Elimination Of Environmental Pollutants Research Articles

Enhanced photocatalytic performance and mechanism of N-deficiently porous g-C3N4 in organic pollutant degradation

N-deficiently porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized from the mixture of melamine and urea through a one-pot co-polymerization procedure. In particular, UMCN, which was prepared with a mass ratio of 1 : 5 for melamine to urea, possesses a ultrahigh specific surface area of 183.7 m2/g. The unique structure can offer more surface active sites, narrow the bandgap, as well as enhance the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, UMCN exhibited fascinating photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), and the corresponding removal rate reached 99.3% within 30 minutes irradiated by visible light. Also, the optimal material demonstrated excellent recyclability, and the degradation rate of RhB still remained as high as 95.6% even in the 7th run. Also, UMCN presented desirable universality in eliminating other organic contaminants. This work provides a facile strategy for synthesizing high-performance g-C3N4-based photocatalyst material towards the elimination of environmental pollutants.

Synthesis of crown ether-based microporous organic networks: A new type of efficient adsorbents for chlorophenols.

Microporous organic networks (MONs) are a booming class of functional materials in elimination of environmental pollutants. However, the limit varieties of MONs still restrict their broad applications. Here we report the synthesis of a novel type of crown ether (CE)-based MONs via the coupling between brominated 18-crown-6 ether and different aromatic alkynyls. The constructed CE-based MONs integrates the good conjugation property of MONs and the inherent host-guest binding sites of CE, allowing the ultrafast and efficient adsorption and removal of a typical environmental priority pollutant 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). The hydrophobic CE-based MONs can also address the recovery challenge of unstable discrete CE in most organic and inorganic solvents. All CE-based MONs displayed fast adsorption kinetics (< 3min) and large adsorption capacities (229.1-341.7mgg-1) for 2,4,6-TCP. The CE-based MONs also gave stable adsorption capacities for 2,4,6-TCP in pH range of 4.0-6.0, NaCl concentration of 0-40mgL-1, HA concentration of 0-30mgL-1, or H2O2 ratio of <5%. Density functional theory calculation, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectra evaluation revealed adsorption process involved hydrophobic, π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions. The CE-based MONs also showed favorable reusability and good adsorption for other toxic chlorophenols. This work highlights the potential of CE-based MONs in contaminants elimination.

A novel nanocomposite (g-C3N4/Fe3O4@P2W15V3) with dual function in organic dyes degradation and cysteine sensing.

Among the important needs of human societies is the elimination of environmental pollution and also the construction of high-performance and inexpensive biosensors. In this regard, the construction of multi-functional composites has been considered. A novel magnetic graphite carbon nitride decorated by tri-vanadium substituted Dawson-type heteropolytungstate nanocomposite (C3N4/Fe3O4@P2W15V3) effectively synthesized and characterized by prevalent functional analysis. The prepared nano-catalyst presents bi-functional usage involving photocatalytic removal of dyes (methylene blue, congo red and phenyl red) (around 98%) under visible light radiation and greatly sensitive colorimetric sensing of cysteine in an aqueous media. Moreover, synthesized nano-catalyst successfully recovered five times without any considerable deficiency on its photocatalytic ability. Further, Moreover, we propose a novel method for cysteine detection based on the C3N4/Fe3O4@P2W15V3 nanocomposite. This nanocomposite displayed a privileged catalytic feature for cysteine oxidation to extend a clock reaction of methylene blue as an indicator in the presence of NaBH4 in acidic solution. More importantly, this colorimetric sensing method of cysteine presents an easy, low-cost, selective, and rapid colorimetric assay with a detection limit value of 7.2μM in the acceptable linear range of 5-600μM.

