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17 pages, 3763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidation of Soot by Cerium Dioxide Synthesized Under Different Hydrothermal Conditions

by Jia Fang, Kejian Wang, Peng Chen, Xilong Xu, Chengzhuang Zhang, Yi Wu, Yan Yan and Zinong Zuo

Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051161 - 4 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 524

Abstract

In this study, a series of cerium dioxide catalysts with varying hydrothermal temperatures and times were synthesized using the hydrothermal method, without the use of templates. The impact of varying hydrothermal conditions on the activity of cerium dioxide catalysts was investigated through experiments [...] Read more.

In this study, a series of cerium dioxide catalysts with varying hydrothermal temperatures and times were synthesized using the hydrothermal method, without the use of templates. The impact of varying hydrothermal conditions on the activity of cerium dioxide catalysts was investigated through experiments to examine their oxidation characteristics in soot combustion. Among the conditions tested, the hydrothermal conditions of 140 °C and 6 h yielded the most optimal catalytic oxidation of soot, with a combustion characteristic temperature (T_p) of 552 °C and a reduction of 122.9 °C. The integrated combustion index (S) and combustion stability coefficient (R_w) were found to be 27.97 × 10⁸ %²min⁻²°C⁻³ and 90.76 × 10⁵, respectively. The indices of S and R_w exhibited an improvement of 51.1% and 36.93%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 26867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid Biomarkers in Urban Soils of the Alluvial Area near Sava River, Belgrade, Serbia

by Gordana Dević, Sandra Bulatović, Jelena Avdalović, Nenad Marić, Jelena Milić, Mila Ilić and Tatjana Šolević Knudsen

Molecules 2025, 30(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010154 - 3 Jan 2025

Viewed by 781

Abstract

This study focused on the investigation of soil samples from the alluvial zone of the Sava River, located near the heating plant in New Belgrade, Serbia. Using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), a broad range of alkanes, including linear n-alkanes [...] Read more.

This study focused on the investigation of soil samples from the alluvial zone of the Sava River, located near the heating plant in New Belgrade, Serbia. Using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), a broad range of alkanes, including linear n-alkanes (C₁₀ to C₃₃) and isoprenoids, was analyzed in all samples. The obtained datasets were effectively made simpler by applying multivariate statistical analysis. Various geochemical indices (CPI, ACL, AI, TAR, etc.) and ratios (S/L, Paq, Pwax, etc.) were calculated and used to distinguish between biogenic and anthropogenic contributions. This approach added a higher level of precision to the source identification of hydrocarbons and provided a detailed geochemical characterization of the investigated soil. The results showed that the topsoil had a high content of TPH (average value, 90.65 mg kg⁻¹), potentially related to an accidental oil spill that occurred repeatedly over extended periods. The uncommon n-alkane profiles reported for the investigated soil samples are probably the result of inputs related to anthropogenic sources, emphasizing that petroleum was the main source of the short-chain n-alkanes. The methodology developed in this study was proven to be efficient for the assessment of the environmental quality of the soil in an urban part of New Belgrade, but it can also be a useful tool for soil monitoring and for a pollution assessment in other (sub)urban areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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9 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decabromodifenyl Ether (BDE-209) in Surface Soils from Warsaw and Surrounding Areas: Characterization of Non-Carcinogenic Risk Associated with Oral and Dermal Exposure

by Wojciech Korcz, Katarzyna Czaja, Monika Liszewska, Radosław Lewiński, Anna Słomczyńska and Paweł Struciński

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2335; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102335 - 16 May 2024

