Contamination Issues Research Articles

3D-Printed Fluorescent Hydrogel Consisting of Conjugated Polymer and Biomacromolecule for Fast and Sensitive Detection of Cr(VI) in Vegetables.

Portable fluorescent film sensors offer a solution to the contamination issue in homogeneous sensor detection systems. However, their special structure leads to low sensitivity and a long response time, resulting in a significant scientific challenge limiting their development and application. In this work, we propose a dual design strategy to prepare highly sensitive film sensors for rapidly detecting Cr2O72-. Specifically, P(Fmoc-Osu)-SA hydrogel films were developed by integrating the biological macromolecule sodium alginate (SA) with the conjugated polymer poly(N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyloxy)succinimide) (P(Fmoc-Osu)), using both mold and inkjet 3D printing methods. The "molecular wire effect" of the sensing unit P(Fmoc-Osu) and the water channel within the film substrate are responsible for the improved sensitivity and the reduced response time of this thin film sensor. P(Fmoc-Osu)-SA hydrogel films prepared by these two methods can rapidly detect Cr2O72- with limits of detection of 1.18 and 0.078 nM, respectively. Considering that 3D-printed hydrogel films can be tailored to different shapes according to detection needs, the P(Fmoc-Osu)-SA hydrogel films produced from this method were effectively applied in vegetable samples. This study provides an innovative and effective strategy for the development of biocompatible hydrogel sensors that offer the potential for determining trace amounts of Cr2O72- in agriculture.

Visualized electrochemiluminescence detection of trace copper in practical food samples

Copper as a widely applied element in food supply chain can cause serious contamination issues that threats food safety. In this research, we present a quick and visible method for trace copper ion (Cu2+) quantification in practical food samples. Polymer dots (Pdots) were firstly conjugated with a copper-specific DNA aptamer and then tailored with rhodamine B (RhB) to extinguish the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal through a resonance energy transfer process. The selective release of RhB leads to signal restoration when exposed to trace Cu2+ levels, achieving remarkable linearity with the logarithm of Cu2+ concentration within the range of 1 ng/L to 10 μg/L with an impressively low limit of detection at 11.8 pg/L. Most notably, our device was also applicable on visualizing and quantifying trace Cu2+ (∼0.2 μg/g) in practical Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. samples, underscoring its potential as a tool for the early prevention of potential copper contamination in food samples.

Lead and Arsenic Content in Everyday Drinkware

This research explores the issue of lead and arsenic contamination in everyday drinkware which highlights the profound implications for consumer safety. The ubiquity of glassware in everyday life underscores the urgency of investigating the sources and levels that pose health risks associated with these toxic elements within drinkware products. Through a systematic examination and use of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), identifying the levels of lead and arsenic contamination has been achieved. This research rigorously quantifies the levels of contamination in commonly used drinkware, revealing possible correlations with concentration, condition, and price points. These correlations furthermore emphasize the need for regulatory measures and heightened consumer awareness. This comprehensive exploration serves as a vital contribution to safeguarding consumer safety in the context of drinkware usage, paving the way for informed decisions and targeted interventions in the pursuit of a healthier living environment. This research found that 20% of all tested samples leached an average of 0.84 ppm lead with a standard deviation of 0.32 ppm. 30% of all samples that tested positive for arsenic had an average of 4.10 ppm leached and a standard deviation of 0.88 ppm. No correlation was found between prices and concentration and a highly negative correlation was found between both metals. Low concentrations of arsenic had high concentrations of lead. Likewise, high concentrations of arsenic had low concentrations of lead. Damaged, or internally exposed ceramics tested higher for both lead and arsenic.

