Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashu Dastoor, Helene Angot, Johannes Bieser, Jesper H. Christensen, Thomas A. Douglas, Lars-Eric Heimburger-Boavida, Martin Jiskra, Robert P. Mason, David S. McLagan, Daniel Obrist, Peter M. Outridge, Mariia Petrova, Andrei Ryjkov, Kyra A. St Pierre, Amina T. Schartup, Anne L. Soerensen, Kenjiro Toyota, Oleg Travnikov, Simon J. Wilson, Christian Zdanowicz
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive assessment of the present-day total mercury mass balance in the Arctic. The majority of mercury is transported to the Arctic via air and ocean transport, and the deposition mainly occurs in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in soils. Rivers and coastal erosion transfer a significant amount of terrestrial mercury to the Arctic Ocean, in approximate balance with net terrestrial mercury deposition. The revised Arctic Ocean mercury mass balance suggests that the deposition to the ocean and mercury burial in inner-shelf sediments are underestimated, calling for the need for seasonal observations.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joanne M. Morten, Pearse J. Buchanan, C. Egevang, Isolde A. Glissenaar, Sara M. Maxwell, Nicole Parr, James A. Screen, Freydis Vigfusdottir, Noam S. Vogt-Vincent, Daniel A. Williams, Ned C. Williams, Matthew J. Witt, Lucy A. Hawkes, William Thurston
Summary: Climate change poses a significant threat to polar seabirds, particularly the Arctic terns that migrate between both polar regions. The study tracks their migration routes and identifies the impact of environmental changes on their foraging and rest patterns. The study projects the decline of North Atlantic primary production and minimal changes in other regions visited by Arctic terns. Wind patterns may also shift, requiring the birds to adapt their flight strategies. Overall, addressing carbon emissions is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce extinction risks for polar species.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. S. Carrillo, D. I. Archuby, G. Castresana, M. Lunardelli, D. Montalti, A. E. Ibanez
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in migratory seabirds and their prey during the non-breeding season. Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tract of the Common terns and in their regurgitated prey, indicating trophic transfer. The most abundant types of microplastics were cellulose ester plastics, polyethylene terephtalate, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene in both the birds and their prey. These results highlight the high levels of ingested microplastics in Common terns and their prey, raising concerns for this important location for migratory seabirds.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Xinchi Shang, Qingsong Sun, Yuwei Yin, Yue Zhang, Peijun Zhang, Qiaohong Mao, Xi Chen, Huan Ma, Yuehong Li
Summary: Selenium-rich Bacillus subtilis is more effective than selenium-only group in reducing mercury accumulation in fish organs. The results suggest that administration of selenium-rich Bacillus subtilis has the potential to combat dietary mercury toxicity in common carp.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacqueline R. Gerson, Rebecca Dorman, Collin Eagles-Smith, Emily S. Bernhardt, David Walters
Summary: Research shows that selenium exposure may reduce MeHg bioaccumulation and toxicity, but does not affect the MeHg concentration in diatoms under high MeHg treatment. Only in high MeHg treatment, the addition of SeMet leads to a decrease in mayfly MeHg concentrations and biomagnification factors. However, Se is toxic to mayflies, causing negative effects such as reduced escape behavior and prolonged metamorphosis time.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ye Liu, Chenglong Ma, Jiacheng Zhou, Lin Zhu, Limei Cao, Ji Yang
Summary: In this study, an ultra-high efficiency catalyst sorbent-Se-x/Activated carbon (Se-x/AC) was synthesized and applied to remove elemental mercury (Hg-0) in coal combustion flue gas. The Se-x/AC exhibited 120 times better adsorption performance compared to conventional activated carbon. The ultra-high mercury removal performance was found to originate from the activated Se species in Se-x/AC, which chemically adsorbed and captured Hg-0 in the flue gas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joanna Burger, Michael Gochfeld
Summary: The study revealed variations in mercury and selenium levels, as well as selenium:mercury molar ratios, within and between species in New Jersey. While selenium can help mitigate mercury toxicity, the effectiveness declines as fish size increases, leading to lower selenium:mercury molar ratios.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joanne M. Morten, Julian M. Burgos, Lee Collins, Sara M. Maxwell, Eliza-Jane Morin, Nicole Parr, William Thurston, Freydis Vigfusdottir, Matthew J. Witt, Lucy A. Hawkes
Summary: During the breeding season, arctic terns adjust their foraging behaviors to compensate for extrinsic factors and ensure the successful rearing of their chicks. This study used GPS loggers to investigate the individual foraging behaviors of arctic terns during incubation. The findings suggest that the terns travel much further during foraging trips than previously recorded and forage around the clock. The study also found that there was inter-annual variability in the foraging locations used by the terns, but no relationship between size or sex differences and the distances traveled.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jacob W. Thorne, Scott A. Bowdridge, Brenda M. Murdoch, R. Reid Redden
