Themed collection Outstanding Papers of 2023 from RSC’s Environmental Science journals
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2023 Outstanding Papers published in the Environmental Science journals of the Royal Society of Chemistry
The Editors-in-Chief of the Environmental Science journals introduce the Outstanding Papers of 2023.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 620-622
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA90010C
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Urban stormwater capture for water supply: look out for persistent, mobile and toxic substances
Urban stormwater is a source of persistent, mobile and toxic substances, however the risk for water resources is unknown.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 3094-3102
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00160A
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Emerging investigator series: the role of phage lifestyle in wastewater microbial community structures and functions: insights into diverse microbial environments
Harnessing phage for biological treatment is of growing interest, but an improved understanding of phage diversity, host range, lifestyle, molecular signaling, and genetic potential are needed for microbial community control.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1982-1991
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00755J
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Lithium-ion battery recycling: a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment?
PFAS are widely used in lithium-ion batteries, which may be problematic for the rapidly growing battery recycling industry.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 1015-1030
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00511E
Particulate matter and ultrafine particles in urban air pollution and their effect on the nervous system
Pollutant particulate matter and ultrafine particles have been related to the rise of neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders. It is necessary to understand their potential health impacts in order to develop strategies to reduce risks.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 704-726
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00276K
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Human skin oil: a major ozone reactant indoors
Much of the ozone that enters buildings reacts with human skin oils, both on occupants and on other surfaces. Products of these reactions influence human chemical exposures.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2023,3, 640-661
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EA00008G
Nanobiopesticides in sustainable agriculture: developments, challenges, and perspectives
Applications of nanotechnology in biopesticides could achieve controlled release, increase the solubility, and exhibit location targeting and strong compatibility.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 41-61
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00605G
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What do we know about the production and release of persistent organic pollutants in the global environment?
As of 2020, a cumulative total of 31 306 kilotonnes of manmade persistent organic pollutants had been synthesized and commercialized worldwide, resulting in cumulative releases of 20 348 kilotonnes into the global environment.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 55-68
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00145D
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Development of single-cell ICP-TOFMS to measure nanoplastics association with human cells
Nanoplastics, solid polymer particles smaller than 1 μm, are suspected to be widely present in the environment, food and air, and may pose a potential threat to human health.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 3439-3449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00681F
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Emerging investigator series: aqueous oxidation of isoprene-derived organic aerosol species as a source of atmospheric formic and acetic acids
Aqueous photochemistry of isoprene derivatives helps reconcile model budgets of organic aerosol mass and gas-phase formic and acetic acids.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2023,3, 1651-1664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EA00076A
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VOC emissions by fresh and old asphalt pavements at service temperatures: impacts on urban air quality
VOC emissions from asphalt pavements at service temperature contribute significantly to SOA formation in urban areas.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2023,3, 1601-1619
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EA00034F
Autoxidation of glycols used in inhalable daily products: implications for the use of artificial fogs and e-cigarettes
The use of glycols is seen in various industries and occupations.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 1657-1669
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EM00214D
Emerging investigator series: kinetics of diopside reactivity for carbon mineralization in mafic–ultramafic rocks
Complex carbon mineralization at nanoscale mineral interfaces resolved with in situ X-ray diffraction and molecular simulations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2672-2684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00087G
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The synergistic role of sulfuric acid, ammonia and organics in particle formation over an agricultural land
Agricultural lands produce high loads of aerosol particles, which could cool the climate, overcoming the well-known climate warming effects of agriculture.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2023,3, 1195-1211
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EA00065F
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Mid-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning for postconsumer plastics recycling
Machine learning of the mid-infrared spectra of postconsumer plastics will help prevent, separate, and purify wastestreams contributing to global pollution.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1099-1109
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00111C
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Mechanochemical destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aqueous film-forming foams and contaminated soil
Mechanochemical treatment, or high energy ball milling, was successfully employed to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in an aqueous film-forming foam concentrate and an authentic contaminated soil sample.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 982-989
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00099K
Wildfires in the western United States are mobilizing PM2.5-associated nutrients and may be contributing to downwind cyanobacteria blooms
Wildfire activity is increasing in the continental U.S. and can be linked to climate change effects and nutrient emissions, with potential effects on downwind ecosystems.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 1049-1066
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EM00042G
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Effectiveness of passive sampling for the detection and genetic characterization of human viruses in wastewater
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a promising tool to anticipate potential viral outbreaks not only at city-scale but also at precincts-scale or even buildings.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1195-1204
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00867J
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Metal and metal oxide nanoparticle toxicity: moving towards a more holistic structure–activity approach
A classification SAR approach for the toxicity of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, towards various cells and organisms. The analysis revealed key nanoparticle properties that induce toxicity.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 761-780
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00897A
Enhancing solar absorbance using a 2D graphene oxide/CuO composite film for efficient solar desalination
A GO/CuO composite film was synthesized via a facile ultrasonication method towards the enhanced solar absorbance for high-efficient ISSG.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 523-532
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00656A
About this collection
In this collection, we are delighted to highlight some of the incredible science published in our journals during 2023 and recognise the authors conducting impactful research.