Environmental Suitability Research Articles

Railway alignment optimization in regions with densely-distributed obstacles based on semantic topological maps

Railway alignment development in a study area with densely-distributed obstacles, in which regions favorable for alignments are isolated (termed an isolated island effect, i.e., IIE), is a computation-intensive and time-consuming task. To enhance search efficiency and solution quality, an environmental suitability analysis is conducted to identify alignment-favorable regions (AFRs), focusing the subsequent alignment search on these areas. Firstly, a density-based clustering algorithm (DBSCAN) and a specific criterion are customized to distinguish AFR distribution patterns: continuously-distributed AFRs, obstructed effects, and IIEs. Secondly, a study area characterized by IIEs is represented with a semantic topological map (STM), integrating between-island and within-island paths. Specifically, between-island paths are derived through a multi-directional scanning strategy, while within-island paths are optimized using a Floyd-Warshall algorithm. To this end, the intricate alignment optimization problem is simplified into a shortest path problem, tackled with conventional shortest path algorithms (of which Dijkstra’s algorithm is adopted in this work). Lastly, the proposed method is applied to a real case in a mountainous region with karst landforms. Numerical results indicate its superior performance in both construction costs and environmental suitability compared to human designers and a prior alignment optimization method.

Mapping environmental suitability changes for arbovirus mosquitoes in Southeast Asia: 1960–2020

Spatial epidemiology recognizes the impact of environmental factors on human infectious diseases through disease vectors. The expansion of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus raises concerns about health risks due to their changing distribution. However, current mosquito mapping methods have low spatial resolution and limited focus on long-term trends and factors. This study develops a high-resolution framework (500 m) to map mosquito distribution in Southeast Asia from 1960 to 2020. It includes a species distribution model, a spatial autocorrelation model, and a geographical detector model. The study produces Southeast Asia's first 500m resolution map of mosquito suitability, revealing significant increases in mosquito suitability in most cities over the past 60 years. The analysis indicates a shift in high-suitability areas from coastal to inland regions, with nighttime land surface temperature playing a key role. These findings are crucial for regional risk assessments and mitigation strategies related to vector-borne diseases.

From eradication to conservation: identifying areas for restoration and management of a Pliocene relic in a changing climate

By 1985, approximately 400,000 ha of the keystone species Shinnery oak's (Quercus havardii) historic distribution had been eliminated for agricultural purposes across the southwestern United States. These trends indicate a need for targeted conservation and restoration efforts, especially considering the increased attention received for its role in providing habitat for endangered fauna. Setting spatially explicit conservation targets can be challenging for species with limited distributions, as the change in climate conditions over time may disconnect the relationship between environmental suitability and static, topo‐edaphic factors. Our objective was to identify areas for Shinnery oak restoration and conservation and explore the role climate plays in determining these areas while considering topo‐edaphic relationships. We constructed ecological niche models to estimate Shinnery oak's distribution under current climate conditions and temporally transferred our model using an ensemble‐mean of general circulation models to identify areas predicted to retain environmental suitability for Shinnery oak through 2100. The current distribution model was best informed by one climate and two topo‐edaphic variables. We created a second distribution model excluding topo‐edaphic variables to estimate future plant–climate relationships. Incorporating insights from models informed by both static (e.g. soil) and dynamic (e.g. climate) variables, we identified areas for conservation characterized by persistent climate suitability and high soil type suitability. Lastly, we incorporated data on land use and ownership to explore socio‐ecological influences on management decisions. By identifying areas of agreement between our modeled distributions and considering social context, we prioritized conservation areas where environmental suitability persists under changing conditions to facilitate restoration success.

