Real Environmental Samples Research Articles

Impact of CuO nanoparticles on the performance of ternary conductive C-PANI/(OXSWCNTs-GO-CS)/CuO network as a selective chlorophenol sensor

ABSTRACT This paper reports an electrochemical sensor developed based on cross-linked polyaniline/(chitosan-oxidized single-walled carbon nanotube-graphene oxide/copper oxide) nanocomposite (C-PANI/(OXSWCNTs-GO-CS)/CuO NCs) for detection of a 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The NCs synthesized by an in-situ chemical polymerization method and characterized by various techniques include XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, HR-TEM, TGA-DTG, DTA and cyclic voltammetry. A 4-CP selective electrochemical sensor was fabricated by coating a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with synthesized NCs. The experimental results reported here displayed the good electrochemical property toward 4-CP oxidation with a detection limit of 0.13 µM (S/N = 3) and good current stability. It also had an impressive percent recovery of the spiked 4-CP in real environmental samples. The improved sensing performances were attributed to the formation of the network structure of C-PANI/(OXSWCNTs-GO-CS)/CuO NCs. Therefore, this study presents a sensitive and promising 4-CP electrochemical sensor for water quality management and human health protection.

A berberrubine-derived fluorescent probe for hydrazine and its practical application in water and food samples

In this work, we attempted to develop a fluorescent probe for hydrazine in real samples. Accordingly, we designed BER9-HZ to fulfill the set rules as solubility, anti-interference capability and functional compatibility. The selected reporting group BER9 dissolved 100% within 10 min, which indicated much better solubility than Berberine. The 615 nm reporting signal was in the Near-Infrared region. BER9-HZ presented advantages including wide linear range (0–20 equivalent), high sensitivity (detection limit 0.076 μM), steadiness (pH 7.0–13.0, temperature 25–45 °C), rapid response (within 20 min) and high selectivity in both independent and co-existing systems. Significantly, BER9-HZ could work steadily in real environmental, plant and food samples, thus be used in the detection of hydrazine (directly incubated or pre-treated with real sample) in living cells. Therefore, this work marched one step further to the systematic managing of hydrazine in real samples, and raised useful information for future investigations on Nitrogen circulation.

Ultrasensitive detection of PCB77 based on Exonuclease III-powered DNA walking machine

In view of the urgent need to determine polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment, we report a simple and sensitive electrochemical aptasensor to detect 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77) based on Exonuclease III-powered Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) walking machine using poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), which was functionalized hollow porous graphitic carbon nitride/ Ni-Co hollow nanoboxes/ Au-Pd-Pt nanoflowers composite material. Upon the addition of PCB77, the specific binding between PCB77 and the aptamer (Apt) could trigger the Exo III-assisted cyclic amplification process and release unlocking probes to deblock the Swing arm/Blocker duplex. Finally, the hybridized hairpin 3 (HP3), a short oligonucleotide, was left on the electrode via Exo III digestion of hybridized HP2, and thus a strong methylene blue (MB) signal was obtained. As expected, the proposed aptasensor exhibits exceptional PCB77 detection performances with a very low detection limit of 5.13 pg/L and a wide linear range of 0.01–100 ng/L based on the calibration curve. Moreover, the aptasensor presents a high level of selectivity and stability, with an acceptable degree of reproducibility. The results of this study have indicated that the proposed aptasensor has great potential application prospects, as demonstrated by its successful use in real environmental water samples.

Counting Nanoplastics in Environmental Waters by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy after Cloud-Point Extraction and In Situ Labeling of Gold Nanoparticles.

