Xuanxiu Da, Miao Zhou, Bolu Sun, Haoye Zou, Wenya Wang, Zhen Liu, Hongxia Shi, Jia Zhou, Lin Yang, Yonggang Wang
As a key compound widely used in textile, cosmetic, fire protection, and packaging industries, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) pollutes the environment via the hydrological cycle and enters the human body through the food chain, causing severe toxicity to reproductive, endocrine, and liver systems. Thus, highly sensitive detection of trace PFOS in water is crucial for protecting life and health. Based on this, a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on a chitosan/MXene/gold nanoparticle (CS/MXene/AuNPs) composite was developed for ultra-trace PFOS detection. MXene, with a high specific surface area and excellent conductivity, served as the substrate, enhancing electron transport via in situ AuNP reduction, while CS improved interfacial stability. Using PFOS as a template and pyrrole as the functional monomer, specific imprinted sites were constructed on the electrode via electropolymerization. Synergistic effects of MXene (conductive framework), AuNPs (catalyzing redox), and CS (immobilizing imprinted layer) boosted sensitivity. Results showed a linear range of 1.0 × 101–1.0 × 109 pg mL−1, detection limit of 7.9 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3), and 98.02–102.04% recovery in spiked samples. This strategy provides a selective and low-cost paradigm for monitoring persistent organic pollutants. Furthermore, it holds significant potential for supporting global environmental safety networks, aiding in pollution-induced disease control, and safeguarding ecological security, human health, and sustainable development.
全氟辛烷磺酸（PFOS）是广泛应用于纺织、化妆品、消防、包装等行业的关键化合物，通过水循环污染环境，并通过食物链进入人体，对生殖、内分泌、肝脏等系统造成严重毒性。因此，对水中痕量全氟辛烷磺酸的高灵敏度检测对于保护生命和健康至关重要。在此基础上，研制了一种基于壳聚糖/MXene/金纳米颗粒（CS/MXene/AuNPs）复合材料的分子印迹电化学传感器，用于超痕量PFOS检测。MXene具有较高的比表面积和优异的导电性，作为衬底，通过原位还原AuNP增强了电子传递，而CS提高了界面稳定性。以全氟辛烷磺酸为模板，吡咯为功能单体，通过电聚合在电极上构建特异性印迹位点。MXene（导电框架）、AuNPs（催化氧化还原）和CS（固定化印迹层）的协同作用提高了灵敏度。结果表明：加样回收率为98.02 ~ 102.04%，线性范围为1.0 × 101 ~ 1.0 × 109 pg mL - 1，检出限为7.9 pg mL - 1 （S/N = 3）。这一策略为监测持久性有机污染物提供了一种选择性和低成本的范例。此外，它在支持全球环境安全网络、帮助控制污染引起的疾病、维护生态安全、人类健康和可持续发展方面具有巨大潜力。
{"title":"Molecularly imprinted sensor based on CS/MXene/AuNPs synergy for ultra-trace detection of PFOS in water","authors":"Xuanxiu Da, Miao Zhou, Bolu Sun, Haoye Zou, Wenya Wang, Zhen Liu, Hongxia Shi, Jia Zhou, Lin Yang, Yonggang Wang","doi":"10.1039/d5en00769k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00769k","url":null,"abstract":"As a key compound widely used in textile, cosmetic, fire protection, and packaging industries, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) pollutes the environment <em>via</em> the hydrological cycle and enters the human body through the food chain, causing severe toxicity to reproductive, endocrine, and liver systems. Thus, highly sensitive detection of trace PFOS in water is crucial for protecting life and health. Based on this, a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on a chitosan/MXene/gold nanoparticle (CS/MXene/AuNPs) composite was developed for ultra-trace PFOS detection. MXene, with a high specific surface area and excellent conductivity, served as the substrate, enhancing electron transport <em>via in situ</em> AuNP reduction, while CS improved interfacial stability. Using PFOS as a template and pyrrole as the functional monomer, specific imprinted sites were constructed on the electrode <em>via</em> electropolymerization. Synergistic effects of MXene (conductive framework), AuNPs (catalyzing redox), and CS (immobilizing imprinted layer) boosted sensitivity. Results showed a linear range of 1.0 × 10<small><sup>1</sup></small>–1.0 × 10<small><sup>9</sup></small> pg mL<small><sup>−1</sup></small>, detection limit of 7.9 pg mL<small><sup>−1</sup></small> (S/N = 3), and 98.02–102.04% recovery in spiked samples. This strategy provides a selective and low-cost paradigm for monitoring persistent organic pollutants. Furthermore, it holds significant potential for supporting global environmental safety networks, aiding in pollution-induced disease control, and safeguarding ecological security, human health, and sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"119 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146021782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Tetracycline (TC), a commonly used antibiotic, poses serious environmental and health problems, even if present in trace amounts