The accumulation of plastic wastes poses a severe and growing environmental threat, driving the need for sustainable recycling solutions. Enzymatic depolymerization has emerged as a promising green alternative for plastic waste treatment and valorization. To enhance its practical application, protein engineering has been employed to optimize plastic-degrading enzymes. This review summarizes recent advances in engineering enzymes for the depolymerization of various plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), with a focus on improvements in thermal stability, catalytic efficiency, and recombinant protein expression. Key future directions for the modification of polyester plastic-degrading enzymes have also been identified. These developments are crucial for designing efficient and industrially viable biocatalysts to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.
{"title":"Tailoring Enzymes for Polyester-plastic Depolymerization","authors":"Yuantao Chen, Xijing He, Jinyuan Yan, Xiaomin Zhu, Yihu Wang, Anming Xu, Jiawei Liu, Weiliang Dong, Min Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141750","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141750","url":null,"abstract":"The accumulation of plastic wastes poses a severe and growing environmental threat, driving the need for sustainable recycling solutions. Enzymatic depolymerization has emerged as a promising green alternative for plastic waste treatment and valorization. To enhance its practical application, protein engineering has been employed to optimize plastic-degrading enzymes. This review summarizes recent advances in engineering enzymes for the depolymerization of various plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), with a focus on improvements in thermal stability, catalytic efficiency, and recombinant protein expression. Key future directions for the modification of polyester plastic-degrading enzymes have also been identified. These developments are crucial for designing efficient and industrially viable biocatalysts to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147440307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Atmospheric deposition critically loads trace metals onto expanding ratoon rice systems, where its interplay with region-specific soil properties and stubble management dictates grain safety. Through a soil transplantation experiment, we exposed six typical paddy soils from major rice-growing regions of China to a background site and a high-deposition site to investigate how region-specific soil properties and stubble height (0 vs. 30 cm) modulate the accumulation of Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in ratoon rice. Results revealed that atmospheric deposition significantly elevated grain Cu and Pb concentrations, with a more pronounced increase at the higher (30 cm) stubble height, contrary to the dilution effect observed in soil-contamination scenarios. Key soil properties (pH and SOM) exerted opposing effects on cationic metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) versus oxoanionic As. Acidic soils with low SOM enhanced Cu mobilization and root uptake, whereas alkaline soils increased dissolved As under flooding. Structural equation modeling identified distinct translocation pathways: deposition-induced Cu was amplified along a root-stem-node-grain continuum, whereas As was largely retained in basal nodes and stubble. This study highlights a critical mismatch between stubble management and atmospheric deposition-driven metal uptake, underscoring the need for region-specific adjustments in agronomic strategies to mitigate grain metal risks in ratoon rice systems.
大气沉降将微量金属载荷到不断扩大的再生稻系统中，其与区域特定土壤特性和残茬管理的相互作用决定了粮食安全。通过土壤移植试验，我们将中国主要水稻产区的6个典型水稻土分别置于背景地和高沉降地，研究了不同地区土壤特性和茬高（0 vs. 30 cm）对再生稻中Cu、Pb、Zn和As积累的影响。结果表明，大气沉降显著提高了籽粒Cu和Pb浓度，且在茬高（30 cm）处增加更为明显，与土壤污染情景下的稀释效应相反。关键的土壤性质（pH和SOM）对阳离子金属（Cu， Pb和Zn）和氧阴离子As产生相反的影响。低SOM的酸性土壤增加了Cu的动员和根系吸收，而碱性土壤增加了可溶性As。结构方程模型确定了不同的转运途径：沉积诱导的Cu沿着根-茎-节-粒连续体扩增，而As主要保留在基节和残茬中。这项研究强调了残茬管理与大气沉积驱动的金属吸收之间的严重不匹配，强调了需要对农学策略进行区域调整，以减轻籽粒金属风险。
