2-Hydroxyanthraquinone exposure causes the damage of cerebrovascular and blood brain barrier in zebrafish via inducing inflammation and downregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Reduced graphene oxide and iron nanoparticles were prepared through a one-pot green route with eucalyptus leaf extract as a reducing agent and immobilized into chitosan beads (m-rGO@CS). In this study, the adsorption performance of these m-rGO@CS beads towards anthracene (ANT) and fluoranthene (FLT) was assessed through adsorption equilibrium, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic analyses. An adsorbent dosage of 0.5g/L and pH 8 was determined as the best operating conditions through a full-factorial design. The adsorption kinetic data of the contaminants were well-described by the pseudo-second-order model and indicated that the process might involve film and intraparticle diffusions as the main controlling steps. The equilibrium time for ANT and FLT adsorption was 360 and 1320min, respectively. The Sips isothermal model best fitted the equilibrium data. The maximum removal capacity towards ANT and FLT was 16.97 and 12.19mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the ANT and FLT adsorption processes are spontaneous and exothermic. The regeneration tests indicated that the material presented a decrease of 2% and 8% in the adsorption capacity of ANT and FLT, respectively, after three adsorption-desorption cycles.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) degraded by bacterial laccase with the aid of 2, 2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as mediator has been experimentally discovered by researchers, but its binding detail helping to deeply understand the enzymatic degradation process is still unclear. Here, the binding of low rank coal PAH, such as naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), anthracene (ANT) and pyrene (PYR), with ABTS mediated laccase were investigated with docking and molecular dynamics (MD). The results indicate that the number of hydrophobic interactions and key residues involved in laccase-PYR were the largest, and hydrophobic interaction were important to maintain their binding. The laccase was the most stable when it bound to PYR, and the water number in binding pocket maintained the minimal, which was difficult to form the hydration shell. The binding of PYR resulted in the quick folding of enzyme, and the water number in cavity increased to the largest to improve its solvent environment.

This study aimed to investigate the membrane protein dynamics of Bacillus firmus during anthracene (ANT) biodegradation and elucidate the enhancement mechanism of rhamnolipids (RLs) in ANT bioremediation. Bacillus firmus was adapted for ANT degradation. Proteomics analyzed membrane protein dynamics during ANT biodegradation (100mg∙L-1), supplemented with microscopic/spectroscopic analyses of cellular changes. Phenotypic validation included measurements of degradation efficiency, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and membrane permeability. Adaptation enabled B. firmus to degrade 80.42% of ANT within 96 h. Proteomics revealed a coordinated strategy: upregulation of extracellular polysaccharide/protein secretion (substrate uptake), flagellar proteins (improved chemotaxis), and detoxification enzymes (reduced cellular stress). Supplementation with 100mg∙L-1 RLs increased ANT degradation to 81.35% (1.22-fold enhancement), correlating with a 7.52-fold increase in CSH and improved membrane permeability. Microscopic/spectroscopic analyses showed RL-induced structural modifications: capsule thickening, fatty acid depletion, and functional group alterations enhancing ANT bioavailability and cellular uptake. Bacillus firmus employs a dual adaptation strategy for ANT remediation: optimizing catabolic processes while mitigating cytotoxicity. RLs significantly enhance bioremediation by modulating bacterial membrane structure and function, thereby improving ANT bioavailability and cellular uptake. Combining proteomics with phenotypic validation establishes a framework for biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation, offering scalable solutions for PAH management.

This study explores the removal of inorganic contaminants [copper (II) and lead (II)] and organic pollutants [anthracene (ANT), phenanthrene (PHE), and methylene blue (MB) dye] from simulated solutions using the green CS/ZIF-8 sorbent. The sorbent was characterized by FTIR, BET, XRD, AFM, EDX, and SEM. Adsorption experiments were conducted under different variables such as time, pollutant concentration, temperature, and pH. The kinetic adsorption and isotherms were analyzed to evaluate CS/ZIF-8's efficiency in water pollution treatment. The results showed that removal efficiency (%R) increased over time and with higher initial pollutant concentrations. As pollutant concentration rises, a great competition for adsorption sites on the surface occurs, which promotes greater occupancy of the adsorbent's surface and thus higher overall efficiency (%R). Optimal %R was achieved at 25°C and pH 6 for Cu (II), pH 8 for Pb (II), pH 11-12 for MB dye, at pH 3 and 4 for ANT and PHE, respectively achieving maximum performance at 55°C. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm best describe adsorption, with maximum capacities of 599.72, 599.81, 399.81, 399.77, and 499.42mg/g for Cu+2 (600ppm), Pb+2 (600ppm), ANT (400ppm), PHE (400ppm), and MB dye (500ppm), respectively. The data reveals that CS/ZIF-8 exhibited exceptional adsorption capacities for organic and inorganic toxic species from simulated solutions. An experimental design was introduced for lab treatment of petroleum wastewater in a two-stage filter comprising physical clearance in the first stage and treatment with the green adsorbent in the second stage. The prepared composite's reusability was also verified to underscore its potential in treating real petroleum wastewater.

