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        <title>Frontiers in Environmental Engineering | Environmental Catalysis section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-engineering/sections/environmental-catalysis</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Environmental Catalysis section in the Frontiers in Environmental Engineering journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T07:53:58.413+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2026.1722898</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2026.1722898</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Waste plastic bottle strips as biofilter media for a sustainable onsite sanitation system]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ugyen Dorji</author><author>Abdulaziz Almuntashiri</author><author>Yeshi Choden</author><author>Hokyong Shon</author><author>Sherub Phuntsho</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study explores the use of waste plastic bottle strips as biofilter media for improved urban on-site sanitation systems. Initially, Synthetic wastewater was treated in column reactors packed with plastic strips of varying sizes (3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm) as biofilter (BF) media. The biofilter system demonstrated a reduction in hydrolysed and acidified fractions, alongside elevated oxidation-reduction potential values (exceeding −250 mV) under both winter and summer conditions. The non-woven plastic matrices provided effective support for biofilm formation and biosolid retention, while simultaneously addressing plastic waste problems. Over a 150-day ambient laboratory-scale study, the striped BF achieved average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates of 72%, 71%, and 70% for 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm sizes, respectively, under an optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 h. The UASB + BF onsite treatment system can produce a much-improved effluent quality compared to a conventional onsite sanitation system using a septic tank. These findings underscore the potential of waste plastic bottle strips as a cost-effective, sustainable biofilter medium for decentralised sanitation, offering dual benefits of wastewater treatment and plastic waste reuse.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1673461</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1673461</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Enzyme catalyzed oxidative humification reactions (ECOHRs): PFAS remediation and thatch management]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Umar Munir</author><author>Yifei Wang</author><author>Qingguo Huang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Enzyme-Catalyzed Oxidative Humification Reactions (ECOHRs) are primarily recognized for their involvement in the degradation of lignin. Lignolytic fungi produce extracellular enzymes under nutrient-deficient conditions, which can act directly or indirectly through small-molecule mediators to modify a range of compounds in the environment. The enzymes mediating ECOHRs mainly include laccases, lignin peroxidases (LiP), and manganese peroxidases (MnP), whose properties and catalysis mechanisms are summarized and compared in this review. As an example showcasing the possible environmental application of ECOHRs, the effects of ECOHRs in mediating the transformation of two key per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were discussed. Reports have shown their significant concentration reduction (40%–59%) in systems with ECOHRs induced by amendments with laccases and mediators. Nontarget products identification using high-resolution mass spectrometry suggests that PFOA and PFOS degraded in ECOHR systems primarily through free-radical chain reactions. Reports on the use of laccase to reduce and manage the thatch layer on turf grass are also discussed in this review as another example of ECOHRs application. Laccase application at a rate of 2 U/cm2 once per month was found to be as effective as traditional thatch management methods, with the ECOHR effects leading to a reduction in the thatch thickness by 18%–22% in bermudagrass and 21%–30% in zoysiagrass. Overall, this review addresses the concept of ECOHRs, with the major enzymes and systems introduced, and highlights their possible environmental applications exemplified by PFAS remediation and thatch management.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1568542</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1568542</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A review on the recent mechanisms investigation of PFAS electrochemical oxidation degradation: mechanisms, DFT calculation, and pathways]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-04-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Gengyang Li</author><author>Mason Peng</author><author>Qingguo Huang</author><author>Ching-Hua Huang</author><author>Yongsheng Chen</author><author>Gary Hawkins</author><author>Ke Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have drawn public concern recently due to their toxic properties and persistence in the environment, making it urgent to eliminate PFAS from contaminated water. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) has shown great promise for the destructive treatment of PFAS with direct electron transfer and hydroxyl radical (⋅OH)-mediated indirect reactions. One of the most popular electrodes is Magnéli phase titanium suboxides. However, the degradation mechanisms of PFAS are still unsure and are under investigation now. The main methodology is the first-principal density functional theory (DFT) computation, which is recently used to explore the degradation mechanisms and interpret by-product formation during PFAS mineralization. From the literature review, the main applications of DFT computation for studying PFAS degradation mechanisms by EO include bond dissociation energy, absorption energy, activation energy, and overpotential η for oxygen evolution reactions. The main degradation mechanisms and pathways of PFAS in the EO process include mass transfer, direct electron transfer, decarboxylation, peroxyl radical generation, hydroxylation, intramolecular rearrangement, and hydrolysis. In the recent 4 years, 11 papers performed DFT computation to explore the possible PFAS degradation mechanisms and pathways in the EO process. This paper’s objectives are to: 1) summarize the main degradation mechanisms of PFAS degradation in EO; 2) review the application of DFT computation for studying PFAS degradation mechanisms during EO; process; 3) review the possible degradation pathways of perfluorooctane sulfonoic acid (PFOS) and per-fluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) during EO process.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1532795</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2025.1532795</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Research progress on remediation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil by chemical oxidation - a review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-04-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Yaxing Dai</author><author>Zhihao Liu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Chemical oxidation remediation is a technique that involves the addition of chemical oxidants to contaminated soil to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), with the goal of reducing soil organic matter content or eliminating organic contamination. This paper reviews the research progress of several major chemical oxidation remediation technologies, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-based Fenton and Fenton-like systems, calcium peroxide (CaO2)-based Fenton and Fenton-like systems, and persulfate-activated oxidation systems (e.g., Na2S2O8). Among these, the persulfate-activated oxidation system has recently emerged as a research hotspot due to its potential in eliminating TPHs from soil. The efficiency of TPHs degradation depends significantly on the activation method employed and the oxidative capacity of the system. Consequently, future research should focus on two critical directions: (1) the development of highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable activation methods; and (2) the enhancement of oxidative performance in existing systems, such as Na2S2O8/CaO2 and Na2S2O8/H2O2. In discussing the advancements in these major chemical oxidation remediation technologies, this paper specifically examines various persulfate activation methods and their corresponding treatment efficiencies. The aim is to provide insights and references for the development of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly persulfate-activated oxidation systems, thereby promoting the application of chemical oxidation remediation technologies in the treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2024.1475091</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2024.1475091</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Insights in environmental engineering]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-09-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Jérémy Dhainaut</author><author>Christian Kennes</author><author>Ricardo Bello-Mendoza</author><author>Qingguo Huang</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1341816</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1341816</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Immobilized cold-active enzymes onto magnetic chitosan microparticles as a highly stable and reusable carrier for p-xylene biodegradation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-01-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Saba Miri</author><author>Anupriya Ravula</author><author>Shiva Akhtarian</author><author>Seyyed Mohammadreza Davoodi</author><author>Satinder Kaur Brar</author><author>Richard Martel</author><author>Tarek Rouissi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Stability and reusability properties are the two most important factors that determine an enzyme’s application in industry. To this end, cold-active crude enzymes from a psychrophile (xylene monooxygenase (XMO) and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (C1,2D) were immobilized on magnetic chitosan microparticles for the first-time using glutaraldehyde as a linker. The potential application of enzyme-loaded magnetic particles to remove and detoxify dissolved p-xylene from water confirmed the synergistic mechanism of degradation for in-situ bioremediation in soil and water. Immobilization was optimized based on four variables, such as magnetic particle (MPs), chitosan, glutaraldehyde, and enzyme concentrations. The immobilized enzymes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The immobilized enzymes showed improved pH tolerance ranging from 4.0 to 9.0, better temperature stability ranging from 5 to 50, higher storage stability (∼70% activity after 30 days of storage), and more importantly, reusability (∼40% activity after 10 repetitive cycles of usage) compared to their free form. Also, the immobilization of enzymes increased the effectiveness of the enzymatic treatment of p-xylene in soil (10,000 mg/kg) and water (200 mg/L) samples. As a result of the superior catalytic properties of immobilized XMO and C1,2D, they offer great potential for in situ or ex-situ bioremediation of pollutants in soil or water.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1228992</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1228992</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biomass-derived carbon nanostructures and their applications as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction/evolution]]></title>
        <pubdate>2023-11-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Kristina Mikhailovna Maliutina</author><author>Joy Esohe Omoriyekomwan</author><author>Chuanxin He</author><author>Liangdong Fan</author><author>Andrea Folli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Biomass derived electrocatalysts with rationally designed activity, selectivity, and stability present a major sustainable approach for the electrochemical production of fuels and value-added chemicals. This review presents recent advances in the field of biomass-derived electrocatalytic nanostructures for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction), that are subject of major research efforts, as well as public and private investment, as they will play a crucial role in the energy transition and in achieving net zero carbon emissions. The review summarises experimental and theoretical investigations aiming at tuning electrocatalytic performances of sustainable C-based nanostructured materials, and present opportunities for future commercialization of innovative energy materials and applications. In reviewing relevant literature in the field, we focus on the correlation between electrocatalytic activity/selectivity and synthesis methods, composition, physical chemical characteristics, in the attempt to uncover a clear structure-activity relationship. Furthermore, this study provides a critical comparison of the different electrocatalysts in light of their catalytic mechanisms, limiting phenomena, and practical applications for sustainable future technologies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1249931</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1249931</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Sr0.85Ce0.15Fe0.67Co0.33-xCuxO3 perovskite oxides: effect of B-site copper codoping on the physicochemical, catalytic and antibacterial properties upon UV or thermal activation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2023-09-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Maria Laura Tummino</author><author>Claudia Vineis</author><author>Alessio Varesano</author><author>Leonarda Francesca Liotta</author><author>Monica Rigoletto</author><author>Enzo Laurenti</author><author>Francesca Deganello</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Perovskite-type compounds have found application in environmental remediation and in clean energy production, fundamental sectors for sustainable development. A challenge for these materials is the fine-tuning of their chemical composition and their chemical-physical characteristics, for example, microstructure, morphology and ability to form oxygen vacancies, through the introduction of dopant elements. In this work, we studied the effect of Cu doping at the B-site of a Ce, Co-doped strontium ferrate perovskite with chemical composition Sr0.85Ce0.15Fe0.67Co0.33O3-δ. Indeed, Sr0.85Ce0.15Fe0.67Co0.23Cu0.10O3-δ and Sr0.85Ce0.15Fe0.67Co0.13Cu0.20O3-δ powders, where the B-site was codoped with both cobalt and copper, were synthesised by solution combustion synthesis and characterised for their physical-chemical properties by a multi-analytical approach, to assess their behaviour when subjected to different activation methods. The two codoped perovskites were tested 1) as catalysts in the oxidation of soot after activation at high temperatures, 2) as antibacterial agents in ambient conditions or activated by both UV exposure and low-temperature excitation to induce the generation of reactive species. Results demonstrated that these compounds react differently to various stimuli and that the increasing amount of copper, together with the presence of segregated ceria phase, influenced the materials’ features and performances. The knowledge gained on the structure-properties relationships of these materials can inspire other research studies on perovskite oxides application as multifunctional materials for the benefit of the environment, society and economy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1167552</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2023.1167552</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation regeneration of desulfurization-rich liquor with Fe3+ modified chitosan]]></title>
        <pubdate>2023-03-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhihao Liu</author><author>Zhijie Chen</author><author>Qian Chen</author><author>Luwei Liu</author><author>Yingjie Wang</author><author>Peng Shu</author><author>Yu Zhong</author><author>Zeqin Sun</author><author>Kui Qiu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[To solve the problem of pipeline blockage caused by sulfur deposition in industrial gas wet oxidative desulfurization operations, this study developed an iron-modified chitosan catalyst for the catalytic oxidation regeneration of conventional wet oxidative desulfurization-rich liquids. Detailed characterization results show that Fe3+ species are successfully coordinated with the chitosan substrate. The results of desulfurization and regeneration experiments showed that the Fe3+-modified chitosan could effectively regenerate the desulfurization waste stream and remain stable in the acidic desulfurization stream. The powdered iron-based modified chitosan catalyst prepared with a mass ratio of chitosan to FeCl3 of 1:5 and glutaraldehyde of 12.5% by mass has better catalytic performance than the microbead counterpart. The regeneration performance of the catalyst was evaluated by the desulfurization performance of the regenerated desulfurization solution. The iron-based modified chitosan shows a good regeneration performance, and the loss of Fe content is less than 1.5% after five runs. This study provides an efficient way to develop cost-effective catalysts for the regeneration of wet oxidative desulfurization-rich liquids.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2022.1087494</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenve.2022.1087494</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Grand challenges present great opportunities in environmental catalysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2022-12-06T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Specialty Grand Challenge</category>
        <author>Qingguo Huang</author>
        <description></description>
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