Harmful By-products Research Articles

Synergy of zero-dimensional carbon dots decoration on the one-dimensional architecture of Ag-doped V2O5 for supercapacitor and overall water-splitting applications

The production of renewable energy sources and energy storage devices is crucial in addressing current global energy challenges. Hydrogen energy is a clean form of energy that can be produced without any harmful by-products. For this purpose, nanorods of vanadium oxide (V2O5) and silver-doped vanadium oxide (Ag/V2O5) were synthesized by hydrothermal route. The carbon dots decorated silver doped vanadium oxide (Ag/V2O5@C) was fabricated using an ultrasonication approach. Various physio-chemical techniques were used to characterize the fabricated samples. The synthesized materials were employed as electrodes and electrocatalysts for supercapacitor and water-splitting applications. Cyclic voltammetry and cyclic charge–discharge experiments were performed, and results showed that Ag/V2O5@C exhibited 936 Fg−1 specific capacitance at 5 mVs−1 and 977 s discharge time. The charge transfer resistance was calculated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Ag/V2O5@C showed a lower charge transfer resistance than other prepared materials. At 10 mAcm−2, Ag/V2O5@C exhibited lower overpotential of 126 mV and 388 mV for hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) respectively. The lower tafel slope of 81 mV dec−1 and 71 mV dec−1 was attributed to the Ag/V2O5@C for HER and OER respectively. Ag/V2O5@C showed higher reaction kinetics due to the fast rate of charge transfer, low resistance, high conductivity, and greater active sites provided by the carbon dots for electrocatalytic reaction. So, Ag/V2O5@C can be employed as an effective electrocatalyst and electrode material for electrochemical applications.

A Practical Framework for Novel Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Evaluation: Chemical and Toxicological Characterization of JUUL2 Aerosol and Comparison with Reference Cigarettes.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs) are designed as a non-combustible alternative to cigarettes, aiming to deliver nicotine without the harmful byproducts of tobacco combustion. As the category evolves and new ENDS products emerge, it is important to continually assess the levels of toxicologically relevant chemicals in the aerosols and characterize any related toxicology. Herein, we present a proposed framework for characterizing novel ENDS products (i.e., devices and formulations) and determining the reduced risk potential utilizing analytical chemistry and in vitro toxicological studies with a qualitative risk assessment. To demonstrate this proposed framework, long-term stability studies (12 months) analyzing relevant toxicant emissions from six formulations of a next-generation product, JUUL2, were conducted and compared to reference combustible cigarette (CC) smoke under both non-intense and intense puffing regimes. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity assays were conducted on aerosol and smoke condensates. In all samples, relevant toxicants under both non-intense and intense puffing regimes were substantially lower than those observed in reference CC smoke. Furthermore, neither cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, nor genotoxicity was observed in aerosol condensates generated under both intense and non-intense puffing regimes, in contrast to results observed for reference cigarettes. Following the proposed framework, the results demonstrate that the ENDS products studied in this work generate significantly lower levels of toxicants relative to reference cigarettes and were not cytotoxic, mutagenic, or genotoxic under these in vitro assay conditions.

Optimization of Breakpoint Chlorination Technologies for Drinking Water Treatment: a Hungarian Case Study

Ammonium ion is one of the major pollutants found in drinking water sources in Hungary, especially in deep aquifers. under oxidative conditions, ammonium can transform into nitrite ions in the water system, posing potential health risks. In Hungary mostly biological process or breakpoint chlorination are used to eliminate ammonium ion from raw water during the drinking water treatment process. When breakpoint chlorination is applied, harmful by-products are formed. Trihalomethanes concentrations have long been regulated in Hungary, therefore during the design and optimization of the breakpoint technologies trihalomethane concentrations have been considered. However, haloacetic acids (HAA5) and chlorate ion have been recently regulated in accordance with EU Directive 2020/2184. Chlorate is a by-product that appears in treated water when sodium hypochlorite is used in breakpoint chlorination.Experiments were carried out at four Hungarian case study areas to determine the optimal strategy for breakpoint chlorination: applying higher chlorine dosages with lower contact times, or lower chlorine dosages with higher contact times. The investigations concluded that the preferable dosing strategy is to use lower chlorine concentrations and longer contact times. This approach reduces chemical demand (cost-effective) and has a neutral effect on THMs formation. it can be concluded that when the raw water contains ammonium ion concentrations above 0.5 mg/l, the use of sodium hypochlorite may raise concerns due to elevated chlorate ion levels in the treated water, particularly during summer. Further research is required to expand the optimization strategy, considering not only ammonium and trihalomethane concentrations but also chlorate concentrations.

