Pei-Ying Lin, Shu-Ling Hsieh, De-Sing Ding, Chen-Tung Arthur Chen, David E. Beck, Shuchen Hsieh
{"title":"Microplastics alter crystal growth in coral skeleton structures","authors":"Pei-Ying Lin, Shu-Ling Hsieh, De-Sing Ding, Chen-Tung Arthur Chen, David E. Beck, Shuchen Hsieh","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01790-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01790-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Microplastics have emerged as a global environmental issue, inducing harmful effects on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Their small size allows them to easily disperse across different ecosystems and enter the marine food chain, increasingly threatening coral ecosystems. This study hypothesizes that exposure to polyethylene microplastics alters the structure of coral skeletons. To test this, <i>Briareum violacea</i> corals were cultured under controlled conditions and exposed to polyethylene microplastics at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 300 mg/L for seven days. Skeletal structures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to assess changes in skeletal solubility and measure total calcium ion concentrations in seawater. The results revealed a transformation of coral skeletons from aragonite calcium carbonate crystals to amorphous calcium carbonate, as observed through X-ray diffraction analysis, with polyethylene microplastics causing this transformation to begin at a concentration of 10 mg/L. Additionally, skeletal solubility increased by 7.4-fold, as inferred from calcium ion concentrations measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Here we demonstrate that polyethylene microplastic exposure directly drives the degradation of coral skeletons, emphasizing the urgency of mitigating plastic pollution to safeguard coral ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"128 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":15.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142561972","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}
Ahmed Alengebawy, Yi Ran, Ahmed I. Osman, Keda Jin, Mohamed Samer, Ping Ai
{"title":"Anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste for biogas production and sustainable bioenergy recovery: a review","authors":"Ahmed Alengebawy, Yi Ran, Ahmed I. Osman, Keda Jin, Mohamed Samer, Ping Ai","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01789-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10311-024-01789-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Anaerobic digestion constitutes a sustainable method for waste management and renewable energy generation, addressing significant environmental and societal challenges. The growing global waste crisis and the increasing momentum toward sustainable energy solutions emphasize the critical need to enhance anaerobic digestion technology for improved efficiency and environmental advantages. This process mitigates waste accumulation, enhances energy security, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a feasible solution within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. Here, we review the principles of anaerobic digestion and biogas production, focusing on agricultural waste and the utilization of biogas for energy within a sustainable framework. We specifically explore biogas applications in rural and industrial settings, assess the environmental impacts, and discuss the regulatory landscape with insights from China and Europe. This study reveals that the strategic implementation of anaerobic digestion can markedly improve energy yield and sustainability, demonstrating how focused policies and advanced technological practices can optimize biogas utilization. The review enhances comprehension of environmental impacts, emphasizing insights from China and Europe as key examples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"22 6","pages":"2641 - 2668"},"PeriodicalIF":15.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10311-024-01789-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142490437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ronaldo Antunes Funari Junior, Lucas Mironuk Frescura, Bryan Brummelhaus de Menezes, Marcelo Barcellos da Rosa
{"title":"4-Nonylphenol adsorption, environmental impact and remediation: a review","authors":"Ronaldo Antunes Funari Junior, Lucas Mironuk Frescura, Bryan Brummelhaus de Menezes, Marcelo Barcellos da Rosa","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01788-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01788-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Endocrine-disrupting compounds such as 4-nonylphenol pose significant societal and environmental challenges due to their toxicity and estrogenic properties, adversely impacting human health, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems. The complexity of 4-nonylphenol environmental behavior, its transport mechanisms, and the challenges in mitigating its impact through adsorption processes are critical. Here we review 4-nonylphenol contamination with focus on remediation by adsorption. We found that biofilms can accumulate 4-nonylphenol in aquatic environments; adsorption equilibrium in soils is influenced by temperature; and microplastics facilitate the transport of 4-nonylphenol through ecosystems. We present effective materials for 4-nonylphenol removal, including graphene oxides, silica, zeolites, and activated carbons. We analyze key variables influencing adsorption efficiency, offering a comprehensive database and insights into optimal removal strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":15.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142440318","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":"Phototransformation and toxicity enhancement of silver chloride nanoparticles by polystyrene microplastics under sunlit","authors":"Yonghao Sun, Jiaolong Huang, Zhen Wang, Peng Duan, Weicheng Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01783-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01783-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Silver chloride nanoparticles and microplastics are polluting in surface waters, yet their interactions, associated toxicity and environmental risks are poorly known. Here we hypothesized that polystyrene microplastics could enhance the phototransformation of silver chloride nanoparticles and modify their toxicity. We conducted phototransformation of silver chloride nanoparticles with polystyrene microplastics under light irradiation. The photo-dissolution of silver chloride nanoparticles and photo-reduction of silver ions were determined in both double-distilled-water and environmental waters. We found that polystyrene microplastics highly enhanced the phototransformation of silver chloride nanoparticles by hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, and triplet state microplastics, leading to the release of silver ions and chloride ions. Subsequently, the silver ions were reduced to silver nanoparticles by superoxide radicals. Consequently, the silver species transformation increased the toxicity of silver chloride nanoparticles even at environmental concentration, as evidenced by survival rate of zebrafish larvae reduced from 100% to 23.3%. This is the first study to show that polystyrene microplastics can enhance the phototransformation of silver chloride nanoparticles to silver nanoparticles, thereby increasing the environmental risks of silver chloride nanoparticles in environmental waters.</p>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":15.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142397703","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}
Jothivel Sivanesan, Baskaran Sivaprakash, Natarajan Rajamohan, Vedula Sairama Srinivasa Phanindra, Christian Sonne, Rock Keey Liew, Su Shiung Lam
