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There exist two distinct pathways for the migration and conversion of organic pollutants in natural water, namely degradation and polymerization. From the perspective of the carbon cycle in the water purification process, compared with the degradation of organic pollutants, oxidative poly-merization could directly convert organic matter in water into solid organic polymers, which can not only realize the organic carbon recovery but also solve the problem of high energy consumption and high carbon emissions in organic pollutants degradation, demonstrating its great potential for development and application. Here, we summarize the nature of oxidative degradation and oxidative polymerization of organic -pollutants in carbon transport-based water purification techniques, focusing on the principles of the polymerization reaction, pollutant polymerization conversion pathways, catalytic pollutant polymerization methods and catalysts. For the first time elaborated on ROS electron transfer as the core catalytic pollutant polymerization reaction mechanism. Finally, the current problems and challenges of catalytic pollutant polymerization are highlighted and future research goals and trends in water pollution are discussed. This concludes that, from the nature of carbon migration, catalytic organic pollutant polymerization has significant advantages over oxidative degradation in terms of reducing chemical inputs and CO2 emissions, achieving efficient removal of refractory organic pollutants, and recovering organic carbon, thus demonstrating a highly competitive application in achieving carbon neutrality in water pollution remediation (such as high concentrations of industrial wastewater). However, the growing applications of water treatment technologies are inextricably linked to a substantial quantity of preliminary basic research, hence the critical need for related work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the adsorption properties of modified rosa roxburghii residue biochar to antimony (Sb) in water, the modified rosa roxburghii residue biochar (BC-FeOOH) was prepared from rosa roxburghii residue factory in Guizhou Processing plant. The adsorption characteristics of BC-FeOOH on Sb(V) in water were investigated by batch test experiments with different pH, biochar dosage and adsorption time. The results showed that the best adsorption effect of BC-FeOOH on antimony was achieved at the dosage of 0.05 g and pH 2.0, and the adsorption amount reached 5.7 mg/g. The results of adsorption kinetic modeling showed that the equilibrium time of the adsorption of BC-FeOOH on Sb(V) in water was in the range of 8–10 h, and the mechanism of adsorption was mainly chemical adsorption. Langmuir model can better describe the adsorption process of BC-FeOOH on Sb(V), and the surface adsorption process is monomolecular layer chemisorption. The experimental results showed that BC-FeOOH is a good adsorbent for Sb pollution remediation in water. This study provides n ew insights for the development of Sb contamination removal strategies in water and offers a new way for the resource utilization of prickly pear pomace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent occurrence of oil spills in recent years has led to serious contamination of water resources, and materials with superhydrophobic surface properties have attracted much attention for crude oil recovery and water contamination remediation. However, the fragile robustness of superhydrophobic materials greatly hinders their practical applications. Herein, we prepared the robust, photocatalytic superhydrophobic material of SH-ZnO-PDMS@fabric by a simple two-step immersion method. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) provided the rough surface structure, and fluorine-free dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) provided the low surface energy. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was introduced as a binder to strengthen the force between the nanoparticles and the fabric. The cotton fabric showed excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) range of 146.9–156.6°. The methylene blue (MB) in water was basically degraded after 12 h of exposure to UV lamp, manifesting that the cotton fabric had excellent photocatalytic property. The cotton fabric also showed excellent self-cleaning and antifouling properties. Importantly, SH-ZnO-PDMS@fabric maintained superhydrophobic properties after mechanical abrasion, ultrasonic washing, UV irradiation, and acid/alkali immersion. The prepared superhydrophobic materials can be repeatedly used to separate various oil–water mixtures due to their superhydrophobic and recyclable properties. This versatile, efficient, and simple strategy has good application prospects in water pollution remediation and oily wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of water pollution or removal of pollutant molecules by efficient substrates with long life is very important and challenging. Techniques based on adsorption and extensive use of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides (MXenes) with the presence of terminal functional groups have provided a high potential in the separation of organic aromatic pollutants. In this work, a 2D substrate of the MXenes family named V2CTx is designed to investigate the adsorption behavior of several types of dye organic pollutants using the molecular dynamics simulation technique based on Newton's laws in the aqueous phase. Several simulation boxes are designed, which are placed in two groups, discrete simulation boxes and co-loading (Mxn-Mix) boxes. Several analyses, including root-mean-square deviation, interaction energies, radial distribution function, mean square displacement, hydrogen bond (HB) number, and the number of contacts, have been used to analyze the results. The simulation results and interaction energy show that all the dye analytes used can interact with MXene (Mxn), which indicates that MXene can be an effective adsorbent to remove pollutant molecules. Our results confirm that the adsorption process of analytes by V2CTx substrate is selective. The analysis of adsorption behavior shows that the loading process is spontaneous in all systems, and the values of the interaction energy for the most stable complexes are −149.95 and −104.85 kJ/mol corresponding to crystal violet and brilliants blue analytes, respectively, in both groups of discrete and Mxn-Mix simulation boxes. The strong adsorption can be attributed to the cationic nature of analytes and their nucleophilic aromatic parts, which caused strong coul interactions for the adsorption of these molecules. The HB and π–π interactions are also responsible for the adsorption of dye molecules here. The obtained results also indicate that in addition to the cationic nature, other factors, such as the linearity of the molecular structures, the charge of the dye molecules, and the molecular mass of the tested pollutants, are effective in the adsorption process. Current studies show that the Mxn nanostructure is an excellent substrate of adsorbent material that has high efficiency for the separation of organic dyes in aqueous media. It is hoped that this research can be a very good class for other target pollutants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based composite materials (3D GBCMs) have emerged as promising candidates for addressing critical challenges in water pollution remediation. This review selectively highlights the recent advancements in the application of 3D GBCMs to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, salts, and pharmaceutical residues, from water. They owe their efficacy to their large surface area, interconnected porous structure, and functionalization potential. Three-dimensional GBCMs are promising materials for water filtration, offering capabilities such as heavy metal ion adsorption, the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and advanced desalination techniques like capacitive deionization (CDI) and solar desalination, thus providing sustainable solutions for obtaining freshwater from saline sources. Additionally, the factors influencing the pollutant removal capacities of 3D GBCMs, such as their material morphology, particle size, and porosity, are briefly discussed. Notably, the effect of the particle size on pollutant removal has not been extensively studied, and this review addresses that gap by exploring it in detail. Future research directions are also proposed, emphasizing the optimization and broader application of 3D GBCMs in environmental remediation. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the design and practical implementation of 3D GBCMs, offering guidance for their continued development in sustainable water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a multifunctional device based on Cu2O/g-C3N4 monitoring and purification p–n heterojunctions (MPHs), seamlessly integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection with photocatalytic degradation capabilities. The SERS and photocatalytic performances of the Cu2O in various morphologies, g-C3N4 nanosheets (NSs) and Cu2O/g-C3N4 MPHs with different g-C3N4 mass ratios were systematically evaluated, with a particular emphasis on the Cu2O/g-C3N4-0.2 MPH, where g-C3N4 constituted 20% of the total mass. Multiple optical and electrochemical tests revealed that the Cu2O/g-C3N4-0.2 MPH effectively enhances charge separation and reduces charge transfer resistance. The Cu2O/g-C3N4-0.2 SERS sensor exhibited a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 15% and achieved an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.43 × 106 for 4-ATP detection, demonstrating its high sensitivity and consistency. Additionally, it demonstrated a 98.3% degradation efficiency for methyl orange (MO) under visible light within 90 min. Remarkably, even after 216 days, its photocatalytic efficiency remained at 93.7%, and it retained an 84.0% efficiency after four cycles. XRD and SEM analyses before and after cycling, as well as after 216 days, confirmed the structural and morphological stability of the composite, demonstrating its cyclic and long-term stability. The excellent performance of the Cu2O/g-C3N4 MPH is attributed to its Z-type mechanism, as verified by radical trapping experiments. The evaluation of the self-cleaning performance of the Cu2O/g-C3N4-0.2 SERS sensor demonstrated that its Z-scheme structure not only provides excellent self-cleaning capability but also enables the detection of both individual and mixed pollutants, while significantly enhancing the SERS signal response through an effective charge transfer enhancement mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing new engineered materials derived from waste is essential for effective environmental remediation and reducing anthropogenic pollution in our economy. This study introduces an innovative method for remediating metal-contaminated water, using two distinct waste types: one biowaste (eggshell) and one industrial waste (fly ash). We synthesized three novel, cost-effective nanoadsorbent types, including two new tertiary composites and two biopolymer-based composites (specifically k-carrageenan and chitosan), which targeted chromium removal from aqueous solutions. SEM analysis reveals that in the first composite, EMZ, zeolite, and magnetite nanoparticles are successfully integrated into the porous structure of the eggshell. In the second composite (FMZ), fly ash and magnetite particles are similarly loaded within the zeolite pores. Each biopolymer-based composite is derived by incorporating the corresponding tertiary composite (FMZ or EMZ) into the biopolymer framework. Structural modifications of the eggshell, zeolite, chitosan, and k-carrageenan resulted in notable increases in specific surface area, as confirmed by BET analysis. These enhancements significantly improve chromium adsorption efficiency for each adsorbent type developed. The adsorption performances achieved are as follows: EMZ (89.76%), FMZ (84.83%), EMZCa (96.64%), FMZCa (94.87%), EMZC (99.64%), and FMZC (97.67%). The findings indicate that chromium adsorption across all adsorbent types occurs via a multimolecular layer mechanism, which is characterized as spontaneous and endothermic. Desorption studies further demonstrate the high reusability of these nanomaterials. Overall, this research underscores the potential of utilizing waste materials for new performant engineered low-cost composites and biocomposites for environmental bioremediation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Biofilms play an important role in nutrient and food web dynamics of shallow aquatic ecosystems. Multiple prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms within biofilms interact with each other to shape the community structure and their functional attributes. However, there is no clear understanding of varied patterns of biofilm prokaryotic versus eukaryotic microbial abundances, diversities and communities, which limit our understanding of how biofilm communities and functions in hypereutrophic urban river ecosystems are changing. To elucidate the properties of biofilm communities and controls on biofilm communities in a hypereutrophic urban river, we conducted a one‐year study to investigate the seasonal and water‐depth variations on the abundance/biomass, diversity and structure of biofilm prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. The structure and dynamics of biofilm prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities were determined by high‐throughput sequencing based on the 16S and 18S rRNA gene. Sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota and Cyanobacteria were the three dominant phyla in biofilm prokaryotic communities, and Rotifera, Chlorophyta, Annelida and Bacillariophyta were the four dominant phyla in biofilm eukaryotic communities. Biofilm bacterial abundance depended mainly on the water temperature, whereas biofilm algal biomass correlated with rotifer grazing and light levels. Prokaryotic communities had higher species richness and diversity than eukaryotic communities. Species richness and diversity displayed significant seasonal variations with minima for prokaryotic communities in winter and eukaryotic communities in summer, which were linked to water temperature and rotifer grazing, respectively. Variations in biofilm prokaryotic and eukaryotic community composition were mainly related to ammonia concentration and water temperature, respectively. The co‐occurrence network analysis suggested that rotifer grazing could considerably decrease the complexity of the biofilm network in summer, and the algal groups, especially for Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta, were the key to the formation of stable biofilm networks. There were significant differences in seasonal and water‐depth heterogeneity of biofilm prokaryotic and eukaryotic community composition. Our findings indicate that variations in water temperature, light level, rotifer grazing and nutrients (especially ammonia) appreciably contribute to changes in the abundance, diversity and composition of biofilm prokaryotic versus eukaryotic communities in the hypereutrophic urban river. These findings increase our understanding of biofilm community characteristics in hypereutrophic urban rivers and provide insights for water pollution remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous sustainable water processing techniques have been widely investigated and are capable of boosting the quality of water. Among these techniques, photonanocatalysis has stood tall with great promises in the last few decades. Nonetheless, a major challenge in the environmental remediation of photocatalyst technology is to develop an ideal photocatalyst that must have excellent photocatalytic efficiency, large specific surface area, maximum harvesting of solar energy, high durability and recyclability. Due to their stability, low toxicity, low cost and superhydrophilicity TiO2 has been used by researchers as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. Unfortunately, it suffers greatly due to its high band gap with 3.2 eV, insufficient visible light response, fast photogenerated electrons and holes recombination rate and serious agglomeration. Keeping these views, the present review highlights the principal results of studies on current practical synthesis and photocatalytic activity of graphene-based TiO2 nanocomposite materials for the treatment of water. The amalgamation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nanoscale TiO2 particles results in synergistic properties thereby tuning and increasing the functionality of the composite. In this regard, the review also addressed the progress and insight into graphene-based TiO2 nanocomposite in photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants including basis mechanism, possible key strategies of the composite, and an overview of how to elevate efficacy. Finally, brief challenges and future perspectives in this field are also presented. Indeed, this work illustrated that graphene-based TiO2 composite nanomaterials can be a green signal in the future of photocatalysis targeting water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this project, (ZnO, Ag, ZnO:PVP, Ag:PVP) nanoparticles were synthesized using a pulsed laser ablation method. Various techniques were employed for analyzing and characterizing the nano-products. More, the examination of X-ray technique for oxides indicated possessing Cubic: Cube-like, isometric formation, with a orie predominant orintation sideways (111), (100) and (200). For silver nanoparticles, Zinc oxide and ZnO:Ag NPs respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements (PL) were among them. Membrane purification techniques are currently extensively utilized in environmental uses, such as water and wastewater treatment, as well as in various industries including agri-food and biotechnology. the study incorporated the use of polymer-supported nanomaterials, with PVP selected for its excellent chemical and thermal resistance. Various membrane structures with differing porosities were prepared and effectively employed for the filtration of oil-polluted water, as validated through TEM, XRF, and other measurements. In this context, the polymer functioned akin to a sponge for water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles has been effectively achieved using novel plant extract Phragmanthera Macrosolen. This method provides sustainable alternative for nanoparticle synthesis, demonstrating the potential of Phragmanthera Macrosolen as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the production of Ag2O NPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized for their structural, morphological, and optical properties, confirming their successful formation and potential applications in various fields. The effects of different pH values and annealing temperature of the samples on the properties of Ag2O NPs formations, as well as photo-catalytic activities towards Toluidine Blue dye degradations, were studied. Powder XRD reveals that the crystallite natures of Ag2O NPs a long with crystalline size ranges from 25.85 to 35.90 nm. FIB-SEM and HR-TEM images displayed that the Ag2O NPs as spherical shapes. UV-vis spectroscopy displayed that Ag2O NPs belong to a direct-band gap of 2.1–2.6 eV. FTIR- study shown that the green synthesized Ag2O NPs