Carbon-metal versus metal-metal synergistic mechanism of ethylene electro-oxidation via electrolysis of water on TM2N6 sites in graphene.

Acetaldehyde (AA) and ethylene oxide (EO) are important fine chemicals, and are also substrates with wide applications for high-value chemical products. Direct electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene to AA and EO can avoid the untoward effects from harmful byproducts and high energy emissions. The most central intermediate state is the co-adsorption and coupling of ethylene and active oxygen intermediates (*O) at the active site(s), which is restricted by two factors: the stability of the *O intermediate generated during the electrolysis of water on the active site at a certain applied potential and pH range; and the lower kinetic energy barriers of the oxidation process based on the thermo-migration barrier from the *O intermediate to produce AA/EO. The benefit of two adjacent active atoms is more promising, since diverse adsorption and flexible catalytic sites may be provided for elementary reaction steps. Motivated by this strategy, we explored the feasibility of various homonuclear TM2N6@graphenes with dual-atomic-site catalysts (DASCs) for ethylene electro-oxidation through first-principles calculations via thermodynamic evaluation, analysis of the surface Pourbaix diagram, and kinetic evaluation. Two reaction mechanisms through C-TM versus TM-TM synergism were determined. Between them, a TM-TM mechanism on 4 TM2N6@graphenes and a C-TM mechanism on 5 TM2N6@graphenes are built. All 5 TM2N6@graphenes through the C-TM mechanism exhibit lower kinetic energy barriers for AA and EO generation than the 4 TM2N6@graphenes through the TM-TM mechanism. In particular, Pd2N6@graphene exhibits the most excellent catalytic activity, with energy barriers for generating AA and EO of only 0.02 and 0.65 eV at an applied potential of 1.77 V vs. RHE for the generation of an active oxygen intermediate. Electronic structure analysis indicates that the intrinsic C-TM mechanism is more advantageous than the TM-TM mechanism for ethylene electro-oxidation, and this study also provides valuable clues for further experimental exploration.

Assessing The Photocatalytic Activity of Zno/Ha Composites Obtained Through an Advanced Mechano-Chemical Grinding Method

Wastewater treatment is crucial for the removal of pollutants and microorganisms from wastewater generated by human activities, but the traditional approach of treating contaminated water presents several drawbacks. A continuously developing solution is the use of materials with photocatalytic properties involving an advanced oxidation process (AOP) due to its efficiency in degrading pollutants without generating harmful byproducts. The development of these metal oxide nanoparticles in an economical, sustainable, and ecologically benign manner is the main challenge facing the entire planet. As a result, hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide were combined in different ratios in a ball-mill for 30 min at 400 rpm to create composites that can be activated under solar radiation (UV). Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated for the degradation of an organic pollutant (methyl orange). The ZnO/HA composites demonstrate significant potential for use in AOPs due to its high efficiency in degrading organic pollutants under UV light, achieving a 99% degradation efficiency of methyl orange after 3h of exposure. The proposed simple approach leads to the development of efficient, low-cost filtering composites.

Solar driven hydrogen and oxygen production for cooking and medical applications

The initiative for solar-driven hydrogen and oxygen production for cooking and medical applications is designed to revolutionize our approach to energy-intensive activities. This project integrates three crucial components: solar power generation, hydrogen and oxygen gas separation and storage, and the application of these gases for cooking and medical purposes. Through the use of solar panels, the project captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy, fundamentally departing from conventional energy sources with its clean and renewable approach. The electrolyzer, powered by the harvested solar energy, then facilitates the separation of water into hydrogen and oxygen gasses, both stored meticulously in separate containers with stringent safety measures in place. The innovative aspect lies in the utilization of these clean gasses as a sustainable fuel source for cooking and medical applications. When these gasses combust, they recombine to form water vapour, releasing energy without the emission of harmful by-products. By emphasizing clean energy practices, this project significantly diminishes the carbon footprint associated with traditional cooking methods, offering a promising and ecofriendly alternative for households and communities. The success of this solar-driven hydrogen and oxygen production initiative holds the potential to transform our energy landscape, making strides towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Towards the rational design of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine (6PPD) electrochemical sensor.

