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Search Results (3,008)

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Keywords = advanced oxidation process

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19 pages, 1064 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Driven Kinetic Optimization of Hydroxylamine-Modified Transition Metal Oxide/Peroxymonosulfate System for antibiotic Degradation
by Zhixuan Li, Jianwei Li, Ao Zeng, Xi Lian, Wenjun Zhou, Shuyi Xie and Pengjun Wu
Water 2026, 18(8), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18080945 - 15 Apr 2026
Abstract
Hydroxylamine-modified transition-metal oxides (HA-TMOs) represent a promising class of catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade antibiotics. However, identifying energy-efficient operational conditions remains challenging. This study established a comprehensive dataset encompassing 600 experimental records from both in-house experiments and literature and systematically compared [...] Read more.
Hydroxylamine-modified transition-metal oxides (HA-TMOs) represent a promising class of catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade antibiotics. However, identifying energy-efficient operational conditions remains challenging. This study established a comprehensive dataset encompassing 600 experimental records from both in-house experiments and literature and systematically compared 12 machine learning algorithms for predicting the antibiotic degradation efficiency (%) in hydroxylamine-modified transition metal oxide/peroxymonosulfate (HA-TMO/PMS) systems. Among these models, CatBoost delivered the best generalization (test-set R2 = 0.8110, RMSE = 8.92, MAE = 6.15) across repeated 80/20 stratified splits with 5-fold cross-validation, outperforming other ensembles as confirmed by cumulative distribution plots and error-metric analyses. Moreover, the permutation importance analysis identified PMS dosage, HA level, pH, initial pollutant concentration, and catalyst loading as the dominant drivers governing the pollutant removal performance. The partial-dependence plots, incorporating two-variable interactions, elucidated the response surfaces and enabled the discovery of operating windows that jointly maximize degradation efficiency and minimize electrical energy per order (EE/O). ML-guided optimization yielded optimal conditions, which were experimentally verified with sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The HA-Co3O4/PMS system achieved the highest degradation rate constant (k = 0.11 min−1) and the lowest EE/O value (6.84 kWh·m−3·order−1), markedly improving kinetics and reducing energy consumption compared with non-optimized runs. This work establishes an interpretable ML framework that connects catalyst properties and reaction conditions to degradation kinetics and mechanisms, providing a practical strategy for the screening and scale-up of energy-efficient HA-TMOs/PMS-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Full article
17 pages, 2596 KB  
Article
Deactivation and Regeneration of Lewis Basic Sites Following Reversible Chemical Adsorption and Desorption of Hydroxyl Groups in Contaminant Degradation by Advanced Oxidation
by Lekang Zhao, Huailin Fan, Juncheng Zhao, Xixi Zhang, Xiaohang Ma, Xun Hu and Qingyu Ma
Materials 2026, 19(8), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19081589 - 15 Apr 2026
Abstract
The Lewis basic catalysts were susceptible to poisoning during the activation of peroxymonosulfate, resulting in their transformation into spent catalysts and subsequent secondary environmental contamination. In this work, the chemical constitution of the catalyst’s surface during both the deactivation and regeneration processes was [...] Read more.
The Lewis basic catalysts were susceptible to poisoning during the activation of peroxymonosulfate, resulting in their transformation into spent catalysts and subsequent secondary environmental contamination. In this work, the chemical constitution of the catalyst’s surface during both the deactivation and regeneration processes was intensively tracked. The mechanistic studies revealed that the reversible bonding of adsorbed hydroxyl groups generated from peroxymonosulfate activation with Lewis basic carbon atoms adjacent to pyridinic nitrogen was identified as the intrinsic mechanism responsible for the catalyst regeneration, accompanied by the reappearance of Lewis basic sites. Following high-temperature or sodium borohydride reduction, the activity of the catalysts was restored to over 90% of the initial activity, enabling the spent catalysts to be reused multiple times. Catalyst deactivation corresponded to an increase in the C–OH content from 24.3% to 35.2%, whereas regeneration reduced it to 25.16%. Furthermore, a strong inverse correlation was observed between the surface hydroxyl density and the catalytic activity. The study elucidates the deactivation and regeneration mechanisms of Lewis basic catalysts at the atomic scale, paving the way for durable applications in advanced oxidation processes. Full article
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41 pages, 4060 KB  
Review
Reimagining Textile Effluent Treatment Using Metal–Organic Framework-Based Hybrid Catalysts: A Critical Review
by Hossam A. Nabwey and Maha A. Tony
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040355 - 15 Apr 2026
Abstract
Textile wastewater remains one of the most challenging industrial effluents to remediate due to its intense and persistent coloration, high organic load, elevated salinity, and fluctuating pH and the presence of recalcitrant dye structures and auxiliary chemicals. Conventional physicochemical and biological treatments frequently [...] Read more.