may be steadied via the interfaces of –OH as well as C = O groups in the carbohydrate, flavonoid, tannin, as well as phenolic acid existing in P. macrosolen L. leaf. The chemical states, electron-hole recombinations and purity of Ag and O in the synthesized Ag2O NPs were confirmed through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and PL analysis respectively. Fascinatingly, the synthesized Ag2O NPs at pH 12 displayed high photo-catalytic degradations for TB dyes. The photo-catalytic degradations of the TB dyes were monitored spectro-photo-metrically in wave-length ranges of 200–900 nm, as well as high efficiency (98.50%) with half-life of 9.5798 min and kinetic rate constant of 0.07234 min−1, was obtained after 45 min of reactions. From this study, it can be concluded that Ag2O NPs synthesized from Phragmanthera Macrosolen aqueous extract are promising in the remediation of environmental pollution and water treatment. In this light, the study reports that Phragmanthera Macrosolen green synthesis of Ag2O NPs can effectively address environmental pollution in cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reusability of photocatalyst and bactericidal properties plays a crucial role in water pollutant management. Herein, copper ferrite-silver (CuFe2O4-Ag) nanomaterial incorporated Gum Arabic Acrylamide (GAA) hydrogel nanocomposites was fabricated via free radical polymerization method to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency and antimicrobial assay. The structural, morphological, compositional, thermal, optical, and physico-chemical properties of the synthesized hydrogel nanocomposite were analyzed using various techniques. A decrease in direct band gap value as 1.83 eV for CuFe2O4-Ag nanocomposite was observed which would further enhance the photocatalytic ability of nanocomposite. The results suggested that CuFe2O4-Ag nanocomposite was infused inside the matrix of GAA hydrogel. The swelling ability of fabricated hydrogel nanocomposite was found to be 1328%. The photocatalytic degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic reaction model, achieving a 90% removal of methylene blue dye using the nanocomposite, with a rate constant value of 14.09 × 10⁻3 min⁻1 Moreover, photocatalyst maintain 71% degradation efficiency over three consecutive cycles. The antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli (E. coli) were also examined, and the CuFe₂O₄-Ag nanocomposite showed good efficacy, as indicated by the measured zones of inhibition. Hence, the nanocomposite-infused hydrogel demonstrates significant potential as an advanced material for the remediation of water pollution, effectively targeting both organic and biological contaminants. In this work, CuFe2O4-Ag nanocomposite was ultrasonically incorporated into GAA hydrogel for their applicability in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and antimicrobial assay against E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics contamination is growing globally, being a risk for different environmental compartments including animals and humans. At present, some Spanish beaches and coasts have been affected by discharges of these pollutants, which have caused a serious environmental problem. Therefore, efficient strategies to remove microplastics (MPs) from environmental samples are needed. In this study, the application of three magnetic materials, namely iron oxide (Fe3O4) and the composites Fe3O4@Ag and Fe3O4@Ag@L-Cysteine, to remove MPs, specifically polystyrene (PS), from water samples has been assessed. The magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by field effect scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detection (FESEM-EDX). Experimental conditions such as temperature, time, and pH during the removal process were assessed for the different adsorbent materials. The removal rate was calculated by filtering the treated water samples and counting the remaining MPs in the water using ImageJ software. The strongest removal efficiency (100%) was shown using Fe3O4@Ag@L-Cysteine for PS at 50 mg L−1 within 15 min of the separation process at room temperature and a neutral pH. A thermodynamic study demonstrated that the developed MPs elimination strategy was a spontaneous and physisorption process. Coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were demonstrated to be an efficient adsorbent for MP removal in aquatic environments and their use a promising technique for the control of MPs contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid, simultaneous detection of organic chemical pollutants in water is an important issue to solve for protecting human health. This study investigated the possibility of developing an in situ reusable optical sensor capable of selective measurements utilizing a chalcogenide transducer supplemented by a hydrophobic polymer membrane with detection based on evanescent waves in the mid-infrared spectrum. In order to optimise a polyisobutylene hydrophobic film deposited on a chalcogenide waveguide, a zinc selenide prism was utilized as a testbed for performing attenuated total reflection with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. To comply with the levels mentioned in health guidelines, the target detection range in this study was kept rather low, with the concentration range extended from 50 ppb to 100 ppm to cover accidental pollution problems, while targeted hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and xylene) were still detected at a concentration of 100 ppb. Infrared measurements in the selected range showed a linear behaviour, with the exception of two constantly reproducible plateau phases around 25 and 80 ppm, which were observable for two polymer film thicknesses of 5 and 10 μm. The polymer was also found to be reusable by regenerating it with water between individual measurements by increasing the water temperature and flow to facilitate reverse exchange kinetics. Given the good conformability of the hydrophobic polymer when coated on chalcogenide photonic circuits and its demonstrated ability to detect organic pollutants in water and to be regenerated afterwards, a microfluidic channel utilising water flow over an evanescent wave optical transducer based on a chalcogenide waveguide and a polyisobutylene (PIB) hydrophobic layer deposited on its surface was successfully fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane by filling a mold prepared via CAD and 3D printing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewaters consist of organic pollutants that have environmental concerns. Wastewaters are treated by different methods, but efficient, low-cost, and sustainable techniques still need to be developed. Algae-based water pollution remediation techniques are considered to be sustainable approaches. This review exclusively discusses the facets of macro and microalgae in the treatment of organic toxicants. The current trends of algae-mediated water treatments have been discussed under adsorption and degradation methods. A focus on algae fuel cell, algae mediated activation of oxidizing agents, Fenton-like reactions, and photocatalysis was given. The need of algae-based adsorptive and catalytic materials was mentioned. The role of algae in the synthesis of catalysts which were employed in pollutant removal methods was also explained. The integrated algae-mediated water treatment techniques were also highlighted. The toxicant removal performances of different algae-based materials in the water medium were summarized. The conclusion and future prospects derived from the literature survey were described. This review will be helpful for researchers who are working in the field of sustainable water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the synergistic interplay between adsorption and catalytic oxidation to amplify Fenton-like effects remains a pivotal challenge in advancing water pollution remediation strategies. In this study, a suite of novel carriers (SH) composed of silica (SiO 2) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) in different ratios were synthesized through an amalgamation of the sol–gel and co-precipitation techniques. Notably, various forms of copper (Cu) species, including Cu2+ ions and Cu nanoclusters (Cu NCs), could be stably incorporated onto the SH surface via meticulous loading and doping techniques. This approach has engendered a new class of Fenton-like catalysts (Cu NCs-SH1-5) characterized by robust acid-base tolerance stability and remarkable recyclability. Compared with the previously reported Cu NCs-HAp, this catalyst with lower Cu species content could achieve better performance in adsorbing and degrading dyes under the aid of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). The catalyst's dual action sites, specifically the adsorption sites (Si OH, P OH, slit pores) and catalytic centers (multivalent Cu species), had clear division of labor and collaborate with each other. Further, reactive oxygen species (ROS) identification and astute electrochemical testing have unveiled the mechanism underpinning the cooperative degradation of dyes by three types of ROS, spawned through electron transfer between the Fenton-like catalyst (Cu NCs-SH) and H 2 O 2. From these insights, the mechanism of synergistic adsorption-catalytic removal was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of high‐efficiency self‐supported ceramic photoelectrode based on ideal semiconductor materials is essential for achieving effective degradation of pollutants by photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) technology. Herein, a Ti4O7/h‐BN composite ceramic photoelectrode with a unique microstructure was fabricated by a step‐by‐step calcination process and used in