N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine (6PPD) is a common additive in tires. 6PPD protects rubber from oxidative damage by ozone. Leaching of 6PPD in the environment leads to the formation of harmful byproducts such as 6PPD quinone. In this work we provide the fundamental basis for the detection of 6PPD by electrochemical techniques. We use cyclic voltammetry to study the adsorption of 6PPD on glassy carbon. We show that adsorbed 6PPD can be reversibly oxidized and reduced without disturbing the adsorption process. This result enables repeated electrochemical titrations. We determine, in neutral condition at 22 °C, an adsorption constant of Kads = 1.2 ± 0.5 μM-1 and kinetics of adsorption kads∈[0.74-5.60] × 104 L mol-1 s-1. Based on this knowledge we demonstrate the lowest concentration of 6PPD ever detected electrochemically, 10 nM. We also identify current challenges for electrochemical sensing of 6PPD. Multiple layers are formed at concentrations above 4.6 μM and the slow kinetics of adsorption requires long (hour) measurement time to reach maximum sensitivity.

Training reinforcement learning-based controller using performance simulation of the laser remelting process

Surface topography modification is a common post-processing step used to enhance surface quality or to add micro/nano surface structures for various functionalities. Laser remelting (LRM) is a new technology aimed to resolve some of the shortcomings of traditional post-processing technologies. In LRM, a high-energy laser beam melts the top surface and offers control of the molten material flow through the control of laser power, scanning speed, melt pool size, and scan trajectory. By controlling the molten material flow, surface polishing by laser remelting (SP-LRM) can be used to produce finishes characterized by areal arithmetical mean height - Sa < 0.1 µm as well as surface microstructures. LRM is faster than traditional methods, creates no harmful byproducts, and allows for polishing high aspect ratio freeform surfaces without harming surrounding areas. The primary limiting factor for wide-rage industrial use of the LRM is represented by thermodynamic process instabilities that are associated with rapid melting and solidification. For instance, deep trenches or grinding marks in the initial surface can cause small deviations of local surface absorptivity to lead to laser melt pool instabilities. The high-speed nature of the LRM process combined with the complex thermodynamic phenomena makes process instabilities difficult to model, detect, predict, and control. This study aimed to use reinforcement learning (RL) in order to build a ‘self-learning’ controller capable of adapting to any material and control instabilities on-line and in real-time. Along these lines, the study will detail a preliminary application of two RL implementations involving SP-LRM performance simulation to demonstrate the implementation of a double dueling deep Q-network (DDDQN) controller for melt pool temperature distribution control. The results obtained showed that the 3-action implementation achieved 48% less variance and 35% increase in the mean value of the total reward collected compared with the 31-action implementation.

Fabrication of samarium doped MOF-808 as an efficient photocatalyst for the removal of the drug cefaclor from water.

MOFs are emerging photocatalysts designed by tuning organic ligands and metal centers for optimal efficiency. In this study, a samarium decorated MOF-808(Ce) metal organic framework was fabricated by facile hydrothermal synthesis. The synthesized samarium decorated MOF-808(Ce) was characterized by using analytical techniques such as SEM, EDX, XRD and TGA to study its morphological, thermal and structural properties. SEM images showed that MOF-808(Ce) comprised of truncated octahedrons. The morphology of the material was changed upon Sm incorporation. Sm/MOF-808(Ce) exhibited better UV-vis light absorption properties than MOF-808(Ce) as evidenced by its slightly higher band gap value. This material was exploited for the degradation of the drug cefaclor from water. Cefaclor removal followed double a first order in parallel model (DFOP). Under UV light, 97.7% of the cefaclor was removed in only 20 minutes and after 60 minutes this removal efficiency was increased to 99.25%. These features exhibited that samarium decorated MOF has immense potential for the photocatalytic degradation of cefaclor as it generates e- and h+ to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency and it is a promising candidate to treat wastewater without formation of harmful byproducts.