Textile wastewater remains one of the most challenging industrial effluents to remediate due to its intense and persistent coloration, high organic load, elevated salinity, and fluctuating pH and the presence of recalcitrant dye structures and auxiliary chemicals. Conventional physicochemical and biological treatments frequently achieve incomplete removal, generate secondary wastes, or fail under high-salt and toxic dye matrices. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) provide molecular-level degradation via reactive oxygen species (ROS), yet their deployment is often constrained by narrow operating windows, catalyst instability, chemical/energy demand, and scale-up limitations. In this context, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as tunable porous catalytic platforms that integrate adsorption and oxidation within a single architecture through controllable metal nodes, functional linkers, and engineered pore environments. This critical review reimagines textile effluent treatment through the lens of MOF-based hybrid catalysts, synthesizing progress across Fenton/photo-Fenton catalysis, photocatalytic MOFs, persulfate activation, and MOF-derived/composite systems. Mechanistic pathways are discussed by linking pollutant enrichment, cyclic redox reactions, charge-transfer processes, and ROS-driven degradation toward mineralization, with emphasis on the distinction between rapid decolorization and true organic removal. A critical comparison highlights how hybridization improves charge transport, stability, and catalyst recovery, while persistent gaps remain in hydrolytic robustness, metal leaching control, intermediate toxicity assessment, real-wastewater validation, continuous-flow reactor integration, and techno-economic feasibility. Finally, the review outlines actionable research directions, including water-stable and defect-engineered MOFs, immobilized and structured catalysts, solar-driven operation, standardized performance metrics, and life-cycle-informed design, to accelerate translation toward scalable and sustainable textile wastewater remediation. By bridging material chemistry with reactor-level feasibility and sustainability assessment, this review provides an implementation-oriented perspective for next-generation textile wastewater treatment. Full article
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41 pages, 7798 KB  
Review
Catalyst Engineering for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production: State-of-the-Art Progress and Future Perspectives
by Yangyulu Huang, Shurui Cheng, Qixuan Chi and Wenjun Jiang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(8), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16080466 - 15 Apr 2026
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a vital role as an eco-friendly oxidizer, extensively used in environmental cleanup, energy transformation, and organic production. Nonetheless, the conventional method of creating anthraquinones is intricate, resulting in significant energy and ecological costs, which calls [...] Read more.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a vital role as an eco-friendly oxidizer, extensively used in environmental cleanup, energy transformation, and organic production. Nonetheless, the conventional method of creating anthraquinones is intricate, resulting in significant energy and ecological costs, which calls for the development of more eco-friendly and efficient substitute technologies. The article methodically examines the reaction processes and methods for improving efficiency in photocatalytic H2O2 generation in the past few years. This review summarizes the design principles and key structural features of various novel catalytic materials, focusing on light absorption, charge separation and migration, surface redox reactions, and enhanced mass transfer. Approaches such as expanding the range of bandgap absorption, building conjugated structures, and incorporating metal nanoclusters can significantly enhance the efficiency of light absorption. In the charge separation process, constructing built-in electric fields at the interfaces of heterojunctions, homojunctions, and Schottky junctions is crucial for improving reaction efficiency. Additionally, defect engineering may encourage targeted carrier movement and minimize recombination. The review highlights the latest advancements in enhancing selectivity and reducing H2O2 breakdown in surface redox reactions, achieved by regulating active sites, introducing new functional groups, and developing dual-channel reaction pathways. Furthermore, constructing three-phase interfaces, regulating asymmetric wettability, and designing cyclic/flow reactors provide innovative engineering solutions to address the challenges of insufficient oxygen supply and large-scale continuous production. Ultimately, the potential for producing H2O2 in photocatalytic systems is detailed. Full article
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24 pages, 817 KB  
Review
Catalytic Systems and Mechanistic Insights into Crotonaldehyde Synthesis from Acetaldehyde: A Comprehensive Review
by Kai Yang, Feng Shi and Lingtao Wang
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040353 - 15 Apr 2026
Abstract
This paper systematically reviews the recent advances in catalytic systems and reaction mechanisms for the synthesis of crotonaldehyde via aldol condensation using acetaldehyde as the feedstock. Firstly, the structural characteristics, reactivity, and important applications of crotonaldehyde in fine chemicals are outlined, with particular [...] Read more.
