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Background: Currently, the direct method is the main approach for establishment of reference interval (RI). However, only a handful of studies have described the effects of sample size on establishment of RI and estimation of sample size. We describe a novel approach for estimation of the sample size when establishing RIs using the transformed parametric and non-parametric methods.Methods: A total of 3,697 healthy participants were enrolled in this study. We adopted a two-layer nested loop sample size estimation method to determine the effects of sample size on RI, using thyroid-related hormone as an example. The sample size was selected as the calculation result when the width of the confidence interval (CI) of the upper and lower limit of the RI were both stably < 0.2 times the width of RI. Then, we calculated the sample size for establishing RIs via transformed parametric and non-parametric methods for thyroid-related hormones.Results: Sample sizes for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), as required by parametric and non-parametric methods to establish RIs were 239 and 850, respectively. Sample sizes required by the transformed parametric method for free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4) were all less than 120, while those required by the non-parametric method were more than 120.Conclusion: We describe a novel approach for estimating sample sizes for establishment of RI. A corresponding open-source code has been developed and is available for applications. The established method is suitable for most analytes, with evidence based on thyroid-related hormones indicating that different sample sizes are required to establish RIs using different methods for analytes with different variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Removal rates for Pb2+ and Cd2+ increased by 76–80% from virgin AC to spent AC. • From virgin AC to spent AC, pH and PZC decreased, and surface carboxyl increased. • BAC process imparts the spent AC a function of removing metals by ion exchange. • The finding will provide new ideas for the reuse of spent AC (hazardous waste). Abstract To investigate the potential of the spent activated carbon (AC) on removing heavy metals, the spent ACs used 5 years were collected from a full-scale BAC water treatment plant of southern China. The study found that the spent ACs had very good adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cd(II) at low concentrations (about 200 μg/L or less) with the maximum removal rates of more than 95% and 86% respectively (only 10–15% for virgin ACs), which will provide the theoretical basis for the disposal of spent AC (the hazardous waste) in BAC process or the combination reuse of spent AC and the virgin AC. Surface properties analyses showed that compared to virgin AC, the pH and PZC in the spent AC significantly decreased, and the relative abundance of surface carboxyl increased by 81% on average, which are essential for the adsorption of metals. To explore the adsorption mechanism, take Pb(II) for example, the adsorption isotherm and kinetics fittings were carried out, which can be well described by Freundlich model (R2 = 0.9356) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9276), respectively. Analyses of influencing factors, FT-IR and XPS before and after Pb(II) adsorption confirmed the ion exchange mechanism of spent AC for the removal of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we reported the strong negative interference of calcium dobesilate, a vasoprotective agent, in creatinine assays involving the Trinder reaction. It is hypothesized that a similar effect occurs in the detection of uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The interferences of calcium dobesilate during the detection of the five serum analytes were investigated on automated systems/analysers, and the effects were compared among eight different assay systems for each analyte. A calcium dobesilate standard was added into two sets of the blank serum pools of each analyte at final concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 μg/mL. The percentage deviation of each analyte value was calculated between each drug concentration and the drug-free samples. The clinically acceptable error levels for UA, TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were defined as ±4.87%, ±4.1%, ±9.57%, ±5.61%, and ±5.46%, respectively. The observed interference was concentration dependent for each analyte. In the presence of 16 μg/mL calcium dobesilate, which was within the therapeutic range, all seven Trinder reaction-based UA assay systems, two TG assay systems, two HDL-C assay systems and one TC assay system exhibited negative drug interferences. Calcium dobesilate negatively interferes with the detection of UA, TG, TC, and HDL-C in assay systems based on the Trinder reaction. The effect was most significant in UA and TG detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic membranes are emerging materials for effective oil/water separation. In this paper, an electrospun nanofibrous (ENF) membrane with hierarchical structures was prepared by the construction of polydopamine nanoclusters onto a cross-linked polyacrylonitrile/hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PAN/HPEI/PDA) ENF membrane. This hierarchical structure endows the membrane with superhydrophilicity with a low water contact angle of 0°, and underwater superoleophobicity with a high oil contact angle of 162°. This membrane can effectively separate oil/water emulsions with a high permeate flux (~ 1600 L m −2 h −1 ) and high oil rejection (~ 98.5%), solely driven by gravity. Furthermore, the membrane also showed an excellent antifouling ability for oil droplets and recyclability (>10 cycles), making it a promising candidate for treatment of oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of iron metabolism parameters with disease severity and outcome in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients has not been reported. This study was conducted to determined clinical factors including iron metabolism parameters correlated with disease severity and future outcome in non-anemic immunotherapy-naïve MG patients first receiving immunotherapy. One hundred and ten patients were included at baseline to explore predictor variables associated with disease severity represented by variables derived from MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL) score using multivariate logistic regression, after which 103 and 98 patients were included respectively in multivariate survival analyses at 6-month and 12-month follow-up to identify predictors for minimal manifestation status (MMS) after starting immunotherapy. Higher ferritin level was independently associated with higher risk of severe generalized disease in non-anemic immunotherapy-naïve MG patients. Total iron binding capacity <250 μg/dL and the interval between onset and immunotherapy <1 year were independent predictors for MMS at 6-month and 12-month follow-up after initiating immunotherapy. Transferrin <2.00 g/L was an independent predictor for MMS at 12-month follow-up. Iron metabolism parameters might be promising biomarkers for evaluating disease severity and guiding therapeutic decision in MG patients. • Ferritin level positively correlated with disease severity in myasthenia gravis (MG). • Total iron binding capacity and transferrin levels correlated with outcome in MG. • Iron metabolism parameters might be promising biomarkers for MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the extensive research on data mining algorithms, there is still a lack of a standard protocol to evaluate the performance of the existing algorithms. Therefore, the study aims to provide a novel procedure that combines data mining algorithms and simplified preprocessing to establish reference intervals (RIs), with the performance of five algorithms assessed objectively as well. Methods: Two data sets were derived from the population undergoing a physical examination. Hoffmann, Bhattacharya, Expectation Maximum (EM), kosmic, and refineR algorithms combined with two-step data preprocessing respectively were implemented in the Test data set to establish RIs for thyroid-related hormones. Algorithm-calculated RIs were compared with the standard RIs calculated from the Reference data set in which reference individuals were selected following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Objective assessment of the methods is implemented by the bias ratio (BR) matrix. Results: RIs of thyroid-related hormones are established. There is a high consistency between TSH RIs established by the EM algorithm and the standard TSH RIs (BR = 0.063), although EM algorithms seems to perform poor on other hormones. RIs calculated by Hoffmann, Bhattacharya, and refineR methods for free and total triiodo-thyronine, free and total thyroxine respectively are close and match the standard RIs. Conclusion: An effective approach for objectively evaluating the performance of the algorithm based on the BR matrix is established. EM algorithm combined with simplified preprocessing can handle data with significant skewness, but its performance is limited in other scenarios. The other four algorithms perform well for data with Gaussian or near-Gaussian distribution. Using the appropriate algorithm based on the data distribution characteristics is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aminated electrospun nanofiber membrane (ENFM) was synthesized via facile method and used as the PRB material to remediate Cr(VI) contaminated soil. • A facile strategy for fabricating aminated electrospun nanofiber membrane was developed. • This membrane exhibited excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance. • The interaction between Cr(VI) and amino group was systematically investigated. • This membrane was used as PRB material for Cr(VI) contaminated soil remediation. Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) combined permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is an emerging technique for the in-situ hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) heavy metal contaminated soil remediation. In the EKR-PRB technique, PRB materials with high Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and regenerability are severe desired. Here, a promising PRB material of aminated electrospun nanofiber membrane (ENFM) was synthesized by a facile short time thermal treatment of an hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI)-enriched polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ENFM. The as-prepared PAN/HPEI ENFM exhibited a remarkable Cr(VI) adsorption capacity (~206 mg g−1) and excellent reusability (>9 cycles) owing to its amine group-rich membrane surface and interpenetrating porous structure. More importantly, a bench-scale Cr(VI) contaminated soil remediation test using a EKR-PRB technique showed that this PAN/HPEI ENFM could effectively immobilize and remove the Cr(VI) in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study compared RIs for thyroid-related hormones in older adults established by five data mining algorithms. • The applicability of the five algorithms in physical examination population, and outpatients was evaluated. • In this study, corresponding algorithms are recommended for different situations. To establish Reference intervals (RIs) of thyroid-related hormones in older adults using five data mining algorithms and to assess the applicability of each algorithm. RIs for thyroid-related hormones in older adults were established using five data mining algorithms based on physical examination and patient data. The results of these algorithms were compared to those of RIs established using healthy older adults recruited following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The bias ratio (BR) matrix was used to compare the limits of RIs established using different algorithms. Consistency across different algorithms in physical examination data was found to be greater than that of outpatient data. The transformed Hoffmann, transformed Bhattacahrya, kosmic and refineR algorithms showed good performance in calculating RIs from physical examination data. The RIs of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) established using Expectation maximization (EM) and patient data were highly consistent with the RIs established using data from healthy older adults. This study recommends the use of transformed Hoffmann, transformed Bhattacahrya, kosmic, and refineR algorithms which are based on physical examination data to establish RIs for thyroid-related hormones in older adults. However, if patient data is used, then an EM algorithm combined with Box-Cox transformation is recommended for data with obvious skewness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mainstream biomass precombustion processes include anaerobic digestion (AD), gasification (GS), fast pyrolysis (FP), and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Precombustion processes determine the forms of biomass-derived fuels, the energy production per mass of biomass and the creation of pollutants; consequently, it is important to determine the impacts of precombustion processes on these metrics. Current environmental evaluation methods have limitations when comparing various technologies. Accordingly, we proposed an index for the environmental impact of biomass preprocessing (EIBP), which includes carbon footprint reduction, pollutant impacts from byproducts and pollutant impacts from residuals. A higher EIBP value implies a worse environmental impact. We evaluated the EIBPs for a variety of processes and feedstocks. Technical levels of these processes were quantified by carbon conversion, which is equal to the sum of the carbon mass in the target products and byproducts divided by the total carbon mass in the feedstock. By adjusting the carbon conversion, we inferred the environmental potentials of these processes. We found that AD had the lowest EIBP and EIBP lower bound, the latter of which refers to the theoretically lowest EIBP under idealized conditions. This result implies that AD is likely to maintain its environmental impact advantage for a decade. Although the newly developed HTL technology had the highest EIBP for almost all feedstocks, it had an extremely high environmental impact improvement potential. The correlation analysis between the energy conversion efficiency and the EIBP showed that they do not necessarily have strong correlations, suggesting that environmental impact should be considered separately when optimizing biomass precombustion processes. • An environmental evaluation method of biomass precombustion processes is proposed. • The method solves drawbacks of life cycle assessment method for comparative study. • The method reveals environmental impact upper bound of these processes. • Anaerobic digestion shows better environmental impact and enhancement potential. • Energy and environment performances show weak correlation for these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /In(OH) 3 photocatalysts were synthesised using a one-pot hydrothermal method. • Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /In(OH) 3 /PVDF (BON-M) demonstrated effective degradation of tetracycline. • BON-M showed good stability with effective antifouling and self-cleaning properties. • The photocatalyst relies on S-scheme heterojunctions for its effectiveness. • Photogenerated holes play a dominant role in the BON-M system. Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /In(OH) 3 (BON) photocatalysts were synthesized by a one-pot method and loaded onto polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes to obtain a Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /In(OH) 3 /PVDF (BON-M) catalytic membrane system. The catalytic membranes demonstrated complete degradation of tetracycline within 40 min under visible light. They demonstrated robust photocatalytic activity across a broad pH range (5–11) and in the presence of coexisting ions. The membranes demonstrated excellent self-cleaning performance. Following exposure to light, the irreversible contamination decreased from 27.1% to 4.7% and the membrane's permeability was almost completely restored. Moreover, the charge transfer mechanism at the S-scheme heterojunction interface of BON was demonstrated by Density functional theory and in-situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy characterisation, and the active sites involved in tetracycline's degradation were identified. Meanwhile, the mechanism of the "anemone effect" of BON-M was demonstrated in conjunction with Electron paramagnetic resonance, and the intrinsic Some factors enhancing the membranes' photocatalytic activity are specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A total concentration of 41.4 ∼ 342.1 ng/L PAs in treated drinking water was discovered for the first time. • Up to 97 % of heliotrine and N-oxide were degraded by UV/persulfate in 30 min. • Based on steady-state kinetic models, effect of various influence factors were evaluated. • The EE/O calculations suggested UV/PDS was a cost-effective treatment for controlling PA contamination in actual applications. • Degradation pathways of heliotrine and N-oxide oxidated by sulfate radicals were proposed. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), recognized as a group of toxic secondary metabolites, have raised growing concerns in recent years due to their potential high toxicity. However, studies on the degradation of PAs in drinking water treatments have yet to be conducted. Herein, the treatment of Heliotrine (HEL) and N-oxide (HELNO), two dominant PAs detected in the treated drinking water, are analyzed for the first time. The UV/peroxydisulfate (UV/PDS) process was demonstrated to be efficient in the degradation of PAs, achieving almost complete removal of HEL and HELNO in 30 min. SO 4 •− plays a dominant role in the system, with second-order rate constants of 2.3 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 1.0 × 109 M−1 s−1 for HEL and HELNO, respectively. Based on the steady-state kinetic models, the effect of influence factors, including PDS dosage, initial pollutant concentration, pH, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and chloride (Cl−), were evaluated. Acidic conditions were proven to be favorable for PA degradations, primarily contributed to the minimized quenching effect of OH− and phosphate on SO 4 •−. The inhibitory effect of DOM on radical quenching significantly overweighted the promotion effect of the generated excited triplet DOM (3DOM*), resulting in a diminished degradation efficiency. The pronounced inhibition of Cl− could be attributed to the conversion of SO 4 •− to OH•, involving the formation of reactive chlorine species. The UV/PDS treatment was suggested economical in the removal of PAs as a post-filtration and before-chlorination treatment through electrical energy per order (EE/O) calculation. Finally, reasonable degradation pathways of HEL and HELNO reacted with SO 4 •− were proposed, involving the initial one-electron oxidation of HEL/HELNO by SO 4 •− radical, and further reactions (e.g. , hydroxylation, pyrrolidine ring-cleavage and self-coupling) of the formed N-centered cation radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Membrane fouling, especially inorganic fouling due to salt crystal formation and deposition on the membrane surface, is still a major technical issue in membrane distillation (MD) applications. In this study, microbubble aeration (MBA) was included in a laboratory-scale vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) rig and its effect on a desalination process was examined. Without MBA, serious membrane scaling occurred during desalination of simulated high-salinity sea water (100 g.L−1 salt concentration), which resulted in a dramatic reduction of permeate flux to essentially zero after 120 min. Scanning electron microscopy showed that a layer of large cuboid salt crystals uniformly covered the membrane surface. However, membrane scaling was mitigated with the introduction of MBA, resulting in the improved VMD desalination performance, which was positively correlated with pump pressure in the microbubble (MB) generator. Results showed that the effective processing time of the VMD desalination processing cycle was respectively prolonged to 150, 180, and more than 300 and 360 min (cf. 120 min without MBA) when the pump pressure was respectively at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 MPa, leading to the increase of cumulative water production. Further studies found that larger numbers of MBs of smaller size were produced at higher pump pressure, which are more beneficial for increasing water vapor production and alleviating salt precipitation. The difference in zeta potential between the MBs in distilled water (about −30 mV) and that in SW100 solution (about -2 mV) demonstrated that MBA not only effectively mitigated the negative effect of concentration polarization by enhancing the surface shear rate at the membrane surface, but also reduced salt precipitation probably due to the MBs attracting counterions to the gas-water interface. Finally, energy consumption analysis of the modified VMD desalination process revealed that MBA, while itself only adding about 3% to the total energy consumption at varied pump pressures, was able to improve the specific energy consumption, especially at higher pump pressures. Together, these results demonstrate that MBA is an effective way of improving the performance of VMD desalination of water. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Microbubble aeration (MBA) effectively improved VMD desalination performance. • Membrane scaling was alleviated with the introduction of MBA. • MBA markedly improved the specific energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metal sulfide NaTS-2 was prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal method to remove strontium ions from the simulated radioactive wastewater, in which metal tin was replaced by tin salts to reduce the cost of the raw materials. NaTS-2 has a layered structure with an approximate molar ratio of Na:Sn:S of 1.94:2.87:7. NaTS-2 could rapidly remove Sr2+ with a removal efficiency of 99.3% ± 0.23% within 1 min and at an equilibrium of 60 min, followed by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 88.9 ± 0.81 mg/g at 298 K. NaTS-2 exhibited an outstanding affinity for Sr2+ (Kd ≥ (3.0 ± 0.10) × 105 mL/g) over a broad pH range of 3–11, also displayed significant affinity (Kd ≥ (1.0 ± 0.15) × 105 mL/g) and excellent removal efficiency (≥ 98.5% ± 0.48%) for typical activated corrosion products (Co2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+). NaTS-2 is a promising adsorbent in the field of radioactive wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption is an effective method to remove cesium and strontium from a solution. Although a variety of adsorbents has been reported, it is difficult to compare their adsorption properties due to different experimental conditions (such as solution concentration, volume, composition, temperature, etc.). In this paper, a series of adsorbents for the adsorption of cesium and strontium (ammonium phosphomolybdate, Prussian blue, sabite, clinoptilolite, titanium silicate) were synthesized and characterized using XRD, IR and SEM, and their adsorption performance in mixed solution (containing Li, Na, K, Cs, Ca, Sr and Mg ions, 1 mmol L−1), artificial seawater and salt lake brine were studied under the same conditions; in addition, the adsorption mechanism was elucidated. The results showed that ammonium phosphomolybdate has the largest adsorption capacity for cesium in the mixed solution. In artificial seawater and salt lake brine, Prussian blue displays the highest cesium adsorption capacity and the best selectivity. The multi-adsorption mechanisms are beneficial to the selective adsorption of Prussian blue in complex solutions. These results are useful for choosing adsorbents for cesium and strontium in applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TpDQ-COF with abundant anthraquinone groups is prepared. • TpDQ-COF exhibits the outstanding ATZ photodegradation through PMS activation. • Anthraquinone unit favors photogenerated charge separation and migration. Atrazine (ATZ), a wildly used s-triazine herbicide to avoid grassy insects and weeds, causes biological and environmental issues due to its prolonged existence and various toxic properties. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) photoactivation-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) meet the challenges of sustainable energy and environmental concerns, and thus are promising challenging for ATZ degradation. However, preparing photocatalysts to realize efficient ATZ degradation remains challenging. Here, we prepared the highly efficient visible-light photocatalyst with abundant anthraquinone groups, i.e. TpDQ-COF, which was employed to activate PMS for fast and efficient ATZ degradation. ATZ degradation in the TpDQ-COF/PMS system reached 0.127 min−1 under visible light (VL), which is ca. 17.9 times that of TpDA-COF without anthraquinone. It implies that anthraquinone units served as pivotal active sites for facilitating photoelectron separation and migration, which triggered ROS generation towards highly effective ATZ degradation. In addition, the radical-quenching and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) experiments proved that •OH, •SO 4 - and 1O 2 played pivotal roles in ATZ degradation under TpDQ-COF/PMS/VL system. The ATZ degradation pathways included dealkylation, dechlorination-hydroxylation, alkylic-hydroxylation, and alkylic-oxidation, which were confirmed by intermediates and density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Overall, TpDQ-COF showcased its excellent practical utility in the removal of organic pollutants in contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Metals, especially K, got enriched in ash as ash recirculation was performed. • Ash showed recirculation reusability in CO and H 2 generation, and tar removal. • The positive effect increased in the first four recirculation, and then kept steady. • The positive effect of recirculation highly depended on the metals content in ash. • Ash showed an ability in capturing SO 2 during its recirculation. A biomass gasification ash disposal method, recirculating it to gasification process, was proposed in this work. The recirculation reusability was analyzed via reusing corn straw (CS) gasification ash for six recirculation in a gasifier. Metals, especially K, got enriched in ash during ash recirculation. Under the 1st ash recirculation, CO content, H 2 content and lower heating value of gas products increased from 16.02 to 19.97 vol%, from 11.30 to 15.72 vol%, from 5.38 to 6.47 MJ/Nm3, respectively. Moreover, it also exhibited an ability in tar decomposition, resulting in a tar reduction (4.63 g/Nm3 for raw CS gasification and 3.62 g/Nm3 for 1st ash recirculation). These positive effects gradually increased during the first four ash recirculation. The positive effects highly depended on the accumulation of metals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe) in ash. The positive effect did not increase as the fifth and sixth ash recirculation were conducted, resulting from the constant metals content in ash. Grey relational analysis showed that the total content of these metals was the most significant influencing parameter, followed by K content, water-soluble K content, Ca content, respectively. Moreover, pollutant SO 2 could be captured by CaO during ash recirculation. This reaction competed with simultaneous CaO carbonation reaction, while it was inferior to the latter. Thus, only the first and second ash recirculation exhibited satisfactory ability in SO 2 capture. In summary, ash recirculation in gasification process was feasible for upgrading gasification performance and its effect was persistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The incorporation of waste textile biochar with many trace elements facilitated inner electron transfer. • The coupling of δ-MnO 2 /C improved the photothermal synthetic efficiency for CH 2 O removal. • Superoxide anion radicals (•O 2 −) was the main ROS work in this catalyst to mineralize CH 2 O. • Catalysts prepared from waste textiles demonstrated significant and pragmatic value in terms of resource recycling. The growth of the textile industry has brought about increasingly abundant waste textiles annually. However, traditional treatment would cause serious soil, water and air contamination. Herein, waste textiles biochar was used to accelerate the in-situ growth of δ-MnO 2 to prepare δ-MnO 2 /C photothermal catalysts with efficient electron transfer. The loading of transition metal oxide δ-MnO 2 facilitate light and heat absorbance of finished catalyst, and its outstanding 2D structure effectively promoted the generation of active sites. The catalysts prepared from silk fiber biochar and 0.4 mol/L KMnO 4 solution (MSI-0.4) exhibited the best photothermal catalytic activity and the degradation efficiency of formaldehyde (CH 2 O) could reach up to 86.9 % (± 3.4 %) with only 27 min irradiation. It could be attributed to the doping of vast trace elements and the existence of abundant O vac , accelerating the separation of photogenerated e-/h+ and the redox cycle of Mn ions. Thus, more ROS could be generated to degrade CH 2 O into CO 2 and H 2 O. This study paved way for reutilizing waste textile to synthesize photothermal catalyst with high activity to remove indoor CH 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HCl plays a key role in contemporary industries, it is imperative to develop technologies for energy- and cost-efficient HCl recovery from acidic wastewater. Membrane technology, while capable of overcoming challenges in extracting target analytes, exhibits insufficient ion-specific selectivity in its associated process. Herein, a simple and efficient "dual-activation interfacial polymerization" strategy was employed to prepare highly crystalline covalent organic framework (COF) membranes bearing ethidium cationic groups for HCl recovery. Our COF membranes, featuring ordered, tunable density of positive charge sites throughout one-dimensional nonporous channels, demonstrated outstanding proficiency in selectively extracting HCl from intricate mixtures. The ethidium cations serving as anion exchange sites promoted the rapid H+ transfer and distinguished H+ and Fe2+ via the electrostatic exclusion mechanism. In addition, a multivariate strategy was employed to investigate how the membrane charge populations affect permselectivity. Increasing the charge density in the pore channels enhanced the selectivity for H+/Fe2+. However, surpassing a specific threshold of charge density (1.011 mmol/g) resulted in negligible alterations of its selectivity. Consequently, the optimal COF membrane (COF-EB 0.5 /HPAN), with the moderate density, displayed the highest H+/Fe2+ separation factor over 5000. This study underscores the impact of charge density on permselectivity and offers insightful guidelines on the development of advanced multifunctional membranes for intricate separation processes. [Display omitted] • Dual-activation strategy was employed to prepare COF-EB x /HPAN. • The impact of charge variations on permselectivity was investigated. • Utilizing a high charge was suboptimal for achieving the desired H+/Fe2+ selectivity. • Highest selectivity of COF-EB 0.5 /HPAN was achieved among the as-prepared membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the aquatic environment has received growing attention due to their persistent mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. In this study, the photooxidation processes of four representative PAs (senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, europine, and heliotrine) in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were investigated. The excited triplet DOM (3DOM*) was demonstrated to play a dominant role in the phototransformation of PAs. The observed degradation rates of PAs largely depended on the DOM concentration. Alkaline conditions and the presence of HCO 3 −/CO 3 2− were conducive to the photodegradation. Based on kinetic modeling, the second-order reaction rate constants of PAs with 3DOM* were predicted to be (1.7∼5.3)×108 M−1 s−1, nearly two orders of magnitude higher than those with singlet oxygen (1O 2). The monoester structure and electron-withdrawing substituent (e.g., −O atom) substantially affected the one-electron oxidation potential of PAs, which dictates the reaction rates of PAs with 3DOM*. Finally, a tentative degradation pathway of PAs was proposed, involving the formation of an N-centered radical cation through one-electron transfer, which then likely deprotonated and further oxidized to more persistent and toxic phototransformation products with an added oxygen atom into the pyrrole ring. [Display omitted] • 3DOM* played a dominant role during the photodegradation of PAs in the presence of DOM. • Factors affecting PA photodegradation processes were elaborated, including DOM concentration, pH, and common anions. • The second-order reaction rate constants between PAs with 3DOM* and 1O 2 were obtained. • Photodegradation pathway of PAs was proposed based on electron transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Vortex flow fields benefit VAWTs by eliminating return blades drawbacks. • Savonius two blades turbine excel other drag-type turbines in vortex flow fields. • Higher AR enhances blade responsiveness to TSR sw. • Twist angle enhances blade performance by using both axial and tangential velocity. • GR implies less surface area improves energy output in high-speed zones. Solar vortex engines (SVE), an emerging renewable energy technology, utilize solar thermal energy through a concentrated updraft vortex. It has been recognized that updraft vortices also concentrate energy; however, current research on devices extracting energy from these vortices remains limited. Consequently, this study investigates the performance of drag-type vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), particularly Savonius turbines, within the vortex flow fields generated by solar vortex engines. Both experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are utilized to analyze the energy conversion and losses of these turbines when exposed to a vortex environment. The structural parameters of the turbines, including aspect ratio (AR), twist angle (α), overlap ratio (OR), and gap ratio (GR) are assessed for their influence on the output power and entropy production. Results show that the interaction between the blade and vortex flow field critically enhances the turbine's energy efficiency, by aligning the swirling airflow with the turbine's rotation direction, thereby eliminating the adverse effects of return blades. Specifically, an increase in AR improves turbine sensitivity to tip Speed Ratio to the maximum velocity (TSR sw) changes, enhancing energy output at lower TSR sw. Furthermore, larger twist angles optimize the use of axial and tangential velocity energies, thereby increasing turbine output power and entropy production while smoothing power distribution across all azimuths. Turbines with an AR of 1.5 and a twist angle of 270° demonstrate optimal performance, achieving a maximum power coefficient (C p) of 29.25%. Additionally, optimizing the GR indicates that reducing the turbine blade surface area within vortex flows can paradoxically increase energy output, likely due to a higher concentration of energy in high-speed zones. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of Savonius turbines in vortex flow fields and offers insights into turbine design optimization for enhanced renewable energy performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel magnetic porous carbon (Fe 3 O 4 @CD) was synthesized. • Fe 3 O 4 @CD/PMS exhibited good performance for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal. • Singlet oxygen dominated the catalytic oxidation of SMX by Fe 3 O 4 @CD-8/PMS. • Fe 3 O 4 @CD/PMS had excellent applicability and tolerance to humic acids and anions. Non-radical catalytic oxidation processes can eliminate refractory pollutants from wastewater containing complex substrates such as dissolved organic matter, but the production of selective non-radicals is challenging during the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, a novel magnetic carbon-based catalyst (Fe 3 O 4 @CD-8, where 8 represents an annealing temperature of 800 ℃) with N and Fe species as catalytic active sites was fabricated to remediate sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-containing water. It showed excellent SMX removal efficiency and facilitated singlet oxygen (1O 2) production. The characterization results revealed that Fe 3 O 4 @CD-8 had a microscopically hierarchical pore structure and an overall core–shell-like structure. Due to its large specific surface area, N-containing species, and Fe nanoparticles, 0.1 g/L Fe 3 O 4 @CD-8 removed almost 100% SMX (24 min) and achieved a 44.1% mineralization (40 min) efficiency in the presence of 0.5 mM PMS. This catalytic system also maintained its removal performance in the presence of inorganic anions and humic acids and over a wide pH range of 3–11, showing good tolerance to various environmental factors. 1O 2 was confirmed to be the predominant active species for SMX degradation using the Fe 3 O 4 @CD-8/PMS system. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, intermediate monitoring, and toxicity evaluation demonstrated that SMX was transformed into low-toxicity molecules and completely mineralized into CO 2 and H 2 O. The addition of Fe nanoparticles enhanced PMS adsorption and facilitated the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle to accelerate the activation of PMS. This study provides new insights and strategies for the controlled production of non-radicals for remediating antibiotic-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • N -functionalized sewage sludge-red mud biochar was decorated with active sites. • NSRCB-1 exhibited excellent activity for SMX degradation in PMS system. • The edge nitrogen and ketonic C O contribute to 1O 2 generation and electron transfer. • Pyridinic N and Fe(II) sites might facilitate radicals formation by PMS activation. • The non-radical pathway dominated in NSRCB-1/PMS system for SMX removal. Active sites on catalyst surface play significant roles in oxidative species formation. The work focused on the regulation of main active sites on catalyst surface and oxidative species formation. Herein, sewage sludge (SS)-red mud (RM) complex biochar (SRCB) and N -functionalized SRCB (NSRCB) were served as activators of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sulfanilamide (SMX) degradation. Specially, NSRCB-1 showed excellent catalytic performance with 97.5% removal of SMX within 110 min. Additionally, the effects of N incorporation on the reconstruction of N species, conversion of intrinsic Fe species and ketonic C O groups in SRCB were studied systematically. Both radical (hydroxyl radicals (OH), sulfate radicals (SO 4 −) and superoxide radical (O 2 −)) and non-radical (electron transfer and singlet oxygen (1O 2)) pathways were confirmed by quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) testing and electrochemical measurements. Ketonic C O groups, pyridinic N and pyrrolic N were responsible for non-radical pathway in SMX degradation process. Besides, Fe(II) modulated by N -doping was the main actives site for radicals generation. The contribution of active sites on catalyst surface to oxidative species formation provided fundamental basis for practical water treatment in PMS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of the anaerobic digestion (AD) plant was closely related to the disposal of digestate and enhancement of energy recovery. Aiming to promote this, coupling AD and digestate gasification (AD-gasification) was proposed and evaluated for a large-scale AD plant. Firstly, characterization of the solid digestate was measured. Secondly, air gasification of the solid digestate was performed. Finally, two scenarios aiming at enhancing energy recovery as electricity or gas were investigated. Superior C content (50.14 wt%), H/C (1.57) and O/C (0.62) molar ratios and lower heating value (LHV) of solid digestate (18.01 MJ/kg) made it propitious to gasification. Air gasification of digestate at 800 °C with ER = 0.26 resulted in the optimal LHV of producer gas (6.35 MJ/Nm3) and cold gas efficiency (CGE, 66.99%). In the biomass-to-electricity scenario, the excess of heat from the CHP system in the AD plant was sufficient to dry the solid digestate. Compared with the stand-alone AD plant, the total electricity from the coupling system increased about 11%. In the biomass-to-gas scenario, the gas income increased by 14% when the initial solid digestate was naturally air-dried to a water content of 50%. This research would provide technical guidance for the sustainability of the AD industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic agents exhibit efficacy in water quality stabilization, yet entail inherent risks of nitrogen and phosphorus diffusion losses. This work introduces a versatile inorganic polyborate slow-release preparations (PSRPs) agents. The effectiveness of the PSRPs in terms of scale inhibition, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial activity was empirically validated within a simulated cooling station operating at a circulation rate of 6 L/h and 636 L/h. The [BO 3 ] units dissociate from the PSRPs complex with Ca 0.8 Mg 0.2 , forming slightly soluble, flocculent complexes. The complexes exhibit flexibility and low adhesiveness, enhancing to settle and separate from aquatic environments. Notably, self-propagating boronizing on carbon steel surfaces is characterized by the coordination of Fe with B and O atoms from polyborates. Such coordination notably hinders the transition of iron into its oxidative and ionic forms. Moreover, the study highlights the significant physiological stress effects exerted by high concentrations of borate salts on algae and bacteria. Under the influence of PSRPs, the deposition of scale decreased from 376.9 g/m2 to 35.3 g/m2, the corrosion rate decreased from 1.60 mm/y to 0.22 mm/y, and the antibacterial efficiency increased to 81.8 %. This work is a significant attempt to develop new multifunctional inorganic water treatment agents. [Display omitted] • Polyborate can simultaneously inhibit scale, corrosion, and microorganisms. • The removal of Ca/Mg via complexation and separation achieves scale inhibition. • The self-propagating boronizing process forms a self-repairing passivation film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface boronizing treatment, which forms lattice defects between the boronized layer and the metal substrate, is an effective anti-corrosion strategy. We explored the bonding mode between boron-oxygen ligands and Fe substrate. [BO3] is bonded to Fe with Fe-B bonds, while [BO4] tends to form Fe-O bonds. The larger coordination number of B and O is beneficial to resist Cl- attack. Furthermore, carbon steels were amino-functionalized through a silanol condensation reaction. The electronic localization shifted toward Fe, which was conducive to the formation of hydrogen bonds between amidogen and boron-oxygen complex anions, which increased the boronizing efficiency by tenfold. [Display omitted] • The boronizing mechanism of different configurations of borates was determined. • Chemical adsorption was enhanced by amino modification to intensify boronizing. • The boronizing layer of carbon steel exhibited an exogenous self-healing effect. • After 3 days of self-diffusion boronizing, the anti-corrosion rate reached 93.9 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrogel cross-linking creates a 3D network structure for S-Fe particles. • Amorphous Fe substrate can deeply remove N and P simultaneously in SAD. • Iron-rich media promoted Fe circulation and nitrogen removal by enriching FRB. • Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Geobacter were the keystone species of FRB. • The low effluent pH (<4) of the biofilter did not limit denitrification. The autotrophic denitrification of coupled sulfur and natural iron ore can remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater with low C/N ratios. However, the low solubility of crystalline Fe limits its bioavailability and P absorption capacity. This study investigated the effects of amorphous Fe in drinking water treatment residue (DWTR) and crystalline Fe in red mud (RM) on nitrogen and phosphorus removal during sulfur autotrophic processes. Two types of S-Fe cross-linked filler particles with three-dimensional mesh structures were obtained by combining sulfur with the DWTR/RM using the hydrogel encapsulation method. Two fixed-bed reactors, sulfur-DWTR autotrophic denitrification (SDAD) and sulfur-RM autotrophic denitrification (SRAD), were constructed and stably operated for 236 d Under a 5–8-h hydraulic retention time, the average NO 3 −–N, TN, and phosphate removal rates of SDAD and SRAD were 99.04 %, 96.29 %, 94.03 % (SDAD) and 97.33 %, 69.97 %, 82.26 % (SRAD), respectively. It is important to note that fermentative iron-reducing bacteria, specifically Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , were present in SDAD at an abundance of 58.17 %, but were absent from SRAD. The presence of these bacteria facilitated the reduction of Fe (III) to Fe (II), which led to the complete denitrification of the S-Fe (II) co-electron donor to produce Fe (III), completing the iron cycle in the system. This study proposes an enhancement method for sulfur autotrophic denitrification using an amorphous Fe substrate, providing a new option for the efficient treatment of low-C/N wastewater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel La–B–O–C composites were fabricated as catalysts for methane catalytic combustion at low temperature, and considering the effect of newly C–O bond on B-site ions as active sites, three metal ions (Co, Mn, Fe) were selected for experiment. XRD, N 2 -physisorption, XPS and H 2 -TPR measurements were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of catalysts, which showed that the newly established C–O–B bond reduced the ionic valence of the B-site, and the redox capacities were increased or decreased to different degrees, respectively. Catalytic tests showed that T 50 of La–Co–C–O composites (LC-C) and La–Fe–C–O composites (LF-C) are 377 °C and 482 °C, much lower than that of unmodified catalyst, respectively. But T 50 of La–Mn–C–O composites (LM-C) increases to 507 °C from 493 °C. The superior performance of LC-C could be attributed to the high oxygen vacancies and enhanced redox property, and the better performance of LF-C was mainly benefited from the increase in lattice oxygen. For LM-C, the sacrifice of Mn4+ weakened the catalytic activity. There are more obvious mechanistic differences for different B-site elements in the La–B–O–C. The study will bring innovative insights into the design of excellent composites catalysts for methane oxidation. A latent La–B–C–O composites catalyst for methane catalytic combustion was fabricated and considering the effect of B-site ions as active sites on composite oxides, three metal ions (Co, Mn, Fe) were selected for experiment. The three composites exhibited different degrees of altered catalytic activity and catalytic mechanisms. [Display omitted] • A latent La–B–C–O composites (B Co, Mn, Fe) was fabricated from perovskite and glycerol. • The methane conversion of the La–Co–O–C exceeded 90% at 467 °C, which is 213 °C lower than that of LaCoO 3. • The phases in La–B–C–O composites (B Co, Mn, Fe) are synergistic by C–O bond. • The obvious mechanistic differences were showed for different B-site elements in the La–B–O–C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spent biological activated carbon (SBAC) as solid waste is used to study the removal of radioactive Sr2+ in water. The results show that SBAC adsorbs Sr2+ reaching equilibrium within 3 min and the adsorption is an exothermic reaction. The removal rate can reach more than 85%, desorption rate is less than 6.16%, and it can also achieve 40% removal in river water. The three-round regeneration efficiencies are all ~ 100%. The adsorption process is without secondary pollution. SBAC has good potential for the removal of radioactive Sr2+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, α-, β-, and δ-MnO2 were prepared by a uniform hydrothermal method and then coupled with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) for the degradation of gaseous unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH). The performance in the removal of UDMH, by-product distribution and mechanism were systematically investigated. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman, thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to investigate the factors affecting the catalytic activity. The results showed that O2 and H2O were essential for the removal of UDMH. Photooxidation and ozone catalytic oxidation contribute to the removal and mineralization of UDMH. The integrated process considerably improved the removal and mineralization of UDMH by ozone catalytic oxidation. More reactive oxygen species were generated in the integrated process. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts follows the order: δ-MnO2 > α-MnO2 > β-MnO2. δ-MnO2 displayed the highest removal rate of 100% and a CO2 concentration of 42 ppmv. The good performance of δ-MnO2 was mainly attributed to the large number of surface oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shijiazhuang, the city with the worst air quality in China, is suffering from severe ozone pollution in summer. As the key precursors of ozone generation, it is necessary to control the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) pollution. To have a better understanding of the pollution status and source contribution, the concentrations of 117 ambient VOCs were analyzed from April to August 2018 in an urban site in Shijiazhuang. Results showed that the monthly average concentration of total VOCs was 66.27 ppbv, in which, the oxygenated VOCs (37.89%), alkanes (33.89%), and halogenated hydrocarbons (13.31%) were the main composite on. Eight major sources were identified using Positive Matrix Factorization modeling with an accurate VOCs emission inventory as inter-complementary methods revealed that the petrochemical industry (26.24%), other industrial sources (15.19%), and traffic source (12.24%) were the major sources for ambient VOCs in Shijiazhuang. The spatial distributions of major industrial activities emissions were identified by using geographic information statistics system, which illustrated the VOCs was mainly from the north and southeast of Shijiazhuang. The inverse trajectory analysis using Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) and Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) clearly demonstrated the features of pollutant transport to Shijiazhuang. These findings can provide references for local governments regarding control strategies to reduce VOCs emissions. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co-MOF was synthesized in aqueous solution. • Co-MOF was positively charged at pH lower than 11.8. • Electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions contributed to the favorable adsorption of CR on Co-MOF. • Co-MOF had excellent recyclable performance. Wastewater discharged from the dye production and consumption process has a high chemical oxygen demand, high chroma, and complex structure. In this study, a boat shaped flaky cobalt-based metal–organic framework (Co-MOF) was synthesized in aqueous solution by using a green one-step precipitation strategy. This strategy exhibited favorable efficiency for the removal of Congo red (CR). Furthermore, ZIF-67 with a rhombic dodecahedral shape was synthesized in anhydrous methanol solvent through a one-step precipitation strategy. The effects of the contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial CR concentration, and pH value on the adsorption of CR were also investigated. Results indicated that the adsorption of CR by Co-MOF and ZIF-67 fitted well with the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained for Co-MOF and ZIF-67 with the Langmuir model were 1019.06 and 1044.58 mg/g at 25 °C, respectively. The obtained equilibrium time was less than 5 min. Moreover, Co-MOF and ZIF-67 had the same removal capacities for CR. The adsorption mechanism was attributed to the strong electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions of CR with Co-MOF and ZIF-67. Thus, the proposed method is a facile and green method to synthesize Co-MOF for the efficient removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RIs for SI was firstly established. • Frequency of seafood intake was correlated with serum iodine and not urinary iodine. • Serum iodine level was positively correlated with TT4, TT3, and FT4. • Age or gender did not affect serum or urinary iodine levels in our cohort. Urinary iodine (UI) is commonly used for evaluating iodine status, whereas serum iodine (SI) is more closely correlated with bioavailable iodine. However, no reliable reference intervals (RIs) for clinical use are available. We aimed to establish RIs for SI, UI, and a ratio of UI to urinary creatinine (U-Cre) applicable to the Chinese population. This multicenter cross-sectional study enrolled 930 apparently healthy adults from six representative cities in China (Beijing, Dongying, Guiyang, Urumqi, Shenzhen, and Qiqihar) in 2017. Thyroid ultrasonography and thyroid function tests, including antithyroid antibody tests, were performed to exclude individuals with latent thyroid diseases. An iodine intake-related questionnaire survey was performed. SI and UI were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Possible influencing factors of iodine levels were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. Post-exclusion, the final analysis included 894 individuals. Seafood intake frequency was positively correlated with SI (standardized partial regression coefficient = 0.23) but not with UI and UI/U-Cre. SI was positively correlated with serum TT4 (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.40), TT3 (0.23), and FT4 (0.18). SI and UI showed no age- or sex-specific variations. Significantly higher UI/U-Cre values were observed in Qiqihar than in Beijing, Guizhou, and Shenzhen. Shenzhen showed the lowest UI levels among all evaluated cities. With application of latent abnormal values exclusion procedurere, the RIs for SI, UI, and UI/U-Cre in the population were 36.0–79.3 μg/L, 19–385 μg/L, 22–450 μg/g, respectively. We established RIs for UI and SI among healthy Chinese individuals with no thyroid nodule or dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mild gasification was proposed through mass and energy balance. • Mild gasification occurs with suitable heating rates and oxidation temperatures. • The product characteristics of gas and char under mild gasification were analyzed. • The thermodynamic mechanisms were investigated. To alleviate the challenge of gas and char quality competition arising from over oxidation during the biomass gasification. A new concept of biomass mild gasification based on mass and energy balance was proposed, wherein the energy produced during the oxidation stage precisely equals the energy consumed in the pyrolysis and reduction stages. An energy balance index (EBI), obtained through the combined use of TG-DSC-MS-FTIR and Gaussian model fitting to represent the relationship between mass loss and endothermic/exothermic properties among different reaction stages, was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the critical conditions of biomass mild gasification. Under two typical mild gasification conditions, the quality characteristics of mild gasification biochar were analyzed and the gas evolution characteristics and sequence were determined through the combination of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D COS). The results indicated that mild gasification can be achieved within a heating rate range of 21 °C/min to 26 °C/min, with the oxidation temperature ranging from 776 °C to 869 °C. Under mild gasification conditions, the biochar produced at 850 °C-20 °C/min had higher COOH content, which can regulate soil pH, promote organic matter degradation, and enhance biological activity. Under the 800 °C-25 °C/min mild gasification condition, more CO and CH 4 were generated during the pyrolysis stage, but slightly more CO 2 was also produced during both the pyrolysis and oxidation stages. This work provides comprehensive thinking on the precious control of gasification process, which lays a foundation for co-generation of high-quality char and gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • FeCl 3 -assisted electrokinetic technique coupling hydrothermal carbonization was proposed. • Electrokinetic technique improved P availability by transferring metal oxides to Fe/Al-bound P. • Low pH value of sludge caused by electrokinetic technique favored P transformation and HM removal. • 56–64% of Ni, Cu, and Zn in hydrochars were removed by coupling treatment. • Coupling treatments showed synergistic effects on P reclamation and HM removal. Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising treatment technology for wet organic solid wastes, due to its energy-efficient production of functionalized carbonaceous materials. However, the usage of sewage sludge (SS) derived hydrochar as phosphorus (P) fertilizer for agricultural soil is inhibited by the presence of heavy metals (HMs). Appropriate HM removal technology is required prior to its land application. In this study, an innovative FeCl 3 -assisted electrokinetic technique coupling with hydrothermal carbonization (FEK–HTC) is proposed to produce SS hydrochars with reduced HM content and increased P-retention. FEK–HTC treatment showed synergistic effects in terms of P retention and HM content reduction (56–64 % for Ni, Cu, and Zn). Furthermore, the toxicity of the remaining HMs was dramatically reduced, e.g., by 39.35 % in the case of Zn. Additionally, FEK–HTC transformed P species in hydrochars into highly bio-available form. Electrokinetic treatment resulted in decreased pH values of SS feedstock and promoted the solubilization and erosion of Ca-associated P, resulting in higher non-apatite inorganic phosphorus contents (12.47 to 23.19 mg·g−1) compared to hydrochars from untreated sludge. The P migration patterns during the FEK-HTC treatment were assessed based on the combined result of chemical extraction, 31P NMR, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT). DGT analysis showed that the addition of treated hydrochars greatly increased the available P content in the soil. The results provide new insights into applying FEK-HTC technique for SS management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This nationwide study aimed to establish Chinese specific reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid related tests: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO-Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab). Apparently healthy individuals (n = 2380) were recruited from Beijing, Guizhou, Urumqi, Dongying, Shenzhen, and Qiqihar in China. All the tests were measured by immunoassay testing. Ultrasonography was performed to exclude thyroid nodules. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify sources of variation (SVs). Standard deviation ratio (SDR) was calculated by ANOVA for judging the need to partition RI by any given SV. RIs were computed by the parametric method. TPO-Ab and TG-Ab cutoffs were determined as 5 mIU/L and 2 IU/L, respectively using probability plot analysis and extrapolation of the central linear segment. Individuals with thyroid nodule and/or autoantibodies showed altered levels of thyroid hormones, and were thus excluded (n reduced to 1828). Gender difference was observed for FT3 and TT3 with females having lower levels than males. A significant relationship between age and FT3 was observed in males by Spearman correlation analysis (r = −0.231, p <.05). Although the SDR for gender difference in TSH levels was low, the difference in the upper limits of the RI was beyond allowable bias, and thus RIs (mIU/L) were partitioned by sex: females 0.72–5.50, males 0.70–4.59. By this nationwide study, RIs for thyroid hormones and cutoff values for anti-thyroid autoantibodies were established as matched to the Chinese population. • The serum TSH level in females was significantly higher than in males. • Reference intervals for THs were established as matched to the Chinese population. • Established anti-thyroid autoantibody cutoffs were matched to Chinese population. • The prevalence autoimmune thyroiditis was 8.3% in males and 17.7% in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, ultrasound (US) irradiation assisted powder zero valent iron (ZVI) corrosion was conducted for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. PMS activation activity was evaluated by Rhodamine-B (Rh B) degradation efficiency. The other US/PMS, ZVI/PMS, Fe2+/PMS and US/PMS/Fe2+ systems were performed to investigate the synergistic effects of US and ZVI on PMS activation activity. US/PMS/ZVI system performed the highest activity of Rh B degradation. 