PEC water pollution remediation. The PEC activity of Ti4O7 ceramic photoelectrode could be enhanced by introducing hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanoparticles on the surface. The most optimized Ti4O7/h‐BN photoelectrode exhibited the decolorization rate of active brilliant blue KN‐R at about 97.79% in 30 min. The PEC activities could remain stable during five degradation cycles. The excellent photoelectrocatalytic performance of Ti4O7/h‐BN ceramic photoelectrode could be attributed to the low Tafel slope, low charge transfer resistance, large electrochemical active area, and excellent photo‐generated carrier separation efficiency. A type‐II heterojunction was formed between the Ti4O7 and h‐BN, which caused more effective carrier separation and enhanced the generation of dominant active species •O2− and h+. This work provided a mature synthesis strategy of Ti4O7/h‐BN self‐supported ceramic photoelectrodes with excellent practical application prospects to achieve superior PEC performance for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed laser ablation (PLA) technology has been utilized for creating nano-sized particles from silver oxide, zinc oxide, and mixed oxide (Ag2O, ZnO, ZnO: Ag2O) combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for environmental applications, especially the filtration regarding oil-polluted water in rivers. A range of analytical methods have been employed to describe the prepared as well as polymer-supported nanomaterials' characteristics. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning \ transmission electron microscopy (SEM \ TEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction \ fluorescence (XRD \ XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements (PL) were among them. The nanocomposite ZnO: Ag2O showed numerous nanostructures with diverse orientations, according to XRD analysis. SEM imaging of the Ag2O nanoparticles indicated polydispersed spherical particles with widespread aggregation. Furthermore, the study incorporated the use of polymer-supported nanomaterials, with PVP selected for its excellent chemical and thermal resistance. Various membrane structures with differing porosities were prepared and effectively employed for the filtration of oil-polluted water, as validated through TEM, XRF, and other measurements. In this context, the polymer functioned akin to a sponge for water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive strategies with the development of advanced materials are required for the remediation of water and land pollution to protect the environment and human health. In this regard, iron oxide catalysts are recognized as preferable catalysts for the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process, which is an efficient technique for degrading organic pollutants in waste water. The present study discusses the photocatalytic performance of iron oxide-based catalysts synthesized from industrial waste red mud for methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation. XRD studies confirmed the formation of a pure α-Fe2O3 (hematite) phase, whereas the doping of iron oxide with Mn, Cu, and Ce was ascertained by XPS analysis. 3 wt% Cu doped iron oxide with a TOC value of ∼84.7% showed the best removal efficacy to the tune of ∼91% within 60 min of visible light irradiation. Impedance data supports the enhanced charge separation in metal doped α-Fe2O3, which improves the photocatalytic performance. A similar trend was observed in photo-electrochemical (PEC) properties, where Cu doped Fe2O3 showed 2 times higher photocurrent than the bare one. Based on scavenging tests, electrons and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) were shown to be major players in the photodegradation of pollutants under visible light. A probable mechanism explaining the enhanced e−/h+ pair separation and migration was proposed by examining electrochemical properties. This work has significant implications for wastewater treatment with the efficient use of industrial waste red mud as a cost-effective resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of cadmium pollution and its control is becoming increasingly severe issue in the world. Banana straw is an abundant bio raw material, but its burning or discarding in field not only causes pollution but also spreads fusarium wilt. The objective of this paper is to utilize biochar derived from the wilt-infected banana straw for remediation of Cd(II) pollution while to eliminate the pathogen. The activity of wilt pathogen in biochar was determined by PDA petri dish test. The Cd(II) adsorption of the biochar was determined by batch adsorption experiments. The effects of KOH concentration (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 M) on the physicochemical characteristics of the biochar were also observed by BET, SEM, FTIR, XRD and XPS. Results showed that pristine banana straw biochar (PBBC) did not harbor any pathogen. The specific surface area (SSA) and Cd(II) adsorption capacity of 0.75 M KOH modified banana straw biochar (MBBC0.75M) were increased by 247.2% and 46.1% compared to that of PBBC, respectively. Cd(II) adsorption by MBBC0.75M was suitable to be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm. After Cd(II) adsorption, the CdCO3 were confirmed by XRD and observed through SEM. The weakness and shift of oxygen-containing functional groups in MBBC0.75M after Cd(II) adsorption implied that those groups were complexed with Cd(II). The results showed that pyrolysis could not only eliminate banana fusarium wilt, but also prepare porous biochar with the wilt-infected banana straw. The porous biochar possessed the potential to adsorb Cd(II) pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The overuse of nitrogen fertilizers, most commonly urea, is ultimately having a serious impact on the environment through nitrogen leaching. Biochar addition is considered to be a promising measure for mitigating nitrogen leaching. However, whether biochar has a long-term effect is unclear. Moreover, Mg-modified biochar (Mg-biochar) has more excellent physicochemical and surface properties than original biochar, and it has been widely used in water pollution remediation; however, its effect on soil nitrogen leaching is still uncertain. Methods: The optimal Mg-biochar was selected by adsorption test. In the subsequent soil column simulation experiment, a total of five treatment groups: nitrogen fertilizer (CK), nitrogen fertilizer + fresh biochar (BC), nitrogen fertilizer + Mg-biochar (MGBC), nitrogen fertilizer + freeze-thaw aged biochar (DBC), and nitrogen fertilizer + freeze-thaw aging Mg-biochar (DMGBC) were set up to explore the distribution of nitrogen in the soil-leaching solution-plant system. Results: In this study, biochar modified by 2 mol/L MgCl2 was chosen to be the optimal Mg-biochar. Compared with the CK, BC reduced the soil nitrogen leaching by 16.96% and increased the soil nitrogen content and cabbage nitrogen absorption by 1.65% and 114.19%, respectively. Mg-biochar had higher nitrogen retention ability than original biochar, and after freeze-thaw aging, biochar maintained or even improved nitrogen retention ability. Conclusion: The biochar addition had good nitrogen retention ability, and Mg-biochar performed better, and they showed long-term effect on mitigating soil nitrogen leaching. Meanwhile, based on the law of conservation of matter, biochar addition also reduced gaseous nitrogen loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, piezo-catalytic technology with low cost, simplicity and feasibility are drawing more attention in the field of water pollution remediation; nevertheless, the catalytic activity of diverse piezoelectric materials is limited by the rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs and low carrier mobility. Herein, a collaborative strategy of entropy and defect engineerings is proposed to enhance the piezo-catalytic activity of BaTiO 3 -based materials ((1- x)BaTiO 3 - x Sm(Ca 0.2 Zn 0.2 Zr 0.2 Sn 0.2 Hf 0.2)O 3). As x increases, the configuration entropy of the materials is greatly increased from 0 R to 1.3227 R, suggesting that the ceramics with x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 possess significantly increased disordering and the ferroelectric long-range order is broken, rendering the materials rich in catalytically active sites and thus enhancing the catalytic performance. In addition, the doping of multiple ions with different ionic radii and valence states leads to abundant oxygen vacancies inside the material, thereby enabling easier separation and migration of electron-hole pairs and resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. Accordingly, the high-configuration-entropy 0.90BaTiO 3 -0.10Sm(Ca 0.2 Zn 0.2 Zr 0.2 Sn 0.2 Hf 0.2)O 3 material with abundant oxygen vacancies exhibits outstanding piezo-catalytic activity, giving the reaction rate constant k of 38.7 × 10−3 min−1 for rhodamine B (RhB). Simultaneously, the 0.90BaTiO 3 -0.10Sm(Ca 0.2 Zn 0.2 Zr 0.2 Sn 0.2 Hf 0.2)O 3 material also show favorable catalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) with reaction rate constants k of 31.8 × 10−3 min−1 and 19.4 × 10−3 min−1, respectively. This work proposes a novel strategy for enhancing the piezo-catalytic activities of BaTiO 3 -based piezoelectric materials by the co-engineering of high-entropy doping and defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocotyle vulgaris is a perennial wetland clonal plant in the Araliaceae family, which was introduced to China as an ornamental plant in the 1990s. Although H. vulgaris is now considered a potential invasiveness species in China, it also plays a significant role in the remediation of water