Co-doped C3N5 with enhanced RhB degradation by activating PMS

The application of advanced oxidation processes in wastewater treatment has attracted wide attention, in the past year. With excellent photoelectric properties and catalytic stability, graphitic carbon nitride and its derivatives have high catalytic performance. Compared to traditional g-C3N4 materials, g-C3N5 has a narrower band gap (g-C3N5 has a band gap of about 2.0 eV and g-C3N4 has a band gap of about 2.6 eV) and better electron excitation distribution due to it has a higher proportion of N atoms. In this study, the composites of Co atom doped g-C3N5 were synthesized and characterized. Co atoms are successfully doped into g-C3N5, which is proved by TEM, XPS and XRD experimental results. PMS can be activated by Co-C3N5, and RhB degradation efficiency is as high as 95.8 % within 40 min. The experimental results show that the doping of metal Co can effectively improve the catalytic performance of carbon nitride materials. The degradation efficiency of RHB activated by C3N5, C3N4 and Co-C3N4 was 18.2 %, 11.2 % and 41.8 %, respectively, while the degradation efficiency of Co-C3N5 was as high as 95.8 %. RhB was effectively degraded over a wide pH range (3.0–10.9) and under various anion conditions, indicating the excellent environmental suitability of Co-C3N5. The results of free radical quenching experiments and EPR tests showed that the contribution of active species to RhB degradation was as follows: SO4•− >1O2 > O2•−. This paper provides a new perspective using Co-C3N5 as a catalyst for PMS-based Fenton reaction.

Assessing the potential for seaweed cultivation in EU seas through an integrated modelling approach

The potential of large-scale seaweed cultivation to contribute to achieving ambitious EU-wide objectives, such as food security, energy independence, carbon neutrality and ecosystems restoration, is widely recognized. However, there is a lack of information on the suitability of EU marine regions for the installation of floating macro-algae cultivation infrastructures. In this study, we utilize the World Offshore Macro Algae Production Potential (WOMAPP) model in conjunction with state-of-the-art coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical models, to assess the environmental suitability of EU marine regions for seaweed cultivation. Our analysis reveals that the EU Atlantic regions are the most suitable areas for seaweed cultivation, particularly for cold-water and intermediate-water species. The potential cultivation area is extensive, spanning over 1 million km2, and even taking a precautionary approach by occupying only 1% of that area could yield a yearly production of over 30 million tonnes dry weight. Adding logistical constraints (water depth and distance to coast) further limit the potential production to 5 million tonnes per year, only considering EU member states' waters. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunity to use integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), to increase the potential for seaweed cultivation.

Predicting the Environmental Suitability and Identifying Climate and Sociodemographic Correlates of Guinea Worm (Dracunculus medinensis) in Chad.

A comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution and correlates of infection are key for the planning of disease control programs and assessing the feasibility of elimination and/or eradication. In this work, we used species distribution modeling to predict the environmental suitability of the Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) and identify important climatic and sociodemographic risk factors. Using Guinea worm surveillance data collected by the Chad Guinea Worm Eradication Program (CGWEP) from 2010 to 2022 in combination with remotely sensed climate and sociodemographic correlates of infection within an ensemble machine learning framework, we mapped the environmental suitability of Guinea worm infection in Chad. The same analytical framework was also used to ascertain the contribution and influence of the identified climatic risk factors. Spatial distribution maps showed predominant clustering around the southern regions and along the Chari River. We also identified areas predicted to be environmentally suitable for infection. Of note are districts near the western border with Cameroon and southeastern border with Central African Republic. Key environmental correlates of infection as identified by the model were proximity to permanent rivers and inland lakes, farmlands, land surface temperature, and precipitation. This work provides a comprehensive model of the spatial distribution of Guinea worm infections in Chad 2010-2022 and sheds light on potential environmental correlates of infection. As the CGWEP moves toward elimination, the methods and results in this study will inform surveillance activities and help optimize the allocation of intervention resources.