99.76% of Rh B was removed within 12 min under the optimum condition (pH = 4.5, ZVI dosage = 1 g/L, PMS = 1 mM, US power = 50 W). A comparison of US/PMS/ZVI system with PMS/ZVI and homogeneous US/PMS/Fe2+ systems for Rh B degradation was conducted, indicating that ultrasound irradiation contributed to acceleration of ZVI corrosion and removal of passive films. Besides, the electrons transformation from Fe0 to PMS made main contribution to the generation of sulfate radical, which resulted in the ability of degradation of Rh B. ZVI could be reused for five cycles with efficient activity of PMS activation. Exhaustion of ZVI led to the decrease in PMS activation at the sixth recycle. Thus, this work presents important information on understanding reuse of iron fillings for PMS/PS activation in practical application of pollution remediation. Image 1 • Ultrasound irradiation significantly promoted Rh B degradation by ZVI-activated peroxymonosulfate system. • The synergistic effects between US and ZVI were owing to passive film cleaning and Fe corrosion acceleration. • Ultrasound enhanced cyclic utilization of ZVI in PMS activation. • SO 4 − played a primary role in Rh B degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Aluminum hydroxide and oxide have been widely used for decontamination due to their environmentally friendly nature and cost effectiveness. Aluminum (hydro) oxides are the main phases of aluminum-derived environment materials. Herein, the solvent-free hydrothermal synthesis of gamma-aluminum oxide (γ-Al 2 O 3) nanoparticles and phase transformation of AlOOH into γ-Al 2 O 3 are reported. Hydrothermal treatment of NH 3 ·H 2 O-induced aluminum precipitate resulted in the formation of AlOOH, which was an intermediate product of γ-Al 2 O 3. AlOOH was transformed into highly crystalline 20-nm γ-Al 2 O 3 particles through calcination at 500 °C due to dehydration. The transformation was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. The resulting γ-Al 2 O 3 had superior adsorption ability for the anionic Congo red (CR) dye than for the cationic methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes. The selective adsorption ability of CR instead of MB was attributed to the electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds between the amino group and azo double bond of CR, and between the amino group and hydroxyl group in γ-Al 2 O 3. Thus, this study investigated crystalline phase transformation into γ-Al 2 O 3 and selective adsorption capacity of CR, which provides important information regarding the synthesis of crystalline γ-Al 2 O 3 adsorbent, with selective adsorption ability for decontamination applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Food waste digestate derived biochar (FWDB) was designed with stable granular form. • The contribution of active sites on FWDB to oxdative species formation was revealed. • S-N, S–C and –NH 2 in SMX might be the preferential sites to be attacked. • FWDB-800 showed high activity and stability in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor. Digested derived biochar-based peroxymonosulfate (PMS) systems are promising for degrading antibiotics from water. Identifying the reactive sites on biochar and understanding the relationship between biochar structure and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are crucial for design and application of biochar-based catalysts. Herein, food waste digested was selected for the biochar preparation (FWDB). In a FWDB/PMS system, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was degraded primarily by non-radicals rather than free radicals based on the contribution calculation. Correlation of catalytic sites on FWDB surface to ROS production was revealed. Defects exhibited a strong positive correlation with 1O 2 contribution. The C = O, C-O, pyrrolic N, pyridinic N contents showed a moderate positive correlation with 1O 2 contribution. Besides, the designed granular FWDB was loaded in a continuous flow reactor, achieving efficient and stable removal of contaminants from secondary effluent in a municipal wastewater plant. Findings from this study might offer novel perspectives for the development and design of biochar catalysts, promoting the actual application of biochar in a complicated aqueous matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane fouling caused by inorganic ions and natural organic matters (NOMs) has been a severe issue in membrane distillation. Microbubble aeration (MB) is a promising technology to control membrane fouling. In this study, MB aeration was introduced to alleviate humic acid (HA) composited fouling during the treatment of simulative reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) by vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). The objective of this work was to explore the HA fouling inhibiting effect by MB aeration and discuss its mechanism from the interfacial point of view. The results showed that VMD was effective for treating ROC, followed by a severe membrane fouling aggravated with the addition of 100 mg/L HA in feed solution, resulting in 45.7% decline of membrane flux. Analysis using the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory and zeta potential distribution of charged particles proved the coexistence of HA and inorganic cations (especially Ca2+), resulting in more serious membrane fouling. The introduction of MB aeration exhibited excellent alleviating effect on HA-inorganic salt fouling, with the normalized flux increased from 19.7% to 37.0%. The interfacial properties of MBs played an important role, which altered the zeta potential distributions of charged particles in HA solution, indicating that MBs adhere the HA complexations. Furthermore, this mitigating effect was limited at high inorganic cations concentration. Overall, MBs could change the potential characteristics of HA complexes, which also be used for other similar membrane fouling alleviation. [Display omitted] • HA membrane fouling was effectively mitigated in VMD by introducing MB aeration. • The complexes between HA and inorganic ions aggravated membrane fouling. • MBs adsorb HA complexes by its interfacial property and delayed fouling aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Coupling technology was proposed to improve the fuel properties of camel dung. • Wet torrefaction (WT) elevated the quality of the pyrolysis gas. • WTC-270 realized the highest energy yield and energy-mass synergy efficiency index. • WT inhibited the NO x and NO release by 84.6% and almost 100%. Wet torrefaction (WT) pretreatment coupled with pyrolysis technology is proposed for improving the fuel properties of camel dung (CD) and regulating NO x emissions from thermal utilization. The fuel ratio, HHV and energy density of CD were significantly enhanced with the WT temperature. Especially, WTC-270 realized the highest energy yield (75.87%), energy-mass synergy efficiency index (EMCI, 19.27%), and the best thermal stability during pyrolysis. Besides, WT pretreatment elevated the release of H 2 and CH 4 and reduced H 2 O and CO 2 during pyrolysis, apparently. Surprisingly, fewer gaseous pollutants were produced during pyrolysis, ascribing to nitrogen removal and nitrogen functionality stabilization by WT. Notably, NO x and NO emissions from WTC-270 pyrolysis were reduced by 84.6% and almost 100% compared to the CD. Overall, this study provided helpful guidance on the clean utilization and energy production of CD, as well as emission control of gaseous pollutants during energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To address the sharp decrease in efficiency of the biological activated carbon (BAC) process at low temperatures, a new type of activated carbon (AC), macroporous activated carbon (MAC), was developed from bamboo waste scraps via a special compression, carbonation and activation process without the introduction of chemicals. MAC contains not only the micron-level macropores (V maco > 0.71 ml/g) sufficient for bacteria to access and multiply, but ensures the developed smaller pores (particularly micropores, V micro > 0.41 ml/g) and a higher hardness (>90%). In addition, the desired volume of macropores with an adiabatic function, which will provide livable space environment for bacteria, can be obtained by adjusting the compression ratio (1:5–1:10). Because of the maximum macropore volume (V maco = 0.805 ml/g) and the most abundant macropore distribution (particularly diameters>10,000 nm), MAC (1:6) was selected for the parallel experiment in the laboratory, taking three representative commercial ACs (PICABIOL® 2, raw coal AC-1 and briquetting AC-2) as controls, in which the filtration effluent of a water treatment plant was used as the influent and glucose was added to accelerate bacterial growth. The results showed that MAC (1:6) exhibited the highest DOC removal and biological activity at room/low temperatures (4 °C), indicating that the abundant macropores distribution with adiabatic function in MAC (1:6) is conducive to the growth and breeding of microorganisms. It is equivalent to artificially increasing the surface suitable for bacteria attachment. This is coupled with the higher adsorption capacity for pollutants supplied by the developed micropores in MAC, which provided the substrate for bacteria growth, thus forming a benign circle for water treatment by the BAC process. The results provide significant technical support for BAC's application, particularly at cold temperatures. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Aiming at the poor performance of BAC process below 11 °C, MAC was developed. • Converting bamboo waste to MAC is sustainable and no secondary pollution. • MBAC contains adsorption pores and micro-sized macropores with adiabatic function. • MAC performed better than reference ACs irrespective of operating temp (4–20 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • AHR was utilized for producing multicomponent of high-value added products. • The effects of KCl and NaCl on AHR pyrolysis products were studied in detail. • Grey relational analysis was introduced to determine influence degrees of factors. • KCl was the major factor in the generation of bio-oil during AHR pyrolysis. Abstract Acid-hydrolysis residual (AHR) offers significant potential for harvesting chemical energy with simultaneous reduction of environmental pollution, providing carbon neutral (or even carbon negative) sustained energy production, energy security and alleviating social concerns associated with the wastes. In this study, the different effects of intrinsic and extrinsic K and Na were compared firstly. In addition, the effect of different content of alkali metal chlorides doped into AHR and temperature on pyrolysis products were investigated, especially for the phenolic products in bio-oil, along with the grey relational analysis. The results showed that KCl and NaCl promoted the generation of char and gas at the expense of the bio-oil yield. While, addition of KCl and NaCl could increase the yields of total phenolic species. Specifically, the yields of phenols and hydroxy phenols increased, while the guaiacols and syringols content decreased. The effect of KCl on