Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xia Zhou, Yan Gao, Qinghe Zhang, Xiuqin Li, Hongmei Li
Summary: A method combining cloud point extraction with ultrasound-assisted back-extraction and isotope dilution mass spectrometry has been developed for the sensitive and reliable determination of seven legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants in water samples. The optimized conditions provided high absolute recoveries, low matrix effects, and method limits of detection ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 ng L-1. The proposed method showed good repeatability and efficiency in analyzing trace BFRs in water.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. B. Romero, P. S. Polizzi, L. Chiodi, A. Dolagaratz, M. Gerpe
Summary: Marine mammals are important indicators of ecosystem health, but they face significant threats from pollutants such as pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. This review provides information on the occurrence of legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals inhabiting Argentine waters, identifies knowledge gaps, and suggests best practices for future research. The study reveals the presence of legacy contaminants in cetaceans and pinnipeds and highlights the need for updated information and continuous monitoring of pollutants. It also identifies a knowledge gap in the southern zone of the Argentine Sea and discusses global environmental pollutants that have not been studied in Argentina. The review emphasizes the importance of further studies to understand the relationships between pollutants and their effects on marine mammals, which will aid in conservation efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huijun Su, Shaobo Shi, Ming Zhu, Jianhua Li, Guanyong Su
Summary: A method to quantify liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) in sediment samples was developed and LCMs were found in samples from rivers, Taihu Lake, and e-waste recycling sites, providing initial evidence for their occurrence in sediment samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jishuang Yang, Xia Zhou, Xiuqin Li, Xiaomin Li, Yan Gao, Qinghe Zhang
Summary: This study developed a fast and high throughput method based on the QuEChERS technique combined with GC-QTOF/MS for the simultaneous determination of 21 OPFRs in rice samples. The factors affecting sample pretreatment and GC-QTOF/MS were optimized, and IDMS was used for accurate quantification. The method showed good recoveries and low LOQs, and successfully detected 14 OPFRs in real rice samples within a wide concentration range.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Imma Tolosa, David Huertas, Sarah Choyke, Sylvia Sander, Yann Aminot
Summary: Two different sample preparation protocols for determining HFRs in marine tissues were compared, showing that the GPC-Partisil procedure is more efficient and reproducible than the H2SO4-silica procedure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natascha Schmidt, Javier Castro-Jimenez, Benjamin Oursel, Richard Sempere
Summary: This study conducted analysis of microplastics and organic plastic additives in surface seawater, sediment, and zooplankton samples from Marseille Bay, revealing significant variations in PAE and OPE concentrations among different sample types.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brigid Carr, Pere Masque, Carlos M. Alonso-Hernandez, David Huertas, Philippe Bersuder, Imma Tolosa
Summary: This study analyzed sediment from Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba to examine the occurrence of organic pollutants from 1990 to 2015. The results showed the presence of regulated contaminants such as PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs, with a decline in PCB contamination since 2007. Emerging contaminants, including PAEs, OPEs, and aHFRs, showed sharp increases, possibly due to the growing global usage of flame retardants and plasticizer additives. Local sources, such as a plastic recycling plant and urban waste outfalls, may contribute to these trends. Further research is needed to understand the influx of these emerging contaminants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weilong Xing, Liangchen Zhong, Wen Gu, Mengyuan Liang, Lei Wang, Zhen Wang, Lili Shi, Shuai Sun
Summary: Surface soil and river sediment samples were collected from the downstream of Chuhe River basin in East China to investigate the occurrence and accumulation characteristics of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). The concentrations of BDE-209 and nine NBFRs ranged from n.d. to 41.4 ng/g dw and from 0.29 to 19.73 ng/g dw in the collected samples. BTBPE was the predominant NBFR in both soil and sediment samples. The calculated concentration ratios of the total of the nine NBFRs to BDE-209 in most of the analyzed samples exceeded 1, indicating a clear shift from legacy brominated flame retardants to NBFRs in the downstream of Chuhe River basin.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Loreto Robles-Hernandez, Nora A. Salas-Salazar, Ana C. Gonzalez-Franco
