JournalTOCs

Environmental Chemistry Letters
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.943

Citation Impact (citeScore): 4
Number of Followers: 4

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Print) 1610-3661 - ISSN (Online) 1610-3653
Published by Springer-Verlag

[2469 journals]

Correction to: Hydrogen production, storage, utilisation and environmental
impacts: a review
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  PubDate: 2022-06-01
The role of silicon in the supply of terrestrial ecosystem services
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  Abstract: Abstract Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element on the earth’s surface after oxygen. Si can be found in minerals, electronic chips, cosmetic products, and plants for instance. Here we review the Earth's terrestrial Si cycle, focussing on ecosystem services. We show that silicon can participate in the inherent and manageable properties involved in all ecosystem services. As records of the past, phytoliths can be useful parameters in cultural services. Si is involved in provisioning services because Si may influence the production of food and fibers. Si is also involved in regulating services because of Si involvement in carbon sequestration. Regulating and provisioning services may be improved through Si management, e.g. by application of Si to fertilize soils and plants.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
CuCo2S4/sulfite reaction for efficient removal of tetracycline in water
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  Abstract: Abstract Water pollution by antibiotics is an increasing concern, which may be addressed by advanced oxidation processes using sulfites as precursors of sulfate radicals (SO4·–), yet the efficiency of sulfite activation is limited. Here, we tested copper cobalt sulfide (CuCo2S4) to activate sulfite, based on the synergy among transition metals and the facilitation of transition metal redox circulation by reductive sulfur species. We analyzed CuCo2S4 structure by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and we studied the effect of pH and radical scavengers. Results show 90–100% abatement of tetracycline concentration at pH 8.0–10.0, with SO4·– and HO· as the main reactive radicals. This finding is explained by the accelerated redox recycling of copper and cobalt by sulfur, and by the synergetic effect between active cobalt and copper sites.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Self-assembled BiVO4 mesocrystals for efficient photocatalytic
decontamination of microcystin-LR
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  Abstract: Abstract There is a lack of efficient methods for removing microcystins produced by cyanobacterial blooms. Here, microsphere-like bismuth vanadate (BiVO4-60) mesocrystals using a simple solvothermal method were prepared and applied to the photocatalytic degradation of microcystin-LR. The results show that the self-assembly of BiVO4 mesocrystals is mainly due to the coordination between acetone and BiO+. The surface area normalized rate constant (kSA) of microcystin-LR degradation for BiVO4-60, of 4.02 × 10–3 L/m2/min, is 3.56 times higher than that of BiVO4-0, of 1.13 × 10–3 L/m2/min. This enhanced photocatalytic activity is explained by the direct oxidation of photogenerated h+ produced on the (110)-oxidation facets. Moreover, BiVO4-60 mesocrystals exhibit stable dispersion and photostability during microcystin-LR degradation. Overall, our findings demonstrate a facile strategy for synthesizing BiVO4 mesocrystals, and provides a promising technology for degrading microcystin-LR.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Professor Casu’s contribution to cyclodextrins, the remarkable
cage-shaped molecules: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract Cyclodextrins are cage-shaped molecules having the remarkable ability to trap smaller compounds, and have thus led to applications in many disciplines such as medicine to increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. This historical review summarizes the outstanding contribution of the late Professor Benito Casu to cyclodextrin research and, more generally, to the chemistry and biochemistry of linear and cyclic oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans, and heparin. Professor Casu was the first to elucidate the structure and conformations of cyclodextrins by infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In particular, he showed that trapped compounds induced a shift of H peaks in NMR due to the shielding effect of cyclodextrins. He also demonstrated that the d-glucopyranose cyclodextrin units are in the C-1 chair conformation by analyzing α-cyclodextrin by NMR in dimethylsulfoxide-d6.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Heavy metal-induced lipogenic gene aberration, lipid dysregulation and
obesogenic effect: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract Lipids are high energy, complex biomolecular compounds essential for cellular and organellar membrane formation. Accumulation of circulatory lipids is however associated with pathophysiological conditions including cardiometabolic disorders, diabetic dyslipidemia and obesity. Epidemiological studies have correlated heavy-metal exposure with dyslipidemias and metabolic syndrome. Here, we review the role of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic on inducing dyslipidemias through lipid metabolism dysregulation, with focus on metal effects on lipogenic genes, gut microbiome and endocrine secretion. The main gene transcription factors impaired by heavy metals are CCAAT-enhancer binding protein, peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor, sterol regulatory element binding protein, carbohydrate responsive element binding protein and liver × receptor. These factors regulate genes responsible for β-oxidation, de novo lipogenesis, and the synthesis and transport of fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides. Dysregulated lipid profiles in organisms exposed to metals show higher cholesterol and triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with a corresponding low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Hormones and gut microbiome are also impaired by heavy-metal exposure.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Society organization, not pathogenic viruses, is the fundamental cause of
pandemics
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  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Cement-based batteries design and performance. A review
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  Abstract: Abstract Lithium batteries are increasingly used to store energy, but are limited by high cost, safety concerns, leaking of electrolytes, and low capacity. Recently, cement-based batteries have emerged as a viable alternative to lithium batteries. Indeed, the porous structure of cement and cement microcracks provide routes for ionic solutions to pass through. Here, we review cement-based batteries with focus on methods to design batteries for optimal performance.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Vanadium recovery by glycine precipitation
