RSC sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Addressing the global data imbalance of contaminants of emerging concern in the context of the United Nations sustainable development goals","authors":"Andrea-Lorena Garduño-Jiménez, Rachel L. Gomes, Yolanda López-Maldonado and Laura J. Carter","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00144G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00144G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) pose a significant global threat due to the ecotoxicological and human health risk they pose. Therefore, it is urgent that this pollution challenge is effectively addressed. Addressing CEC pollution is directly linked to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, tackling this global issue is hindered by the fact that there is considerably more CEC data available for the Global North than South. Utilising research on Global North situated pollutants and impacts may lead to strategies that are inappropriate and even detrimental to the Global South, with differing pollution profiles and/or environmental risk. In addition, to effectively address pollution, efforts must equitably include the views and knowledge of the diverse communities around the globe, given that pollution does not respect political borders. Therefore, it is essential to involve as many stakeholders as possible and to explicitly acknowledge the impact that global resource inequalities have on this data imbalance. While it may not be feasible to include everyone, prioritizing diversity and the representation of diverse perspectives helps to mitigate biases and address existing disparities more fairly. This paper examines the critical importance of meaningfully including Indigenous Peoples and local communities in CEC research and outlines specific actionable recommendations to facilitate their inclusion throughout the research process. Drawing on best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion, the discussion emphasizes the necessity of collaborative approaches that respect indigenous and local communities' rights and self-determination. This is not only a matter of social justice but a necessity for acquiring representative global data and developing effective and equitable pollution governance frameworks. Specific recommendations to achieve this aim are made in four key areas for scientists and policy makers working on CECs: (1) Understanding the context and adapting sampling processing and analysis accordingly; (2) respectful and equitable collaborations, ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities views are respected; (3) funding and mechanisms for fair and equitable collaborations, recognition and transparency; and (4) sensitive language and narrative use, where we argue that the language used within CEC research and policy must be carefully considered to address the underpinning discourse based on capitalist and colonial ideals which sustains the global CEC data imbalance. This will lead to more globally comprehensive data that in turn informs more equitable global policy to address CEC pollution.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3384-3391"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00144g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"One-pot iron chloride-catalyzed sustainable syntheses of quinolines from amino acids, alkyl lactate and arylamine†","authors":"Meitian Fu, Lu Yin, Junjie Li, Sihan Zhao, Fujun Wang, Minglong Yuan and Chao Huang","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00306G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00306G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >An iron(<small>III</small>)- and oxygen-promoted one-pot method for the efficient syntheses of quinolines from amino acids, alkyl lactate, and arylamine was carried out. The efficient tandem cyclization of the three components begins with the breaking of the amino acids' C–C and C–N bonds and the lactate's O–H bond, followed by sequential condensation and coupling to form new C–N and C–C bonds. The reaction is based on biomass-based amino acids and alkyl lactate, using earth-abundant metals as catalysts and oxygen as the oxidizer, without adding additional solvents; renewable aldehydes are generated and the reuse of alkyl lactate is realized, which is remarkable for its green and sustainable characteristics. More than 40 quinolines were synthesized in isolated yields of up to 75%. This one-pot, multi-step synthesis method significantly shortens the life cycle of the biomass-based conversion process. This study demonstrates the promise of biomass conversion in sustainable organic synthesis and lays the foundation for the sustainable conversion of small biomolecules <em>in vitro</em> and bio-based feedstocks into high-value-added chemicals.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3548-3553"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00306g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A facile and sustainable method for integrating bio-based quercetin into cotton structures to impart multifunctionality: a thorough study on the effects of treatment conditions†","authors":"Mandira Mondal and S. Wazed Ali","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00077G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00077G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The worsening climate crisis has prompted a call to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and promote eco-friendly finishing agents for value-added textiles. Therefore, exploring the right biomolecule-based finish with excellent multifunctional properties and wash durability is essential in today's world. Through a sustainable approach, quercetin (a flavonoid) is proposed as a finishing agent on cotton substrates at three different treatment temperatures, <em>i.e.