Environmental Technology & Innovation最新文献

{"title":"Soil nitrate distribution and removal in a soybean–wheat system in response to groundwater level variations","authors":"Taohong Cao ,&nbsp;Dongli She ,&nbsp;Daniel Fernàndez-Garcia ,&nbsp;Menghua Xiao ,&nbsp;Wei Hu ,&nbsp;Jiamin Ge ,&nbsp;Yongchun Pan ,&nbsp;Daming Yang ,&nbsp;Yongqiu Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrate (NO₃^–) contamination of groundwater caused by agricultural production processes has received considerable attention. However, the mechanisms governing NO₃⁻ migration and attenuation under varying groundwater table conditions remain unclear. Lysimeter tests provide an ideal supplement for studying such processes under controlled conditions. This study presents a lysimeter experiment that was designed for the investigation of NO₃^– transport and removal in the unsaturated zone. Experiments were conducted in soybean–wheat rotation systems from July 2022 to June 2024. Three groundwater depths (30, 60, and 90 cm) and three NO₃^–-N concentrations (0, 5, and 15 mg L⁻¹) were applied in the experiments. The results suggested that shallow water levels (30 cm) impeded NO₃^–-N accumulation in the soil profile. Under the different treatments, the upward NO₃^–-N transport flux (TF) decreased with increasing water table depth. Moreover, the NO₃^–-N removal capacity increased with increasing groundwater level, with the observed NO₃^–-N removal efficiency (RE) values ranging from 54.8 % to 87.4 % across the treatments. The optimal groundwater level for maximizing RE was 30 cm. The soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) played a crucial role in driving the generation of excess dinitrogen (N₂). When multiple related variables, including the VMC, were combined as predictive factors, the explanatory power of the regression model for denitrification increased. Our research bridges a key knowledge gap regarding the upward migration and transformation of groundwater NO₃^–-N in the unsaturated zone and provides a theoretical basis for improving soil and water pollution prevention and control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104683"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal bioaugmentation fosters a highly integrated and efficient microbial network for rapid trichloroethene dechlorination","authors":"Hyunsu Kim ,&nbsp;Jaejin Lee ,&nbsp;Hyunsoo Lim ,&nbsp;Kangsuk Kim ,&nbsp;Keum Ju Yoon ,&nbsp;Joonhong Park ,&nbsp;Keunje Yoo","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioaugmentation is a leading strategy for remediating groundwater contaminated with chlorinated ethenes. However, the optimized dosage to enhance synergetic interactions between consortia and electron donors remains poorly defined. This study investigated the effects of co-injecting a dechlorinating consortium (acclimated JL-1(KCTC11782BP)) at varying concentrations (0–10 % v/v) with lactate (0–1000 mM) on trichloroethene (TCE) degradation in microcosm systems over 40 days. Complete dechlorination of ethene occurred within 20 days across all treatments except 1000 mM lactate, which suppressed activity. The fastest and most robust response arose at 5.3 % acclimated JL-1 with 530 mM lactate, yielding ethene within 5 days. Quantitative PCR showed ∼10-fold enrichment of <em>Dehalococcoides mccartyi tceA</em> during complete TCE removal, and <em>tceA</em> abundance correlated positively with ethene production (p &lt; 0.05). The presence of fermenting bacteria, including <em>Pelosinus, Acetobacterium</em>, and <em>Sporomusa</em>, was crucial for providing essential electron donors and nutrients to support the activity of organohalide-respiring bacteria, particularly <em>Dehalococcoides</em>. With a 5.3 % acclimated JL-1 and 530 mM lactate co-injection, dechlorination facilitated the development of a highly integrated microbial network, characterized by a low network diameter (2), a high average clustering coefficient (0.99), and a short average path length (1.045), all indicative of highly efficient and coordinated microbial interactions. These data delineate quantitative operating ranges for consortium and donor addition, identify an inhibitory upper bound for lactate, and mechanistically link community topology to dechlorination rates. This study can provide tunable, data-driven parameters for field bioaugmentation design, including initial JL-1 loading, lactate setpoints, and monitoring biomarkers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104682"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145749179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics and trace metals across the drinking water supply system of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A case study for low and middle-income countries","authors":"Selamawit Gebremedhin Tekle ,&nbsp;Kassaye Tolessa Sherge ,&nbsp;Esayas Alemayehu ,&nbsp;Maaike Vercauteren ,&nbsp;Jana Asselman","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104684","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104684","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite growing global concern about the potential public health impacts of microplastics and trace metals in drinking water, data from low and middle-income countries remain limited, particularly for microplastics, due to outdated and inconsistent sampling and analysis