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Objective: Exploration of the efficacy of treating large indirect inguinal hernias in infants and young children using umbilical double-port laparoscopy combined with extraperitoneal water injection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 165 cases of primary unilateral large indirect inguinal hernias in infants and young children treated at our hospital from May 2018 to May 2023. Among them, 90 cases underwent umbilical double-port laparoscopic surgery combined with extraperitoneal water injection and high ligation of the hernia sac (Double-Port Group), and another 75 cases underwent conventional three-port laparoscopic high ligation of the hernia sac (Three-Port Group). The two groups were compared in terms of operation time, postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, hospital stay, incision complications, and recurrence within one year after surgery. Results: Both groups successfully completed the surgery without any intraoperative complications. The pain score at 24 hours postoperatively was lower in the Double-Port Group compared to the Three-Port Group, and there was no statistically significant difference in operation time, hospital stay, and incision complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both groups were followed up for one year postoperatively; the Three-Port Group had one recurrence that was cured after further treatment, while there were no recurrences in the Double-Port Group. Conclusion: Umbilical double-port laparoscopy combined with extraperitoneal water injection for the treatment of large indirect inguinal hernias in infants and young children has the advantages of being safe and reliable, with concealed and aesthetic incisions, and rapid recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their capability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under solar irradiation, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with pre-designable structure and unique architectures show great potentials for water purification. However, the sluggish charge separation, inefficient oxygen activation and poor structure stability in COFs restrict their practical applications to decontaminate water. Herein, via a facile one-pot synthetic strategy, we show the direct conversion of reversible imine linkage into rigid thiazole linkage can adjust the π-conjugation and local charge polarization of skeleton to boost the exciton dissociation on COFs. The rigid linkage can also improve the robustness of skeleton and the stability of COFs during the consecutive utilization process. More importantly, the thiazole linkage in COFs with optimal C 2p states (COF-S) effectively increases the activities of neighboring benzene unit to directly modulate the O2-adsorption energy barrier and improve the ROS production efficiency, resulting in the excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency of seven toxic emerging contaminants (e.g. degrading ~99% of 5 mg L−1 paracetamol in only 7 min) and effective bacterial/algal inactivation performance. Besides, COF-S can be immobilized in continuous-flow reactor and in enlarged reactor to efficiently eliminate pollutants under natural sunlight irradiation, demonstrating the feasibility for practical application. Linking COFs by rigid thiazole linkages can simultaneously enhance the stability, charge separation efficiency, and oxygen activation capability of COFs, resulting in the excellent photocatalytic degradation performance towards micropollutants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid urbanization and population growth exert a substantial impact on the accessibility of drinking water resources, underscoring the imperative for wastewater treatment and the reuse of non-potable water in agriculture. In this context, green walls emerge as a potential solution to augment the purification of unconventional waters, simultaneously contributing to the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of urban areas. This study aims to optimize water management in green walls by investigating the impact of bacterial strains on the biochemical properties and performance of the ornamental accumulator plant, Aptenia cordifolia, grown with various unconventional water sources. The experiments were designed as split plots based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The main factor was recycled water with three levels (gray water, wastewater from the Kashfroud region of Mashhad, and urban water (control)). The sub-factor included different bacterial strains at four levels, composed of various bacteria combinations, (B1: Psedoumonas flucrecens + Azosporillum liposferum + Thiobacillus thioparus + Aztobactor chorococcum, B2: Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas fildensis + Bacillus subtilis + Achromobacter xylosoxidans + Bacillus licheniform, B3: Pseudomonas putida + Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus methylotrophicus + Mcrobacterium testaceum, and the control level without bacterial application (B0). Result: The findings revealed significant differences at the 5% probability level across all morphophysiological traits, including plant height, the number and length of lateral branches, growth index, and plant coverage. Moreover, superior morphophysiological traits were observed in plants cultivated in substrates inoculated with wastewater irrigation. Substrates inoculated with bacteria exhibited the highest relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll levels, coupled with the lowest relative saturation deficit (RSD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and carotenoid levels. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), from a biochemical perspective, were associated with increased carbohydrates, total protein, and anthocyanin. They also contributed to controlling oxidative stress caused by free radicals by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. This led to increased resistance to stress, as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and proline levels. The study concludes that the MIX B3, being both ecofriendly and economical, represents an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of wastewater on plants. Conclusion: This study showed that plant irrigation using wastewater increases the levels of proline, phenols and oxidative stress. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing proline and phenol levels. These findings show the potential of bacterial treatments to improve plant growth and reduce adverse effects of recycled water irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e−‐ORR) enables high energy utilization and distributed H2O2 production. Rational catalyst design is essential for achieving efficient H2O2 production, in which fluorine‐modified carbon materials hold great potential. However, conventional methods can only induce limited loading of fluorine atoms in carbon‐based catalysts, leading to unsatisfying electrochemical performance. Herein, the design of fluorine‐containing active sites with high density and high 2e−‐ORR selectivity is achieved by loading fluorine‐containing chained polytetrafluoroethylene precursors onto conductive carbon substrates by plasma‐assisted ball milling technique. Consequently, the defect‐rich PTFE@CNTs show a high selectivity of over 95% and a high H2O2 yield of more than 35 mol g−1 h−1. Furthermore, the electrochemical production of H2O2 can be readily integrated with water purification units to decompose contaminants, showing over 80% degradation of multiple dyes within 1 h and over 95% removal ratio of antibiotics within 4 h. In addition, 100% sterilization of staphylococcus aureus is achieved by on‐site accumulating H2O2 in commercial saline for only 30 min. This defect engineering strategy through plasma ball milling provides a promising and universal avenue toward designing highly active and efficient electrocatalysts for 2e−‐ORR as well as other electrochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the evolution of water quality purification triggered by land use change is important for protecting and improving water quality and achieving sustainable development. Taking the “ Two Lakes and One Reservoir” basin as an example, the patch-level land use simulation ( PLUS ) model and the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs ( InVEST ) model ecosystem service water quality purification module were used to simulate changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of land use types as well as the characteristics of water quality purification of the basin under future natural development scenarios and ecological protection scenarios based on the land-use data for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020. The response relationship was quantitatively reveal between land use change and water purification function. The results show that the land type of the “ Two Lakes and One Reservoir” basin is dominated by arable land, and in 2030, the area of arable land, forest land and grassland under the natural development scenario shows a decreasing trend, and the area of construction land shows an increasing trend, and the ecological protection scenario can effectively protect the spatial distribution and area of the basin’ s arable land and forest land, etc. The TN and TP outputs of the “ Two Lakes and One Reservoir” basin are dominated by the low-intensity outputs, and the outputs of TN increase firstly and then decrease, and TP outputs increase year by year during the period of 2000—2020. From 2000 to 2020, TN output first increases and then decreases, TP