in the aqueous systems, including rivers and groundwater. This study introduces the catalytic wet air oxidation (cWAO) technique as an efficient technique for treating TC-laden water, using the pelletized biochar-supported Cu nanoparticle (NP)-tipped graphitic carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a catalyst. The proposed materials configuration integrates the favourable redox potential and multiple oxidation states of Cu NPs with high electron conductivity of CNFs. Micron-sized biochar is derived by pyrolysis of the naturally resourced bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoots, and serves as a stabilizing matrix for Cu NPs without leaching. Physicochemical characterization reveals the formation of a meso-macroporous structure with the Cu loading of ~10.8 mg/g and abundance of oxygen functional groups. The cWAO activity tests confirm ~99% removal of aqueous TC using 1 g L-1 dose of the pelletized catalyst at 100 °C and 2 bar, with the simultaneous reduction of chemical oxygen demand (~78%) and total organic carbon (~80%). The radical scavenging test and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis confirm the degradation of TC via the radical (•OH and •O2⁻) and non-radical (1O2) pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis confirms the transformation of the TC molecule to reaction intermediates, eventually break-down to CO2 and H2O. The reusability test shows the stability of the catalyst over five oxidation cycles, while the toxicity test confirms the treated cWAO samples to be harmless. The findings clearly underscore the need for further study on the Cu-CNF/biochar pellets for treating the recalcitrant pharmaceutical compounds-laden wastewater by cWAO in a packed bed reactor under flow conditions.
四环素（TC）是一种常用的抗生素，即使微量存在于包括河流和地下水在内的水系统中，也会造成严重的环境和健康问题。本研究介绍了一种以生物炭负载的纳米铜颗粒（NP）为触媒的石墨纳米碳纤维（CNFs）催化湿式空气氧化（cWAO）技术，作为处理含tc水的有效技术。所提出的材料结构将Cu NPs的良好氧化还原电位和多种氧化态与CNFs的高电子导电性结合在一起。微米级的生物炭是由天然资源丰富的竹子（Bambusa vulgaris）嫩枝热解得到的，它可以作为Cu NPs的稳定基质而不被浸出。理化表征表明，该材料形成了含Cu量为~10.8 mg/g、含氧官能团丰富的中-大孔结构。cWAO活性测试证实，在100°C和2 bar条件下，使用1 g L-1剂量的球团催化剂，可去除~99%的含水TC，同时减少化学需氧量（~78%）和总有机碳（~80%）。自由基清除试验和电子顺磁共振分析证实了TC通过自由基（•OH和•O2毒血症）和非自由基（1O2毒血症）途径降解。液相色谱-质谱分析证实TC分子转化为反应中间体，最终分解为CO2和H2O。重复使用性测试表明催化剂在5次氧化循环中具有稳定性，而毒性测试证实处理后的cWAO样品是无害的。研究结果明确表明，需要进一步研究Cu-CNF/生物炭颗粒在流动条件下在填充床反应器中处理含有顽固性药物化合物的废水。
{"title":"Cu nanoparticle-carbon nanofiber stabilized over pelletized biochar for catalytic wet air oxidation of Tetracycline under mild operating conditions","authors":"Shreerang Mishra, Rahul Gupta, Nishith Verma","doi":"10.1039/d5en01121c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en01121c","url":null,"abstract":"Tetracycline (TC), a commonly used antibiotic, poses serious environmental and health problems, even if present in trace amounts in the aqueous systems, including rivers and groundwater. This study introduces the catalytic wet air oxidation (cWAO) technique as an efficient technique for treating TC-laden water, using the pelletized biochar-supported Cu nanoparticle (NP)-tipped graphitic carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a catalyst. The proposed materials configuration integrates the favourable redox potential and multiple oxidation states of Cu NPs with high electron conductivity of CNFs. Micron-sized biochar is derived by pyrolysis of the naturally resourced bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoots, and serves as a stabilizing matrix for Cu NPs without leaching. Physicochemical characterization reveals the formation of a meso-macroporous structure with the Cu loading of ~10.8 mg/g and abundance of oxygen functional groups. The cWAO activity tests confirm ~99% removal of aqueous TC using 1 g L-1 dose of the pelletized catalyst at 100 °C and 2 bar, with the simultaneous reduction of chemical oxygen demand (~78%) and total organic carbon (~80%). The radical scavenging test and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis confirm the degradation of TC via the radical (•OH and •O2⁻) and non-radical (1O2) pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis confirms the transformation of the TC molecule to reaction intermediates, eventually break-down to CO2 and H2O. The reusability test shows the stability of the catalyst over five oxidation cycles, while the toxicity test confirms the treated cWAO samples to be harmless. The findings clearly underscore the need for further study on the Cu-CNF/biochar pellets for treating the recalcitrant pharmaceutical compounds-laden wastewater by cWAO in a packed bed reactor under flow conditions.