Article
Environmental Sciences
Meesala Krishna Murthy, Pratima Khandayataray, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, Rojalin Pattanayak
Summary: In this study, the ecotoxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) on Duttaphrynus melanostictus tadpoles was assessed by measuring multiple biomarkers including bioaccumulation, antioxidants, biochemical, haematological, immunological and oxidative stress biomarkers. The results showed significant increases in copper ion bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers in the blood serum of CONPs-exposed tadpoles compared to control tadpoles. Additionally, CONPs-exposed tadpoles exhibited decreases in antioxidants and immunological indices of blood serum. The study concluded that the ecotoxicity of CONPs is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress in tadpoles.
Article
Ecology
Richard E. Grewelle, Elizabeth Mansfield, Fiorenza Micheli, Giulio De Leo
Summary: This article discusses the widespread and increasing stressors faced by species and ecosystems, and the lack of data for detailed, quantitative risk assessment. To address this issue, researchers have developed EcoRAMS, a tool that provides statistically robust ecological risk assessments of multiple stressors in data-poor contexts.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Dietz, C. Sonne, B. M. Jenssen, K. Das, C. A. de Wit, K. C. Harding, U. Siebert, M. T. Olsen
Summary: This introductory chapter of our Environment International VSI outlines the recommendations for future research, emphasizing the role of waterbirds as food web sentinels, the dynamics of hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea food web, and the potential impacts of climate change. It also highlights the need to further develop new frameworks within the BALTHEALTH project for energy and contaminant transfer at the population level and their long-term effects on top predators in the Baltic Sea.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhihua Tang, Xinyu Liu, Xiaojun Niu, Hua Yin, Minru Liu, Dongqing Zhang, Huafang Guo
Summary: With the rapid economic development and population growth in China's coastal areas, heavy metal contamination in estuarine waters is becoming a more serious issue. This study monitored five heavy metals in the Pearl River estuaries from January to December 2020 and evaluated the ecological risks they pose to aquatic organisms. The results showed that the concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Zn in the estuaries met or exceeded water quality standards, with Cu and Zn posing elevated ecological risks to certain aquatic organisms. The Humen, Jiaomen, Hongqimen, and Hengmen estuaries had slightly higher heavy metal levels and ecological risks compared to other estuaries, while the Yamen estuary had the lowest levels.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Danny C. P. Lau, Robert B. Brua, Willem Goedkoop, Joseph M. Culp
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of bitumen, sewage, and oil sands mining on the benthic food web by examining the benthic algal assemblages and fatty acids of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Athabasca River. The results showed that sewage had the greatest impact on the decline in water quality and reduction in nutritional quality of benthic macroinvertebrates. The effects of these stressors varied for different taxa.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Musarrat Parween, A. L. Ramanathan, N. Janardhana Raju
Summary: The study aimed at evaluating the environmental quality of the most polluted stretch of river Yamuna in Delhi, focusing on the presence of harmful substances in sediment and vegetable samples, and assessing the ecological and dietary health risks posed to the local population. The results indicated significant contamination of sediments with heavy metals, with some metals reaching levels of high concern, and high translocation factors in vegetables, suggesting bioaccumulation and potential health risks to consumers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ulaganathan Arisekar, Robinson Jeya Shakila, Rajendran Shalini, Geevaretnam Jeyasekaran
Summary: This study evaluates the distribution of pesticides and assesses the associated ecological and human health risks in the Thamirabarani River in Tamil Nadu, India. Results indicate that while pesticides in the water and sediments pose no ecological hazard to aquatic organisms, human exposure through ingestion and dermal contact may increase cancer risks.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jan U. Lemm, Markus Venohr, Lidija Globevnik, Kostas Stefanidis, Yiannis Panagopoulos, Jos van Gils, Leo Posthuma, Peter Kristensen, Christian K. Feld, Judith Mahnkopf, Daniel Hering, Sebastian Birk
Summary: The biota of European rivers are influenced by a variety of stressors, with alterations in hydro-morphology, nutrient enrichment, and toxic substances being the most significant factors. The interaction between these stressors plays a crucial role in influencing the ecological status of the rivers. This highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive management strategies at the catchment scale to achieve good ecological status in European surface waters.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Aamir Munir, Bushra Khan, Ishaq Ahmed Mian, Muhammad Rafiq, Samreen Shahzadi, Kashif Naeem, Iqbal Ahmad