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  Abstract: Abstract Research on metal recovery from waste is gaining interest in the context of the circular economy. Actual hydrometallurgical methods allow to recover vanadium from aqueous solution by ammonium precipitation, yet an excess dosage of ammonium salts induces ammonium pollution of the environment. Here, we tested the use of glycine, instead of ammonium salts, to precipitate vanadium ions. Results showed that 95.75% of vanadium was precipitated at 90 ℃ in 1 h with glycine/vanadium ratio of 6 at pH of 1.8. The influence of reaction factors decreased in the following order: reaction temperature, reaction time, glycine dosage, and sulfuric acid concentration, according to response surface methodology. Amino compounds are thus expected to represent alternative ligands to precipitate vanadium and other metals.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Anaerobic digestion and recycling of kitchen waste: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract About 1.6 billion tons of food are wasted worldwide annually, calling for advanced methods to recycle food waste into energy and materials. Anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste allows the efficient recovery of energy, and induces low-carbon emissions. Nonetheless, digestion stability and biogas production are variables, due to dietary habits and seasonal diet variations that modify the components of kitchen waste. Another challenge is the recycling of the digestate, which could be partly solved by more efficient reactors of anaerobic digestion. Here, we review the bottlenecks of anaerobic digestion treatment of kitchen waste, with focus on components inhibition, and energy recovery from biogas slurry and residue. We provide rules for the optimal treatment of the organic fraction of kitchen waste, and guidelines to upgrade the anaerobic digestion processes. We propose a strategy using an anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor to improve anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste, and a model for the complete transformation and recycling of kitchen waste, based on component properties.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste into energy and
hydrogen: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract The rising global population is inducing a fast increase in the amount of municipal waste and, in turn, issues of rising cost and environmental pollution. Therefore, alternative treatments such as waste-to-energy should be developed in the context of the circular economy. Here, we review the conversion of municipal solid waste into energy using thermochemical methods such as gasification, combustion, pyrolysis and torrefaction. Energy yield depends on operating conditions and feedstock composition. For instance, torrefaction of municipal waste at 200 °C generates a heating value of 33.01 MJ/kg, while the co-pyrolysis of cereals and peanut waste yields a heating value of 31.44 MJ/kg at 540 °C. Gasification at 800 °C shows higher carbon conversion for plastics, of 94.48%, than for waste wood and grass pellets, of 70–75%. Integrating two or more thermochemical treatments is actually gaining high momentum due to higher energy yield. We also review reforming catalysts to enhance dihydrogen production, such as nickel on support materials such as CaTiO3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Al2O3, TiO3, MgO, ZrO2. Techno-economic analysis, sensitivity analysis and life cycle assessment are discussed.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Advanced catalysts and effect of operating parameters in ethanol dry
reforming for hydrogen generation. A review
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  Abstract: Abstract There is actually an intense research in ethanol dry reforming because bioethanol and carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, can be converted into syngas and, in turn, into chemicals and energy such as dihydrogen (H2). Here we review dry reforming of ethanol with focus on thermodynamics, catalysts and effect of operating conditions. Noble metal-based catalysts typically exhibit both ethanol and CO2 conversions above 85% in the range of 923‒1073 K, yet the high cost of precious metals has restrained their potential applications. H2 yield of 90% and above is achieved at 1073 K or above due to the endothermic nature of ethanol dry reforming. Improving catalytic performance and inhibiting coke formation may be achieved by using bimetallic catalysts and other types of metal oxides.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
The viral phoenix: enhanced infectivity and immunity evasion of SARS-CoV-2
variants
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  Abstract: Abstract SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues with emergence of new variants of concerns. These variants are fueling the third and fourth waves of pandemic across many nations. Here we describe the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and why they have enhanced infectivity and possess the ability to evade immunity.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Huge solubility increase of poorly water-soluble pharmaceuticals by
sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin complexation in a low-melting mixture
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  Abstract: Abstract A major issue of the pharmaceutical industry is the poor solubility, permeability, and bioavailability of most active ingredients. These properties also induce the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in groundwater, surface water, wastewater, soils and biota. Therefore, enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of pharmaceuticals could allow the prescription of lower doses, and could reduce environmental impact. Pharmaceutical solubility can be increased by pH modification, salt formation, ionization, complexation, and co-solvency. Here we report for the first time the use of cyclodextrin-based low-melting mixtures for the solubilization of four steroids: beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, fluticasone propionate and mometasone furoate. First, a low-melting mixture was prepared from sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin and levulinic acid, and characterized. Then, the shake flask method was used to determine the solubility of the drugs in this low-melting mixture. Results show a 4000-fold increase of the solubility of fluticasone propionate using the low-melting, cyclodextrin-based mixture versus water. This huge solubility enhancement could be explained by the formation of an inclusion complex with the cyclodextrin within the low-melting mixture.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Biocatalytic polymeric membranes to decrease biofilm fouling and remove