ABSTRACT The photophysical characterization of acenaphthene (Acnp)‐doped luminophores has been carried out. The host Acnp acts as a donor while carefully selected dopants, anthracene (AN) and tetracene (TN), act as acceptors. The doping of minimal quantities of AN entirely quenches the weak violet fluorescence of Acnp, resulting in the production of AN‐like emission in the doped Acnp matrix. The addition of the second guest, TN, not only quenches the AN‐like emission but also acts as a wavelength shifter. The tricomponent AN and TN‐doped Acnp luminophores emit in the green region. The TN monomeric emission has been achieved in the Acnp matrix. The shifting of the emission from the blue to the green region is mainly attributed to the‐two step excitation energy transfer (EET) process. The time‐resolved fluorescence study has also been carried out to establish the energetic interactions between donors and acceptors. The prepared luminophores were further characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TGA, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) to study their structural parameters, surface morphology, thermal stability, and electrical properties, respectively. The prepared novel Acnp luminophores exhibit two‐step EET from the host Acnp to AN and then to TN in the Acnp matrix. Due to their good emissive and electrochemical properties, they can be used in emissive layers of optoelectronic and organic light‐emitting devices.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants with significant ecological and public health implications, particularly in urban wetlands exposed to chronic anthropogenic stress. This study evaluates the occurrence, spatial distribution, seasonal variability, and ecological risk of three low molecular weight PAHs—naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHEN), and anthracene (ANT)—in surface waters of Caño La Malaria, the main freshwater source of Cucharillas Marsh, Puerto Rico’s largest urban wetland. Surface water samples were collected at four locations during both wet- and dry-season campaigns. Samples were extracted and quantified by GC-MS. NAP was the dominant compound, Σ3PAHs concentrations ranging from 7.4 to 2198.8 ng/L, with higher wet-season levels (mean = 745.79 ng/L) than dry-season levels (mean = 186.71 ng/L); most wet-season samples fell within the mild-to-moderate contamination category. Compositional shifts indicated increased levels of PHEN and ANT during the wet season. No significant spatial differences were found (p = 0.753), and high correlations between sites (r = 0.96) suggest uniform input sources. Diagnostic ratios, inter-species correlations, and principal component analysis (PCA) consistently indicated a predominant pyrogenic origin, with robust PHEN–ANT correlation (r = 0.824) confirming shared combustion-related sources. PCA revealed a clear separation between dry- and wet-season samples, with the latter showing greater variability and stronger associations with NAP and ANT. Ecological risk assessment using hazard quotients (HQwater) indicated negligible acute toxicity risk across all sites and seasons (<0.01); the highest HQwater (0.0095), observed upstream during the wet season, remained within this range. However, benchmark exceedances by PHEN and ANT suggest potential chronic risks not captured by the acute ERA framework. These findings support integrated watershed management practices to mitigate PAH pollution and strengthen long-term ecological health in tropical urban wetlands.

Environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) generated on metal oxide surfaces have garnered significant research interest due to their environmental persistence and biological toxicity. While the catalytic role of Lewis acid sites (LAS) in EPFR formation has been hypothesized, the specific mechanisms underlying LAS-mediated generation at ambient temperature remain poorly understood. This investigation systematically elucidates the critical role of LAS concentration in molecular sieves for EPFR formation through polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorption under ambient conditions. Our results demonstrate that EPFR generation efficiency follows a distinct hierarchy among ultra-stable Y-type (USY) molecular sieves: USY(5.4) > USY(11) > USY(8), showing a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05) with LAS concentration. The absence of detectable EPFR signals on silica controls confirms LAS as essential active sites for radical stabilization. The concentration of EPFRs generated by different PAHs on the molecular sieve follows the order of pyrene (PYR) > anthracene (ANT) > phenanthrene (PHE) > naphthalene (NAP), which was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the ionization potential (IP) of PAHs. This indicates that the electron transfer ability of PAH also affects the generation of EPFRs. In addition, the acute toxicity of EPFRs was evaluated using Photobacterium phosphoreum T3 (PPT3), and the inhibition rate of the luminescent bacteria was positively correlated with concentration of EPFRs and the mediated generation of ROS. The results of this study can contribute to the understanding of the generation mechanism and environmental risks of EPFRs.