output increases year by year, and the water purification capacity shows a steady trend. In 2030, TN output continues to decrease under the natural development scenario, and TP output shows an upward fluctuation, and TN and TP output under the eco-protection scenario is reduced compares with that under the natural development scenario, and the eco-protection scenario can increase the water purification capacity. Ecological land types can effectively intercept N and P into the water body, and the ecological protection scenario effectively reduces the rate of change of ecological land types and reduces the output of TN and TP. The future planning of the “ Two Lakes and One Reservoir” basin should increase the proportion of ecological land, and increase the ability of land types to intercept TN and TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the development of solar seawater desalination technology, many solar evaporators are affected by precipitated salts during the evaporation process, which can reduce efficiency. In this work, flexible fabrics made of polypyrrole (PPy)/MXene are obtained by impregnating the prepared PPy ink onto waffle like fabrics. The combination of PPy and fabric greatly improves the water absorption and evaporation performance of the fabric. The average evaporation rate of this structure is 1.43 kg m−2 h−1, and the average evaporation efficiency under a single light source is 85.13%. After a 15‐h testing cycle and a total of 8 cycles, lasting nearly 120 h, the performance of the device remained stable. The structural characteristics of waffle fabric, based on the Marangoni thermal effect, make it possible to suppress salt precipitation during evaporation, avoiding large salt particles covering the evaporation surface and reducing efficiency. This experiment successfully demonstrated long‐term stable water evaporation, providing new ideas for the development of fabric evaporators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced oxidation technology based on PeroxyMonoSulfate (PMS) has become a research hotspot in the field of water treatment. To improve the activation efficiency of PMS, electrochemically assisted spinel type catalyst CoFe2O4 was used to activate PMS and achieve effective degradation of acetaminophen. The influence of single factor on degradation was explored to determine the best degradation process parameters of E/CoFe2O4/PMS system. Results show that under the optimum reaction conditions (DC voltage is 6V, the initial mass concentration of acetaminophen is 10mgL−1, the dosage of CoFe2O4 is 0.3gL−1, and the mass concentration of PMS is 1.5gL−1), the degradation rate of acetaminophen reaches up to 95% within 20min. CoFe2O4 catalyst showed a good stability, with only a 12% decrease in acetaminophen degradation after three cycles. Radical quenching tests show that ⋅OH and SO4−⋅ played predominant roles in the advanced oxidation process. This work provides a new strategy for more efficiency in PMS activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of a ternary hybrid nanofluid, a recent development in the realm of nanofluids, can result in improved heat transfer. In the ongoing study, a ternary hybrid nanofluid flow is utilized, and it is carried out atop a porous spinning disc, which is exposed to a magnetic field, heat generation, thermal radiation, and Casson fluid. In this study, Blood/Water are taken as base fluids and (Ag–Au–Al2O3) are considered as a ternary hybrid nanoparticle. Nanoparticles made of gold and silver are put to use in a vast number of industries and fields, including nanotechnology and medicine. As a result of surface effects and quantum effects, these precious metals exhibit unique features in nanoform that play a vital role in with optical, magnetic, chemical, and mechanical behavior. Al2O3 unique optical, physical and biochemical qualities make it worthwhile for numerous uses, including nanophotonic, catalysis and the fabrication of high-energy composites. A set of relevant similarity transformations is used to generate non-dimensional forms of controlling paired nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). MATLAB is used to perform a numerical solution with ODE45. In addition, the velocity outline decreases, and the temperature profile increases slightly before decreasing over a revolving disk when the values of magnetic parameters are increased. The distribution and radiant heat components heat up as the level gets higher. Aim and objectives of the study: The aim of this study is to analyze the Comprehensive Scrutinization of Ternary hybrid and Casson flow in a conducting porous rotating disk with internal heating. The primary objective of this analysis is to increase awareness of the impending energy crisis among those working in the industrial and technological sectors. Ternary nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide range of applications, which lends credence to the developed model. For example, Al2O3 can be used in a variety of ways that benefit society, it is used in water purification to remove water from the gas streams and extend people's lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of water resources is a significant environmental challenge. The creation of innovative technologies to address this challenge is of paramount significance. Nanomaterials within polymeric membranes have surfaced as a hopeful technology within the realm of water purification, offering solutions to crucial issues concerning the elimination of pollutants and pathogens from water supplies. The exceptional properties of nanomaterials within polymeric membranes, including their high surface area, tunable pore sizes, and selective permeability, have enabled significant progress in the effective removal of various contaminants from water. This is due to the integration of nanoscale materials, such as metal nanoparticles, nanofibers, graphene, and graphene oxide, which has further enhanced the membrane performance by introducing enhanced mechanical strength, improved separation efficiency, and increased adsorption capacities. Recent research has focused on tailoring nanomaterials within polymeric membranes to target specific contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics. Functionalization techniques, such as surface modification and incorporation of specific functional groups, have been employed to enhance the adsorption and separation capabilities of these membranes. Moreover, innovative fabrication methods, including layer-by-layer assembly, electrospinning, and template-assisted techniques, have been explored to achieve precise control over membrane properties and morphology. This review provides an overview of the current status and advancements in the utilization of nanomaterials within polymeric membranes for water purification applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2‐based composite photocatalysts are currently being explored to address concerns intrinsic to TiO2, specifically high charge carrier recombination and UV light activation. Among various materials utilized for composite formation, carbon nanomaterials stand out due to their high electron conductivity, charge storage, photosensitization, and surface properties. However, high carbon content in composites has been shown to reduce performance with potential toxicity concerns. To harness the diverse properties of carbon nanomaterials in a single composite while optimizing the carbon content below 1% by weight, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/TiO2 sensitized by carbon nanodots (CND) are synthesized. The heterojunction formed between MWCNTs and TiO2 in the binary composite reduced the charge carrier recombination rate compared to TiO2. The addition of CNDs to MWCNT/TiO2 induced visible light absorbance of the resulting ternary composite, due to the forbidden electron transitions undergone in CND aggregates. CND/MWCNT/TiO2 exhibited a fivefold and 1.6‐fold increase in photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 and tetracycline under visible light compared to TiO2. This enhancement is attributed to the photosensitizing property of CNDs working in synergy with the charge storage ability of MWCNTs. A plausible charge transfer pathway for the activity of CND/MWCNT/TiO2 is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage grass factory could break through the restrictions of land resources, region and climate to achieve efficient production throughout the year by accurate and intelligent management. However, due to its closed environment, mold outbreaks in the forage grass factory were severe, significantly affecting barley production. In this study, 9 contaminated barley tissues were collected and 45 strains were isolated in forage grass factory. After ITS sequencing, 45 strains were all identified as Rhizopus oryzae. Through stress factor assays, R. oryzae growth was seriously hindered by low concentration of sodium nitrate, high pH value and ozone water treatment. High pH and ozone water affected growth mainly by altering membrane integrity of R. oryzae. Sodium nitrate inhibited the growth of R. oryzae mainly by affecting the amount of sporulation. Low concentration of sodium nitrate and ozone water did not affect the growth of barley. High concentrations of sodium nitrate (100mM) and pH values (8-8.5) inhibited barley growth. Among them, ozone water had the most obvious inhibition effect on R. oryzae. Large-scale ozone water treatment in the forage grass factory had also played a role in restoring barley production. Taken together, the green techonology to controlmold disease andmaintain the safety of