Distribution characteristics and ecological risks of heavy metals in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter released from municipal solid waste incinerators in northern Vietnam.

Residue concentrations of heavy metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were determined in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter (PM) samples collected from five municipal incinerators in northern Vietnam to assess their occurrence, distribution characteristics, and potential risks. Concentrations and profiles of heavy metals are presented, showing the dominance of Zn in all types of samples. Highly volatile elements (Cd, Pb, and Zn) were found at elevated proportions in PM but not fly ash.

Multifunctional porous β-cyclodextrin polymer for water purification.

Keeping water clean is of vital significance for human health and environmental protection. In order to remove organic micro-pollutants and natural organic substances in water bodies and kill pathogenic microorganisms simultaneously, this study synthesized a multifunctional porous β-cyclodextrin polymer with a high specific surface area by introducing quaternary ammonium groups and rigid benzene rings, respectively, which was then polymerized with crosslinking agent-4,4'-bis (chloromethyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (BCMBP) in an ionic liquid system. The grafting of quaternary ammonium groups was beneficial for the removal of negative-charged humic acid (HA) and sterilization.

Synthesis of vacant graphitic carbon nitride in argon atmosphere and its utilization for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) was synthesised from melamine at 550 °C for 4 h in the argon atmosphere and then was reheated for 1-3 h at 500 °C in argon. Two band gaps of 2.04 eV and 2.

Plasma Surface Engineering of NiCoS@rGO Electrocatalysts Enables High-Performance Li-O Batteries.

The sluggish redox reaction kinetics for aprotic Li-O batteries (LOBs) caused by the insulating discharge product of LiO could result in the poor round-trip efficiency, low rate capability, and cyclic stability. To address these challenges, we herein fabricated NiCoS supported on reduced graphene oxide (NiCoS@rGO), the surface of which is further modified via a unique low-pressure capacitive-coupled nitrogen plasma (CCPN-NiCoS@rGO). The high ionization environment of the plasma could etch the surface of NiCoS@rGO, introducing effective nitrogen doping.

Fluoride-free synthesis of anodic TiO nanotube layers: a promising environmentally friendly method for efficient photocatalysts.

TiO nanotube (TNT) layers are generally prepared in fluoride-based electrolytes electrochemical anodization that relies on the field-assisted dissolution of Ti metal forming nanoporous/nanotubular structures. However, the usage of fluoride ions is considered hazardous to the environment. Therefore, we present an environmentally friendly synthesis and application of TNT layers prepared in fluoride-free nitrate-based electrolytes.

Hematites Precipitated in Alkaline Precursors: Comparison of Structural and Textural Properties for Methane Oxidation.

Hematite (α-FeO) catalysts prepared using the precipitation methods was found to be highly effective, and therefore, it was studied with methane (CH), showing an excellent stable performance below 500 °C. This study investigates hematite nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by precipitation in water from the precursor of ferric chloride hexahydrate using precipitating agents NaOH or NHOH at maintained pH 11 and calcined up to 500 °C for the catalytic oxidation of low concentrations of CH (5% by volume in air) at 500 °C to compare their structural state in a CH reducing environment. The conversion (%) of CH values decreasing with time was discussed according to the course of different transformation of goethite and hydrohematites NPs precursors to magnetite and the structural state of the calcined hydrohematites.

Simultaneously screening for methicillin-resistant and its susceptibility to potentiated penicillins.

We recently revealed that a significant proportion of clinical methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates are susceptible to pencillins and clavulanic acid (potentiated penicillins), including widely available combinations such as co-amoxiclav. These isolates also showed increased susceptibility to oxacillin on Iso-Sensitest Agar (ISA). The increased susceptibility to oxacillin displayed on ISA by these MRSA isolates may be used to distinguish them from the resistant ones.

Reproductive Span of is Extended by Sp.

The reproductive span (RS) of organisms could be affected by different factors during their lifetime. In the model nematode, , RS is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. However, none of the factors identified so far were related to environmental bacteria, which may incidentally appear anywhere in the habitats of .

Strategies to improve membrane performance in wastewater treatment.

Membrane technology has rapidly gained popularity in wastewater treatment due to its cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly tools, and elevated productivity. Although membrane performance in wastewater treatment has been reviewed in several past studies, the key techniques for improving membrane performance, as well as their challenges, and solutions associated with the membrane process, were not sufficiently highlighted in those studies. Also, very few studies have addressed hybrid techniques to improve membrane performance.

Stochastic LCA Model of Upscaling the Production of Microalgal Compounds.

Microalgae are currently being investigated for their promising metabolites but assessing the environmental impact of producing these compounds remains a challenge. Microalgae cultivation performance results from the complex interaction of biological, technological, geographical, and physical factors, which bioengineers try to optimize during the upscaling process. The path from the discovery of a microalgal compound to its industrial production is therefore highly uncertain.

Anaerobic biogas formation from crops' agricultural residues - Modeling investigations.

The cultivation of field crops necessarily produces large quantities of organic residues, which could be used for the production of biogas. However, this is only successfully possible if the operators of such biogas plants have sufficient expertise in running these plants, e.g.

Highly sensitive determination of paracetamol, uric acid, dopamine, and catechol based on flexible plastic electrochemical sensors.

