Pollen allergy represents a growing public health concern, yet the role of microplastic pollution in modulating allergen behavior remains largely unresolved. In this study, we investigated interactions between polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics (0.2–12 µm; predominantly 0.4–1 µm) and cedar pollen proteins, with emphasis on the major allergen Cry j 1. Surface charge characterization using the pH drift method revealed two apparent points of zero charge in the acidic (pH 3.0–3.8) and near-neutral (~7.5) regions, indicating surface chemical heterogeneity. Protein adsorption experiments conducted at physiological pH (7.4) showed concentration-dependent and saturable removal of proteins from solution with increasing PET mass and a 3.10-fold preferential enrichment of aromatic-rich protein fractions. Spectroscopic analyses revealed adsorption-induced but non-denaturing structural perturbations, including increased exposure of aromatic residues and partial β-sheet destabilization. Complementary all-atom molecular dynamics simulations showed rapid and stable Cry j 1 adsorption onto PET, anisotropic surface accommodation, modest increases in solvent accessibility, and subtle secondary structure rearrangements without global unfolding. Together, these findings indicate that PET microplastics can selectively bind and structurally modulate pollen allergens in ways that may influence allergen persistence and epitope presentation, with potential implications for IgE-mediated sensitization in polluted environments.

In this work, we report a sustainable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence switching sensor based on polyamide-derived carbon quantum dots (PACQDs) synthesized from waste, providing a green and scalable route to NIR-active nanomaterials. The ultrasmall PACQDs (1.53 ± 0.33 nm) exhibit a high quantum yield (29

The rapid and selective discrimination of microplastics (MPs) is a critical analytical challenge, particularly as current carbon quantum dot (CQD)-based sensors often rely on single-wavelength “turn-on/off” or staining mechanisms that lack polymer-specific resolution. This work addresses these limitations by presenting a mechanism-driven fluorescence sensing platform using ultra-fine polyamide-derived carbon quantum dots (PACQDs; ~1.4 nm) to identify three prevalent MPs: polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy reveals polymer-specific photophysical responses: PAMPs and PPMPs induce fluorescence enhancement of 11.66% and 11.43%, respectively, whereas PETMPs cause net quenching (−4.61%) alongside a distinct, red-shifted emission band. Despite a common scatter-dominated peak at 290/308 nm, quantitative discrimination is achieved via integrated intensity and red/blue emission ratios (0.0137 for PAMPs, 0.0098 for PPMPs, and 0.0072 for PETMPs). Multivariate analysis reinforces this discrimination. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) resolves the EEM data into three fluorescent components representing the intrinsic CQDs core and two interaction-induced surface states with a rank 3 model reducing the relative reconstruction error from 0.1625 to 0.1285. Principal component analysis (PCA) yields clear separation of the polymer classes, with the first two principal components capturing ~88% of the total spectral variance. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy provides direct molecular evidence for the underlying mechanisms: amide–amide coupling and interfacial rigidification for PAMPs; hydrophobic interaction without spectral shifts for PPMPs; and a synergistic interaction involving hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking for PETMPs. In particular, these polymer-specific fluorescence fingerprints are largely preserved in tap water, despite elevated background intensity and partial contrast attenuation, demonstrating the resilience of the EEM–chemometric approach under realistic matrix conditions. Collectively, the strong agreement between fluorescence metrics, multivariate signatures, and interfacial chemistry establishes a robust structure–property framework and positions PACQDs as a rapid, label-free, and matrix-tolerant platform for reliable microplastic discrimination in environmental analysis.

Polyamide microplastic (PAMP) pollution represents a significant environmental challenge, creating a need for sustainable valorization strategies that transform waste into functional materials. Herein, defect-engineered carbon quantum dots (dePA-CQDs), including pristine PA-CQDs, oxidative PA–H₂O₂, boron-doped PA–B–H₂O₂, and nitrogen-doped PA–EDA–H₂O₂, were synthesized from PAMPs via one-pot hydrothermal carbonization and incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to fabricate transparent, flexible, luminescent, and UV-blocking composite films for food-packaging applications. Defect engineering enabled systematic tuning of the optical properties, yielding bandgaps of 4.07–2.97eV, photoluminescence quantum yields of 11–63%, emission maxima of 408–489nm, external quantum efficiencies of 1.2–7.6%, and CIE color purities of 67–80%. Huang–Rhys factors (S = 0.063–0.100) indicated weak electron–phonon coupling, which was further reduced by 21–48% after incorporation into the PVA matrix. Gel permeation chromatography revealed defect-dependent CQD–PVA interactions that influenced polymer-chain organization and thermal stability. The composite films exhibited good photostability, retaining 67–85% of their initial fluorescence intensity after 50min of continuous irradiation, with PA–B–H₂O₂@PVA showing the highest stability. PA–B–H₂O₂@PVA also delivered the strongest UV-blocking performance, achieving blocking efficiencies of 89.1% (UVC), 73.1% (UVB), and 57.1% (UVA) while maintaining 63.4% visible-light transmittance. In grape storage tests, PA–B–H₂O₂@PVA reduced weight loss to 14.80 ± 2.34% after 8 days, approaching commercial HDPE packaging performance. These findings demonstrate the potential of upcycled PAMP-derived CQDs as sustainable multifunctional additives for advanced food-packaging materials.