Latest Research Progress on Nano-Engineered Concrete

As one of the most obvious manifestations of tangible footprint of human civilization on Earth, concrete is largely and widely applied, and has become the largest amount of man-made engineering material in the world. Compared with other engineering materials, concrete consumes less production resource and energy, has fewer harmful by-products, and causes less environmental impact. Additionally, due to its excellent mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and fatigue resistance, along with its water and fire resistance, the infrastructure constructed by applying concrete has the advantages of high safety, durability, and low maintenance. Consequently, concrete remains a reliable choice for sustainable development of the field of human construction and engineering and remains indispensable in the future. However, inherent shortcomings and current performance limitations of concrete do not meet the requirements for the construction and expansion of human living spaces in the future. Moreover, the production and use of large quantities of concrete have a significant impact on resources, energy, and environment. Nanoscience and nanotechnology can be used to understand and control concrete at its fundamental level, enabling the realization of (ultra) high-performance and multifunctional/smart concrete, which in turn can give impetus to addressing the aforementioned challenges and achieving sustainable development. This article focuses on three core research advancements related to enhancement/modification mechanisms, preparation and performance control, and performance and functionality characterization for engineering applications of nanoengineered concrete. It mainly introduces the explanation/principle investigation of scientific phenomena including nano-core effect, nano-core effect zone, nano-core effect-induced enrichment effect for interface enhancement, nano-core effect-induced ultrahigh-density calcium silicate gel, and nanoscale pore structure characteristics, the exploration of advanced technologies for performance modulation and large-scale preparation of nano-engineered concrete (e. g. , surface treatment, self-assembly, and in-situ growth techniques, etc. ) , as well as the understanding gained from the expansion of the properties of nanoengineered concrete and the validation of engineering applications in the fields of civil engineering, transportation, municipal, marine, energy, and military.

Synergistic disinfection effects and reduction of disinfection by-products in water treatment using magnetic quaternized cyclodextrin polymer combined with chorine disinfection process

Disinfection is vital in ensuring water safety. However, the traditional chlorine disinfection process is prone to producing toxic and harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs). The combination of quaternary ammonium polymer and the chlorine disinfection process can solve this shortcoming. Currently, research on the control of DBPs through the combined process is not systematic and the control effect between reducing the dosage of disinfectants and DBPs remains to be studied. Quaternized cyclodextrin polymers have attracted increasing attention due to their excellent adsorption and antibacterial properties, but their synergistic effect with chlorine disinfection is still unclear. In this study, a magnetic quaternized cyclodextrin polymer (MQCDP) is synthesized in an ionic liquid green system, and a combined process of MQCDP treatment and chlorine disinfection is established. The disinfection performance of the combined process on the actual water body along with its reducing effect on the amount of chlorine disinfectant as well as the trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) DBPs are explored. MQCDP has a porous structure with a specific surface area of 825 m2 g−1 and is easily magnetically separated. MQCDP can remove most of the natural organic matter (UV254 absorbance decreased by 97 %) in the water at the dosage of 1 g L−1 and kill bacteria with a sterilization rate of 85 %. Compared with disinfection using chlorine alone, the combined process has higher disinfection efficiency and significantly reduces the amount of disinfectant used. A concentration of 5 mg/L of NaClO was needed to meet the standard by chlorine disinfectant alone, while only 2 mg/L of NaClO can meet the standard for the combined process, indicating 60 % of the chlorine demand was reduced. More importantly, the combined process can significantly reduce the generation potential of DBPs. When 10 mg/L of NaClO is added, the THMs and HAAs generated by the combined process decreased by 65 % and 34 %, respectively, compared with the levels produced by single chlorine disinfection. The combined process can reduce the dosage of chlorine disinfectant and MQCDP can adsorb humic acid DBP precursors in raw water, thus lowering the generation of DBPs during disinfection. In summary, MQCDP has excellent separation and antibacterial ability, and its synergistic effects combined with the chlorine disinfection process are of great significance for controlling the amount of disinfectant and the formation potential of DBPs, which has potential applications in actual water treatment.

