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Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) are widely used in medical treatments but pose risks to ecosystems and human health when present in the environment. Understanding their fate in nature is complex and influenced by various factors. Phototransformation, where PhACs change chemically upon light exposure, offers the potential for reducing their environmental levels. Studying this process is crucial for understanding risks, developing safe disposal strategies, and innovating removal methods to mitigate adverse effects. This review delves into the major factors influencing the transformation of PhACs under natural conditions. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms involved in the photochemical activity of PhACs, shedding light on their behavior upon exposure to sunlight. Special attention is given to delineating the differences in the phototransformation processes among 13 major pharmaceutical classes. By examining the various factors influencing PhAC transformation and elucidating their mechanisms, this review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the fate of pharmaceuticals in the environment. Such insights are invaluable for developing effective strategies to mitigate the risks posed by PhAC contamination and safeguarding environmental and human health.

This study focused on monitoring phosphorus (P) concentrations in the water of the Ramsar site, Lake Vembanad, with a special focus on the mouths of the river bodies draining into the lake, a known hotspot for eutrophication. Four phosphorus fractions—total reactive phosphorus (TRP), total acid hydrolysable phosphorus (TAHP), total organic phosphorus (TOP), and total phosphorus (TP)—were monitored during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results revealed high levels of all monitored phosphorus fractions, with an average concentration exceeding 300 ppb P across both seasons, indicating a highly eutrophic state. Notably, TRP, TOP, and TP showed high concentrations in both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. These data suggest significant phosphorus input into the lake’s surface water, potentially triggering excessive algal growth and threatening the biodiversity of this rich wetland ecosystem.

Relevance of this work is attributed to the fact that no activities were carried out to assess the content of the chemical composition in environmental components including heavy metals and toxicants along the «Vostochny» fallout plume identified by the radioecological survey of areas adjacent to the Semipalatinsk Test Site. A concurrent survey of air aerosol particulate matter and soil composition at the «Opytnoe pole» site, at which atmospheric/aboveground-air nuclear tests were conducted, will provide a complete picture on potential sources of a radionuclide and chemical composition of environmental components formed in the «Vostochny» trace as well as of migration pathways of some elements and radionuclides incorporated in air aerosols. The survey of the north-eastern test site part, along the passing fallout trace, including settlements with agricultural activities, is especially topical to the population living there. The objective of this paper is to evaluate accumulation levels of radionuclides and chemical elements in soil cover of the impact zone of the «Vostochny» trace at the Semipalatinsk Test Site as well as to reveal a possible input of certain chemical elements and radionuclides from the Semipalatinsk Test Site territory to adjacent areas along the «Vostochny» plume profile. Objects: soil, air aerosol particulate matter. Techniques. Samples were analyzed by alpha-, beta- and gamma-spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry, by radiochemistry and scanning electronic microscopy; statistical processing of analytical results on the main environmental components of interest; assessment of the dynamics of spatial distribution of the content of radionuclides and chemical elements in samples of soil and air aerosol particulate matter in the study area. Results. Chemical compositions (radionuclide and elemental) of soil cover in the profile of the «Vostochny» trace and 2,5 µm air aerosol particulate matter and total suspended particles, collected from areas located close to boundaries of the Semipalatinsk Test Site «Opytnoe pole» site, were studied. A spatial distribution of concentrations of chemical element groups under study and radionuclides in soil cover was identified in the «Vostochny» fallout trace. The correlation analysis of the content of elements in air samples allowed identification of associations of elements being characteristic of both fine particles (PM-2,5) and total suspended air particles at the Semipalatinsk Test Site «Opytnoe pole» testing site. The content of almost all chemical elements of interest incorporated in air aerosol particulate matter does not exceed permissible levels – maximum permissible concentrations.

The relevance of this work is caused by the fact that there is a question of research to identify the content of chemical elements on one of the main traces of the «Vostochny» at Semipalatinsk Test Site and the surrounding area, including some small settlements, through the study of particulate matter of air aerosols. On the example of the villages Dolon, Beskaragay and Kanonerka the study of the elemental composition of particulate aerosols will give the most complete picture of the air quality of small settlements with similar climatic conditions. These settlements are located in the «Vostochny» trace and are not far from the conventionally marked boundaries of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. Among them, a particularly urgent issue is the study of the qualitative composition of the atmospheric air of the landfill itself and its surrounding areas. Particular interest is caused by chemical composition of solid aerosol particles (PM-2.5 – Particulate matter – solid aerosol particles with diameter less than 2,5 µm, PM-10 – Particulate matter – solid aerosol particles with diameter less than 10 µm, TSP – Total suspended particles) containing radioactive elements and heavy metals. Suspended matter smaller than 10 µm spreads over long distances and is a potential contaminant of major components of nature. Objective: to determine the sources of chemical elements in the atmosphere of the settlements in the zone of impact of the «Vostochny» trace of radioactive fallout adjacent to the Semipalatinsk Test Site territory on the example of the villages Dolon, Beskaragay and Kanonerka, as well as to assess the quality of atmospheric air. Objects: air aerosol particulate matter, soil. Techniques: samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and scanning electron microscopy; internal quality control procedures were performed (comparison of results obtained by different methods of analysis); statistical processing of the results of the analysis of the main components of the environment studied; seasonal dynamics of element content distribution in solid particles of aerosol air of small settlements studied. Results. The chemical (elemental) composition of 2,5 µm air aerosol particulate matter as well as soils of small settlements were studied. Seasonal dynamics of distribution of concentrations of chemical element groups under study was revealed. The analysis of seasonal variation in the chemical composition of air aerosols allowed their sources of entry to be revealed. No excess of MPC of the average daily content of standardized chemical elements including the group of heavy metals in air aerosol particulate matter was detected.

