Themed collection Environmental Science: Nano Recent HOT Articles

Nanoscale zero-valent iron composites for uranium-contaminated water treatment and environmental remediation: a review
With the development of nuclear power and the nuclear industry, some uranium-containing wastewater will inevitably be released into the environment, which poses a threat to human health and the environment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 20-40
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00613E
Recent advancements and challenges in the catalytic purification of volatile organic compounds
With the development of industrialization, the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are steadily increasing, posing a significant risk to atmospheric quality and public health.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 4060-4073
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00463A
Metalloenzyme-inspired approach to the design and applications of phosphatase-mimetic nanozymes. Bridging the inorganic and organic worlds
Both nanozymes (cerium oxide) and natural enzymes can destroy toxic organophosphates (pesticide paraoxon ethyl) using analogous reaction mechanisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 3268-3285
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00144C

Leveraging engineered nanomaterials to support material circularity
There are numerous opportunities for nanomaterials and nanotechnology to support circular economy adoption. In this perspective, we present the important role engineered nanomaterials can play in advancing the circularity of bulk composite materials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2885-2893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00110A

Practical considerations to optimize aquatic testing of particulate material, with focus on nanomaterials
Following available approaches included e.g., in existing OECD Test Guidelines and Guidance Documents for the aquatic testing of particulate materials such as nanomaterials and microplastics leads to various challenges to be considered.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2352-2371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00056K
Sustainable synthesis: natural processes shaping the nanocircular economy
This perspective aims to shed light on the transformative potential of sustainable synthesis in guiding the transition towards circular economy conceptions in the nanotechnology domain.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 688-707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00973D
Modern materials provoke ancient behavior: bacterial resistance to metal nanomaterials
Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being used in a range of applications; it is important to characterize bacterial response to these novel materials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 483-493
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00420A
U. S. federal perspective on critical research issues in nanoEHS
This article discusses critical issues and opportunities in nanotechnology environmental, health, and safety (nanoEHS) research from the perspective of many U.S. NEHI agencies.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2623-2633
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00062A
Recent advances in the design of controlled- and sustained-release micro/nanocarriers of pesticide
Diagram of components of controlled- and sustained-release micro/nanocarriers of pesticide: nanomaterials and stimuli-responsive triggers (R stands for different groups).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 351-371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00446A
Mechanisms for facet-dependent biological effects and environmental risks of engineered nanoparticles: A review
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00414D
Environmental and human risk assessment of polymer nanocarriers: a review on current analytical challenges and promising approaches
Polymer nanocarriers are designed to deliver active ingredients in agricultural, food and pharmaceutical applications. It is essential to ensure their safety towards environmental and human health.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1079-1106
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01033G
Nanomaterials for managing abiotic and biotic stress in the soil–plant system for sustainable agriculture
An optimum application of NPs can mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, but overuse can cause phytotoxicity. Research on the use of NPs for plant stress is demonstrating promising benefits.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1037-1058
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00789A
Chemical reactivity of weathered nanoplastics and their interactions with heavy metals
Nanoplastics (NPs) are chemically reactive following abiotic and biotic weathering processes. These weathered NPs have the potential to facilitate the transformation of legacy contaminants, such as heavy metals.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 219-231
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00801D
A review on the role of nanotechnological interventions in sequestration, mitigation and value-added product conversion of micro-/nanoplastics
The buildup of microplastics (MPs)/nanoplastics (NPs) in the aquatic biota has sparked concern owing to their negative consequences on human health and the environment, making it a global issue in recent years.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 189-218
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00267A
Photocatalytic NO removal: complete oxidation and reduction reaction for by-product inhibition and end-product recovery
Photocatalysis is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to realize the purification of ppb-level NO, and the end-product (nitrate/ammonia) of the photocatalytic NO complete oxidation/reduction reaction can be further recycled.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 67-97
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00715H
Occurrence, behavior, and ecotoxicity of quantum dots in aquatic environments
The review assesses the distribution of quantum dots (QDs) in aquatic ecosystems, summarizes their possible environmental behavior, and presents the toxicological effects of QDs on aquatic organisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 4044-4059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00542B
Emerging investigator series: recent progress on the activation of persulfate by vacancy defect materials: the role of vacancies
This review summarizes the key roles of various vacancy defects in PS-AOPs and provides insights into the understanding of vacancy defect in persulfate activation to promote the development of PS-AOPs in water treatments.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 3230-3249
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00430B
Harnessing nanobiotechnology for drought stress: transforming agriculture's future; what, why and how?
Nanobiotechnology has received tremendous attention in recent years owing to its wide range of applications in various fields.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2861-2884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00112E
Mechanisms and applications of microbial synthesis of metal nanoparticles in agri-sectors
The synthesis method of metal nanoparticles and the form and application of microbial synthesis of metal nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2803-2830
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00174E
