Diphenylarsinic acid sorption mechanisms in soils using batch experiments and EXAFS spectroscopy

• DPAA sorption data was found to fit the Freundlich equation. • K_f was significantly positive correlated with oxalate-extractable Fe₂O₃. • Ligand exchange was the main mechanism for DPAA sorption on soils. • Bidentate binuclear and monodentate mononuclear DPAA bonds were identified. Diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA) is a phenyl arsenic compound derived from chemical warfare weapons. Macroscopic and microscopic work on DPAA sorption will provide useful information in predicting the partitioning and mobility of DPAA in the soil-water environment. Here, batch experiments and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy were used to investigate the sorption mechanisms of DPAA. The DPAA sorption data from 11 soil types was found to fit the Freundlich equation, and the sorption capacity, K_f, was significantly and positively correlated with oxalate-extractable Fe₂O₃. The K_f values of eight of the 11 untreated soils (1.51–113.04) significantly decreased upon removal of amorphous metal (hydr)oxides (0.51–13.37). When both amorphous and crystalline metal (hydr)oxides were removed from the untreated soils, the K_f values either decreased or slightly increased (0.65–3.09). Subsequent removal of soil organic matter from these amorphous and crystalline metal (hydr)oxide-depleted samples led to further decreases in K_f to 0.02–1.38, with only one exception (Sulfic Aquic-Orthic Halosols). These findings strongly suggest that ligand exchange reactions with amorphous metal (hydr)oxides contribute most to DPAA sorption on soils. EXAFS data provide further evidence that DPAA primarily formed bidentate binuclear (²C) and monodentate mononuclear (¹V) coring-sharing complexes with As-Fe distances of 3.34 and 3.66 Å, respectively, on Fe (hydr)oxides. Comparison of these results with earlier studies suggests that ²C and ¹V complexes of DPAA may be favored under low and high surface coverages, respectively, with the formation of ¹V bonds possibly conserving the sorption sites or decreasing the steric hindrance derived from phenyl substituents.     

Translocation and biotoxicity of metal (oxide) nanoparticles in the wetland-plant system

• Aquatic plants are more likely to absorb TiO₂ NPs that are beneficial to them. • Ag NPs inhibited the growth of aquatic plants under both 5- and 60-day exposure. • CeO₂ NPs had positive/negative impact on plant in 5/60-day exposure, respectively. • TiO₂ NPs presence could enhance the photosynthesis and increase the plant biomass. • The ENPs changed plant activity, which resulted in changes of wetland performance. Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) threaten the environment through wastewater discharging. Generally, constructed wetlands (CWs) are efficient methods for ENPs removal. However, the biotoxicity of ENPs on plants in CWs is unclear. Here, we investigated the distribution and bio-impacts of different ENPs (Ag NPs, TiO₂ NPs, and CeO₂ NPs) in plants under 5- and 60-day exposure to 1 and 50 mg/L concentrations. Results showed that ENPs appeared in the vascular bundle and mesophyll cell space, which induced the variation in antioxidase activities (e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD], and catalase [CAT] activities) as well as overproduction of malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, Ag NPs inhibited photosynthesis rate and root activity during two exposure phases. CeO₂ NPs had positive and negative impacts on plants in 5- and 60-day exposure, respectively. Inversely, TiO₂ NPs enhanced photosynthesis and root activity under 60-day exposure. Finally, the contents of the C, N, and P elements in plants fluctuated in response to ENPs stress. All results have a positive correlation with the wetland performance under ENPs exposure except for TiO₂ NPs treatment. Overall, our study systematically reveals aquatic plants' responses to ENPs and provides a reference for building ecological treatment systems to purify wastewater containing ENPs.     

