Current Pollution Reports最新文献

Purpose

The booming nanotechnology and the widespread release of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) into agroecosystems have brought about increasing concerns on their environmental fate, mobility and ecological effects. Despite much knowledge on the NMs properties, transport, and toxicity of bulk soils and plants, studies have nearly ignored the rhizosphere as a regulatory interface of significance and mostly its use is taken as a passive medium. Such an exposure-focused approach has constrained mechanistic explanations of highly variable behavior and phytotoxicity of NMs being measured according to plant species, soils and environmental conditions. This review synthesizes current studies to highlight the importance of root exudates as important but under-recognized regulators linking the environmental behavior of NMs with plant responses.

Recent Findings

Recent studies demonstrate that root exudates play an active and dynamic role in regulating the environmental behavior and phytotoxicity of NMs in the rhizosphere. Root exudate components can alter NMs aggregation, dissolution, surface reactivity, and rhizosphere retention, thereby reshaping their migration pathways and environmental fate. At the same time, increasing evidence suggests that root exudates mediate plant responses to NMs exposure by regulating uptake pathways, metal bioavailability, oxidative stress intensity, detoxification processes, and nutrient homeostasis. These rhizosphere-mediated interactions are now recognized as important drivers underlying the highly variable effects of NMs across different plant species, soil properties, and environmental conditions.

Summary

This review advances a triadic plant–NMs–environment framework by incorporating rhizosphere chemistry, plant physiology, and transformations of NMs. These insights provide a mechanistic foundation for improving environmental risk assessment and guiding the rational design and sustainable application of nanotechnologies in agricultural systems. In addition, this review identifies the rhizosphere as a dynamic regulatory interface that should be integrated into future studies evaluating the environmental safety and agricultural application of NMs.

Graphical Abstract

Purpose of Review

Growing concern regarding ecological risks of emerging contaminants (ECs) has highlighted the cell membrane as the primary barrier to cellular ingestion and a critical determinant of cytotoxicity. This paper systematically reviewed computational and experimental studies in the literature related to the transport of ECs across cell lipid membranes, as well as the induced cell damage and toxicity effects.

Recent Findings

Interaction energies (ΔG_binding, ΔG_trans and ΔG_ads) and diffusion coefficient are key thermodynamic and kinetic parameters governing the transmembrane processes. Cell membrane structures and the pollutant properties together determine the interaction energies. The lateral diffusion coefficients ((:{text{D}}_{text{L}})) of cell lipid membranes ranged from 0.62 × 10⁻⁸ cm²/s to 58.2 × 10⁻⁸ cm²/s. Interactions between the ECs and phospholipid headgroup of the cell lipid membranes tend to increase (:{text{D}}_{text{L}}), whereas lower (:{text{D}}_{text{L}}) values are expected as ECs interact with the hydrophobic tail chains inside the cell lipid membranes. Fluorescence anisotropy, lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species and glutathione content are commonly used experimental methods for transmembrane studies. Data from these experiments suggest that higher fluidity of the cell lipid membrane generally promotes transmembrane migration, which hinges on the concentration of ECs.

Summary

The transport behavior of ECs are closely tied to cytotoxicity effects on cells and microorganisms. There is a need to integrate the computational and experimental data characterizing the kinetic and thermodynamic factors of the transmembrane processes into toxicology and epidemiology studies.A dynamic quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model is therefore proposed by combining the parameters of transmembrane processes with molecular descriptors. This novel QSAR model is expected to provide advanced predictability and interpretability for toxicity effects and mechanisms.

Purpose of Review

Mariculture wastewater is characterized by high salinity (3–4%), high sulfate concentration (2–3 g/L), and fluctuating organic loads, thereby limiting the efficacy and operational stability of conventional physicochemical and biological treatment technologies. This review critically examines the potential of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) in antibiotic removal from mariculture wastewater, seawater, and associated saline matrices, with particular emphasis on removal mechanisms, operational parameters, degradation pathways, and functional microbial taxa.