Summary: This study aimed to purify and characterize the antibacterial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria from culture fluids of Ganoderma lucidum, revealing that the bioactive compounds are small polysaccharides. This is the first report of such polysaccharides produced by G. lucidum with activity against bacterial plant pathogens.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjue Zhong, Yannan Cui, Ruixuan Li, Rongyan Yang, Yao Li, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: The study investigated the concentration and partition of organic phosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in the Haihe Basin of China, revealing the widespread environmental contamination of oligomeric OPFRs. The results suggested that the emissions from manufacturing plants and airport operation were two important sources of OPFRs in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinli Xie, Yuxin Sun, Yuanyue Cheng, Yongshan Chen, Laiguo Chen, Chenmin Xie, Shouhui Dai, Xiaojun Luo, Li Zhang, Bixian Mai
Summary: The study revealed significant differences in concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE, BTBPE and DP in estuarine sediments in South China, with the highest levels found in sediments from the Pearl River Estuary. Additionally, BDE 209 was identified as the predominant congener of PBDEs in estuarine sediments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yin-E Liu, Xiao-Jun Luo, Yu Liu, Yan-Hong Zeng, Bi-Xian Mai
Summary: The study found significant differences in PFR and plasticizer concentrations among different insect taxa, with higher PFR concentrations in the larvae of litchi stinkbugs and grasshoppers, and higher concentrations in the adults of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies. Negative linear correlations were observed between the ratios of PFR and plasticizer concentrations in adult to larva and log KOW in the four studied insect taxa. Additionally, the contaminant concentrations in dragonfly ecdysis were significantly higher than in dragonfly larvae, indicating ecdysis as an important pathway for removing PFRs and plasticizers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yeowool Choi, Chunyan Hao, Paul A. Helm, Satyendra P. Bhavsar, Sang Don Kim
Summary: This study analyzed the concentration and distribution of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in fish samples collected from fishing spots in the North American Great Lakes and nearshore fish samples from the Toronto and Hamilton areas in Canada. The results showed that these chemicals can be ingested by humans through the consumption of fish, but the exposure levels are relatively low compared to exposures through indoor air and dust inhalation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xu Zhang, Zhongwen Lu, Xiaohan Ren, Xinglin Chen, Xiang Zhou, Xuan Zhou, Tongtong Zhang, Yiyang Liu, Shangqian Wang, Chao Qin
Summary: The study investigated the correlation between OPFRs and tumors, identifying key genes for predicting the prognosis of prostate cancer. OPFRs and their metabolites were found to have potential effects on prostate cancer, with AR, mTOR, and DDIT3 playing important roles in cell proliferation and invasion capacity.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hillary Marler, Jinxin Xie, Douglas H. Adams, Clayton K. Nielsen, Yan Wu, Da Chen
Summary: The bioaccumulation of emerging flame retardants was investigated in four shark species from the western North Atlantic Ocean. The study found that these emerging flame retardants were detected in the livers of over 80% of the sharks, indicating a likely exposure of fish and wildlife in the region to these chemicals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jae-Woong Jung, June-Woo Park, Soeun Eo, Jinsoo Choi, Young Kyoung Song, Youna Cho, Sang Hee Hong, Won Joon Shim
Summary: The study assessed the ecological risk of microplastics in different seawater regions of South Korea, finding that current pollution levels do not pose a significant threat, but predicting a 50-fold increase by 2100 which would surpass safe levels for marine ecosystems. Urgent precautionary actions are needed to prevent further increase in microplastic concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sang Hee Hong, Jessica L. Reiner, Mi Jang, Stacy S. Schuur, Gi Myung Han, John R. Kucklick, Won Joon Shim
Summary: The study found a wide range of PFAAs in bird livers from the Korean coasts, with higher levels in higher trophic and marine birds influenced by trophic position and habitat type. This suggests a wide use of PFAAs in Korea and a relatively high load of PFAAs in inland and estuarine bird species compared to marine birds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yelim Moon, Won Joon Shim, Gi Myung Han, Jongwook Jeong, Youna Cho, Il-Hun Kim, Min-Seop Kim, Hae-Rim Lee, Sang Hee Hong
Summary: Sea turtles in East Asia, particularly in Korean waters, face a high risk of ingesting plastic. This study conducted the first investigation on plastic ingestion by sea turtles in Korean waters. The findings showed that sea turtles, especially green turtles, frequently ingest plastic debris, mainly in the form of films and fibers. The study emphasizes the urgent need for proper waste management to reduce the impact of plastic debris on marine wildlife.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Soeun Eo, Sang Hee Hong, Young Kyoung Song, Gi Myung Han, Seongbong Seo, Young-Gyu Park, Won Joon Shim
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in dumping sites and surrounding areas in the Yellow Sea, South Sea, and East Sea of South Korea. The results showed varying levels of microplastic abundance, with higher concentrations found in the dumping sites. Industrial wastewater sludge was identified as a major source of microplastics. As the level of ocean dumping decreased over time, the abundance of microplastics also decreased. Spherical polystyrene was the dominant type of microplastic observed in sediments, especially in the dumping sites.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Young Kyoung Song, Sang Hee Hong, Soeun Eo, Won Joon Shim