{"title":"Soil Properties and Stubble Height Govern the Accumulation of Atmospherically Deposited Trace Metals in Ratoon Rice across Six Major Growing Regions of China","authors":"Yuran He, Yunhao Liu, Huixian Yang, Rongjuan Fang, Xinxin Hao, Binglu Bao, Peiyun Gong, Ruizhi Xia, Jing Zhou, Jun Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141758","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141758","url":null,"abstract":"Atmospheric deposition critically loads trace metals onto expanding ratoon rice systems, where its interplay with region-specific soil properties and stubble management dictates grain safety. Through a soil transplantation experiment, we exposed six typical paddy soils from major rice-growing regions of China to a background site and a high-deposition site to investigate how region-specific soil properties and stubble height (0 vs. 30<!-- --> <!-- -->cm) modulate the accumulation of Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in ratoon rice. Results revealed that atmospheric deposition significantly elevated grain Cu and Pb concentrations, with a more pronounced increase at the higher (30<!-- --> <!-- -->cm) stubble height, contrary to the dilution effect observed in soil-contamination scenarios. Key soil properties (pH and SOM) exerted opposing effects on cationic metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) versus oxoanionic As. Acidic soils with low SOM enhanced Cu mobilization and root uptake, whereas alkaline soils increased dissolved As under flooding. Structural equation modeling identified distinct translocation pathways: deposition-induced Cu was amplified along a root-stem-node-grain continuum, whereas As was largely retained in basal nodes and stubble. This study highlights a critical mismatch between stubble management and atmospheric deposition-driven metal uptake, underscoring the need for region-specific adjustments in agronomic strategies to mitigate grain metal risks in ratoon rice systems.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147440306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141717
Li Luo, Keyi Zhou, Mawuli Dzakpasu, Kena Zhang, Tong Yang, Wenshan Guo, Huu Hao Ngo, Xiaochang C. Wang
{"title":"Molecular-weight-dependent effects of humic acid on hexavalent chromium accumulation and reduction in green microalgae","authors":"Li Luo, Keyi Zhou, Mawuli Dzakpasu, Kena Zhang, Tong Yang, Wenshan Guo, Huu Hao Ngo, Xiaochang C. Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141717","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147448010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141744
Diana Losantos, Javier Villagra, Montserrat Sarrà, Glòria Caminal, Maira Martínez-Alonso
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) removal is usually limited in conventional treatment systems. This study assessed the long-term removal of five OPFRs (TBP, TBEP, TCEP, TCPP and TEP) in wastewater using rotating drum bioreactors (RDBs) inoculated with a white-rot fungi (WRF) consortium (Trametes versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Pycnoporus sanguineus). Fungi were immobilized on holm oak wood or polylactic acid (PLA) and four RDBs were operated over six batch cycles: two PLA-supported reactors (one supplemented with glucose), one WRF-inoculated wood reactor (W-Exp), and one wood-only control (W-Cont). TEP showed negligible removal, while more than 90% of TBP and TBEP were removed in all reactors. Sorption studies in wood reactors indicated TBP and TBEP were mostly degraded by native microorganisms, while chlorinated OPFRs were degraded only in the W-Exp (removal of 57% for TCEP and 68% for TCPP, from which 40% and 65% respectively, were degraded). Previously proposed degradation pathways were confirmed, and potentially toxic intermediates disappeared over time, yielding a non-toxic effluent. G. lucidum showed a three-log growth increase in the W-Exp reactor, likely emerging as the main species responsible for chlorinated OPFRs degradation. PLA supported fungal colonization but limited growth, and glucose addition hindered performance. Finally, the established microbial community in the W-Exp reactor achieved almost complete degradation of sorbed OPFRs as a post-treatment alternative for wood residues. These results demonstrate the efficiency of wood-supported WRF systems for OPFRs removal under real, non-sterile conditions.
