Journal of hazardous materials最新文献

Distribution, sources, and controlling factors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Yancheng coastal wetlands under the invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) were explored, PAHs concentrations in sediment ranged from 43.02 to 154.51 ng g^-¹ dw. Source apportionment revealed that traffic emissions and combustion were the primary contributors to PAHs contamination, with a minor portion originating from petroleum. The comparison across different habitats indicated that S. alterniflora directly promoted the accumulation of PAHs, and this effect increased with time. Conversely, after S. alterniflora removal, PAHs were reduced (with a 20.57 % reduction). Moreover, S. alterniflora also changed the physicochemical properties, especially fine particles. Correlation and linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between physicochemical properties and PAHs, highlighting their important influence on PAHs distribution. By modifying these properties, S. alterniflora indirectly increased PAHs accumulation, with total organic carbon (TOC) as the primary controlling factor. These results indicated that the control of S. alterniflora could not only mitigate the issue of invasive species, but also modify the sediment physicochemical properties and reduce PAHs contamination. These findings provided a scientific basis for dual-effect management and remediation strategies, supporting the simultaneous remediation of S. alterniflora invasion and PAHs pollution in coastal wetlands.

The extensive use of sulfonamides (SAs) in the treatment of respiratory and bacterial infections for humans and animals have triggered their ubiquitous occurrence in environment. Anodic oxidation processes have prominent potential in degrading SAs from wastewater. Herein, carbon cotton (CC) and graphite plate (GP) are applied as anodes to degrade SAs with various R substitutions at low current density (j, 0.42-5 mA/cm2, current intensity 2.5-30 mA). At j = 1.67 mA/cm², degradation efficiency of sulfathiazole, sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, and sulfamethazine reached 100, 90.1, 81.6, 92.8, 84.2, and 90.8 % at CC, and 100, 81.5, 54.2, 79.3, 83.2 and 79.1 % at GP, respectively. Most of the degraded SAs have been mineralized in both reaction systems. Sulfaguanidine, without heterocycle in R substituent, was more refractory to degrade at CC and GP surface even at higher j. The quenching experiments and DFT calculation disclosed that direct electron transfer (DET) process took a fundamental role on SAs decomposition. The surface sorbed [•OH] was responsible for mineralization of SAs. The two anodes can efficiently degraded sulfathiazole in different high-salinity wastewater samples at low j. Low-energy consumption and excellent mineralization efficiency endowed CC and GP with promising application for electrochemical oxidation of SAs from wastewater.

Understanding how low concentrations of antibiotics influence biogeochemical cycling mediated by aquatic microbes is essential for assessing the ecological risks of antibiotic pollution. Here we examined the responses of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling genes in an aquatic microbial community to trimethoprim, lincomycin, and their combined exposure across seven sub-inhibitory concentrations spanning three orders of magnitude. We found that while the diversity of elemental cycling genes remained largely unchanged, the abundance of associated metabolic pathways declined significantly under high antibiotic levels,particularly after seven days of exposure to 10 mg/L lincomycin or ≥ 1 mg/L trimethoprim-lincomycin combinations. Some elemental cycling genes increased in abundance under elevated antibiotic exposure, accompanied by concentration-dependent enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Metagenomic assembly further revealed that enriched ARGs and cycling genes co-localized on the same contigs. In addition, antibiotic exposure reshaped the topological structure of molecular ecological networks among cycling genes, indicating altered microbial interactions and ecological processes. Together, these findings show that antibiotics not only enrich resistance determinants but also modulate the abundance of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling genes, underscoring the complex impacts of anthropogenic antibiotic pollution on microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles.

