Nanoscale surface defects of goethite governing DNA adsorption process and formation of the Goethite-DNA conjugates.

In urbanized areas, extracellular DNA (exDNA) is suspected of carrying genes with undesirable traits like virulence genes (VGs) or antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can spread through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Hence, it is crucial to develop novel approaches for the mitigation of exDNA in the environment. Our research explores the role of goethite, a common iron mineral with high adsorption capabilities, in exDNA adsorption processes.

Comparison of pesticide adsorption efficiencies of zeolites and zeolite-carbon composites and their regeneration possibilities.

The presence of pesticides in our environment is a consequence of intensive industrial and civilizational development, necessitating the search for effective and safe methods to remove them. We suggest utilizing zeolite X and a zeolite-carbon composite, obtained through the chemical transformation of fly ash, as pesticide sorbents. To increase the sorption efficiency of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), carbendazim, and simazine, we functionalized the zeolite materials with cationic (hexadecyltrimethylammonium) and nonionic (Triton X-100) surfactants.