Low operating pressure hydrophilic MOF-801/Biopolymer interfacial membrane for defluoridation and Co-Organic pollutant remediation

In the context of the energy-water nexus, where the demand for clean water intersects with the imperative for energy-efficient water treatment solutions, this research is dedicated to achieving low-pressure-driven membrane solution. Herein, study uses new class of active MOF-801 fillers materials that are in to stable biopolymers matrix to address the pervasive issue of fluoride contamination in drinking water. By harnessing the synergistic potentials of biogenic chitosan-sodium alginate (CS:SA) multilayers combined with MOF-801 fillers on the polyether sulfone (PES) porous support matrix. This study not only achieves significant improvements in fluoride removal but also enhances with exceptional resistance to fouling. Target specific designed membranes also exhibit versatility in effectively removing various emerging pollutants including fouling agents (BSA, TA, HA) and organic dyes (CR, MO, MB, CV), with a flux of > 40 L·m−2·h−1. The optimized membrane showed exceptional stability under different pH condition showed great separation performance and regeneration capabilities, as well as its effectiveness in defluoridation of groundwater feed. Large scale testing of defluoridation abilities tested for ∼5000 L of feed with a fluoride ion distribution coefficient (Kd) of 45621 mL/g at 4 bars of pressure. Therefore, the optimized membrane stands as an ideal candidate for applications within the energy-water nexus, where sustainability and resource efficiency are of paramount importance.

Exploring Ca and Sr stannate perovskites as adsorbents for Congo Red removal

Organic azo-dyes, including Congo Red, present a significant environmental concern due to their widespread industrial usage and resistance to biodegradation, leading to severe contamination of effluents. This study explores the efficacy of two basic perovskites (MSnO3, where M = Ca and Sr) in removing Congo Red by adsorption, offering a potential solution for wastewater treatment. The synthesis of the adsorbents was performed by a coprecipitation technique, an effective and no-waste producing method. By adjusting reaction conditions, the physical-chemical characteristics of the perovskites, including crystallinity, morphological features, surface area and porosity, were controlled. Adsorption studies conducted across a range of Congo Red concentrations (10–100 mg L− 1) at pH 10 revealed MSnO3 to possess exceptional adsorption capacity exceeding 100 mg per gram. The results indicate irreversible adsorption and potential adsorbent regeneration by thermal treatment. Slow kinetics also suggest strong binding forces aligned with the fundamentals of pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model. Regarding the impact of the synthesis parameters, while the precipitation conditions may not significantly influence adsorption performance, perovskite samples synthesized at higher temperatures are considered more suitable for this application due to their enhanced stability and regenerative capabilities for repeated use. Estimated correlations between sample parameters and adsorption efficiency provide a valuable insight for the practical application of oxide perovskites in addressing dye contamination issues.

Synthesis of Ag2CO3/TiO2/SiC with pH stability and chloride ion boosted for efficient photodegrading tetracycline under visible light

The increasing issue of antibiotic contamination in water has sparked significant interest in seeking effective solutions. In this research, a dual Z-scheme ternary photocatalyst Ag2CO3/TiO2/SiC (ATS) was synthesized by a mechanochemical-coprecipitation method. The experimental results demonstrated that the 15 %Ag2CO3/TiO2/SiC (ATS-15) reached a remarkable tetracycline (TC) degradation efficiency of 95.87 % (k = 0.1063 min−1) after a 30 min exposure to visible light, which was 46.22 and 13.63 times more effective than SiC (k = 0.0023 min−1) and TiO2/SiC (k = 0.0078 min−1), respectively. The synergistic effect of ATS ternary structure to promote Si electron transfer and SiC surface oxidation. The photocatalytic performance of ATS-15 was greatly enhanced due to the synergistic effect of Cl− and CO3•−, achieving 95 % of TC degradation within 5 min. In the ATS-15 system, Cl− converts a portion of Ag2CO3 into AgCl and establishes a quaternary electron transfer scheme with ATS-15, thereby enhancing the performance of the photocatalyst. ATS-15 photocatalyst can maintain TC degradation rate above 90 % among pH 3 to 9. The ATS-15 system also exhibits excellent adaptability to various water environment, achieving 94.01 % TC degradation rate in natural river water, with only a 1 % reduction. A novel treatment scheme for antibiotic pollution in a complex water environment was proposed by ATS-15 photocatalyst with high pH stability and water applicability.

