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Environmental pollution of livestock and poultry breeding (LPB) has always been a global hot topic. This study has introduced a bayesian network model to explore factors influencing the LPB farmers' willingness to environmental management based on 121 questionnaires obtained from coastal China. This study revealed that: (1) Educational level, breeding scale, annual income of breeding, farmers' environmental awareness, the availability of technical guidance, environmental perception, policy publicity and the completeness of relevant social policies all positively affected farmers' willingness to environmental management. However, farmer's age and subsidies for dead animal showed an opposite effect. (2) Among all factors, acting pathway of "technical guidance → enhancing environmental awareness/increasing breeding income → promoting willingness to prevent environmental pollution" may likely play a dominating role in the LPB environmental management, which deserved to be focused closely in the future. (3) For local government, enhancing perceptions on changes of surrounding soils and air, strengthening the LPB training, and accurately adopting subsidy policies can effectively rise farmers' willingness to the LPB environmental management. This study will be helpful to accurately promote the LPB management in coastal areas. Article Highlights: Bayesian network model adopted in this study identified the contributions of non-structural factors affecting farmer's willingness. Subsidies for dead animal and farmer's age all showed a negative impact on farmer's willingness to the LPB environmental management. A dominant acting pathway affecting farmer's willingness has been determined which benefited to sustainable development of the future LPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial titled "Pharmaceutically active micropollutants - how serious is the problem and is there a microbial way out?" published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology. The editorial discusses the issue of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) as pollutants in the environment, particularly in water bodies. It highlights the increasing consumption of medications globally and the resulting discharge of PhACs into the environment. The editorial emphasizes the need for rigorous risk assessments and explores microbial strategies for mitigating the environmental impact of PhACs. It also provides an overview of several studies included in the research topic, which address different aspects of this complex issue. The text discusses the issue of pharmaceutical contamination in the environment and explores various strategies for mitigating its impact. It emphasizes the importance of optimizing factors such as membrane selection, reactor design, and operational parameters to enhance the effectiveness of remediation methods. The text also highlights the need for long-term studies on the health effects of pharmaceutical contaminants and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it discusses the prevalence of pharmaceutical micropollutants in low-to-middle-income countries and the urgent need for improved waste management systems. The integration of molecular approaches and advances in bioremediation techniques are also discussed as potential solutions to the problem. The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of strict regulations, advanced detection technologies, and public awareness in managing pharmaceutical contaminants and protecting public health and ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results: The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions: Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an integrated overview of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' (PAHs) ubiquity comprising environmental contamination in the air, aquatic ecosystems, and soils; characterizes the contamination in biota; and identifies main biomonitors and human exposure to PAHs and associated health risks. Urban centers and industrial areas present increased concentrations in the air (1344.4–12,300 versus 0.03–0.60 ng/m3 in industrial/urban and rural zones) and soils (0.14–1.77 × 106 versus 2.00–9.04 × 103 versus 1.59–5.87 × 103 ng/g in urban, forest, and rural soils), respectively. Increased concentrations were found in coastal zones and superficial waters as well as in sediments (7.00 × 104–1.00 × 109 ng/g). Benzo(a)pyrene, a carcinogenic PAH, was found in all environmental media. Mosses, lichens, tree leaves, bivalves, cephalopods, terrestrials' snails, and honeybees are good biomonitors of biota contamination. More studies are needed to improve characterization of PAHs' levels, distribution, and bioaccumulation in the environmental media and assess the associated risks for biota and human health. Actions and strategies to mitigate and prevent the bioaccumulation of PAHs in the environment and trophic chains toward the WHO's One-Health Perspective to promote the health of all ecosystems and human life are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alter immune function increasing infectious diseases risk. We examined the relationship between PFAS and chlamydia. Methods: A total of 3965 nonpregnant adults ages 18-39 years from the National Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2016 cycles were included. Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals for the association between PFAS and chlamydia. Ag computationmodelwas used to examine PFASmixtures and chlamydia. Results: In adjusted age and sex-stratifiedmodels, an increase in PFASmixtures by one quintilewas associated with chlamydia in oldermales and younger females. Associationswere not observed before stratification. Conclusions: PFAS exposure associated with higher chlamydia prevalence, but only in stratified models suggesting biological differences by gender and age. However, small sample sizes could have affected the precision of our models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macroeconomic dimensions of health production function in Greece were studied, by linking doctors’ number, per capita health expenditures, population percentage living in material deprivation conditions, pollutant emissions and alcohol consumption with health indicators. Articles were searched, by recording data from databases (Hellenic-European Statistical Service, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD]) and medical personnel number, per capita health expenditures, population segment living in poverty, pollutant emissions (expressed as CO2/capita) and alcohol use variation were correlated with changes in infant mortality, healthy life years and life expectancy. By above methodology, strong negative correlation of doctors’ number with infant mortality (0.90% approximately) (1960–2015) and significantly positive corresponding in life expectancy change (0.94% approximately) (2000–2015) were captured. The strong negative association of per capita health expenditure on infant mortality (84% for years 2000–2015 and 96% for years 1989–2011), 90% negative correlation of people living in material deprivation conditions with healthy life years were highlighted (2008–2015), as well as negative correlation (about 95%) of environmental pollution, expressed as per capita CO2 emitted amount, with life expectancy change (2007–2015) and the 95% approximate connection of alcohol consumption with life expectancy (2005–2014). The studied cases and correlation with longitudinal health indicators’ modification document macroeconomic dimensions of health production function and measures to mitigate negative consequences/enhance beneficial effects on life quality are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Environmental Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on lung airway inflammation by assessing the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in students studying in schools located in or away from airpolluted areas. Methods: This matched case-control cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from August 2022 to July 2023. In this study, two schools were selected, one was located near a traffic-polluted area (School #1), and the second was located away from the traffic-polluted area (School #2). A total of 300 students were recruited, 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from the school located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from the school located away from a traffic-polluted area. Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2, were recorded. The Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) was measured using a Niox Mino. Results: The mean concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were 35.00±0.65 significantly higher in a school located in motor vehicle polluted area compared to a school located away from a motor vehicle-polluted area (29.95±0.32) (p=0.001). The mean values for FeNO were significantly higher (18.75±0.90) among students studying in a school located in the motor vehicle-polluted area compared to students studying in a school located away from the motor vehicle-polluted area (11.26±0.56) (p=0.001). Conclusions: Environmental pollution can cause lung inflammation among students in schools located in trafficpolluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in plastic bottles, packaging, and textile fibers. However, PET is difficult to degrade in nature and rapidly accumulates into the environment, causing serious environmental pollution and threatening human health. At present, the recycling methods for PET mainly focus on physical recycling and chemical degradation, but these methods have severe limitations, resulting in the great loss of valuable materials and secondary pollution. In contrast, the biodegradation of PET is gradually attracting attention because of its environmental friendliness, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Several PET-degrading enzymes (PDEs) have been previously identified, such as cutinase, IsPETase, lipase, and esterase. Thereafter, many efforts have been made to push the boundaries of evolution schemes, attempting to create stronger PDEs with improved activity and stability. Nevertheless, most of these enzymes show preferences toward low-crystallinity (<10%) PET, while in situ enzymatic degradation of high-crystallinity PET (30%–50%) remains a major challenge. Exploring and engineering PDEs that can efficiently degrade bottle-grade PET plastics has recently become a research hotspot. This review systematically introduces the current advances in PDEs and emphasizes the role of metagenomics in screening and identifying new PDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to investigate whether and how the development of the digital economy can reduce air pollutant emissions in China. Specifically, using a fixed effect model and an empirical test that exploits pollutant emissions in 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020, we explore the impact of digital economy development on air pollution through three mechanisms: public attention to environmental pollution, production efficiency, and environmental governance efficiency. Additionally, we provide heterogeneity analysis based on regions, industrial structure, and years of schooling. Findings are crucial for policymakers and environmentalists concerned about economic development's effects on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and prevalence of breast cancer in Iraq are alarming. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Iraqi women, and its rates have been steadily increasing over the years. The exact reasons for the high incidence are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The research objectives of this study revolve around two main goals. Firstly, the study aims to establish baseline values for the amount of uranium present in blood samples. Secondly, the study aims to assess the potential relationship between uranium levels in blood and the development of cancer. The investigation includes 16 blood samples from women diagnosed with breast cancer and 20 blood samples from women without breast cancer. The nuclear fission track analysis method using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors will be employed to analyze the uranium contents in women's cancer blood (CB) samples. The methodology adopted for this study involved utilizing the SPSS program to conduct a comprehensive statistical analysis. The results of the study indicate that there is a variation in uranium concentration among both the patient women and healthy women. The uranium concentration among patient women ranged from 3.259 ppb to 1.918 ppb, while among healthy women, it varied from 2.105 ppb to 0.59 ppb. These findings suggest that there may be a correlation between the presence of certain health issues and higher uranium levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focused on quantifying hazardous heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in soil-rice systems near the Buriganga River in Bangladesh to assess their impact on human health and the environment. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn in soil exceeded FAO/WHO acceptable limits, and the metal pollution index (MPI) indicated that all soil samples collected from the rice fields were severely polluted (MPI˃30) than water and rice grain samples. According to the sum of pollution index (SPI) by studied metals, rice grains collected from Kamrangirchor (29.36), Dhakauddan (28.75), and Bosila (18.08) were severely polluted. Mean Bio-concentration factors (BCFs) and Transfer factors (TFgrain/soil) in rice grains were in the following order: Cd (6.034) > Zn (1.752) > Pb (0.697) ˃ Ni (0.666) > Cr (0.135) > As (0.037), and Cd (1.150) > Zn (0.421) > Ni (0.112) ˃ Pb (0.072) > Cr (0.015) > As (0.034) respectively indicating higher accumulation of Cd in rice grain than others toxic heavy metal. The potential ecological risk index (RI) showed that except for water in Kamrangirchar and Keraniganj rice fields, all other rice fields soil and water samples did not pose severe ecological pollution (RI˂110) by different toxic heavy metals. Health risk assessment showed that rice grains are unsafe for human consumption as the carcinogenic health risk (CHR˃10-3) and non-carcinogenic health risk (HI ˃1) quotients seem more than the safe level in all samples collected from rice fields surrounding the Buriganga River. Findings show that heavy metal concentrations are high in rice fields near the Buriganga River, endangering the environment and consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow cover is an important source of data for the study of environmental pollution due to its ability to accumulate atmospheric dust particles. A total reflection x‐ray fluorescence method (TXRF) was applied to assess the concentration levels of potentially toxic elements (As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, V, Mn, and Sr) in samples of snow cover solid phase collected in suburban areas of the Irkutsk region with industrial activity. Suspension was chosen as an optimal sample preparation procedure for solid phases of snow samples obtained after melting and filtration. Results were compared with those obtained by wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Precision of TXRF results expressed by repeatability values was not exceeded 15% (n = 3) for most of the elements, and the trueness of the TXRF method expressed by recovery values was in the range of 87%–115% for concentration levels of 5.0–350 μg/g. Forty samples of snow cover solid phase were analyzed by TXRF method and results were compared with the background values. The investigation showed low contamination of the studied area by Pb, Cu, V, Mn, and Sr, medium contamination by Ni, As, and Cr, and high contamination by Zn. TXRF is advantageous in being rapid, cost‐efficient, and simple and can be used as a promising method for an assessment of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban pollution governance requires the joint participation of government, society, and enterprises, with the environmental information disclosure policy serving as a novel tool to promote multi-stakeholder engagement. This study aims to delve into the impact of the environmental information disclosure policy on regional environmental quality by using data from Chinese cities. Through analysis, the study gets the following conclusions. Firstly, the environmental information disclosure policy not only effectively reduces urban environmental pollution but also exhibits an apparent spatial spillover effect. The impact of this policy on air pollution in neighboring cities shows an inverted U-shaped pattern of first rising and then falling, with the optimal radius of this external effect estimated at 250 km. Secondly, the results of the mechanism test indicate that government regulatory efforts and clean industry alternatives are essential channels for curbing urban environmental pollution. Lastly, the heterogeneity test shows that the inhibitory effect of the environmental information disclosure policy on environmental pollution is more pronounced in civilized cities, cities in the "two control zones", sulfur dioxide control zones, and cities with high Pollution Information Transparency Index scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecology of the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau is fragile, and the ecosystems in the region are difficult to remediate once damaged. Currently, landfilling is the mainstay of domestic waste disposal in