The rapid expansion of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) in China poses a complex challenge for synergizing carbon neutrality and clean air goals, yet its specific health footprints and future capacity risks remain under-quantified. Here, we couple an updated high-resolution plant-level emission inventory (using 2020–2024 daily data) with a Two-Way Fixed Effects (TWFE) model, an adjoint model, and future scenarios to assess emission drivers, health impacts, and mitigation benefits. In 2024, the national emissions of NOx, SO2, HCl, CO, and PM were 98,046 t, 20,304 t, 9499 t, 5747 t, and 2255 t, respectively, representing a 3.5-fold increase compared to 2015. Besides, TWFE and OLS analyses reveal that while economic growth facilitates the relative decoupling of emission intensity, urbanization remains the primary structural driver of per capita emissions, collectively shaping significant spatial disparities. Furthermore, GEMM results reveal a rapid 2.6-fold increase in PM2.5-related mortality, soaring from ∼500 in 2017 to ∼1300 in 2024, characterized by a distinct “westward diffusion” with the share of attributable mortality occurring in central-western China rising from ∼48% to >65%. These findings, grounded in explicit plant geolocations, underscore the critical need for regionally differentiated siting and permitting approaches that not only balance future waste management demands with public health protection, but also help mitigate the persistent “Not in My Backyard” challenge associated with MSWI facilities.

Selective singlet oxygen (1O2) generation via periodate (PI) activation is constrained by radical-mediated competition and insufficient endogenous electron supply at metal centers. Herein, we report a spatially partitioned inner-outer dual-cycle catalytic system, consisting of nitrogen-doped carbon-confined zero-valent cobalt core encapsulated by a MnO2 shell (Co/NC/MnO2), which achieves 95.93% 1O2 selectivity. The MnO2 shell orchestrates electron redistribution to drive heterolytic I-O cleavage and OO release, effectively suppressing radical pathways without undergoing significant valency change. Simultaneously, the Co° core acts as an embedded electron donor, continuously supplying electrons through the NC interlayer to sustain concurrent Co/Mn redox cycling. This dynamic synergistic coupling drastically accelerates interfacial kinetics, enabling 100% removal of diverse electron-rich contaminants within 10 min. Furthermore, the system demonstrates outstanding operational stability over 192 h in a continuous-flow reaction, while life cycle assessment (LCA) confirms its low environmental footprint. This work introduces a new architectural paradigm for selective 1O2 production via the inner-outer cycle concept and inspires advanced synergistic dual-site engineering for sustainable water purification.

Developing sustainable environmental technologies to combat air pollution requires methods that are both effective and energy-efficient. Current research merges the energy efficiency of the plasma source with the chemical efficiency of eliminating a particular pollutant, complicating efforts to optimize the system for reduced energy consumption. This study tackles this significant issue by introducing a reactor volume-based power density (W/L) to assess the inherent energy efficiency of the pulse corona process itself. Increasing voltage from 10 to 14 kV enhanced the power density by 188% from 0.69 to 1.99 W/L. This research lays the groundwork for reducing the energy impact of plasma-based-environmental technologies.

Mercury (Hg) contamination in industrial wastewater poses a significant environmental and health threat. Efficient and targeted removal of Hg(II) is essential to prevent its release into aquatic environments. In this study, sulfur-functionalized mesoporous silica (SFMS) was synthesized via a thiol-ene click chemistry strategy to introduce thiol and thioether groups onto a mesoporous silica framework for Hg(II) capture. SFMS exhibited a strong affinity for Hg(Ⅱ), attributed to dual sulfur coordination sites, enabling efficient removal even under competitive ion conditions. The distribution coefficient (KD = 9.72 × 106 mL/g) confirmed its high selectivity in multi-ionic systems. Rapid adsorption kinetics were observed, with over 99% Hg(II) removal at initial concentrations of 2.50 and 5.00 mg/L. SFMS also maintained stable performance across a wide pH range (3-10). Furthermore, SFMS demonstrated consistently high Hg(II) removal efficiencies (>95%) across various water matrices. Compared with commercial activated carbon, SFMS maintained removal efficiencies above 95% over a wide concentration range (1-20 mg/L). These results highlight the potential of thiol-ene click chemistry as a simple and mild strategy for constructing dual-site sulfur-functionalized adsorbents for efficient Hg(II) removal.