Sorption of aromatic organophosphate flame retardants on thermally and hydrothermally produced biochars

• TPhP showed faster and higher sorption on biochars than TPPO. • Pyrochars had higher sorption capacity for TPPO than hydrochar. • Hydrophobic interactions dominated TPhP sorption by biochars. • The π-π EDA and electrostatic interactions are involved in sorption. Aromatic organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) pollutants and biochars are commonly present and continually released into soils due to their increasingly wide applications. In this study, for the first time, the sorption of OPFRs on biochars was investigated. Although triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) have similar molecular structures and sizes, TPhP exhibited much faster and higher sorption than TPPO due to its stronger hydrophobicity, suggesting the dominant role of hydrophobic interactions in TPhP sorption. The π-π electron donor–acceptor (EDA) interactions also contributed to the sorption process, as suggested by the negative correlation between the sorption capacity of the aromatic OPFRs and the aromatic index (H/C atomic ratios) of biochar. Density functional theory calculations further showed that one benzene ring of aromatic OPFRs has no electrons, which may interact with biochar via π-π EDA interactions. The electrostatic attraction between the protonated P = O in OPFRs and the negatively charged biochar was found to occur at pH below 7. This work provides insights into the sorption behaviors and mechanisms of aromatic OPFRs by biochars.     

Removal and recovery of toxic nanosized Cerium Oxide using eco-friendly Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

• Eco-friendly IONPs were synthesized through solvothermal method. • IONPs show very high removal efficiency for CeO₂ NPs i.e. 688 mg/g. • Removal was >90% in all synthetic and real water samples. • >80% recovery of CeO₂ NPs through sonication confirms reusability of IONPs. Increasing applications of metal oxide nanoparticles and their release in the natural environment is a serious concern due to their toxic nature. Therefore, it is essential to have eco-friendly solutions for the remediation of toxic metal oxides in an aqueous environment. In the present study, eco-friendly Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) are synthesized using solvothermal technique and successfully characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM respectively) and powder X-Ray diffraction (PXRD). These IONPs were further utilized for the remediation of toxic metal oxide nanoparticle, i.e., CeO₂. Sorption experiments were also performed in complex aqueous solutions and real water samples to check its applicability in the natural environment. Reusability study was performed to show cost-effectiveness. Results show that these 200 nm-sized spherical IONPs, as revealed by SEM and TEM analysis, were magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and contained short-range crystallinity as confirmed from XRD spectra. Sorption experiments show that the composite follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Further R²>0.99 for Langmuir sorption isotherm suggests chemisorption as probable removal mechanism with monolayer sorption of CeO₂ NPs on IONP. More than 80% recovery of adsorbed CeO₂ NPs through ultrasonication and magnetic separation of reaction precipitate confirms reusability of IONPs. Obtained removal % of CeO₂ in various synthetic and real water samples was>90% signifying that IONPs are candidate adsorbent for the removal and recovery of toxic metal oxide nanoparticles from contaminated environmental water samples.     

The combined effects of biomass and temperature on maximum specific ammonia oxidation rate in domestic wastewater treatment

• Actual SAORs was determined using MLVSS and temperature. • Measured SAOR decreased with increasing MLVSS 1.1‒8.7 g/L. • Temperature coefficient (θ) decreased with increasing MLVSS. • Nitrification process was dynamically simulated based on laboratory-scale SBR tests. • A modified model was successfully validated in pilot-scale SBR systems. Measurement and predicted variations of ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) are critical for the optimization of biological nitrogen removal, however, it is difficult to predict accurate AOR based on current models. In this study, a modified model was developed to predict AOR based on laboratory-scale tests and verified through pilot-scale tests. In biological nitrogen removal reactors, the specific ammonia oxidation rate (SAOR) was affected by both mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) concentration and temperature. When MLVSS increased 1.6, 4.2, and 7.1-fold (1.3‒8.9 g/L, at 20°C), the measured SAOR decreased by 21%, 49%, and 56%, respectively. Thereby, the estimated SAOR was suggested to modify when MLVSS changed through a power equation fitting. In addition, temperature coefficient (θ) was modified based on MLVSS concentration. These results suggested that the prediction of variations ammonia oxidation rate in real wastewater treatment system could be more accurate when considering the effect of MLVSS variations on SAOR.     