China, and numerous, widely distributed county landfills exist. trace elements (TEs) in waste are gradually released with waste degradation and cannot be degraded in nature, affecting environmental quality and human health. To reduce the chance bias that exists in studies of individual landfills, we selected 11 representative county landfills in Tibet, total of 76 soil samples were collected, eight TEs (arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)) were determined, and analysed for the current status of pollution, risk to human health, and sources of TEs to explore the impact of the landfills. The results showed that only a few landfills had individual TEs exceeding the risk screening value of the Soil Environmental Quality Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination (GB 15618–2018) (pH > 7.5). Most of the soils around the landfills had moderate levels of pollution, but some individual landfills had higher levels, mainly due to Cd and Hg concentrations. Source analysis showed that Hg originated mainly from atmospheric transport; the other TEs came mainly from the weathering of soil parent material and bedrock. The potential risk from TEs to human health was low, and the risk to children was greater than the risk to adults. Among the three exposure routes, oral ingestion resulted in the highest carcinogenic risk and noncarcinogenic risk, with a contribution rate of more than 95%. Among the TEs, Ni had the highest carcinogenic risk, followed by Cr and As, and As had the highest noncarcinogenic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil industry in Khuzestan province (Southwest Iran) is one of the main reasons contributing to the pollution of the environment in this area. TPH, including both aromatic and aliphatic compounds, are important parameters in creating pollution. The present study aimed to investigate the source of soil contamination by TPH in the Ahvaz oil field in 2022. The soil samples were collected from four oil centers (an oil exploitation unit, an oil desalination unit, an oil rig, and a pump oil center). An area outside the oil field was determined as a control area. Ten samples with three replicates were taken from each area according to the standard methods. Aromatic and aliphatic compounds were measured by HPLC and GC methods. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and isomeric ratios were used to determine the source apportionment of aromatic compounds in soil samples. The effects range low and effects range median indices were also used to assess the level of ecological risk of petroleum compounds in the soil samples. The results showed that Benzo.b.fluoranthene had the highest concentration with an average of 5667.7 ug/kg in soil samples in the Ahvaz oil field. The highest average was found in samples from the pump oil center area at 7329.48 ug/kg, while the lowest was found in control samples at 1919.4 ug/kg−1. The highest level of aliphatic components was also found in the pump oil center, with a total of 3649 (mg. Kg−1). The results of source apportionment of petroleum compounds in soil samples showed that oil activities accounted for 51.5% of the measured PAHs in soil. 38.3% of other measured compounds had anthropogenic origins, and only 10.1% of these compounds were of biotic origin. The results of the isomeric ratios also indicated the local petroleum and pyrogenic origin of PAH compounds, which is consistent with the PMF results. The analysis of ecological risk indices resulting from the release of PAHs in the environment showed that, except for fluoranthene, other PAHs in the oil exploitation unit area were above the effects range median level (ERM) and at high risk. The results of the study showed that soil pollution by total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), both aromatic and aliphatic, is at a high level, and is mainly caused by human activities, particularly oil activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the alignment of research on small island developing states (SIDSs) with sustainable development goals (SDGs), identifying key focus areas, interdisciplinary connections, research gaps, thematic clusters, and insights from case studies. By employing a mixed methods research design that combines quantitative scientometric analysis with qualitative case studies, this unique study examines the nexus between SIDS research and its contribution to SDGs. The findings reveal that SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 14 (life below water) dominate SIDS research, emphasizing the need to address climate challenges and marine biodiversity. Economic aspects are underscored by SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), while urban development and inequality are addressed through SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). Renewable energy and food security are focal points in SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 2 (zero hunger). Moderate research outputs in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 15 (life on land) suggest a holistic approach, while lower activity in SDGs 16 (peace), 6 (clean water), 4 (education), and 5 (gender) presents opportunities for further exploration. SIDS research is highly interdisciplinary, as seen through three distinct SDG networks: foundational social goals, economic and environmental objectives, and environmental preservation. The thematic clusters in SIDS research include environmental challenges and adaptation, public health, and socioeconomic development, and energy policy and environmental economics. Case studies from various SIDSs illustrate the complex interplay between environmental sustainability, economic development, and social well-being, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches, international cooperation, and local community engagement. These findings underscore the need for integrated research strategies to address the complex challenges of SIDSs, emphasizing climate action, sustainable economic practices, and comprehensive development approaches to achieve the SDGs effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified the concentrations of trace and heavy elements, including Al, K, Ca, Mg, Zr, Ti, La, Ce, Mn, Cr, Zn, and Nd, in soil samples from Tukwikwi. It also assesses the potential human health risks posed by exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption for both children and adults. The study area lies in Hadejia flood plain between latitudes 12°10′ N to 13°0′ N and longitudes 10°15′ E to 11°30′ E. The result showed that the mean concentrations of Al (47,140 mg/kg), K (23,110 mg/kg), Fe (18,020 mg/kg), Mg (7810 mg/kg), Zr (404 mg/kg), and La (64 mg/kg) exceeded the crustal values of Al (25,000 mg/kg), K (10,700 mg/kg), Fe (9800 mg/kg), Mg (7000 mg/kg), Zr (220 mg/kg), and La (30 mg/kg). By contrast, the concentrations of Ca, Cr, Ce, Mn, Ti, Zn, and Nd were lower than the crustal values. These crustal values were used, as there were no regional values that could be used for comparison. The result of the noncarcinogenic health risk assessment showed that Al exhibited the highest value ranging from 5.52×10−1$5.52 \times {{10}^{ - 1}}$ to 7.51×10−1$7.51 \times {{10}^{ - 1}}$ for children and 7.3×10−1$7.3 \times {{10}^{ - 1}}$ to 9.9×10−1$9.9 \times {{10}^{ - 1}}$ for adults. The results also revealed that adults have a higher potential risk than children. The results for the carcinogenic risk (CR) showed that the total CR (TCR) values for Cr ranged from 0 to 3.20×10−4$3.20 \times {{10}^{ - 4}}$ for children and 0 to 4.29×10−4$4.29 \times {{10}^{ - 4}}$ for adults, which are higher than the acceptable limit of 1×10−4$1 \times {{10}^{ - 4}}$. These suggest that there are health concerns for adults and children in the research area. This necessitates the need for monitoring the soil in the study area to reduce potential environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC), a carbon‐dense substance created through the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has garnered considerable interest as a promising option for sustainable mitigation methods. A comprehensive examination of the diverse attributes of BC and its implications for addressing contemporary environmental issues while fostering sustainable practices is compiled in this review. The synthesis techniques and structural attributes of BC are scrutinized initially, emphasizing its remarkable features such as broad surface area, porosity, and active sites. These characteristics of BC are conducive to myriad environmental applications, including pollutant remediation, soil health enhancement, and carbon sequestration. Subsequently, this review delves into the mechanisms underlying BC's effectiveness in environmental remediation. BC exhibits augmented adsorption capacities, catalytic