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Although supply chain ecosystem health (SCE Health) is receiving attention in relation to environmental uncertainty, its conception and measurement are largely undocumented, and how to pursue SCE Health under environmental turbulence is unclear. Supply chain learning (SCL) is an important way to build dynamic capabilities, and whether it can empower the achievement of SCE Health is worthy of investigative study. Therefore, grounded in the dynamic capabilities theory, a survey data-based structural equation modelling (SEM) approach is employed. Based on four experts' opinions and an in-depth literature review, 47 measurement items (11 for SCL, 28 for SCE Health, and 8 for environmental turbulence) were identified in the questionnaire design. Further, 208 valid questionnaires from the field survey of supply chain management (SCM)-related firms in China were collected and used for SEM analysis. The results show that the internal learning of SCL stimulates its external learning. SCL empowers the pursuit of SCE Health, which is strengthened under higher environmental turbulence. The theoretical framework and results also derive practical insights and support from 11 interviewees of five companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to further explore the relationship between travel time and frequency of visits to collegiate recreation facilities. After surveying all students using collegiate recreation facilities at a large public southeastern US university, the local address of the 559 respondents was converted into travel time to their preferred facility using their preferred transportation method. This travel time was compared with swipe data on visits to the facility over a semester. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to analyze the relationship between collegiate recreation facility usage level and travel time. Results support past research and ecological models of health behaviors demonstrating that proximity of recreation facilities is positively associated with higher usage by college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of harmful metal ions is growing globally, which raises the risk to both human and ecological health. The use of "adsorption" technique has been found to be very effective, for the removal of toxic metal ions. Among other things, hydrogels as an adsorbent work effectively for the removal of toxic metal ions and other aquatic pollutants. The newly designed potato starch‐xanthate (SX) based hydrogel (SX‐modified hydrogel) has been synthesized using a mixture of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) monomers, with the help of free‐radical graft copolymerization technique. The synthesized SX‐modified hydrogel has been characterized by several analytical techniques, namely, UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, point of zero charge (ΔpHPZC) analysis, x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The main objective of the current work is to remove the Cu2+ and Co2+ ions from wastewater using SX‐modified hydrogel as well as to study the swelling and water retention properties of the SX‐modified hydrogel. The swelling ratio of SX‐modified hydrogel has been found to be 312.31, 374.01, and 410.20 g/g at optimum pH 10, temperature 35°C, time 675 min in gray wastewater, tap water, and distilled water, respectively. The maximum percentage removal of Cu2+ and Co2+ ions by SX‐modified hydrogel has been found as 97.7% and 94.2%, respectively, at optimum conditions. The Langmuir isotherm model fits best with the experimental data, with maximum adsorption capacity of 515.46 mg/g for Cu2+ and 483.09 mg/g for Co2+ ions, respectively. The kinetic studies suggest that the adsorption process is governed by the second order kinetic model with rate constant of 2.06 × 10−4 g/(mg min) for Cu2+ and 1.79 × 10−4 g/(mg min) for Co2+ ions, respectively. The negative ΔG values suggest the adsorption process is spontaneous in nature. In addition, the positive ΔH values support the adsorption process is endothermic in nature. The SX‐modified hydrogel showed a remarkable desorption efficiency with 96.7% for Cu2+ and 92.5% for Co2+ ions and reusability for four consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. It can be concluded that the SX‐modified hydrogel has showed an effective, economical, easy, low energy consuming, and significant potential in the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents in the workplace are critical issues that necessitate attention from environmental safety and health perspectives to enhance operational safety. The elevated rate of workplace accidents in Turkey underscores deficiencies in reliability analysis studies. Effective planning of preventive measures, considering factors such as location and timing, is pivotal in accident prevention. Sociological and regional disparities, alongside technical factors such as service type, working hours, and age, contribute significantly to accident causation. Reliability analysis studies aim to identify potential causes of accidents, enabling early detection of hazardous situations and combinations. This proactive approach allows responsible personnel to implement measures that mitigate or eliminate specific types of accidents, thereby safeguarding both lives and business assets. This study utilizes Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to forecast potential occupational accidents in the shipbuilding industry before they occur. Analyzing data from 146 occupational accidents involving ship electricians between 2012 and 2016, out of a total of 1165 occupational accidents in the industry, the study estimates potential accidents for 2017. The results demonstrate that ANN achieves high accuracy in predicting occupational accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study quantitatively assesses the hydrological alterations induced by the Luv Kush Barrage on the Ganga River, India, using the Range of Variability Approach (RVA) to analyze changes in flow conditions before and after the barrage construction. The Ganga River, a crucial water source for millions, has experienced significant hydrological changes due to human interventions, notably the construction of the Luv Kush Barrage. Employing indicators of hydrological alteration (IHAs), we compared pre-impact (1972–1994) and post-impact (2001–2014) flow data to ascertain the barrage's effects on the river's flow regime. Our findings reveal significant alterations in the magnitude of monthly streamflow, especially during the monsoon season, with notable decreases in July, August, and September. Alterations were observed in the annual extreme flow conditions, frequency, and duration of high and low pulses, indicating a comprehensive impact on the river's natural flow patterns. These alterations affect the river's ecological health, affecting aquatic habitats, fishery resources, and community livelihoods dependent on the river. The study underscores the necessity for integrated water resource management practices that consider the ecological and socio-economic implications of hydrological alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat plays a crucial role in shaping the macroinvertebrate community structure in large shallow lakes. In the pursuit of improving the health of freshwater ecosystems, it is imperative to consider their habitat characteristics. To evaluate the impact of habitat variations on lake ecological health, we developed a macroinvertebrate‐based multimetric index (MMI) for both the pelagic and littoral zones of Lake Hongze. Additionally, we employed structural equation models to explore the influence of utilization or phytoplankton biomass on ecological health. Historical data served as reference conditions for the pelagic. Seven key attributes were selected for the pelagic MMI, that is, Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), the percentage of Mollusca taxa, the percentage of filter‐collector taxa, the percentage of predator taxa, the percentage of gather‐collector taxa, and the percentage of sensitive taxa and functional dispersion. The least minimally disturbed conditions and the best attainable conditions were used to develop the littoral. Four key metrics, that is, the percentage of scraper abundance, Mollusca taxa, Biological Pollution Index, and BMWP, were integrated into the littoral MMI. The assessment based on MMI revealed a "poor" health status for the pelagic zone and a "fair" health status for the littoral zone. These findings underscore the high applicability and efficacy of MMIs in assessing and monitoring ecological health in Lake Hongze. Notably, functional feeding groups exhibited heightened sensitivity to disturbance in both zones. Moreover, sediment organic matter strongly influenced the pelagic ecological health, while chlorophyll a and transparency emerged as primary factors influencing the littoral zone, attributable to varying littoral zone utilization. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2245–2255. © 2024 SETAC Key Points: Functional feeding groups exhibited heightened sensitivity to disturbance in both zones.Sediment organic matter strongly influenced the pelagic ecological health, and the macroinvertebrate‐based multimetric index in the littoral zone was more affected by water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-induced health hazards are increasingly evident and frequent, with mental health emerging as a critical concern. Our study focuses on assessing mental health challenges related to climate variability in Northeastern Thailand. Using descriptive cross-sectional analysis and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10), we analyzed mental health morbidity from 2018 to 2022. High average monthly temperatures exceeding 30°C and exposure to floods or droughts elevate the risk of mental health challenges. To address these risks, a holistic approach integrating Sustainable Development Goals and mental health initiatives is essential. This approach should prioritize understanding the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health. Supporting marginalized communities with indigenous knowledge and evidence-based programs can effectively prioritize sustainable mental health support, especially for vulnerable populations, fostering progress in human development and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl(PFAS) substances are the most common environmental pollutants, which has an inconsistent association with hyperuricemia across different populations. This study explored the relationship between hyperuricemia and different gender PFAS and PFAS mixtures, using data from two cycles of the NHANES from 2015-2018. Weighted logistic regression results showed that the correlation between individual PFAS and hyperuricemia was significant only in men. Compared to the reference quartile, the fourth quartile of n-PFOA increased the risk of hyperuricemia in men (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.50, 5.18). The Qgcomp model results showed that each quartile increase in the serum concentration of PFAS mixtures was associated with an increased likelihood of hyperuricemia in the total population, with odds ratios (OR) for men and women being 1.74 (95% CI: 1.26, 2.40), and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.35, 3.16), respectively. we concluded that PFAS might increase the risk of hyperuricemia in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite-based exposure of fine particulate matters has been seldom used as a predictor of mortality. PM2.5 was predicted using Aerosol Optical Depths (AOD) through a two-stage regression model. The predicted PM2.5 was corrected for the bias using two approaches. We estimated the impact by two different scenarios of PM2.5 in the model. We statistically found different distributions of the predicted PM2.5 over the region. Compared to the reference value (5 µg/m3), 90th and 95th percentiles had significant adverse effect on total mortality (RR 90th percentile:1.45; CI 95%: 1.08–1.95 and RR 95th percentile:1.53; CI 95%: 1.11–2.1). Nearly 1050 deaths were attributed to any range of the air pollution (unhealthy range), of which more than half were attributed to high concentration range. Given the adverse effect of extreme values compared to the both scenarios, more efforts are suggested to define local-specific reference values and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in Tibetans is higher than that in Han, while Tibetans have a habit of drinking brick tea with high fluoride. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the association between fluoride exposure in drinking brick tea and OA. All subjects were divided into four groups by the quartiles (Q) of tea fluoride (TF) and urine fluoride (UF). ROC was plotted and OR were obtained using logistic regression model. The prevalence of OA in the Q3 and Q4 group of TF were 2.2 and 2.7 times higher than in the Q1 group, and the prevalence of OA in the Q2, Q3 and Q4 group of UF were 3.2, 3.5, and 4.1 times higher than in the Q1 group. ROC analysis showed the cutoff values were 4.523 mg/day (TF) and 1.666 mg/L (UF). In conclusion, excessive fluoride in drinking brick tea could be a risk factor for developing OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To test the Triangle of Human Ecology by examining associations between unipolar depression and different measures of human biological factors, health behaviour, and the physical environment. Methods: Data originate from the third wave of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (2006–2008). The survey was based on a random sample of 50,000 Norwegians (response rate: 54%). Logistic regression was performed, using unipolar depression, measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, as outcome variable and 38 explanatory variables. Results: Biological factors including older age and male gender were associated with higher odds of depression, as were behavioural factors including drinking behaviour and having a neurotic personality. Reduced odds were associated with units of alcohol consumed, extrovert personality and physical activity. Social networks were an environmental factor with reduced odds at both personal and neighbourhood levels, as was warmer outdoor temperatures. Conclusions: Using the Triangle of Human Ecology provides a holistic insight into how behaviour, biology and the environment influence mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impacts of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) with varying particle sizes (13 μm and 6.5 μm) on the growth and antioxidant responses of two freshwater algae species, Oscillatoria princeps (O. princeps) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa). The results revealed a significant reduction in chlorophyll a content in both algal species upon exposure to PE-MPs, indicating a disruption of photosynthesis. Furthermore, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity decreased in O. princeps, while Catalase (CAT) activity increased in both species, indicating complex physiological responses to microplastic stress. Notably, phycotoxin levels in O. princeps decreased with PE-MP exposure, while those in C. pyrenoidosa increased, particularly with 6.5 μm PE-MPs. These findings underscore the potential toxic effects of PE-MPs on freshwater algal growth and metabolism, as well as their influence on toxin production. This study contributes valuable insights into the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics in freshwater environments, highlighting the need for further research on their biological effects and environmental health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

England's 10 national parks are renowned for their landscapes, wildlife, and recreational value. However, surface waters in the national parks may be vulnerable to pollution from human‐use chemicals, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), because of factors like ineffective wastewater treatment, seasonal tourism, a high proportion of elderly residents, and the presence of low‐flow water bodies that limit dilution. The present study determined the extent of API contamination in the English national parks by monitoring 54 APIs in 37 rivers across all national parks over two seasons. Results were compared to existing data sets for UK cities and to concentration thresholds for ecological impacts and antimicrobial resistance selection. Results revealed widespread contamination of the national parks, with APIs detected at 52 out of 54 sites and in both seasons. Thirty‐one APIs were detected, with metformin, caffeine, and paracetamol showing the highest mean concentrations and cetirizine, metformin, and fexofenadine being the most frequently detected. While total API concentrations were generally lower than seen previously in UK cities, locations in the Peak District and Exmoor had higher concentrations than most city rivers. Fourteen locations had concentrations of either amitriptyline, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, diltiazem, metformin, paracetamol, or propranolol above levels of concern for fish, invertebrates, and algae or for selection for antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, API pollution of the English national parks appears to pose risks to ecological health and potentially human health through recreational water use. Given that these parks are biodiversity hotspots with protected ecosystems, there is an urgent need for improved monitoring and management of pharmaceutical pollution and pollution more generally not only in national parks in England but also in similar environments across the world. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2422–2435. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most, if not all, animal rescues, sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums experienced financial distress. This stress had an impact on the welfare of animals and their human caretakers, an issue important to ecological social work. We draw on a novel dataset (n = 2,060) to assess support for policies to extend emergency funding to animal support and conservation organizations in extreme events. We find that, on average women and nonbinary individuals, those with more education, people who have pets, people who are concerned about other humans (humanistic altruism), and those who have greater concern for animals report greater support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination of heavy metals in urban greenspaces can exert detrimental impacts on ecological biodiversity and the health of inhabitants through cross-media migration-induced risks. Here, a total of 72 topsoil samples were collected from greenspaces in the popular tourist city of Tianshui, ranging from areas with parks, residential, road, industrial and educational soils. The study aimed to evaluate an integrated source-specific ecological and human health risk assessment of heavy metals. Among the analyzed heavy metals, except Cr (mean), all exceeded the local background values by 1.30–5.67-fold, and Hg, Cd, Pb and As were the metals with large CV values. The Igeo and CF results showed Hg, Cd, As and Pb exhibited significantly high pollution levels and were the primary pollution factors. The mean PLI values indicated moderate pollution in educational (2.21), industrial (2.07), and road (2.02) soils but slight pollution in park (1.84) and residential (1.39) greenspaces. The Igeo, CF, and PLI results also revealing that these heavy metals are more likely to be affected by human activity. Four primary source factors were identified based on PMF model: coal combustion (25.57%), agricultural sources (14.49%), atmospheric