pollution. Here, we reported its complete chloroplast genome and analyzed the basic characteristics. The chloroplast genome was 153,165 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,072 bp separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,291 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,730 bp. The H. vulgaris chloroplast genome contained 132 predicted genes, and its overall GC content was 37.60%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. vulgaris was closely related to H. verticillata. The H. vulgaris chloroplast genome presented in this study will lay a foundation for further genetic and genomic studies of the genus Hydrocotyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemical products, which is discharged into rivers and oceans, posing great hazards to organisms such as reproductive toxicity, hormone imbalance and cardiopathy induction. With the expansion harm of BPA, people have paid more attention to the environmental effects. In this paper, the degradation of BPA from the synthetic wastewater using the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase membrane reactor (HPR) was investigated. The immobilized HRP microporous membrane was prepared by the porous calcium alginate method. In addition, the reuse of the immobilized HPR membrane and the measurement of membrane flux showed that the membrane has good activity and stability. Finally, the experimental parameters including reaction time, pH, the concentration of BPA and the dosage of H2O2 were optimized to remove the BPA, and about 78% degradation efficiency of BPA was achieved at the optimal condition as follows: H2O2 to BPA molar ratio of 1.50 with an initial BPA concentration of 0.1 mol/L, the HPR dosage of 3.84 u/mL, the initial solution pH of 7.0, a temperature of 20 °C and a contact time of 10 min. HIGHLIGHTS Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) can be effectively immobilized on the membrane.; The immobilized HRP can maintain high activity and be circulation utilization.; The optimum conditions for the mole rate of H2O2/BPA dosage and the pH value are 1.5 and 7, respectively.;

How to efficiently activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in a complex water matrix to degrade organic pollutants still needs greater efforts, and cobalt-based bimetallic nanomaterials are desirable catalysts. In this paper, sea urchin-like NiCo2O4 nanomaterials were successfully prepared and comprehensively characterized for their structural, morphological and chemical properties via techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), among others. The sea urchin-like NiCo2O4 nanomaterials exhibited remarkable catalytic performance in activating PMS to degrade phenol. Within the NiCo2O4/PMS system, the removal rate of phenol (50 mg L−1, 250 mL) reached 100% after 45 min, with a reaction rate constant k of 0.091 min−1, which was 1.4-times higher than that of the monometallic compound Co3O4/PMS system. The outstanding catalytic activity of sea urchin-like NiCo2O4 primarily arises from the synergistic effect between Ni and Co ions. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of key parameters influencing the catalytic activity of the sea urchin-like NiCo2O4/PMS system, including reaction temperature, initial pH of solution, initial concentration, catalyst and PMS dosages and coexisting anions (HCO3−, Cl−, NO3− and humic acid), was conducted. Cycling experiments show that the material has good chemical stability. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching experiments verified that both radical activation (SO4•−, •OH, O2•−) and nonradical activation (1O2) are present in the NiCo2O4/PMS system. Finally, the possible degradation pathways in the NiCo2O4/PMS system were proposed based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Favorably, sea urchin-like NiCo2O4-activated PMS is a promising technology for environmental treatment and the remediation of phenol-induced water pollution problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance‐oriented management has been proposed as a remedy to policy implementation failure, which is a persuasive woe globally. Recent scholarship on policy implementation through performance measurement and management focuses on client‐oriented services, with less attention paid to the inadequacy of performance indicators in covering all desirable policy goals and in incentivizing all government officials in a non‐client‐oriented service arena, for instance, environmental governance. Based on station‐level water quality data before and after the implementation of China's Huai River Basin Water Quality Accountability Program, we utilize a difference‐in‐differences (DiD) method to investigate how various water quality indicators in the Huai River Basin (HRB) have responded to the new personnel‐based performance measurement system which aimed to enhance environmental policy implementation at the local level. We show that the program succeeded in motivating government officials to meet targeted indicators, but it also led to the worsening of non‐targeted ones. We also find that the impact of this personnel‐based program was sensitive to personal and contextual factors: it affected younger local officials more strongly than those who were older and saw a more limited prospect for promotion. These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of the personnel‐based measurement system, which may be considered by other countries, particularly those with authoritarian regimes and significant policy implementation failures. At the same time, complementary measures such as institutional arrangements that discover and report omitted important performance aspects, should be considered to safeguard the possible pitfalls of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] While urbanisation has numerous advantages, it causes greater risks to the environment and human health because of the release of heavy metals, various organic and inorganic contaminants, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. Though several actions are being taken daily to lessen the release of harmful substances, there is still an immediate need to find a suitable solution to protect the environment. Nanotechnology has multifaceted applications, and there is extensive evidence of the emerging applications of nanoremediation, especially for soil and water pollution. Iron nanoparticles showed outstanding removal efficiency towards hexavalent chromium (100 %). Likewise, several publications on soil and water remediation employ nanomaterials based on metals, carbon, and polymers. However, most of the previously conducted works present the key nanoremediation results without depicting each nanomaterial's advantages and disadvantages. Hence, this work critically reviews the pros and cons of each nanomaterial with a special focus towards novel approaches using green synthesised nanomaterials that are completely eco-friendly and hence preferred for the removal of various contaminants without producing harmful effects. However, some bottlenecks exist in fully implementing the green nanoparticles for Nanoremediation. Thus, the review discusses the limitations of green nanomaterials that need to be addressed soon to maintain environmental sustainability. Finally, this review presents opportunities for future work in assessing the eco-safety of each nanomaterial that boosts the further utilisation of nanotechnology in the sustainable remediation of contaminated soil and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Water pollution is growing at an alarming rate, particularly due to the colored wastewater released by the various industries into aquifers and fresh water sources, and in some extreme cases, they have reached the water table. Faisalabad, a city in Pakistan where there is an industrial cluster of textiles dyeing and manufacturers, water table has become undrinkable. The presence of hazardous dyes and chemicals imposes serious health issues on humans, animals, and plants. The treatment of such toxic dye effluents is crucial and could be done by efficient degradation methods such as photocatalysis. The current study presents synthesis of poly(o‐methylaniline)/zinc oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (POMA/ZnO/rGO NC) using a chemical oxidative polymerization process and explores its properties as a photocatalyst by demonstrating degradation of three dyes. The composite was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence emission spectroscopy (PL), Brunauer Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–visible). Further, the photocatalytic activity of POMA/ZnO/rGO NC was evaluated and compared by degrading the direct yellow 12 (DY 12), congo red (CR), and malachite green (MG) dyes in aqueous media under UV irradiation. The results indicated that after 110 min, POMA/ZnO/rGO composite degraded the dyes by 92% (DY 12), 86.1% (CR), and 82.1% (MG), respectively. Moreover, kinetic studies of the photocatalyst were also performed along with reusability test, total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand, and degradation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the applications of microorganisms in advanced geomicrobiological and biotechnological exploration. It highlights the significant contributions of microorganisms in natural environments for long-term stability and sustainability. Microbes are successfully used for remediation purposes to revive contaminated environments. The article also presents case studies on the microbial remediation of emerging environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, micro-plastic pollutants, electronic wastes, biomedical discharges, and industrial effluents. It emphasizes the importance of using efficient microbes for managing these pollutants and transforming the future of biotechnology. The article concludes by stating that this special issue on applications of microorganisms in geomicrobiological and biotechnological exploration will contribute to the implementation of biodegradation strategies and sustainable management of environmental pollution. [Extracted from the article]