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"141 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has been a subject of debate for over two decades, primarily due to the lack of consensus on their toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular-level toxicity of TiO2 NPs is essential for accurate safety evaluations and effective risk mitigation strategies. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the relationship between the physicochemical properties of TiO2 NPs and their pulmonary toxicity at the molecular level. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether these properties and the corresponding transcriptomic responses can facilitate the categorization of TiO2 nanoforms into groups with similar pulmonary hazards. Through the integration of bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome-wide transcriptomic profiles, we identified size, specific surface area, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, crystalline structure, and surface modification as key determinants of TiO2 NP toxicity at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, we observed that different nanoforms of TiO2 NPs, characterized by varying properties, can elicit distinct molecular-level responses, indicating that transcriptomic pathways are subject to different modes of perturbation. Our findings offer valuable insights into the safety considerations of TiO2 NPs and lay the groundwork for future strategies to group nanoforms with similar patterns of hazards.
{"title":"Grouping nanoparticles based on properties and transcriptomic response: Are we dealing with a single nanoform or a set of nanoforms with common pulmonary hazards?","authors":"Karolina Jagiełło, Krzesimir Ciura, Viacheslav Muratov, Sattibabu Merugu, Sabina Halappanavar, Pernille Høgh Danielsen, Nicklas Raun Jacobsen, Alicja Mikolajczyk, Ulla Birgitte Vogel","doi":"10.1039/d5en01090j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en01090j","url":null,"abstract":"The safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has been a subject of debate for over two decades, primarily due to the lack of consensus on their toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular-level toxicity of TiO2 NPs is essential for accurate safety evaluations and effective risk mitigation strategies. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the relationship between the physicochemical properties of TiO2 NPs and their pulmonary toxicity at the molecular level. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether these properties and the corresponding transcriptomic responses can facilitate the categorization of TiO2 nanoforms into groups with similar pulmonary hazards. Through the integration of bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome-wide transcriptomic profiles, we identified size, specific surface area, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, crystalline structure, and surface modification as key determinants of TiO2 NP toxicity at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, we observed that different nanoforms of TiO2 NPs, characterized by varying properties, can elicit distinct molecular-level responses, indicating that transcriptomic pathways are subject to different modes of perturbation. Our findings offer valuable insights into the safety considerations of TiO2 NPs and lay the groundwork for future strategies to group nanoforms with similar patterns of hazards.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146021829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Korinna Altmann, Raquel Portela, Francesco Barbero, Esther Breuninger, Laura Maria Azzurra Camassa, Tanja Cirkovic Velickovic, Costas Charitidis, Anna Costa, Marta Fadda, Petra Fengler, Ivana Fenoglio, Andrea M. Giovannozzi, Øyvind Pernell Haugen, Panagiotis Kainourgios, Frank von der Kammer, Markus J. Kirchner, Madeleine Lomax-Vogt, Tamara Lujic, Frank Milczewski, Mhamad Aly Moussawi, Simona Ortelli, Tatjana N. Parac-Vogt, Annegret Potthoff, Julian J. Reinosa, Sophie Röschter, Alessio Sacco, Lukas Wimmer, Ilaria Zanoni, Lea Ann Dailey
Correction for ‘Characterizing nanoplastic suspensions of increasing complexity: inter-laboratory comparison of size measurements using dynamic light scattering’ by Korinna Altmann et al., Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, 12, 5242–5256, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00645G.
{"title":"Correction: Characterizing nanoplastic suspensions of increasing complexity: inter-laboratory comparison of size measurements using dynamic light scattering","authors":"Korinna Altmann, Raquel Portela, Francesco Barbero, Esther Breuninger, Laura Maria Azzurra Camassa, Tanja Cirkovic Velickovic, Costas Charitidis, Anna Costa, Marta Fadda, Petra Fengler, Ivana Fenoglio, Andrea M. Giovannozzi, Øyvind Pernell Haugen, Panagiotis Kainourgios, Frank von der Kammer, Markus J. Kirchner, Madeleine Lomax-Vogt, Tamara Lujic, Frank Milczewski, Mhamad Aly Moussawi, Simona Ortelli, Tatjana N. Parac-Vogt, Annegret Potthoff, Julian J. Reinosa, Sophie Röschter, Alessio Sacco, Lukas Wimmer, Ilaria Zanoni, Lea Ann Dailey","doi":"10.1039/d6en90001a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d6en90001a","url":null,"abstract":"Correction for ‘Characterizing nanoplastic suspensions of increasing complexity: inter-laboratory comparison of size measurements using dynamic light scattering’ by Korinna Altmann <em>et al.</em>, <em>Environ. Sci.: Nano</em>, 2025, <strong>12</strong>, 5242–5256, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00645G.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Assessing the environmental risks of emerging contaminants related to new technologies remains a major challenge due to the diversity of pollutants, their complex interactions, and the limitations of conventional testing frameworks. Among these contaminants, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) stand out for their unique surface reactivities and transformation pathways, which can significantly alter their behavior and that of co-occurring pollutants. Although many studies have addressed the toxicity and fate of individual ENMs, real-world scenarios often involve complex mixtures, whose combined effects are less investigated. This study addresses this gap by investigating the fate, behavior, and ecological impacts of a mixture of two representative metal oxide ENMs i.e. an industrial TiO2 and a combustion-derived CeO2. This study shows that under environmentally relevant conditions using freshwater mesocosms, these two ENMs undergo primary hetero-aggregation. Co-exposure of the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus revealed that ENM aggregates (homo- or primary hetero-aggregates) interact with egg layings, potentially affecting early developmental stages, while slight but measurable uptakes were also observed in co-exposed adult snails. Importantly, no quenching of reactive oxygen species generated by the photocatalytic TiO2 was detected in the presence of CeO2, suggesting that the combusted CeO2 does not mitigate potentially TiO2-induced phototoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of considering ENM mixtures in environmental risk assessments and the relevance of mesocosm experiments to capture realistic exposure scenarios. Future studies should prioritize investigating how unique surface reactivities and transformation mechanisms of ENM mixtures shape their ecological impacts throughout their life cycles.
{"title":"Beyond single nanomaterial exposure: investigating the fate of a TiO2 and CeO2 nanomaterial mixture in freshwater mesocosms","authors":"Amazigh Ouaksel, Danielle Slomberg, Martina Cotena, Lenka Brousset, Bernard Angeletti, Dhoubidane Aboudou, Alain Thiéry, Corinne Chanéac, Jeanne Perrin, Jerome Rose, Melanie Auffan","doi":"10.1039/d5en00871a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00871a","url":null,"abstract":"Assessing the environmental risks of emerging contaminants related to new technologies remains a major challenge due to the diversity of pollutants, their complex interactions, and the limitations of conventional testing frameworks. Among these contaminants, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) stand out for their unique surface reactivities and transformation pathways, which can significantly alter their behavior and that of co-occurring pollutants. Although many studies have addressed the toxicity and fate of individual ENMs, real-world scenarios often involve complex mixtures, whose combined effects are less investigated. This study addresses this gap by investigating the fate, behavior, and ecological impacts of a mixture of two representative metal oxide ENMs <em>i.e.</em> an industrial TiO<small><sub>2</sub></small> and a combustion-derived CeO<small><sub>2</sub></small>. This study shows that under environmentally relevant conditions using freshwater mesocosms, these two ENMs undergo primary hetero-aggregation. Co-exposure of the freshwater snail <em>Planorbarius corneus</em> revealed that ENM aggregates (homo- or primary hetero-aggregates) interact with egg layings, potentially affecting early developmental stages, while slight but measurable uptakes were also observed in co-exposed adult snails. Importantly, no quenching of reactive oxygen species generated by the photocatalytic TiO<small><sub>2</sub></small> was detected in the presence of CeO<small><sub>2</sub></small>, suggesting that the combusted CeO<small><sub>2</sub></small> does not mitigate potentially TiO<small><sub>2</sub></small>-induced phototoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of considering ENM mixtures in environmental risk assessments and the relevance of mesocosm experiments to capture realistic exposure scenarios. Future studies should prioritize investigating how unique surface reactivities and transformation mechanisms of ENM mixtures shape their ecological impacts throughout their life cycles.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"177 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 enrichment of chemotoxic uranium in the environment due to the rapid expansion of the nuclear industry to fulfil the growing energy demand has led to serious risks to human and ecological health. Despite the development of several analytical techniques for detecting uranyl ions in water, the development of sensors that offer exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and structural stability remains a pressing challenge. In this work, a novel zirconium(IV)-based luminescent metal-organic framework (MOF), denoted as 1 with a tricarboxylic acid functionalized ligand, was solvothermally synthesized. The activated form of the MOF (1′) was utilized as a fluorometric sensor for uranyl ions ([UO2]2+). Remarkably, the uranyl ions interact with the free carboxylate functionality of 1′, inducing significant quenching of the luminescence of 1′. The sensor exhibits outstanding detection with a high Stern-Volmer (S-V) constant (KSV = 3.34×106 M⁻¹) and an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.2 nM (0.76 ppb). Further validation in real-world samples revealed high detection performance, even in the presence of various competing ions. The MOF maintained high sensitivity towards [UO2]2+ in various natural water systems, including lake water, river water, and seawater. The mechanistic aspects of sensing were thoroughly studied with various analytical techniques and literature reviews.
