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The study describes the traditional traditions of the Toraja land community which explains that Passura' carvings in the Toraja ethnic community are known as a philosophy of life and ancestral heritage which plays an important role in depicting social norms and conveying philosophical messages. The four basic Toraja carvings from more than 150 types of carvings, called Garonto Passura', such as Pa' Barre Allo, Pa' Tedong, Pa'manuk Londong, and Pa' Sussu, have special meanings involving important symbols. Garonto Passura' reflects values such as prosperity, hard work, justice, knowledge, nobility and unity of Toraja society. Each carving has a specific meaning, imbued with the values of Toraja life such as honesty, hard work, cooperation and unity. Tongkonan carvings, especially Pa' Tedong, Pa'manuk Londong, Pa' Barre Allo, and Pa' Sussu, not only reflect high artistic aesthetic values, but are also an important forum for conveying cultural messages, norms and values. which strengthens the work ethic of the Torajan people as a whole, enabling them to maintain traditions and apply ancestral values in everyday life. The work ethic of the Toraja people, reflected in Tongkonan carvings, teaches the importance of honesty, determination, hard work, cooperation and unity as the keys to prosperity and success in life.

Alumina supports presenting a bimodal porosity are generally advantageous for the conversion of bulky molecules such as found in biomass, refining, and petrochemistry. However, shaping of such materials, while controlling pores size and orientation, proves to be hard. This problem can be tackled by using a simple method involving sol-gel chemistry, surfactant self-assembly, and ice-templating. Herein, a systematic study of the formulation and process parameters’ influence on the final material properties is presented. This protocol results in the repeatable preparation of centimeter-sized alumina monoliths presenting a uni-directional macroporosity and structured mesopores. These monoliths should be of particular interest in high flow rate catalytic applications.

Controlling elemental composition is critical for plant growth and development as well as the nutrition of humans who utilize plants for food. Uncovering the genetic architecture underlying mineral ion homeostasis in plants is a critical first step towards understanding the biochemical networks that regulate a plant's elemental composition (ionome). Natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana provide a rich source of genetic diversity that leads to phenotypic differences. We analyzed the concentrations of 17 different elements in 12 A. thaliana accessions and three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations grown in several different environments using high-throughput inductively coupled plasma- mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Significant differences were detected between the accessions for most elements and we identified over a hundred QTLs for elemental accumulation in the RIL populations. Altering the environment the plants were grown in had a strong effect on the correlations between different elements and the QTLs controlling elemental accumulation. All ionomic data presented is publicly available at www.ionomicshub.org.

The groundwater (GW) resource plays a central role in securing water supply in the coastal region of Bangladesh and therefore the future sustainability of this valuable resource is crucial for the area. However, there is limited research on the driving factors and prediction of phosphate concentration in groundwater. In this work, geostatistical modeling, self-organizing maps (SOM) and data-driven algorithms were combined to determine the driving factors and predict GW phosphate content in coastal multi-aquifers in southern Bangladesh. The SOM analysis identified three distinct spatial patterns: K + Na + pH, Ca 2+ Mg 2+ NO₃ - , and HCO₃ - SO₄ 2- PO 4 3- F - . Four data-driven algorithms, including CatBoost, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) were used to predict phosphate concentration in GW using 380 samples and 15 prediction parameters. Forecasting accuracy was evaluated using RMSE, R 2 , RAE, CC, and MAE. Phosphate dissolution and saltwater intrusion, along with phosphorus fertilizers, increase PO 4 3- content in GW. Using input parameters selected by multicollinearity and SOM, the CatBoost model showed exceptional performance in both training (RMSE = 0.002, MAE = 0.001, R 2  = 0.999, RAE = 0.057, CC = 1.00) and testing (RMSE = 0.001, MAE = 0.002, R 2  = 0.989, RAE = 0.057, CC = 0.998). Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ significantly influenced prediction accuracy. The uncertainty study revealed a low standard error for the CatBoost model, indicating robustness and consistency. Semi-variogram models confirmed that the most influential attributes showed weak dependence, suggesting that agricultural runoff increases the heterogeneity of PO 4 3- distribution in GW. These findings are crucial for developing conservation and strategic plans for sustainable utilization of coastal GW resources., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The world's largest mangrove forest (Sundarbans) is facing an imminent threat from heavy metal pollution, posing grave ecological and human health risks. Developing an accurate predictive model for heavy metal content in this area has been challenging. In this study, we used machine learning techniques to model sediment pollution by heavy metals in this vital ecosystem. We collected 199 standardized sediment samples to predict the accumulation of eleven heavy metals using ten different machine learning algorithms. Among them, the extremely randomized tree model exhibited the best performance in predicting Fe (0.87), Cr (0.89), Zn (0.85), Ni (0.83), Cu (0.87), Co (0.62), As (0.68), and V (0.90), achieving notable R 2 values. On the other hand, the random forest outperformed for predicting Cd (0.72) and Mn (0.91), whereas the decision tree model showed the best performance for Pb (0.73). The feature attribute analysis identified FeV, CrV, CuZn, CoMn, PbCd, and AsCd relationships resembled with correlation coefficients among them. Based on the established models, the prediction of the contamination factor of metals in sediments showed very high Cd contamination (CF ≥ 6). The Moran's I index for Cd, Cr, Pb, and As were 0.71, 0.81, 0.71, and 0.67, respectively, indicating strong positive spatial autocorrelation and suggesting clustering of similar contamination levels. Conclusively, this research provides a comprehensive framework for predicting heavy metal sediment pollution in the Sundarbans, identifying key areas needing urgent conservation. Our findings support the adoption of integrated management strategies and targeted remedial actions to mitigate the harmful effects of heavy metal contamination in this vital ecosystem., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no discernible financial conflicts of interest or personal connections that would have impacted the results of this study., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Heavy metals (HMs) are ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments due to unplanned industrial waste discharge, the release of untreated wastewater, and improper mining activities. In particular, the concentrations of HMs are found to be higher in aquatic environments. As a result, the aquatic biota was heavily affected by HM contamination. This critical review aims to understand the sources and toxicity of HMs in commercial fish species, explore their ecological exchange, and examine the related human health challenges in Bangladesh. A modified PRISMA review technique is used in this paper to analyze the current status and research limitations of HM studies in Bangladesh fish species and their toxicity within aquatic food webs. Briefly, we searched several keywords to explore the research trend of HM concentrations and toxicity in fish species. Furthermore, potential toxicity and risk assessment of HMs through the aquatic food chain in Bangladesh were explored. On the other hand, a cross-tabulation approach was used to process the toxicity findings of HMs. Previous studies indicate that fish species can possess comparatively higher HMs than river water due to ecological exchange factors, including bioaccumulation and biotransformation. This review focuses on Bangladesh, highlighting areas for improvements and the need for further study to achieve a transparent understanding of HM deposition in fish species and the sustainable management of aquatic food chain toxicity., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