This study employs a high-resolution Probabilistic Material Flow Analysis (PMFA) to quantify macroplastic leakage mechanisms in China (2022). We reveal that rural areas account for 79% of total leakage, driven principally by gaps in disposal infrastructure, whereas urban leakage stems largely from littering and operational spillage. Scenario analysis demonstrates that upstream source reduction (e.g., bans) yields limited mitigation (similar to 3%) if implemented in isolation. Conversely, an integrated approach combining Extended Producer Responsibility with rural infrastructure upgrades proves most effective. These findings highlight the necessity of shifting from "one-size-fits-all" policies to spatially differentiated strategies: prioritizing capacity building in rural regions and refining operational management in urban centers to effectively transition towards a circular economy.

To comprehensively assess the emissions of flue gas pollutants from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) in China and their socioeconomic driving factors, this study employs a bottom-up approach to develop an integrated carbon and air pollutant emission inventory for 1016 MSWI plants in 2024. We apply a Random Forest (RF) model to analyze the underlying drivers. Results indicate that for air pollutants, NOx has the highest emissions, whereas mercury (Hg) and dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, PCDD/Fs) are identified as priority control pollutants due to their high toxicity. Spatially, emissions display a distinct "high in the east, low in the west" pattern, concentrated in eastern coastal provinces, with characteristic pollutants being prominent in specific regions. Meanwhile, among greenhouse gases (GHGs), CO2 dominates mass emissions, while N2O exhibits significant global warming potential. Driver analysis reveals that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and MSWI treatment capacity are key common drivers, showing stable positive and negative contributions, respectively. The number of invention patent applications is specifically and strongly associated with NOx and heavy metal emissions. This study provides a national-scale integrated quantification of MSWI emissions and a quantitative analysis of their driving mechanisms using RF, offering a critical data foundation and scientific basis for supporting synergistic pollution and carbon reduction.

Traditional mineral drugs represent an underexploited reservoir of natural antitumor agents; however, their clinical translation has historically been hindered by poor bioavailability, non-specific biodistribution, and dose-limiting toxicity. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological mechanisms and modern formulation strategies driving the renaissance of mineral-based oncology therapeutics. We highlight how mineral drugs exert potent anticancer effects through interconnected pathways, including regulated cell death (e.g., apoptosis, ferroptosis), cell-cycle arrest, and immunomodulation. Crucially, we evaluate recent advances in drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic frameworks, and stimuli-responsive (e.g., pH, redox, enzyme) release systems that successfully overcome traditional pharmacological barriers. These bioengineering strategies not only improve solubility and tumor targeting but also significantly widen the therapeutic window, as evidenced by enhanced tumor suppression and reduced systemic toxicity in preclinical models. Despite this progress, challenges regarding in vivo chemical transformations and tumor heterogeneity remain. Ultimately, we propose a closed-loop “Composition–Mechanism–Delivery” design paradigm to guide future research, facilitating the translation of ethnopharmacological heritage into precision mineral-based therapeutics.