forage through different physicochemical methods was selected, which was of considerable application value in animal husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the intrinsic porosity and photo‐regulated pore environment, azobenzene (Azo) functionalized covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show great potential for contaminant removal. However, the stability and degree of functionality of the COFs greatly affect the porosity and subsequent adsorption capacity and selectivity. Herein, a highly stable thiazole‐linked COF containing phenolic hydroxyl groups (OH‐COF) is constructed by using 4,4′,4′‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)trianiline and 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde in the presence of sulfur, which shows high crystallinity and specific surface. Azo‐functionalized COFs ((Azo)x‐COFs) are prepared by grafting different amounts azobenzene groups onto OH‐COF through post‐modification, whose aperture is conveniently tuned by the grafted azobenzene amount. The pore size of (Azo)x‐COFs also can be reversibly adjusted under UV and visible light irradiation without affecting the crystallinity. Appropriate amount of Azo‐grafted (Azo)0.1‐COF possessed a high adsorption capacity (1216.93 mg g−1) to Congo red (CR). While the adsorption capacity of (Azo)1.0‐COF to CR significantly increased 2.9 times to reach 1489.96 mg g−1 after UV irradiation. (Azo)1.0‐COF also can selectively separate dye molecules with different sizes based on photo‐regulated pore size, showing excellent reversibility and reusability. As such, the ability to photo‐regulate the adsorption and interception of (Azo)x‐COFs highlights their significance in functioning as smart porous nanomaterials for pollutant removal and water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an indispensable resource for human activity and the environment. Industrial activities generate vast quantities of wastewater that may be heavily polluted or contain toxic contaminants, posing environmental and public health challenges. Different industries generate wastewater with widely varying characteristics, such as the quantity generated, concentration, and pollutant type. It is essential to understand these characteristics to select available treatment techniques for implementation in wastewater treatment facilities to promote sustainable water usage. This review article provides an overview of wastewaters generated by various industries and commonly applied treatment techniques. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Challenges and future directions for 3D-printed metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) monoliths in environmental applications are discussed. Various strategies for fabrication of 3D-printed MOF monoliths are summarized. Advancements in 3D printing enable customizable and high-performance MOF monoliths. 3D orienting of MOFs opens avenues for applications in water treatment and gas adsorption. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively considered as one of the most promising types of porous and crystalline organic–inorganic materials, thanks to their large specific surface area, high porosity, tailorable structures and compositions, diverse functionalities, and well-controlled pore/size distribution. However, most developed MOFs are in powder forms, which still have some technical challenges, including abrasion, dustiness, low packing densities, clogging, mass/heat transfer limitation, environmental pollution, and mechanical instability during the packing process, that restrict their applicability in industrial applications. Therefore, in recent years, attention has focused on techniques to convert MOF powders into macroscopic materials like beads, membranes, monoliths, gel/sponges, and nanofibers to overcome these challenges.Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has achieved much interest because it can produce many high-resolution macroscopic frameworks with complex shapes and geometries from digital models. Therefore, this review summarizes the combination of different 3D printing strategies with MOFs and MOF-based materials for fabricating 3D-printed MOF monoliths and their environmental applications, emphasizing water treatment and gas adsorption/separation applications. Herein, the various strategies for the fabrication of 3D-printed MOF monoliths, such as direct ink writing, seed-assisted in-situ growth, coordination replication from solid precursors, matrix incorporation, selective laser sintering, and digital light processing, are described with the relevant examples. Finally, future directions and challenges of 3D-printed MOF monoliths are also presented to better plan future trajectories in the shaping of MOF materials with improved control over the structure, composition, and textural properties of 3D-printed MOF monoliths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was the characterization of polymer microspheres obtained by the suspension polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), depending on the pore-forming diluents and molar ratio of monomers. The assessed properties included the chemical and porous structure, thermal stability, and sorption capacity of the obtained polymers towards methylene blue. The abovementioned characteristic was carried out for two series of copolymers with molar ratios of monomers of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1, synthetized with toluene and a mixture of decanol and benzyl alcohol. The structure of the polymers was confirmed by FTIR and elemental analysis. The results of TGA demonstrated the main influence on thermal stability was the composition of polymers, whereas the impact of porogens was negligible. The SBET varied in the range of 12–534 m2g−1 for polymers obtained with toluene and 0–396 m2g−1 with the mixture of alcohols. Toluene enhanced the formation of micro- and mesopores, while the mixture of alcohols enhanced the creation of meso- and macropores. For the polymers prepared with toluene, their effectiveness in water purification decreases in the following order: DVB-GMA 2:1 > DVB-GMA 1:1 > DVB-GMA 1:2, according to the decreasing values of porous structure parameters. In the case of a series obtained with a mixture of alcohols, such correlation was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics with significant environmental toxicity, e.g., tetracyclines (TCs), are often used in large quantities worldwide, with 50–80% of the applied dose ending up in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and minocycline hydrochloride (MIN) on L. minor. Our research evaluated the phytotoxicity of the TCs by analyzing plant growth and biomass and evaluating assimilation pigment levels and fluorescence. The research was extended with the ability potential of duckweed as a tool for removing TCs from water/wastewater. The results demonstrated that both TCs influenced Ir, Iy, biomass, and photosynthetic efficiency. The uptake of TC and MIN by duckweed was proportional to the concentration in the growth medium. The TC was absorbed more readily, reaching up to 8.09 mg × g−1 of dry weight (DW) at the highest concentration (19.2 mg × L−1), while MIN reached 6.01 mg × g−1 of DW. As indicated, the consequences of the influence of TC on plants were slightly smaller, in comparison to MIN, while the plants could biosorb this drug, even at the lowest tested concentration. This study has shown that using plants for drug biosorption can be an effective standalone or complementary method for water and wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scalable and cost-effective solution for removing pollutants from water is to use biodegradable and eco-friendly sorbents that are readily available such as starch. The current research explored the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from water using chemically modified potato starch. The adsorbent was prepared by cross-linking potato starch with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The impact of various operating factors including pH, temperature, contact time, initial CV concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the removal of CV were investigated using batch experiments. The adsorption data were analyzed using a fuzzy regression approach, which provided a range-based representation of the model's output. The cross-linked starch adsorbent was mesoporous, with a mean pore diameter of 9.8 nm and a specific surface area of 2.7 m2/g. The adsorption of CV by the STMP cross-linked potato starch was primarily influenced by the adsorbent dosage, followed by the solution pH, temperature, initial CV concentration, and contact time. The fuzzy regression model accurately predicted the independent experimental data of CV removal with an R2 of 0.985, demonstrating its value as a tool for the continuous monitoring of CV removal as well as optimizing water treatment conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria of the Thiothrix morphotype, comprising the genera Thiothrix, Thiolinea and Thiofilum, are frequently encountered in domestic and industrial wastewater treatment systems, but they are usually not clearly differentiated due to the marked similarity in their morphologies. Methods ranging from light microscopy, FISH and PCR to modern high-throughput sequencing are used to identify them. The development of these bacteria in wastewater treatment systems has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the explosive growth of these bacteria can lead to activated sludge bulking or clogging of the treatment system's membranes, with a consequent decrease in