Nano-bioformulations: emerging trends and potential applications in next generation crop protection
Nano-bio-formulations for insect pest management.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2831-2860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00263F
Mechanistic approaches for crosstalk between nanomaterials and plants: plant immunomodulation, defense mechanisms, stress resilience, toxicity, and perspectives
This review provides new insights for the development of nanomaterials with potential immunomodulatory effects in plants towards resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2324-2351
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00053F
The pulmonary effects of nickel-containing nanoparticles: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and their underlying mechanisms
This review summarized the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects of Ni-containing NPs on humans, lung cells in vitro, and rodent lungs in vivo, and the underlying mechanisms. Their extra-pulmonary effects were also briefly mentioned.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 1817-1846
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00929G
Recycling and repurposing of waste carbon nanofiber polymers: a critical review
Carbon nanofibers are a class of lightweight, high-performance composite materials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 1394-1411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00784G
Understanding the active sites and associated reaction pathways of metal-free carbocatalysts in persulfate activation and pollutant degradation
Environmental remediation based on peroxomonosulfate- and peroxydisulfate-activation-enabled radical/non-radical oxidation has gained growing interest due to the strong oxidation power, long life of reactive oxygen species, and wide pH adaptability.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 1368-1393
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00988B
Applications of bismuth-based nanoparticles for the removal of pollutants in wastewater: a review
This review discusses the characteristics and synthesis methods of Bi-based NPs. It delves into the removal efficiency in wastewater, emphasizing traditional/emerging strategies to enhance the performance, mechanisms, toxicology, and challenges.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 1332-1367
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00983A
Nanozymes: powerful catalytic materials for environmental pollutant detection and degradation
Here we made a critical review on nanozyme-involved detection and degradation of environmental pollutants, and the research progress achieved in the last five years was emphatically concluded.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 766-796
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00844D
The nanosafety assessment of ENMs under a dermal exposure scenario: from key molecular events to in silico modeling tools
This review provides insights into key molecular events underlying ENMs toxicity under the dermal exposure scenario and the application of computational modeling tools in predicting the fate and toxicity of ENMs in nano-skin interactions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 708-738
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00585B
A critical review on the toxicity regulation and ecological risks of zinc oxide nanoparticles to plants
This review clarifies the translocation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in plants, reveals the molecular mechanisms of toxicity regulation, and emphasizes the potential risks of composite systems of NPs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 14-35
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00630A
Prospects of 2D graphene nanomaterials in plant-based agriculture and their fate in terrestrial soil: a critical review
To achieve a world without hunger, it is imperative to address the inefficiencies within the current agricultural system by adopting innovative and sustainable approaches.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2936-2956
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00511A
Degradation of organic contaminants by peroxymonosulfate activated with zeolitic imidazolate framework-based catalysts: performances, mechanisms and stability
ZIF-based catalysts have great potential for PMS activation in environmental treatment. State of the art and prospects in recent breakthroughs are presented in this review.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1528-1552
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00007A
Weathering pathways differentially affect colloidal stability of nanoplastics
This study demonstrates that environmental weathering processes differentially affect the aggregation behavior of nanoplastics, providing important insights into the risk assessment of nanoplastics contamination.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 232-240
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00739E
Mitigation of salt effect using graphene oxide as additives in plantation
In this study, we explore the potential of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive to alleviate soil salinity.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 4692-4697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00992K
Emerging investigator series: quantitative insights into the relationship between the concentrations and SERS intensities of neonicotinoids in water
This study explores the theoretical foundation behind the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for neonicotinoid quantification.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 3294-3300
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00221K
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac by UiO-66/MgAl-LDH: excellent performances and mechanisms
Light-activated UL3 generates active species (h+) to attack DCF in a water environment, realizing efficient clean water purification.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 3286-3293
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00266K
Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid by immobilised ZnO nanoparticles using electrophoretic deposition
This research represents the first study of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) decomposition using immobilized ZnO nanoparticles by electrophoretic deposition in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1955-1965
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00241A
Environmentally friendly InP quantum dots as a visible-light catalyst for water treatment
In this study, we demonstrate the first successful application of InP quantum dots (QDs) as an environmentally friendly visible light photocatalyst for water treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1749-1753
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00158J
Single liquid aerosol nano-impact electrochemistry: accessing the droplet|air interface
Fabrication of a dual-barrel platinum ultramicroelectrode allows for the stochastic detection of a single liquid aerosol droplet. The new measurement technique has significant potential for studying the microdroplet|air interface using electrochemistry.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1744-1748
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00156C
Multifunctional and asymmetrically superwettable Janus membrane for all-day freshwater harvesting
An asymmetrically superwettable Janus membrane utilizes natural resources without CO2 emission for all-day freshwater harvesting.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 996-1002
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN01099B

Ecotoxicological Assessment of MWCNT-Reinforced MOC Composites: Impacts on Model Bacteria and Eukaryotes with Environmental Relevance
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01088D
Evidently diverse effects of silver nanoparticles on Vibrio parahaemolyticus across different estuarine water samples
Growth curves of surviving bacterial cells show that MICs of Ag NPs against V. parahaemolyticus varied greatly in different estuarine water samples. The antibacterial effectiveness depends on the combination of physicochemical parameters.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2657-2666
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00018A

A quality-by-design inspired approach to develop PET and PP nanoplastic test materials for use in in vitro and in vivo biological assays
QbD-based production of PET and PP nanoplastics for biological assays.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2667-2686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01186D

Enhanced mineral carbonation on surface functionalized MgO as a proxy for mine tailings
Mechanistic insights from experimental and DFT calculations into enhanced mineral carbonation of surface-functionalized MgO as a proxy for mine waste.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2630-2646
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00940A
Up-cycling of waste A4 paper into a CaCO3/biochar nanocomposite for wastewater purification: efficiency, mechanism and biotoxicity evaluation
Herein, we report a strategy of treating waste with waste to synthesize a calcium carbonate/biochar nanocomposite, derived from waste paper, as a high-efficiency nanocatalyst in activating PMS for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2647-2656
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00072F
Design and fabrication of phosphazene-based porous organic materials for iodine adsorption
High performance phosphazene-based polymeric porous organic materials for iodine adsorption.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2617-2629
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00136F
The accumulation and tissue distribution of gold nanoparticles exposure in pregnant rats
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00164A
Comparison of the effects of chemical surfactant and bio-surfactant on montmorillonite colloid-mediated transport of levofloxacin through saturated porous media
The transport behavior of levofloxacin (LEV, a typical fluoroquinolone antibiotic) in aquifers may be affected by clay particles (e.g., montmorillonite colloids) and surfactants, which are widespread in aquatic environments.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00127G
A multi-nutrient nanocomposite enhances UV stress tolerance and modulates nutrient accumulation in lettuce
This study introduces a novel multielement (Zn–Mg–Mn–Fe) nanocomposite that serves both as a UV-protective agent and a nutrient delivery system for Lactuca sativa (lettuce). Graphical abstract image created with BioRender.com.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00154D
Covalent organic framework-encapsulated europium clusters for convenient detection of Ag+ released by nanosilver
Accurate determination of Ag+ released by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is vital for elucidating the environmental behaviors and defining exposure risks of nanosilver.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00251F
Structure-dependent mercury sequestration and microbial methylation mediated by FeS nanoparticles in contaminated groundwater
CMC-FeS efficiently immobilized Hg via sorption, coprecipitation, or precipitation. Tetrahedral Hg–S4 dominated in sorption and precipitation whereas linear Hg–S2 in coprecipitation. Methylation potential decreased as Hg–S4 abundance increased.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00212E
A convenient colorimetric assay for Cr(VI) detection based on the nanozyme Cu-4PDA-NH2 with oxidoreductase-like activity
The nanozyme Cu-4PDA-NH2 with oxidoreductase-like activity was developed for the detection of Cr(VI), and a detection kit was created for on-site detection.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00175G
In situ Raman studying the microstructure and function of FeIV species in advanced oxidation processes
Taking advantage of the SERS activity of the embedded Au@SiO2, the coordination structure of the FeSA site, and its change during the activation of PMS and H2O2, is studied with combined in situ SERS and theoretical calculation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2297-2308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01066C
Enhanced VOC recycling by nano-Fe/FeOx decorated nanoporous carbon
A multifunctional adsorbent with diversified channels and abundant thermal effect sites provides efficient adsorption–desorption diffusion for VOC recycling, which plays a significant role in mitigating VOC emissions and reducing health risks.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2309-2319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EN00019J
Risk assessment of metal/bio-based nanopesticides: plant growth, soil environment, and non-target organisms
This study comprehensively evaluated the health risks of metal-based (nCuO) and bio-based (nCS) nanopesticides on tomato plant growth, soil environment, and non-target organism tadpoles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2285-2296
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00941J
Ozone aging and protein corona adsorption exacerbate inflammatory effects of carbon black on macrophages and induce blood–testis barrier dysfunction in mice
Our study reveals that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is a key toxicity pathway for ozone-aged carbon black (CB-O3). Environmental aging and protein corona formation enhance macrophage uptake, lysosomal rupture, and cathepsin B release.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2271-2284
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01166J

