Treatment Of Pollutants Research Articles

Effective inhibition of antibiotic residues and bacterial pathogens in wastewater using TiO2 metal oxide photocatalyst

Antibiotic residues have become serious health concerns due to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment of antibiotic pollutants in wastewater is necessary for reducing the issue of antibiotic resistance. In this work, the metal oxide photocatalyst titanium dioxide (TiO2) was evaluated for the removal of the tetracycline antibiotic (TC-A) and the deactivation of E. coli bacteria (E-B) from wastewater. Based on the oxidation process, TiO2 can successfully degrade TC-A in wastewater with an efficiency of up to 96.4%. It is also employed for the deactivation of E. coli, completely inactivating the bacteria within 30 min. Moreover, after five cycles of reuse, TiO2 demonstrated high removal efficiencies of over 80% and 95% for TC-A and E-B, respectively. Finally, the proposed mechanism for the removal of TC-A and the deactivation of E. coli using the TiO2 photocatalyst is presented. This work provides a simple method for removing antibiotic pollutants and deactivating bacteria in wastewater.

Photocatalytic g-C3N4/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) composite hydrogel triggering the synergetic effect for long-lasting sustainable purifying organic wastewater

Abstract With the development of modern industry, the water pollution is getting severer which causes the huge environmental problems. In this work, the novel photocatalytic polyelectrolyte composite hydrogels based on crosslinked poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) equipped with graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were exploited via a facile preparation route, which exhibited extremely high removal ratio of 95 % and 94.5 % to Rhodamine B and tetracycline, respectively, through the synergistic effect of adsorption and photodegradation. Remarkably, the recyclability was also observed on the as-prepared hydrogels, which enabled to reuse for 15 times with the few attenuations of removal efficiency to contaminants. This study provides the new insights into the photocatalyst composite hydrogel and possesses the profound significance of the treatment of organic pollutants.

Tolerance and accumulation characteristics of Brassica chinensis L. under the interactive treatments of lanthanum, cerium, and fluorine in soil

The extensive mining of bastnasite (CeFCO3) has caused severe pollution of lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and fluorine (F) in the surrounding farmland soil, threatening the safety of the soil-plant system. However, the stress effects of the interaction among these three elements on the tolerance and accumulation traits of Brassica chinensis L. (B. chinensis) are unclear. In this study, the interaction mechanisms of these three pollutants regulating the growth characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and accumulation characteristics of B. chinensis was explored using pot experiments of La-Ce (LC), Ce-F (CF), La-F (LF), and La-Ce-F (LCF) interactions. The LC interaction pollution treatments at the element concentrations higher than those of LC3 showed significant impact (P < 0.05) on the plant growth. The order of tolerance in B. chinensis under four interaction treatments was La-F > Ce-F > La-Ce-F > La-Ce, which was supported by the integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis. The synergistic effect of La and Ce in La-Ce experiment promoted these two elements in the plants, whereas the presence of F in CF, LF, and LCF combined pollution treatments inhibited the absorption of La and Ce. Moreover, under the interaction among three elements, the synergistic effect of La and Ce in LC treatment enhanced the biotranslocation factor (BTF) of both elements, reaching the highest levels of 0.36 and 0.40, respectively. The addition of F in CF (BTF of 0.3 and 0.15, respectively), LF (BTF of 0.25 and 0.15, respectively), and LCF (BTF of 0.21, 0.24, and 0.15, respectively) treatments reduced the BTF of La and Ce in the plants due to the formation of insoluble precipitates between F with La or Ce. In conclusion, the interaction between La and Ce could reduce the tolerance of B. chinensis, while the presence of F could enhance the plant resistance to both La and Ce.

Bacterial cellulose and composites for the treatment of water pollution: a review

Bacterial cellulose and composites for the treatment of water pollution: a review

The Zinc Ferrite Decorated Unexfoliated Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Effective Antibiotic Degradation under Visible Light

