Search

The Fe-modulated Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC exhibits excellent electrooxidation performance. [Display omitted] • The N content of NPC is increased via WLSH as precursor to increase its catalytic site density. • Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC exhibits excellent electrooxidation performance for TCH removal. • Radical generation capacity of Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC can be modulated with Fe modulation. • The mechanism for electrooxidation activity of Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC is reasonably revealed. Developing low-cost, green, high-performing electrode materials to address environmental pollutants and the energy crisis is significant but challenging. Herein, the bimetallic iron cobalt phosphide coated in waste biomass-derived N, P co-doping carbon (Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC) is constructed. Furthermore, the active site density and the water decomposition energy barrier of surface-coated NPC are modulated by optimizing the electronic structure of Co x Fe 1−x P via doping engineering. The Fe-modulated Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC exhibits a hierarchical porous self-supporting structure and excellent physical & chemical properties with excellent electrooxidation performance, achieving over 95% removal of TCH within 60 min. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirms that N carries more positive charge and P carries more negative charge in the NPC of Co x Fe 1−x P@NPC with Fe modulation, which can promote the adsorption and dissociation of water molecules. Of note, Co 0.75 Fe 025 P@NPC displays a low water dissociation energy barrier to produce ·OH and a high energy barrier to produce O 2 than its counterparts. This study offers new insight into controllable modulation of biomass carbon-based composite electrode catalytic activity for high-efficiency degradation of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of the great challenge of climate change and growing global environmental concerns, this study deals a systematic literature review of research related to Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) from 1991 to 2023, details the background, definition, significance, critiques, theoretical foundations and model specifications of EKC, and summarizes the data, variables, econometric methods and findings used in over 100 EKC studies. This study focuses on EKC studies that examine the relationship between energy consumption, economic growth and environmental degradation, with most of the studies reviewed using global pollutants (carbon emissions) to measure the level of environmental degradation. This study found that EKC still has great research potential, and with the development of energy diversification, energy consumption in EKC studies have been further subdivided into renewable or non-renewable energy consumption; innovative EKC studies in the last few years have favoured the use of novel environmental and economic indicators and econometric method, and have validated the existence of EKC at the sectoral level rather than the national level. Finally, the present study summarizes the development and innovations of EKC and provides suggestions for future research aimed at advancing the development of EKC and environmental management. • The study provides a systematic literature review of Environmental Kuznets Curve. • The study critically reviews the critical issues that have emerged in recent years. • The study summarizes innovations in environmental and economic indicators. • This study innovatively analyses from the perspective of energy diversification. • The study suggests specific future research from novel direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiCoP nanorods loaded on cocoon-derived carbon can exhibit satisfactory electrocatalytic activity for HER, and nonmetallic atom with appropriate electronegativity and radius is expected to further improve the HER performance. [Display omitted] The quest for effective and sustainable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is crucial in advancing the widespread use of H 2. In this study, we utilized silkworm cocoons as the source material to produce porous N-doped carbon (PNCC) substrates through a process involving degumming and annealing. Subsequently, NiCoP nanorod (NiCoP@PNCC) is deposited onto the substrates via a simple impregnation and calcination method to enhance the catalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The optimal spacing between the silk fibers of PNCC facilitates longitudinal growth, increases the active surface area, and balances the adsorption and desorption of reaction intermediates, thereby accelerating HER kinetics. Consequently, NiCoP@PNCC demonstrates impressive performance, with 44 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the electronic structure and energy band of NiCoP@PNCC can be modified through the doping of elements such as B, C, N, O, F, and S. In addition, with the electronegativity enhancement of the doping elements, the interaction