Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 22916

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
Interests: functional hybrid materials; remediation; radioactive wastes; radiochemistry; radioisotope applications

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Guest Editor
School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
Interests: bioremediation; nanocomposite; microplastics; heavy metals; radioactive waste

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of industries and the growth of manufacturing, the coinciding increase in toxic pollution as a threat to the environment and public health has prompted considerable attention in recent years. Nanoscale science and engineering provide important tools in the decontamination of organic, inorganic, and mixed pollutants. Indeed, various functional nanomaterials show great promise as one of the most effective methods to treat contaminants, due to their unique properties such as high surface area, high adsorption capacity, and specific affinity to the target substances. In recent decades, finely designed materials including nanoadsorbents, nanocomposites, nanocatalysts, and nanomembranes have been investigated for remediation purposes.

The Special Issue on “Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials” invites high-quality research articles and review papers focusing on the latest approaches based on nano-/micro-sized materials and novel nanotechnology for the efficient treatment of emerging pollutants such as particulate matter, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics.

Prof. Dr. Jongho Jeon
Prof. Dr. Yongjun Choi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • decontamination
  • desalination
  • water treatment
  • purification process
  • bioremediation
  • fine particulates
  • heavy metals
  • radioactive wastes
  • organic pollutant

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3794 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Utility of the Cement Solidification Process of Waste Ion Exchange Resin
by Jong-Sik Shon, Hyun-Kyu Lee, Tack-Jin Kim, Jong-Won Choi, Woo-Yeol Yoon and Sang-Bok Ahn
Toxics 2022, 10(3), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10030120 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2774
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the cement solidification process for stably disposing of waste ion exchange resin generated during the treatment of radioactive wastewater. The cement solidification process using the in-drum mixing system was selected to be used for [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the cement solidification process for stably disposing of waste ion exchange resin generated during the treatment of radioactive wastewater. The cement solidification process using the in-drum mixing system was selected to be used for the solidification process of waste ion exchange resins. The disposal safety of waste forms was evaluated according to the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) applicable to domestic waste disposal sites, and the tests were conducted for six test items provided in the WAC. A total of 15 representative samples were collected from the waste-form drums produced using the optimum operating conditions, and their structural stability for disposal considerations was evaluated. In addition, the leaching index of the samples was 11.05, 10.12, 8.39 for Co, Sr, and Cs, respectively, and it was found to exceed 6, the leaching index standard of WAC. The results confirmed that cement waste forms including waste ion exchange resins produced through this process were considered to be conforming to the requirements for disposal safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 7602 KiB  
Article
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium(VI) from Wastewater Using Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Membranes
by Jung Eun Park, Jun-Ho Shin, Wonzin Oh, Sang-June Choi, Jeongju Kim, Chorong Kim and Jongho Jeon
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020098 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4322
Abstract
Chromium is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal that originates from various human activities. Therefore, the effective removal of chromium from aqueous solutions is an extremely important global challenge. Herein, we report a chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticle immobilized hydrophilic poly(vinylidene) fluoride membrane (Chi@Fe [...] Read more.
Chromium is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal that originates from various human activities. Therefore, the effective removal of chromium from aqueous solutions is an extremely important global challenge. Herein, we report a chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticle immobilized hydrophilic poly(vinylidene) fluoride membrane (Chi@Fe2O3–PVDF) which can potentially be used for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium(VI) by a simple filtration process. Membrane filtration is an easy and efficient method for treating large volumes of water in a short duration. The adsorption experiments were conducted by batch and continuous in-flow systems. The experimental data showed rapid capture of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) which can be explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model. The nanocomposite membrane exhibited high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) (14.451 mg/g in batch system, 14.104 mg/g in continuous in-flow system). Moreover, its removal efficiency was not changed significantly in the presence of several competing ions, i.e., Cl, NO3, SO42−, and PO43−. Consequently, the Chi@Fe2O3-PVDF-based filtration process is expected to show a promising direction and be developed as a practical method for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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9 pages, 9812 KiB  
Article
Polyacrylamide Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Alginate Beads for Removing Ciprofloxacin Antibiotics
by Jung-Weon Choi and Sang-June Choi
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020077 - 7 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2686
Abstract
Ciprofloxacin (CPX), a widely used antibiotic, was removed by synthesizing graphene oxide/calcium alginate–polyacrylamide (GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM) beads, a three-dimensional double-network complex. The synthesis of GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM beads was performed by crosslinking and cation exchange mechanisms with graphene oxide (GO), sodium alginate (Na-Alg), [...] Read more.
Ciprofloxacin (CPX), a widely used antibiotic, was removed by synthesizing graphene oxide/calcium alginate–polyacrylamide (GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM) beads, a three-dimensional double-network complex. The synthesis of GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM beads was performed by crosslinking and cation exchange mechanisms with graphene oxide (GO), sodium alginate (Na-Alg), and polyacrylamide (PAM). The properties of GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM beads were confirmed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and a thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, isothermal adsorption experiments were performed and fitted using three isothermal adsorption models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin). The adsorption isotherm experimental data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model with a qm value of 6.846 mg/g. In addition, the spontaneous reaction of the CPX adsorption using GO/Ca-Alg2–PAM was confirmed by temperature-dependent experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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18 pages, 4881 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Homogeneous Gold Nanoparticles Using Sargassum spp. Extracts and Their Enhanced Catalytic Activity for Organic Dyes
by J. Luis López-Miranda, Gustavo A. Molina, Rodrigo Esparza, Marlen Alexis González-Reyna, Rodolfo Silva and Miriam Estévez
Toxics 2021, 9(11), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9110280 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2648
Abstract
Sargassum species-based extracts were used to carry out the synthesis of homogeneous gold nanoparticles. Various techniques were used to determine the characteristics and composition of the nanoparticles. The UV-Vis results showed that the 50% water/ethanol extract had the most reducing agents and stabilizers. [...] Read more.
Sargassum species-based extracts were used to carry out the synthesis of homogeneous gold nanoparticles. Various techniques were used to determine the characteristics and composition of the nanoparticles. The UV-Vis results showed that the 50% water/ethanol extract had the most reducing agents and stabilizers. Therefore, this type of extract was used to synthesize nanoparticles and for their subsequent characterization. Crystallinity and crystal size were evaluated using X-ray diffraction. Size and morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, showing that the gold nanoparticles were mostly spherical, with a size range of 15–30 nm. The catalytic activity of the gold nanoparticles was evaluated through the degradation of organic dyes: methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red. The degradation rates were different, depending on the nature of each dye, the simplest to degrade was methylene blue and methyl red was the most difficult to degrade. The results indicated that the use of Sargassum spp. for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles has potential in the remediation of water that is contaminated with organic dyes. Moreover, given the recent serious environmental and economic problems caused by the overpopulation of Sargassum spp. in the Mexican Caribbean, the findings hold promise for their practical and sustainable use in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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19 pages, 5086 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Silver-Impregnated Magnetite Mesoporous Silica Composites for Removing Iodide in Aqueous Solution
by Sang-Eun Jo, Jung-Weon Choi and Sang-June Choi
Toxics 2021, 9(8), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9080175 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2834
Abstract
Mag@silica-Ag composite has a high sorption ability for I in aqueous solution due to its high surface area and strong affinity for the studied anion. The material adsorbed I rapidly during the initial contact time (in 45 min, η = 80%) [...] Read more.