Exploring the utilization of polylactic acid-based materials in medicine: Contemporary innovations and trends

A biocompatible, non-toxic substance is polylactic acid (PLA), which is also biodegradable. This material has been studied for decades and has been commercially used in some fields. The potential of defined PLA for different medical applications, including drug delivery systems, wound healing, bone implants, and vascular grafts, was described in this paper. Various methods of characterization and modification of PLA have been investigated to optimize its properties for specific applications. Typically, additional polymers are introduced into PLA to enhance its functional properties. The key feature of PLA is its capacity for degradation in the human body without introducing harmful byproducts. Adjustments to PLA composition can control degradation rates, influencing drug delivery or the persistence of implants. By applying a cold plasma treatment in order to alter the PLA-based polymer's surface, the capacity of the material to transport drugs may be changed. The change of parameters in coaxial electrospinning can produce different PLA-based products for different use. However, certain challenges remain, such as improving the adhesion of PLA and production of low-price PLA.

Dual functional roles of nutritional additives in nutritional fortification and safety of thermally processed food: Potential, limitations, and perspectives.

The Maillard reaction (MR) has been established to be a paramount contributor to the characteristic sensory property of thermally processed food products. Meanwhile, MR also gives rise to myriads of harmful byproducts (HMPs) (e.g., advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and acrylamide). Nutritional additives have attracted increasing attention in recent years owing to their potential to simultaneously improve nutritional quality and attenuate HMP formation. In this manuscript, a brief overview of various nutritional additives (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, dietary fibers, and miscellaneous micronutrients) in heat-processed food is provided, followed by a summary of the formation mechanisms of AGEs and acrylamide highlighting the potential crosstalk between them. The main body of the manuscript is on the capability of nutritional additives to modulate AGE and acrylamide formation besides their traditional roles as nutritional enhancers. Finally, limitations/concerns associated with their use to attenuate dietary exposure to HMPs and future perspectives are discussed. Literature data support that through careful control of the addition levels, certain nutritional additives possess promising potential for simultaneous improvement of nutritional value and reduction of AGE and acrylamide content via multiple action mechanisms. Nonetheless, there are some major concerns that may limit their wide applications for achieving such dual functions, including influence on sensory properties of food products, potential overestimation of nutrition enhancement, and introduction of hazardous alternative reaction products or derivatives. These could be overcome through comprehensive assay of dose-response relationships and systematic evaluation of the diverse combinations from the same and/or different categories of nutritional additives to establish synergistic mixtures.

Molecular Recognition with Macrocyclic Receptors for Application in Precision Medicine.

Macrocyclic receptors can serve as alternatives to natural recognition systems as recognition tools. They provide effectively preorganized cavities to encapsulate guests via host-guest interactions, thereby affecting the physiochemical properties of the guests. Macrocyclic receptors exhibit chemical and thermal stabilities higher than those of natural receptors and thus are expected to resist degradation inside the body. This reduces the risk of harmful degradation byproducts and ensures optimal levels of effectiveness. Macrocyclic receptors have precise molecular weights and well-defined structures; this ensures their batch-to-batch reproducibility, which is critical for ensuring quality and effectiveness levels. Moreover, macrocyclic receptors exhibit broad modification tunabilities, rendering them adaptable to various guests. Molecular recognition is the basis of numerous biological processes. Macrocyclic receptors may display considerable potential for application in diagnosing and treating diseases, depending on the host-guest recognition of bioactive molecules. However, the binding affinities and selectivities of macrocyclic receptors toward bioactive molecules are generally insufficient, which may lead to problems such as low diagnosis accuracies, off-target leaking, and interference with normal functions. Therefore, addressing the challenge of the strong and specific complexation of bioactive molecules and macrocyclic receptors is imperative.To overcome this challenge, we proposed the innovative strategies of longitudinal cavity extension and coassembled heteromultivalent recognition for application in the recognition of small molecules and biomacromolecules, respectively. The deepened cavity provides a stronger hydrophobic effect and a larger interaction area while maintaining the framework rigidity. By coassembling two macrocyclic amphiphiles into one ensemble, we achieved the desired heteromultivalent recognition. This strategy affords the necessary binding properties while preventing the requirement of tedious steps and site mismatch in covalent synthesis. Using these two strategies, we achieved specific and strong binding of macrocyclic receptors to various bioactive molecules including biomarkers, drugs, and disease-related peptides/proteins. We then applied these macrocyclic receptor-based recognition systems in biosensing and bioimaging, drug delivery, and therapeutics.In this Account, we summarize the strategies we used in the recognition of small molecules and biomacromolecules. Thereafter, we discuss their applications in precision medicine, involving the (1) sensing of biomarkers and imaging of lesion sites, which are critical in the early screening of diseases and accurate diagnoses; (2) precise loading and targeted delivery of drugs, which are crucial in improving their therapeutic efficacies and reducing their side effects; and (3) capture and removal of disease-related biomacromolecules, which are significant for precise intervention in life processes. Finally, we propose recommendations for the further development of macrocyclic receptor-based recognition systems in biomedicine. Macrocyclic receptors exhibit considerable potential for research, and continued investigation may not only expand the applications of supramolecular chemistry but also open novel avenues for the development of precision medicine.