In order to investigate the distributions and possible dispersion mechanism(s) of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K) from coal-based brick kilns, a systematic set (n = 60) of coal, ash, surface-soil, and subsurface soil samples were analyzed. High-quality analytical data of U, Th and K obtained from HPGe detector and TRIGA Mark-II research reactor-based neutron activation analysis were converted to the corresponding radioactivities. Average (n = 10) radioactivities of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40  K in coal samples were 15.6, 16.7, and 145.5 Bq.kg -1 , respectively, where only 40  K surpassed the corresponding global mean value. Average (n = 10) radioactivities of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40  K in ash samples were 62.7, 88.5, and 521 Bq.kg -1 , respectively, where only 226 Ra was within the established limit. In soil samples, average (n = 40) activities of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40  K were 62.7, 95.1, and 641 Bq.kg -1 , respectively, which have surpassed the corresponding worldwide mean values. The observed differences in activity levels between soil samples collected near and far from the kilns, as well as between topsoil and subsoil samples, suggest the presence of distinct transport mechanisms for NORMs within the pedosphere. Dispersions of NORMs from the brick kilns to the ambient pedosphere are largely governed by aerodynamic convection and hydrodynamic leaching. These mechanisms are also influenced by geochemical mobility and relative solubility of NORMs, as well as factors such as rainfall patterns and wind-flow direction. Radiological indices invoke long-term carcinogenic-risks, whereas aerodynamic convection of finer particles (coal fly ash) from chimneys can cause significant health hazards to the nearby dwellers. Scientific processes as well as public awareness are essential to mitigate the risks., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Ethics approval: Not applicable. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

As a cereal crop, maize ranked third place after wheat and rice in terms of land area coverage for its cultivation, and in Bangladesh, it ranked second place after rice in its production. As the substitution of wheat products, maize has been used widely in baking for human consumption and animal fodder. However, maize grown in this soil around the coal-burning power plant may cause heavy metals uptake that poses a risk to humans. The study was conducted at the maize fields in the Ganges delta floodplain soils of Bangladesh to know the concentration of eight heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd, Mn, As, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in soil and maize samples using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and to estimate the risk of heavy metals in maize grains. Mean concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in soil were in decreasing order of Zn (10.12) > Cu (10.02) > Mn (5.48) > Ni (4.95) > Cr (3.72) > As (0.51) > Pb (0.27) > Cd (0.23). The plant tissues showed the descending order of heavy metal concentration as roots > grains > stems > leaves. BCF values for As, Cd, Pb, and Mn in roots were higher than 1.0, indicating considerable accumulation of these elements in maize via roots. Total hazard quotient (ƩTHQ) of heavy metals through maize grain consumption was 3.7E+00 and 3.9E+00 for adults and children, respectively, indicating non-cancer risk to the consumers. Anthropogenic influences contributed to the heavy metals enrichment in the Ganges delta floodplain soils around the thermal plant, and potential risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) were observed due to the consumption of maize grain cultivated in the study area., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The contribution of heavy metals in surface soils by the influences of agro-machinery factories is a significant growing concern. Heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique to assess human and ecological risks. The concentrations of Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, As, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn in soil ranged from 18,274-22,652, 2.06-4.92, 24.8-41.9, 126.8-137.5, 9.20-25.2, 17.8-46.1, 114.4-183.1, 86.9-118.1, and 101.6-159.6 mg/kg, respectively. The enrichment factor values of heavy metals were greater than 1.5, suggesting severe anthropogenic activities such as untreated waste discharging, burning of metallic wastes, wear, and tear, and dismantling of old batteries for heavy metals enrichment in studied soil. The contamination factor indicates considerable to very high contamination of heavy metals in soil. Moderate to high ecological risk was observed for analyzed metals which mainly originated from the maintenance and repairing of various engines in the workshop and welding and soldering of metallic substances. The target hazard quotient (THQ) was ranged from 6.99E-04 to 2.21E-01 for adults and 5.59E-03 to 1.82E + 00 for children, respectively; indicating children were more sensitive to heavy metals exposure from soil dust. The carcinogenic risk of As (1.72E-05) exceeded the USEPA acceptable limits indicating cancer risk to the residence. The current emphasized the significance of intensive heavy metals monitoring in surface soils around the agro-machinery areas due to their potential health risks associated with children., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

This study explored the alteration of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 226 Ra (≈ 238 U), 232 Th, 40 K) in an anthropogenically disrupted urban river-basin (Turag, Bangladesh) in terms of constitutional substances (Sc, Ti, V, Fe, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Th, U) of heavy-minerals. Average activity concentrations of 226 Ra (≈ 238 U), 232 Th, and 40 K were 41.5 ± 12.9, 72.1 ± 27.1, and 639 ± 100 Bqkg -1 , respectively which were relatively higher compared to crustal origin. ∑REEs, Ta, W, Th, and U were ~2 times higher compared to crustal values with Ce and Eu-anomalies. APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models were used to determine the various anthropogenic and/or geogenic sources of NORMs and elements. Layer-wise variations of NORMs and elements were observed to trace the response of sedimentary processes towards the incoming pollution load. Presence of REEs indicates moderate degree of ecological risk to aquatic biota. However, carcinogenic risk (3.84 × 10 -4  Sv -1 ) were significantly higher than threshold limit., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Structural features like 3D nano-size, ultrathin thickness and amorphous/crystalline interfaces play crucial roles in regulating charge separation and active sites of photocatalysts. However, their co-occurrence in a single catalyst and exploitation in photocatalytic CO 2 reduction (PCR) remains challenging. Herein, nano-sized bismuth oxychloride spheres (BiOCl-NS) confining three-layered nanoplates (∼2.2 nm ultrathin) and an amorphous/crystalline interface are exclusively developed via intrinsic engineering for an enhanced sacrificial-reagent-free PCR system. The results uncover a unique synergism wherein the three-layered nanoplates accelerate electron-hole separation, and the amorphous/crystalline interface exposes electron-localized active sites (Bi-O vac -Bi). Consequently, BiOCl-NS exhibit efficient CO 2 adsorption and activation with the lowering of rate-determining-step energy barriers, leading to remarkable CO production (102.72 μmol g -1 h -1 ) with high selectivity (>99%), stability (>30 h), and apparent quantum efficiency (0.51%), outperforming conventional counterparts. Our work provides a facile structural engineering approach for boosting PCR and offers distinct synergism for advancing diverse materials.

