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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical and Molecular Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 16039

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Prof. Dr. Abdeltif Amrane

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Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Rennes, CEDEX 7, 35708 Rennes, France
Interests: environmental engineering; combined processes; biological treatment; advanced (electrochemical) oxidation processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jesús M. Anzano

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Laser Lab, Chemistry & Environment Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009-Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: laser spectroscopy; environmental analysis; antarctic chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. María Emma Borges

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Chemical Engineering Department, University of La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
Interests: photocatalysis for sustainable environmental applications: air/water decontamination, biofuels production, hydrogen from water splitting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, with the rapid development of industry and the growth of the population, the problem of pollution has attracted increasing attention. There are many kinds of pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, solid-waste pollution and so on. These pollutants are closely related to people's living environment. Take water pollution as an example, mainly from industrial wastewater (paper, metallurgy, chemical and mining industries, etc.) and urban sewage. At present, there are physical methods, chemical methods and biological methods, including adsorption, precipitation, biofilm and other methods. By using these technologies to reduce or remove pollution from the environment, scientists are also working to develop more efficient methods and technologies to remove pollutants, with the aim of creating a greener and healthier environment.

This Special Issue presents recent work on:

Air pollution;
Water pollution;
Solid waste pollution;
New methods and techniques;
Green and healthy environment.

Prof. Dr. Abdeltif Amrane
Prof. Dr. Jesús M. Anzano
Prof. Dr. María Emma Borges
Guest Editors

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Keywords

air pollution
water pollution
solid waste pollution
new methods and techniques
green and healthy environment

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 7433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Removal of Tetracycline Hydrochloride via Adsorption onto Modified Bentonite: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies

by Aisha Pereira, Adriano Freitas, Mariana Silva, Anne Camara, Heloise Moura, Daniel Ballesteros-Plata, Enrique Rodríguez-Castellón and Luciene de Carvalho

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063372 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 333

Abstract

Pharmaceutical contamination of water sources has become a critical environmental challenge. Bentonite (BN), a natural clay mineral, has gained attention due to its high surface area, cation exchange capacity, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising adsorbent for removing contaminants. This study explores the potential of BN and its acid-treated form (BA1) as effective adsorbents for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) from aqueous solutions. Comprehensive characterization was performed using analytical techniques, including XRF, XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, TG/DTG, and CO₂ and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results indicate that BA1 is a mesoporous material with a surface area exceeding 165 m²·g⁻¹. The adsorption process was fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. BA1 achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 40.98 mg·g⁻¹ and removal efficiency of up to 99% within only 30 min at an optimal pH of 5. Equilibrium isotherm calculations for BA1 show the best fit for the Freundlich model R² > 0.9923, indicating a favorable adsorption process. The material was reused over seven consecutive cycles to evaluate the regeneration capacity of the clay mineral materials. BN stands out for its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability as a promising material for water treatment applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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19 pages, 6220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of ZnO/g-C₃N₄ Composites Obtained by Pyrolysis of a Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent and Their Application as Catalysts in Different AOPs

by Bárbara Lomba-Fernández, Marta Pazos, Emilio Rosales and M. Ángeles Sanromán

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052475 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 498

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis and evaluation of ZnO/g-C₃N₄ composites as efficient green catalysts for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) targeting the treatment of contaminated water. The composites were synthesized using a ternary deep eutectic solvent and physically–chemically characterized in detail, confirming their structural integrity and successful synthesis. Photocatalytic, photo-Fenton- and electro-Fenton-like experiments were conducted using Rhodamine B as a model contaminant to evaluate the catalytic performance, reuse and stability of the synthesized material. The synthesized ZnO/g-C₃N₄ composites demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity under LED light (395 nm), achieving a pollutant removal of around 59% in 90 min. The combined effect of the designed catalyst and Fenton-like process, a photo-Fenton-like process, significantly improved this performance, achieving removal of close to 95% in 60 min due to the synergistic effects of the irradiation and H₂O₂ activation. Finally, the catalytic action of synthesized ZnO/g-C₃N₄ composites in the electro-Fenton-like process exhibited superior efficiency, achieving 90% removal within 45 min and kinetic constants four times higher than those of anodic oxidation alone. In addition, reuse studies confirmed the stability and catalytic activity of the composites for several cycles with high removal efficiencies, demonstrating their viability for long-term and scalable water treatment applications. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO/g-C₃N₄ composites synthesized through DES as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for water remediation technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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16 pages, 2686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methods for Obtaining Humus Substances: Advantages and Disadvantages

by Anna M. Anielak, Renata Świderska-Dąbrowska, Dominika Łomińska-Płatek, Tomasz Dąbrowski and Krzysztof Piaskowski

