Synthesis of NiFeS/NiS film on NiFe alloy foam as an excellent electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction.

Directly synthesizing bicomponent electrocatalysts in the nanostructured form from bulk alloy foam has many potential advantages: robust stability, synergistic effects and fast electron transfer. Here, NiFeS/NiS film with micrometer thickness on bulk substrate was synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermally assisted sulfurization of NiFe alloy foam for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic media. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of the bicomponent, reduced interfacial resistance between electrocatalyst and metal substrate, and more exposed catalytic sites on the microstructured film, the as-prepared electrocatalyst (NiFeS/NiS‖NiFe) behaves as a highly efficient and robust oxygen evolution electrode with felicitous current density in alkaline electrolytes (1 M KOH).

Conical nanofluidic channel for selective quantitation of melamine in combination with β-cyclodextrin and a single-walled carbon nanotube.

Amine group-bearing small molecules tend to adsorb onto the nanochannel surfaces, which degrades the efficiency of nanochannel sensors. In this study, we utilized host-guest knowledge to eliminate the influence of excessive small molecules. In combination with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) provided an excellent sensing performance for the conical nanochannel coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and zirconium ion (Zr).

Diastereoisomer-Specific Biotransformation of Hexabromocyclododecanes by a Mixed Culture Containing Strain 195.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers may exhibit substantial differences in physicochemical, biological, and toxicological properties. However, there remains a lack of knowledge about stereoisomer-specific toxicity, metabolism, and environmental fate of HBCD. In this study, the biotransformation of (±)α-, (±)β-, and (±)γ-HBCD contained in technical HBCD by a mixed culture containing the organohalide-respiring bacterium strain 195 was investigated.

Occurrence of PBDEs and alternative halogenated flame retardants in sewage sludge from the industrial city of Guangzhou, China.

This study investigated the prevalence and abundance of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) in sludge samples from 5 sewage treatment plants in Guangzhou, China. Detection of 18 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 9 alternative HFRs including Dechlorane Plus (DP), brominated alkylbenzenes, and polybrominated biphenyls, and 2 related degradation products was conducted. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were the dominant HFRs, with concentrations ranging from 200 to 2150 ng/g and 680-27,400 ng/g, respectively.

Contamination and distribution of heavy metals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and alternative halogenated flame retardants in a pristine mangrove.

Owing to the expanding metal and electronics industries, pollution in the Pearl River Estuary needs special concern. Given the hydrodynamic effect, the pristine mangrove in Qi'ao Island would be contaminated by tidal flushing. Thus, we examined (1) the contamination of pollutants in this mangrove, including heavy metals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs), and (2) how habitat characteristics and sediment properties affect their distribution.

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water in the vicinity of an abandoned e-waste recycling site: implications for dissemination of heavy metals.

Illegal e-waste recycling activity has caused heavy metal pollution in many developing countries, including China. In recent years, the Chinese government has strengthened enforcement to impede such activity; however, the heavy metals remaining in the abandoned e-waste recycling site can still pose ecological risk. The present study aimed to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water in the vicinity of an abandoned e-waste recycling site in Longtang, South China.

Biological risk and pollution history of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Nansha mangrove, South China.

Chinese government has taken various measures to alleviate pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the region of Pearl River Delta since the economic reform in 1978, but the effectiveness of these measures remains largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the biological risk and pollution history of PAHs by measuring the concentrations of 28 PAHs in the surface and core sediments, respectively, in Nansha mangrove. Results found that the biological risk of PAHs was low without obvious spatial variation.

Study on oxidation of pyrite by in situ absorption spectroscopy.

Pyrite is one of the common natural mineral. It is easily oxidized and brings heavy metal contaminations, therefore it is the main source of acidity mine drainage. The study on the dynamics of pyrite is helpful to comprehending the mechanism of its pollution.