Developing non-radical PMS-activated degradation systems with excellent anti-interference and selectivity is a valuable strategy for solving the inefficiency of radical systems in actual aqueous conditions. Herein, MnFe-LDH modified by the ultrathin g-C3 N4 (LCN x ) was designed to achieve the electron transfer pathway (ETP) of PMS activation for antibiotics degradation. The ultrathin g-C3 N4 can provide plenty of pi delocalized electrons to improve the electronic cloud density of the Fe site, which promotes the PMS adsorption but keeps O-O bond stable in PMS to generate Fe-PMS & lowast; complex. Mn site supplements the electrons of the Fe site, and also facilitates the electron transfer from the pollutant to the Fe-PMS & lowast;. The LCN x /PMS system exhibits an efficient electron transfer-dominated non-radical degradation pathway, resulting in the optimum efficient degradation activity of 96.9 % within 20 min for tetracycline (TC) and a reaction rate constant of 0.149 min-1 , which is 3.24 times that of pure MnFe-LDH. LCN x has excellent environmental adaptability and high stability, allowing it to maintain effective catalytic activity in actual water bodies and industrial wastewater. This study provides a wonderful perspective to significantly enhance the non-radical pathway dominated by electron transfer to pollutant degradation in the actual environment. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Co-thermal treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash with other waste streams is an effective strategy for pollution control and resource recovery. Although carbon is known to influence key physicochemical processes in such systems, the mechanisms behind its regulatory effects are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the effects of carbon on the thermal transformation and pollutant migration of fly ash under different temperature conditions. Results show that carbon modifies the local reducing atmosphere and microstructure, promoting the release of volatile elements (Cl, Na, and K) while enhancing the retention of key mineral elements. Chlorine migration is further clarified through a "solution behavior-interface charge-electrochemical reaction" framework. Statistical analyses reveal element-specific responses of heavy metals to carbon regulation, with migration effects following the order Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr; temperature primarily affects Pb and Cd mobility, while carbon promotes the immobilization of Cu, Cr, and Ni through enhanced pore formation. These results identify carbon as a key regulator in thermal treatment and co-processing of fly ash and provide guidance for improving waste reduction and resource recovery.

The valorization of alkali lignin, an abundant by-product of the pulp and paper industry, is crucial for advancing circular bioeconomy goals. In the present study, its chemical looping pyrolysis (CLP) using CoFe2O4 as an oxygen carrier was studied. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the incorporation of CoFe2O4 accelerated lignin decomposition, with peak temperatures declining from 466-493°C to 399-442°C. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses showed a shift in product distribution, with relative abundance of acetone increasing from 14% to 56.34%, while phenolic compounds significantly decreased. The activation energies decreased from an average of 245.39 kJ mol-1 for alkali lignin to 174.93 kJ mol-1 for lignin/CoFe2O4 blend. Linear lnA versus Ea correlation was observed and isokinetic temperatures were found to be 967.34 K and 942.99 K, respectively, supporting the appropriateness of A2 model for lignin conversion and F2 mechanism for the CLP process. Thermodynamic analysis showed a decrease in Gibbs free energy from 175.36 to 159.90 kJ mol-1, indicating enhanced thermodynamic favorability. Additionally, compensation effect analysis revealed compensation temperatures of 740.21 K for lignin and 681.96 K for the blend, confirming a consistent thermodynamic mechanism. These findings underscored the potential of CoFe2O4 to enhance the selectivity of biomass pyrolysis, offering promising prospects for sustainable biofuel and bio-based chemical production.

Inefficient photogenerated charge separation and limited visible-light utilization are critical bottlenecks restricting the photocatalytic degradation of phenolic pollutants. Herein, ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) catalysts with tunable concentrations of hetero-ionic dual vacancies (sulfur and indium vacancies, VS + VIn) were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The concentrations of VS and VIn were modulated by adjusting thioacetamide (TAA) precursor dosage, verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The optimal VS + VIn-ZIS showed a red-shifted visible-light absorption edge (566 nm, by +13 nm vs. pristine ZIS) and extended carrier lifetime (3.51 ns, 1.80-fold longer). It achieved 91% degradation of 10 mg center dot L-1 acetaminophen (APAP) within 60 min under visible irradiation, with a 6.0-fold higher reaction rate than pristine ZIS, and maintained robust performance in natural river water (77% removal) and Cl-containing water (78% removal). Mechanistically, VIn induced localized internal electric fields to accelerate charge separation, while VS introduced mid-gap states to prolong carrier lifetime. Their synergy optimized band alignment and charge migration, thereby significantly promoting center dot O2-generation. This work develops a feasible strategy to boost ZISbased photocatalysis via hetero-ionic dual vacancies engineering, highlighting their great potential for the practical phenolic pollutant remediation.