between Co atoms in NiCoP@PNCC and O atoms in adsorbed H 2 O molecules gradually enhanced, which is conducive to the dissociation of water in alkaline solution. This research introduces a novel approach for fine-tuning the catalytic activity of transition metal phosphides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater nitrate contamination has emerged as a pressing global concern. Given its potential for long-term impacts on aquifers, protective measures should primarily focus on prevention. Drawing on the theory of groundwater vulnerability (GV), the original DRASTIC model and parameters related to human activities are employed as inputs and integrated with the LightGBM regression algorithm to facilitate nitrate index (NI) prediction tasks. The SHAP analysis is conducted to effectively examine the contribution of parameters to the NI prediction and interpret the issue of parameter interactions. In addition, to mitigate the limitations of the intrinsic GV model, a composite nitrate index (CNI) is developed by linearly combining the DRASTIC index with the NI. The framework presented in this study provides adaptive strategies for managing groundwater resources over different time periods. A representative region for arid and semiarid climates, the Yinchuan region, is studied using the framework. As compared to 2012, the intrinsic GV index has changed spatially in 2022. Human activities have increased the influence of the nitrate concentration as shown by the Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.082 between the DRASTIC index and nitrate concentration. A significant increase in pollution levels was predicted by NI, ranging from −0.116 to 0.968. According to SHAP analysis, the significant increase in NI levels in 2022 was mainly due to high-value industrial and agricultural production. In 2022, 12.02% of the areas had an increase of at least 0.549 in the CNI. 42.1% of the areas were classified as moderate or high CNI levels. The farm was identified as a high-contributing source to nitrate pollution. The small-scale agricultural and livestock activities in non-urban areas also contribute to groundwater pollution. Dynamic groundwater management strategies need to be implemented in high-growth and high-level CNI areas. [Display omitted] • DRASTIC model and anthropogenic parameters were combined to predict nitrate index. • The innovative composite nitrate SGV framework were applied to Yinchuan regions. • SHAP analysis results support an increase in nitrate loading caused by human activity. • Dynamic groundwater management strategies were designed for different levels of CNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Compound 2h is the most potent against A549 cells with the IC 50 value of 0.27 µM; • Compound 2h inhibits A549 proliferation and arrest A549 cells at G2/M cycle; • Compound 2h can influence A549 cell migration and invasion and induce cells apoptosis; • Compound 2h can inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo ; Fangchinoline (Fan) are extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Stephania tetrandra S. , which is a bis-benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids with anti-tumor activity. Therefore, 25 novel Fan derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-cancer activity. In CCK-8 assay, these fangchinoline derivatives displayed higher proliferation inhibitory activity on six tumor cell lines than the parental compound. Compared to the parent Fan, compound 2h presented the anticancer activity against most cancer cells, especially A549 cells, with an IC 50 value of 0.26 μM, which was 36.38-fold, and 10.61-fold more active than Fan and HCPT, respectively. Encouragingly, compound 2h showed low biotoxicity to the human normal epithelial cell BEAS-2b with an IC 50 value of 27.05 μM. The results indicated compound 2h remarkably inhibited the cell migration by decreasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells by arresting the G2/M cell cycle. Meanwhile, compound 2h could also induce A549 cell apoptosis by promoting endogenous pathways of mitochondrial regulation. In nude mice presented that the growth of tumor tissues was markedly inhibited by the consumption of compound 2h in a dose-dependent manner, and it was found that compound 2h could inhibit the mTOR/PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo. In docking analysis, high affinity interaction between 2h and PI3K was responsible for drastic kinase inhibition by the compound. To conclude, this derivative compound may be useful as a potent anti-cancer agent for treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern plains of Laizhou City, groundwater quality suffers dual threats from anthropogenic activities: seawater intrusion caused by overextraction of fresh groundwater, and vertical infiltration of agricultural pollutants. Groundwater management requires a comprehensive analysis of both horizontal and vertical pollution in coastal aquifers. In this paper, Intrinsic Aquifer Vulnerability (IAV) was assessed on an integrated scale using two classic IAV models (DRASTIC and GALDIT) separately based