The selective detection of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments is hindered by particle size diversity and matrix-induced interferences. This study reports an excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence sensing platform using polyamide-derived carbon quantum dots (PACQDs; 0.5–2.6 nm) for the size- and concentration-resolved detection of polyethylene terephthalate MPs (PETMPs). PACQDs exhibited a pronounced fluorescence “turn-off” response upon PETMP interaction, governed by particle size (10–149 μm) and loading (4–8 g L−1). Small PETMPs (10 μm) followed linear Stern–Volmer behavior, achieving a detection limit of 1.67 mg L−1 in deionized water. Conversely, larger particles induced non-linear optical effects, including scattering-driven enhancement and inner-filter effects. Multivariate analysis using PCA and PARAFAC resolved three distinct components associated with surface-state quenching, scattering-mediated redistribution, and surface area-driven binding. Component-specific scores confirmed that PACQDs are most sensitive to small PETMPs, while larger particles primarily introduce optical interference. Selectivity tests showed distinct discrimination of PETMPs over polyamide and polypropylene. In tap water, significant matrix effects were corrected via matrix-matched calibration, achieving recoveries within 80–120%. This study establishes EEM-based multivariate fluorescence as a mechanism-informed strategy for PETMP sensing, highlighting the robust applicability of PACQDs for monitoring small PETMPs in real-world water matrices.

The interaction between airborne allergens and environmental microplastics is an emerging concern in the context of increasing plastic pollution and allergic disease prevalence. In this study, we investigated the molecular interaction between Cry j 1, the major allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic surfaces using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations integrated with computational epitope selection analyses. The simulations showed that Cry j 1 adsorbs onto PET primarily through hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions, with residues Pro165, Ala227, Tyr228, and Val163 contributing prominently to surface association. Mapping of selected epitope regions indicated that several linear B-cell epitopes remained solvent exposed following adsorption, whereas two CD4+ T-cell epitope regions (T5 and T6) contributed more directly to PET interaction. PET adsorption was accompanied by moderate changes in conformational dynamics, including reduced residue-level flexibility and localized secondary-structure adjustments, while the overall protein fold remained structurally stable throughout the simulation. Small decreases in radius of gyration and solvent-accessible surface area suggested mild adsorption-associated compaction rather than major unfolding. These findings indicate that PET association can influence the structural dynamics and interfacial behavior of Cry j 1 without extensive disruption of its global architecture. Because the study is entirely computational, the immunological implications remain hypothetical and require experimental validation. Nevertheless, this work provides a molecular-level framework for understanding how airborne microplastics may influence allergen behavior and protein-surface interactions in polluted atmospheric environments.

Understanding thermal stability and degradation kinetics of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is crucial for high-temperature and energy applications. This study investigated ultra-fine polyamide-derived CQDs (PACQDs; 1.53 +/- 0.72 nm) using thermoanalytical, isoconversional kinetic, and machine learning (ML) approaches. Thermogravimetric analysis at heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 degrees C min(-)& sup1; revealed multi-stage decomposition (246-459 degrees C) with < 60% char residue. Model-free isoconversional methods (KAS, FWO, Friedman) yielded conversion-dependent activation energies, rising from 57 to 64 kJ mol(-)& sup1;(low alpha) to 197-204 kJ mol(-)& sup1;(alpha = 0.99), with excellent agreement (R & sup2; > 0.95) and similar to 6 kJ mol(-)& sup1; offsets. A four-stage mechanism was proposed: dehydration, decarboxylation/dehydroxylation, C-N network fragmentation, and carbonization. Thermodynamic parameters indicated an endothermic, non-spontaneous, entropically disfavored process (Delta H: 81-87 kJ/mol; Delta G: 160-200 kJ/mol; Delta S: -117 to -182 J mol(-)& sup1; K-& sup1;). To enhance predictive capability, physics-informed ML models (MLP-ANN and Random Forest) were developed to estimate kinetic parameters. The MLP ANN achieved strong predictive performance for activation energy (test R & sup2; = 0.94) and ln(A) (R & sup2; = 0.82), with cross-validation confirming robustness. Feature analysis identified inverse temperature (1/T) as the dominant predictor for activation energy, while ln(A) was primarily influenced by kinetic method and conversion-dependent variables. This integrated approach enables rapid, reliable kinetic estimation from limited thermal data and accelerates screening of polymer-derived CQDs for high-temperature applications.