Relevance of the research is caused by the necessity of obtaining up-to-date data on concentrations of chemical elements in the «water–soil–plant» system on the near-entry spot of tunnel 504 of «Degelen» site at the former Semipalatinsk Test Site. During flooding in spring, elements may be carried out beyond tunnel 504. The main aim of the research is to study spatial distribution of chemical elements in the «water–soil–plant» system in the streamflow of tunnel 504. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: 1) determine concentration levels of chemical elements in water; 2) study concentration levels of chemical elements in soil; 3) identify features of chemical elements accumulation in plants of tunnel 504. Methods. The ultimate composition of water was determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (Elan 9000 «Perkin Elmer SCIEX»), inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry («iCAP 6300 Duo» Thermo Scientific). The analysis of such indicators as total mineralization, the content of sulfates, hydrocarbonates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium and sodium was carried out using titrimetric, colorimetric, potentiometric techniques in accordance with GOST. Results. The analysis of the data obtained for water showed a high content of such elements as Li, Be, Al, Mn, Zn, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, La, Се, U the average content of which exceeds the clarke several times for groundwater of the arid climate (sulfate water). The excess of maximum permissible levels of such elements as Be (2800 MPC), Mn (260 MPC), Al (76 MPC), U (70 MPC) and Cd (50 MPC) has been registered for water. According to the latest data, the content of such elements as Li, Be, Al in water was found to increase by 2 times whereas that of Co, Ni and Cu – by dozens of times. Spatial distribution of elements of interest in soil of tunnel 504 is non-uniform. Most of elements are concentrated in soil to the north of the streamflow bed. An elevated content of such elements as Be, Mn, Cu, Zn, Мо, Cd, Cs, Pb and U was detected in this area exceeding the clarke of lithosphere. The high index of lithosphere clarke value excess was found for uranium concentration (1000 times). Comparison of findings for contaminated areas with values of maximum permissible concentrations of chemical elements in soil showed the excess for Pb (26 MPC), Mn and Cu (9 MPC). Chemical composition of water and soil of tunnel 504 is unique by the content of rare-earth elements. The average content of REE in water exceeds the clarke by thousand times in ground water of the arid climate and STS ground water. The excess of the maximum permissible concentration level of samarium was observed in water. Predominance of light REE is characteristic, with a pronounced cerium-lanthanum feature. This fact shows that metals in water originate from natural sources. For most plant species of tunnel 504 an elevated content of Be, Сd, Cs, Pb, U and a number of REE was detected in the contaminated area. Concentrations of elements of interest in such plant species as reed and bluejoint in areas being compared, varied insignificantly which is apparently attributed to some physiological and biochemical mechanisms that impede the intake. Based on the above, one can conclude that spatial distribution of elements at tunnel 504 is first of all related to chemical elements carried out by tunnel water. About ten elements exceeding clarke values and maximum permissible levels were detected in water of tunnel 504.

Study of the Soviet power is a rather relevant task, because it allows revealing the details of its history, which were unknown before. The objective of the paper is in characterizing the Soviet power and the hidden policy of both neocolonialism and totalitarianism. As a result, it has been stated that before the Soviets of different levels were formed, the party had been able to accumulate the experience of organizational work, had created viable structures based on strict discipline and absolute objection of the subordinate organizations to the superior bodies. This experience was transferred to the activities of the Soviets. It has been defined that the party acted as an external force over the society and the state, which caused the loss by the U. S. S. R. of its sovereignty and its transformation into the weapon of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The directives and recommendations of the party, despite their unlawful character, had a special force to make follow them.

This scientific article reports about President of Republic of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev‟s regional, global endeavors known in the all over the world. For example, Semey polygon and about its ending, problems of refusal from nuclear weapon, Aral ecological problems, endeavors about unity of countries against terrorism, Eurasian economic union ideas, Asian Integrity and Trust Union matters, relations with European countries, membership of Republic of Kazakhstan in United Nations Organization, reforms about United Nations Organization structure according to the global problems of XXI century.

This study focused on monitoring phosphorus (P) concentrations in the water of the Ramsar site, Lake Vembanad, with a special focus on the mouths of the river bodies draining into the lake, a known hotspot for eutrophication. Four phosphorus fractions—total reactive phosphorus (TRP), total acid hydrolysable phosphorus (TAHP), total organic phosphorus (TOP), and total phosphorus (TP)—were monitored during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results revealed high levels of all monitored phosphorus fractions, with an average concentration exceeding 300 ppb P across both seasons, indicating a highly eutrophic state. Notably, TRP, TOP, and TP showed high concentrations in both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. These data suggest significant phosphorus input into the lake's surface water, potentially triggering excessive algal growth and threatening the biodiversity of this rich wetland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]