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  • REVIEW ARTICLE
    Wenlu Li, Fanping Meng
    Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 2025, 19(9): 116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-2036-1

    Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a class of synthetic chemicals with exceptional chemical and thermal stability, have emerged as persistent environmental contaminants with significant bioaccumulative potential, posing substantial risks to ecosystems and human health. Although the production of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) has been phased out across the world, these compounds persist ubiquitously in all kinds of environmental compartments, with marine ecosystems serving as their ultimate sink. Through a search process, this review identified 420 articles published from September 2004 to September 2024 that systematically examined the distribution patterns and ecotoxicological effects of PFOA and PFOS in marine environments, particularly focusing on their bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity through marine trophic webs. While numerous physico-chemical approaches for remediation of PFAS have been proposed, their practical implementation is limited by substantial economic costs, excessive energy requirements, and low mineralization efficiency. In this context, microbial degradation emerges as a promising, eco-friendly alternative for mitigation of PFAS. Recent advancements in microbial degradation pathways and mechanisms for PFOA and PFOS are critically assessed, while emphasizing the current limitations and prospects of bioremediation strategies in marine environments. Furthermore, potential solutions and outline future research directions are proposed to enhance the efficacy of biological approaches for management of marine PFAS contamination.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Ranyun Xu, Qiaohui Shen, Lyujun Chen
    Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 2025, 19(8): 108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-2028-1

    Designing efficient and sustainable catalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and refractory 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) removal is an imminent task. This study synthesized a novel γ-MnO2/NF catalyst, which has advantages in saving manganese dioxide demand and reducing manganese leaching. The γ-MnO2/NF + PMS oxidation system achieved a 0.219 min−1 2,4,6-TCP apparent rate constant at 20 °C, and removed > 90% of 2,4,6-TCP at the 5th cycle. Both free radical identification and DFT calculations revealed that •OH and SO4, rather than 1O2, were the dominant reactive species during γ-MnO2/NF + PMS oxidation. The results indicated that the inner-sphere complexation between γ-MnO2/NF and PMS facilitated the formation of •OH and SO4. To fill the research gap in the molecular-level dissimilarities between •OH and SO4 in 2,4,6-TCP degradation mechanism, experimental testing and quantum chemical analysis methods were used. The DFT calculation found that the HAA reaction at H13 site and RAF reaction at C1 site were more favorable for both •OH and SO4. For most reaction sites, SO4 demonstrates greater energy barriers and substrate selectivity than •OH, attributed to steric constraints. The •OH acted as the predominant oxidative agents responsible for 2,4,6-TCP decomposition. Combining DFT calculation and intermediate identification, potential degradation routes of 2,4,6-TCP were proposed. The ecotoxicity assays verified a substantial reduction in acute toxicity of the treated 2,4,6-TCP solution. This study opens up new avenues for activating PMS with γ-MnO2/NF, and helps to select preferred radical oxidation processes for optimal 2,4,6-TCP removal in practical engineering.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Yuyang Bai, Zhichao Yun, Fu Xia, Sheng Deng, Qiyuan Liu, Shuxuan Wu, Xu Han, Yu Yang, Yonghai Jiang
    Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 2025, 19(9): 117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-2037-0

    Clogging of zero-valent iron (ZVI) is among the most prominent technical bottlenecks limiting its application in long-term groundwater remediation. In this study, three ZVI species with different oxygenated anion modifications on the surface—micron ZVI (mZVI), oxalated mZVI (OX-mZVI), and phosphorylated mZVI (P-mZVI)—were selected to conduct a comparative study on the clogging problem during remediation of nitrobenzene-contaminated groundwater. The clogging degree (ΦC) was innovatively employed to quantify ZVI clogging, and the clogging mechanisms of influencing factors were uncovered by analyzing changes in ΦC, reactivity, volume expansion, iron valence state, and iron corrosion product (FeCP) species. Results revealed that the clogging resistance of ZVI decreased in the following order: P-mZVI > OX-mZVI > mZVI. The reduction process of nitrobenzene controlled the increase of ΦC, and the reduction of NO3—a groundwater background ion—served as an indicator for clogging stage changes. Surface chemistry analysis revealed that the increase of ΦC originated from the volume expansion effect of FeCPs. Iron corrosion increased the Fe(III) content, producing Fe3O4 and FeOOH, which roughened the ZVI surfaces and formed dense agglomerates via crystal expansion, causing chemical clogging by occupying pore space. Overall, enhancing the electron selectivity and surface hydrophobicity of ZVI using surface modification methods can enhance its anti-clogging performance.