functionalities, and interactions with microorganisms, facilitating the removal of contaminants from different matrices of the environment. Recently, BC and their products such as nano‐BC have gained widespread recognition as a feasible option for sustainable carbon material. Fabrication, characterization, modification, and diverse applications of BC were also discussed in detail. Its integration into agriculture holds promise for enhancing soil organic matter, augmenting production, and mitigating gas emissions, thereby contributing to food security and climate change mitigation. In conclusion, BC and nano‐BC emerge as a promising avenue for addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development objectives. However, further research is warranted to optimize synthesis methodologies, elucidate long‐term environmental implications, and facilitate scalable production for widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ditch irrigation is an important route that potentially discharges microplastics (MPs) into environment. Samiran ditch irrigation is the largest urban irrigation in Pamekasan City, Indonesia. Water and sediment samples were collected in Samiran ditch irrigation to identify MPs including their color, shape, size, and number of MPs. From all sampling locations, MPs were found in both the water and sediments of the Samiran ditch irrigation with sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 2.9 mm. The abundance of MPs in water ranged from 0.5 to 0.9 items/L, while MPs in sediments 0.14 to 0.23 items/g with colors of black, blue, and yellow. The polymer types of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polypropylene (PP) were found both in surface water and sediment sample. MPs such as fragments, filament, fiber, and pellet were found in Samiran ditch irrigation with fiber was dominant found in the surface water (40%) and fragment was dominant in sediment (25%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although microplastics (MPs) in solid organic waste have been intensively studied, the presence of MPs in organic fertilizer and their potential as new emerging pollution to environment because of their use in agriculture has not been explained completely. Therefore, the identification and quantification of MPs in commercially available compost is important. This study aimed to estimate the quantity of MPs in commercial composts. The characteristics of MPs (shape, color, size, and type of polymers) were identified. This study found that MPs in commercial compost samples were found, reaching up to 160 particles/200 g of compost with various colors (blue, black, red, yellow, and white). The identified MPs had various sizes (0.1–1 mm) and shapes (81.8% fragment, 16.2% fiber, and 2% filament). The findings of this study are very important and significant to inform community and policymakers regarding the presence of MPs in commercial compost, hence, their intensive use in agriculture must be controlled and careful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most pressing environmental issues is how to properly dispose of municipal solid waste (MSW), which represents both a substantial source of concern and a challenge. The current study evaluated cobalt (Co) accumulation in MSW, their uptake by different vegetables grown for two years, and related human health risks. Vegetables were grown in four different groups, such as one control (ground soil), and the remaining treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) received varying concentrations of MSW. The analysis of Co was done through an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results revealed that the concentration of Co was higher in all the vegetables (n = 15) grown in soil supplemented with 75% MSW during 2nd growing year. Among all vegetables, the highest concentration of Co was observed in Solanum tuberosum at T3 during 2nd growing year. The pollution load index (PLI) value for vegetables during both growing years was more than 1 except in control soil. The findings indicated that the highest enrichment factor (EF) and hazard resilience index (HRI) value of 0.09 was present in S. tuberosum. Health index values for cobalt in the study were below 1. The HRI < 1 indicated that consumers do not face any immediate health risks. The investigation of Co concentrations in blood samples obtained from individuals residing in different areas contributes a human health perspective to the research. The findings indicate that the concentration of Co rises with an increasing proportion of MSW. While the metal levels in MSW-treated soil were not high enough to classify the soil as polluted, the results recommend that recycling MSW can substitute mineral fertilizers. Nevertheless, the presence of cobalt in MSW may directly affect soil fertility and could impact crop production and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil spills can have varying degrees of impact on the aquatic environment depending on factors such as the type of oil spilled, the volume released, and the ecosystem affected because crude oil and refined petroleum contain harmful substances such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. When released into the water, these substances can have immediate and long-term effects on marine life. This research aims to find the factors affecting the degree of pollution from oil spills on the aquatic environment and the areas adjacent to the Qayyarah refinery in northern Iraq. Combines the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and the analytical hierarchy process to evaluate the degree of pollution from oil spill incidents in the areas adjacent to the refinery. The statistical analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences and that the value of the correlation coefficient was positive between exchanged cadmium, residual cadmium, exchanged lead, where the lead exchange rate ranged correlation coefficient at a minimum R² 0.674 and a clear increase in the number of bacteria indicating contamination the total number of bacteria coli, fecal coliform bacteria, and fecal strep bacteria (where the numbers of coliform bacteria ranged 102 x 102- (cells/011 mL, and fecal coliform bacteria were between 160 x 102 cells/011 mL. These rates are environmental and vital indicators of the presence of significant levels of organic pollution and evidence of the presence of microorganisms dangerous to the health of residents and living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions strategy aims to avoid emissions from all economic sectors by 2050. Although the reduction of GHGs has been considered an urgent issue in all industrial divisions, there are still gaps in climate change mitigation strategies and policies in other sectors, such as waste, accounting for 3–5% of GHG emissions generation which are emitted from landfills, waste transport, waste treatment processes, and incinerators (Clark et al. in Nat Clim Chang 6:360–369, 2016; Masson-Delmotte V, Zhai AP, Connors C P, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R., and Matthews TKM, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu, and B. Zhou (eds) (2021) Climate Change 2021: the physical science basis. editor, contribution of working group I to the sixth assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;). Waste management is a worldwide issue related to the circular economy. The share of the waste sector in the UK for GHG emissions generation is 3.7% in 2021, and landfills are responsible for 70% of the emissions (Rogelj et al. in Nat Clim Chang 591:365–368, 2021). Therefore, a new approach to waste management and disposal strategies is crucial. This paper reviews the key elements and challenges involved in waste management systems, specifically in the UK, including policy and legislation, infrastructure, and technological advancements. The review offers a clear summary of the application of circularity waste management strategies, focusing on the UK's goal to achieve the net-zero target. This review found that to reach the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and 2050 net-zero goals, the existing waste management hierarchy is no longer appropriate for the global and national setting. The metrics in waste management in the context of the circular economy should be aligned with the optimization of using resources, waste minimization, and increasing product life cycle by considering environmental impacts. Therefore, the circular model can be deployed instead of the hierarchy concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the escalating momentum of Chinese green bond (CGB) issuances, this study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between CGB issuances and firm performance. Our findings indicate a significant spillover effect stemming from green government and green financial bonds, whereas the impact on green corporate bonds was relatively subdued. Intriguingly, the data reveals that environmentally conscious companies are disproportionately benefiting from cities’ issuance of CGBs. Upon delving into the underlying mechanisms, we observed a noticeable improvement in firm performance, especially for eco-friendly companies, who gain from enhanced total factor productivity and reduced debt. This data underscores the far-reaching and beneficial impact of CGBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental art design, which uses natural materials to show the connection to nature, plays a crucial role in encouraging awareness regarding environmental pollution and creativity in universities in China. This study aims to demonstrate the significance of incorporating environmental themes into art education curricula and its impact on students' environmental consciousness and artistic innovation in China. To achieve this, the study employed a mixed-method research approach, gathering insights from 96 art design educators and 295 college students through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The findings underscored that integrating natural materials into art design enhances students' creativity and supports a deeper appreciation for environmental management. Environmental art and design were found to be effective tools for raising awareness about environmental pollution and advocating for conservation efforts. This research highlights the multifaceted benefits of environmental art design, including its potential to enhance students' artistic proficiency, personal development, and overall well-being. The study's findings offer practical implications for both educators and policymakers, suggesting the integration of environmental art design into educational curricula. By incorporating environmental art, schools can cultivate critical thinking skills, implant a sense of environmental responsibility, and inspire creative solutions to environmental challenges, ultimately producing environmentally conscious individuals capable of addressing ecological issues effectively. The novelty of the research lies in integrating environmental art design into education. Thus, the objective of the research is to investigate the significance of environmental art design in education and this enhances students' artistic achievements and career prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that remain detrimental to critical subpopulations, namely pregnant women. Required tests for biomonitoring are quite expensive. Moreover, statistical models aiming to discover the relationships between pollutants levels and human characteristics have their limitations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to use machine learning predictive models to further examine the pollutants' predictors, while comparing them. Levels of 33 congeners were measured in the serum of 269 pregnant women, from whom data was collected regarding sociodemographic, dietary, environmental, and anthropometric characteristics. Several machine learning algorithms were compared using "Python" for each pollutant: support vector machine (SVM), random forest, XGBoost, and neural networks. The aforementioned characteristics were included in the model as features. Prediction, accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were retrieved to compare the models between them and among pollutants. The highest performing model for all pollutants was Random Forest. Results showed a moderate to acceptable performance and discriminative power among all POPs, with OCPs' model performing slightly better than all other models. Top related features for each model were also presented using SHAP analysis, detailing the predictors' negative or positive impact on the model. In conclusion, developing such a tool is of major importance in a context of limited financial and research resources. Nevertheless, machine learning models should always be interpreted with caution by exploring all evaluation metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In response to environmental degradation and the associated health challenges, the Chinese government has implemented a comprehensive array of environmental protection measures. Given the health enhancement objective of environmental protection measures and the considerable costs involved in the implementation process, evaluating whether environmental regulation is beneficial to reducing the health costs of the population is of great significance for enhancing environmental governance efficiency and social welfare. The data from the Chinese Family Panel Survey (CFPS) is applied to examine the effect of environmental regulation on the reduction of residents' health costs from a microscopic perspective. Results: The results indicate that for a 1% increase in total investment in environmental governance, residents' health costs will decrease by 0.189%. The examination of the causal pathway suggests that implementing environmental regulation can diminish residents' health costs through improving air quality and residents' health status. Concurrently, there exist significant heterogeneities in the role of environmental regulation in reducing residents' health costs. The effect of environmental regulation is more pronounced for the young, males, and individuals with better self-perceived health. Furthermore, the outcome of environmental regulation exhibits greater efficacy in urban areas compared to rural areas. Lastly, market-incentive environmental regulation in reducing health costs is more effective than command-controlled regulation. Conclusions: Enhancing the intensity of environmental regulation contributes to decreasing residents' health costs. The findings can provide policy reference for implementing environmental governance and achieving tangible enhancements in individuals' life quality. [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]

With the acceleration of industrialization and the increasing prominence of environmental pollution problems, the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere has become a global concern. These emissions are not only hazardous to human health, but also one of the main factors leading to acid rain, photochemical smog and global climate change. Therefore, the development and implementation of efficient denitrification technologies are an important issue for environmental protection. The present review focuses on the research progress of the denitrification technology in the recent years, including the traditional denitrification methods and common technologies. At the same time, the advantages, limitations and application prospects of each method are analyzed. The mechanisms, influencing factors, advantages and disadvantages of the denitrification catalysts are also discussed. In addition, the future research trends and potential challenges of denitrification technology are discussed. It is expected that this review will provide useful references for promoting the development and application of denitrification technology, which may help researchers to choose high‐performance and cost‐effective methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing environmental exposure to pollution is a challenging task, and scientists often use distance-based or proximity indicators when field or modeled data are unavailable. Although buffers are commonly used to represent the impact of a pollution source on neighboring populations, they can result in high-exposure misclassification. Euclidean distance-based indicators offer a promising alternative, but practices vary significantly in the literature. In this study, we aimed to compare several distance-based indicators for multiple environmental contaminants in an industrial and urban area. At the population's grid cell resolution of 200 × 200 m, we compared the distance to the closest source, the average or median distance to all sources, or a restricted number of nearby sources for six types of sources (industries, railways, rail areas, roadways, road crossings, and agricultural patches) against environmental contamination data (PM10, NO2, and multimetallic contamination in lichens). Our findings revealed that the representativeness of contamination by indicators is significantly affected by the type and number of nearby sources considered. Specifically, we found that considering the distance to the nearest source or the average distance to all sources can lead to exposure misclassifications. The optimal correlation between distance indicators and pollutant levels was observed when considering 10–14 of the closest industrial sources, located within a 4.9- to 5.5-km radius. For rail areas, the optimal number was two to three sources within a 5.4- to 7.4-km radius. For