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The Science of the Total Environment May 2024The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater... (Review)
Review
The pervasive presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in diverse products has led to their introduction into wastewater systems, making wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) significant PFAS contributors to the environment. Despite WWTPs' efforts to mitigate PFAS impact through physicochemical and biological means, concerns persist regarding PFAS retention in generated biosolids. While numerous review studies have explored the fate of these compounds within WWTPs, no study has critically reviewed their presence, transformation mechanisms, and partitioning within the sludge. Therefore, the current study has been specifically designed to investigate these aspects. Studies show variations in PFAS concentrations across WWTPs, highlighting the importance of aqueous-to-solid partitioning, with sludge from PFOS and PFOA-rich wastewater showing higher concentrations. Research suggests biological mechanisms such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, transamine metabolism, and beta-oxidation are involved in PFAS biotransformation, though the effects of precursor changes require further study. Carbon chain length significantly affects PFAS partitioning, with longer chains leading to greater adsorption in sludge. The wastewater's organic and inorganic content is crucial for PFAS adsorption; for instance, higher sludge protein content and divalent cations like calcium and magnesium promote adsorption, while monovalent cations like sodium impede it. In conclusion, these discoveries shed light on the complex interactions among factors affecting PFAS behavior in biosolids. They underscore the necessity for thorough considerations in managing PFAS presence and its impact on environmental systems.
Topics: Wastewater; Sewage; Biosolids; Fluorocarbons; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification
PubMed: 38458438
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171559 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Mar 2024In recent years, the treatment of organic pollutants has become a global concern due to the threat to human health posed by emerging contaminants, especially antibiotic... (Review)
Review
In recent years, the treatment of organic pollutants has become a global concern due to the threat to human health posed by emerging contaminants, especially antibiotic contamination. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can solve the organic pollution problem well, which have been identified as a promising solution for the treatment of hard-to-handle organic compounds including antibiotic contaminants. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are excellent catalysts because of their flexible tunability, favorable thermal stability, abundant active sites, and facile exchangeability of intercalated anions. This paper conducted a systematic review of LDHs-based materials used for common antibiotic removal by three significant AOP technologies, such as photocatalysis, the Fenton-like processes, and peroxymonosulfate catalysis. The degradation effects studied in various studies were reviewed, and the mechanisms were discussed in detail based on the type of AOPs. Finally, the challenges and the application trends of AOPs that may arise were prospected. The aim of this study is to suggest ways to provide practical guidance for the screening and improvement of LDH materials and the rational selection of AOPs to achieve efficient antibiotic degradation. This could lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly materials and processes for degrading antibiotics, with significant implications for our ecological conservation by addressing water pollution.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; Hydroxides; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 38353817
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32059-w -
Journal of Environmental Management Feb 2024Biofiltration utilizes natural mechanisms including biodegradation and biotransformation along with other physical processes for the removal of organic micropollutants... (Review)
Review
Biofiltration utilizes natural mechanisms including biodegradation and biotransformation along with other physical processes for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides and industrial compounds found in (waste)water. In this systematic review, a total of 120 biofiltration studies from 25 countries were analyzed, considering various biofilter configurations, source water types, biofilter media and scales of operation. The study also provides a bibliometric analysis to identify the emerging research trends in the field. The results show that granular activated carbon (GAC) either alone or in combination with another biofiltration media can remove a broad range of OMPs efficiently. The impact of pre-oxidation on biofilter performance was investigated, revealing that pre-oxidation significantly improved OMP removal and reduced the empty bed contact time (EBCT) needed to achieve a consistently high OMP. Biofiltration with pre-oxidation had median removals ranging between 65% and >90% for various OMPs at 10-45 min EBCT with data variability drastically reducing beyond 20 min EBCT. Biofiltration without pre-oxidation had lower median removals with greater variability. The results demonstrate that pre-oxidation greatly enhances the removal of adsorptive and poorly biodegradable OMPs, while its impact on other OMPs varies. Only 19% of studies we reviewed included toxicity testing of treated effluent, and even fewer measured transformation products. Several studies have previously reported an increase in effluent toxicity because of oxidation, although it was successfully abated by subsequent biofiltration in most cases. Therefore, the efficacy of biofiltration treatment should be assessed by integrating toxicity testing into the assessment of overall removal.
