Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
A. Roy, Apoorva Sharma, Saanya Yadav et al.
Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications · 2021
Today, environmental contamination is a big concern for both developing and developed countries. The primary sources of contamination of land, water, and air are extensive industrialization and intense agricultural activities. Various traditional methods are available for the treatment of different pollutants in the environment, but all have some limitations. Due to this, an alternative method is required which is effective and less toxic and provides better outcomes. Nanomaterials have attracted a lot of interest in terms of environmental remediation. Because of their huge surface area and related high reactivity, nanomaterials perform better in environmental clean-up than other conventional approaches. They can be modified for specific uses to provide novel features. Due to the large surface-area-to-volume ratio and the presence of a larger number of reactive sites, nanoscale materials can be extremely reactive. These characteristics allow for higher interaction with contaminants, leading to a quick reduction of contaminant concentration. In the present review, an overview of different nanomaterials that are potential in the remediation of environmental pollutants has been discussed.
M. Tunesi, R. Soomro, Xi Han et al.
Nano Convergence · 2021
MXenes have recently been recognized as potential materials based on their unique physical and chemical characteristics. The widely growing family of MXenes is rapidly expanding their application domains since their first usage as energy materials was reported in 2011. The inherent chemical nature, high hydrophilicity, and robust electrochemistry regard MXenes as a promising avenue for environment-remediation technologies such as adsorption, membrane separation, photocatalysis and the electrocatalytic sensor designed for pollutant detection. As the performance of MXenes in these technologies is on a continuous path to improvement, this review intends to cumulatively discuss the diversity and chemical abilities of MXenes and their hybrid composites in the fields mentioned above with a focus on MXenes improving surface-characteristics. The review is expected to promote the diversity of MXenes and their hybrid configuration for advanced technologies widely applied for environmental remediation.
Magdalena Malankowska, Carlos Echaide-Górriz, J. Coronas
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology · 2021
Microplastics are pollutants highly stable to complete biodegradation and require more specific separation processes for their removal. Classification and potential remediation technologies, such as membrane technology, are discussed in this review.
M. Grifoni, E. Franchi, Danilo Fusini et al.
Environments · 2022
Pollution from numerous contaminants due to many anthropogenic activities affects soils quality. Industrialized countries have many contaminated sites; their remediation is a priority in environmental legislation. The aim of this overview is to consider the evolution of soil remediation from consolidated invasive technologies to environmentally friendly green strategies. The selection of technology is no longer exclusively based on eliminating the source of pollution but aims at remediation, which includes the recovery of soil quality. “Green remediation” appears to be the key to addressing the issue of remediation of contaminated sites as it focuses on environmental quality, including the preservation of the environment. Further developments in green remediation reflect the aim of promoting clean-up strategies that also address the effects of climate change. Sustainable and resilient remediation faces the environmental challenge of achieving targets while reducing the environmental damage caused by clean-up interventions and must involve an awareness that social systems and environmental systems are closely connected.
Qinqin Xu, Boran Wu, Xiaoli Chai
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2022
Sediment is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, which involves material storage and energy exchange. However, heavy metal pollution in sediment is on the increase, becoming an important concern for the world. In this paper, the state-of-art in situ remediation technology for contaminated sediment was elaborated, including water diversion, capping, electrokinetic remediation, chemical amendments, bioremediation and combined remediation. The mechanisms for these techniques to reduce/immobilize heavy metals include physical, electrical, chemical and biological processes. Furthermore, application principle, efficiency and scope, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest research progress for each restoration technology, are systematically reviewed. This information will benefit in selecting appropriate and effective remediation techniques for heavy metal-contaminated sediment in specific scenarios.
Kai Liu, Qiwang Ran, Fangbai Li et al.
Carbon Research · 2022
Carbon-based materials have been widely used in agricultural land contamination remediation. However, the sustainability and carbon footprint of its remediation actions and application methods for heavy metals contaminated agricultural land are still unclear. Herein, two representative carbon-based remediation materials biochar and peat are selected to systematically evaluate the sustainability and net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) of remediation action during the life cycle based on paddy field trials. Life cycle assessment results show that the application of biochar for the remediation of cadmium contaminated paddy fields is more harmful to human health and ecosystems than that of peat remediation action. Meanwhile, one-time addition of the remediation materials has less negative impact on the environment (human health, ecosystems, and resources) compared with multiple times addition. Carbon-based materials enable sustainable remediation of paddy soils and the overall sustainability score (97.4) of peat was higher than that of biochar (88.4) remediation action. In contrast, carbon footprint results show that the NECB of biochar exhibited a higher positive value of 33.73 t CO2-eq/ha (dosage: 15 t/ha) compared with peat, and the prediction results show that 90% of carbon in biochar remained in soil and peat only remained 82% after 40 years, which indicating that biochar contributed more finely to carbon sequestration than peat during the remediation action. Thus, this study provides new insights into the different carbon-based materials for the sustainability of paddy soils remediation and in harmony with carbon neutral plan. Graphical abstract
I. Ross, J. McDonough, J. Miles et al.
Remediation Journal · 2018
Correspondence Ian Ross, Arcadis, 34 York Way, London N1 9AB, U.K. Email: ian.ross@arcadis.com Abstract The need for remediation of polyand perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is growing as a result of more regulatory attention to this new class of contaminants with diminishing water quality standards being promulgated, commonly in the parts per trillion range. PFASs comprise >3,000 individual compounds, but the focus of analyses and regulations has generally been PFASs termed perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), which are all extremely persistent, can be highly mobile, and are increasingly being reported to bioaccumulate, with understanding of their toxicology evolving. However, there are thousands of polyfluorinated “PFAA precursors”, which can transform in the environment and in higher organisms to create PFAAs as persistent daughter products.
Yidong Zou, Xiangxue Wang, Ayub Khan et al.
Environmental Science & Technology · 2016
The presence of heavy metals in the industrial effluents has recently been a challenging issue for human health. Efficient removal of heavy metal ions from environment is one of the most important issues from biological and environmental point of view, and many studies have been devoted to investigate the environmental behavior of nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) for the removal of toxic heavy metal ions, present both in the surface and underground wastewater. The aim of this review is to show the excellent removal capacity and environmental remediation of NZVI-based materials for various heavy metal ions. A new look on NZVI-based materials (e.g., modified or matrix-supported NZVI materials) and possible interaction mechanism (e.g., adsorption, reduction and oxidation) and the latest environmental application. The effects of various environmental conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, coexisting oxy-anions and cations) and potential problems for the removal of heavy metal ions on NZVI-based materials with the DFT theoretical calculations and EXAFS technology are discussed. Research shows that NZVI-based materials have satisfactory removal capacities for heavy metal ions and play an important role in the environmental pollution cleanup. Possible improvement of NZVI-based materials and potential areas for future applications in environment remediation are also proposed.
Liuwei Wang, J. Rinklebe, F. Tack et al.
Soil Use and Management · 2021
Heavy metals and metalloids can accumulate in soil, with potentially toxic effects to human health and ecosystems, threatening the sustainable use and management of soil resources. Although a number of remediation technologies, such as Solidification/Stabilization (S/S), soil washing, electrokinetic remediation and chemical oxidation/reduction can be applied for the immobilization, removal or detoxification of heavy metals in soil, the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with these conventional approaches hinder their overall sustainability. More attempts have been made to maximize the ‘net environmental benefit’ in various ways, including recovering resources, embracing nature‐based solutions (NBS), and saving energy with the emergence and development of the ‘green and sustainable remediation’ (GSR) movement. This review critically discusses these green remediation strategies, and the novel soil amendments being utilized in these sustainable approaches. Iron‐based amendments are the most promising candidates in green remediation due to the highest stabilization performances for both oxyanions and metallic cations as well as relatively low disturbance to soil. In comparison, waste‐derived materials suffer from risks of contaminant release in the long run, reducing the overall sustainability despite their low costs. It has been found that phytoremediation and green amendment‐based S/S are typically the ‘greenest’ remediation strategies, but wise decisions should be made on the basis of case‐specific sustainability assessment results. Finally, it is proposed that integration of several green remediation techniques may have a synergistic effect on remediation efficiency.
F. D. Guerra, M. Attia, Daniel. C. Whitehead et al.
Molecules · 2018
Environmental remediation relies mainly on using various technologies (e.g., adsorption, absorption, chemical reactions, photocatalysis, and filtration) for the removal of contaminants from different environmental media (e.g., soil, water, and air). The enhanced properties and effectiveness of nanotechnology-based materials makes them particularly suitable for such processes given that they have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which often results in higher reactivity. This review provides an overview of three main categories of nanomaterials (inorganic, carbon-based, and polymeric-based materials) used for environmental remediation. The use of these nanomaterials for the remediation of different environmental contaminants—such as heavy metals, dyes, chlorinated organic compounds, organophosphorus compounds, volatile organic compounds, and halogenated herbicides—is reviewed. Various recent examples are extensively highlighted focusing on the materials and their applications.
Jinghao Li, Xiaohan Li, Yabin Da et al.
Nature Communications · 2022
Chemical pollution threatens human health and ecosystem sustainability. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are expensive to clean up once emitted. Innovative and synergistic strategies are urgently needed, yet process integration and cost-effectiveness remain challenging. An in-situ PFAS remediation system is developed to employ a plant-derived biomimetic nano-framework to achieve highly efficient adsorption and subsequent fungal biotransformation synergistically. The multiple component framework is presented as Renewable Artificial Plant for In-situ Microbial Environmental Remediation (RAPIMER). RAPIMER exhibits high adsorption capacity for the PFAS compounds and diverse adsorption capability toward co-contaminants. Subsequently, RAPIMER provides the substrates and contaminants for in situ bioremediation via fungus Irpex lacteus and promotes PFAS detoxification. RAPIMER arises from cheap lignocellulosic sources, enabling a broader impact on sustainability and a means for low-cost pollutant remediation. Persistent organic pollutant (POP) remediation is important for protecting the environment and human health but can be expensive. Here, the authors report on the creation of a plant-based remediation material which can absorb high levels of POPs and then provide the nutrients needed for fungal degradation and detoxification.
Suaibu O. Badmus, Hussein K. Amusa, T. Oyehan et al.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research · 2021
This work comprehensively reviewed the toxicity and risks of various surfactants and their degraded products in the environmental matrices, various analytical procedures, and remediation methods for these surfactants. The findings revealed that the elevated concentration of surfactants and their degraded products disrupt microbial dynamics and their important biogeochemical processes, hinder plant-surviving processes and their ecological niche, and retard the human organic and systemic functionalities. The enormous adverse effects of surfactants on health and the environment necessitate the need to develop, select, and advance the various analytical and assessment techniques to achieve effective identification and quantification of several surfactants in different environmental matrices. Considering the presence of surfactants in trace concentration and environmental matrices, excellent analysis can only be achieved with appropriate extraction, purification, and preconcentration. Despite these pre-treatment procedures, the chromatographic technique is the preferred analytical technique considering its advancement and shortcomings of other techniques. In the literature, the choice or selection of remediation techniques for surfactants depends largely on eco-friendliness, cost-implications, energy requirements, regeneration potential, and generated sludge composition and volume. Hence, the applications of foam fractionation, electrochemical advanced oxidation processes, thermophilic aerobic membranes reactors, and advanced adsorbents are impressive in the clean-up of the surfactants in the environment. This article presents a compendium of knowledge on environmental toxicity and risks, analytical techniques, and remediation methods of surfactants as a guide for policymakers and researchers.
Qi Wang, Qiaoyuan Gao, A. Al-Enizi et al.
Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers · 2020
Highly photoactive MOFs can be engineered via various strategies for the purpose of extended visible light absorption, more efficient generation, separation and transfer of charge carriers, as well as good recyclability.
Ajith M P, Sonali Pardhiya, Paulraj Rajamani
Small · 2022
Pollution-induced degradation of the environment is a serious problem for both developing and developed countries. Existing remediation methods are restricted, necessitating the development of novel remediation technologies. Nanomaterials with unique characteristics have recently been developed for remediation. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles (1-10 nm) with optical and electrical characteristics that differ from bigger particles owing to quantum mechanics, making them intriguing for sensing and remediation applications. Carbon dots (CDs) offer better characteristics than typical QDs, such as, CdSe QDs in terms of contaminant sensing and remediation. Non-toxicity, chemical inertness, photo-induced electron transfer, good biocompatibility, and adjustable photoluminescence behavior are all characteristics of CDs. CDs are frequently made from sustainable raw materials as they are cost-effective, environmentally compactable, and excellent in reducing waste generation. The goal of this review article is to briefly describe CDs fabrication methods, to deeply investigate the criteria and properties of CDs that make them suitable for sensing and remediation of contaminants, and also to highlight recent advances in their use in sensing and remediation of contaminants.
Marina Tumolo, V. Ancona, Domenico De Paola et al.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
Chromium is a potentially toxic metal occurring in water and groundwater as a result of natural and anthropogenic sources. Microbial interaction with mafic and ultramafic rocks together with geogenic processes release Cr (VI) in natural environment by chromite oxidation. Moreover, Cr (VI) pollution is largely related to several Cr (VI) industrial applications in the field of energy production, manufacturing of metals and chemicals, and subsequent waste and wastewater management. Chromium discharge in European Union (EU) waters is subjected to nationwide recommendations, which vary depending on the type of industry and receiving water body. Once in water, chromium mainly occurs in two oxidation states Cr (III) and Cr (VI) and related ion forms depending on pH values, redox potential, and presence of natural reducing agents. Public concerns with chromium are primarily related to hexavalent compounds owing to their toxic effects on humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Risks for human health range from skin irritation to DNA damages and cancer development, depending on dose, exposure level, and duration. Remediation strategies commonly used for Cr (VI) removal include physico-chemical and biological methods. This work critically presents their advantages and disadvantages, suggesting a site-specific and accurate evaluation for choosing the best available recovering technology.
Xingjian Xu, Wenming Liu, Shuhua Tian et al.
Frontiers in Microbiology · 2018
With the sharp increase in population and modernization of society, environmental pollution resulting from petroleum hydrocarbons has increased, resulting in an urgent need for remediation. Petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria are ubiquitous in nature and can utilize these compounds as sources of carbon and energy. Bacteria displaying such capabilities are often exploited for the bioremediation of petroleum oil-contaminated environments. Recently, microbial remediation technology has developed rapidly and achieved major gains. However, this technology is not omnipotent. It is affected by many environmental factors that hinder its practical application, limiting the large-scale application of the technology. This paper provides an overview of the recent literature referring to the usage of bacteria as biodegraders, discusses barriers regarding the implementation of this microbial technology, and provides suggestions for further developments.
M. Ismail, K. Akhtar, M I Khan et al.
Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2019
Water pollution due to waste effluents of textile industry is a seriously causing various health problems in humans. Water polluted with pathogenic bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other microbes is due to the mixing of fecal material with drinking water, industrial and domestic sewage, pasture and agricultural runoff. Among the chemical pollutants, organic dyes due to toxic nature, are one of the major contaminates of industrial wastewater. Adequate sanitation services and drinking quality water would eliminate 200 million cases of diarrhea, which results 2.1 million less deaths caused by diarrheal disease due to E. coli each year. Nanotechnology provides an excellent platform over conventional treatment methods of water treatment and remediation from microorganisms and organic dyes. In current study, toxicity and carcinogenicity of the organic dyes have been studied as well as the remediation/inactivation of dyes and microorganism has been discussed. Remediation by biological, physical and chemical methods has been reviewed critically. A physical process like adsorption is cost effective, but can't degrade dyes. Biological methods were considered to be eco-friendly and cost effective. Microbiological degradation of dyes is cost effective, eco-friendly and alternative to the chemical reduction. Besides, certain enzymes especially horseradish peroxidase are used as versatile catalysts in a number of industrial processes. Moreover, this document has been prepared by gathering recent research works related to the dyes and microbial pollution elimination from water sources by using heterogeneous photocatalysts, metal nanoparticles catalysts, metal oxides and enzymes.
Sheng Li, Chaofan Zhang, Fang-Chun Li et al.
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology · 2022
Abstract Algae-bacteria consortia treatment has been found to be a promising method for the remediation of aqueous systems. Given the scope of previous reviews on algae-bacteria interactions, the sections on chemical signaling between algae and bacteria don’t cover the current knowledge gap, and recent advances of algae-bacteria consortia in aqueous remediation don’t explore the full depth. Accordingly, the specific aim of this review was to thoroughly screen and summarize recent peer-reviewed literature on (1) the mechanism of algal selection and enrichment in wastewater treatment; (2) interactions between algae and bacteria in ecological niche environments; (3) chemical signaling between algae and bacteria; (4) aqueous remediation using the algae-bacteria consortia; and (5) advanced treatment techniques combined with algae-bacteria systems for improved aqueous remediation. The main current challenges and future perspectives in algae-bacteria consortia wastewater treatment are proposed, including: (i) comprehensively establishing the network of interactions between algae and bacteria, especially quorum sensing and phycospheric interactions; (ii) developing a detailed understanding of the chemical exchange between microbial species based on molecular diffusion processes; (iii) tracking complex algae-bacteria interactions in aquatic environments using machine learning (ML), providing a potential tool for the design of beneficial and customizable synthetic microbial communities for wastewater treatment; (iv) integrating advanced treatment techniques (e.g., MBRs, UV photolysis and biological activated carbon) with algae-bacteria consortia systems, increasing the sustainability and applicability of treatment processes. Therefore, this review provides guidance and insights on the future development of algae-bacteria consortia treatment systems and their potential application for aqueous remediation. Graphical abstract
Changfeng Li, Kehai Zhou, Wenqiang Qin et al.
Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal · 2019
ABSTRACT Soil heavy metal pollution has become a worldwide environmental issue that has attracted considerable public attention, largely from the increasing concern for the security of agricultural products. Heavy metals refer to some metals and metalloids possessing biological toxicity, such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead, and chromium. These elements enter the soil agro-ecosystem through natural processes derived from parent materials, and through anthropogenic activities. Heavy metal pollution poses a great threat to the health and well-being of organisms and human beings due to potential accumulation risk through the food chain. Remediation using chemical, physical, and biological methods has been adopted to solve the problem. Phytoremediation has proven to be a promising alternative to conventional approaches as it is cost effective, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. To date, based on the natural ability of extraction, approximately 500 taxa have been identified as hyperaccumulators of one or more metals. In addition, further research integrating biotechnological approaches with comprehensive multidisciplinary research is needed to improve plant tolerance and reduce the accumulation of toxic metals in soils. This review discusses harmful effects, sources of heavy metals, and the remediation technologies for soil contaminated by heavy metals.
S. Asaf, M. Numan, Abdul Latif Khan et al.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology · 2020
Abstract The species belonging to the Sphingomonas genus possess multifaceted functions ranging from remediation of environmental contaminations to producing highly beneficial phytohormones, such as sphingan and gellan gum. Recent studies have shown an intriguing role of Sphingomonas species in the degradation of organometallic compounds. However, the actual biotechnological potential of this genus requires further assessment. Some of the species from the genus have also been noted to improve plant-growth during stress conditions such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals in agricultural soil. This role has been attributed to their potential to produce plant growth hormones e.g. gibberellins and indole acetic acid. However, the current literature is scattered, and some of the important areas, such as taxonomy, phylogenetics, genome mapping, and cellular transport systems, are still being overlooked in terms of elucidation of the mechanisms behind stress-tolerance and bioremediation. In this review, we elucidated the prospective role and function of this genus for improved utilization during environmental biotechnology.
Liu Jiahao, Qiu Weiliang, Xu Mengmeng et al.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 2022
Due to the rapid industrialization across the world, various environmental pollutants have begun to accumulate in water, air and soil. This endangers the ecological environment of the earth, and environmental remediation has become an immediate concern. Among various environmental remediation techniques, piezo-catalytic techniques uniquely take advantage of piezoelectric effect, has attracted much attention. Piezoelectric effects allow for pollutant degradation directly, while also enhancing photocatalysis by reducing photogenerated carriers recombination. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent developments of piezo-catalytic techniques for environmental remediation. The foundation of piezoelectric effect, classification of piezoelectric materials and its application in environmental remediation are systematically summarized. We also analyze the potential underlying mechanisms. Finally, the urgent problems and prospects of piezo-catalytic techniques are discussed.
Rabia Javed, Muhammad Zia, S. Naz et al.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology · 2020
Capping agents are of utmost importance as stabilizers that inhibit the over-growth of nanoparticles and prevent their aggregation/coagulation in colloidal synthesis. The capping ligands stabilize the interface where nanoparticles interact with their medium of preparation. Specific structural features of nanoparticles are attributed to capping on their surface. These stabilizing agents play a key role in altering the biological activities and environmental perspective. Stearic effects of capping agents adsorbed on the surface of nanoparticles are responsible for such changing physico-chemical and biological characteristics. Firstly, this novel review article introduces few frequently used capping agents in the fabrication of nanoparticles. Next, recent advancements in biomedicine and environmental remediation approaches of capped nanoparticles have been elaborated. Lastly, future directions of the huge impact of capping agents on the biological environment have been summarized.
D. Neina
Applied and Environmental Soil Science · 2019
In the natural environment, soil pH has an enormous influence on soil biogeochemical processes. Soil pH is, therefore, described as the “master soil variable” that influences myriads of soil biological, chemical, and physical properties and processes that affect plant growth and biomass yield. This paper discusses how soil pH affects processes that are interlinked with the biological, geological, and chemical aspects of the soil environment as well as how these processes, through anthropogenic interventions, induce changes in soil pH. Unlike traditional discussions on the various causes of soil pH, particularly soil acidification, this paper focuses on relationships and effects as far as soil biogeochemistry is concerned. Firstly, the effects of soil pH on substance availability, mobility, and soil biological processes are discussed followed by the biogenic regulation of soil pH. It is concluded that soil pH can broadly be applied in two broad areas, i.e., nutrient cycling and plant nutrition and soil remediation (bioremediation and physicochemical remediation).
Ajay Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Cabral-Pinto M.M.S. et al.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
Lead (Pb) toxicity has been a subject of interest for environmental scientists due to its toxic effect on plants, animals, and humans. An increase in several Pb related industrial activities and use of Pb containing products such as agrochemicals, oil and paint, mining, etc. can lead to Pb contamination in the environment and thereby, can enter the food chain. Being one of the most toxic heavy metals, Pb ingestion via the food chain has proven to be a potential health hazard for plants and humans. The current review aims to summarize the research updates on Pb toxicity and its effects on plants, soil, and human health. Relevant literature from the past 20 years encompassing comprehensive details on Pb toxicity has been considered with key issues such as i) Pb bioavailability in soil, ii) Pb biomagnification, and iii) Pb- remediation, which has been addressed in detail through physical, chemical, and biological lenses. In the review, among different Pb-remediation approaches, we have highlighted certain advanced approaches such as microbial assisted phytoremediation which could possibly minimize the Pb load from the resources in a sustainable manner and would be a viable option to ensure a safe food production system.
M. Danish, Liezel L. Estrella, Ivy Michelle A. Alemaida et al.
Metals · 2021
Along with industrialization and rapid urbanization, environmental remediation is globally a perpetual concept to deliver a sustainable environment. Various organic and inorganic wastes from industries and domestic homes are released into water systems. These wastes carry contaminants with detrimental effects on the environment. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an appropriate wastewater treatment technology for the effective decontamination of our water systems. One promising approach is employing nanoparticles of metal oxides as photocatalysts for the degradation of these water pollutants. Transition metal oxides and their composites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities and along show favorable characteristics like non-toxicity and stability that also make them useful in a wide range of applications. This study discusses some characteristics of metal oxides and briefly outlined their various applications. It focuses on the metal oxides TiO2, ZnO, WO3, CuO, and Cu2O, which are the most common and recognized to be cost-effective, stable, efficient, and most of all, environmentally friendly for a sustainable approach for environmental remediation. Meanwhile, this study highlights the photocatalytic activities of these metal oxides, recent developments, challenges, and modifications made on these metal oxides to overcome their limitations and maximize their performance in the photodegradation of pollutants.
A. Patel, Shabnam S Shaikh, Kunal R. Jain et al.
Frontiers in Microbiology · 2020
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread across the globe mainly due to long-term anthropogenic sources of pollution. The inherent properties of PAHs such as heterocyclic aromatic ring structures, hydrophobicity, and thermostability have made them recalcitrant and highly persistent in the environment. PAH pollutants have been determined to be highly toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and immunotoxicogenic to various life forms. Therefore, this review discusses the primary sources of PAH emissions, exposure routes, and toxic effects on humans, in particular. This review briefly summarizes the physical and chemical PAH remediation approaches such as membrane filtration, soil washing, adsorption, electrokinetic, thermal, oxidation, and photocatalytic treatments. This review provides a detailed systematic compilation of the eco-friendly biological treatment solutions for remediation of PAHs such as microbial remediation approaches using bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and co-cultures. In situ and ex situ biological treatments such as land farming, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, bioreactor, and vermiremediation approaches are discussed in detail, and a summary of the factors affecting and limiting PAH bioremediation is also discussed. An overview of emerging technologies employing multi-process combinatorial treatment approaches is given, and newer concepts on generation of value-added by-products during PAH remediation are highlighted in this review.
Ya-nan Shang, Xing Xu, Baoyu Gao et al.
Chemical Society Reviews · 2021
Emerging single atom catalysts (SACs), especially carbon-based SACs are appealing materials in environmental catalysis because of their ultrahigh performances, environmental friendliness, structural/chemical robustness, and the maximum utilization of active metal sites. The metal centres, carbon matrixes, and coordination characteristics collectively determine the electronic features of carbon-based SACs, and their behaviours in catalysing peroxide activation and efficiencies in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, there is lack of a comprehensive and critical review reporting the successful marriage of carbon-based SACs in AOP-based remediation technologies. It is particularly necessary to systematically compare and reveal the catalytic sites and the associated mechanisms of carbon-based SACs in diverse AOP systems. In this review, we highlight the synthetic strategies, characterisation, and computation of carbon-based SACs, and for the first time, showcase their innovative applications in AOP technologies. We unveil the origins of versatile catalytic oxidation pathways in different AOP systems and the mechanisms of micropollutant degradation over carbon-based SACs, distinguished from the upsized counterparts (metals/oxides and carbon substrates). We also provide directions to the rational design of on-demand SACs for green chemistry and environmental sustainability. Also, we suggest a designated and integrated experimental/theoretical protocol for revealing the structure-catalysis relations of SACs in AOP applications, and propose the prospects for future opportunities and challenges.
A. Vita, S. Barlati, A. Ceraso et al.
JAMA Psychiatry · 2021
Key Points Question What is the effectiveness of cognitive remediation on cognition and functioning in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and what are its active ingredients? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis, cognitive remediation was confirmed as effective on both cognitive and functional outcomes and potentially useful for all patients with schizophrenia, even those most severely affected. An active and trained therapist, structured development of cognitive strategies, and integration with rehabilitation were crucial ingredients of efficacy. Meaning This analysis demonstrates that cognitive remediation is an evidence-based intervention, which should be recommended and implemented more widely in the standard treatment of schizophrenia.
Jagpreet Singh, T. Dutta, Ki‐Hyun Kim et al.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology · 2018
AbstractIn materials science, “green” synthesis has gained extensive attention as a reliable, sustainable, and eco-friendly protocol for synthesizing a wide range of materials/nanomaterials including metal/metal oxides nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and bioinspired materials. As such, green synthesis is regarded as an important tool to reduce the destructive effects associated with the traditional methods of synthesis for nanoparticles commonly utilized in laboratory and industry. In this review, we summarized the fundamental processes and mechanisms of “green” synthesis approaches, especially for metal and metal oxide [e.g., gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper oxide (CuO), and zinc oxide (ZnO)] nanoparticles using natural extracts. Importantly, we explored the role of biological components, essential phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, amides, and aldehydes) as reducing agents and solvent systems. The stability/toxicity of nanoparticles and the associated surface engineering techniques for achieving biocompatibility are also discussed. Finally, we covered applications of such synthesized products to environmental remediation in terms of antimicrobial activity, catalytic activity, removal of pollutants dyes, and heavy metal ion sensing.
Leilei Xiang, Jean Damascene Harindintwali, Fang Wang et al.
Environmental Science & Technology · 2022
The contamination of soil with organic pollutants has been accelerated by agricultural and industrial development and poses a major threat to global ecosystems and human health. Various chemical and physical techniques have been developed to remediate soils contaminated with organic pollutants, but challenges related to cost, efficacy, and toxic byproducts often limit their sustainability. Fortunately, phytoremediation, achieved through the use of plants and associated microbiomes, has shown great promise for tackling environmental pollution; this technology has been tested both in the laboratory and in the field. Plant–microbe interactions further promote the efficacy of phytoremediation, with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) often used to assist the remediation of organic pollutants. However, the efficiency of microbe-assisted phytoremediation can be impeded by (i) high concentrations of secondary toxins, (ii) the absence of a suitable sink for these toxins, (iii) nutrient limitations, (iv) the lack of continued release of microbial inocula, and (v) the lack of shelter or porous habitats for planktonic organisms. In this regard, biochar affords unparalleled positive attributes that make it a suitable bacterial carrier and soil health enhancer. We propose that several barriers can be overcome by integrating plants, PGPB, and biochar for the remediation of organic pollutants in soil. Here, we explore the mechanisms by which biochar and PGPB can assist plants in the remediation of organic pollutants in soils, and thereby improve soil health. We analyze the cost-effectiveness, feasibility, life cycle, and practicality of this integration for sustainable restoration and management of soil.
Mengyuan Jiang, Lizhi He, N. Niazi et al.
Biochar · 2023
Although research on biochar has received increasing attention for environmental and agricultural applications, the significance of nanobiochar for environmental pollutant remediation is poorly understood. In contrast to bulk biochar, nanobiochar has superior physicochemical properties such as high catalytic activity, unique nanostructure, large specific surface area and high mobility in the soil environment. These unique characteristics make nanobiochar an ideal candidate for pollution remediation. Thus far, the research on nanobiochar is still in its infancy and most of the previous studies have only been conducted for exploring its properties and environmental functions. The lack of in-depth summary of nanobiochar’s research direction makes it a challenge for scientists and researchers globally. Hence in this review, we established some key fabrication methods for nanobiochar with a focus on its performance for the removal of pollutants from the environment. We also provided up-to-date information on nanobiochar’s role in environmental remediation and insights into different mechanisms involved in the pollutant removal. Although, nanobiochar application is increasing, the associated drawbacks to the soil ecosystem have not received enough research attention. Therefore, further research is warranted to evaluate the potential environmental risks of nanobiochar before large scale application. Graphical Abstract Key synthesis technologies and properties of nanobiochars were discussed. The interactions pathways of nanobiochar with pollutants were elucidated. Role of environmental factors on pollutants remediation and life cycle was delineated. Important research outlooks on nanobiochar’s potential in pollutant remediation were elaborated.
A. Osman, Samer Fawzy, Mohamed Farghali et al.
Environmental Chemistry Letters · 2022
In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar has recently found many applications in various sectors as a versatile and recycled material. Here, we review application of biochar-based for carbon sink, covering agronomy, animal farming, anaerobic digestion, composting, environmental remediation, construction, and energy storage. The ultimate storage reservoirs for biochar are soils, civil infrastructure, and landfills. Biochar-based fertilisers, which combine traditional fertilisers with biochar as a nutrient carrier, are promising in agronomy. The use of biochar as a feed additive for animals shows benefits in terms of animal growth, gut microbiota, reduced enteric methane production, egg yield, and endo-toxicant mitigation. Biochar enhances anaerobic digestion operations, primarily for biogas generation and upgrading, performance and sustainability, and the mitigation of inhibitory impurities. In composts, biochar controls the release of greenhouse gases and enhances microbial activity. Co-composted biochar improves soil properties and enhances crop productivity. Pristine and engineered biochar can also be employed for water and soil remediation to remove pollutants. In construction, biochar can be added to cement or asphalt, thus conferring structural and functional advantages. Incorporating biochar in biocomposites improves insulation, electromagnetic radiation protection and moisture control. Finally, synthesising biochar-based materials for energy storage applications requires additional functionalisation.
R. Wuana, F. Okieimen
ISRN Ecology · 2011
Scattered literature is harnessed to critically review the possible sources, chemistry, potential biohazards and best available remedial strategies for a number of heavy metals (lead, chromium, arsenic, zinc, cadmium, copper, mercury and nickel) commonly found in contaminated soils. The principles, advantages and disadvantages of immobilization, soil washing and phytoremediation techniques which are frequently listed among the best demonstrated available technologies for cleaning up heavy metal contaminated sites are presented. Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils is necessary to reduce the associated risks, make the land resource available for agricultural production, enhance food security and scale down land tenure problems arising from changes in the land use pattern.
Zarifeh Raji, A. Karim, Antoine Karam et al.
Waste · 2023
Heavy metal contamination in wastewater is a significant concern for human health and the environment, prompting increased efforts to develop efficient and sustainable removal methods. Despite significant efforts in the last few decades, further research initiatives remain vital to comprehensively address the long-term performance and practical scalability of various adsorption methods and adsorbents for heavy metal remediation. This article aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms, kinetics, and applications of diverse adsorbents in remediating heavy metal-contaminated effluents. Physical and chemical processes, including ion exchange, complexation, electrostatic attraction, and surface precipitation, play essential roles in heavy metal adsorption. The kinetics of adsorption, influenced by factors such as contact time, temperature, and concentration, directly impact the rate and effectiveness of metal removal. This review presents an exhaustive analysis of the various adsorbents, categorized as activated carbon, biological adsorbents, agricultural waste-based materials, and nanomaterials, which possess distinct advantages and disadvantages that are linked to their surface area, porosity, surface chemistry, and metal ion concentration. To overcome challenges posed by heavy metal contamination, additional research is necessary to optimize adsorbent performance, explore novel materials, and devise cost-effective and sustainable solutions. This comprehensive overview of adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and diverse adsorbents lays the foundation for further research and innovation in designing optimized adsorption systems and discovering new materials for sustainable heavy metal remediation in wastewater.
Y. Wan, Jiang Liu, Zhuang Zhong et al.
Toxics · 2024
Soil heavy metal pollution is a global environmental challenge, posing significant threats to eco-environment, agricultural development, and human health. In recent years, advanced and effective remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soils have developed rapidly, and a systematical summarization of this progress is important. In this review paper, first, the anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in agricultural soils, including atmospheric deposition, animal manure, mineral fertilizers, and pesticides, are summarized. Second, the accumulation of heavy metals in crops as influenced by the plant characteristics and soil factors is analyzed. Then, the reducing strategies, including low-metal cultivar selection/breeding, physiological blocking, water management, and soil amendment are evaluated. Finally, the phytoremediation in terms of remediation efficiency and applicability is discussed. Therefore, this review provides helpful guidance for better selection and development of the control/remediation technologies for heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.
Wee‐Jun Ong, L. Tan, Y. Ng et al.
