[go: up one dir, main page]
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.2
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants...
molecules-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 3519

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Urszula Kotowska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K Str., 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: determination of emerging contaminants in wastewater; leachate and other objects of the water environment; phytoremediation; advanced oxidation; microextraction techniques; gas chromatography; mass spectrometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of civilization and lifestyle changes increased the production and consumption of various chemical compounds. All chemical substances or their decomposition products and by-products of various processes may be released into the environment, including natural waters. Most environmental pollutants have limited environmental persistence, but continuous introduction causes their permanent presence in natural waters. Low concentrations make pollutants unlikely to cause acute toxicity, but many studies have proven that chronic exposure can cause damage to biological components of ecosystems.

This Special Issue aims to present the latest achievements in all aspects related to research on the presence of pollutants in the environment, their harmful effects on organisms and the development of technologies that limit their introduction into the environment.

Dr. Urszula Kotowska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • organic pollutants
  • toxic metals
  • wastewater
  • natural environment
  • determination methods
  • phytoremediation
  • adsorption
  • microplastic
  • toxicity
  • environmental risk

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Presence of Heavy Metals in Irrigation Water, Soils, Fruits, and Vegetables: Health Risk Assessment in Peri-Urban Boumerdes City, Algeria
by Mohamed Younes Aksouh, Naima Boudieb, Nadjib Benosmane, Yacine Moussaoui, Rajmund Michalski, Justyna Klyta and Joanna Kończyk
Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4187; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174187 - 4 Sep 2024
Viewed by 431
Abstract
This study investigates heavy metal contamination in soils, irrigation water, and agricultural produce (fruits: Vitis vinifera (grape), Cucumis melo var. saccharimus (melon), and Citrullus vulgaris. Schrade (watermelon); vegetables: Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato), Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Convolvulus Batatas (potato), [...] Read more.
This study investigates heavy metal contamination in soils, irrigation water, and agricultural produce (fruits: Vitis vinifera (grape), Cucumis melo var. saccharimus (melon), and Citrullus vulgaris. Schrade (watermelon); vegetables: Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato), Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Convolvulus Batatas (potato), and Capsicum annuum L. (green pepper)) in the Boumerdes region of Algeria. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in soil and food samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Health risks associated with these metals were evaluated through the estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risks (using target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and hazard index (HI)), and carcinogenic risks (cancer risk factor (CR)). Statistical analyses, including cluster analysis (CA) and Pearson correlation, were conducted to interpret the data. The results revealed the highest metal transfer as follows: Cd was most significantly transferred to tomatoes and watermelons; Cr to carrots; Cu to tomatoes; and Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn to lettuce. Among fruits, the highest EDI values were for Zn (2.54·10−3 mg/day) and Cu (1.17·10−3 mg/day), with melons showing the highest Zn levels. For vegetables, the highest EDI values were for Fe (1.68·10−2 mg/day) and Zn (8.37·10−3 mg/day), with potatoes showing the highest Fe levels. Although all heavy metal concentrations were within the World Health Organization’s permissible limits, the HI and TTHQ values indicated potential health risks, particularly from vegetable consumption. These findings suggest the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
<p>Comparison of the metal content in the waters of different regions of Algeria [<a href="#B26-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">26</a>,<a href="#B27-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">27</a>,<a href="#B28-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">28</a>,<a href="#B29-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">29</a>,<a href="#B30-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">30</a>,<a href="#B31-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">31</a>,<a href="#B32-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">32</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Dendrogram resulting from the hierarchical cluster analysis of the heavy metal concentrations in the studied soils.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Comparison of the metal content in soils of different regions of Algeria [<a href="#B23-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">23</a>,<a href="#B33-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">33</a>,<a href="#B38-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">38</a>,<a href="#B39-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">39</a>,<a href="#B40-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">40</a>,<a href="#B41-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">41</a>,<a href="#B42-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">42</a>,<a href="#B43-molecules-29-04187" class="html-bibr">43</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Dendrogram resulting from the hierarchical cluster analysis of the heavy metal concentration in the studied food.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Transfer factors of the fruits and vegetables grown in the studied region of Boumerdes.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Target hazard quotient (THQ) (<b>A</b>) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) (<b>B</b>) for consumers of the food from the studied area.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Study area with sampling sites and location of industrial activities (a—Ezmam/Solgen Paper Factory; b—Imotep Pharm; c—EURL Lepro Chemical Plant Pack; d—GC BFE; e—SNC Hassani; f—Socotid).</p> Full article ">
17 pages, 6187 KiB  
Article
Selective Adsorption of Sr(II) from Aqueous Solution by Na3FePO4CO3: Experimental and DFT Studies
by Yudong Xie, Xiaowei Wang, Jinfeng Men, Min Zhu, Chengqiang Liang, Hao Ding, Zhihui Du, Ping Bao and Zhilin Hu
Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122908 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 532
Abstract
The efficient segregation of radioactive nuclides from low-level radioactive liquid waste (LLRW) is paramount for nuclear emergency protocols and waste minimization. Here, we synthesized Na3FePO4CO3 (NFPC) via a one-pot hydrothermal method and applied it for the first time [...] Read more.