Facile assembly and excellent elimination behavior of porous BiOBr-g-C3N4 heterojunctions for organic pollutants

Photocatalysis can be an effective technique for eliminating organic contaminants from water. In this study, BiOBr flower-spheres coupled with porous graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were synthesized by controlling the dosage of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Various characterization techniques were then applied to elucidate the structure-performance relationships of the resulting heterojunction photocatalysts in degrading organic dyes. Experimental results established an optimal molar ratio for KBr to CTAB of 5:1. Benefiting from a remarkable porous structure and tight coupling between porous g-C3N4 and BiOBr, the optimal BiOBr-g-C3N4(2%) exhibited enhanced visible light absorption capability and promoted the separation of photoinduced carriers. Total removal efficiency for rhodamine B (RhB, 25.0 mL, 20.0 mg L−1) reached 87% within 30 min in the presence of BiOBr-g-C3N4(2%) (20.0 mg) (i.e., 1.51 μmol (gphotocatalyst min)−1), which is superior to the performance of BiOBr (72%) (i.e., 1.25 μmol (gphotocatalyst min)−1), g-C3N4 (21%) (i.e., 0.37 μmol (gphotocatalyst min)−1). Furthermore, the photocatalytic reaction rate constant over the optimal heterojunction was 0.034 min−1, which is significantly larger than those of porous g-C3N4 (0.003 min−1) and BiOBr (0.015 min−1). Moreover, this type II heterojunction showed good universality for other organic dyes (such as methyl violet, methylene blue, and crystal violet), highlighting a promising potential role in the elimination of environmental pollutants.

Determination of the perception of ship management towards environmental pollion caused by routine operations of ships

In order to leave a livable world to future generations, the elimination of environmental pollution, which is one of the important dimensions of sustainability, increases its importance every day. Undoubtedly, among the factors that cause environmental pollution, the role of ships is quite high. The seas are also polluted by the routine operation of ships as well as marine accidents. Pollution arising from the routine operations of ships is caused by the discharge of pollutants such as ballast water, bilge water, sludge or garbage into the sea. In addition, emissions from ships and oil and fuel pollution caused by the routine operation of ships also play an important role in environmental pollution. In this study, the phenomena resulting from the routine operations of ships and causing environmental pollution were examined using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, which is one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, and the perceptions of ship operators towards environmental pollution were tried to be determined.

The experience in studying the health status of liquidators to eliminate environmental pollution associated with the production of chemical products

Introduction. Maintaining health and achieving professional longevity is a priority task of medical support for specialists in the power and civil structures of Russia. It is especially important to take into account the impact of several factors of the labour process, as, for example, in the work to eliminate environmental pollution from enterprises producing chemical products, in particular, in the shop of mercury electrolysis. The study aims to explore the health status of employees of law enforcement agencies and civilian personnel involved in the elimination of environmental pollution in the city of Usolye-Sibirskoye, Irkutsk region as a result of economic activities associated with the production of chemical products. Material and methods. The study examined 370 people, whose average age was 28.4±5.5 years, with an average work experience of 6.0±1.05 years. The method of clinical observations was used, the analysis of the results of an in-depth medical examination was carried out in the conditions of the professional center of the clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution VSIMEI. The level and structure of morbidity by the main classes of chronic diseases have been studied. Results. As a result of the analysis of the data of the periodic medical examination, the structural composition of nosological forms of diseases was presented as follows: diseases of the cardiovascular system - 10%, ophthalmological diseases - 5%, endocrinological diseases - 5%, diseases of ENT organs - 10%, practically healthy persons - 70%. The mercury levels were determined at zero values, with the exception of 4 samples, in which the mercury content in the studied urine samples did not exceed the permissible level established by WHO (10 μg / L), the mercury levels in hair samples did not exceed the biologically permissible level (0.0-2,0 μg/g). Conclusion. This study showed the importance of medical examinations using extended examination methods and the need to monitor the health status of liquidators, since the safety of the work carried out also depends on the quality of workers' health.