Green water treatment technologies are widely popular, and magnetic coagulation is one of the most popular methods and has been successfully applied in industry. Among them, magnetic seeds are crucial for the flocculation of contaminants. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of magnetic metal–organic frameworks (MMOFs) as a seed in assisting polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS) flocculant, specifically exploring their applicability in algal-contaminated water. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ferrite timing spectroscopy, and flocculation tests were used to characterize the structure and flocculation properties of MMOFs and PFS (PFS-MMOFs) composites, highlighting the stability of magnetic seed MMOFs and the flocculation effect of the composites. The results show that MMOFs have good dispersion and stability in acidic PFS solutions, which are favorable for engineering applications. MMOFs and PFS are bonded by hydrogen bonds, which enhance the polarity and dispersion of MMOFs, as well as the molecular chains of PFS. In the presence of MMOFs, it affected the distribution of iron species in the PFS, which means that the performance of coagulation may be changed. Coagulation with PFS-MMOFs was effective under different hydraulic conditions. It also showed better results than PFS in terms of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal and ultraviolet absorption value at 254 nm (UV254). In addition, the PFS-MMOFs in algal-infested waters were superior to the PFS. Overall, the findings tested in this study indicated that MMOFs are good magnetic seeds for remediation of water pollution in conjunction with PFS, potentially enhancing conventional coagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of freshwater resources caused by heavy metal pollution is an acute global issue, which has a great impact on environmental protection and human health. Therefore, the exploitation of new strategies for designing and synthesizing green, efficient, and economical materials for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions is crucial. Among the various methods for the detection and removal of heavy ions, advanced functional systems including nanomaterials, polymers, porous materials, and biomaterials have attracted considerable attention over the past several years due to their capabilities of real-time detection, excellent removal efficiency, anti-interference, quick response, high selectivity, and low limit of detection. In this tutorial review, we review the general design principles underlying the aforementioned functional materials, and in particular highlight the fundamental mechanisms and specific examples of detecting and removing heavy metal ions. Additionally, the methods which enhance water purification quality using these functional materials have been reviewed, also current challenges and opportunities in this exciting field have been highlighted, including the fabrication, subsequent treatment, and potential future applications of such functional materials. We envision that this tutorial review will provide invaluable guidance for the design of functional materials tailored towards the detection and removal of heavy metals, thereby expediting the development of high-performance materials and fostering the development of more efficient approaches to water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River sediment is vital in containing water pollution and strengthening water remediation. This paper has conducted a study on the microecological health assessment of the sediment and water body of Guixi River in Dianjiang, Chongqing, China, using metagenomics sequencing and microbial biological integrity index (M-IBI) technology. The analysis of physical and chemical characteristics shows that the concentration of TN varies from 2.62 to 9.76 mg/L in each sampling section, and the eutrophication of the water body is relatively severe. The proportion of Cyanobacteria in the sampling section at the sink entrance is higher than that of other sites, where there are outbreaks of water blooms and potential hazards to human health. The dominant functions of each site include carbon metabolism, TCA cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. In addition, the main virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in sediment are Type IV pili (VF0082), LOS (CVF494), MymA operon (CVF649), and macrolide resistance genes macB, tetracyclic tetA (58), and novA. Correlation analysis of environmental factors and microorganisms was also performed, and it was discovered that Thiothrix and Acidovorax had obvious gene expression in the nitrogen metabolism pathway, and the Guixi River Basin had a self-purification capacity. Finally, based on the microecological composition of sediment and physical and chemical characteristics of the water body, the health assessment was carried out, indicating that the main pollution area was Dianjiang Middle School and the watershed near the sewage treatment plant. The findings should theoretically support an in-depth assessment of the water environment's microecological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The dispersing effect of carbon materials on nanoparticles can enhance the full exposure of their active sites. Herein, phosphorus (P)-doped activated carbon-supported trace cobalt ferrite composites (P-CoFe@BC X) were achieved by two-step pyrolysis for efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and water pollution remediation. The removal efficiency of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was optimized by adjusting the coupling ratio of carbon substrate and cobalt ferrite. P-CoFe@BC 5 /PMS oxidation system (0.10 g L-1, 0.50 mM) eliminated 98.3% of 2,4-D (20.0 mg L-1) within 60 min at unadjusted pH. The constructed adsorption enrichment and oxidative degradation pathways are highly efficient in utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the dual tracks of free and non-free radicals achieve the rapid degradation of 2,4-D. P-doped activated carbon acts as an electron shuttle to accelerate electron transfer between active sites and enhances the adsorption efficiency of 2,4-D and PMS onto the composites. In addition, the P-CoFe@BC 5 /PMS oxidation system still exhibited strong 2,4-D removal performance at a wide pH range of 2.0–10.0. The inhibitory effect of environmental components was related to their concentration, such as chloride, bicarbonate, sulfate and humic acid. Density functional theory calculations show that ROS tends to attack the C O bond on the 2,4-D branch chain, and the degradation products show lower biological toxicity. Hence, the constructed cobalt ferrite anchored P-doped activated carbon activated PMS system has great potential in treating organic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon aerogel is a promising material in various applications, such as water treatment, insulators, catalysts, and sensors, due to its porosity, low density, conductivity, and good chemical stability. In this study, an inexpensive carbon aerogel was prepared through lyophilization and post-pyrolysis using waste paper. However, carbon aerogel, in the form of short belts, is randomly entangled without a crosslinking agent and has weak mechanical properties, thus limiting its applications, which would otherwise be various. In this paper, a novel strategy is proposed to fabricate a PDMS-coated carbon aerogel (Aerogel@PDMS). Benefiting from microwave heating, precise PDMS coating onto the carbon frame was able to be carried out in a short amount of time. PDMS coating firmly tied the carbon microstructure, maintaining a unique aerogel property without blocking its porous structure. FE-SEM, RAMAN, XPS, and FT-IR were all used to confirm the surface change in PDMS coating. Compressible stability and water contact angle measurement showed that Aerogel@PDMS is a perspective organic solvent absorbent due to its good resilience and its hydrophobicity, and, as a result, its organic solvent absorption capacity and repeated absorption were evaluated, ultimately suggesting a promising material in oil clean-up and pollution remediation in water. Based on our experimental results, we identified elastic carbon aerogels provided by a novel coating technology. In the future, then, the developed carbon/PDMS composite can be examined as a promising option for various applications, such as environmental sensors, virus sensors, and wearable sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amitriptyline residue released into the aquatic ecosystem can have detrimental consequences on marine organisms and human wellbeing via consumption of polluted water. With a uniquely large surface area and abundant functionalities, graphene oxide adsorption offers a remediation solution for such water pollution. This study focused on synthesizing a novel graphene-based adsorbent via ice-templating of boron-doped graphene substrate. The batch adsorption performance of the as-synthesized adsorbent was explored by central composite design (CCD), while its potential large-scale application was evaluated with a packed-bed column study. The CCD optimized conditions of 12.5 mg dosage, 32 min adsorption time, 30 °C operating temperature and 70 ppm concentration produced the highest removal efficiency of 