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BackgroundThe prevalence of toxic chemicals in US commerce has prompted some states to adopt laws to reduce exposure. One with broad reach is California's Proposition 65 (Prop 65), which established a list of chemicals that cause cancer, developmental harm, or reproductive toxicity. The law is intended to discourage businesses from using these chemicals and to minimize consumer exposure. However, a key question remains unanswered: Has Prop 65 reduced population-level exposure to the listed chemicals?ObjectiveWe used national biomonitoring data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the impact of Prop 65 on population-level exposures.MethodsWe evaluated changes in blood and urine concentrations of 37 chemicals (including phthalates, phenols, VOCs, metals, PAHs, and PFAS), among US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants in relation to the time of chemicals' Prop 65 listing. Of these, 11 were listed prior to, 11 during, and 4 after the biomonitoring period. The remaining 11 were not listed but were closely related to a Prop 65-listed chemical. Where biomonitoring data were available from before and after the date of Prop 65 listing, we estimated the change in concentrations over time for Californians compared with non-Californians, using a difference-in-differences model. We used quantile regression to estimate changes in exposure over time, as well as differences between Californians and non-Californians at the 25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles.ResultsWe found that concentrations of biomonitored chemicals generally declined nationwide over time irrespective of their inclusion on the Prop 65 list. Median bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations decreased 15% after BPA's listing on Prop 65, whereas concentrations of the nonlisted but closely related bisphenol S (BPS) increased 20% over this same period, suggesting chemical substitution. Californians generally had lower levels of biomonitored chemicals than the rest of the US population.DiscussionOur findings suggest that increased scientific and regulatory attention, as well as public awareness of the harms of Prop 65-listed chemicals, prompted changes in product formulations that reduced exposure to those chemicals nationwide. Trends in bisphenols and several phthalates suggest that manufacturers replaced some listed chemicals with closely related but unlisted chemicals, increasing exposure to the substitutes. Our findings have implications for the design of policies to reduce toxic exposures, biomonitoring programs to inform policy interventions, and future research into the regulatory and market forces that affect chemical exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13956.

We designed a trigonal symmetric imine-linked covalent organic framework (COF), TFPC-DAB, with control over the angularity of the building units, where a bent C2-symmetric diamine, such as 1,3-diaminobenzene (1,3-DAB or DAB), with an exo-angle of 120° was used instead of those with an exo-angle of 180°, in combination with a C3-symmetric trialdehyde, such as tri(4-formylphenoxy)cyanurate (TFPC). Its synthesis was accomplished by reacting the building units in a mixture of mesitylene/dioxane/6 M acetic acid under solvothermal conditions. The phase purity, thermal stability, and porosity of TFPC-DAB were established by various analytical techniques. Utilizing the Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB+) simulation and Pawley refinement, the best fit of the small angle x-ray pattern was found to have an AA stacking of TFPC-DAB in the trigonal space group P3 with low refinement parameters. Such smart materials are in huge demand to detect hazardous corrosive chemicals, such as HCl and NH3. The dual features of electron deficient π-acidic triazine moiety and heteroatoms (N/O) from TFPC and electron rich phenyl units from DAB embodied in the framework enhance its luminescent property and thereby make it suitable for solvent-based HCl and NH3 sensing. The detection limits for HCl and NH3 in methanol were found to be 14 and 82 ppb, respectively. The effect of solvent polarity on the sensing studies was observed with much lower detection limits in dioxane: 2.5 and 11 ppb for HCl and NH3, respectively. A detailed theoretical calculation using density functional theory and configurational bias Monte Carlo modules was conducted for understanding interactions between the COF and HCl or NH3 analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geopolymerization process is a cost-effective, innovative, and promising green technique for the synthesis of geopolymer materials from industrial residues and natural materials. These materials found many applications in the environmental field like water treatment. In the last years, geopolymer materials are elaborated and applied for the remediation of inorganic and organic pollutants from wastewaters, as they are also modified by agents to improve their specific surface area and type of surface function to increase the adsorption performances. This mini-review reports the elaboration of the porous geopolymers by several feedstocks rich in aluminosilicate materials, solution activators, and foaming agents and their effectiveness in the remediation of contaminated aqueous mediums. Adsorption nature and mechanism of hazardous compounds onto porous geopolymers are summarised and discussed. The capacity and reuse of porous geopolymer materials to eliminate hazardous contaminants from aqueous environments and wastewater were considered comparable to that of other materials. Future investigations could focus on monitoring the porosity and surface type of porous geopolymer in order to improve its application to other pollutants, such as pharmaceutical pollutants, active radials, salts, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as monitoring their effectiveness in other treatment processes, such as immobilisation, encapsulation, and photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, in the global market of logistics services for the transportation of dangerous goods, there is a problem of balancing the commercial and safety conditions of these transportations. The system of international regulation of the transportation of dangerous goods is quite complex and its regulatory legal support includes conventions and agreements. The current scheme of actions of the main conventions and agreements regulating the transportation of dangerous goods by various modes of transport was created by an international organization and must be implemented in national legislation. The system of international regulation of the transportation of dangerous goods is quite complex and its regulatory legal support includes many conventions and agreements. Scheme of actions of the main conventions and agreements regulating the transportation of dangerous goods by various types of transport, and international organizations that ensure their development and promote their implementation into regional norms and national transport legislation, outlined in this article. In the international plan, the main source of the regulatory framework in the field of transportation of dangerous goods by all types of transport are the UN Recommendations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Model Rules). The development of recommendations for the transportation of dangerous goods (Model Rules) is carried out by the Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods in the globally agreed system of classification and labeling of chemical substances of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. On their basis, international organizations and national authorities of various countries are developing normative documents regulating the transportation of dangerous goods by various modes of transport, i.e., reflects the international legal basis, which should be implemented in national legislation. Today, the 18th edition of the Standard Rules for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods is in effect. Work on improving standards continues primarily because, according to UN data, the share of dangerous goods in world freight traffic is constantly growing and now reaches almost half of its total volume. The transportation of dangerous goods is associated with a significant potential for the occurrence of extraordinary events. There is an urgent need for measures to reduce this potential to the level of residual risks acceptable to society and the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient iron (II) catalyzed approach to the synthesis of symmetrical pyridines has been demonstrated using ketoxime acetates and triethyl orthoformate in DMF at 120 °C under nitrogen environment. In this strategy, significantly, triethyl orthoformate functions as C1 carbon source and which is noteworthy. Other benefits of this process include good yields, high functional group tolerance, low cost of catalyst