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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

Beef raised using rotational grazing practices on biodiverse pastures offers potential benefits to animal and environmental health and can improve the nutrient density of meat to favor human health. However, many cattle producers contend with the seasonal unavailability of fresh forage, necessitating the utilization of supplementary feeds or indoor feeding. The objective of this study was to profile secondary metabolites and fatty acids in grass-finished beef supplemented with different feeds (4.5 kg/head/day) and to explore the potential for grass-finished beef authentication. In this two-year study, steers (n = 115) were randomly allocated to one of four diets: 1) pastured/supplemented with hay (control group), 2) pastured/supplemented with baleage, 3) pastured/supplemented with soybean hulls, or 4) baleage/soybean hulls in confinement. Secondary metabolites and fatty acids were measured using UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. Of the 94 measured metabolites, pyridoxine, alpha-tocopherol, hippuric acid, and gallic acid differed between diets (p < 0.05 for all). Based on random forest classification, beef from the pasture/hay, pasture/baleage, pasture/soybean hulls, and confinement baleage/soybean hulls groups could be identified with a predictive accuracy of 100%, 50%, 41%, and 97%, respectively. Although minimal significant differences were observed, our data indicate that certain supplemental feeds maintain favorable nutritional profiles of grass-finished beef. In addition, metabolomics can predict cattle on exclusively forage-based or feed-based diets with a high degree of certainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Taxes on unhealthy foods can help improve population health in the United Kingdom (UK), but the health effects of food substitutions resulting from these taxes are often unclear. We investigated the potential impacts of a salt and sugar tax on hypothetical intra-category food substitutions, cost, body-mass index (BMI), and environmental footprints. Methods: Purchase panel data from Kantar (2017) were used to determine the most popular foods high in salt or sugar within eight 'salt-intensive'/'sugar-intensive' food categories. Within food categories, the most popular lower salt (≤ 1.5 g salt/100 g product) and lower sugar (≤ 22.5 g sugar/100 g product) substitutes were also identified. Hypothetical swaps between high salt/sugar foods and lower salt/sugar substitutes were explored, focusing on changes to cost, caloric intake and BMI, and environmental impacts in the UK population. Results: The suggested intra-category substitutions were largely like-for-like and did not accrue an added overall cost to consumers. The substitutions reduced calorie intake by about 200 kcal/day and lowered the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the UK from approximately 60–65% to about 40–45%. The proposed food substitutions led to a total reduction of -2.7Mt of greenhouse gases, ∼ -500.000 ha of land, -0.5km3 of blue water, -12km3 of scarcity weighted water, ∼ -12.000t of phosphorus, and nearly − 14.000t of sulphur dioxide over one year for the UK population due to reductions in calorie intake. Conclusion: Food substitutions following a tax on salt and sugar could lead to significant benefits for health and the environment, without necessarily resulting in major changes to people's expenditure on familiar salty and sugary snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) residues in environment are posing a significant challenge to our daily lives. To establish a more sensitive and rapid detection method, anti-3-PBA nanobodies (Nbs) were immobilized onto magnetosomes (bacterial magnetic nanoparticles, termed as BMPs), forming a robust BMP-Nb complex. The 3-PBA derivative was labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and further associated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to create a highly sensitive probe (3-PBA-HRP-AuNP). An innovative immunoassay that combined BMP-Nb complex with 3-PBA-HRP-AuNP was developed for determinaton of 3-PBA. This method enabled the determination of 3-PBA with a half-maximum signal inhibition concentration (IC50) of 1.03 ng/mL, which was more sensitive than that of using 3-PBA-HRP as tracer with an IC50 of 2.18 ng/mL. The reliability of the assay was evidenced by the quantitative recovery of 3-PBA from water and soil samples ranging from 76.85 to 95.64%. The 3-PBA residues determined by this assay in actual water samples were between < LOD and 2.54 ng/mL and were between < LOD and 11.25 ng/g (dw) in real soils, respectively, which agreed well with those of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Collectively, the BMP-Nb and 3-PBA-HRP-AuNP-based immunoassay provides a powerful tool for the precise detection of 3-PBA residues in environment matrices, reinforcing our capacity to monitor and mitigate potential ecological and health impacts associated with this prevalent pollutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are widespread pollutants found in atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to their extensive usage and environmental persistence. Plastic additives, that are intentionally added to achieve specific functionality in plastics, leach into the environment upon plastic degradation and pose considerable risk to ecological and human health. Limited knowledge concerning the presence of plastic additives throughout plastic life cycle has hindered their effective regulation, thereby posing risks to product safety. In this study, we leveraged the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework to understand the mechanisms underlying plastic additives-induced toxicities. We first identified an exhaustive list of 6470 plastic additives from chemicals documented in plastics. Next, we leveraged heterogenous toxicogenomics and biological endpoints data from five exposome-relevant resources, and identified associations between 1287 plastic additives and 322 complete and high quality AOPs within AOP–Wiki. Based on these plastic additive–AOP associations, we constructed a stressor-centric AOP network, wherein the stressors are categorized into ten priority use sectors and AOPs are linked to 27 disease categories. We visualized the plastic additives–AOP network for each of the 1287 plastic additives and made them available in a dedicated website: https://cb.imsc.res.in/saopadditives/. Finally, we showed the utility of the constructed plastic additives–AOP network by identifying highly relevant AOPs associated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), bisphenol A (BPA), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and thereafter, explored the associated toxicity pathways in humans and aquatic species. Overall, the constructed plastic additives–AOP network will assist regulatory risk assessment of plastic additives, thereby contributing towards a toxic-free circular economy for plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is widely used in human and veterinary medicine but has a harmful side effect on human/animal health and ecological risks. The current methods for the detection of CAP are commonly expensive, complex and time-wasting. Herein, a simple, low-cost and high-effective electrochemical sensor is constructed for the detection of CAP using rationally designed pitch-derived porous carbon (PPC) as the conducting medium. The modification of PPC on the glassy carbon electrode is adopted to realize the amplification of electrochemical signal, and then the aptamers with negative charge are introduced to the PPC-functionalized electrode to attract the positively charged CAP and to enhance hydrophilicity of the modified electrode. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor is investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, showing a fast current change and high-selectivity for the detection of CAP, and exhibiting outstanding sensing performance with a wide linear range of 1.0–500 μM and a low detection limit of 0.1 μM. In addition, the sensor also shows excellent repeatability (RSD = 4.1%), reproducibility (RSD = 5.0%), stability (RSD = 8.3%) and high selectivity. Moreover, the constructed sensor is capable of precisely detecting CAP in real water samples with recoveries of 93.0% to 102.8% and relative standard deviations of less than 4.