To investigate the interplay between varying anthropogenic activities and sediment dynamics in an urban river (Turag, Bangladesh), this study involved 37-sediment samples from 11 different sections of the river. Neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry were utilized to quantify the concentrations of 14 metal(oid)s (Al, Ti, Co, Fe, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn). This study revealed significant toxic metal trends, with Principal coordinate analysis explaining 62.91 % of the variance from upstream to downstream. The largest RSDs for Zn(287 %), Mn(120 %), and Cd(323 %) implies an irregular regional distribution throughout the river. The UNMIX-model and PMF-model were utilized to identify potential sources of metal(oid)s in sediments. ∼63.65-66.7 % of metal(oid)s in sediments originated from anthropogenic sources, while remaining attributed to natural sources in both models. Strikingly, all measured metal(oid)s' concentrations surpassed the threshold effect level, with Zn and Ni exceeding probable effect levels when compared to SQGs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

While global attention has been primarily focused on the occurrence and persistence of microplastics (MP) in urban lakes, relatively little attention has been paid to the problem of MP pollution in rural recreational lakes. This pioneering study aims to shed light on MP size, composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and contributing factors in a rural recreational lake, 'Nikli Lake' in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Using density separation, MPs were extracted from 30 water and 30 sediment samples taken from ten different locations in the lake. Subsequent characterization was carried out using a combination of techniques, including a stereomicroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed a significant prevalence of MPs in all samples, with an average amount of 109.667 ± 10.892 pieces/kg 3 (dw) in the sediment and 98.167 ± 12.849 pieces/m 3 in the water. Small MPs (<0.5 mm), fragments and transparent colored particles formed the majority, accounting for 80.2%, 64.5% and 55.3% in water and 78.9%, 66.4% and 64.3% in sediment, respectively. In line with global trends, polypropylene (PP) (53%) and polyethylene (PE) (43%) emerged as the predominant polymers within the MPs. MP contents in water and sediment showed positive correlations with outflow, while they correlated negatively with inflow and lake depth (p > 0.05). Local activities such as the discharge of domestic sewage, fishing waste and agricultural runoff significantly influence the distribution of polypropylene. Assessment of pollution factor, pollution risk index and pollution load index values at the sampling sites confirmed the presence of MPs, with values above 1. This study is a baseline database that provides a comprehensive understanding of MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh, particularly in a rural recreational lake. A crucial next step is to explore ecotoxicological mechanisms, legislative measures and future research challenges triggered by MP pollution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas of Bangladesh is a prevalent phenomenon. However, it is not conducive to activities such as irrigation, navigation, fish spawning and shelter, and industrial usage. The present study analyzed 45 water samples collected from 15 locations in coastal areas during three seasons: monsoon, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon. The aim was to comprehend the seasonal variation in physicochemical parameters, including water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, and concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, HCO3-, PO43-, SO42-, and Cl-. Additionally, parameters essential for agriculture, such as soluble sodium percentage (SSP), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly's ratio (KR), and permeability index (PI), were examined. Their respective values were found to be 63%, 16.83 mg/L, 34.92 mg/L, 145.44 mg/L, 1.28 mg/L, and 89.29%. The integrated water quality index was determined using entropy theory and principal component analysis (PCA). The resulting entropy water quality index (EWQI) and SAR of 49.56% and 63%, respectively, indicated that the samples are suitable for drinking but unsuitable for irrigation. These findings can assist policymakers in implementing the Bangladesh Deltaplan-2100, focusing on sustainable land management, fish cultivation, agricultural production, environmental preservation, water resource management, and environmental protection in the deltaic areas of Bangladesh. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of seasonal variations in the hydrochemistry and water quality of coastal rivers, aiding in the comprehension of salinity intrusion origins, mechanisms, and causes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Uddin et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Despite sporadic and irregular studies on heavy metal(loid)s health risks in water, fish, and soil in the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal, no chemometric approaches have been applied to assess the human health risks comprehensively. This review aims to employ chemometric analysis to evaluate the long-term spatiotemporal health risks of metal(loid)s e.g., Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, As, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Ni in coastal water, fish, and soils from 2003 to 2023. Across coastal parts, studies on metal(loid)s were distributed with 40% in the southeast, 28% in the south-central, and 32% in the southwest regions. The southeastern area exhibited the highest contamination levels, primarily due to elevated Zn content (156.8 to 147.2 mg/L for Mn in water, 15.3 to 13.2 mg/kg for Cu in fish, and 50.6 to 46.4 mg/kg for Ni in soil), except for a few sites in the south-central region. Health risks associated with the ingestion of Fe, As, and Cd (water), Ni, Cr, and Pb (fish), and Cd, Cr, and Pb (soil) were identified, with non-carcinogenic risks existing exclusively through this route. Moreover, As, Cr, and Ni pose cancer risks for adults and children via ingestion in the southeastern region. Overall non-carcinogenic risks emphasized a significantly higher risk for children compared to adults, with six, two-, and six-times higher health risks through ingestion of water, fish, and soils along the southeastern coast. The study offers innovative sustainable management strategies and remediation policies aimed at reducing metal(loid)s contamination in various environmental media along coastal Bangladesh., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Pharmaceutical active compound (PhAC) residues are considered an emerging micropollutant that enters the aquatic environment and causes harmful ecotoxicity. The significant sources of PhACs in the environment include the pharmaceutical industry, hospital streams, and agricultural wastes (animal husbandry). Recent investigations demonstrated that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an important source of PhACs discharging ecosystems. Several commonly reported that PhACs are detected in a range level from ng L -1 to μg L -1 concentration in WWTP effluents. These compounds can have acute and chronic adverse impacts on natural wildlife, including flora and fauna. The approaches for PhAC removals in WWTPs include bioremediation, adsorption (e.g., biochar, chitosan, and graphene), and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Overall, adsorption and AOPs can effectively remove PhACs from wastewater aided by oxidizing radicals. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has also proved to be a sustainable solution. Bioremediation approaches such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and microalgal-based systems were applied to minimize pharmaceutical pollution. Noteworthy, applying MBRs has illustrated high removal efficiencies of up to 99%, promising prospective future. However, WWTPs should be combined with advanced solutions, e.g., AOPs/photodegradation, microalgae-bacteria consortia, etc., to treat and minimize their accumulation. More effective and novel technologies (e.g., new generation bioremediation) for PhAC degradation must be investigated and specially designed for a low-cost and full-scale. Investigating green and eco-friendly PhACs with advantages, e.g., low persistence, no bioaccumulation, less or non-toxicity, and environmentally friendly, is also necessary., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To study the geogenic processes of naturally occurring radioactive materials' (NORMs') distribution, a transboundary Himalayan river (Punarbhaba) is chosen due to its trivial anthropogenic impacts. In explaining the genesis of radionuclides, transition elements (Sc, Ti, V, and Fe), rare-earth-elements (REEs: La, Eu, Ce, Yb, Sm, and Lu), Ta, Hf, Th, and U were analysed in 30 riverbed sediments collected from the Bangladeshi portion of the river. Elemental abundances and NORMs' activity were measured by neutron activation analysis and HPGe-gamma-spectrometry, respectively. Average n =30 radioactivity concentrations of 226 Ra (68.4 Bq kg -1 ), 232 Th (85.7 Bq kg -1 ), and 40 K (918 Bq kg -1 ) were 2.0-2.3-fold higher, which show elevated results compared to the corresponding world mean values. Additionally, mean-REE abundances were 1.02-1.38-times higher than those of crustal origin. Elevated (relative to earth-crust) ratios of Th/U (=3.95 ± 1.84) and 232 Th/ 40 K and statistical demonstrations invoke Th-dominant heavy minerals, indicating the role of kaolinite clay mineral abundance/granitic presence. However, Th/Yb, La/V, Hf/Sc, and Th/Sc ratios reveal the presence of felsic abundances, hydrodynamic sorting, and recycling of sedimentary minerals. Geo-environmental indices demonstrated the enrichment of chemical elements in heavy minerals, whereas radiological indices presented ionizing radiation concerns, e.g. , the average absorbed-gamma-dose rate (123.1 nGy h -1 ) was 2.24-fold higher compared to the threshold value which might cause chronic health impacts depending on the degree of exposure. The mean excess lifetime cancer risk value for carcinogen exposure was 5.29 × 10 -4 S v -1 , which is ∼2-times greater than the suggested threshold. Therefore, plausible extraction of heavy minerals and using residues as building materials can alleviate the two-reconciling problems: (1) radiological risk management and (2) fluvial navigability.