The antibiotic pollutant treatment in wastewater using conventional method remains a challenge. One of the most fluoroquinolone antibiotics family used by human and animal cure is ciprofloxacin (CIP). CIP has exhibited as a recalcitrant compound in nature with concentration from ng to mg. To overcome this issue, recent technologies have applied such as photocatalysis technology for water decontamination. Furthermore, photocatalyst materials that used in this research were zinc ferrite and graphitic carbon nitride. A simple hydrothermal-coprecipitation method has succeed to synthesis zinc ferrite. While, unexfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (ZFO@ue-CN) was synthesized by calcination at 550 °C for 4 h under air condition. A heterostructure approach combining zinc ferrite and unexfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (ZFO@ue-CN) has been investigated as a potential solution. In this study, a ZFO@ue-CN was constructed by calcination method under atmosphere condition at 400 °C for 2 h. The ZFO@ue-CN has been characterized involving structural, morphological, and optical. Furthermore, ZFO@ue-CN exhibited excellent degradation performance with over 88% removal of ciprofloxacin. The heterojunction formation of ZFO@ue-CN nanocomposite provide more efficient electron transfer compared to single material. Combination between metal oxide@ue-CN can open up the new platform for simple material preparation, nevertheless it can keep the photodegradation performance. This result also emphasizes that the ZFO@ue-CN nanocomposites has prominent application for wastewater treatment.

Recent Advancements in Biochar and its Composite for the Remediation of Hazardous Pollutants

: Biochar has garnered considerable attention in recent times due to its potential uses in the environmental field. In this study, we comprehensively examine and condense information on biochar production, characteristics, and adsorption mechanisms, with a focus on its economic applications for remediating hazardous contaminants. Our assessment is based on over 200 publications from the past decade. Biochar, a carbon-rich material, can be derived from various organic waste sources, such as food waste and urban sewage sludge. Researchers are particularly interested in biochar due to its high carbon content, cation exchange capacity, substantial specific surface area, and stable structure. We investigate how the physical and chemical properties of biochar may vary based on the feedstock used, providing a comprehensive overview of biochar and its composition for pollution remediation. The review also discusses common techniques such as gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, and pyrolysis used to produce biochar. We analyze current research on the mechanisms involved in pollutant treatment using biochar and its composites while also addressing future directions in biochar research.

Mechanochemical ZIF-9 formation: in situ analysis and photocatalytic enhancement evaluation

Efficient treatment of persistent pollutants in wastewater is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental protection.

An experimental investigation into malachite green degradation using highly active NiFe2O4/Bi4O5I2 photocatalyst under visible light

In this study, a highly efficient NiFe2O4/Bi4O5I2 (NFO/BOI) photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized through the two-step hydrothermal method. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), and Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis were employed to scrutinize the physical, chemical, optical, and electrical characteristics of the as-synthesized photocatalyst. The photocatalytic performance of NFO/BOI was assessed through the degradation of malachite green (MG). The findings revealed that both the weight percent of NiFe2O4 loaded and catalyst loading significantly influenced the degradation efficiency of NFO/BOI on MG. Under 1 hour of visible light irradiation, MG achieved an impressive removal rate of 95.04% using NFO/BOI as the catalyst. Radical trapping experiment confirmed that superoxide anion radical plays a pivotal role in the MG degradation progress. This work introduces a novel direction for designing efficient catalysts for the treatment of water pollution using visible light.

Radical species formation during electrochemical treatment of organic pollutants in methanol: Effects of active and non-active anodes in chloride and sulfate media

Radical species formation during electrochemical treatment of organic pollutants in methanol: Effects of active and non-active anodes in chloride and sulfate media

The exposome impact on hair health: non-pharmacological management. Part II⋆.

Hair holds a significance that surpasses mere aesthetics, as it plays a pivotal role in our social interactions and contributes significantly to the definition of our self-esteem. Central to this understanding is the concept of the exposome, which encompasses intrinsic elements like genetics and physiological changes, as well as extrinsic factors such as UV radiation, pollution, lifestyle choices, and chemical treatments. These factors may significantly impact hair health and hair aging. Expanding upon the groundwork laid by the first part of this research (Cedirian et al., 2024), this study aims to deepen our understanding of exposome influence on hair. Specifically, through a narrative review of current literature, this second part endeavors to provide non-pharmacological treatment solutions and effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of the exposome on hair health.

Small and medium-sized banks and pollution emissions from industrial enterprises

Drawing upon the theory of comparative advantage of small and medium-sized banks, this paper employs pollution data from industrial enterprises in China spanning 2000 to 2014. Utilizing the establishment of urban commercial bank branches in counties as a quasi-natural experiment, we investigate the impact of the development of small and medium-sized banks on industrial enterprises' pollutant emissions and the underlying mechanisms of this effect. Our findings reveal that the establishment of urban commercial bank branches in counties significantly reduces wastewater and sulfur dioxide emissions from enterprises, a result that remains robust across various tests. Further heterogeneity analyses show that this pollution reduction effect is more pronounced for small and medium-sized, more finance-constrained, start-up firms, and firms located in areas with low carbon pilots and higher levels of marketisation. The analysis of the impact mechanism suggests that the establishment of urban commercial banks achieves this reduction by increasing enterprise output, thereby diluting pollution intensity, and fostering green technological innovation, which enhances pollution treatment capabilities. Additionally, our research highlights that government intervention significantly influences the pollution reduction effect of urban commercial banks and the mode of this influence.