</em>, 80 °C, 100 °C, and 120 °C. All treated fabrics show excellent antioxidant and ultra-violet resistance properties. The cotton fabric treated at 120 °C shows antioxidant activity of ∼85% and an ultra-violet protection factor (UPF mean value) of ∼150 with a 50+ rating after 8 laundering cycles. The best antibacterial performance (∼90% against <em>E. coli</em> and ∼92% against <em>S. aureus</em>) is observed when treated at 80 °C. However, there is a decrement in the antibacterial properties against both bacteria with an increase in the treatment temperature. This study provides a detailed analysis of the multi-functional properties of quercetin on cotton fabrics and also systematically presents the variation of functional properties with changes in the treatment conditions. This systematic study is highly focused, as the fragmented and oxidative quercetin by-products formed at different conditions play major roles in the wash durability and multi-functional properties. This novel and simple eco-friendly textile finishing method can certainly facilitate the adoption of biomolecule-based materials to imbue multiple functionalities to cotton fabric with reasonable wash durability.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3601-3614"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00077g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lignin depolymerization from softwood biomass using integrated protic ionic liquid–enzyme pretreatment†","authors":"Sharib Khan, Daniel Rauber, Luyao Wang, Udayakumar Veerabagu, Christopher W. M. Kay, Chunlin Xu, Sabarathinam Shanmugam and Timo Kikas","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00351B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00351B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lignin, a vital component of plant biomass, offers significant potential for advanced biorefineries seeking to produce high-value chemicals and materials. However, maximizing lignin yield while ensuring its efficient valorization remains a substantial challenge in biorefineries. In this study, an integrated approach to producing lignin-derived oligomers and monomers was developed from softwood biomass. <em>Pinus sylvestris</em> was processed using a protic ionic liquid (PIL), triethylammonium methane sulfonate ([N222H][OMS]), to extract lignin, followed by its targeted depolymerization using bacterial laccases. Advanced analytical techniques were employed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative changes in lignin during the optimization and depolymerization stages. The findings highlight the effectiveness of [N222H][OMS] in removing 87.90% of lignin from pine wood at 180 °C. Furthermore, engineered bacterial laccases demonstrated significant catalytic activity, converting 9.2% of aliphatic hydroxyl groups and 73.8% of phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin into carboxylic acids. Similarly, benchmarked against commercially available kraft lignin, the same depolymerization approach achieved lower conversion rates, transforming 12.4% aliphatic and 44.5% phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin into carboxylic acids. Thus, this integrated strategy, combining ionic liquid delignification with enzymatic upgrading, presents a scalable and efficient route for maximizing lignin valorization.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 10","pages":" 4466-4477"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00351b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145196107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemistry inquiry conducted by secondary school students into material degradation in the context of sustainability","authors":"María Del Mar López-Fernández, María José Cano-Iglesias and Antonio Joaquín Franco-Mariscal","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00176E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00176E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Chemistry is essential for improving the quality of life and reducing pollution, requiring regulations, green innovations, and sustainable action. In this case, chemistry education is key not only for raising environmental awareness, but also for preparing future scientists and informed citizens capable of driving sustainable transformations through green and sustainable chemistry. An inquiry-based learning approach can link chemistry education with sustainability, allowing students to develop scientific skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork while experimenting with real-world problems. One significant environmental issue is the degradation of materials, which affects their chemical structure and functionality, requiring solutions to minimize their environmental impact. This study presents an inquiry conducted by ninth-grade secondary school students on material degradation in the context of sustainability. The inquiry is developed as a collaborative project, with students working together throughout most stages, while some tasks such as data collection and analysis were performed individually to encourage autonomy. Furthermore, the inquiry spans a full quarter, enabling students to observe long-term changes, deepen their understanding of the studied processes, and engage more deeply with the environmental issue. Among their key findings, students concluded that a period of 100 days is insufficient for the complete degradation of paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal, with the latter two showing minimal changes despite exposure to environmental conditions that favor photodegradation (solar radiation), thermal degradation (temperature fluctuations between day and night), hydrolytic degradation (humidity variations on rainy days), biodegradation (fungal growth), and chemical degradation or corrosion. Additionally, they developed explanatory models on material degradation, considering environmental factors and their impacts, which allowed them to reflect on sustainability, responsible consumption, and the importance of green chemistry. This study reveals that the students indirectly reflected on five principles of green chemistry through these findings, namely, waste prevention (principle 1), less