The efficient segregation of radioactive nuclides from low-level radioactive liquid waste (LLRW) is paramount for nuclear emergency protocols and waste minimization. Here, we synthesized Na3FePO4CO3 (NFPC) via a one-pot hydrothermal method and applied it for the first time to the selective separation of Sr2+ from simulated LLRW. Static adsorption experimental results indicated that the distribution coefficient Kd remained above 5000 mL·g−1, even when the concentration of interfering ions was more than 40 times that of Sr2+. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of Sr2+ showed no significant change within the pH range of 4 to 9. The adsorption of Sr2+ fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, with an equilibrium time of 36 min and a maximum adsorption capacity of 99.6 mg·g−1. Notably, the adsorption capacity was observed to increment marginally with an elevation in temperature. Characterization analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidated the adsorption mechanism, demonstrating that Sr2+ initially engaged in an ion exchange reaction with Na+. Subsequently, Sr2+ coordinated with four oxygen atoms on the NFPC (100) facet, establishing a robust Sr-O bond via orbital hybridization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
<p>The illustration of the hydrothermal method to prepare NFPC and its crystal structure (Na1, Na2, O, and C atoms are figured in pink, cyan, red, and black, respectively. FeO<sub>6</sub> and PO<sub>4</sub> are drawn in blue and Purple, respectively).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Characterization of NFPC before and after adsorption (Sr@NFPC). (<b>a</b>) SEM images of NFPC at different magnifications. EDS results (<b>b</b>,<b>c</b>) and XRD (<b>d</b>,<b>e</b>) patterns of NFPC and Sr@NFPC.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>a</b>) The forms of Sr<sup>2+</sup> and zeta potential at different pH, the red arrow indicates the zeta potential; (<b>b</b>) influence of solution pH on the removal efficiency and <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub></span> (conditions: NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; initial Sr<sup>2+</sup> concentration = 5 mg·L <sup>−1</sup>; temperature = 303 K; contact time = 120 min), the black and red dashed arrow represent removal efficiency and <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub></span>, respectively.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>(<b>d–f</b>) The influence of contact time on adsorption performance and adsorption kinetics research. (<b>a</b>) Influence of contact time on the removal efficiency and <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub> </span>(conditions: NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; initial Sr<sup>2+</sup> concentration = 5 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>; temperature = 303 K; pH = 7), the black and red dashed arrow represent removal efficiency and <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub></span>, respectively. Pseudo-first-order (<b>a</b>), Pseudo-second-order (<b>b</b>), Elovich (<b>c</b>), Boyd (<b>a</b>), and Weber–Morris kinetics results for the adsorption of Sr<sup>2+</sup>.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>(<b>a</b>) Influence of initial Sr<sup>2+</sup> concentration on <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub></span> and <span class="html-italic">R<sub>L</sub> </span>(conditions: NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; pH = 7; contact time = 120 min). Langmuir (<b>b</b>), Freundlich (<b>c</b>), Temkin (<b>d</b>), and Dubinin–Radushkevich (<b>e</b>) isotherms result in the adsorption of Sr<sup>2+</sup>. (<b>f</b>) The fitting curve between ln<span class="html-italic">K<sub>d</sub></span> and 1/<span class="html-italic">T</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Influence of (<b>a</b>) K<sup>+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup> and (<b>b</b>) Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> ionic strength on the <span class="html-italic">K<sub>d</sub></span> values of Sr<sup>2+</sup> adsorption (conditions: NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; initial Sr<sup>2+</sup> concentration = 5 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>; temperature = 303 K; pH = 7; contact time = 120 min).</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>(<b>a</b>) Influence of pH and contact time on leaching rate of Sr<sup>2+</sup> (conditions: Sr@NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; temperature = 303 K); (<b>b</b>) reusability valuation for Sr<sup>2+</sup> adsorption of NFPC until five adsorption–desorption cycles (conditions: NFPC dose = 0.4 g·L<sup>−1</sup>; initial Sr<sup>2+</sup> concentration = 5 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>; temperature = 303 K; pH = 7; contact time = 120 min); (<b>c</b>) the values of <span class="html-italic">Q<sub>e</sub></span> and equilibrium time at 303 K in this work are compared to those reported in the literature. HA (Hydroxyapatite) [<a href="#B62-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">62</a>]; TiNTs (titanate nanotubes) [<a href="#B63-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">63</a>]; KNbS (potassium niobium sulfide) [<a href="#B63-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">63</a>]; Mn–Sb (manganese-antimony composite oxide) [<a href="#B59-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">59</a>]; Ti-Si (TiO<sub>2</sub>–SiO<sub>2</sub> mixed gel spheres) [<a href="#B64-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">64</a>]; KMS-1 (K<sub>2x</sub>Mn<sub>x</sub>Sn<sub>3-x</sub>S<sub>6</sub> (x = 0.5−1)) [<a href="#B65-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">65</a>]; KMS-2 (K<sub>2x</sub>Mg<sub>x</sub>Sn<sub>3−x</sub>S<sub>6</sub>(x = 0.5−1)) [<a href="#B66-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">66</a>]; S/SO (Sb(III)/Sb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>) [<a href="#B67-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">67</a>]; ZrO<sub>2</sub> (hydrous zirconium dioxide) [<a href="#B68-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">68</a>]; KZTS (K<sub>1.87</sub>ZnSn<sub>1.68</sub>S<sub>5.30</sub>) [<a href="#B69-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">69</a>]; NaZTS (Na<sub>5</sub>Zn<sub>3.5</sub>Sn<sub>3.5</sub>S<sub>13</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O) [<a href="#B70-molecules-29-02908" class="html-bibr">70</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>FTIR (<b>a</b>) and XPS spectra of NFPC and Sr@NFPC: (<b>b</b>) overall spectrum; (<b>c</b>) O 1s; (<b>d</b>) Na 1s; (<b>e</b>) Sr 3d<sub>3/2</sub> and Sr 3d<sub>5/2</sub>.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>The side view (<b>a</b>) and top view (<b>b</b>) of the DFT-calculated configuration of NFPC and Sr<sup>2+</sup> on NFPC (100) surface.</p> Full article ">Figure 10
<p>(<b>a</b>) PDOS of O and Sr atom before (dotted line) and after (solid line) Sr<sup>2+</sup> adsorption on NFPC (100) surface; (<b>b</b>) the charge density differences and Bader charge transfer of Sr<sup>2+</sup> adsorption on NFPC (100) surface. Yellow indicates electron accumulation, and light blue indicates depletion.</p> Full article ">

