Aromatic Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Unveiling the Immune effects of AHR in tumors: a decade of insights from bibliometric analysis (2010–2023)

BackgroundThe Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that regulates several biological processes. Its potential in anti-tumor immunotherapy is becoming clearer, yet no bibliometric studies on this topic exist. This study aims to understand the current research landscape and identify future directions through a bibliometric analysis of AHR’s anti-tumor immunological effects.Methods We conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AHR antitumor immunotherapy papers in the Web of Science Core Collection. Various aspects of the publications were analyzed, and research hotspots and future trends were identified using scientific bibliometric tools and statistical methods.ResultsWe collected 592 English papers published between 2010 and 2023, with an almost annual increase. Most publications were from the USA, followed by China, Germany, and Italy. The journal “Frontiers in Immunology” had the most papers, and the most cited paper was Christiane A. Opitz’s “An endogenous tumour-promoting ligand of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor.” The research is centered around AHR gene expression, with a growing focus on intestinal disease and the development of Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) drugs.ConclusionThis bibliometric study highlights the significance of AHR in immunomodulatory research, outlining the research trends and key contributors. It suggests AHR’s immune effects may mediate the process of colitis cancer transformation, providing valuable insights for future anti-tumor immunotherapy strategies based on AHR.

Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon for Hole Selective Layer/Perovskite Interface Modification and Passivation for Efficient Perovskite‐Organic Tandem Solar Cells with Record Fill Factor

AbstractPerovskite whentandemed with organic photovoltaics (OPV) for double‐junctions have efficiencypotentials over 40%. However, there is still room for improvement suchas better current matching, higher fill factor, as well as lower voltage and fill factor losses in the top perovskite cell. Here weaddress the issue associated with the top perovskite cell by utilising anovel halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound, 1‐naphthylammoniumchloride (NA─Cl) playing dual roles of surface modification for the hole selectivelayer (HSL) and passivation of HSL/perovskiteinterface. Results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functionaltheory calculations reveal that NA─Cl retains self‐assembly property for the HSLwhile demonstrating high dipole moment and polarizability. This induces asurface dipole at the HSL/perovskite interface reducing the energetic barrierfor hole extraction by 210 meV thereby enhancing voltage output and fill factorof the device. Such scheme when implemented in a high bandgap (1.78 eV)perovskite solar cell, results in a respectable efficiency of 19.7% and thehighest fill factor of 85.4% amongst those of 1.78 eV perovskite cells reported.We have also achieved 23% cell efficient monolithic perovskite‐OPV tandem withan impressive fill factor of 84%, which is the highest for perovskite‐OPVtandem cells reported to‐date.

Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Soils

Soil organic pollution (such as heavy metals, PAHs, etc.) has caused serious environmental problems, which have resulted in unexpected effects on contaminated soil ecosystems. However, knowledge of the interactions between environmental PAHs and bacterial and fungal communities is still limited. In this study, soil samples from different PAH-contaminated areas including non-contaminated areas (NC), low-contaminated areas (LC), and high-contaminated areas (HC) were selected. Results of toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) indicated that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBahA) constituted the main TEQs of ∑16PAHs. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed that the main pathway of exposure to soil PAHs was dermal contact in adults and children. Furthermore, adults faced a higher total cancer risk (including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation) from soil PAHs than children. The microbial community composition analysis demonstrated that soil PAHs could decrease the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. The relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Fimicutes, Bacteroidota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota exhibited varying degrees of changes under different concentrations of PAHs. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and Chrysene (Chr) drove the bacterial community composition, while BaP and DBahA drove the fungal community compositions. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the high contamination levels of PAHs that could change the relationships among different microorganisms and reduce the complexity and stability of fungal and bacterial networks. Overall, these findings provide comprehensive insight into the responses of bacterial and fungal communities to PAHs.

Saccharomyces boulardii enhances anti-inflammatory effectors and AhR activation via metabolic interactions in probiotic communities.