Бюджетне фінансування сфери охорони навколишнього природного середовища в Україні

Environmental protection requires significant financial costs, accumulation and proper spending of funds for the implementation of environmental protection measures, environmental programs and resource-saving projects. Today in Ukraine the state budget is one of the main investors in environmental programs. The purpose of the article is to analyze and assess the state of budgetary financing of the sphere of environmental protection in Ukraine and make proposals for its improvement. The sources of financial support for environmental protection measures in Ukraine have been systematized. The dynamics of total expenditures on the environment, the volumes of actual and planned expenditures of the budget for environmental protection, as well as their structure were analyzed. It was revealed that over the past 5 years, total costs, and in particular budget expenditures for environmental protection in Ukraine, have increased by 1.8 times. However, their share in all expenditures on environmental protection decreased by 0.3%. In 2020, out of the total budgetary expenditures on the environment, most of the funds were allocated to the prevention and elimination of environmental pollution (over 70%) and waste disposal (33.8%). A negative phenomenon is the chronic underperformance of the indicators planned in the budget, as a result of which there is a significant underfunding of environmental protection. In general, over the past six years, the percentage of fulfillment of the planned budget expenditures on environmental protection ranged from 75.8% to 80.0%. To increase the efficiency of the formation and use of budgetary funds for environmental protection, it is necessary: 1) to ensure a sufficient amount of budgetary funding for environmental protection through the search for real additional sources of funding; 2) improve the procedure for budget forecasting and planning of allocation of funds for environmental activities; 3) ensure high-quality control over the timeliness of budget funds receipt, direct funds for their intended purpose in the more priority areas of development of the sphere of environmental protection; 4) ensure targeted and effective use of funds received for the implementation of environmental protection measures.

Identification of transformation products to characterize the ability of a natural wetland to degrade synthetic organic pollutants

Natural wetlands have been recognized as a natural reactor for degradation and elimination of environmental pollutants. The Upo Wetland, the largest inland wetland in Korea, is mainly surrounded by agricultural lands and it is susceptible to contamination from excess nutrient loads and synthetic organic contaminants (SOCs) (e.g., pesticides). The aim of this study was to identify major SOCs in the wetland and evaluate their degradation. We used high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with a two-step analysis approach (i.e., 1st analysis for target measurement along with suspect and non-target screening (SNTS) and 2nd analysis for complimentary suspect screening) to identify and quantify the transformation products (TPs) of the identified parent SOCs. Quantitative analysis of 30 targets, mainly including pesticides, showed that fungicides were the major SOCs detected in the wetland, accounting for about 50% of the composition ratio of the total SOCs quantified. Orysastrobin occurred at the highest mean concentration (>700 ng/L), followed by two other fungicides, carbendazim and tricyclazole. The first analysis (SNTS) tentatively identified 39 TPs (30 by suspect, 9 by non-target screening) of 14 parent pesticides. Additionally, the second analysis (complimentary suspect screening) identified 9 more TPs. Among the 48 total TPs identified, 7 were confirmed with reference standards. The identification of the remaining TPs had a high confidence level (e.g., level 2 or 3). Regarding transport though the wetland, most TPs showed greater peak area ratios (i.e., the relative portion of chromatographic area of the TPs to the parent compound) at the outlet point of the wetland compared to the inlet point. The risk quotient, which was calculated using the concentrations of parent compounds, decreased toward the outlet, demonstrating the degradation capacity of the wetland. The estimates for biodegradability, hydrophobicity, and toxicity by an in-silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model indicated a lower half-life, lower logDOW, and greater effect concentration for most TPs compared to the parent compounds. Based on these results, we conclude that natural wetlands play a role as an eco-friendly reactor for degrading SOCs to form numerous TPs that are lower risk than the parent compounds.

Sustainable Development of Civil and Residential Real Estate Based on the Construction Waste Recycling

The work is devoted to assessing the environmental and economic efficiency of construction waste recycling concerning the sustainable development of civil real estate. The crisis processes in the micro-and macro-level economy has a negative impact on the Russian investment and construction complex, which threatens the national task performance to provide affordable housing within implementation of the investment programs financed by municipal and federal budgets. It is shown that one of the directions of sustainable reproduction of real estate objects in modern socio-economic conditions is the optimal design and selection of materials using innovative recycling technologies. Low rates of retiring areas replacement and a steady trend of growth in the volume of construction industry waste is observed. This approach is focused on solving two global problems: the economic benefits of using resources and the elimination of environmental pollution. Proposed algorithms evaluate the potential effectiveness of the property manager’s activities and the practical implementation of the techniques in management software.

