Decomposition of microplastics using copper oxide/bismuth vanadate-based photocatalysts: Insight mechanisms and environmental impacts

To mitigate marine pollution, we improved the photo-Fenton reaction of modified nanoscale CuO/BiVO4 photocatalysts to resolve the challenge of efficient microplastic degradation in wastewater treatment. Material property analysis and computational results revealed that deposition of CuO onto BiVO4 nanocomposites improved photocatalytic activity by promoting an excess of electrons in CuO and surface charge transfer, resulting in an increased production of e--h+ for ROS generation via H2O2 activation. 1O2 was dominated and identified through quenching experiments, XPS analysis, and EPR. ROS generation increased via H2O2 activation, causing major surface abrasion and increased carbonyl and vinyl indices in microplastics. Treated water had minimal impact on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. seedling growth but caused considerable mortality in cell lines and Moina macrocopa mortality at greater dosages due to their sensitivity to ions and H2O2 residuals. Overall, this treatment can effectively degrade microplastics, but the dilution of treated water is still needed before being discharged.

Monitoring and health risk of mycotoxins in imported wines and beers consumed in Thailand

The presence of mycotoxins has been reported in a wide range of agricultural commodities including wine and beer. Due to the widespread consumption of these beverages, risk assessment of contamination by toxins is required for consumer health. In the present study, multi-residue analysis for the determination of mycotoxins was undertaken to survey the incidence of mycotoxins in imported wines and beers being commercialised in Thailand, and to assess the consumer health risk. Samples of red wines (100) and beers (100) were collected randomly from supermarkets and retail shops in Bangkok, Thailand and were extracted using the dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction procedure. The quantitation and confirmation of 19 mycotoxins were performed using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry with an electro-spray ionisation interface in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The results demonstrated that the wine and beer samples were contaminated with mycotoxins at 35 and 13%, respectively. The most prominent mycotoxins found in wines were Alternaria toxins, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins, whereas zearalenone and deoxynivalenol were the most prevalent mycotoxins found in contaminated beers. However, ochratoxin A levels were far below the maximum limits established by the European Union. As indicated by the risk assessment, mycotoxin exposure via imported wines and beers were at safe levels in the Bangkok urban area.