Themed collection Best Papers of 2021 from RSC’s Environmental Science journals

13 items
Editorial

Best Papers from 2021 published in the Environmental Science journals of the Royal Society of Chemistry

The Editors-in-Chief of the Environmental Science journals introduce the Best Papers of 2021.

Graphical abstract: Best Papers from 2021 published in the Environmental Science journals of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Open Access Perspective

Optimising air quality co-benefits in a hydrogen economy: a case for hydrogen-specific standards for NOx emissions

Hydrogen may play a major role as an energy source to support net zero but combustion leads to emissions of NOx, a key air pollutant. Delivering optimal air quality co-benefits may need more ambitious hydrogen-specific emission standards developing.

Graphical abstract: Optimising air quality co-benefits in a hydrogen economy: a case for hydrogen-specific standards for NOx emissions
Critical Review

Insufficient evidence for the existence of natural trifluoroacetic acid

Examination of literatures surrounding purported natural trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) reveals that all TFA observations can be reasonably altributed to anthropogenic sources.

Graphical abstract: Insufficient evidence for the existence of natural trifluoroacetic acid
Critical Review

Removal of antibiotics from aqueous solutions by electrocatalytic degradation

Electrocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.

Graphical abstract: Removal of antibiotics from aqueous solutions by electrocatalytic degradation
Critical Review

Synthesis, fabrication, and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes: a review

Synthesis and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, fabrication, and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes: a review
Open Access Communication

Aerosol presence reduces the diurnal temperature range: an interval when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced aerosols revealing the effect on climate

DTRs from February to June during the COVID-19 pandemic are greater than 3 standard deviations above the climatological mean DTR.

Graphical abstract: Aerosol presence reduces the diurnal temperature range: an interval when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced aerosols revealing the effect on climate
Paper

A reliable procedure to obtain environmentally relevant nanoplastic proxies

More environmentally relevant nanoplastic models are urgently needed.

Graphical abstract: A reliable procedure to obtain environmentally relevant nanoplastic proxies
Open Access Paper

Fates and spatial variations of accumulation mode particles in a multi-zone indoor environment during the HOMEChem campaign

We report on significant spatial gradients of accumulation mode particles emitted during the HOMEChem campaign and assess particle loss pathways.

Graphical abstract: Fates and spatial variations of accumulation mode particles in a multi-zone indoor environment during the HOMEChem campaign
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Reciprocal redox interactions of lithium cobalt oxide nanoparticles with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and glutathione (GSH): toward a mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle-biological interactions

NADH and GSH reduce Co in LiCoO2 nanoparticles to enhance ion release and the nanoparticles oxidize NADH in model media. This poses two routes of toxicity for high-valent oxides: enhanced release of toxic metals and disruption of cell redox state.

Graphical abstract: Reciprocal redox interactions of lithium cobalt oxide nanoparticles with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and glutathione (GSH): toward a mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle-biological interactions
Open Access Paper

Frequency of use of household products containing VOCs and indoor atmospheric concentrations in homes

VOCs are used ubiquitously in consumer products. This population study investigates a wide-range of VOC concentrations indoors and links high butane concentrations with universal and frequent aerosol use.

Graphical abstract: Frequency of use of household products containing VOCs and indoor atmospheric concentrations in homes
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Insights into the molecular composition of semi-volatile aerosols in the summertime central Arctic Ocean using FIGAERO-CIMS

Molecular-level analysis of High Arctic aerosols sampled on a cruise to the North Pole shows: (1) a wide range of semi-volatile organic compounds, (2) no clear relationship between DMS oxidation products in the gas- and particle-phase

Graphical abstract: Insights into the molecular composition of semi-volatile aerosols in the summertime central Arctic Ocean using FIGAERO-CIMS
Paper

Enhancing the performance of a microbial electrochemical system with carbon-based dynamic membrane as both anode electrode and filtration media

The dynamic membrane can enhance the electricity generation and improve the effluent quality in microbial electrochemical systems.

Graphical abstract: Enhancing the performance of a microbial electrochemical system with carbon-based dynamic membrane as both anode electrode and filtration media
Open Access Paper

Reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal in raw wastewater: findings from an interlaboratory methods evaluation in the U.S.

The reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods for quantifying the genetic signal of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater was evaluated in a nationwide interlaboratory assessment in the U.S.

Graphical abstract: Reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal in raw wastewater: findings from an interlaboratory methods evaluation in the U.S.
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
13 items

About this collection

During 2021, the RSC’s Environmental Science journal family published papers covering areas ranging from the effect of aerosols on climate, to nanoplastics, to indoor air pollutants and their sources. Here, in this collection, we are delighted to highlight some of the incredible science published in our journals during 2021 and recognise the authors conducting this impactful research. The Editors-in-Chief for the journals (Paige Novak, Neil Donahue, Kris McNeill, Peter Vikesland) introduce the Best Papers from 2021 in their Editorial.

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