Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Liu Xu,Li Fang,Zhang Zhicheng,Guan Tong,Pang Boxue,Qi Delin,Wang Wei,Wu Yang,Deng Shubo
The UV/sulfite system is currently regarded as the most effective method for degrading and defluorinating per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), operating via hydrated electrons (e aq − ). Previous studies largely concentrate on PFAS molecular structure, overlooking the critical influence of e aq − microstructure. By integrating ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with experiments, we reveal strong correlations between cavity radius and PFAS removal efficiency (R 2 = 0.99) and defluorination reaction (R 2 = 0.89). Expanding the cavity radius enhances spin density at its centre (R 2 = 0.83), increasing the availability of solvated electrons for interaction with PFAS active sites and facilitating diffusion-controlled electron transfer that drives defluorination. Under alkaline conditions, an increase in cavity radius from 1.52 to 1.82 Å enhances spin-density delocalisation within the e aq − cavity, improving degradation efficiency. These findings are supported by experimental results revealing >97% degradation of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (or its ammonium salt ‘GenX’) at pH 12. Concentrated e aq − enables cooperative multi-site attack on PFAS molecules, accounting for the enhanced defluorination. Overall, this study reveals an atomic-scale correlation between e aq − microstructure and defluorination dynamics. Beyond conventional approaches of modifying PFAS structures, we propose that regulating the solvation structure of e aq − offers a strategy for efficient degradation.
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高影响因子
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
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2026
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IF 8.3
Yanwei Xiao,Yue Niu,Zhiying Hu,Yunhe Xing,Miao Zhang,Fengdong Qu,Dong Yao,Guibin Wang
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are generally employed as proton exchange membranes in fuel cell gas sensors, but they suffer from environmental persistence, safety concerns, and high cost. Here, sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) is employed to replace the PFAS and a chemically compatible hydroxylated SPEEK ionomer binder is designed to reduce the interfacial resistance at the catalyst–membrane boundary. Due to the high proton conductivity, improved interfacial proton transport and enhanced intrinsic hydrophilicity of SPEEK, the resulting PFAS-free gas sensor exhibits a twofold higher response at 100 ppm H 2 S compared to a commercial Nafion benchmark, along with high sensitivity (0.635 µA·ppm 1 ) and faster response time (31 s). The device operates stably across 15–95% RH and retains over 90% of its initial response after 60 days. This work establishes SPEEK as a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to fluorinated membranes and provides a general interface-engineering strategy for high-performance electrochemical gas sensing.
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ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
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2026
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IF 10.2
Xingcheng Li,Xiao Li,Cimei Li,Lingfen Cao,Siteng Li,Xiaoping Wang,Kangchao Du,Yaoyao Cui,Yuxiang Ma,Xu Wang,Xing Xing,Huigen Feng,Ciqing Yang,Xianwei Wang,Cixia Li
PFOA and GenX disrupt adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling. • PFAS exposure alters anxiety-related behaviors and spatial learning–memory performance in mice. • PFOA preferentially reduces PSD95, whereas GenX preferentially reduces synaptophysin expression. • PFOA and GenX increase microglial abundance and induce reactive morphological changes in the hippocampus. • PFAS exposure is associated with oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related molecular alterations in the hippocampus. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulate in the hippocampus, yet their effects on adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) remain unclear. In this study, adult male mice were orally exposed to PFOA or GenX (2 or 10 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Behavioral performance, AHN, synaptic remodeling, microglial morphology, and redox status were evaluated using behavioral assays, Nissl and Golgi staining, BrdU immunolabeling, microglial morphometric analyses, and Western blotting. PFOA exposure and high-dose GenX exposure reduced time spent and distance traveled in the center area of the open field and impaired spatial learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze, as indicated by increased escape latency and fewer platform crossings. In contrast, PFOA and low-dose GenX exposure reduced exploration of the open arms in the elevated plus maze. PFOA and GenX reduced dendritic spine density with fewer mushroom/thin spines and more stubby spines. PFOA preferentially decreased PSD95 (postsynaptic marker), whereas GenX reduced synaptophysin (presynaptic marker). In the subgranular zone (SGZ), survival and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells were diminished, and asymmetric divisions of radial glia-like cells increased, suggesting stem-cell pool depletion. Microglia exhibited a hyper-ramified/bushy reactive phenotype. Hippocampal ROS/MDA rose, NOX2 components (GP91 phox /P22 phox ) were upregulated, and ferroptosis defenses (SLC7A11/GLS2/GPX4) were downregulated. Collectively, PFOA and GenX disrupt hippocampal synaptic remodeling and AHN and are associated with increased oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related alterations. Differential pre- versus postsynaptic vulnerabilities may contribute to the distinct behavioral alterations observed following PFOA and GenX exposure. This work provides new insights into the neurotoxic effects of PFOA and GenX and identifies potential pathways involved in PFAS-induced hippocampal dysfunction. Download: Download high-res image (180KB) Download: Download full-size image