  • Rui LIU, Weifeng ZHANG, Tikun GUAN, Dongjia LI, Zhiping DUAN, Zixin ZENG, Jiawei LI, Kaitong WANG, Sen DU, Yang XU, Li GAO, Jiahuan LIU, Yong CHEN, Bing SHEN, Li CHEN, Yingxiang SUN, Minghua ZHOU, Jianhao SUN, Shengdong LI, Youliang YE, Mingshan QU, Xinxin YE, Yanfeng WANG, Yuexiu JI, Ruijie LIU, Xinping CHEN, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2025635
  • Zhiru Wang, Guoquan Han, Xingrui Deng, Qingrui Yue, Hui Zhang, Xiaozhuo Li, Meng Li, Yuan Tian, Donglian Gu, Zhen Xu, Zhongqi Shi
    Strategic Study of Chinese Academy of Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-SSCAE-2025.02.004

    Resilient city construction is crucial for the modernization of the national security system and governance capabilities, and digital intelligence technologies are key drivers to achieve urban resilience. Guided by practical demand for digital intelligence technologies in resilient city construction in China, this study analyzes the major development directions of resilient city construction in China and abroad, and outlines the prominent issues and challenges faced when using digital intelligence technologies to improve resilient city construction. In response to these key issues, the study proposes a development approach, strategic framework, and strategic goals for resilient city construction, focusing on technological development directions in areas such as theoretical optimization, data governance, technological innovation, and equipment management. Finally, development recommendations are proposed from the perspectives of scientific research, policy support, and industrial development, providing a systematic plan and scientific support for improving urban resilience through digital intelligence technologies in China.

  • Jiahui Chen, Yuxin Qiu, Wenyao Chen, Hongye Cheng, Xuezhi Duan, Zhiwen Qi, Zhen Song
    Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-025-2593-7
  • Pavel A. Panchenko, Marina A. Pavlova, Anastasija V. Efremenko, Uliana A. Kutsevalova, Maria A. Ustimova, Alexey V. Feofanov, Yuri V. Fedorov, Olga A. Fedorova
    Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-025-2594-6
  • Lei Liu, Shuhan Ye, Congke Gu, Wei Wang, Bin Fei, Wenwen Guo
    Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-025-2592-8
  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Tianqi Li, Jijun Yun, Yang Cao, Yalu Zuo, Baoshan Cui, Dezheng Yang, Li Xi
    Frontiers of Physics, 2025, 20(6): 065202. https://doi.org/10.15302/frontphys.2025.065202

    The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) plays a crucial role in the formation of chiral magnetic structures, such as chiral domain walls and magnetic skyrmions. Recent studies have revealed that anisotropic DMI can arise in specific systems or conditions, which is essential for the formation of three-dimensional spin textures. However, the impact of anisotropic DMI on magnetic moment switching has not been comprehensively studied. In this work, we systematically investigate the influence of anisotropic DMI on spin-orbit torque (SOT)-driven magnetization switching, employing a macrospin model to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our findings show that anisotropic DMI introduces a pronounced asymmetry in the magnetization reversal process. Simulations based on the Landau−Lifshitz−Gilbert equation further demonstrate that anisotropic DMI not only breaks the symmetry of the switching trajectory but also enhances switching efficiency by reducing the switching time. Furthermore, we demonstrate the realization of five distinct logic operations (AND, NAND, OR, NOR, NOT) within a single device, exploiting the asymmetric SOT-driven magnetization switching induced by anisotropic DMI. Overall, our results not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of anisotropic DMI in SOT-driven magnetic switching, but also open new avenues for the engineering of next-generation spintronic devices leveraging DMI.

  • Daolong HONG, Fuping ZHANG, Hua LI, Feiteng XIA, Yue SHEN, Xiche ZHANG, Xuebin FENG, Yongjian WANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2025634
  • Fulin ZHAO, Xingbang WANG, Wushuai ZHANG, Peng HOU, Qingfeng MENG, Zhenling CUI, Xinping CHEN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2025633
  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Chunsong Li, Lingxiu Li, Fan Bai, Hui Gao, Yunzhu Liu, Zhongyuan Liu, Shixian Zhang, Yuhui Jin, Wenxi Ji, Longgui Zhang, Yifeng Li, Bo Yu

    The electrochemical oxidative coupling of methane (EOCM), integrated with CO2 electrolysis enabled by high-temperature electrolysis technology, represents a promising pathway for methane utilization and carbon neutrality. However, progress in methane activation remains hindered by low C2 product selectivity and limited reaction activity, primarily due to the lack of efficient and stable catalysts and rational design strategies. A critical focus of current research is the development of catalysts capable of stabilizing reactive oxygen species to facilitate C–H bond activation and subsequent C–C bond formation. Herein, an easily fabricated composite electrode consisting of perovskite La0.6Sr0.4MnO3–δ and Ce-Mn-W materials with (Ce0.90Gd0.10)O1.95 as the support was developed, demonstrating efficient activate methane activation. Combined theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that the designed composite electrode stabilizes active oxygen species during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) while exhibiting superior methane adsorption capability. This design, leveraging oxygen species engineering and interfacial synergy, significantly enhances electrochemical methane coupling efficiency, establishing a strategic framework for advancing high-performance catalyst development.

  • Zhenhua Duan, Qi Deng, Jianzhuang Xiao, Yutong Zhuang, Julun Li, Bing Xia, Shengjun Zhang, Xuwen Xiao
    Strategic Study of Chinese Academy of Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-SSCAE-2024.12.037

    Driven by the carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets, urbanization in China has gradually witnessed a significant shift from emphasizing speed and scale to focusing on green and high-quality development. The industry of building demolition and solid waste recycling has embraced new opportunities and challenges. This study centers on the bottleneck issues of extensive demolition, low product quality, and the disjunction between demolition and utilization during the process of building demolition and solid waste recycling. Considering the requirements for green and sustainable development of urban renewal and the construction industry, we propose three key issues from the aspects of demolition, utilization, and their interconnection: (1) The obsolete demolition technologies result in the difficulty in precise demolition; (2) the discrete performance of demolition materials gives rise to the difficulty in achieving high-value effectiveness of recycled products typified by recycled aggregate concrete; and (3) the disconnection between demolition and utilization causes the difficulty in systematic application. Furthermore, the research status and technical shortcomings are analyzed from multiple links of the industrial chain. In combination with the research review and actual situation of building demolition and solid waste recycling in China, this study proposes a solution and development plan for future research with the goals of precise demolition, products with high added values, and systematic application, expecting to provide a reference for the research on waste recycling based on building demolition, promote the upgrading of relevant industries, and facilitate the low-carbon, green, and high-quality development of the construction industry.

  • Xiaohong Chen, Xiaoliang Liu, Yige Yuan, Qingxian An
    Strategic Study of Chinese Academy of Engineering, https://doi.org/10.15302/J-SSCAE-2025.02.001

    With the rapid advancement of industrialization and urbanization, emerging pollutants has brought unprecedented challenges to environmental protection and posed significant threats to human health. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI), leveraging its efficiency and precision, is gradually becoming a critical tool for emerging pollutant governance. This study reviews the current status and major challenges regarding emerging pollutant governance, and proposes an AI-based framework for managing emerging pollutants. In the screening phase, deep learning and natural language processing technologies are utilized to identify potential emerging pollutants from vast amounts of data, enhancing screening speed and accuracy. In risk assessment, machine learning models integrate multidimensional data to construct a dynamic evaluation system that can quantitatively assess environmental behaviors and health risks of pollutants in real time. In the control phase, AI technology enables intelligent monitoring, optimal technology selection, and dynamic regulation, promoting continuous optimization of governance strategies. Furthermore, the study proposes a large model framework for emerging pollutants, aiming to integrate multimodal environmental data to assist in the identification, risk assessment, and optimization of governance strategies for emerging pollutants. Research recommendations include establishing an intelligent identification and monitoring system for emerging pollutants, developing a data-driven risk assessment and prediction platform, optimizing pollution control technology and management platforms, and building a knowledge-driven large-model-assisted decision-making system. These efforts aim to precisely improve AI-based governance of emerging pollutants, providing references for scientific research, industry applications, and policy-making in related fields.

  • SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
    Giuseppe A. Colloca, Antonella Venturino
    Journal of Digestive Diseases, 2024, 25(11-12): 655-663. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-2980.13332
    PDF

    Objectives: Immunotherapy-based regimens (IMBs), compared with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs), improve the overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). The aim of the study was to explore the interaction of prognostic factors with survival in study cohorts receiving IMB or TKI.

    Methods: A systematic search was performed and single arms of phase III trials including IMB or TKI were selected. Analysis of IMB and TKI cohorts was performed, and the relationship between progression-free survival (PFS) with OS was assessed. Finally, 13 variables were extracted, and their relationships with survival in the two groups were evaluated.

    Results: Thirty-three study cohorts were selected. Longer OS and post-progression survival (PPS) were evident in the group of IMB, while the relationship of PFS with OS was significant only in the TKI cohorts (β = 0.527,p = 0.007). Prognostic factors in the IMB cohorts did not report any significant relationship with OS, while among patients receiving TKIs, longer OS was documented with elder age (β = 0.577,p = 0.003) and good performance status (β = 0.500,p = 0.011). Conversely, in the IMB cohorts, PPS increased with hepatitis B virus (HBV) (β = 0.756,p = 0.030) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification (BCLC) stage (β = 0.898,p = 0.002).

    Conclusion: In contrast to TKIs, IMBs improved the outcome of patients with aHCC by increasing PPS, particularly in patients with BCLC stage C and HBV-related hepatopathy, but the outcome improvement was lost in patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver disease.