Lead and zinc chemical fraction alterations in multi-metal contaminated soil with pomelo peel biochar and biochar/apatite incubation

The issue of heavy metal soil contamination is widespread, and the negative effects of heavy metals on the ecosystem depend on their chemical speciation in contaminated soil. Pomelo peel-derived biochar produced at 300 °C (PPB300) and 500 °C (PPB500) and its combination with apatite ore (AP) was applied to immobilize lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in agricultural multi-metal polluted soil. Soil amendments including biochar (PPB300 and PPB500) at concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 10%, as well as a mixture of biochar and apatite (AP) at 3:3% and 5:5% weight ratios, were introduced into the soil matrix. The chemical forms of Pb and Zn in incubated soil samples and control soil (CS) were studied utilizing the Tessier’s sequential extraction procedure. The chemical partitioning of heavy metals was carried out using Tessier’s extraction protocol, yielding fractions representing exchangeable (F1), carbonate (F2), Fe/Mn oxide (F3), organic matter (F4), and residual (F5) forms. Quantification of Pb and Zn concentrations was accomplished via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Observations revealed notable elevations in pH, organic carbon (OC), and electrical conductivity (EC) levels within the treated soil relative to the control soil (p < 0.05). After incubating PPB300, PPB500, and AP for 30 days, there was a reduction in the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn by approximately 64% and 58% respectively. This reduction was achieved by transforming heavy metals from mobile fractions to immobile fractions using five primary mechanisms: chemical and physical adsorption, electrostatic attraction, the formation of complexes via interactions with active groups, cation exchange processes, and precipitation events mediated by phosphate, carbonate ions, or hydroxyl ions within an alkaline environment. Therefore, pomelo peel-derived biochar and the blend of biochar/apatite show promise as materials for mitigating heavy metal pollution in soil.

Equinor Leads Project To Turn Ubiquitous Drill Cuttings Into Precious PVT Samples

They were told it wouldn’t work. But in a new study, experts at Equinor and Applied Petroleum Technology (APT) suggest they are on the brink of using contaminated drill cuttings to predict critical reservoir fluid properties. The two Norwegian firms believe their project will soon make it possible to treat cuttings, collected from each well, as if they were pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) samples, which are collected from a significantly smaller share of wells due to the risks and high cost of doing so. Since its inception in 1972, Equinor has drilled over 5,000 offshore wells, from which just over 2,000 PVT samples have been gathered. Given that only two or three good samples are taken from most wells—almost always exploration wells—a significant data gap exists for the remainder, most of which are the subsequent development wells. And each year, Equinor drills around 20 to 25 new wells, mostly near existing platforms. If oil and gas firms could obtain PVT-like results from cuttings alone, they would presumably gain more precise guidance on where to place new wells along with insights on facility/topside design, reservoir management, and eventually on the plugging and abandonment phase. The big obstacle Equinor and APT are trying to surmount centers on how rock cuttings are soaked in oil-based muds (OBMs) as they circulate up the wellbore before being collected from a shale shaker. The oil ends up masking the reservoir’s hydrocarbons, rendering traditional geochemistry methods ineffective. What Equinor has shown in its study is that problem can be circumvented to obtain reliable estimates of API gravity and viscosity, two defining aspects of reservoir fluid quality and flow potential. Several more outputs are in the works. Tao Yang, an industry-recognized reservoir expert and chief professional at Equinor, said when he spoke with geochemists in the company about the project nearly 2 years ago, they were decidedly dubious. “They gave us a warning at the beginning and said that this was a very difficult area, that the cuttings were too dirty, and that we probably wouldn’t get anything out of them,” he said. But what few in the upstream industry knew at the time is that there existed a technology that can overcome the contamination issue—and it has been around for decades. Invented in the 1960s, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) coupled with ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detection, or simply GPC-UV, is used primarily by the chemicals sector for polymer analysis. The GPC aspect separates molecules based on their size as they flow through a gel-filled column. The smaller molecules take the longest to pass through while the larger molecules move more rapidly—the opposite of how most geochemistry assays work. As the molecules move down the column, they are exposed to UV light. Depending on their chemical structure, each molecule will absorb light at varying intensities which in turn can be measured and used to detect the presence of various compounds, including those indicative of oil.

The hydraulic characteristics of a subsurface flow stone biofilter for treating polluted runoff from an informal settlement

ABSTRACT Polluted runoff from informal settlements in developing countries poses a growing challenge due to the elevated and variable nature of contaminants, particularly nutrients and pathogens, introduced to the environment. Cost-effective and scalable treatment systems with the ability to reduce nutrient and other pollutant concentrations in contaminated runoff are desirable. Biofilters are passive water treatment systems that have the potential to achieve this. The Franschhoek Water Hub, a research site for nature-based solutions, features six large biofiltration cells designed to remediate runoff from an informal settlement. Due to their large size, understanding hydraulic behaviour and validating the design proves challenging. To address this, a scaled-down version of the Water Hub's biofilters was constructed to inform design criteria for purpose-built filters. The pilot-scale subsurface flow biofilter, filled with 8–11 mm aggregate stone, had an available volume of 225 L. Pulse tracer studies conducted at various flow rates demonstrated that the system approximated plug flow behaviour. Lower flow rates resulted in deeper tracer infiltration, which is crucial for maximising the distribution of nutrients within the filter bed. This research contributes to the effective design and operation of biofiltration systems, which hold promise for addressing surface water contamination issues in resource-constrained regions.

Salt-resistant and antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/silver-loaded graphene oxide electrospun nanofiber membrane for high-efficiency solar-driven desalination

To address the issues of low photothermal conversion efficiency, salt deposition and biological contamination in solar-powered desalination, we have developed nanofibrous membranes composed of an optimized ratio of silver-loaded graphene oxide (GO-Ag) composites and polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS), using a simple and productive electrospinning technique. The synergistic effect of GO and Ag significantly enhanced the photothermal conversion efficiency of the dual-photothermal PVA/CS/GO-Ag-4% electrospun nanofiber membranes (EFMs), which achieved the pure water evaporation rate of 1.67 kg m−2 h−1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 93.3% under 1 sun (1 kW m−2). Notably, 97% of optical energy is converted to heat when the PVA/CS/GO-Ag-4% EFMs were placed on a homemade evaporation device, achieving up to a simulated seawater evaporation rate of 1.64 kg m−2 h−1 under 1sun, with a desalination rate of 99.99%. More importantly, larger area EFMs are easier to prepare compared to other morphologies of solar evaporators, and larger membranes can be placed on outdoor evaporation units for large-scale effective desalination of seawater used to collect fresh water under natural light. Furthermore, PVA/CS/GO-Ag-4% EFMs exhibited outstanding antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Considering these strengths, the PVA/CS/GO-Ag-4% EFMs has considerable application potential in solar-driven desalination to solve water crises.

Biofilm contamination in confined space stations: reduction, coexistence or an opportunity?

The prolonged human permanence in confined environments in space, such as in the case of the International Space Station, has inadvertently fostered conditions leading to uncontrolled microbial proliferation on surfaces, known as biofilm. Biofilm presence represents a challenge in critical spacecraft systems, that can lead to contamination issues and systems loss of function due to biofouling phenomena. This scenario is further complicated by microgravity that has a controversial role on biofilm growth and formation. Biocontamination can be a limiting factor in human long-term mission in outer Earth orbit and an economic and health issue on ISS. This study addresses the pressing need for effective antimicrobial strategies against such resilient biofilms in confined environments where the usage of biocidal chemical compounds is strictly controlled due to toxicity dangers. Traditional methods can be complemented by advanced antimicrobial coatings techniques. A promising approach is based on the oxygen plasma as coating platform. The technology can be potentially extended to a wide range of antibiofilm agents (e.g., peptides, bacteriophages, nanoparticles, quorum sensing disrupting agents, etc.) and substrates (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic) showing an exceptional flexibility. An alternative vision of the biofilm challenge can be inspired by the dual nature of biofilms, addressed as “good” or “bad” depending on the specific application. Indeed, biofilm have a great potential in closed systems as small space habitat (e.g., ISS) that can be inspired by their role in “large space habitat” as planet Earth itself. The replication of such a complex biological equilibrium is an open challenge.