Design of an innovative integrated (bio) adsorption and degradation system for pharmaceutical pollutant treatment: Alleviation of ecotoxicological effects and process cost evaluation

Design of an innovative integrated (bio) adsorption and degradation system for pharmaceutical pollutant treatment: Alleviation of ecotoxicological effects and process cost evaluation

One bismuth three benefits: an overview of bismuth-based photocatalysts for energy conversion, environmental treatment and biomedical applications

Modification strategies of impurity ion introduction, defect engineering, heterojunctions, morphological construction, and facet-oriented engineering have been reported to promote the photocatalytic activities of bismuth-based materials.

An environmentally friendly chitosan-loaded BiOCOOH/BiYO3 photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline.

In this work, the photocatalyst BiOCOOH/BiYO3/Chitosan (CS) was prepared by using CS as the carrier and adsorbent. The performance of the material was studied through the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water. Theoretical calculations and experiments demonstrate that the formation of BiOCOOH/BiYO3 heterojunctions improves the separation of photogenerated carriers and the absorption of visible light by the material. The introduction of CS improves the difficulties in material recovery, demonstrating exceptional degradation ability for TC under the action of adsorption and photocatalysis. Adsorption kinetics studies indicate that the adsorption of TC by BiOCOOH/BiYO3/CS fits the pseudo-second-order model better, while the adsorption at different concentrations of TC is more suitably described by the Freundlich isotherm model. The synthesis of BiOCOOH/BiYO3/CS was confirmed by the analysis of XRD, XPS, and FTIR. UV-vis DRS showed that the synthesis of BiOCOOH/BiYO3/CS broadened the range of light absorbed by the material. The testing results of PL and transient photocurrent density indicate that BiOCOOH/BiYO3 exhibits a higher efficiency in separating photogenerated charge carriers. After 5cycles of reuse, the degradation efficiency can still reach 90% of the initial efficiency, indicating that CS-based photocatalytic composite catalysts have practical application potential in the field of water pollution treatment.

A review of chemical kinetic mechanisms and after-treatment of amino fuel combustion.

Ammonia is a highly promising carbon-neutral fuel. The use of ammonia as a fuel for internal combustion engines can reduce fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the high ignition energy required for ammonia and the slow flame propagation rate result in low combustion efficiency when ammonia is used directly in internal combustion engines. The combination of ammonia with highly reactive fuels improves combustion quality and increases efficiency. However, the combustion of these combined fuels generates particulate matter, CO, hydrocarbon, and significant amounts of NOx. Therefore, pollutant emissions must be reduced through after-treatment technologies. In this paper, a series of combustion and post-treatment challenges faced by amino fuel combustion in internal combustion engines are extensively discussed and the combustion reaction mechanisms of different amino fuels are also analyzed. The paper then reviews five key technologies applicable to the reprocessing of amino fuels, including selective catalytic reduction, selective catalytic reduction filter technology, electrochemical methods for NOx removal, direct catalytic decomposition of N2O, and ammonia sliding catalysts. An in-depth discussion of the catalytic materials and reaction mechanisms involved in these technologies is also provided in this paper. Finally, the paper summarizes the main technical challenges that must be addressed for the future application of amino fuels in internal combustion engines. These discussions can serve as an essential reference for developing and applying critical technologies for combustion control and pollutant treatment of amino fuels.

Achieving pollution abatement and carbon reduction synergistically: How can industrial robots play a role?

Intelligent manufacturing and green development are pivotal issues in China's pursuit of high-quality economic growth. As the core carrier of artificial intelligence-driven production transformations, industrial robots' role in synergizing enterprise pollution control and carbon reduction has rarely been discussed in the literature. Leveraging a unique micro dataset with robot adoption, energy use, emissions, and economic factors, this study investigates the impact and mechanisms of robot adoption on enterprise pollution abatement and carbon reduction. The results unveil simultaneous SO2 and carbon emission intensity reductions after robot adoption. Further analysis attributes such synergistic effects primarily to front-end cleaner production rather than back-end pollution treatment. Promoting lean production, cleaner energy consumption, and technological innovation emerge as critical channels for robot adoption to exert synergistic benefits in pollution abatement and carbon reduction. Additionally, this collaborative abatement effect concentrates in large-scale enterprises, technology-intensive industry enterprises, and non-resource-based region enterprises. By elucidating robotization's micro-level workings, these findings provide valuable insights into green intelligent manufacturing and guide future integration of digital intelligence and green economy.