Mandatory waste sorting policy in Beijing (2020) lowered mercury inputs to the representative MSWI plant by 67.7 % versus 2019 through removal of batteries and other Hg-rich articles. The front-end change propagated through the entire system, cutting stack emissions 82 % (1.35 ± 0.6 → 0.24 ± 0.05 µg m/³) and decreasing the Hg²⁺ fraction from 45.5 % to 28 %. Higher post-sorting plastic loads elevated chlorine, promoting in-furnace oxidation of Hg0; the resultant Hg²⁺ was efficiently captured by existing wet scrubbing/fabric filters. Mass-balance and speciation data show that source separation functions as a chemical pre-treatment that shifts mercury toward easily removable forms, amplifying downstream control performance without hardware retrofits.Implications: This study provides the first field-scale proof that waste-classification policy can govern mercury emission chemistry. By altering waste composition at the source, mandatory sorting oxidizes elemental mercury and enhances removal efficiency, offering decision-makers a low-cost, proactive tool to meet stringent Hg limits while advancing circular-economy goals.

The secondary pollution of heavy metals during the incineration of municipal solid waste has attracted much attention around the world. This study focused on the waste incineration process of a waste incineration plant rotary kiln, and the content of arsenic, selenium, lead and chromium in incinerated materials on different dates has been determined in detail. Using the EPA Method 29, we sampled gaseous and particulate concentrations of four trace elements (As, Se, Pb, Cr) at three critical points: before the fabric filter (BFF), after the fabric filter (AFF), and before the stack outlet (BSO). The average gaseous As, Se, Pb and Cr concentrations emitted by this waste incineration plant were 47.23, 0.42, 3.96 and 25.24 mu g/m3, respectively. The average particulate As, Se, Pb and Cr concentrations were 0.56, 0.45, 7.46 and 3.19 mu g/m3, respectively. Among them, arsenic and selenium were mainly distributed in fly ash, accounting for 84.52 % and 87.71 % respectively; Lead is almost entirely distributed in fly ash, accounting for 99.44 %; Chromium is mainly distributed in the bottom slag, accounting for 98.05 %. And the air pollution control equipment (APCDs) of the plant has a strong synergistic removal efficiency for trace elements (TE) in the flue gas, with the total removal efficiencies of arsenic, selenium, lead and chromium reaching 65.07 %, 91.32 %, 86.29 % and 84.55 % respectively.

Fenton process and activated carbon are widely used for water treatment, yet both encounter significant challenges, such as slow Fe3+/Fe2+ conversion and rapid adsorbent saturation. Herein, a category of hitherto overlooked dynamic single-atom sites on heteroatom-doped carbons (HDCs) that mitigate the above problems was observed by coupling Fenton and activated carbon. Specifically, the defects on the carbon surface, particularly the heteroatom defects, coordinated with Fe3+ in the bulk solution to form dynamic single-atom sites that simultaneously suppress the Fe3+ hydrolysis and promote the Fe3+/Fe2+ conversion. This synergy sustains the efficient oxidation process of the coupled system through up to 5 cycles due to the optimized Fe3+/Fe2+ cycling. Moreover, dynamic single-atom sites enable the continuous removal of adsorbates from the carbon surface, extending the time before adsorption saturation and maintaining nearly 100% efficiency for 480 h. Mechanistic analysis revealed that dynamic single-atom sites optimize the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox cycle through forming a carbon → ligand atoms → Fe ↔ H2O2 electron flux pathway. Their bidirectional electron flux with H2O2 enhances OH· production, thereby improving the Fenton oxidation process. These findings offer crucial insights for overcoming challenges in environmental engineering technologies and underscore the potential superiority of coupled systems in practical applications.