The globally raising concern for nanoplastics (NPs) pollution calls for analytical methods for investigating their occurrence, fates, and effects. Counting NPs with sizes down to 50 nm in real environmental waters remains a great challenge. Herein, we developed a full method from sample pretreatment to quantitative detection for NPs in environmental waters. Various NPs of common plastic types and sizes (50-1200 nm) were successfully labeled by in situ growth of gold nanoparticles and counted by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation enables the isolation of gold-labeled NPs from homogeneously nucleated Au nanoparticles, enhancing the particle number detection limit to 4.6 × 108 NPs/L for 269 nm spherical polystyrene NPs. For real environmental water samples, the pretreatment of acid digestion with a mixture of 5 mM HNO3 and 40 mM HF eliminates the coexisting inorganic nanoparticles, while the following dual cloud-point extraction efficiently isolates NPs from various matrices and thus improves the Au-labeling efficiency. The high spiked recoveries (72.9%-92.8%) of NPs in different waters demonstrated the applicability of this method in different scenarios.

Determination of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Water Samples Using Effervescent-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Icroextraction with Solidification of the Aqueous Phase.

An effective and sensitive method is necessary for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) pollutants in water. In this study, effervescent-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction with solidification of the aqueous phase (EA-DLLME-SAP), followed by Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) quantitative analysis, was established for the preconcentration and determination of PBDEs in real environmental water samples. 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane was used as the extractant and directly dispersed into the water phase of the aqueous samples with the aid of a large number of carbon dioxide bubbles generated via the acid-base reaction of acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate, which did not require the use of a dispersant during the extraction process. The key factors affecting the extraction recovery were optimized, and an internal standard was used for quantitative analysis, which gave good linearity ranges of 1–100 ng·L−1 (BDEs 28, 47, 99, and 100), 2–200 ng·L−1 (BDEs 153, 154, and 183) and 5–500 ng·L−1 (BDE 209) with limits of quantification in the range of 1.0–5.0 ng·L−1. The accuracy was verified with relative standard deviations < 8.5% observed in tap, lake, river and reservoir water samples with relative recoveries ranging from 67.2 to 102.6%. The presented method contributes to the determination of PBDEs in environmental water samples.

In-situ phenylhydrazine chemical detection based on facile Zr-doped MoS2 nanocomposites (NCs) for environmental safety

ABSTRACT Various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 wt%) of zirconium were doped onto MoS2 using hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction affirmed existence of hexagonal phase and increased crystallite size upon doping. Synthesized nanosheets appeared agglomerated after doping. Raman analysis provided evidence about defect density, layered structure of S-Mo-S planes as well as electronic band configuration of Zr-doped MoS2. Furthermore, Zr-doped MoS2 nanosheets were applied on a glassy carbon electrode as a layer of sensor film using nafion adhesive to fabricate the working electrode of the proposed phenylhydrazine (PHyd) electrochemical sensor probe. A calibration curve based on concentration of PHyd versus current plot was recorded to be linear over the full concentration range of 0.1 nM to 1.0 mM. The concentration linear range (0.1 nM–0.1 mM) was denoted as the large dynamic range (LDR) for PHyd detection based on the measurement of calibration plot. The slope of LDR with active surface area (0.0316 cm2) of GCE was used to determine analytical parameters of the sensor such as sensitivity (13.4652 µA µM−1 cm−2), linearity, and detection limit (91.54 ± 4.58 pM). Besides these, the PHyd sensor performance was investigated in terms of reproducibility, long-term stability, response time, and validity with regard to its capability for effective analysis of real environmental samples in this field. All parameters exhibited satisfactory and acceptable results.

Rational Design of an ICT-Based Chemodosimeter with Aggregation-Induced Emission for Colorimetric and Ratiometric Fluorescent Detection of Cyanide in a Wide pH Range.

An alkoxy-substituted 1,3-indanedione-based chemodosimeter 1 with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic was rationally designed and synthesized for the ultrasensitive and selective sensing of cyanide in a wide pH range of 3.0–12.0. The nucleophilic addition of cyanide to the β-conjugated carbon of the 1,3-indanedione group obstructs intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and causes a significant change in the absorption and fluorescence spectra, enabling colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent detection of cyanide in a 90% aqueous solution. The cyanide-sensing mechanism is supported by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations, and 1H NMR titration experiments. Sensor 1 exhibits strong yellow fluorescence in the solid state due to the AIE effect, and the paper probes containing 1 can be conveniently used to sense cyanide by the naked eye. Furthermore, chemodosimeter 1 was successfully used for sensing cyanide in real environmental water samples.