the water treatment efficiency. On the other hand, members of the Thiothrix morphotype can improve the quality of granular sludge and increase the water treatment efficiency. This may be due to their capacity for sulfide oxidation, denitrification combined with the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds, enhanced biological phosphate removal and possibly denitrifying phosphate removal. The recently obtained pangenome of the genus Thiothrix allows the explanation, at the genomic level, of the experimental results of various studies. Moreover, this review summarizes the data on the factors affecting the proliferation of representatives of the Thiothrix morphotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have emerged as a versatile and multifunctional platform applied in bioimaging, disease treatment, electrocatalysis, and water purification. The synthesis of MPNs with mesoporous frameworks and ultra-small diameters (<200 nm), crucial for post-modification, cargo loading, and mass transport, remains a formidable challenge. Inspired by mussel chemistry, mesoporous metal-phenolic nanospheres (MMPNs) are facilely prepared by direct deposition of the metal-polyphenol complex on the interface of oil nano-droplets composed of block copolymers/1,3,5-trimethylbenzene followed by a spontaneous template-removal process. Due to the penetrable and stable networks, the oil nano-droplets gradually leak from the networks driven by shear stress during the stirring process. As a result, MMPNs are obtained without additional template removal procedures such as solvent extraction or high-temperature calcination. The materials have a large pore size (∼12.1 nm), uniform spherical morphology with a small particle size (∼99 nm), and a large specific surface area (49.8 m2 g−1). Due to the abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, the MMPNs show excellent antioxidative property. The MMPNs also have excellent photothermal property, whose photothermal conversion efficiency was 40.9 %. Moreover, the phenolic hydroxyl groups can reduce Ag+ in situ to prepare Ag nanoparticles loaded MMPNs composites, which have excellent inhibition performance of drug-resistant bacteria biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triazine-based conjugated polymers with high electron transfer efficiency obtained the enhanced photocatalytic activities by D-A polarization for degradation of BPA and benzene pollutants. [Display omitted] • Triazine-based D-A conjugated polymers were fabricated by simple Schiff-base reaction. • The separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers is improved by D-A configuration regulation. • The π-conjugated skeleton facilitates the adsorption and activation of aromatic pollutant molecules. • Tr-BTh exhibited complete photocatalytic degradation of 50 ppm BPA in 40 min. Photocatalysis is a green and environmentally friendly method for degrading dangerous and nonbiodegradable pollutants. In this study, a sequence of metal-free triazine-based electronic donor–acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymers Tr-X (X = Th, BT, BTh) were prepared by D-A configuration regulation between triazine (Tr) and monomers containing N and S, such as thiophene (Th), bithiophene (BTh) and benzothiadiazole (BT) units, for the photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) and benzene contaminants in water under visible light. Among these, Tr-BTh exhibited complete photocatalytic degradation owing to its excellent D-A configuration. Moreover, the N and S atoms, which are rich in triazine and thiophene units, serve as highly dispersed reactive sites. The separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers can be further improved by expanding the light-absorption range of polymers. In addition, the polymers showed good adsorption for BPA and other aromatic organic pollutants through π-π interaction and surface hydrogen bonding, which provides a facile strategy for efficient polymer-based photocatalysts for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing an S-scheme system with highly active catalysts is a significant approach for improving the separation of photoinduced carriers to solve the related environmental aggravation. In this study, a well-designed S-scheme AgVO3/CaIn2S4 photocatalyst was synthesized for water purification by in situ growing CaIn2S4 nanocrystals on AgVO3 nanorod surfaces. The optimized AgVO3/CaIn2S4 heterostructure demonstrates an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency (94.1%) toward tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation compared with bare AgVO3 (42.6%) and CaIn2S4 (81.6%). The significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity is attributed to the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism in the AgVO3/CaIn2S4 heterostructure, which effectively directs photogenerated charge migration, boosts charge transfer, and preserves the high redox capacity of photoexcited electrons and holes on different active sites. This study is expected to offer insights into strategically designing and preparing S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts to improve water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium dioxide nanomaterials doped with samarium were produced through a bio-template method, utilizing citric acid as a fuel. Various advanced methods, for instance, XRD, TEM, EDX, PL, XPS, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, were employed to characterize the compositions. XRD analysis confirmed that all peaks corresponded to the tetragonal phase of ZrO2, with no presence of impurities from other phases. The elemental composition was analyzed using EDX, verifying the presence of Zr, Sm, and O. The energy gap widening concerning the pure ZrO2 may be the well-known Moss–Burstein shift. This shift was linked to an increase in the bandgap (from 5.25eV to 5.54eV) with increasing concentrations of Sm. This observation was made during the analysis of the photocatalysis of pure ZrO2 and various concentrations of Sm-doped ZrO2 for Methylene Blue. The augmentation of Sm doping resulted in an improvement in the efficiency of removing Methylene Blue, increasing the removal rate from 35% to 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) are crucial building blocks for a range of functional nanomaterials due to their simple chemical structure and high molecular stability. In this investigation, we synthesized a set of S‐benzyl‐L‐cysteine‐based CDPs (designated as P1‐P6) and thoroughly examined their self‐assembly behavior in a methanol‐water solvent to elucidate the relationship between their structure and gelation properties. The hydrophobicity of the amino acids within the CDPs was gradually increased. The present study employed a comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including NMR, FT‐IR, AFM, thioflavin‐T, congo‐red CD, X‐ray crystallography, and biophysical calculations like Hirshfield Surface analysis and DFT analysis. These methods revealed that in addition to hydrogen bonding, the hydrophobic nature of the amino acid side chain significantly influences the propensity of CDPs to form hydrogels. Each CDP yielded distinct nanofibrillar networks rich in β‐sheet structures, showcasing unique morphological features. Moreover, we explored the practical application of these CDP‐based hydrogels in water purification by utilizing them to remove harmful organic dyes from contaminated water. This application underscores the potential of CDPs in addressing environmental challenges, offering a promising avenue for the future development of these materials in water treatment technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiaquatic animals breed in environments with a mix of aquatic and terrestrial features, each requiring appropriate types of locomotion with differential energetic demands and containing different suits of predators. We surveyed calling locations of male Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) at our study pond to assess average composition of land/water substrates available to females during mate choice. We also conducted acoustic playback trials to examine whether the mate choice behavior of females was affected by approach substrate; that is, whether females had to swim or walk towards a potential mate. We found that mate preferences were not strongly affected by the substrate of movement: the preferred call duration (“peak preference”) was similar in both treatments, but females showed somewhat stronger discrimination against values deviating from their peak preference (higher “preference selectivity”) in the water treatment. By contrast, other aspects of phonotaxis behavior were clearly different and consistent with females perceiving water as a more dangerous environment: in the water treatment, females took longer to leave the dry release point, jumped further when leaving the release point, and took advantage of features of the playback setup (i.e., the aquatic arena was surrounded by walls) to leave the water and approach the speaker “on land”. This suggests that females do not compromise mate preferences but adjust associated behaviors to minimize risk, and that environmental heterogeneity has little influence on sexual selection regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of potentially toxic element ions from contaminated water sources has garnered significant attention due to its critical role in environmental remediation and ensuring safe drinking water. Potentially toxic element ions can be removed from water using conventional adsorbents such as activated zeolites; however, these materials