organic contaminants in wastewater: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract The presence of recalcitrant contaminants in wastewater is major challenge to decrease pollution and associated health issues. As a consequence, membrane technologies have recently attracted industrial attention, yet a major setback of membrane employment is membrane fouling which leads to frequent discarding of membrane modules. More than 45% of all membrane fouling cases are caused by biofilms that are resistant to antimicrobial agents. Here we review polymeric membranes with antifouling properties, with focus on surface properties, fabrication, characterization, biocatalysis using enzymes and application towards the removal of dyes, phenol, pesticides and fertilizers. Nano-engineered fabrication of polymeric membranes allow to decrease fouling by 80–90%. Immobilized oxidoreductases in polymeric membranes allow 65–98% removal contaminants in wastewater.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Cellulose-based beads for the adsorptive removal of wastewater effluents:
a review
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  Abstract: Abstract Wastewater pollution is a major issue requiring advanced treatment methods such as nanotechnologies. In particular, nanocelluloses appear promising as adsorbents due to their elevated surface area, which can be functionalized. Here we review cellulose-based beads with focus on preparation, properties, kinetics, adsorption isotherm modeling and application for wastewater treatment, especially for the removal of metal ions and dyes. Preparation of cellulose-based beads is mainly done by the ionotropic gelation method. High adsorption capacities up to 568.62 mg g−1 for heavy metal ions and 1550.55 mg g−1 for dyes have been reported. We also discuss the regeneration capability of cellulose-based beads.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Occurrence, toxicity and remediation of polyethylene terephthalate
plastics. A review
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  Abstract: Abstract Polyethylene terephthalate is a common plastic in many products such as viscose rayon for clothing, and packaging material in the food and beverage industries. Polyethylene terephthalate has beneficial properties such as light weight, high tensile strength, transparency and gas barrier. Nonetheless, there is actually increasing concern about plastic pollution and toxicity. Here we review the properties, occurrence, toxicity, remediation and analysis of polyethylene terephthalate as macroplastic, mesoplastic, microplastic and nanoplastic. Polyethylene terephthalate occurs in groundwater, drinking water, soils and sediments. Plastic uptake by humans induces diseases such as reducing migration and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow and endothelial progenitor cells. Polyethylene terephthalate can be degraded by physical, chemical and biological methods.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Non-thermal plasmas for disease control and abiotic stress management in
plants
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  Abstract: Abstract Climate change is predicted to cause severe loss in agricultural production by increasing disease epidemics and intensifying abiotic stresses. Therefore, there is a need for sustainable methods to alleviate plant stress, such as non-thermal plasma. Here we review the role of non-thermal plasma for plant treatment, with focus on the control of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other diseases. We present factors influencing the microbicidal activity of non-thermal plasma. Application of non-thermal plasma for combating abiotic stresses such as drought, metal toxicity, nanoparticles and salinity are discussed. Plasma-generated reactive species trigger the activity of stress-responsive genes in plants. The hypothetical mechanisms involved in triggering the activity of different stress-responsive genes controlling diseases as well as abiotic stresses, are also presented and discussed. The mechanism of plant-plasma interaction is similar to priming, hormesis or adaptive response, and resembles vaccination in animals and humans.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Collembola dispersion, selection, and biological interactions in urban
ecosystems: a review
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  Abstract: Abstract Environmental and ecological degradation can be monitored by biological indicators such as plants, yet little research has been done using subterranean organisms such as collembola, especially in cities. Collembola, a soil fauna group, can be used to assess soil quality and to decipher assembly rules of soil organisms in cities. Here, we review 75 articles on soil collembola in an urban context. We found that soil properties and landscape characteristics influenced soil communities. There is a need for more connectivity between green urban spaces to allow the dispersion of collembola. Little information is available on the assembly of collembola communities, on biotic interactions and on dynamics of colonisation.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01
Bisphenols promote the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes
without damaging cell membrane
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  Abstract: Abstract The global dissemination of antibiotic resistance is severely threatening public health. Several non-antibiotic chemicals facilitate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. Bisphenol analogs, e.g., bisphenol S and bisphenol AF, are known pollutants, yet their effects on the propagation and spread of antibiotic resistance genes remain unknown. Our study demonstrates for the first time that bisphenol S and bisphenol AF at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.1–100.0 μg/L accelerates 2–5 folds the conjugative transfer frequency of RP4 plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes within and across bacterial genera, from Escherichia coli DH5α to Escherichia coli HB101 or Salmonella enterica. Bisphenol S and bisphenol AF exerted no effect on the bacterial growth and little change in cell membrane permeability. Accelerated conjugative transfer is explained by the repression of the global regulator, with a maximum relative expression level of 0.23, and of the vertical transfer system (0.26), with simultaneous up-regulation of DNA horizontal transfer and replication system (3.66). This bisphenols-induced conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes could promote the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment and in gut microbial communities of wildlife and human.
  PubDate: 2022-06-01