2-Hydroxyanthraquinone induces cardiotoxicity in zebrafish via ferroptosis.

Life cycle toxicity evaluation of coated magnetite nanoparticles to the amphipod Hyalella curvispina.

A series of novel acenaphthene (Acnp) luminophores were prepared by doping varying concentrations of anthracene (AN) and perylene (Pery) by the solid-state reaction method, and studied for their fluorescence characteristics. The prepared Acnp luminophores were excited at the excitation wavelength of the host, Acnp. The fluorescence excitation energy transfer (EET) was observed in these bi- and tri-component luminophores. The complete quenching of weak violet fluorescence of Acnp was noted with the appearance of new AN like emission in bi-component while monomeric emission of Pery in tri-component luminophores. The prepared luminophores were further characterized by X-ray diffraction, TGA, and cyclic voltammetry to study structural parameters, thermal stability, and electrical properties, respectively. The particle size of the prepared luminophores was calculated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The present study reveals that the prepared novel Acnp luminophores show two-step EET from the host Acnp to AN and from AN to the second guest Pery in the Acnp matrix. The prepared luminophores could be used in organic light-emitting devices and in optoelectronic devices.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified as catastrophic pollutants that can damage both the environment and human health. To restore a healthy surrounding, an environmental expert targeted the PAH contamination reduction strategy. Bioremediation techniques are overruling the conventional techniques due to their high disbursement and inefficient outcomes. Several PAHs, including Pyrene (PYR), Chrysene (CHY), Benz[a]anthracene (BaA), Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), Fluoranthene (FLU) Indenol [1,2,3-cd] pyrene (INP), Benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP), and, Dibenz [a, h] anthracene (DBA) have been identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. Since PAHs are less hydrophilic and have more lipophilic properties, they are readily absorbed from the GIT of mammals. Grilled beef and chicken meat that had been charcoal-grilled contained Anthracene (ANT), BaP, Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), Phenanthrene (PHE), and PYR. The highest dietary daily intake of BkF was reported to be 1.09 μg/ day in the intestine of grilled beef and 23.22 μg/day in the stomach of grilled chicken. A number of bacterial species have been identified in the biodegradation of PAHs, including Mycobacterium gilvum (M. gilvum), Sphingobium chlorophenolicum (S. chlorophenolicum), Bacillus halotolerans, Mycobacterium flavescens (M. flavescens), Micrococcus luteus, Crassostrea gigas, Crassostrea gasar, and Crassostrea rhizophorae, Pseudomonas putida, Rhodococcus wratislaviensis, and Kocuria rosea. Fungi, including Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Aspergillus ficuum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus used PAHs as the source of carbon and energy for survival. To a certain extent, algae such as Selenastrum capricornutum and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) also depend on PAHs to survive. There are plenty of patents that have been sanctioned, including the process for producing PAHs through recycling of low molecular weight alkanes, the removal process of PAHs from the terrestrial habitats, the identification of PAHs fingerprints, the utilization of microbes obtained from different resources to degrade the PAHs into minimum catastrophic products, and so on. This review aims to highlight the calamitous effect of high molecular weight PAHs on the surrounding, and humankind, as well as the advancement in bioremediation approaches in recent years. The authors also addressed the newly isolated microbiomes, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and others, as promising candidates for using PAHs as a source of carbon and energy.

Using the conventional solid-state reaction method, a new class of o-terphenyl (o-Th) luminophores infused with different concentrations of anthracene (AN) was created in order to study new luminophores that emit at longer wavelengths. We analyzed their optical and electrochemical characteristics using spectrofluorimetry and cyclic voltammetry. Anthracene like emission was observed in the fluorescence spectrum of AN-doped o-Th luminophors. The peaks observed at 420, 442 and 470nm in all luminophors. These new peaks are attributed due to excitation energy transfer from o-Th to anthracene. The synthesized luminophore's Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy levels ranged from 5.87eV and - 4.67eV, respectively. Through TGA analysis, thermal stability was assessed. The homogeneous material's synthesis and crystallinity was validated by the XRD. The morphology of the prepared luminophors was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This comprehensive analysis suggests that these synthesized violet-indigo fluorescent luminophores have potential for use in optoelectronic devices.