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this survey was to investigate the latest insights on different aqua inputs available in freshwater fish farming in Andhra Pradesh, India. The present survey on the use of aqua inputs was conducted in 520 freshwater fish farms, 50 aquaculture dealer shops, and 10 manufacturing units between September 2020 and December 2022 using a prescribed questionnaire. The present study documented a total of 336 different aquaculture inputs represented by more than 50 different manufacturing and packaging units. The aquaculture inputs was dominated by disinfectants and toxin binders (29.8%), followed by feed additives and growth promoters (21.5%), probiotics (20%), unlabeled group (10.4%), pesticides (8.9%), antibiotics (5.2%), and fertilizers (4.2%). Furthermore, the present survey revealed that infectious diseases, inadequate knowledge on aquaculture practices, lack of professionals, over-the-counter sales of antimicrobials, reliance of farmers largely on peers and company representatives, inconsistency in recommending dosage, and a lack of stringent regulations are major risk factors in aquaculture. Educated and experienced farmers were aware of the risks associated with antimicrobial use. This may help to implement successful interventions towards reduced antibiotic use in freshwater fish farming in Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the present survey identified a large number of aqua inputs that are currently in use, but that require further regulations and evaluation. Hence, there is an urgent need for awareness, effective surveillance, proper diagnosis, and disease advisory services. Stringent regulation and evaluation regarding the imprudent use of antimicrobials and their environmental and human health impacts can make a significant difference in promoting sustainable aquaculture for many years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Changwang, Meishe, and Wuyuan are urban rivers in Haikou City, Hainan Island. They are vital water sources, serving various purposes, from farmland irrigation to domestic and industrial use. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities have influenced these "rivers," negatively impacting water quality and ecological functions; however, there is limited research on their ecological status. Thus, this study assessed the zooplankton community structure and developed the zooplankton index of biotic integrity (Z-IBI) to evaluate the ecological status. Samples were collected and analyzed seasonally in 2019. Generally, 159 zooplankton species belonging to 85 genera, 55 families, and 3 phyla were identified, dominated by Rotifer and Protozoa, followed by Arthropoda (groups of Copepod and Cladocera). The zooplankton density varied from 0.00 to 126.04 ind L−1, with averages of 19.49 ind L−1, 31.40 ind L−1, and 20.38 ind L−1 in Changwang, Meishe, and Wuyuan, respectively. The zooplankton density varied seasonally as summer > spring > winter > autumn. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated a significant seasonal difference (R = 0.070, p < 0.001) in zooplankton community but not spatially (R = 0.004, p = 0.413). Thus, SIMPER revealed that Brachionus forficula, Didinium nasutum, Keratella valga, Nauplius, and Polyarthra vulgaris contributed to the seasonal differences. The redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed environmental factors, including total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, Chl-a, and electrical conductivity (EC) influenced zooplankton species. The Z-IBI was established using Zooplankton abundance, Protozoa abundance, Copepod abundance, Cladoceran biomass %, and Shannon–Wiener diversity index. Based on Z-IBI evaluation, ecological status was "moderate" in Changwang and Wuyuan, while it was "low" in Meishe. Seasonally, the ecological status in autumn was better than in summer and spring. The Z-IBI showed that parameters, including pH, EC, CODMn, TN, TP, and Chl-a, decreased with improving water quality, while water transparency increased with improved water quality. Thus, the "rivers" ecological status could be adequately assessed using the Z-IBI to guide their water quality monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers serve as a significant habitat and water sources for diverse organisms, including humans. An important environmental and public health concern is the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems brought about by excessive pollutant flow. The research highlighted that river water, which is receiving discharge from wastewater treatment plants, is harbouring multidrug-resistant bacteria. River water samples were collected in January, April, July and October 2022 from three separate locations of each Gomti and Ganga river. A total of 114 bacteria were isolated from Gomti as well as the Ganga River. All the isolates were tested for their resistance to various antibiotics by disc diffusion method. The isolated bacteria were tested for the antibiotic resistance genes using PCR and were identified by 16s rRNA sequencing. The ARBs percentages for each antibiotic were as follows: ampicillin (100%); cefotaxime (96.4, 63.1%); erythromycin (52.6, 57.8%); amikacin (68.4, 50.8%); tetracycline (47.3, 54.3%); nalidixic acid (47.3, 45.6%); streptomycin (68.4, 49.1%); gentamycin (43.8, 35%); chloramphenicol (26.3, 33.3%); neomycin (49.1, 29.8%) and ciprofloxacin (24.5, 7.01%). Further, antibiotic resistance genes in Gomti and Ganga water samples disclose distinctive patterns, including resistance to ermB (25, 40%); tetM (25, 33.3%); ampC (44.4, 40%) and cmlA1 (16.6%). Notably cmlA1 resistant genes were absent in all bacterial strains of the Gomti River. Additionally, gyrA gene was not found in both the river water samples. The presence of ARGs in the bacteria from river water shows threat of transferring these genes to native environmental bacteria. To protect the environment and public health, constant research is necessary to fully understand the extent and consequences of antibiotic resistance in these aquatic habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has been a significant environmental and public health concern in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, for many years. The city experiences severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months. This study investigated the annual trends of outdoor and indoor PM2.5 concentrations at two neighboring sites in Ulaanbaatar: an office and a household, using low-cost sensors. Both locations exhibited similar fluctuations in outdoor PM2.5 concentrations over time, with ambient PM2.5 levels beginning to rise in October and declining in April. During the mid-term of the heating season (November to February), hourly averaged PM2.5 concentrations were exceptionally high, with peak pollution events exceeding ~ 1000 µg/m3. Notably, PM2.5 concentrations were elevated during this heating season period. Time-activity patterns showed a decrease in PM2.5 concentrations during the periods of 06:00–08:00 and 14:00–18:00. Furthermore, the study found that the indoor environment could remain safe when windows were well-sealed, even under severe outdoor pollution conditions. Overall, this study provided accurate insights into the annual patterns of PM2.5 concentrations and demonstrated their fluctuations during the heating season when pollution levels were particularly high. The findings offer valuable recommendations for individuals to consider when going outside and for taking actions to improve indoor air quality in Ulaanbaatar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico, aquifers face significant challenges because of contamination and groundwater deficits caused by intensive agriculture. Continuous monitoring of groundwater quality is crucial to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and food production. This study aimed to characterize the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of the Culiacan River Aquifer influenced by intensive agriculture. Groundwater quality data were collected from six sampling sites from 2012 to 2020. The hydrogeochemical facies revealed high concentrations of bicarbonate ions. The results show a mixture of calcium/magnesium