and avoiding of use of hazardous chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, a great production of food waste is generated. These wastes have a negative effect on economic and environmental aspects even though they include a considerable quantity of phenolic compounds. Thus, in recent years, there has been much research about the recovery of phenolic compounds from food waste. Emerging technologies such as ultrasound, microwave, high hydrostatic pressure, supercritical fluid, pressurized liquid, and pulsed electric field have been accepted as alternative extraction techniques to conventional extraction techniques because of increasing extraction yield and reducing hazardous chemicals, time, and energy. This comprehensive review aims to analyze the ongoing research on applying emerging techniques in the valorization of food waste based on recent research. Also, this gives general extraction mechanisms of these techniques and compares them with each other. The findings discussed through this comprehensive review may be a valuable tool for industry to integrate economical and efficient extraction methods, converting food waste to a high-added value functional product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is increasingly recognized for its crucial role in addressing challenges in agriculture and environmental management, with nano-scaled materials central to this advancement. Conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods for nanomaterials often involve hazardous chemicals, posing safety and environmental risks, and are frequently cost-ineffective. This review investigates the innovative biosynthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles, emphasizing their production through eco-friendly approaches involving biomolecules, plant-derived phytoconstituents, polyphenols, bacteria, algae, and fungi. We highlight how biosynthesized MgO nanoparticles exhibit exceptional properties, including unique morphology, high surface area, controlled particle size, and effective stabilization. The review also explores recent advances in their application as nanocatalysts, particularly for environmental remediation tasks such as photocatalytic degradation of dyes and removal of heavy metal ions and pesticides from contaminated environments. By underscoring the significance of green synthesis techniques, this study illustrates their potential in advancing sustainable nanotechnology solutions. It provides a promising foundation for future research in addressing pressing environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth in plastic production and usage has escalated global concerns about plastic pollution, particularly regarding harmful chemical additives. Understanding the anthropogenic cycles of these additives is the prerequisite to developing effective strategies for plastic pollution control and a toxics-free circular economy. Here we analyze 269 anthropogenic cycles of plastic additives by reviewing 42 extant academic articles to identify research gaps and needs. Based on their characteristics and the available knowledge, we classify these plastic additives into five research priority levels, with 3,116 designated as "urgent level", further subgrouped into 17, 14, and 20 additive categories considering their functions, polymer types, and application sectors, respectively, to inform future investigations. Four key research gaps are highlighted: limited research coverage for hazardous chemical additives, lack of specificity to plastic products, incomplete consideration of life cycle stages and relevant flows, and insufficient attention to policy implications. To close these gaps, we recommend expanding the scope of plastic additives with a specific focus on urgent-level cases, exploring all chemical flows tailored to various plastic types, enhancing the quality and accessibility of relevant data, and fostering a mechanism for strong science-policy-society interactions on the management of plastic additives. This review offers a roadmap for advancing research on material flow analysis of plastic additives and sustainable plastic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide, a heterocyclic hydrazide compound, with negligible production of the by-product (pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid) in a solvent-free reaction condition was developed using the acyltransferase activity of amidase of Bacillus smithii strain IITR6b2. This study involves a greener approach with no hazardous chemicals and one-step biotransformation of pyrazinamide to its acid hydrazide (through hydrazinolysis). The Central Composite Design of the Response Surface Methodology was used to find the factors affecting the synthesis of the pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide and pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid to find its true optimum. The four factors, namely pyrazinamide, hydrazine dihydrochloride, temperature, and cell concentrations, were considered during optimization. The optimized reaction conditions from the Central Composite Design for achieving the 32.26 mM of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide involve 40 mM of pyrazinamide, 1000 mM of hydrazine dihydrochloride with 2.5 mg/mL cell concentration at 20 °C. It resulted in an optimum production of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide utilizing the acyltransferase activity of amidase of Bacillus smithii IITR6b2, and the results obtained through the Design of Experiments were validated. The fed-batch biotransformation was carried out with alginate-entrapped whole-cell enzyme with the following parameters: agitation at 200 rpm, a pyrazinamide concentration of 40 mM, and 1000 mM of hydrazine dihydrochloride. The final pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid hydrazide concentration of 126 mM was obtained, corresponding to a 63% molar conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Unumherin community in Nigeria's Niger Delta is home to coastal marine polluted zones, and this research examines the radioactivity distributions and biohazard in the coastal environment. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, 232Th, as well as the outdoor dose rate of contaminated coastlines were measured using a calibrated RS-125 Gamma-Spec and a NaI(Tl) gamma-detector. The laboratory examination of sediments, water, and fish from the same coastal region -- Clarias gariepinus Pseudotropheus elongated Oreochromis niloticus and Stromateus fiatola -- was combined with the in-situ observations of gamma dose rates. With a value of 100nGy=h, the hotspot at site 4 is shown by the geographic distribution of gamma dose rates. The findings showed that the activities of the primordial radionuclides varied, with average values for the sediments and water exceeding suggested limits. Similarly, the corresponding mean hazard indices mostly exceeds the allowable limits. The species specificity of the fish species accounts for the variation in the mean concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th. C. gariepinus, having accumulated higher concentrations of 40K and 238U, may be the first to elicit health hazards in the future if pollution continues unmonitored. Hence, continuous monitoring of the aquatic environment alongside is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of end-of-life photovoltaic components presents a substantial challenge. This study introduces a novel one-step heat treatment process for the efficient recovery of Ag from Si solar cells. Through the utilization of a high-temperature microscope, the behavior of Ag during the heating process was carefully observed, revealing a sequence of melting, aggregation, and ultimately the formation of Ag droplets. Notably, this process significantly minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals and reduces operational costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of a smart sprayer system featuring a microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, and a Wi-Fi module for agriculture. This system enables 360° movement capabilities and facilitates the activation and deactivation of the sprayer pump remotely. The system offers remote control functionality through smartphone integration, effectively mitigating the need for direct physical contact with hazardous chemicals during the spraying operation. The results demonstrate the efficient operation of the smart sprayer system. The average spraying efficacy is estimated to be 95%, surpassing that of conventional spraying methods, as evidenced by prior research studies. The system is accessible for remote operation via a userfriendly interface, facilitated by the integrated internet of things (IoT) and microcontroller. As anticipated, it successfully executed 360° movements, obstacle detection, water level indication, and remote control of the sprayer pump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of solid biopolymer electrolytes (SBEs) was mainly to cater the drawbacks of lithiumion electrolytes in terms of leakage, high cost, and toxic material. In this present work, solid biopolymer electrolytes system comprises of 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (2-HEC) as polymer host, and various weight percentage (wt.