This paper systematically reviews the recent advances in catalytic systems and reaction mechanisms for the synthesis of crotonaldehyde via aldol condensation using acetaldehyde as the feedstock. Firstly, the structural characteristics, reactivity, and important applications of crotonaldehyde in fine chemicals are outlined, with particular emphasis on the limitations of traditional homogeneous base-catalyzed processes, such as difficulty in separation and environmental pollution caused by waste streams. On this basis, heterogeneous catalytic systems are discussed in detail, focusing on the progress of metal oxides, aluminosilicate zeolites, and heteroatom zeolites in regulating acid–base properties, active site structures, and reaction pathways. Furthermore, the typical carbanion mechanism and direct condensation mechanism in aldol condensation are summarized, and the catalyst deactivation and by-product formation mechanisms are analyzed. Finally, perspectives on the construction of efficient and green catalytic systems and future research directions are proposed, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for process optimization and catalyst design in crotonaldehyde synthesis from acetaldehyde. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Sustainability)
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33 pages, 2357 KB  
Review
Regenerative Therapies for Cosmetic Dermatology for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Skin Aging, Aesthetic Concerns, and Evidence-Based Best Practices
by Tamara Tuma Odeh, Dillen A. Patel, Pradhyumna Mayur Pradeep, Jaiden A. Patel, Rahul Mittal and Khemraj Hirani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083507 - 14 Apr 2026
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus affects an estimated 589 million adults globally, and cutaneous manifestations occur in up to 70% of affected individuals during the course of the disease. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the intersection of diabetes mellitus, skin aging, cosmetic [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus affects an estimated 589 million adults globally, and cutaneous manifestations occur in up to 70% of affected individuals during the course of the disease. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the intersection of diabetes mellitus, skin aging, cosmetic dermatologic procedures, and regenerative therapies, with an emphasis on evidence-based best practices and clinical considerations. While the impaired wound healing associated with diabetes has been extensively studied, the aesthetic implications of diabetic skin disease remain comparatively underexplored. Individuals with diabetes frequently exhibit features of accelerated cutaneous aging, including premature wrinkling, dyschromia, xerosis, alopecia, and other cosmetically significant dermatoses that may negatively impact quality of life. In parallel, the demand for aesthetic dermatologic procedures among patients with diabetes has increased substantially; however, evidence-based recommendations guiding the safe and effective use of cosmetic interventions in this population remain limited. Diabetic skin demonstrates accelerated biological aging driven by complex pathophysiological mechanisms, including the accumulation of advanced glycation end products, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, microvascular dysfunction, and neuropathy. These processes partially overlap with chronological aging and photoaging but are mechanistically distinct and may influence tissue repair, inflammatory responses, and the safety profile of commonly performed aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, neuromodulators, and microneedling. Emerging regenerative approaches, including platelet-rich plasma, platelet lysate, and mesenchymal stromal cell-derived products such as exosomes and secretomes, have attracted increasing attention as biologically targeted strategies for cutaneous rejuvenation. Nevertheless, clinical evidence specifically addressing aesthetic interventions in diabetic populations remains limited. A diabetes-informed approach to aesthetic dermatology that considers metabolic status, procedure selection, and post-procedural monitoring is therefore essential to optimize safety and therapeutic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)
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24 pages, 3258 KB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zn-Doped CuO Nanoparticles Using Aloysia citrodora Extract for Highly Efficient Fenton-like Dye Degradation
by Aicha Hazmoune, Chahra Boukaous, Mazen S. F. Al-Hazeef, Mohammed Salah Aida, Farid Fadhillah, Amine Aymen Assadi, Abdeltif Amrane, Fekri Abdulraqeb Ali, Jie Zhang and Hichem Tahraoui
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040352 - 14 Apr 2026
Abstract
The development of efficient, sustainable, and low-cost catalysts for wastewater treatment remains a major environmental challenge. In this work, Zn-doped CuO nanostructures were successfully synthesized via a green route using Aloysia citrodora leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The structural [...] Read more.
