Article
Plant Sciences
Jia-Li Zhang, Chen Du, Christina Chui-Wa Poon, Ming-Chao He, Man-Sau Wong, Na-Ni Wang, Yan Zhang
Summary: This study extracted and isolated polysaccharides from Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) and demonstrated its protective effect against renal fibrosis. The polysaccharides showed inhibitory effects on fibrosis in both in vivo and in vitro fibrotic models. This suggests that the polysaccharides in FLL have the potential to protect the kidneys from fibrosis.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiping Zhao, Pingping Guo, Yongqiang Yang, Haixin Peng
Summary: The physiological traits of tree leaves can serve as significant predictive factors for air pollutants in urban areas. However, predicting air pollution accurately using leaf differentiation is challenging due to the diversity of pollution sources and complex composition of pollutants. Changes in leaf traits reflect adaptation to pollution, with soluble sugar content indicating short-term stress and leaf area plus aspect ratio reflecting long-term stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiao-Ning Dong, Qiang Zhao, Xiao-Feng Wang
Summary: This study aimed to study the method of separating the whole fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. into the main ingredients containing oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) for effective extraction. The results showed that the extraction yields of OA and UA were highest in the exo-sarcocarps, which were about 4 times higher than yields from other parts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacek Borgulat, Anna Borgulat
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine environmental exposure to PAHs in forests surrounding small mountain towns by analyzing spruce and fir needles. The study area chosen was the Beskid Mountains in Poland, a popular tourist destination. Needles of different ages were collected from study plots located near or away from tourist destinations and analyzed for 15 PAHs content. The results showed that the type and amount of pollutants retained by the needles were influenced by proximity to emission sources and the altitude of the research sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jia Liu, Zengyuan Liu, Lili Wang, Hao He, Hailong Mu, Wenjing Sun, Yu Zhou, Yingqiu Liu, Wuren Ma, Weimin Zhang, Mingzhe Fu, Yunpeng Fan, Xiaoping Song
Summary: This study identified ten bioactive compounds from Ligustrum lucidum fruits, with hydroxytyrosol showing the strongest immune activity in phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation. Further experiments revealed that hydroxytyrosol promoted specific lymphocyte subsets, cytokine secretion, and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. In addition, hydroxytyrosol enhanced antigen uptake, induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, upregulated immune cell markers, promoted NF-kappa B activation, and modulated immune response.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Precillia Cochard, Myriam Laurie, Bruno Veyrand, Bruno Le Bizec, Benjamin Poirot, Philippe Marchand
Summary: This study used honeybees as bioindicators to investigate PAHs pollution in 36 industrial sites in France. The research found that as the level of human activity in the environment increased, the concentration of PAH7 also increased, and that 5 out of 20 compounds analyzed were significantly impacted by the landscape context.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Juan I. Whitworth-Hulse, Patricio N. Magliano, Sebastian R. Zeballos, Marcelo D. Nosetto, Diego E. Gurvich, Ana Ferreras, Florencia Spalazzi, Esteban Kowaljow
Summary: This study assessed the hydrological impacts of the invasion of Ligustrum lucidum on a seasonally dry forest in the Chaco region. The results showed that the invaded stands had lower soil water content and reduced rainwater percolation. The annual actual evapotranspiration rates were around 18% higher in the invaded stands compared to the native stands. This indicates that mono-specific L. lucidum stands have a competitive advantage in terms of water consumption, but also negatively impact water resources.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Georgia Veneti, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Constantine Stalikas
Summary: In this study, the functionalization of melamine sponge (MeS) with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and musks from environmental samples was investigated. The results showed that the synthesized MeS@GQDs exhibited good repeatability and satisfactory recoveries in the analysis of soil samples and treated effluents.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shengtao Ma, Zihuan Zeng, Meiqing Lin, Jian Tang, Yan Yang, Yingxin Yu, Guiying Li, Taicheng An
Summary: By analyzing the concentrations and compositions of PAHs and OH-PAHs in human fingernails, it was found that e-waste dismantling workers had higher exposure to these harmful substances compared to child residents. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the concentration of 3-OH-Flu and 2-OH-Phe in fingernails and urine.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tao Wang, Hongyan Zou, Danyang Li, Jian Gao, Qingwei Bu, Zhanyun Wang
Summary: Synthetic musks, widely used in consumer products, have raised concerns about their adverse effects on ecosystems and human beings. Studies have reviewed the analytical methods of synthetic musks in biological samples and cosmetics products, but there is still a lack of systematic analysis of their global distribution. This review summarizes the occurrence of synthetic musks in the environment and explores their global distribution patterns.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyu Zhang, Zijian Li
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and urinary PAH metabolite levels, finding a positive relationship between the two. The results suggest that higher air pollution levels can lead to increased internal PAH exposure in the general population. Therefore, implementing strict regulations on PAH emissions can reduce the health risks associated with PAH exposure.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yi-Shuang Peng, Jia-Xin Liu, Jie Jiao, Man-Lan Qiu, Wei Tang, Jian-Guo Song, Wen-Cai Ye, Ying Wang, Xiao-Jun Huang
Summary: Seven new secoiridoid glycosides were isolated from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum, and their structures and configurations were determined. These compounds exhibit modest anti-inflammatory activity.