{"title":"Remediation of tetracycline pollution using microplastics, green materials, membranes and sonocatalysts: a review","authors":"Jothivel Sivanesan, Baskaran Sivaprakash, Natarajan Rajamohan, Vedula Sairama Srinivasa Phanindra, Christian Sonne, Rock Keey Liew, Su Shiung Lam","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01777-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10311-024-01777-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics used as human and veterinary ailments, anticancer and antiviral agents, and for treating inflammations including arthritis and the Huntington’s disease. However, their inappropriate usage and disposal induce environmental pollution due to their persistency, hydrophilicity and limited volatility, requiring advanced remediation methods. Here, we review techniques for tetracycline removal, including adsorption, advanced oxidation and filtration. Materials to treat tetracycline pollution include aged microplastics, green materials, chemical compounds, sonocatalysts and membranes. Complete tetracycline removal is achieved by using membranes, sonocatalysis and composites. Green composites appear eco-friendly for wastewater treatment. Chemically-synthesized composites are mainly used in photocatalysis, oxidative and enzymatic degradation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"22 6","pages":"2943 - 2975"},"PeriodicalIF":15.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142397704","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":"Biogenic volatile organic compounds emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental implications: a review","authors":"Luxi Wang, Xiaoxiu Lun, Qiang Wang, Ju Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01785-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10311-024-01785-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biogenic volatile organic compounds are emitted by plants and influence human and environmental health. They contribute to the formation of pollutants such as ozone and secondary organic aerosols, thereby influencing air quality and climate. Here we review biogenic volatile organic compounds with focus on biosynthesis, release to the atmosphere, distribution at various scales, tropospheric chemical processes, and secondary organic aerosols. Biogenic volatile organic compounds are emitted primarily through enzymatic pathways in response to environmental factors, varying across plant species and ecosystems. These emissions exhibit heterogeneity at multiple scales, influenced by meteorological conditions and plant structure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"22 6","pages":"3033 - 3058"},"PeriodicalIF":15.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142369967","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":"Strategies and considerations to green analytical separations: a review","authors":"Troy T. Handlovic, Daniel W. Armstrong","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01784-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10311-024-01784-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Although analytical methodologies are known to generate pollution, universal strategies to decrease their environmental, safety, and health burdens while maintaining performance are lacking. Separation science techniques including sample preparations and chromatography require large amounts of solvent and power to separate, identify, and quantitate pure constituents from their matrices. Recent advancements to green analytical chemistry have now provided comprehensive metrics, such as the analytical method greenness score (AMGS), that allow researchers to better understand their method’s environmental burden, compare it to other methods, and indicate what areas can be addressed to enhance sustainability. Here, we review approaches and technologies that can be used to green analytical separations with a focus on improving the method’s analytical figures of merit. Approaches to green sample preparation are first considered including microextraction techniques in liquid, solid, and supercritical phases and the ability to automate such techniques. We focus on high-performance liquid chromatography and sub- or super-critical fluid chromatography, where it is shown that changing the column dimensions and packing can reduce environmental impact while preserving chromatographic resolution. We review equations to calculate the greenest flow rate at which to operate a separation method, then we discuss of modern ultrafast and high throughput separations. Finally, we describe digital signal processing for analytical signals as a major green technology for the first time. We observed that, using digital signal processing, an ultrafast liquid chromatographic separation of 101 components in just one minute produced an AMGS of 0.12 which is, to our best knowledge, the lowest ever reported.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"22 6","pages":"2753 - 2775"},"PeriodicalIF":15.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142377263","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":"Suspended airborne microplastics studies in Asia","authors":"Yin Nyein Myat, Jira Kongpran, Udomratana Vattanasit, Shuhei Tanaka","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01778-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10311-024-01778-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastics are contaminating air, water, soils, both in populated megacities and in remote areas. Here we review analytical methodologies and occurrence of suspended airborne microplastics in Asia. Forty-three studies on suspended airborne microplastics were examined in thirteen countries across Asia. Abundance of suspended airborne microplastics ranged from 0.93 to 8,865 particles/m<sup>3</sup> in indoor locations, 0.017 to 18,880 particles/m<sup>3</sup> in outdoor areas, and 0.39 to 19 particles per 100 m<sup>3</sup> in the oceanic environment. Suspended airborne microplastics mostly had the shape of fibers and fragments. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene polymers were commonly found. The size of plastic particles ranged from 0.43 to 9,555 µm, and the strategies used in sampling and analytical methods can influence the size of suspended airborne microplastics. Occurrence of suspended airborne microplastics in Asia demonstrates a critical pollution issue in the region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"22 6","pages":"2887 - 2911"},"PeriodicalIF":15.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142330190","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}
Duyen H. H. Nguyen, Hassan El-Ramady, József Prokisch
{"title":"Food safety aspects of carbon dots: a review","authors":"Duyen H. H. Nguyen, Hassan El-Ramady, József Prokisch","doi":"10.1007/s10311-024-01779-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01779-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Discovered in 2004, carbon dots have garnered a major attention due to their unique optical properties, nanoscale size, and cost-effectiveness. Their potential uses are applicable for bioimaging, electronics, and the food industry. Carbon dots are promising tools for detecting contaminants, identifying harmful bacteria, and monitoring essential nutrients. Here, we review the safety risks associated with applying carbon dots in the food industry, focusing on their integration into global food safety frameworks. We highlight recent advancements in the detection capabilities of carbon dots, showcasing their sensitivity and specificity in identifying foodborne pathogens and contaminants. We discuss strategies to mitigate potential health risks, such as optimizing carbon dot synthesis to minimize their toxicity and ensuring thorough regulatory assessments. Current research shows that carbon dots improve food safety, but research is needed to address safety concerns and ensure consumer confidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":541,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Chemistry Letters","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":15.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142330231","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}