Recent Findings

Recent studies demonstrate that BESs can enhance antibiotic removal from saline wastewater through the synergistic action of anodic oxidation, cathodic reduction, and microbially mediated electrochemical transformation. System performance is strongly influenced by salinity and osmotic pressure, antibiotic concentration, applied voltage, and carbon source availability. High salinity may improve conductivity and electron transfer, but excessive osmotic stress can suppress microbial activity and destabilize biofilms. Emerging evidence further suggests that antibiotic transformation pathways are compound-specific, whereas salt-tolerant electroactive and sulfur-cycling microorganisms play important roles in pollutant removal under saline/marine conditions.

Summary

BESs integrate electroactive bacteria with electrodes via external circuits, representing a promising approach to concurrently enhance antibiotic removal and recover energy from mariculture wastewater. However, practical application is currently constrained by biofilm instability, dependence on external carbon sources, incomplete elucidation of intermediate toxicity, and ecological risks including antibiotic resistance gene dissemination. Future research should prioritize long-term operation, endogenous carbon utilization, and integrated risk assessment.

Purpose of Review

The global market for Omega-3 fatty acids—such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—is expanding due to their important roles in human brain development and the prevention of chronic diseases. To meet increasing demand, it is essential to identify alternative production sources. Microalgae have emerged as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to fish oil–derived Omega-3 fatty acids. For large-scale cultivation of marine microalgae to produce Omega-3 s, seawater is especially promising because of its abundance and rich mineral content. This review explores the potential of coastal biorefineries as an appealing concept for utilizing seawater to produce high-value compounds through microalgae cultivation.

Recent Findings

Algal production offers a sustainable and consistent alternative to fish oil–based Omega-3 s, addressing both supply limitations and quality issues while supporting the blue bioeconomy. Marine microalgae such as Nannochloropsis sp., Crypthecodinium cohnii, and Phaeodactylum sp., as well as freshwater species such as Chlorella sorokiniana and Scenedesmus sp., are known for their high lipid and Omega-3 content. Notably, the high salt and low nitrogen content of seawater can enhance lipid and Omega-3 production in microalgae. However, to keep the process cost-effective while maintaining product quality, it is essential to carefully remodel upstream and downstream processes—potentially leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence tools.

Summary

Using seawater for algal cultivation to produce high-value compounds offers an attractive model for the blue economy. However, process optimization—including strain selection and stress adaptation—is required to efficiently convert seawater nutrients into Omega-3 s. This review summarizes the key factors and technologies necessary for effective use of seawater as a resource for Omega-3 production. Future studies should focus on omics-guided strain selection, synthetic biology–mediated strain engineering, and bioprocess optimization for seawater media to develop high-performance algal lines with superior Omega-3 productivity.

Purpose of review

Organic nitrates (ONs), including alkyl nitrates (RONO₂) and peroxy nitrates (RO₂NO₂), are ubiquitous in the atmosphere. This review aims to clarify the critical role of ONs in connecting volatile organic compound oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation. We summarized recent advances in the formation mechanisms, measurement techniques, and atmospheric impacts of ONs, and identified areas for future research.

Recent findings

ONs are primarily produced through VOC oxidation under NO_x conditions, including daytime RO₂ and NO reactions and nighttime NO₃ initiated oxidation, with additional contributions from heterogeneous and multiphase processes. Advances in analytical techniques, from chromatography to real-time mass spectrometry such as AMS and CIMS, have enabled improved molecular-level detection of both gas-phase and particulate ONs. Observational studies further reveal strong regional variability.

Summary

Overall, ONs are key intermediates linking VOC oxidation, reactive nitrogen cycling, and secondary pollutant formation in the atmosphere. Through their roles in SOA formation, ozone regulation, and brown carbon production, ONs influence air quality, atmospheric oxidation capacity, and climate processes. Continued advances in molecular-level observations and mechanistic understanding will be essential for improving atmospheric models and constraining the environmental impacts of ONs. Future progress will require better molecular-level constraints on ON formation and loss pathways, improved representation of multiphase chemistry and gas–particle partitioning in atmospheric models, and expanded observations across polluted, remote, and vertically resolved environments.