main roads, intersections, and railways, the optimal number of sources varied depending on the pollutant, generally falling within a 3- to 9.4-km radius. Environmental contamination is influenced by the diversity of nearby sources, and considering only one source increases the risk of misclassification. Our results suggest that proximity models are still appropriate for study areas where the etiology of existing health effects is unclear, providing an exploratory analysis before more sophisticated research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTToxic metals cause risks to the ecological environment. Typha latifolia L. is a good candidate to clean potentially toxic metals contaminated water or soil. However, limited research investigated the impact of environmental factors (e.g., pH, soil substrate, flood duration) on metal accumulations in cattails. In this study, cattails were cultured in soils flooded with artificial wastewater with varying pH (5, 7 or 9) and different levels of Cr, Cd and Zn for four weeks to investigate the interactions between environmental conditions and metal uptake in cattails. The metal content in biomass were measured by an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer.More Zn (>10,000 mg/kg dry biomass) entered plants compared to Cd and Cr (<1,000 mg/kg dry biomass). Approximately 80% of Zn from solutions with 50 mg/L Cd, 25 mg/L Cr, 250 mg/L Zn were removed by cattails. Most Cd and Cr were sorbed onto soils. Cattails exhibited relatively consistent performance in removing metals from wastewater with initial pH of 5, 7 or 9. The pH of all the solutions ended close to neutral after 4 weeks. More research is needed to further understand the influence of environmental conditions on metal uptakes in plants to improve phytoremediation efficiency.It is the first study to evaluate metal accumulation in cattails cultured in soils flooded with artificial wastewater with varying pH and different levels of metals.This project investigated the interactions between growth conditions (e.g., pH, soil substrate, flooding) and different metal uptake in cattails, which was not conducted in previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, environmental pollution continues to be a significant public health problem, and according to the World Health Organisation, pollution-induced deaths account for 23% of deaths yearly, which could be prevented if people lived in healthier environments. Despite implementing multilateral agreements and international treaties such as the Bamako, Basel, Rotterdam, Minamata, and Stockholm conventions, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and national laws, toxic pollutants remain a serious environmental and public health problem in low-income countries. In the specific context of Kwekwe City, an industrial and mining area in Zimbabwe, where environmental and pollution-induced health problems associated with industries have been widely reported, this study was conducted in close collaboration with the local community. The study aimed to assess community members' perceptions regarding health risks associated with potentially toxic elements and cyanide pollution in Kwekwe City. An explorative cross-sectional study was conducted with key stakeholders and industrial settlements' residents. Face-to-face interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with residents and workers were used to gather data. A thematic approach was utilised in data analysis. Study participants, who played a crucial role in the research process, perceived that industrial pollution principally linked to cyanide, mercury and chromium posed significant environmental and health risks. This participatory approach in risk perception assessment is critical in providing insight into the scope of the problem and formulating intervention strategies. However, given that qualitative study results lack generalisability and replicability, quantitative studies need to be undertaken to determine environmental levels of toxic chemical pollutants as a complementary and validative measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The most harmful atmospheric pollutant for human health is particulate matter (PM). We analyzed the correlation between short-term lag exposure to PM10 and PM2.5, salivary cortisol and TNF-α level, and methylation levels of the TNF-α promoter. Methods: A pilot study including 20 subjects. Eight salivary samples for each subject at various times of the day were collected for comparing cortisol levels and TNFα detection. TNFα promoter methylation levels on salivary DNA were analyzed. Regression analyses were performed using generalized linear mixed models between the different outcomes and 4, 3, 2 and 1 day's lag values of PM10/PM2.5.Generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) was used to evaluate any potential deviation from linearity. Results: Area under the curve with respect to the ground (AUCg) showed a statistically positive association with 4-, 3-, 2-, and 1-day lag of exposure to PM10. Area under the curve with respect to the increase (AUCi) showed a statistically negative association with 4-, 3- and 1-day lag of exposure to PM10. TNFα showed statistically significant association with both exposures, PM10 and PM2.5, at 4-, 3-, 2-, and 1-day lag. Conclusions: Regarding cortisol levels there is an increase of overall hormone levels but a less dynamism of the system to answer to external stressors. Increase of TNF-α may reflect increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation due to pollution exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the buried pipelines lies in two main topics: the first is related to the very long length of these pipes, and therefore protecting them is expensive. The second topic is related to environmental pollution due to leaching, which is considered one of the main pollutants of groundwater. The research reviews the effects of geosynthetic reinforcement and its effect on buried pipelines subjected to different loading conditions to reduce the stresses on them and thus prevent leakage. The loads covered in this literature are the following: static load, dynamic load, permanent ground deformation, accidental damage, uplift pressure, explosion, lateral loading, and abrasive shear loading. The research focused on the use of synthetic ground reinforcements to protect these pipes. Available experimental and numerical investigations indicate the potential of using geosynthetics to reduce the effects of external loads on buried pipelines. The investigated studies proved that the protection of buried pipes with different types of geosynthetics is a successful method and decreased the stresses transformed to buried pipes. Most of the studies (45%) dealt with buried pipes subjected to static loading. The conventional geosynthetic material used in the protection of buried pipes is geogrid (38%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, samples were taken from the sewage treatment plant to isolate rubber-degrading microbial strains. The sludge samples were screened for rubber degradation microbes and later on, each strain was separately characterised for rubber degradation. Initially, strain BA23 showed half the rubber degradation ratio in mineral salt medium. The isolated microbial strains were identified based on 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis, morphological and biochemical characteristics and named Brucella sp. belonging to the genus Bacillus. Later on, the medium conditions for strain BA23 were optimised based on carbon, nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and incubation period. After optimising various environmental and nutritional conditions, the rubber degradation increased twice when inorganic nitrogen sources (aammonium nitrate) used 1 g/L in the medium at pH 7.5. Furthermore, the structural changes that occurred in the rubber polymer associated with the rubber polymer were analysed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the breakdown of important functional groups such as aldehyde, ketone ester and carboxylic acid was observed. Finally, the gravimetric weight loss of CO2 during rubber degradation was 42.88 g/L, showing CO2 evolution greatly when the rubber degradation occurred in the mineral salt medium. It was concluded that strain BA23 has a maximum potential for rubber degradation when it is used for future solid waste management of rubber and its products for a long period in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection of mercury into the upper limb is a rare method of self-harm. We report two patients with varied clinical presentations – a 19-year-old male student who injected himself with mercury extracted from a sphygmomanometer bulb and reported to our emergency department 24 hours after the event and a 34-year-old industry worker who presented 2 years after injecting himself with elemental mercury. The management of mercury poisoning is described along with a brief review of literature. Mercury is a toxic element and adequate safety precautions must be taken by the surgical team in the management of such patients. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers are highly desirable alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics owing to their biodegradable nature. The production of bioplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), has been widely reported using various bacterial cultures with substrates ranging from pure to biowaste-derived sugars. However, large-scale production and economic feasibility are major limiting factors. Now, using algal biomass for PHA production offers a potential solution to these challenges with a significant environmental benefit. Algae, with their unique ability to utilize carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas (GHG) and wastewater as feed for growth, can produce value-added products in the process and, thereby, play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. The sugar recovery efficiency from algal biomass is highly variable depending on pretreatment procedures due to inherent compositional variability among their cell walls. Additionally, the yields, composition, and properties of synthesized PHA vary significantly among various microbial PHA producers from algal-derived sugars. Therefore, the microalgal biomass pretreatments and synthesis of PHA copolymers still require considerable investigation to develop an efficient commercial-scale process. This review provides an overview of the microbial potential for PHA production from algal biomass and discusses strategies to enhance PHA production and its properties, focusing on managing GHGs and promoting a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel waste constitutes a prevalent by‐product of highway construction in high‐altitude mountainous and hilly regions. Sulphide minerals exhibit a unique distribution pattern within the alpine hills. Consequently, tunnel excavation can disrupt the stability of these sulphide minerals, rendering the tunnel waste susceptible to generating secondary environmental hazards during stockpiling. This research delves into the migration and transformation dynamics of potential environmental pollutants in tunnel waste through geoenvironmental simulation techniques. Controlled variables were employed to simulate various conditions, including surface illumination, internal anaerobiosis, water content and aerobic environments. The study's findings indicate that the presence of pyrite in the waste stream primarily drives the secondary contamination of the tunnel waste. Pyrite within the slag tends to react and form sulphuric acid in the stockpile environment, thus creating an acidic milieu that exacerbates the release of existing contaminants. The emergence of an anaerobic environment and a photocatalytic system composed of Fe/Ti substances in the waste stream serves to further accelerate pollutant release. This study thoroughly investigates the primary causes of environmental pollution during the stockpiling of tunnel slag and assesses the potential environmental impact scenarios. The outcomes of this research offer substantial theoretical and empirical support for the management of slag generated during the tunnel construction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major tenacious environmental problems is the management of various household waste components. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the attitude and behavioural intention of households towards acceptability and integration of dustbin for domestic waste collection and management in Ho Municipality, Volta Region, and Ghana in general, using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained and analyzed reveals that most respondents agreed that it is important to accept and integrate dustbin for waste management (M = 4.89; SD = 1.181) and that it is good to accept and integrate dustbin for waste management (M = 4.84; SD = 1.220). They also believed that the benefits of accepting and integrating dustbin for waste management outweigh the associated risks (M = 4.69; SD = 1.223). Overall, most respondents indicated their attitude towards the acceptability and integration of dustbin for waste management, which is positive (M = 4.80; SD = 1.217). Indeed, it was found that the households have high positive attitude and intentions towards the dustbin integration and acceptance for domestic waste collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current sea monitoring equipment's are being used for a variety of purposes around the world. Currently used vehicles have some drawbacks. The first is the high fuel cost. The Vehicle engines cost more fuel as they have to release more power and environment and pollution. As well as not being able to stay under the sea for long days, there will often be a need for vehicles to come to the surface to refuel. The second is the vibrations and noise of these vehicles. The vibrations caused by these can be detrimental to the biodiversity of the ocean. Also, the noise makes it easier for enemies to identify our vehicles. Similarly when these vehicles go under water, water waves form on the surface. With this in mind, radar can detect what a vehicle under the sea looks like. In this paper, an artificial intelligence based microbiological model was proposed to monitor the sea level. With this biological model can greatly reduce fuels. It can get more capacity than normal vehicles. As fuel consumption decreases, so it does environmental pollution and since it operates quietly and without high vibrations, there is no threat to the biodiversity of the ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Boudoukha mining field located at the North-East of Algeria, was mainly exploited for Pb, Zn and Cu, which provided nearly 30,000 tons of concentrate containing 45–50% Zn, and 5000 tons of concentrate containing 55–75% Pb. However extraction method, treatment, and enrichment process for this type of ore have allowed release and anarchic storage of sulfide mine tailings and their waste rock, which are a potential source of pollution. For that, an environmental pollution assessment is required at this mine site, in order to identify and evaluate which potentially toxic metals (PTMs) contained in this mine tailings may present an immediate risk. Such an interdisciplinary approach is crucial to meet the environmental challenges associated with mining activities. Characterization results show that potentially toxic metals PTMs (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, and As) comes mainly from sulfide tailings of processed ore, while dominant silicates come from their host rocks. Static methods using multivariate PCA analysis show that the main source for these potentially toxic metals (PTMs) is the Boudoukha Ore deposit and their mining activities. Thus, acid-generating potential indicate that tailings ranging from uncertain (UC) to immediate potential acid forming (PAF) with high risk. That confirms the results obtained by using environmental geochemical indices [enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo)], which shows enrichment degree and pollution level in PTMs in all samples, varies from severe enrichment to background values, and from strongly or very strongly to no pollution respectively.Article Highlights: Characterization and acid-production potential of Boudoukha mine tailings. Pollution assessment of PTMs on the immediate environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) natural fibre powder-reinforced PLA biocomposite was investigated using the hand lay-up technique. The polymer matrix composite (PMC) samples were prepared by varying the weight percentages (wt.%) of both PLA matrix and MCC reinforcement: pure PLA/100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 wt.%, respectively. From the results obtained, MCC powder, with its impressive aspect ratio, proved to be an ideal reinforcement for the PLA, exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties. It was evident that the 80:20 wt.% biocomposite sample exhibited the maximum improvement in the tensile, flexural, notched impact, compressive strength and hardness by 28.85%, 20.00%, 91.66%, 21.53% and 35.82%, respectively compared to the pure PLA sample. Similarly, during the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the same 80:20 wt.% biocomposite sample showed a minimum weight loss of 20% at 400°C, among others. The morphological study using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed that the uniform distribution of cellulose reinforcement in the PLA matrix actively improved the mechanical properties of the biocomposites, especially the optimal 80:20 wt.