Physiological and transcriptome analyses reveal tissue-specific responses of Leucaena plants to drought stress

Leucaena leucocephala (Leucaena) is a leguminous tree widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its strong environmental suitability for abiotic stresses, especially drought. However, the molecular mechanisms and key pathways involved in Leucaena's drought response require further elucidation. Here, we comparatively analyzed the physiological and early transcriptional responses of Leucaena leaves and roots under drought stress simulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatments. Drought stress induced physiological changes in Leucaena seedlings, including decreases in relative water content (RWC) and increases in relative electrolyte leakage (REL), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline contents as well as antioxidant enzyme activities. In response to drought stress, 6461 and 8295 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the leaves and roots, respectively. In both tissues, the signaling transduction pathway of plant hormones was notably the most enriched. Specifically, abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling related genes (NCED, PP2C, SnRK2 and ABF) were strongly upregulated particularly in leaves. The circadian rhythm, DNA replication, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis related pathways were repressed in leaves, while the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis processes were promoted in roots. Furthermore, heterologous overexpression of Leucaena drought-inducible genes (PYL5, PP2CA, bHLH130, HSP70 and AUX22D) individually in yeast increased the tolerance to drought and heat stresses. Overall, these results deepen our understanding of the tissue-specific mechanisms of Leucaena in response to drought and provide target genes for future drought-tolerance breeding engineering in crops.

Determination of ionization/protonation constant values of some guanine derivative drugs by traditional/ green RPLC and UV–Vis spectrophotometric methods

In this study, the greenreverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) method was used in addition to the traditional RPLC method to determine the ionization/protonation constants (pKa) of the guanine derivatives ganciclovir, valacyclovir, and valganciclovir. The determination of these values was carried out in binary acetonitrile–water mixtures (for the traditional RPLC method), ethanol–water binary mixtures (for the green RPLC method), and in aqueous solution of a micelle-forming surfactant (for pure micellar chromatography). The pKa values sspKa of the compounds were calculated using the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) method in the studied hydro-organic and micellar solvent-free mixtures. Moreover, the UV–Vis spectrophotometric method was used to compare the sspKa values of ganciclovir, valaciclovir, and valganciclovir obtained in a acetonitrile–water medium using another method. The pKa values ​​of the examined compounds in water were calculated using the linear relationship between the sspKa values ​​determined in hydroorganic mixtures and some macroscopic values ​​of acetonitrile and ethanol. Additionally, wwpKa values ​​were determined in the micellar solvent-free mobile phase. Subsequently, the wwpKa values calculated by these direct and indirect methods were compared and the agreement between them was excellent. By using the wwpKa value calculated for each compound, the ionization percentages were calculated at different pH (1–12) values with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The environmental impact of the RPLC methods used in this study was assessed using the green metrics tools GAPI and AGREE. The result of the investigation was that the environmental suitability of the green methods is satisfactory.

Integrated approach to assess the environmental suitability of red ceramic waste as a supplementary cementitious material in structural concrete

Integrated approach to assess the environmental suitability of red ceramic waste as a supplementary cementitious material in structural concrete

Spatiotemporally Explicit Epidemic Model for West Nile Virus Outbreak in Germany: An Inversely Calibrated Approach

Since the first autochthonous transmission of West Nile Virus was detected in Germany (WNV) in 2018, it has become endemic in several parts of the country and is continuing to spread due to the attainment of a suitable environment for vector occurrence and pathogen transmission. Increasing temperature associated with a changing climate has been identified as a potential driver of mosquito-borne disease in temperate regions. This scenario justifies the need for the development of a spatially and temporarily explicit model that describes the dynamics of WNV transmission in Germany. In this study, we developed a process-based mechanistic epidemic model driven by environmental and epidemiological data. Functional traits of mosquitoes and birds of interest were used to parameterize our compartmental model appropriately. Air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity were the key climatic forcings used to replicate the fundamental niche responsible for supporting mosquito population and infection transmission risks in the study area. An inverse calibration method was used to optimize our parameter selection. Our model was able to generate spatially and temporally explicit basic reproductive number (R0) maps showing dynamics of the WNV occurrences across Germany, which was strongly associated with the deviation from daily means of climatic forcings, signaling the impact of a changing climate in vector-borne disease dynamics. Epidemiological data for human infections sourced from Robert Koch Institute and animal cases collected from the Animal Diseases Information System (TSIS) of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute were used to validate model-simulated transmission rates. From our results, it was evident that West Nile Virus is likely to spread towards the western parts of Germany with the rapid attainment of environmental suitability for vector mosquitoes and amplifying host birds, especially short-distance migratory birds. Locations with high risk of WNV outbreak (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony) were shown on R0 maps. This study presents a path for developing an early warning system for vector-borne diseases driven by climate change.

Self-Adapting Biomass Hydrogel Embodied with miRNA Immunoregulation and Long-Term Bacterial Eradiation for Synergistic Chronic Wound Therapy.

Chronic wound rescue is critical for diabetic patients but is challenging to achieve with a specific and long-term strategy. The prolonged bacterial inflammation is particularly prevalent in hyperglycemia-induced wounds, usually leading to severe tissue damage. Such a trend could further suffer from an environmental suitability provided by macrophages for persisting Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and even deteriorate by their mutual reinforcement. However, the strategy of both suppressing bacteria growth and immunoreprogramming the inflammatory type of macrophages to break their vicious harm to wound healing is still lacking. Here, a self-adapting biomass carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) hydrogel comprising immunomodulatory nanoparticles is reported to achieve Gram-negative/Gram-positive bacteria elimination and anti-inflammatory cytokines induction to ameliorate the cutaneous microenvironment. Mechanistically, antibacterial peptides and CMCs synergistically result in a long-term inhibition against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) over a period of 7 days, and miR-301a reprograms the M2 macrophage via the PTEN/PI3Kγ/mTOR signaling pathway, consequently mitigating inflammation and promoting angiogenesis for diabetic wound healing in rats. In this vein, immunoregulatory hydrogel is a promising all-biomass dressing ensuring biocompatibility, providing a perspective to regenerate cutaneous damaged tissue, and repairing chronic wounds on skin.

Predicting the risk of invasion by broadleaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) in mainland Portugal

Broadleaf water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) is an emerging invasive alien plant in Europe, and thus a priority for European Union (EU)-level surveillance, monitoring, and eradication. This species is native to North America and threatens aquatic ecosystems by creating dense stands that can fill an entire water body, leading to high economic costs and the loss of native biodiversity. Although its presence in Portugal is not reported, the species has already been established in several European countries, including neighboring Spain. In this study, we assessed the risk of invasion by this species in mainland Portugal by jointly considering environmentally suitable areas and the risk of human-mediated introduction. Environmental suitability was estimated using MaxEnt, which relates the known species distribution to climate, topography, and soil variables. The model achieved a mean area under the curve value of 0.96 ± 0.008 and identified the mean temperature of the warmest quarter as the most relevant variable for explaining the species distribution (67.2 %). Predictions from the model indicated that the peaks of suitability values were distributed mainly in temperate climate regions along central and northern coastal areas in Portugal. The risk of introduction was estimated by mapping and calculating the spatial density of the aquarium stores. Jointly considering environmental suitability and risk of introduction, we observed that hotspots at risk of invasion are concentrated on the Portuguese central and northern coasts and in the two main metropolitan areas, Lisbon and Porto. Several risk hotspots fall within protected areas and sites designated under the EU Habitats Directive, comprising water bodies of high significance for maintaining local vegetation and fauna. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the risk of invasion by this species, namely, surveillance and monitoring efforts confirming its absence in the national territory and preventing its future arrival.

Niche modelling and landscape genetics of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina): An integrative approach for evaluating central-marginal population dynamics in Europe.

Genetic diversity is an important biological trait for a successful invasion. During the expansion across a new territory, an invasive species may face unprecedented ecological conditions that will determine its demography and genetic diversity. The first record of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in Europe dates back to 2004 in France, from where it has successfully spread through a large territory in the continent, including Italy, Spain and Portugal. Integrative approaches offer a powerful strategy to detect and understand patterns of genetic variation in central and marginal populations. Here, we have analysed the relationship between genetic diversity parameters inferred from 15 V. velutina nuclear DNA microsatellite loci, and geographical and environmental drivers, such as the distance to the introduction focus, environmental suitability and distance to native and invasive niche centroids. Our results revealed a central-marginal dynamic, where allelic richness decreased towards the edge of the expansion range. The low environmental suitability of the territories invaded by marginal populations could prevent a diverse population from establishing and reducing the genetic diversity in populations at the expansion edge. Moreover, Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis showed both geographical and environmental distances were influencing population genetic differentiation. This study highlights the importance of combining genetic analysis with geographical and environmental drivers to understand genetic trends of invasive species to new environment.