methods. Therefore, we examined microplastics and trace metals in tap water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using advanced spectroscopic techniques as a case study for lower and middle-income countries. Samples were collected from randomly selected standard and slum areas of Addis Ababa during the dry and wet seasons, which included 71 samples analysed for microplastics with μFTIR spectroscopy and 48 samples analysed for dissolved trace metals with ICP-OES. Microplastics were detected in all tap water samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.004 to 1.33 MP L⁻¹ (average = 0.31 ± 0.31 MP L⁻¹), comparable to values in high-income countries. Statistically higher concentrations were measured in slum areas (0.41 ± 0.33 MPs/L) and during the wet season (0.36 ± 0.34 MPs/L). Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common polymers, and particles sized 25–125 μm were predominant. Dissolved Ba, Zn, V, Cu, and Fe, with mean concentrations of 28.3 ± 6.5, 16.2 ± 19.7, 7.5 ± 0.5, 7.0 ± 2.6, and 5.1 ± 3.7 µg/L, respectively, were the only trace metals detected, showing no significant variation across locations or seasons and remaining below WHO and national drinking water guidelines. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) values of trace metals indicated minimal non-carcinogenic risk. No significant correlation was found between microplastic and trace metal concentrations. Overall, drinking water contamination levels were comparable to those reported in high-income countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104684"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing salt tolerance and growth of Oryza sativa L. through biochar-bacteria composite amendment for potential application in coastal saline soil reclamation","authors":"Yihao Mei ,&nbsp;Mirezhatijiang Kayoumu ,&nbsp;Tingting He ,&nbsp;Xuedan Cui ,&nbsp;Guilan Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coastal saline-alkaline soils, characterized by high salinity, elevated pH, and poor physical structure, severely constrain rice productivity, and various management practices are employed to improve crop performance under saline environments. In this study, we developed a multifunctional composite (WDB@BM) by loading <em>Bacillus mucilaginosus</em> onto wood-vinegar-acidified diatomite-modified biochar (WDB). Incubation and pot trials using salt-tolerant Zhejingyou 1578 (ZJY 1578) and salt-sensitive Zhejingyou 4 (ZJY 4) rice varieties revealed that WDB@BM application outperformed sole amendments by decreasing soil pH, exchangeable Na⁺, and electrical conductivity (EC) while elevating cation exchange capacity (CEC) and nutrient availability. This occurred with enhanced soil enzymatic activities and alterations to the microbial community structure. Meanwhile, bacterial colonization enriched the beneficial rhizosphere microbiota, particularly Pseudomonadota and Acidobacteriota. Critically, WDB@BM significantly enhanced salt tolerance of rice ZJY 1578 by promoting Na⁺ root compartmentalization, lowering leaf Na⁺/K⁺ ratio (70.57 %), activating key antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD): 72.28 %; catalase (CAT): 115.49 %), and accumulating osmolytes (proline: 63.5 %; soluble sugar: 62.9 %). Metabolomic analysis further revealed enriched nucleotide metabolism and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters underpinning stress adaptation. This synergistic soil-plant-microbe modulation was particularly effective in the salt-tolerant cultivar ZJY 1578, establishing WDB@BM as a promising strategy for sustainable saline-alkali agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104667"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145665354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of fly ash stabilized loess: Insights from multiscale analysis and environmental impacts","authors":"Xuanyu Gao ,&nbsp;Wanli Xie ,&nbsp;Kangze Yuan ,&nbsp;Qiqi Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Loess, widely distributed globally, is prone to geological hazards due to its metastable structure. Conventional stabilizers (cement, lime) improve its mechanical properties but cause high carbon emissions. This study investigates the effectiveness of fly ash as an eco-friendly stabilizer for loess via multiscale analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA). Unconfined compression tests (UCS) were conducted to evaluate mechanical performance. The UCS of loess stabilized with 20 % fly ash increased by 330.4 % compared with compacted loess. Microstructural evolution is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray computed tomography (CT). The results show that fly ash particles can fill the inter-aggregate pores, leading to the transformation of macropores and mesopores into small pores and improving cementation. Three-dimensional CT analysis further confirms that with the addition of fly ash, the microstructure becomes denser and the pore morphology evolves toward spherical shapes. LCA demonstrates that compared to conventional stabilizers, fly ash stabilization significantly reduces global warming potential (GWP) and primary energy demand (PED). Compared to stabilization with lime and cement, using fly ash for 1 m³ of loess reduces CO₂ eq emissions by 288.01 kg and 43.09 kg, and decreases PED by 1750.84 MJ and 300.44 MJ, respectively. These findings confirm fly ash as a sustainable stabilizer, supporting geotechnical applications and low-carbon soil improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104729"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bi2O3@folic acid nanoparticles: An effective sonosensitizer for melanoma sonodynamic therapy","authors":"M. Sarani ,&nbsp;H. Haghighi ,&nbsp;P. Tamaddon ,&nbsp;M. Darroudi ,&nbsp;A. Safari ,&nbsp;S.A. Dastgheib ,&nbsp;N. Sattarahmady","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanosized materials demonstrate considerable promise in sonodynamic therapy (SDT), particularly in addressing the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. This study focuses on the synthesis of bismuth oxide and folic acid (FA)-functionalized bismuth oxide NPs (FA-bismuth oxide NPs), using <em>Rheum turkestanicum</em> extracts as an eco-friendly method. Characterization of the synthesized NPs was performed using powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Crystallite sizes of bismuth oxide and FA-bismuth oxide NPs were obtained as 43.42 and 57.90 nm, respectively, suggesting that FA incorporation facilitated particle growth. Additionally, FA modified the morphology of bismuth oxide NPs, transforming them from an amorphous structure to a conical-like shape in FA-bismuth oxide NPs. SDT effects of bismuth oxide and FA-bismuth oxide NPs on C540 (B16/F10) melanoma cells were evaluated by <em>in vitro</em> cytotoxicity assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, glutathione degradation, apoptosis induction, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell migration suppression, and spheroid formation analyses. <em>In vivo</em> hemocompatibility in balb/c mice was also performed. Notably, FA-bismuth oxide NPs produced elevated level of ROS, leading to a marked reduction in intracellular glutathione level, and increased apoptosis via mitochondrial membrane potential decrement. The FA-bismuth oxide NPs also had <em>in vivo</em> hemocompatibility, and demonstrated <em>in vitro</em> enhanced therapeutic efficacy by significant inhibiting both cell migration and deep penetration in the spheroid. These findings established FA-bismuth oxide NPs as a highly effective sonosensitizer, offering potential advantages for SDT-based cancer treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104741"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of moisture regulation methods on the fish manure composting process and gas emissions","authors":"Ke Liu ,&nbsp;Kai Zhang ,&nbsp;Ping Li ,&nbsp;Xiuli Wei ,&nbsp;Ning Tang ,&nbsp;Xuemeng Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2026.104748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2026.104748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Industrial Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (IRAS) excel at both wastewater treatment and the conversion of wastewater into usable resources, thereby offering vital support for the sustainable advancement of aquaculture. In this study, we aimed to identify suitable moisture regulation methods for composting of fish manure from IRAS. Seven treatment groups were established to investigate the effects of moisture regulation strategies: no water replenishment (T1), tap water replenishment (T2), compost leachate replenishment (T3), hydrothermal liquid replenishment (T4), and their combinations with hydrochar (T5-T7). Results show that the T6 treatment (compost leachate + hydrochar) performed optimally. In addition to increasing microbial diversity, it prolonged the high-temperature phase of composting to 12 days, enhanced compost water stability, and resulted in a seed germination index of 87.72 %. Additionally, T6 significantly reduced emissions of greenhouse gases (N₂O and CH₄) and ammonia (NH₃). The incorporation of hydrochar effectively delayed the transition of capillary water to free water, and enhanced the overall stability of the reactor. In conclusion, the combination of compost leachate and hydrochar is an efficient and environmentally friendly method for regulating the moisture content of fish manure compost. Our study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the resource utilization of fish manure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104748"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning (ML) reveals the key factors influencing the removal of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CAHs) by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI)","authors":"Yao Wang ,&nbsp;Ruibing Fan ,&nbsp;Guowei Shao ,&nbsp;Feng Kang ,&nbsp;Kuo Zhang ,&nbsp;Jin Kang ,&nbsp;Baorui Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chlorinated hydrocarbons contaminate soil and groundwater and pose significant health and ecological risks. Nanoscale zero-valent iron is widely used for in situ remediation, but its reactivity can decline because of oxidation, surface passivation, and particle aggregation. This review first delineates chlorinated hydrocarbon removal mechanisms by nanoscale zero-valent iron, including adsorption, reduction, oxidation, and co-precipitation. We then summarize how pH, dissolved oxygen, coexisting ions, temperature, reaction time, and initial contaminant concentration shape removal outcomes. To quantify multivariable effects, we