Review
Engineering, Environmental
Antonio Castellano-Hinojosa, Manuel J. Gallardo-Altamirano, Jesus Gonzalez-Lopez, Alejandro Gonzalez-Martinez
Summary: The consumption of anticancer drugs has increased in recent decades due to the rising cancer incidence. However, their presence in natural environments and wastewater has received less attention. This review discusses the occurrence, persistence, and ecological impacts of anticancer drugs. The findings demonstrate that these compounds are frequently detected in hospital effluents, wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents, surface water, sediments, groundwater, and even drinking water. They can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms and alter microbial communities in soil and water, impacting ecosystem functioning. Better understanding of the presence and impacts of anticancer drugs is crucial for designing management strategies and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina A. Duarte, Patrick Reis-Santos, Jerker Fick, Henrique N. Cabral, Bernardo Duarte, Vanessa F. Fonseca
Summary: The contamination of surface waters by pharmaceuticals is a global issue caused by increased access and use of pharmaceuticals, which poses a threat to non-target species. Neuroactive pharmaceuticals, in particular, can bioaccumulate in fish and disrupt various processes, impacting fish populations and their ecosystems. This study investigates the presence and bioaccumulation of 33 neuroactive pharmaceuticals in multiple fish species from four different estuaries. The results show widespread occurrence and bioaccumulation of these pharmaceuticals in fish tissues, highlighting the urgent need for toxicity assessment in natural ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mengmeng Zhong, Tielong Wang, Wenxing Zhao, Jun Huang, Bin Wang, Lee Blaney, Qingwei Bu, Gang Yu
Summary: The occurrence and impacts of emerging organic contaminants in Chinese surface water have been studied using a multi-criteria screening approach. The study developed a prioritization scheme based on hazard and exposure potentials to identify the top-priority and high-priority pollutants. The priority index effectively captured and integrated the results from other prioritization schemes based on exposure potential, hazard potential, or risk quotients.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatme Merhabi, Elena Gomez, Helmieh Amine, David Rosain, Jalal Halwani, Helene Fenet
Summary: The Kadicha river basin in Northern Lebanon is a small coastal river facing multiple pressures due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and poor wastewater treatment. The study found various contaminants accumulating in the sediment, with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polycyclic musks showing the highest concentrations. The upstream urbanized area and estuary were identified as the most contaminated areas, with an environmental risk assessment indicating potential risks to benthic species from both legacy and emerging compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pinakshi Biswas, Bhanu Prakash Vellanki
Summary: The study quantified 16 target compounds in the River Yamuna, with caffeine, estrone, gemfibrozil being among the most commonly found. Higher concentrations were detected post-monsoon. Runoff from catchment areas is a contributing factor to the increased concentration of compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charlie J. E. Davey, Michiel H. S. Kraak, Antonia Praetorius, Thomas L. ter Laak, Annemarie P. van Wezel
Summary: This study aimed to assess the risk posed by psychopharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in European surface waters by analyzing occurrence and toxicity data. The study found that a substantial proportion of data-rich psychopharmaceuticals in surface waters pose an ecological risk to aquatic non-target organisms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ravinder Kumar, Anna Whelan, Patrick Cannon, Madoc Sheehan, Louise Reeves, Elsa Antunes
Summary: This study aimed to quantify different classes of emerging contaminants in biosolids from sewage treatment plants (STPs) across Northern Queensland, Australia. Significant variations were found in the concentrations of different contaminants, which could be explained by the characteristics of the upstream sewage network. Certain contaminants, such as heavy metals, antibiotics, PFOS, and PFOA, were identified as posing high environmental risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniel Sol, Andrea Menendez-Manjon, Paula Arias-Garcia, Amanda Laca, Adriana Laca, Amador Rancano, Mario Diaz
Summary: Emerging contaminants have potential harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study monitored six emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants and calculated their removal efficiencies. Results showed that the concentrations of these contaminants were within the normal range, except for one particular contaminant.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oksana Golovko, Stefan Orn, Mattias Sorengard, Kim Frieberg, Winnie Nassazzi, Foon Yin Lai, Lutz Ahrens
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants are major sources of Emerging Chemicals of Concern (CECs) in aquatic environments, impacting aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated 164 CECs at 15 locations, with CEC concentrations varying widely between WWTPs. The K-d of CECs correlated with K-ow, allowing for prediction of their distribution in water and solids. WWTP effluent had higher CEC concentrations than upstream waters, potentially impacting downstream ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaru Cao, Jing Li, Rongben Wu, Huiju Lin, Jia-Yong Lao, Yuefei Ruan, Kai Zhang, Jiaxue Wu, Kenneth M. Y. Leung, Paul K. S. Lam
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of 15 phthalate esters (PAEs) in seawater and sediment from the northern South China Sea (NSCS) for the first time. The results showed high concentrations of PAEs in the region, with dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) being the predominant congeners in seawater and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) in sediment. The findings provide valuable information for implementing effective control measures and remediation strategies for PAEs contamination in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Dubey, Sanjeeb Mohapatra, Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Surindra Suthar, Absar Ahmad Kazmi
Summary: This review discusses the fate of emerging contaminants (ECs) in sewage sludge treatment, focusing on fundamental mechanisms and key factors. Different treatment processes can effectively remove ECs from sludge. The nature of sludge and the initial concentration of contaminants play important roles in the removal of ECs during traditional stabilization processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Manuel Penas-Garzon, Maria J. Sampaio, Yaidelin Manrique, Claudia G. Silva, Joaquim L. Faria
Summary: This study investigates the performance of carbon nitride (CN) photocatalysts immobilized on 3D printed cylindrical supports for the removal of selected emerging pollutants. The results demonstrate that the CN photocatalyst prepared from urea showed the highest efficiency for the removal of venlafaxine (VFX) as the target antidepressant. The study highlights the potential of this approach for comprehensive emerging pollutants removal and its significance in water treatment and environmental remediation strategies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Mooney, K. G. Richards, M. Danaher, J. Grant, L. Gill, P-E Mellander, C. E. Coxon
Summary: A comprehensive study in the Republic of Ireland investigated the occurrence of 40 anthelmintic residues in groundwaters, revealing 17 compounds detected at 22% of sites, with albendazole and its transformation products being most frequently found. Multivariate statistical analysis identified significant source and pathway factors related to the occurrence of anthelmintics in groundwater, and temporal variations showed higher frequencies and concentrations during specific months coinciding with increased usage and meteorological events. This study provides valuable insights into the presence of anthelmintics in Irish groundwater and seasonal trends critical for assessing potential impacts of climate change.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sathish Sundararaman, J. Aravind Kumar, Prabu Deivasigamani, Yuvarajan Devarajan
Summary: The presence of pharmaceutical residues in water resources poses significant hazards to the environment and necessitates assessment and mitigation measures. Various pharmaceutical components can be detected in water, causing negative effects on marine species and biodegradation activities. Synergic effects and ecotoxicological hazard assessments must be developed. Traditional effluent treatment methods are ineffective in removing active pharmaceutical ingredients from water, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring in aquatic ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juliana Bazzan Arsand, Alexandro Dallegrave, Louise Jank, Tiago Feijo, Mauricio Perin, Rodrigo Barcellos Hoff, Alexandre Arenzon, Adriano Gomes, Tania Mara Pizzolato
Summary: The widespread use and misuse of antibiotics and pesticides have been found to pose risks to the environment and human health. This report presents and discusses the results of monitoring pharmaceuticals and pesticides in a river in Southern Brazil from 2016 to 2018. The analytes were identified and determined using high-resolution mass spectrometry, and spatial-temporal models were obtained through chemometric analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of 33 analytes, including 20 pharmaceuticals and 13 pesticides, with 27 suspect findings from un-target analysis.
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Daniel Gonzalez-Fernandez, Andres Cozar, Georg Hanke, Josue Viejo, Carmen Morales-Caselles, Rigers Bakiu, Damia Barcelo, Filipa Bessa, Antoine Bruge, Maria Cabrera, Javier Castro-Jimenez, Mel Constant, Roberto Crosti, Yuri Galletti, Ahmet E. Kideys, Nino Machitadze, Joana Pereira de Brito, Maria Pogojeva, Nuno Ratola, Julia Rigueira, Elisa Rojo-Nieto, Oksana Savenko, Rosanna I. Schoneich-Argent, Grzegorz Siedlewicz, Giuseppe Suaria, Myrto Tourgeli
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abraao Tiago Batista Guimaraes, Italo Nascimento Freitas, Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Fernando Postalli Rodrigues, Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues, Damia Barcelo, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of exposure to poly-styrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) on the behavior, brain antioxidant activity, and DNA damage in male Swiss mice. It was found that mice exposed to PS NPs exhibited anxiolytic-like behavior and altered defensive response when confronted with a predator. Additionally, the exposure to PS NPs led to reduced brain antioxidant activity and increased DNA damage. These findings highlight the potential impact of PS NPs on mammals and underscore the ecotoxicological risks associated with their dispersion in natural environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoni Ginebreda, Anna Jurado, Estanislao Pujades, Damia Barcelo
Summary: A simple data-based advection-reaction model applicable to river and aquifer monitoring networks is proposed, utilizing the Laplacian matrix to capture network topology and advection processes. This method provides valuable information regarding the dynamic spatial behavior of monitored variables.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Manuel Garcia-Vara, Cristina Postigo, Patricia Palma, Miren Lopez de Alda
Summary: Analytical methods based on QuEChERS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were developed for the determination of 42 polar and semi-polar pesticides in three representative vegetable matrices, and validated for their linearity, sensitivity, true-ness, and precision. The methods showed good recovery rates and low limits of detection, and were successfully applied to analyze real samples.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanting Zhou, Xiuna Ren, To-Hung Tsui, Damia Barcelo, Quan Wang, Zengqiang Zhang, Yongzhen Ding
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have been widely found in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems as an emerging pollutant. Recently, it has been discovered that solid organic waste is also an important source of MPs and has significant impacts on ecosystems. This study reviews the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in solid organic waste and organic fertilizers, as well as their influence on biological treatments and degradation characteristics.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhugen Yang, Damia Barcelo
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bin Wang, Liping Heng, Qian Sui, Zheng Peng, Xuezhi Xiao, Minghui Zheng, Jianxin Hu, Heidelore Fiedler, Damia Barcelo, Gang Yu
Summary: This paper analyzes the combustion of vinyl chloride (VC) in the train derailment accident in Ohio, USA in 2023. It discusses the appropriateness of VC combustion in the emergency response, the concept of controlled combustion, the potential environmental risks of VC and combustion by-products, and the follow-up work. The accident has caused environmental and health risks, necessitating a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, remediation of affected areas, and proper treatment of hazardous waste. The accident also highlights the need to bridge the gap between chemical safety management and environmental risk management.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Manish Kumar, Rahul Silori, Payal Mazumder, Vikalp Shrivastava, Frank Loge, Damia Barcelo, Jurgen Mahlknecht
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Raffaele Bruschi, Paolo Pastorino, Damia Barceld, Monia Renzi
Summary: Lagoons play a crucial role in ecological services, providing habitats and filtering water quality. However, there is a lack of data on microplastic pollution in Italian lagoon systems, highlighting the need for monitoring and assessment.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Wang, Yanhong Li, Yuting Tan, Rui Li, Liangliang Zhou, Zongzhe He, Damia Barcelo, Haiyan Shi, Minghua Wang
Summary: In this study, the uptake, translocation, and biotransformation of the fungicide PYD by wheat were investigated at a chiral level. The results showed that the residue concentration of R-PYD in wheat was higher than that of S-PYD, and R-PYD was more easily accumulating in roots and translocating to shoots. Additionally, 9 metabolites of PYD were detected qualitatively in wheat roots or shoots.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Silori, Manish Kumar, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Pinakshi Biswas, Bhanu Prakash Vellanki, Jurgen Mahlknecht, Syed Mohammad Tauseef, Damia Barcelo
Summary: This study investigates the occurrences and seasonal variations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Dehradun, India. The results show higher concentrations of estrone compared to triclosan in the influent waters of the WWTPs. The study highlights the limitation of WWTPs in treating and assimilating EDCs, leading to their accumulation in effluents and posing a significant threat to nearby aquatic ecosystems, human health, and the ecological balance of the region.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Samira Bouizzar, Mohammed Berkani, Fethi Farouk Kebaili, Damia Barcelo, Sang-Woo Joo, Yasser Vasseghian, Karima Khenaka
Summary: In this study, the degradation of Dicamba methyl ester (DME) using a low-cost chlorine/ferrous process was investigated. Optimal conditions for DME degradation were determined using an artificial neural network (ANN) model and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, yielding a predicted yield of 88%. GC/MS analysis identified benzene, 1,2,4-trichloro-3-methoxy DME-BP as the only chlorine-containing byproduct. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal was analyzed using a Fenton-like process under optimized conditions, and toxicity assessments using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae indicated low toxicity of 20% when DME mineralization reached 62.52%.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Manuel Garcia-Vara, Dana Orlando-Veliz, Rocio Ines Bonansea, Cristina Postigo, Miren Lopez de Alda
Summary: A prioritization procedure was developed to identify the most relevant emerging organic contaminants of concern in agricultural area irrigated with reclaimed water. A wide-scope screening methodology was applied to characterize the contaminant footprint in water. The prioritization tool provided a cost-effective approach to detect priority pollutants that could be overlooked by regulations, contributing to the efficient management of water resources.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. M. Castano-Ortiz, F. Courant, E. Gomez, M. M. Garcia-Pimentel, V. M. Leon, J. A. Campillo, L. H. M. L. M. Santos, D. Barcelo, S. Rodriguez-Mozaz
Summary: In this study, the bioaccumulation, metabolomic alterations, and potential recovery mechanisms of Mediterranean mussels exposed to polyethylene microplastics and pharmaceuticals were investigated. The presence of microplastics delayed the bioaccumulation of citalopram but had a limited effect on bezafibrate accumulation. Pharmaceuticals and microplastics both affected metabolic pathways in mussels, potentially leading to dysregulation of reproduction, energy metabolism, and immunity.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cristina Postigo, Luis Moreno-Merino, Ester Lopez-Garcia, Jeronimo Lopez-Martinez, Miren Lopez de Alda
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of human activities on the chemical pollution of Antarctic waters by assessing the presence of inorganic chemicals and selected organic anthropogenic contaminants. The results showed that nicotine and tolytriazole were the most common contaminants in the area. Citalopram, clarithromycin, and nicotine were the most abundant contaminants, indicating the need for further monitoring and protection measures in Antarctic waters.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