and bicarbonate/chloride, indicating an intrusion of saline water in sampling sites close to the coastal zone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the sampling points. Anthropogenic contamination affected SP1 since this site is within the urban area and is the shallowest sampling well. Based on the results of SAR, CSR, SSP, KR, % Na, MH, PI indices, groundwater of SP1 was not suitable for irrigation or drinking use. The water quality indices classified the groundwater of the Culiacan River Aquifer as good in five sampling sites and excellent in one sampling site. The ion content was Na2+ > > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Cl– > > K+ and did not show any ecological or public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles ranging from 1 to 5000 μm in size and are of particular concern nowadays because of their ecological risk & health concerns. MPs are prevalent environmental contaminants and have been reported in various ecosystems such as soil, air, water, and road dust. However, a thorough understanding of their distribution across various environmental matrices remains elusive. Therefore, this review aims to fill this knowledge gap by examining the abundance of MPs and different techniques utilized for their identification and characterization including sampling, extraction, identification, characterization, and quantification methods. MPs possess a large surface area and exhibit hydrophobic properties, providing a substrate for environmental pollutants such as Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The primary mechanisms through which pollutants attached to MPs are hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, and π-π interactions. Therefore, a better understanding of these interactions is crucial for determining the fate and transport of MPs and co-contaminants in the environment. Researchers commonly deploy techniques such as stereomicroscopy and spectroscopy for the characterization and quantification of MPs. However, size and chemical properties of MPs pose a challenge in their quantification, thereby necessitating the development of standardized analytical methods. Use of bio-indicators for MPs biomonitoring has gained popularity in recent years as an affordable option over conventional techniques however research in this area is limited. With this intention, the present review is designed to provide information about the status of the field and advance our knowledge of MPs in various environmental matrices. Highlights: • Soil and road dust are one of the major sources of MPs for aquatic ecosystem. • Fibers of polypropylene & polyethylene are the most abundant MPs in soil & aquatic systems and show pollutant adsorption. • Biomonitoring of MPs emerges as a new alternative for their quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to very high mobility in the environment and penetration ability into living organisms, nanoparticles (NPs) of urban dust pose a potential threat to human health and urban ecosystems. Currently, data on the chemical composition of NPs of urban dust, their fate in the environment, and corresponding risks are rather limited. In the present work, NPs of deposited urban dust have been comprehensively studied for the first time; NPs isolated from 78 samples of dust collected in Moscow, the largest megacity in Europe, being taken as example. The elemental composition, potential sources as well as environmental, ecological, and health risks of NPs of urban dust are assessed. It is found that dust NPs are extremely enriched by Cu, Hg, Zn, Mo, Sb, and Pb, and can serve as their carrier in urban environments. No regularities in the spatial distribution of elements have been found, probably, due to high mobility of dust NPs. High ecological and health risks caused by dust NPs are demonstrated. Source apportionment study has evaluated one natural and two anthropogenic sources of elements in NPs of urban dust; the contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources being comparable. It is also shown that dust NPs may be considered as an important carrier of trace elements in urban aquatic systems. Additionally, the risks associated with NPs and bulk samples of dust have been compared. The observed risks associated with NPs are significantly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, is a devastating insect-pest of 29 plants including date palm. It feeds inside the tree bark thus it is difficult to manage using insecticides. Only a few insecticides have been found effective against RPW. Among these insecticide, emamectin benzoate (EMB) is widely used. This insecticide can pose threat human and environmental health as it is used in the form of tree injection. Thus, keeping in view its possible, its sublethal effect on RPW was studied using Age-stage, two sex life table. Life table parameters of the progeny of exposed larvae to LC10, LC25, and LC50 of EMB were computed. Statistically higher fecundity (161.12 per female) was observed in control treatment, while less fecundity was observed in LC50 treatment. Significantly higher values for intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (Ro) (0.0376, 1.0383, and 67.13 per day, respectively) were recorded for the control treatment. Contrarily, lower values for r, Ro, and λ i.e. 0.0318, 23.82, and 1.0324 per day, respectively were recorded in the LC50 treatment. Decreased population parameters suggest that EMB can be successfully used in for the management of RPW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral exploration is essential for economic growth, but it must be conducted with careful consideration of health and environmental impacts. This study focuses on mapping potential mineralization areas and evaluating environmental consequences in the Jabal Hamadat area. By integrating ASTER, Landsat-9 and airborne radiometric data, the study includes: (1) identification of alteration mineral indicators including iron oxides (gossanized zone), chlorite (propylitic zone), kaolinite, sericite, montmorillonite/illite (argillic zone), and alunite (advanced argillic zone) via the Band Ratio (BR) technique; (2) preparation of a lineament density map through an automated lineament extraction technique; and (3) identification of areas with elevated F-parameter values exceeding 10. Ten areas with high mineralization potential are delineated for further exploration. Additionally, the study assesses environmental radiation exposure, finding that certain areas exceed the safe radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. Peak radiation levels range from 0.75 to 1.25 mSv/year, with mining sites showing the highest readings at 1.25 mSv/year and 0.64 mSv/year. These findings highlight elevated radiological hazards, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and effective mitigation strategies to protect human health and minimize environmental impact. The methodology's success in this area indicates its potential applicability to other mining areas, contributing to enhanced safety and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global spread of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli threatens human, animal, and environmental health. Despite the recognition of water bodies as potential reservoirs, research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic residues in the Baltic Sea is limited. In this study, we examined the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in surface water in northeastern Germany. We then conducted phenotypic and genotypic analyses of the strains, which encompassed AMR and heavy metal/metalloid tolerance, biofilm formation, and detailed plasmid examination. In addition, we used solid-phase extraction with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to quantify antibiotic residues. Our analysis identified 30 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, some of which were associated with clinically relevant high-risk clonal lineages. We detected antibiotic residues in the environmental samples, but the antibiotic concentrations were significantly lower compared to wastewater samples. These results suggest that the Baltic Sea surface water could serve as a reservoir for ESBL-producing E. coli and clinically relevant antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal concentrations, which