Mineral aerosols, a component of ambient particles, play a crucial role in heterogeneous reactions with pollutant gases in the atmosphere. While numerous studies have investigated the reactions of individual gaseous pollutants on mineral surfaces, research on processes involving complex pollutants remains limited. In this work, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was employed to explore the behaviors of toluene and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) during their heterogeneous interactions with standard clay mineral particle chlorite, as well as dust particles collected from the center (Tazhong, TZ) and northern border (Xiaotang, XT) of the Taklimakan Desert. Our data showed that, regardless of light or dark conditions, the total production of NO₂ and toluene in heterogeneous reactions on the particles followed the order: XT dust samples > chlorite particles > TZ dust samples. However, nitrate production ranked as XT dust samples > TZ dust samples > chlorite at 298 K, and XT dust samples > chlorite > TZ dust samples at 343 K, suggesting that temperature exerts a greater influence on the reactions compared to light conditions. The electron spin resonance (ESR) and dithiothreitol assay (DTT) results indicated that the oxidizing capacity of the samples followed the order XT > TZ > chlorite, suggesting that certain heavy metals, such as iron, might act as catalysts for the higher nitrate production in the heterogeneous reactions. Additionally, these heterogeneous reactions could produce HONO, which plays a key role in atmospheric oxidizing capacity, triggering the oxidation of many atmospheric species and promoting the formation of secondary products, including ozone.

In this study, we report a green, one-step synthesis of fluorescent carbon quantum dots (PET-FCQDs) derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste using an environmentally friendly pyrolytic method. The PET-FCQDs were systematically characterized using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, TGA, and fluorescence microscope, confirming their nanoscale size (2–50 nm), rich functional groups and thermal stability. Thermal stability and dynamics evaluated by the Coats–Redfern method showed endothermic reactions with an activation energy of 88.84–125.05 kJ/mol. Density functional theory studies showed a binding energy, highest occupied molecular orbital, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and energy gap of −675.39, −5.23, −5.07, and 0.17 eV, respectively. The as-synthesized PET-FCQDs demonstrated excellent optical properties with quantum yield (Φ) of 49.6% and were applied as a dual-mode fluorescent sensing probe for the detection of Pd2+, ciprofloxacin (CIP), and fluoxetine (FLX) in aqueous systems via fluorescence quenching and enhancement mechanisms. For Pd2+, the fluorescence emission intensity at 470 nm was quenched proportionally to the increasing concentration, while CIP and FLX induced fluorescence enhancement. The Stern–Volmer analysis confirmed strong interaction between the analytes and PET-FCQDs, distinguishing dynamic quenching for Pd2+ and static interactions for CIP and FLX. The method exhibited linear detection ranges of 1–10 mg/L for Pd2+, 50–150 µg/L for CIP, and 100–400 ng/L for FLX, with corresponding limits of detection (LOD) of 1.26 mg/L, 3.3 µg/L, and 134 ng/L, respectively. Recovery studies in spiked tap water and river water samples demonstrated the practical applicability of PET-FCQDs, although matrix effects were observed, particularly for FLX. This work not only highlights a sustainable route for PET waste upcycling but also demonstrates the potential of PET-FCQDs as cost-effective, sensitive, and versatile fluorescent probes for environmental monitoring of heavy metal ions and pharmaceutical pollutants. Further optimization of the sensing platform could enhance its selectivity and performance in real-world applications.

Emerging toxic pollutants (EPs) such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), ibuprofen (IBU), sucralose, and decabromodiphenyl oxide (BDE-209) pose significant threats to environmental and human health due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. This study investigates the efficacy of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) functionalized with dual-site doping of alkali-earth (Ca, Mg) and transition (Zn, Fe) metals at graphitic and carbonyl (C=O) sites for the adsorption of these EPs. Using computational modeling and density functional theory (DFT), we analyzed the structural, electronic, and adsorption properties of pristine and metal-doped PET-CQDs. Results reveal that metal doping enhances surface area, solvent accessibility, and electronic reactivity, with Ca-O and Mg-O doping yielding the highest Connolly surface areas (299.54 & Aring;2 and 289.11 & Aring;2) and Fe-G reducing the HOMO-LUMO gap to 1.40 eV, improving charge transfer. Adsorption studies indicate that Fe-doped CQDs exhibit the strongest binding energies for PFOS (-5264.3 kcal/ mol) and IBU (-8209.88 kcal/mol), driven by electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, while BDE-209 shows the highest adsorption energy (-23335 kcal/mol) across all CQDs due to it-it stacking and hydrophobic effects. Sucralose displays weaker adsorption, with positive binding energies indicating limited affinity. Post-adsorption molecular dynamics highlight increased mobility in Ca-O and Zn-G CQDs, with diffusivity constants rising significantly (e.g., 0.03482 for IBU on Ca-O), while Fe-G and Mg-O CQDs show rigidity, reflecting stronger pollutant retention. Proposed mechanisms involve ion-dipole, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and it-it stacking interactions tailored by metal type and doping site. These findings elucidate structure-property relationships, demonstrating that dual-site metal doping enhances the selectivity and efficiency of PET-CQDs, offering a sustainable approach for designing advanced adsorbents for water treatment applications.

This study investigates the optimization, multifunctional applications, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) evaluation of polyethylene terephthalate-derived fluorescent carbon quantum dots (PET-FCQDs, size: 9.98 +/- 10.90 nm) for removing fluoxetine (FLX; 100-400 ng/L) and ciprofloxacin (CIP; 50-150 mu g/L) from aqueous solutions and exploring their therapeutic potential as antidepressants and antibiotics. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and machine learning models-Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM)-optimized removal efficiencies of 95.19 % for FLX and 97.85 % for CIP, with ANN achieving superior prediction accuracy (R2: 0.82-0.88). Adsorption adhered to Langmuir (FLX; R2 > 0.999) and Freundlich isotherms (FLX and CIP; R2 > 0.998) with intraparticle diffusion kinetics (R2 > 0.94). Maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were 705 ng/g for CIP and 62.27 ng/g for FLX. Mechanistic studies via ATR-FTIR and molecular dynamics revealed hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking, and electrostatic interactions as key drivers. Molecular docking highlighted PET-FCQDs' intrinsic antidepressant potential (docking score: -8.7 kcal/mol for SERT) and their synergy with CIP (-7.3 kcal/mol for topoisomerase IV). ADMET analysis via SwissADME and ADMETSAR server confirmed high gastrointestinal absorption, positive Blood Brain Barrier, non-carcinogenicity, and non-biodegradability. However, high toxicity to ecological organisms such fish, honey bee and Tetrahymena Pyriformis raises concerns about potential ecological risks if released into environments This comprehensive study integrates experimental and computational approaches to optimize PET-FCQDs for environmental and pharmaceutical applications, showcasing their dual role as effective adsorbents for removing contaminants and as potential therapeutic agents. The findings provide a framework for the sustainable utilization of PET waste in developing multifunctional nanomaterials.

Biomass-derived activated carbon is an advancing adsorbent for pollutant removal from the aqueous environment, attributed to its high adsorption capacity and cost-effectiveness. This work synthesized multiple ACs under diverse preparation conditions using bamboo waste biomass as the precursor. The characteristics and adsorption behavior of the resulting carbon were widely investigated and discussed. The AC synthesized at 500 degrees C for 60 min showed the highest specific surface area (1827 m2/g) with dominant microporosity. The adsorption process was conducted under various conditions such as initial concentration (10-200 mg/L), pH (2-10), contact time (1-240 min), and adsorption temperature (288-308 K) of the ibuprofen solution. The AC synthesized at 700 degrees C for 60 min which has the highest micropore structure exhibited the maximum removal efficiency of 93 %, and the favorable pH was 2, demonstrating the dominant role of pore filling, hydrophobic and it-it interactions, which have provided high surface area and selectivity for enhancing adsorption capacity. It also showed the maximum adsorption capacity of 142 mg/g based on PSO model calculation with an IBP initial concentration of 100 mg/g, pH= 7 at 298 K. The adsorption process achieved equilibrium in 60 minutes and was well described by pseudo- second-order kinetic and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. These findings demonstrated that ZnCl2 activation at moderate temperatures can efficiently produce high-surface-area ACs with significant adsorption capacity for IBP, offering a low-energy and cost-effective method for carbon synthesis.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a matter of deep concern as they pose significant environmental and health hazards due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic effects. In soils, PAHs accumulate, contaminating ecosystems, entering food chains, and posing threats to plant and human health. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of PAH contamination in agricultural soils (particle size < 20 µm) across various land-use categories and depths to determine contamination levels and associated health risks, as such comprehensive studies are very rare in Bangladesh. Soil samples were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The findings revealed that the concentrations of ∑16PAH ranged from 299 to 1928 µg/kg, with the lowest levels observed in research areas and the highest in industrial soils. Concentration trends were as follows: industrial areas > coastal areas > local market areas > rural areas > research areas. Higher concentrations were noted for individual PAHs such as Nap, Phe, BbF, and BkF (313.14 µg/kg ± 62.01 to 546.97 µg/kg ± 146.76), while the lowest concentrations were recorded for BghiP, DBahA, and Ind (1.25 µg/kg ± 1.10 to 5.74 µg/kg ± 3.77). PAH levels were highest in surface soils, following a depth sequence of 0–5 cm > 5–10 cm > 10–15cm. The results also showed that low-, intermediate-, and high-molecular-weight PAHs comprised 46.06–83.18%, 16.47–48.68%, and 0.23–6.51% of total PAHs, respectively. The source of PAHs was identified as integration of pyrogenic petrogenic. Children were found to have higher exposure through ingestion compared to adults, with lower exposure through inhalation and dermal pathways. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for children ranged from 2.03 × 10−8 to 9.07 × 10−7, and for adults from 1.96 × 10−8 to 8.04 × 10−7. Both groups exhibited no carcinogenic risk, as per the USEPA threshold. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and management strategies to mitigate PAH contamination in agricultural soils, thus protecting environmental and public health concerns.

Microplastic (MP) pollution in urban areas is a growing global concern due to its health risks and environmental effects. This study investigates the sources, spatial distribution, and health risks of MPs in road dust across industrial, capital city, and peri-urban areas of Bangladesh. Street dust samples were collected from 15 heavily congested traffic sites across Dhaka and its surrounding areas. The samples were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify MP types and their morphological characteristics. We have identified six types of polymers, including Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with industrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of MPs followed by capital city and peri-urban zones. PP was the most prevalent MP polymer, with the highest level in industrial areas (14.1 ± 1.7 MPs/g), followed by capital city (9.6 ± 1.92 MPs/g) and peri-urban areas (7.2 ± 1.56 MPs/g). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified traffic emissions, industrial activities, and mismanaged plastic waste as the primary sources of MPs. Health risk evaluations indicated that children are more susceptible to MP exposure through ingestion and inhalation, with industrial areas posing the highest carcinogenic risk. The findings underscore the pressing demand for better waste management systems and stricter regulatory measures to mitigate MP pollution and safeguard public health in urban environments. Addressing these challenges is essential to reduce the growing threat of MPs and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human well-being.

This study investigates the concentrations, health risks, and potential sources of heavy metal elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM1.1 particles in Zhuji, a major copper-processing city in China. The ratios of heavy metals (summer: 0.906; winter: 0.619) and PAHs (>0.750 in both seasons) in PM1.1/PM2.0 suggest significant accumulation in ultrafine particles. In winter, heavy metal concentrations in PM1.1 reached up to 448 ng/m3, and PAH concentrations were 13.4 ng/m3—over ten times higher than in summer. Health risk assessments revealed that hazard index (HI) values exceeded 1.00 for five age groups (excluding infants) during winter, indicating chronic exposure risks. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values surpassed the upper acceptable limit (1.0 × 10⁻⁴) for four age groups, with Cr, As, Cd, and Pb as major contributors. PAH-related ILCRs were also elevated in winter, with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) identified as the most potent carcinogen. Enrichment factor (EF) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that industrial activities and traffic emissions were the dominant anthropogenic sources of heavy metals. Diagnostic ratio analysis further showed that PAHs mainly originated from vehicle and coal combustion. These findings provide critical insights into pollution patterns in industrial cities and underscore the importance of targeted mitigation strategies.