Thymine-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles (Au NPs) for a Highly Sensitive Fiber-Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Mercury Ion Nanosensor.

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is considered to be one of the most toxic heavy metal ions. Once the content of Hg2+ exceeds the quality standard in drinking water, the living environment and health of human beings will be threatened and destroyed. Therefore, the establishment of simple and efficient methods for Hg2+ ion detection has important practical significance. In this paper, we present a highly sensitive and selective fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) Hg2+ ion chemical nanosensor by designing thymine (T)-modified gold nanoparticles (Au NPs/T) as the signal amplification tags. Thymine-1-acetic acid (T-COOH) was covalently coupled to the surface of 2-aminoethanethiol (AET)-modified Au NPs and Au film by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) activation effect, respectively. In the presence of Hg2+ ions, the immobilized thymine combines specifically with Hg2+ ions, and forms an Au/thymine-Hg2+-thymine/Au (Au/T-Hg2+-T/Au) complex structure, leading to a shift in SPR wavelength due to the strong electromagnetic couple between Au NPs and Au film. Under optimal conditions, the proposed sensor was found to be highly sensitive to Hg2+ in the range of 80 nM–20 µM and the limit of detection (LOD) for Hg2+ was as low as 9.98 nM. This fiber-optic SPR sensor afforded excellent selectivity for Hg2+ ions against other heavy metal ions such as Fe3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Ba2+, K+, Na+, Pb2+, Co2+, and Zn2+. In addition, the proposed sensor was successfully applied to Hg2+ assay in real environmental samples with excellent recovery. Accordingly, considering its simple advantages, this novel strategy provides a potential platform for on-site determination of Hg2+ ions by SPR sensor.

Simultaneous separation and quantification of acidic and basic dye specimens via a dual gel electro-membrane extraction from real environmental samples

In this work, an environmentally friendly and easy-in-performance dual gel electro-membrane extraction approach (dual G-EME) was combined with high performance liquid chromatography. Method was arranged for parallel isolation, enrichment and determination of brilliant green (BG) and reactive red (RR), serving as model basic and acidic dyes, respectively. A DIY (do-it-yourself) agarose-based gel membrane was fabricated, and served as green and highly selective filtering item. The extractions were hazards-free (i.e., there was no need for organic solvents or toxic regents) and membrane assembly is highly degradable as being of fully natural character. Thereby, setup has met the requirements of being a green analytical chemistry technique. By using an electric potential of 50 V during 20 min extraction time, the positively charged BG and negatively charged RR migrated selectively from a 7.0 mL aqueous sample (pH 7.0) to the 500 μL cathodic (pH 4.0) and 500 μL anodic (pH 9.0) aqueous acceptor phases, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, limits of detection were 0.020 and 0.025 ng mL−1, and extraction recoveries were of 75–78% and 67–71% for BG and RR, respectively. The linearity was in the range of 0.06–1.0 μg mL−1 with correlation coefficient higher than 0.996, obtained for both model analytes. Finally, the methodology was successfully applied for parallel quantification of BG and RR in complex environmental samples.

Hg2+-activated oxidase-like activity of Ag2S@graphene oxide nanozyme and its naked-eye monitoring Hg2+ application with obvious hyperchromic effect

To improve the selectivity and sensitivity for naked-eye detection of toxic Hg2+, water-soluble Ag2S nanoparticle stabilized by graphene oxide (Ag2S@GO) was identified by virtue of the high catalytic activity of nano Ag2S and the excellent physicochemical property of graphene oxide. After its structure and spectral performance were characterized and investigated, it was noted that the proposed Ag2S@GO possesses outstanding Hg2+-activated oxidase-like activity to oxidize the chromogenic substrate of 3,3′,5,5′,-tramethylbenzidine (TMB) with an obvious hyperchromic effect from colorless to blue in the presence of Hg2+ exclusively. Under the optimized conditions, the Ag2S@GO+TMB system was successfully applied for naked-eye detection of heavy metal Hg2+ in real environmental samples, with a nmol·L−1-level detection limit of 9.8 × 10–9 mol/L, an accurate recovery among 97.0–101.8% and a low standard deviation less than 3.3%. The Hg2+-activated oxidase-like activity of Ag2S@GO and its exclusive recognition mechanism to toxic Hg2+ were also proposed.