%) of Ammonium Formate (AF) as ionic doping salt are produced by using solution casting technique. The relation between structural and ionic conductivity of 2-HEC/AF was analyzed and investigated by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Through the analysis of XRD, it can be observed that the amorphous region of SBEs increases as the concentration of AF salt increases. The amorphous region of SBEs can be confirmed due to the interaction of salt concentration and polymer. However, in this present work, the broadest peak in XRD of the sample does not necessarily correlate with the highest conductivity among the samples. The interaction between polymer-salt complexes is proved through FTIR spectrum at the range of 700 cm-1 to 1300cm-1. The highest ionic conductivity of 2-HEC/AF achieved is 2.40 x 10-3 S/cm at room temperature for SBEs containing 40 wt.% of AF. The findings from this study made it clear that the concentration of Ammonium Formate salt affects the increase in ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological accidents triggered by natural hazards, which are commonly referred to as Natech events, are rare occurrences yet carry the potential for significant damage. Specifically, the release of hazardous chemicals into the aquatic environment and community water systems poses a grave threat to human health and society. Accordingly, we must conduct assessments that consider the potential consequences of these accidents. In this study, we examined the criteria for implementing spill protection measures to mitigate river spills of chemical substances using information on the amount of chemical substances and their toxicity. The countermeasure options readily available to employees at industrial plants and chemical storage sites where a chemical spill might originate included emergency shut-off valves, bunds and related spill containment structures, and other spill prevention measures. In this case study, a combination of countermeasure options was evaluated to examine the effectiveness of spill mitigation in the Yodo River located in the Kyoto Prefecture of Japan. Results of the case study showed that bunds were emerged as the most useful countermeasure option, reducing the probability of accidents occurring and impact of accidents. We also defined a methodology for calculating the chemical storage volumes appropriate for different countermeasures to ensure that the concentration of chemicals that could reach the water intake does not exceed the standard values. We believe that these methodologies can help chemical-handling companies make decisions when countermeasure options for responding to a chemical spill into a river. Chemical-handling companies can estimate the risk to downstream water treatment plants in the chemical spill, which can also help them consider mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of hazardous chemical accidents (HCAs) is characterized by uncertainty and complexity. It is challenging for decision‐makers to expeditiously adapt emergency response plans in response to dynamically changing scenario states. This study proposes a data‐driven methodology for constructing accident scenarios and develops a novel hybrid deep learning model for scenario deduction analysis. This model aids in accurately predicting the evolution of HCAs, enabling emergency responders to prepare and implement targeted interventions proactively. First, a framework for constructing an accident scenario database is presented, based on the time‐sequential characteristics of accident progression. This framework employs a data‐driven approach to describe the evolution process of accident scenarios. Second, a deep learning model (CNN‐LSTM‐Attention) that integrates convolutional neural network (CNN), long short‐term memory (LSTM), and attention mechanism (AM) is developed for accident scenario deduction analysis. Finally, to illustrate practical application, a scenario database for HCAs is established. A major HCA case study is conducted to demonstrate the ability of this model to analyze various scenarios, thereby improving emergency decision‐making efficiency. Compared with algorithms such as CNN, LSTM, and CNN‐LSTM, the prediction accuracy of this method ranges from 86% to 93%, signifying an improvement of over 7%. This work provides a reliable framework for supporting decision‐making in emergency management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robustness of higher‐order network (HON) with dependency is different from first‐order network (FON), as the attack orders and the number of iterations are totally different. To measure the robustness of HON with dependency, this study proposed new attack strategies on node and edge failure through measuring the size of the giant component and global efficiency. And two real‐world systems of hazardous materials transportation accident causation system and Chinese high‐speed railway system with different network size were empirically studied. Results show that HON is more fragile to robustness attacks than FON. The number of attack iterations is uncertain in HON, which depends on the attack strategies and the network structure. Meanwhile, nodes and edges with high dependency have greater impacts on network robustness, providing valuable insights into capturing critical information. This study may be helpful to design the robust system, improve the system's reliability and serve as a valuable reference for future exploration of HONs robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills are the most affordable and popular method for managing waste in many parts of the world, However, in most developing nations, including India, the infiltration of hazardous materials from improperly managed dumping site continues to be a significant environmental problem. Around the world, leachate is a significant point source of contamination in numerous environmental media, including soil, groundwater, and surface water. Soil is an important asset as it is the key factor for food production and has tremendous significance in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The contaminants from soil enter into food chain and ultimately reach humans. So in order to prevent the adverse effects of toxic elements on humans, there is need to maintain the soil quality and to prevent deterioration. Keeping in view the consequences of unscientific management of waste, the goal of the experiment was to determine how landfill leachate from Achan landfill affected the soil quality in the temperate Himalayas. All four seasons of the year, viz Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, at four sites viz, Center of dumping site, inside, Outside and Control were monitored. Among sites center was found to have maximum value of EC (3.04 dS/m), Moisture content (42.51%), N (285.43 mg/kg), P (70.07 mg/kg), K (265.71 mg/kg), Ca (957.67 mg/kg), Mg(402.42 mg/kg), Zn (2.02 mg/kg), Fe (10.56 mg/kg), Cu (2.07 mg/kg), Mn (10.73 mg/kg), Pb (85.02 mg/kg), Cd (4.50 mg/kg), Ni (29.04 mg/kg), Cr (23.37 mg/kg), As (14.10 mg/kg). While as the lowest value of all parameters was reported at control site. From the study it is recommended that the waste generated is mostly organic (65–75%), thus can be segregated and treated at source. The waste can be treated at source using microbial consortium technology in order to transform the waste in to wealth in a sustainable way and to prevent the deterioration of soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a polarization-insensitive magnetic tunable perfect metamaterial absorber is analyzed which shows its functionality as a refractive index (RI) sensor. The unit cell structure of reported absorber consists of a cross-shaped Indium Arsenide (InAs) array over aluminum ground plane and has dimensions less than λ c / 4 with thickness of 7.5 μ m and periodicity of 9 μ m making it an ultra-thin absorber. The proposed absorber provides an average absorption of 99.99% on the implementation of magnetic field (B) at 0.4 T. The resonance frequency and corresponding absorption rates can be controlled by varying the magnetic field from B = 0. 