{"title":"Fungal removal of OPFRs from urban wastewater in a rotary drum bioreactor","authors":"Diana Losantos, Javier Villagra, Montserrat Sarrà, Glòria Caminal, Maira Martínez-Alonso","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141744","url":null,"abstract":"Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) removal is usually limited in conventional treatment systems. This study assessed the long-term removal of five OPFRs (TBP, TBEP, TCEP, TCPP and TEP) in wastewater using rotating drum bioreactors (RDBs) inoculated with a white-rot fungi (WRF) consortium (<em>Trametes versicolor</em>, <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em>, <em>Pycnoporus sanguineus</em>). Fungi were immobilized on holm oak wood or polylactic acid (PLA) and four RDBs were operated over six batch cycles: two PLA-supported reactors (one supplemented with glucose), one WRF-inoculated wood reactor (W-Exp), and one wood-only control (W-Cont). TEP showed negligible removal, while more than 90% of TBP and TBEP were removed in all reactors. Sorption studies in wood reactors indicated TBP and TBEP were mostly degraded by native microorganisms, while chlorinated OPFRs were degraded only in the W-Exp (removal of 57% for TCEP and 68% for TCPP, from which 40% and 65% respectively, were degraded). Previously proposed degradation pathways were confirmed, and potentially toxic intermediates disappeared over time, yielding a non-toxic effluent. <em>G. lucidum</em> showed a three-log growth increase in the W-Exp reactor, likely emerging as the main species responsible for chlorinated OPFRs degradation. PLA supported fungal colonization but limited growth, and glucose addition hindered performance. Finally, the established microbial community in the W-Exp reactor achieved almost complete degradation of sorbed OPFRs as a post-treatment alternative for wood residues. These results demonstrate the efficiency of wood-supported WRF systems for OPFRs removal under real, non-sterile conditions.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147440309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141736
Xinyan Li, Danlian Huang, Hai Huang, Guangfu Wang, Wenbo Xu, Yang Lei, Wei Zhou
Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is promising for eliminating antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) as well as inhibiting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs, rendering it a viable strategy for antibiotic resistance (AR) control. Specifically, the interfacial reactions between ARB/ARGs and nZVI in aquatic environments primarily involve two key processes: interfacial adsorption and interfacial redox, which is ascribed to its unique core-shell structure and exceptional physicochemical properties like strong reducibility, high reactivity, and unique catalytic activity. During its treatment process, nZVI undergoes rapid oxidative transformation driven by its high reactivity and nanoscale properties, leading to the generation of diverse iron oxides (e.g., magnetite (Fe₃O₄), hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), and hydroxyl iron oxides (FeOOH)). These in-situ formed iron oxides play multiple supplementary effects on AR control, including synergistic effect and physical barrier effect, collectively improving AR elimination efficiency. However, the comprehensive interfacial reactions and the potential role of iron oxides involved in the nZVI-mediated inactivation of ARB/ARGs have rarely been systematically reviewed. Herein, this critical review systematically evaluates these interfacial reactions, with a focus on mechanistic insights into interfacial adsorption and interfacial redox. Additionally, the effect of iron oxides on AR control is reviewed for the first time. Finally, the potential applications of nZVI in tackling AR in real-world scenarios (e.g., anaerobic digestion (AD), soil remediation, and aerobic composting) and associated implications are proposed. This review provides valuable insights for future research and practical implementation of nZVI-based technologies in the field of AR control.
{"title":"Mechanistic insights into antibiotic resistance control by nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and modified nZVI: interfacial reaction and the role of in-situ generated iron oxides","authors":"Xinyan Li, Danlian Huang, Hai Huang, Guangfu Wang, Wenbo Xu, Yang Lei, Wei Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141736","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141736","url":null,"abstract":"Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is promising for eliminating antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) as well as inhibiting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs, rendering it a viable strategy for antibiotic resistance (AR) control. Specifically, the interfacial reactions between ARB/ARGs and nZVI in aquatic environments primarily involve two key processes: interfacial adsorption and interfacial redox, which is ascribed to its unique core-shell structure and exceptional physicochemical properties like strong reducibility, high reactivity, and unique catalytic activity. During its treatment process, nZVI undergoes rapid oxidative transformation driven by its high reactivity and nanoscale properties, leading to the generation of diverse iron oxides (e.g., magnetite (Fe₃O₄), hematite (α-Fe₂O₃), and hydroxyl iron oxides (FeOOH)). These in-situ formed iron oxides play multiple supplementary effects on AR control, including synergistic effect and physical barrier effect, collectively improving AR elimination efficiency. However, the comprehensive interfacial reactions and the potential role of iron oxides involved in the nZVI-mediated inactivation of ARB/ARGs have rarely been systematically reviewed. Herein, this critical review systematically evaluates these interfacial reactions, with a focus on mechanistic insights into interfacial adsorption and interfacial redox. Additionally, the effect of iron oxides on AR control is reviewed for the first time. Finally, the potential applications of nZVI in tackling AR in real-world scenarios (e.g., anaerobic digestion (AD), soil remediation, and aerobic composting) and associated implications are proposed. This review provides valuable insights for future research and practical implementation of nZVI-based technologies in the field of AR control.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"33 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147392755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141738
Alina Zehra, Sadasivam Anbumani
Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in nature. This investigation provides a comprehensive global meta-analysis of MPs with 3,515 field datapoints from 62 countries (water: 2,167; sediments: 738; biota: 610), along with 216 laboratory data points. MP concentrations standardized to particle-based units revealed freshwater systems as MP hotspots, with significantly higher median MP concentrations (5.40×10² MPs/m³) compared to marine waters (3.23 MPs/m³; p < 0.0001). The Atlantic Ocean exhibits the highest MP contamination at 3.99×10² MPs/m³. Fibrous particles are more prevalent in water, sediment, and biota with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as the dominant polymers. Biota analysis showed significant geographic variation, with Antarctica and Canada having the highest invertebrate contamination. Filter feeders showed elevated MP burdens compared to carnivores, implicating feeding ecology as a major driver of MP accumulation. Interestingly, significant correlation has been observed for biota PLI (pollution load index) and PHI (polymer hazard index) despite lower MP burden. A novel MP-Tox scale developed and validated with D. magna bioassays provide a standardized framework that link environmental MP occurrence with biological outcomes. The predicted no-effect concentration (6.70×10¹⁰ MPs/m³) exceeded maximum reported environmental concentration (1.54×10⁸ MPs/m³) by 4.4-fold, indicating existing environmental MPs are unlikely to cause acute toxicity in freshwater filter-feeders but induce significant decline in the zooplankton reproduction, a primary ecological concern. These findings bridge the fragmented, region-specific MPs risk assessment and provide evidence- based tools for global monitoring and management. Future studies warrant MP-Tox scale validation across additional taxa and assess combined toxicological assessment with chemical stressors.