The development of efficient photocatalysts to convert low-concentration CO2 into the value-added chemicals and fuels is particularly interesting yet remains highly challenging. Herein, we designed and synthesized three metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) through the Schiff-base condensation reactions between trinuclear copper complex and different BDP-based chromophores (BDP=4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) for visible-light-driven reduction of low-concentration CO2 (15%) to HCOO-. As a result, MCOF-ANT containing anthracene (ANT) groups achieves the highest HCOO- production rate of 1658µmol g-1h-1 (HCOO- selectivity, ∼100%) in the absence of any additional noble-metal photosensitizers under a laboratory light source, which is 7.2 and 2.1 times higher than those of MCOF-Ph and MCOF-Nap with phenyl (Ph) and naphthalene (Nap) groups, respectively. Furthermore, MCOF-ANT also exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity for the reduction of low-concentration CO2 (15%) to HCOO- under natural sunlight, with a HCOO- production rate of 1239µmolg-1h-1 (HCOO- selectivity, ∼100%). Experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that the presence of ANT in MCOF-ANT is favorable to the visible-light harvesting and charge separation, as well as the formation of *OCO intermediate, which clearly accounts for its superior catalytic activity.

Abstract The development of efficient photocatalysts to convert low‐concentration CO2 into the value‐added chemicals and fuels is particularly interesting yet remains highly challenging. Herein, we designed and synthesized three metal‐covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) through the Schiff‐base condensation reactions between trinuclear copper complex and different BDP‐based chromophores (BDP = 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene) for visible‐light‐driven reduction of low‐concentration CO2 (15%) to HCOO−. As a result, MCOF‐ANT containing anthracene (ANT) groups achieves the highest HCOO− production rate of 1658 µmol g−1 h−1 (HCOO− selectivity, ∼100%) in the absence of any additional noble‐metal photosensitizers under a laboratory light source, which is 7.2 and 2.1 times higher than those of MCOF‐Ph and MCOF‐Nap with phenyl (Ph) and naphthalene (Nap) groups, respectively. Furthermore, MCOF‐ANT also exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity for the reduction of low‐concentration CO2 (15%) to HCOO− under natural sunlight, with a HCOO− production rate of 1239 µmol g−1 h−1 (HCOO− selectivity, ∼100%). Experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that the presence of ANT in MCOF‐ANT is favorable to the visible‐light harvesting and charge separation, as well as the formation of *OCO intermediate, which clearly accounts for its superior catalytic activity.

Abstract Dried fruits in local markets, are affected by many pollutants resulting from human, industrial and agricultural activities that contain many chemical pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aimed to estimate the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dried fruits. Samples were collected in August 2023. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to estimate PAHs in dried fruits using a column (Reprosil 100, C18) at a flow rate of (1 ml/min) at room temperature, and a wavelength of (254nm) giving the best extraction time not exceeding (20 min). The results of the study showed that most dried fruits are contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to oil refinery waste, industrial waste, and electric power generators, in addition to vehicle exhausts and heavy water discharge. Twelve polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were estimated as organic pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): Naphthalene (NAP), Acenaphthylene (ACY), Pyrene (PYR), Chrysene (CHR), Fluorene (F), Benzo[ghi]perylene B[ghi]P, Acenaphtene (AC), Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (Dha), Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), Benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), Anthracene (ANT), Phenanthrene (PHE). The highest total PAHs were recorded in dried kiwi(77.78ug/mg) and the lowest total PAHs were recorded in pear(0.02ug/mg). The results of a study assessing the health risks of PAHs in dried fruits showed that all fruits are safe and there are no carcinogenic risks, meaning that their concentrations were all within permissible limits.