Bacteriophages in water pollution control: Advantages and limitations

•Phages can be better indicators of enteric viruses than fecal indicator bacteria. •Multiple phages should be added to the microbial source tracking toolbox. •Engineered phage or phage cocktail can effectively target resistant bacteria. •In phage use, phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer cannot be ignored. •More schemes are needed to prevent phage concentration from decreasing. Wastewater is a breeding ground for many pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health through various water transmission pathways. Therefore, a simple and effective method is urgently required to monitor and treat wastewater. As bacterial viruses, bacteriophages (phages) are the most widely distributed and abundant organisms in the biosphere. Owing to their capacity to specifically infect bacterial hosts, they have recently been used as novel tools in water pollution control. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the roles of phages in monitoring pathogens, tracking pollution sources, treating pathogenic bacteria, infecting bloom-forming cyanobacteria, and controlling bulking sludge and biofilm pollution in wastewater treatment systems. We also discuss the limitations of phage usage in water pollution control, including phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer, the evolution of bacterial resistance, and phage concentration decrease. This review provides an integrated outlook on the use of phages in water pollution control.     

Fabrication of magnetic multi-template molecularly imprinted polymer composite for the selective and efficient removal of tetracyclines from water

• Magnetic multi-template molecularly imprinted polymer composite was synthesized. • MIP composite was used as the adsorbent for removal of tetracyclines from water. • MIP composite showed excellent adsorption selectivity toward tetracyclines. • MIP composite possessed good reusability. Antibiotic contamination of the water environment has attracted much attention from researchers because of their potential hazards to humans and ecosystems. In this study, a multi-template molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) modified mesoporous silica coated magnetic graphene oxide (MGO@MS@MIP) was prepared by the surface imprinting method via a sol-gel process and was used for the selective, efficient and simultaneous removal of tetracyclines (TCs), including doxycycline (DC), tetracycline (TC), chlorotetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) from water. The synthesized MIP composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and thermogravimetric analysis. The adsorption properties of MGO@MS@MIP for these TCs were characterized through adsorption kinetics, isotherms and selectivity tests. The MIP composite revealed larger adsorption quantities, excellent selectivity and rapid kinetics for these four tetracyclines. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic and followed the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The MGO@MS@MIP could specifically recognize DC, TC, CTC and OTC in the presence of some chemical analogs. In addition, the sorption capacity of the MIP composite did not decrease significantly after repeated application for at least five cycles. Thus, the prepared magnetic MIP composite has great potential to contribute to the effective separation and removal of tetracyclines from water.     

Wastewater treatment meets artificial photosynthesis: Solar to green fuel production,water remediation and carbon emission reduction

• Mitigating energy utilization and carbon emission is urgent for wastewater treatment. • MPEC integrates both solar energy storage and wastewater organics removal. • Energy self-sustaining MPEC allows to mitigate the fossil carbon emission. • MPEC is able to convert CO₂ into storable carbon fuel using renewable energy. • MPEC would inspire photoelectrochemistry by employing a novel oxidation reaction. Current wastewater treatment (WWT) is energy-intensive and leads to vast CO₂ emissions. Chinese pledge of “double carbon” target encourages a paradigm shift from fossil fuels use to renewable energy harvesting during WWT. In this context, hybrid microbial photoelectrochemical (MPEC) system integrating microbial electrochemical WWT with artificial photosynthesis (APS) emerges as a promising approach to tackle water-energy-carbon challenges simultaneously. Herein, we emphasized the significance to implement energy recovery during WWT for achieving the carbon neutrality goal. Then, we elucidated the working principle of MPEC and its advantages compared with conventional APS, and discussed its potential in fulfilling energy self-sustaining WWT, carbon capture and solar fuel production. Finally, we provided a strategy to judge the carbon profit by analysis of energy and carbon fluxes in a MPEC using several common organics in wastewater. Overall, MPEC provides an alternative of WWT approach to assist carbon-neutral goal, and simultaneously achieves solar harvesting, conversion and storage.     

Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes for water purification and chemical separation: A review

•The history of biological and artificial water channels is reviewed. •A comprehensive channel characterization platform is introduced. •Rationale designs and fabrications of biomimetic membranes are summarized. •The advantages, limitations, and challenges of biomimetic membranes are discussed. •The prospect and scalable solutions of biomimetic membranes are discussed. Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes that contain biological transport channels or attain their structural designs from biological systems have been through a remarkable development over the last two decades. They take advantage of the exceptional transport properties of those channels, thus possess both high permeability and selectivity, and have emerged as a promising solution to existing membranes. Since the discovery of biological water channel proteins aquaporins (AQPs), extensive efforts have been made to utilize them to make separation membranes–AQP-based membranes, which have been commercialized. The exploration of AQPs’ unique structures and transport properties has resulted in the evolution of biomimetic separation materials from protein-based to artificial channel-based membranes. However, large-scale, defect-free biomimetic membranes are not available yet. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art biomimetic membranes and summarizes the latest research progress, platform, and methodology. Then it critically discusses the potential routes of this emerging area toward scalable applications. We conclude that an appropriate combination of bioinspired concepts and molecular engineering with mature polymer industry may lead to scalable polymeric membranes with intrinsic selective channels, which will gain the merit of both desired selectivity and scalability.     

Research progress and prospects of complete ammonia oxidizing bacteria in wastewater treatment

• Comammox bacteria have unique physiological characteristics. • Comammox bacteria are widely distributed in natural and artificial systems. • Comammox bacteria have the potential to reduce N₂O emissions. • Coupling comammox bacteria with DEAMOX can be promoted in wastewater treatment. • Comammox bacteria have significant potential for enhancing total nitrogen removal. Complete ammonia oxidizing bacteria, or comammox bacteria (CAOB), can oxidize ammonium to nitrate on its own. Its discovery revolutionized our understanding of biological nitrification, and its distribution in both natural and artificial systems has enabled a reevaluation of the relative contribution of microorganisms to the nitrogen cycle. Its wide distribution, adaptation to oligotrophic medium, and diverse metabolic pathways, means extensive research on CAOB and its application in water treatment can be promoted. Furthermore, the energy-saving characteristics of high oxygen affinity and low sludge production may also become frontier directions for wastewater treatment. This paper provides an overview of the discovery and environmental distribution of CAOB, as well as the physiological characteristics of the microorganisms, such as nutrient medium, environmental factors, enzymes, and metabolism, focusing on future research and the application of CAOB in wastewater treatment. Further research should be carried out on the physiological characteristics of CAOB, to analyze its ecological niche and impact factors, and explore its application potential in wastewater treatment nitrogen cycle improvement.     

The source and transport of bioaerosols in the air: A review

• Emission of microbe from local environments is a main source of bioaerosols. • Regional transport is another important source of the bioaerosols. • There are many factors affecting the diffusion and transport of bioaerosols. • Source identification method uncovers the contribution of sources of bioaerosols. Recent pandemic outbreak of the corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised widespread concerns about the importance of the bioaerosols. They are atmospheric aerosol particles of biological origins, mainly including bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen, and cell debris. Bioaerosols can exert a substantial impact on ecosystems, climate change, air quality, and public health. Here, we review several relevant topics on bioaerosols, including sampling and detection techniques, characterization, effects on health and air quality, and control methods. However, very few studies have focused on the source apportionment and transport of bioaerosols. The knowledge of the sources and transport pathways of bioaerosols is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the role microorganisms play in the atmosphere and control the spread of epidemic diseases associated with them. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the up to date progress on the source characteristics, source identification, and diffusion and transport process of bioaerosols. We intercompare three types of diffusion and transport models, with a special emphasis on a widely used mathematical model. This review also highlights the main factors affecting the source emission and transport process, such as biogeographic regions, land-use types, and environmental factors. Finally, this review outlines future perspectives on bioaerosols.     

Less attention paid to waterborne SARS-CoV-2 spreading in Beijing urban communities

• A survey on individual’s perception of SARS-CoV-2 transmission was conducted. • Waterborne transmission risks are far less perceived by individuals. • Precautions of preventing wastewater mediated transmission are implemented. • The precautions for wastewater transmission are less favored by the public. • Education level differs the most regarding to waterborne transmission perception. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in various environmental media. Community and individual-engaged precautions are recommended to stop or slow environmentally-mediated transmission. To better understand the individual’s awareness of and precaution to environmental dissemination of SARS-CoV-2, an online survey was conducted in Beijing during March 14–25, 2020. It is found that the waterborne (especially wastewater mediated) spreading routes are far less perceived by urban communities. The precautions for wastewater transmission are less favored by the public than airborne and solid waste mediated spreading routes. Such risk communication asymmetry in waterborne transmission will be further enlarged in places with fragile water system. Furthermore, education level is the most significant attribution (Sig.<0.05) that causes the difference of awareness and precautions of the waterborne transmission among the respondents, according to the variance analysis results. Our survey results emphasize the urgent need for evidence-based, multifactorial precautions for current and future outbreaks of COVID-19.     

Submerged arc plasma system combined with ozone oxidation for the treatment of wastewater containing non-degradable organic compounds

• Submerged arc plasma was introduced in terms of wastewater treatment. • Ozone oxidation was coupled with submerged arc plasma system. • Ozone was converted into O and O₂ by submerged arc plasma. • Decomposition rate was accelerated by submerged arc plasma. • Introduction of ozone led to significant increase in mineralization. Submerged arc plasma technology was assessed for the removal of phenols from wastewater. The OH radicals generated from the boundary between the plasma and waste solution were considered as a significant factor on the degradation reaction. In this study, the effects of highly energetic electrons released from the submerged arc plasma were mainly studied. The highly energetic electrons directly broke the strong chemical bond and locally increased the reaction temperatures in solution. The effects of the submerged-arc plasma on the decomposition of phenol are discussed in terms of the input energy and initial concentration. The single use of submerged arc plasma easily decomposed the phenol but did not increase the mineralization efficiency. Therefore, the submerged arc plasma, coupled with the ozone injection, was investigated. The submerged arc plasma combined with ozone injection had a synergic effect, which led to significant improvements in mineralization with only a small increase in input energy. The decomposition mechanism of phenol by the submerged arc plasma with the ozone was analyzed.     

Valorization of agro-industrial fruit peel waste to fluorescent nanocarbon sensor: Ultrasensitive detection of potentially hazardous tropane alkaloid

• Transformation of agro-industrial waste to value-added material via green chemistry. • Orange peel is valorized into fluorescent nanodiamond-like carbon (fNDC) sensor. • fNDC detects potentially hazardous drug atropine sulfate (AS). • fNDC recognizes AS in biological fluids and pharmaceuticals. • fNDC assures applications in clinical and forensic toxicology. Millions of tonnes of agro-industrial waste are generated each year globally, with the vast majority of it going untreated, underutilized, and disposed of by burning or landfilling, causing severe environmental distress and economic downturn. A practical solution to this global issue is to use green chemistry to convert this waste into value-added products. Accordingly, in the present study, agro-industrial orange peel waste was valorized into fluorescent nanodiamond-like carbon sensor via a green route involving hydrothermal treatment of microwave carbonized orange peel waste. The developed sensor, used for the fluorescence detection of potentially hazardous drug atropine sulfate, exhibits unique dual linearity over concentration ranges of 300 nM to 1 M and from 1 M to 10 M, as well as ultra-low sensitivity of 34.42 nM and 356.46 nM, respectively. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates excellent reproducibility, high stability, and satisfactory recovery when used to identify and quantify atropine sulfate in biological samples and commercially available pharmaceuticals, indicating promising multidisciplinary applications.     

