Synthetic dyes have the potential to negatively affect aquatic ecosystems by lowering oxygen levels, interfering with photosynthesis, and decreasing sunlight penetration, all of which are hazardous for aquatic life. Many kinds of nanoparticles, including metal oxides, metal organic frameworks, silver and gold nanoparticles, are used to break down dye, but they still have certain drawbacks, including accumulation, stability issues, expense, and harmful chemical waste. Therefore, among the several kinds of green sources, green synthesis of silica nanoparticles is a novel and environmentally benign technique that has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential for environmental remediation, especially in the degradation of dyes. High surface area and porosity, two distinctive features of the produced silica nanoparticles, increase their catalytic activity in the degradation of dyes. Green synthesis of SNPs from different sources by following various methods along with their structure, particle size, surface area, and purity has been reported by multiple studies. The excellent photodegradation capabilities of SNPs and their composites under different light sources (such as sunlight, LED lamp, xenon lamp, and mercury lamp), along with the reaction time, reaction kinetics, and pH condition, have been documented by multiple studies. This thorough study aims to support researchers with a better understanding of this cost-effective, simple, and eco-friendly research area and to follow this to synthesize SNPs for future studies.
{"title":"A comprehensive study on silica nanoparticles: Green synthesis and photodegradation of organic dyes","authors":"Suman , Gita Rani , Siddharth , Sakshi Choudhary , Rachna Ahlawat","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Synthetic dyes have the potential to negatively affect aquatic ecosystems by lowering oxygen levels, interfering with photosynthesis, and decreasing sunlight penetration, all of which are hazardous for aquatic life. Many kinds of nanoparticles, including metal oxides, metal organic frameworks, silver and gold nanoparticles, are used to break down dye, but they still have certain drawbacks, including accumulation, stability issues, expense, and harmful chemical waste. Therefore, among the several kinds of green sources, green synthesis of silica nanoparticles is a novel and environmentally benign technique that has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential for environmental remediation, especially in the degradation of dyes. High surface area and porosity, two distinctive features of the produced silica nanoparticles, increase their catalytic activity in the degradation of dyes. Green synthesis of SNPs from different sources by following various methods along with their structure, particle size, surface area, and purity has been reported by multiple studies. The excellent photodegradation capabilities of SNPs and their composites under different light sources (such as sunlight, LED lamp, xenon lamp, and mercury lamp), along with the reaction time, reaction kinetics, and pH condition, have been documented by multiple studies. This thorough study aims to support researchers with a better understanding of this cost-effective, simple, and eco-friendly research area and to follow this to synthesize SNPs for future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101049"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101046
J.C. Gómez-Vilchis , G. García-Rosales , L.C. Longoria-Gándara , D. Tenorio-Castilleros
This study developed hedgehog-like ZnO nanostructures supported on biochar (B/ZnO), characterized by three-dimensional nanocrystal clusters radiating from a central core. These structures exhibit high specific surface area and porosity, enhancing their performance in adsorption and photocatalysis for removing emerging contaminants such as cephalexin (CEX) from aqueous solutions. The growing concern over antibiotics and their metabolites in water, coupled with the rise of antibiotic resistance, highlights the need for efficient methods to mitigate their environmental, agricultural, and health impacts. While optimization of ZnO particles for contaminant removal continues, this research introduces a biochar-supported ZnO hedgehog composed of nano-rods with a substantial specific surface area of 265 ± 0.2 m2 g−1. This feature significantly enhances its adsorption capacity and photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of CEX. Experimental results indicate that the Langmuir adsorption model accurately describes the data, suggesting that adsorption predominantly occurs in a monolayer and follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Photodegradation reaction rates of 2.70 × 10−2 min−1, 2.2 × 10−2 min−1, and 1.8 × 10−2 min−1 demonstrate the material’s high photocatalytic efficiency, reinforcing its potential as a viable solution for treating antibiotic-contaminated water.
{"title":"Hedgehog-like ZnO nanostructures naturally formed in biochar: An innovative approach for cephalexin removal","authors":"J.C. Gómez-Vilchis , G. García-Rosales , L.C. Longoria-Gándara , D. Tenorio-Castilleros","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed hedgehog-like ZnO nanostructures supported on biochar (B/ZnO), characterized by three-dimensional nanocrystal clusters radiating from a central core. These structures exhibit high specific surface area and porosity, enhancing their performance in adsorption and photocatalysis for removing emerging contaminants such as cephalexin (CEX) from aqueous solutions. The growing concern over antibiotics and their metabolites in water, coupled with the rise of antibiotic resistance, highlights the need for efficient methods to mitigate their environmental, agricultural, and health impacts. While optimization of ZnO particles for contaminant removal continues, this research introduces a biochar-supported ZnO hedgehog composed of nano-rods with a substantial specific surface area of 265 ± 0.2 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>. This feature significantly enhances its adsorption capacity and photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of CEX. Experimental results indicate that the Langmuir adsorption model accurately describes the data, suggesting that adsorption predominantly occurs in a monolayer and follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Photodegradation reaction rates of 2.70 × 10<sup>−2</sup> min<sup>−1</sup>, 2.2 × 10<sup>−2</sup> min<sup>−1</sup>, and 1.8 × 10<sup>−2</sup> min<sup>−1</sup> demonstrate the material’s high photocatalytic efficiency, reinforcing its potential as a viable solution for treating antibiotic-contaminated water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101046"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antibiotics are among the most important discoveries in medicine and have revolutionized human therapy. Antibiotics are used extensively in many different fields apart from medicine. The development of antibiotic resistance in ecosystems is mostly caused by the extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture and agriculture to promote growth while minimizing disease. Insufficient metabolism in humans and animals causes a large-scale release of antibiotics and their metabolites into various environmental compartments, which in turn increases the resistance of bacterial infections. Although the use of antibiotics has reduced the number of deaths from bacterial illnesses in poor countries, the hazards connected with antibiotic pollution are still having a significant impact on humanity’s standard of life. The incomplete and undegradable breakdown of antibiotics discharged into the environment causes antibiotic pollution, and bioremediation processes is a challenging procedure. Inappropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste contributes to an increase in the content of antibiotics in water bodies. Although they are prohibited in European Union (EU) nations including Europe, Sweden, and Namibia, antibiotics are still used in China and India as growth promoters in animal husbandry to increase feeding efficiency. The misuse of antibiotics in agriculture and healthcare is linked to environmental and public health problems, which are exacerbated by antibiotic residues in wastewater that lead to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Effective wastewater management is necessary to reduce ARB and antibiotic resistance gene pollution, which calls for advances in treatment technology and cautious antibiotic use. Considering the increasing problems related to antibiotic usage, these methods must be used to safeguard human health and preserve environmental integrity. Keeping in mind, the current review focusses on antibiotics sources, potential degradation processes, health consequences, and strategies of bacterial antibiotic resistance.
{"title":"Antibiotic contamination in wastewater treatment plant effluents: Current research and future perspectives","authors":"Parnika Mishra , Gyanendra Tripathi , Vaishnavi Mishra , Talat Ilyas , Irum , Saba Firdaus , Suhail Ahmad , Alvina Farooqui , Neelam Yadav , Sarvesh Rustagi , Sheikh Shreaz , Rajeshwari Negi , Ajar Nath Yadav","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotics are among the most important discoveries in medicine and have revolutionized human therapy. Antibiotics are used extensively in many different fields apart from medicine. The development of antibiotic resistance in ecosystems is mostly caused by the extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture and agriculture to promote growth while minimizing disease. Insufficient metabolism in humans and animals causes a large-scale release of antibiotics and their metabolites into various environmental compartments, which in turn increases the resistance of bacterial infections. Although the use of antibiotics has reduced the number of deaths from bacterial illnesses in poor countries, the hazards connected with antibiotic pollution are still having a significant impact on humanity’s standard of life. The incomplete and undegradable breakdown of antibiotics discharged into the environment causes antibiotic pollution, and bioremediation processes is a challenging procedure. Inappropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste contributes to an increase in the content of antibiotics in water bodies. Although they are prohibited in European Union (EU) nations including Europe, Sweden, and Namibia, antibiotics are still used in China and India as growth promoters in animal husbandry to increase feeding efficiency. The misuse of antibiotics in agriculture and healthcare is linked to environmental and public health problems, which are exacerbated by antibiotic residues in wastewater that lead to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Effective wastewater management is necessary to reduce ARB and antibiotic resistance gene pollution, which calls for advances in treatment technology and cautious antibiotic use. Considering the increasing problems related to antibiotic usage, these methods must be used to safeguard human health and preserve environmental integrity. Keeping in mind, the current review focusses on antibiotics sources, potential degradation processes, health consequences, and strategies of bacterial antibiotic resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101047"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101043
Ebenezer Ebo Yahans Amuah , Bernard Fei-Baffoe , Lyndon Nii Adjiri Sackey , Raymond Webrah Kazapoe , Douti Biyogue Nang , Paul Dankwa , Benjamin Offei , John Bentil
Mining activities have increased the levels of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) PTEs contamination in soils, leading to major concern due to their potential risk. This study considered pollution levels of PTEs and their possible implications in an illegal mining site in southern Ghana during the ban on small-scale mining activities. Soil samples were also collected from residential and pristine areas as controls. Individual, complex and multi-elemental indices and exposure assessment were the assessment computations used. As, Hg, Pb, Sr and V had a significant relationship (0.05, χ2 (4) = 50.61, p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons indicated substantial differences between the following variable pairs: Pb-As, Pb-Hg, As-Sr, As-V, Hg-Sr, and Hg-V. Nutrient levels were significantly differences (0.05, χ2 (4) = 54.41, p < 0.001) with significant differences between N-K, N-Zn, N-Na, P-K, P-Na, K-Zn, and Zn-Na. The Robust Compositional Contamination Index (RCCI) analysis showed that the area was heavily impacted following 85 % of the samples ranging between high and highest pollution. A comparative assessment revealed that all the pollution indices followed a similar trend of pristine < residential < mining site, except for Mn and Sr where a pattern pristine > residential > mining with an elemental trend: Mn < V < Sr < Zn < Cu < As < Pb < Hg. The indirect and poor relations between EC and N (r = 0.19), P (r = 0.36), K (r = −0.58), Zn (r = 0.37), Na (r = −0.08) and Ca (r = −0.50) indicates that the mined site had a poor water-soluble capacity of plant uptake of some essential elements. Pollution levels follow a clear trend from pristine to residential to mining areas, with notable impacts on nutrient levels and plant uptake capacity. The analysis showed significant differences in elemental concentrations between illegally mined and pristine areas, with p-values of 0.001 for As, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn, and 0.003 for V, indicating that illegal mining has substantially elevated levels of these toxic metals. Immediate intervention and sustainable management are critical to address these environmental and ecological risks.
{"title":"Tracing potentially toxic elements and nutrient levels from extensive illegal mining using multivariate statistics, pollution indices and ecological assessments","authors":"Ebenezer Ebo Yahans Amuah , Bernard Fei-Baffoe , Lyndon Nii Adjiri Sackey , Raymond Webrah Kazapoe , Douti Biyogue Nang , Paul Dankwa , Benjamin Offei , John Bentil","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mining activities have increased the levels of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) PTEs contamination in soils, leading to major concern due to their potential risk. This study considered pollution levels of PTEs and their possible implications in an illegal mining site in southern Ghana during the ban on small-scale mining activities. Soil samples were also collected from residential and pristine areas as controls. Individual, complex and multi-elemental indices and exposure assessment were the assessment computations used. As, Hg, Pb, Sr and V had a significant relationship (0.05, χ<sup>2</sup> (4) = 50.61, <em>p</em> < 0.001). Multiple comparisons indicated substantial differences between the following variable pairs: Pb-As, Pb-Hg, As-Sr, As-V, Hg-Sr, and Hg-V. Nutrient levels were significantly differences (0.05, χ<sup>2</sup> (4) = 54.41, <em>p</em> < 0.001) with significant differences between N-K, N-Zn, N-Na, P-K, P-Na, K-Zn, and Zn-Na. The Robust Compositional Contamination Index (RCCI) analysis showed that the area was heavily impacted following 85 % of the samples ranging between high and highest pollution. A comparative assessment revealed that all the pollution indices followed a similar trend of pristine < residential < mining site, except for Mn and Sr where a pattern pristine > residential > mining with an elemental trend: Mn < V < Sr < Zn < Cu < As < Pb < Hg. The indirect and poor relations between EC and N (r = 0.19), P (r = 0.36), K (r = −0.58), Zn (r = 0.37), Na (r = −0.08) and Ca (r = −0.50) indicates that the mined site had a poor water-soluble capacity of plant uptake of some essential elements. Pollution levels follow a clear trend from pristine to residential to mining areas, with notable impacts on nutrient levels and plant uptake capacity. The analysis showed significant differences in elemental concentrations between illegally mined and pristine areas, with p-values of 0.001 for As, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn, and 0.003 for V, indicating that illegal mining has substantially elevated levels of these toxic metals. Immediate intervention and sustainable management are critical to address these environmental and ecological risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101043"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101045
Letícia Reggiane de Carvalho Costa , Keila Guerra Pacheco Nunes , Vanessa Jurado-Davila , Elvis Carissimi , Liliana Amaral Féris
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of modifying the rice husk ash particle surface using the ultrasonic technique. For this, a comparative analysis was performed on the paracetamol adsorption capacity using rice husk ash particles as adsorbents modified and non-modified by ultrasound-assisted method. Sorbent modification was carried out by exposing the rice husk ash to the ultrasound technique for a specified time (5, 15, 30 and 60 min). Also, it was characterized by surface area, pore diameter and volume, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform in infrared (FTIR). The adsorption parameters evaluated in batch-scale experiments were the contact time (0 to 60 min) and adsorbent concentration in solution (0 to 25 g.L-1). The results obtained showed that the ultrasound modification made the particle less reactive, requiring a higher concentration of adsorbent (when compared to the unmodified solid) to obtain the same amount of model pollutant removal. The maximum paracetamol removal obtained in the tests with the original rice husk ash was 90 % after 30 min of contact and solid concentration of 13 g.L-1. In the same contact time, for the rice husk ash modified in ultrasound, 20 g.L-1 were needed, reaching 100 % removal of the pharmaceutical. This result demonstrates the functionalization of the technique and a good performance and application of the solid as an adsorbent for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds.
{"title":"Effect of ultrasound-assisted method to enhance rice husk ash adsorption characteristics for paracetamol removal","authors":"Letícia Reggiane de Carvalho Costa , Keila Guerra Pacheco Nunes , Vanessa Jurado-Davila , Elvis Carissimi , Liliana Amaral Féris","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of modifying the rice husk ash particle surface using the ultrasonic technique. For this, a comparative analysis was performed on the paracetamol adsorption capacity using rice husk ash particles as adsorbents modified and non-modified by ultrasound-assisted method. Sorbent modification was carried out by exposing the rice husk ash to the ultrasound technique for a specified time (5, 15, 30 and 60 min). Also, it was characterized by surface area, pore diameter and volume, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform in infrared (FTIR). The adsorption parameters evaluated in batch-scale experiments were the contact time (0 to 60 min) and adsorbent concentration in solution (0 to 25 g.L<sup>-1</sup>). The results obtained showed that the ultrasound modification made the particle less reactive, requiring a higher concentration of adsorbent (when compared to the unmodified solid) to obtain the same amount of model pollutant removal. The maximum paracetamol removal obtained in the tests with the original rice husk ash was 90 % after 30 min of contact and solid concentration of 13 g.L<sup>-1</sup>. In the same contact time, for the rice husk ash modified in ultrasound, 20 g.L<sup>-1</sup> were needed, reaching 100 % removal of the pharmaceutical. This result demonstrates the functionalization of the technique and a good performance and application of the solid as an adsorbent for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101045"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soil pollution caused by human activity is becoming an increasingly urgent global concern. Floodplain soils are particularly susceptible to contamination due to their role as temporary sinks for sediments, nutrients, and pollutants transported by the river systems. Mangrove floodplains possess significant ecological value, being unique ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to pollution, particularly from potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the concentration and spatial distribution of PTEs in the soils of Koyra Upazila, Bangladesh, a region characterized by a coastal mangrove ecosystem. A total of 60 soil samples were collected from three subdivisions to assess pollution levels. The samples were subjected to acid digestion (65 % HNO3 and HClO4 in a 4:1 ratio) and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) with a varian system (Varian AA240 FS). The investigated PTEs, ranked by decreasing concentration, were Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Hg. Zn exhibited the highest average concentration (67.15 ± 12.24 mg/kg), whereas Mercury had the lowest (0.02 ± 0.04 mg/kg). Distribution patterns, illustrated by Q-Q plots, revealed that Pb and Zn data closely followed a normal distribution, while Cd, Cr, and Hg displayed significant deviations, suggesting skewed distributions influenced by both natural variability and anthropogenic activities. Assessments using the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI) indicated that the soils were generally uncontaminated, although moderate pollution levels of Pb and Zn observed in specific locations. Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) analyses suggested minimal ecological risks, despite the moderate pollution levels revealed by PLI. Health risk assessments highlighted elevated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for children, particularly in the central and southern regions of the study area. Furthermore, a comparative analysis against international soil quality standards from Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia confirmed that the PTEs concentrations in the study area remained within permissible limits, indicating predominantly natural origins with minimal anthropogenic influence. The study establishes a critical baseline for PTEs concentration in the mangrove floodplain soils of Koyra Upazila, revealing localized risks, particularly in urban areas like Koyra union. While most PTE levels are within permissible limits, the findings highlight the need for periodic monitoring and targeted mitigation measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems and public health.
{"title":"Spatial distribution and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in coastal mangrove floodplain Top-Soils of Bangladesh","authors":"Rabeya Sultana , Md. Riad Hossain , Md Musfike Meraz , Mehidi Ahmmed , Shahidur R. Khan , Tasrina Rabia Choudhury","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil pollution caused by human activity is becoming an increasingly urgent global concern. Floodplain soils are particularly susceptible to contamination due to their role as temporary sinks for sediments, nutrients, and pollutants transported by the river systems. Mangrove floodplains possess significant ecological value, being unique ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to pollution, particularly from potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the concentration and spatial distribution of PTEs in the soils of Koyra Upazila, Bangladesh, a region characterized by a coastal mangrove ecosystem. A total of 60 soil samples were collected from three subdivisions to assess pollution levels. The samples were subjected to acid digestion (65 % HNO3 and HClO4 in a 4:1 ratio) and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) with a varian system (Varian AA240 FS). The investigated PTEs, ranked by decreasing concentration, were Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Hg. Zn exhibited the highest average concentration (67.15 ± 12.24 mg/kg), whereas Mercury had the lowest (0.02 ± 0.04 mg/kg). Distribution patterns, illustrated by Q-Q plots, revealed that Pb and Zn data closely followed a normal distribution, while Cd, Cr, and Hg displayed significant deviations, suggesting skewed distributions influenced by both natural variability and anthropogenic activities. Assessments using the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI) indicated that the soils were generally uncontaminated, although moderate pollution levels of Pb and Zn observed in specific locations. Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) analyses suggested minimal ecological risks, despite the moderate pollution levels revealed by PLI. Health risk assessments highlighted elevated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for children, particularly in the central and southern regions of the study area. Furthermore, a comparative analysis against international soil quality standards from Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia confirmed that the PTEs concentrations in the study area remained within permissible limits, indicating predominantly natural origins with minimal anthropogenic influence. The study establishes a critical baseline for PTEs concentration in the mangrove floodplain soils of Koyra Upazila, revealing localized risks, particularly in urban areas like Koyra union. While most PTE levels are within permissible limits, the findings highlight the need for periodic monitoring and targeted mitigation measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems and public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101041
Şehnaz Şener , Erhan Şener , Cafer Bulut
This comprehensive study examines the environmental dynamics of the İznik Lake which is the fifth largest natural lake of our country, investigating temporal and spatial trends in heavy metal pollution and its effects on human health. Lake water samples were taken from various areas of the lake (19 different sampling points), including the central area of the lake, surrounding areas, points where streams empty into the lake, and near the shoreline. The average concentrations (μg/L) of heavy metals were as follows: Al (13.66) > Fe (11.37) > As (6.15) > Mn (2.54) > Zn (2.46) > Pb (0.61) > Cu (0.42) > Cr (0.36) > Ni (0.22). Al, Fe and As are the metals found in the highest concentrations in lake waters. According to index results, water quality index (WQI) value and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated suitable for use of waters as drinking water. All of the samples are in the “low pollution” class in accordance with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (Cdegree) values. In addition, HTL indicated “low toxicity” class. The results of the health risk assessments were that consumption of the lake water could lead to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health problems in terms of As. The results indicate that İznik Lake is contaminated with heavy metals and is not suitable for drinking water or agricultural use. In addition, this study revealed that metals measured at low concentrations may have adverse effects on human health. This study for İznik Lake is one of the first in the field and can be a reference for future similar studies for the protection and safe use of the lake and control of pollutants around the lake.
{"title":"Assessment of human health risk related with arsenic and other metal contamination in water of İznik lake (Turkey)","authors":"Şehnaz Şener , Erhan Şener , Cafer Bulut","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This comprehensive study examines the environmental dynamics of the İznik Lake which is the fifth largest natural lake of our country, investigating temporal and spatial trends in heavy metal pollution and its effects on human health. Lake water samples were taken from various areas of the lake (19 different sampling points), including the central area of the lake, surrounding areas, points where streams empty into the lake, and near the shoreline. The average concentrations (μg/L) of heavy metals were as follows: Al (13.66) > Fe (11.37) > As (6.15) > Mn (2.54) > Zn (2.46) > Pb (0.61) > Cu (0.42) > Cr (0.36) > Ni (0.22). Al, Fe and As are the metals found in the highest concentrations in lake waters. According to index results, water quality index (WQI) value and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated suitable for use of waters as drinking water. All of the samples are in the “low pollution” class in accordance with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (Cdegree) values. In addition, HTL indicated “low toxicity” class. The results of the health risk assessments were that consumption of the lake water could lead to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health problems in terms of As. The results indicate that İznik Lake is contaminated with heavy metals and is not suitable for drinking water or agricultural use. In addition, this study revealed that metals measured at low concentrations may have adverse effects on human health. This study for İznik Lake is one of the first in the field and can be a reference for future similar studies for the protection and safe use of the lake and control of pollutants around the lake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101042
Humberto Dax Bonilla Mancilla , Jenny Del Pino Moreyra , Juan José Bullon Rosas , Alfredo Rubén Bernal Marcelo , Candelaria Tejada Tovar , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Devendra Kumar , Mika Sillanpää , Djamel Ghernaout
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a lethally harmful heavy metal that endangers human health and biodiversity worldwide. Conventional Cr(VI) removal procedures are frequently energy-consuming and also emit hazardous byproducts. The use of NaOH-activated Pinus radiata forest residue (PRFR) as a sustainable and adaptable adsorbent for the effective removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions is demonstrated in this work. To validate the adsorption and adsorption mechanism, PRFR was characterized using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) methods. Batch experiment techniques were adopted to optimize the influences of initial concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, and contact duration for Cr(VI) adsorption, all of which are critical for use on an industrial or commercial scale. After 45 min of contact time, PRFR revealed a high adsorption capacity of 13.947 mg/g with a removal effectiveness of 99.12 % for Cr(VI). The adsorbent was reusable for more than three cycles. PRFR is a nature-friendly adsorbent that can be used for a variety of purposes, including wastewater treatment, industrial effluent remediation, and environmental restoration, because it is inexpensive and easily accessible.
{"title":"Pinus radiata forest residue: A bio-adsorbent of choice for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution","authors":"Humberto Dax Bonilla Mancilla , Jenny Del Pino Moreyra , Juan José Bullon Rosas , Alfredo Rubén Bernal Marcelo , Candelaria Tejada Tovar , Manoj Kumar Jindal , Devendra Kumar , Mika Sillanpää , Djamel Ghernaout","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a lethally harmful heavy metal that endangers human health and biodiversity worldwide. Conventional Cr(VI) removal procedures are frequently energy-consuming and also emit hazardous byproducts. The use of NaOH-activated <em>Pinus radiata</em> forest residue (PRFR) as a sustainable and adaptable adsorbent for the effective removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions is demonstrated in this work. To validate the adsorption and adsorption mechanism, PRFR was characterized using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) methods. Batch experiment techniques were adopted to optimize the influences of initial concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, and contact duration for Cr(VI) adsorption, all of which are critical for use on an industrial or commercial scale. After 45 min of contact time, PRFR revealed a high adsorption capacity of 13.947 mg/g with a removal effectiveness of 99.12 % for Cr(VI). The adsorbent was reusable for more than three cycles. PRFR is a nature-friendly adsorbent that can be used for a variety of purposes, including wastewater treatment, industrial effluent remediation, and environmental restoration, because it is inexpensive and easily accessible.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101042"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101040
Michael P. Schmidt , Sierra Rupp , Daniel J. Ashworth , Duc Phan , Ananda Bhattacharjee , Jorge F.S. Ferreira , Yujie Men , Abasiofiok Mark Ibekwe
Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater may promote antimicrobial resistance in consumers of crops irrigated with wastewater. Removal of DNA from wastewater may thus mitigate potential environmental risks associated with irrigation and environmental release of recycled wastewater. Although biochar adsorbents are a potentially cost-effective strategy for removing DNA from water, biochar feedstock influence on performance has not been studied across a range of feedstock classes. Our objective was to produce biochar from 5 distinct feedstocks (manure (MN), black mustard (Brassica nigra) (MU), orange peel (OP), pine pellet (PP) and macadamia nutshell (MNS)) at a fixed pyrolysis temperature (500 °C), characterize biochars and relate characteristics to DNA adsorption. Adsorption reached equilibrium within two hours and kinetics fit the pseudo-second order model. Adsorption rates increased from MNS, PP, OP, MN to MU, with rates of 3.06 × 10−2, 5.65 × 10−2, 1.78 × 10−1, 4.00 × 10−1 and 5.05 × 10−1 mg g−1 min−1, respectively. Adsorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model, with affinities increasing from PP, MNS, OP, MN to MU (Kd = 1.30 × 10−2, 1.35 × 10−2, 1.27 × 10−1, 1.96 × 10−1 and 1.42, respectively). DNA adsorption on biochars increased with ionic strength from I = 0 – 0.10 M except for MN. Ca2+ addition increased adsorption for biochars at I = 0.01 and 0.10 M, except for MN, which increased only with I = 0.10 M. Lower sensitivity of adsorption on MN biochar to ionic conditions indicates a different mechanism may control adsorption. The high ash content of MN biochar may favor direct bonding of DNA to ash minerals compared to π-π interactions likely driving DNA adsorption to structural carbon. These findings help understand how feedstock-driven variability in biochars translates to DNA immobilization and will assist researchers and stakeholders in determining the most suitable feedstocks for this purpose.
{"title":"Feedstock selection influences performance and mechanism of DNA adsorption onto biochar","authors":"Michael P. Schmidt , Sierra Rupp , Daniel J. Ashworth , Duc Phan , Ananda Bhattacharjee , Jorge F.S. Ferreira , Yujie Men , Abasiofiok Mark Ibekwe","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater may promote antimicrobial resistance in consumers of crops irrigated with wastewater. Removal of DNA from wastewater may thus mitigate potential environmental risks associated with irrigation and environmental release of recycled wastewater. Although biochar adsorbents are a potentially cost-effective strategy for removing DNA from water, biochar feedstock influence on performance has not been studied across a range of feedstock classes. Our objective was to produce biochar from 5 distinct feedstocks (manure (MN), black mustard (<em>Brassica nigra</em>) (MU), orange peel (OP), pine pellet (PP) and macadamia nutshell (MNS)) at a fixed pyrolysis temperature (500 °C), characterize biochars and relate characteristics to DNA adsorption. Adsorption reached equilibrium within two hours and kinetics fit the pseudo-second order model. Adsorption rates increased from MNS, PP, OP, MN to MU, with rates of 3.06 × 10<sup>−2</sup>, 5.65 × 10<sup>−2</sup>, 1.78 × 10<sup>−1</sup>, 4.00 × 10<sup>−1</sup> and 5.05 × 10<sup>−1</sup> mg