% sample. Importantly, it was evident that the optimal PLA/cellulose biocomposite sample could be a suitable and alternative sustainable, environmentally friendly and biodegradable material for semi/structural applications, replacing synthetic and traditional components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential toxic elements emanating from extracted ores during gold processing present occupational and unintentional health hazards in communities, the general populace, and the environment. This study investigated the concentrations and potential health effects of metal content in the topsoils of Obuasi municipality, which has been mined for gold over the past century. Surface topsoil samples, sieved to 250 µm, were initially scanned for metals using x-ray fluorescence techniques, followed by confirmation via ICP-MS. In vitro bioaccessibility assays were conducted using standard methods. The geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) indicate high enrichment of As (Igeo = 6.28) and Cd (Igeo = 3.80) in the soils, especially in the eastern part of the municipality where illegal artisanal mining is prevalent. Additionally, the southern corridor, situated near a gold mine, exhibited significant levels of As and Mn. Results obtained for the total metal concentrations and contamination indices confirmed the elevation of the studied potential toxic elements in the Obuasi community. A hazard index value of 4.42 and 3.30 among children and adults, respectively, indicates that indigens, especially children, are susceptible to non-cancer health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic matter plays an important role in cadmium adsorption and immobilization. Since different organic matter components affect cadmium adsorption processes differently, selecting the right organic substrate and knowing how to apply it could improve cadmium remediation. This study compares the effects of two contrasting organic molecules; chitosan and citric acid, on cadmium adsorption and speciation in acidic Ultisol. The adsorption of chitosan to Ultisol significantly increased the soil positive charge while adsorption of citric acid increased the soil negative charge. At pH 5.0, the maximum amount of cadmium adsorbed in excess chitosan was 341% greater than that in excess citric acid. About 73–89% and 60–62% of adsorbed cadmium were bound to Fe/Mn oxides and organic matter/sulfide at pH 4.0 while this fraction was 77–100% and 57–58% for citric acid and chitosan at pH 5.0, respectively. This decrease in the complexing ability of chitosan was related to the destabilizing effect of high pH on chitosan’s structure. Also, the sequence through which chitosan, citric acid, and cadmium were added into the adsorption system influenced the adsorption profile and this was different along a pH gradient. Specifically, adding chitosan and cadmium together increased adsorption compared to when chitosan was pre-adsorbed within pH 3.0–6.5. However, for citric acid, the addition sequence had no significant effect on cadmium adsorption between pH 3.0–4.0 compared to pH 6.5 and 7.5, with excess citric acid generally inhibiting adsorption. Given that the action of citric acid is short-lived in soil, chitosan could be a good soil amendment material for immobilizing cadmium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Power Generation Technology is the property of Power Generation Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) includes a number of neurodegenerative diseases, often with early onset (before 65 years old), characterized by progressive, irreversible deficits in behavioral, linguistic, and executive functions, which are often difficult to diagnose due to their similar phenotypic characteristics to other dementias and psychiatric disorders. The genetic contribution is of utmost importance, although environmental risk factors also play a role in its pathophysiology. In fact, some metals are known to produce free radicals, which, accumulating in the brain over time, can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein misfolding, all of these being key features of FTD and similar conditions. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize the current evidence about the environmental contribution to FTD―mainly dealing with toxic metal exposure―since the identification of such potential environmental risk factors can lead to its early diagnosis and the promotion of policies and interventions. This would allow us, by reducing exposure to these pollutants, to potentially affect society at large in a positive manner, decreasing the burden of FTD and similar conditions on affected individuals and society overall. Future perspectives, including the application of Artificial Intelligence principles to the field, with related evidence found so far, are also introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents are considered good models for investigating genotoxic damage and mutagenic alterations caused by xenobiotic agents, due to their occupation of a wide variety of habitats. However, relatively few in situ studies have focused on DNA damage in wild rodents associated with environmental exposure. In this review, we investigate trends in the application of the micronucleus test and comet assay in in situ studies of wild rodents. A total of 33 papers were identified, distributed across 14 different countries. Brazil and Spain had the most published studies (six each), followed by Bulgaria (n = 5), Mexico (n = 4) and Italy (n = 3). Only 24 of the 2,652 recognized rodent species have been the subject of in situ studies, which have most frequently focus on species of the genus Mus. The protocols used for the micronucleus test and comet assay varied widely, although blood and bone marrow were the primary types of tissue used. Given the paucity of studies on wild rodents, we recommend further research, particularly focusing on the use of this group as bioindicators of environmental quality and the standardization of protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils and animal fats are considered as base materials for the development of biodegradable lubricants. Classification of such materials was carried out using the Ward method based on the Euclidean distance, followed by refinement by the k-means method based on the physico–chemical properties. The selection of a material with the optimal characteristics was carried out using the TOPSIS method. Based on the calculated coefficients of relative closeness to an "ideal" material, a rating of lubricants was built, among which rapeseed oil is of the greatest interest. The comparative tribological characteristics of vegetable oils with the best ratings are presented. It is shown that vegetable oils are not inferior to mineral and synthetic oils. The ranking results can be used in further fundamental and applied research on the development of biodegradable lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legacy tailings from decommissioned mines are known to negatively impact human health and environmental quality. In this study, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) including Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in tailings from a Selebi-Phikwe mine, Botswana, were assessed for contamination and health risk via multiple exposure pathways in adults and children. Tailings samples from the defunct mine were analyzed for total elemental composition using inductively coupled plasma‒optical emission spectrometry. The results show a decreasing order of mean content of Co (2106 mg/kg) > Ni (1805 mg/kg) > Cr (139 mg/kg) > Co (97 mg/kg) > Zn (53 mg/kg) > Pb (14 mg/kg). The I-geo values show varying degrees of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn contamination. Dermal contact (54.5%) was the primary exposure pathway of noncarcinogenic risk for adults, and oral ingestion (95.7%) was the primary exposure route for children. The PTEs posed very low to no noncarcinogenic risks. As a single element, the mean hazard index (HI) for adults and children followed a similar trend: Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Zn. However, the carcinogenic risk of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb exposure in children was high and unacceptable. For adults, the carcinogenic risks of Cr, Cu, and Ni were high and unacceptable. Overall, children were generally more vulnerable to the adverse effects of PTE exposure. A study of this nature is essential for routine environmental monitoring and assessment and fundamental for planning and reinforcing existing pollution control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Service Industries Journal is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)