Retention of ZnO nanoparticles onto polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics: Aging-associated interactions and the role of aqueous chemistry.

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive and undergo environmental aging processes, which alters potential interaction with the co-contaminants. Hence, to assess their contaminant-carrying capacity, mimicking the weathering characteristics of secondary MPs is crucial. To this end, the present study investigated the interaction of Zinc oxide (nZnO) nanoparticles with non-irradiated (NI) and UV-irradiated (UI) forms of the most abundant MPs, such as polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), in aqueous environments.

Iron oxide doped rice biochar reduces soil-plant arsenic stress, improves nutrient values: An amendment towards sustainable development goals.

Arsenic (As) contamination in paddy soils and its further translocation to the rice is a serious global issue. Arsenic loading to the rice depends on soil physico-chemical parameters and agronomic practices. To minimize this natural threat, as a natural substance, rice straw was used to produce rice biochar (RBC) and doped with iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles, another eco-friendly composite.