{"title":"Nanomolar Level Detection of Chemotoxic [UO2]2+ Ions by a Free Carboxylate Anchored Metal-Organic Framework","authors":"Sk Sakir Hossain, Shyam Biswas","doi":"10.1039/d5en01022e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en01022e","url":null,"abstract":"The enrichment of chemotoxic uranium in the environment due to the rapid expansion of the nuclear industry to fulfil the growing energy demand has led to serious risks to human and ecological health. Despite the development of several analytical techniques for detecting uranyl ions in water, the development of sensors that offer exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and structural stability remains a pressing challenge. In this work, a novel zirconium(IV)-based luminescent metal-organic framework (MOF), denoted as 1 with a tricarboxylic acid functionalized ligand, was solvothermally synthesized. The activated form of the MOF (1′) was utilized as a fluorometric sensor for uranyl ions ([UO2]2+). Remarkably, the uranyl ions interact with the free carboxylate functionality of 1′, inducing significant quenching of the luminescence of 1′. The sensor exhibits outstanding detection with a high Stern-Volmer (S-V) constant (KSV = 3.34×106 M⁻¹) and an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.2 nM (0.76 ppb). Further validation in real-world samples revealed high detection performance, even in the presence of various competing ions. The MOF maintained high sensitivity towards [UO2]2+ in various natural water systems, including lake water, river water, and seawater. The mechanistic aspects of sensing were thoroughly studied with various analytical techniques and literature reviews.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Lixia Li, Tao Jia, Zhichong Qi, Usman Farooq, Yanbin Ma, Fanyan Yang, Minghui Lv, Taotao Lu
Applying biochar as an amendment for the remediation of neonicotinoid pesticide-contaminated soils is a promising way to reduce the environmental risks posed by these pollutants. Rhamnolipid, a widespread glycolipid biosurfactant in soils, may regulate the transport of biochar colloids and/or pesticides in soil–water environments. Currently, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding how biosurfactant/biochar affects neonicotinoid pesticide mobility. Herein, rhamnolipid was employed to explore its influences on neonicotinoid pesticide (acetamiprid or nitenpyram) mobility and biochar colloid-affected mobility of pesticides at variable solution pH levels (5.0–9.0). In the binary system, rhamnolipid restrained pesticide transport owing to the biosurfactants' bridging effects, forming soil–biosurfactant–pesticide ternary complexes; similarly, biochar colloids also inhibited pesticide mobility because of colloid–pesticide complex deposited on soil surfaces. Notably, the degree of the inhibiting impacts of biochar/biosurfactant varied with pesticide types (acetamiprid > nitenpyram), which was attributed to differences in the chemical features of pesticides (e.g., hydrophobicity). Interestingly, the pH-dependent inhibition effects followed the order pH 5.0 > pH 7.0 > pH 9.0, which were ascribed to the different deposition amounts of biosurfactant molecules or biochar colloids. Surprisingly, in the ternary system, adding biosurfactant weakened the repressive influences of biochar colloids on pesticide migration over a broad pH range of 5.0 to 9.0 because of the reduced retention of colloid-associated pesticides and the great mobility of free neonicotinoid pesticides. Additionally, the degree of rhamnolipid's suppressive effects declined as the pH value increased. These findings provide critical insights into the environmental behaviors and fate of neonicotinoid pesticides influenced by ubiquitous biosurfactants in biochar-amended soils.