{"title":"Global Assessment of Microplastics: Leveraging MP-TOX Scale for Predicting Ecological Risk in Aquatic Ecosystems","authors":"Alina Zehra, Sadasivam Anbumani","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141738","url":null,"abstract":"Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in nature. This investigation provides a comprehensive global meta-analysis of MPs with 3,515 field datapoints from 62 countries (water: 2,167; sediments: 738; biota: 610), along with 216 laboratory data points. MP concentrations standardized to particle-based units revealed freshwater systems as MP hotspots, with significantly higher median MP concentrations (5.40×10² MPs/m³) compared to marine waters (3.23 MPs/m³; p < 0.0001). The Atlantic Ocean exhibits the highest MP contamination at 3.99×10² MPs/m³. Fibrous particles are more prevalent in water, sediment, and biota with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as the dominant polymers. Biota analysis showed significant geographic variation, with Antarctica and Canada having the highest invertebrate contamination. Filter feeders showed elevated MP burdens compared to carnivores, implicating feeding ecology as a major driver of MP accumulation. Interestingly, significant correlation has been observed for biota PLI (pollution load index) and PHI (polymer hazard index) despite lower MP burden. A novel MP-Tox scale developed and validated with <ce:italic>D. magna</ce:italic> bioassays provide a standardized framework that link environmental MP occurrence with biological outcomes. The predicted no-effect concentration (6.70×10¹⁰ MPs/m³) exceeded maximum reported environmental concentration (1.54×10⁸ MPs/m³) by 4.4-fold, indicating existing environmental MPs are unlikely to cause acute toxicity in freshwater filter-feeders but induce significant decline in the zooplankton reproduction, a primary ecological concern. These findings bridge the fragmented, region-specific MPs risk assessment and provide evidence- based tools for global monitoring and management. Future studies warrant MP-Tox scale validation across additional taxa and assess combined toxicological assessment with chemical stressors.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147392754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ultraviolet/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) is a widely applied advanced oxidation process (AOP) for effective degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in wastewater. However, in bromide-containing secondary effluent (SE-Br), the formation of brominated disinfection byproducts (Br-DBPs) raises concerns due to their heightened biological risks. Herein, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was employed to investigate the molecular-level transformation mechanism of DOM under UV, PMS, and UV/PMS treatments. It was found that PMS and UV/PMS induced substantial DOM degradation, as evidenced by significantly reduced unsaturation (DBE-O) and elevated carbon oxidation state (NOSC) values (p < 0.001). Notably, bromide addition further amplified this trend, resulting in highest H/Cw (1.153) and O/Cw (0.599) values under UV/PMS-Br treatments compared to SE-Br (H/Cw = 1.091, O/Cw = 0.237), together with an increased number of aromatic compounds. In addition, Van Krevelen classification in the numerical fractions revealed an enrichment of tannins (from 10.38% to 14.03%) and aromatic structures (from 12.46% to 13.72%) after PMS-Br treatments, suggesting increased aromaticity and bromination-prone moieties. Consequently, bromide addition markedly elevated AOBr levels (0.354 – 0.376mg/L in PMS-Br) and promoted Br-DBP formation, with haloacetaldehydes (HALs) being dominant and increasing by 30-fold relative to raw water. To verify the biological risks associated with these identified brominated motifs, the cyto- and geno-toxicity of three representative brominated aromatics was evaluated, including 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Br-DHBA), bromanilic acid (BrA), and 3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol (Br-BzOH). Among these, Br-BzOH exhibited the greatest toxic effect. These findings reveal a mechanistic linkage between DOM transformation, Br-DBP speciation and toxicity, providing critical insights for optimizing AOPs to balance pollutant removal and byproduct risk in bromide-rich waters.