The presence of anthracene (ANT) in coastal waters is increasingly being reported and profoundly impacts the marine biota. However, toxicity data for ANT on marine organisms are scarce to develop numerical water quality criteria to protect marine life. Therefore, for the first time, this study derived the seawater quality criteria (SWQC) of ANT are based on the toxicity values of five marine organisms. Acute and chronic toxicity values of ANT were derived on diatoms (Thalassiosira subtilis and Endomoneis paludosa), copepods (Oithona similis and Tisbe furcata), and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). 96h-EC50 and 96h-LC50 were ranged between 23.98 ± 2.4 and 1730 ± 330μg/L. Chronic toxicity values such as no observed effect concentration (NOEC), lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC), and chronic values ranged from 2.1 ± 0.6 to 267 ± 58µg/L, 2.5 ± 0.8 to 400 ± 7µg/L, and 2.4 ± 0.8 to 327 ± 71µg/L, respectively. Seawater quality criteria, viz. predicted no effect concentration (PNEC), criterion continuous concentration (CCC), and criterion maximum concentration (CMC) were derived using NOECs, chronic values, and acute data. The criterion concentrations PNEC, CCC, and CMC can apply to sensitive/protected waters across the coastal waters and accidental spill/outfalls/discharge points in enclosed waters, respectively. The PNEC, CCC, and CMC are derived as 2.7, 8.8, and 17µg/L, respectively, from the Australian Burrlioz SSD, whereas the USEPA SSD resulted in 3.89µg/L of PNEC, 10.7µg/L of CCC, and 26.7µg/L of CMC. The Australian Burrlioz SSDs delivered sensitive SWQCs, which may ensure the protection of marine life from ANT pollution.

The aim of this study was to prepare and assess the effectiveness of a geopolymer doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxyl groups (GEO+MWCNT) for removing lead (Pb(II)) and anthracene (ANT) from rainwater. Characterization of the GEO+MWCNT demonstrated an increased specific surface area and microporosity compared to the pristine geopolymer (GEO). Adsorption experiments revealed that GEO+MWCNT achieved higher removal efficiencies for Pb(II) and ANT compared to GEO alone. The maximum removal rates of lead and anthracene by GEO+MWCNT were 100% and 87.5%, respectively, compared to 71.5% and 76.2% for GEO. For GEO+MWCNT, lead removal was 78.2% in anthracene-containing solutions and 86.7% in anthracene-free rainwater. The optimal removal of Pb(II) occurred at pH 8. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating a complex mechanism involving physical adsorption, chemisorption, and electrostatic attraction. These findings suggest that geopolymers, particularly when combined with MWCNT-COOH, have significant application potential for rainwater purification processes.

Biodegradation of PAH mixtures is an eco-friendly practice that requires the exploration of efficient microbes. In this study, three fungal species; Phellinus noxius BRB 11, Leiotrametes menziesii BRB 73, and Ceriporia lacerata BRB 81, were screened for phenanthrene (PHE) degradation. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase activities were analyzed before and after the degradation. Following the screening, further degradation was performed by P. noxius BRB 11 using the following seven treatments: PHE, anthracene (ANT), Benzo (a) pyrene (BaP), PHE–ANT, PHE–BaP, ANT–BaP, and ANT–PHE–BaP. The transformed metabolites and metabolic pathways were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity were investigated using Artemia salina and Vigna radiata. The primary screening revealed P. noxius BRB 11 to be a potential strain based on 95% PHE degradation, followed by 24%, and 26% using L. menziesii BRB 73 and C. lacerata BRB 81, respectively. Further research was carried out using only P. noxius BRB 11 to degrade PAHs in single and mixture forms. Co-degradation was observed above 90% except for ANT, while single degradation demonstrated high values for ANT and lower for BaP. Pathway analysis of P. noxius BRB 11 confirmed ten metabolites with lower toxicity in both phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays. This study provides a foundation for the practical applications of white rot fungal species in PAH degradation.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are a new class of pollutants that have been identified as potential environmental contaminants due to their persistence and ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress in living organisms. This study investigates the formation and behavior of EPFRs during the photodegradation of organic pollutants, emphasizing the role of metal ions, precursor concentration, and environmental conditions. Results show that light exposure significantly enhances pollutant degradation rates, EPFR yield, and formation speed, though it simultaneously shortens EPFR lifespan due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In dark conditions, EPFR formation is slower but results in more stable radicals. Metal ions play a pivotal role, with Cu(II) exhibiting the highest EPFR generation capacity due to its strong electron-accepting properties, surpassing Zn(II) and Na(I), highlighting that metal ions with greater oxidizing potential enhance EPFR formation. The precursor, as both reaction product and reactant, plays a dual role in EPFR formation. Individual compounds like anthracene (ANT) yield stable carbon-centered radicals, while mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produce more complex radical spectra. The study of the influencing factors and transformation mechanisms of EPFR generation in soil can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental behavior of new pollutants, provide a scientific basis for sustainable development, and be of great significance for the assessment and management of environmental risks and the protection of the ecological environment.