have increased continuously in the environment this century due to anthropogenic factors, severely threaten human and environmental health. Antimony (Sb) is one of the most toxic and harmful heavy metals in terms of human and environmental health. Therefore, the priority research subjects are monitoring the alteration of Sb pollution in the airborne and reducing pollution. This study was conducted to conclude the proper species to monitor and drop airborne Sb contamination on trees grown in Düzce, the 5th most polluted European city. This study examined samples taken from Pseudotsuga menziesii, Cupressus arizonica, Pinus pinaster, Picea orientalis, and Cedrus atlantica, and the Sb concentration changes based on tree species, route, tissue, and age range in the last 40 years were evaluated. The study hypothesizes that Sb concentration varies depending on (1) tree species, (2) direction, (3) plant tissue, and (4) age range, all confirmed in this study. In conclusion, the maximum concentrations were achieved in the outer bark and east (5.45 µg g−1) and north directions (6.72 µg g−1), with high traffic density. In addition, the mining and industrial places (sources of metal pollution) are not close to the study area. Therefore, it was concluded that traffic pollution was the primary source of Sb pollution in the study area. The study revealed that C. arizonica is the most suitable species for monitoring and reducing the change in Sb pollution because the highest Sb concentration (4.47 µg g−1) in wood (the largest organ) was obtained in C. arizonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elevated level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has become a pressing concern for environmental health due to its contribution to climate change and global warming. Simultaneously, the energy crisis is a significant issue for both developed and developing nations. In response to these challenges, carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization (CCSU) have emerged as promising solutions within the carbon–neutral bioenergy sector. Numerous technologies are available for CCSU including physical, chemical, and biological routes. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of CCSU technologies, specifically focusing on the use of microorganisms based on their well-established metabolic part. By investigating these biological pathways, we aim to develop sustainable strategies for climate management and biofuel production. One of the key novelties of this study lies in the utilization of microorganisms for CO2 fixation and conversion, offering a renewable and efficient method for addressing carbon emissions. Algae, with its high growth rate and lipid contents, exhibits CO2 fixation capabilities during photosynthesis. Similarly, methanogens have shown efficiency in converting CO2 to methane by methanogenesis, offering a viable pathway for carbon sequestration and energy production. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of exploring biological pathways, which significantly reduce carbon emissions and move towards a more environmentally friendly future. The output of this review highlights the significant potential of CCSU models for future sustainability. Furthermore, this review has been intensified in the current agenda for reduction of CO2 at considerable extends with biofuel upgrading by the microbial-shift reaction. Graphical abstract for carbon dioxide capture, sequestration, and utilization models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of some chemical element (heavy metals) pollution of dust, environmental pollution of dust has become an increasing concern, necessitating an assessment of risks to both ecology and human health, particularly in urban areas. Most of these pollutants settle on the outdoors and eventually become part of the outdoor dust. These will have negative long-term repercussions on ecosystems and human health. In this research, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry analytical method was used to assess the pollution characteristics of the eight heavy metals (HMs): Mn, Cu, As, Hg, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Pb in the East Mediterranean Sea area. The concentration of As, Mn, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn analyzed in outdoor dust samples varied from 0.94 to 19.52 mg kg−1, 190.08 to 1019.7 mg kg−1, 20.46 to 45.9 mg kg−1, 19.5 to 62.56 mg kg−1, 0.01 to 0.93 mg kg−1, 10.48 to 40.64 mg kg−1, 12. 6 to 36.1 mg kg−1, and 48.96 to 112.41mg kg−1, respectively. HMs have been detected in the outdoor dust samples analyzed in the study, and, as a result, mean concentrations followed the order Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Hg, respectively. The ecological risk was observed at various contamination levels, with As and Hg pollution being the most severe. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) for adults and children was determined as a result of As and Cr, respectively. According to the US-EPA health risk threshold, the cancer risk in the study area is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By employing superstatistical methods and machine learning, we analyze time series data of water quality indicators for the River Thames (UK). The indicators analyzed include dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, ammonium, turbidity, and rainfall, with a specific focus on the dynamics of dissolved oxygen. After detrending, the probability density functions of dissolved oxygen fluctuations exhibit heavy tails that are effectively modeled using q-Gaussian distributions. Our findings indicate that the multiplicative Empirical Mode Decomposition method stands out as the most effective detrending technique, yielding the highest log-likelihood in nearly all fittings. We also observe that the optimally fitted width parameter of the q-Gaussian shows a negative correlation with the distance to the sea, highlighting the influence of geographical factors on water quality dynamics. In the context of same-time prediction of dissolved oxygen, regression analysis incorporating various water quality indicators and temporal features identify the Light Gradient Boosting Machine as the best model. SHapley Additive exPlanations reveal that temperature, pH, and time of year play crucial roles in the predictions. Furthermore, we use the Transformer, a state-of-the-art machine learning model, to forecast dissolved oxygen concentrations. For long-term forecasting, the Informer model consistently delivers superior performance, achieving the lowest Mean Absolute Error (0.15) and Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (21.96%) with the 192 historical time steps that we used. This performance is attributed to the Informer's ProbSparse self-attention mechanism, which allows it to capture long-range dependencies in time-series data more effectively than other machine learning models. It effectively recognizes the half-life cycle of dissolved oxygen, with particular attention to critical periods such as morning to early afternoon, late evening to early morning, and key intervals between the 16th and 26th quarter-hours of the previous half-day. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers involved in ecological health assessments, aiding in accurate predictions of river water quality and the maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equilibrium passive sampling continues to find increasing use for performing in situ assessments and monitoring of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs). Although this method has been successfully used in several field studies including open surface waters and sediments, comparatively, their use in groundwater has been very limited. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers were deployed for 80 days in three groundwater wells contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Prior to deployment, LDPE was loaded with performance reference compounds (PRCs) consisting of deuterated PAHs and their release used to ascertain system equilibrium. Within the 80-day deployment period, LDPE-groundwater equilibrium was confirmed for PAHs with molecular weights (MWs) in the range of 178 to 228 (i.e. anthracene, chrysene). Measured freely dissolved concentrations (Cw) were between one to three orders of magnitude lower than the total filtered concentrations (Ctotal) in the studied wells. The sum of PAHs (ΣPAHs) measured based on Cw and Ctotal were 2.05, 0.07 and 29.2 μg L−1 and 197, 59.7 and 1010 μg L−1, at wells 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A separate dataset, comprising long-term (2010 to 2022) concentrations of PAHs in total (i.e., unfiltered) groundwater, is also presented to provide insight into PAH contamination levels at the assessed groundwater wells based on conventional measurement. Estimated in situ LDPE daily clearance volumes (2.34 to 27.56 Ld−1) for the target analytes were far less than the daily turnover of ground water (144 to 348 Ld−1) encountered in the wells eliminating the possibility of depletive sampling of the groundwater by the passive samplers. These results represent the first published study on the practical application of equilibrium passive sampling using LDPE for monitoring and quantitatively assessing PAHs in groundwater. Also, this work demonstrates that LDPEs are a useful tool for measuring the Cw of PAHs in groundwater, a critical contaminant in many ecological and human health risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a significant and pressing environmental and public health concern in urban areas, primarily driven by road transport. By gaining a deeper understanding of how traffic dynamics influence air pollution, policymakers and experts can design targeted interventions to tackle these critical issues. In order to analyse this relationship, a series of regression algorithms were developed utilizing the Google Project Air View (GPAV) and Dublin City's SCATS data, taking into account various spatiotemporal characteristics such as distance and weather. The analysis showed that Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) mostly outperformed Support Vector Regression (SVR) for air quality prediction, emphasizing its suitability and the importance of considering spatial variability in modelling. The model describes the data best for particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions, with R-squared (R2) values ranging from 0.40 to 0.55 at specific distances from the centre of the study area based on the GPR model. The visualization of pollutant concentrations in the study area also revealed an association with the distance between intersections. While the anticipated direct correlation between vehicular traffic and air pollution was not as pronounced, it underscores the complexity of urban emissions and the multitude of factors influencing air quality. This revelation highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to policymaking, ensuring that interventions address a broader spectrum of emission sources beyond just traffic. This study advances the current knowledge on the dynamic relationship between urban traffic and air pollution, and its findings could provide theoretical support for traffic planning and traffic control applicable to urban centres globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the lower atmosphere, CO2 emissions impact human health and ecosystems, making data at this level essential for addressing carbon-cycle and public-health questions. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 is crucial in urban areas due to its connection with air quality, pollution, and climate change, becoming a pivotal parameter for environmental management and public safety. In volcanic zones, geogenic CO2 profoundly affects the environment, although hydrocarbon combustion is the primary driver of increased atmospheric CO2 and global warming. Distinguishing geogenic from anthropogenic emissions is challenging, especially through air CO2 concentration measurements alone. This study presents survey results on the stable isotope composition of carbon and oxygen in CO2 and airborne CO2 concentration in Naples' urban area, including the Campi Flegrei caldera, a widespread hydrothermal/volcanic zone in the metropolitan area. Over the past 50 years, two major volcanic unrests (1969–72 and 1982–84) were monitored using seismic, deformation, and geochemical data. Since 2005, this area has experienced ongoing unrest, involving the pressurization of the underlying hydrothermal system as a causal factor of the current uplift in the Pozzuoli area and the increased CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. To better understand CO2 emission dynamics and to quantify its volcanic origin a mobile laboratory was used. Results show that CO2 levels in Naples' urban area exceed background atmospheric levels, indicating an anthropogenic origin from fossil fuel combustion. Conversely, in Pozzuoli's urban area, the stable isotope composition reveals a volcanic origin of the airborne CO2. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring stable isotopes of atmospheric CO2, especially in volcanic areas, contributing valuable insights for environmental and public health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate, in a cohort of young Portuguese adults, the environmental impact (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) of diet according to adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Methods: Data from 1554 participants of the Epidemiologic Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen) were analysed. Food intake and MD adherence were determined using validated questionnaires. The environmental impact was evaluated with the EAT-Lancet Commission tables, and the link between MD adherence and environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. Results: Higher adherence (high vs. low) to the MD was associated with lower environmental impact in terms of land use (7.8 vs. 8.5 m2, p = 0.002), potential acidification (57.8 vs. 62.4 g SO2-eq, p = 0.001) and eutrophication (21.7 vs. 23.5 g PO4-eq, p < 0.001). Energy use decreased only in the calorie-adjusted model (9689.5 vs. 10,265.9 kJ, p < 0.001), and GHG emissions were reduced only in a complementary model where fish consumption was eliminated (3035.3 vs. 3281.2 g CO2-eq, p < 0.001). Meat products had the greatest environmental impact for all five environmental factors analysed: 35.7% in GHG emissions, 60.9% in energy use, 72.8% in land use, 70% in acidification and 61.8% in eutrophication. Conclusions: Higher adherence to the MD is associated with lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of acidification, eutrophication, and land use. Reducing meat consumption can contribute to greater environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although family and school experiences play an important role in adolescents' adjustment during the transition to high school, most prior studies investigated the effects of these experiences in isolation; their joint implications for both adolescents' concurrent and long-term adjustment outcomes are less clear, and the potential role of individual characteristics within such associations remains understudied. Based on 525 10th graders (Mage = 15.48, SDage = 0.71, 43.6% boys) who participated in a longitudinal study, the present research aimed to identify distinct family and school experience profiles among first-year high school students and examine their associations with adolescents' internalizing problems and externalizing problems, both concurrently and 18 months later. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinctive profiles: thriving, low resources—moderate family risk, developmental stress—high parental conflicts, and developmental stress—high peer victimization profiles. The other three profiles (vs. the thriving profile) reported significantly higher levels of concurrent internalizing problems; while these differences diminished after 18 months. However, the enduring impacts of these profiles on internalizing problems persisted among adolescents with higher levels of environmental sensitivity. Additionally, adolescents characterized by two developmental stress profiles (vs. the thriving profile) exhibited significantly higher levels of externalizing problems both currently and longitudinally. Findings underscore the importance of identifying at-risk populations among adolescents during the transition to high school by including both family and school experiences when examining environmental influence on their adjustment, as well as the necessity to take individual environmental sensitivity into account when examining these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the putative role of nature in human well-being has typically been operationalized and measured within a quantitative paradigm of research. However, such approaches are limited in the extent to which they can capture the full range of how natural experiences support well-being. The aim of the study was to explore personal experiences in nature and consider how they might be important to human health and well-being. Based on a descriptive phenomenological analysis of fifty descriptions of memorable moments in nature from England, Indonesia, and Norway, our findings illustrate a common structure presented under three themes: 1. serenity that gives rise to a growing awareness of how the body is stimulated by the senses; 2. admiration and appreciation for the sensation of beauty; 3. an emerging sense of togetherness and deep emotional bonding. The findings are discussed using the concepts of ecological time and the ecological body, which foreground being in nature as constituted as an interdependent and dynamic human process. We conclude by understanding well-being in terms of human responsiveness to their surroundings and thus as rooted in the human condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation quantifies the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils and certain rocks of the Koytash–Ugam Range, Uzbekistan, and assesses their radiological risks. Gamma-spectrometric analysis of soil and rock samples revealed activity concentrations ranging from 456.2 ± 56.0 to 813.9 ± 76.0 Bq kg−1 for 40K, 18.2 ± 6.3 to 70.0 ± 12.0 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, and 30.1 ± 2.9 to 57.9 ± 10 Bq kg−1 for 232Th. This data indicates a heterogeneous distribution of radionuclides, informing radiation safety and health risk assessments on a global scale. The calculation of radiological hazard indices, including the alpha-index (ranging from 0.09 to 0.35), gamma-index (ranging from 0.40 to 0.73), and both internal (ranging from 0.40 to 0.54) and external (ranging from 0.36 to 0.54) hazard indices, was undertaken to ascertain potential health risks. The radium equivalent activity ranged from 108.4 to 199.3 Bq kg−1, and the absorbed dose rates were 51.0–93.3 nGy h−1 indoors and 96.6–178.2 nGy h−1 outdoors. These metrics underlie the estimated annual effective dose of 536.5–988.5 × 10−3 mSv y−1, highlighting the variability in radiation exposure. Additionally, the potential lifetime cancer risk was projected at 1770.4 to 3262.0 per million, with an annual gonadal dose equivalent of 361.9 to 655.5 μSv y−1, reflecting natural background radiation influence. The results underscore the importance of safe material use in construction and the necessity for routine natural radioactivity monitoring. Radon flux density (RFD) values within acceptable construction limits (26–176 mBq m−2 s−1) suggest the area's suitability for development, considering recommended safety guidelines. This study not only aids local environmental and public health frameworks but also enriches the international knowledge base, facilitating comparative studies for the advancement of global radiation protection standards. Through a detailed examination of radionuclide distribution in an under-researched area, our research highlights the critical need for integrated international approaches to natural radiological hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban environment and air quality are changing primarily due to land use land cover (LULC) changes, economic activity, and urbanization. Air pollution has been increasingly acknowledged as a major issue for cities due to its extensive effects on health and well-being. As the second most populous city in the country, Lahore faces alarming levels of air pollutants, which induced this study to focus on the pervasive issue of air pollution in Lahore. For this, the study collected air pollutants data from the Environmental Protection Department of Punjab and analyzed them using the ARIMA model. In the research results, both the observed data and predictive models uncovered concerning trends in pollutant concentrations, ultimately portraying a concerning picture for air quality management. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels show a consistent rise, surpassing Pakistan's environmental standards by 2025. Similarly, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations escalate, exceeding prescribed standards. Ground-level ozone (O3) also demonstrates a substantial increase, surpassing standards by 2025. Both PM2.5 and PM10 exhibit marked upward trends, projected to exceed recommended limits, particularly PM10 throughout the study year. The Air Quality Index exhibits an observable upward trend, fluctuating between 70 and 442 from 2015 to 2020. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between population growth and land use conversion into residential areas. Projections suggest a continuous increase, potentially hitting a severe level of 500 during winter by 2025. These findings point to an impending air pollution crisis, demanding urgent action to address the hazardous situation in the city. The study recommends that urban air pollution should be reduced, and the negative health effects of air pollution should be minimized using vegetation barriers, screens, and greening initiatives. Strict regulations and monitoring initiatives need to be put in place in big cities to monitor pollution and vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) pollution around artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas has been of much concern. Many studies have reported elevated Hg concentrations in environmental media, but studies on dust relating to inhalation exposure of Hg around ASGM area are limited. In this study, we investigated Hg in indoor and outdoor dust to reveal environmental and human health risk around ASGM in Amansie West district, Ghana. Indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected from Manso Abore and Manso Nkwanta in Ashanti Region. Concentration of Hg in the samples were analyzed using a direct Hg analyzer. The mean and median value of Hg concentration in the indoor dust (n = 31) were 2.2 ± 3.6 mg/kg and 0.72 mg/kg respectively while that of the outdoor dust (n = 60) were 0.19 ± 0.48 mg/kg and 0.042 mg/kg, respectively. The mean and median Hg concentration in indoor dust were about 11 and 17 times higher respectively than that in the outdoor dust. The Hg concentration in the indoor dust was statistically significantly higher than that of the non-miner in Manso Abore (p < 0.05) but was not significant in Manso Nkwanta, probably due to higher mining activity. The geo-accumulation index of the outdoor dust ranged from unpolluted to extremely polluted while that of the indoor dust ranged from moderately polluted to extremely polluted. Health risk assessments suggested that there was no potential non-carcinogenic health effect for Hg exposure relating to the dust to residents living in rooms of miners and non-miners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised serious environmental and health concerns. Polystyrene is one of the most abundant plastic polymers found in the environment. Polystyrene MPs/NPs have harmful implications for human health and their removal from the environment has become a serious challenge. Methods: In this study, we investigated the adsorptive uptake of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) from aqueous solutions using fly ash-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (FAMNPs) as the magnetic nano-adsorbent. During the factor screening study, the adsorption process was studied as a function of four variables namely pH (5–10), adsorption time (30–120 min), amount of FAMNPs (0.01–0.04 g), and stirring speed (50–200 rpm). Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to establish the relationship between the variables. Furthermore, toxicity assessments of PS NPs were checked on a zebrafish model, shedding light on its potential ecological effects. Results: Two variables namely the pH and amount of FAMNPs significantly influenced the adsorption capacity of FAMNPs and were further optimized for subsequent analysis. The optimum operational readings proposed by the model were pH (8.5), and the amount of FAMNPs (0.03 g), resulting in a good adsorption capacity of 29.12 mg/g for PS NPs. The adequacy of the proposed model was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed physical deformations such as pericardial edema and malformed notochord. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of FAMNPs in the adsorption of PS NPs from aqueous solutions, with optimal conditions identified at pH 8.5 and 0.03 g of FAMNPs using RSM. The adequacy of the model was confirmed through ANOVA analysis. Toxicity assessments on zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed significant mortality and physical deformations, highlighting the importance of PS NPs removal for environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising heavy metal (HM) pollution in coastal aquifers in rapidly urbanizing areas such as Dammam leads to significant risks to public health and environmental sustainability, challenging compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and life on land. This study developed the predictive-based monitoring of HM concentrations, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) in the coastal aquifers of Dammam, influenced by industrial, agricultural, and urban activities. For this purpose, dynamic system identification and machine learning (ML) models integrated with three ensemble techniques, namely, simple averaging (SAE), weighted averaging (WAE), and neuro-ensemble (N-ESB), were employed to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of environmental monitoring systems. The experimental data were calibrated and validated in addition to k-fold cross-validation to ensure the predictive skills of the models. The methodology integrates extensive data collection across varied land uses in Dammam and accurate model calibration and validation phases to develop highly accurate predictive models. The findings proved that the N-ESB and Hammerstein-Wiener (HW) models surpassed other models in predicting the concentrations of all HM. For Cd, the N-ESB model achieved a root mean square error (RMSE = 0.0010 mg/kg). Similarly, Cr demonstrated superior performance (RMSE = 0.0179 mg/kg). Further numerical results indicated that the HW algorithm proved the most effective for Hg, with RMSE = 0.0000 mg/kg. The quantitative comparison suggested that the N-ESB model's consistently high performance and low error rates make it an optimal choice for real-time, precise monitoring and management of HM pollution in coastal aquifers. The outcomes of this research highlighted the importance of integrating advanced predictive modeling techniques in environmental science, providing significant and practical implications for policymaking and ecological management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the current water quality status across various regions within the Fayoum depression by examining water canals, drains, and potential contaminants impacting public health and the local ecosystem. Additionally, an adsorption treatability investigation was conducted on various antibiotics identified during the assessment. Fifteen sampling points were selected across the Fayoum depression, covering surface water bodies and agricultural drainage systems during both winter and summer seasons. Physico-chemical, microbiological, and antibiotic analyses were performed on collected water samples. The water quality parameters investigated included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and concentrations of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. The findings revealed significant variations in water quality parameters among different water sources, categorizing them into three types: irrigation canals, polluted canals, and drains. High contamination levels were observed in certain water canals and drains due to untreated sewage and agricultural drainage discharge. Notably, elevated TDS levels (exceeding 1200 mg/L), microbial indicators count (with total coliforms reaching up to 2.3 × 106 CFU/100 mL), and antibiotics (with concentrations of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline exceeding 4.6 µg/L) were detected. To mitigate antibiotic contamination, a Phyto-adsorption treatability study using magnetite nanoparticles prepared with Phragmites australis plant extract demonstrated promising results, achieving complete removal of high antibiotic concentrations with an adsorption capacity of up to 67 mg/g. This study provides updated insights into water quality in the Fayoum depression and proposes a novel approach for addressing antibiotic contamination, potentially safeguarding human and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an indispensable resource for human activity and the environment. Industrial activities generate vast quantities of wastewater that may be heavily polluted or contain toxic contaminants, posing environmental and public health challenges. Different industries generate wastewater with widely varying characteristics, such as the quantity generated, concentration, and pollutant type. It is essential to understand these characteristics to select available treatment techniques for implementation in wastewater treatment facilities to promote sustainable water usage. This review article provides an overview of wastewaters generated by various industries and commonly applied treatment techniques. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic products are now essential commodities, yet their widespread disposal leads to environmental and human health effects, particularly in developing nations. Therefore, developing nations require comprehensive studies to assess the current state of plastic and plastic waste production to enhance plastic waste management practices. This review analyzes the import and export of plastic and the production of plastic waste in Rwanda, aiming to improve waste management practices. This review used open-access papers, reports, and websites dealing with plastic waste management. In this review, 58 articles from the Web of Science and 86 from other search engines were consulted to write this review. The findings revealed that the daily estimated plastic waste produced per person ranges between 0.012 and 0.056 kg. The estimated amount of plastic waste generated per person per year in Rwanda could be between 4.38 and 20.44 kg. Plastic waste accounts for between 1 and 8% of the total municipal solid waste produced per person per day in the country, which ranges from 219 to 255.5 kg. The average annual amount of imported plastics could reach 568.2881 tons, whereas the average quantity of exported plastics could reach 103.7414 tons. This shows that plastic management practices have not yet adopted technically advanced or improved practices, which should concern efforts to protect our environment. This study suggests approaches that can vastly improve plastic waste management and potentially open massive opportunities for the people of Rwanda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine pollution caused by heavy metals has emerged as a significant environmental concern, garnering increased attention in recent years. The accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of marine organisms poses substantial threats to both marine ecosystems and human populations that rely on seafood as a primary food source. Fish and crustaceans are effective biomonitors for assessing heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. In this study, we determined the concentrations of several heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and tin (Sn), in four fish species (Mugil cephalus, Mugil capito, L. aurata, and Morone labrax) and five crustacean species (S. rivulatus, Cerastoderma glaucum, Paratapes undulatus, R. decussatus, Callinectes sapidus, and Metapenaeus Stebbingi) from Temsah Lake during both winter and summer seasons. To evaluate the potential ecological and health risks associated with consuming these fish and crustacean species, we calculated the metal pollution index (MPI), weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) values. The results revealed a noticeable increase in metal levels during the summer compared to winter in the studied samples. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in the muscles of the species generally exceeded those in the liver and gills. The MPI values indicated that Morone labrax exhibited the highest values during winter, while L. aurata showed the highest values during summer. Mugil cephalus demonstrated the lowest MPI values in both seasons. The EWI values for the studied metals were found to be lower than the corresponding tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. Additionally, under average exposure conditions, the THQ and HI data were generally below one for most study species in the area. The calculated CR values for investigated metals in the studied species indicated acceptable carcinogenic risk levels. Therefore, this suggests that consuming studied species within Temsah lake does not present any potential health hazards for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and precise detection of waterborne pathogens is critical for effective public health management and environmental safety. Traditional methods for water quality monitoring, considered the "Gold Standard," are time-consuming, costly, and rely on centralized laboratories and expertise. These methods are impractical for on-site, real-time monitoring, and requiring further improvements. This review explores various waterborne pathogens and cutting-edge molecular detection techniques. It highlights the growing importance of point-of-care and point-of-application methods to expedite results and improve health risk management. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification emerges as a reliable, rapid, and accessible tool in the realms of on-site diagnostics and surveillance. Moreover, the review emphasizes the crucial role of water sample preparation and in-field nucleic acid isolation in augmenting pathogen detection to enable precise assessments of water quality. The advancement of these techniques will guarantee access to safe water and improve the management of waterborne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and groundwater contamination has been raised as a concern due to the capability of posing a risk to human health and ecology, especially in facing highly toxic and emerging pollutants. Because of the prevalent usage of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in industrial and production processes, and subsequently the extent of sites contaminated with these pollutants, cleaning up PFOA polluted sites is paramount. This research provides a review of remediation approaches that have been used, and nine remediation techniques were reviewed under physical, chemical, and biological approaches categorization. As the pollutant specifications, environmental implications, and adverse ecological effects of remediation procedures should be considered in the analysis and evaluation of remediation approaches, unlike previous research that considered a couple of PFAS pollutants and generally dealt with technical issues, in this study, the benefits, drawbacks, and possible environmental and ecological adverse effects of PFOA-contaminated site remediation also were discussed. In the end, in addition to providing sufficient and applicable understanding by comprehensively considering all aspects and field-scale challenges and obstacles, knowledge gaps have been found and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most widely used plasticizers. Many studies focus on the impact of continuous exposure to DEHP on humans and ecosystems. In this study, the bibliometric analysis of DEHP and its metabolites research was conducted to assess the research performances, hotspot issues, and trends in this field. The data was retrieved from a Web of Science Core Collection online database. VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to analyze. A total of 4672 publications were collected from 1975 to 2022 October 21. The number of publications and citations increased annually in the last decades. China had the largest number of publications, and the USA had the highest co-authorship score. The most productive and most frequently cited institutions were the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (USA), respectively. The journal with the most publications was the Science of Total Environment, and the most cited one was the Environmental Health Perspectives. The most productive and cited author was Calafat A. M. (USA). The most cited reference was "Phthalates: toxicology and exposure." Four hotspot issues were as follows: influences of DEHP on the organisms and its possible mechanisms, assessment of DEHP exposure to the human and its metabolism, dynamics of DEHP in external environments, and indoor exposure of DEHP and health outcomes. The research trends were DNOP, preterm birth, gut microbiota, microplastics, lycopene, hypertension, and thyroid hormones. This study can provide researchers with new ideas and decision-makers with reference basis to formulate relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a recognized carcinogen, hexavalent chromium is hazardous to both human and environmental health. Thus, it is imperative to regulate and oversee their levels in a variety of industries, including textiles, dyes, pigments, and metal finishing. This study strives to reduce Cr(VI) in wastewater by using capacitive deionization in conjunction with an activated carbon-based electrode and a continuous electrochemical reactor (CER). Activated carbon derived from rubberwood sawdust demonstrated excellent properties, including a high surface area of 1157 m2 g−1. The electrical conductivity and mechanical stability of the electrode were enhanced by the incorporation of synthesized expanded graphite (EG) into the AC. Key parameters were optimized via systematic batch electroreduction experiments with an optimal response surface design. The efficacy of the fabricated CER was proved when it successfully reduced Cr(VI) in a 5 mg L−1 solution within 15 min under optimized conditions, in contrast to the considerably longer durations anticipated by conventional methods. Validation of these findings was done by treating industrial wastewater of 30 mg L−1 in the CER. The electroreduction of Cr(VI) followed the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum capacity of 13.491 mg g−1 and pseudo-second-order kinetics. These results indicate that the combined use of the modified AC electrode and CER holds potential as a sustainable and economical approach to effectively eliminate Cr(VI) from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-steel (IS) and textile (T) are among the major polluting industries worldwide which generate large quantities of effluents containing potentially toxic metals (PTMs). Irrigation application of these effluents due to freshwater shortage is a common practice in developing countries. The current research endeavors to investigate potentially toxic metals in IS and T effluents, contamination status and ecological risk assessment of irrigated soils, PTMs accumulation in grains of diverse wheat germplasm and human health risk appraisal. Soil irrigation with effluents significantly enhanced soil nitrate-nitrogen (T, 285.86 mg/kg; IS, 539.70 mg/kg), phosphorus (T, 8.35 mg/kg; IS, 11.44 mg/kg), organic matter (T, 6.05%; IS, 4.48%) and PTMs contents compared to control (C). Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index revealed substantial contamination trend of PTMs in IS (Ni > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn) and T (Co > Cd > Ni > Cu > Cr) treated soils. Potential ecological risk index and modified potential ecological risk index placed T (very high risk) and IS (considerable risk) irrigated soils in respective categories, with highest risk contributions from Cd, Co and Ni. The interactive effects for PTMs accumulation in grains of 30 wheat genotypes were recorded significant. Average PTMs accumulation in grains for the three irrigation treatments was IS > T > C for Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, Fe, Ni and T > IS > C for Co, Cd, Cu. Multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analyses) was used to identify the wheat genotypes with higher or lower grain PTMs accumulative potential on effluent irrigation. The genotypes with a lower grain PTMs accumulation and human health risks are recommended for cultivation in agro-systems receiving IS and T effluents, in order to safeguard wheat crop and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]