deposition (20.44%) and mixed sources (39.50%). In terms of ecological risk, the mean IRI values showed considerable risks in educational soils (287.52) and moderate risks in road (215.09), park (151.27) and residential (136.71) soils. And the contribution ratio of atmospheric deposition for park, residential, road, industrial and educational greenspaces were 57.72%, 65.41%, 67.69%, 59.60% and 75.76%, respectively. In terms of human health risk, the HI (below 1) and CR (below 1.00E−04) for adults from soils of all land use types was negligible. However, children have more significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards especially in residential soils, the HI (above 1) and CR (above 1.00E−04) revealed the significance of regarding legacy As contamination from coal combustion when formulating risk mitigation strategies in this area. The proposed method for source and risk identification makes the multifaceted concerns of pollution and the different relevant risks into a concrete decision-making process, providing robust support for soil contamination control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacterial toxins are the most common algal toxins, which are highly toxic and can persist in the aquatic environment without easy degradation, posing risks to the ecosystem and human health that cannot be ignored. Although microbiological methods for the removal of cyanobacterial toxins from aqueous environments are highly efficient, their degradation efficiency is susceptible to many abiotic environmental factors. In this paper, Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and its microbial degrading enzymes were selected to study the effects of common environmental factors (temperature (T), NO3−, NH4+, Cu2+, Zn2+) and their levels during microbial degradation of cyanobacterial toxins in aqueous environments by using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, analytical factor design, and the combined toxicokinetics of TOPKAT (toxicity prediction). It was found that the addition of T, NO3− and Cu2+ to the aqueous environment promoted the microbial degradation of MC-LR, while the addition of NH4+ and Zn2+ inhibited the degradation; The level effect study showed that the microbial degradation of MC-LR was promoted by increasing levels of added T and NO3− in the aqueous environment, whereas it was inhibited and then promoted by increasing levels of NH4+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. In addition, the predicted toxicity of common Microcystins (MCs) showed that MC-LR, Microcystin-RR (MC-RR) and Microcystin-YR (MC-YR) were not carcinogenic, developmentally toxic, mutagenic or ocular irritants in humans. MC-LR and MC-RR are mild skin irritants and MC-YR is not a skin irritant. MC-YR has a higher chronic and acute toxicity in humans than MC-LR and MC-RR. Acute/chronic toxicity intensity for aquatic animals: MC-YR > MC-LR > MC-RR and for aquatic plants: MC-LR > MC-YR > MC-RR. This suggests that MC-YR also has a high environmental health risk. This paper provides theoretical support for optimizing the environmental conditions for microbial degradation of cyanobacterial toxins by studying the effects of common environmental factors and their level effects in the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban stormwater commonly contains many pollutants. This has threatened the ecological health of receiving waters as well as stormwater reuse safety. In this context, an effective treatment of urban stormwater is essential. This study undertook a feasibility investigation on using membranes to remove heavy metals from urban stormwater. Two of the most commonly used membranes in the field of water treatment, namely flat ceramic membrane and organic flat membrane, were selected. The research outcomes showed both membranes had the potential to treat urban stormwater. In the case of real stormwater in low influent velocity, the removal percentages were 77.48% (Zn), 64.33% (Cu), 98.04% (Pb), 74.45% (Ni), 56.96% (Cr), and 49.81% (Cd) for flat ceramic membranes and 81.76% (Zn), 77.69% (Cu), 98.13% (Pb), 81.49% (Ni), 59.62% (Cr), and 68.55% (Cd) for organic flat membranes. In high influent velocity, they were 78.66%, 67.74%, 97.02%, 60.84%, 49.05%, and 78.06% for flat ceramic membranes and 74.35%, 66.70%, 96.94%, 61.19%, 48.79%, and 88.00% for organic flat membranes. However, the influence of membrane types on treatment performance was secondary to rainfall characteristics and pollutant forms. It was noted that the heavy metal removal percentages had lower variability for events with high rainfall intensity while both membranes indicated a significant preference on treating particulate pollutants by interception mechanisms. The results also highlighted that using membrane technology to treat stormwater might have a relatively low cost due to low membrane fouling. This reduced the cost of replacement and maintenance. These research outcomes provided an effective stormwater treatment approach and can provide improved stormwater quality, ensuring its reuse safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic and climatic changes are continuously altering the freshwater plankton, necessitating an evaluation of the complex structure of plankton communities to understand and mitigate these impacts. In this context, the present study focuses on evaluating the structure of plankton communities, specifically Phytoplankton Functional Groups (FGs) for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands under changing scenario. These FGs are defined by shared adaptive features rather than taxonomic traits. Over the period from 2016 to 2018, two ecologically distinct wetlands were examined, analysing their phytoplankton FGs and their relationship with water quality parameters. Ecohydrological data revealed significant seasonal variations (p ≤ 0.05) in key parameters such as water depth, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, NO3-N, and PO4-P. Notably, there were no significant differences observed among the sampling stations within each wetland. A total of 125 phytoplankton genera/species were classified into 23 FGs in the open wetland and 22 FGs in the closed wetland. Spatial and seasonal analyses of dominant FGs suggested both wetlands were experiencing pollution pressures. This study highlights the powerful role of phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) as bioindicators of wetland health, uncovering pollution pressures. In open wetlands, 15 phytoplankton FGs with 36 key taxa (Indicator Value ≥ 40%) emerged as critical indicators, while in closed wetlands, only 10 FGs with 17 taxa were identified. To assess eutrophication, the occurrence of these indicator species was evaluated using BVSTEP function analysis. The study recommends pollution reduction in catchment areas and restoration of riverine connectivity to enhance FG diversity. Phytoplankton FG methodologies are deemed effective for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands significantly impacted by human activities. This research offers a scientific foundation for the evaluation and restoration of wetland ecosystems. Highlights: Phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) serve as precise bioindicators of wetland environmental sensitivity and pollution pressures. Seasonal and spatial assessments of water quality reveal insights into wetland ecological health. The response of phytoplankton FGs to environmental factors effectively indicates water quality. Key plankton species were identified as indicators of wetland ecological sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most harmful mycotoxins to human and environmental health. In this paper, a novel electrochemical AFB1 immunosensor using attapulgite composite N-phenylglycine as a conductive material is developed. The strong π–π and electrostatic interactions between the AFB1 antibody and the nanomaterial are investigated. The developed electrochemical AFB1 immunosensor exhibits high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.011 ng mL−1 and a quantitation limit of 0.035 ng mL−1 (S/N = 3). The recoveries for three different concentrations of AFB1 range from 97.5% to 104.6%, with a relative standard deviation of stability less than 2.0%. ATP-PNPG possesses more oxygen defects and adsorbed oxygen than ATP-NPG. These properties enhance its electronegativity and make it more conducive to detecting low concentrations of AFB1 through electrochemical sensing technology. Finally, the electrochemical AFB1 immunosensor demonstrates good selectivity, stability, and reusability for detecting AFB1 in corn samples, exhibiting a high recovery rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread use of plastic products and the increase in waste, microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become an important issue in global environmental pollution. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that MNPs may have negative impacts on human health. This review aimed to explore the association between MNPs and cardiovascular disease and provide an outlook for future research. Research has shown that there may be a link between MNPs exposure and cardiovascular disease. Laboratory studies have shown that animals exposed to MNPs often exhibit abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, such as increased blood pressure, vascular inflammation, and myocardial damage. Epidemiological surveys have also revealed that people exposed to MNPs are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and myocardial infarction. Although the specific impact mechanism is not fully understood, there are several possible pathways of action, including the effects of toxic substances on MNPs and interference with the endocrine system. In summary, MNPs exposure may have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, but further research is needed to confirm its specific mechanism and extent of impact to guide relevant public health and environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban planning significantly influences the physical and health profile of urban environments. This paper explores the critical nexus between urban planning and public health, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate health considerations into the urban planning curriculum in India. Current urban planning courses often overlook public health aspects, resulting in a disconnect that could hinder the ability of urban environments to meet the health and well-being needs of their populations. Through a comprehensive review and analysis of curriculum data from selected Indian institutions of national importance—including the School of Planning and Architecture, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and National Institute of Technology, Bhopal—this study identifies significant gaps in the inclusion of health-related content in urban planning education. The analysis reveals a low occurrence of health-related themes within the planning curriculum, with essential topics like public health history, environmental health, and health impact assessments seldom addressed. To bridge these gaps, the paper suggests incorporating mandatory health-focused courses, such as Health Impact Assessments and public health fundamentals, into the curriculum. It also recommends interdisciplinary collaboration with public health professionals to enrich planning education. By restructuring the curriculum to include more comprehensive health-related education, future urban planners can be better equipped to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes in rapidly urbanizing spaces. This research not only sheds light on current educational inadequacies but also proposes actionable steps towards a more holistic integration of health and urban planning disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common contaminant widely used in many industrial sectors. Because of its wide use and dispersion, it can be accumulated in living human bodies through both oral assumption and nondietary routes. BPA exhibits hormone-like properties, falling under the class of endocrine disruptors; therefore, it can alter relevant physiological functions. In particular, in women, it can affect folliculogenesis and therefore reproduction, contributing not only to infertility, but also to endometriosis and premature puberty. Methods: We conducted a multicenter study on 91 women undergoing a first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in the Campania region (Southern Italy). We investigated the presence and concentration of BPA in serum and follicular fluids to assess the effects of airborne BPA contamination. The analysis was conducted on 32 women living in a low environmental impact (LEI) area, from the Sele Valley River and Cilento region, and 59 women living in a high environmental impact (HEI) area, the so-called "Land of Fires", a highly contaminated territory widely exposed to illegal waste practices. Results: A higher average BPA content in both blood serum and follicular fluid was revealed in the HEI group when compared with the LEI group. In addition, we revealed higher average BPA content in blood serum than in folliclular fluid in the HEI area, with opposite average content in the two fluids in the LEI zone. In addition, our results also showed a lack of correlation between BPA content in follicular and serum fluids both in the overall population and in the HEI and LEI groups, with peculiar trends in different subsets of women. Conclusion: From our results, we revealed a heterogeneity in the distribution of BPA content between serum and follicular fluid. Further studies are needed to unravel the bioaccumulation mechanisms of BPA in highly polluted and nonpolluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H2S gas sensors with facile preparation, low detection limits, and high selectivity are crucial for environmental and human health monitoring. However, it is difficult to maintain a high response of H2S gas sensors under high humidity in practical applications. To face this dilemma, a layer‐by‐layer growth method is applied to in situ prepare a nanostructured Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O/WO3 coated by a hydrophobic hierarchical ZIF‐67 as the H2S sensor. This novel composite exhibits excellent humidity immunity without sacrificing the excellent sensitivity and selectivity of H2S. At a low operating temperature of 90 °C, a remarkable response value of 1052.3 to 100 ppm H2S has been achieved, which is 779 and 9.36 times higher than that of pure WO3 and Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O/WO3, respectively. More importantly, an 82.2% relative response value remains at a high humidity of 75%RH. The sensing mechanisms are investigated using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), which revealed that the reaction products are H2O and SO2. The high humidity immunity and fast response of the Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O@ZIF‐67/WO3 demonstrate the layer‐by‐layer in situ synthesis method holds the potential application for the development of high‐performance WO3‐based H2S sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of noise management strategies, focusing on installing barriers to reduce urban noise pollution, particularly around hospitals. The research in Sakarya, Turkey, employs comprehensive noise measurements and modeling techniques to evaluate barrier interventions. The study included 24-h noise averages and specific measures for daytime, evening, and nighttime noise levels, using SoundPlan software for modeling and mapping. Results reveal that noise levels frequently exceed international thresholds, especially in high-traffic areas. However, introducing noise barriers significantly reduces noise levels, particularly at specific measurement points, demonstrating their effectiveness. This underscores the crucial role of noise management strategies in sensitive urban areas and highlights the urgency for proactive interventions to manage noise pollution. The study identifies the need for future research, including long-term studies to assess noise barriers' durability and sustained effectiveness, and the integration of other noise reduction measures such as green infrastructure. Practical applications of this research include informing urban planners and policymakers about effective strategies for mitigating noise pollution and improving public health. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into urban noise management by empirically demonstrating the effectiveness of barrier interventions in reducing noise pollution. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect human health and preserve environmental balance in sensitive urban areas. The findings advocate for the broader implementation of noise barriers and other complementary strategies in urban planning to enhance the quality of urban life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of porous crystalline material, are identified as a promising candidate for tackling the most formidable global challenges due to their unique and intriguing properties including well‐defined porous crystal structure, large specific surface area, and vast tunable chemical and physical property. Air pollution resulting from various toxic gases, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matters has posed a big threat to human health and ecological sustainability. In recent years, various MOFs are studied and shown great potential as active materials for air pollution control in both pollutant detection and air quality remediation. In this review, the most recent research progress for MOFs‐based materials for air pollution control is summarized. The discussion is categorized based on the different approaches for air quality control with a focus on the performance correlations to the structure and functionality of MOFs. In addition, the technical merits and downsides of each approach are discussed based on their application scenarios. Finally, the remaining challenges and future research directions in this field are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-10 µm microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments pose significant ecological and health risks due to their mobility and potential to carry harmful microcontaminants. Our effluent analysis from a Hong Kong Sewage Treatment Works shows that traditional treatment often fails to effectively remove these MPs. These small-sized MPs are commonly neglected due to challenges in accurate quantification, analysis, and removal. This study introduces a nanobubble-assisted flotation process that enhances the removal efficiency of both regular and irregular small-sized MPs from wastewater. The proposed process outperforms the traditional flotation process by fostering a more effective interaction between bubbles and MPs, increasing removal rates of MPs from 1 µm to 10 µm by up to 12% and providing a total efficiency boost of up to 17% for various particle sizes. Improvements are attributed to enhanced collision and adhesion probabilities, hydrophobic interactions, as well as better floc flotation. Supported by empirical evidence, mathematical models, and Molecular Dynamics simulations, this research elucidates the nanoscale mechanisms at play. The findings confirm the nanobubble-assisted flotation technique as an innovative and practical approach to removing sub-10 µm MPs in water treatment processes. Sub-10 µm microplastic pose severe environmental risks. Here, authors introduce an advanced nanobubble assisted flotation technique that enhances microplastic removal, providing a promising solution for effective water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the use of the mounting evidence on how