Open Access Article
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Expression of concern: Potential of non-thermal discharge plasmas for activated sludge settling: effects and underlying mechanisms
Yun Chena,
Siqi Liua,
Zhiyin Rencd,
Qi Wangcd,
Ying Zhangb,
Yajie Zuocd,
Jian Zhoucd,
Hongtao Jiae and
Tiecheng Wang*cd
aNingxia Houde Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd, Yinchuan 750000, China
bCollege of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
cCollege of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China. E-mail: wangtiecheng2008@126.com
dKey Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
eCollege of Resources and Environment, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China
First published on 7th April 2026
Abstract
Expression of concern for ‘Potential of non-thermal discharge plasmas for activated sludge settling: effects and underlying mechanisms’ by Yun Chen et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 19869–19880, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA02921B.
The Royal Society of Chemistry is publishing this expression of concern in order to alert readers that concerns have been raised regarding the integrity of the SEM images in Fig. 6, the EPR data in Fig. 9b and the data in Fig. 10.
The Royal Society of Chemistry has asked the affiliated institution (Northwest A&F University, China) to investigate this matter and confirm the integrity and reliability of the published data.
An expression of concern will continue to be associated with the article until we receive conclusive evidence regarding the reliability of the reported data.
Laura Fisher
24th March 2026
Executive Editor, RSC Advances
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