Biological waste gas treatments are promising approaches for the sustainable development of the petrochemical industry, which was limited by low removal efficiency and prolonged start-up due to difficulties in biodegradation and biofilm formation. Based on the independently developed biological autocrine signaling molecule (SMH13), this study explored its performance and mechanisms on enhancing synchronously removal of n-hexane and dichloromethane. The quorum sensing (QS) of the n-hexane-degrading strain Pseudomonas sp. HY-6 was activated, and the concentration threshold to fully activate the QS was 500 µg·L^-1. The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion and cellular surface hydrophobicity were promoted by 20 % and 40 % with SMH13, which were benefit to the biofilm formation and its n-hexane utilization. The start-up period of a lab-scale biotrickling filter (BTF) treating n-hexane and dichloromethane mixed waste gas was shortened from 19 days to 13 days with 23 % improvements on elimination capacity. The enrichment of alkane-degrading genera (Mycobacterium) and halogenated hydrocarbon-degrading genera (Chujaibacter, etc.) was positively correlated. The synchronously enhanced removal of n-hexane and dichloromethane was achieved through promoting the cell proliferation, EPS secretion, biofilm formation, and functional genera enrichment by activating QS using SMH13.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants, yet their impact on autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. We report that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are detectable in synovial fluid samples from RA patients and that exposure to 5 μm PS-MPs directly promotes the pathogenic activation of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs), key effector cells in synovial inflammation and joint destruction. High-resolution imaging confirmed PS-MPs internalization into the cytoplasm of RA-FLSs, accompanied by cytoskeletal changes and mitochondrial cristae disruption indicative of intracellular stress. PS-MPs exposure activated NF-κB and MAPK (JNK/p38) signaling and induced the expression of IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, MMP3, MMP9, NAMPT, and TWIST1. These changes coincided with enhanced migration, invasion, and monocyte adhesion via increased VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In vivo, chronic PS-MPs exposure aggravated inflammation in CFA-induced arthritis, with fluorescent particles accumulating in inflamed synovium. In humanized SCID co-implantation model, PS-MPs-treated RA-FLSs triggered greater cartilage erosion and macrophage infiltration. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB and p38, as well as treatment with Ginsenoside Compound K (GCK), significantly reduced PS-MPs-induced cytokine production in vitro. Together, these findings demonstrate that MPs can directly activate synovial fibroblasts and aggravate RA pathology. This study identifies MPs as a previously unrecognized environmental cofactor in autoimmune joint disease.

Micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) ubiquitously occurring in various ecosystems can accumulate in the human gastrointestinal tract via multiple exposure routes, and threaten the intestinal homeostasis. However, clarifying whether and how these contaminants cause the physio-toxicity to intestinal probiotics remains elusive. Using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus as a case study and an in vitro digestion (IVD) system to simulate MNPs digestion, we found that MNPs inhibit bacterial growth and the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and lactic acid (LA). This toxicity depended on material composition (polyethylene terephthalate, PET > polystyrene > polyvinyl chloride), was enhanced at the nanoscale, and was exacerbated by high concentrations. Under the strongest inhibitory condition (150.0 nm 250.0 mg/L IVD-treated PET; PET-NPs), scanning electron microscopy reveals that EPS secreted by L. rhamnosus under PET-NPs stimulation binds to the particles and adheres to the bacterial surface, potentially causing physical obstruction and membrane damage. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics demonstrated that IVD-treated PET-NPs significantly down-regulated core genes (e.g., galK, log₂FC = -5.40; bglA, log₂FC = -6.58), and reduced metabolite levels in central carbon metabolism pathways (e.g., phosphotransferase system, glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, oxidative phosphorylation), impairing glucose uptake/metabolism and energy generation, and thus limiting precursor supply for EPS and LA synthesis. Although exogenous glucose partially restored function, upstream metabolic damage persisted. The findings indicate that MNPs disrupt the glucose metabolism-product synthesis axis by inhibiting central carbon metabolism, providing clear evidence of MNP-mediated impairment of metabolism and efficacy in probiotics and mechanistic insights into the potential health impacts of MNPs contaminants.

Despite growing evidence regarding the effects of copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) nanopesticides on soil microbes and enzyme activity, its effects on root exudates, microbial communities and enzyme activities at the plant-soil interface remain unclear. This study investigated alterations in enzyme activities, root exudates and bacterial communities in wheat rhizosphere soil treated with a commercial Cu(OH)₂ nanopesticide formulation (NPF), its nanosized active ingredient (AI), or its ionic analog (CuSO₄). At 70 mg/kg Cu, representing short-term use, the changes in enzyme activity were negligible. At 500 mg/kg Cu, representing long-term accumulation, NPF, AI and CuSO₄ increased fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity, reduced N-acetylglucosaminidase and leucine aminopeptidase activities, and had minimal effects on urease activity. These treatments also affected the root exudation profiles, increasing the excretion of benzoxazinoids and chemoeffectors such as xanthine. Furthermore, microbial diversity decreased, whereas the relative abundance of metal-tolerant and nitrogen-cycling bacteria, including Brevundimonas and Cupriavidus, increased. Correlation analysis suggested that the modified exudation patterns under Cu(OH)₂ nanopesticide exposure may facilitate the recruitment of these bacteria, which may impact soil enzyme activity. Notably, in the NPF treatment, this response was predominantly triggered by the nanosized Cu(OH)₂. These findings highlight the potential long-term ecological effects of Cu(OH)₂ nanopesticides at the soil-plant interface.