A group of fluorinated organic molecules known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been commonly produced and circulated in the environment. PFAS, owing to multiple strong CF bonds, exhibit exceptional stability and possess a high level of resistance against biological or chemical degradation. Recently, PFAS have been identified to cause numerous hazardous effects on the biotic ecosystem. As a result, extensive efforts have been made in recent years to develop effective methods to remove PFAS. Adsorption, filtration, heat treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, and soil washing are a few of the physicochemical techniques that have shown their ability to remove PFAS from contaminated matrixes. However these methods also carry significant drawbacks, including the fact that they are expensive, energy-intensive, unsuitable for in-situ treatment, and requirement to be carried under dormant conditions. The metabolic products released upon PFAS degradation are largely unknown, despite the fact that thermal disintegration methods are widely used. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological degradation of PFAS has been regarded as efficient method. However, PFAS are difficult to instantly and completely metabolize through biological methods due to the limitations of biocatalytic mechanisms. Nevertheless, cost, easy-to-operate and environmentally safe are some of the advantages over its counterpart. The present review comprehensively discusses the occurrence of PFAS, the state-of-the science of remediation technologies and approaches applied, and the remediation challenges. The article also focuses on the future research directions toward the development of effective methods for PFAS-contaminated site in-situ treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Groundwater is an essential resource in the Sundarban regions of India and Bangladesh, but its quality is deteriorating due to anthropogenic impacts. However, the integrated factors affecting groundwater chemistry, source distribution, and health risk are poorly understood along the Indo-Bangla coastal border. The goal of this study is to assess groundwater chemistry, associated driving factors, source contributions, and potential non-carcinogenic health risks (PN-CHR) using unsupervised machine learning models such as a self-organizing map (SOM), positive matrix factorization (PMF), ion ratios, and Monte Carlo simulation. For the Sundarban part of Bangladesh, the SOM clustering approach yielded six clusters, while it yielded five for the Indian Sundarbans. The SOM results showed high correlations among Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and K + , indicating a common origin. In the Bangladesh Sundarbans, mixed water predominated in all clusters except for cluster 3, whereas in the Indian Sundarbans, Cl - -Na + and mixed water dominated in clusters 1 and 2, and both water types dominated the remaining clusters. Coupling of SOM, PMF, and ionic ratios identified rock weathering as a driving factor for groundwater chemistry. Clusters 1 and 3 were found to be influenced by mineral dissolution and geogenic inputs (overall contribution of 47.7%), while agricultural and industrial effluents dominated clusters 4 and 5 (contribution of 52.7%) in the Bangladesh Sundarbans. Industrial effluents and agricultural activities were associated with clusters 3, 4, and 5 (contributions of 29.5% and 25.4%, respectively) and geogenic sources (contributions of 23 and 22.1% in clusters 1 and 2) in Indian Sundarbans. The probabilistic health risk assessment showed that NO 3 - poses a higher PN-CHR risk to human health than F - and As, and that potential risk to children is more evident in the Bangladesh Sundarban area than in the Indian Sundarbans. Local authorities must take urgent action to control NO 3 - emissions in the Indo-Bangla Sundarbans region., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The escalating global microplastic (MP) pollution severely threatens marine life due to insufficient waste management and widespread single-use plastic. This study focuses on assessing MP contamination in commercial prawns from Gujarat State, India. Ten prawn species collected at five main fishing harbors revealed 590 MP particles in their gastrointestinal tracts, averaging 6.08 ± 5.96 MPs/g and 1.15 ± 0.78 MPs/individual. Significant variations in contamination levels were observed between species and study sites. Pollution indices indicated very high contamination throughout the study sites. Threads were the predominant shape, with blue and black as prevalent colors. Size-wise, 1-2 mm MPs dominated. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The findings provided crucial preliminary information for ecotoxicology and seafood safety investigations regarding MP contamination in commercially important prawns., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prevalence and patterns of aphrodisiac drug consumption without prescription among men in Saudi Arabia remain underexplored, with limited empirical evidence available. Given the potential health implications and societal considerations, a comprehensive investigation is warranted. Aim: Assess the Prevalence, pattern of use and the associated factors of Aphrodisiac drugs consumption without prescription among men at Najran City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive study, 500 participants were included through convenience sampling. The utilized questionnaires covered a range of data, including socio-demographic information, patterns of aphrodisiac use, knowledge about aphrodisiacs, lifestyle details, a sexual health inventory for men, and a perceived stress level scale. Results: The study reveals a significant prevalence of unsanctioned aphrodisiac drug use (31%) among men in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, with a majority (79.3%) consuming these substances four times monthly. Associated disparities in knowledge, lifestyle, stress, and sexual function underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and tailored health education initiatives for this demographic. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the sampled population engaged in the unsanctioned use of aphrodisiac drugs, with the majority utilizing them four times monthly. Tablets emerged as the most prevalent form of consumption. Commonly cited motives and justifications included peer influence and the perceived safety of aphrodisiacs. Influential factors encompassed levels of knowledge, lifestyle, stress levels, erectile function, age, education, and the number of wives. Recommendations: Urgent policy interventions are warranted to regulate the acquisition and distribution of aphrodisiacs. Tailored health education initiatives should be implemented for married and prospective married men., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Plasticrusts manifest as a coating on intertidal rocks due to environmental exposure. They refer to crushed plastic debris that blankets rocks found along intertidal shorelines. This study significantly contributes to a better understanding of the occurrence of these novel plastic formations, shedding light on their potential pathways of formation during the Anthropocene era. The research provides comprehensive insights into the composition, origins, challenges, and effective management strategies for removing coastal plastic litter. The findings of this investigation offer valuable evidence regarding the formation and impact of these recently discovered plastic items in coastal regions, prompting discussions about their formation processes and their effects on the marine ecosystem. Recognizing that these newly emerged plastic litter pose a considerable threat to the marine environment is crucial. With their emergence, we face an environmental challenge, especially concerning the health of coastal ecosystems. Plasticrusts, when degraded, can release microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) into the surrounding environment. These micro- and nano-sized plastic particles pose significant ecological risks as they persist in ecosystems, potentially harming wildlife and entering the food chain, causing widespread environmental contamination. Significantly, it outlines strategies to minimize the impact of this emerging plastic debris and its source., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic (MP) pollution has become a significant environmental problem on a global scale. Although MPs' pollution path and toxic effects on marine habitats have been examined worldwide, the studies are limited to the rare biodiversity estuary region of Hatiya Island from the northern Bay of Bengal. This study aimed to investigate the MP pollution path and its influencing