N-termini Cyano group (CN) in metal hexacyanoferrates (MHCF) have been identified as specific-affinity sites for palladium (Pd), but C-termini CN do not effectively serve as Pd adsorption sites due to their stronger bonds with the metal ligands (M), which reduces the activity and density of CN. Herein, the optimization of directional coordination of cyano group C/N-termini by modulating the electronic structure of the M (FeII, CoII, and NiII) in MHCF was investigated to reinforce the Pd recovery. Spectroscopic analyses and DFT calculations revealed that NiHCF exhibited N-site mono-coordination, whereas CoHCF displayed C-site mono-coordination due to spin-exchange interactions, leading to the strengthened N-CoIII bonds and weakened FeII-C bonds. Interestingly, FeHCF maintained N-coordination properties and showed C-coordination as the shift of the d-band center weakened the FeIII-C bonds. Double-coordination of CN resulted in a higher adsorption-capacity and -rate than mono-coordination, which were attributed to its greater CN content and adsorption affinity, respectively. Additionally, all three MHCFs, particularly double-coordination FeHCF, demonstrated excellent selectivity in noble/base metal systems, good resistance to anionic interference, and reusability. The study underscores the pivotal role of M's electronic structure in the CN coordination environment, offering a novel strategy for the directional design of adsorbent sites.

Periodate (PI) activation via three-dimensional electrochemical (E) is a promising approach for degrading sulfisoxazole (SIZ), while the scarcity of active sites significantly limits the efficient electron-transfer rate. Herein, we synthesized multiple strongly active zero-valent cobalt (Co0) nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) shells through Co-potassium chloride (KCl) doping pyrolysis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) to induce the rapid electron transfer pathways (ETP). Specifically, molten KCl doping provides confined structures for Co0 with a diameter of 12.57 nm embedded in the NC shell, thereby expanding the active space of Co0/NC. The generated Co0/NC exhibited an enormous electrochemically active surface area (ECSA, 736.92 cm2/mg), low charge transfer resistance (Rct, 38.50 Omega), and strong adsorption energy (-6.003 eV), which together promote robust electron transfer kinetics. Capitalizing on these properties, the E-Co0/NC-PI system achieved 100% SIZ removal at a degradation rate of 1.587 min- 1 under near-neutral (pH 5.00-9.00) conditions, with ultra-low energy consumption (0.011 kWh m-3, $0.125/L). This study highlights a Co0/NC-induced rapid ETP for SIZ removal, offering insights into enhanced electrical activation of PI for wastewater treatment.

Plasma technology effectively removes Hg0 by oxidizing it via highly reactive species, offering an efficient and rapid approach for mercury emission control. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of Hg0(g) removal by pulsed corona discharge non-thermal plasma in pure N2 and N2(80%)-O2(20%) mixtures (or simulated air). Experimental and simulation methods were employed to thoroughly investigate corona discharge electrical characteristics, optical properties, and Hg0 removal efficiency, while plasma processes and particle evolution mechanisms were analyzed. Hg0 was effectively removed in pure N2 under pulsed corona discharge, achieving 79% efficiency. Despite discharge instability in simulated air due to oxygen's electronegativity, its strong oxidizing ability enabled nearly complete Hg0 oxidation via enhanced plasma chemistry. Mechanistic analysis indicates that the pulse corona discharge generates abundant high-energy electrons and reactive oxygen species, which play a critical role in the effective removal of Hg0. The reactive oxygen species in the N2-O2 plasma is suggested to be the key issue for improving the efficiency of Hg0 removal. The higher electron temperature in simulated air helps provide sufficient reactive conditions for Hg0 removal. This research provides valuable insights into the development of more effective non-thermal plasma systems for Hg0 control and enhances the theoretical foundation of plasma technology for Hg0 removal.