{"title":"Molecular Signatures of UV/PMS Oxidation of Bromide-Containing Secondary Effluent: Size Reduction of DOM and Accumulation of High-Risk Brominated Byproducts","authors":"Wei-Yu Li, Shao-Yu Wang, De-Xiu Wu, Yi-Yuan Liu, Liu He, Wen-Long Wang, Qian-Yuan Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141731","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141731","url":null,"abstract":"Ultraviolet/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) is a widely applied advanced oxidation process (AOP) for effective degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in wastewater. However, in bromide-containing secondary effluent (SE-Br), the formation of brominated disinfection byproducts (Br-DBPs) raises concerns due to their heightened biological risks. Herein, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was employed to investigate the molecular-level transformation mechanism of DOM under UV, PMS, and UV/PMS treatments. It was found that PMS and UV/PMS induced substantial DOM degradation, as evidenced by significantly reduced unsaturation (DBE-O) and elevated carbon oxidation state (NOSC) values (<ce:italic>p</ce:italic> < 0.001). Notably, bromide addition further amplified this trend, resulting in highest H/C<ce:inf loc=\"post\">w</ce:inf> (1.153) and O/C<ce:inf loc=\"post\">w</ce:inf> (0.599) values under UV/PMS-Br treatments compared to SE-Br (H/C<ce:inf loc=\"post\">w</ce:inf> = 1.091, O/C<ce:inf loc=\"post\">w</ce:inf> = 0.237), together with an increased number of aromatic compounds. In addition, Van Krevelen classification in the numerical fractions revealed an enrichment of tannins (from 10.38% to 14.03%) and aromatic structures (from 12.46% to 13.72%) after PMS-Br treatments, suggesting increased aromaticity and bromination-prone moieties. Consequently, bromide addition markedly elevated AOBr levels (0.354 – 0.376<ce:hsp sp=\"0.25\"></ce:hsp>mg/L in PMS-Br) and promoted Br-DBP formation, with haloacetaldehydes (HALs) being dominant and increasing by 30-fold relative to raw water. To verify the biological risks associated with these identified brominated motifs, the cyto- and geno-toxicity of three representative brominated aromatics was evaluated, including 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Br-DHBA), bromanilic acid (BrA), and 3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol (Br-BzOH). Among these, Br-BzOH exhibited the greatest toxic effect. These findings reveal a mechanistic linkage between DOM transformation, Br-DBP speciation and toxicity, providing critical insights for optimizing AOPs to balance pollutant removal and byproduct risk in bromide-rich waters.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"75 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147392805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The escalating global prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) parallels widespread dietary exposure to microplastics (MPs), yet causal mechanisms linking polydisperse MPs to colitis remain elusive. Here, we show that polydisperse polystyrene microspheres (PS-MS) exacerbate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by disrupting a microbiota-butyrate-PPARγ signaling axis. Mechanistically, PS-MS treatment alone does not directly induce colon inflammation in healthy mice; however, it suppresses intestinal Muc2 protein expression and impairs the mucus barrier by reducing the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and butyrate levels, thereby inhibiting PPARγ signaling and aggravating colitis. An antibiotic cocktail (ABX)-mediated microbiota ablation abolishes PS-MS-induced colitis aggravation, whereas fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from PS-MS-exposed donors transmits susceptibility to antibiotic-treated mice, confirming microbiota-dependent pathogenesis. Exogenous sodium butyrate supplementation restores mucosal homeostasis via PPARγ activation, as evidenced by the abolition of protection following administration of the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, and by the comparable efficacy of the PPARγ agonist 5-ASA. Our findings establish the microbiota-butyrate-PPARγ axis as a critical target for counteracting the adverse effects of environmental MPs and propose butyrate-boosting therapies as a translatable strategy against IBD.
