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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 8017

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

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 3171 KiB  
Article
Detoxification of Acrylamide by Potentially Probiotic Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast
by Agnieszka Maher, Karolina Miśkiewicz, Justyna Rosicka-Kaczmarek and Adriana Nowak
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4922; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204922 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Some potentially probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast that inhabit the digestive tract of humans are known to detoxify xenobiotics, including acrylamide (AA). The objective of the subsequent research was to evaluate the AA-detoxification capability of LAB and yeast isolated [...] Read more.
Some potentially probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast that inhabit the digestive tract of humans are known to detoxify xenobiotics, including acrylamide (AA). The objective of the subsequent research was to evaluate the AA-detoxification capability of LAB and yeast isolated from various sources. Namely, the effect of AA was tested on the growth of LAB and yeast strains, as well in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, the AA-binding ability of LAB and yeast was investigated in various environments, including the pH, incubation temperature, cell density, and with inanimate cells. The ability of selected LAB and yeast to reduce the genotoxicity of AA was tested on Caco-2 and Hep-G2 cell lines. The results showed that all tested strains exhibited strong resistance to AA at concentrations of 5, 10, and 50 µg/mL. Also, AA was detected in the intracellular and membrane extracts of tested strains. The most effective binding strain was Pediococcus acidilactici 16 at pH = 5, cell density = 109 CFU/mL, and incubation temperature = 37 °C (87.6% of AA removed). Additionally, all tested strains reduced the genotoxicity of AA, with the greatest reduction observed at the highest concentration of 50 µg/mL. The phenomena of detoxification by potentially probiotic strains could reduce the toxic and harmful effects of AA exposure to humans every day. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
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14 pages, 2086 KiB  
Article
Hydrophobic Cellulose-Based Sorbents for Oil/Water Separation
by Karolina Tomkowiak, Bartłomiej Mazela, Zuzanna Szubert and Waldemar Perdoch
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4661; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194661 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 542
Abstract
The need for sustainable, biodegradable materials to address environmental challenges, such as oil-water separation, is growing. Cellulose-based absorbents offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials. However, their hydrophobicity must be enhanced for efficient application. In this study, cellulose-based sorbents derived from Kraft and [...] Read more.
The need for sustainable, biodegradable materials to address environmental challenges, such as oil-water separation, is growing. Cellulose-based absorbents offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials. However, their hydrophobicity must be enhanced for efficient application. In this study, cellulose-based sorbents derived from Kraft and half-bleached chemo-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) were hydrophobized using silanization and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) techniques. Hydrophobic properties were successfully imparted using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), n-octyltriethoxysilane (NTES), and N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AATMS), with water contact angles ranging from 120° to 140°. The water sorption capacity was significantly reduced to below 1 g/g, whereas the oil sorption capacity remained high (19–28 g/g). The most substantial reduction in water vapor absorption (3–6%) was observed for the MTMOS- and AATMS-silanized samples. These results demonstrate the potential of hydrophobized cellulose-based sorbents as sustainable alternatives for oil-water separation, contributing to environmentally friendly water treatment solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective on the Determination and Removal of Pollutants in the Environment)
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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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1209
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)
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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 718
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)
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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 2160
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)
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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 2341
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)
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