RESUMO
Polyethylene (PE) is a common component of microplastic pollution, and cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent pollutant in contaminated freshwater bodies in China. Among cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) plays a crucial role in the formation of algal blooms in these water systems. However, there has been limited research on how microplastics and heavy metals affect cyanobacteria ecologically. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological effects of individual and combined exposure to Cd pollutants and microplastics on M. aeruginosa. The solutions containing 13 µm and 6.5 µm PE particles (100 mg/L) with Cd were used in the research. The results indicated that the combined treatment led to a significant inhibition of chlorophyll a content, dropping to zero by day 5. The treated groups exhibited higher microcystins (MCs) content compared to the control group, suggesting increased MCs release due to pollutant exposure. Interestingly, the adsorption of heavy metals by microplastics partially alleviated the toxicity of heavy metals on algal cells. Moreover, the combined treatment significantly suppressed catalase (CAT) activity compared to Cd treatment, indicating a synergistic effect that led to greater oxidative stress. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of PE and Cd pollution on freshwater ecosystems, elucidates the physiological responses of cyanobacteria to these pollutants, and establishes a theoretical groundwork for addressing complex water pollution using cyanobacteria-based strategies.
RESUMO
Aqueous electrolytes offer major advantages in safe battery operation, green economy, and low production cost for advanced battery technology. However, strong water activity in aqueous electrolytes provokes a hydrogen evolution reaction and parasitic passivation on electrodes, leaving poor ion-transport in the electrolyte/electrode interface. Herein, a zeolite molecular sieve-modified (zeolite-modified) aqueous electrolyte is proposed to reduce water activity and its side-reaction. First, Raman spectroscopy reveals a highly aggressive solvation configuration and significantly suppressed water activity toward single water molecule. Then less hydrogen evolution and anti-corrosion ability of zeolite-modified electrolyte by simulation and electrochemical characterizations are identified. Consequently, a zinc (Zn) anode involves less side-reaction, and develops into a compact deposition morphology, as proved by space-resolution characterizations. Moreover, zeolite-modified electrolyte favors cyclic life of symmetric Zn||Zn cells to 4765 h at 0.8 mA cm-2 , zinc-VO2 coin cell to 3000 cycles, and pouch cell to 100 cycles. Finally, the mature production technique and low-cost of zeolite molecular sieve would tremendously favor the future scale-up application in engineering aspect.