Summary: This study evaluated the speed of photooxidation-induced fragmentation for three major thermoplastics by exposing them to simulated sunlight. The results showed that PS had the fastest fragmentation speed, but the total abundance of particles produced and the increasing ratio were comparable or lower than those of PP. The determined initiation of fragmentation can be useful for estimating the production of secondary microplastics by weathering and for decision-making regarding the timely removal of plastic litter in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Won Joon Shim, Seung-Kyu Kim, Jongsu Lee, Soeun Eo, Ji-Su Kim, Chengjun Sun
Summary: By comparing monitoring methods and contamination levels of marine micro- and macroplastics in seawater between the North Pacific and other ocean basins, this study found that the North Pacific is heavily monitored for microplastics and shows high pollution levels globally. The Mediterranean Sea, on the other hand, is more focused on monitoring macroplastics. The study also suggests the importance of standardized methods and increased efforts in gathering monitoring data for both microplastics and floating macroplastics in seawater worldwide.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mi Jang, Won Joon Shim, Gi Myung Han, Sung Yong Ha, Youna Cho, Miran Kim, Sang Hee Hong
Summary: This study monitored the spatiotemporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination along the Korean coasts using black-tailed gull eggs. The results showed higher levels of emerging POPs, such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), in eggs from certain areas influenced by urban pollution characteristics. The study highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of PFAAs in the marine environment of Korea.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mi Jang, Won Joon Shim, Gi Myung Han, Youna Cho, Sang Hee Hong
Summary: Plastic debris can serve as a significant source of hazardous chemicals in the ocean, and its role in the environment is still not fully understood. A comprehensive field study comparing highly contaminated and non-contaminated islands revealed that stranded plastics play a crucial role in the bioaccumulation of plastic additives in marine debris-contaminated areas. This study provides the first field evidence that plastic debris movement in the ocean contributes to the dispersal of plastic additives to pristine waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Young Kyoung Song, Sang Hee Hong, Soeun Eo, Won Joon Shim
Summary: In this study, the abundances and size distributions of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) produced from polypropylene (PP) and additive-containing PP sheets were quantitatively determined. The fragmentation rate of PP was found to be faster than PPa after a sunlight exposure duration equivalent to 2.7 years. Mechanical stress played an important role in the production of MPs, while it had a smaller role in the production of NPs. The findings provide valuable insights into the weathering and fragmentation processes of plastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jaeyeon Park, Seongjin Hong, Won Joon Shim, Jong Seong Khim, Jinsoon Park
Summary: The study investigated the spatial and vertical distributions and compositions of microplastics (MPs) in tidal flat sediments along the west coast of Korea. The abundance of MPs in surface and core sediments ranged from 20 to 325 and 14 to 483 particles per 50 g dry weight, respectively. Polypropylene (51%) and polyethylene (36%) were the most dominant MPs with a size <0.3 mm, and mostly appearing as fragments and fibers. The abundance of MPs in sediments has increased rapidly since the 1970s but recently showed a slight decrease. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the MPs in tidal flats were highly weathered mechanically and/or oxidatively. This study provides valuable baseline data on the distribution of MPs in tidal flats.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youna Cho, Won Joon Shim, Sung Yong Ha, Gi Myung Han, Mi Jang, Sang Hee Hong
Summary: Stormwater runoff is a major pathway for transporting microplastics from land to aquatic environments. This study found microplastics in stormwater runoff from industrial and residential areas, with concentrations ranging from 68-568 n/L and 54-639 n/L, respectively. The dominant polymers were polypropylene and polyethylene, accounting for around 60% of total microplastics. The shape of microplastics was mainly fragments, and the most common size was 20-100 μm or 100-200 μm. The discharge characteristics of microplastics were influenced by land-use patterns and rainfall characteristics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Andrew Loh, Un Hyuk Yim
Summary: Despite the decrease in oil spill cases, marine oil pollution caused by indirect transfer of oil combustion emissions has increased due to global shipping activities. To control ship emissions, particularly sulfur oxide, a global initiative was established by the International Maritime Organization. This study developed a rapid yet accurate screening method for oil physicochemical properties using simplified spectrometry techniques coupled with chemometrics.