Mag@silica-Ag composite has a high sorption ability for I in aqueous solution due to its high surface area and strong affinity for the studied anion. The material adsorbed I rapidly during the initial contact time (in 45 min, η = 80%) and reached adsorption equilibrium after 2 h. Moreover, mag@silica-Ag proved to selectively remove I from a mixture of Cl, NO3 and I. The adsorption behavior fitted the Langmuir isotherm perfectly and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Based on the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity of mag@silica-Ag was 0.82 mmol/g, which is significantly higher than previously developed adsorbents. This study introduces a practical application of a high-capacity adsorbent in removing radioactive I from wastewaters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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21 pages, 5999 KiB  
Article
Bioengineered Matricaria recutita Extract-Assisted Palladium Nanoparticles for the Congo Red Dye Degradation and Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol
by Maqsood Ahmad Malik, Abdulmohsen Ali Alshehri, May Abdullah Abomuti, Ekram Y. Danish and Rajan Patel
Toxics 2021, 9(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9050103 - 4 May 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3722
Abstract
The green chemistry method is the preferred approach for synthesizing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles because of its low toxicity, environmental friendliness, feasibility, and safety to human health compared with other chemical or physical methods. The present work reports the phytogenic synthesis of [...] Read more.
The green chemistry method is the preferred approach for synthesizing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles because of its low toxicity, environmental friendliness, feasibility, and safety to human health compared with other chemical or physical methods. The present work reports the phytogenic synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using an aqueous extract of Matricaria recutita (Chamomile). The phytochemical-mediated synthesis of PdNPs is an economical and eco-friendly approach without using toxic elements as reducing and capping or stabilizing agents. The UV-visible spectroscopic characterization was initially used to confirm the preparation of PdNPs using an aqueous extract of M. recutita flowers as a bioreductant for the reduction of Pd2+ to Pd0 without using any extra capping and reducing agents. The appearance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 286 nm confirmed the formation of M. recutita extract-based PdNPs. Furthermore, the PdNPs were characterized by TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, and FTIR to confirm their proper synthesis. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was implemented to interpret the decomposition pattern and thermal stability of as-synthesized PdNPs. The biosynthesized PdNPs were further applied as a nanocatalyst in degradation of an azo dye Congo red (CR) in the presence of NaBH4. The catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) was also investigated in the presence of NaBH4. All the catalytic reactions were performed in water, and no significant loss in catalytic activity was observed after recovery and reusability of the biosynthesized PdNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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23 pages, 7307 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Fe Doped Poly p-Phenylenediamine Composite: Co-Adsorption Application on Toxic Metal Ions (F and As3+) and Microbial Disinfection in Aqueous Solution
by Elisa Pandelani Munzhelele, Wasiu Babatunde Ayinde, Rabelani Mudzielwana and Wilson Mugera Gitari
Toxics 2021, 9(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9040074 - 1 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
Water is regarded as an important natural resource to sustain life, and its purification is an important criterion that determines its quality and usefulness. In this study, the incorporation of Fe3+ oxide onto a phenylenediamine (pPD) polymer matrix through chemical co-polymerization was [...] Read more.
Water is regarded as an important natural resource to sustain life, and its purification is an important criterion that determines its quality and usefulness. In this study, the incorporation of Fe3+ oxide onto a phenylenediamine (pPD) polymer matrix through chemical co-polymerization was prepared, and its arsenite and fluoride removal potentials at optimal conditions from aqueous solution were evaluated. The morphology and structural analysis of the synthesized Fe-doped pPD (Fe-pPD) were comparatively evaluated using the FT-IR, SEM, EDS, and XRD techniques. Fe was successfully incorporated onto pPD matrix as confirmed by different morphological characterizations. The rate of adsorption of F and As3+ onto the Fe-pPD composite best followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The experimental data for both As3+ and F onto the Fe-pPD composite better fit the Freundlich isotherm model at different operating temperatures. Overall, the synthesized composite exhibited a strong affinity towards fluoride uptake (96.6%) than arsenite uptake (71.14%) with a maximum capacity of 6.79 (F) and 1.86 (As3+) mg/g. Additionally, the synthesized adsorbent showed some level of antimicrobial activity against common water-borne bacterial. Therefore, the Fe-doped pPD composite has the potential ability for inorganic metal species pollutants remediation and bacterial disinfection in community-level water purification processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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