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In this study, a biochar-supported polycarboxylic acid-functionalized nanoiron oxide-encapsulated composite (BC@nFe-CA) was synthesized by the pyrolysis of rice husk biomass, nZVI reductive deposition and surface functionalization under mild conditions for Cd(II), EDTA and Cd-EDTA wastewater treatment. Physical and chemical properties of BC@nFe-CA were characterized by various spectral techniques; the effects of initial pH, contact time, initial concentration, etc., and the mechanism on Cd(II) and EDTA adsorption by BC@nFe-CA were explored by batch experiments and spectral techniques. The isotherm results indicated that Langmuir model can well describe the equilibrium data with the maximum BC@nFe-CA adsorption capacities of 63.84 mg g−1 toward Cd(II) and 50.27 mg g−1 for EDTA at pH 5.5 (± 0.5) and 40 °C, and the Cd(II) and EDTA adsorption process was quick, endothermic and spontaneous. Furthermore, Cd-EDTA decomplexation experiment was carried out in the presence of H2O2 and BC@nFe-CA to evaluate the dominant catalytic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It was found that ROS generated in the BC@nFe-CA/H2O2 system was responsible for Cd-EDTA decomplexation. The stabilization energies of BC@nFe-CA loaded with Cd(II) and EDTA were analyzed by density functional theory (DFT) calculation, and the possible decomplexation pathway of Cd-EDTA was proposed. Finally, high-purity (approximately 99.8%) cadmium salt crystals were obtained through the pickling-oxidation-evaporation crystallization (POEC) process. This work develops a feasible route for the application of rice husk biomass, unravels the interaction of BC@nFe-CA with Cd(II), EDTA and Cd-EDTA under various conditions, and provides deep insight into Cd-EDTA decomplexation in the presence of BC@nFe-CA and ROS.

Phytoremediation could be an alternative strategy for lead (Pb) contamination.

Advanced oxidation technology represented by hydroxyl radicals has great potential to remove residual antibiotics. In this study, we systematically compared the metronidazole (MTZ) degradation behavior and mechanism in the UV and UV/H2O2 systems at pH 3.00 condition. The results show that the initial reaction rates were 0.147 and 1.47 µM min−1 in the UV and UV/H2O2 systems, respectively. The main reason for the slow direct photolysis of MTZ is the relatively low molar absorption coefficient (2645.44 M−1 cm−1) and quantum yield (5.9 × 10−3 mol Einstein−1). Then, we measured kMTZ,OH• as 2.79 (±0.12) × 109 M−1 s−1 by competitive kinetics, and calculated kMTZ,OH• and [OH•]SS as 2.43 (±0.11) × 109 M−1 s−1 and 2.36 × 10−13 M by establishing a kinetic model based on the steady-state hypothesis in our UV/H2O2 system. The contribution of direct photolysis and •OH to the MTZ degradation was 9.9% and 90.1%. •OH plays a major role in the MTZ degradation, and •OH was the main active material in the UV/H2O2 system. This result was also confirmed by MTZ degradation and radicals’ identification experiments. MTZ degradation increases with H2O2 dosage, but excessive H2O2 had the opposite effect. A complex matrix has influence on MTZ degradation. Organic matter could inhibit the degradation of MTZ, and the quenching of the radical was the main reason. NO3− promoted the MTZ degradation, while SO42− and Cl− had no effect. These results are of fundamental and practical importance in understanding the MTZ degradation, and to help select preferred processes for the optimal removal of antibiotics in natural water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater

With the rapid development of industrialization, human beings have caused many negative effects on the environment that have endangered the survival and development of human beings, such as the greenhouse effect, water pollution, energy depletion, etc [...]

At present, the application of phytoremediation technology in the ecological remediation of heavy metal tailings is receiving more and more attention. In this study, the physiological and biochemical response and tolerance mechanism of woody plant Nerium indicum to Pb and Zn under different proportions of inorganic modifier calcium carbonate (C1: 5%, C2: 10%, C3: 15%) and organic modifier mushroom residue (M1: 10%, M2: 20%, M3: 30%) was compared. The results showed that the pH value has a trend of C group > M group > CK group and organic matter has a trend of M group > CK group > C group. Phosphatase activity and catalase activity has a trend of M group > C group > CK group, but catalase was more vulnerable to the calcium carbonate concentration. Both modifiers can promote the transformation of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd in tailings to more stable organic bound and residual states. However, the stabilization effect of mushroom residue is better, and its stability is Pb, Zn > Cd, Cu. Both modifiers can increase the biomass of Nerium indicum and the modification effect of mushroom residue is better than calcium carbonate. Pb/Zn content and accumulation in Nerium indicum organs showed root > stem > leaf in all groups. Compared with the CK group, the enrichment coefficient of Pb/Zn in C1 and M1 groups decreased, while the translocation factor of Pb/Zn in C1 and M1 groups increased. With the increase in modifier concentration, the enrichment coefficient increases about 1.75~52.94%, but the translocation factor decreases rapidly (20.01~64.46%). Clearly, both the calcium carbonate and mushroom residue amendment could promote the growth ability of Nerium indicum in lead–zinc tailings and strengthen the phytoremediation potential.

The high salt-alkalinity of bauxite residue (BR) hinders plant growth and revegetation of bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDA), which cause serious potential environmental and ecological risks. Bioneutralization is a promising method for improving the properties of BR and plant colonization. In the present study, a strong saline-alkali tolerant bacteria (ZH-1) was isolated from aged BR and identified as Bacillus sp. The medium of ZH-1 was optimized by orthogonal tests, and ZH-1 could decrease the medium pH from 11.8 to 6.01 (agitated culture) and 6.48 (static culture) by secretion of citric acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid. With the inoculation of ZH-1, the pH of BR decreased from 11.6 to 8.76, and the water-soluble salt in BR increased by 68.11%. ZH-1 also changed the aggregate size distribution of BR, the mechanical-stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates increased by 18.76% and 10.83%, respectively. At the same time, the stability of the aggregates obviously increased and the destruction rate decreased from 94.37% to 73.46%. In addition, the microbial biomass carbon increased from 425 to 2794 mg/kg with the inoculation of ZH-1. Bacterial community analysis revealed that Clostridia, Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria were the main classes in the naturalized BR, and the inoculation of ZH-1 increased the diversity of bacteria in the BR. Overall, ZH-1 has great potential for neutralization and improvement the properties of BR and may be greatly beneficial for the revegetation of BRDA.

Phytoremediation could be an alternative strategy for lead (Pb) contamination, The physiological mechanisms of plant resistance to Pd contamination are of less concern. In this study, Different concentrations of Pb solutions were added to explore the growth of Koelreuteria paniculate (Sapindaceae). physiology and microstructure of K. paniculate were determined. The results showed that plant growth increased up to 123.8% and 112.7% relative to the control group when the lead concentration was 200 and 400 mg/L. In all treatments, most of the Pb accumulation reached 81.31%-86.69% in the roots and slightly lower concentrations in the above-ground leaves than in the stems. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Pb accumulates in the inactive metabolic parts (cell walls and vesicles) in roots and stems, which may be the main mechanism for plants to reduce Pb biotoxicity. In addition, by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Pb stress increased the content of intracellular -OH and -COOH functional groups, including compounds such as organic acids, polysaccharides and proteins that bind to Pb, attenuating the toxicity to plants and enhancing their adaptation and tolerance to heavy metals.

A simple and practical method for the synthesis of thio-substituted esters through copper(i)-catalyzed intermolecular 1,2-estersulfenylation of styrenes with peroxyesters and disulfides was developed. In this transformation, two new C-S bond and C-O bond were constructed simultaneously under a copper catalyst system, and the transformation exhibits a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. In addition, this method can also be applied to arylthiols. It should be noted that peroxyesters not only acted as nucleophilic reagents but also as oxidants.

Traditional wastewater treatment technologies have become increasingly inefficient to meet the needs of low-consumption and sustainable wastewater treatment. Researchers are committed to seeking new wastewater treatment technologies, to reduce the pressure on the environment caused by resource shortages. Recently, a microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) technology has attracted widespread attention due to its high efficiency wastewater treatment capacity, low energy consumption, low CO2 emissions, potentially high added values, and resource recovery capabilities. This review focused primarily on the following aspects of microalgal-bacterial granular sludge technology: (1) MBGS culture and maintenance operating parameters, (2) MBGS application in different wastewaters, (3) MBGS additional products: biofuels and bioproducts, (4) MBGS energy saving and consumption reduction: greenhouse gas emission reduction, and (5) challenges and prospects. The information in this review will help us better understand the current progress and future direction of the MBGS technology development. It is expected that this review will provide a sound theoretical basis for the practical applications of a MBGS technology in environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and system optimization.

Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. are proposed for the application in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. In this paper, the physiological response, subcellular distribution, chemical form, ultrastructure, and manganese (Mn) absorption characteristics of M. cordata under the stress of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 mmol/L manganese concentration were studied by sand culture experiment. The results showed that M. cordata seedlings show high tolerance to Mn stress with a concentration of less than 6 mmol/L, while higher Mn concentration showed a significant toxic effect. A low concentration of Mn (≤ 6 mmol/L) can promote the synthesis of chlorophyll and soluble protein; furthermore, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities responded positively. The accumulation of Mn in the inactive metabolic part (cell wall and vacuole) of M. cordata leaves might be one of the main Mn detoxification mechanism. According to the ultrastructure of M. cordata, high-concentration Mn

In this study, we investigated the removal efficiency of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent trimethoprim (TMP) in a UV-activated persulfate system (UV/PS). The pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic model based on the steady-state hypothesis was used to explain TMP degradation behavior in UV-activated persulfate system. Due to the low quantum yield and molar absorptivity of TMP at 254 nm, the direct photolysis of TMP was slower. Since the free radicals generated by adding H2O2 or PS to the system can react with TMP, the degradation rate was significantly accelerated, and\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4^{\bullet -} $$\end{document}SO4•− played a dominant role in the UV/PS system. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ {k}_{\mathrm{H}{\mathrm{O}}^{\bullet },\mathrm{TMP}} $$\end{document}kHO•,TMP and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ {k}_{{\mathrm{SO}}_4^{\bullet -},\mathrm{TMP}} $$\end{document}kSO4•−,TMP were determined by the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic model to be 6.02×109 and 3.88×109 M−1s−1, respectively. The values were consistent with competitive kinetic measurements. The pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics model can predict and explain the effect of PS concentration, natural organic matter, and chloride ion on the TMP degradation in the UV/PS system. The observed pseudo first-order rate constants for TMP degradation (kobs) increased with the persulfate concentration, but it significantly decreased in the presence of NOM and chloride. \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4^{2-} $$\end{document}SO42− has no effect on the degradation of TMP, while \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \mathrm{HC}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathsf{3}}^{-} $$\end{document}HCO3− promotes the degradation and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_3^{-} $$\end{document}NO3− inhibits the degradation. The common transition metal ion (such as Cu2+, Zn2+, and Co2+) in industrial wastewater has a synergistic effect on the TMP degradation in the UV/PS system, but excessive metal ions will lead to a decrease of the degradation rate.

Water pollution has caused the ecosystem to be in a state of imbalance for a long time. It has become a major global ecological and environmental problem today. Solving the potential hidden dangers of pollutants and avoiding unauthorized access to resources has become the necessary condition and important task to ensure the sustainable development of human society. To solve such problems, this review summarizes the research progress of nanomaterials in the field of water aimed at the treatment of water pollution and the development and utilization of new energy. The paper also tries to seek scientific solutions to environmental degradation and to create better living environmental conditions from previously published cutting edge research. The main content in this review article includes four parts: advanced oxidation, catalytic adsorption, hydrogen, and oxygen production. Among a host of other things, this paper also summarizes the various ways by which composite nanomaterials have been combined for enhancing catalytic efficiency, reducing energy consumption, recycling, and ability to expand their scope of application. Hence, this paper provides a clear roadmap on the status, success, problems, and the way forward for future studies.

The advanced oxidation technologies based on •OH can effectively degrade the pharmaceutical and personal care products under operating conditions of normal temperature and pressure. In this study, direct photolysis of ibuprofen (IBU) is slow due to the relatively low molar extinction coefficient and quantum yield. Compared to direct photolysis, the degradation kinetics of IBU was significantly enhanced in the UV/H2O2 system, mainly by •OH radical mediated oxidation. In the UV/H2O2 system, the degradation rate of ionic IBU was slightly faster than that of the molecular form. Kinetic analysis showed that the second-order reaction rate constant of ionic IBU (5.51 × 109 M−1 s−1) was higher than that of the molecular form (3.43 × 109 M−1 s−1). The pseudo first-order rate constant for IBU degradation (kobs) increased with increasing H2O2 dosage. kobs can be significantly decreased in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM), which is due to (i) NOM radical scavenging effects (dominant role) and (ii) UV absorption. The degradation of IBU was inhibited by HCO3–, which was attributed to its scavenging effect. Interestingly, when NO3– was present in aqueous solution, a slight increase in the degradation rate was observed, which was due to NO3– absorbing photons to generate •OH at a low quantum yield. No obvious effects were observed when SO42 and Cl− were present.

