Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatiana D. Silva, Celia Alves, Helena Oliveira, Iola F. Duarte
Summary: This study comprehensively characterized PM10 from residential and traffic-impacted areas in a Portuguese city and investigated its biological effects on lung epithelial cells. The results showed that PM10 extracts could induce cellular toxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and cell cycle arrest, as well as modulate intracellular metabolic processes. Interestingly, PM10 samples rich in toxic substances had a greater impact on cell metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Smita Kumari, Krishna Gautam, Monika Seth, Sadasivam Anbumani, Natesan Manickam
Summary: The study found that the combination of Eisenia fetida and rhamnolipid JBR-425 with a bacterial consortium resulted in increased degradation levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from oil-contaminated soil. The bacterial consortium degraded 30-89% of selected PAH after 45 days, with chrysene showing the highest degradation (89%) and benzo(a)pyrene the lowest (30%). The earthworm biomass decreased and mortality rates increased with increasing crude oil concentrations, but a 100% survival rate was observed at 1% crude oil exposure, indicating the potential for bioremediation. The combination of E. fetida with the bacterial consortium showed better degradation of PAH, while rhamnolipid JBR-425 coupled with the consortium resulted in significant degradation as well. Overall, the application of the bacterial consortium in conjunction with E. fetida has great potential for the restoration of contaminated soil and ecosystem sustainability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Elizaveta Konstantinova, Andrey Novoselov, Alexandr Konstantinov, Tatiana Minkina, Svetlana Sushkova, Sergey Loiko
Summary: The research focused on the impact of urbanization on soil cover in Tyumen, Russia, by evaluating pollutants and microartifacts over 20 different land use sites. Results indicated that industrial areas had high levels of pollution, while the duration of urbanization in other areas also influenced pollution levels. Sites with the highest pollution levels had the highest proportion and diversity of microartifacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuerla Ailijiang, Naifu Zhong, Xiaolong Zhou, Anwar Mamat, Jiali Chang, Shuangyu Cao, Zhenyu Hua, Nanxin Li
Summary: The presence of PAHs in parks poses a threat to human health, especially when ingested through different pathways. The environmental quality of parks directly affects the health of both tourists and residents. This study in Urumqi, Northwest China, analyzed PAHs content in park soil and common plants in eight typical parks. Results showed that PAHs content in park soil was 5-6 times higher in the summer compared to the winter, with some samples exceeding the soil pollution risk screening value. Different seasons also affected the PAHs content in plants, with tall arbors having higher PAHs content in the winter and short herbs in the summer. The source of PAHs in plants was more complex during winter. Some parks had higher levels of contamination, and the average lifetime carcinogenic risk for both adults and children reached a low-risk level in the summer, with children having a higher risk than adults.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Roszak, Joanna Jablonska, Xymena Stachurska, Kamila Dubrowska, Justyna Kajdanowicz, Marta Golebiewska, Anna Kiepas-Kokot, Beata Osinska, Adrian Augustyniak, Jolanta Karakulska
Summary: This study aimed to isolate bacteria with bioremediation potential from soil contaminated with PAHs, develop an autochthonous microbial consortium, and evaluate their ability to degrade PAHs. The selected strains showed a high capacity for PAH degradation, with in vitro degradation reducing PAH content by over 99% after eight days. In situ bioremediation experiments resulted in a significant reduction of PAH concentration, highlighting the potential of the autochthonous microbial consortium in enhancing the bioremediation process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carme Pacin, Javier Martinez-Abaigar, Encarnacion Nunez-Olivera, Jesus R. Aboal, Flavia De Nicola, J. Angel Fernandez
Summary: Testing the innovative and cost-effective Mosspheres as passive air samplers for monitoring and mapping polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) proved their high sensitivity and suitability. The study detected low concentrations of PAHs, with only a few enriched points exceeding legal thresholds near industrial areas and busy roads. However, Mosspheres were able to detect spatial structure for several PAHs and construct high-resolution pollution maps, supporting their widespread application and potential inclusion in European Directives on air quality control.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tian Xie, Fei Lu, Meie Wang, Yuan Zhang, Changfeng Liu, Weiping Chen
Summary: This study introduced a novel method for assessing soil pollution in Macau, China, using anthropogenic background values and entropy weight method. It found that a significant portion of the sites had no specific point source pollution, and identified mercury and high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the main contaminants in the soil. Through positive matrix factorization, three main anthropogenic sources of contaminants and their contributions were successfully identified and quantified in the study area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baozhong Zhang, Wenhao Wei, Huina Zhu, Xiaolong Liu, Lina Lv, Hanyu Chen
Summary: The investigation on PAHs variations in the soil of CPUA revealed that the main sources of PAHs were energy consumption. PAH levels in urban and industrial soils showed a low cancer risk, while the PAH levels in farmland soil could potentially increase due to burning coal and agricultural machinery emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thiloka Kariyawasam, Gregory S. Doran, Julia A. Howitt, Paul D. Prenzler
Summary: PAHs are harmful pollutants in the environment. Extraction and quantification are important steps to understand contamination and implement remediation. Traditional extraction methods have limitations and newer, more environmentally friendly methods are being explored.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Li, Xinhui Sun, Wenjun Zhang, Zhaoyang Sun, Shuo Na, Zheng Chen, Lei Wang, Chaolei Yuan, Hongwen Sun
Summary: Studies have shown that Fe(III)-modified montmorillonite has the potential to remediate soil contaminated by arsenic and poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by promoting the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) and transformation of anthracene.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Geoffrey S. Siemering, Robert Thiboldeaux
Summary: This research found that the sources of PAHs in urban core soils primarily come from emissions of multiple diffuse points in the atmosphere, with the main health risks focusing on benzo(a) pyrene and dibenz(a,h) anthracene. Soil PAH values were lower compared to cities like Chicago, Boston, and London, possibly due to industrial history and site selection protocols.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengwei Qiao, Nan Dong, Sucai Yang, Yaling Gou
Summary: In this study conducted in Beijing, quantitative identification of the main sources of heavy metals and PAHs in soils was carried out using the PMF method. The concentrations of Pb, PAHs, Cr, and Hg in soils were found to be significantly influenced by landuse type, road traffic, natural factors, and industrial production, respectively. Factors such as farmland, distance to main roads, specific parent materials, soil types, and industrial production made greater contributions to these four factors. The four-factor PMF solution was deemed stable and appropriate, providing support for comprehensive control of soil environmental risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xinghui Xia, Yanan Liu, Zhenrui Zhang, Nannan Xi, Jiaao Bao, Zhifeng Yang
Summary: China's efforts in fighting environmental contamination during rapid development and industrialization have led to a decrease in soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution. The adjustments made in the country's energy structure, such as reducing coal consumption and increasing the use of clean energy sources, have contributed to this decline. This study highlights the importance of energy restructuring in decreasing PAH concentrations and improving soil environmental quality.
Article
Polymer Science
Jan Fort, Klara Kobeticova, Martin Bohm, Jan Podlesny, Veronika Jelinkova, Martina Vachtlova, Filip Bures, Robert Cerny
Summary: The study examines the impact of end-of-life tires on freshwater and soil organisms. The results show significant concerns regarding contamination and inhibited growth of these organisms due to high concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rubber crumb.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Zhang, Chau-Thuy Pham, Bin Chen, Xuan Zhang, Yan Wang, Pengchu Bai, Lulu Zhang, Seiya Nagao, Akira Toriba, Trung-Dung Nghiem, Ning Tang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the levels of particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) in different areas of Hanoi, Vietnam in winter and summer from 2019 to 2022. The PAHs and NPAHs concentrations showed seasonal variations, with higher levels in winter. Biomass burning was identified as a major source of PAHs and NPAHs, and motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, were dominant in the summer. The study also assessed the cancer risks associated with exposure to PAHs and NPAHs, and found higher risks for females through ingestion and dermal absorption pathways.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Dong-Xing Guan, Si-Xue He, Gang Li, H. Henry Teng, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: The Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films technique (DGT) has gained increasing popularity in soil research since 1998, attracting attention due to its ease of use and versatility in applications. It is effective in studying the behaviors of nutrients, trace elements, and polar organic compounds in soils, making it a valuable tool for various aspects of soil research.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shi-Wei Li, Minghui Chang, Xiaoyue Huang, Helian Li, Hong-Bo Li, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: The study found that Cd bioaccessibility in contaminated soils was mainly affected by exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cd, which were identified as the main sources of bioaccessible Cd in those soils.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Scott A. Bradford, Chongyang Shen, Hyunjung Kim, Robert J. Letcher, Jorg Rinklebe, Yong Sik Ok, Lena Ma
Summary: Nanomaterials show great promise in environmental applications, but caution is needed as many studies are conducted in idealized laboratory conditions and still require scaling up. New approaches are necessary to detect and control the mobility of NMs, and to quantify potential impacts on ecosystems under realistic field conditions.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Dong-Xing Guan, Zhi-Hua Dai, Hong-Jie Sun, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: This study summarizes recent research progress on the biogeochemical transformations and biological effects of metalloids arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in the plant-soil-human ecosystem, focusing on their uptake, transformation, toxicity, bioaccessibility, and pollution control measures. Future studies should aim to better understand the cycling and biogeochemistry of As/Se in the environment, further uncovering their environmental effects from the One Health perspective.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi-Hua Dai, Song Ding, Jia-Yi Chen, Ran Han, Yue Cao, Xue Liu, Shuxin Tu, Dong-Xing Guan, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: The study found that selenate promotes plant growth and increases arsenic concentrations in both roots and fronds of Pteris vittata. Additionally, selenate enhances glutathione levels and the activity of GPX and GR in the plant, suggesting an effective mechanism for improving arsenic uptake.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Meng-Yu Wang, Meng-Ya Li, Han Ning, Rong-Yue Xue, Jia-Hui Liang, Ning Wang, Xiao-San Luo, Gang Li, Albert L. Juhasz, Lena Q. Ma, Hong-Bo Li
Summary: The study found that the bioavailability of cadmium in vegetables is strongly negatively correlated with cadmium concentration, with pakchoi having lower cadmium intake compared to water spinach and amaranth due to its higher calcium and lower phytate concentrations. This inhibits intestinal absorption of cadmium.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Lena Qiying Ma, Nicholas Basta, Albert Juhasz, Jorg Rinklebe
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ping Zheng, Yingxue Liu, Qi An, Xiaomeng Yang, Shanshan Yin, Lena Q. Ma, Weiping Liu
Summary: The study found that most PFASs followed the order of levels in maternal serum > cord serum > breast milk. The 6:2 Cl-PFESA was positively associated with birth weight and ponderal index. Breastfeeding transfer efficiencies of most PFASs were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than transplacental transfer efficiencies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jia-Hui Liang, Xin-Ying Lin, Dan-Kun Huang, Rong-Yue Xue, Xiao-Qing Fu, Lena Q. Ma, Hong-Bo Li
Summary: The bioavailability of nickel in contaminated soils is predominantly controlled by its solubility in the gastrointestinal tract, while soil properties and co-contamination of other metals have a weak influence. Simple and cost-effective bioaccessibility assays can predict site-specific oral bioavailability of nickel.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xue Liu, Ran Han, Yue Cao, Benjamin L. Turner, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: This article introduces the availability of phytate in soils and the process of phytate-P acquisition by plants. It also discusses agronomic approaches and biotechnological strategies to improve soil phytate-P utilization by plants, and raises questions that need further research. This information helps to enhance the efficiency of phytate-P utilization by plants, thereby reducing the demand for phosphorus resources and pollution risks to the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hong-Jie Sun, Song Ding, Dong-Xing Guan, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: The Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and associated anti-oxidative enzymes play an important role in countering arsenic toxicity in mice, which may have implications for human health.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhi-Hua Dai, Dong-Xing Guan, Jochen Bundschuh, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: Phytohormones have beneficial effects in plants against metal(loid) toxicity by enhancing plant growth, increasing antioxidant capacity, promoting nutrient uptake, and decreasing metal(loid) accumulation.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ran Han, Jia-Yi Chen, Si-Xue He, Chen-Jing Liu, Zhi-Hua Dai, Xue Liu, Yue Cao, Lena Q. Ma
Summary: This study found that the As-hyperaccumulator plant Pteris vittata effectively secretes phytate and utilizes phytate-P, especially under As exposure. The induced secretion and uptake of phytate and phytase by P. vittata promote its growth and As hyperaccumulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jin-Lei Yang, Albert L. Juhasz, Meng-Ya Li, Jing Ding, Xi-Mei Xue, Dongmei Zhou, Lena Q. Ma, Hong-Bo Li
Summary: This study found that long-term exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium in drinking water, at concentrations equivalent to the China provisional guideline values, can lead to a decrease in weight gain in male mice. Additionally, this exposure can cause a reduction in protective bacteria (Akkermansia) and an increase in chronic intestinal inflammation in male mice.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yao-Sheng Zhang, Albert L. Juhasz, Jin-Feng Xi, Lena Q. Ma, Dongmei Zhou, Hong-Bo Li
Summary: The study suggests that supplementation with GOS may regulate the gut microbiota and reduce early life arsenic exposure. Compared to the control group, mice treated with GOS showed significantly lower arsenic concentrations in their blood, liver, and kidneys, and an increase in Akkermansia and Psychrobacter in the gut.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)