Simultaneous removal of NOx and chlorobenzene on V2O5/TiO2 granular catalyst: Kinetic study and performance prediction

• A V₂O₅/TiO₂ granular catalyst for simultaneous removal of NO and chlorobenzene. • Catalyst synthesized by vanadyl acetylacetonate showed good activity and stability. • The kinetic model was established and the synergetic activity was predicted. • Both chlorobenzene oxidation and SCR of NO follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. • The work is of much value to design of multi-pollutants emission control system. The synergetic abatement of multi-pollutants is one of the development trends of flue gas pollution control technology, which is still in the initial stage and facing many challenges. We developed a V₂O₅/TiO₂ granular catalyst and established the kinetic model for the simultaneous removal of NO and chlorobenzene (i.e., an important precursor of dioxins). The granular catalyst synthesized using vanadyl acetylacetonate precursor showed good synergistic catalytic performance and stability. Although the SCR reaction of NO and the oxidation reaction of chlorobenzene mutually inhibited, the reaction order of each reaction was not considerably affected, and the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics was still followed. The performance prediction of this work is of much value to the understanding and reasonable design of a catalytic system for multi-pollutants (i.e., NO and dioxins) emission control.     

Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and their association with bacteria and viruses in decentralized sewage treatment facilities

• Distribution of ARGs in decentralized sewage facilities were investigated. • Bacitracin-ARGs were most predominant ARGs in rural wastewater. • ARGs were identified in bacterial and viral community. • ARGs of rpoB, drfE, gyrA and parC were both correlated with bacteria and phages. • More attention should be paid to the risk of spreading ARG by phages. The distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has been intensively studied in large-scale wastewater treatment plants and livestock sources. However, small-scale decentralized sewage treatment facilities must also be explored due to their possible direct exposure to residents. In this study, six wastewater treatment facilities in developed rural areas in eastern China were investigated to understand their risks of spreading ARGs. Using metagenomics and network analysis tools, ARGs and bacterial and viral communities were identified in the influent (INF) and effluent (EFF) samples. The dominant ARGs belonged to the bacitracin class, which are different from most of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The dominant hosts of ARGs are Acidovorax in bacterial communities and Prymnesiovirus in viral communities. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between ARGs and phages. The ARGs significantly correlated with phages were all hosted by specific genera of bacteria, indicating that phages had contributed to the ARG’s proliferation in sewage treatment facilities. Paying significant concern on the possible enhanced risks caused by bacteria, viruses and their related ARGs in decentralized sewage treatment facilities is necessary.     

Electricity-driven ammonia oxidation and acetate production in microbial electrosynthesis systems

• MES was constructed for simultaneous ammonia removal and acetate production. • Energy consumption was different for total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen removal. • Energy consumption for acetate production was about 0.04 kWh/g. • Nitrate accumulation explained the difference of energy consumption. • Transport of ammonia and acetate across the membrane deteriorated the performance. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an emerging technology for producing chemicals, and coupling MES to anodic waste oxidation can simultaneously increase the competitiveness and allow additional functions to be explored. In this study, MES was used for the simultaneous removal of ammonia from synthetic urine and production of acetate from CO₂. Using graphite anode, 83.2%±5.3% ammonia removal and 28.4%±9.9% total nitrogen removal was achieved, with an energy consumption of 1.32 kWh/g N for total nitrogen removal, 0.45 kWh/g N for ammonia nitrogen removal, and 0.044 kWh/g for acetate production. Using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode, 70.9%±12.1% ammonia removal and 51.5%±11.8% total nitrogen removal was obtained, with an energy consumption of 0.84 kWh/g N for total nitrogen removal, 0.61 kWh/g N for ammonia nitrogen removal, and 0.043 kWh/g for acetate production. A difference in nitrate accumulation explained the difference of total nitrogen removal efficiencies. Transport of ammonia and acetate across the membrane deteriorated the performance of MES. These results are important for the development of novel electricity-driven technologies for chemical production and pollution removal.     