1 –0.4 T which provides high absorption as well as shift in the frequency spectrum by 0.3 THz/T. Additionally, parametric analysis has also been done to confirm the selection of the optimum value of the designed parameters of the structure. Furthermore, simulation results reveal that the proposed structure is very sensitive to the change of RI values in the surroundings thus, the proposed structure can be employed as a RI sensor high sensitivity of 1.083 THz/RIU over the range of 1–1.6 RI. In addition, the result shows that the sensor can detect different chemical compounds such as ethanol, gasoline, paraffin, sodium chloride, carbon disulfide with an average sensitivity of 0.925 THz/RIU. Thus, the proposed absorber with obtained sensitivity can be utilized as a biochemical sensor, making it one of the best contenders for chemical industry uses in diagnosis of different hazardous chemicals as well as finding its applicability in biomedical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Refugees are exposed to various risk factors in shared accommodations in Germany where they are housed after their arrival. Due to their often traumatic experiences before, during, and after their flight and socio-structural post-migration stressors, refugees are potentially vulnerable to hazardous substance use. They form a structurally disadvantaged group for substance use prevention and intervention. Various barriers make it difficult for them to access the healthcare system and to get health information. Therefore, a participatory multi-component prevention concept for refugees in shared accommodations was developed. The aim of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of this concept regarding the increase in knowledge about substance use among refugees living in shared accommodations. Methods: Based on a randomized controlled stepped-wedge design, the study will be conducted in a multicenter setting in nine shared accommodations and will aim to include refugees living in shared accommodations as well as social workers and psychologists working there. Discussion: This trial will be one of the first to generate evidence about effective participatory prevention concepts for refugees in shared accommodations. Evidence-based concepts for refugees can improve access to health care and might be helpful for the multidisciplinary workforce in shared accommodations. Trial registration: OSF Registry: osf.io/ebnj3. Registered on May 24, 2024. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EBNJ3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive review of the various synthetic pathways developed over the last four decades for the synthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), a compound known for its significant contribution to flavor of rice. These approaches can be categorized into four main types based on retrosynthetic analysis: oxidation of suitable precursors, Grignard reactions involving 1-pyrroline carboxylates, cyclization of 6-amino 2,3-hexanedione, and hydrolysis of the enol ether of 2-AP. While these methods have aimed to provide alternative routes to produce 2-AP, some of them exhibit clear limitations, including complex and time-consuming synthetic steps, the use of expensive or hazardous chemicals. Additionally, the well-known instability of 2-AP presents significant obstacles to the development of its synthesis. Therefore, there is a pressing requirement for the creation of a simple, effective, and feasible method for preparing 2-AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic animals are viewed as a good source of healthy lipids. Although drying is an effective method for the preservation of aquatic animal products (AAPs), the whole process is accompanied by lipid oxidation. This article reviews the main mechanism of lipid oxidation in the drying process. It also summarizes the effects of lipid oxidation on the quality of dried aquatic animal products (DAAPs), including nutrients, color, flavor, and hazard components, especially for those harmful aldehydes and heterocyclic amines. In addition, it concluded that moderate lipid oxidation contributes to improving the quality of products. Still, excessive lipid oxidation produces hazardous substances and induces health risks. Hence, to obtain high-quality DAAPs, some effective control technologies to promote/prevent lipid oxidation are introduced and deeply discussed, including salting, high-pressure processing, irradiation, non-thermal plasma technology, defatting treatments, antioxidants, and edible coating. A systematic review of the effect of lipid oxidation on quality attributes and control technologies in DAAPs is presented, and some perspectives are made for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tardigrades are the most resilient biospecies on Earth, capable of surviving extreme conditions including high temperatures, pressures, air deprivation, and exposure to noxious chemicals and radiation. The study here undertakes biomimicry of the remarkable adaptability of tardigrades by designing biomorph soft actuators (BSAs) that can endure these harsh environments. Unlike previous tardigrade‐inspired materials, which lacked a naturalistic interaction with their surroundings, the BSAs replicate the anatomical macrostructures and the non‐monotonic environmental resilience of tardigrades, especially their ability to adapt via dehydration and rehydration. Dual‐layer hydrogel spheres are employed with embedded fluid bubbles, creating cohesive yet non‐monolithic smart BSA structures. These structures exhibit high resilience to compressive, thermal, and radiation stimuli, achieved through thermoresponsive shape morphing driven by fluid balance. Their advanced capabilities are also demonstrated, such as driving a McKibben‐type artificial muscle and rapidly regenerating themselves from a state exposed to hazardous chemicals. Such versatile actuating biomorphs hold great promise for various autonomous applications, including soft robotic operations in aqueous effluents, deserts, polar regions, and outer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMethyl orange is one of the most commonly used acidic/anionic dyes, and its removal from wastewater is imperative to ensure environmental sustainability. This study developed a novel cationic CQDs/AM/DMC hydrogel using acrylamide (AM) and methylacryloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) as main materials, incorporating carbon quantum dots (CQDs). The hydrogel was comprehensively characterized for morphological features, chemical composition and fluorescence characteristics using FTIR, TEM, SEM, PL and XRD analyses. Moreover, as an adsorbent, the hydrogel effectively removed methyl orange (MO) dye from aqueous solutions. Notably, the CQDs/AM/DMC hydrogel exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 298.93 mg/g within 30 min, surpassing that of AM/DMC hydrogel (268.29 mg/g within 50 min) in 50 mg/L MO solution. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models had the best agreement with the experimental data, highlighting monolayer and chemical adsorption as the predominant mechanism governing dye uptake. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of an efficient adsorbent for the removal of hazardous materials from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent and toxic chemicals remain a significant pollution concern, underscored by the European Union's Zero Pollution Action Plan. Daily exposure to complex chemical mixtures starts early and continues throughout life, for instance for consumer products such as toys, plasticware, furniture, and synthetic fibres. EU-funded research projects like COPHES/DEMOCOPHES, HBM4EU, and PARC have documented population exposure to these substances. The outcomes of such research initiatives have contributed to highlighting the adverse health impacts of Substances of Concern (SoCs), leading to several regulatory actions within the EU. SoCs include hazardous chemicals such as carcinogens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, and "persistent, bioaccumulative, and mobile" (PBM) chemicals. The digital transformation in chemicals management has resulted in policies that mandate electronic submissions of chemical risk assessment-relevant data, and the creation of industry-specific databases like the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database, established by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the revised Waste Framework Directive (WstFD). These databases describe SoCs and their link with products, offering a comprehensive view of chemical quantities, emission sources, exposure pathways, and other relevant data, contingent on robust data governance. Effective chemical risk assessment requires characterizing hazards, exposure sources and levels, and drawing conclusions concluding on potential risks, supported by a well-defined problem formulation and monitoring. This includes setting objectives and defining the scope of the risk assessment and decision-making, particularly regarding early warning signal detection for the purpose of public health protection. Successful risk assessment hinges on access to robust, traceable, accessible, and interoperable data across scientific disciplines and regulatory frameworks. This paper discusses the challenges of aggregating human health risk assessment-relevant chemical information from multiple sources, especially from the perspective of data fusion and reuse. It presents findings from a research project focused on utilizing chemicals datasets from various