Article
Ecology
Magali Madelon, Natalia Aguirre-Acosta, Maria Cristina Acosta, Lia Montti, Weilong Qi, Ramiro Aguilar
Summary: This study reconstructed the invasion pathways of Glossy privet from China to Argentina using molecular markers, finding higher haplotype diversity in invaded ranges and suggesting multiple introductions. The sharing of haplotypes in invaded ranges points towards a single source of introduction, but the presence of different haplotypes suggests multiple introductions.
ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sang Won Yeon, Su Ryeon Choi, Qing Liu, Yang Hee Jo, Da Hee Choi, Mi Ran Kim, Se Hwan Ryu, Solip Lee, Bang Yeon Hwang, Hyung Seo Hwang, Mi Kyeong Lee
Summary: A new anti-inflammatory compound, secoligulene, was isolated from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. It showed strong inhibitory effect on NO production and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further investigation revealed its mechanism of action through inhibiting signal pathways. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic effects of Ligustrum lucidum and its constituents on inflammation-related skin diseases.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
E. M. Segura, M. A. Giorgis, J. N. Lescano
Summary: The invasion of alien woody species such as Ligustrum lucidum has a profound impact on native anurans in seasonal semiarid subtropical forests, leading to a decrease in species richness, a decline in community abundance, and significant changes in vegetation physiognomy and composition.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Filipa O. Gomes, M. Rosario Rocha, Arminda Alves, Nuno Ratola
Summary: The recycling of end-of-life tires provides a low-cost source of energy and materials, such as crumb rubber, used in artificial turf football pitches, however, concerns about the safety remain. Studies on the potential human exposure to toxic chemicals in the recycled material are ongoing, with existing literature suggesting the possibility of release into the environment. More research is needed to assess the safety and contribution of other materials in synthetic turf.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabio Bernardo, Providencia Gonzalez-Hernandez, Nuno Ratola, Veronica Pino, Arminda Alves, Vera Homem
Summary: This study developed a fast and reliable method for screening seven VMSs in water samples using HS-SPME and GC-FID techniques, and successfully validated the effectiveness and accuracy of the method.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Providencia Gonzalez-Hernandez, Idaira Pacheco-Fernandez, Fabio Bernardo, Vera Homem, Jorge Pasan, Juan H. Ayala, Nuno Ratola, Veronica Pino
Summary: The study developed a HS-SPME method using MOF CIM-80(Al) as extraction phase for simultaneous determination of methylsiloxanes and musk fragrances in environmental waters. The method showed improved detection limits and precision compared to commercial fibers, with potential application in seawater and wastewater analysis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana I. Lopez-Norena, Lucas N. Berna, M. Florencia P. Tames, Emmanuel Millan, S. Enrique Puliafito, Rafael P. Fernandez
Summary: This study performed high resolution air quality simulations over Buenos Aires using the WRF-Chem model and compared two different emission databases. The results showed that the model had a certain predictive ability for different pollutants, but discrepancies were found in suburban areas and areas without observation data. Therefore, additional monitoring sites are recommended to further improve the model predictions.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Ramos, Vera Homem, Lucia Santos
Summary: The study focuses on the potential plant uptake and translocation of emerging pollutants found in organic fertilizers made from sewage sludge. Most of the compounds were detected in tomato fruits, indicating a potential risk of uptake and translocation to fruits. While certain synthetic musk compounds pose a potential risk to the amended soils.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Sara Ramos, Pedro Humberto Castro, Vera Homem, Lucia Santos
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vera Homem, Maria Llompart, Marlene Vila, Ana R. L. Ribeiro, Carmen Garcia-Jares, Nuno Ratola, Maria Celeiro