Sustainable water solutions:a Six Sigma approach to membrane-based filtration system design

Water contamination is a major problem nowadays which can not only be solved through technological innovations but also requires educational innovation. The contamination of water is caused by discharging harmful pollutants into the water. These harmful contaminants cause different diseases. The significance of water filtration has grown in recent years. The quality of water is affected majorly by residual waste, bacteria, and so on. Based upon these issues, the Six Sigma methodology is used in this research for the design of a portable filtration system. This methodology is based on five steps that align with the computational competencies involving abstraction, decomposition of problem, and algorithmic thinking. Initially, a questionnaire approach is used to identify the need for a portable water filter for potential users. The Quality Function Development (QFD) matrix is used to measure the user’s needs. Based on the user’s information, a decision matrix tool is being used in the Analyze stage. After this theoretical concept is generated, and selection is made among various options. The complete drawing was made in the design stage after several stages of concept generation and selection. Then a prototype is developed to conduct proof of concept testing. The hollow fiber membrane (HFM) that is being used is manufactured usually by melt spinning, dry spinning, and wet spinning. But usually, a wet spinning method is predominantly used for manufacturing hollow fiber membranes. Polymer liquid like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used for the manufacturing of membranes with other liquids in different ratios. The size of pores varies from 0.01 to 0.1 microns. The flux rate usually depends upon the volume, length, and size of the cartridge. Backwashing at regular intervals is done for the presentation of fooling due to the accumulation of solutes. This filtration system is also proficient in rejecting bacteria that are being found in water and soil. This is done by a coliform test that is being performed for bacteria. The porosity of the membrane is also affected by the concertation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the concentration of polyethylene glycol increases the porosity of the membrane decreases. A Chemical Oxygen Demand test is also performed to check the presence of organic matter in water. After filtration, no organic matter was manifested in the water. Design for Six Sigma in a portable filtration system that uses membrane for filtration is a good start in looking for a new alternative concept. The implication of this research presents a multifaceted solution to water contamination issues, offering educational outreach programs, STEM education integration, community engagement, and innovative competitions as integral components for fostering awareness, sustainable practices, and creative solutions in the pursuit of clean water.

A solar-powered self-clean gas-sensing neural modulator for behavioral intervention with spatiotemporal flexibility

The amalgamation of high-sensitivity gas sensors with neural electrical stimulation technology stands as a compelling solution for eliciting behavioral responses in the presence of low-level hazardous gases. The utilization of battery-powered or coil-based configurations introduces spatiotemporal limitations, encompassing constrained experimental durations due to battery life or the necessity to confine subjects to specific locales for wireless power transmission. In this study, we present an advanced wireless neural modulator, meticulously engineered for behavioral intervention in unrestricted environments. This device integrates a solar-powered unit, gas sensor, brain stimulation signal management system, and a neurostimulation electrode. The solar energy utilization eliminates the necessity for battery replacements and local range limitations. The surface of the solar cells is treated with a superhydrophobic coating, enhancing performance in outdoor settings by mitigating surface contamination issues inherent in traditional solar cells. This innovation guarantees continuous, long-term, on-demand operational capacity, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the system. Experimentation revealed shortened locomotor activity in mice, induced by stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) brain region, for up to thirty minutes. These results underscore the significant potential of our technology for spatially and temporally unrestricted neuromodulatory applications, offering a viable strategy to alleviate the detrimental effects of hazardous gas exposure on physiological functions.