87.72%. The results of the packed-bed study indicated that continuous adsorption of amitriptyline was best performed at a graphene bed of 3.5 cm in height, with 100 ppm of the pharmaceutical solution flowing at 2 mL/min. Furthermore, the breakthrough curve was effectively portrayed by the Log Bohart–Adams model. The as-synthesized adsorbent showed a high regeneration potential using ethanol eluent via multiple adsorption–desorption cycles. The results suggest the boron-doped graphene adsorbent in packed-bed as a highly effective system to remediate amitriptyline in an aqueous environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanozero-valent iron (NZVI) shows great potential in the remediation of water pollution, but its application is limited by its instability and tendency to aggregate. To enhance the dispersibility and antioxidant properties of NZVI, we prepared composites (SN) by wrapping NZVI with sodium alginate (SA) for the removal of Pb(II) from water. Various characterization methods such as SEM-EDS, BET, XPS, and FT-IR were used to study the structure of the materials, and the adsorption properties of Pb(II) in the materials were analyzed using adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm experiments. The results showed that SN had a specific surface area of 47.05 m2/g, which was significantly higher than the 7.56 m2/g of NZVI, and the surface passivation was reduced. The maximum adsorption amount of SN on Pb(II) was obtained by fitting the adsorption isotherm model at 70.92 mg/g. After five cycles of adsorption, SN exhibited a removal rate of 95.11% for Pb(II). The mechanism of Pb(II) removal by SN involved the synergistic effect of electrostatic adsorption, redox reaction, ion exchange, and coprecipitation. Notably, even after 90 days of aging, the removal rate of Pb(II) by SN remained high at 95.39%, demonstrating good reactivity. These results indicated that SN is an effective adsorbent to remove Pb(II) contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as cutting-edge technology with multifarious applications in a wide array of fields. Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNP) are an upcoming cost effective and eco-friendly technique and recently gained significant importance. In the present study, green FeNPs were prepared using leaf litter which is one of the major seasonal waste contributors in urban built-up areas. Shedding trees during winter months (January – March) were selected. Most abundant trees were Pongamia pinnata (Indian beech), Morus alba (mulberry), Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) and Kigelia africana (sausage tree). Synthesized FeNPs were further used for degrading two commercial dyes, eosin yellow and fuchsin basic, via Fenton's mechanism. The study showed that the prepared nanoparticles were of iron oxides, but also reported presence of polyphenols as a capping agent. Dye degradation efficiency of nanoparticles synthesized by P. pinnata leaf litter was recorded to be highest, whereas the efficiency of nanoparticles synthesized by K. africana leaf litter was lowest. Chances of iron leaching during dye degradation process was also tested and observed that Fe was present in treated water below the standard guidelines. Thus, FeNPs can serve as a low-cost solution to remediate water pollutants with a green approach. Implications: Nanoparticles prepared in the study were showed as a promising adsorbent and demonstrating high surface area and well-developed porosity. The prepared adsorbent will have a great impact on wastewater treatment technology and possible applications at a large scale. There are several applications of nanoparticles in pollution remediation and at the same time it can solve solid waste issues as it required to prepare nanoparticles. One of the major applications at policy level can be water pollution remediation which is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, research studies on enzyme immobilized materials toward water pollution monitoring and remediation have increased considerably. This review focuses on the application of enzymes (e.g., laccase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, etc.,) immobilized nanomaterials in electrochemical sensing and biocatalytic degradation of some water pollutants. The need and advantages of nanomaterials as support for enzymes were deduced. Different methods developed for enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials were outlined. The sensing performances of enzyme immobilized nanomaterials modified electrodes toward organic pollutants including phenolic compounds, and pesticides were described. The biocatalytic properties of enzyme immobilized nanomaterials toward the degradation of organic pollutants including phenols, dyes, antibiotics, personal care products, and pesticides were discussed. Influencing methods like addition of synthetic mediators and light have also been pointed-out. The significance of nanomaterials in enzymatic sensing and catalytic degradation properties were highlighted. Current challenges and further research identified through this review have also been provided. The conclusions drawn from this literature review were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typha angustifolia L., known as narrowleaf cattail, is widely distributed in Eurasia but has been introduced to North America. Typha angustifolia is a semi-aquatic, wetland obligate plant that is widely distributed in Eurasia and North America. It is ecologically important for nutrient cycling in wetlands where it occurs and is used in phytoremediation and traditional medicine. In order to construct a high-quality genome for Typha angustifolia and investigate genes in response to high nitrogen stress, we carried out complete genome sequencing and high-nitrogen-stress experiments. We generated a chromosomal-level genome of T. angustifolia, which had 15 pseudochromosomes, a size of 207 Mb, and a contig N50 length of 13.57 Mb. Genome duplication analyses detected no recent whole-genome duplication (WGD) event for T. angustifolia. An analysis of gene family expansion and contraction showed that T. angustifolia gained 1,310 genes and lost 1,426 genes. High-nitrogen-stress experiments showed that a high nitrogen level had a significant inhibitory effect on root growth and differential gene expression analyses using 24 samples found 128 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the nitrogen-treated and control groups. DEGs in the roots and leaves were enriched in alanines, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, among others. This study provides genomic data for a medicinal and ecologically important herb and lays a theoretical foundation for plant-assisted water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeation and absorption of solutes into human hair are highly relevant to various applications, including the formulation of hair-care products, the development of water pollution control and remediation, and the risk assessment of environmental exposure. Based on a detailed introduction of the structure and composition of hair, the effects of the properties of hair (structure, composition, and charge properties), the physicochemical properties of solutes (molecular size, shape, and hydrophobicity), and the conditions of the surrounding medium (solvent composition, temperature, and pH) on the permeation and absorption were comprehensively analyzed. Several theoretical models were reviewed, including two-part/two-state, porous media diffusion, homogeneous medium diffusion, heterogeneous medium partition, and diffusion models. Finally, future research directions for the permeation and absorption of solutes in hair were proposed to provide a foundation for the further optimization and application of permeation models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To bridge the technical gap of heterojunction induction control in conventional semiconductor photocatalysts, a method of regulating the growth of heterojunctions utilizing biomimetic structures was designed to prepare a series of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 vertical heterojunction nanocomposites for the disposal of environmentally hazardous tetracycline wastewater difficult to degrade by conventional microbial techniques. Porous Bi2O3 precursors with high-energy crystalline (110) dominant growth were produced using the sunflower straw bio-template technique (SSBT). Bi2WO6 with a (131) plane grew preferentially into 2.8 to 4 nm pieces on the (110) plane of Bi2O3, causing a significant density reduction between Bi2WO6 pieces and a dimensional decrease in the agglomerated Bi2WO6 spheres from 3 μm to 700 nm since Bi2WO6 grew on the structure of the biomimetic Bi2O3. The optimal 1:8 Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 coupling catalyst was obtained via adapting the ratio of the two semiconductors, and the coupling ratio of 1:8 minimized the adverse effects of the overgrowth of Bi2WO6 on degradation performance by securing the quantity of vertical heterojunctions. The material degradation reaction energy barrier and bandgap were significantly reduced by the presence of a large number of vertical heterojunction structures, resulting in a material with lower impedance and higher electron–hole separation efficiency; thus, the degradation efficiency of 1:8 Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 for tetracycline hydrochloride reached 99% within 60 min. In conclusion, this study not only successfully synthesized a novel photocatalyst with potential applications in water pollution remediation but also introduced a pioneering approach for semiconductor-driven synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI) is an effective