Details zur Publikation

Kategorie Textpublikation
Referenztyp Zeitschriften
DOI 10.1039/d5su00944h
Lizenz creative commons licence
Titel (primär) A concept for the molecular design of readily treatable chemicals
Autor Sigmund, G.; Smith, S.J.; Georgi, A.; Wagner, T.V.; Ateia, M.; Aumeier, B.M.; Dykstra, J.E.; Lutze, H.V.; Neumann, M.; Sutton, N.B.; Zahn, D. ORCID logo ; Wang, Z.
Quelle RSC Sustainability
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
Department TECH; EAC
Band/Volume 4
Heft 6
Seite von 2527
Seite bis 2537
Sprache englisch
Topic T7 Bioeconomy
T9 Healthy Planet
Abstract Existing chemicals assessment and management approaches focus on chemical behavior in the natural environment and humans, including using chemical-specific inherent properties such as persistence (P), bioaccumulation potential (B), and mobility (M). To prevent chemical pollution, concepts such as safe-by-design and benign-by-design consider P, B, M, toxicity, and other hazardous properties when selecting existing chemicals or developing new ones. However, certain applications rely on chemical properties that inherently conflict with safe-by-design (e.g., high stability during use often results in P). In such cases, in addition to applying such chemicals only for essential uses and reducing emissions, early consideration of effective removal using available (water) treatment technologies may also be advisable. This may serve as a second line of defense to safe-by-design by minimizing environmental exposure. Here we explore inherent chemical properties relevant to “treatability”, focusing on commonly used and widely available water treatment technologies. These technologies include (i) biodegradation in wastewater and drinking water treatment, (ii) advanced separation technologies such as activated carbon and membrane-based separation, and (iii) oxidation processes. Our conceptual framework sheds light on “treatable-by-design” chemicals for specific applications where safe-by-design chemicals are not (readily) feasible, offering potential for further exploration by the broader community.
Sigmund, G., Smith, S.J., Georgi, A., Wagner, T.V., Ateia, M., Aumeier, B.M., Dykstra, J.E., Lutze, H.V., Neumann, M., Sutton, N.B., Zahn, D., Wang, Z. (2026):
A concept for the molecular design of readily treatable chemicals
RSC Sustain. 4 (6), 2527 - 2537
10.1039/d5su00944h