Layer symmetry and irradiation dominate the oxidation capability of birnessite on biogenic isoprene.

The climate-active gas isoprene (CH) is one of the most abundant biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Soil is one of the significant sinks for isoprene, yet the role played by the naturally abundant birnessite in the soil surface layer during the oxidation of isoprene remains largely unknown. This study investigates the reactions of isoprene with triclinic and hexagonal birnessite on the Earth's surface environments.

The pH-sensitive transformation of birnessite and its effect on the fate of norfloxacin.

Birnessite plays a crucial role in regulating the fate of contaminants in soil, which is affected by the crystal structure of birnessite. In this study, the transformation of triclinic birnessite to hexagonal birnessite was examined at various pH values, and their reactivity towards norfloxacin was investigated. The findings indicate that the conversion from triclinic birnessite to hexagonal birnessite occurs under pH conditions lower than 7.