Topics: Filtration; Water Purification; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Charcoal; Water
PubMed: 38325285
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120203 -
Environmental Research May 2024In the context of global warming, increasingly widespread and frequent freezing and thawing cycles (FTCs) will have profound effects on the biogeochemical cycling of...
In the context of global warming, increasingly widespread and frequent freezing and thawing cycles (FTCs) will have profound effects on the biogeochemical cycling of soil carbon and nitrogen. FTCs can increase soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing the stability of soil aggregates, promoting the release of dissolved organic carbon, decreasing the number of microorganisms, inducing cell rupture, and releasing carbon and nitrogen nutrients for use by surviving microorganisms. However, the similarity and disparity of the mechanisms potentially contributing to changes in GHGs have not been systematically evaluated. The present study consolidates the most recent findings on the dynamics of soil carbon and nitrogen, as well as GHGs, in relation to FTCs. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of FTCs on soil GHGs in a systematic manner. In this study, particular emphasis is given to the following: (i) the reaction mechanism involved; (ii) variations in soil composition in different types of land (e.g., forest, peatland, farmland, and grassland); (iii) changes in soil structure in response to cycles of freezing temperatures; (iv) alterations in microbial biomass and community structure that may provide further insight into the fluctuations in GHGs after FTCs. The challenges identified included the extension of laboratory-scale research to ecosystem scales, the performance of in-depth investigation of the coupled effects of carbon, nitrogen, and water in the freeze-thaw process, and analysis of the effects of FTCs through the use of integrated research tools. The results of this study can provide a valuable point of reference for future experimental designs and scientific investigations and can also assist in the analysis of the attributes of GHG emissions from soil and the ecological consequences of the factors that influence these emissions in the context of global permafrost warming.
Topics: Carbon; Carbon Dioxide; Ecosystem; Freezing; Greenhouse Gases; Methane; Nitrogen; Nitrous Oxide; Soil
PubMed: 38316387
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118386 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jan 2024Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to... (Review)
Review
Advancement in nanomaterials for environmental pollutants remediation: a systematic review on bibliometrics analysis, material types, synthesis pathways, and related mechanisms.
Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to their unique properties. This review paper provides a systematic analysis of the potential of NMs for environmental pollution remediation compared to conventional techniques. It elaborates on several aspects, including conventional and advanced techniques for removing pollutants, classification of NMs (organic, inorganic, and composite base). The efficiency of NMs in remediation of pollutants depends on their dispersion and retention, with each type of NM having different advantages and disadvantages. Various synthesis pathways for NMs, including traditional synthesis (chemical and physical) and biological synthesis pathways, mechanisms of reaction for pollutants removal using NMs, such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, photocatalysis, and oxidation, also are evaluated. Additionally, this review presents suggestions for future investigation strategies to improve the efficacy of NMs in environmental remediation. The research so far provides strong evidence that NMs could effectively remove contaminants and may be valuable assets for various industrial purposes. However, further research and development are necessary to fully realize this potential, such as exploring new synthesis pathways and improving the dispersion and retention of NMs in the environment. Furthermore, there is a need to compare the efficacy of different types of NMs for remediating specific pollutants. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of NMs for mitigating environmental pollutants and calls for more research in this direction.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Environmental Pollution; Nanostructures; Bibliometrics
PubMed: 38200605
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02151-3 -
Journal of Environmental Management Feb 2024Composting is an environmentally friendly method that facilitates the biodegradation of organic solid waste, ultimately transforming it into stable end-products suitable... (Review)
Review
Composting is an environmentally friendly method that facilitates the biodegradation of organic solid waste, ultimately transforming it into stable end-products suitable for various applications. The element iron (Fe) exhibits flexibility in form and valence. The typical Fe-related additives include zero-valent-iron, iron oxides, ferric and ferrous ion salts, which can be targeted to drive composting process through different mechanisms and are of keen interest to academics. Therefore, this review integrated relevant literature from recent years to provide more comprehensive overview about the influence and mechanisms of various Fe-related additives on composting process, including organic components conversion, humus formation and sequestration, changes in biological factors, stability and safety of composting end-products. Meanwhile, it was recommended that further research be conducted on the deep action mechanisms, biochemical pathways, budget balance analysis, products stability and application during organic solid waste composting with Fe-related additives. This review provided guidance for the subsequent targeted application of Fe-related additives in compost, thereby facilitating cost reduction and promoting circular economy objectives.