on a GIS database. Hydrogeological parameters from two classic IAV models were clustered using affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm, and silhouette coefficients were used to determine the optimal classification result. In our application, the objects of the AP algorithm are 3320 units divided from the whole study area with 500 m*500 m precision. A comparison of all four outputs in AP-DRASTIC shows that the clustering results of the 4-classification yielded the best silhouette coefficient of 0.406 out of all four. Cluster 4, which comprises 21% of the area, had relatively low level of groundwater contamination, despite its high level of vulnerability as indicated by the classic DRASTIC index. In the second level of vulnerability Cluster 3, 53.8% of all water samples were found to be contaminated, indicating a greater level of nitrate contamination. With respect to AP-GALDIT, the silhouette coefficient for result 7-classification reaches the highest value of 0.343. There was a high level of vulnerability identified in Clusters 2, 4 and 5 (34.7% of the study area) relating to the classic GALDIT index. The concentration of chloride in all water samples obtained in these areas was extremely high. Groundwater management should be addressed by AP-DRASTIC results on anthropogenic activity/contamination control, and by AP-GALDIT results on groundwater extraction limitation. Overall, this method allows for the evaluation of IAV in other coastal areas on an integrated scale, facilitating the development of groundwater management strategies based on a better understanding of the aquifer's essential characteristics. • Classic intrinsic vulnerability indexes correlate poorly with water quality data. • A universal solution was developed by DRASTIC and GALDIT models separately. • Hydrogeological characteristics were incorporated into the AP algorithm. • A combination of classic index and AP cluster results achieves water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) has been recognized as a sustainable process for simultaneous removal of nitrogen and methane. The metabolisms of denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs, including Candidatus Methanoperedens and Candidatus Methylomirabilis, have been well studied. However, potential roles of heterotrophs co-existing with these anaerobic methanotrophs are generally overlooked. In this study, we pulse-fed methane and nitrate into an anaerobic laboratory sequencing batch bioreactor and enriched a mixed culture with stable nitrate removal rate (NRR) of ∼28 mg NO 3 −-N L−1 d−1. Microbial community analysis indicates abundant heterotrophs, e.g., Arenimonas (5.3%–18.9%) and Fimbriimonadales ATM1 (6.4%), were enriched together with denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs Ca. Methanoperedens (10.8%–13.2%) and Ca. Methylomirabilis (27.4%–34.3%). The results of metagenomics and batch tests suggested that the denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs were capable of generating methane-derived intermediates (i.e., formate and acetate), which were employed by non-methanotrophic heterotrophs for denitrification and biomass growth. These findings offer new insights into the roles of heterotrophs in n-DAMO mixed culture, which may help to optimize n-DAMO process for nitrogen removal from wastewater. [Display omitted] • Heterotrophic denitrification in a n-DAMO culture was investigated. • Denitrifying anaerobic methanotrophs generated formate and acetate from methane. • Heterotrophs employed methane-derived formate and acetate for denitrification. • Heterotrophs assimilated methane-derived formate and acetate for biomass growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • N doping and MoP heterostructures are achieved together through co-pyrolysis methods. • The heterostructures and doped N can synergistically optimize electronic structure. • MoP@ N -NiCoP requires low overpotentials of 43 mV and 232 mV to drive HER and OER. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are one of the most promising alternatives to noble metal electrocatalysts, but so far their activity and stability still fall short of expectations. Here, we prepare nitrogen-doped nickel–cobalt phosphide (N -NiCoP) and molybdenum phosphide (MoP) heterostructures engineered on nickel foam (NF) with nanosheet structure by high-temperature annealing and low-temperature phosphorylation. Notably, heteroatomic N doping and heterostructures construction are achieved together through a simple co-pyrolysis method. The distinctive composition can synergistically promote the electron transfer, lower the reaction barriers, thus improving the catalytic performance. Therefore, the modified MoP@ N -NiCoP requires low overpotentials of 43 mV and 232 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 current density for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) accompanied by satisfactory stability in 1 M KOH. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the electron coupling and synergistic interfacial effects at the heterogeneous interface. This study provides a new strategy for heterogeneous electrocatalysts with elemental doping to promote hydrogen applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three new cadinene-type sesquiterpene dimers, named hibisceusones A-C, were isolated from H. tiliaceus. • Dimeric skeletons were formed from a unique 1,4-dioxane ring for the first time in natural products. • Compound 2 exhibited promising anti-TNBC activities by inducing the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the PI3Kα pathway. Three new cadinane-type sesquiterpenoid dimeric diastereomers (1 – 3) named hibisceusones A-C were obtained from the infected stems of Hibiscus tiliaceus. The structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy and MS techniques, and the absolute configurations were assigned by ECD and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Compounds 1 – 3 are diastereomers, and contain a 1,4-dioxane ring linearly fused to different cadinane-type polycyclic skeletons. This is the first time that such a structure has been identified in natural products. Compounds 1 – 3 exhibited cytotoxic activities, and 2 showed a significantly high anti-triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) effect. The anti-cancer effect of compound 2 was 3–4 fold higher than that of 1 and 3. The anti-cancer effect was generated via the induction of the apoptosis of the MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the PI3Kα pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test heteroscedasticity in single index models, in this paper two test statistics are proposed via quadratic conditional moments. Without the use of dimension reduction structure, the first test has the usual convergence rate in nonparametric sense. Under the dimension reduction structure of mean and variance functions, the second one has faster convergence rate to its limit under the null hypothesis, and can detect local alternative hypotheses distinct from the null at a much faster rate than the one the first test can achieve. Numerical studies are also carried out to evaluate the performance of the developed tests. Interestingly, the second one works much better than the first one if the variance function does have a dimension reduction structure. However, it is not robust against the violation of dimension reduction structure, in other words, the power performance of the second test may not be encouraging if without the dimension reduction structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, agricultural use of anaerobic digestate sludge is considered a concern due to high heavy metal content of the sludge. In this study, sequential extraction procedure (SEP) was conducted to determine metal speciation which affects release and mobility of metal significantly. The results of SEP showed that each heavy metal possessed different distribution characteristics. Cu mainly reacted with carboxyl functional group to form the fraction bound to organic matter. Zn and Mn were dominated in the fraction bound to Fe–Mn oxides and carbonates, respectively. Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd and As were present as the residual fraction. Examination of mobility factors (MFs) indicated that Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn and Cd were more mobile whereas Cr and As were immobilized in anaerobic digestate. Based on the results, it can be stated that Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cd may be grouped as toxic and active components in sludge and should be regarded as the priority pollutants for elimination. Pb should be monitored in terms of its high mobility factors (MF). Cr and As, nevertheless, were the most stable components in sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper considers estimation of the semiparametric multi-index model with missing covariates at random. A weighted estimating equation is suggested by invoking the inverse selection probability approach, and estimators of the indices are respectively defined when the selection probability is known in advance, is estimated parametrically and nonparametrically. The consistency is provided. For the single-index model, the large sample properties show that the estimators with both parametric and nonparametric plug-in estimations can play an important role to achieve smaller limiting variances than the estimator with the true selection probability. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators. The proposed methods are applied to an AIDS clinical trials dataset to examine which method could be more efficient. A horse colic dataset is also analyzed for illustration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was extracted from six sediment samples in arid and semi-arid region, which was characterized by fluorescence excitation–emission matrices (EEMs). The results showed that four fluorescent peak, fulvic-like (peak A), humic-like (peak C) and two tryptophan-like (peaks B and D), were identified in lake sediment DOM. Fluorescence quenching titration showed that peaks B and D were quenched gradually by adding additional Cu (II) and Hg (II), whereas humic-like substances had no systematic trend of the change of fluorescence intensity. Increasing fluorescence intensity value of humic-like substances can also be found. The modified Stern–Volmer model was used to calculate conditional stability constants (log K) and the percent of fluorophores (f %) which participate in the complexation between DOM and Cu (II), and Hg (II). The results showed that DOM-Cu (II) and DOM-Hg (II) complexes had higher log K values of 4.21–5.23 and the log K values of DOM-Cu (II) are much larger than the corresponding values for Hg (II). Peak B showed relatively low log K and high f % values than those of peak D. Different pollution sources which are mainly obtained from the upstream industrial wastewater, domestic sewage and return water of farmland irrigation tend to affect the stability constants and complexing capacities of Cu (II) and Hg (II). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peanut oil contains large amount of non-polar lipids and minor polar lipids. However, the effect of roasting on lipid profile of peanut oil has not been investigated systematically. Herein, an UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry-based lipidomic method was applied to comprehensively analyze lipid profile of the oils from raw, light and dark roasted peanut kernels. Microstructure of peanut kernels, physicochemical properties and oxidized fatty acids in peanut oil during roasting were also evaluated. Dark roasting destructed the cell membrane severely according to microstructure observation. The color of the oils became darken after light and dark roasting. Acid value increased during roasting. Peroxide value, conjugated dienens, and oxidized fatty acids increased after light roasting while decreased after dark roasting. Roasting had an obvious effect on phospholipids. Triglycerides and diglycerides showed a thermal stability during this process. Our study could provide useful information for peanut oil processing. • Roasting had significant effect on lipids, especially fatty acids and phospholipids. • Light roasting increased OFAs, while dark roasting decreased their contents. • Lipids degradation and oxidation were the main behaviors during roasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxymonosulfate activation paths in Fenton-like reaction were successfully mediated via simply altering the doped metal atoms into g -C 3 N 5. Fe-C 3 N 5 followed a non-radical activation path displayed superior catalytic activity than Co-C 3 N 5 followed a radical path. [Display omitted] • PMS activation paths are mediated by altering doped metal atoms in g -C 3 N 5. • k value in TC degradation over Fe-C 3 N 5 is 3.14 times higher than Co-C 3 N 5. • Co-C 3 N 5 follows radical activation path, while Fe-C 3 N 5 follows non-radical one. • ROS contributions over Fe-C 3 N 5 and Co-C 3 N 5 are calculated and compared. • DFT study and experimental data support varied activation path on Fe-C 3 N 5 and Co-C 3 N 5. Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) could be activated by either radical path or non-radical path, how to rationally mediate these two routines was an important unresolved issue. This work has introduced a simple way to address this problem via metal atom doping. It was found that Fe-doped nitrogen-rich graphitic carbon nitride (Fe-C 3 N 5) exhibited high activity towards PMS activation for tetracycline degradation, and the degradation rate was 3.14 times higher than that of Co-doped nitrogen-rich graphitic carbon nitride (Co-C 3 N 5). Radical trapping experiment revealed the contributions of reactive species over two catalysts were different. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis further uncovered the non-radical activation path played a dominated role on Fe-C 3 N 5 surface, while the radical activation path was the main routine on Co-C 3 N 5 surface. Density functional theory calculations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and electrochemical experiments provided convincing evidence to support these views. This study supplied a novel method to mediate PMS activation path via changing the doped metal atom in g -C 3 N 5 skeleton, and it allowed us to better optimize the PMS activation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of identical hybrid structural Cu-MOFs with various morphologies have been synthesized under diverse conditions, including reaction solvents, surfactants and concentrations. The Cu-MOFs have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical performances of the as-synthesized materials have been evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and endurance-life tests. The results indicate that the slender rod shaped Cu-MOF E shows a high performance of 802 ​F ​g−1 at 0.5 ​A ​g−1 and no attenuation over 2000 GCD cycles. To promote the electrochemical performance, the flower-like Cu-MOF SDS has been obtained by using the selected sodium dodecyl sulfate. Then, the capacitive performance enhancement of Cu-MOF SDS has achieved approvingly, and the highest specific capacitance is 851 ​F ​g−1 at 0.5 ​A ​g−1. In this work, the solvents, surfactants and concentrations would be