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Nature Communications
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2025
·Vol. 16
·期 1
·10283
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IF 15.7
Guo Xinyu,Zhang Xinxin,Chen Jie,Shan Wenyu,Wang Runyun,Wang Ke,Chen Zhenhuan,Wang Lei,Zhang Yanyan
Remediation of soils contaminated by the globally concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is imperative yet challenging. Herein, we identify a PFAS hyperaccumulator, the herbaceous Oenothera rosea , in soil near a fluorochemical facility and demonstrate root-to-shoot translocation factors of 3.07 − 58.6 for 18 distinct PFAS. Comparative hydroponic/pot experiments using conspecifics from non-polluted areas confirm that hyperaccumulation arises from domestication after prolonged PFAS exposure. Root cell wall pectin and hemicellulose are critical PFAS binding sites, significantly affecting root-to-shoot translocation. Subcellular and transcriptomic analyses reveal that the hyperaccumulating O. rosea undergoes minimal cell wall remodeling under PFAS stress, a signature of adaptive evolution. Life cycle assessment further validates the environmental superiority of an integrated strategy combining O. rosea phytoremediation with biomass pyrolysis for PFAS destruction and biochar production, achieving a net-negative carbon footprint (–17.9 kg CO 2 /ton soil). Our work provides a comprehensive framework for PFAS remediation, from hyperaccumulator identification to sustainable field application.
研究领域:
环境科学
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植物修复
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植物生理学
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生态毒理学
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土壤修复
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分子生物学
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可持续工程
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2025
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IF 13.2
Cuizhu Sun,Zhenggang Wang,Xinfei Li,Yadan Luo,Hao Zheng,Xuan Li,Lingyun Chen,Fengmin Li
Pollution of water environments by perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has attracted global attention because of their potential risk to the human health. Hence, effective methods for PFAS removal in water environments are urgently needed. Therefore, herein, chitin/polyethylene imine/oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (O-g-C 3 N 4 ) sponges (ChPCNs) are prepared for the efficient removal of two representative PFASs, namely, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), via an adsorption–photocatalysis “synergistic” mechanism. All ChPCNs exhibit good compressibility and high mechanical strength, and the combination of O-g-C 3 N 4 and chitin enhances the photocatalytic performance of ChPCNs by reducing the bandgap energy, improving the light absorption ability and suppressing the photogenerated electron–hole (h + ) recombination. A ChPCN prepared with an O-g-C 3 N 4 concentration of 200 mg/100 mL (ChPCN-200) efficiently removes 97.9 % and 99.7 % of PFOA and PFOS, respectively, via electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bond interactions and hole filling, while ·OH, ·O 2 − , and h + are confirmed to be the active species participating in photodegradation. Notably, the degradation pathway of PFASs involves Kolbe decarboxylation, HF elimination, and oxidation, removing the –CF 2 groups in a step-by-step manner, resulting in gradual degradation into short-chain PFASs and releasing F − . Importantly, the removal efficiency for PFASs by ChPCNs reaches 93.7 % in simulated reclaimed water, with the sponges exhibiting good reusability. This study successfully develops reusable chitin-based materials for efficient removal of PFASs from reclaimed water, providing a promising method for the control of emerging pollutants in water environments.
研究领域:
环境科学
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材料科学
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PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
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2023
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IF 6.6
Yan Cheng,Shanchi Wang,Zhiguang Xu,Lianyi Jiang,Yan Zhao
Oil-repellency of fabric is essentially based on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, or called perfluorochemicals (PFCs)). However, plans to phase out the use of these chemicals, even those short-chain ones (C4-C6), have been announced because they accumulate in the human body and are extremely persistent in the environment. It is urgent to develop non-fluorine surface chemistry for oil-repellent fabric finishing. Here, we report the non-fluorine oil repellency of brush-like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating (g-PDMS), and the comparison of its oil repellency with that of a common PFAS crosslink polysiloxane coating (C 4 -PFAS). A catalyst-free, solvent-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was used to prepare the g-PDMS coating. For smooth glass, g-PDMS coating exhibits ultralow contact angle hysteresis (∆ θ ) for various oils (1.3–7.3°), while the ∆ θ of C 4 -PFAS coating is much higher (30.7–49.7°). For fabrics, g-PDMS and C 4 -PFAS achieved almost the same contact angles to castor oil (~134°). According to GB/T 19977-2014 standard, the oil repellency of coated fabrics was rated Grade 5 for both g-PDMS and C 4 -PFAS. Therefore, the non-fluorine oil repellency of g-PDMS is able to meet the basic requirement of oil-repellent fabric finishing, and it is expected that the oil repellency can be further improved by the rational design on surface topography .
研究领域:
材料科学
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化学工程
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纺织科学
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2026
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IF 12.5
Diwen Xiao,Jiahao Cao,Hongjie Wang,Wenyi Dong,Fang Ma
Fluoride ions (F − ) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial wastewater pose a serious threat to the global environment. Adsorption is the most widely used treatment technology for F − and PFAS in the field of water pollution control. However, existing zirconium-based MOFs face challenges such as the inability to synergistically and efficiently adsorb PFAS, high preparation costs, limited adsorption capacity, and an insufficiently understood adsorption mechanism in multi-component pollution systems. Here, we prepared a novel cerium/zirconium/lanthanum tri-metallic MOF (denoted as Ce/Zr/La-M) by doping low-cost metals and loaded it onto a sponge modified with dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (DTSACL), ultimately obtaining Ce/Zr/La-MSD. The practical adsorption capacity of Ce/Zr/La-MSD for F − is 255 mg/g, which is the highest reported value at similar initial concentrations, while the removal rates for PFAS (C 6 -C 8 ) and PFAS (C 4 ) exceed 96% and 84%, respectively.DFT calculations revealed that doping with La shifted the d-band center of the metals in the MOF closer to the Fermi level, enhancing the material's electron-donating capability. A series of characterization and kinetic simulation results demonstrated that the adsorption mechanism of F − by Ce/Zr/La-MSD involves electrostatic interactions, complexation effects, ion exchange and hydrogen bonding. The primary adsorption sites for PFBA, PFBS, PFOS, and PFHxS were the quaternary ammonium groups containing three carbon atoms, whereas the primary adsorption sites for PFOA and PFHxA were the C 18 chains on DTSACL. In summary, this study provides new insights for the rational design of multifunctional adsorbents and the interpretation of their mechanisms.
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Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Shi Yuanji,Yang Minghao,Mu Hongxin,Hu Haidong,Ren Hongqiang
The global shift in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) crisis towards (ultra-)short-chain congeners highlights the urgent need to design adsorbents with hydrophilic functions. However, current functional group immobilization modifications fail to balance efficiency with regeneration, limiting access to affordable (ultra-)short-chain PFAS-free potable water. Herein, we present a non-immobilized dynamic hydroxyl cycling strategy that uses only water to circularly drive commercial zeolite adsorption-regeneration processes, efficiently and sustainably removing various (ultra-)short-chain PFASs (C-F number: 1-6) from potable water. The enhanced nanopore accessibility and the formation of a “zeolite framework-confined water” dual-binding mode make the modified zeolite one of the highest capacity adsorbents reported (233.82-733.13 mg g -1 ). Notably, this methodology offers a potential low-cost, in-situ upgrade for existing purifiers, potentially providing healthy water to underdeveloped regions through 179 days of full-scale purification.
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2025
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IF 13.2
Fuhao Zhang,Cheng Shen,Yaqian Zhao,Lingwei Kong,Feng Ju,Bin Ji,Yu Bon Man,Shengdao Shan,Yuliang Li,Jin Zhang
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Constructed wetlands (CWs), as a nature-based solution, are a promising and cost-effective approach for PFAS remediation. However, most studies have focused on plant uptake and substrate adsorption, neglecting the role of biofilms on CW substrates in PFAS removal. This study examines the differences in biofilms on functional (Sewage Sludge Biochar, SSB) and conventional (gravel) materials and their impact on the removal of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), a typical PFAS substitute. Experimental results show that the biofilm adsorption is the dominant way for PFBS removal in SSB-CW, as the SSB-biofilm adsorption capacity (809.0 ± 9.799 μg/g) significantly higher than that of SSB itself and the gravel-biofilm ( P < 0.05). The high conductivity of SSB, attributed to its graphitic nitrogen content, facilitates the enrichment of electroactive microorganisms and regulates synergistic interactions between electroactive and non-electroactive microbial communities. This, in turn, modifies the biofilm structure and physicochemical properties, leading to increased zeta potential, enhanced hydrophobicity, and altered extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composition. Consequently, these effects contribute to an improvement in PFBS removal efficiency, reaching 51.162 % ± 0.08. Undoubtedly, biofilms in CWs offer a promising approach for PFAS removal, where their adsorption capacity for PFBS can be regulated through material properties. This regulation reduces PFBS uptake by plants, thereby lowering environmental risks. Given the widespread occurrence of emerging contaminants in aquatic and terrestrial environments, this strategy provides valuable insights for PFAS remediation in surface water, groundwater, and soil systems.
研究领域:
环境工程
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水处理
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微生物学
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生态毒理学
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吸附科学
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材料科学
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环境修复
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Emerging Contaminants
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2026
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IF 6.9
Yao Li,Yao Li,Limei Chen,Xinliang Ding,Pengfei Zhu,Yukang Wu,Weijie Zhou
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic environmental contaminants of global concern. Thus, accurate and sensitive detection methods are urgently required to assess human exposure to emerging PFAS. In this study, we developed and validated a highly sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of 19 PFAS in serum, including nine legacy compounds, six short-chain alternatives, and four emerging substitutes, using solid-phase extraction (SPE) for matrix clean-up. The method showed satisfactory recoveries (62.9–131%) and precision (relative standard deviation: 0.347–17.0%) rates, with lower detection limits than previously reported assays. Application to serum samples from 258 children (6–12 years old) from Wuxi revealed widespread PFAS exposure, characterized by high detection frequencies and increased concentrations. Fifteen PFAS were detected in over 80% of samples, including seven legacy compounds, six short-chain alternatives, and two emerging substitutes, with 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA)—a China-specific perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS) alternative—reaching 5.16 ng·mL -1 . The multiple linear regression model revealed inverse associations between serum PFAS concentrations and age, BMI, and maternal educational level. Higher fish and vegetable intakes may be associated with increased serum concentrations of several PFAS, including perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorotridecanoic acid, PFOS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA, indicating that diet could contribute to children’s internal PFAS burden. These findings demonstrate the utility of the optimized analytical method for comprehensive exposure assessment and provide insights into the potential sources of PFAS exposure in school-aged children, particularly from dietary sources.
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ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
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2026
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IF 6.1
Hui-ting Hu,Xiao-mei Li,Wen-cai Jiang,Chen Ni,Yu-yang He,Guo-qi Zhang,Hao Yu,Zhi-Bo Hou
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were a class of hazardous contaminants known for their high environmental persistence and toxicity. Due to their strong polarity, wide variety, and broad distribution, a rapid, accurate, and on-site detection method was urgently needed for future screening and emergency response. Herein, a dandelion-like Pd/Cu nanozyme with triple enzyme-like activities (oxidase-like, peroxidase-like, and laccase-like) was synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. Different PFAS species inhibited these three enzyme-like activities to varying extents. By quantifying absorbance changes, distinct fingerprint patterns were constructed, and a three-channel colorimetric sensor array was developed. This array exhibited high selectivity and robust anti-interference capability for discriminating seven PFAS species. The LDA score plot revealed distinct clustering of different PFAS classes and complex mixtures, indicating clear separability among their fingerprints. The developed nanozyme sensor array was successfully applied to the detection of PFAS in environmental water (river, lake, and tap water). This work provided a novel strategy for selective and reliable detection of PFAS in complex environmental matrices.
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2025
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IF 13.2
Diwen Xiao,Wenyi Dong,Hongjie Wang,Jiahao Cao,Jie Liu,Yanhui Wang,Yang Wu,Fang Ma,Haifeng Yi
Semiconductor wastewater containing pollutants such as fluoride ions (F − ), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals has become an increasingly severe issue. Coagulation is a conventional technique for treating semiconductor wastewater. However, existing coagulants face challenges in efficiently removing PFAS, along with issues such as high metal residues, poor settleability and low floc strength. Inspired by the insect-trapping mechanism of Drosera , we synthesized two silane-modified metal-based coagulants, with significantly enhanced performance. Among them, the Drosera -inspired zirconium-based coagulant (DZHC) outperformed the Drosera -inspired aluminum-based coagulant (DAHC) in terms of F − and PFAS removal efficiency, metal residue, settleability, floc size, Zeta potential and floc strength. Mechanistic analyses revealed that F − removal by DZHC occurs via ligand exchange between Zr-OH and F − , whereas DAHC requires initial Al F complexation followed by hydrolysis-polymerization to form coprecipitates. Additional mechanisms including electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and polycondensation also contribute to defluoridation. The removal of copper citrate primarily relies on ligand exchange between metal hydroxyl groups and [Cu-citrate] − , assisted by electrostatic attraction from quaternary ammonium groups. Molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that hydrophobic interactions from C18 chains on the coagulants dominate PFAS removal. In summary, this study provides a novel strategy for simplifying semiconductor wastewater treatment.
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