Flexible sensing is an alternative to traditional sensing and possesses good flexibility and wearability. Intrinsically conductive polymers, particularly poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), have received significant attention due to their high mechanical flexibility and good biocompatibility. Here, we report the design of highly conductive and electrochemically active PEDOT:PSS-coated plastic substrate electrodes by combining N-doped graphene (NG) or S-doped graphene (SG) with methanesulfonic acid-treated PEDOT:PSS (denoted as NG-f-MSA-PEDOT:PSS/PET and SG-f-MSA-PEDOT:PSS/PET) by a simple drop-coating method.

Short-term inhalation exposure evaluations of airborne antibiotic resistance genes in environments.

Antibiotic resistance is a sword of Damocles that hangs over humans. In regards to airborne antibiotic resistance genes (AARGs), critical knowledge gaps still exist in the identification of hotspots and quantification of exposure levels in different environments. Here, we have studied the profiles of AARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and bacterial communities in various atmospheric environments by high throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Advanced remediation of pyrene contaminated soil by double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) plasma and subsequent composting process.

Due to increasing industrialization, soils are increasingly contaminated by polycyclic aromatics such as pyrene and need gentle treatment to keep the soil functioning. This study applied a double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) plasma reactor and composting reactor to remediate pyrene-contaminated soil. The effect of peak-to-peak applied voltages on the remediation efficiency of pyrene was investigated.

Abundance of microplastics in cultured oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Danang Bay of Vietnam.

This study focuses on determination of quantity, shape, size and polymer types of microplastics in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in Danang Bay, Vietnam. Visual verification and chemical identification of microplastics was carried out by μFT-IR spectra using Nicolet iN10 MX Infrared Imaging Microscope. The average abundance of microplastic in oysters was 1.

A New Hope in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance with Artificial Intelligence.

Recent years have witnessed the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) management, implying a positive signal in the fight against antibiotic-resistant microbes. The impact of AI starts with data collection and preparation for deploying AI-driven systems, which can lay the foundation for some effective infection control strategies. Primary applications of AI include identifying potential antimicrobial molecules, rapidly testing antimicrobial susceptibility, and optimizing antibiotic combinations.

A general procedure to identify indicators for evaluation and monitoring of nature-based solution projects.

In the last years, the idea of using natural elements or nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate the impacts of cities on climate, biodiversity and citizens' health became more popular in research and practice. Nevertheless, there are currently uncertainties in finding and selecting appropriate criteria and indicators for monitoring and evaluating the impact and performance of NbS and its co-creation processes. This paper proposes an easy-to-use and structured procedure for selecting appropriate criteria and indicators for monitoring and evaluating any kind of NbS project.

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in the coastal aquaculture zone of the Red River Delta (Vietnam).

Coastal aquaculture contributes significantly to the local economy of many countries however water quality issues in the coastal regions are threatening the sustainability of this economic activity. This paper presents the analysis of seven heavy metals (HM) in surface seawater and wastewater from the Red River coastal aquaculture zone during 2019-2020. HM concentrations (μg.

Improved photodegradation of antibiotics pollutants in wastewaters by advanced oxidation process based on Ni-doped TiO.

The number of antibiotic compounds in wastewaters has been growing globally due to the covid-19 problem. Using antibiotics to treat the patients would produce larger amounts of these compounds into the environment with negative impacts. Hence, finding out the method for the elimination of toxic organic pollutants as well as antibiotics in water is urgent (In this study, the treatment of antibiotic pollutants including cefalexin (CF) and tetracycline (TC) was investigated by applying the advanced oxidation process based on Ni-doped TiO (Ni-TiO).

Enhanced simultaneous adsorption of As(iii), Cd(ii), Pb(ii) and Cr(vi) ions from aqueous solution using cassava root husk-derived biochar loaded with ZnO nanoparticles.

This study presents the modification of cassava root husk-derived biochar (CRHB) with ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for the simultaneous adsorption of As(iii), Cd(ii), Pb(ii) and Cr(vi). By conducting batch-mode experiments, it was concluded that 3% w/w was the best impregnation ratio for the modification of CRHB using ZnO-NPs, and was denoted as CRHB-ZnO3 in this study. The optimal conditions for heavy metal adsorption were obtained at a pH of 6-7, contact time of 60 min, and initial metal concentration of 80 mg L.

Antibacterial effect of copper nanoparticles produced in a -supported non-external circuit bioelectrical system on bacterial plant pathogens.

The use of copper nanoparticles for the inhibition of plant pathogens , which causes wilt disease, and , which causes citrus canker, was investigated in this study. To avoid the inhibiting effect of Cu ions on the bacterial cells, the copper nanoparticles were synthesized in the cathode chamber of a non-external circuit bioelectrochemical system (nec_BES) inoculated with sp. HN-41 at the anode.

Occurrence, toxicity and adsorptive removal of the chloramphenicol antibiotic in water: a review.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum bacterial antibiotic used against conjunctivitis, meningitis, plague, cholera, and typhoid fever. As a consequence, chloramphenicol ends up polluting the aquatic environment, wastewater treatment plants, and hospital wastewaters, thus disrupting ecosystems and inducing microbial resistance. Here, we review the occurrence, toxicity, and removal of chloramphenicol with emphasis on adsorption techniques.

Formation, antimicrobial activity, and biomedical performance of plant-based nanoparticles: a review.

Because many engineered nanoparticles are toxic, there is a need for methods to fabricate safe nanoparticles such as plant-based nanoparticles. Indeed, plant extracts contain flavonoids, amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, polyphenols, steroids, and reducing sugars that facilitate the reduction, formation, and stabilization of nanoparticles. Moreover, synthesizing nanoparticles from plant extracts is fast, safe, and cost-effective because it does not consume much energy, and non-toxic derivatives are generated.