Organic Pollutants In Environment Research Articles

Photonic crystal-assisted sub-bandgap photocatalysis via triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion for the degradation of environmental organic pollutants

This study explores novel approaches to enhance photocatalysis efficiency by introducing a photonic crystal (PC)-enhanced, multi-layered sub-bandgap photocatalytic reactor. The design aims to effectively utilize sub-bandgap photons that might otherwise go unused. The device consists of three types of layers: (1) two polymeric triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) layers converting low-energy green photons (λEx = 532 nm, 2.33 eV) to high-energy blue photons (λEm = 425 nm, 2.92 eV), (2) a platinum-decorated WO3 layer (Eg = 2.8 eV) serving as a visible-light photocatalyst, and (3) a PC layer optimizing both TTA-UC and photocatalysis. The integration of the PC layer resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in UC emission and a 7.9-fold enhancement in hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation, achieved under low-intensity sub-bandgap irradiation (17.6 mW cm–2). Consequently, the combined layered structure of TTA/Pt-WO3/TTA/PC achieved a remarkable 38.8-fold improvement in •OH production, leading to outstanding degradation capability for various organic pollutants (e.g., 4-chlorophenol, bisphenol A, and methylene blue). This multi-layered sub-bandgap photocatalytic structure, which uniquely combines TTA-UC and PC layers, offers valuable insights into designing efficient photocatalytic systems for future solar-driven environmental remediation.

Molecular Imprinting‐involving Highly Selective Tetracycline Detection Platform Based on Mn2V2O7 with Excellent Oxidase‐mimicking Activity

Nanozymes‐involving colorimetry may represent an effective solution to tetracycline detection due to its affordability and simplicity. To improve the performance in selectivity, molecular imprinting technology has emerged as a promising approach to simulating the interaction between antibodies and receptors. Herein, Mn2V2O7, a form of nanozyme with oxidase‐mimicking activity, was synthesized. With tetracycline as the template, the cavities with unique dimensions were constructed through the self‐polymerization of dopamine (DA) on Mn2V2O7. In Mn2V2O7@MIP, polydopamine (PDA) acts as molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and its cavities are compatible with tetracycline in dimension. It also exhibits oxidase‐mimicking activity. With the introduction of tetracycline, the cavity of PDA is blocked, which leads to obvious color fading, which enables precise tetracycline detection with colorimetry. The range of linear detection is from 10 to 100 μM, and the lower limit of detection is 0.82 μM. It is anticipated that the combination between nanozymes‐involving colorimetry and molecular imprinting technology would contribute to the accurate detection of organic pollutants in the aquatic environment.

Bioremediation of Some Organic Pollutants in the Aquatic Environment; the Egyptian and the Global Experiences

Bioremediation of Some Organic Pollutants in the Aquatic Environment; the Egyptian and the Global Experiences

Solid phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the rapid and simultaneous determination of forty-nine parent and halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human serum

Halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (H-PAHs) are the emerging organic pollutants in environment, which are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, soil and water. Some H-PAH congeners have been proved to have dioxin-like toxicity. However, the research on the human internal exposure of H-PAHs is still limited. A simple and efficient analytical method is essential for the study of human internal exposure, so a method for the rapid and simultaneous determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 33 H-PAHs in human serum was established in this study. After 1.0 mL serum was extracted with ethyl acetate/acetonitrile (1:4) solution containing 1% formic acid, samples were purified by Captiva EMR-Lipid solid phase extraction column, and then determined by gas chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). The results showed that the recoveries of PAHs and H-PAHs ranged from 71.2% to 119% and 68.8% to 121%, respectively. When 1.0 mL of serum sample is used, the method detection limit of PAHs and H-PAHs is 0.001–0.314 ng/mL. The method is simple and efficient, and suitable for the simultaneous determination of trace PAHs and H-PAHs in human serum. High concentrations of chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in pooled serum, of which 1,5-dichloranthracene was the main contributor congener, with a concentration of 204–328 ng/g lipid, which deserved more attention.

Self-powered organic pollutants degradation in wastewater by photocatalytic ozonation based on triboelectric nanogenerator

It is of great significance to explore innovative ways to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater. Here, for the first time, we report a self-powered photocatalytic ozonation water purification system for removing organic pollutants in aquatic environment. A rabbit fur-based rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (RR-TENG) is designed as the power supply of water purification system. As a new TENG-based ozone generation method, spark-surface dielectric barrier discharge (Spark-SDBD) is proposed, which is composed of spark discharge device and surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) device in series and can generate ozone to a maximum concentration of 36.4 mg/m3. Rhodamine B and ciprofloxacin, two typical organic compounds, are selected as simulated pollutants in wastewater, and P25 particles loaded on nickel foam are used as the photocatalyst. Ozone is continuously introduced into the polluted solution through an aeration device, coupled with photocatalysis. Within 80 minutes, it can be observed that Rhodamine B has 100% decolorization and ciprofloxacin is degraded to 99%. This work broadens the field of water purification and provides an effective way to create a cleaner and safer aquatic environment.

Plasmon AgNPs/MoS2/ZnO nanorods array ternary heterojunctions enabling high-efficiency solar-light energy utilization for photocatalysis and recyclable SERS detection

BackgroundSurface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has gained widespread use in molecule-level detection benefiting from its high sensitivity, nondestructive data acquisition, and capacity for providing molecular fingerprint information. However, the strong adhesion of target molecules to the substrate (known as the “memory effect”) inherently hinders the reusability of SERS substrates. Research has shown that self-cleaning SERS substrates based on versatile semiconductor materials with SERS enhancement capabilities and solar photocatalytic properties offer an effective platform for the sensitive detection and degradation of harmful molecules. ResultsIn this research, a resuable SERS-active substrate was facilely fabricated by anchoring silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the edges of MoS2 nanosheet decorated on ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs). This innovative design exhibited a remarkable SERS enhancement factor (EF) of 4.6 × 107 and demonstrated significant solar photocatalytic efficiency. Such superior characteristics of ternary plasma heterojunction were ascribable to the synergistic effect of the “Schottky barrier” and “hot spots” between MoS2 and AgNPs, the inherent chemical enhancement proficiency of the MoS2/ZnO NRAs heterojunction, as well as the ultrafast electron transfer within the ternary heterojunction. SignificanceThe developed ternary heterojunction substrate enabled highly sensitive SERS detection of trace amounts of organic molecules. Moreover, this SERS substrate exhibited self-cleaning and recyclability via solar-light-driven photocatalysis. This bifunctional recyclable SERS substrate proved capable of meeting various requirements for routine monitoring of environmental organic pollutants and provided a robust avenue for advancing energy utilization materials that serve as high-performance SERS sensors and catalysts.

Micro(nano)plastics: invisible compounds with a visible impact.

The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. However, the focus on the fate and remediation of MNP in soil and groundwater is limited. The fate and bioaccumulation of ingested MNPs remain unknown within the digestive tract of animals. There is also a significant knowledge gap in understanding the ubiquitous organic environmental pollutants with MNPs in biological systems. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives are some of the key steps needed to address MNP pollution. For better handling and to protect the environment from these invisible substances, policymakers and researchers urgently need to monitor and map MNP contamination in soil and groundwater.

One-step process for debromination and mineralization of tetrabromobisphenol a by a layered double oxide-supported sulfurized nanoscale zero-valent iron under ambient conditions

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), currently the most widely used brominated flame retardant, has attracted significant attention. However, traditional methods for deep debromination or mineralization of TBBPA usually include multiple steps and require external oxidants. In this study, we report a complete degradation of TBBPA through a one-step process of only adding a layered double oxide-supported sulfurized nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@LDO) under ambient conditions. TBBPA was rapidly removed by S-nZVI@LDO with an efficiency of 95.6 % (10 mg⋅L-1) within 12 h. The kinetic rate constant (0.0035 min−1) was greater when compared with traditional reductants. The produced Br- ion occupied 76.7 % of total Br content, and the concentration of total organic carbon decreased by over 50 %, suggesting a deep debromination and mineralization of TBBPA by S-nZVI@LDO. It is caused by the substantial improvement of electron transfer, O2 adsorption, and hydrophobicity of S-nZVI@LDO facilitating synchronous reductive debromination and O2 activation to produce ·O2– and ·OH, as approved by electrochemical test, O2-TPO analysis, EPR analysis, and density functional theory calculations. The enriched structural S(−II) and enhanced Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycling exerted vital roles in maintaining the reduction potential of the composite. The degradation pathways analysis confirmed that debromination-mineralization mechanisms dominated the complete degradation of TBBPA. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the one-step mineralization removal of TBBPA only using S-nZVI@LDO under ambient conditions and offers insight into external oxidant-free in-situ elimination of halogenated persistent organic pollutants in a natural environment.