Colorimetric recognition of hydrazine in aqueous solution by a bromophenol blue-tethered ion-pair-like ratiometric probe

Hydrazine or hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·H2O) is a potential neurotoxin and has several mutagenic effects in physiological systems. Therefore, the development of synthetic organic probes that are sensitive and selective to hydrazine is of tremendous importance. Unfortunately, however, the hydrazine-selective sensing probes that rely upon minimum usage of the organic solvents (≤5%, v/v) are still rarer. In this work, an ion-pair-like mono acetate derivative of bromophenol blue has been developed as a fairly selective ratiometric probe for the naked-eye recognition of hydrazine in a solution of tris buffer and EtOH (19:1, v/v) at physiological pH. The chromogenic signalling relies upon hydrazine-induced cleavage of an ester moiety of the probe to its resonance stabilized quinonoid form, resulting in momentous variations in its spectrophotometric profile. Meanwhile, the colour of the probe solution changed from mustard yellow to blue within few minutes. This sensing assay could be successfully applied in the recognition of hydrazine in real environmental and pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory recoveries. Given the cost-effectiveness, simplicity and versatility, for instance, direct analysis of colorimetric probes, it is reasonable to propose that the present method can serve as a complementary method for prompt inspection of hydrazine in boiler feed water.

Separating dissolved silver from nanoparticulate silver is the key: Improved cloud-point-extraction hyphenated to single particle ICP-MS for comprehensive analysis of silver-based nanoparticles in real environmental samples down to single-digit nm particle sizes

Investigating silver-based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) in environmental samples is challenging with current analytical techniques, owing to their low concentrations (ng L−1) in the presence of high quantities of dissolved Ag(I) species. sp-ICP-MS is a promising technique able to simultaneously determine the concentration and particle sizes of Ag-b-NPs even at concentrations of several ng L−1. However, sp-ICP-MS suffers from the coexistence of dissolved analyte species causing high background signals. These background signals cover particle signals and therefore limit the size detection limit (SDL) in sp-ICP-MS. Ag-b-NPs in environmental samples exhibit diameters of < 20 nm, whereas the current sp-ICP-MS approaches barely reach an SDL as low as 20 nm. Using a surfactant-mediated sample pre-treatment (improved cloud point extraction, iCPE), we were able to separate Ag-b-NPs in aqueous samples from dissolved Ag(I) species and enrich the NPs in the extract. By hyphenating iCPE to sp-ICP-MS, we were able to reach SDL values as low as 4.5 nm, thus paving the way for the successful monitoring of Ag-b-NPs in the environment.

Light-sheet skew rays enhanced U-shaped fiber-optic fluorescent immunosensor for Microcystin-LR

A novel U-shaped fiber-optic evanescent-wave fluorescent immunosensor was designed that exploits light-sheet excitation of skew rays in a passive fiber for sensitive microcystin-LR (MC-LR) detection in real-time. In particular, a light sheet comprising a thin plane of light can be concentrated into exciting the optimum ray group, resulting in enhanced interaction between light and fluorophores. Meanwhile, skew rays excited by transmitting light into an optical fiber with an angle offset allow a much higher number of total-internal-reflections with increased interaction length along the fiber interface, which strengthens the light-matter interactions. Under the optimal angle offset, the proposed evanescent wave fluorescent immunosensor is the first demonstration of integrating light-sheet skew rays and a U-shaped fiber-optic probe for enhanced sensitivity. The results show that fluorescence sensitivity of the U-shaped fiber-optic probe with light-sheet skew rays excitation is 16 times higher than that of collimated skew rays excitation. Combined with this newly designed light-sheet skew rays enhanced U-shaped fiber-optic fluorescent immunosensor, a sensitive and real-time MC-LR detection method was established based on the indirect competitive immunoassay principle. Real environmental water samples spiked with MC-LR were determined by the immunosensor with recovery rates between 85% and 112%. The present system could be an alternative tool for the on-site environmental monitoring, in-field food safety assurance and clinical diagnostics. It also advances the fiber-optic sensors field in terms of experimental design.