the distribution of pyrolysis products and phenolic species was somewhat greater than NaCl, especially for bio-oil yield. The increasing of pyrolysis temperature would increase gas yield and reduce the char yield. While the bio-oil yield was peaked at 650 ℃. Besides, higher temperature restrained the generation of syringols and promoted the generation of phenols and hydroxy phenols. The grey relational analysis of KCl and temperature showed that KCl content was the major factor in the generation of bio-oil in pyrolysis process, while temperature played more notable role on the yields of total phenolic species, phenols, hydroxy phenols, guaiacols and syringols. The addition of alkali metal chlorides could promote the pyrolysis process and enhance the maximum lower heating value (LHV) of pyrolysis gas, especially the addition of NaCl. The optimal value of addition amount of KCl and NaCl was found to be 2 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%, respectively. Besides, the addition of KCl and NaCl could improve pore quality and activation of AHR pyrolysis char. Based on the pyrolysis products from cellulose, it can be proposed that cellulose has two main pathway depending on the alkali metal chlorides content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundant generation of uranium (U), a radioactive nuclide, engenders a severe hazard to the environment. Iron based materials were used to immobilize U from water, however, the immobilization is limited by the agglomeration of nanoparticle Fe. In this study, a novel carbothermal process was proposed to synthesize flour carbon (FC) supported nano-flake Fe (Fe-FC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen isotherm adsorption-desorption analysis were conducted to characterize Fe-FC. The immobilization characteristics were investigated through batch sorption experiments. Results indicated that nano-flake was appropriately dispersed on the surface. The sorption capacity reached 19.12 mg/g when the initial concentration of U and the dosage of Fe-FC were 20 mg/L and 1 g/L, respectively. Langmuir isotherm sorption and pseudo-second-order models were fitted well to sorption experimental data. The sorption mechanism is ascribed to surface chemisorptions between U(VI) and Fe-FC. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis validated that formation of Fe 2 UO 3 contributed to the favorable immobilization of U and that Fe 2 UO 3 was the fate of U. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We reported that calcium dobesilate, a vasoprotective agent mainly used for diabetic retinopathy (DR), negatively interferes with glycated albumin (GA) assays involving enzymatic methods. Methods A calcium dobesilate standard was added to 3serum pools in vitro to prepare concentration-response series according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP7-A2 guidelines. Percentage deviation between each drug concentration and the drug-free sample was calculated for 6 commercially available GA assays. The acceptable limit of deviation for GA was ±5.61%. For in vivo analyses, changes in serum concentrations of GA and calcium dobesilate were monitored in eight healthy participants before and after oral calcium dobesilate administration. Results At 16 μg/ml calcium dobesilate, within the therapeutic range, the percentage deviations for Asahi Kasei, Maccura, Leadman, Homa, and Medicalsystem assays were −8.7% to −49.7%, −2.0% to −47.7%, and −10.1% to −35.7% for low-, medium- and high-GA level interference pools, respectively, exhibiting dose-dependent negative interference. In vivo, calcium dobesilate ingestion was associated with statistically significant, falsely decreased measurements in 5 GA assays, 2 h after daily 500 mg administration. Conclusions Calcium dobesilate ingestion was associated with erroneously low measurements in 5 GA assays. The degree of interference varied greatly among the assays examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) during a winter period in a suburb of Xi'an, China, were investigated. Our results show that the total mass concentration of the dominant WSIIs (8) was 91.27 µg m-3, accounting for 50.1% of the total mass concentration of PM2.5 (particulates with a size of 2.5 µm or less). Secondary inorganic aerosols (SO42−, NO3− and NH4+) were the most abundant ions, accounting for up to 95.12% of the total ions. By using the anion and cation equivalence ratio method, PM2.5 was shown to have weak alkalinity, and the chemical forms of WSIIs were mainly (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3. The sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) suggested that larger proportions of SO42− and NO3− were formed by gas-phase SO2 and NO2 in the sampling site. Ratio analysis also indicated that anthropogenic sources significantly contributed to WSII pollution. Among the anthropogenic sources, fixed pollution sources were found to be dominant over mobile sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide (PA) thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membrane is widely used for desalination, but the selectivity-permeability trade-off and oxidation are two major restrictions on the membrane application. By modifying PA TFC membrane with potassium persulfate (K 2 S 2 O 8 ), we overcame the trade-off relation (the water flux and salt rejection increased by 43.2% and 0.2%, respectively) and improved the chlorine resistance. The modification was demonstrated to be a combination of the interfacial crosslinking between PA layer and polysulfone support with the surficial oxidation of PA layer. The dense crosslinked interface enabled the membrane with higher solute rejection, better chlorine tolerance and long-term stability. Meanwhile, the thinner PA layer contributed to the increase of membrane permeability. Furthermore, the modification method has the application potential in high-performance membrane fabrication in terms of simplicity and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of carbonaceous species in PM2.5 during a spring period in a suburb of Xi'an, China was investigated. PM2.5 samples were collected on quartz filters and analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC). The thermal optical reflectance method was used. The minimum OC/EC ratio method was used to estimate the concentration of secondary organic carbon (SOC). The distribution of eight carbon fractions was investigated as well. The average mass concentrations of OC and EC were 15.90 and 8.38 μg/m3, respectively. The average OC/EC ratio ranged from 1.16 to 3.16 with an average value of 2.25. This implies the existence of SOC in PM2.5. The mean SOC concentration was 7.20 μg/m3, accounting for 45.28% of total OC. This result suggests that SOC is a significant component of OC in the suburb of Xi'an. Results from the distribution of eight carbon fractions revealed that emissions from motor vehicle, coal combustion, and road dust were the main source of carbonaceous particles in the sampling period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Z-scheme Bi 2 MoO 6 /CoWO 4 photocatalyst was synthesized. • BMC-30 showed an excellent norfloxacin photodegradation rate. • The degradation mechanism and pathways of norfloxacin were investigated. • Degradation intermediates had lower toxicity than norfloxacin based on QSAR analysis and E.coli cultivation. In this work, we employed Bi 2 MoO 6 and CoWO 4 to fabricate a direct Z-scheme Bi 2 MoO 6 /CoWO 4 (BMC-x) heterostructure with high redox potential for norfloxacin (NOR) photodegradation. Under visible light (λ > 420 nm) illumination, BMC-x composites displayed excellent photodegradation performance toward norfloxacin. The photodegradation rate of norfloxacin by BMC-30 reached 97.1% within 60 min of illumination, and the apparent rate constant (0.0588 min−1) was 2.42 and 17.8 times those of Bi 2 MoO 6 and the CoWO 4 , respectively. The photocatalytic performance of BMC-x nanocomposites was mainly ascribed to the more efficient utilization of electrons (e−) and holes (h+) due to the fabrication of a direct Z-scheme heterostructure. In addition, the mechanisms of NOR degradation were investigated through active species capture experiments and ESR analyses, indicating that O− 2and h+ worked as primary components. Furthermore, the NOR photodegradation pathways were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and intermediates analysis. More importantly, depending on the QSAR predictions and E.coli cultivation, the comprehensive toxicity of the final intermediates was lower than that of the parent. Thus, this work offers a feasible idea for the design and construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions for the highly effective degradation of emerging contaminants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of dissolved organic matters (DOM) on organic degradation was explored. • Oxidation pathway of different DOM compounds was elucidated. • Evolution of DOM and inhibition mechanisms to pollutant degradation were revealed. • CHO-, CHON-, CHOS-, CHOP- and CHONP-based molecules showed moderate inhibition. Dissolved organic matters (DOM) are widely present in different water sources, causing significant effects on water treatment processes. Herein, the molecular transformation behavior of DOM during peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by biochar for organic degradation in a secondary effluent were comprehensively analyzed. Evolution of DOM was identified and inhibition mechanisms to organic degradation were elucidated. DOM underwent oxidative decarbonization (e.g., –C 2 H 2 O, −C 2 H 6 , –CH 2 and –CO 2), dehydrogenation (–2H) and dehydration reactions by ·OH and SO 4 ·−. N and S containing compounds witnessed deheteroatomisation (e.g., –NH, –NO 2 + H , –SO 2 , –SO 3 , –SH 2), hydration (+H 2 O) and N/S oxidation reactions. Among DOM, CHO-, CHON-, CHOS-, CHOP- and CHONP-containing molecules showed moderate inhibition while condensed aromatic compounds and aminosugars exhibited strong and moderate inhibition effects on contaminant degradation. The fundamental information could provide references for the rational regulation of ROS composition and DOM conversion process in a PMS system. This in turn offered theoretical guidance to minimize the interference of DOM conversion intermediates on PMS activation and degradation of target pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]