3D hierarchical flowerball-like CoSe2/MnSe nanosheet arrays as a novel electrode for electrochemical sensing of hydrazine

Hydrazine (N2H4) is considered to be a highly toxic substance harmful to human body and environment, and has received much attention in the field of electrochemical detection in recent years. In this study, 3D hierarchical flowerball-like CoSe2/MnSe nanosheet arrays (CoSe2/MnSe FNSAs) were obtained using CoMn-LDH as precursor and cobalt glycerate spheres as the sacrificial template by simple hydrothermal reaction and selenization method. Bimetal selenides have more active electrochemical activity and more abundant electrochemical redox reactions. The unique hierarchical flowerball-like nanosheet array heterostructure can accelerate ionic diffusion kinetics and improve electron transfer. As a hydrazine electrochemical sensor, CoSe2/MnSe FNSAs exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance with a wide detection range of 0.001–7.45 mM and a low detection limit of 0.4 μM. This strategy provides a new choice for the detection of environmental organic pollutants.

Nanoremediation and Antioxidant Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Leucena's Leaves, Stem, and Fruits.

Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous extract from the leaves, stem, and fruits of Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena) were produced and characterized through UV-vis, TEM, EDS, SDL, XPS, XRD, and zeta potential, and they proved to be able to promote adsorption to remediate methylene blue and tartrazine pollution in water. The nanoremediation was performed and did not require direct exposure to sunlight or any special lamp or a specific reduction agent. The AgNPs produced using the extract from the leaves exhibited the best performance in nanoremediation and also presented antioxidant activity that surpassed the one from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Consequently, it is an interesting nanotool to use in dye nanoremediation and/or as an antioxidant nanostructure.

Portable and highly enhanced surface enhanced Raman scattering and photocatalytic activity of cost-effective hierarchical hollow metal organic frameworks heterostructures induced by etched titanium sheet

In order to effectively detect and remove organic toxics in wastewater, the facile construction of plug and play bifunctional materials is very vital. Herein, a kind of metal-organic frameworks (MIL-53 (Fe) with hollow tubular structure was induced by an etched Ti sheet (ET), and then small sized Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were in-situ anchored evenly on the internal and external surfaces of MIL-53 (Fe). Subsequently, a new type of bifunctional material (ETMA) was assembled. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and photocatalytic activity of the material were investigated with crystal violet (CV, a carcinogenic and teratogenic toxic) as an analyte. The results found that trace amount of CV (1 × 10−12 M) can still be sensitively detected by the fabricated ETMA, and analysis enhancement factors as high as 6.9 × 105 even though only 1.39 wt % Ag was contained in the ETMA. Moreover, nearly 100 % of CV can be rapidly degraded by the ETMA after irradiated for 15 min, which was 44.47 times and 7.27 times faster than those of ET-Ag (ETA) and ET-MIL-53 (Fe) (ETM), respectively. Additionally, the removal efficiency of total organic carbon (TOC) was as high as 75.44 %. The remarkable enrichment effect, the strong interaction among components, and the synergistic effect in the target ETMA material were responsible to the dramatically enhanced SERS and photocatalytic performances. In addition, the cost-effective ETMA exhibited excellent uniformity, repeatability, stability, and recyclability towards the detection and removal of CV in actual water samples, showing great potentials in monitoring and removing organic pollutants in practical ecological environment.

A novel nano-cerium oxide functionalized biochar composite for degradation of organic dye: insight of the photocatalysis mechanism.

