Article
Environmental Sciences
Sashika D. Warnasuriya, Dhanushka Udayanga, Dimuthu S. Manamgoda, Charles Biles
Summary: Environmental bioindicators are species or communities used to assess the quality of the environment, and fungi are particularly important due to their wide distribution and sensitivity. This review explores the use of fungi as indicators to assess the quality of air, water, and soil. Fungi are utilized as tools for both biomonitoring and mycoremediation, and advancements in genetic engineering have further enhanced their application. Mycoindicators are emerging tools for early detection of environmental contaminants, supporting pollution mitigation efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ines Terwayet Bayouli, Houssem Terwayet Bayouli, Aronne Dell'Oca, Erik Meers, Jian Sun
Summary: Industrial pollution, particularly from cement dust, has a significant impact on plant species and vegetation indicators. This study identified potential indicator species for phytoremediation applications and highlighted the importance of using vegetation indicators to assess cement pollution impacts. Surveys utilizing ecological indicators and bioaccumulation/translocation factors revealed the detrimental effects of pollution on perennial species richness, vegetation cover, and species diversity. Specific plant species like Lygeum spartum and Gymnocarpos decander emerged as indicators of heavy metals pollution in the industrial area.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mert Guney, Zhanel Akimzhanova, Aiganym Kumisbek, Symbat Kismelyeva, Almira Guney, Ferhat Karaca, Vassilis Inglezakis
Summary: Former industrially contaminated sites still pose environmental risks and need to be evaluated for pollution by Hg and other selected PTEs, especially in the vicinity of Lake Balkyldak where persistent Hg pollution is present.
Article
Acoustics
Paolo Oddo, Silvia Falchetti, Salvatore Viola, Giuliana Pennucci, Andrea Storto, Ines Borrione, Giacomo Giorli, Elisa Cozzani, Aniello Russo, Cristina Tollefsen
Summary: This study compares four different Marine Rapid Environmental Assessment (MREA) procedures in terms of their underwater acoustic performance. By collecting co-located oceanographic-acoustic data during a sea trial in the Northwestern Mediterranean, the researchers were able to validate these procedures. The results show that in 95% of the cases, the assimilative dynamical downscaling approach provides better acoustic results compared to other methods.
JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jana Moldanova, Ida-Maja Hassellov, Volker Matthias, Erik Fridell, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, Erik Ytreberg, Markus Quante, Jenny Troltzsch, Ilja Maljutenko, Urmas Raudsepp, K. Martin Eriksson
Summary: The study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to understanding the environmental impacts of shipping, using a framework developed for a case study in the Baltic Sea. By transferring knowledge and concepts from air pollution assessments, a better understanding of shipping-related impacts can be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mariusz Marc, Marta Bystrzanowska, Katarzyna Pokajewicz, Marek Tobiszewski
Summary: This paper summarizes the popular and innovative strategies for MIPs synthesis and pesticide determination in environmental and food samples since 2010. It highlights the importance of sample pre-treatment process and the application of MCDA in the analytical procedures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tawany de Mello Souza, Rodrigo Brasil Choueri, Caio Rodrigues Nobre, Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa, Beatriz Barbosa Moreno, Jose Herelis Carnauba, Gabriel Izar Mendes, Ana Cecilia Rizzatti de Albergaria-Barbosa, Fabio Ruiz Simoesc, Paloma Kachel Gusso-Choueri
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of B[a]P and low-density polyethylene microplastics (MPs), both individually and in mixture. The results showed that the toxicity increased with increasing B[a]P concentration, while microplastics alone did not cause toxicity. The presence of microplastics reduced the effects of B[a]P on sea urchin development and biomarkers in mysids, possibly due to the adsorption of B[a]P to the surface of microplastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Masoumeh Mousavi, Morteza Taki, Mahmoud Ghaseminejd Raeini, Farshad Soheilifard
Summary: This study used Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of two types of greenhouse structures (Quonset and Spanish) in strawberry production. The results showed that both types of structures had high energy consumption, with human labor and electricity being the main contributors. The environmental impacts of Spanish structures were higher due to their higher use of polyethylene and steel. The use of chemical fertilizers, electricity, and polyethylene were identified as the major environmental hotspots.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qaiser Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Musarat, Najeeb Ullah, Wesam Salah Alaloul, Muhammad Babar Ali Rabbani, Wesam Al Madhoun, Shahid Iqbal
Summary: Increasing anthropogenic activities, industrialization, and urbanization have intensified air pollution worldwide. Marble factories in Pakistan are a significant source of air pollution due to the dust generated during the marble crushing and extraction process. This study assesses the air quality in areas with and without marble factories based on total suspended particles (TSP) concentration. The results indicate that areas with marble factories have significantly higher levels of TSP and exceed recommended standards. It is suggested to relocate the factories away from residential areas and implement strict control measures.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yubao Wang, Haoran Wei, Yuanzhu Wang, Chuanyu Peng, Jie Dai
