Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology最新文献

{"title":"A review on PFAS mitigation in wastewater: integrating removal technologies, challenges and innovative solutions","authors":"Ilenia Farina,&nbsp;Antonella Scotto di Uccio,&nbsp;Alessandro Moretti,&nbsp;Francesco Colangelo","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09766-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09766-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds characterized by strong C–F bonds and unique physicochemical properties, which confer extreme persistence in the environment and resistance to conventional treatment. Their widespread occurrence in water, soil and biota, combined with adverse health effects, has raised major public, scientific and regulatory concern. Remediation strategies are broadly categorized into separation and destructive technologies. Separation approaches, such as adsorption with activated carbon or ion exchange resins and membrane processes like nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, show promising removal efficiency but face challenges related to energy demand, fouling, limited performance for short-chain PFAS and the generation of concentrated waste. Destructive technologies, including electrochemical oxidation, advanced oxidation and biological degradation, aim to mineralize PFAS into less harmful byproducts. While offering potential for permanent remediation, these methods remain limited by high costs, slow kinetics and material instability. Most studies are confined to laboratory-scale experiments under idealized conditions that do not reflect the complexity of contaminated matrices, limiting scalability. Field-scale demonstrations and integrated treatment are increasingly recognized as necessary to bridge this gap. Future research should prioritize hybrid system optimization, cost–benefit analyses and the development of energy-efficient, sustainable approaches targeting both short- and long-chain PFAS. This review critically examines current advances, limitations and perspectives in PFAS remediation, outlining pathways toward scalable solutions for mitigating their environmental and health risks.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147339248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers for soil remediation as a green solution from waste","authors":"Gabriele Beretta,&nbsp;Marta Puddu,&nbsp;Sabrina Saponaro,&nbsp;Elena Sezenna","doi":"10.1007/s11157-025-09761-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-025-09761-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Surfactants are widely used in domestic, industrial, and medical sectors, with a growing global market. However, synthetic surfactants pose environmental concerns, as they often enter ecosystems as recalcitrant organic pollutants due to their molecular properties. Residual surfactants persist in the environment, contributing to pollution. These issues highlight the need for safer, sustainable alternatives. Biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers are surface-active agents that reduce surface and interfacial tensions, derived from biological systems or microorganisms and alternative to synthetic surfactants. They can also facilitate environmental remediation, regenerative agriculture, and industrial applications. Key advantages include low toxicity, high biodegradability, potential derivation from renewable resources and domestic, urban and agricultural waste streams, increasing compatibility with circular economy principles. Therefore, they are fundamental to advancing environmental sustainability and allowing industries to transition towards greener solutions, aligning with global goals for zero-pollution objectives. This review highlights the application of these products in the bioremediation of contaminated soils and in enhanced oil recovery. It also addresses production challenges, particularly those related to cost and scalability, emphasizing the use of waste feedstock from strategic industries as a key factor in sustainability. Furthermore, recent advances and new strategies in metabolic, genetic, enzymatic and process engineering are discussed, which aims to optimize production yields and pave the way for broader commercialization. Available studies on biodegradability and toxicological profiles are reviewed to provide context for real-world applications. To support decision-making by managers and policymakers, real case studies are examined, along with a comparative analysis of the performance of biogenic versus synthetic surfactants in soil remediation. Finally, the review outlines current limitations and priority challenges in remediation practices that must be addressed. In conclusion, the successful commercialization and application of biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers will require a dual focus: advancing technological innovation to reduce production costs and aligning with operational demands, while also strengthening safety assessments to deepen understanding of their environmental and health impacts—ensuring their role as scientifically robust and socially responsible solutions.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11157-025-09761-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147339379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}

{"title":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology (RESB): the first 25 years","authors":"Piet N. L. Lens","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09767-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09767-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147339002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Advanced treatment of flat panel displays through chemical and biological methods: promises for the future","authors":"Jana Sedlakova-Kadukova,&nbsp;Joanna Willner,&nbsp;Janja Trček,&nbsp;Vid Potočnik,&nbsp;Magdalena Jabłońska-Czapla,&nbsp;Iva Janakova","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09764-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09764-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The growing demand for electronic devices and the consequent rise in electronic waste underscore the urgent need for sustainable management strategies, particularly for flat panel displays (FPD). This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced FPD treatment methods that integrate chemical and biological methods, highlighting their potential to advance circular economy practices. The study identifies key target groups in FPD recycling along with their specific requirements, and offers a detailed characterization of FPD, focusing on the composition of display materials, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO) and various organic compounds. Current recycling technologies are reviewed in detail, covering both conventional pretreatment methods and emerging biotechnological solutions. Special emphasis is placed on metal dissolution through hydrometallurgical and biometallurgical processes, followed by recovery techniques employing chemical and biological methods. The paper also addresses critical analytical challenges associated in characterization and monitoring of FPD recycling processes. By integrating biological and chemical approaches, this study outlines a promising route toward more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable FPD recycling, offering valuable guidance for future technological development and policy development, fully in line with circular economy principles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11157-026-09764-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147338171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}