Recently, visible-light-driven photocatalysis attracts much concerns in the remediation of environmental organic pollutants. In this study, the cerium doped biochar was fabricated through the hydrothermal method, and served as an efficient photocatalyst towards rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. Almost 100% of rhodamine B was removed by 2.0g·L-1 cerium doped biochar after 60min of visible light irradiation at pH 3, but only about 25.50% and 29.60% of rhodamine B was removed by cerium dioxide and biochar under identical conditions. The degradation process coincided well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the photodegradation rate constant of cerium doped biochar was 0.0485·min-1, which was respectively 97 and 44 times that of biochar (0.0005·min-1) and cerium dioxide (0.0011·min-1). According to the trapping experiments and electron spin resonance spectroscopy analysis, h+, O2-∙ and ∙OH all participated in the degradation of rhodamine B in the cerium doped biochar photocatalytic systems, and the function of h+ and ∙OH was dominated. Consequently, the biochar could not only be an excellent carrier for supporting cerium dioxide, but also greatly improved its photocatalytic activity. The band gap of cerium doped biochar was narrower than cerium dioxide, which could improve the separation and migration of photogenerated electron-hole pairs under visible-light excitation, thus ultimately enhanced the degradation of rhodamine B. This work provided a deeper understanding of the preparation of biochar-based photocatalyst and its application in the remediation of environmental organic pollution.

Investigating oxidant-catalyst interactions in the persulfate system: Implications for efficient removal of phenolics and antibiotics

Persulfate (PS) activation by carbon catalyst holds both scientific and practical significance to curb the toxicity effects of organic pollutants in the natural water environment. Here, we investigated a relatively unfamiliar characteristics (i.e., oxidant-catalyst interaction) that influence the removal efficiency in PS activated system, utilizing N-doped mesoporous carbon hollow spheres (N-MCHS; size ∼385 nm) as a catalyst. The selection of this catalyst was motivated by its desired physicochemical characteristics such as high dispersibility, uniformly distributed pores and high specific surface area (1109 m2 g−1) for catalytic application. The removal performance was studied by degrading bisphenol A at very low PS (0.25 mM) and catalyst (10.0 mg L−1) concentrations. Through this study, we established a correlation between the surface charge of N-MCHS and PS interaction on the catalytic performance. Further, electron spin resonance (ESR) and radical scavenger studies were carryout out to prove the nonradical oxidation process. Electrochemical studies provided a strong evidence for PS complexation and electron transfer during oxidative removal of bisphenol A. Additional studies with different phenolics and antibiotics demonstrated that N-doping significantly accelerates the degradation rate and enhances the removal efficiency. The results of present study unveil the potential use of PS+N-MCHS in the degradation of different organic contaminants at low catalyst dosages.

Carbon based cobalt titanate perovskite nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization, and excellent visible light driven photocatalytic performance

Titanium-based perovskite oxides are the promising photocatalysts for an efficient degradation of organic pollutants. However, charge carriers recombination and wide band gap energy are still the main challenges in their visible-light-driven photocatalytic applications of Titanate perovskites, ATiO3. The immobilization of Titanium-based perovskites on a carbonaceous substrate such as nitrogen-rich carbon nitride, can be considered as an excellent option for enhancing photocatalytic performance. Here, the CoTiO3/C3N5 nanocomposite was synthesized by simple reflux method and used for photocatalytic degradation of three organic pollutants including methylene blue (MB), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and bisphenol A (BPA). The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of the CoTiO3 perovskite was considerably improved by introducing C3N5 nanosheets and fabricating CoTP/C3N5 nanocomposite. The crystalline structure of CoTiO3/C3N5 (CoTP/C3N5) nanocomposites was confirmed successfully by XRD analysis. The specific surface area of the synthesized CoTP/C3N5 nanocomposite was 8.15 m2/g calculated by N2 adsorption–desorption technology. In the 60th minute of the photocatalytic process, the degradation efficiency of MB, TC, and BPA by CoTP/C3N5 were obtained as 98.70, 60.33, and 92.90 %, respectively, which were higher than pristine CoTiO3 nanorods and C3N5 nanosheets. Electrochemical impedance analysis shows that the CoTP/C3N5 nanocomposite has good electrochemical performance. The improvement photocatalytic activity CoTP/C3N5 can be attributed to the suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and good electrochemical performance with high electron transfer capability. The results achieved from UV–Visible Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), mott-schottky measurements and the photocatalytic degradation experiments in the presence of scavengers confirmed the significantly accelerating the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism where photoexcited carriers can migrate between CoTiO3 perovskite and C3N5 nanosheets.

