Themed collection Best Papers of 2022 from RSC’s Environmental Science journals
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![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Microplastics in ecosystems: their implications and mitigation pathways
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 9-29
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00012H
Construction of adsorbents with graphene and its derivatives for wastewater treatment: a review
A comprehensive and critical overview of graphene-based adsorbents in capturing various water contaminants within the recent five years is presented to drive the rational development of high-performance adsorbents with graphene and its derivatives.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 3226-3276
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00248E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Emerging investigator series: surfactants, films, and coatings on atmospheric aerosol particles: a review
Surfactants alter the physical and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosol particles.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2022,2, 775-828
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EA00003B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Emerging investigator series: metal nanoparticles in freshwater: transformation, bioavailability and effects on invertebrates
MNPs may undergo different environmental transformations in aquatic systems, consequently changing their mobility, bioavailability and toxicity to freshwater invertebrates.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2237-2263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00052K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Critical review of antibiotic resistance genes in the atmosphere
Our critical review compares ARG profiles in the atmosphere across different locations and discusses characterization methods, atmospheric transport, and future research questions.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2022,24, 870-883
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00091A
Emerging investigator series: contributions of reactive nitrogen species to transformations of organic compounds in water: a critical review
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) pose a potential risk to drinking water quality because they react with organic compounds to form toxic byproducts.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2022,24, 851-869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00102K
Photo-chemical/catalytic oxidative/reductive decomposition of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), decomposition mechanisms and effects of key factors: a review
Mechanisms of photodegradation of PFAS with different chain lengths and structures using a wide range of photo-oxidative/reductive agents, effects of key parameters on these processes, and synergistic effects of other treatments are reviewed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 698-728
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00774B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Particulate nitrate photolysis in the atmosphere
Particulate nitrate photolysis can lead to the formation of secondary inorganic and organic aerosols that affect climate, air quality, and human health.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2022,2, 111-127
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EA00087J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Microbial nanocellulose biotextiles for a circular materials economy
Harnessing microbial biofabrication coupled to a protocol inspired by indigenous textile processes, we engineer high-performance biotextiles with a sustainable circular life cycle, including the plant and mineral dyed bioleather sneakers shown.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 276-284
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00050D
Non-targeted identification and semi-quantitation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in US rainwater
Analysis of precipitation finds many emerging PFAS.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 1771-1787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00349J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
New insight into the evaluation of complex mixture biodegradability: an UHPLC-qToF “all-ion MS/MS” acquisition technique for the untargeted and targeted analysis of pharmaceutical formulation biodegradation
New technologies to improve the investigation of biodegradability and the environmental fate of pharmaceutical formulations.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 725-735
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00038A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Are cosmetics a significant source of PFAS in Europe? product inventories, chemical characterization and emission estimates
Estimates of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) emission from the use of cosmetics in Europe.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2022,24, 1697-1707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00123C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The evolution of surface structure during simulated atmospheric ageing of nano-scale coatings of an organic surfactant aerosol proxy
A nano-scale proxy for atmospheric surfactant organic films undergoes changes in morphology and hygroscopicity during simulated atmospheric processing.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2022,2, 964-977
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EA00011C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Removal of 293 organic compounds in 15 WWTPs studied with non-targeted suspect screening
The influence of WWTP treatment standard on contaminant breakthrough is explored for 293 compounds.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1423-1433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00088A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Emerging investigator series: meta-analyses on SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA levels in wastewater and their correlations to epidemiological indicators
Recent applications of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) have demonstrated its ability to track the spread and dynamics of COVID-19 at the community level.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1391-1407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00084A
Carbon dots can strongly promote photosynthesis in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
In vitro root amendment with CDs can promote photosynthesis of lettuce by enhancing photoreaction processes and CO2 fixation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1530-1540
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00948F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Photoreaction of biomass burning brown carbon aerosol particles
Short-term light exposure of primary brown carbon aerosols causes an increase in absorption. Continuous aging in the dark afterwards results in a persistent increase in absorption.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2022,2, 270-278
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EA00088H
Algae control in oligotrophic surface water under the joint effect of nutritional competition and microbial algae-lytic substances
A novel algae control strategy in oligotrophic surface water was proposed. Under the combined effect of nutritional competition and bacilysin lysis, a 97% decline in chlorophyll-a content was achieved in South-to-North water and 61.5% in stormwater.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 375-384
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00563D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Surface functionalisation-dependent adverse effects of metal nanoparticles and nanoplastics in zebrafish embryos
High throughput imaging is used to assess hatching, lethality and malformations in zebrafish embryos and is suitable for hazard ranking of different nanomaterials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 375-392
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00299F
About this collection
In this collection, we are delighted to highlight some of the incredible science published in our journals during 2022 and recognise the authors conducting impactful research.