Metabolic exchanges between strains in gut microbial communities shape their composition and interactions with the host. This study investigates the metabolic synergy between potential probiotic bacteria and Saccharomyces boulardii, aiming to enhance anti-inflammatory effects within a multi-species probiotic community. By screening a collection of 85 potential probiotic bacterial strains, we identified two strains that demonstrated a synergistic relationship with S. boulardii in pairwise co-cultivation. Furthermore, we computationally predicted cooperative communities with symbiotic relationships between S. boulardii and these bacteria. Experimental validation of 28 communities highlighted the role of S. boulardii as a key player in microbial communities, significantly boosting the community's cell number and production of anti-inflammatory effectors, thereby affirming its essential role in improving symbiotic dynamics. Based on our observation, one defined community significantly activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-a key regulator of immune response-280-fold more effectively than the community without S. boulardii. This study underscores the potential of microbial communities for the design of more effective probiotic formulations.

Occurrence, characterization, and ecological risk analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons in water and sediments following large-scale field simulated oil spills at the experimental lakes area, Northwestern Ontario, Canada

This study assessed the impact of on-site field-simulated oil spills at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) on a freshwater boreal lake. Low total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) values were obtained in water and sediments from the locations without direct oil loading across the 6-year monitoring program. Biogenic n-alkanes and pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were predominant pre- and post-spill. No petroleum biomarkers were detected in the water, but trace levels appeared in a few sediments. Most TPH and PAH levels were within acceptable limits set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and Ontario regulations, though some PAHs exceeded guidelines. However, the frequency of exceedances did not change significantly before and after the spill. These results suggest that the spilled oil was contained effectively during the experiment period, and the environment recovered to near-background levels afterward with appropriate precautions and remediation operations.

A d10-Cd Cluster Containing Sandwich-Type Arsenotungstate Exhibiting Fluorescent Recognition of Carcinogenic Dye in Methanol.

A d10-Cd cluster containing sandwich-type arsenotungstate [C3H12N2]6[Cd4Cl2(B-α-AsW9O34)2] was synthesized and its structure characterized through elemental analyses, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray analysis revealed that the molecular unit of the compound consists of a captivating tetra-Cd-substituted sandwich-type polyoxoanion, accompanied by six elegantly protonated 1,2-diaminopropane as counter ions. The further novelty of the tetranuclear cadmium cluster lies in its occupied chlorine atom sites. This makes it highly susceptible to coordinate reactions with nitrogen on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, thereby exhibiting different fluorescent signals that facilitate the identification and detection of these carcinogenic substances in methanol.

Optimization of Hydrocarbon Production in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Macaúba Epicarp and Macaúba and Baru Endocarps

The objective of this study was to examine the catalytic pyrolysis process of three distinct types of biomasses: baru endocarp (ENB), macaúba endocarp (ENM), and macaúba epicarp (EPM). This was performed with the aim of optimizing the production of hydrocarbons and other volatile compounds of interest through the use of different catalysts. The catalysts utilized in this study were calcium oxide (CaO), phosphate mining waste (PO), niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), and Ni/Nb2O5. The methodology entailed pyrolyzing the biomass at temperatures spanning from 508 °C to 791 °C, utilizing a micropyrolyzer in conjunction with a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for product analysis. An experimental design was implemented to assess the impact of catalyst concentration and temperature on the yield and composition of the volatile products. The findings demonstrated that CaO was efficacious in deoxygenating the compounds, particularly at elevated temperatures, thereby promoting the generation of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In contrast, Nb2O5 was effective in the formation of oxygenated compounds, particularly carboxylic acids and phenols. Ni/Nb2O5 has been shown to be effective in the production of cyclic, aromatic, alkadienes, and alkenes hydrocarbons. Phosphate mining waste exhibited moderate performance, with potential for specific applications at high temperatures, with important production of cyclic, aromatic, and alkane hydrocarbons. Among the biomasses, EPM demonstrated the greatest potential for hydrocarbon production, indicating its suitability for the development of advanced biofuels. This study advances our understanding of the catalytic pyrolysis of alternative biomasses and underscores the pivotal role of catalysts in optimizing the process, offering invaluable insights for the sustainable production of biofuels and interest in renewable chemicals.