Machine-learning recovery of foreground wedge-removed 21-cm light cones for high-z galaxy mapping

ABSTRACT Upcoming experiments will map the spatial distribution of the 21-cm signal over three-dimensional volumes of space during the Epoch of Reionization (EoR). Several methods have been proposed to mitigate the issue of astrophysical foreground contamination in tomographic images of the 21-cm signal, one of which involves the excision of a wedge-shaped region in cylindrical Fourier space. While this removes the k-modes most readily contaminated by foregrounds, the concurrent removal of cosmological information located within the wedge considerably distorts the structure of 21-cm images. In this study, we build upon a U-Net-based deep-learning algorithm to reconstruct foreground wedge-removed maps of the 21-cm signal, newly incorporating light-cone effects. Adopting the Square Kilometre Array as our fiducial instrument, we highlight that our U-Net recovery framework retains a reasonable level of reliability even in the face of instrumental limitations and noise. We subsequently evaluate the efficacy of recovered maps in guiding high-redshift galaxy searches and providing context to existing galaxy catalogues. This will allow for studies of how the high-redshift galaxy luminosity function varies across environments, and ultimately refine our understanding of the connection between the ionization state of the intergalactic medium and galaxies during the EoR.

The Application of Textile Materials in Interfacial Solar Steam Generation for Water Purification and Desalination.

The global increase in population, the phenomenon of climate change, the issue of water pollution and contamination, and the inadequate management of water resources all exert heightened strain on freshwater reserves. The potential utilization of the interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) system, which utilizes photothermal conversion to generate heat on material surfaces for wastewater purification and desalination purposes, has been successfully demonstrated. Textile-material-based ISSG devices, including (woven, nonwoven, and knitted) fabrics and electrospinning membranes, exhibit distinct properties such as a rough surface texture, high porosity, significant surface area, exceptional flexibility, and robust mechanical strength. These characteristics, combined with their affordability, accessibility, and economic viability for widespread implementation, make them extremely attractive for applications in SSG. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the emerging concepts, advancements, and applications of textile materials, such as woven, nonwoven, and knitted fabrics and electrospun membranes, in ISSG for wastewater purification and desalination is presented. We also emphasize significant obstacles and potential prospects in both theoretical investigations and real-world implementations, aiming to contribute to future advancements in the domain of textile-material-based interfacial evaporation in wastewater purification and desalination. Furthermore, the drawbacks and the challenges of ISSG systems are also highlighted.

Development of Wafer-Type Plasma Monitoring Sensor with Automated Robot Arm Transfer Capability for Two-Dimensional In Situ Processing Plasma Diagnosis.

In this work, we propose our newly developed wafer-type plasma monitoring sensor based on a floating-type double probe method that can be useful for two-dimensional (2D) in situ plasma diagnosis within a semiconductor processing chamber. A key achievement of this work is the first realization of an ultra-thin plasma monitoring sensor with a system thickness of ~1.4 mm, which supports a fully automated robot arm transfer capability for in situ plasma diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, it is the thinnest accomplishment among all wafer-type plasma monitoring sensors. Our proposed sensor is assembled with two Si wafers and SiO2-based probes; accordingly, it makes it possible to monitor the actual dynamics of processing plasmas under electrostatic chucking (ESC) conditions. Also, it allows for the prevention of chamber contamination issues after continuously exposing the radio frequency (RF) to various processing gases. Using a test-bed chamber, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility and system performance of the proposed sensor, including robot arm transfer capability, vacuum and thermal stress durability, and data integrity and reproducibility. Consequently, compared with the conventional plasma diagnostic tools, we expect that our proposed sensor will be highly beneficial for tool-to-tool matching (TTTM) and/or for studying various plasma-related items by more accurately providing the parameters of processing plasmas, further saving both time and manpower resources required for preventive maintenance (PM) routines as well.

From Drop to Delta: Optimizing Water Footprint for Food Security

Due to population growth and decreasing freshwater resources, many countries may face a decline in their ability to be self-sufficient in food production. The issue of freshwater contamination and scarcity needs to be addressed globally because a sizeable majority of the world's population lives in areas where water scarcity occurs for at least one month every year. The world economy plays a role in localized water contamination and depletion, especially as water is increasingly used for exporting goods. The idea of water footprints is a practical way to gauge how much water is needed to produce goods and services and to promote sustainability in industrial and food production. The use of water for various reasons can result in the appropriation of valuable data that can be used to examine the environmental, social, and economic effects and advance conversations about fair and sustainable water use. The idea of a water footprint ultimately aims to encourage wise and effective water use.