governmental and scientific sources. The study highlights the need for improved data presentation and availability to enhance usability for all stakeholders. Recommendations are made for the EU Commission, ECHA, industry, and academia to support harmonized data practices, increased transparency, and the development of sustainable chemical applications fostering safer market introductions. These recommendations can also be useful to other data providers that care about the reusability of the data they publish or manage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst represents approximately 15% of the planet's surface, hundreds of millions of people live on and rely on these aquifers for water supply and agricultural irrigation. In karstic landscapes, groundwater is exposed in sinkholes, inundated caves, and artesian wells, which are two-way communication spots. When the phreatic level is exposed, the groundwater can change substantially as a result of anthropogenic impacts, modifying the water quality and the environmental integrity by incoming excess nutrients, contaminants, pathogens, and other hazardous substances such as metals and microplastics. In this paper, we develop and test a multimetric index to evaluate the condition status of dolines located within urban areas, including seven indicators: trophic index, fecal bacteria, fecal viruses, microplastics, heavy metals, zooplankton biodiversity, and fish biodiversity. Lastly, we made a proof of concept for the index in the dolines on the island of Cozumel (Mexico), resulting in evaluations from fair to good. The index is powerful due to its sensitivity to pathogens and exotic invasive species. This additive weighted index allows to assess the condition status of dolines in urban areas anywhere in the world; if required, modifications are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cosmetic products is expanding globally, and with it, so is the range of chemical substances employed in their production. As a result, there is also a higher risk of intoxication, allergic reactions, prolonged chemical exposure, adverse effects, and indiscriminate use. Cosmetic products can contain more than 10,000 ingredients. Most users of synthetic cosmetics are unaware of the harmful effects if they even are. However, it is linked to many diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, reproductive impairments, developmental systems, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, old age, skin diseases and reactions, allergies, and harm to human nails. Many beauty products also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive and intensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. The adverse effects of hazardous substances in synthetic cosmetics extend beyond human health and influence ecosystems, air quality, and oceans. Thus, this review aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of cosmetics using published scientific articles. The study used a systematic review based on Scopus, Science Direct, Web databases, Scholar Google, and PubMed. The results of this review showed that the formulation of cosmetics until the disposal of their containers could adversely affect environmental and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinoids (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E) are essential for key biological functions in vertebrates, including cell growth, cell death and differentiation, embryonic development, reproduction and vision. In fish, however, much less is known about the retinoid functions, although retinoic acid has been shown to be involved in embryonic development. In this study, we quantified the levels of different retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E in various tissues of both adult and embryos of the viviparous fish eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). Our results demonstrate clear seasonal differences in the levels of these vitamins in the liver of the female fish as well as in its ovarian tissues, eggs and/or embryos. Overall, this study is a baseline assessment and describes the annual variations in the vitamin status by comparing the tissue distribution of retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E. This baseline study investigates the natural background levels of these compounds and relates their seasonal fluctuations to the reproductive cycle in the viviparous eelpout. The results of this study strengthen the current evidence base necessary to understand retinoid pathways during fish development. This understanding is crucial for utilizing retinoid composition in fish as a biological response to exposure to environmental pollution with hazardous substances in the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical substances, a pill for every ill, have become a sweet poison by remarkably boosting the global economy as well as human and animal wellness and at the same time causing environmental pollution, especially in the aquatic ecosystem, and this has led to a fatal diminution in the availability of clean water and upsurge in water insecurity. Notably, traditional techniques and materials have been employed to clean up pharmaceutical pollutants (PP) from aquatic bodies; however, they have come under controversy because they require hazardous chemicals and cannot fully mineralize stubborn PPs. Interestingly, the photocatalytic degradation approach employing eco‐benign biosynthesized nanoparticles (BNP) is an avant‐garde practice and has shown to be an eco‐sustainable method that can fully mineralize PPs into harmless molecules. Thus, this study critically explores the application of BNPs for the photocatalytic degradation of PPs. The review revealed that the greatest degradation efficacy of BNPs was greater than 80% in most cases, and that the least amount of time required was around 10 min. In addition, the oxygen‐containing functional groups found in the biological sources used for the fabrication of BNPs contributed to the supremacy of •OH and O2• radicals in the degradation operation. Also, the photocatalytic degradation kinetic data was well modeled by pseudo‐first order, and this indicates that •OH was more involved in the PPs degradation operation than O2•. Moreso, BNPs have excellent reusability potential (>5 rounds) while maintaining inherent structural integrity. Techno‐economic analysis revealed that BNPs are cost‐effective, costing about $1.5/1,000,000 mL of pharmaceutical wastewater on average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Food and Alcohol Disturbance (FAD) is the phenomenon in which individuals exhibit co-occurring hazardous alcohol and eating behaviors to either negate caloric intake associated with alcohol and/or maximize intoxication. While the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Scale (CEBRACS) is the most widely used measure to assess FAD to date, its factor-structure has yet to be confirmed. Methods: The current study utilized confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the CEBRACS' four factor subscales as well as recently proposed alternative scoring structures. Participants: Participants (N = 582) were American college students from seven universities (18–24 years; 67% cisgender women; 70% non-Hispanic White). Results: The CFA failed to provide optimal fit for all models tested. Results of invariance testing found no measurement variance by sex, suggesting the failure of the four-factor solution was not due to noninvariance. Conclusions: Overall, findings do not support continued use of the original 21-item CEBRACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene is a natural carotenoid with well-known benefits due to its antioxidant properties, including an anti-inflammatory effect in colorectal cancer and anti-angiogenic effects along with a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer and coronary heart disease. Due to their poor water solubility, photosensitivity and heat sensitivity, their incorporation in cosmetic and food matrices should be through encapsulation systems. In the present work, lycopene-loaded emulsions were prepared using two different types of stabilizers: non-ionic surfactants, testing several ratios of Tween 80 and Span 80, and chitosan, using chitosans of different viscosities and molecular weights. Soybean oil was found to be a suitable candidate for O/W emulsion preparation. Lycopene encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 70–75% and loading capacities of 0.14 mg/g were registered in stable emulsions stabilized either by non-ionic surfactants or acidified chitosans. Therefore, chitosan is a good alternative as a sustainable stabilizer to partially replace traditional synthetic ingredients with a new biodegradable, renewable and biocompatible material which could contribute to reduce the environmental impact as well as the ingestion of synthetic toxic materials by humans, decreasing their risk of suffering from chronic and complex pathologies, among which several types of cancer stand out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of e-commerce has significantly increased demands on logistics providers, particularly in the areas of product handling and shipment. One of the most challenging and critical aspects of this process is the handling of dangerous goods (DG). This is a complex and time-intensive operation that requires safety measures and proper packaging and labelling, because mishandling DG can lead to severe injuries, property loss, and legal liability. This puts additional pressure on logistics providers to efficiently manage DG while maintaining speed and safety in the context of e-commerce. To meet this challenge, there is an urgent need to advance training programs and enhance the operational efficiency for DG handling. The use of mixed reality (MR) technology offers a promising solution. By seamlessly integrating virtual elements with real-world environments, MR has the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the training of DG handling. Earlier research has examined MR in various fields, while there is still a research gap in applying MR specifically to the training of DG handling. This paper seeks to address the current research gap by presenting a novel MR model, named "MRSafe," for a training program on the safe handling of DG. The model offers users virtual experiences and comprehensive guidance to provide operational decision support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology comprises the use of natural sources such as plant extracts as both reducing and stabilizing agents thereby reducing the reliance on hazardous chemicals. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology involve the incorporation of various metals to create mono and bimetallic nanoparticles, catalyzing transformative shifts. However, concerns arise due to the environmental impact of traditional synthesis methods. An alternative approach focuses on biosynthesized metal nanoparticles using clay, specifically Bentonite, MMT (Montmorillonite) and Kaolinite as supportive materials, emphasizing the prevention of agglomeration with clay and the use of plant extracts. The integration of clay, especially Bentonite, MMT and Kaolinite enhances the stability and functionality. The review emphasizes mitigating environmental impact by reducing metal ions and explores the use of phytochemicals fro environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis. Incorporating clay minerals not only improves synthesis efficiency but also minimizes the ecological footprint. Future research is expected to focus on integrative approaches in plant nanotechnology, particularly in agriculture and broader plant science. The comprehensive review covers literature from 2015 to 2023, providing systematic and interpretative data, highlighting progress and potential in eco-friendly metal nanoparticles synthesis supported on clay minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have witnessed an exponential increase in the research on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based colorimetric sensors to revolutionize point-of-use sensing devices. Hence, this review is compiled focused on current progress in the design and performance parameters of AuNPs-based sensors. The review begins with the characteristics of AuNPs, followed by a brief explanation of synthesis and functionalization methods. Then, the mechanisms of AuNPs-based sensors are comprehensively explained in two broad categories based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristics of AuNPs and their peroxidase-like catalytic properties (nanozyme). SPR-based colorimetric sensors further categorize into aggregation, anti-aggregation, etching, growth-mediated, and accumulation-based methods depending on their sensing mechanisms. On the other hand, peroxidase activity-based colorimetric sensors are divided into two methods based on the expression or inhibition of peroxidase-like activity. Next, the analytes in environmental and food samples are classified as inorganic, organic, and biological pollutants, and recent progress in detection of these analytes are reviewed in detail. Finally, conclusions are provided, and future directions are highlighted. Improving the sensitivity, reproducibility, multiplexing capabilities, and cost-effectiveness for colorimetric detection of various analytes in environment and food matrices will have significant impact on fast testing of hazardous substances, hence reducing the pollution load in environment as well as rendering food contamination to ensure food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for research on hazardous chemicals in high-rise research and development (R&D) buildings, the use of a large number of flammable chemicals increases the fire risk significantly. Therefore, the research on the storage of hazardous chemicals in high-rise R&D buildings becomes more and more important. This paper presents a maximum dynamic design method for hazardous chemical storage. A set of fire risk indicators has been established in the research, including temperature, carbon monoxide concentration, and visibility. The representative hazardous chemicals are selected through the investigation of the distribution and quantity of hazardous chemicals. Through numerical simulation of high-rise building fire with different stocks of dangerous chemicals and evacuation simulation of different fire floors, the time when the risk factors of fire occurrence reach the critical threshold of human body (ASET) and the necessary time for human evacuation (RSET) are obtained. By adjusting the amount of hazardous chemicals stored, the time to reach the hazardous critical threshold (RSET) and the time to evacuate (ASET) are changed accordingly. When RSET < ASET, the storage capacity of hazardous chemicals in the high-rise R&D building meets the target requirements. In the case study, ethanol was selected as the representative substance, and numerical simulation and example calculation were carried out on a 16-story R&D building. The amount of ethanol stored on each floor was calculated. Among them, the eighth layer has the largest ethanol storage capacity (1.81 L/m2) and the ninth layer has the smallest ethanol storage capacity (0.89 L/m2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the computational modeling approaches used by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for toxicity assessments to evaluate the impact of environmental pollutants on public health. It describes the different approaches, including Computational Systems Biology Modeling and Benchmark Dose Modeling, and their applications, such as toxicity prediction and exposure level assessment. It explains the role of the Simulation Section within the ATSDR.

Individuals are exposed to a wide arrays of hazardous chemicals on a daily basis through various routes, many of which have not undergone comprehensive toxicity assessments. While traditional developmental toxicity tests involving pregnant animals are known for their reliability, they are also associated with high costs and time requirements. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for alternative, cost-efficient, and rapid in vitro testing methods. This study aims to address the challenges related to automating and streamlining the screening of early developmental toxicity of chemicals by introducing a mouse embryoid body test (EBT) model in a 384-ultra low attachment well format. Embryoid bodies (EBs) generated in this format were characterized by a spontaneous differentiation trajectory into cardiac mesoderm by as analyzed by RNA-seq. Assessing prediction accuracy using reference compounds suggested in the ICH S5(R3) guideline and prior studies resulted in the establishment of the acceptance criteria and applicability domain of the EBT model. The results indicated an 84.38% accuracy in predicting the developmental toxicity of 23 positive and 9 negative reference compounds, with an optimized cutoff threshold of 750 µM. Overall, the developed EBT model presents a promising approach for more rapid, high-throughput chemical screening, thereby facilitating well-informed decision-making in environmental management and safety assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how the designation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances may impact liability and due diligence under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). It explored the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the scope of EPA's enforcement discretion policy, and the outlook for CERCLA cost-recovery actions.

Used lubricating oil is generated by various machinery after extended operation. It is also referred to as spent mobile oil. Extremely hazardous waste lubricating oil is detrimental to the environment because it produces oxidative products when additives break down. Used lubricating oil is classified as a hazardous waste substance and has a negative impact on the environment. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), carcinogenic substances and other impurities make lubricating oil poisonous and pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Re‐refining is considered the preferred technology for resource conservation, waste minimisation and reduced environmental hazards. The present study focuses on optimising the method of re‐refining waste lubricating oil. The effects of various operating parameters such as refining time, refining temperature, solvent‐to‐used oil ratio and flocculant dosage have been extensively studied to maximise the percentage recovery of lubricating oil. Optimum process parameters are (i) a refining time of 80 min, (ii) a refining temperature of 48°C, (iii) solvent‐to‐waste oil ratio of 5:1 (w/w) and (iv) a flocculant dosage of 2 g/kg of solvent; the optimum yield was found to be 75% with the solvent extraction method and 78% with the extraction–flocculation method, respectively. The purity and physico‐chemical properties of the recovered oil were thoroughly analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ASTM standard methods. It was concluded that refined oil can effectively reduce the ongoing oil crisis and create a clean, healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the parameter instability issues in hazardous materials handling during multi-machine loading and unloading operations, we propose a Full-Scale Smart Parameter Optimization Control (FSPOC) system specifically designed for multi-machine coordination. This system leverages a novel fish scale prediction algorithm tailored for cooperative multi-machine environments. Initially, the fish scale prediction algorithm, inspired by bionic fish scales, is developed to predict future system behavior by analyzing historical data. Building on this algorithm, we introduce a disturbance cancellation control theorem and design a parameter optimization controller to enhance stability in high-dimensional nonlinear spaces. The FSPOC method is then applied to a multi-machine cooperative system, enabling online distributed parameter optimization for complex systems with multiple degrees of freedom. The effectiveness of the proposed method was validated through simulations, where it was compared with two other optimization techniques: Genetic Algorithm-based PID (GAPID) and Chaotic Atomic Search Algorithm-based PID (CHASO). The simulation results confirm the superiority of the FSPOC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered surface barriers are expected to be used to cover sites containing buried waste radionuclides after site closure. Understanding the transport of contaminants in the soil below a surface barrier is of importance in order to protect the underlying groundwater. The travel velocity of these contaminants is dependent on numerous factors, such as the thickness, properties, the pre‐barrier hydrologic condition of the vadose zone, and the initial depths and properties of the contaminants. Although solute transport can be modeled with numerical modeling using site‐specific data, by nature a numerical method does not reveal the relationship between inputs and outputs. This work develops algebraic expressions of the velocities of convective solute transport in the vadose zone below a surface barrier, time lag, solute safe depth, zero‐protection depth of a surface barrier, and solute travel time to the groundwater. This development shows that solute convection in the soil with a surface barrier consists of up to three stages: constant high velocity, decreasing velocity, and constant low velocity. Solute transport based on the algebraic expressions was verified against numerical simulations. The algebraic expressions may be used to assess the expected impacts of a surface barrier to the convective transport of contaminants in the vadose zone. Core Ideas: Convective solute transport below a surface barrier consists of three stages.Algebraic expressions are developed to quantify the impacts of a surface barrier on solute convection.The impacts are reflected by the time lag, solute safe depth, zero‐protection depth, and travel velocity.The algebraic expressions are verified against numerical simulations. Plain Language Summary: Engineered surface barriers are like gigantic umbrellas above a waste site to intercept precipitation so the rainfall will not enter the buried hazardous materials. Often the movement of contaminants in the soil needs to be calculated using supercomputers. This article develops some simple mathematical formulas for quick calculation. A few formulas are established to determine how fast a contaminant moves, at what depth a contaminant will be safe, at what depth a surface barrier has no impact to contaminant movement, and how long it takes for a contaminant to move to the groundwater. The formulas were verified against results from a supercomputer. These formulas are useful to assess the impact of a surface barrier on the movement of the buried hazardous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to produce sunflower oil using pectinase, flavor protease, and alkaline protease. The optimal parameters for the enzymatic hydrolysis process were determined through sensory evaluation, resulting in a temperature of 120°C, a duration of 30 minutes, a polysaccharide to protein ratio of 2:1 for the enzymatic hydrolysate, and an enzymatic hydrolysate to oil ratio of 1:3. Under these specific conditions, the sunflower oil (K4) achieved the highest sensory score of 13.9, exhibiting a pronounced oily flavor alongside moderate baked and nutty flavors. Compared to the controls of first‐grade sunflower oil (K1), sunflower kernel oil (K2) and sunflower oil prepared by roasting (K3), the acid value (AV) in K4 exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to K2 and K3, conversely, the peroxide value (PV) and BaP content in K4 demonstrated a statistically significant increase compared to K1 and K2. Additionally, the tocopherols in K4 exhibited a lower concentration compared to K1, while the sterols were effectively retained and showed no significant difference to these control groups. The fatty acid composition of the four different sunflower oil samples were analyzed, revealing that the contents of oleic acid (C18:1) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in K4 were significantly higher than K2, and there was no significant difference compared to K1. This investigation of the present study could provide a certain theoretical basis for the production of sunflower oil by enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify the most suitable high‐oleic rapeseed blended oil for frying. Six high‐oleic rapeseed blended oils were formulated based on a polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio of 2.0 and an n‐3 fatty acid/n‐6 fatty acid ratio of 1:4–1:6, after which the physiochemical properties, frying performance, tocopherol content, and hazardous substance contents were evaluated. The blended oil containing high‐oleic rapeseed oil: soybean oil: palm oil (85:12:3) had a reasonable fatty acid composition, better oxidative stability index (9.05 h), higher total tocopherol content (0.3 mg/kg), and longer time to reach a total polar component content of 27% (29.3 h). Moreover, after frying for 30 h, the peroxide value (7.25 mmol/kg), residual oil rate (0.57%), trans‐fatty acid content (0.37%), malondialdehyde content (1.57 μg/kg), and 3‐monochloro‐1,2‐propanediol ester content (0.24 mg/kg) were lower than those of the other samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the quality of the high‐oleic rapeseed blended oil was positively correlated with benzo[a]pyrene, 18:2, and 18:3, and negatively correlated with the residual oil rate, trans‐fatty acids, and 18:1 content. This high‐oleic rapeseed blended oil is potentially suitable for frying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive risk assessment of ammonia leaks, focusing on the quantitative modelling of hazardous area ranges, concentration dynamics, and thermal radiation effects under varying leakage scenarios using the ALOHA 5.4.7 software. The analysis involves two key scenarios: an ammonia gas leak and a pool fire, each modelled under distinct atmospheric conditions. For the gas leak scenario, ammonia concentrations were mapped across ERPG-defined hazard zones, ranging from low-level irritation zones (ERPG-1) to life-threatening exposure levels (ERPG-3), with maximum concentrations reaching 1500 ppm within a 110 m radius. The second scenario examined the impact of thermal radiation from a pool fire, identifying critical radiation zones where exposure to heat fluxes exceeding 10 kW.m−2 could cause fatal outcomes within 12 m. Despite ALOHA's strengths in modelling acute exposure risks and providing valuable input for emergency response planning, the study identifies several limitations, particularly regarding the long-term environmental and health impacts of chemical releases and the effects of varying meteorological conditions. These findings suggest that integrating ALOHA with advanced real-time monitoring and AI-based prediction systems could significantly improve its capacity to manage dynamic, rapidly evolving industrial hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, increasing emissions of hazardous chemicals cause serious environmental pollution. The advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which produce numbers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are one of the most widely used technologies for degrading refractory pollutants in aqueous phase. Among these, Fenton reaction including both homogeneous and heterogeneous processes, has received increasing attention for water treatment. In this review, various nanomaterials with different size such as nanocrystals, nanoparticles (e.g., iron-based minerals, bimetallic oxides, zero-valent iron, quantum dots) and metal-based single atom catalysts (SACs) applied in homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton reactions, as well as the corresponding catalytic mechanisms will be systematically summarized. Several factors including the morphology, chemical composition, geometric/electronic structures influence the catalytical behavior simultaneously. Here, the recent research advancement including the advantages and further challenges in homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton system will be introduced in detail. Furthermore, developments for different nanomaterials, from nanocrystals, nanoparticles (minerals, bimetallic oxides represented by Fe-based catalysts, and nanosized zero valent iron materials) to SACs will be discussed. Some representative catalysts for Fenton reaction and their applications will be presented. In addition, commonly-used supports (e.g., graphene oxide, g-C3N4, and carbon nanotubes) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)/derivatives and metal-support interaction for improving Fenton-like performance will be introduced. Finally, different types of catalysts for Fenton reaction are compared and their practical application and operational costs are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare waste (HCW) consists of hazardous material that may be radioactive, toxic or infectious. Inappropriate treatment and disposal of HCW may pose health risks to humans indirectly through the release of pathogens and toxic pollutants into the environment. The biggest problem in HCW management is its handling, which causes anxiety over sorting and categorizing the waste. Hence, the current study identifies and addresses the challenges towards sustainable environmental development by managing infectious HCW in developing countries. Fuzzy Delphi method is used in the present study to carefully examine the barrier drawn from the literature and experts' opinions. The number of barriers taken into consideration for study are 30, which are then grouped into four main categories, that is, social, environmental, technological and economic barriers. Additionally, a hybrid strategy based on the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory is developed in this work to examine the significance and interrelationships of the identified barrier. The research outcome is a hierarchy and classification model based on the relative importance of the barriers. The results of this study indicate that: 'Lack of segregation', 'Inconsistency in waste collection', 'Unregulated disposal site' and 'Inadequate programme for training and awareness' require quick action. The conclusions obtained through the study would facilitate the preparation of check sheets for documenting HCW management procedures by the healthcare administration and Pollution Control Boards. Understanding the priority cause-group barrier would improve the long-term protection of the hospital environment from the spread of infection caused by the HCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the current state of curative mud deposits in Estonia as of 2022, examining changes over the past decade and providing essential information on curative mud quality. Total of 64 curative mud samples were collected in 2022, marking the first investigation into hazardous substances such as phenols, petroleum products, and pesticides. The study encompassed analyses of organic and mineral matter content, grain size, microbiology, and heavy metal concentrations, totalling 1649 measurements. Comparisons with previous data revealed stable organic matter concentrations in lake and marine sediments over the last decade. Microbiological contamination in curative mud samples was relatively low, indicating cleanliness. Petroleum product concentrations varied, with Haapsalu at 42 mg/kg, Värska at 118.6 mg/kg, and Käina below the limit of quantification. Phenol concentrations were generally below the limit of quantification, except for Värska. Pesticides were found in Värska samples, but in other sediments, levels were below the limit of quantification. Average heavy metal concentrations in curative mud decreased between 2013–2014 and 2022, remaining below the target value. The study's results are crucial for curative mud-related entrepreneurship in Estonia, facilitating compliance with the new regulatory standards. The comprehensive data obtained will contribute to the consistency and efficacy of curative mud-related practices in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a sustainable approach to extracting hydrogen fluoride (HF) from wastewater using hollow fiber membrane contactors. HF, a widely used yet hazardous chemical, requires efficient separation techniques due to its environmental and health concerns. Our research compared two operational modes, vacuum mode and liquid–liquid extraction mode, revealing the latter as more efficient for HF separation. Notably, this study introduces a novel aspect by employing a data‐driven decision‐making method, Bayesian optimization (BO) for process optimization of the liquid–liquid extraction mode, aiming to maximize HF removal efficiency at low experimental costs. Subsequent validation through a 96‐h experimental run confirms the suitability of the optimized conditions for industrial applications. This study not only demonstrates an efficient HF separation process using hollow fiber membrane contactors but also establishes a new standard for complex industrial process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-cigarettes have gained notable popularity among youth in recent years, posing a serious societal issue that has elicited much concern from public health professionals and legislators. The increase in e-cigarette consumption among adolescents can be ascribed to assertive marketing strategies employed by corporations that focus on appealing to young consumers through flavored offerings and aesthetically pleasing designs. This rise is concerning because of the possible long-term health ramifications linked to vaping, such as nicotine addiction and exposure to hazardous chemicals found in numerous e-cigarette formulations. The normalization of e-cigarette usage in social contexts may result in heightened peer pressure and the endorsement of detrimental conduct. To properly address this issue, government agencies must enforce stronger rules on e-cigarette sales and marketing directed at minors, while schools and community organizations should educate youth about the risks of vaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPyrazole is among many synthetic compounds’ most privileged five-membered nitrogenous structural nuclei. Among a diverse range of heterocyclic analogs, pyrazole derivatives presented remarkable therapeutic significances, including antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antitubercular anti-leishmanial, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and anticancer effects, etc. Pyrazole motif is also available as a structural part of many marketed drugs and clinical trial candidates bearing therapeutic importance. In traditional synthetic methodologies, synthesizing pyrazole derivatives requires several harsh reaction environments, such as introducing organic solvent, longer duration of time, elevated temperature, and energy consumption. By considering the pyrazoles’ utility and several drawbacks associated with their traditional synthetic approach, researchers have developed more economical reaction conditions to obtain them. In this regard, microwave irradiation, reaction at room temperature, and solvent and catalyst-free circumstances are ecologically favorable and cost-effective. Microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) of pyrazole derivatives has exhibited environment-friendly reaction conditions with the minor consumption of hazardous chemicals/solvents and significantly reduced reaction duration. Therefore, this review highlights the microwave-associated synthesis of pyrazole derivatives, likely an excellent alternative to eco-friendly synthetic methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]