Keyaki bark is an abundant untapped resource of biomass in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, for steam gasification and tar reforming. To optimize performance, raw bark underwent demineralization with HCl to remove native metals and calcium impregnation using Ca (OH)2. Gasification experiments were conducted at 900 °C using steam and CO2 as gasifying agents. The tar was reformed in a two-stage metal reactor, resulting in improved syngas yields. Results showed that demineralization enhanced gasification efficiency, producing higher hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) yields compared to untreated samples. Experiments have shown that steam gasification of bark char produced 142% more syngas compared to raw bark, with H2 yield increasing by 86% and CO yield by 250%. Additionally, the two-stage metal tube reactor generated 200% more syngas than raw bark gasification and 24% more than bark char gasification. Therefore, we confirmed the feasibility of using the two-stage metal tube reactor for tar reforming to enhance syngas production in steam gasification processes. Keyaki bark’s high carbon and low ash content make it a promising feedstock for sustainable energy production.

Nanobubbles have emerged as a novel technology, yet their applications remain largely limited to cleaning and oxidation. This study explores the potential of ozone nanobubbles as a pretreatment method for liquefied wood. Wood meal was treated with ozone nanobubbles in tap water under three different conditions: room temperature, 50 °C, and room temperature followed by ultrasonic treatment. The treated samples were then compared with untreated wood meal through component analysis, FT-IR functional group evaluation, and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of cellulose crystallinity. In the liquefaction process, residue rates, FT-IR analysis, hydroxyl numbers, and viscosity were examined. Additionally, the mechanical properties of synthesized polyurea films were evaluated via tensile testing. The results showed a reduction in amorphous cellulose from 62.3% to 56.6% and hemicellulose from 42.8% to 35.9%, leading to liquefied wood with a high hydroxyl value from 341 KOH/mg to 387 KOH/mg and significantly lower viscosity from 684 cP to 264 cP. Furthermore, the polyurea films synthesized from the treated liquefied wood exhibited no deterioration in physical properties. These findings highlight ozone nanobubble pretreatment as a promising and industrially valuable process for producing low-residue, low-viscosity liquefied wood without compromising material performance.

Ambient pollen proteins play key roles in the incidence of allergenic respiratory health, and numerous reports have focused on respiratory diseases caused by air pollutants. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying the involvement of microbiota in the respiratory tracts and effects induced by air pollutants. Therefore, an allergenic animal model was established to investigate the characterization of microbials in the lung induced by allergenic Platanus pollen protein (Pla a3) and ambient fine particulate matter. Our data showed that the mice exhibited strong immune and inflammatory responses after being exposed to PMs and Pla a3 protein. This included increased levels of immunoglobulins IgG and IgE, as well as elevated levels of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13. Furthermore, the amounts of pathogenic bacteria, such as Desulfobacterota, Enterococcus, Ferruginibacter, and Pseudoxanthomonas, in the lung microbiota of the Pla a3 exposure group increased significantly. Correlation analysis revealed a strong association between specific lung bacteria and alterations in cytokines from the lung samples. Probiotic bacteria, Deferribacterota and Bifidobacterium, was associated with changes in the level of IgG and IgE. However, pathogenic bacteria, like Prevotella and Fusobacterium, were linked with the cytokines IL-4 and TNF-α.

Emerging environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs), can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), posing potential exposure risks to human health. Incomplete coal combustion is a major source of EPFRs. Organic carbonaceous fractions are essential and important players in the formation of EPFRs during coal combustion. However, relationship between individual organic carbonaceous and non -carbon fractions with EPFRs in such emissions are not well known. This paper investigated the characteristics of EPFRs discharged from simulated coal combustion. Our results showed that the concentration of EPFRs was major concentrated on PM 1.1 (51.66 e81.85 %), and more easily oxidized by oxygen resulting in producing more oxygen -centered radicals (semiquinone-type) in PM 1.1 . The mean of line width ( DHp-p) was 5.87 +/- 0.41G higher than that of biomass combustion, indicating more free radical species were emitted from coal combustion. Humic-like substances -carbon (HULIS-C) was the major contributor of the formation of EPFRs and facilitate the generated of EPFRs. Secondary processes have also contributed to the formation of EPFRs during the coal combustion. Our result also noted that there was no relationship between transition metals and EPFRs, may be due to the variability and complexity of the chemical properties and composition of PM. This is critical for the prediction of geochemical behavior and risk assessment of EPFRs, which can provide basic data to support policy development to address rural air pollutant emissions. (c) 2024 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY -NC -ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/ 4.0/).