2019 Best Papers 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 2019.
Perspective
Why is high persistence alone a major cause of concern?
High persistence has important implications for chemicals regulation and management.
Wastewater treatment plants as a source of plastics in the environment: a review of occurrence, methods for identification, quantification and fate
Plastics accumulate in the natural environment due to their durability and low recycling volumes.
Uptake, translocation, and transformation of metal-based nanoparticles in plants: recent advances and methodological challenges
We review the uptake, translocation and transformation of metal based nanoparticles in higher plants, and present advanced analytical techniques and future perspectives in this field.
Proteomic, gene and metabolite characterization reveal the uptake and toxicity mechanisms of cadmium sulfide quantum dots in soybean plants
Cadmium sulfide quantum dots regulate nanomaterial-specific unique transmembrane transport system and metabolic processes in soybean plants.
Paper
Engineered nanomaterials in the context of global element cycles
This article provides a bird's-eye-view of the status and scale of commercialized and nascent nanotechnologies in the context of global element cycles to prioritize and guide relevant environmental health research.
Paper
Evaluation of the novel substrate RUG™ for the detection of Escherichia coli in water from temperate (Zurich, Switzerland) and tropical (Bushenyi, Uganda) field sites
The assessment of a novel enzyme-based assay showed it to be reliable to detect and quantify E. coli in water.
Emerging investigator series: investigation of mercury emission sources using Hg isotopic compositions of atmospheric mercury at the Cape Hedo Atmosphere and Aerosol Monitoring Station (CHAAMS), Japan
This study conducted mercury (Hg) isotopic analysis, which has been expected as a new indicator for understanding the behavior of atmospheric Hg.
Secondary nanoplastics released from a biodegradable microplastic severely impact freshwater environments
Over the last five decades, plastics production has increased as a consequence of their use in strategic sectors causing damage on aquatic ecosystems.
Paper
Global transport of perfluoroalkyl acids via sea spray aerosol
Sea spray aerosols can act as a vector for sea-to-land transport of perfluorinated alkyl acids via the atmosphere.
Seasonal variation in aerosol composition and concentration upon transport from the outdoor to indoor environment
Outdoor-originated aerosols transported indoors impact air quality, and chemically transform due to temperature and humidity gradients.
Microplastic biofilm in fresh- and wastewater as a function of microparticle type and size class
Microplastics are pollutants of concern in the freshwater and marine environments. These microparticles carry biofilm communities unique from the surrounding water.
Membrane-separated electrochemical latrine wastewater treatment
Membrane electrolysis is shown to be durable over one month of continuous operation.
About this collection
During 2019, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Environmental Science family of journals published over 650 papers. We are pleased that the journals continue to host such a wide array of great environmental science studies, with topics ranging from biogeochemical cycling to water reuse to nanomaterial toxicity. Here, in this collection, we are delighted to highlight some of the incredible science published in our journals during 2019 and recognise the authors conducting this impactful research. The Editors-in-Chief for the journals (Kris McNeill, Peter Vikesland and Paige Novak) introduce the Best Papers from 2019 in their Editorial, and listed below.
Overall Best Paper
Global transport of perfluoroalkyl acids via sea spray aerosol, Johansson et al, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019, 21, 635–649
Journal Best Papers
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
Best Paper: Global transport of perfluoroalkyl acids via sea spray aerosol, Johansson et al
First Runner-up: Emerging investigator series: investigation of mercury emission sources using Hg isotopic compositions of atmospheric mercury at the Cape Hedo Atmosphere and Aerosol Monitoring Station (CHAAMS), Japan, Yamakawa et al
Second Runner-up: Seasonal variation in aerosol composition and concentration upon transport from the outdoor to indoor environment, DeCarlo et al
Best Review Article: Why is high persistence alone a major cause of concern? Scheringer et al
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology
Best Paper: Microplastic biofilm in fresh- and wastewater as a function of microparticle type and size class, Fahrenfeld et al
First Runner-up: Membrane-separated electrochemical latrine wastewater treatment, Hoffmann et al
Second Runner-up: Evaluation of the novel substrate RUG™ for the detection of Escherichia coli in water from temperate (Zurich, Switzerland) and tropical (Bushenyi, Uganda) field sites, Julian et al
Best Review Article: Wastewater treatment plants as a source of plastics in the environment: a review of occurrence, methods for identification, quantification and fate, Okoffo et al
Environmental Science: Nano
Best Paper: Proteomic, gene and metabolite characterization reveal the uptake and toxicity mechanisms of cadmium sulfide quantum dots in soybean plants , Keller et al
First Runner-up: Engineered nanomaterials in the context of global element cycles, Plata et al
Second Runner-up: Secondary nanoplastics released from a biodegradable microplastic severely impact freshwater environments, González-Pleiter et al
Best Review Article: Uptake, translocation, and transformation of metal-based nanoparticles in plants: recent advances and methodological challenges, Zhang et al
To celebrate even more of the great papers published in the journals during 2019, we’ve gathered all nominated papers in the collections below.
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts - Best Papers 2019
Environmental Science: Nano - Best Papers 2019
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology - Best Papers 2019
Last year, we celebrated the work of Korin Wheeleret al. as the winner of the inaugural Best Papers Initiative. Revisit the Best Papers from 2018 here.