Shifting paradigms in PFAS resin removal with biomaterial alternatives

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals prevalent in various consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These "forever chemicals" are environmentally persistent and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to health risks such as cancer and hormone disruption. Environmental concerns stem from their longevity and bioaccumulation potential. Mitigation strategies for PFAS contamination are complex and multifaceted, involving regulatory actions, pollution control, and technological innovations. On the regulatory front, efforts are being made to limit the production and use of certain PFAS, as well as to establish guidelines for acceptable levels in water and soil. From a pollution control perspective, there is a push towards preventing PFAS from entering the environment through improved industrial practices and wastewater treatment processes. Technologically, research focuses on developing effective methods for PFAS removal and destruction, such as advanced filtration systems, adsorbents, and high-temperature incineration. Addressing the PFAS challenge is crucial for environmental protection and public health, necessitating ongoing research and technological development to manage and remove these contaminants. MethodsTraditional approaches to extracting or reducing PFAS resins typically involve chemical treatments that, while effective, come with significant drawbacks. These methods are not only expensive and energy-intensive, but they also pose environmental risks due to the potential release of harmful by-products. As the environmental impact of these conventional methods becomes more apparent, there is an increasing urgency to explore and adopt more sustainable and less harmful alternatives. In the pursuit of such alternatives, our research has explored the possibility of a fundamental change in strategy, advocating for the use of environmentally benign biomaterials in the removal of PFAS resins. This green chemistry approach focuses on harnessing naturally derived polymers, which offer a promising avenue for PFAS mitigation with potentially lower ecological footprints. Specifically, our review has identified several carbohydrate-based polymers that exhibit a strong affinity for PFAS chemicals. Cellulose, the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, along with starch and dextran, has been found to possess qualities conducive to the adsorption and removal of PFAS substances. These materials are not only renewable and biodegradable but also present a cost-effective option compared to their chemical counterparts. Significant findingsOur expanded review aims to further investigate the mechanisms through which these biomaterials interact with PFAS compounds, optimize their application in real-world scenarios, and evaluate the lifecycle impact of such green alternatives. The goal is to develop a sustainable PFAS mitigation methodology that can be readily integrated into existing industrial processes, reducing the reliance on traditional chemical treatments and their associated environmental challenges.

Ozone–Vacuum-Based Decontamination: Balancing Environmental Responsibility and Textile Waste

This study explores the use of ozone decontamination as a sustainable approach for eradicating pathogens from various environments. Ozone, a highly reactive gas, demonstrates remarkable efficacy in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Decontamination of textile materials using an innovative ozone treatment method conducted under vacuum conditions has been investigated. A hybrid apparatus comprising a vacuum and an ozone generator was employed for the decontamination process. Ozone decontamination offers environmental benefits by avoiding harmful by-products and minimising long-term environmental exposure. However, challenges include the need for proper equipment and training to ensure safety and effectiveness. This research underscores the promise of ozone decontamination as a powerful and eco-friendly method for pathogen eradication in textile materials with future developments in diverse settings.

Reactive oxygen species and its effect on germination of seeds

Within the realm of plant biology, a sophisticated and intricate antioxidative system (AOS) exists to combat detrimental reactive species (RS), with a primary focus on reactive oxygen species (ROS). This intricate network functions to preserve cellular homeostasis. Originally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were identified as harmful byproducts of aerobic metabolic processes. It is a review paper that descries ROS in brief along with its production, source, reactivity, functions and many more. At first it describes about peroxisomes that helps in production of H2O2 &amp; O2- &amp; Production of ROS in vivo &amp; in vitro. Secondly it describes about its Source or origin i.e. from Mitochondria, Transition Metal Ions, ER etc and it also describes about its chemical properties &amp; reactivity of different ROS i.e. H2O2, HO , O2- &amp; HO2 in different ways including Haber- Weiss Reaction which are mentioned in details . We also report about the role of ROS in germination process and its functions. To conclude we have reviewed ROS and compiled in a manner which will altogether shed a new light on the roles of ROS in a plant species.

Selective oxidation of histamine H2-Receptor antagonists by peracetic Acid: Kinetics and mechanism

Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging substitutive oxidant to chlorine disinfectants owing to the low generation of harmful by-products. Herein, we report PAA-induced oxidation of histamine H2-receptor antagonists (HRAs) via non-radical participation for the first time. Results showed that PAA can selectively oxidize HRAs with high reactivity to ranitidine (RNTD), nizatidine (NZTD), cimetidine (CMTD), and famotidine (FMTD), but low reactivity to roxatidine (RXTD). PAA-induced HRAs oxidation followed the second-order kinetic reaction, the apparent second-order reaction rate constants (k2, app) of RNTD, FMTD, CMTD and NZTD were 18.78 ± (2.4), 37.22 ± (6.1), 36.53 ± (7.8), 30.04 ± (2.4) M−1•s−1, respectively. The value of k2, app decreased as pH increased. Scavenging experiments indicated that PAA-induced HRAs oxidation proceeded via a non-radical process. The theoretical calculation and product analysis further reveal that the reaction involves the double-electron transfer from thioether sulfur in HRAs to peroxide bond. HRAs oxidation by PAA was not affected by water matrices (Cl-, HCO3–, HA), which has good applicability in surface water (SW) and wastewater (WW). Toxicity assessment indicated ecotoxicity of oxidation products was much lower than that of HRAs. This work provided a facile and emerging technology to eliminate the HRAs and their toxicity in the wastewater.

Green Alternatives to Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphates: Vanadium Oxide-Based Additives.

A functionalized vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate (acac) complex has been found to be a superior and highly effective antiwear agent, affording remarkable wear protection, compared to the current industry standard, zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs). Analysis of vanadium speciation and the depth profile of the active tribofilms by a combination of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analyses indicated a mixed-valence oxide composite, comprising V(III), V(IV), and V(V) species. A marked difference in composition between the bulk and the surfaces of the tribofilms was found. The vanadyl(VI) acac precursor has the potential to reduce or even replace ZDDP, which would represent a paradigm shift in the antiwear agent design. A major benefit relative to ZDDPs is the absence of S and P moieties, eliminating the potential for forming noxious and environmentally harmful byproducts of these elements.

Molybdenum oxide nanotube caps decorated with ultrafine Ag nanoparticles: Synthesis and antimicrobial activity

In the contemporary era, microorganisms, spanning bacteria and viruses, are increasingly acknowledged as emerging contaminants in the environment, presenting significant risks to public health. Nevertheless, conventional methods for disinfecting these microorganisms are often ineffective. Additionally, they come with disadvantages such as high energy usage, negative environmental consequences, increased expenses, and the generation of harmful byproducts. The development of next-generation antifungal and antibacterial agents is dependent on newly synthesized nanomaterials with inherent antimicrobial behavior. In this study, we report an arc-discharge method to synthesize MoOx nanosheets and microbelts, followed by decorating them with ultrafine Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Scanning and transmission electron microscopies show that Ag NPs formation on the Molybdenum oxide nanostructures rolls them into nanotube caps (NTCs), revealing inner and outer diameters of approximately 19.8 nm and 105.5 nm, respectively. Additionally, the Ag NPs are ultrafine, with sizes in the range of 5–8 nm. Results show that the prepared NTCs exhibit dose-dependent sensitivity to both planktonic and biofilm cells of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The anti-biofilm activity in terms of biofilm inhibition ranged from 19.7 to 77.2% and 11.3–82.3%, while removal of more than 70% and 90% of preformed biofilms was achieved for E. coli and C. albicans, respectively, showing good potential for antimicrobial coating. Initial MoOx exhibits positive potential, while Ag-decorated Molybdenum oxide NTCs show dual potential effects (positive for Molybdenum oxide NTCs and negative for Ag NPs. Molybdenum oxide NTCs, with their strong positive potential, efficiently attract microbes due to their negatively charged cell surfaces, facilitating the antimicrobial effect of Ag NPs, leading to cell damage and death. These findings suggest that the synthesized NPs could serve as a suitable coating for biomedical applications.