hazardous chemical synthesis (principle 3), use of renewable feedstocks (principle 7), design for degradation (principle 10), and real-time analysis for pollution prevention (principle 11), especially during the planning and conclusion phases of the inquiry. Thus, this study concludes that inquiry-based learning is an effective approach that deepens the understanding of material degradation and its environmental impact while fostering the integration of the principles of green chemistry. This approach was well-received by students and encouraged positive emotions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 9","pages":" 3997-4019"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00176e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144909545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Highly efficient mechanochemical depolymerisation of bio-based polyethylene furanoate and polybutylene furanoate†","authors":"Divya Jain, Florian Cramer, Pauline Shamraienko, Hans-Joachim Drexler, Brigitte Voit and Torsten Beweries","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00428D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00428D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The challenge of producing new environmentally friendly and fossil-free polyesters has strongly encouraged the development of bio-based alternatives such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and polybutylene furanoate (PBF) as alternatives to commodity plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for everyday applications. In this contribution, we report the mechanochemical depolymerisation of these polymers using NaOH in the presence of NaCl as an additive along with the synthesis of high-molecular weight PEF and PBF. Efficient depolymerisation, producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and the corresponding diols in quantitative yields after aqueous acidic workup, is possible within 30 minutes milling time. Using slightly modified reaction conditions, transesterification with MeOH produces the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (FuMe<small>₂</small>), which can potentially be reused for polymer synthesis. Notably, the furan ring remains stable under the mechanochemical conditions used. The applicability of these straight-forward, environmentally friendly protocols on a large scale is demonstrated through multigram scale reactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3513-3519"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00428d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable biogas production through anaerobic co-digestion of Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) and cow manure: a kinetic and process optimization study","authors":"Obie Farobie, Veni Anggita Sari, Edy Hartulistiyoso, Widya Fatriasari, Asep Bayu Dani Nandiyanto, Apip Amrullah, Lusi Ernawati and Misbahuddin","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00298B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00298B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Energy derived from biomass is increasingly appealing due to escalating energy demand and the urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, to ensure the sustainability of bioenergy, the diversification of feedstocks, including marine biota, is essential. Among the various marine biota, harnessing <em>U. lactuca</em> for biogas production remains scarcely explored in the literature. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the synergistic effects of <em>U. lactuca</em> and cow manure in anaerobic co-digestion to optimize methane yield. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive kinetic analysis of biogas production from <em>U. lactuca</em>, offering valuable insights into the digestion process and providing optimal conditions for maximizing methane yield. Anaerobic co-digestion was conducted in a semi-continuous reactor with varying algae-to-cow manure ratios (1 : 1, 2 : 1, and 3 : 1) under controlled conditions for over 30 days. The results showed that a 2 : 1 ratio resulted in the maximum methane yield of 325.75 mL per g VS. Kinetic evaluation using first-order, logistic, transference, and modified Gompertz models revealed that the modified Gompertz model most accurately represented the experimental data, showing a high coefficient of determination (<em>R</em><small>²</small> = 0.999). RSM revealed that the fermentation time and substrate ratio significantly influenced methane production. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the anaerobic co-digestion of <em>U. lactuca</em> and cow manure, emphasizing its potential as a viable strategy for sustainable bioenergy generation.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3483-3498"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00298b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalized poly(aspartic acid) hydrogel particles as carriers for covalent enzyme immobilization†","authors":"Johanna Meyer, Lars-Erik Meyer, Hadir Borg, Dirk Dorfs and Selin Kara","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00280J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00280J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Enzyme immobilization has been extensively studied to access higher enzyme stability and recyclability, enable continuous operations, and thus increase overall productivity in lab- and technical-scale processes. Among different immobilization methods, covalent immobilization on polymer surfaces can be the key to improved mass transport, reduced enzyme leaching, and faster conversions. Poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) hydrogels provide modifiable surface areas and the possibility of functionalization for introducing different linkers for covalent enzyme immobilization. PASP is an anionic polypeptide that is a highly versatile, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer, hence a sustainable compound for its integration in enzyme immobilization design. Within this