Viewed by 1045

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for many years as flame retardants. Due to their physicochemical and toxicological properties, they are considered to be persistent organic pollutants (POPs). BDE-209 is the main component of deca-BDE, the one PBDE commercial mixture currently approved [...] Read more.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for many years as flame retardants. Due to their physicochemical and toxicological properties, they are considered to be persistent organic pollutants (POPs). BDE-209 is the main component of deca-BDE, the one PBDE commercial mixture currently approved for use in the European Union. The aim of this study was to analyse BDE-209 in surface soil samples from Warsaw and surrounding areas (Poland) as an indicator of environmental pollution with PBDEs, and to characterise the associated health risk. A total of 40 samples were analysed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-µECD). Concentrations of BDE-209 in soil ranged from 0.4 ng g⁻¹ d.w. (limit of quantification) to 158 ng g⁻¹ d.w. Overall, 52.5% of results were above the method’s limit of quantification. The highest levels were found at several locations with heavy traffic and in the vicinity of a CHP plant in the city. The lowest concentrations were observed in most of the samples collected from low industrialized or green areas (<0.4 to 1.68 ng g⁻¹ d.w.). Exposure to BDE-209 was estimated for one of the most sensitive populations, i.e., young children. The following exposure routes were selected: oral and dermal. No risk was found to young children’s health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection Method and Common Characteristics of Waste Solvent from Semiconductor Industry

by Jinjuan Ni, Qing Zhang, Xianglin Zhang, Zhilong Sun and Dali Bao

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 5992; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28165992 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

The recycling of organic solvents is a widely discussed topic. The waste organic solvents from thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) production is characterized by large quantities, multiple types, and complex compositions. Thus, the unified and compatible component analysis method is important for studying the [...] Read more.

The recycling of organic solvents is a widely discussed topic. The waste organic solvents from thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) production is characterized by large quantities, multiple types, and complex compositions. Thus, the unified and compatible component analysis method is important for studying the recovery of waste organic solvents. In our work, based on the study of existing analytical methods, we designed a compatible method for the analysis of moisture using Karl Fischer analysis, for the analysis of organic compounds using gas chromatography, and for the analysis of the photoresist and other solids by evaporation. These were specific methods for analyzing the components of near-total formulation thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display waste organic solvent. The organic matter content was analyzed via gas chromatography with a CP-Sil8CB column and flame ionization detector. The initial temperature of the column was 90 °C and the holding time was 1 min. The heating rate was 30 °C/min. The temperature was raised to 270 °C for 7 min. The internal standard method and the external standard method were used to determine the content of the main components of organic compounds. The relative standard deviation of the analytical results was 1.14~2.93%, 1.21~4.74% and 0.61%, respectively. The analytical results had good accuracy, but the external standard method was better; the recoveries were 99.76~107.60%, 95.86~107.70%, and 95.23~96.88%, respectively. Based on the composition analysis, the composition rule of the waste organic solvent was summarized. Through the exploration of the effect of the waste solvent, the common characteristics of the waste solvent were obtained. This study provides a good strategy and an optimized method for improving the efficiency of organic solvent recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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32 pages, 4231 KiB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Implication of Herbicide Use

by Małgorzata Baćmaga, Jadwiga Wyszkowska and Jan Kucharski

Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5965; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245965 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

One of the guiding principles of the sustainable use of herbicides is their targeted action exclusively against weeds, consisting of blocking photosynthesis and synthesis of amino acids and growth regulators. Herbicides are major elements of plant production, indispensable to the functioning of modern [...] Read more.

One of the guiding principles of the sustainable use of herbicides is their targeted action exclusively against weeds, consisting of blocking photosynthesis and synthesis of amino acids and growth regulators. Herbicides are major elements of plant production, indispensable to the functioning of modern agriculture. Nevertheless, their influence on all elements of the natural environment needs to be continuously controlled. This review article summarizes research addressing the effects of herbicides on the natural environment and the changes they trigger therein. Herbicides, applied to protect crops against weed infestation, are usually mixtures of various active substances; hence, it is generally difficult to analyze their impact on the environment and organisms. Nonetheless, an attempt was made in this review to discuss the effects of selected herbicides on individual elements of the natural environment (water, soil, and air) and organisms (humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms). In addition, the article presents examples of the biodegradation of selected herbicides and mechanisms of their degradation by bacteria and fungi. Based on this information, it can be concluded that the uncontrolled use of herbicides has led to adverse effects on non-target organisms, as documented in the scientific literature. However, further research on the environmental effects of these chemicals is needed address the missing knowledge on this subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2697 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Distribution and Profiles of HBCD in Different Environmental Media of China

by Jinglin Deng, Wenbin Liu, Lirong Gao, Tianqi Jia, Yunchen He, Tianao Mao and Javid Hussain

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010036 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2130

Abstract

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is the most important flame retardant that has been used in Expanded Polystyrene foam and Extruded Polystyrene foam in the past forty years across the world. China was the major producer and user of HBCD, and the total HBCD production was [...] Read more.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is the most important flame retardant that has been used in Expanded Polystyrene foam and Extruded Polystyrene foam in the past forty years across the world. China was the major producer and user of HBCD, and the total HBCD production was about 0.3 million tons. Although HBCD was completely banned in China in 2021 because of its long-range transport, bioaccumulation and toxicity, there is still a lot of residue in the environment. Therefore, we reviewed multiple studies concerning the distribution of HBCD in diverse environmental matrices, such as in the air, dust, soil, water, sediment, and biota. Results revealed that HBCD levels in different environments in China present geographical variation and were at a high level compared with other countries. In all environmental media, relatively high HBCD concentrations have been found in industrial and urban areas. Industrialization and urbanization are two important factors that influence the concentration and distribution of HBCD in the environment. In terms of isomer, γ-HBCD was the dominant isomer in soil, water, and sediment, while in the biota α-HBCD was the predominant isomer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3610 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress of Methods for Degradation of Bisphenol A

by Ying Han, Hao Dai, Xiaolong Rong, Haixia Jiang and Yingang Xue

Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8028; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248028 - 9 Dec 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3934

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in industrial production, is found in various environmental sources. Despite numerous reports on BPA degradation and removal, the details remain unclear. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of BPA [...] Read more.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in industrial production, is found in various environmental sources. Despite numerous reports on BPA degradation and removal, the details remain unclear. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of BPA degradation methods, focusing on biological, physical, and chemical treatments and the factors that affect the degradation of BPA. Firstly, the paper uses VOSviewer software (version 1.6.15) to map out the literature on BPA degradation published in the past 20 years, which reveals the trends and research focus in this field. Next, the advantages and limitations of different BPA degradation methods are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of BPA degradation to protect the environment and human health. The paper provides significant insights for researchers and policymakers to develop better approaches for BPA degradation and removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 3711 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Removal of Pollutants from Wastewater Using Magnetic Biochar: A Scientometric and Visualization Analysis

by Chenyang Li, Chongbin Zhang, Shuang Zhong, Jing Duan, Ming Li and Yan Shi

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5840; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155840 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3349

Abstract

In recent years, the use of magnetic biochar in wastewater treatment has shown significant effects and attracted scholars’ attention. However, due to the relatively short research time and the lack of systematic summaries, it is difficult to provide a more in-depth analysis. This [...] Read more.

In recent years, the use of magnetic biochar in wastewater treatment has shown significant effects and attracted scholars’ attention. However, due to the relatively short research time and the lack of systematic summaries, it is difficult to provide a more in-depth analysis. This study utilizes RStudio and CiteSpace software to comprehensively analyze the research trends and progress of magnetic biochar in wastewater treatment. The analysis of bibliometrics is performed on 551 relevant papers retrieved from the Web of Science, spanning the period between 2011 and 2022. The most influential countries, institutions, journals, disciplinary distribution, and top 10 authors and papers in this field have been identified. The latest dataset has been used for keyword clustering and burst analysis. The results indicated that: (1) Bin Gao is the most influential author in this field, and high-level journals such as Bioresource Technology are more inclined to publish articles in the field of magnetic biochar. (2) Research in this field has predominantly focused on the removal of heavy metals and organic compounds. Keyword burst analysis shows a shift in research direction towards the removal of complex organic pollutants recently. (3) For the future development of magnetic biochar, an environment-friendly approach, economic viability, and joint technology are the directions that need more exploration. Finally, this paper provides a summary of the various adsorption mechanisms of magnetic biochar and several common modification methods, aiming to assist scholars in their research endeavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analysis of Organic Pollutants, 2nd Edition)

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