Summary: The Chinese government has established the Environmental Complaint Reporting System to monitor and manage industrial water pollution in a timely manner. Empirical results suggest that increasing pressure to improve environmental quality would prompt the government to prevent industrial water pollution.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Miguel F. F. Cunha, Gianluca Pellino
Summary: There is a bidirectional relationship between climate change and health care, as health care contributes to climate change and climate change threatens public health. However, the environmental costs associated with health care are often overlooked and there is a lack of global awareness and guidance on sustainable surgical practices.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Kumar, Sangeet Adhikari, Erin M. Driver, Ted Smith, Aruni Bhatnagar, Pawel K. Lorkiewicz, Zhengzhi Xie, J. David Hoetker, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of detecting urinary biomarkers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in community wastewater. The results show the presence of various metabolites related to chemical exposure, with community 1 having higher detections and VOC loadings, which are associated with manufacturing activities and vehicle emissions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Aline Teixeira Marins, Cristina Cerezer, Jossiele Wesz Leitemperger, Eduardo Stringini Severo, Maiara Dorneles Costa, Danielle Ortiz Fontoura, Mauro Eugenio Medina Nunes, Lucila Cendon Ribeiro, Renato Zanella, Vania Lucia Loro
Summary: This study found that mixtures of these pesticides at environmental concentrations inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in the fish's brain and induced oxidative damage in all analyzed tissues, reinforcing the hypothesis that mixture of contaminants present in the environment could induce additive or synergistic effects on fish species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paola L. Garnero, Maria L. Ballesteros, Magdalena Monferran, Natalia G. Rivetti, Maria A. Bistoni
Summary: The increasing contamination of water bodies with mercury raises concerns about its possible effects on aquatic organisms. In this study, researchers found that exposure to inorganic mercury (IHg) caused damage to the gills and liver tissues of fish, and also affected their behavioral responses.
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Giraldez, Zulema Varela, Jesus R. Aboal, J. angel Fernandez
Summary: In this study, three methods for moss biomonitoring were compared, revealing that while they yield relatively similar results, the interpretations are not equivalent and none of the methods provides a reliable estimate of soil contribution to moss element concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended to use moss for atmospheric biomonitoring only for elements like Cu, Zn, and Cd, for which soil contribution is low.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Libania Queiros, Nuno Aguiar, Patricia Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Artur Alves, Joana Luisa Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of readjusting the formulation of a commercial fungicide to make it more environmentally safe and effective against target organisms. The results suggest that the current mixture and rates of the fungicides are generally environmentally safe but ineffective against the target fungi. It also highlights the importance of systematic ecotoxicological testing for optimizing commercial products and reducing environmental contamination.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joana Isabel Santos, Carlos Silva, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Joana Luisa Pereira, Bruno Branco Castro
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the macroinvertebrate community structure and its bioindicator value in streams from different regions in Portugal. The results showed clear differences in environmental context and ecological similarity between the wettest and driest regions, while the intermediate region had high variability. Climate and water scarcity were found to be coupled with other environmental drivers in shaping macroinvertebrate communities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ines P. E. Macario, Telma Veloso, Andreia P. M. Fernandes, Margarida Martins, Silja Frankenbach, Joao Serodio, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Sonia P. M. Ventura, Joana L. Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the growth patterns and pigment production of three cyanobacterium species, and found that N. muscorum was the best producer of chlorophyll a and C-phycocyanin.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cristiano Soares, Beatriz Fernandes, Cristiana Paiva, Veronica Nogueira, Anabela Cachada, Fernanda Fidalgo, Ruth Pereira
Summary: Glyphosate (GLY) and flazasulfuron (FLA) have different effects on soil habitat and non-target organisms. FLA has more toxic effects on earthworms and plants, while GLY mainly affects plant growth and has no effect on collembola.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Cristiano Soares, Pedro Mateus, Fernanda Fidalgo, Ruth Pereira
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of soil organic matter (OM) in preventing glyphosate (GLY) phytotoxicity on tomato plants. The results suggest that soils with higher OM content (10% and 15%) can mitigate the non-target phytotoxicity of GLY, possibly by decreasing herbicide bioavailability and/or stimulating defense mechanisms, thereby improving crop growth and physiological performance.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Jesus, Filipa Mesquita, Elisa Virumbrales Aldama, Ana Marques, Ana M. M. Goncalves, Luisa Magalhaes, Antonio J. A. Nogueira, Ana Re, Isabel Campos, Joana Luisa Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Nelson Abrantes, Dalila Serpa
Summary: This study compared the antioxidant defense response of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea and the marine cockle Cerastoderma edule to wildfire ash exposure and metal body burden. Both species exhibited significant changes in certain parameters after exposure to aqueous extracts of Eucalypt ash, although the effects differed between the species. Clams showed higher Cd content while cockles showed higher Cu content, indicating different responses to wildfire ash exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Rodrigues, Barbara Xavier, Sandra Nogueira, Sara C. Antunes
Summary: This study assessed the ecological status of Ribeira de Silveirinhos in northern Portugal and found that anthropogenic pressures and climate change have led to changes in the hydrological connectivity and ecosystem functions of the river. The upstream areas, surrounded by Eucalyptus monoculture during drought periods, showed low pH values, while the downstream areas subjected to anthropogenic activities, iron waters, and agriculture had high concentrations of phosphorus. The macroinvertebrate community was also affected by the intermittency of flow. The results indicated that Ribeira de Silveirinhos had a poor to moderate ecological status. However, the protection of intermittent rivers and streams is often overlooked, highlighting the need to consider their specific ecological functioning and adapt planning and management models to ensure ecological quality and conservation processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thacilla Menezes, Sirine Bouguerra, Tatiana Andreani, Ruth Pereira, Carlos Pereira
Summary: The main goal of this study was to design and evaluate the success of loading 3-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrazoline-1-(S-benzyldithiocarbazate) (DTC) into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSiNPs) by measuring its physicochemical properties and assessing the environmental safety of the new formulation using different aquatic organisms. The results showed that DTC, MSiNP, and MSiNP-DTC had low toxicity against aquatic organisms, but loading DTC slightly increased toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the impact of MSiNPs on the safety of the new formulation.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Maria Sousa, Sara Rodrigues, Carlo Pretti, Valentina Meucci, Federica Battaglia, Rosa Freitas, Sara C. Antunes
Summary: Estuarine and coastal ecosystems are experiencing fluctuations in salinity due to global warming and extreme weather events, as well as increased water pollution from organic and inorganic compounds. This study investigated the acute and chronic ecotoxicological effects of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, on Gambusia holbrooki under different salinities. The results showed interactions between salinity and metformin, with increased oxidative stress and altered antioxidant capacity, protein content, and glycogen levels. These findings highlight the potential impact of metformin on aquatic organisms and the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecological risk assessments.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. S. Diogo, S. C. Antunes, S. Rodrigues
Summary: Biopesticides, such as pyrethrum extract (PE), are considered safer and more sustainable for the environment. However, this study found that PE can have acute and sub-chronic toxic effects on Daphnia magna, a non-target organism. The research demonstrated increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in D. magna exposed to PE, indicating an imbalance in their oxidative metabolism.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. S. Diogo, S. Rodrigues, O. M. Lage, S. C. Antunes
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of different treatments used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) using bioassays and biomarkers. The results showed that the tested species exhibited different sensitivities to the collected samples, and the assays using D. magna and L. minor demonstrated their potential for monitoring and assessing the environmental impact of wastewater effluents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andreia F. Mesquita, Fatima Jesus, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Ana M. M. Goncalves
Summary: Under the current scenario of global warming, this study aims to understand the effect of increased temperature on the combined toxicity of pesticides to aquatic species. The results showed that increased temperature increased the tolerance of diatoms to pesticides and also altered the biochemical responses of the diatoms. These findings have implications for the nutritional value of food webs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivo Pinto, Sandra Nogueira, Sara Rodrigues, Nuno Formigo, Sara C. C. Antunes
Summary: This study revealed the importance of zooplankton as a bioindicator for assessing water quality in reservoirs. The current monitoring criteria are insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation of ecological status. By analyzing the zooplankton community, it is possible to accurately determine the water quality and different metrics provide valuable information for assessing water quality status.
Editorial Material
Construction & Building Technology
C. S. C. Calheiros, R. Pereira, S. L. G. Skar, S. I. A. Pereira
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreia F. Mesquita, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Ana M. M. Goncalves
Summary: Currently, there is a growing concern over chemical pollution and climate change worldwide. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of copper and oxyfluorfen on bivalve species, Cerastoderma edule, considering their tolerance and the changes in antioxidant defense enzymes under different temperatures. The results show that C. edule has higher tolerance to oxyfluorfen compared to copper. The antioxidant defense system effectively fights against the chemicals, but there may be neurotoxic effects at certain temperatures. Higher temperatures can lead to lipid peroxidation and increased mortality.