Bio-carbon coil aerogels from tea waste: A sustainable solution for efficient oil-water separation

Discharging wastewater containing oils, fats, and organic solvents into water bodies poses a significant threat to the already limited freshwater resources. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) porous adsorbent materials, such as aerogel materials, have gained attention for their high separation effectiveness in adsorption technology. However, the poor mechanical strength of existing aerogel materials limits their application in oil–water separation. To address this challenge, this study proposes to use carbon coils obtained from tea waste as a template for producing low-cost, ultra-light, elastic, and highly recyclable bio-carbon coil aerogels (BCCA). The BCCA, featuring high porosity and a hierarchical porous structure, demonstrated exceptional performance in oil–water separation applications. Specifically, it exhibited a high adsorption capacity for organic solutions (39 ∼ 117 g/g) and oils (32 ∼ 41 g/g), respectively, along with excellent selectivity, rapid adsorption time of approximately 30s, and good reuse capability, maintaining an adsorption efficiency of 85 %. These remarkable properties can be attributed to the exceptional hydrophobicity of the BCCA, with a contact angle of 134°, and the rapid capillary action facilitated by the helical network structure. The use of tea waste-derived carbon coils as a precursor for producing efficient and sustainable carbon coil aerogels presents a promising solution for environmental remediation, particularly in oil–water separation applications. This research addresses the issue of wastewater contamination and contributes to the utilization of tea waste, a readily available and abundant biomass resource, in the development of value-added materials for environmental sustainability.

Insights into Agricultural Soil Contamination by a Veterinary Antibiotic TYLOSIN Through Continuous Run-Off Conditions

ABSTRACT Broad-spectrum veterinary antibiotic tylosin (TYL) is utilized in livestock and poultry. Due of its extensive usage and animal excretion in urine and feces, it affects the environment and human health. For determining the equilibrium time, the adsorption maximum capacity and the optimal isotherm model, adsorption batch tests have been conducted. Sips and Pseudo-second order models had R2 values of 0.9937 and 0.9764, respectively, and best matched experimental isotherm and kinetic data. The maximum TYL uptake onto soil was 2355.08 mg.kg−1. Using fixed bed adsorption experiments, the current study clarifies the issue of soil contamination in conditions that are close to natural phenomena. Fixed bed adsorption tests demonstrated that the inlet TYL concentration, soil bed height, and flow rate, influenced saturation and breakthrough times. Bohart-Adams, Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson models matched the experimental findings well in a variety of conditions. With 100 mg.L−1 concentration, 4 cm bed height, and 5 mL.min−1 flow rate, the maximal bed capacity of 1277.06 mg.kg−1 was achieved with R2 value of 0.9797. Experimental findings also indicated that the adsorption capacity in batch and dynamic tests are of the same range of magnitude. Based on this, tylosin is a probable soil contaminant.

Bioremediation to Overcome Microplastic Contamination in The Water Environment

Microplastics are a global environmental issue that is receiving increasing attention. Microplastic particles, which are plastic fragments measuring less than 5 mm, are widely distributed worldwide and have negative impacts on the environment, living organisms, and human health. Bioremediation is one method to address this problem, using living organisms to remove microplastics from the environment. Bioremediation involves the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, algae, worms, and other organisms, to clean up or degrade microplastics that are widely dispersed in the environment. This article explains the concept and role of bioremediation in addressing microplastic contamination, the factors influencing its effectiveness, and the advantages and challenges of using bioremediation. This article is a systematic literature review. The data used in this research consist of 23 scientific articles, with 21 indexed in Scopus and 2 indexed in Google Scholar. Through this article, it is hoped to obtain comprehensive insights into the future potential of sustainable bioremediation technology in addressing the issue of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments.