Microplastics (MPs) degrade through various abiotic processes (thermal, mechanical, hydrolytic, and photo-oxidative) and biotic processes involving microorganisms. This study investigates specific bacteria, fungi, and algae that contribute to MP biodegradation, focusing on species like Bacillus, Rhodococcus, and Pseudomonas, which produce enzymes such as PETase, laccases, and peroxidases to break down high- and low-density polyethylene. However, the biodegradation process varies based on environmental factors and the durability of plastics. There is an urgent need to use advanced methods to understand degradation and its byproducts. Microbial degradation holds promise for addressing MPs, but further research is needed to enhance efficiency and develop sustainable solutions.
{"title":"Insights into the biodegradation and bioremediation of microplastics: mechanisms and analytical methods","authors":"Kanika Dogra , Manish Kumar , Nancy Ornelas-Soto , Abrahan Mora , Dibyendu Sarkar , Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian , Kanchan Deoli Bahukhandi , Jürgen Mahlknecht","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (MPs) degrade through various abiotic processes (thermal, mechanical, hydrolytic, and photo-oxidative) and biotic processes involving microorganisms. This study investigates specific bacteria, fungi, and algae that contribute to MP biodegradation, focusing on species like <em>Bacillus, Rhodococcus</em>, and <em>Pseudomonas</em>, which produce enzymes such as PETase, laccases, and peroxidases to break down high- and low-density polyethylene. However, the biodegradation process varies based on environmental factors and the durability of plastics. There is an urgent need to use advanced methods to understand degradation and its byproducts. Microbial degradation holds promise for addressing MPs, but further research is needed to enhance efficiency and develop sustainable solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101133"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101132
Santosh Sethi, Virendra K Rathod
A key factor in the successful extraction of natural products is the choice of solvent and mass transfer tool, which directly affects the efficiency, yield, selectivity, and quality of the natural products. However, the limitations of traditional solvents and the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient processes have driven interest in novel solvents. This shift is further encouraged by strict environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions and avoiding hazardous chemicals. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising technique, enhancing yields and preserving compound quality through the cavitation phenomenon. Recent advancements combine ultrasound with novel solvents, showcasing their synergistic potential to further intensify natural product extraction. This review highlights the comparative performance of UAE and novel solvents, offering insights into their roles and challenges in achieving high-efficiency extraction. These findings aim to guide researchers, educators, and industry professionals toward sustainable and innovative extraction methods that align with environmental and industrial goals.
{"title":"Recent advances in ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural products using novel solvents: a mini-review","authors":"Santosh Sethi, Virendra K Rathod","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101132","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101132","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A key factor in the successful extraction of natural products is the choice of solvent and mass transfer tool, which directly affects the efficiency, yield, selectivity, and quality of the natural products. However, the limitations of traditional solvents and the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient processes have driven interest in novel solvents. This shift is further encouraged by strict environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions and avoiding hazardous chemicals. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising technique, enhancing yields and preserving compound quality through the cavitation phenomenon. Recent advancements combine ultrasound with novel solvents, showcasing their synergistic potential to further intensify natural product extraction. This review highlights the comparative performance of UAE and novel solvents, offering insights into their roles and challenges in achieving high-efficiency extraction. These findings aim to guide researchers, educators, and industry professionals toward sustainable and innovative extraction methods that align with environmental and industrial goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101132"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-18DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101134
Gabriel E De-la-Torre , Carolin Bapp , Ana D Forero-López , Sina Dobaradaran
Nanoplastics (NPs), plastic particles smaller than 1 µm, have gained particular interest due to their ability to translocate across biological barriers. However, their quantification and identification across environmental matrices have proven to be a complex and significant challenge. As the literature on NPs continues to grow, we believe that it is imperative to provide a timely analysis and discussion of the latest advances. In this contribution, we will discuss the analytical techniques employed in the most recent studies on the quantification of NPs and provide analytical recommendations based on the latest developments in this line of research.
{"title":"Analytical techniques for quantifying and identifying nanoplastics: recent advances","authors":"Gabriel E De-la-Torre , Carolin Bapp , Ana D Forero-López , Sina Dobaradaran","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanoplastics (NPs), plastic particles smaller than 1 µm, have gained particular interest due to their ability to translocate across biological barriers. However, their quantification and identification across environmental matrices have proven to be a complex and significant challenge. As the literature on NPs continues to grow, we believe that it is imperative to provide a timely analysis and discussion of the latest advances. In this contribution, we will discuss the analytical techniques employed in the most recent studies on the quantification of NPs and provide analytical recommendations based on the latest developments in this line of research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101134"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-18DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101135
Nisha T Padmanabhan , Laura Clarizia , Priyanka Ganguly
Research in green hydrogen production is advancing through photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, but storage remains a challenge. Promising hydrogen carriers, such as methanol, ammonia, formic acid, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and metal hydrides, face issues like low hydrogen content and high energy demands. This review highlights innovations in hydrogen storage, focusing on carrier synthesis and photocatalytic hydrogen release for sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. Advancing catalysts, reactors, lifecycle assessments, and economic feasibility is crucial. Hybrid approaches and augmented intelligence are essential for developing cost-effective, high-efficiency storage systems, driving progress toward a sustainable hydrogen economy.
{"title":"Advancing hydrogen storage: critical insights to potentials, challenges, and pathways to sustainability","authors":"Nisha T Padmanabhan , Laura Clarizia , Priyanka Ganguly","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research in green hydrogen production is advancing through photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, but storage remains a challenge. Promising hydrogen carriers, such as methanol, ammonia, formic acid, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and metal hydrides, face issues like low hydrogen content and high energy demands. This review highlights innovations in hydrogen storage, focusing on carrier synthesis and photocatalytic hydrogen release for sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. Advancing catalysts, reactors, lifecycle assessments, and economic feasibility is crucial. Hybrid approaches and augmented intelligence are essential for developing cost-effective, high-efficiency storage systems, driving progress toward a sustainable hydrogen economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101135"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-16DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101131
Jin-Jin Li , Qi Luo , Yi-Xiang Lin , Zhenhao Xi , Ling Zhao
Radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) has gained widespread attention due to the facile incorporation of cleavable groups (e.g. ester, thioesters) into all-carbon backbone vinyl polymers. The inclusion of a cleavable comonomer makes the vinyl copolymers biodegradable. However, competition between the ring-opening of cyclic monomer and vinyl addition without ring-opening, as well as efficient insertion of cleavable comonomer into the backbone, are challenging for rROP. This minireview discusses the latest developments in theoretical and numerical simulations of rROP, offering deep insights into both polymerization and degradation processes, including mechanistic identification, kinetic features, and chain microstructure tuning. Besides, challenges and future directions are included to attract more efforts to better perform rROP and deconstruction process.
{"title":"Understanding synthesis and degradation of backbone deconstructable (co)polymers by radical ring-opening polymerization through theoretical calculation and numerical simulation","authors":"Jin-Jin Li , Qi Luo , Yi-Xiang Lin , Zhenhao Xi , Ling Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Radical ring-opening polymerization (<em>r</em>ROP) has gained widespread attention due to the facile incorporation of cleavable groups (e.g. ester, thioesters) into all-carbon backbone vinyl polymers. The inclusion of a cleavable comonomer makes the vinyl copolymers biodegradable. However, competition between the ring-opening of cyclic monomer and vinyl addition without ring-opening, as well as efficient insertion of cleavable comonomer into the backbone, are challenging for <em>r</em>ROP. This minireview discusses the latest developments in theoretical and numerical simulations of <em>r</em>ROP, offering deep insights into both polymerization and degradation processes, including mechanistic identification, kinetic features, and chain microstructure tuning. Besides, challenges and future directions are included to attract more efforts to better perform <em>r</em>ROP and deconstruction process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101131"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101130
Jason Stallings Jr, Endras Fadhilah, Malgorzata Chwatko
Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique is often employed in membrane manufacturing to create highly porous relatively homogenous membranes. The technique generates porous materials due to a phase separation driven by crystallization or thermodynamic immiscibility. To maintain the use of the technique in the future, the solution chemistry needs to be re-examined to meet the sustainability metrics required for the next generation of membrane design and manufacturing. In this work, we examine TIPS process sustainability and metrics that could be used in future works on the topic.
{"title":"Membrane synthesis via thermally induced phase separation: quantifying the shift to a more sustainable design","authors":"Jason Stallings Jr, Endras Fadhilah, Malgorzata Chwatko","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique is often employed in membrane manufacturing to create highly porous relatively homogenous membranes. The technique generates porous materials due to a phase separation driven by crystallization or thermodynamic immiscibility. To maintain the use of the technique in the future, the solution chemistry needs to be re-examined to meet the sustainability metrics required for the next generation of membrane design and manufacturing. In this work, we examine TIPS process sustainability and metrics that could be used in future works on the topic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101130"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143826307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-10DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101128
Davide Bernardo Preso , Ivan Smirnov , Mohamad Salimi , James Kwan
This article provides an overview of the current challenges associated with cavitation, highlighting the technological and experimental limitations in elucidating complex bubble dynamics. It also examines how the limited availability of experimental data constrains the development of numerical models. Additionally, the paper reviews recent advances in cavitation and their influence on the development of physical and chemical technologies, with a particular focus on sonochemical applications.
{"title":"Broadening the sonochemistry horizon: hurdles and challenges to address in cavitation","authors":"Davide Bernardo Preso , Ivan Smirnov , Mohamad Salimi , James Kwan","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article provides an overview of the current challenges associated with cavitation, highlighting the technological and experimental limitations in elucidating complex bubble dynamics. It also examines how the limited availability of experimental data constrains the development of numerical models. Additionally, the paper reviews recent advances in cavitation and their influence on the development of physical and chemical technologies, with a particular focus on sonochemical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101128"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-09DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101127
Mathieu Grandcolas , Annett Thøgersen , Ingeborg-Helene Svenum , Kevin Both , Athanasios Chatzitakis
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising method for sustainable hydrogen production. Among potential materials, tantalum nitride (Ta3N5) has emerged as a leading candidate due to its favorable band gap and high theoretical efficiency. This review highlights recent advancements in the synthesis, doping, and surface modification of Ta3N5 photoanodes, which have enabled photocurrent densities approaching the material’s theoretical limit of 12.9 mA/cm² at 1.23 V vs. RHE. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in achieving long-term stability. We critically evaluate the feasibility of meeting the U.S. Department of Energy’s targets and provide insights into more achievable and realistic goals for PEC systems based on Ta3N5, focusing on efficiency, lifetime, and cost competitiveness.
{"title":"Tantalum nitride photoanodes: a promising future for photoelectrochemical water splitting?","authors":"Mathieu Grandcolas , Annett Thøgersen , Ingeborg-Helene Svenum , Kevin Both , Athanasios Chatzitakis","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising method for sustainable hydrogen production. Among potential materials, tantalum nitride (Ta<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub>) has emerged as a leading candidate due to its favorable band gap and high theoretical efficiency. This review highlights recent advancements in the synthesis, doping, and surface modification of Ta<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub> photoanodes, which have enabled photocurrent densities approaching the material’s theoretical limit of 12.9 mA/cm² at 1.23 V vs. RHE. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in achieving long-term stability. We critically evaluate the feasibility of meeting the U.S. Department of Energy’s targets and provide insights into more achievable and realistic goals for PEC systems based on Ta<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub>, focusing on efficiency, lifetime, and cost competitiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101127"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-09DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2025.101129
Melissa G Galloni , Vincenzo Fabbrizio , Roberto Giannantonio , Ermelinda Falletta , Claudia L Bianchi
Cavitation technology, encompassing acoustic and hydrodynamic methods, represents a transformative approach to process intensification, enabling high-efficiency energy and mass transfer across diverse industrial applications. Acoustic cavitation exploits high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate transient and stable bubbles, leading to localized high temperatures, pressures, and reactive species formation. Hydrodynamic cavitation, achieved through fluidic devices, such as Venturi tubes and vortex diodes, generates cavities under controlled low-pressure zones, providing scalable solutions for large-scale operations. This study critically examines the industrial viability of cavitation technologies, emphasizing their unique ability to combine mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy release. A detailed comparative analysis reveals the limitations of acoustic cavitation, including energy attenuation and equipment wear, against the superior scalability of hydrodynamic systems. Key challenges, such as enhancing hydroxyl radical yield, reducing operational costs, and improving system robustness, are explored alongside potential synergies with complementary technologies, like advanced oxidation processes and photocatalysis. Emerging industrial implementations, including biogas enhancement and chemical processing, underscore the evolving landscape of cavitation-based innovations. This work highlights the necessity for multidisciplinary strategies, integrating experimental, computational, and engineering perspectives to advance cavitation technology. By addressing scalability and cost-effectiveness, cavitation systems can unlock transformative opportunities for sustainable industrial applications, aligning with global environmental and economic imperatives.
{"title":"Applications and applicability of the cavitation technology","authors":"Melissa G Galloni , Vincenzo Fabbrizio , Roberto Giannantonio , Ermelinda Falletta , Claudia L Bianchi","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cavitation technology, encompassing acoustic and hydrodynamic methods, represents a transformative approach to process intensification, enabling high-efficiency energy and mass transfer across diverse industrial applications. Acoustic cavitation exploits high-frequency ultrasonic waves to generate transient and stable bubbles, leading to localized high temperatures, pressures, and reactive species formation. Hydrodynamic cavitation, achieved through fluidic devices, such as Venturi tubes and vortex diodes, generates cavities under controlled low-pressure zones, providing scalable solutions for large-scale operations. This study critically examines the industrial viability of cavitation technologies, emphasizing their unique ability to combine mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy release. A detailed comparative analysis reveals the limitations of acoustic cavitation, including energy attenuation and equipment wear, against the superior scalability of hydrodynamic systems. Key challenges, such as enhancing hydroxyl radical yield, reducing operational costs, and improving system robustness, are explored alongside potential synergies with complementary technologies, like advanced oxidation processes and photocatalysis. Emerging industrial implementations, including biogas enhancement and chemical processing, underscore the evolving landscape of cavitation-based innovations. This work highlights the necessity for multidisciplinary strategies, integrating experimental, computational, and engineering perspectives to advance cavitation technology. By addressing scalability and cost-effectiveness, cavitation systems can unlock transformative opportunities for sustainable industrial applications, aligning with global environmental and economic imperatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101129"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Microplastics (MPs) present a direct threat to aquatic organisms while functioning as vectors for the mobilization of organic contaminants within aquatic environments. Furthermore, due to their extensive usage, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have emerged as significant global concerns due to their pervasive presence and substantial accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Research to date has primarily focused on these contaminants in isolation, leaving the interactions and cumulative effects among MPs, PFAS, and EDCs (trifecta) relatively unexamined. We elucidate the probable interaction mechanisms among these three categories of contaminants and to analyze their combined toxicity, as well as the existing regulatory frameworks and policies applicable to them. Our findings indicate that the sorption of EDCs and PFAS onto MPs is predominantly governed by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces and is sensitive to various environmental parameters, including pH, salinity, temperature, and dissolved organic matter. The interactions among these contaminants are intricate, encompassing mechanisms such as cation-π bonding and biofilm formation, all of which influence the dynamics of sorption. The synergistic effects of MPs in conjunction with co-contaminants, such as PFAS and EDCs, exacerbate toxicity, promote bioaccumulation, and elevate health risks for both aquatic organisms and mammals, typically contingent upon factors such as exposure duration, dosage, and environmental conditions. In conclusion, we underscore that while significant advancements have been achieved, considerable efforts are still required to address regulatory deficiencies and to advance legislation aimed at mitigating the impact of persistent pollutants.
{"title":"Decoding the interactions between microplastics, polyfluoroalkyl substances, and endocrine disruptors: sorption kinetics and toxicity","authors":"Kanika Dogra , Manish Kumar , Sanyogita Singh , Kanchan Deoli Bahukhandi","doi":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coche.2025.101126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (MPs) present a direct threat to aquatic organisms while functioning as vectors for the mobilization of organic contaminants within aquatic environments. Furthermore, due to their extensive usage, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have emerged as significant global concerns due to their pervasive presence and substantial accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Research to date has primarily focused on these contaminants in isolation, leaving the interactions and cumulative effects among MPs, PFAS, and EDCs (trifecta) relatively unexamined. We elucidate the probable interaction mechanisms among these three categories of contaminants and to analyze their combined toxicity, as well as the existing regulatory frameworks and policies applicable to them. Our findings indicate that the sorption of EDCs and PFAS onto MPs is predominantly governed by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces and is sensitive to various environmental parameters, including pH, salinity, temperature, and dissolved organic matter. The interactions among these contaminants are intricate, encompassing mechanisms such as cation-π bonding and biofilm formation, all of which influence the dynamics of sorption. The synergistic effects of MPs in conjunction with co-contaminants, such as PFAS and EDCs, exacerbate toxicity, promote bioaccumulation, and elevate health risks for both aquatic organisms and mammals, typically contingent upon factors such as exposure duration, dosage, and environmental conditions. In conclusion, we underscore that while significant advancements have been achieved, considerable efforts are still required to address regulatory deficiencies and to advance legislation aimed at mitigating the impact of persistent pollutants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":292,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering","volume":"48 ","pages":"Article 101126"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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