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052463 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 475

Abstract

The paper reviews the patent descriptions of methods for obtaining humic substances and the procedures used in their industrial production. Selected humus substances, obtained using three different methods, were also examined. In the first one, humic substances were obtained due to the hydrolytic-oxidative decomposition of lignosulfonate. The second one consists of alkaline extraction from brown coal. According to the third, humus substances were extracted from digested sewage sludge. In the obtained humus substances, molecular composition, inorganic impurities, IR spectrum, gravimetric analysis, and the % shares of fulvic and humic acids were determined. The physico-chemical properties of the tested substances were also assessed. Based on the study’s results, the advantages and disadvantages of the obtained humus substances were determined, and methods for their modification to improve utility values were provided. Research on humic substances is a very important issue, especially concerning improving soil management and developing sustainable agricultural practices. They are key in improving soil structure and increasing its capacity to retain water and essential nutrients such as N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg. In addition, humic substances are an important store of carbon in soils, which is important in the context of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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18 pages, 2642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation, Ozonation, and Ultrasonic Field on the Effectiveness of Dye Removal from Aqueous Solutions

by Małgorzata Kida and Sabina Ziembowicz

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052373 - 23 Feb 2025

Viewed by 610

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the effectiveness of the removal of three dyes, Indigo Carmine, Tartrazine, and Allura Red AC, using advanced oxidation methods. The research showed low efficiency in removing these dyes using acoustic waves. Neither the addition of hydrogen peroxide to assist the process nor increasing the intensity of the acoustic waves improved the degradation of the analyzed dyes. However, when ozone was applied, a 91% removal efficiency of Indigo Carmine was achieved after 30 min, while the other two dyes were resistant to degradation by ozone. The introduction of an additional amount of oxidant in the form of hydrogen peroxide and waste catalyst (steel shavings) resulted in an increased efficiency of removing all dyes and a shortening of the degradation process time. Ultraviolet radiation in the presence of a TiO₂ catalyst was also effective only for Indigo Carmine. After 30 min, the removal efficiency of this dye reached 95%. It was also demonstrated that the catalyst dose affected the rate constant of the reaction. Kinetic studies revealed that the degradation of Indigo Carmine in an aqueous solution through advanced oxidation processes followed the first-order reaction kinetics. Energy demand calculations confirmed that the most effective Indigo Carmine removal process is the one using ozone with the addition of a catalyst and an oxidizer at pH = 3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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14 pages, 2258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Sustaining Double-Stage Circularity Through Utilization of Sunflower Agriculture’s Waste in Bio-Fertilizers: Commissioning of a Full-Scale Facility

by Denitza Zgureva-Filipova, Viktoria Nikolova, Lyudmila Krasteva and Kalin Filipov

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042203 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 580

Abstract

The conception of a circular economy is one of the crucial approaches that could accelerate the processes of achieving sustainable development goals, which challenge all industries and societies. Still, the potential of agricultural waste in this area is not fully covered by technologies. This study aims to develop a full-scale technology for self-sustaining double-stage circularity through the utilization of sunflower agriculture’s waste in bio-fertilizers. The investigation is performed in Bulgaria, as available sunflower husk ashes (SHA) are subjected to analyses regarding their applicability for bio-fertilizer production. The design of the technology and full-scale equipment commissioning process are described. The conditions and results from the adjustment tests are presented and, based on these, the optimal operating parameters are defined. The successful granulation of different samples of SHA at these conditions is performed and the final granular bio-fertilizers are characterized with a content of 30 wt. % K₂O and 5% wt. P₂O. The moisture of the prepared granules is approx. 5 wt. %, and they pass the crushing tests at 2.5 kgf. The biotoxicity of the bio-fertilizer is also analyzed, and the results show its applicability in agriculture. The proposed approach allows the initial sources of K₂O and P₂O from soil feeding the sunflowers to circulate in different industrial technologies and to reenter the soil through bio-fertilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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11 pages, 2831 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Heavy Metal Ion Detection Using TiO₂ Nanotubes and Self-Reduced TiO₂ Nanotube Electrodes

by Cristian Pirvu, Mariana Prodana, Cristina Dumitriu, Alexandru-George Gheboianu, Andreea Madalina Pandele, Marius Enachescu, Gabriela-Geanina Vasile and George-Octavian Buica

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11879; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411879 - 19 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 737

Abstract

TiO₂ nanotubes and self-reduced TiO₂ nanotube semiconductor electrodes were used for electrochemical metal ion detection in an open circuit under photo-accumulation conditions. Due to their surface properties, the electrodes showed different responses towards metal ions at different wavelengths of light radiation. Using TiO₂ nanotube-based electrodes, Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were detected at irradiation wavelengths of 389 nm and 426 nm. Detection limits of 8 × 10⁻⁹ M and 5 × 10⁻⁹ M for Pb(II) and 3 × 10⁻⁸ and 7 × 10⁻⁹ M for Cu(II) were obtained at the two wavelengths, respectively. The self-reducing electrode showed a response to Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions when irradiated with light at 389 nm, while at 426 nm, Hg(II) ions along with Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were detected. The obtained detection limits with self-reduced TiO₂ nanotube electrodes for Pb(II) and Cu(II) at 389 nm were 2 × 10⁻⁷ M and 8 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively. At a wavelength of 426 nm, the detection limits were 1 × 10⁻⁷ M, 3 × 10⁻⁹, and 4 × 10⁻⁹ M for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II), respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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10 pages, 6421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Reactive Yellow 86 from Synthetic Wastewater in Lab-Scale Constructed Wetlands Planted with Cattail and Papyrus

by Akihiro Yamamoto, Hiroki Eguchi and Satoshi Soda

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6584; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156584 - 27 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447

Abstract

Synthetic wastewater was treated in lab-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) in sequencing batch mode to evaluate roles of aquatic plants for removing an azo dye: Reactive Yellow 86 (RY86). Under hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 5 days, removal by unplanted CWs was less than 20% for RY86 of 10–50 mg/L. The CWs planted with cattail and papyrus demonstrated RY86 removal of 50–68% and 73–84%, respectively. For wastewater containing 50 mg/L RY86, removal in the unplanted CW was <12%, even under a 15 day HRT, although it was 22–71% in CWs planted with cattail and 34–81% in CWs planted with cattail, with increasing values under HRTs of 1 day to 15 days. Both cattail and papyrus grew well, extending their roots in the CWs for 90 days. RY86-decolorizing microorganisms were detected in CW effluent. Overall, RY86 removal was positively correlated with evapotranspiration in the CWs, indicating the plant uptake as the main removal mechanism. Papyrus and cattail, especially the former, are suitable plants for CWs intended to treat RY86-containing wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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16 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microalgal Systems, a Green Solution for Wastewater Conventional Pollutants Removal, Disinfection, and Reduction of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Prevalence?

by Helena M. Amaro, Joana F. Sousa, Eva M. Salgado, José C. M. Pires and Olga C. Nunes

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4266; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074266 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

The low-efficiency rate of urban wastewater (UWW) treatment generates tons of discharged water with a high concentration of pollutants, pathogens and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). Microalgal systems may be a green alternative to be implemented as a UWW polishing treatment. This study assessed the ability of Chlorella vulgaris and UWW autochthonous microalgal species (AMS) to simultaneously remove PO₄–P, and reduce the proliferation of coliforms and ARGs. AMS seems to be more promising due to: (i) the higher specific growth rate, μ_max (0.687 ± 0.065 d⁻¹); (ii) efficient PO₄–P removal (92.62 ± 0.10%); (iii) faster reduction of coliforms proliferation achieving concentrations below the limits of quantification (6 d); (iv) the reduction of intl1 and the ARGs sul1 and bla_TEM abundance in ca. of 70.4%, 69.2%, and 75.7%, respectively (9 d); and (v) the additional reduction of these genes in ca. of 97.1%, 94.2%, and 99.9%, respectively, after 5 d storage in the dark and at room temperature. Results also revealed that the high pH values in both microalgal systems (due to microalgal growth) were highly correlated with a reduction in the proliferation of coliforms, including Escherichia coli. In conclusion, using AMS as a final polishing treatment of UWW seems to be very promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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Review

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17 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Chemical Variability and Metal Contamination of Herbaceous Plants in Terms of Health Safety—A Case Study of Tanacetum vulgare L.

by Anna Turek

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020911 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 939

Abstract

The article presents a review of studies on the chemical diversity of essential oils and extracts from Tanacetum vulgare L. under the influence of environmental factors and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the plant. These issues are crucial for consumer safety, especially when they concern plants widely used in alternative medicine. Stress factors to which plants are subjected may result in a decrease in their biological activity or toxic effects (as in the case of Tanacetum vulgare L.). The issue is particularly important in the context of increasing environmental pollution, e.g., with heavy metals, and climate change, which is also a stress factor. The presented review clearly shows that detailed research is required both to identify the components of T. vulgare with specific therapeutic potential and to assess their quantitative changes under the influence of a specific stressor. It was found that there is a need to standardize analytical procedures used in research on the bioaccumulation of metals by medicinal plants. The importance of environmental monitoring in herb-growing areas, as an important element of health policy, is also emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