The development of efficient, sustainable, and low-cost catalysts for wastewater treatment remains a major environmental challenge. In this work, Zn-doped CuO nanostructures were successfully synthesized via a green route using Aloysia citrodora leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The structural and morphological properties of the prepared catalysts were systematically characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses. The results revealed the formation of highly crystalline monoclinic CuO nanoparticles, whose defect density and surface properties were significantly modified by Zn incorporation. The catalytic performance of the synthesized materials was evaluated through the heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution under dark conditions. The Zn-doped CuO catalyst exhibited outstanding degradation efficiency (~99.97%) within only 30 min, using a low catalyst dosage of 15 mg and a minimal H2O2 amount of 25 μL. The enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic interaction between Zn-induced lattice defects and the Cu2+/Cu+ redox cycle, which promotes efficient H2O2 activation and •OH radical generation. Radical scavenging experiments confirmed the dominant role of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation process. Compared with previously reported CuO-based catalysts, the present system demonstrates superior performance in terms of reaction rate, oxidant consumption, and energy efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of Zn-doped CuO synthesized via green chemistry as a promising and sustainable catalyst for advanced wastewater treatment applications. Full article
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31 pages, 1830 KB  
Review
Leaching of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters Using Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Review
by Stylianos Spathariotis, Eirini Zagoraiou, Anastasia-Maria Moschovi, Ekaterini Polyzou and Iakovos Yakoumis
Purification 2026, 2(2), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/purification2020005 - 14 Apr 2026
Abstract
Platinum group metals (PGMs), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), are critical for automotive emission control, chemical manufacturing and emerging energy technologies, yet their supply is limited and geographically concentrated. Their designation as critical raw materials (CRMs) in the EU has intensified [...] Read more.
Platinum group metals (PGMs), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), are critical for automotive emission control, chemical manufacturing and emerging energy technologies, yet their supply is limited and geographically concentrated. Their designation as critical raw materials (CRMs) in the EU has intensified recycling efforts, especially from spent automotive catalysts. Conventional pyrometallurgical and acid-based hydrometallurgical routes achieve high recovery efficiencies but rely on aggressive reagents and energy-intensive processing. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as greener leaching media capable of dissolving PGMs under milder and tunable conditions. This review outlines the conventional hydrometallurgical framework, summarizes DES fundamentals relevant to metals dissolution, and critically assesses recent advances in DES-based leaching of PGMs from spent catalysts. The influence of solvent composition, oxidants and complexing ligands on PGMs speciation and recovery is discussed, together with emerging reporting guidelines and research priorities. Overall, DES-based leaching offers a promising and potentially safer route for autocatalyst recycling but the technology remains at an early stage of development, requiring further mechanistic insight and sustainability evaluation. Full article
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23 pages, 7254 KB  
Article
Photocatalytic Cleanability of ZnO-Decorated Ceramic Membranes for Rhodamine B Removal
by Yassine Khmiri, Feryelle Aouay, Afef Attia, Hajer Aloulou, Lasâad Dammak, Catia Algieri and Raja Ben Amar
Membranes 2026, 16(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16040148 - 14 Apr 2026
Abstract
The widespread presence of stable and hazardous organic contaminants, such as synthetic dyes, in industrial effluents necessitates the development of resilient treatment strategies capable of achieving efficient degradation and decolorization of dye pollutants. Conventional treatment processes often fail to remove such recalcitrant compounds, [...] Read more.
The widespread presence of stable and hazardous organic contaminants, such as synthetic dyes, in industrial effluents necessitates the development of resilient treatment strategies capable of achieving efficient degradation and decolorization of dye pollutants. Conventional treatment processes often fail to remove such recalcitrant compounds, prompting growing interest in integrated advanced systems. Photocatalytic membranes represent a promising solution due to the synergistic combination of physical separation and catalytic degradation. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were deposited by spin coating onto smectite–zeolite ceramic membranes (MS10/Z90), applying one (M1), two (M2), and three (M3) successive coating layers to control catalyst thickness. SEM analysis confirmed that increasing the number of layers resulted in a thicker and more homogeneous ZnO coating, while XRD revealed enhanced crystallinity and larger crystallite size. Water permeability decreased progressively from 623 L·h−1·m−2·bar−1 for the uncoated membrane to 506, 439, and 350 L·h−1·m−2·bar−1 for M1, M2, and M3, respectively. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated using Rhodamine B (RhB) (10 mg·L−1) under UV irradiation (365 nm, 18 W) for 180 min, achieving degradation efficiencies of 83.0%, 94.6%, and 99.1% for M1, M2, and M3, respectively. The degradation kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, with rate constants increasing with catalyst layer thickness. Free radical scavenging assays confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were the primary reactive species responsible for RhB degradation. These findings highlight the critical influence of ZnO layer thickness and mass transfer on photocatalytic performance, demonstrating the potential of ZnO-coated ceramic membranes for efficient pollutant degradation and in situ photocatalytic regeneration. Permeability measurements after photocatalytic treatment confirmed effective flux recovery, supporting the operational durability of the developed membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Water Treatment)
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13 pages, 459 KB  
Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomal miRNAs in Skin Repair and Rejuvenation
by Jijun Hao
Genes 2026, 17(4), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040450 - 13 Apr 2026
Abstract
Skin aging and wound healing are the result of intricate and interconnected processes involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and extracellular matrix degradation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are rich in bioactive components, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a crucial role in [...] Read more.
Skin aging and wound healing are the result of intricate and interconnected processes involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and extracellular matrix degradation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are rich in bioactive components, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and key signaling pathways critical for maintaining skin homeostasis. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the roles of MSC-derived exosomal miRNAs (MSC-Exo-miRNAs) in cutaneous repair and rejuvenation. Specific exosomal miRNAs are analyzed for their ability to modulate inflammatory responses, promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, enhance angiogenesis, and facilitate keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization. Their roles in regulating key signaling pathways are discussed in the context of skin regeneration and aging, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt, TGF-β/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, emerging engineering strategies aimed at optimizing miRNA cargo loading, improving delivery efficiency, and advancing clinical translation are highlighted. Overall, MSC-Exo-miRNAs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for skin repair and rejuvenation; however, further mechanistic investigations and rigorous clinical studies are necessary to fully realize their translational potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of mRNA Translation in Health and Disease)
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50 pages, 6725 KB  
Review
Advances in Hybrid Photo-Fenton Processes for Treating Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Water and Wastewater Systems
by Enric Brillas and Juan M. Peralta-Hernández
Water 2026, 18(8), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18080920 - 13 Apr 2026
Abstract
Advanced oxidation processes based on photo-Fenton chemistry have gained increasing attention as effective treatment alternatives for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water and wastewater systems. However, large-scale implementation remains constrained by operational requirements, limited mineralization efficiency, and challenges associated with process stability [...] Read more.
Advanced oxidation processes based on photo-Fenton chemistry have gained increasing attention as effective treatment alternatives for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water and wastewater systems. However, large-scale implementation remains constrained by operational requirements, limited mineralization efficiency, and challenges associated with process stability and selectivity. This review provides a critical assessment of recent advances (2022–2025) in conventional photo-Fenton and hybrid systems, including photocatalysis/photo-Fenton and sono-photo-Fenton processes, with emphasis on their performance in water and wastewater treatment applications. The removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, pharmaceutical mixtures, and real wastewater matrices is analyzed considering catalyst configuration, irradiation sources, oxidant utilization, and operating conditions relevant to practical treatment scenarios. Conventional homogeneous Fe2+/H2O2 systems enable rapid contaminant degradation but typically require acidic conditions and show limited mineralization efficiency. In contrast, iron-complexed and heterogeneous catalysts allow operation under near-neutral pH and visible-light irradiation, improving applicability in realistic water treatment systems. Hybrid photocatalysis/photo-Fenton processes enhance treatment efficiency through synergistic generation of reactive oxygen species, while ultrasound-assisted systems further intensify oxidation rates and contaminant removal. Special attention is given to oxidation mechanisms, catalyst stability, transformation products, and toxicity evolution to identify the key factors controlling treatment performance. Finally, current technological limitations, operational challenges, and design considerations for process integration, scale-up, and sustainable implementation in water and wastewater treatment are discussed. Full article
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36 pages, 1657 KB  
Review
The Current Status of Contaminated Site Remediation and Application Prospects of Artificial Intelligence—A Review
by Guodong Zheng, Shengcheng Mei, Yiping Wu and Pengyi Cui
Environments 2026, 13(4), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040212 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 64
Abstract
Industrialization has led to the substantial release of heavy metals and organic pollutants into soil and groundwater, resulting in severe contaminated site issues that pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health. This review aims to systematically review the current development status and [...] Read more.