generating energetic effects on the morphological modulation and supercapacitive performances. A series of rGOs with different morphologies have been synthesized through modulating solvents, surfactants and concentrations. The slender rod shaped rGO E (synthesized in ethanol) shows a high performance of 802 ​F ​g−1 at 0.5 ​A ​g−1 and no attenuation in capacitance over 2000 GCD cycles. To improve the electrochemical performance, the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was added in the reaction and flower-like rGO SDS was obtained. Then, the capacitive performance enhancement of Cu-MOF SDS has been achieved approvingly, and the highest specific capacitance of 851 ​F ​g−1 at the current density of 0.5 ​A ​g−1. Further, the mechanism of this work has been explored elaborately. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-functional ionic liquid additive, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BMIHSO 4), is developed to tune the preferential Zn(002) crystallographic texture and simultaneously suppress the hydroxide sulfate accumulation on Zn anode by dynamically manipulating electrolyte pH-surroundings. The effective suppression of Zn dendrite growth enables a Zn symmetrical cell cycling stably to over one year. [Display omitted] Zn anodes suffer from the formation of uncontrolled dendrites aggravated by the uneven electric field and the insulating by-product accumulation in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, an effective strategy implemented by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BMIHSO 4) additive is proposed to synergistically tune the crystallographic orientation of zinc deposition and suppress the formation of zinc hydroxide sulfate for enhancing the reversibility on Zn anode surface. As a competing cation, BMI+ is proved to preferably adsorb on Zn-electrode compared with H 2 O molecules, which shields the "tip effect" and inhibits the Zn-deposition agglomerations to inducing the horizontal growth along Zn (002) crystallographic texture. Simultaneously, the protonated BMIHSO 4 additives could remove the detrimental OH– in real-time to fundamentally eliminate the accumulation of 6Zn(OH) 2 ·ZnSO 4 ·4H 2 O and Zn 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 ·H 2 O on Zn anode surface. Consequently, Zn anode exhibits an ultra-long cycling stability of one year (8762 h) at 0.2 mA cm−2/0.2 mAh cm−2, 3600 h at 2 mA cm−2/2 mAh cm−2 with a high plating cumulative capacity of 3.6 Ah cm−2, and a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % throughout 1000 cycles. This work of regulating Zn deposition texture combined with eliminating notorious by-products could offer a desirable way for stabilizing the Zn-anode/electrolyte interface in AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphorus content in eel aquaculture wastewater exceeds the discharge standard, and the amount of wastewater discharged is substantial. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore an economical and efficient method of treating aquaculture wastewater. This study explored the use of Desmodesmus sp. PW1, a type of microalgae, to treat eel aquaculture wastewater. By optimizing the conditions, Desmodesmus sp. PW1 achieved a total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiency of 92.3%, as well as total nitrogen (TN) and ammonia nitrogen (NH 4 +-N) removal efficiency of 99%, using a photoperiod of 24:0, a temperature of 25 °C, and an inoculation amount of 15%. Furthermore, Desmodesmus sp. PW1 demonstrated a high self-flocculating efficiency (>90%) within 100 min of settling, which facilitated biomass recovery. Subsequently, a semi-continuous treatment process mode was established with a sewage renewal rate of 90%. The results showed that after four rounds of sewage renewal operations, the microalgae biomass in the sewage treatment system could be maintained between 160.0 and 220.0 mg/L, and the average removal rate of TP was 0.13 mg/(L * h). The lipid content of algae cells collected in the semi-continuous treatment system for eel aquaculture wastewater was as high as 36.5%, and the biodiesel properties met the biodiesel standards authorized by Europe and the United States. Overall, this study provides an economical and effective strategy for converting wastewater into high-value microalgae products. [Display omitted] • Desmodesmus sp. PW1 demonstrated high removal efficiencies of 92.3% for TP and 99% for TN in treating eel aquaculture wastewater • Desmodesmus sp. PW1 demonstrated a self-flocculating efficiency of over 90% within a settling time of 100 min. • A semi-continuous model with a renewal rate of 90% for treating eel aquaculture wastewater was constructed. • Desmodesmus sp. PW1 contained 36.5% lipid that can be utilized for preparing biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel coordination polymers, namely, [Ca(NCP) 2 ] ∞ ( I ) and [Sr(NCP) 2 ] ∞ ( II ) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions based on 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)imidazo(4,5-f)-(1,10)phenanthroline (HNCP) and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Findings