A new copper-catalyzed oxidative three-component intermolecular 1,2-alkylarylation of styrenes with ethers and indoles is disclosed. This method utilizes TBPB as an oxidant to efficiently construct C(sp3)–C(sp3) and C(sp3)–C(sp2) bonds in one step through probable radical and electrophilic alkylation processes, respectively, and a variety of functional groups are well tolerated.

Layer-structured graphene oxide excellent carrier for modifications; however, its poor recoverability and stability preclude its application in wastewater treatment fields. Herein, three-dimensional magnetic fungal hyphal/graphene oxide nanofibers (MFHGs) were assembled by a reductive self-assembly (RSA) strategy for the efficient capture of Co(II) and Ni(II) from high-salinity aqueous solution. The RSA strategy is inexpensive, eco-friendly and easy to scale up. The obtained MFHGs enhanced the dispersity and stability of graphene oxide and exhibited excellent magnetization and large coercivity, leading to satisfactory solid-liquid separation performance and denser sediment. The results of batch removal experiments showed that the maximum removal capacity of MFHGs for Ni(II) and Co(II) was 97.44 and 104.34 mg/g, respectively, in 2 g/L Na2SO4 aqueous solution with a pH of 6.0 at 323 K, and the effects of initial pH and ionic strength on Co(II) and Ni(II) removal were explored. Yield residue analysis indicated that the high porosity and oxygen-containing functional groups of MFHGs remarkably improved their Co(II)- and Ni(II)-removal capacities. According to the analysis, hydroxyl groups and amine groups participated in the chemical reaction of Co(II) and Ni(II) removal, and cation-exchange chemical adsorption was dominant during the Co(II)- and Ni(II)-removal process. Based on the attributes of MFHGs, a continuous-flow recycle reactor (CFRR) was proposed for emergency aqueous solution treatment and exhibited satisfactory removal efficiency and regeneration performance. The combination of MFHGs and the proposed CFRR is a promising water treatment strategy for rapid treatment applications.

Mesh of TiO2/graphene/Cu2O was fabricated by chemical vapor deposition of graphene following electrochemical deposition of Cu2O on anodized Ti soft wire bearing TiO2 nanotubes. The mesh of TiO2/graphene/Cu2O was applied in photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA). The as-prepared TiO2/graphene/Cu2O mesh was used as both catalyst and electrode. Under visible light irradiation, BPA was effectively oxidized through photoelectrocatalysis over the TiO2/graphene/Cu2O mesh. Three main intermediates were evidenced during photoelectrocatalytic degradation of BPA, and no toxic products were determined. A detailed pathway of BPA degradation by TiO2/G/Cu2O is proposed based on the identified intermediates.

The advanced oxidation technologies based on

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) and sulfate radical anion (SO4•-) based advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) are effective methods to treat trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in engineered waters. Although both technologies result in the same overall removal of TrOCs, the mechanistic differences between these two radicals involved in the oxidation of TrOCs remain unclear. In this study, we experimentally examined the degradation kinetics of neutral ibuprofen (IBU), a representative TrOC, by •OH and SO4•- at pH3 in UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate systems, respectively. The second-order rate constants (k) of IBU with •OH and SO4•- were determined to be 3.43±0.06×109 and 1.66±0.12×109M-1s-1, respectively. We also theoretically calculated the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors for reactions of IBU with •OH and SO4•- using the density functional theory (DFT) M06-2X method with 6-311++G** basis set. The results revealed that H-atom abstraction is the most favorable pathway for both •OH and SO4•-, but due to the steric hindrance SO4•- exhibits significantly higher energy barriers than •OH. The theoretical calculations corroborate our experimental observation that SO4•- has a smaller k value than •OH in reacting with IBU. These comparative results are of fundamental and practical importance in understanding the electrophilic interactions between radicals and IBU molecules, and to help select preferred radical oxidation processes for optimal TrOCs removal in engineered waters.