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This paper aims to determine the content and bioaccumulation patterns of eight trace elements (Li, Cr, Co, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Hg) and one radioisotope (U) in kidney, liver and muscle tissues of two fish species (Squalius orpheus and Barbus strumicae) from Nestos River (northern Greece), and the potential human health risk due to the fish muscle consumption. Kidney and liver accumulate higher element concentrations, except Hg. The site closer to the river-mouth presents higher concentrations since it receives effluents from agricultural activities. The upstream station shows lower element concentrations, due to obstruction of the free transportation of sediments and suspended matter downstream the irrigation dam. The sediment inhabitant and feeder B. strumicae showed elevated concentrations compared to the water column resident S. orpheus. According to calculated hazard indices, the consumption of the fish edible tissue poses zero health risk in developing chronic undesired effects in humans. • Trace element bioaccumulation was investigated in fish of Nestos River, Greece. • Higher concentrations of almost all elements were found in kidney and liver. • Species at the site closer to the river-mouth showed elevated concentrations. • Feeding habits are a significant factor for the element accumulation in fish. • The consumption of edible fish tissue poses no risks for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to determine the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in topsoils (n=17) at two sampling depths in Southeastern Romania, including industrial (Galati iron and steel plant) and agricultural sites in Galati and Braila counties, as well as nature reserves such as Lower Prut Meadow (Galati County) and Bugeac Lake (Constanta County), and to compare them with national guidelines and values reported for other regions. The total detectable OCP concentrations vary in the ranges 58–1662ngg−1 dry weight (dw) for 0–5cm depth and 6–12,644ngg−1 dw for 5–20cm depth. Of these, the concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlor varied in the ranges 6–6818ngg−1, 27–5826ngg−1, and 108–873ngg−1 dw, respectively, the highest values being registered near a cultivated area, located in the proximity of Siret River and Galati town, probably due to extensive use of pesticides in the past. Chlordane was detected only at one industrial site in Galati (53ngg−1 dw), while the levels of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and mirex were below the detection limits in all the locations and for both depths. The total PAH concentrations for 5–20cm depth range from 9ngg−1 (Lower Prut Meadow) to 25,352ngg−1 dw (cattle farm), being lower than those reported for the upper 5cm layer. The PAH distribution pattern in this study is in agreement with that previously obtained for surface soils from Lower Prut Meadow (prevalence of 3‐ring PAHs), industrial area and farmland (prevalence of 4‐ and 5‐ring PAHs), their sources being industrial activity, traffic and agricultural waste burning. Carcinogenic PAHs contribute 44.8–56.4% for 5–20cm and 43.7–55.8% for 0–5cm depth to total PAHs. In some locations the HCH, DDT and PAH amounts exceed the legal values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gamma-ray shielding properties of high dense glassy system (bismuth fluoro-lead-borate doped with chromium (III) ions) with composition of (25-x)PbF 2 –25Bi 2 O 3 –49.8B 2 O 3 –0.2Cr 2 O 3 - xCaF 2 - (where x = 0 (S1), 5 (S2), 10 (S3), 15 (S4), 20 (S5), and 25 (S6) mol%) have been investigated. Phy-X/PSD software was used to achieve this purpose in photon energy range (0.15–15 MeV). Additionally, the superior glass shield sample was compared to several types of glass and concrete shields. Results revealed that each photon energy value investigated the maximum linear attenuation coefficient (µ m) values for the S1 glass sample with the heaviest element contribution in its structure were detected at the maximum level. In terms of the µ m , there was a difference of roughly 0.5 cm2/g in the S1 and S6 glasses. The S1 sample with the highest µ m also had the lowest T 0.5 and mean free path (λ). The heavy element contribution to the S1 sample was reflected in the effective atomic number values, which provided the S1 sample with the highest Z eff values. Values of exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF) were confirmed that the sample S1 has the minimum values. Our findings showed that S1 sample may be considered as superior gamma-ray shielding properties among all studied glasses. • Bismuth fluoro-lead-borate doped with chromium (III) ions glasses have been fabricated. • Phy-X/PSD software was applied. • Radiation shielding capacities have been examined. • Glasses were superior for gamma-ray shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewaters from the textile industry are hazardous effluents containing toxic complex components that without appropriate treatment severely impact the environment; causing harmful effects to the aquatic ecosystems, as well as to human health. The present study extensively reviews the dyes and chemicals utilized in the textile industry focusing on the traditional treatment methods -chemical, biological, physical and hybrid systems-for their removal from industrial wastewaters. In addition, a critical analysis on Internet of Things based management systems for their remote monitoring and control of the water quality is reported. It was found the absence of a common platform for the integration of the different traditional treatment methods in association with modern technologies is the main limiting factor for an effective sustainable manufacturing. Therefore, it is the aim of this research to broaden the scope of potential solutions, proposing cost-effective high-performing combined strategies with promising benefits for future industrial applications. Image 1 • Effective ways of removal of dye in textile effluents are reviewed. • Internet of Things based enabling techniques included. • Sensors with advanced controllers are studied. • Full potential of low cost of adsorbents are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]