article, we present functionalized PASP hydrogel particles with glycidol (carrier I), ethylenediamine (carrier II), and glutaraldehyde (carrier III), and their in-depth characterization. These novel hydrogel-based enzyme carriers were applied to immobilize <em>Candida antarctica</em> lipase B (<em>Ca</em>lB). Despite the relatively low immobilization yield, the immobilized <em>Ca</em>lB on carrier II demonstrated a notable increase in stability with a 2.6-fold prolongation of its half-life from 454 ± 116 h to 1181 ± 350 h at 30 °C compared to the free enzyme. The proof-of-concept reaction of immobilized <em>Ca</em>lB on carrier II for the kinetic resolution of (<em>R</em>,<em>S</em>)-1-phenylethanolacetate demonstrated the potential for performing more than eight cycles without any significant reduction in the product yield. This corresponds to an operational time of over 200 hours, demonstrating the possible applicability of these hydrogel-based novel enzyme carriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3554-3566"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00280j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of phytotoxic effects, morphology, chemical compositions, and water retention capacities of biochars","authors":"Hassan El Moussaoui, Zaina Idardare and Laila Bouqbis","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00005J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00005J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The exponential increase in global organic waste production necessitates the development of efficient, economically viable, and environmentally friendly recycling methods. Pyrolysis is among the modern techniques based on the conversion of organic waste to biochars. This research focuses on evaluating the chemical compositions, water retention capabilities, phyto-toxicity, and morphology of six distinct organic biochars. Phytotoxicity assessments were conducted by subjecting lettuce and barley to varying concentrations of each biochar to evaluate chemical toxicity, while watercress was utilized to test for gaseous phytotoxic substances. Notably, no adverse effects on the germination and productivity of cress or barley were observed. However, germination and fresh lettuce weight experienced significant reduction at a 6% concentration of biochar derived from tomato waste, olive pomace biochar, municipal sewage sludge biochar and a mixture of biochar from date seeds and tomato waste. Conversely, two biochars, namely biochar from industrial agri-food sewage sludge and biochar from date seeds, exhibited no negative impact on fresh weight and lettuce germination. Furthermore, the combination between biochars decreases phytotoxic effects. Interestingly, biochar derived from tomato waste exhibited the highest water holding capacity compared to other biochars and substrates, with an average exceeding 5 g H<small>₂</small>O per g DW. Electron microscope visualization revealed a partial inverse correlation between pore diameter and water retention. However, this relationship is not solely determined by pore size. Other critical factors, such as impurities lodged within the pores, significantly influence the water retention capacity, highlighting the complex interplay of multiple parameters in determining this property. This study emphasizes that the type of biomass and pyrolysis conditions play pivotal roles in determining the chemical, morphological, and phytotoxic properties of biochar. To harness these findings effectively it is recommended to apply these biochars at varying doses on multiple plant species.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3459-3472"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00005j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facile fabrication of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles by hydrothermal carbonization of waste iron supplements†","authors":"Ahmed I. Yunus, Samuel A. Darko, Yongsheng Chen and Joe F. Bozeman III","doi":"10.1039/D5SU00312A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SU00312A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >We report a novel, time-dependent synthesis of magnetic magnetite (Fe<small>₃</small>O<small>₄</small>) and maghemite (Fe<small>₂</small>O<small>₃</small>) nanoparticles (MNPs) embedded in hydrochar <em>via</em> hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of expired pharmaceutical waste containing iron-based supplements. This unique circular reuse and waste valorization proposition offers pharmaceutical waste as a sustainable iron-rich feedstock for MNP fabrication. The synthesis was conducted at a fixed temperature of 275 °C with residence times of 6 and 12 h, producing maghemite- and magnetite-dominant phases, respectively. Unlike conventional methods that rely on high temperatures, toxic reagents, or complex protocols, our approach offers a low-cost, sustainable route for functional nanomaterial production. The structural, morphological, and surface chemical characteristics of the MNP hydrochar were elucidated using XRD, SEM, and FTIR analyses. To evaluate environmental sustainability, we performed a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) against co-precipitation and pyrolysis/gasification methods. The HTC route exhibited the lowest environmental impact across multiple TRACI 2.1 impact categories. Finally, the adsorption performance of the fabricated MNP hydrochar was assessed in a model methylene blue (MB) wastewater system, demonstrating &gt;95% removal efficiency and an adsorption capacity of 1.38 mg g<small>⁻¹</small>. These findings present a viable pathway for integrating waste valorization, green nanomaterial synthesis, and sustainable wastewater treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":74745,"journal":{"name":"RSC sustainability","volume":" 8","pages":" 3530-3547"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/su/d5su00312a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144740035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}