Summary: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) pose a threat to the productivity and health of sheep. This study found that genetic selection can reduce the susceptibility of sheep to GIN. Gender did not affect fecal egg count, but females had a higher packed-cell volume compared to males.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shu Ran, Tianrong He, Shengpeng Li, Deliang Yin, Pan Wu, Yiyuan Xu, Jiating Zhao
Summary: In this study, selenium and sulfur-modified montmorillonite materials were designed and synthesized to effectively reduce mercury levels in crops and avoid excessive selenium enrichment. The results showed that these materials significantly reduced mercury concentrations in water spinach and hybrid Pennisetum without causing excessive selenium bioaccumulation. This approach is easy to prepare, requires small amounts, and has high environmental and economic potentials.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam D. Morris, Simon J. Wilson, Rob J. Fryer, Philippe J. Thomas, Karista Hudelson, Birgitta Andreasen, Pierre Blevin, Paco Bustamante, Olivier Chastel, Guttorm Christensen, Rune Dietz, Marlene Evans, Anita Evenset, Steven H. Ferguson, Jerome Fort, Mary Gamberg, David Gremillet, Magali Houde, Robert J. Letcher, Lisa Loseto, Derek Muir, Marianna Pinzone, Amanda Poste, Heli Routti, Christian Sonne, Gary Stern, Frank F. Riget
Summary: Temporal trend analysis of total mercury concentrations in Arctic biota reveals increasing trends in marine mammals, particularly at easterly longitudes, and in seabirds in the Northeast Atlantic. Improved statistical power and extended time series contribute to this analysis, highlighting the importance of annual monitoring.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
B. K. K. K. Jinadasa, G. D. T. M. Jayasinghe, Pawel Pohl, Scott W. Fowler
Summary: Mercury, a well-known toxicant, enters the marine environment through both natural and anthropogenic sources, with consumption of seafood containing methylmercury being a leading source of human exposure. Efforts to mitigate mercury presence and reduce risks have been made, but large-scale industrial reduction in seafood is largely unsuccessful, requiring more research and attempts to better address the mercury problem.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olivier Chastel, Jerome Fort, Joshua T. Ackerman, Celine Albert, Frederic Angelier, Niladri Basu, Pierre Blevin, Maud Brault-Favrou, Jan Ove Bustnes, Paco Bustamante, Johannis Danielsen, Sebastien Descamps, Rune Dietz, Kjell Einar Erikstad, Igor Eulaers, Alexey Ezhov, Abram B. Fleishman, Geir W. Gabrielsen, Maria Gavrilo, Grant Gilchrist, Olivier Gilg, Sindri Gislason, Elena Golubova, Aurelie Goutte, David Gremillet, Gunnar T. Hallgrimsson, Erpur S. Hansen, Sveinn Are Hanssen, Scott Hatch, Nicholas P. Huffeldt, Dariusz Jakubas, Jon Einar Jonsson, Alexander S. Kitaysky, Yann Kolbeinsson, Yuri Krasnov, Robert J. Letcher, Jannie F. Linnebjerg, Mark Mallory, Flemming Ravn Merkel, Borge Moe, William J. Montevecchi, Anders Mosbech, Bergur Olsen, Rachael A. Orben, Jennifer F. Provencher, Sunna B. Ragnarsdottir, Tone K. Reiertsen, Nora Rojek, Marc Romano, Jens Sondergaard, Hallvard Strom, Akinori Takahashi, Sabrina Tartu, Thorkell L. Thorarinsson, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, Alexis P. Will, Simon Wilson, Katarzyna Wojczulanis-Jakubas, Glenn Yannic
Summary: This review article investigates the contemporary mercury exposure and potential health risk to Arctic seabirds and shorebirds. It finds that some Arctic seabird populations have mercury concentrations exceeding toxicity benchmarks, while most seabirds and shorebirds have a lower risk to mercury toxicity. Recent studies have reported negative effects of mercury on hormone levels, genetic damage, and reproductive performance in some bird species. The findings highlight the importance of considering mercury exposure in conjunction with other stressors when assessing the impact on Arctic birds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Khouloud El Hanafi, Zoyne Pedrero, Laurent Ouerdane, Claudia Marchan Moreno, Silvia Queipo-Abad, Maite Bueno, Florence Pannier, Warren T. Corns, Yves Cherel, Paco Bustamante, David Amouroux
Summary: This study investigated the selenium species in wild birds using elemental and molecular mass spectrometry. A novel selenium compound called selenoneine was identified, which constituted the major selenium species in the water-soluble fraction of giant petrels and played a crucial role in the brain. The study also suggested the important role of selenoneine in mercury detoxification.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haomiao Xu, Qinyuan Hong, Zhao-Yang Zhang, Xiangling Cai, Yurui Fan, Zhisong Liu, Wenjun Huang, Naiqiang Yan, Zan Qu, Lizhi Zhang
Summary: A superstable Hg3Se2Cl2 compound is discovered and proven to be a promising solution for efficient and safe flue gas mercury removal. The compound exhibits high thermal stability and strong acid resistance, and laboratory experiments demonstrate its exceptional performance in removing mercury from flue gas. This study highlights the importance of stable demercury products in flue gas treatment and provides an efficient and practical demercury strategy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jennifer F. Provencher, Stefano Aliani, Melanie Bergmann, Madelaine Bourdages, Lene Buhl-Mortensen, Francois Galgani, Alessio Gomiero, Maria Granberg, Bjorn Einar Grosvik, Bonnie M. Hamilton, Tanja Koegel, Jan Rene Larsen, Amy L. Lusher, Mark L. Mallory, Peter Murphy, Ilka Peeken, Sebastian Primpke, Jakob Strand, Katrin Vorkamp
Summary: The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme has published a plan and guidelines for the monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic. The article discusses the challenges, opportunities, and future strategies in the long-term monitoring of litter and microplastics in this region. It highlights the need for environmental conditions, standardized measurements, harmonized data storage, and filling knowledge gaps for effective monitoring. The integration of knowledge from northern and indigenous communities and an ecosystem-based approach are also emphasized.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Molly A. Bradford, Mark L. Mallory, Nelson J. O'Driscoll
Summary: Due to their natural geochemistry, intertidal estuarine ecosystems are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg). Determining MeHg concentrations in intertidal invertebrates is crucial for understanding MeHg exposure in higher trophic level organisms. This paper reviews conceptual models to clarify the complex interactions between geochemical and physical factors that impact MeHg production and bioavailability in intertidal ecosystems.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
O. Alejandro Aleuy, Susan Kutz, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F. Provencher
Summary: Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) aim to evaluate the potential effects of future projects on the environment, human health, and regional economic potential. However, current assessments often use indirect indicators, such as predicted changes in wildlife habitat or nonspecific population metrics, to assess the impact on wildlife populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark L. Mallory, Aevar Petersen, Sverrir Thorstensen, Ian Spooner, Nelson J. O'Driscoll, Julia E. Baak, Jessie A. McIntyre
Summary: Despite the presence of nesting seabirds, the study found that mercury concentrations in the soil on two islands in west Iceland were similar between reference and seabird-nesting sites. The decline in mercury concentration with depth in the soil core suggests other factors may contribute to the presence of mercury in the soil.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alana A. E. Wilcox, Megan Jurasek, Conor D. Mallory, Todd K. Shury, Philippe J. Thomas, Catherine Soos, Jennifer F. Provencher
Summary: Oil production activities in Canada have raised concerns about contaminant exposure and environmental impacts. Research on contaminant exposure and its impacts on at-risk species, such as wood bison in the Peace-Athabasca region, is lacking. This study reviewed available literature on wood bison contaminants and found that the species is exposed to multiple chemical contaminants, particularly heavy metals. More research and monitoring are needed to understand the threats to wood bison, cumulative effects, and potential concerns for human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ingrid L. Pollet, Laura McFarlane-Tranquilla, Neil M. Burgess, Antony W. Diamond, Carina Gjerdrum, April Hedd, Rielle Hoeg, Patricia L. Jones, Robert A. Mauck, William A. Montevecchi, Isabeau Pratte, Robert A. Ronconi, Dave Shutler, Sabina I. Wilhelm, Mark L. Mallory
Summary: This study investigated mercury exposure in Leach's storm-petrels, a pelagic seabird species, by analyzing egg and blood samples. The results showed that mercury concentrations increased with colony latitude, with higher concentrations in blood than in eggs. Mercury concentrations in blood were associated with low toxicity risk in birds from southern colonies and moderate risks in birds from northern colonies. The study also found that mercury concentrations were correlated with delta 34S, indicating the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in methylation of mercury acquired through marine food webs. Additionally, blood mercury levels were higher when storm-petrels searched for food over deeper waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Gloria Fackelmann, Christopher K. Pham, Yasmina Rodriguez, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F. Provencher, Julia E. Baak, Simone Sommer
Summary: The gut microbiomes of two species of wild seabirds chronically ingesting microplastics were found to have fewer commensal microbial species but more pathogens. Microplastics are a global environmental pollutant and are consumed by various species, impacting their health in multiple ways. This study investigated the association between microplastics and the microbiomes of proventriculus and cloaca in northern fulmars and Cory's shearwaters. The presence of microplastics in the gut was significantly correlated with decreased diversity of commensal microbiota and increased presence of (zoonotic) pathogens, antibiotic-resistant microbes, and plastic-degrading microbes. These findings highlight the association between environmentally relevant concentrations and mixtures of microplastics and changes in the gut microbiomes of wild seabirds.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alexander M. Jardine, Cory J. D. Matthews, Jennifer F. Provencher, Claire Hornby, Mary Gamberg, Madelaine P. T. Bourdages, David Alexander, Manasie Naullaq, Jesse C. Vermaire
Summary: As plastic pollution remains a global concern, researchers have turned their attention to the Arctic as a possible destination for marine pollutants. Although few studies have directly examined microplastics in Arctic mammals, this research aimed to assess the presence of microplastic pollution in Canadian walruses and their potential ingestion. The study found no microplastics larger than 80 i.tm in the stomachs of the evaluated walruses, consistent with findings in other evaluated pinnipeds in Arctic Canada.
Article
Ecology
Rebecca C. Rooney, Jody Daniel, Mark Mallory, April Hedd, Jess Ives, Grant Gilchrist, Carina Gjerdrum, Greg Robertson, Rob Ronconi, Kirsten Wilcox, Sarah Wong, Jennifer Provencher
Summary: This study used a fuzzy cognitive mapping approach to assess and analyze the cumulative effects of various environmental stressors on northern fulmar populations in the Arctic. The research identified pollution, shipping activities, hunting and fishing, and mining/oil and gas activities as the main stressors. The study highlights the importance of considering indirect influences and the need for further research on certain potential stressors.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. J. O'Driscoll, L. Evans, M. Mallory, M. Snyder
Summary: A controlled chamber method using continuous gold trap atomic fluorescence spectroscopy was developed and tested for analyzing Hg(0) emissions from moderate mass rock samples. The results showed higher percentage masses of Hg(0) and emission rate constants in black shale samples compared to granite and basalt samples. This technique has practical implications for examining rock properties and Hg(0) emission rates.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
A. K. Drake, K. M. Dunmall, V. M. Nguyen, J. F. Provencher, D. A. Henri, S. M. Alexander
Summary: This paper provides a systematic realist review of coastal and marine research and monitoring studies that bridge Indigenous and Western sciences. It identifies three decision points in co-developed projects and discusses areas for further reflection, emphasizing bridging as a relational rather than technical endeavor. Practical details are provided to facilitate cross-cultural research partnerships.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Molly D. Tomlik, G. Randy Milton, Glen J. Parsons, Mark L. Mallory
Summary: The American common eider is experiencing declines in colony size in some parts of its range, possibly due to changes in habitat conditions. A study comparing nesting habitat types, availability, and use by breeding eiders on 16 islands revealed that while nesting preferences remained consistent, overall vegetation cover declined and habitat changes varied across islands. The formation of cormorant colonies and changes in vegetation may be contributing to susceptibility of nesting females to predators and local population declines.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marshall W. Ritchie, Alexandra Cheslock, Madelaine P. T. Bourdages, Bonnie M. Hamilton, Jennifer F. Provencher, Jane E. Allison, Heath A. MacMillan
Summary: Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to the natural environment, and there is a need for standardized methods to accurately measure and quantify plastic waste and pollution. In this study, a comprehensive method for isolating and quantifying fluorescent microplastics from animal samples is proposed, combining multiple approaches into one workflow. The method involves tissue dissection, organic material digestion, sample filtering, and automated imaging techniques to accurately identify and quantify fluorescently labeled microplastics. This method can be utilized in a laboratory setting to study plastic ingestion, degradation, and its effects on animals.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
O. Alejandro Aleuy, Susan Kutz, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F. Provencher
Summary: Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) aim to assess the predicted effects of future projects on the environment. However, the current assessments commonly use indirect indicators and fail to track and quantify wildlife health in EIAs and related processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fanny Cusset, Julie Charrier, Guillaume Masse, Mark Mallory, Birgit Braune, Jennifer Provencher, Gael Guillou, Philippe Massicotte, Jerome Fort
Summary: Sea ice plays a crucial role in Arctic marine ecosystems, affecting primary productivity and contamination levels in marine organisms. This study focuses on seabirds in the Arctic and examines the impact of sea ice and ice-derived resources on their mercury contamination. Results suggest that sea ice concentration is the primary driver of mercury contamination in seabirds. This research provides new insights into mercury contamination in Arctic wildlife and highlights the importance of further investigation into the sources and mechanisms of mercury contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