Efficient and selective removal of Hg2+ from Hg-contained wastewater remains a critical challenge in environmental remediation and advanced water treatment. In this study, a series of Hg2+-imprinted polymers were designed using bidentate S/N-coordinating allylthiourea (ATU) as the functional monomer. Different structural strategies were applied to enhance their selectivity and adsorption efficiency toward Hg2+. Comparative analysis of the structural features and adsorption behaviors of the polymers revealed effect of the imprinting effect and surface imprinting on Hg2+ capture. SEM and BET results demonstrated that ATU-IIP/SiO2 possessed a higher specific surface area and a more open porous structure, which facilitated the full exposure of binding sites and significantly enhanced Hg2+ adsorption performance. Adsorption experiments showed that ATU-IIP/SiO2 exhibited a rare stepwise adsorption process, with a twice the adsorption capacity that of ATU-IIP and reaching 70 % of equilibrium within 5 min. FTIR and XPS analyses identified S/N-containing groups (CSNH) dominated Hg2+ coordination. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the positive role of Hg2+ in promoting the transformation from CS to CS, supporting a dual-site synergistic coordination mechanism. Under coexisting ion interference, imprinted polymers achieved 84.3 % Hg2+ removal and maintained over 80 % recovery after five reuse cycles, while exhibiting over 99 % Hg2+ recovery from PVC industrial wastewater. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of recognition, binding, and separation of Hg2+, offering a theoretical basis for its efficient removal from typical industrial wastewater.

Developing highly selective and environmentally friendly adsorbents for the treatment of Hg(II)-contaminated wastewater is essential for protecting human health and the environment. In this study, thiol-modified mesoporous silica (TMS) was successfully synthesized by incorporating thiol groups into mesoporous silica (MS). The results indicated that TMS exhibited a promising adsorption capacity (86.49 mg g(-1)), effective recyclability (reusable for at least 5 cycles), and rapid desorption (eluting over 98 % of Hg(II) within 20 min). Additionally, TMS demonstrated high selectivity for Hg(II) removal, achieving a removal rate exceeding 99.78 %, even in the presence of competing ions such as As(III), Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II). The mechanism of Hg(II) capture by TMS was analyzed through multiple characterization techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The selectivity and rapid adsorption were attributed to the strong interactions between Hg(II) and thiol groups, resulting in the formation of coordination complexes and ion exchange. The adsorption performance of commercial adsorbents, including activated carbon granules (ACG), activated carbon powder (ACP), and zeolite powder (ZP), was compared with that of TMS. The removal efficiencies were as follows: TMS (99.94 %) > ACP (46.99 %) > ZP (0.56 %) > ACG (0.38 %) in simulated wastewater, and TMS (82.44 %) > ACP (38.68 %) > ZP (0.82 %) > ACG (0.43 %) in chemical wastewater. This study demonstrated that TMS is a promising alternative to current commercial adsorbents for the removal of Hg(II) from wastewater containing various heavy metal ions.

Excessive nitrogen fertilizer use has resulted in growing nitrate contamination of groundwater. In this study, an in situ bioelectrochemical reactor (isBER) reinforced with woodchips was developed for the treatment of actual nitrate-contaminated groundwater. During the 75-day experiment, the denitrification performance, grid permeability, and microbial community structure were investigated under different flow rates and current densities. The reactor achieved a remarkable nitrate removal efficiency of 97.6% ± 0.4% and a rate of 2.09 ± 0.14 mg-N/(L·h). These results were obtained at a temperature of 18.5 ± 0.8 °C, a current density of 350 mA/m2, and a flow rate of 10 cm/d. Notably, the reactor can adapt to a wide flow-rate range of 5~20 cm/d and the operation proceeded smoothly without any blockages. Furthermore, the cathode module demonstrated enrichment of hydrogen autotrophic denitrifying bacteria (Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas) and heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria (Brucella, Enterobacteriaceae). Conversely, the anode module exhibited relatively high enrichment levels of aerobic microorganisms and lignin-degrading bacteria (Cellvibrio). The research results can provide novel insights and technical support for in situ remediation of groundwater nitrate contamination.