human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet and the urgent need for measures against the escalating triple planetary crisis, the WHO has developed a repository of systematic reviews on interventions in the area of environment, climate change and health (ECH). This commentary introduces the repository, describes its rationale and development, and points to potential future evolutions. The repository aims to provide a user-friendly tool for quickly finding systematic reviews and meta-analyses on specific ECH topics. The spreadsheet includes details on each systematic review, such as population, intervention type, control group, outcomes, and location, among other information. This supports effective assessment of the available evidence, potentially informing policy decisions across various sectors. The repository is a resource for anyone interested in the interlinkages between health and environment and is also targeted at decision makers, intervention implementers and researchers in order to identify priority issues and support evidence-based action. Furthermore, it can be used to identify areas in need of greater research. Additionally, systematic reviews of intervention effectiveness are often used for setting general guidelines and standards, for choosing the most promising intervention in a certain situation and for calculating the disease burden attributable to a specific environmental risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous investigations identified a connection between air pollution and kidney diseases. Nevertheless, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on the long-term risks posed by air pollution with respect to acute kidney injury (AKI) and AKI-related death. Methods: This prospective cohort analysis included 414,885 UK Biobank (UKB) participants who did not exhibit AKI at the study's outset. AKI was defined based on ICD-10 codes recorded for hospitalized patients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between prolonged exposure to air pollutants (particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5), between 2.5 and 10 micrometers (PM2.5−10), and 10 micrometers or less (PM10), along with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)) and the risk of AKI and AKI-related death, adjusting for potential confounders including sex, age, ethnicity, education, income, lifestyle factors, and relevant clinical covariates. Restricted cubic splines were applied to evaluate non-linear dose-response relationships, and stratified analyses were performed to explore potential effect modification across subgroups. Results: Over an average follow-up duration of 11.7 years, 14,983 cases of AKI and 326 cases of AKI-related death were diagnosed. Quartile analysis showed individuals exposed to higher levels of these air pollutants had a significantly higher risk of developing AKI and AKI-related death compared to those in the lowest quartile (all P < 0.05). The RCS curves depicting the relationship between PM2.5, PM2.5−10, PM10, NO2, NOx, and the risk of AKI showed a significant departure from linearity (P for non−linearity < 0.05), while the relationships between PM2.5, NO2, NOx, and the risk of AKI-related death did not exhibit a significant departure from linearity (P for non−linearity > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our findings. Conclusion: Our study reveals a direct association between prolonged air pollution exposure and elevated risks of both AKI and AKI-related death. These findings offer scientific validation for the adoption of environmental and public health measures directed towards the reduction of air pollution. Such initiatives could potentially ease the impact associated with AKI and AKI-related death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by persistent organic pollutants has imposed big threats to the health of human and ecological systems. The development of efficient methods to effectively degrade and remove these persistent organic pollutants is therefore of paramount importance. Photocatalytic persulfate‐based advanced oxidation technologies (PS‐AOTs), which depend on the highly reactive SO4− radicals generated by the activation of PS to degrade persistent organic pollutants, have shown great promise. This work discusses the application and modification strategies of common photocatalysts in photocatalytic PS‐AOTs, and compares the degradation performance of different catalysts for pollutants. Furthermore, essential elements impacting photocatalytic PS‐AOTs are discussed, including the water matrix, reaction process mechanism, pollutant degradation pathway, singlet oxygen generation, and potential PS hazards. Finally, the existing issues and future challenges of photocatalytic PS‐AOTs are summarized and prospected to encourage their practical application. In particular, by providing new insights into the PS‐AOTs, this review sheds light on the opportunities and challenges for the development of photocatalysts with advanced features for the PS‐AOTs, which will be of great interests to promote better fundamental understanding of the PS‐AOTs and their practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a global context, the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in coalfields exhibit high degrees of diversity and complexity that are rooted in the intricate interplay of geological variations, diverse climatic conditions, and extensive human activities. The specific types and concentrations of ions, such as Ca2+, Cl−, and NO3−, show stark differences across geographical regions. Given the crucial roles of coalfields as energy suppliers, the potential environmental contamination risks posed by mining activities to groundwater cannot be overlooked as such pollution directly impacts human health and ecological safety. This study focuses on the Huainan coal mining area in northern Anhui Province (China), where shallow groundwater samples were systematically collected and analyzed to determine the hydrochemical characteristics and ascertain the water quality status. By integrating hydrogeochemical analysis techniques with inverse modeling methods, it was revealed that the groundwater in this region is predominantly HCO3-Ca type, exhibiting weak alkaline characteristics. The formation mechanisms are primarily governed by silicate rock weathering and mineral dissolution-precipitation processes, albeit with discernible influences from human activities. PHREEQC simulations were used to further confirm the precipitation tendencies of minerals like calcite, dolomite, and fluorite as well as the significant dissolution characteristics of halite. The inverse modeling pathway analysis reveals specific hydrochemical processes along different paths: paths I and IV are notably dominated by Ca2+ dissolution-precipitation and cation exchange-adsorption processes, whereas paths II and III are closely associated with the precipitation of calcium montmorillonite as well as dissolution of kaolinite, calcite, quartz, and mineral incongruents. Moreover, evaluations based on the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) indicated overall positive trends of the groundwater quality indicators within the Huainan mining area, reflecting the effectiveness of regional water quality management efforts and providing a scientific basis for future water quality protection and improvement strategies. In summary, this study not only deepens our understanding of the groundwater chemistry in the Huainan coal mining area but also underscores the importance of scientifically assessing and managing groundwater resources to address the environmental challenges potentially arising from coal mining activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic modifications control gene expression and are essential for turning genes on and off to regulate and maintain differentiated cell types. Epigenetics are also modified by a multitude of environmental exposures, including diet and pollutants, allowing an individual's environment to influence gene expression and resultant phenotypes and clinical outcomes. These epigenetic modifications due to gene–environment interactions can also be transmitted across generations, raising the possibility that environmental influences that occurred in one generation may be transmitted beyond the second generation, exerting a long-lasting effect. In this review, we cover the known mechanisms of epigenetic modification acquisition, reprogramming and persistence, animal models and human studies used to understand multigenerational epigenetic transmission, and examples of environmentally induced epigenetic change and its transmission across generations. We highlight the importance of environmental health not only on the current population but also on future generations that will experience health outcomes transmitted through epigenetic inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review investigates the pervasive issue of dye effluent pollution in African surface waters, focusing on its significant adverse effects on both human health and environmental quality. Drawing from 63 articles published between 2004 and 2022, the review includes studies from Northern, Western, Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, illustrating the widespread nature of dye contamination across the continent. Five primary sources of dye effluents are identified: textiles, food industries, dye producers, artisan dyes, and tannery-paint industries, all of which contribute substantially to the degradation of water quality. The physicochemical properties of dye effluents show high toxicity levels in surface waters, with significant regional variations. These variations highlight the importance of considering the specific characteristics of dye types and processing chemicals to fully understand the contamination levels. In evaluating treatment methods, the review finds that adsorption, coagulation/flocculation, filtration, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalysis, photo-Fenton oxidation, and plasma-chemical treatment are effective in mitigating dye pollution. The application of these methods varies across different African regions, indicating the need for region-specific approaches based on local conditions and available resources. The review also examines the impact of dye effluents on aquatic ecosystems and human health, with risk assessments revealing effects ranging from acute to chronic. This demonstrates the urgent need for targeted interventions to address dye effluent pollution in African surface waters, thereby protecting both environmental and public health. Highlights: Dye effluent pollution severely impacts human health and the environment, particularly in African surface waters. Six key industries contribute to dye pollution in Africa: textile, food, pharmaceutical, tannery, paint, and artisanal. Effective treatment methods like adsorption, filtration, and AOPs show promise but require larger-scale implementation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdered laundry detergents, encompassing a diverse blend of organic and inorganic compounds, are crucial in efficiently removing dirt in household cleaning. This study investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of commonly used powdered laundry detergents in Sri Lanka using the Allium cepa bioassay. Five detergents (four branded A, B, C, and D, and one non-branded E) were selected for assessment. Toxicity evaluations were conducted across a range of predetermined aqueous detergent concentrations (0–2500 mg/L) using the A. cepa bioassay, with all experiments being triplicated and following standard protocols. Exposure to detergent concentrations up to 500 mg/L resulted in mitosis suppression, nuclear aberrations, and chromosomal abnormalities in A. cepa, indicating concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Condensed nuclei were notably prevalent among nuclear abnormalities, while vagrant chromosomes and chromosomal adherence were the most frequent chromosomal aberrations observed. At higher concentrations (> 500 mg/L), the selected detergents induced necrotic cell death in A. cepa root meristematic cells. This study warns to avoid the unnecessary use of detergents as they cause significant ecological risks and advocates for further research to comprehensively assess detergent toxicity across diverse organisms within ecosystems to safeguard ecosystem health effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial "Blue foods security and sustainability" discusses the importance of blue foods in global nutrition and food security, providing protein and essential nutrients to billions of people. Despite the growth in blue food production, persistent hunger remains a global issue, emphasizing the need for continued expansion to meet future demands. The editorial also highlights the ecological and environmental challenges introduced by aquaculture and fisheries, stressing the importance of innovative practices and sustainable management to ensure the contribution of blue foods to global food security and environmental resilience. [Extracted from the article]

The increasing demand for natural products in the United States reflects a cultural shift towards health and sustainability. This trend infiltrates consumer sectors such as the sunscreen industry, amidst concerns about health and environmental impacts of chemical ingredients. The Hawaii Sunscreen Ban has intensified sunscreen formula safety discussions, particularly regarding butylparaben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Even at low concentrations, these compounds bleach hard corals eventually leading to their death. As well, these chemicals pose threats to marine ecosystems and raise concerns about human health, particularly systemic absorption and the possibility of causing endocrine disruption. While some argue for chemical-based sunscreens for skin cancer prevention, others advocate for mineral-based alternatives that avoid harmful ingredients. However, public opinion on sunscreen varies, influenced by adverse reactions, socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural perceptions. Future studies should explore diverse demographic perspectives and long-term health and environmental impacts of products containing potentially toxic ingredients. As well, effective communication strategies to promote sunscreen safety and encourage sustainable sun protection practices is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by the munition explosive residues of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its metabolites resulting primarily from military operations has been identified as a threat to human health and ecosystems. Biodegradation by native plants to remove this hazardous compound or reduce its toxicity is considered a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach for the cleanup or restoration of TNT-contaminated soils. This study aims to investigate the TNT biodegradation and kinetics by two selected native grasses in the species-specific rhizosphere soils through growth chamber experiments. Native eastern gamma grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were grown in soil spiked with 14C-TNT for 8 weeks. The 14C-TNT degradation and degradative metabolite profile in the rhizosphere soils were determined by liquid scintillation counter and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results indicated that both native grass species significantly enhanced the TNT degradation in the rhizosphere soils as compared with the control rhizosphere soils. More than 95% of the applied 14C-TNT was degraded in the first 7 days, and the rate then reached a steady state afterward, but less than 10% of the TNT applied was completely mineralized and transformed into CO2. The degradative reaction was found to follow second-order kinetics. Six major TNT degradative metabolites have been detected and identified in the rhizosphere soils. Overall, switchgrass appeared more effective for biodegrading TNT than eastern gamma grass. This research demonstrated that the native grass species, especially switchgrass, has the potential to mitigate the adverse human health and ecological risks of TNT-contaminated sites and can be considered an environmentally friendly, sustainable approach to safeguarding human health from TNT contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying and recognizing environmental risk factors for childhood cancer is crucial to prevent it. Medical guild are the first contact to monitor children's health. Therefore, courses about the contribution of chemical toxins in the environment and health outcomes such as cancer should be included in their professional training. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of a medical guild and undergraduate students in health sciences about the contribution of the environment to childhood cancer. Methods: A pilot study was conducted, an online survey including thirteen questions was shared among medical guild members and undergraduate students in health sciences. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square homogeneity tests were calculated to compare groups. Results: Genetic factors ranked as the first possible cause of childhood cancer (88.2% medical guild and 97.7% undergraduate students). However, 70.6% of medical guild and 64.6% of undergraduate students reported that they have ever suspected that childhood cancer could be related to the environmental conditions in which children live. More than 95% of the participants reported that they would find it useful to have more knowledge about environmental risks and cancer. When data were analyzed by profession (medical guild) and academic year (undergraduate students), no significant differences were observed. Nonetheless, comparisons by academic discipline between undergraduate students, showed that a higher percentage of medicine and environmental sciences and health (over 98%) reported environmental exposure as risk factors associated with childhood cancer compared to 75% from physiotherapy, (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, the environmental contribution to childhood cancer is not clear among the medical guild and undergraduate students. They should be trained on the topic of cancer and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and it is now regarded as a critical One Health issue. One Health's interconnected domains contribute to the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms on a local and global scale, which is a significant risk factor for global health. The persistence and spread of resistant microbial species, and the association of determinants at the humananimal-environment interface can alter microbial genomes, resulting in resistant superbugs in various niches. ABR is motivated by a well-established link between three domains: human, animal, and environmental health. As a result, addressing ABR through the One Health approach makes sense. Several countries have implemented national action plans based on the One Health approach to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes, following the Tripartite's Commitment Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The ABR has been identified as a global health concern, and efforts are being made to mitigate this global health threat. To summarize, global interdisciplinary and unified approaches based on One Health principles are required to limit the ABR dissemination cycle, raise awareness and education about antibiotic use, and promote policy, advocacy, and antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community science has increased in popularity in communities where residents hope to investigate the relationship between environmental issues and personal health. This study partnered with neighborhoods in the most polluted residential zip code in the US to conduct community science air quality monitoring. We conducted 60 semi-structured interviews after two monitoring deployments to understand participants’ subjective experiences of pollution exposure, their engagement with low-cost air quality monitors, and their data interpretation. We utilize the environmental health concept ‘exposure experience’ to analyze how participants use personal monitors, understand their data, and reinterpret their pollution exposure as a result. We further explore how participants’ understandings are circumscribed by the technological features of low-cost monitors. We find that participants adopt both protective and mitigating behavioral changes based on information gained from personal experiments and hypothesis testing while using the monitors. Of their own accord, 40% of participants in this study adopted mitigation behaviors after identifying sources that impacted their personal air quality. Our analysis reveals that real-time data accessibility through low-cost monitors builds exposure awareness and enables residents of environmental justice communities to test, validate, or invalidate sensory experiences and challenge existing assumptions. These findings point to specific pathways for using low-cost monitors to support individual decisionmaking and contribute to behavioral change. Findings also identify some limitations of low-cost monitors; designers of low-cost monitors should consider how composite Air Quality Scores may encourage community scientists to equally value scientifically-established pollutants (e.g., PM) with less scientifically-established pollutants (e.g., TVOCs), without additional scientific training and health-related information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: This study delves into the risk perceptions of Italian pediatricians concerning climate change's impact on children's health. Given children's heightened vulnerability to climate-related health risks, comprehending these perceptions is crucial. A review of pertinent literature establishes the framework, emphasizing six key factors influencing children's susceptibility to climate-related health hazards. Methods: Methodologically, the study utilized a survey tool developed collaboratively with the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), garnering responses from a representative sample of Italian pediatricians. Results: Findings indicate a high level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its health implications, with a majority attributing it primarily to human activity. Pediatricians recognize various current and anticipated health impacts of climate change, notably concerning illnesses linked to outdoor air quality. Despite acknowledging their role in addressing climate-related health concerns, respondents also cite barriers to engagement, including time constraints and knowledge gaps. However, they express interest in resources like professional training and policy statements to bolster their capacity for effective communication and advocacy. Conclusions: Comparisons with prior studies highlight the consistency of findings across diverse contexts and underscore the significance of integrating climate and environmental health education into medical training. Overall, this study sheds light on pediatricians' perspectives in tackling the convergence of climate change and children's health, pinpointing avenues for enhancing their involvement in climate advocacy and mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nakdong River is a crucial water resource in South Korea, supplying water for various purposes such as potable water, irrigation, and recreation. However, the river is vulnerable to algal blooms due to the inflow of pollutants from multiple points and non-point sources. Monitoring chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, a proxy for algal biomass is essential for assessing the trophic status of the river and managing its ecological health. This study aimed to improve the accuracy and reliability of Chl-a estimation in the Nakdong River using machine learning models (MLMs) and simultaneous use of multiple remotely sensed datasets. This study compared the performances of four MLMs: multi-layer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and eXetreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) using three different input datasets: (1) two remotely sensed datasets (Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8), (2) standalone Sentinel-2, and (3) standalone Landsat-8. The results showed that the MLP model with multiple remotely sensed datasets outperformed other MLMs with 0.43 – 0.86 greater in R2 and 0.36 – 5.88 lower in RMSE. The MLP model demonstrated the highest performance across the range of Chl-a concentrations and predicted peaks above 20 mg/m3 relatively well compared to other models. This was likely due to the capacity of MLP to handle imbalanced datasets. The predictive map of the spatial distribution of Chl-a generated by MLP well captured the areas with high and low Chl-a concentrations. This study pointed out the impacts of imbalanced Chl-a concentration observations (dominated by low Chl-a concentrations) on the performance of MLMs. The data imbalance likely led to MLMs poorly trained for high Chl-a values, producing low prediction accuracy. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the value of multiple remotely sensed datasets in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of Chl-a estimation, mainly when using the MLP model. These findings would provide valuable insights into utilizing MLMs effectively for Chl-a monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial titled "Blue foods security and sustainability" published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. The editorial discusses the importance of blue foods, which are aquatic foods sourced from marine and freshwater environments, in global nutrition and food security. It highlights the significant growth in blue food production and the need for continued expansion to meet future demands. However, the rapid expansion of aquaculture and fisheries has introduced ecological and environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and pollution. The editorial emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges through innovative practices and sustainable management to ensure the contribution of blue foods to global food security and environmental resilience. [Extracted from the article]

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a growing public health concern worldwide, and it is now regarded as a critical One Health issue. One Health's interconnected domains contribute to the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms on a local and global scale, which is a significant risk factor for global health. The persistence and spread of resistant microbial species, and the association of determinants at the humananimal-environment interface can alter microbial genomes, resulting in resistant superbugs in various niches. ABR is motivated by a well-established link between three domains: human, animal, and environmental health. As a result, addressing ABR through the One Health approach makes sense. Several countries have implemented national action plans based on the One Health approach to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes, following the Tripartite's Commitment Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The ABR has been identified as a global health concern, and efforts are being made to mitigate this global health threat. To summarize, global interdisciplinary and unified approaches based on One Health principles are required to limit the ABR dissemination cycle, raise awareness and education about antibiotic use, and promote policy, advocacy, and antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by the munition explosive residues of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its metabolites resulting primarily from military operations has been identified as a threat to human health and ecosystems. Biodegradation by native plants to remove this hazardous compound or reduce its toxicity is considered a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach for the cleanup or restoration of TNT-contaminated soils. This study aims to investigate the TNT biodegradation and kinetics by two selected native grasses in the species-specific rhizosphere soils through growth chamber experiments. Native eastern gamma grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were grown in soil spiked with 14C-TNT for 8 weeks. The 14C-TNT degradation and degradative metabolite profile in the rhizosphere soils were determined by liquid scintillation counter and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results indicated that both native grass species significantly enhanced the TNT degradation in the rhizosphere soils as compared with the control rhizosphere soils. More than 95% of the applied 14C-TNT was degraded in the first 7 days, and the rate then reached a steady state afterward, but less than 10% of the TNT applied was completely mineralized and transformed into CO2. The degradative reaction was found to follow second-order kinetics. Six major TNT degradative metabolites have been detected and identified in the rhizosphere soils. Overall, switchgrass appeared more effective for biodegrading TNT than eastern gamma grass. This research demonstrated that the native grass species, especially switchgrass, has the potential to mitigate the adverse human health and ecological risks of TNT-contaminated sites and can be considered an environmentally friendly, sustainable approach to safeguarding human health from TNT contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) is a prominent herbicide in