Olive pomace waste conversion to bio-fuel by application of integrated configuration of pyrolysis/hydrodeoxygenation process

Bio-oil obtained from non-catalytic pyrolysis of biomass, consists of a large number of oxygenated compounds. Hence, it is essential for the bio-oil to go through upgrading processes such as hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) to reform these compounds to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. This study works towards this purpose by initially deriving raw bio-oil from olive pomace waste biomass in a non-catalytic pyrolysis process at temperature of 400–700 ºC. Then for reducing the oxygen content of derived bio-oil, HDO of the raw bio-oil over NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst was performed in a batch reactor, in varying operational parameters: temperature of 200–250 °C, reaction time of 1–3 h, hydrogen pressure of 2–6 bar and catalyst: bio-oil ratio of 1:20, 1:10, 1:5. The results revealed that the catalytic HDO is an appropriate procedure, as fatty acids as the main oxygenated components in bio-oil were reduced from 81.8 % to 56.7 %, aldehydes and ketones were entirely removed, and there was a noticeable rise in aliphatic hydrocarbons from 2.8 % to 33.9 % at temperature of 250 ºC, hydrogen pressure of 6 bar and reaction duration of 3 h. In addition, by raising the catalyst to bio-oil ratio to 1:5, the content of fatty acids reached 47.6 %. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the O/C and H/C ratios of the obtained biofuels and the raw bio-oil, which results exhibited that this method worked successfully in substituting oxygen atoms of the raw bio-oil with hydrogen atoms.

The source of volatile organic compounds pollution and its effect on ozone in high-altitude areas

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are crucial precursors in the formation of ozone (O3). The sources of pollution are complex and significantly impact O3 generation. Long-term exposure to high-concentration O3 environments causes serious damage to organisms. High-altitude areas experience continuous high temperatures and strong solar radiation, which can easily produce O3 through photochemical reactions, making these areas prone to frequent air pollution. This study utilizes the National Positioning Station of the Yinchuan Urban Ecosystem in Ningxia to conduct field synchronous observations, gathering data on VOCs, meteorological variables, and O3. By employing machine learning algorithms, we examined the seasonal distribution characteristics of VOCs, their pollution sources, and their impact on O3. The results show that the seasonal distribution of VOCs areas is low in spring and autumn and high in summer and winter. The components with higher volume fraction contribution are m-tolualdehyde in spring and summer, ethane in autumn, and acetylene in winter. The main emission sources of VOCs pollution are hydrocarbon volatile emission in spring and winter, solvent volatilization emission in summer, and industrial sources in autumn. VOCs have a negative effect on O3, with a greater impact in winter and spring, evidenced by standardized effect values of −0.26 and −0.24. The key components affecting O3 in VOCs vary by season. Aromatic hydrocarbons are the key components in spring and winter, with contribution rates of 22 % and 21.3 %. Alkenes are the key components in summer and autumn (24.5 % and 26.8 %). Among meteorological variables, temperature is the key factor affecting O3, while wind speed is the key factor affecting O3 only in winter. This study aims to clarify the sources of VOCs pollution in different seasons and their impact on O3, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the prevention and control of VOCs and O3 pollution in high-altitude areas.

Study on pyrolysis process and mechanism of organic coating of waste polyesterimide enameled wire based on density functional theory