{"title":"Enhancing bioaugmentation in wastewater treatment: the emerging role of aggregating bacteria as mediators in cell immobilization—review","authors":"Hansani Wahalathanthrige,&nbsp;Xunli Zhang,&nbsp;Jeremy S.Webb,&nbsp;Ian D. Williams","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09765-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09765-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bioaugmentation is a promising strategy to enhance biological wastewater treatment by introducing functional microbial strains that improve pollutant degradation and nutrient removal. However, the practical success of bioaugmentation is often limited by the washout of introduced bacteria, low colonization efficiency, and competition with native microbial communities. A key challenge is the lack of natural aggregation or biofilm-forming ability in many functional strains, making them vulnerable to operational stresses and system perturbations. Although conventional immobilization techniques have been applied to improve microbial retention, these approaches can be costly and may reduce microbial activity. Aerobic granules, highly structured microbial aggregates known for their strong settling properties, dense architecture, and intrinsic stability, have recently emerged as a valuable source of naturally aggregating and biofilm-forming bacteria. These granule-derived microorganisms exhibit functional traits that support biological immobilization, enhancing the persistence and performance of introduced strains. Acting as bridging microorganisms, they promote coaggregation and physical integration with functional bacteria, facilitating biofilm formation and supporting community stability. Although several case studies highlight the potential of these bacteria in improving bioaugmentation outcomes, a comprehensive exploration of their functional traits, ecological interactions, and engineering applications remains limited. This review systematically examines recent advances in bioaugmentation strategies using aggregating bacteria, particularly those derived from aerobic granules, elucidating their mechanisms of action and role in supporting microbial persistence and synergy. By focusing on their capacity to promote microbial immobilization and integration in engineered systems, this work highlights a promising direction for improving bioaugmentation performance. The review identifies key research gaps and provides a framework for designing more resilient and effective microbial strategies for wastewater treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11157-026-09765-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147336170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}

{"title":"Photoelectrotrophy: a novel mode of microbial metabolism and its biogeochemical effects","authors":"Youming Diao,&nbsp;Zihan Xie,&nbsp;Xueying He,&nbsp;Yong Jiang,&nbsp;Shaofu Huang,&nbsp;Man Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09763-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09763-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Photoelectrotrophic metabolism (photoelectrotrophy) is an emerging energy-conversion mode in which non-photosynthetic microorganisms harvest light-derived electrons from photosensitizers (e.g., semiconductor minerals and natural organic matter) to fuel intracellular redox reactions and support growth. This concept broadens microbial energy acquisition beyond classical phototrophy and chemotrophy. However, it is still not fully understood how environmental conditions, metabolic pathways, and environmental geochemical factors affect photoelectrotrophic metabolism in microorganisms. This review synthesizes evidence for three prerequisites—sunlight, photosensitizers, and suitable microorganisms—and evaluates the likelihood that photoelectrotrophy occurs in natural environments based on insights from model systems. Proposed mechanisms of photoelectron uptake and transfer, including mediator-assisted and direct interfacial pathways, are then summarized and linked to major biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements. Finally, environmental implications such as redox cycling and reactive oxygen species production are discussed, and opportunities and challenges for harnessing photoelectrotrophy in energy and environmental applications are outlined.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146082642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Origin and structure of manganese oxides and their reactivity towards metal(loid)s","authors":"Guillaume Herman Baheten Boassen,&nbsp;Mengqiang Zhu,&nbsp;Chao Li,&nbsp;Haohao Luo,&nbsp;Xingxing Wang,&nbsp;Chengshuai Liu,&nbsp;Jing Sun","doi":"10.1007/s11157-026-09762-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-026-09762-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Manganese (Mn) oxides, which originate from oxidative precipitation of soluble Mn(II), are a range of phases with different structural arrangements of MnO₆ octahedra. These phases are widely distributed across diverse environmental contexts, often with relatively low abundance. Nonetheless, owing to variable oxidation states of Mn and the potent oxidative and adsorptive capacities of Mn oxides, the influences of Mn oxides on the cycling of contaminants and nutrients considerably exceed its own abundance. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the origin, structure, and reactivity of Mn oxides. First, the biotic and abiotic origins as well as the structures of common layered and tunnel Mn oxide phases are described. Subsequently, the reactivity of Mn oxides towards redox-insensitive and redox-sensitive metals and metalloids is discussed. In particular, the intricacies of the redox interactions between Mn oxides and metal(loid)s are illustrated with two main examples: (1) arsenic, a pervasive global groundwater problem, and (2) chromium, a serious pollutant due to wide industrialization. The influences from the structural nature of Mn oxides and from typical environmental variables on the interactions between Mn oxides and metal(loid)s are also summarized. Finally, some future research directions in this field are outlined.