Facile synthesis of dual-functionalized microporous organic network for efficient removal of cationic dyes from water

Abstract A facile one-step anhydride hydrolysis strategy was rationally designed to synthesize a novel dual-functionalized microporous organic network (MON-4COOH) with enriched naphthalene and carboxyl groups for efficient removal of cationic dyes. The pre-designed electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, π-π and hydrophobic interaction sites on MON-4COOH led to the complete removal of three typical cationic dyes methylene blue, malachite green and crystal violet (25 mg L−1 for each) within 20 s and gave their maximum adsorption capacities of 2564, 3126 and 1114 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption of these cationic dyes fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption models. The adsorption kinetics and capacities of these cationic dyes on MON-4COOH were much faster and higher than many other reported adsorbents. The negatively charged MON-4COOH also gave much faster adsorption kinetic and larger adsorption capacity for cationic (methylene blue, malachite green and crystal violet) dyes than anionic dye. The excellent flow-through water treatment ability and reusability also made MON-4COOH highly potential for the remediation of cationic dyes polluted water. This work provided a feasible way to design and synthesize dual-functionalized MONs for efficient adsorption and elimination of environmental pollutants from water.

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over iron catalysts with corncob-derived promoters

A sustainable strategy for Fischer–Tropsch iron catalysts is successfully achieved by embedding of synergistic promoters from a renewable resource, corncob. The iron-based catalysts, named as “corncob-driven” catalysts, are composed of iron species supported on carbon as primary active components and various minerals (K, Mg, Ca, and Si, etc.) as promoters. The corncob-driven catalysts are facilely synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal treatment under mild conditions. The characterization results indicate that the formation of iron carbides from humboldtine is clearly enhanced and the morphology of catalyst particles tends to be more regular microspheres after adding corncob. It is observed that the optimized corncob-driven catalyst exhibits a higher conversion than without promoters’ catalyst in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (ca. 73%vs. ca. 49%). More importantly, a synergistic effect exists in multiple promoters from corncob that can enhance heavy hydrocarbons selectivity and lower CO2 selectivity, obviously different from the catalyst with promoters from chemicals. The proposed synthesis route of corncob-driven catalysts provides new strategies for the utilization of renewable resources and elimination of environmental pollutants from chemical promoters.

Eco-friendly coloration of silk and flax fabrics with natural dye enhanced by ultraviolet radiation

Background and objectives Plants are the main source of natural colorant as they are widely available and can be considered as zero cost dyes, as they are obtained from plants planted for other purposes. All the parts of plants are used for extracting natural color, and most of them have antimicrobial and antifungal values. The importance using of natural dye is not restricted only to its antimicrobial or other medicine value but also to its global benefit through elimination of environmental pollution, caused by usage of synthetic dyes. The disadvantage of coloring fabric with natural dye is its fastener properties, as natural dye has no affinity to the fabric. The objective of the present work is to produce an eco-friendly colored fabric produced through use of safe materials (no dyeing salts or mordant) with the aid of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The coloring component from Chelidonium majus was extracted using boiling water, and examination was done on its coloration effect on flax and silk fabrics before and after being exposed to UV radiation for both extracted dye and fabrics. Materials and methods Natural dye from UV-irradiated powder of C. majus was extracted using boiling water. The dye was used in coloration of flax and silk fabrics through dyeing process and screen printing. The effect of irradiated treatment time, dyeing bath conditions (time and temperature) as well as fixation type of printed samples has been studied. The effect of UV radiation on the morphology structure of both fabrics was illustrated by scanning electron microscope. Results and conclusion UV radiation improved the color strength (K/S) and fastness properties for both colored fabrics either dyed or printed. The optimum dyeing bath conditions used for silk and flax samples were 30°C for 30 min and 90°C for 1 h, respectively. The printed silk samples fixed by thermofixation and printed flax samples fixed using steamer have given better color strength. All dyed samples have antimicrobial properties.

