improved the effluent quality and methane yield in AnMBR-A, while the effect on AnMBR-G was smaller and the methanogenic population decreased. The study also found that decreasing HRTs were mainly limited by slow biochemical reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
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.