factors in estuarine sediments and water in rare biodiversity Hatiya Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. Sixty water and sediment samples were collected from 10 sampling sites on the Island and analyzed for MPs. The abundance of MPs in sediment ranged from 67 to 143 pieces/kg, while the abundance in water ranged from 24.34 to 59 pieces/m 3 . The average concentrations of MPs in sediment and water were 110.90 ± 20.62 pieces/kg and 38.77 ± 10.09 pieces/m 3 , respectively. Most identified MPs from sediment samples were transparent (51%), while about 54.1% of the identified MPs from water samples were colored. The fragment was the most common form of MP in both compartments, with a value of 64.6% in sediment samples and 60.6% in water samples. In sediment and water samples, almost 74% and 80% of MP were <0.5 mm, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer type, accounting for 51% of all identified polymers. The contamination factor, pollution load index, polymer risk score, and pollution risk score values indicated that the study area was moderately polluted with MPs. The spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of MPs echoed profound human pathways. Based on the results, sustainable management strategies and intervention measures were proposed to reduce the pollution level in the ecologically diverse area. This study provides important insights into evaluating estuary ecosystem susceptibility and mitigation policies against persistent MP issues., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K) can reach our respiratory system by breathing of road dust which can cause severe health risks. Targeting the pioneering consideration of health risks from the NORMs in road dust, this work reveals the radioactivity abundances of NORMs in road dust from a megacity (Dhaka) of a developing country (Bangladesh). Bulk chemical compositions of U, Th, and K obtained from neutron activation analysis were converted to the equivalent radioactivities. Radioactivity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K in road dust ranged from 60-106, 110-159, and 488-709 Bq kg -1 with an average of 84.4 ± 13.1, 126 ± 11, and 549 ± 48 Bq kg -1 , respectively. Estimated 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K radioactivities were, respectively, 1.7-3.0-, 3.7-5.3-, and 1.2-1.8-folds greater than the affiliated world average values. Mechanistic pathway of NORMs' enrichment and fractionation relative to the major origin (pedosphere) were evaluated concerning the water logging, relative solubility-controlled leaching and translocation, climatic conditions, and aerodynamic fractionations (dry and wet atmospheric depositions). Computation of customary radiological risk indices invokes health risks. Noticing the ingress of NOMR-holding dust into the human respiratory system along with the associated ionizing radiations, the computed radiological indices represent only the least probable health hazards. Nevertheless, in real situations, α-particles from the radioactive decay products of 232 Th and 238 U can create acute radiation damages of respiratory system. Policymakers should emphasize on limiting the dust particle evolution, and public awareness is required to alleviate the health risks., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Microplastic (MP) pollution has evolved into a significant worldwide environmental concern due to its widespread sources, enduring presence, and adverse effects on lentic ecosystems and human well-being. The growing awareness of the hidden threat posed by MPs in lentic ecosystems has emphasized the need for more in-depth research. Unlike marine environments, there remain unanswered questions about MP hotspots, ecotoxic effects, transport mechanisms, and fragmentation in lentic ecosystems. The introduction of MPs represents a novel threat to long-term environmental health, posing unresolved challenges for sustainable management. While MP pollution in lentic ecosystems has garnered global attention due to its ecotoxicity, our understanding of MP hotspots in lakes from an Asian perspective remains limited. Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of MP hotspots, morphological attributes, ecotoxic impacts, sustainable solutions, and future challenges across Asia. The review summarizes the methods employed in previous studies and the techniques for sampling and analyzing microplastics in lake water and sediment. Notably, most studies concerning lake microplastics tend to follow the order of China > India > Pakistan > Nepal > Turkey > Bangladesh. Additionally, this review critically addresses the analysis of microplastics in lake water and sediment, shedding light on the prevalent net-based sampling methods. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the existing research gaps and suggests new research directions, taking into account recent advancements in the study of microplastics in lentic environments. In conclusion, the review advocates for sustainable interventions to mitigate MP pollution in the future, highlighting the presence of MPs in Asian lakes, water, and sediment, and their potential ecotoxicological repercussions on both the environment and human health., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Microplastic (MP) pollution has increased drastically due to improper plastic waste management. The present study aimed to investigate the MPs contamination in the commercially important brachyuran crab Portunus segnis of Gujarat State, India. One hundred fifty crab specimens were collected from three principal fishing harbors in Gujarat. The collected specimens were analyzed for MP extraction using a previously documented protocol. The chemical composition of extracted MPs was assessed with ATR-FTIR. The average abundance of MPs contamination was recorded as 0.82 ± 0.58 MPs/g and 2.02 ± 1.48 MPs/individual. Findings of Contamination Factor (CF) revealed that study site Jakhau was identified as a low-contamination site, while Okha and Veraval were considered moderately contaminated. The H index has identified study sites Jakhau and Veraval as class IV risk categories, while study site Okha fell into the class V risk category. PRI value revealed the very high contamination of MPs in all the study sites. The guts were recorded as being more contaminated with MPs than the gills. The average abundance of MP contamination in males (0.77 ± 0.14 MPs/g in Jakhau, 1.19 ± 0.77 MPs/g in Okha, and 0.82 ± 0.43 MPs/g in Veraval) was recorded higher than in females (0.33 ± 0.11 MPs/g in Jakhau, 0.8 ± 0.49 MPs/g in Okha, and 0.75 ± 0.41 MPs/g in Veraval) in all the study sites. The average abundance of MP contamination varied significantly between males and females. Fibers were found dominantly in all study sites, followed by fragments, films, and foams. Black and blue-colored MPs with 1-2 mm sizes were found more abundantly. The chemical composition of the extracted MPs revealed polyethylene, nylon, polyurethane, and polystyrene as polymer compositions. Overall, the present study highlighted the MP contamination in commercially important crabs that can be used as a basis for further studies on ecotoxicology and seafood safety., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Water contamination undermines human survival and economic growth. Water resource protection and management require knowledge of water hydrochemistry and drinking water quality characteristics, mechanisms, and factors. Self-organizing maps (SOM) have been developed using quantization and topographic error approaches to cluster hydrochemistry datasets. The Piper diagram, saturation index (SI), and cation exchange method were used to determine the driving mechanism of hydrochemistry in both surface and groundwater, while the Gibbs diagram was used for surface water. In addition, redundancy analysis (RDA) and a generalized linear model (GLM) were used to determine the key drinking water quality parameters in the study area. Additionally, the study aimed to utilize Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques to gain insights into the relative importance and impact of different parameters on the entropy water quality index (EWQI). The SOM results showed that thirty neurons generated the hydrochemical properties of water and were organized into four clusters. The Piper diagram showed that the primary hydrochemical facies were HCO 3 - -Ca 2+ (cluster 4), Cl---Na + (all clusters), and mixed (clusters 1 and 4). Results from SI and cation exchange show that demineralization and ion exchange are the driving mechanisms of water hydrochemistry. About 45 % of the studied samples are classified as "medium quality"," that could be suitable as drinking water with further refinement. Cl - may pose increased non-carcinogenic risk to