have low absorption and slow kinetics. To solve these issues, carbon-based adsorbents that exhibit easy synthesis, high porosity, designability, and stability have been proposed. In this study, a carbon-based adsorbent, named Magnetic Nitrogen-Doped Carbon (M-NC), and graphene oxide were developed for the selective removal of potentially toxic element ions. To increase the potential for HM immobilization, sulfide-modified biochar was created via a process called simultaneous carbon layer encapsulation. A theoretical physicochemical and thermodynamic investigation of the adsorption of potentially toxic elements s Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Ag2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ on carbon-based adsorbents was performed with statistical physics fundaments. The biochar with large surface areas is used to remove potentially toxic element ions, one of the most important potentially toxic element pollutants, from aqueous solutions. The capacity of the adsorbent for removing potentially toxic element ions was studied using Langmuir adsorption isotherm under ultrasound-assisted conditions. The MNCs can be applied to the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. It is possible to use the Langmuir and second-order kinetic equations to accurately explain the adsorption method. Thermodynamic limitations were also envisioned because sorption is exothermic when it happens spontaneously. A homogeneous statistical physics adsorption model was used to describe and analyze the experimental potentially toxic element removal isotherms at 30 °C and pH5 utilizing adsorbents produced by pyrolysis of biomasses (broccoli stalks). The findings show the proposed adsorbent, with an efficiency of 98.7 % and even reaching 99.3 % in certain cases, making it a standout choice for potentially toxic element removal applications. This research holds significance in advancing the understanding of environmentally sustainable potentially toxic element removal processes, particularly in the context of biomass-derived adsorbents, offering potential solutions for water purification and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 2 WO 6 has attracted extensive attention in photocatalysts in recent years as a typical Aurivillius oxide. However, it suffers from severe electron-hole recombination due to the large charge transfer distance from bulk to surface. Unfortunately, strong chemical bonds between the neighboring layers in Aurivillius oxides lead to difficulties in the construction of 2D materials. Here, a facile NaBH 4 -assisted hydrothermal method is developed to construct 2D Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets with adjustable thickness from 4.03 to 1.51 nm and O vacancies density (named as BWO-x, x = 15, 30, 45, 60). By balancing the thickness and the O vacancy density in the nanosheets, the charge separation efficiency can be tuned and consequently, the photocatalytic activity can be optimized, leading to over 11 times enhancement in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the best performed nanosheets demonstrate universality in dye polluted water treatment. Nearly 100% degradation can be reached after only 5, 50, and 30 min with degradation rate constant of 29.73, 3.21, and 6.62 min−1g−1 for Rhodamine B, methyl orange, and methylene blue, respectively. This work provides a comprehensive approach to produce ultrathin 2D nanosheets of Aurivillius photocatalysts for enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic activity. • Ultrathin 2D Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets have been constructed. • Improved charge separation has been achieved in the ultrathin 2D BWO nanosheets. • The 2D BWO nanosheets exhibit enhanced photocatalytic H 2 evolution and dye degradation. • This work provides a comprehensive approach to produce ultrathin 2D nanosheets of Aurivillius Oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure water scarcity is the most significant emerging challenge of the modern society. Various organics such as pesticides (clomazone, quinmerac), pharmaceuticals (ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethynilestradiol), and mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol) can be found in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to fabricate ZnO nanomaterial on the basis of banana peel extract (ZnO/BPE) and investigate its efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of selected organics under various experimental conditions. Newly synthesized ZnO/BPE nanomaterials were fully characterized by the XRD, FTIR, SEM-EPS, XPS, and BET techniques, which confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanomaterials. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the optimal catalyst loading of ZnO/BPE was 0.5 mg/cm3, while the initial pH did not influence the degradation efficiency. The reusability of the ZnO/BPE nanomaterial was also tested, and minimal activity loss was found after three photocatalytic cycles. The photocatalytic efficiency of pure banana peel extract (BPE) was also studied, and the obtained data showed high removal of ciprofloxacin and 17α-ethynilestradiol. Finally, the influence of water from Danube River was also examined based on the degradation efficiency of selected pollutants. These results showed an enhanced removal of ciprofloxacin in water from the Danube River, while in the case of other pollutants, the treatment was less effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ultrafiltration (UF) technology is an efficient shale gas flowback water treatment method. However, severe membrane fouling is the primary restriction on the application of UF technology. Here, we studied the impact of three pretreatments: precipitative softening (PS), precipitative softening, followed by ozonation (PS-O) and ozonation, followed by precipitative softening (O-PS), on pollutants' removal efficiencies and membrane fouling. The results showed that (1) the hardness, bacteria, scaling trend and compatibility with formation water exceeded the requirements for water reuse; (2) pretreatments effectively increased water flux and prolonged ultrafiltration membrane life, and both of them followed the order of PS-O process > O-PS process > PS process; (3) the fouling mechanism was changed from the complete blocking model to the standard blocking model by the PS process and the addition of ozonation enhanced the correlation of standard blocking model; (4) the quality of fracturing liquid prepared by the effluent treated by the PS-O-UF process was the best and satisfied the requirements of slick water. This paper indicated that the PS-O-UF process was suitable for the treatment of Changning shale gas flowback water for reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of water pollution is one of the hot topics of global concern, which requires us to efficiently treat pollutants in water, especially printing and dyeing sewage. There are varieties of dyestuffs and intermediates, which are complex and difficult to degrade, and they even contain heavy metals. In this study, a bacterial strain named Q3-6 with potential for sewage treatment was isolated and its physiological, biochemical, and genomic characteristics, and potential application value, were further investigated. The genome sequence confirmed that it belongs to Bacillus thuringiensis. Strain Q3-6 has a significant decolorization effect on the dyes. The decolorization rate for Brilliant blue G-250 (0.1 g/L) and Congo Red (0.1 g/L) can reach 93.9% and 91.9%, respectively. In addition, strain Q3-6 is resistant to many kinds of antibiotics and heavy metals. Further, it has strong heat resistance, and heating at 80 °C can promote the biomass of the strain. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes related to heat shock proteins (GroES, GrpE, DnaJ, GroEL, DnaK, ClpB, and ClpA) in strain Q3-6. These results suggest the strain's exceptional resilience and adaptability to intricate environments with heavy metals, antibiotics, or high-temperature environments, suggesting its pivotal role in the bioremediation of complex contaminated effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the efficiency of caffeine mitigation in an aqueous solution through a combination of adsorption and the Fenton reaction, using granular activated carbon (GAC). The present study also investigates the reduction in the concentration of oxidation byproducts in the solution and the regeneration of the solid. The combined process was conducted in four consecutive cycles using optimal values determined in individual technique studies. For the individual adsorption study, a Box–Behnken design was employed, with varying pH (3 to 11), GAC concentration (1.0 to 10.0 g L−1), and contact time (10 to 120 min). In the individual Fenton study, based on a factorial design, concentrations of FeSO4·7H2O (4 to 20 mg L−1) and H2O2 (25 to 150 mg L−1) were used at reaction times of 5 and 60 min. GAC was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific area (BET), and pore size (BJH) throughout all stages of experimentation. The outcomes show that the adsorption achieved a 93.4% removal rate under the optimal experimental conditions (natural pH, 65 min, and 10 mg L−1) and the Fenton reaction achieved a 98.92% degradation rate at a 37.5 ratio of H2O2/FeSO4·7H2O. The combined process also achieved an efficiency of over 95.7% of caffeine removal in four cycles, reducing the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) by more than 47.65% and 20.6% at 5 and 60 min of the Fenton reaction, respectively. Regeneration efficiencies of 99.6%, 91.8%, and 