Progress of metal-loaded biochar-activated persulfate for degradation of emerging organic contaminants.

In recent years, studies on the degradation of emerging organic contaminants by sulfate radical (SO·) based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) have triggered increasing attention. Metal-loaded biochar (Me-BC) can effectively prevent the agglomeration and leaching of transition metals, and its good physicochemical properties and abundant active sites induce outstanding in activating persulfate (PS) for pollutant degradation, which is of great significance in the field of advanced oxidation. In this paper, we reviewed the preparation method and stability of Me-BC, the effect of metal loading on the physicochemical properties of biochar, the pathways of pollutant degradation by Me-BC-activated PS (including free radical pathways: SO·, hydroxyl radical (·OH), superoxide radicals (O-·); non-free radical pathways: singlet oxygen (O), direct electron transfer), and discussed the activation of different active sites (including metal ions, persistent free radicals, oxygen-containing functional groups, defective structures, etc.

A new approach for quantitative characterization of hydrolytic action of proteases to elastin in leather manufacturing.

Leather biotechnology based on enzyme is one of the main directions toward clean technology in the leather manufacturing process. Proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin are important components in animal hides or skins, and proteases are most frequently used in the leather manufacturing process for the removal of interfibrillar substance and opening-up of collagen fiber instead of toxic chemicals. Elastin is an important and highly elastic structural protein in the animal hides or skins and significantly affects the properties of the final leather product.