We report an unrecognized, tidal source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using a newly developed ROS-trapping gel film, we observed hot spots for ROS generation within ∼2.5 mm of coastal surface soil. Kinetic analyses showed rapid production of hydroxyl radicals ( • OH), superoxide (O 2•− ), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) upon a shift from high tide to low tide. The ROS production exhibited a distinct rhythmic fluctuation. The oscillations of the redox potential and dissolved oxygen concentration followed the same pattern as the • OH production, suggesting the alternating oxic−anoxic conditions as the main geochemical drive for ROS production. Nationwide coastal field investigations confirmed the widespread and sustainable production of ROS via tidal processes (22.1−117.4 μmol/m 2 /day), which was 5-to 36-fold more efficient than those via classical photochemical routes (1.5−7.6 μmol/m 2 /day). Analyses of soil physicochemical properties demonstrated that soil redox-metastable components such as redox-active iron minerals and organic matter played a key role in storing electrons at high tide and shuttling electrons to infiltrated oxygen at low tide for ROS production. Our work sheds light on a ubiquitous but previously overlooked tidal source of ROS, which may accelerate carbon and metal cycles as well as pollutant degradation in coastal soils.
This study describes a promising porous and efficient adsorbent, a sulfonic acid (-SO3H) functionalized covalent organic framework (COF-SO3H), for the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water and wastewater.
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