93.8% for the other three evaluated cycles were obtained. These findings suggest that the combined process is a promising solution for the treatment of effluents contaminated with caffeine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is a key industrial activity contributing to the global economy, but it generates large volumes of wastewater with high turbidity due to mineral extraction and processing. In Ecuador, the growth of industrial and artisanal mining has worsened water pollution. Effective wastewater management is essential to mitigate the environmental impacts. Traditionally, chemical coagulants like aluminum sulfate reduce water turbidity, but they have drawbacks such as high costs, chemical waste generation, and adverse health effects. The residual aluminum in drinking water can harm the central nervous system and is linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and dialysis-related conditions. Given these concerns, evaluating plant species as natural coagulants is crucial. Moringa oleifera, widely found in tropical dry forests, has shown effectiveness in water treatment. This study assesses the efficacy of Moringa oleifera paste as a natural coagulant to reduce turbidity in mining wastewater compared to the efficacy of aluminum sulfate. Coagulation and flocculation tests determined the optimal doses and efficiency of both coagulants. The results indicated that Moringa oleifera achieved an 85% turbidity reduction compared to a 92% reduction with aluminum sulfate. This demonstrates its viability and effectiveness as a sustainable, economical, and safe alternative for water purification, promoting environmentally friendly practices in the mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic residues in water environments have garnered widespread attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have found extensive applications in water purification. This study investigates the use of a cobalt-based MOF material, zeolitic imidazolate framework-67(ZIF-67)(Co), for activating persulfate (PMS) to remove residual antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous environments. The main findings are as follows: ZIF-67(Co) exhibits insignificant adsorption capacity for CIP, and PMS alone does not degrade CIP effectively. However, ZIF-67(Co)-activated PMS demonstrates the efficient degradation of CIP, following pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. Under optimal conditions of the catalyst dosage (15 mg) and PMS concentration (1.0 mM), the removal efficiency reaches 88% after 60 min. Comparative analysis of CIP degradation at different initial pH levels shows that the highest efficiency is reached under mildly acidic conditions, with an 86% removal rate achieved within 60 min under these conditions. Investigation into the impact of various inorganic anions on the ZIF-67(Co)-catalyzed PMS degradation of CIP reveals significant inhibition by chloride ions ( Cl − ), whereas nitrate ( NO 3 - ) and sulfate ( SO 4 2 - ) ions have minor effects on the degradation efficiency. The system demonstrates a consistent performance across different water matrices, highlighting ZIF-67(Co)/PMS as effective for ciprofloxacin removal in environmental waters. This study provides technical support for the efficient removal of antibiotic residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johkasou systems have emerged as quintessential examples of decentralized wastewater treatment technologies due to their compact design, easy operation, and robust resistance to mechanical impact attributes that are particularly effective in mitigating and treating rural domestic wastewater. Although the efficiency of the Johkasou process in removing nitrogen and phosphorus has been well-documented, a comprehensive synthesis of the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors is still elusive. This review seeks to elucidate these aspects by detailing the biogeochemical pathways involved in nitrogen and phosphorus removal, characterizing the key microbial consortia, and addressing the potential accumulation of nitrous oxide (N2O). Furthermore, the review critically examines the impact of various media used in Johkasou systems on nutrient removal efficacy, with a particular emphasis on nitrogen. It also proposes a range of practical adjustments to design parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, and hydraulic retention time (HRT), to enhance process performance. Finally, the practical implementation of Johkasou systems and their integration with ancillary processes in actual domestic sewage treatment scenarios are synthesized, providing a theoretical foundation for advancing Johkasou methodologies in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The over-exploitation of groundwater and the deterioration of its quality have heightened the importance of non-traditional water resources, such as mine water. The study of the water's chemical characteristics and the formation mechanism of high-salinity mine water in semi-arid regions holds significant importance for zero discharge and the resource utilization of mine water in Northwest China. In this study, a total of 38 groundwater and mine water samples were collected to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of high-salinity mine water using Piper diagrams and Gibbs diagrams, as well as isotope analyses and ion ratio coefficients. Additionally, the corresponding mine water treatment recommendations were put forward. The results show that the TDS content of groundwater increases with hydrographic depth. The average TDS concentration of Quaternary, Luohe, and Anding groundwater is 336.87, 308.67, and 556.29 mg/L, respectively. However, the TDS concentration of Zhiluo groundwater and mine water is 2768.57 and 3826.40 mg/L, respectively, which belong to high-salinity water. The Quaternary, Luohe, and Anding groundwater hydrochemical type is predominantly HCO3-Ca type, and the Zhiluo groundwater and mine water hydrochemical type is predominantly the SO4-Na type. Furthermore, there is minimal difference observed in δD and δ18O values among these waters. It can be inferred that the Zhiluo Formation in groundwater serves as the primary source of mine water supply, primarily influenced by the processes of concentration caused by evaporation. The high salinity of mine water is closely related to the high salinity of Zhiluo groundwater. The high salinity of groundwater has evolved gradually under the control of the concentration caused by evaporation and rock-weathering processes. The dissolution of salt rock, gypsum, along with other minerals, serves as the material basis for high-salinity groundwater formation. In addition, the evolution of major ions is also affected by cation exchange. The TDS concentration of mine water ranges from 3435.4 mg/L to 4414.3 mg/L, and the combined treatment process of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis can be selected to remove the salt. After treatment, mine water can be used for productive, domestic, and ecological demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leveraging date palm spikelets (DPS) as a precursor, this study developed a DPS-derived composite (ZnO@DPS-AC) for water treatment, focusing on methyl orange (MO) removal. The composite was synthesized through ZnCl2 activation and pyrolysis at 600 °C. Comprehensive characterization was conducted using TGA, FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDS, and pHPZC. Characterization revealed a highly carbonaceous material (> 74% carbon) with significant porosity and surface functional groups. ZnO@DPS-AC demonstrated rapid MO removal, achieving over 45% reduction within 10 min and up to 99% efficiency under optimized conditions. The Langmuir model-calculated maximum adsorption capacity reached 226.81 mg/g at 20 °C. Adsorption mechanisms involved hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, and pore filling. The composite showed effectiveness in treating real wastewater and removing other pollutants. This study highlights the potential of agricultural waste valorization in developing efficient, sustainable adsorbents for water remediation, contributing to circular bioeconomy principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Living Wall (LW) garden system has been employed as a post-treatment system to improve the effluent quality of septic tanks. This improvement primarily involves reducing nutrient levels, as well as facilitating the removal of organic matter and solids in accordance with effluent discharge guidelines. The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment performance of the LW system connected to a septic tank, along with an examination of the microbial communities within the LW units. A laboratory-scale LW system, comprising LW1, LW2, and LW3 units, was employed. The system was fed with effluent obtained from septic tanks and varied by theoretical hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 12, and 24 h. The TCOD, SCOD, TSS, TVS, TKN, and TP removal efficiencies of the LWs were achieved at 62 ± 24, 42 ± 19, 72 ± 21, 66 ± 15, 80 ± 15, and 58 ± 21%, respectively. To classify microbial communities in the soil and gravels collected from each LW unit, the Illumina MiSeq System Sequencer was employed. Nitrospirota was consistently found in all LW units, aiding in the conversion of nitrogen. Fusobacteriota were detected in specific layers of the LW units, indicating varying oxygen levels in the LW system. Highlights: • Living Walls (LWs) effectively eliminate organics, nutrients, and solids to meet the national discharge standard. • Expanding LW units