indicate that I and II are isomorphous and isostructural, containing the unit of M(NCP − ) 4 (M=Ca(II) and Sr(II)), based on which to assemble into three-dimensional (3D) porous 4-fold interpenetration honeycomb-shaped neutral coordination polymers (CPs). Between the adjacent lamellar structures in I and II , there exist π–π interactions between the pyridine rings belonging to phenanthroline of NCP − which stabilize the frameworks. Both I and II display stronger fluorescence emissions as well as high thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) as metal-free photocatalyst has been widely studied recently in photocatalytic water reduction, which is considered as one of the promising routes to realizing the hydrogen energy-based society in the future. The generally used preparation process based on thermal polymerization of precursors easily brought the formation of aggregated nanosheets morphology, severely limiting its photocatalytic activity. Herein, the hollow tube-like morphology with porous surface was elaborately obtained by ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-involved hydrothermal treatment of melamine precursor. The hollow and porous features shortened the migration distance of photo-generated carriers, trapped the incident lights, and provided more photocatalytic reactive sites, then realizing the enhanced photocatalytic H 2 -evolution activity up to 7.1 times that of pristine g-C 3 N 4. The presence of EDTA acted as the pivotal role to control the recrystallization process of melamine and its derivative, cyanuric acid, and thus to determine the framework formation of the hollow tube-like microstructure. Moreover, complete thermal decomposition of cyanuric acid during the thermal polymerization of precursors was responsible for the hollow and porous features. This work extends the morphology regulation cognition of g-C 3 N 4 based on hydrothermal treatment of precursors, and is expected to bring deep understanding and feasible strategies to design morphology-dominated highly-efficient g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ferric-impregnated volcanic ash (FVA) which consisted mainly of different forms of iron and aluminum oxide minerals was developed for arsenate (V) removal from an aqueous medium. The adsorption experiments were conducted in both DI water samples and actual water (Lake Kasumigaura, Japan) to investigate the effects of solution mineralization degree on the As(V) removal. Kinetic and equilibrium studies conducted in actual water revealed that the mineralization of water greatly elevated the As(V) adsorption on FVA. The experiment performed in DI water indicated that the existence of multivalence metallic cations significantly enhanced the As(V) adsorption ability, whereas competing anions such as fluoride and phosphate greatly decreased the As(V) adsorption. It is suggested that FVA is a cost-effective adsorbent for As(V) removal in low-level phosphate and fluoride solution. It was important to conduct the batch experiment using the actual water to investigate the arsenic removal on adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of novel geniposide derivatives were designed and synthesized for discovering efficient XOD inhibitor. • Compound 2e displayed the most XOD inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo. • Compound 2e can also repair kidney damage by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β signaling pathways. • Kinetics analysis revealed that compound 2e is a reversible mixed competitive inhibitor. • Molecular docking study indicated iridoid and glycosyl moiety of compound 2e were critical for binding to the XOD active site. Hyperuricemia is a principal factor mediating gout and kidney damage, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) is a key enzyme in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia. In this context, a series of geniposide derivatives were designed and synthesized, and antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of all derivatives was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Compound 2e emerged as the most potent XOD inhibitor, with an IC 50 value of 6.67 ± 0.46 µM. Simultaneously, cell viability, ROS generation, and SOD levels assay showed that compound 2e could repair the damage of HKC cells by inhibiting the oxidative stress response. The results of the study indicated compound 2e significantly decreased uric acid levels by inhibiting the XOD activity, and repaired kidney damage by inhibiting the expression of TLR4/TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB and NALP3/ASC/caspase-1 signaling pathways. Enzyme inhibition kinetics suggested that compound 2e functioned via reversible mixed competitive inhibition. Moreover, a molecular docking study was performed to gain insight into the binding mode of compound 2e with XOD. These results suggest that geniposide derivatives were potential to be developed into a novel medicine to reveal healthy benefits in natural prevention and reduction risk of hyperuricemia and kidney damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]