49 pages, 17347 KiB

Open AccessReview

Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction for Brackish Groundwater Treatment: From Engineering Aspects to Implementation

by Hamza Outaleb, Sanaa Kouzbour, Fabrice Audonnet, Christophe Vial and Bouchaib Gourich

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8986; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198986 - 5 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2714

Abstract

In recent years, nitrate has emerged as a significant groundwater pollutant due to its potential ecotoxicity. In particular, nitrate contamination of brackish groundwater poses a serious threat to both ecosystems and human health and remains difficult to treat. A promising, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution when biological treatments are not applicable is the conversion of nitrate to harmless nitrogen (N₂) or ammonia (NH₃) as a nutrient by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (eNO₃R) using solar photovoltaic energy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advances in eNO₃R for the production of nitrogen and ammonia. The discussion begins with fundamental concepts, including a detailed examination of the mechanisms and pathways involved, supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) to elucidate specific aspects of ammonium and nitrogen formation during the process. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offers promising advancements in enhancing the predictive power of DFT, accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel catalysts. In this review, we also explore various electrode preparation methods and emphasize the importance of in situ characterization techniques to investigate surface phenomena during the reaction process. The review highlights numerous examples of copper-based catalysts and analyses their feasibility and effectiveness in ammonia production. It also explores strategies for the conversion of nitrate to N₂, focusing on nanoscale zerovalent iron as a selective material and the subsequent oxidation of the produced ammonia. Finally, this review addresses the implementation of the eNO₃R process for the treatment of brackish groundwater, discussing various challenges and providing reasonable opinions on how to overcome these obstacles. By synthesizing current research and practical examples, this review highlights the potential of eNO₃R as a viable solution to mitigate nitrate pollution and improve water quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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21 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contamination with Pharmaceuticals in Aquatic Environment: Focus on Analytical Methodologies

by Agneša Szarka, Lucia Vnuková, Zuzana Keršňáková, Nicolette Viktoryová and Svetlana Hrouzková

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8645; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198645 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1843

Abstract

The growing prevalence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment raises significant concerns due to their potential impacts on ecological and human health. This present manuscript focuses on the methods used to extract and determine these pharmaceuticals in water samples. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the extraction techniques and analytical approaches employed for the identification and quantification of pharmaceuticals in environmental water. Due to their chemical properties and widespread use, pharmaceuticals persist in the environment and contaminate water bodies, soil, and sediments. The presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has been linked to several adverse effects on aquatic organisms, including the disruption of physiological processes and reproductive impairment. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals in the environment can affect human health through food and drinking water contamination and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants in water samples presents several challenges due to the complex matrix and low concentrations of target substances. Various sample preparation techniques and protocols, including solid-phase extraction (more than 76% of the studied literature) and QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem-mass spectrometry, are commonly used for their determination. These methods offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and efficiency in identifying and quantifying pharmaceuticals in environmental samples. It is, therefore, essential that ongoing research is conducted in order to develop more efficient analytical methods and mitigation strategies to address pharmaceutical contamination in the environmental water effectively. It is also crucial that increased awareness and regulatory measures are put in place in order to minimize the environmental and human health risks associated with pharmaceutical pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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14 pages, 4936 KiB

Open AccessReview

Thermal and Thermomechanical Analysis of Amorphous Metals: A Compact Review

by Floren Radovanović-Perić, Ivana Panžić, Arijeta Bafti and Vilko Mandić

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7452; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177452 - 23 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Metallic glasses are amorphous metals that are supercooled to a frozen, glassy state and lack long-range order, in contrast to conventional metal structures. The lack of a well-ordered structure largely contributes to the unique properties exhibited by these materials. However, their synthesis and processability are defined and thereby constrained by a plethora of thermal and mechanical parameters. Therefore, their broader utilization in the scientific field and particularly in the related industry is somewhat hindered by the limitations related to preparing them in higher amounts. This may be overcome by changing the approach of metal glass formation to a bottom-up approach by utilizing solid-state plasma techniques, such as spark plasma ablation. Another important aspect of amorphous metals, inherently related to their non-equilibrium metastable nature, is the necessity to understand their thermal transformations, which requires unconventional thermal analysis methods. Therefore, this minute review aims to highlight the most important conceptual parameters behind configuring and performing conventional and advanced thermal analysis techniques. The importance of calorimetry methods (differential and fast scanning calorimetry) for the determination of key thermal properties (critical cooling rate, glass-forming ability, heat capacity, relaxation, and rejuvenation) is underscored. Moreover, the contributions of thermomechanical analysis and in situ temperature-dependent structural analysis are also mentioned. Namely, all of the mentioned temperature-dependent mechanical and structural analyses may give rise to the discovery of new glass systems with low critical cooling rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Remove of Pollutants for Green and Healthy Environment)

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