Expansion microscopy revealed specific impacts of nano zinc oxide on early organ development in fish
Nanomaterials exhibit significant advantages in biomedical applications.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 2253-2270
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01071J

Facet-dependent growth and dissolution of hematite resulting from autocatalytic interactions with Fe(II) and oxalic acid
The autocatalytic growth and dissolution of hematite by Fe(II)aq and/or oxalic acid was probed at the single particle scale. Multimodal analyses reveal electron transfer and interfacial reactivity are highly anisotropic and facet-dependent.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1979-1992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01004C
Catalytic reduction of SO2 by Gd@CeOx catalysts: stability enhancement and structural modulation
The production of sulfur by catalytically reducing SO2 with CO presents a promising approach for utilizing sulfur oxides found in flue gases.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1262-1272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01156B
Formation of stabilized vaterite nanoparticles via the introduction of uranyl into groundwater
Formation of colloidal vaterite nanoparticles via mixing groundwater and uranyl.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1240-1248
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00726C
Luminous polystyrene upconverted nanoparticles to visualize the traces of nanoplastics in a vegetable plant
This study introduces a novel method for visualizing the uptake and accumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics in edible plants using luminous upconverted nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1273-1287
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01052C
Unveiling the micro-mechanism of H2O2 activation and the selective regulation strategy over single-atom catalysts
The micro-mechanism of H2O2 activation and the selective regulation strategy are the key to the removal of environmental pollutants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1249-1261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN01005A
Mechanistic insights into the adsorption of different types of VOCs on monolayer MoS2via first-principles approaches
The underlying mechanism that correlates adsorption energy with both the specific volatile organic compound (VOC) category and the carbon chain length on the MoS2 monolayer is elucidated through DFT calculations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1230-1239
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00953C
Eco-friendly chitosan base chlorantraniliprole nano-pesticides for effective control of Chilo suppressalis (Walker) through bidirectional transport
Diagram of the construction, release, and delivery performance of CLAP@CS/γ-PGA.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1214-1229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00724G
Solid phase silver sulfide nanoparticles contribute significantly to biotic silver in agricultural systems
This study presents the first evidence of a substantial contribution of soil-borne NPs to biotic silver burden in comparison to aqueous phase NPs observed in the water column.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1202-1213
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00961D
Designing MOF-based green nanomaterials for enhanced pathogen resistance and pesticide degradation in tomato plants
Schematic representation showing the design and utilization of MOF-based green nanomaterials for enhanced pathogen resistance and pesticide degradation in tomato plants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 1186-1201
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00966E
Optimizing oxygen vacancy concentration and electronic transport processes in a MnxCo/CeO2 nanoreactor: regulation mechanism of the radical to non-radical pathway
Bimetallic doping (Co and Mn) and an appropriate concentration of OVs facilitated interfacial electron transfer processes, enhanced the efficiency of PMS utilization, and thus resulted in excellent catalytic performance for CIP removal.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 450-465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00892H

Multifunctional textured graphene-based coatings on elastomeric gloves for chemical protection
Wrinkled graphene coatings are engineered to fulfill multiple functions desired for ultrathin gloves that prevent human exposure to chemical toxicants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 433-449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00601A
Synergistic effects of exogenous melatonin and zinc oxide nanoparticles in alleviating cobalt stress in Brassica napus: insights from stress-related markers and antioxidant machinery
The combined synergistic effects of exogenous melatonin (MT) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in alleviating cobalt (Co) stress in Brassica napus (ZS 758).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 368-387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00821A
Theoretical study of p-block metal–nitrogen–carbon single-atom catalysts for heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction
A volcano relationship was found between the catalytic activity of H2O2 decomposition and the adsorption energies of reaction intermediates and the p-band center of p-block main-group metal/nitrogen/carbon (PM/N/C) catalysts.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 405-417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00778F
Optimal size of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for different crops depends on the unique nanoscale microstructure of plant leaves under rainy conditions
The height and void size of nanosheets on plant leaves directly affect the size optimization of nanomaterials with best anti-leaching ability and fertilizer efficiency.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 353-367
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00753K
Delivering metribuzin from biodegradable nanocarriers: assessing herbicidal effects for soybean plant protection and weed control
Metribuzin herbicide nanoformulations effects.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2025,12, 388-404
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00784K
About this collection
Here is a collection of recent Environmental Science: Nano articles which have been classified as ‘HOT articles’ due to receiving particularly high scores at peer review.