adults, with children at double risk. Cluster 4 water is low-risk, supporting EWQI findings. The RDA and GLM observations agree in that Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , Cl - and HCO 3 - all have a positive and significant effect on EWQI, with the exception of K + . TDS, EC, Na+, and Ca 2+ have been identified as influencing factors based on bagging-based XAI analysis at global and local levels. The analysis also addressed the importance of SO 4 , HCO 3 , Cl, Mg 2+ , K+, and pH at specific locations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Tannery-effluent is one of the top-ranked hazardous waste which is generally discharged into the river. To study the fluvial response toward the tannery-effluents and to trace anthropogenic foot-prints in the fluvial-system, a suite of systematically collected sediment and water samples were analyzed for radioactive ( 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K) and non-radioactive elements (Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Hg, and Pb). Neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for elemental analysis, whereas HPGe-gamma-detector was used for measuring the primordial-radionuclides. Ranges of Cr-abundances in sediment and water were 63-4373 μg.g -1 and 15.6-52.2 μg.L -1 , respectively which were ∼4-14 times higher than the geological background. Radioactivity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K ranged from 17.7-48.5, 36.1-81.6, and 687-1041 Bq.kg -1 , respectively which were significantly depleted in effluent discharge point. Hence, primordial-radionuclides were used as natural tracers for tracing anthropogenic foot-prints which were explained in terms of dilution effect, redox environment and differential geo-environmental events/characteristics. From statistical-approaches and geochemical reasoning, elemental sources and responses in fluvial system were explored. Surprisingly, ecological & radiological risks were reduced while sediment quality guideline-based ecotoxicity & water-mediated health risks were increased by the incorporation of tannery effluents. This study describes the sedimentary response toward the received tannery effluents which is particularly explored by the primordial radionuclides., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Safe levels of heavy metals in the surface water and sediment of the eastern Bay of Bengal coast have not been universally established. Current study characterized heavy metals such as arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in surface water and sediments of the most important fishing resource at the eastern Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh. Both water and sediment samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Considering both of the seasons, the mean concentrations of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb in water samples were 33.25, 8.14, 0.48, and 21.14 μg/L, respectively and in sediment were 30.47, 4.48, 0.20, and 19.98 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metals concentration in water samples surpassed the acceptable limits of usable water quality, indicating that water from this water resource is not safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and any other uses. Enrichment factors also directed minor enrichment of heavy metals in sediment of the coast. Other indexes for ecological risk assessment such as pollution load index (PLI), contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (I geo ), modified contamination degree (mC d ), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) also indicated that sediment of the coastal watershed was low contamination. In-depth inventorying of heavy metals in both water and sediment of the study area are required to determine ecosystem health for holistic risk assessment and management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Human populations are being exposed to a wide spectrum of radiation from soils as a result of the availability of radiation sources. Assessing the ecological and health effects of radionuclides in soils is crucial to support the optimal soil management practices but large-scale studies are limited. This study compiled data on radionuclides ( 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, 238 U, and 137 Cs) in soils located across the world (44 countries and 159 places) between 2008 and 2022 and applied radiological hazards indices and several multivariate statistical approaches. The average activity concentration (Bq/kg) of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, 238 U, and 137 Cs were 408.56, 144.80, 508.78, 532.78, and 83.12, respectively, whereas 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, and 238 U exceeded the standard limits. The principal component analysis explained more than 91% of variation in soils. Based on the geoaccumulation index, 40 K posed moderately to heavy contamination whereas 238 U and 226 Ra posed moderate contamination in soils. Moreover, the mean values of radiological hazards evaluation such as radium equivalent activity (487.17 Bq/kg), external radiation hazard indices (1.32), internal hazard indices (2.15), absorbed dose rate (247.86 nGyh -1 ), annual effective dose rate (1.82 mSvy -1 ), activity utilization index (4.54) and excess lifetime cancer risk (63.84 × 10 -4 ) were higher than recommended limit suggesting significant radiological risks in study region soils. The findings indicated that the study area soils were contaminated by radionuclides and unsafe for hazards in terms of the health risks linked with studied radioactive contents. The study is valuable for mapping radioactivity across the globe to determine the level of radioactivity hazards., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

In the modern world, plastic trash has been recognized as a global issue, and studies on microplastics (MPs) in the marine and inland environments have previously been conducted. Marine ecosystems act as a bio-diverse ecosystem where coral reefs contribute to make a sound living of the coastal people by gathering natural resources. The current study indicates that MPs and heavy metals (HMs) accumulation to biofilm and organic matter through sedimentation, precipitation, adsorption, and desorption that may have potential effect on growth and development of coral reefs in the marine ecosystems. However, the knowledge of distribution, impact, mechanism, degradation, and association mechanisms between MPs and HMs in the natural environment may open a new window for conducting analytical research from an ecological viewpoint. The current study thus summarizes the types of marine samples with the analytical techniques, polymers of MPs, and their impact on corals and other marine biota. This study also identifies existing knowledge gaps and recommends fresh lines of inquiry in light of recent developments in MPs and HMs research on the marine ecosystems. Overall, the present study suggests a sustainable intervention for reducing MPs and HMs from the marine ecosystems by demonstrating their existence in water, sediment, fish, corals, and other biota, and their impending ecotoxicological impacts on the environment and human health. The impacts of MPs and HMs on coral reefs are critically assessed in this study in light of the most recent scientific knowledge, existing laws, and new suggestions to minimize their contamination in the marine ecosystems., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

This work investigates the fundamental photocatalytic properties of nitrogen-doped single-walled silicon carbide nanotubes (N-doped SWSiCNTs) for hydrogen evolution for the first time. Investigations of the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of the studied systems were carried out using popular density functional theory implemented in quantum ESPRESSO and Yambo codes. Analysis of the structural properties revealed high mechanical stability with the 3.6% and 7.4% N-doped SWSiCNT. The calculated band gap of the N-doped SWSiCNT with 3.6% demonstrated a value of 2.56 eV which is within the photocatalytic range of 2.3 eV-2.8 eV. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potentials of the 3.6% N-doped SWSiCNT also showed good agreement with previous theoretical data. The studied material showed the best photocatalytic performance in both parallel and perpendicular directions by absorbing photons in the visible region. Therefore, the observed structural, mechanical, electronic and optical behaviors demonstrated by the 3.6% N-doped SWSiCNT exposed it as a better photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible light., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by National Institute for Materials Science in partnership with Taylor & Francis Group.)

Meretrix lyrata which is under the family of Veneridae and under the order of Venerida, is a nutritionally and economically important edible mussel in Bangladesh. However, studies on species identification and nutritional value in M. lyrata are scarce. Therefore, a detailed investigation was conducted on (i) species identification of the common edible mussel through DNA-barcoding and morphometrics, (ii) reproductive features, such as size at sexual maturity, spawning, and peak-spawning seasons under different environmental factors, and (iii) nutritional status through proximate analysis of M. lyrata mussel collected from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. The results indicated that the size at sexual maturity for M. lyrata was 4.2 cm and the spawning seasons were significantly affected by the dissolve oxygen and salinity. The study also demonstrated that the spawning of M. lyrata occurred from January to June and December while peak spawning season was May in the Bay of Bengal. The higher protein and moisture contents with lower fat in M. lyrata indicated that are value-added seafood with higher nutritional values for consumers., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study was carried out on a negligible anthropogenically impacted Indo-Bangla transboundary river basin (Atrai, Bangladesh) to elicit radionuclides' and elemental distributions. Thirty sediment samples were collected from the Bangladesh portion of the river, and instrumental neutron activation analysis and HPGe γ-Spectrometry techniques were used to determine environmental radionuclides (e.g., 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K) and associated elemental concentrations, respectively. Metal concentrations (Sc, V, Fe, Eu, Sm, La, Yb, Ce, Lu, Ta, Hf) were determined to comprehend the genesis of greater radioactivity. Recognizing the mean concentration of absorbed gamma dose rate (158.7 hGyh -1 ) is 2.88-times more than the recommended value (55 hGyh -1 ) that describes ionizing radiation concerns regarding potential health risks to the surrounding communities and the houses of native residents, which are constructed by Atrai river sediment. This work will assist relevant policymakers in exploring valuable heavy minerals and provide information regarding radiological health risks from a fluvial system., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Heavy metals in soil are harmful to natural biodiversity and human health, and it is difficult to estimate the effects accurately. To reduce pollution and manage risk in coal-mining regions, it is essential to evaluate risks for heavy metals in soil. The present study reviews the levels of 21 metals (Nb, Zr, Ag, Ni, Na, K, Mg, Rb, Zn, Ca, Sr, As, Cr, Fe, Pb, Cd, Co, Hg, Cu, Mn and Ti) in soils around Barapukuria coal-mining vicinity, Bangladesh which were reported in literature. An integrated approach for risk assessments with the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, source-oriented ecological and health hazards were applied for the study. The contents of Rb, Ca, Zn, Pb, As, Ti, Mn, Co, Ag, Zr, and Nb were 1.63, 1.10, 1.97, 14.12, 1.20, 3.13, 1.22, 3.05, 3.85, 5.48, and 7.21 times greater than shale value. About 37%, 67%, 12%, and 85% of sampling sites posed higher risks according to the modified contamination factor, Nemerow pollution index, Nemerow integrated risk index, and mean effect range median quotient, respectively. Five probable metal sources were computed, including industrial activities to coal mining (17%), agricultural activities (33%), atmospheric deposition (19%), traffic emission (16%), and natural sources (15%). Modified Nemerow integrated risk index reported that agricultural activities, industrial coal mining activities, and atmospheric deposition showed moderate risk. Health hazards revealed that cancer risk values computed by the PMF-HHR model with identified sources were higher than the standard value (1.0E-04) for children, adult male, and female. Agricultural activities showed higher cancer risks to adult male (39%) and children (32%) whereas traffic emission contributed to female (25%). These findings highlight the ecological and health issues connected to potential sources of metal contamination and provide useful information to policymakers on how to reduce such risks., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The present study quantified Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, As, Zn, and Fe levels in road dust collected from a variety of sites in Tangail, Bangladesh. The goal of this study was to use a matrix factorization model to identify the specific origin of these components and to evaluate the ecological and health hazards associated with each potential origin. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, As, Zn, Cd, and Fe. The average concentrations of these elements were found to be 30.77 ± 8.80, 25.17 ± 6.78, 39.49 ± 12.53, 28.74 ± 7.84, 1.90 ± 0.79, 158.30 ± 28.25, 2.42 ± 0.69, and 18,185.53 ± 4215.61 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to the top continental crust, the mean values of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd were 1.09, 1.69, 2.36, and 26.88 times higher, respectively. According to the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), pollution load index (PLI), Nemerow integrated risk index (NIRI), and potential ecological risk (PER), 84%, 42%, 30%, and 16% of sampling areas, respectively, which possessed severe contamination. PMF model revealed that Cu (43%), Fe (69.3%), and Cd (69.2%) were mainly released from mixed sources, natural sources, and traffic emission, respectively. Traffic emission posed high and moderate risks for modified NIRI and potential ecological risks. The calculated PMF model-based health hazards indicated that the cancer risk value for traffic emission, natural, and mixed sources had been greater than (1.0E-04), indicating probable cancer risks and that traffic emission posed 38% risk to adult males where 37% for both adult females and children., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

This study utilized surface sediments from a potentially less polluted transboundary Himalayan River (Brahmaputra: China-India-Bangladesh) to investigate the abundance of 15 geochemically and ecologically significant elements and to predict their sources and ecological consequences. INAA was applied to determine the elemental concentrations. The average abundances (μg.g -1 ) of Rb (94.20), Cs (4.49), Th (20.31), & U (2.73) were 1.12-2.26 folds elevated than shale. Environmental indices disclosed a pollution status ranging from "uncontaminated to moderately contaminated," with minimal Rb, U, and Th enrichment in the downstream zone. Consensus-based sediment quality guideline (SQG) threshold values suggested that only Cr (60% samples > TEL) may impose rare biological effects. Ecological risk indices suggested "minor to no" possible eco-toxicological risks for the accounted elements (Cr, Co, Mn, Zn, Sb, & As). The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model predicated the predominance of geogenic or crustal contributions (∼72.69%) for Al, K, Na, Ti, Co, Zn, Ba, Cs, As, Rb, Th, & U derived from elemental fractionations, mineral weathering, and bio-geo-chemical mobilization. The relative contributions of anthropogenic sources (∼27.31%; such as the construction of roads, settlement expansion, litter disposal, municipal waste discharge, mining activities, agricultural encroachment, etc.) on elemental distribution were significantly lower. The abundance of Cr and Mn was mainly influenced by anthropogenic sources. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing geo-environmental guidelines and receptor models in discriminating the natural & anthropogenic origins of metals in the complex riverine sediments of a less anthropogenically affected river., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Operational small-scale coal mining (OSCM) is one of the most significant sources of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) pollution in Bangladesh. Attempts to minimize or lessen the use of Cr and Pb in OSCM have shown unsatisfactory results, mainly because they need to address the sociotechnical complexity of pollution concerns in OSCM. This research adopts a multidisciplinary, sociotechnical approach to addressing Cr and Pb problems, coupling soil sampling for Cr and Pb with questionnaires of miners' and inhabitants' perceptions of pollution and its distribution. The study was undertaken in the Barapukuria coal basin in northwest Bangladesh. Except for mining areas (average of 49.80 ± 27.25 mg/kg), Cr levels in soils exceeded the world average in the periphery (73.34 ± 24.39 mg/kg, ~ 1.2 times) and residential areas (88.85 ± 35.87 mg/kg, 1.5 times the world standard of 59.5 mg/kg). Pb levels in soils exceeded national and global averages in mining (53.56 ± 37.62 mg/kg, ~ 1.9 times), periphery (35.05 ± 21.77 mg/kg, ~ 1.3 times), and residential areas (32.14 ± 26.59 mg/kg, ~ 1.2 times) when compared to Bangladesh and global standards of 20 and 27 mg/kg. Pb levels were highest in mining areas, while Cr concentrations were highest in residential areas. The questionnaire findings indicated that miners and inhabitants did not correctly assume that the highest levels of Cr and Pb pollution would be found in these areas. Among all respondents, 54% are unaware of the health impacts of prolonged Cr and Pb exposure. They face respiratory problems (38.6%), skin diseases (32.7%), and other health issues. A large number of people (66.6%) agreed with the fact that Cr and Pb contamination has an impact on drinking water. Cr and Pb pollution has caused 40% crop loss and a 36% decrease in productivity in the agricultural sector. However, respondents underestimated the level of Cr pollution in mining areas, and most assumed that only individuals working directly with mines were impacted by the Cr and Pb content. Participants also rated the reduction of Cr and Pb contamination as of low importance. There is less awareness of Cr and Pb pollution among miners and inhabitants. Sincere efforts to reduce Cr and Pb pollution will likely be met with extra attention and hostility., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Plastic pollution is a widespread issue that poses a threat to agroecosystems. Recent data on microplastic (MP) pollution from compost and its application to soil have highlighted the potential impact of micropollutants that may be transferred from compost. Thus, we aim with this review to elucidate the distribution-occurrence, characterization, fate/transport, and potential risk of MPs from organic compost to gain comprehensive knowledge and mitigate the adverse impacts of compost application. The concentration of MPs in compost was up to thousands of items/kg. Among micropollutants, fibers, fragments, and films are the most common, with small MPs having a higher potential to absorb other pollutants and cause harm to organisms. Various synthetic polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PES), and acrylic polymers (AP), have been widely used of plastic items. MPs are emerging pollutants that can have diverse effects on soil ecosystems, as they can transfer potential pollutants from MPs to compost and then to the soil. Following the microbial degradation scheme, the transfer chain from plastics to compost to soil can be broken down into main stages, i.e., colonization - (bio)fragmentation - assimilation - and mineralization. Microorganisms and adding biochar play an essential role during composting, which can be an effective solution to enhance MP degradation. Findings have shown that stimulating free radical generation could promote the biodegradation efficacy of MPs and possibly remove their occurrence in compost, thereby reducing their contribution to ecosystem pollution. Furthermore, future recommendations were discussed to reduce ecosystem risks and health challenges., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The identification and description of novel plastic forms, such as pyroplastics and plastiglomerates, in coastal areas raised several concerns in the field of plastic pollution. Under the growing literature in the field, the present study preliminarily reports the occurrence of novel plastic forms on Cox's Bazar beach, Bangladesh. The description of the novel plastic forms agrees with the literature, mostly consisting of lithic and biogenic elements within a synthetic polymer matrix (HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PET identified). Several knowledge gaps regarding the interaction between the novel plastic forms and colonizing organisms, as well as the leaching rates of plastic additives, remain to be addressed as crucial points to understand their implications. Illegal waste dumping and burning were identified as the primary catalysts for the emergence of new plastic forms in Cox's Bazar. Overall, researchers must reach a baseline consensus regarding the methodologies and next steps in the field., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Invisible microplastics (MP) have become a significant problem worldwide in recent years. Although many studies have highlighted the sources, effects, and fate of MPs pollution on various ecosystems in developed countries, there is limited information on MPs in the marine ecosystem along the northeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Coastal ecosystems along the BoB coasts are critical to a biodiverse ecology that supports human survival and resource extraction. However, the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, transport mechanisms, fates, and intervention measures to control MP pollution initiatives along the BoB coasts have received little attention. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, sources, fates, and intervention measures of MP in the northeastern BoB to understand how MP spreads in the nearshore marine ecosystem. This study critically evaluates the hotspots and ecotoxic effects of pollution from MP on the coastal multi-environment, e.g., soil, sediment, salt, water, and fish, as well as current intervention measures and additional mitigation recommendations. This study identified the northeastern part of the BoB as a hotspot for MP. In addition, the transport mechanisms and fate of MP in different environmental compartments are highlighted, as are research gaps and potential future research areas. Research on the ecotoxic effects of MP on BoB marine ecosystems must be a top priority, given the increasing use of plastics and the presence of significant marine products worldwide. The knowledge gained from this study would inform decision-makers and stakeholders in a way that could reduce the impact of the legacy of micro- and nanoplastics in the area. This study also proposes structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the effects of MPs and promote sustainable management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Intense human activities, particularly industrial and agricultural output, has enriched metal(loid)s in riverine sediment and endangered aquatic ecosystems and human health. Promoting proper river management requires an assessment of the possible ecological hazards and pollution posed by metal(loid)s in sediments. However, there are limited large-scale risk assessments of metal(loid)s contamination in riverine sediment in heavily populated nations like Bangladesh. This study compiled data on sediment metal(loid)s, for example, Cd, As, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Mn, and Zn, from 24 major rivers located across Bangladesh between 2011 and 2022 and applied positive matrix factorization (PMF) to identify the critical metal(loid)s sources and PMF model-based ecological risks. Based on studied metal(loid)s, 12-78% of rivers posed higher contents than the upper continental crust and 8% of the river sediments for Cr and Ni, whereas 4% for Cd and As exceeded probable effect concentration. Cr and Ni in the sum of toxic units (STU), whereas Mn, As and Cd in potential ecological risk (PER) posed the highest contribution to contaminate sediments. In the studied rivers, sediment contaminant Mn derived from natural sources; Zn and Ni originated from mixed sources; Cr and Cu were released from the tannery and industrial emissions and Cd originated from agricultural practices. Source-based PER and NIRI indicated that mixed source (4% rivers) and tannery and industrial emission (4% rivers) posed very high risks in sediments. For the creation of macroscale policies and the restoration of contaminated rivers, our national-scale comprehensive study offers helpful references., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)