Assessment of Microplastics in Hanumante River of Kathmandu Valley

Plastic debris is one of the most significant organic pollutants in the aquatic environment. Researchers are currently focusing on the impact of micro and nano-scale plastic waste on aquatic systems. In this study, we investigated the distribution of plastic pellets and fragments present in the freshwater ecosystem. The goal was to assess microplastic (MP) abundance in the Hanumante River, a tributary of the Bagmati River, and analyze their properties. Sample collection involved the bottle sampling method. Filtration, wet peroxide oxidation, density separation, gravimetric analysis, and microscopic examination were performed to study the characteristics of microplastics. The study was conducted by following the guidelines of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) protocol. Gravimetric analysis was applied to calculate the reduced mass of the sample after total organic carbon reduction. Results showed that the maximum amount of reduced sample was obtained from the sample taken from sample taken from Madhyapur Thimi area (~3.593g) and the minimum amount of reduced sample was obtained from the sample taken from the Shiva temple Jagati area (~2.130g). Microscopic inspection showed that samples taken from different locations were composed of an average of 14–23 microplastics per liter of sample. FT-IR analysis was performed to analyze the characteristics of microplastics and the type of polymers present in the sample which showed the abundance of polymer materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonates. The findings imply that appropriate plastic waste management measures be implemented in the communities to safeguard the ecosystem benefits derived from the river.

Wavelength-dependent direct and indirect photochemical transformations of organic pollutants

Sunlight-induced photochemical transformations greatly affect the persistence of organic pollutants in natural environment. Whereas sunlight intensity is well-known to affect pollutant phototransformation rates, the reliance of pollutant phototransformation kinetics on sunlight spectrum remains poorly understood, which may greatly vary under different spatial-temporal, water matrix, and climatic conditions. Here, we systematically assessed the wavelength-dependent direct and indirect phototransformations of 12 organic pollutants. Their phototransformation rates dramatically decreased with light wavelength increasing from 375 to 632 nm, with direct photolysis displaying higher wavelength-dependence than indirect photolysis. Remarkably, UV light dominated both direct (90.4–99.5 %) and indirect (64.6–98.7 %) photochemical transformations of all investigated organic pollutants, despite its minor portion in sunlight spectrum (e.g., 6.5 % on March 20 at the equator). Based on wavelength-dependent rate constant spectrum, the predicted phototransformation rate of chloramphenicol (4.5 ± 0.7 × 10−4 s−1) agreed well with the observed rate under outdoor sunlight irradiation (4.3 ± 0.0 × 10−4 s−1), and there is no significant difference between the predicted rate and the observed rate (p-value = 0.132). Moreover, rate constant and quantum yield coefficient (QYC) spectrum could be applied for facilely investigate the influence of spectral changes on the phototransformation of pollutants under varying spatial-temporal (e.g., season, latitude) and climatic conditions (e.g., cloud cover). Our study highlights the wavelength-dependence of both direct and indirect phototransformation of pollutants, and the UV part of natural sunlight plays a decisive role in the phototransformation of pollutants.

Green synthesis of CuO/Fe2O3/ZnO ternary composite photocatalyst using grape extract for enhanced photodegradation of environmental organic pollutant

This research delves into fabricating a CuO/Fe2O3/ZnO (CFZ) ternary composite photocatalyst, employing grape extract for its eco-conscious synthesis. The method intricately integrates copper acetate, ferric nitrate, and zinc acetate as precursor compounds, harmonizing them with grape extract serving as a green reducing agent. Meticulous microwave treatment and controlled calcination orchestrate the nuanced formation of the desired composite material. The extensive characterization, involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, unveils an array of favorable physical, chemical, and optical attributes conducive to proficient photocatalysis. Notably, CFZ–10mc showcases a narrower bandgap of 1.91 eV, which is pivotal for bolstering electron–hole separation, thereby enhancing its photocatalytic efficacy. Assessment of CFZ's performance in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV irradiation highlights an impressive 88.8% degradation efficiency within 120 min, accompanied by a kinetic rate constant of 1.81 × 10−2 min−1. Deliberation upon crucial parameters, including photocatalyst dosage, initial RhB pH, and reactor energy consumption, introduces the electrical energy per order (EEO) as a notable efficiency metric. CFZ manifests a substantial reduction in operational costs, estimated to be 18.10 times lower than conventional photolysis, signifying an EEO value of 509.17 kWh m−3 order−1. Optimal operational conditions propose a photocatalyst content of 1.5 g L−1 and an initial RhB pH of 7, fostering the prevalence of the primary active species, •OH. These findings illuminate CFZ's potential in mitigating organic pollutants, underlining its pivotal role in sustainable water remediation. Additionally, practical implementation guidelines for leveraging CFZ's capabilities in real-world applications are presented with care and consideration.