Purpose of Review

Global food insecurity and increasing freshwater scarcity continue to intensify as a result of population growth, urbanisation, climate variability, and the depletion of natural resources. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires a transition away from conventional, resource-intensive food systems toward sustainable protein alternatives that can deliver adequate nutrition with a reduced freshwater demand. Microalgae have emerged as a strong candidate in this context due to their rapid growth rates, broad environmental tolerance, ability to utilise carbon dioxide, and capacity to grow in brackish water, seawater, or nutrient-rich wastewater, thereby substantially lowering their blue-water footprint. While several microalgal species are already produced as single-cell protein (SCP), large-scale deployment across food, health, and industrial applications remains limited by economic, technical, and operational constraints. This review critically evaluates the potential and limitations of microalgae as a scalable solution for food and water security. Considering the increasing digitalisation of biomanufacturing, particular attention is given to the role of computational biology and artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled strategies in overcoming cultivation and process optimisation bottlenecks.

Recent Findings

Recent advances demonstrate that artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, particularly machine learning (ML), alongside Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensing, can significantly improve resource-use efficiency and nutrient recovery in microalgae production systems. In parallel, the growing application of multi-omics and systems biology tools is generating high-resolution datasets that are increasingly important for the development, validation, and deployment of robust ML models.

Summary

This review distinguishes itself from previous studies by presenting an integrated perspective that links alternative protein production with environmental sustainability, particularly within the Water–Food–Energy nexus, while systematically examining ML applications across the microalgal bioprocess value chain. Key knowledge gaps, future research priorities, and the practical challenges associated with implementing AI-driven solutions in microalgae-based systems are also critically discussed.

Graphical Abstract

The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Purpose

Trace organic compounds (TrOCs) are ubiquitous micropollutants present in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. Due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and biological activity, even trace concentrations may threaten ecosystems and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment often fails to achieve complete removal, prompting the development of sustainable alternatives. This review summarizes recent advances in TrOC removal using free and immobilized enzymes, focusing on oxidoreductases (laccases and peroxidases) and selected hydrolases.

Recent Findings

Recent studies demonstrate the high efficiency of enzyme-based systems for degrading pharmaceuticals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and endocrine-disrupting compounds in both model solutions and real wastewater. Key mechanisms include redox mediation, adsorption–biocatalysis coupling, and immobilization-enhanced enzyme stability, reusability, and inhibitor resistance. Advanced systems such as enzymatic membrane reactors, hybrid catalytic platforms, and multifunctional supports integrating adsorption and electron transfer enhancement show particularly strong performance. Laccase- and hydrolase-based systems achieve 95–99% removal of pharmaceuticals including acetaminophen, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Pesticide degradation reaches 84–98%, depending on immobilization strategy and reactor design. For PAHs, immobilized oxidoreductases integrated with nanostructured supports achieve >95% removal of pyrene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene.

Summary

Enzymatic treatment systems represent a highly promising and sustainable approach for TrOC remediation due to their catalytic selectivity and environmental compatibility. Advances in immobilization and hybrid process integration significantly enhance performance and practical applicability. However, challenges related to operational stability, scale-up, and economic feasibility remain. Further development of robust multifunctional biocatalytic systems will be essential for translating enzymatic TrOC removal technologies into full-scale environmental applications.

Purpose

This review evaluates the potential and limitations of nature-based solutions (NbS), including constructed wetlands and soil- and aquifer-based systems, for the attenuation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. It aims to identify which removal and attenuation mechanisms operate under environmentally relevant conditions and to assess the extent to which NbS can contribute to sustainable PFAS management.