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1211 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Food Waste Transformations into Essential Bioplastic Materials
by Abdulmoseen Segun Giwa, Ehtisham Shafique, Nasir Ali and Mohammadtaghi Vakili
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3838; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163838 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Lignocellulose is a major biopolymer in plant biomass with a complex structure and composition. It consists of a significant amount of high molecular aromatic compounds, particularly vanillin, syringeal, ferulic acid, and muconic acid, that could be converted into intracellular metabolites such as polyhydroxyalkanoates [...] Read more.
Lignocellulose is a major biopolymer in plant biomass with a complex structure and composition. It consists of a significant amount of high molecular aromatic compounds, particularly vanillin, syringeal, ferulic acid, and muconic acid, that could be converted into intracellular metabolites such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a key component of bioplastic production. Several pre-treatment methods were utilized to release monosaccharides, which are the precursors of the relevant pathway. The consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose-capable microbes for biomass depolymerization was discussed in this study. Carbon can be stored in a variety of forms, including PHAs, PHBs, wax esters, and triacylglycerides. From a biotechnology standpoint, these compounds are quite adaptable due to their precursors’ utilization of hydrogen energy. This study lays the groundwork for the idea of lignocellulose valorization into value-added products through several significant dominant pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Kitchen waste average percent composition.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), cellulose acetate (CA), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET), and bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE) production pathways from non-edible lignocellulosic biomass.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Circular plastic economy concept and bioplastic End-of-life.</p> Full article ">
24 pages, 746 KiB  
Review
Ion Chromatography and Related Techniques in Carbohydrate Analysis: A Review
by Rajmund Michalski and Joanna Kończyk
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3413; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143413 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1295
Abstract
Ion chromatography and related techniques have been the most popular separation methods used in the determination of organic and inorganic anions and cations, predominantly in water and wastewater samples. Making progress in their development and introducing new stationary phases, methods of detection and [...] Read more.
Ion chromatography and related techniques have been the most popular separation methods used in the determination of organic and inorganic anions and cations, predominantly in water and wastewater samples. Making progress in their development and introducing new stationary phases, methods of detection and preparation of samples for analyses have given rise to the broadening of their analytical range. Nowadays, they are also used for substances that are not ionic by nature but can convert to such forms under certain conditions. These encompass, among others, carbohydrates, whose role and significance in humans’ lives and environment is invaluable. Their presence in the air is mostly due to the industrial burning of biomass for energy production purposes. In addition, the content of sugars in plants, fruits and vegetables, constituting the base of human diets, affects our health condition. Given that, there is not only a need for their determination by means of routine methods but also for searching for novel analytical solutions. Based on literature data from the past decade, this paper presents the possibilities and examples of applications regarding ion chromatography and related techniques for the determination of carbohydrates in environmental samples, biomass and plants constituting food or raw materials for food production. Attention has been paid to the virtues and limitations of the discussed separation methods in this respect. Moreover, perspectives on their development have been defined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>LOD values obtained for glucose (<b>A</b>), fructose (<b>B</b>), sucrose (<b>C</b>) and maltose (<b>D</b>) in different matrices [<a href="#B25-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">25</a>,<a href="#B52-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">52</a>,<a href="#B56-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">56</a>,<a href="#B57-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">57</a>,<a href="#B65-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">65</a>,<a href="#B69-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">69</a>,<a href="#B90-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">90</a>,<a href="#B98-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">98</a>,<a href="#B99-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">99</a>,<a href="#B116-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">116</a>,<a href="#B140-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">140</a>,<a href="#B141-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">141</a>,<a href="#B142-molecules-29-03413" class="html-bibr">142</a>].</p> Full article ">
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop