Themed collection Urgent communications in RSC Environmental Science journals

37 items
Open Access Communication

Partitioning of secondary organic aerosol onto nanoplastics leading to hygroscopic partially-engulfed particles

Partitioning of secondary organic aerosol from α-pinene onto hydrophobic polystyrene nanoplastics leads to partially-engulfed particles that undergo hygroscopic growth.

Graphical abstract: Partitioning of secondary organic aerosol onto nanoplastics leading to hygroscopic partially-engulfed particles
From the themed collection: ES: Atmospheres Hot Papers
Open Access Communication

Stronger winds increase the sand-dust storm risk in northern China

Annual average wind speed and sand-dust storm frequency trends in China changed synchronously.

Graphical abstract: Stronger winds increase the sand-dust storm risk in northern China
Open Access Communication

Room-temperature coupling of methane with singlet oxygen

A singlet oxygen involving radical-pathway is reported for room-temperature conversion of methane to ethane with a yield of 647 μmol g−1 h−1 under solar light irradiation.

Graphical abstract: Room-temperature coupling of methane with singlet oxygen
Open Access Communication

Emerging environmental contaminants at the air/aqueous and biological soft interfaces

Emerging contaminants at the air/aqueous and model biological interfaces.

Graphical abstract: Emerging environmental contaminants at the air/aqueous and biological soft interfaces
Open Access Communication

Activation energy of magnesite (MgCO3) precipitation: recent insights from olivine carbonation studies

Two new activation energies for olivine transformation to magnesite improves understanding of subsurface carbon mineralization, critical for aiding development of carbon-management technologies.

Graphical abstract: Activation energy of magnesite (MgCO3) precipitation: recent insights from olivine carbonation studies
Communication

Nitrogen fixing bacteria facilitate microbial biodegradation of a bio-based and biodegradable plastic in soils under ambient and future climatic conditions

We discovered a biological mechanism supporting microbial degradation of bio-based poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) plastic in soils under ambient and future climates.

Graphical abstract: Nitrogen fixing bacteria facilitate microbial biodegradation of a bio-based and biodegradable plastic in soils under ambient and future climatic conditions
Open Access Communication

Arsenic removal from Peruvian drinking water using milk protein nanofibril–carbon filters: a field study

A field study was carried out in Peru to remove arsenic from water in arsenic-contaminated regions using milk protein nanofibril filters. Results show that this technology can bring back water to drinking standard in both urban and rural settings.

Graphical abstract: Arsenic removal from Peruvian drinking water using milk protein nanofibril–carbon filters: a field study
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Communication

Increased prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium species is associated with indoor flooding and coastal proximity: a case study of 28 moldy buildings

Indoor dampness causes mold growth. The likelihood of such molds being clinically relevant Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. is higher in coastal homes with history of indoor flooding. Fungal surveillance in flood prone homes is therefore critical.

Graphical abstract: Increased prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium species is associated with indoor flooding and coastal proximity: a case study of 28 moldy buildings
Open Access Communication

Can determination of extractable organofluorine (EOF) be standardized? First interlaboratory comparisons of EOF and fluorine mass balance in sludge and water matrices

The first step towards the urgently needed standardization of EOF methods for PFAS-total assessment is presented in this interlaboratory study.

Graphical abstract: Can determination of extractable organofluorine (EOF) be standardized? First interlaboratory comparisons of EOF and fluorine mass balance in sludge and water matrices
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Communication

Nano-dry-salt deposition on electret nonwoven confers anticoronaviral effect while retaining aerosol filtration performance

Direct deposition of nano-dry-salt on nonwovens was developed as a process that can be incorporated into conventional nonwoven production for timely application of biosafe anticoronaviral surfaces and reliable aerosol filtration performance.

Graphical abstract: Nano-dry-salt deposition on electret nonwoven confers anticoronaviral effect while retaining aerosol filtration performance
From the themed collection: Nanomaterials in air
Communication

DOM removal is more important than the specific DOM removal pretreatment process for GAC adsorption of TrOCs

For high levels of TrOC removal by GAC, reducing DOC0 concentration is more important than the specific DOM removal pretreatment process.

Graphical abstract: DOM removal is more important than the specific DOM removal pretreatment process for GAC adsorption of TrOCs
Communication

Ticks as novel sentinels to monitor environmental levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

To evaluate the use of ticks as informative sentinels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) environmental contamination because of their world-wide distribution, hematophagous nature, and ease of collection and sampling.

Graphical abstract: Ticks as novel sentinels to monitor environmental levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Open Access Communication

Standardizing data reporting in the research community to enhance the utility of open data for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance

We propose a minimum set of meta-information to accompany the reporting of SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in wastewater for improved data interpretation.

Graphical abstract: Standardizing data reporting in the research community to enhance the utility of open data for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
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
Open Access Communication

Emerging investigator series: aramid amphiphile nanoribbons for the remediation of lead from contaminated water

Aramid amphiphiles with chelating head groups spontaneously form robust nanoribbons in water with surfaces capable of heavy metal remediation.

Graphical abstract: Emerging investigator series: aramid amphiphile nanoribbons for the remediation of lead from contaminated water
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Communication

Metals in microplastics: determining which are additive, adsorbed, and bioavailable

Microplastics from the North Atlantic Gyre deposited on Guadeloupe beaches were sampled and characterized.

Graphical abstract: Metals in microplastics: determining which are additive, adsorbed, and bioavailable
Communication

Monitoring the stability of aerobic granular sludge using fractal dimension analysis

The variability of the fractal dimension value can be used as an indicator of the stability of aerobic granular sludge.

Graphical abstract: Monitoring the stability of aerobic granular sludge using fractal dimension analysis
Communication

Efficient upcycling electroplating sludge and waste PET into Ni-MOF nanocrystals for the effective photoreduction of CO2

Simultaneously the upcycling of electroplating sludge and waste PET into Ni-MOF nanocrystals show superior activities towards the photoreduction of CO2.

Graphical abstract: Efficient upcycling electroplating sludge and waste PET into Ni-MOF nanocrystals for the effective photoreduction of CO2
Open Access Communication

Drinking water contamination from the thermal degradation of plastics: implications for wildfire and structure fire response

Plastic pipes are susceptible to thermal degradation which can produce volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene that leach into drinking water.

Graphical abstract: Drinking water contamination from the thermal degradation of plastics: implications for wildfire and structure fire response
Open Access Communication

Interactions with freshwater biofilms cause rapid removal of common herbicides through degradation – evidence from microcosm studies

We found that biofilms drive the removal of bentazone, metazachlor and metribuzin from water through rapid mineralization of these herbicides, rather than by their sorption and accumulation.

Graphical abstract: Interactions with freshwater biofilms cause rapid removal of common herbicides through degradation – evidence from microcosm studies
Communication

Natural organic matter facilitates formation and microbial methylation of mercury selenide nanoparticles

Tiemannite nanoparticles available for microbial mercury methylation are formed during the co-precipitation of natural organic matter, divalent mercury and selenium.

Graphical abstract: Natural organic matter facilitates formation and microbial methylation of mercury selenide nanoparticles
Communication

Barium ion adduct mass spectrometry to identify carboxylic acid photoproducts from crude oil–water systems under solar irradiation

Photochemistry plays a role in the dissolution of petroleum derived carboxylic acids.

Graphical abstract: Barium ion adduct mass spectrometry to identify carboxylic acid photoproducts from crude oil–water systems under solar irradiation
Communication

Optimization of bacterial bioaugmentation for groundwater Mn removal using a waste-based culture medium and lyophilization

Waste based bacterial culture media and inoculum lyophilization to optimize bioaugmentation processes applicable to Mn groundwater full-scale biofiltration.

Graphical abstract: Optimization of bacterial bioaugmentation for groundwater Mn removal using a waste-based culture medium and lyophilization
Open Access Communication

Amyloid hybrid membranes for removal of clinical and nuclear radioactive wastewater

Highly efficient hybrid amyloid membrane to remove clinical and nuclear radioactive wastewater.

Graphical abstract: Amyloid hybrid membranes for removal of clinical and nuclear radioactive wastewater
Communication

High-throughput wastewater analysis for substance use assessment in central New York during the COVID-19 pandemic

Wastewater analysis provides insights into population lifestyle and health status during the coronavirus pandemic.

Graphical abstract: High-throughput wastewater analysis for substance use assessment in central New York during the COVID-19 pandemic
Open Access Communication

Levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ski wax products on the market in 2019 indicate no changes in formulation

In the summer of 2019, eleven of the best-selling fluorinated ski wax products were purchased from one of Norway's largest sports stores and soon after analysed for a suite of 26 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Graphical abstract: Levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ski wax products on the market in 2019 indicate no changes in formulation
Open Access Communication

Efficacy of corrosion control and pipe replacement in reducing citywide lead exposure during the Flint, MI water system recovery

Enhanced corrosion control and replacement of all lead-based pipes are expected to reduce citywide lead exposure by about 72–84%. However, Flint's post-lead pipe era will not result in completely lead free drinking water.

Graphical abstract: Efficacy of corrosion control and pipe replacement in reducing citywide lead exposure during the Flint, MI water system recovery
Open Access Communication

Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human milk from Sweden and China

Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in human milk from Stockholm (Sweden), and the cities of Shanghai, Jiaxing, and Shaoxing (China).

Graphical abstract: Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human milk from Sweden and China
Communication

Chemical vapor crosslinking of graphene oxide membranes for controlling nanochannels

The solvent-free chemical vapor crosslinking can directly fix the interlayer spacing of GO membranes for better water treatment.

Graphical abstract: Chemical vapor crosslinking of graphene oxide membranes for controlling nanochannels
Communication

Adsorption of crude oil from crude oil–water emulsion by mesoporous hafnium oxide ceramics

An environmentally benign, mechanically stable, and renewable mesoporous hafnium oxide ceramic synthesized via a sol–gel process has exhibited 99.9% removal capacity of crude oil from an oil-in-water emulsion.

Graphical abstract: Adsorption of crude oil from crude oil–water emulsion by mesoporous hafnium oxide ceramics
Communication

Ageing remarkably alters the toxicity of carbon black particles towards susceptible cells: determined by differential changes of surface oxygen groups

Ageing process remarkably alters the toxicity of carbon black particles towards susceptible cells via changing the species of their surface oxygen groups.

Graphical abstract: Ageing remarkably alters the toxicity of carbon black particles towards susceptible cells: determined by differential changes of surface oxygen groups
Communication

Harnessing salinity gradient energy in coastal stormwater runoff to reduce pathogen loading

First demonstration of the capture of salinity gradient energy from stormwater runoff to the ocean, used to power UV-LED disinfection.

Graphical abstract: Harnessing salinity gradient energy in coastal stormwater runoff to reduce pathogen loading
Communication

Interactions of emerging contaminants with model colloidal microplastics, C60 fullerene, and natural organic matter – effect of surface functional group and adsorbate properties

Molecular properties of emerging contaminants (ECs) and interfacial compositions of colloidal matter dictate the extent of EC–particulate matter surface interaction.

Graphical abstract: Interactions of emerging contaminants with model colloidal microplastics, C60 fullerene, and natural organic matter – effect of surface functional group and adsorbate properties
Communication

Rapid organic solvent extraction coupled with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic mapping for ultrasensitive quantification of foliarly applied silver nanoparticles in plant leaves

An organic solvent-based extraction approach coupled with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic mapping technique to quantify silver nanoparticles in spinach leaf.

Graphical abstract: Rapid organic solvent extraction coupled with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic mapping for ultrasensitive quantification of foliarly applied silver nanoparticles in plant leaves
Communication

Faster removal of nitrite than nitrate in sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification coupled with anammox, affected by the anammox effluent

Faster removal of nitrite than nitrate in sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification (SADN) coupled with anammox was explored through contrasting single-stage SADN.

Graphical abstract: Faster removal of nitrite than nitrate in sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification coupled with anammox, affected by the anammox effluent
Communication

Ferric tannate photothermal material for efficient water distillation

Ferric tannate is used as a photothermal material and integrated with a polymer membrane by atomic layer deposition for solar water distillation.

Graphical abstract: Ferric tannate photothermal material for efficient water distillation
Communication

The feasibility of hollow echinus-like NiCo2O4 nanocrystals for hybrid capacitive deionization

The hollowed echinus-like NiCo2O4 nanocrystal with excellent electrochemical behaviour has been demonstrated as high-performance cathode for hybrid capacitive deionization.

Graphical abstract: The feasibility of hollow echinus-like NiCo2O4 nanocrystals for hybrid capacitive deionization
37 items

About this collection

This collection showcases the urgent communications published across our Environmental Science family journals. Our communication format is ideally suited to short, urgent studies that are of such importance that they require accelerated publication – we welcome your novel reports for quick dissemination.

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