Abstract: Methods are provided for using a combination of nanomaterials and oil-degrading bacteria to detoxify a multiphasic liquid (e.g., an oil-water mixture) and to ameliorate the toxicity of oil to local organisms, e.g., meiobenthos, in or near the area of the multiphasic liquid. The methods can be utilized for oil recovery and environmental clean-up and detoxification after spills and discharges. Through synergistic combination of the nanomaterials with oil degrading bacteria, methods can ameliorate environmental damage due to the presence of oil in an area through increased activation of the bacteria as well as through removal of the oil.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using a combination of nanomaterials and oil-degrading bacteria to detoxify a multiphasic liquid (e.g., an oil-water mixture) and to ameliorate the toxicity of oil to local organisms, e.g., meiobenthos, in or near the area of the multiphasic liquid. The methods can be utilized for oil recovery and environmental clean-up and detoxification after spills and discharges. Through synergistic combination of the nanomaterials with oil degrading bacteria, methods can ameliorate environmental damage due to the presence of oil in an area through increased activation of the bacteria as well as through removal of the oil.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using a combination of nanomaterials and oil-degrading bacteria to detoxify a multiphasic liquid (e.g., an oil-water mixture) and to ameliorate the toxicity of oil to local organisms, e.g., meiobenthos, in or near the area of the multiphasic liquid. The methods can be utilized for oil recovery and environmental clean-up and detoxification after spills and discharges. Through synergistic combination of the nanomaterials with oil degrading bacteria, methods can ameliorate environmental damage due to the presence of oil in an area through increased activation of the bacteria as well as through removal of the oil.

Abstract: A method for the removal of metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb) from a body of water is provided. In summary, polyvinylpyrrolidone coated magnetic nanoparticles (PVP-Fe3O4 NPs) can remove metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb) from synthetic soft water and sea water in acidic or non-acidic conditions. The PVP-Fe3O4NPs can remove up to about 100% of Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb metal ions at a concentration of 0.1 mg/L and more than 80% of the metal ions at a concentration of 1 mg/L. Further, the majority of metal sorption by the nanoparticles can occurred within the first 3 hours of treatment.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting fungal secondary metabolisms are described. Secondary metabolisms inhibited by the methods can include those responsible for expression of mycotoxins. Methods can include inhibition of secondary metabolisms without inhibiting fungal growth. As such, the methods can be utilized in preventing fungal-caused destruction of plant species (e.g., crop species) without undesirable consequences to plant health and local environments due to complete destruction of the fungal presence and growth. Disclosed methods encompass utilization of silver nanoparticles in inhibition of secondary metabolism at concentrations that are much lower than those typically used in toxicological and ecotoxicological studies.

Abstract: Methods for extracting oil from a multiphasic liquid are provided. The method can comprise: introducing the multiphasic liquid to a plurality of nanoparticles, and allowing oil in the multiphasic liquid to be adsorbed by the polymeric shell. The nanoparticles comprise a core and a polymeric shell. The method can further comprise removing the nanoparticles from the multiphasic liquid, and/or recovering the oil adsorbed by the polymeric shell after removing the nanoparticles from the multiphasic liquid. The multiphasic liquid can comprise oil and water (e.g., oil and sea water, such as sea water in an area of an oil spill), stomach fluid and a food-grade oil (e.g., olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or a mixture thereof), or other multiphasic liquids having an oil component.

Abstract: A core-shell nanoparticle is provided that includes a core comprising a first isotope of an element; an isolation layer surrounding the core; and a shell layer surrounding the isolation layer, wherein the shell layer comprises a second isotope of the element, with the first isotope being different than the second isotope. Methods are also provided for forming such core-shell nanoparticles.

Abstract: A core-shell nanoparticle is provided that includes a core comprising a first isotope of an element; an isolation layer surrounding the core; and a shell layer surrounding the isolation layer, wherein the shell layer comprises a second isotope of the element, with the first isotope being different than the second isotope. Methods are also provided for forming such core-shell nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods for extracting oil from a multiphasic liquid are provided. The method can comprise: introducing the multiphasic liquid to a plurality of nanoparticles, and allowing oil in the multiphasic liquid to be adsorbed by the polymeric shell. The nanoparticles comprise a core and a polymeric shell. The method can further comprise removing the nanoparticles from the multiphasic liquid, and/or recovering the oil adsorbed by the polymeric shell after removing the nanoparticles from the multiphasic liquid. The multiphasic liquid can comprise oil and water (e.g., oil and sea water, such as sea water in an area of an oil spill), stomach fluid and a food-grade oil (e.g., olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or a mixture thereof), or other multiphasic liquids having an oil component.