Chemical Reviews · 2016
As a fascinating conjugated polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a new research hotspot and drawn broad interdisciplinary attention as a metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in the arena of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. This is due to its appealing electronic band structure, high physicochemical stability, and "earth-abundant" nature. This critical review summarizes a panorama of the latest progress related to the design and construction of pristine g-C3N4 and g-C3N4-based nanocomposites, including (1) nanoarchitecture design of bare g-C3N4, such as hard and soft templating approaches, supramolecular preorganization assembly, exfoliation, and template-free synthesis routes, (2) functionalization of g-C3N4 at an atomic level (elemental doping) and molecular level (copolymerization), and (3) modification of g-C3N4 with well-matched energy levels of another semiconductor or a metal as a cocatalyst to form heterojunction nanostructures. The construction and characteristics of each classification of the heterojunction system will be critically reviewed, namely metal-g-C3N4, semiconductor-g-C3N4, isotype g-C3N4/g-C3N4, graphitic carbon-g-C3N4, conducting polymer-g-C3N4, sensitizer-g-C3N4, and multicomponent heterojunctions. The band structures, electronic properties, optical absorption, and interfacial charge transfer of g-C3N4-based heterostructured nanohybrids will also be theoretically discussed based on the first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to provide insightful outlooks on the charge carrier dynamics. Apart from that, the advancement of the versatile photoredox applications toward artificial photosynthesis (water splitting and photofixation of CO2), environmental decontamination, and bacteria disinfection will be presented in detail. Last but not least, this comprehensive review will conclude with a summary and some invigorating perspectives on the challenges and future directions at the forefront of this research platform. It is anticipated that this review can stimulate a new research doorway to facilitate the next generation of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts with ameliorated performances by harnessing the outstanding structural, electronic, and optical properties for the development of a sustainable future without environmental detriment.
S. Narayanasamy, E. Muller, A. Sheik et al.
Microbial Biotechnology · 2015
Biological wastewater treatment plants harbour diverse and complex microbial communities which prominently serve as models for microbial ecology and mixed culture biotechnological processes. Integrated omic analyses (combined metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics) are currently gaining momentum towards providing enhanced understanding of community structure, function and dynamics in situ as well as offering the potential to discover novel biological functionalities within the framework of Eco‐Systems Biology. The integration of information from genome to metabolome allows the establishment of associations between genetic potential and final phenotype, a feature not realizable by only considering single ‘omes’. Therefore, in our opinion, integrated omics will become the future standard for large‐scale characterization of microbial consortia including those underpinning biological wastewater treatment processes. Systematically obtained time and space‐resolved omic datasets will allow deconvolution of structure–function relationships by identifying key members and functions. Such knowledge will form the foundation for discovering novel genes on a much larger scale compared with previous efforts. In general, these insights will allow us to optimize microbial biotechnological processes either through better control of mixed culture processes or by use of more efficient enzymes in bioengineering applications.
Benay Akyon, E. Stachler, Na Wei et al.
Environmental Science & Technology · 2015
Treatment of produced water, i.e. wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, for reuse or final disposal is challenged by both high salinity and the presence of organic compounds. Organic compounds in produced water may foul physical-chemical treatment processes or support microbial corrosion, fouling, and sulfide release. Biological approaches have potential applications in produced water treatment, including reducing fouling of physical-chemical treatment processes and decreasing biological activity during produced water holding; however, conventional activated sludge treatments are intolerant of high salinity. In this study, a biofilm treatment approach using constructed microbial mats was evaluated for biodegradation performance, microbial community structure, and metabolic potential in both simulated and real produced water. Results demonstrated that engineered microbial mats are active at total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations up to at least 100,000 mg/L, and experiments in real produced water showed a biodegradation capacity of 1.45 mg COD/gramwet-day at a TDS concentration of 91,351 mg/L. Additionally, microbial community and metagenomic analyses revealed an adaptive microbial community that shifted based upon the sample being treated and has the metabolic potential to degrade a wide array of contaminants, suggesting the potential of this approach to treat produced waters with varying composition.
Wen‐Wei Li, Hanqing Yu, Zhen He
Energy Environ. Sci. · 2013
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been conceived and intensively studied as a promising technology to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment. However, doubts and debates arose in recent years regarding the technical and economic viability of this technology on a larger scale and in a real-world applications. Hence, it is time to think about and examine how to recalibrate this technology's role in a future paradigm of sustainable wastewater treatment. In the past years, many good ideas/approaches have been proposed and investigated for MFC application, but information is scattered. Various review papers were published on MFC configuration, substrates, electrode materials, separators and microbiology but there is lack of critical thinking and systematic analysis of MFC application niche in wastewater treatment. To systematically formulate a strategy of (potentially) practical MFC application and provide information to guide MFC development, this perspective has critically examined and discussed the problems and challenges for developing MFC technology, and identified a possible application niche whereby MFCs can be rationally incorporated into the treatment process. We propose integration of MFCs with other treatment technologies to form an MFC-centered treatment scheme based on thoroughly analyzing the challenges and opportunities, and discuss future efforts to be made for realizing sustainable wastewater treatment.
Xi Chen, Binyou Liao, Lei Cheng et al.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology · 2020
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel β-coronavirus, is the main pathogenic agent of the rapidly spreading pneumonia called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects much more people, especially the elder population, around the world than other coronavirus, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which is challenging current global public health system. Beyond the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, microbial coinfection plays an important role in the occurrence and development of SARS-CoV-2 infection by raising the difficulties of diagnosis, treatment, prognosis of COVID-19, and even increasing the disease symptom and mortality. We summarize the coinfection of virus, bacteria and fungi with SARS-CoV-2, their effects on COVID-19, the reasons of coinfection, and the diagnosis to emphasize the importance of microbial coinfection in COVID-19. • Microbial coinfection is a nonnegligible factor in COVID-19. • Microbial coinfection exacerbates the processes of the occurrence, development and prognosis of COVID-19, and the difficulties of clinical diagnosis and treatment. • Different virus, bacteria, and fungi contributed to the coinfection with SARS-CoV-2.