{"title":"Polydisperse polystyrene microplastics exacerbate colitis through gut microbiota-butyrate-PPARγ axis disruption in mice","authors":"Zhian Zhai, Ying Yang, Yifei Xu, Qingyao Fu, Sheng Chen, Zhenlong Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141722","url":null,"abstract":"The escalating global prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) parallels widespread dietary exposure to microplastics (MPs), yet causal mechanisms linking polydisperse MPs to colitis remain elusive. Here, we show that polydisperse polystyrene microspheres (PS-MS) exacerbate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by disrupting a microbiota-butyrate-PPARγ signaling axis. Mechanistically, PS-MS treatment alone does not directly induce colon inflammation in healthy mice; however, it suppresses intestinal Muc2 protein expression and impairs the mucus barrier by reducing the abundance of <em>Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group</em> and butyrate levels, thereby inhibiting PPARγ signaling and aggravating colitis. An antibiotic cocktail (ABX)-mediated microbiota ablation abolishes PS-MS-induced colitis aggravation, whereas fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from PS-MS-exposed donors transmits susceptibility to antibiotic-treated mice, confirming microbiota-dependent pathogenesis. Exogenous sodium butyrate supplementation restores mucosal homeostasis via PPARγ activation, as evidenced by the abolition of protection following administration of the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, and by the comparable efficacy of the PPARγ agonist 5-ASA. Our findings establish the microbiota-butyrate-PPARγ axis as a critical target for counteracting the adverse effects of environmental MPs and propose butyrate-boosting therapies as a translatable strategy against IBD.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147384083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-09DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141721
Tae-Kyoung Kim, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay, David L. Sedlak
Although most of their uses were discontinued by the 1980s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persist in building materials, creating a potential hazard and creating a need for cost-effective decontamination methods. To provide a new approach for remediating PCB-contaminated concrete, we employed alcohol washing followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Extraction of decachlorobiphenyl-contaminated concrete with ethanol or methanol achieved recoveries up to 80%, with lower recoveries observed as the water content of the alcohol increased. Exposure to UV light resulted in transformation of over 99% of the decachlorobiphenyl at a fluence of 840 mJ/cm². The PCB congeners underwent sequential dehalogenation that resulted in complete mineralization of about 30% of the compound at a fluence of 25,200 mJ/cm². Mechanistic studies confirmed that direct UV photolysis was solely responsible for decachlorobiphenyl dehalogenation and mineralization, without a significant contribution from radical-mediated pathways. After UV/alcohol treatment, toxicity testing of the recycled alcohol washing solution showed low developmental toxicity and eliminated the mortality previously associated with decachlorobiphenyl. The estimated cost of treating 1 m³ (i.e., about 2.2 metric tons) of PCB-contaminated concrete is approximately 400 USD. If the alcohol employed in the extraction step is reused, the cost could be reduced by as much as an order of magnitude. These results suggest that alcohol washing followed by UV 254 nm irradiation is a practical and safe approach for remediating PCBs-contaminated concrete.
{"title":"Mineralization of Decachlorobiphenyl in Concrete Using Alcohol Washing Followed by UV Irradiation","authors":"Tae-Kyoung Kim, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay, David L. Sedlak","doi":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141721","url":null,"abstract":"Although most of their uses were discontinued by the 1980s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persist in building materials, creating a potential hazard and creating a need for cost-effective decontamination methods. To provide a new approach for remediating PCB-contaminated concrete, we employed alcohol washing followed by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Extraction of decachlorobiphenyl-contaminated concrete with ethanol or methanol achieved recoveries up to 80%, with lower recoveries observed as the water content of the alcohol increased. Exposure to UV light resulted in transformation of over 99% of the decachlorobiphenyl at a fluence of 840 mJ/cm². The PCB congeners underwent sequential dehalogenation that resulted in complete mineralization of about 30% of the compound at a fluence of 25,200 mJ/cm². Mechanistic studies confirmed that direct UV photolysis was solely responsible for decachlorobiphenyl dehalogenation and mineralization, without a significant contribution from radical-mediated pathways. After UV/alcohol treatment, toxicity testing of the recycled alcohol washing solution showed low developmental toxicity and eliminated the mortality previously associated with decachlorobiphenyl. The estimated cost of treating 1<!-- --> <!-- -->m³ (i.e., about 2.2 metric tons) of PCB-contaminated concrete is approximately 400 USD. If the alcohol employed in the extraction step is reused, the cost could be reduced by as much as an order of magnitude. These results suggest that alcohol washing followed by UV 254<!-- --> <!-- -->nm irradiation is a practical and safe approach for remediating PCBs-contaminated concrete.","PeriodicalId":361,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hazardous Materials","volume":"232 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147384084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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