The pyrolysis treatment of waste polyesterimide enameled wire offers significant advantages such as continuous processing, non-hazardous nature, and high resource recovery rate. However, research on its pyrolysis process and mechanism remains insufficiently explored. In this study, techniques including thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), pyrolysis–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS) were employed to investigate pyrolysis temperature, weight loss rate, pyrolysis and kinetic parameters, composition and distribution of pyrolysis products, and changes in functional groups under different temperatures and heating rates. The pyrolysis of polyesterimide enameled wire can be divided into three stages: volatilization of specific components (314.8 °C,1.6 %), rapid decomposition of polyesterimide (435.2 °C, 44.7 %), and generation of small organic molecules with the fixation of pyrolytic carbon (750 °C, 9.0 %). The main components of the pyrolysis gas products include aromatic compounds, ethers, aromatics, ketones, and carbon dioxide. At 400 °C, a substantial amount of pyrolysis gas products and free radicals are produced, with an increase in aromatic hydrocarbons. The carbon distribution in the pyrolysis products mainly focuses on C6-C10 and C11-C15, and many organic compounds such as benzoic acid, phenol, and aniline are generated. Based on density functional theory, the bond dissociation energies in the polyesterimide were calculated. This clarified the possible thermal decomposition pathways of the polyesterimide and provided the energy barrier values, elucidating the generation mechanism of pyrolysis products during thermal decomposition. The copper atom in specific location reduces the negative ESP of O and increases the positive ESP of H in EPI, which makes H more likely to attach to O. The presence of Cu increases the ESP range and promote the pyrolysis process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high-value recycling of waste polyesterimide enamelled wire.

Dissolved PAHs in the Beibu Gulf and adjacent waters of the South China Sea: Physical and biochemical processes-driven distributional variations

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in semi-enclosed gulfs are influenced by physical and biochemical processes, which haven’t been well understood. This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and vertical profiles of dissolved PAHs in the Beibu Gulf and adjacent waters of the South China Sea, along with hydrological, meteorological, and biochemical variables. Particularly relevant are the effects of atmospheric pressure, salinity, ammonium, chlorophyll-a, as well as riverine inputs (RI), sea currents, and upwelling. In surface seawater, the total concentrations of eight dissolved PAHs (∑8PAHs) were 7.76 ± 2.16ng/L, with a distribution pattern of western Guangdong waters (WGWs) > BG > Qiongzhou Strait (QS). ∑8PAHs in the northern BG (9.10 ± 2.00ng/L) was significantly higher than that in the southern BG (6.65 ± 1.54ng/L) (p < 0.01), suggesting that local anthropogenic activities and unique environmental characteristics significantly influenced PAHs distribution. In water column, PAHs in BG displayed enrichment in surface and bottom but decreased in medium water, while those in WGWs and QS decreased with increasing depth. Source apportionment concluded that PAHs in QS and WGWs were primarily from petroleum sources, and PAHs in BG were mainly from coal combustion. RI, combined with circulation, coastal current, and intrusion of SCS water influenced the surface PAHs distribution in BG, with eddy impacts observed. Specifically, regarding the surface PAHs distribution, differences in atmospheric pressure may influence the air-sea exchange of PAHs, especially positively affecting 4-ring PAHs. Salinity factors further corroborated the contribution of RI to 3-ring PAHs, followed by the regulation of PAHs through biological pumps (ammonia and chlorophyll-a). Moreover, upwelling-induced biodegradation and resuspension affected the vertical distribution of PAHs. While most PAHs posed a negligible risk, coking-generated fluorene posed a moderate risk to ecosystems due to changes in the energy structure, warranting further investigation into its toxicological impacts.

Triglyceride-glucose Index and Its combination with obesity indicators mediating the association between 2-hydroxyfluorene and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease: Evidence from the NHANES (2005–2018)

BackgroundPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were increasingly recognized as a group of environmental pollutants associated with various health issues. The rise in their prevalence in the environment was concerning. Yet, the effects of PAH exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were still not well understood. PurposeThis study investigated the impact of exposure to 2-hydroxyfluorene on CVDs prevalence, with a special focus on the mediating role of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its combination with obesity indicators. MethodUsing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018, this study assessed how 2-hydroxyfluorene affects CVDs prevalence through various statistical techniques. The investigation began with restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to explore the relationship between 2-hydroxyfluorene levels and CVDs prevalence. Logistic regression was then used to examine associations within PAH mixtures, alongside the Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model. Furthermore, the Quantile G-Computation (QG-comp) model was used to evaluate the influence of weights and directions. A mediation analysis was also performed to assess the mediating role of TyG-related indicators on the relationship between 2-hydroxyfluorene and CVDs prevalence. Besides, the association between 2-hydroxyfluorene and the prevalence of each specific CVDs, congestive heart failure, myocardium infarction, angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, was also assessed and so was the mediated effect. Finally, the subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the association in each specific subgroup. ResultThe study, involving 3645 participants, found a significant positive association between 2-hydroxyfluorene exposure and CVD (OR (95 %CI) = 115.8013 (5.0521 ∼ 2654.3248), P=0.0029), with 2-hydroxyfluorene showing the positive contribution to CVDs prevalence within the phthalate mixture. The positive association also existed between 2-hydroxyfluorene and the prevalence of each specific CVDs. TyG and TyGWC (Triglyceride Glucose-Waist Circumference) were identified as mediators in the link between 2-hydroxyfluorene exposure and the prevalence of total CVD and each specific CVD, while TyGBMI (Triglyceride Glucose-Body Mass Index) can only mediate the association between 2-hydroxyfluorene and the prevalence of total CVD, congestive heart failure and angina pectoris ConclusionThe findings highlighted a significant association between 2-hydroxyfluorene exposure and CVDs prevalence, with TyG-related indicators acting as mediators.

Applying kitchen compost promoted soil chrysene degradation by optimizing microbial community structure

Chrysene, as a high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), has become an important factor in degrading soil quality and constraining the safe production of food crops. Compost has been widely used to amend contaminated soil. However, to date, the main components of kitchen compost that enhance the biodegradation of chrysene in the soil remain unidentified. Thus, in this study, the enhancing effect and mechanisms of kitchen compost (KC) and kitchen compost-derived dissolved organic matter (KCOM) on chrysene removal from soil were investigated through cultivation experiments combined with high-throughput sequencing technology. Additionally, the key components influencing the degradation of chrysene were identified. The results showed that KCOM was the main component of compost that promoted the degradation of chrysene. The average degradation rate of chrysene in 1% KC- and 1% KCOM-treated soil increased by 27.20% and 24.18%, respectively, at different levels of chrysene pollution compared with the control treatment (CK). KC and KCOM significantly increased soil nutrient content, accelerated humification of organic matter, and increased microbial activity in the chrysene-contaminated soil. Correlation analyses revealed that the application of KC and KCOM optimized the microbial community by altering soil properties and organic matter structure. This optimization enhanced the degradation of soil chrysene by increasing the abundance of chrysene-degrading functional bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Lysinibacillus, and Acinetobacter. This study provides insight into the identification of key components that promote chrysene degradation and into the microbial-enhanced remediation of chrysene-contaminated soil.

Distribution, sorption patterns, and outflows of riverine microplastics-affiliated linear alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a dynamic coastal zone.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a global concern. To mitigate the potential threats by MPs, particularly to coastal regions, it is crucial to comprehend the environmental behavior of MPs and their affiliated chemicals. In the present study, we collected floating MPs using a Manta net (0.33 mm mesh size) in a one-year sampling event in 2022 from the eight major estuaries in the Pearl River Delta, China, and also from five coastal sites in August and December in the same year. Nineteen linear alkylbenzenes (∑19LAB) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑16PAH) affiliated with MPs were measured. The mean concentrations of MPs-affiliated ∑19LAB and ∑16PAH were 6710 (range: 3400-12300) and 5310 (range: 817-19,600) ng g-1, respectively, at the estuarine sites, and were 4920 (range: 2400-7600) and 2610 (range: 911-7890) ng g-1, respectively, at the coastal sites. Significant correlations were found between logarithmic MPs-water partition coefficients (log Kpw) and logarithmic suspended particulate matter-water partition coefficients (log Kd) values for LABs and PAHs, indicating analogous partitioning dynamics for MPs and suspended particulate matter with water. The annual riverine outflows were 1170 and 414 g for ∑19LAB and ∑16PAH, respectively. Although the riverine outflows of LABs and PAHs carried by MPs remain negligible compared to those by suspended particulate matter, an upward trend was identified between 2018 and 2022. Notably, the riverine input of LABs and PAHs carried by suspended particulate matter to the coastal ocean decreased from 2005/2006 to 2022, due to a combination of improved technological processes and energy structures.