{"title":"pH-dependent transport of neonicotinoid pesticides in saturated soil: single and combined functions of rhamnolipid and biochar colloids","authors":"Lixia Li, Tao Jia, Zhichong Qi, Usman Farooq, Yanbin Ma, Fanyan Yang, Minghui Lv, Taotao Lu","doi":"10.1039/d5en00982k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00982k","url":null,"abstract":"Applying biochar as an amendment for the remediation of neonicotinoid pesticide-contaminated soils is a promising way to reduce the environmental risks posed by these pollutants. Rhamnolipid, a widespread glycolipid biosurfactant in soils, may regulate the transport of biochar colloids and/or pesticides in soil–water environments. Currently, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding how biosurfactant/biochar affects neonicotinoid pesticide mobility. Herein, rhamnolipid was employed to explore its influences on neonicotinoid pesticide (acetamiprid or nitenpyram) mobility and biochar colloid-affected mobility of pesticides at variable solution pH levels (5.0–9.0). In the binary system, rhamnolipid restrained pesticide transport owing to the biosurfactants' bridging effects, forming soil–biosurfactant–pesticide ternary complexes; similarly, biochar colloids also inhibited pesticide mobility because of colloid–pesticide complex deposited on soil surfaces. Notably, the degree of the inhibiting impacts of biochar/biosurfactant varied with pesticide types (acetamiprid > nitenpyram), which was attributed to differences in the chemical features of pesticides (<em>e.g.</em>, hydrophobicity). Interestingly, the pH-dependent inhibition effects followed the order pH 5.0 > pH 7.0 > pH 9.0, which were ascribed to the different deposition amounts of biosurfactant molecules or biochar colloids. Surprisingly, in the ternary system, adding biosurfactant weakened the repressive influences of biochar colloids on pesticide migration over a broad pH range of 5.0 to 9.0 because of the reduced retention of colloid-associated pesticides and the great mobility of free neonicotinoid pesticides. Additionally, the degree of rhamnolipid's suppressive effects declined as the pH value increased. These findings provide critical insights into the environmental behaviors and fate of neonicotinoid pesticides influenced by ubiquitous biosurfactants in biochar-amended soils.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"141 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145968872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Asia Piovesan, Sara Quartieri, Claudia Faleri, Arianna Bellingeri, Massimo Nepi, Maya Al-Sid-Cheikh, Ilaria Corsi
Soils are nowadays considered among the major storage sites and sources of nanoplastic (size < 1000 nm) entering the natural environment through sewage sludge, abandoned wastes, agricultural activities, and atmospheric deposition. Due to their peculiar chemical and physical properties, nanoplastics can easily interact with plants including crops and potentially translocate up to leaf and flowers entering the food chain, with potential toxic effects to the plants as well as exposing pollinators. In the present study, we assess 1) the uptake, translocation, and effects of nanopolystyrene (PSNPs, approx. 20nm) in pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. as a model crop plant and 2) PSNPs translocation in flowers and effects on pollen. To investigate the uptake and translocation of PSNPs, we used 14C-radiolabeled PSNPs ([14C]PSNPs) at concentrations similar to those expected in the environment (1 μgL-1) and under worst-case pollution scenarios (1 mgL-1). Effect of PSNPs on the crops have been observed from both labeled and unlabelled particles. Effects have been observed during the germination up to plant development and flower production in the pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. . For the first time, our study provides evidence of [14C]PSNP uptake by plant roots and translocation from roots to flowers, with subsequent effects on pollen. Most notably, PSNP effects were observed on the apical region of secondary roots which reveals a significant increase in the ROS production and in primary leaves with significant reduction in the efficiency of photosystems. [14C]PSNPs was detected in pumpkin flowers and mostly in the anthers whose pollen showed a significant reduction in the viability associated with abnormalities in morphology and hydration. Our study provides compelling evidence that nanoplastics are capable of translocating from soil up to the flowers and affecting pollen raising significant food safety concerns and ecological implications on pollinators. These results are particularly alarming given the current multiple challenges faced by pollinators, such as climate change, pesticides and habitat degradation.
