Nano-/microplastics (NP) are a human-made emerging contaminant with worldwide occurrence. The small size (below one micrometre), the different chemical nature and the persistence make NPs potential hazards with a suspect probability of tissue penetration and inflammation or as accumulators for toxins. A strategy to stop the spill of novel NP is the remediation from wastewater or rivers as prominent distributors. We have developed core–shell superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) that attract NP and glue them to larger agglomerates, which then can be removed from water by applying an external magnetic field. The shell molecules provide two interaction motifs towards NP. The tuned surface potential of the functionalised SPIONs attracts complementary charged NPs efficiently and the n-alkyl chain is dedicated to preferential interaction towards organic NPs rather than inorganic particles. Structural analytics and molecular dynamics simulation support the proposed concept. Systematic remediation experiments with different NPs (chemical structures, sizes and mixtures) from different waters—including river water—and with different SPION core materials indicate a universal validity of the concept, with the best remediation performance for mixed NPs. We suggest a method for broadband remediation of various NPs with simple materials and processes, which both have the potential to be up-scaled.
The Ocean Plastics Charter aims to bring together leading countries, sub-national governments, businesses, and civil society organisations to commit to a more resource-efficient and sustainable approach to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. With this charter, it aims to transition to a more sustainable and resource-efficient method of managing plastics. Through[…]
These regulations are intended to promote sustainable development, food security, and the sustainable management of fishing activities in Palau’s waters. They also intend to create economic returns, employment generation, and export earnings from the sustainable harvesting of tuna and tuna-like species by encouraging the development of domestic fishing industries and a local tuna market. These[…]
This subchapter E of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations outlines the pesticide programs, including registration and classification procedures, policies, special review procedures, standards, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, data requirements, and good laboratory practice standards. It also covers state registration of pesticide products, rules of practice governing hearings under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide,[…]
The Plastics Roadmap aims to decrease littering and other environmental harm brought on by plastics, prevent needless use, enhance plastic recycling, and replace traditional polymers derived from fossil fuels combined with various substances and liquids. To guarantee more focus on sustainable product development, reuse, product recyclability, and the growing usage of recovered plastics, these objectives[…]
The regulations aim to enhance aquaculture pollution prevention and control, protect aquatic ecosystems, ensure product quality and safety, and promote sustainable development. They consist of 24 articles divided into four sections: general provisions, delimitation of prohibited areas, pollution prevention and control, and environmental monitoring and supervision of fishery waters.