Micro(nano)plastics: invisible compounds with a visible impact

The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. However, the focus on the fate and remediation of MNP in soil and groundwater is limited. The fate and bioaccumulation of ingested MNPs remain unknown within the digestive tract of animals. There is also a significant knowledge gap in understanding the ubiquitous organic environmental pollutants with MNPs in biological systems. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives are some of the key steps needed to address MNP pollution. For better handling and to protect the environment from these invisible substances, policymakers and researchers urgently need to monitor and map MNP contamination in soil and groundwater.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate causes pyroptosis and lipid metabolism disorders through ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in grass carp hepatocyte

The surfactant perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is widely produced worldwide. It is a persistent organic pollutant in the aquatic environment and poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms, as PFOS exposure can cause liver injury in a wide range of organisms. However, it is unclear whether PFOS exposure-induced hepatocellular injury in fish is associated with ROS-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In this study, various PFOS concentrations were applied to L8824 cells, a cell line of grass carp hepatocytes. The detrimental impacts of PFOS on oxidative stress, pyroptosis, lipid metabolism, and the discharge of inflammatory factors were examined. MCC950 and N-acetylcysteine were employed to hinder the PFOS-stimulated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species in L8824 cells, respectively. This study demonstrated that treatment with PFOS resulted in oxidative stress and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in L8824 cells. This led to increased expression levels of indicators related to pyroptosis, accompanied by the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression as well as downregulation of anti-inflammatory factors. In addition, following PFOS exposure, the expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis were upregulated and lipid catabolism-related genes were downregulated. Surprisingly, both N-acetylcysteine and MCC950 interventions significantly reduced PFOS-induced L8824 cell pyroptosis and lipid metabolism disorders. In conclusion, this research demonstrated that PFOS drives NLRP3 inflammasome activation through oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species overload. This in turn leads to pyroptosis and lipid metabolism disorders.

Biochar improved the solubility of triclocarban in aqueous environment: Insight into the role of biochar-derived dissolved organic carbon

Biochar as an effective adsorbent can be used for the removal of triclocarban from wastewater. Biochar-derived dissolved organic carbon (BC-DOC) is an important carbonaceous component of biochar, nonetheless, its role in the interaction between biochar and triclocarban remains little known. Hence, in this study, sixteen biochars derived from pine sawdust and corn straw with different physico-chemical properties were produced in nitrogen-flow and air-limited atmospheres at 300–750 °C, and investigated the effect of BC-DOC on the interaction between biochar and triclocarban. Biochar of 600∼750 °C with low polarity, high aromaticity, and high porosity presented an adsorption effect on triclocarban owing to less BC-DOC release as well as the strong π-π, hydrophobic, and pore filling interactions between biochar and triclocarban. In contrast and intriguingly, biochar of 300∼450 °C with low aromaticity and high polarity exhibited a significant solubilization effect rather than adsorption effect on triclocarban in aqueous solution. The maximum solubilization content of triclocarban in biochar-added solution reached approximately 3 times its solubility in biochar-free solution. This is mainly because the solubilization effect of BC-DOC surpassed the adsorption effect of biochar though the BC-DOC only accounted for 0.01–1.5 % of bulk biochar mass. Furthermore, the high solubilization content of triclocarban induced by biochar was dependent on the properties of BC-DOC as well as the increasing BC-DOC content. BC-DOC with higher aromaticity, larger molecular size, higher polarity, and more humic-like matters had a greater promoting effect on the water-solubility of triclocarban. This study highlights that biochar may promote the solubility of some organic pollutants (e.g., triclocarban) in aqueous environment and enhance their potential risk.