Using Post-graphene 2D Materials to Detect and Remove Pesticides: Recent Advances and Future Recommendations

Application of nanomaterials in the detection of pesticide residues in spices

With the development of global trade and the improvement of consumer safety awareness, the problem of pesticide residues in spices has received considerable attention. At the same time, with the advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have shown great potential in pesticide residue detection. Given the wide variety of spices and their complex matrices, there has been a lack of a comprehensive review on the application of nanomaterials in pesticide residue detection in spices until now. In this study, the advancements in research on newly developed nanomaterials were examined for the detection of pesticide residues in spices over the last 10 years, focusing on the applications of carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, molecularly imprinted polymers, and quantum dots. Additionally, this study also explores the advantages and challenges of different nanomaterials' applications and predicts their development trends, aiming to provide a reference for future research.

Optical sensing techniques for rapid detection of agrochemicals: Strategies, challenges, and perspectives

In recent years, the irrational use of agrochemicals has caused great harm to the environment and public health. Along with the rapid development of optical technology and nanotechnology, the research of optical sensing methods in agrochemical detection has been developed rapidly owing to its advantages of simplicity, fast response, and cost-effectiveness. In this review, the strategies of employing optical systems based on colorimetric sensor, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, terahertz spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for sensing agrochemicals were summarized. In addition, the challenges in the practical application of optical sensing technologies for agrochemical detection were discussed in-depth, and potential future trends and prospects of these techniques were addressed. A variety of nanomaterials have been developed for enhancing the sensitivity of optical sensing systems. The optical properties of nanomaterials are governed by their size, shape, and chemical structure. Although each optical sensing system holds its advantages, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome in practical applications. With the continuous developments in novel functional nanomaterials, sample preparation methods, and spectral processing algorithms, optical sensors are expected to have powerful potential for rapid testing of agrochemicals in the environment and foods.

Adsorption of Pesticides, Antibiotics and Microcystin-LR by Graphene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nano-Systems: A Semiempirical PM7 and Theoretical HSAB Study

In recent years, graphene (CC) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have been widely used in water purification and environmental remediation because of their unique physical and chemical properties. Therefore, based on the reaction enthalpy, equilibrium structure, atomic charge, molecular, orbital and electronic spectrum provided by a semiempirical PM7 method, the adsorption of pesticides, antibiotics and microcystin-LR on graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nano-systems was examined. For the adsorption of diazinon, parathion, oxacillin and ciprofloxacin, the results show that as the bond length decreases and the atomic partial charge increases, the adsorption energy increases. The removal efficiency for antibiotics is higher than that for pesticides. Regarding the co-adsorption of pesticides/antibiotics and microcystin-LR on nano-systems, hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in stabilizing the whole structure. In addition, the non-covalent interaction (NCI) diagrams show the adsorption strength of the nano-systems to the pesticides/antibiotics. The energy gap and HSAB global descriptors are calculated based on the energy values of HOMO and LUMO. It is proved that the graphene nano-system has excellent electron-accepting ability, and suitable sensor materials can be designed.

Nanobioremediation: A sustainable approach for the removal of toxic pollutants from the environment

In recent years, the proportion of organic and inorganic contaminants has increased rapidly due to growing human interference and represents a threat to ecosystems. The removal of these toxic pollutants from the environment is a difficult task. Physical, chemical and biological methods are implemented for the degradation of toxic pollutants from the environment. Among existing technologies, bioremediation in combination with nanotechnology is the most promising and cost-effective method for the removal of pollutants. Numerous studies have shown that exceptional characteristics of nanomaterials such as improved catalysis and adsorption properties as well as high reactivity have been subjects of great interest. There is an emerging trend of employing bacterial, fungal and algal cultures and their components, extracts or biomolecules as catalysts for the sustainable production of nanomaterials. They can serve as facilitators in the bioremediation of toxic compounds by immobilizing or inducing the synthesis of remediating microbial enzymes. Understanding the association between microorganisms, contaminants and nanoparticles (NPs) is of crucial importance. In this review, we focus on the removal of toxic pollutants using the cumulative effects of nanoparticles with microbial technology and their applications in different domains. Besides, we discuss how this novel nanobioremediation technique is significant and contributes towards sustainability.

Three dimensional graphene materials doped with heteroatoms for extraction and adsorption of environmental pollutants in wastewater

Environmental pollution by heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, oils, pesticides or dyes is a ubiquitous problem adversely affecting human health and environmental ecology. Development and application novel adsorbents in full-scale treatment systems with effectiveness properties could effective ways to facilitate the extraction and adsorption of environment pollutants from wastewater. Graphene materials have drawn much attention due to their extraordinary electron mobilities, high surface areas, good thermal conductivities, and excellent mechanical properties. Three-dimensional graphene materials can provide the inherent advantages of 2D graphene sheets and exhibit micro/nanoporous structures, increased specific surface areas, high electron conductivities, fast mass transport kinetics, and strong mechanical strength. Potential applications for 3D graphene materials include environmental remediation, chemical and biological sensing, catalysis, and super capacitors. Recent advances in the applications of 3D functionalized graphene materials (3D FGMs) doped with heteroatoms for the extraction and adsorption of environmental pollutants in wastewater are summarized in this review.