Перспективные направления ликвидации загрязнения окружающей среды нефтесодержащими отходами на объектах нефтедобычи

Перспективные направления ликвидации загрязнения окружающей среды нефтесодержащими отходами на объектах нефтедобычи

Assessment of the effect of biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in lethality of Bacillus thuringiensis Berl. against 3rd instars larvae of white cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.)

Surfactant that is produced from cheap sources like oil sludge by biological agents such as bacteria can be used in various industrial processes. For example, it can be used in environmental processes such as bioremediation and elimination of environmental pollutants, and acts as synergistic agents and distributor pesticides on waxy leaves in agriculture. In this study, biosurfactant which is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolated from petroleum sludge) at the intervals of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, along with chemical surfactant Tween 80 and the biological control agent, Bacillus thuringiensis, in a pilot project for controlling one important cabbage pest (Pieris brassicae), their synergistic properties were evaluated. Statistical analysis of the results showed that B. thuringiensis in combination with biosurfactant produced at different times and B. thuringiensis in combination with chemical surfactant Tween 80 when compared with control treatments like B. thuringiensis alone and B. thuringiensis plus tween 80 as positive controls and distilled water as negative control have significant differences (p < 0.05). This research showed that surfactant treatment produced at the intervals of 24 and 48 h in combination with B. thuringiensis has the greatest synergistic effect when compared to chemical surfactant treatment. This study concluded that biosurfactant can be used as a distributor and synergistic agent against plant pests and in addition to this, their biological roles in bioremediation can be used as a viable alternative to non-economical chemical surfactants that annually enter millions of tonnes of harmful chemical substances into the fields and underground water.

Detection and elimination of environmental pollution and nuisance, contamination of soil and cleaning up of subsoil contamination

Detection and elimination of environmental pollution and nuisance, contamination of soil and cleaning up of subsoil contamination

Differences between freshwater and seawater killifish (Oryzias latipes) in the accumulation and elimination of pentachlorophenol

Freshwater and seawater acclimated (FWA and SWA) killifish (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) for 3-10 days. Uptake and clearance rates of FWA and SWA killifish were determined. The estimated bioaccumulation factors (BCF) of PCP for FWA and SWA killifish were 1680 and 370, respectively. The smaller uptake rate and faster clearance rate resulted in the lower BCF for SWA killifish. Fresh- and seawater killifish excreted the PCP metabolites, the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of PCP; the major metabolite of freshwater killifish was PCP sulfate; for seawater acclimated fish, it was PCP glucuronide. The greater excretion of PCP glucuronide by seawater killifish may be responsible for the rapid elimination of PCP. PCP accumulation in killifish decreased with higher pH levels in both freshwater and seawater environments, but these differences were less than the effect of salinity. The results indicate that salinity can affect the accumulation and elimination of environmental pollutants in killifish.

Zinc treatment of the digestive gland of the slug Arion ater L. 1. Cellular distribution of zinc and calcium.

Extensive literature has been published on the molluscan capability for metal bioaccumulation. As a consequence, a variety of species have been proposed for environmental pollution biomonitoring. The knowledge of biological mechanisms of accumulation and elimination of environmental pollutants is essential to get a proper use of bioindicator species. Histological procedures may indicate (a) the events involved in the metabolic regulation of pollutant bioavailability and release and (b) their specific toxic effects. The relevance of the digestive gland as a major site for Zn accumulation has been reported. The Zn distribution in this organ might indicate the level of environmental bioavailable Zn. The present study is a histochemical investigation of the distribution and release of zinc by the different cell types of the digestive gland of A. ater.

The Accumulation and Elimination of Environmental Pollutants (Organophosphoric Triesters and Pesticides) by Killifish, Oryzias latipes, and Goldfish, Carassius auratus (Regular Presentations) (Proceedings of the 8th Symposium on Environmental Pollutants and Toxicology)

The Accumulation and Elimination of Environmental Pollutants (Organophosphoric Triesters and Pesticides) by Killifish, Oryzias latipes, and Goldfish, Carassius auratus (Regular Presentations) (Proceedings of the 8th Symposium on Environmental Pollutants and Toxicology)