Adaptation mechanism of clam Ruditapes philippinarum under polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon stresses: Accumulation and excretion

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are easily accumulated in organisms due to its high lipophilicity. Bivalves are still one of the marine invertebrates with high species diversity despite experiencing with environmental pollution. However, studies investigating the adaptation mechanisms of bivalves towards POPs have been lacking. In this study, we chose benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a typical POPs, to investigate the accumulation and excretion mechanism of clam Ruditapes philippinarum towards B[a]P. Laser confocal microscopy images of ovaries and testes confirmed significant colocalization between lipid droplets and B[a]P. However, B[a]P in the testes might mainly excrete with the excretory fluid. Furthermore, lipidomics results indicated that the upregulated TGs were TGs with 48–58 total carbon atoms and 6–12 double bonds in acyl side chains in ovaries, while the upregulated TGs mainly distributed in 48–58 total carbon atoms and 4–14 double bonds in acyl side chains in testes. In ovaries, gene expression of lipid metabolism and phospholipid metabolism basically presented an upward trend at Pro and Mat stages, while entirely performed a downregulation trend at Gro stage. Testes had the opposite regulation with that. Additionally, B[a]P prompted the excretion ability of female clams, but exhibited a complex effect in the male. This study provides a scientific basis for bivalve toxicology and healthy aquaculture, which is of great significance for marine ecological environment protection and aquatic product safety of China.

A comparative biomonitoring study of trace metals and organic compounds bioaccumulation in marine biofilms and caged mussels along the French Mediterranean coast

The bioaccumulation potential of contaminants in marine environments was investigated in biofilms and compared with caged mussels for a wide range of both organic and metallic contaminants across a large geographic area. Marine biofilms were sampled after three months of sub-surface immersion at 49 locations along the 1800 km of the French Mediterranean coast. Ten chemical elements (i.e. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and 57 organic compounds (i.e., 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 8 dioxin-like and 6 non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 25 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)) were quantified in triplicates, revealing different multi-contaminated profiles depending on sites. Most of contaminants exhibited higher concentrations in biofilms than in mussels. Moreover, a remarkable significant and positive correlation between the concentrations in both biological matrices was observed for PAHs and PCBs, and more contaminant-dependent for OCPs and metals. These results highlighted the potential of biofilms as relevant bioindicators of the marine chemical contamination.

Associations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure with mortality and effect modification by folate biomarkers in a prospective population

The associations of folate biomarkers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the general population remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether folate biomarkers are associated with PAHs, and whether folate biomarkers can mitigate adverse health outcome caused by PAHs. This prospective cohort study included 11,246 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which documented 1303 deaths over a mean follow-up of 9.1 years. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between urinary individual PAHs and folate biomarkers. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95 % CIs for the associations of PAHs and folate biomarkers with CVDs mortality and all-cause mortality. We found negative associations between folate in red blood cells (RBC) and urinary 1-Hydroxyphenanthrene (percentage change for a 2·7 fold-increase in folate −4.19 %, 95 % CI -5.80 % to −2.56 %CI), 2-Hydroxyfluorene (−6.66 %, −7.84 % to −5.49 %), 3-Hydroxyfluorene (−5.78 %, −6.77 % to −4.78 %)) and 1-Hydroxynapthalene (−2.75 %, −3.48 % to −2.01 %). The associations between serum folate and PAHs were consistent with those observed for RBC folate, and negative associations were also found between serum folate and 2-Hydroxynapthalene (−4.10 %, −5.26 % to −2.94 %). Within the lowest quartile of folate levels in RBC, there are strong associations of 2-Hydroxyfluorene, 3-Hydroxyfluorene, 1-Hydroxynapthalene, and 2-Hydroxynapthalene with elevated risk of CVDs mortality [HRs (95 % CI) >1]. As folate levels in RBC increase to the third and fourth quartiles, these associations no longer exist [HRs (95 % CI) <1, P-interaction<0.05]. The positive associations between urinary PAHs and CVDs mortality are also eliminated as serum folate levels rise (HRs (95 % CI) <1, P-interaction<0.05). Furthermore, we also found higher levels of folate in both RBC and serum can greatly reduce the adverse impact of 1-Hydroxynapthalene on all-cause mortality. Consistent results were also validated in daily dietary folate and the folic acid supplement intake. Our study highlighted a robust negative relationship between urinary PAHs and folate. Additionally, folate was found to effectively mitigate mortality caused by PAHs, although we did not observe a direct reduction in mortality attributable to folate.