material for dye wastewater treatment, but excessive agglomeration and oxidation greatly limit its application. Herein, graphene (GR) supported FeNi bimetallic nanoparticles (FeNi@GR) are prepared by alloying and carrier supported dispersion for efficient removal of azo dyes from water. Not only can it effectively solve the problem of excessive agglomeration and oxidation of nZVI, but also the synergistic effect of bimetallic coordination formation and the excellent electron transfer ability of graphene are beneficial to enhance the reactivity of FeNi@GR. The optimal FeNi@GR is prepared by adjusting the content of GR and the removal of Congo red (CR) by FeNi@GR‐10% reached 625 mg g−1 within 150 min at pH = 7.0. Higher temperature and lower pH favor the removal of CR azo dye. The action mechanisms of FeNi@GR presumably involve the transfer of active hydrogen atoms and the transfer of electrons generated by Fe0 and Ni0. Besides, the saturation magnetization (Ms) of FeNi@GR is 68.15 emu g−1, which has excellent magnetic response performance. This work not only provides a simple and efficient method to stabilize nZVI, but also reveals that using FeNi@GR is a promising approach for the remediation of water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the pressing environmental crisis, there is an imperative to develop robust and efficient technology for treating high concentrations and diverse pollutants in water. Herein, honeycombed integrated S-doped-g-C 3 N 4 -NiCo 2 O 4 catalysts were fabricated via a one-step in-situ growth method, which was utilized to activate PMS, enabling the ultra-efficient degradation of diverse high concentration pollutants within an extremely short period under both light and darkness conditions. Specifically, 10 mg of optimal catalyst can degrade 50 mg/L of tetracycline, rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl orange, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin with degradation rates of 100 % (1 min), 99.9 % (5 min), 100 % (5 min), 98.1 % (5 min), 98.1 % (5 min) and 99.6 % (5 min), respectively. The TOC removal rate for tetracycline reached 61.9 %, suppressing that achieved by CN alone (7.7 %). The effects of various key parameters (initial TC concentration, PMS concentrations, initial pH, anions, different water bodies and humic acid, stability and practicality in the round-the-clock degradation system were systematically investigated, and the two degradation mechanisms for both dark and light conditions were proposed. The degradation intermediates and their toxicity evaluation were investigated via the example of TC degradation combined with DFT theoretical calculations and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectra. This work offers a novel paradigm to design PMS activator for round-the-clock ultra-efficient degradation of multiple pollutants, which reveals great potential for water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient removal of heavy metals and other toxic metal pollutants from wastewater is essential to protect human health and the surrounding vulnerable ecosystems. Therefore, significant efforts have been invested in developing practical and sustainable tools to address this issue, including high-performance adsorbents. In this respect, within the last few years, graphene-based aerogels/xerogels/cryogels (GBAs) have emerged and drawn significant attention as excellent materials for removing and recovering harmful and valuable metals from different aqueous media. Such an upward trend is mainly due to the features of the aerogel materials combined with the properties of the graphene derivatives within the aerogel's network, including the GBAs' unique three-dimensional (3D) porous structure, high porosity, low density, large specific surface area, exceptional electron mobility, adjustable and rich surface chemistry, remarkable mechanical features, and tremendous stability. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental and practical aspects and phenomena related to the application of GBAs for metals removal. Herein, we cover all types of (bottom-up) synthesized GBAs, including true microporous graphene-based aerogels as well as other 3D graphene-based open-cell interconnected mesoporous and macroporous aerogels, foams, and sponges. Indeed, we provide insights into the fundamental understanding of the GBAs' suitability for such an important application by revealing the mechanisms involved in metals removal and the factors inducing and controlling the highly selective behavior of these distinctive adsorbents. Besides conventional adsorptive pathways, we critically analyzed the ability of GBAs to electrochemically capture metal pollutants (i.e., electrosorption) as well as their efficiency in metals detoxification through reductive mechanisms (i.e., adsorption-reduction-readsorption). We also covered the reusability aspect of graphene aerogels (GAs)-based adsorbents, which is strongly linked to the GBAs' outstanding stability and efficient desorption of captured metals. Furthermore, in view of their numerous practical and environmental benefits, the development and application of magnetically recoverable GAs for metals removal is also highlighted. Moreover, we shed light on the potential practical and scalable implementation of GBAs by evaluating their performance in continuous metals removal processes while highlighting the GBAs' versatility demonstrated by their ability to remove multiple contaminants along with metal pollutants from wastewater media. Finally, this review provides readers with an accessible overview and critical discussion of major recent achievements regarding the development and applications of GAs-based adsorbents for metal ions removal. Along with our recommendations and suggestions for potential future work and new research directions and opportunities, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers in the field of wastewater treatment and inspire further progress towards developing next-generation high-performance GBAs and expanding their application. [Display omitted] • Graphene-based aerogels have emerged as excellent materials for metals removal. • Functional groups play a key role in the decontamination of metals-polluted water. • Metals removal mechanisms and selectivity features were critically unveiled. • Recoverability, recycling, practicality, and versatility aspects were analyzed. • Knowledge/technical gaps are identified and future perspectives are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Various techniques used for heavy metals elimination in water are systematically reviewed. • Versatile applications of various materials in different treating process are explored. • Insights on design strategies and selection principles of high-efficient materials for different techniques are given. • Interaction mechanisms are discussed from different characterization techniques. • Challenges and prospects of various techniques toward water pollution remediation are presented. Due to the potential perniciousness of heavy metals, wastewater contaminated by them has become the most severe environmental problems. Water pollution poses very negative implications for the survival of living beings. This review summarizes the recent progress of the widely adopted techniques for eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions and expatiates their principles, characteristics, and applications. The chemical precipitation, ion-exchange, adsorption, and membrane separation are commonly easy operations, cost-effective, and broadly applicable. Bioremediation, photocatalysis, and electrochemical techniques are environmentally friendly with less secondary pollution and highly adaptable. Herein, the current state and prospects of these techniques for environmental remediation are comprehensively reviewed. The removal efficiency, interaction mechanism, and applicable scene for each strategy are well presented from macroscopic results, advanced spectroscopy characterization, and theoretical calculation. In the end, the challenges of different techniques for heavy metal ions elimination in the future were described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the peracetic acid (PAA)-based advanced oxidation process (AOPs) has garnered significant attention in the field of water treatment due to rapid response time and environmentally-friendliness. The activation of PAA systems by diverse carbon-based materials plays a crucial role in addressing emerging environmental contaminants, including various types, structures, and modified forms of carbon materials. However, the structural characteristics and structure-activity relationship of carbon-based materials in the activation of PAA are intricate, while the degradation pathways and dominant active species exhibit diversity. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the developmental process of the carbon-based materials/PAA system through resource integration and logical categorization, thereby indicating potential avenues for future research. The present paper comprehensively reviews the structural characteristics and action mechanism of carbon-based materials in PAA system, while also analyzing the development, properties, and activation mechanism of heteroatom-doped carbon-based materials in this system. In conclusion, this study has effectively organized the resources pertaining to prominent research direction of comprehensive remediation of environmental water pollution, thereby elucidating the underlying logic and thought process. Consequently, it establishes robust theoretical foundation for future investigations and applications involving carbon-based materials/PAA system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]