Bioinspired cellulose-based membranes in oily wastewater treatment

• Cellulose-based membrane separates oily wastewater mimicking the living things. • The three central surface mechanisms were reviewed. • Preparation, performance, and mechanism are critically evaluated. • First review of wettability based cellulose membrane as major material. • The current and future importance of the research are discussed. It is challenging to purify oily wastewater, which affects water-energy-food production. One promising method is membrane-based separation. This paper reviews the current research trend of applying cellulose as a membrane material that mimics one of three typical biostructures: superhydrophobic, underwater superoleophobic, and Janus surfaces. Nature has provided efficient and effective structures through the evolutionary process. This has inspired many researchers to create technologies that mimic nature’s structures or the fabrication process. Lotus leaves, fish scales, and Namib beetles are three representative structures with distinct functional and surface properties: superhydrophobic, underwater superoleophobic, and Janus surfaces. The characteristics of these structures have been widely studied and applied to membrane materials to improve their performance. One attractive membrane material is cellulose, which has been studied from the perspective of its biodegradability and sustainability. In this review, the principles, mechanisms, fabrication processes, and membrane performances are summarized and compared. The theory of wettability is also described to build a comprehensive understanding of the concept. Finally, future outlook is discussed to challenge the gap between laboratory and industrial applications.     

Mechanism of dichloromethane disproportionation over mesoporous TiO2 under low temperature

• Mechanism of DCM disproportionation over mesoporous TiO₂ was studied. • DCM was completely eliminated at 350℃ under 1 vol.% humidity. • Anatase (001) was the key for disproportionation. • A competitive oxidation route co-existed with disproportionation. • Disproportionation was favored at low temperature. Mesoporous TiO₂ was synthesized via nonhydrolytic template-mediated sol-gel route. Catalytic degradation performance upon dichloromethane over as-prepared mesoporous TiO₂, pure anatase and rutile were investigated respectively. Disproportionation took place over as-made mesoporous TiO₂ and pure anatase under the presence of water. The mechanism of disproportionation was studied by in situ FTIR. The interaction between chloromethoxy species and bridge coordinated methylenes was the key step of disproportionation. Formate species and methoxy groups would be formed and further turned into carbon monoxide and methyl chloride. Anatase (001) played an important role for disproportionation in that water could be dissociated into surface hydroxyl groups on such structure. As a result, the consumed hydroxyl groups would be replenished. In addition, there was another competitive oxidation route governed by free hydroxyl radicals. In this route, chloromethoxy groups would be oxidized into formate species by hydroxyl radicals transfering from the surface of TiO₂. The latter route would be more favorable at higher temperature.     

Composition,dispersion, and health risks of bioaerosols in wastewater treatment plants: A review

• Bioaerosols are produced in the process of wastewater biological treatment. • The concentration of bioaerosol indoor is higher than outdoor. • Bioaerosols contain large amounts of potentially pathogenic biomass and chemicals. • Inhalation is the main route of exposure of bioaerosol. • Both the workers and the surrounding residents will be affected by the bioaerosol. Bioaerosols are defined as airborne particles (0.05–100 mm in size) of biological origin. They are considered potentially harmful to human health as they can contain pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review summarizes the most recent research on the health risks of bioaerosols emitted from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in order to improve the control of such bioaerosols. The concentration and size distribution of WWTP bioaerosols; their major emission sources, composition, and health risks; and considerations for future research are discussed. The major themes and findings in the literature are as follows: the major emission sources of WWTP bioaerosols include screen rooms, sludge-dewatering rooms, and aeration tanks; the bioaerosol concentrations in screen and sludge-dewatering rooms are higher than those outdoors. WWTP bioaerosols contain a variety of potentially pathogenic bacteria, fungi, antibiotic resistance genes, viruses, endotoxins, and toxic metal(loid)s. These potentially pathogenic substances spread with the bioaerosols, thereby posing health risks to workers and residents in and around the WWTP. Inhalation has been identified as the main exposure route, and children are at a higher risk of this than adults. Future studies should identify emerging contaminants, establish health risk assessments, and develop prevention and control systems.