Recent Findings

Recent field- and pilot-scale studies show that PFAS attenuation in NbS is governed mainly by sorption and physical retention and depends strongly on chain length, functional group, and system conditions. Long-chain PFAS are often partially retained, whereas short-chain, ultrashort, and ether-PFAS remain highly mobile. Biological processes appear to contribute primarily to precursor transformation rather than complete mineralisation and may, in some cases, increase terminal PFAS concentrations.

Summary

NbS function primarily as attenuation and buffering systems rather than complete PFAS removal technologies. Their effective application will likely require hybrid treatment trains, long-term monitoring, and compound-specific system design. These findings highlight key priorities for future research and implementation.

Graphical Abstract

The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Purpose of Review

This review explores the emerging role of electro-fermentation (EF) and its engineering as an advanced bioelectrochemical process for heavy metals removal and recovery from mining wastewater, including acid mine drainage (AMD), tailings effluents, and metal-rich industrial discharges. It specifically communicates recent advancements in electro-fermentation mechanisms, reactor configurations, microbial electron transfer pathways, and integration methods for sustainable mining wastewater remediation.

Research Findings

Recent studies indicate that EF engineering improves heavy metal removal via electro-assisted microbial reduction, cathodic metal deposition, sulfide-mediated precipitation, biosorption, and bioaccumulation. These processes are facilitated by extracellular electron transfer (EET), which governs electron exchange between microorganisms and electrodes or other electron acceptors. EET can occur through both direct electron transfer (DET) and indirect/mediated electron transfer (IET/MET) pathways, or may also involve direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in microbial consortia. The removal efficiency can be up to 80–99% for Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb (in elemental or mineral form). Conductive materials (e.g., biochar, graphite, graphene) improve electron transfer efficiency, microbial resilience, and process stability under metal stress. Nonetheless, performance is negatively impacted by electrode biofouling, metal toxicity to microbial communities, insufficient organic carbon in mining effluent, energy optimization challenges, and drawbacks in scaling up.

Summary

EF and its engineering are a prospective, low-chemical, and circular-economy-oriented technology for mining wastewater treatment. Advancements in electrode material innovation, microbial community engineering, process intensification, real-time electrochemical control, and pilot-scale validation will be attractive and crucial for accelerating commercialization and deployment in mining operations.

Purpose of Review

This review examines the occurrence, monitoring, treatment, and risk of bisphenols—particularly bisphenol A (BPA)—in aquatic environments across Latin America, a region where rapid urbanization and limited wastewater treatment increase vulnerability to contamination.

Recent Findings

BPA is now widely detected in surface waters, groundwater, wastewater, and occasionally drinking water, often at concentrations comparable to or exceeding those reported globally. Contamination is primarily driven by urban wastewater discharges, insufficient treatment efficiency, and strong surface water–groundwater connectivity. Monitoring remains dominated by chromatographic techniques (GC–MS and LC–MS/MS), although time-integrated approaches such as passive samplers (e.g., o-DGT) show promise in capturing temporal variability. Despite extensive occurrence data, fewer than 20% of studies address treatment, revealing a major imbalance between detection and mitigation efforts. Conventional treatment systems generally achieve only partial removal, whereas adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and hybrid or nature-based solutions demonstrate high efficiencies under laboratory or pilot conditions but lack long-term validation under realistic constraints. Ecotoxicological evidence indicates risks to aquatic organisms, while human health risks—particularly under updated toxicological thresholds—remain insufficiently characterized. Data on BPA analogues (e.g., BPS, BPF, BPAF) are still scarce, limiting mixture-based assessments.

Summary

Current research highlights critical gaps in harmonized monitoring, mixture-oriented risk assessment, and scalable treatment implementation. Advancing the field requires integrated monitoring frameworks combining chemical and effect-based tools, expanded inclusion of bisphenol analogues, and the development of regionally adapted treatment strategies. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, surveillance networks, and data harmonization is essential to translate scientific evidence into effective policies that protect water resources and public health in Latin America.