{"title":"Translocation of nanoplastics from soil to crops impairs pollen viability with potential implications to pollinators","authors":"Asia Piovesan, Sara Quartieri, Claudia Faleri, Arianna Bellingeri, Massimo Nepi, Maya Al-Sid-Cheikh, Ilaria Corsi","doi":"10.1039/d5en00969c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00969c","url":null,"abstract":"Soils are nowadays considered among the major storage sites and sources of nanoplastic (size < 1000 nm) entering the natural environment through sewage sludge, abandoned wastes, agricultural activities, and atmospheric deposition. Due to their peculiar chemical and physical properties, nanoplastics can easily interact with plants including crops and potentially translocate up to leaf and flowers entering the food chain, with potential toxic effects to the plants as well as exposing pollinators. In the present study, we assess 1) the uptake, translocation, and effects of nanopolystyrene (PSNPs, approx. 20nm) in pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. as a model crop plant and 2) PSNPs translocation in flowers and effects on pollen. To investigate the uptake and translocation of PSNPs, we used 14C-radiolabeled PSNPs ([14C]PSNPs) at concentrations similar to those expected in the environment (1 μgL-1) and under worst-case pollution scenarios (1 mgL-1). Effect of PSNPs on the crops have been observed from both labeled and unlabelled particles. Effects have been observed during the germination up to plant development and flower production in the pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. . For the first time, our study provides evidence of [14C]PSNP uptake by plant roots and translocation from roots to flowers, with subsequent effects on pollen. Most notably, PSNP effects were observed on the apical region of secondary roots which reveals a significant increase in the ROS production and in primary leaves with significant reduction in the efficiency of photosystems. [14C]PSNPs was detected in pumpkin flowers and mostly in the anthers whose pollen showed a significant reduction in the viability associated with abnormalities in morphology and hydration. Our study provides compelling evidence that nanoplastics are capable of translocating from soil up to the flowers and affecting pollen raising significant food safety concerns and ecological implications on pollinators. These results are particularly alarming given the current multiple challenges faced by pollinators, such as climate change, pesticides and habitat degradation.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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 widespread use of ZnO engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) raises concerns about their environmental release and toxicity. In natural settings, metal-based ENPs can undergo chemical changes or interact with biological molecules, forming a bio-corona that alters their properties and behavior, which likely affects toxicity. Most research has focused on single transformations, neglecting combined effects. This study is the first to explore how combined chemical-biological transformations of ZnO ENPs influence toxicity to Daphnia magna (mobility at 0.38-6 mg Zn/L) and Lepidium sativum (root growth at 20-320 mg Zn/L). It examined chemical transformations (sulphidation/phosphorylation), biological transformations (protein corona formation), and combined chemical-biological transformations (sulphidation plus protein corona). Chemical treatments partially converted ENPs to sulphur- or phosphorus-species through surface oxidation. Protein corona formation on sulphided ENPs unchanged speciation but altered protein conformation. Depending on the transformation type, an increase or decrease in the particle size and surface area of ENPs was observed. The transformation-driven properties of ZnO ENPs affected the aggregation and dissolution behavior. Importantly, all transformed ENPs showed 20-90% reduced toxicity compared to pristine ENPs. The greatest reduction was seen in daphnia mobility with dual-transformed ENPs, while phytotoxicity reductions were similar across single and combined transformations. The findings suggest that lower Zn ion release, alongside changes in surface charge and aggregation, reduces ENP toxicity. This highlights the need to consider such transformations in environmental risk assessments.