improves nitrogen removal, and microbial communities are crucial for nitrogen removal in LW units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are nanoscale carbon‐based particles with unique quantum properties. Because of their customizable size, optical properties, and surface functions, CQDs are frequently used in a wide range of applications. The present thorough analysis delves into the crucial function of CQDs in the photocatalytic breakdown of Methylene Blue (MB), providing valuable perspectives on their production, attributes, and catalytic processes. The effects of pH, wavelength, intensity, and other variables on the effectiveness of MB degradation are covered in detail. An analytical review of the kinetic models used to estimate the deterioration process is given. For improved stability and recyclability, the synergistic effects of CQD‐based composites and developments in catalyst immobilization techniques are examined. Prospects for the future center on reactor designs, integration into large‐scale water treatment systems, and optimization of CQD features. The research highlights the revolutionary potential of CQDs in transforming wastewater treatment and advancing environmentally sound solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the many applications of manganese oxides in water treatment, this research aimed to synthesize α-Mn2O3 nanoparticles through a green method and investigate the dye adsorption capacity of them. The α-Mn2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using KMnO4 and aqueous extract of Pyracantha angustofolia fruits under hydrothermal conditions and calcination. The products were identified using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The adsorption capacity of methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR) dyes were evaluated at different concentrations (25, 50, and 75 ppm) using α-Mn2O3 nanoparticles. Results revealed the spherical and porous structure of α-Mn2O3 nanoparticles with a specific surface area of 21.7 m2.g-1. Dye removal significantly increased with pH decrement. The adsorption capacity for MO and CR was 73.07 and 70.70 mg.g−1, respectively. The adsorption data of both dyes followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The best fitted models for MO and CR adsorption were the Langmuir isotherm and the Dubinin–Radushkevich, respectively. In addition, a possible adsorption mechanism was proposed for both dyes. The findings showed that α-Mn2O3 nanoparticles are very efficient adsorbents for removing anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern rubber industry, the major problem is the use of petroleum-derived chemical reinforcements that exploit conventional sources of energy. In this review article, we have discussed the importance of some cellulose-based reinforcements as an alternative to harmful chemicals in rubber composites. The employment of natural cellulosic fillers not only improves the biodegradability of rubber latex but also enhances its mechanical and thermal properties. Such reinforced rubber composites can be used effectively in various sectors, i.e. food packaging, footwear, water purification and sensors. In the last, the current outlook and future perspectives of smart rubber composites in commercial areas are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne microbial contamination poses significant threats to public health and environmental sustainability. Traditional water treatment methods, while effective to a certain extent, are often limited in their ability to completely eradicate microbial pathogens and mitigate emerging challenges such as disinfection by-products and microbial resistance. In recent years, nanoparticles have emerged as promising candidates for microbial control in water treatment due to their unique physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the use of nanoparticles for microbial control in water treatment, focusing on their antimicrobial mechanisms, applications, and ecological implications. The review discusses the types of nanoparticles commonly used in water treatment, including silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and carbon-based nanoparticles, and examines their antimicrobial mechanisms, such as cell membrane damage, reactive oxygen species generation, and interference with microbial metabolic processes. Furthermore, the review explores the applications of nanoparticles in the disinfection of drinking water, wastewater treatment, water purification in remote areas, and biofilm control. Additionally, the ecological implications of nanoparticle-based water treatment, including nanoparticle release into the environment, environmental persistence, toxicity to non-target organisms, and regulatory challenges, are critically evaluated. Finally, future perspectives and challenges in nanoparticle-based water treatment, such as enhanced nanoparticle synthesis and stability, development of sustainable treatment technologies, integration with conventional methods, and addressing knowledge gaps, are discussed. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of nanoparticles as innovative tools for addressing microbial contamination in water treatment while highlighting the need for further research and sustainable practices to ensure their safe and effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of remote areas in the Amazon often lack access to a water supply system and thus need to produce their potable water at home. This study examined the efficacy of household water treatments traditionally used by these communities to treat rainwater and river water, their predominant water sources. Samples of untreated, treated, and stored drinking water were collected from 18 households in three communities in Central Amazon, Amazonas State, Brazil. We describe the materials and practices involved and traditionally used in each treatment technique - cloth filtration (water straining), chlorination, and sedimentation, and their efficiency. In the samples we evaluate water quality analyses, as free chlorine, color, coliforms, and turbidity. The treatment steps for the separation of solids in river water were effective only for removing turbidity and apparent color. Straining river water after sedimentation had no relevant effect on water quality. Chlorination of rainwater was efficient in inactivating Escherichia coli; however, all samples showed some level of contamination by E. coli. We found a significant difference (p < 0.05) between untreated and treated river water turbidity, reduced by up to 22%. Untreated rain and river waters showed similar levels of microbiological contamination, close to 3.5 log CFU/100 mL of E. coli. Chlorine effectively removed microbiological contaminants in rainwater (median removal of 100, 44.5% of samples with <1 CFU/100 mL). Yet, this treatment was less effective for river water (94% median removal, with 11% of samples with <100 CFU/100 mL and only 5.5% with <1 CFU/100 mL found in treated water), showing a significant reduction in both cases when the Wilcoxon test was applied. Sodium hypochlorite treatment showed the best results among the techniques evaluated in this study. It can be used in remote areas where rainwater is available for consumption. Microorganism concentration increased after water underwent water straining and sedimentation processes. These results suggest that the improper handling of water containers and materials used during treatment processes leads to contamination of water. Thus, more robust outreach and educational efforts are recommended to improve remote communities' water collection, treatment, and storage practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal and equitable access to affordable safely managed drinking water (SMDW) is a significant challenge and is highlighted by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals-6.1. However, SMDW coverage by 2030 is estimated to reach only 81% of the global population. Solar water evaporation (SWE) represents one potential method to ensure decentralized water purification, but its potential for addressing the global SMDW challenge remains unclear. We use a condensation-enhanced strategy and develop a physics-guided machine learning model for assessing the global potential of SWE technology to meet SMDW demand for unserved populations without external electricity input. We find that a condensation-enhanced SWE device (1 m2) can supply enough drinking water (2.5 L day−1) to 95.8% of the population lacking SMDW. SWE can help fulfill universal SMDW coverage by 2030 with an annual cost of 10.4 billion U.S. dollars, saving 66.7% of the current investment and fulfilling the SDG-6.1 goal. Solar water evaporation is regarded as a promising toolset for decentralized drinking water purification. This study predicts the global drinking water supply potential via solar water evaporation, highlighting where and how to promote solar evaporation devices to fulfill the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 with reasonable costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permeance and fouling are crucial factors restricting the development and application of polymeric nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Introducing nanomaterials into the polyamide (PA) layer is believed to be capable of effectively enhancing the permeance and fouling resistance. In this work, we fabricated a high-permeance thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) NF membrane with preeminent fouling resistance using in situ interfacial polymerization (IP). During this process, different amounts of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) were incorporated into piperazine (PIP) aqueous solution to react with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). Due to the reduced diffusion rate of PIP, the obtained TFN-3 membrane presents a PA layer of diminished thickness (∼39.53 nm) and wrinkled structure, which is beneficial for improving the permeance of the NF membranes. As a result, The TFN-3 membrane exhibits a superior pure water flux of 96.28 L m–2 h–1 while maintaining high Na2SO4 rejection. Especially, the TFN-3 membrane possesses fantastic fouling resistance and long-term stability as well. This work provides an efficient approach to constructing high-performance NF membranes for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants using nanoparticles presents a promising method globally. However, effectively harnessing light absorption while mitigating recombination and nanoparticle agglomeration remains challenging. Here, we explore the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic dye removal in water. The ZnO catalyst, controlled by impurity amount, is developed, demonstrating a notable impact on photolytic performance. Various zinc precursors, namely, zinc acetate, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, and zinc chloride, were used in the precipitation technique. Optical characterization showed distinct band transitions and UV‐dominant absorption peaks, indicating the presence of different impurities in each precursor. Photocatalytic performance is assessed using Rhodamine B decomposition with the sample prepared from zinc acetate, demonstrating enhanced photocatalytic activity attributed to its larger surface area, surface defects, and superior morphology, enabling efficient organic pollutant degradation. Oxygen vacancies aid in charge carrier separation, crucial for effective photocatalysis. The material's intense interaction with pollutants and a high photocurrent density of 5.18 µAcm−2 highlight superior electron–hole pair separation capabilities influenced by morphology and impurity‐generated defects, significantly boosting its overall photocatalytic reaction. These findings emphasize the critical role of precursor selection in designing effective ZnO‐based photocatalysts, water treatment, and environmental remediation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of heavy metals in wastewater is an environmental concern and the current treatment procedures are very expensive so it is necessary to find effective and inexpensive biosorbents. In this study, Fucus vesiculosus was used as a biosorbent for the biosorption of Cr(III) ions from the aqueous solutions. Biosorption parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial concentrations of Cr(III) had the most impact on the sorption process. The required pH value for sorption was 5, the biosorbent dose was 4.0 g/L, the contact time was seen to occur after 90 min, and the Cr(III) removal decreased from 98.9 to 92%. The maximum biosorption capacity of chromium was 14.12 mg/g. FTIR analysis of Fucus vesiculosus biomass before the sorption process contains carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl, alkyne, and carbonyl groups, and according to the analysis after the sorption process, it was found that Cr(III) metal ions were incorporated within the sorbent during the interaction with (=C–H) active functional groups. The biosorption data were found to be perfectly suited by Langmuir equilibrium isotherm model. According to the results of this study, Fucus vesiculosus is an effective biosorbent for the removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering a catalytic membrane capable of efficiently removing emerging organic microcontaminants under ultrahigh flux conditions is of significance for water purification. Herein, drawing inspiration from the functional attributes of lymphatic vessels involved in immunosurveillance and fluid transport with minimal energy consumption, a novel hierarchical porous catalytic membrane is engineered. This membrane, based on an innovative nitrogen‐rich conjugated microporous polymer (polytripheneamine, PTPA), is synthesized using an electrospinning coupled in situ polymerization approach. The resulting bioinspired membrane with hierarchical channels comprises a thin layer (≈1.7 µm) of crosslinked PTPA nanoparticles covering the interconnected electrospun nanofibers. This unique design creates an intrinsic microporous angstrom‐confined system capable of activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate 98.7% singlet oxygen (1O2), enabling durable and highly efficient degradation of microcontaminants. Additionally, the presence of a thin layer of mesoporous structure between PTPA nanoparticles and macroporous channels within the interwoven nanofibers enhances mass transfer efficiency and facilitates high flux rates. Notably, the prepared hierarchical porous organic catalytic membrane demonstrates enduring high‐efficiency degradation performance with a superior permeance (>95% and >2500 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) sustained over 100 h. This work introduces an innovative pathway for the design of high‐performance catalytic membranes for the removal of emerging organic microcontaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water treatment is an essential process for ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water. Activation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to ˙OH is considered to be one of the most potential methods for treating micropollutants in water. However, traditional methods of producing H2O2 for water treatment involve the use of expensive and hazardous chemicals, which can compromise the safety and sustainability of this process. In contrast, the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) method offers a greener and more cost-effective approach to producing H2O2 for water treatment. In our proposed review, we will focus on the use of noble-free catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to H2O2 in in situ water treatment. We provide an in-depth analysis of the theoretical foundations of the 2e− ORR process. We also classify the types of noble-free catalysts and summarize their applications in water treatment and environmental remediation. Additionally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with this promising new approach, including scalability, stability, and selectivity of the catalysts. Our review offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners in this important field, and we are confident that it will stimulate new research and innovation in the development of greener and more sustainable water treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury pollution is disturbing, human health by causing many serious types of diseases. Therefore, elimination of mercury from water bodies is very important that is gaining attention among researchers, and researchers are setting priority measures to make mercury free water. One such measure is the use of MOFs and their composites which are extensively applied for the removal of Hg from water, because of displaying majestical characteristics like high water stability, tunable porosity and surface area as well as easy to synthesize. In this review, we discussed the elimination of Hg ions using MOFs and their composites. We also discussed how MOFs and their composites can be modified that can be more reliable and efficient for removal of pollutants from water particularly mercury ions. Furthermore, we explored the challenges in the application of MOFs and present measures to boost the application range of MOFs. In the same way we also discussed potential of MOFs and their composites to overcome difficulties and research directions for the elimination of Hg (II) ions from water bodies. We expect that this review will offer inclusive and clear understanding to researchers about MOFs and their composite for practical applications to remove mercury from water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an essential and irreplaceable necessity for life on earth, sustaining ecosystems, nourishing agriculture and vital for human survival. However, increasing population and industrialization has exacerbated water scarcity and pollution. The Sustainable Development Goal 6 focuses on clean water and sanitation for all; thus, water purification and conservation are key priorities globally. Rampant pollution of water sources by emerging bio-recalcitrant contaminants, often deviant of conventional treatment methods, necessitates new approaches to water treatment. In this regard, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are gaining prominence and offer solutions in versatile applications due to their unique structural characteristics and tunable properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MOFs, covering their diverse structures, types, synthesis methods and characterization techniques. We explore the application of MOFs in water purification, as adsorbents, photocatalysts, and in membrane separation. The mechanism of operation of MOFs in each application is critically evaluated. The effect of the water treatment methods on energy consumption has also been investigated. We propose that for MOFs application in water treatment to be competitive and sustainable, there is need to address key issues such as synthesis of highly selective MOFs, recovery and reuse, scalability (pilot and industrial scale), and integration with existing water treatment technologies to create synergy. We provide future perspectives on these aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]