Brazilian agriculture, particularly in sugarcane farming. This herbicide persists in the environment and is transformed into potentially toxic metabolites, such as 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methylurea (DCPMU), raising concerns that encompass environmental contamination and One Health, which unites environmental and human health. Zebrafish are an appropriate experimental model to evaluate toxicity: they metabolically and genetically resemble humans and can be applied in ecotoxicology. Methods: In this study, we have employed multiparameter evaluation to characterize the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations (0.5-100µM) of Diuron, DCA, or DCPMU in Brazil, a developing country. In the early stages of zebrafish development, we performed the fish embryo toxicity test according to the guidelines established in OECD Protocol No. 236, extended to 144 h post fertilization (hpf). We also investigated the oxygen consumption rate in zebrafish embryos at 24 hpf, evaluated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity in zebrafish larvae at 96 hpf, and used the Comet Assay to assess DNA fragmentation in zebrafish larvae at 96 hpf. We subjected adult zebrafish to acute exposure for 96 h in accordance with OECD protocol no. 203 for the Acute Toxicity Test in Fish. Following this exposure, we analyzed mutagenicity by using the micronucleus test, which was complemented by quantification of nuclear anomalies (NA) in erythrocytes and further confirmed by histopathological investigations. Results and discussion: Exposure to any of the tested Diuron concentrations damaged DNA, and NA became significant beyond 10µM Diuron. At 10µM, DCA altered AChE activity, suggesting neuromuscular toxicity. Between 0.5 and 5µM, DCA was potentially genotoxic, and 5-10µM DCA induced nuclear pleomorphism. At all the tested concentrations, DCPMU damaged DNA, and NA emerged between 1 and 10µM DCPMU. Adult zebrafish exposed to any of the tested Diuron, DCA, or DCPMU concentrations for 96 h did not exhibit significant histopathological alterations. Erythrocyte morphology analysis did not reveal mutagenicity. Although we observed non-mutagenic genotoxicity, chromosomal instability is of concern. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of how Diuron and its metabolites affect zebrafish and highlights the need for multiparametric assessment to elucidate how herbicides and their metabolites impact the environment and human health. This endeavor informs regulatory measures for safely using Diuron and similar herbicides and reveals substantial implications for developing nations grappling with escalating water contamination due to pesticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating generation of household medical waste, a byproduct of industrialization and global population growth, has rendered its transportation and logistics management a critical societal concern. This study delves into the optimization of routes for vehicles within the household medical waste logistics network, a response to the imperative of managing this waste effectively. The potential for environmental and public health hazards due to improper waste disposal is acknowledged, prompting the incorporation of contamination risk, influenced by transport duration, waste volume, and wind velocity, into the analysis. To enhance the realism of the simulation, traffic congestion is integrated into the vehicle speed function, reflecting the urban roads' variability. Subsequently, a Bi-objective mixed-integer programming model is formulated to concurrently minimize total operational costs and environmental pollution risks. The complexity inherent in the optimization problem has motivated the development of the Adaptive Hybrid Artificial Fish Swarming Algorithm with Non-Dominated Sorting (AH-NSAFSA). This algorithm employs a sophisticated approach, amalgamating congestion distance and individual ranking to discern optimal solutions from the population. It incorporates a decay function to facilitate an adaptive iterative process, enhancing the algorithm's convergence properties. Furthermore, it leverages the concept of crossover-induced elimination to preserve the genetic diversity and overall robustness of the solution set. The empirical evaluation of AH-NSAFSA is conducted using a test set derived from the Solomon dataset, demonstrating the algorithm's capability to generate feasible non-dominated solutions for household medical waste recycling path planning. Comparative analysis with the Non-dominated Sorted Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm (NSAFSA) and Non-dominated Sorted Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) across metrics such as MID, SM, NOS, and CT reveals that AH-NSAFSA excels in MID, SM, and NOS, and surpasses NSAFSA in CT, albeit slightly underperforming relative to NSGA-II. The study's holistic approach to waste recycling route planning, which integrates cost-effectiveness with pollution risk and traffic congestion considerations, offers substantial support for enterprises in formulating sustainable green development strategies. AH-NSAFSA offers an eco-efficient, holistic approach to medical waste recycling, advancing sustainable management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Possible contamination related to mining activities might contribute with other risk factors in increasing the burden of birth defects (BDs) in many developing countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo. The subsequent prevalence is frequently underestimated. Implementation of focused public health interventions is hindered by the paucity of comprehensive data. We assessed the potential impact of mining on the prevalence and occurrence of visible BDs in neonates in South Kivu (SK). Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 65,474 newborns registered in 7 hospitals in SK from 2016-2021. Hospitals were categorized based on mining activities in their respective catchment areas. Living in a mining zone was the exposure, whereas the outcome was visible BDs. Prevalence was estimated per 100,000 live births, and risk of occurrence with odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval. Results: 261 neonates with visible BDs were recorded accounting for a prevalence of 399 cases per 100,000 live births. The prevalence ranges between 217 and 1365 cases per 100,000 live births. An increased risk was found in mining zones(OR=2.07; 95%CI=1.59-2.68), Mubumbano(OR=1.72, 95%CI=1.22-2.43), and Mwenga(OR=3.89, 95%CI=2.73-5.54), whereas a reduced risk was reported in non-mining zones(OR=0.48, 95%CI=0.37-0.62) in Katana (OR=0.49, 95%CI=0.33-0.73). Musculoskeletal(28.74%) and central nervous systems(19.92%) were the most common BDs. A significant difference in prevalence for BDs involving the face, GI system and abdominal wall, musculoskeletal, central nervous and genitourinary systems between mining and non-mining zones was found(p<0.001). Conclusion: There is an excessive risk for visible BDs in areas with hazardous mining activities in SK region.​​ More complex studies are needed to define the possible causal relationship. Moreover, findings generated herein should be corroborated by other research design, periodically monitored by public health authorities, and used to inform initiatives promoting enhanced environmental health, access to pediatric surgical care, and public health campaigns aimed at decreasing risk of BDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disinfection has a fundamental role in the control of pathogens in the hospital environment. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and functional impact of disinfectants in reducing pathogens related to healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals. Methods: This observation study was conducted at three university hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, from May to Oct 2023. The data including used disinfectants and microbiological examination were obtained from the infection control unit of each hospital. Results: The results showed that a variety of disinfectants from intermediate to high levels were employed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols. The microbial result revealed that 31.6% (286 out of 906) of the sample had at least one microorganism. Among identified organisms, Bacillus spp. were the predominant species followed by Staphylococcus epidermis, fungus genera, Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., Corynebacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp., Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Serratias spp. The highest prevalence rates of microorganisms were observed in the wards of ICU, emergency, internal medicine, and women's ward. The chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between the presence of organisms and hospital wards (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of pathogens indicates a defect in the disinfection process, probably due to both little attention to disinfection protocols and multidrug resistance. It is not yet possible to eliminate pathogens from the hospital environment, but it can be minimized by education intervention, standardizing disinfecting processes, and monitoring by the infection control committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an emerging environmental risk impacting food products and ecosystems. This study analyzes over 150,000 entries from food safety authorities and scientific publications from 2017 onwards. Our findings show that fish & seafood, and biota have the highest PFAS concentrations due to environmental contamination and bioaccumulation. Surface water samples also frequently contain PFAS, raising concerns about long-term ecological and human health effects. Comprehensive strategies are essential to mitigate these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]