Dual Hydrogen-Producing Formaldehyde-Water fuel cell for pollutant treatment and valuable chemical Co-generation

Dual Hydrogen-Producing Formaldehyde-Water fuel cell for pollutant treatment and valuable chemical Co-generation

Research on indoor air pollutant control technology and data analysis

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of indoor air pollutant control technologies and reports on the current status of indoor air pollution and its hazards to human health in China. This research also emphasizes the biological mechanisms through which indoor air pollutants affect human health at the cellular and molecular levels. The study explores the mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, and material design and performance optimization of various control methods, including physical adsorption, chemical decomposition, and biological purification. A detailed discussion is included on how indoor air pollutants interact with biological systems, focusing on mechanistic pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and cellular signaling alterations induced by exposure to pollutants. Data analysis reveals the removal efficiencies and application effects of different technologies, highlighting the biological impacts of these pollutants on human health. It was concluded that in the future, emphasis should be placed on the research and development of efficient and low-cost adsorbent materials, the optimization of the chemical decomposition method in order to reduce energy consumption and extend the catalyst life, the in-depth study of biological purification methods in order to screen highly efficient degrading microorganisms. Additionally, a combined approach utilizing various technologies is recommended to achieve comprehensive treatment of indoor air pollutants, thereby mitigating their harmful effects on biological systems.

Interaction effects of different chemical fractions of lanthanum, cerium, and fluorine on the taxonomic composition of soil microbial community

The extensive mining of bastnasite (CeFCO3) has caused pollution of lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and fuorine (F) in the surrounding farmland soil, severely threatening the safety of the soil ecosystem. However, the interaction effects of various chemical fractions of La, Ce, and F on the composition of microbial communities are unclear. In our study, high-throughput sequencing was performed based on the pot experiments of four types of combined pollution soils, i.e., La + Ce (LC), Ce + F (CF), La + F (LF), and La + Ce + F (LCF), and the pollution concentration ranges of these three elements of 20–240, 40–450, and 150–900 mg kg–1, respectively. The improved Tessier method was used to investigate the interaction effects of chemical fractions of these elements on the variations in the soil microbial compositions. The result showed the residual form of La (La_RES) displayed restraint on Abditibacteriota, leading to its undetected level in the highest concentration of LC-polluted soils, whereas promoted relative abundance of microbes (Planctomycetota, Elusimicrobiota, Gemmatimonadota, and Rozellomycota) by more than 80%; the exchangeable and organic-bound forms of Ce and F as well as the iron-manganese-bound and residual forms of F were identified as the stress factors for the sensitive bacteria (e.g., WS4, Elusimicrobiota, RCP2-54, and Monoblepharomycota) in CF-polluted soils; in LF-polluted soils, the water-soluble form of La showed the most toxic effect on RCP2-54, Nitrospirota, and FCPU426, leading to decreased relative abundance by more than 80%; while La_RES and iron-manganese-bound form of F were identified as the stress factors for the relative abundance of Nitrospirota, Elusimicrobiota, and GAL15, showing decline of more than 80% in LCF-polluted soils. Our study revealed both inhibition and promotion effects of the element interaction on the growth of microbial communities, providing a certain experimental evidence to support further exploration of the treatment of environmental pollution caused by these elements.

Import competition and pollution abatement: Firm-level evidence from China

The relationship between international trade and environmental has garnered considerable attention. However, research on developing economies’ experiences remains scant. This paper investigates the impact of import competition on pollution emissions of firms in China, the largest developing country, utilizing micro-firm survey data from 2000 to 2012. Our study reveals that import competition significantly curtails firms’ SO2 emission intensity. The employment of DID and 2SLS strategies corroborates the robustness of our results. Furthermore, we find that import competition bolsters firms’ technical efficiency, leads to alterations in product mix and industry features, and improved pollution treatment efficiency, culminating in diminished pollution intensity. However, there is no evidence that import competition has encouraged firms to prioritize green innovation and the use of clean energy. We also introduce a novel approach to identify ‘pollution leakage effects’. When this effect is taken into account, the pollution abatement effect of import competition still exists.