Summary: This study focused on the presence of personal care products (PCPs) in surface waters, specifically in four Portuguese rivers. Five classes of PCPs were monitored and several substances were detected at high concentrations, especially downstream of wastewater treatment plants discharge points.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fabio Bernardo, Arminda Alves, Vera Homem
Summary: <br>This paper investigates the bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) in food webs. Due to limited published information, the toxicological effects of VMSs on aquatic biota and human ecology are not well understood. The results show conflicting findings regarding the bioaccumulation of VMSs in food webs, with some studies suggesting bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential, while others suggesting trophic dilution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Armada, Maria Llompart, Maria Celeiro, Pablo Garcia-Castro, Nuno Ratola, Thierry Dagnac, Jacob de Boer
Summary: This study assessed the presence of organic compounds in fill samples from synthetic turf football pitches, finding carcinogenic substances and endocrine disruptors in most rubber samples, indicating the presence of hazardous substances in recycled crumb rubber on a global scale.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva M. Salgado, Ana L. Goncalves, Francisco Sanchez-Soberon, Nuno Ratola, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of Chlorella vulgaris to bioremediate primary and secondary urban effluents and remove volatile methylsiloxanes. The results showed that C. vulgaris can efficiently remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and specific VMSs from effluents, indicating its potential in wastewater treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catia A. L. Graca, Filipe Rocha, Filipa O. Gomes, M. Rosario Rocha, Vera Homem, Arminda Alves, Nuno Ratola
Summary: Crumb rubber derived from end-of-life tires is commonly used as infill for synthetic turf pitches, but its use raises concerns about human health and environmental impact. A study found a wide range of metal concentrations in crumb rubber collected from artificial turf worldwide, with some metals exceeding safe limits. Ingestion of crumb rubber could pose non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly for younger individuals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco Sanchez-Soberon, Gabriel F. Pantuzza, Madalena Fernandes, Vera Homem, Arminda Alves, Milton Fontes, Magda Andre, Joana Cunha, Nuno Ratola
Summary: This study aims to investigate the fate of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Aveiro, Portugal. Samples of wastewater, sludge, biogas, and air were collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations and profiles of VMSs. The results showed that 81% of the total mass of VMSs was reduced during the treatment process, with the primary decanter and secondary treatment accounting for the highest decrease.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. Enrique Puliafito, Tomas R. Bolano-Ortiz, Rafael P. Fernandez, Lucas L. Berna, Romina M. Pascual-Flores, Josefina Urquiza, Ana Lopez-Norena, Maria F. Tames
Summary: This work presents the integration of a high-resolution gas-phase and particulate atmospheric emission inventory for Argentina from 1995 to 2020, aiming to support air quality and climate modeling for evaluating pollutant mitigation strategies by local governments. The inventory provides temporally resolved emission maps, showing pollution reduction during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 compared to previous years.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Tarin-Carrasco, Sofia Augusto, Laura Palacios-Pena, Nuno Ratola, Pedro Jimenez-Guerrero
Summary: Uncontrolled wildfires have significant impacts on the environment, economy, and local populations. Large fires in Portugal, though representing less than 1% of all fires, account for 46% of the burned area, with the north, center, and inland regions being the most affected areas.
NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2021)
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)