Potential distribution of malaria vectors in Central Vietnam: A MaxEnt modeling approach.

In Central Vietnam, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus are the primary malaria vector species. These Anopheles spp.' distribution and prevalence are determined by environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these two Anopheles spp. in this region. This study was conducted in 15 Central Vietnamese provinces. From 2014 to 2018, we utilized An. dirus and An. minimus presence records. Proxy data from the Google Earth Engine platform for the study area, encompassing environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. MaxEnt software predicted the potential environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic suitability of these two Anopheles spp. in Central Vietnam. The test area under the curve values for An. dirus and An. minimus MaxEnt models averaged 0.801 and 0.806, respectively, showing excellent performance. Minimum air temperature had the greatest impact on the distribution of both species. A negative correlation between precipitation and normalized difference water index influences the occurrence of An. dirus. In the temperature range of 13-19.5°C, An. minimus is most likely to be present, with nighttime light detrimentally influencing its distribution. The Central Highlands region is inhabited by both species, with some presence in North-Central and South-Central Coastal areas. The importance of temperature in determining the presence of both species is emphasized by our findings, with subtle differences in the temperature-related factors shaping their distributions. The results highlight the need for focused malaria vector control and surveillance initiatives in the study area.

Recent large-scale environmental suitability and structural connectivity of the Andean cat Leopardus jacobita across its distribution: a first approach

Recent large-scale environmental suitability and structural connectivity of the Andean cat Leopardus jacobita across its distribution: a first approach

Performance of Chara Chambelli Duck in Backyard System of Rearing at Adopted Village under NICRA at Darrang District of Assam

The Chara Chambelli duck, indigenous to the foothills of the Himalayas, has been gaining attention for its potential as a valuable genetic resource in small-scale poultry production systems. This research paper aims to evaluate the performance of Chara Chambelli ducks in backyard rearing systems under agro-climatic condition of Darrang district of Assam. In the context of the NICRA project, the study was carried out on 400 Chara Chambelli ducks that were raised in backyard systems at the NICRA adopted village of Darrang district of Assam to look into their environmental suitability, productivity, and financial viability. By the time the ducks reached their fifth month of life, the overall weight of the male and female was measured at 1480.02 ± 18.14 grams and 1365.46 ± 14.90 grams respectively. The duck was 155.03± 9.18 days old on average when it laid its first egg. The data showed that the annual production of eggs was 169.12± 6.04 numbers and the weight of eggs at 63.98 ± 2.84 grams. For ducks and drakes, the corresponding benefit-cost ratios were 2.26 and 1.80. It was found that rearing Chara Chambelli ducks in backyard systems with low input traditional systems is more cost-effective than raising Assamese native ducks. Results indicate that Chara Chambelli ducks exhibit promising performance characteristics suitable for backyard rearing, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Returning to the Wilderness: Potential Habitat Suitability of Non-Native Pet Birds in South Africa.

The global trade of non-native pet birds has increased in recent decades, and this has accelerated the introduction of invasive birds in the wild. This study employed ensemble species distribution modelling (eSDM) to assess potential habitat suitability and environmental predictor variables influencing the potential distribution of non-native pet bird species reported lost and sighted in South Africa. We used data and information on lost and found pet birds from previous studies to establish and describe scenarios of how pet birds may transition from captivity to the wild. Our study revealed that models fitted and performed well in predicting the suitability for African grey (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), Green-cheeked conure (Pyrrhura molinae), Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), and Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), with the mean weighted AUC and TSS values greater than 0.765. The predicted habitat suitability differed among species, with the suitability threshold indicating that between 61% and 87% of areas were predicted as suitable. Species with greater suitability included the African grey, Cockatiel, and Rose-ringed parakeet, which demonstrated significant overlap between their habitat suitability and reported lost cases. Human footprint, bioclimatic variables, and vegetation indices largely influenced predictive habitat suitability. The pathway scenario showed the key mechanisms driving the transition of pet birds from captivity to the wild, including the role of pet owners, animal rescues, adoption practices, and environmental suitability. Our study found that urban landscapes, which are heavily populated, are at high risk of potential invasion by pet birds. Thus, implementing a thorough surveillance survey is crucial for monitoring and evaluating the establishment potential of pet species not yet reported in the wild.

Coral reef potential connectivity in the southwest Indian Ocean

The tropical southwest Indian Ocean is a coral biodiversity hotspot, with remote reefs physically connected by larval dispersal through eddies and a complex set of equatorial and boundary currents. Based on multidecadal, 2 km resolution hydrodynamic and larval dispersal models that incorporate temporal variability in dispersal, we find that powerful zonal currents, current bifurcations, and geographic isolation act as leaky dispersal barriers, partitioning the southwest Indian Ocean into clusters of reefs that tend to consistently retain larvae, and therefore gene flow, over many generations. Whilst exceptionally remote, the Chagos Archipelago can broadcast (and receive) considerable numbers of larvae to (and from) reefs across the wider southwest Indian Ocean, most significantly exchanging larvae with the Inner Islands of Seychelles, but also the Mozambique Channel region. Considering multi-generational dispersal indicates that most coral populations in the southwest Indian Ocean are physically connected within a few hundred steps of dispersal. These results suggest that regional biogeography and population structure can be largely attributed to geologically recent patterns of larval dispersal, although some notable discrepancies indicate that palaeogeography and environmental suitability also play an important role. The model output and connectivity matrices are available in full and will provide useful physical context to regional biogeography and connectivity studies, as well as supporting marine spatial planning efforts.

Climate correlates of bluetongue incidence in southern Portugal.

Model forecasts of the spatiotemporal occurrence dynamics of diseases are necessary and can help understand and thus manage future disease outbreaks. In our study, we used ecological niche modelling to assess the impact of climate on the vector suitability for bluetongue disease, a disease affecting livestock production with important economic consequences. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between the occurrence of bluetongue outbreaks and the environmental suitability of each of the four vector species studied. We found that the main vector for bluetongue disease, Culicoides imicola, a typically tropical and subtropical species, was a strong predictor for disease outbreak occurrence in a region of southern Portugal from 2004 to 2021. The results highlight the importance of understanding the climatic factors that might influence vector presence to help manage infectious disease impacts. When diseases impact economically relevant species, the impacts go beyond mortality and have important economic consequences.

Synthesis of N-doped porous biochar from chemical pollutant for efficient sulfadiazine degradation: Performance, mechanism and bio-toxicity assessment

Turning chemical wastes into valuable materials presently is a key challenge. Therefore, a facile method was employed upon synthesis of an N-doped porous biochar (NPBC) catalyst via pyrolysis of chemical pollutant (reactive red 2, RR2), urea, and NaHCO3. Using NaHCO3 activation, the NPBC/PMS system exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency for sulfadiazine (SDZ) degradation, which was attributed to the porous structure with abundant active species of graphitic C/N, C=O, –COOH, and C–S–C. Significantly, the NPBC displayed excellent environmental suitability, catalytic universality for the decomposition of common organic pollutants (i.e. bisphenol A, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole) and catalytic recycling stability. In addition, free radical quenching and mechanism inspection demonstrated that 1O2 is the dominating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the NPBC/PMS system. The most probable degradation pathway and mechanism are proposed. Finally, the biotoxicity of SDZ before and after degradation was evaluated by ECOSAR analysis and the germination tests of wheat seeds. This study not only provides a rational method for the facile synthesis of valuable materials from chemical pollutants, but also presents a direction for discovering metal-free catalysts with remarkable activity for water decontamination in the future.