OCEAN SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andrew Loh, Donghwi Kim, Kyucheol Hwang, Joon Geon An, Narin Choi, Sangmin Hyun, Un Hyuk Yim
Summary: Using a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer, this study found that the emissions from ships in the anchorage zone contribute significantly to air pollution in the Busan Port area, especially for oxidized organic aerosols. The concentration of pollutants in the air correlated with wind direction, with the highest concentrations observed when the winds came from the anchorage zone and the lowest concentrations when the winds came from the open ocean. The emissions from ship activities in the anchorage zone were calculated, and the results indicate that they are an important source of pollution in the Busan Port area.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deonie Allen, Steve Allen, Sajjad Abbasi, Alex Baker, Melanie Bergmann, Janice Brahney, Tim Butler, Robert A. Duce, Sabine Eckhardt, Nikolaos Evangeliou, Tim Jickells, Maria Kanakidou, Peter Kershaw, Paolo Laj, Joseph Levermore, Daoji Li, Peter Liss, Kai Liu, Natalie Mahowald, Pere Masque, Dusan Materic, Andrew G. Mayes, Paul McGinnity, Iolanda Osvath, Kimberly A. Prather, Joseph M. Prospero, Laura E. Revell, Sylvia G. Sander, Won Joon Shim, Jonathan Slade, Ariel Stein, Oksana Tarasova, Stephanie Wright
Summary: The study analyzes the processes and fluxes of the marine-atmospheric micro(nano)plastic cycle and highlights the limited observations. A global observation strategy for marine-atmospheric micro(nano)plastics is proposed to address the uncertainties and knowledge gaps.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gang Qu, Yuxin Zhao, Qiaoli Zhang, Jina Wu, Xiaosen Li, Yang Yang, Shilei Liu
Summary: In this study, magnetic mesoporous materials combined with real-time in situ mass spectrometry were used for the high-throughput detection of hydrolyzed products of organophosphorus nerve agents. The method showed good linearity, low limits of detection and quantification, and high extraction recoveries. The magnetic preparation method used was quick, cost-effective, rugged, and safe. The results demonstrated the potential of this method for rapid and efficient determination of the target analytes in environmental samples.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anna Hildebrand, Mariam Merchant, Danny O'Hare
Summary: Substandard and falsified artemisinin derivatives in antimalarials have caused significant deaths and economic losses. This study evaluates the feasibility of voltammetric methods for identifying and quantifying artemether. The findings suggest that electrochemical analysis shows promise as a method for artemether identification and quantification.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marx Osorio Araujo Pereira, Alvaro Ferreira Junior, Edson Silvio Batista Rodrigues, Helena Mulser, Giovanna Nascimento de Mello e Silva, Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos, Eric de Souza Gil
Summary: Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a serious and rapidly evolving disease. A new impedimetric immunosensor was developed for rapid diagnosis by measuring specific antibodies in plasma. The sensor demonstrated selectivity and accuracy, and has potential for important applications in diagnostic testing.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kathrin Schilling, Ronald A. Glabonjat, Olgica Balac, Marta Galvez-Fernandez, Arce Domingo-Relloso, Vesna Slavkovich, Jeff Goldsmith, Miranda R. Jones, Tiffany R. Sanchez, Ana Navas-Acien
Summary: Analysis of trace elements in urine is an important tool for assessing exposures, diagnosing nutritional status, and guiding public health and healthcare intervention. This study provides a sensitive method for analyzing 18 elements in urine samples, using only 100 μL. The results show good accuracy and sensitivity of the method.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengya Li, Shijie Liu, Shiliang Guo, Dong Liang, Miaoyun Li, Yaodi Zhu, Lijun Zhao, Jong-Hoon Lee, Gaiming Zhao, Yangyang Ma, Yanxia Liu
Summary: In this study, a magnetic flow device was developed to purify spores in a culture medium system. The device used magnetic nanoparticles to absorb vegetative cells, separating them from the spores. The achieved purity of the collected spores was over 95%. The study also demonstrated a rapid quantitative detection method using Raman spectroscopy.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wanqiong Liu, Zixuan Wu, Jianwei Peng, Zebin Xu, Yong Liang
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are effective carriers for molecular imprinting, but their poor dispersibility in aqueous solution is a significant drawback. In this study, we have applied amphiphilic block copolymers and molecularly imprinted technology on MOFs to improve the hydrophilicity of molecularly imprinted fluorescent materials.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2024)