{"title":"The multiple transformed ZnO ENPs in the aquatic environment: the mechanisms of formation and ecotoxicological impact","authors":"Mikołaj Feculak, Susana Loureiro, Patricia Silva, Fabio Yu Chen, Patryk Oleszczuk, Magdalena Kończak, Izabela Jośko","doi":"10.1039/d5en00791g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00791g","url":null,"abstract":"The widespread use of ZnO engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) raises concerns about their environmental release and toxicity. In natural settings, metal-based ENPs can undergo chemical changes or interact with biological molecules, forming a bio-corona that alters their properties and behavior, which likely affects toxicity. Most research has focused on single transformations, neglecting combined effects. This study is the first to explore how combined chemical-biological transformations of ZnO ENPs influence toxicity to Daphnia magna (mobility at 0.38-6 mg Zn/L) and Lepidium sativum (root growth at 20-320 mg Zn/L). It examined chemical transformations (sulphidation/phosphorylation), biological transformations (protein corona formation), and combined chemical-biological transformations (sulphidation plus protein corona). Chemical treatments partially converted ENPs to sulphur- or phosphorus-species through surface oxidation. Protein corona formation on sulphided ENPs unchanged speciation but altered protein conformation. Depending on the transformation type, an increase or decrease in the particle size and surface area of ENPs was observed. The transformation-driven properties of ZnO ENPs affected the aggregation and dissolution behavior. Importantly, all transformed ENPs showed 20-90% reduced toxicity compared to pristine ENPs. The greatest reduction was seen in daphnia mobility with dual-transformed ENPs, while phytotoxicity reductions were similar across single and combined transformations. The findings suggest that lower Zn ion release, alongside changes in surface charge and aggregation, reduces ENP toxicity. This highlights the need to consider such transformations in environmental risk assessments.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}
Advanced oxidation processes, such as heterogeneous photocatalysis, offer a green pathway for eliminating refractory organic pollutants. Despite notable advancements in photocatalyst design, poor light-harvesting efficiency and fast electron-hole recombination remain significant bottlenecks for real-world deployment. To circumvent these shortcomings, herein, non-metal (B, S, P, and F) doped graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) was prepared via solid-state polycondensation of melamine with appropriate precursors of the respective dopants, showcasing its superiority over conventional photocatalysts in degrading two representative broad-spectrum antibiotics, namely ofloxacin (OFC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The successful incorporation of non-metal dopants (B, S, P, and F) into the GCN framework was confirmed by a series of microscopic, spectroscopic, optical, and electrochemical characterizations. The maximum degradation of antibiotics (98.9% for OFC and 96.6% for SMZ) was achieved using F-doped g-C3N4 (F-GCN) within 90 min of visible light illumination, primarily facilitated by holes and superoxide radicals. Although F-doping did not significantly enhance the photon absorption capacity of the GCN sample, the marked improvement in photocatalytic performance was clearly attributed to more efficient charge separation and migration. These findings coherently suggest that incorporating non-metal dopants can effectively enhance charge separation, making it a promising strategy for improving photocatalyst efficiency. To further validate the practical applicability of the F-GCN photocatalyst for water and wastewater treatment, its performance in removing a pharmaceutical cocktail from diverse aqueous matrices was evaluated. Comprehensive toxicity assessments of the photocatalytic degradation byproducts, using bacterial colony counting and seed germination tests, confirmed the ecological safety of the treated antibiotic solution. Moreover, F-GCN exhibited remarkable reusability and photostability, underscoring its strong potential for large-scale photocatalytic wastewater treatment.
{"title":"Unravelling the effect of non-metal doping on polymeric carbon nitride for enhanced degradation of broad-spectrum antibiotics under visible light","authors":"Debanjali Dey, Shamik Chowdhury, Ramkrishna Sen","doi":"10.1039/d5en00771b","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5en00771b","url":null,"abstract":"Advanced oxidation processes, such as heterogeneous photocatalysis, offer a green pathway for eliminating refractory organic pollutants. Despite notable advancements in photocatalyst design, poor light-harvesting efficiency and fast electron-hole recombination remain significant bottlenecks for real-world deployment. To circumvent these shortcomings, herein, non-metal (B, S, P, and F) doped graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) was prepared via solid-state polycondensation of melamine with appropriate precursors of the respective dopants, showcasing its superiority over conventional photocatalysts in degrading two representative broad-spectrum antibiotics, namely ofloxacin (OFC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The successful incorporation of non-metal dopants (B, S, P, and F) into the GCN framework was confirmed by a series of microscopic, spectroscopic, optical, and electrochemical characterizations. The maximum degradation of antibiotics (98.9% for OFC and 96.6% for SMZ) was achieved using F-doped g-C3N4 (F-GCN) within 90 min of visible light illumination, primarily facilitated by holes and superoxide radicals. Although F-doping did not significantly enhance the photon absorption capacity of the GCN sample, the marked improvement in photocatalytic performance was clearly attributed to more efficient charge separation and migration. These findings coherently suggest that incorporating non-metal dopants can effectively enhance charge separation, making it a promising strategy for improving photocatalyst efficiency. To further validate the practical applicability of the F-GCN photocatalyst for water and wastewater treatment, its performance in removing a pharmaceutical cocktail from diverse aqueous matrices was evaluated. Comprehensive toxicity assessments of the photocatalytic degradation byproducts, using bacterial colony counting and seed germination tests, confirmed the ecological safety of the treated antibiotic solution. Moreover, F-GCN exhibited remarkable reusability and photostability, underscoring its strong potential for large-scale photocatalytic wastewater treatment.","PeriodicalId":73,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science: Nano","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.131,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145947718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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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