Summary: Mercury bioaccumulation in fish and scalp hair was assessed in fishing communities along the river Swat in Pakistan. Significant differences were found in mercury concentrations between upstream and downstream fish and scalp hair. Health problems in the fishing community were attributed to mercury accumulation from fish consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Ana Carolina Lima, Diogo Sayanda, Frederick John Wrona
Summary: Multiple stressors resulting from human actions pose a major threat to aquatic ecosystems. A well-defined framework, such as the Multiple Stressors Assessment Framework (MSAF), is needed to guide researchers, managers, and policymakers in adaptive management decisions, monitoring designs, and policy implementation. The MSAF involves seven steps, from problem formulation to adaptive monitoring recommendations and study design improvements. There is a disconnection between the investigation of multiple stressor interactions and the implementation of management practices and policy translation, which requires collaborative efforts and standardized methodologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jonathan P. Bray, Andrew O'Reilly-Nugent, Guillaume Kon Kam King, Sarit Kaserzon, Susan J. Nichols, Ralph Mac Nally, Ross M. Thompson, Ben J. Kefford
Summary: Pesticides are recognized as a threat to freshwater biodiversity, but their specific ecological effects are difficult to distinguish from other stressors and environmental gradients. This study used mesocosms to examine the effects of an organophosphate insecticide on stream macroinvertebrate communities and evaluated the specificity of a species sensitivity index designed to determine pesticide effects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qingwei Bu, Hongmei Cao, Qingshan Li, Handan Zhang, Weiwei Jiang, Gang Yu
Summary: This study aimed to identify antibiotics with potential risk in river water of Beijing, China, using a tiered approach combining hazard and monitoring-based risk assessment. Among the hazardous antibiotics identified, erythromycylamine, cefotaxime, and ampicillin were found to pose different levels of risk to aquatic organisms. The results highlight the importance of conducting monitoring-based verification process in identifying priority antibiotics in a specific region.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sajid Rashid, Izaz Ali Shah, Roberto Xavier Supe Tulcan, Wajid Rashid, Mika Sillanpaa
Summary: Mercury is a highly toxic and mobile heavy metal that poses significant environmental and health risks. High concentrations of mercury were found in the environment, particularly in surface water, soil, sediments, and urban atmosphere. Seafood and vegetable consumption were associated with high health risks, while risks from soil and groundwater ingestion were relatively low.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shenwen Cai, Ziwei Shen, Qinghe Wang, Junwei Cheng, Xiong Yan, Boping Zeng
Summary: The concentrations of metals in water, sediments, two fish species, and a freshwater mussel from the Zhoubai reservoir were examined. All metal concentrations met the environmental quality standards for surface water. There were no significant differences in sediment metal concentrations between sampling sites, but the bioavailable concentrations were lowest at site S3. Metal concentrations were higher in one fish species compared to another. The concentrations of metals in the mussel showed a similar pattern to bioavailable metals in sediment. The aquatic organisms showed a lower ability to accumulate metals from sediment. The health risk assessment indicated that the metals do not pose a health risk to the public through fish and mussel consumption in the study area.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhong-Li Huang, Zhan-Biao Yang, Xiao-Xun Xu, Yong-Jia Lei, Jin-Song He, Song Yang, Ming Hung Wong, Yu-Bon Man, Zhang Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the bioaccumulation of total and methylmercury by housefly maggots during the conversion of food waste, and assessed the human health risk of mercury through fish consumption. The results showed that maggots fed with vegetable and meat waste had higher methylmercury concentrations compared to other waste feed ratios. The mercury concentrations in tilapia fed with the converted maggots were within safe levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Anja Erasmus, Kerry A. Hadfield, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit
Summary: This study reports the discovery of a Lernaeopodidae species on the gills of the South African teleost fish Clinus superciliosus, marking the first report of this family from Clinidae and the first molecular characterization of any marine lernaeopodid infecting teleost fish in South Africa.
SYSTEMATIC PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Chaousis, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Colin J. Limpus, Amanda Nouwens, Liesbeth J. Weijs, Antonia Weltmeyer, Adrian Covaci, Jason P. van de Merwe
Summary: All seven species of sea turtle are facing increasing pressures from human activities that are impacting their health. Changes in blood proteins can indicate adverse health outcomes. This study examines the protein abundance in sea turtle plasma, compares protein expression between different populations, and investigates markers of contaminant exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shoji F. Nakayama, Annie St-Amand, Tyler Pollock, Petra Apel, Yu Ait Bamai, Dana Boyd Barr, Jos Bessems, Antonia M. Calafat, Argelia Castano, Adrian Covaci, Radu Corneliu Duca, Sarah Faure, Karen S. Galea, Sean Hays, Nancy B. Hopf, Yuki Ito, Maryam Zare Jeddi, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Eva Kumar, Judy S. LaKind, Marta Esteban Lopez, Henriqueta Louro, Kristin Macey, Konstantinos C. Makris, Lisa Melnyk, Aline Murawski, Josh Naiman, Julianne Nassif, Nolwenn Noisel, Devika Poddalgoda, Lesliam Quiros-Alcala, Ata Rafiee, Loic Rambaud, Maria Joao Silva, Jun Ueyama, Marc-Andre Verner, Maisarah Nasution Waras, Kate Werry
Summary: Human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to compare population exposures, but finding the relevant health-based biomonitoring guidance values can be time-consuming. To address this issue, an online repository called the Human Biomonitoring Health-Based Guidance Value (HB2GV) Dashboard has been created. This database provides a centralized location for researchers and decision makers to access and interpret HBM data.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Li, Xiaowen Zeng, Xiaolin Liang, Shuqin Tang, Adrian Covaci, Xiaofeng Ma, Yan Yang, Da Chen
Summary: This study aimed to characterize gestational exposure to plasticizers and antioxidants, and explore the associations with placental function related genes. Several chemicals showed significantly different concentrations between preterm and full-term deliveries, and were associated with mRNA expression levels of selected genes. The associations exhibited chemical-specific patterns and significantly differed between preterm and full-term deliveries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shanshan Yin, Thomas J. McGrath, Adam Cseresznye, Jasper Bombeke, Giulia Poma, Adrian Covaci
Summary: Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental concern and it is essential to have an effective tool for monitoring personal exposure to CPs. In this study, silicone wristbands (SWBs) were used as a personal passive sampler, and results showed that micro-environments were key contributors to dermal exposure to CPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas J. McGrath, Giulia Poma, Sebastien Hutinet, Yukiko Fujii, Robin E. Dodson, Boris Johnson-Restrepo, Dudsadee Muenhor, Gaud Dervilly, Ronan Cariou, Adrian Covaci
Summary: In this study, dust samples from Japan, Australia, Colombia, and Thailand were analyzed for different chain lengths of chlorinated paraffins. The results showed that chlorinated paraffins were detected in all samples, with the highest concentrations found in samples from Colombia and Thailand. Based on current toxicological data, it was determined that short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in indoor dust do not pose a health risk through ingestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elisabeth Hansen, Jiachen Sun, Bjorn Helander, Jan Ove Bustnes, Igor Eulaers, Veerle L. B. Jaspers, Adrian Covaci, Marcel Eens, Sophie Bourgeon
Summary: English Summary: Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorines (OCs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), can have adverse health effects on wildlife. White-tailed eagles in the Baltic ecosystem have suffered population declines due to severe exposure to DDT and PCB. In this study, feathers from breeding WTE pairs were analyzed to investigate the annual variations in feather corticosterone (fCORT), POPs, and dietary proxies. The results did not support fCORT as a relevant biomarker of contaminant-mediated effects in WTEs, but fCORT can be used as a non-destructive assessment of long-term stress physiology in wild raptors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paulien Cleys, Lucas Panneel, Jasper Bombeke, Catalina Dumitrascu, Govindan Malarvannan, Giulia Poma, Antonius Mulder, Philippe G. Jorens, Adrian Covaci
Summary: This study reports metabolites of phthalate and alternative plasticizers in neonatal hair samples as biomarkers for exposure to these plasticizers. Results showed that hair sampled from premature neonates after a NICU stay contained significantly higher metabolite concentrations of both phthalates and alternative plasticizers compared to healthy control neonates. Prolonged NICU exposure to respiratory support devices and gastric tubes was correlated with increased concentrations in hair samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. Van Der Spuy, J. H. Erasmus, M. Nachev, B. C. Schaeffner, B. Sures, V. Wepener, N. J. Smit
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of the parasitic isopod C. tetrodontis and its fish host A. honckenii for marine bioaccumulation monitoring. The results show significant differences in the concentrations of nickel and copper between two sampling sites on the South African temperate south coast. Compared to fish hosts, the parasitic isopods accumulate higher levels of all elements except cadmium. Therefore, C. tetrodontis can be defined as a good bioindicator for elements such as cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Rodriguez Martin, Liese Gilles, Emilie Helte, Agneta Akesson, Jonas Tagt, Adrian Covaci, Amrit K. Sakhi, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Andromachi Katsonouri, Anna-Maria Andersson, Arno C. Gutleb, Beata Janasik, Brice Appenzeller, Catherine Gabriel, Cathrine Thomsen, Darja Mazej, Denis Sarigiannis, Elena Anastasi, Fabio Barbone, Hanna Tolonen, Hanne Frederiksen, Jana Klanova, Jani Koponen, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Kim Pack, Koppen Gudrun, Kristin Olafsdottir, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Loic Rambaud, Loreta Strumylaite, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Lucia Fabelova, Margaux Riou, Marika Berglund, Mate Szabados, Medea Imboden, Michelle Laeremans, Milada Estokova, Natasa Janev Holcer, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Nicole Vodrazkova, Nina Vogel, Pavel Piler, Phillipp Schmidt, Rosa Lange, Sonia Namorado, Szilvia Kozepesy, Tamas Szigeti, Thorhallur I. Halldorsson, Till Weber, Tina Kold Jensen, Valentina Rosolen, Vladimira Puklova, Wojciech Wasowicz, Ovnair Sepai, Lorraine Stewart, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Jos Bessems, Greet Schoeters, Eva Govarts
Summary: This study evaluated the exposure levels of children and women in Europe over time. The results showed that exposure levels to chemicals restricted at EU level visually decreased, while the levels for some of their substitutes increased. These findings are important for policy efficacy monitoring and highlight the role of HBM in supporting policies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Rosolen, Elisa Giordani, Marika Mariuz, Maria Parpinel, Vicente Mustieles, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Kirsten Baken, Greet Schoeters, Ovnair Sepai, Eva Sovcikova, Lucia Fabelova, Jiri Kohoutek, Tina Kold Jensen, Adrian Covaci, Maarten Roggeman, Lisa Melymuk, Jana Klanova, Argelia Castano, Marta Esteban Lopez, Fabio Barbone
Summary: The knowledge about the effects of organophosphate flame retardants on children's neurodevelopment is limited. This research aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to these flame retardants and children's neurodevelopment. The study found a small, negative trend between neurodevelopment and exposure to BDCIPP and DPHP, but the evidence is limited. Further investigations are needed to explore the timing of exposure and the effect of other metabolites.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. van Rooyen, J. H. Erasmus, R. Gerber, M. Nachev, B. Sures, V. Wepener, N. J. Smit
Summary: Anthropogenic activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and gold mining, contribute significantly to mercury (Hg) emissions in aquatic ecosystems. South Africa, particularly its coal-fired power stations, is a major contributor to global Hg emissions. The contamination of the Phongolo River Floodplain (PRF) on the east coast of southern Africa is primarily caused by atmospheric transport of Hg emissions. Our study assessed Hg bioaccumulation, trophic positions, and biomagnification in the PRF, revealing elevated Hg concentrations in sediments, macroinvertebrates, and fish. Biomagnification was observed in the food webs, with tigerfish having the highest Hg concentration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary Gulumian, Melusi Thwala, Xolani Makhoba, Victor Wepener
Summary: The commercialisation and everyday use of nanomaterials and NEPs is increasing, requiring responsible development and understanding of their potential implications on health, safety, and the environment. International agencies and the Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa are conducting health risk assessments to protect human health and the environment. This paper presents the advances made in risk assessments of nanomaterials, including physicochemical characterisation, hazard identification, exposure assessment, and effects assessment, highlighting South Africa's contributions to HSE knowledge and promoting safer innovation of nanotechnology.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chinemerem Ruth Ohoro, Victor Wepener
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and emphasizes the importance of identifying and monitoring these pollutants in environmental and human samples. Different analysis techniques, challenges in validation and optimization, and quality control measures are discussed. Factors influencing OCP occurrences are also examined.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anran Cai, Sylvie Remy, Virissa Lenters, Bianca Cox, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci, Roel Vermeulen, Lutzen Portengen
Summary: Childhood exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may affect metabolic outcomes. Our study found associations between certain chemicals and body mass index, abdominal obesity, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Further investigation is needed for sex-specific effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed Khatif Tawaf Mohamed Yusof, Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid, Mohd Faisal Abdul Khanan, Muhammad Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman, Wardatun Ahmar Abdul Manan, Roohollah Kalatehjari, Ali Dehghanbanadaki
Summary: This study investigates the effects of climate change on landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) using a case study on Penang Island in Malaysia. The results show that future rainfall and temperatures are expected to increase, especially under a higher climate change scenario. LSM can help local authorities identify critical areas for monitoring and responding to landslide risks caused by climate change.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shivam Pandey, Ajay Singh, Anuj Kumar, Inderjeet Tyagi, Rama Rao Karri, Rama Gaur, Hamedreza Javadian, Monu Verma
Summary: This research compares the effectiveness of hydrothermally produced ZnO and SnO2 nanocatalysts in degrading p-nitrophenol, a noxious chemical in water. The study finds that ZnO catalyst has better degradation efficiency compared to SnO2 catalyst. Detailed investigation reveals the optimal conditions for degrading p-nitrophenol using ZnO photocatalysts.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Farhan Ul Moazzam, Sudeep Thakuri, Ghani Rahman, Byung Gul Lee
Summary: This study explores the elevation dependent warming in the Indus River Basin and its impacts on cryospheric and hydrological changes. The results show significant warming trends in the Tmax and Tmin in the upper Indus Basin, with a more prominent trend observed during the winter season for Tmax. These consistent warming trends can have harmful impacts on the cryosphere of the region, leading to water scarcity and extreme droughts.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)