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Synergistic bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals: A comprehensive review","authors":"Ajeet Singh Chauhan,&nbsp;Chiu-Wen Chen,&nbsp;Cheng-Di Dong","doi":"10.1007/s11157-025-09759-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-025-09759-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) are growing organic and inorganic pollutants in blue ecosystems due to increasing maritime traffic, industrial effluents, and other anthropogenic activities. Over the last two decades, microbial remediation has emerged as a sustainable strategy for mitigating PAHs and HMs. However, the co-occurrence of PAHs and HMs presents considerable challenges to microbial degradation, as HMs can interfere with PAH-degrading enzymatic pathways. Interestingly, sub-inhibitory concentrations of certain HMs may induce adaptive microbial responses, including enhanced biofilm formation, extracellular polymeric substance production, and activation of stress-response mechanisms. This review highlights recent advances in microbial bioremediation strategies targeting PAH–HM co-contamination. Advanced kinetic models and molecular insights reveal complex interactions, highlighting the need to optimize microbial strategies for co-contaminated site remediation. Innovative approaches such as CRISPR-Cas-based gene editing are being employed to enhance microbial resistance and catabolic efficiency. In addition, algae–microbe consortia and biofilm-based systems offer synergistic potential in marine environments. Emerging tools including electro-bioremediation, metagenomics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring systems are contributing to a deeper understanding of in situ microbial functions and enabling real-time optimization of remediation processes. These integrative strategies not only improve pollutant removal efficiency but also align with sustainable and scalable aquatic pollution management practices. The convergence of environmental microbiology, synthetic biology, and digital technologies offers a transformative framework to tackle complex pollutant mixtures and supports global sustainable development goals (SDG 6-clean water and sanitation).</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145982636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Efficient removal of per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water by using membrane distillation technology: a review","authors":"Isik Gulver,&nbsp;Oyku Mutlu-Salmanli,&nbsp;Ismail Koyuncu","doi":"10.1007/s11157-025-09760-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-025-09760-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The toxic characteristics and environmental persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have made the removal of such substances from water a critical concern. PFAS have a hydrophobic and oleophobic tendency due to their unique molecular structure, their chemical inertness and structural stability make the traditional methods of degradation and removal almost ineffective in the water environment. This review examines the existing technologies of PFAS removal in water with their advantages and drawbacks, and particularly focus on membrane distillation (MD) as an emerging separation-based approach. In contrast to pressure-driven processes such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, MD operates at lower hydraulic pressures and exhibits reduced fouling susceptibility under certain operating conditions, while maintaining high PFAS rejections. Reported studies indicate that direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) can achieve PFAS rejection rates up to 96%. Current literature suggests that the hydrophobic properties of PFAS molecules promotes the effectiveness of MD, in which hydrophobic membranes are also employed, to achieve notable rejection rates of PFAS. Furthermore, the review covers promising developments that may be made in MD systems which include the use of new membrane materials and optimization of the operating conditions. However, key challenges including membrane fouling, wetting risk, and relatively high thermal energy demand are also critically assessed. Although there have been comprehensive reviews on the PFAS treatment technologies and MD as individual subjects, there has been no dedicated review on PFAS removal using MD. This review identifies current knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions required to enhance performance, scalability, and economic feasibility.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145930734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Recent advancements in bacterial extracellular polymeric substances based flocculants for wastewater treatment","authors":"Srinivasan R. Kaarmukhilnilavan,&nbsp;Ammaiyappan Selvam,&nbsp;Jonathan W. C. Wong,&nbsp;Chockalingam Muthiah Ramakritinan,&nbsp;Kumarasamy Murugesan","doi":"10.1007/s11157-025-09752-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11157-025-09752-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) based flocculants significantly receive interest as a green and sustainable alternative for the wastewater treatment over polyacrylamides. However, despite of their initial progress, currently these materials are stagnated without significant advancements. It is due to the poor understanding of their chemical structure, synthesis pathways, molecular regulation and surface chemistry of flocculation. The polysaccharides are serving as the major backbones for the EPS flocculants. Particularly, amino sugars, neutral sugars, uronic acids, and amino acids are found to be their building blocks. However, many bioflocculants have unprecedented proportions of unrevealed “dark matters”. Advanced molecular techniques and polymer purification systems are paving the way to uncover such materials. The wastewater treatment efficacy of EPS flocculants has been established in various types of wastewaters. Their ability of enhancing various wastewater parameters namely turbidity, COD, suspended solids, heavy metals and dyes promote them as a potential alternative for synthetic flocculants. Among several theories, the electrostatic patching theory best explains their flocculation mechanism especially for cation dependent EPS flocculants. Compared with polyacrylamides, the substrate-to-product conversion level is several folds lower for EPS. The largescale operations have to face various challenges including lower yield, failure of runs and critical purification practices. However, these drawbacks can be overcome by advanced techniques such as genetic engineering. Moreover, several studies have indicated that the EPS flocculants can be produced from cheap waste substrates that paves a way for sustainable productivity.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":754,"journal":{"name":"Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":10.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}