g<sup>−1</sup> min<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. Adsorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model, with affinities increasing from PP, MNS, OP, MN to MU (<em>K<sub>d</sub></em> = 1.30 × 10<sup>−2</sup>, 1.35 × 10<sup>−2</sup>, 1.27 × 10<sup>−1</sup>, 1.96 × 10<sup>−1</sup> and 1.42, respectively). DNA adsorption on biochars increased with ionic strength from I = 0 – 0.10 M except for MN. Ca<sup>2+</sup> addition increased adsorption for biochars at I = 0.01 and 0.10 M, except for MN, which increased only with I = 0.10 M. Lower sensitivity of adsorption on MN biochar to ionic conditions indicates a different mechanism may control adsorption. The high ash content of MN biochar may favor direct bonding of DNA to ash minerals compared to π-π interactions likely driving DNA adsorption to structural carbon. These findings help understand how feedstock-driven variability in biochars translates to DNA immobilization and will assist researchers and stakeholders in determining the most suitable feedstocks for this purpose.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101040"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study explores the potential application of engineered MnO2-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanoheterostructures (NHs) for the simultaneous removal of nanoplastics (NPs) and bisphenol S (BPS) from polluted water, two persistent pollutants from plastic degradation that pose substantial health and ecological risks. The presence of ε-MnO2 in the nanoheterostructure, confirmed by XRD, HRTEM, and XPS studies, enhances its surface reactivity due to microtwinning defects and mixed oxidation states of Mn. Under optimized conditions, MnO2-MWCNT NHs achieved complete removal of 10 mg/L NPs and 1 ppm BPS at a dosage of 1.5 g/L within 24 h at 25 °C. The NP removal was facilitated by heteroaggregation with MnO2-MWCNT NHs, following a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 1.87 mg/L·min, achieving approximately 90 % removal within the first hour. BPS adsorption was an endothermic process, well-described by the Freundlich, Sips, and Dubinin–Astakhov (D-A) isotherm models, indicating an adsorption capacity exceeding 2 mg/g at 25 °C, primarily controlled by liquid film diffusion. The MnO2-MWCNT NHs were effective in removing BPS and NPs across varying water chemistry (pH and ionic strength) and natural water matrices, including river, estuary, and seawater. A 2 g/L dose of MnO2-MWCNT NHs was sufficient for simultaneous NPs and BPS removal, while excellent reusability over multiple cycles demonstrated the potential for long-term water treatment applications of the material. Overall, MnO2-MWCNT NHs offer a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for water remediation, with promising implications for global pollution control efforts.
{"title":"Engineered MnO2-Multiwalled carbon Nanotube nanoheterostructures for efficient removal of nanoplastics and plastic-derived contaminant Bisphenol S from contaminated water","authors":"Abhishek Mandal , Arpan Sarkar , Sangeetha Thykandi , Soumadip Guchhait , Gopala Krishna Darbha","doi":"10.1016/j.enmm.2024.101038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.enmm.2024.101038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the potential application of engineered MnO<sub>2</sub>-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanoheterostructures (NHs) for the simultaneous removal of nanoplastics (NPs) and bisphenol S (BPS) from polluted water, two persistent pollutants from plastic degradation that pose substantial health and ecological risks. The presence of ε-MnO<sub>2</sub> in the nanoheterostructure, confirmed by XRD, HRTEM, and XPS studies, enhances its surface reactivity due to microtwinning defects and mixed oxidation states of Mn. Under optimized conditions, MnO<sub>2</sub>-MWCNT NHs achieved complete removal of 10 mg/L NPs and 1 ppm BPS at a dosage of 1.5 g/L within 24 h at 25 °C. The NP removal was facilitated by heteroaggregation with MnO<sub>2</sub>-MWCNT NHs, following a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 1.87 mg/L·min, achieving approximately 90 % removal within the first hour. BPS adsorption was an endothermic process, well-described by the Freundlich, Sips, and Dubinin–Astakhov (D-A) isotherm models, indicating an adsorption capacity exceeding 2 mg/g at 25 °C, primarily controlled by liquid film diffusion. The MnO<sub>2</sub>-MWCNT NHs were effective in removing BPS and NPs across varying water chemistry (pH and ionic strength) and natural water matrices, including river, estuary, and seawater. A 2 g/L dose of MnO<sub>2</sub>-MWCNT NHs was sufficient for simultaneous NPs and BPS removal, while excellent reusability over multiple cycles demonstrated the potential for long-term water treatment applications of the material. Overall, MnO<sub>2</sub>-MWCNT NHs offer a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for water remediation, with promising implications for global pollution control efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11716,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring and Management","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101038"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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