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) inevitably form during municipal wastewater disinfection, posing potential threats to human and ecological health. While UV-based advanced oxidation/reduction processes (UV-AOPs/ARPs) show promise in eliminating DBP precursors, their efficacy and mechanisms for controlling both known and unknown DBPs remain unclear. This study systemically investigated dissolved organic matter (DOM) transformation and DBP mitigation during pre-treatments of actual municipal wastewater using UV, UV/Peroxydisulfate (UV/PS), UV/H₂O₂, and UV/Sulfite. Combining spectroscopy, chromatography, and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) analyses, the results demonstrated that UV/PS and UV/H₂O₂ were more effective than UV/Sulfite at degrading aromatic and fluorescent compounds. All pre-treatments significantly reduced total organic chlorine and known DBPs versus direct chlorination, with UV/Sulfite achieving the highest reduction (80.42% and 60.98%). Unknown DBP molecules decreased by 31.54-53.04% (UV < UV/Sulfite < UV/PS < UV/H₂O₂). Specifically, UV/PS and UV/H₂O₂ preferentially controlled CHOSCl and CHONCl compounds, and 1Cl-DBPs, whereas UV/Sulfite excelled at reducing multi-chlorinated DBPs. Additionally, all pre-treatments reduced the calculated cytotoxicity of known DBPs by 49.89-81.25%, most notably for UV/Sulfite. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of UV-AOPs/ARPs for comprehensive DBP control and provide practical guidance for selecting an optimal pre-treatment strategy based on target DBP profiles in wastewater applications.

The practical application of hydrogel-based polymer membranes in separating emulsified oily wastewater is hindered by their dynamic interfacial instability and insufficient inherent self-cleaning capacity. Herein, the polyvinyl alcohol-tannic acid (PVA-TA) hydrogel decorated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber composite membrane with super-wetting and photothermal-catalytic self-cleaning features was constructed via hydrogen bond crosslinking and nano-reinforcement of thorn ball-like Bi₁₉Br₃S₂₇-PDA-Bi₄O₅Br₂ core@double-shell nanohybrid (BB@PAN). The oil repellence test, density functional theory calculation, and molecular dynamics simulation verified the super-wettable and ultra-low oil adhesion behavior of BB@PAN composite membrane, resulting in highly efficient separation of oil-in-water emulsions (Flux: 1943-2626 L m^-2 h^-1, oil rejection rate: 99.19-99.57 %). Owing to the nano-enhancement and multiple hydrogen bonds, the BB@PAN membrane retained its structural integrity and separation stability under extreme conditions. The broad-spectrum response and high light absorption efficiency of 3D core@double-shell structure (BOB-PDA-BBS) endowed the membrane with efficient photothermal conversion (temperature reached 62.56 °C within 24 min), enabling rapid volatilization of adhered light oils and effectively preventing a decline in permeation flux. With the support of PDA-mediated electron transfer bridge, the BB@PAN composite membrane achieved outstanding photocatalytic self-cleaning efficiency, as evidenced by its high degradation rate for various dyes. Therefore, the photothermal-catalytic double-mode self-cleaning mechanism tremendously addresses the complicated membrane fouling issues caused by oils and organic pollutants.

The Atrato River basin in western Colombia, one of the most biodiverse regions globally, faces severe mercury (Hg) contamination from artisanal gold mining. This study assessed the hematological effects of Hg exposure in 601 residents (aged 15-89 years) from four localities with different exposure levels. Blood mercury concentrations (HgB) were used to classify participants into high (HHgB >5.0 µg/L; n = 507) and low (LHgB <5.0 µg/L; n = 94) exposure groups. Alarmingly, the median HgB was 14.95 µg/L, and 84.3 % of samples exceeded the safety threshold of 5.0 µg/L. Males consistently showed higher HgB levels than females, particularly in adult and older age groups. Significant hematological alterations were observed in associations with Hg exposure. A considerable proportion of HHgB participants showed anemia: 14.7 % of young males and 21.2 % of young females had low hemoglobin; 6.9 % of adult males and 19.1 % of adult females had reduced hematocrit. Gender- and age-based differences were detected in multiple hematological parameters (HGB, HCT, RBC, MCHC, LYMPH, and PLT) measured using an Abbott Cell-Dyn Sapphire Analyzer, showing distinct patterns between HHgB and LHgB groups. Positive correlations were found between HgB and HGB or MCV in young males, and between HgB and neutrophils in young females with neutropenia, suggesting Hg-related disruption of red and white blood cell profiles. Comparisons between exposure groups also revealed differences in basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, especially among adults and olders. Despite regulations banning mercury use, continued exposure remains a major public health concern. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies to strengthen enforcement of mercury regulations, increase monitoring, and implement community-based health interventions in gold mining regions.