Ibuprofen (IBF), as a representative emerging contaminant, poses urgent environmental and ecological risks that demand efficient removal technologies. This study employed an O₃/H₂O₂ catalytic oxidation process to degrade IBF in aqueous systems and systematically investigated the effects of reactant ratios, pH, and reactive species on the degradation efficiency. The results demonstrated that O₃-dominated oxidation significantly outperformed H₂O₂ alone in IBF removal, with an optimal dosage ratio of c(O₃):c (H₂O₂) = 6:1 and a removal efficiency of 94.75% at pH > 7. Radical quenching experiments confirmed that •OH served as the dominant reactive species, the concentration and stability of which directly governed the degradation kinetics. Combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the benzene ring and carboxyl groups in IBF were vulnerable to radical attack, with degradation pathways involving hydroxylation, decarboxylation, and ring-opening reactions, yielding 13 intermediate products. The toxicity assessment indicated that over 70% of these intermediates exhibited low or negligible toxicity. Remarkably, IBF removal efficiencies exceeded 99.4% in real water matrices (raw, filtered, and finished water), validating the robust anti-interference capability of the O₃/H₂O₂ system. This process, characterized by high efficiency and low ecological risk, provides a feasible solution for eliminating trace emerging contaminants in advanced drinking water treatment.

Nuclear accidents and access to radiological weapons for terrorist organizations and countries with hostile intentions towards the United States are realistic scenarios in the current global landscape. A dispersion of radionuclides can result from a nuclear weapon detonation or from a nuclear accident occurring in facilities handling or using radioactive material, such as nuclear power reactors. Any target of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or an attack with a nuclear weapon and the surrounding area of a reactor accident could be subject to a significant amount of fallout and radioactive contamination. Therefore, a nuclear event in close proximity to agricultural areas will cause significant concern regarding the contamination of food products. In order to respond quickly and effectively to a large amount of contaminated agricultural products, such as livestock, a prepared and effective plan for handling and processing of these products is necessary. A protocol outlining the evaluation of and procedures for handling and processing radioactively contaminated livestock is proposed, to ensre safe animal food production and economic stability in the livestock industry in the wake of such a nuclear or radiological event. An evaluation of the salvageability of the contaminated livestock is performed based on the degree of exposure, the cost of decontamination, expected demand for food products, and economic impact to the owner/producer. Important factors that impact the salvageability of affected livestock are listed and analyzed to support the decision process for handling contaminated animals.

The interaction of disinfectants with bromide/iodide ions and natural organic matter (NOM) generates brominated/iodinated disinfection byproducts (Br/I-DBPs), known for their heightened cytotoxicity and genotoxicity relative to chlorinated DBPs. This study investigated Br/I-DBP formation during sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) disinfection of lignin-containing synthetic water by quantifying adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) and trihalomethanes (THMs). Disinfection of bromide-containing water yielded a bromide ion (Br⁻) to adsorbable organic bromine (AOBr) conversion rate of approximately 60%, with bromine within THMs accounting for about 30% of the total AOBr, indicating significant brominated DBP formation where THMs represent a major fraction. Conversely, iodide ion (I⁻) conversion to adsorbable organic iodine (AOI) is minimal, suggesting negligible iodinated DBP formation under NaClO disinfection. Examination of key parameters revealed that brominated THM (Br-THM) formation decreased with increasing lignin concentration, while iodinated THM (I-THM) formation increased. The effect of chlorine dose differed: Br-THM formation exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease at higher doses, whereas I-THM formation consistently decreased. Both Br-THM and I-THM formation increased with higher bromide or iodide ion concentration and with increasing pH. These results highlight the distinct pathways and influencing factors governing brominated versus iodinated DBP formation in lignin-containing waters disinfected with hypochlorite.