Topics: Composting; Solid Waste; Iron; Soil; Biodegradation, Environmental; Ferrous Compounds
PubMed: 38171126
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119952 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... May 2024The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing globally. Biomarkers of waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure are less studied. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing globally. Biomarkers of waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure are less studied.
AIMS AND METHODS
To identify the types of biomarkers of WTS exposure and estimate changes in biomarker concentrations pre- to post-WTS exposure. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies up to April 24, 2023. The types of biomarkers were identified. Random-effects models were used to estimate changes in biomarker concentrations pre- to post-WTS exposure.
RESULTS
Seventy-three studies involving 3755 participants exposed to WTS (49% male, mean age: 24.8 years) and 11 types of biomarkers of WTS exposure were identified. The biomarkers included tobacco alkaloids, expired carbon monoxide (eCO), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), tobacco-specific nitrosamines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, unmetabolized VOCs, unmetabolized PAHs, furan metabolites, and heterocyclic aromatic amines. Compared with pre-WTS exposure, eCO (breath; mean difference [MD] 27.00 ppm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.91 to 33.08), COHb (blood; MD 4.30%; 95%CI: 2.57 to 6.03), COHb (breath; MD 7.14%; 95%CI: 4.96 to 9.31), nicotine (blood; MD 8.23 ng/mL; 95%CI: 6.27 to 10.19), and cotinine (urine; MD 110.40 ng/mL; 95%CI: 46.26 to 174.54) significantly increased post-WTS exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
Biomarkers of WTS exposure were systematically identified. The similarity between the biomarkers of WTS exposure and those of cigarette smoke and higher concentrations of some biomarkers post-WTS exposure underscore the need for further research on applying biomarkers in surveillance, interventions, and regulations to mitigate the harms of waterpipe tobacco smoking.
IMPLICATIONS
This study provides the first comprehensive overview of biomarkers investigated and available for assessing WTS exposure and their concentration changes in the human body. Researchers can use biomarkers such as eCO, COHb, nicotine, and cotinine to measure the health risks associated with WTS exposure and objectively evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at reducing waterpipe tobacco smoking. Public health policymaking can also be informed through increased biomarker concentrations following WTS exposure, to implement regulations and public health education campaigns on limiting or preventing waterpipe tobacco smoking.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Tobacco, Waterpipe; Water Pipe Smoking; Carbon Monoxide; Male; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Volatile Organic Compounds; Female; Adult; Young Adult; Carboxyhemoglobin
PubMed: 38157415
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad262 -
The Science of the Total Environment Mar 2024Metals are rarely found as free ions in natural and anthropogenic environments, but they are often associated with organic matter and minerals. Under the context of... (Review)
Review
Metals are rarely found as free ions in natural and anthropogenic environments, but they are often associated with organic matter and minerals. Under the context of circular economy, metals should be recycled, yet they are difficult to extract for their complex forms in real situations. Based on the protocols of review methodology and the analysis of VOS viewer, there are few reviews on the properties of metal-organic complexes, decomplexation methods, the effect of coexisting ions, the pH influence, and metal recovery methods for the increasingly complicated metal-organic complexes wastewater. Conventional treatment methods such as flocculation, adsorption, biological degradation, and ion exchange fail to decompose metal-organic complexes completely without causing secondary pollution in wastewater. To enhance comprehension of the behavior and morphology exhibited by metal-organic complexes within aqueous solutions, we presented the molecular structure and properties of metal-organic complexes, the decomplexation mechanisms that encompassed both radical and non-radical oxidizing species, including hydroxyl radical (OH), sulfate radical (SO˙), superoxide radical (O˙), hydrogen peroxide (HO), ozone (O), and singlet oxygen (O). More importantly, we reviewed novel aspects that have not been covered by previous reviews considering the impact of operational parameters and coexisting ions. Finally, the potential avenues and challenges were proposed for future research.