Synthesis of Bi5O7I-MoO3 photocatalyst via simultaneous calcination of BiOI and MoS2 for visible light degradation of ibuprofen

In this study, a direct Z-scheme bismuth oxyiodide-molybdenum trioxide (Bi5O7I-MoO3) with uplifted visible light photocatalytic activity was fabricated for degradation of ibuprofen (IBU) via simultaneous calcination of BiOI and MoS2 precursors. The pristine and composite photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques prior to evaluation of the degradation activity. The XRD, FTIR, FESEM and TEM analysis confirmed that the Bi5O7I-MoO3 material with very close interface contact had been successfully fabricated in a composite. The UV–vis DRS results confirmed that the prepared photocatalysts is capable of absorbing visible light and that can improve the visible light photocatalytic performance. Under optimum conditions (catalyst dosage =20 mg and pH = 6.75), 15 mg L−1 of IBU was degraded with an efficiency of 89.2 % under visible light irradiation. The results displayed enhanced photocatalytic superiority towards IBU, which was attributed to the visible light harvesting properties and improved interfacial charge separation efficiency aided by the formed Z-scheme system, and increased life-time of charge carriers. According to the trapping experiments, O2−>OH > h+ played a crucial role in the degradation process in that given order. It was found that the Bi5O7I-MoO3 catalyst was stable with about 4.9 % lost in efficiency after 5 cycles of re-use. Furthermore, the effect of different environmental water parameters were tested in this study to mimic the real environmental water samples. The efficiencies obtained in these matrices were lower as anticipated. The total organic carbon obtained was 86.8 %. Thus, Bi5O7I-MoO3/visible light system shows great potential for applicability in treatment of wastewater contaminated by therapeutic compounds.

Efficient electro-chemical sensor for sensitive Cd2+detection based on novel in-situ synthesized hydrazonoyl bromide (HB)

In this approach, an efficient methodology for synthesis of a novel hydrazonoyl bromide (HB) containing trifluoromethyl moiety by using fluorine-containing building blocks was achieved. The synthesized HB was fully characterized with various methods such as Infra-red spectroscopy (IR), Thin layer chromatography (TLC), 1H NMR, 19F-NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analyses. In-situ potential examination as reliable technique, an electrochemical sensor based on prepared HB was used for the selective detection of environmental hazardous heavy metal ion, Cd2+. The fabricated sensor was found to perform linearly over the concentration range (linear dynamic range) of 0.1 nM~0.01 mM of Cd2+ ion and the sensitivity (51.12 µAµM−1cm−2) and detection limit (53.85±2.69 pM) of the proposed sensor were estimated from the slope of calibration curve (plot of current versus concentration). Furthermore, the proposed Cd2+ ion sensor was exhibited good analytical performances such reproducibility, stability in phosphate buffer medium and efficiency to detect Cd2+ ion in real environmental samples. This progress in the field of metal ion sensor development might be a cost effective and efficient method in the detection of unsafe and hazardous ions for the safety of environmental and ecological fields in broad scales.