Industrialization has led to the substantial release of heavy metals and organic pollutants into soil and groundwater, resulting in severe contaminated site issues that pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health. This review aims to systematically review the current development status and challenges of contaminated site remediation technologies, and explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in site remediation, to provide a theoretical reference for advancing intelligent remediation. Conventional remediation technologies mainly include physical methods (e.g., solidification/stabilization (S/S), soil vapor extraction (SVE), thermal desorption, pump and treat (P&T), groundwater circulation wells (GCWs)), chemical methods (e.g., chemical oxidation/reduction, electrokinetic remediation (EKR), soil washing), and biological methods (phytoremediation, microbial remediation), along with combined strategies that integrate multiple approaches. Although these technologies have achieved certain successes in engineering practice, they still face common challenges such as risks of secondary pollution, long remediation periods, high costs, poor adaptability to complex hydrogeological conditions, and insufficient long-term stability, making it difficult to fully meet the remediation demands of complex contaminated sites. Subsequently, the potential of emerging technologies—including nanomaterial-based remediation, bioelectrochemical systems, and molecular biology-assisted remediation—is introduced. On this basis, the forefront applications of AI in contaminated site remediation are discussed, covering site monitoring and characterization, risk assessment, remedial strategy selection, process prediction and parameter optimization, material design, and post-remediation intelligent stewardship. Machine learning (ML), explainable AI (XAI), and hybrid modeling approaches have markedly improved remediation efficiency and decision-making. Looking forward, with advancements in XAI, mechanism-data fusion models, and environmental foundation models, AI is poised to drive a paradigm shift toward intelligent and precision remediation. However, challenges related to data quality, model interpretability, and interdisciplinary expertise remain key barriers to overcome. Full article
23 pages, 1255 KB  
Review
Solar-Driven Catalytic Wastewater Treatment: A Unified Photonic–Thermal Framework for Advanced Oxidation and Disinfection Mechanisms
by Carlos E. Barrera-Díaz, Bernardo A. Frontana-Uribe, Gabriela Roa-Morales, Patricia Balderas-Hernández and Pedro Avila-Pérez
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040341 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Increasing water demand and the rising complexity of wastewater matrices, driven by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and recalcitrant industrial contaminants, require advanced catalytic solutions capable of efficient mineralization under sustainable conditions. Solar-driven processes have attracted growing attention; however, ultraviolet disinfection, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and [...] Read more.
Increasing water demand and the rising complexity of wastewater matrices, driven by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and recalcitrant industrial contaminants, require advanced catalytic solutions capable of efficient mineralization under sustainable conditions. Solar-driven processes have attracted growing attention; however, ultraviolet disinfection, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and photo-Fenton systems are commonly treated as independent approaches without mechanistic integration. This review presents a unified photonic–thermal catalytic framework for solar-driven wastewater treatment, emphasizing the interplay between photon absorption, charge-carrier separation, reactive oxygen species generation, and radical-mediated oxidation pathways. The contributions of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation are analyzed in terms of catalyst activation, persulfate and ozone activation mechanisms, and temperature-enhanced reaction kinetics governed by Arrhenius behavior. Particular attention is given to photothermal effects that modulate surface reaction rates, mass transfer, and catalyst stability. By integrating mechanistic insights with reactor-level considerations, this work provides a rational basis for the design of robust solar catalytic systems with enhanced activity, selectivity, and scalability for real wastewater applications. Full article
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31 pages, 1937 KB  
Review
Industrial Waste Salts: Characteristics, Impurity-Oriented Treatment Pathways, and Resource Utilization Strategies
by Jun Yang, Yi He, Yanping Liu, Nianxi Wang, Yang Zheng and Honglian Wei
Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083761 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 116
Abstract
The large-scale generation of industrial waste salts (IWSs) across sectors such as coal chemical, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and dye manufacturing has raised increasing environmental and regulatory concerns. These IWSs often exhibit complex physicochemical profiles—featuring high concentrations of inorganic salts, persistent organic pollutants, and trace [...] Read more.