PubMed: 38154646
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169582 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2023: More than a billion people worldwide suffer from chronic periodontitis. The primary etiological factor of periodontal diseases is dental plaque and the bacteria it... (Review)
Review
: More than a billion people worldwide suffer from chronic periodontitis. The primary etiological factor of periodontal diseases is dental plaque and the bacteria it contains, particularly , , , , and . Zinc, owing to its antibacterial properties, can be employed in periodontology. The objective of this review was to analyze scientific literature that examines the effects of zinc on periopathogens. : A systematic review protocol of scientific literature was designed following PRISMA recommendations. Data search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases. Full-text articles in English that examine the effects of zinc on periopathogens and were published between 2011 and 2021 were included. Fifteen articles were included in the analysis based on inclusion criteria. ZnO exhibited antibacterial activity against and ( < 0.001). The minimum inhibitory concentration against was 10 μg/mL. ZnO demonstrated a significant antibacterial effect, as evidenced by inhibition zones of 15.10 mm for , 13.36 mm for , 12.98 mm for , and 14.01 mm for Zn (II)-based polymers inhibited the and genes of . Titanium dental implants coated with ZnO effectively disrupted the cell walls of and . ZnO inhibited the growth of within 2 h and the growth of and within 3 h. ZnO exhibited nontoxic effects, and concentrations up to 0.8 mg/L increased cell survival rates by up to 90%. The analysis of the literature confirms the antibacterial action of zinc against periodontal pathogenic bacteria. At low concentrations, these substances do not exhibit cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Chronic Periodontitis; Organic Chemicals; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Zinc; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 38138191
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122088 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jan 2024Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly studied in recent years. It has several applications such as bone regeneration,... (Review)
Review
Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly studied in recent years. It has several applications such as bone regeneration, promotion of angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, and exerts multiple effects to deal with various problems in the process of bone regeneration. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the applications and effectiveness of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration. A search of papers published in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases revealed 532 relevant studies. Title, abstract, and full-text screening resulted in 39 papers being included in the review, including 39 in vitro and 22 animal studies. Appropriate concentrations of nano ZIF-8 can promote cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by releasing Zn and entering the cell, whereas high doses of ZIF-8 are cytotoxic and inhibit osteogenic differentiation. In addition, five studies confirmed that ZIF-8 exhibits good vasogenic activity. In all in vivo experiments, nano ZIF-8 promoted bone formation. These results indicate that, at appropriate concentrations, materials containing ZIF-8 promote bone regeneration more than materials without ZIF-8, and with characteristics such as promoting angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, it is expected to show promising applications in the field of bone regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript reviewed the use of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration, clarified the biocompatibility and effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration of ZIF-8 materials, and discussed the possible mechanisms and factors affecting its promotion of bone regeneration. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the latest advances in the field of bone regeneration of ZIF-8, serves as a design guide, and contributes to the design of future experimental studies.
Topics: Animals; Osteogenesis; Zeolites; Bone Regeneration; Biocompatible Materials; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38042375
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.049