Hierarchically Au-functionalized derived ultrathin NiO nanosheets for highly sensitive electrochemical hydrazine detection

A highly sensitive hierarchical electrochemical sensing nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal and chemical deposition methods using Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)-functionalized Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) derived oxide nickel nanosheets (NiO NSs) on nickel foam (AuNPs@NiO NSs/NF). The morphological characterization of AuNPs@NiO NSs/NF nanomaterials was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The electrochemical behaviors of AuNPs@NiO NSs/NF sensors were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and amperometric response (i-t). The measured results of AuNPs@NiO NSs/NF sensor shows good electrochemical properties, including high sensitivity of 17.80 μA·μM−1·cm−2, wide linear range from 0.2 to 300 μM, a low detection limit (LOD) (S/N = 3) of 0.04 μM, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.13 μM and as well as great selectivity and long-time stability. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor has also been demonstrated excellent hydrazine properties in the real environmental samples. The excellent electrochemical performance of AuNPs@NiO NSs/NF sensor can be attributed to the hierarchical nanostructure of nickel-metal frameworks and synergistic catalysis effect of Au nanoparticles, which is promising as highly sensitive material for electrochemical sensor applications.

Sub-ppb mercury detection in real environmental samples with an improved rhodamine-based detection system

A new procedure is described for the determination of Hg2+ ions in water samples. A Rhodamine based fluorescent sensor was synthesized and the experimental conditions were specifically optimized for application to environmental samples, which requires low detection limits and high selectivity in competitive experiments with realistic concentrations of other metal ions. Incorporation of a Rhodamine-6G fluorophore to a previously described sensor and optimization of the buffer system (detection with acetic acid at pH 5.25) enabled significant enhancement of the sensitivity (detection limit = 0.27 μg L−1) and selectivity. The optimized procedure using high-throughput microplates has been applied to tap and river waters with good results.

An acylhydrazone coumarin as chemosensor for the detection of Ni2+ with excellent sensitivity and low LOD: Synthesis, DFT calculations and application in real water and living cells

A novel acylhydrazone coumarin fluorescent chemosensor C4 for detection of Ni2+ was designed and synthesized. The experimental results revealed a low detection limit of 2.1 × 10−11 M with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity towards Ni2+. C4 showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of Ni2+ from 1.3 × 10−6 to 1.6 μM. Moreover, a stable complex was formed between C4 and with Ni2+ and the binding ratio was proved to be 2: 1 by Job’s plot and mass spectrum. The sensing ability of C4 towards Ni2+ was attributed to parity-forbidden transition according to fluorescence titrations and DFT calculations. The detection of Ni2+ in water samples illustrated C4 could be successfully applied for the detection of Ni2+ in real environmental samples. What’s more, the fluorescence microscopy images of Hela cells demonstrated the high potential of the novel biosensor for the investigation of biological processes involving Ni2+, as well.

Fabrication of selective and sensitive chemical sensor probe based on ternary nano-formulated CuO/MnO2/Gd2O3 spikes by hydrothermal approach

In this approach, thin spikes (NSs) of ternary nano-formulated mixed CuO/MnO2/Gd2O3 were synthesized by the hydrothermal approach for efficient detection of 3-methoxyphenyl hydrazine (3-MPHyd) chemical from various environmental samples. The NSs were systematically characterized by using XPS, EDS, TEM, FTIR, UV/vis, and XRD. The fabricated NSs onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was successfully applied for the selective and sensitive detection of 3-MPHyd in the phosphate buffer system (PBS), which displayed the highest sensitivity, good selectivity with ultra-trace detection limit, high stability, good reproducibility, and quick response time. The real environmental samples were tested for validation from stand point of the ternary doped nanomaterials for sensing in the practical applications using by electrochemical method.

Preparation of various sorbents from agro waste to remove some radionuclides and organic species from aqueous solutions

Delonix regia pods have been used to produce high-efficiency and low-cost activated carbons using different activation methods. The ability of these prepared sorbents to remove cations [137Cs, 85Sr, La(III), Eu(III), Co(II), U(VI)] and anions [75Se, Cr(VI), Mo(VI)] was evaluated in mono-component systems and the sorbents number 11, 13, 25, and 35 showed high removal efficiency. These sorbents also show the high ability to remove organic pollutants such as methylene blue and phenol. This study highlighted the extensive applicability of these low-cost sorbents in the sequestration of anionic and cationic radionuclides from real radioactive wastewaters and different environmental samples.