compiled 5923 experimental datapoints from 90 publications and applied machine learning models with interpretable feature attribution. Reaction time and specific surface area were the strongest synergistic drivers, and their effects leveled off after approximately 4 days and at around 120 m²/g, respectively. The analysis also identified a high-efficiency window within 0.25 day, an economical dosage near 0.2 g/L, and a concentration sensitivity threshold around 25 mg/L. Bicarbonate below 500 mg/L inhibited chlorinated hydrocarbon removal, whereas copper ions promoted reactivity. These quantitative insights can guide the design of modified nanoscale zero-valent iron and hybrid technologies for robust remediation in complex water matrices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104728"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of non-degrading physical approaches for sustainable odour reduction in flax fibres","authors":"Faustine Poret,&nbsp;Géraldine Savary","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2025.104734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flax (<em>Linum usitatissimum L.</em>) fibres are increasingly used in textiles, composites and eco-designed products due to their renewable nature, mechanical strength, and environmental compatibility. Nevertheless, their widespread use is hampered by the emission of unpleasant odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which compromise consumer acceptance in applications such as automotive interiors and indoor materials. This study investigated two solvent-free deodorization techniques: hydrodistillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD), applied to dew-retted and scutched flax fibres. Odour intensity was evaluated by a sensory panel, while VOC emissions were quantified by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Both treatments significantly decreased odour intensity (p &lt; 0.05), with HD providing a stronger reduction and yielding more homogeneous results. Chemical analysis confirmed marked decreases in aliphatic aldehydes (hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, and decanal) and furans, known to be key contributors to unpleasant sensory notes. These findings demonstrate that HD and SD are efficient, non-degrading, and solvent-free processes that improve the olfactory acceptability of flax fibres while remaining compatible with sustainable and industrial practices. By mitigating odour without compromising fibre integrity, these methods support the broader adoption of flax fibres in odour-sensitive markets and align with the principles of green chemistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104734"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"H3PO4-modified biochar derived from pear branches for efficient neonicotinoid removal","authors":"Jing Li ,&nbsp;Ping Han ,&nbsp;Renke Zhang ,&nbsp;Yan Tao ,&nbsp;Jinwei Zhang ,&nbsp;Pingzhong Yu ,&nbsp;Ercheng Zhao ,&nbsp;Junjie Jing ,&nbsp;Kai Wang ,&nbsp;Junxue Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.eti.2026.104747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eti.2026.104747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The widespread presence of neonicotinoids (NEOs) in environmental matrices has raised significant concerns regarding their potential ecotoxicological effects and risks to human health. This study aims to address this issue by converting underutilized pear branch waste into a high-performance NEO adsorbent and elucidating the adsorption process. Pristine biochar (BC) and four modified biochars (H₃PO₄-, KOH-, humic acid-, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO)-modified BC) were produced from pear branch waste through nonmetallic doping and pyrolysis at 700°C. The adsorption performance for four NEOs (clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid) was systematically evaluated. Batch experiments showed that H₃PO₄-BC had superior removal efficacy (67.8 %–81.0 %) for the four NEOs at an initial concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹, using a dosage of only 5 mg. This was attributed to its high specific surface area and abundance of oxygen-rich functional groups, which facilitated multi-mechanism adsorption. The adsorption process was heterogeneous and involved multisite binding. Furthermore, it was spontaneous (Δ<em>G</em> &lt; 0) and endothermic (Δ<em>H</em> &gt; 0), with an increase in entropy (Δ<em>S</em> &gt; 0). Optimal adsorption occurred under acidic conditions owing to protonation of the NEOs. In addition, background ions caused minimal interference. The following adsorption pathways contributed to the overall process: hydrogen bonding (35.2 %–41.4 %), pore filling (14.4 %–38.3 %), hydrophobic partitioning (3.1 %–27.2 %), π–π electron donor–acceptor interactions (15.3 %–17.0 %), and ion exchange (1.5 %–8.7 %). This study directly addresses gaps in the literature by transforming pear branch waste into a high-value adsorbent and by providing a quantified, multi-mechanistic framework for designing adsorbents to remove NEOs from aquatic environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11725,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Technology & Innovation","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 104747"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}