A phenol-degrading bacterium strain PA was successfully isolated from the effluent of petrochemical wastewater. Based on its morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, the strain PA was characterized as a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, nonmotile and short rod-shaped bacterium that utilizes phenol as a sole carbon and energy source. 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that this strain is affiliated to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in the group of Gammaproteobacteria. The strain was efficient in removing 91.6% of the initial 800 mg∙L⁻¹ phenol within 48 h, and had a tolerance of phenol concentration as high as 1700 mg∙L⁻¹. These results indicated that A. calcoaceticus possesses a promising potential in treating phenolic wastewater.

Bi₂WO₆-based heterojunction photocatalyst for antibiotic degradation has been a research hotspot, but its photocatalytic performance needs to be further improved. Therefore, 2D/2D P-doped g-C₃N₄/Bi₂WO₆ direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with different composition ratios were prepared through three strategies of phosphorus (P) element doping, morphology regulation, and heterojunction, and the efficiency of its degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) under visible light was studied. Their structural, optical, and electronic properties were evaluated, and their photocatalytic efficiency for TC-HCl degradation was explored with a detailed assessment of the active species, degradation pathways, and effects of humic acid, different anions and cations, and water sources. The 30% P-doped g-C₃N₄/Bi₂WO₆ had the best photocatalytic performance for TC-HCl degradation. Its photocatalytic rate was 4.5-, 2.2-, and 1.9-times greater than that of g-C₃N₄, P-doped g-C₃N₄, and Bi₂WO₆, respectively. The improved photocatalytic efficiency was attributed to the synergistic effect of P doping and 2D/2D direct Z-scheme heterojunction construction. The stability and reusability of the 30% P-doped C₃N₄/Bi₂WO₆ were confirmed by cyclic degradation experiments. Radical scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance spectroscopy showed that the main active species were •O₂⁻ and h⁺. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of direct Z-scheme heterojunction catalysts with high catalytic performance.

Traffic activities release large amounts of trace metal(loid)s in urban environments. However, the impact of vehicle operation-associated emissions on trace metal(loid) enrichment in road dust and the potential migration of these trace metal(loid)s to the surrounding environment remain unclear. We evaluated the contamination, sequential fraction, and bioaccessibility of trace metal(loid)s in urban environments by assessing their presence in road dust, garden vegetables, and tree tissues, including bark and aerial roots, at a traffic-training venue impacted by vehicle operation emissions and, finally, calculated the bioaccessibility-based health risk. The results indicated a significant accumulation of trace metal(loid)s in road dust, with the highest lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and antimony (Sb) concentrations in the garage entrance area due to higher vehicle volumes, frequent vehicle starts and stops, and lower speeds. Aerial roots exposed to hill start conditions exhibited the highest Pb, Zn, and Sb levels, potentially caused by high road dust resuspension, confirming that this tree tissue is an appropriate bioindicator. Sequential extraction revealed high percentages of carbonate-, Fe/Mn oxide-, and organic/sulphide-associated fractions of Pb, copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in road dust, while most Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb occurred as residual fractions. According to the potential mobilizable fractions in sequential extraction, the in vitro gastrointestinal method could be more suitable than the physiologically based extraction test to evaluate the bioaccessibility-related risk of traffic-impacted road dust. The bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment of the road dust or soil confirmed no concern about noncarcinogenic risk, while the major risk originated from Pb although leaded gasoline was prohibited before the venue establishment. Furthermore, the cancer risks (CRs) analysis showed the probable occurrence of carcinogenic health effects from Cd and Ni to adults and from Cd, Cr, and Ni to children. Furthermore, the Cd and Pb concentrations in the edible leaves of cabbage and radish growing in gardens were higher than the recommended maximum value. This study focused on the health risks of road dust directly impacted by vehicle emissions and provides accurate predictions of trace metal(loid) contamination sources in the urban environment.

Spodoptera frugiperda and Rhopalosiphum maidis, as main pests, seriously harm the safety of maize. At present, chemical pesticides are mainly used to control these pests. However, due to residue and resistance problems, more green, environmentally benign, simple preventive control technology is needed. In this study, we reported the reason for the antifeedant activity of azadirachtin on S. frugiperda and proposed that S. frugiperda treated with azadirachtin would turn from pest into natural enemy. S. frugiperda showed an obvious antifeeding phenomenon to maize leaf treated with various azadirachtin concentrations (0.5~20 mg/L). It was found that maize leaf treated with 1 mg/L of azadirachtin has a stimulating effect on the antenna and sensillum basiconicum of S. frugiperda, and azadirachtin can affect the feeding behavior of S. frugiperda. Additionally, after treating maize leaves or maize leaves + R. maidis with 1 mg/L of azadirachtin, the predatory behavior of S. frugiperda changed from a preference for eating maize leaves to R. maidis. Moreover, the molting of R. maidis can promote the change of this predatory behavior. Our results, for the first time, propose that the combined control technology of azadirachtin insecticide and biological control could turn S. frugiperda from pest into natural enemy, which can effectively eliminate R. maidis and protect maize. This combined control technology provides a new way for pest management and has good ecological, environmental, and economic benefits.