Fabrication of MOF-on-MOF composites by surfactant-assisted growth strategy for SPME of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Fabrication of MOF-on-MOF composites by surfactant-assisted growth strategy for SPME of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The Galaxy Activity, Torus, and Outflow Survey (GATOS)

This study analyses JWST MIRI/MRS observations of the infrared (IR) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bands in the nuclear (∼0.4″ at 11 μm; ∼75 pc) and circumnuclear regions (inner ∼kpc) of local active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the Galactic Activity, Torus, and Outflow Survey (GATOS). We examine the PAH properties in the circumnuclear regions of AGNs and the projected direction of AGN-outflows and compare them to those in star-forming regions and the innermost regions of AGNs. This study employs 4.9–28.1 μm sub-arcsecond angular resolution data to investigate the properties of PAHs in three nearby sources (DL ∼ 30 − 40 Mpc). Our findings are aligned with previous JWST studies, demonstrating that the central regions of AGNs display a larger fraction of neutral PAH molecules (i.e. elevated 11.3/6.2 and 11.3/7.7 μm PAH ratios) in comparison to star-forming galaxies. We find that AGNs might affect not only the PAH population in the innermost region, but also in the extended regions up to ∼kpc scales. By comparing our observations to PAH diagnostic diagrams, we find that, in general, regions located in the projected direction of the AGN-outflow occupy similar positions on the PAH diagnostic diagrams as those of the innermost regions of AGNs. Star-forming regions that are not affected by the AGNs in these galaxies share the same part of the diagram as star-forming galaxies. We also examined the potential of the PAH-H2 diagram to disentangle AGN-versus-star-forming activity. Our results suggest that in Seyfert-like AGNs, the illumination and feedback from the AGN might affect the PAH population at nuclear and kpc scales, particularly with respect to the ionisation state of the PAH grains. However, PAH molecular sizes are rather similar. The carriers of the ionised PAH bands (6.2 and 7.7 μm) are less resilient than those of neutral PAH bands (11.3 μm), which might be particularly important for strongly AGN-host coupled systems. Therefore, caution must be applied when using PAH bands as star-formation rate indicators in these systems even at kpc scales, with the effects of the AGN being more important for ionised ones.

Critical analysis of enhanced microbial bioremediation strategies of PAHs contaminated sites: Toxicity and techno-economic analysis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose significant threats to environmental integrity and public health due to their high toxicity, persistence, and potential for bioaccumulation. In contaminated soils, PAH concentrations typically range from 1 to 100 mg/kg, with severely polluted areas reaching up to 1000 mg/kg. Conventional bioremediation techniques, limited to 30–50% efficiency, underscore the need for more effective solutions. This review highlights recent advancements in microbial bioremediation strategies, demonstrating removal efficiencies of 80–90% through the utilization of functional microorganisms, which metabolize PAHs into non-toxic compounds. Innovative techniques such as genetic engineering, microbial immobilization, and nanotechnology are shown to achieve over 90% pollutant removal. The review discusses key metabolic pathways and enzymatic processes driving PAH degradation, such as ring-hydroxylation and oxygenation. Techno-economic assessments indicate up to 40% cost savings and improved energy efficiency compared to conventional methods, facilitating scalability for large-scale environmental restoration projects. Microbial solutions for groundwater pollution, where PAH levels often exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.2 μg/L, are found to be highly effective in mitigating ecological risks and protecting public health. This comprehensive analysis highlights the promising role of advanced microbial bioremediation techniques in addressing PAH contamination across diverse ecosystems, including soils, sediments, and aquatic environments.