The large-scale generation of industrial waste salts (IWSs) across sectors such as coal chemical, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and dye manufacturing has raised increasing environmental and regulatory concerns. These IWSs often exhibit complex physicochemical profiles—featuring high concentrations of inorganic salts, persistent organic pollutants, and trace heavy metals—that pose significant challenges for both safe disposal and resource recovery. This review provides a comprehensive and pollutant-oriented overview of industrial waste salts, focusing on their sector-specific characteristics, dominant contaminant types, and tailored treatment strategies. Removal pathways for organic matter (e.g., thermal decomposition, advanced oxidation) and inorganic impurities (e.g., precipitation, ion exchange) are systematically analyzed, followed by technical pathways for salt separation based on crystallization and membrane processes. Resource utilization routes for major salt components, particularly NaCl and Na2SO4, are critically assessed in terms of technical feasibility, impurity tolerance, and end-use compatibility. The emergence of reclaimed salt quality standards and sector-specific impurity thresholds reflects a paradigm shift from purity-based to performance-based reuse evaluation. Finally, the review highlights future priorities including adaptive impurity control, downstream-specific salt grading, and enforceable regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe, scalable, and circular deployment of reclaimed salts in industrial systems. This study supports the coordinated advancement of control technologies and reuse standards, enabling the transformation of waste salts from environmental liabilities to secondary resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)
26 pages, 8260 KB  
Article
A Nanoliposome Platform Co-Delivery of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Carnosine for Enhanced Epidermal/Dermal Delivery and Multi-Functional Anti-Aging Efficacy
by Siyuan Chen, Lihao Gu, Ruili Zhao, Lihua Zhang, Lina Yao, Jingning Shen, Dan Luo, Xi Wang, Dan Chen, Si Zhao, Hong Zhou and Wei Liu
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040454 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 171
Abstract
Background: Effective anti-aging requires dual strategies to stimulate regeneration and counteract damage. While the combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and carnosine (CA) holds great promise, their effectiveness is hampered by instability and poor skin penetration. Methods: To overcome these challenges, this study developed [...] Read more.
Background: Effective anti-aging requires dual strategies to stimulate regeneration and counteract damage. While the combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and carnosine (CA) holds great promise, their effectiveness is hampered by instability and poor skin penetration. Methods: To overcome these challenges, this study developed HPR and CA co-encapsulated nanoliposomes (HC-NLPs) via high-pressure homogenization as an advanced epidermal/dermal delivery system. Results: HC-NLPs markedly improved skin retention of HPR (58.97%) and CA (111.36%) compared to the free combination (Free-HC). In cellular studies, HC-NLPs displayed excellent biocompatibility and demonstrated a 4.7-fold higher cellular uptake. This led to enhanced proliferative (EdU positive rate increased by 78.32%) and migratory (wound closure improved by 31.5%) capacities. Moreover, HC-NLPs effectively reinforced multiple skin-protective processes associated with aging, including enhanced resistance to oxidative and glycation-induced damage, suppressed inflammatory responses, and strengthened cellular barrier integrity. In 3D skin models, HC-NLPs promoted collagen deposition and improved tissue morphology compared to Free-HC. Their superior in vivo antioxidant and anti-aging effects were further validated in Zebrafish assays. HC-NLPs effectively co-deliver HPR and CA, markedly improving their stability, skin penetration, and cellular internalization. Conclusions: The formulation demonstrates comprehensive pro-regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-glycation effects, representing a promising nano-delivery strategy for advanced anti-aging skincare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Transdermal Drug Delivery)
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