Article
Environmental Sciences
Qinqin Xu, Fengbin Zhao, Boran Wu, Xin Fang, Jun Chen, Tao Yang, Xiaoli Chai, Liqun Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the toxic metal content in the sediment of a suburban river in Nantong, China and explored the solidification/stabilization scheme for heavy metal-contaminated sediment. The results showed that the metals exceeded background values, with some exhibiting pollution. A correlation analysis revealed that the metal contents were not strongly influenced by pH and organic matter content, but were related to each other and might have common sources. Leaching experiments indicated potential environmental contamination. Three effective formulations for solidification/stabilization were developed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angelica Vanessa Goya-Heredia, Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejia, Hugo Alexander Rondon-Quintana
Summary: Population growth has led to an increase in average daily traffic, causing vehicles to be a major source of heavy metal pollution in cities. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution in road-deposited sediments (RDSs) based on observed ADT in Bogota, Colombia. Different risk indices were used to assess the pollution levels, and the study found that particles smaller than 250μm were most suitable for evaluating the risk of heavy metals in RDSs. Nickel, copper, and lead were identified as the heavy metals most closely related to ADT. Linear regression models showed a better fit between ADT and risk indices compared to HM concentrations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Ge, Yinghua Lou, Minmin Xu, Chao Wu, Jun Meng, Lei Shi, Fang Xia, Yan Xu
Summary: The study revealed spatial variation and functional diversity in microbial structures of urban river sediments, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Bacterial community compositions in sediments varied significantly among different regions, affected by heavy metals and sediment nutrients.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Ren, Jianxiu Hao, Ling Tao
Summary: The study revealed that in the upstream of the Yellow River, most concentrations of heavy metals were lower than potential effect levels, with only a small percentage of samples exceeding threshold effect levels, particularly for Ni. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in Qinghai and Gansu regions, while Inner Mongolia showed lower levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Na Cheng, Laisheng Liu, Zelin Hou, Jiapeng Wu, Qiwen Wang, Yicheng Fu
Summary: This study evaluated the concentration and distribution of nutrients and heavy metals in sediments of urban lakes, as well as the potential ecological risk, with a focus on nature-based solutions for risk management. Results showed higher pollution levels in urban lake sediments compared to selected non-urban lakes, with nitrogen pollution being a significant issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Ren, Zhan Wen, Guochun Lu
Summary: Heavy metal contamination in agroecosystems is a global concern due to industrialization and urbanization, with HMs entering the food chain and posing risks to public health. This study focused on a specific area, the Xijiang River Basin in Guangdong, China, and analyzed the pollution characteristics and ecological risks of five HMs. The results showed that natural sources and anthropogenic activities both contribute to the activation and migration of HMs, and Cu and Zn were identified as posing the greatest environmental risks. Integration of different assessment methods is recommended for more comprehensive risk evaluation.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Zhang, Shaoming Pan, Gang Li, Zhiyong Liu
Summary: Heavy metals in coastal sedimentary environments present spatial variations and potential ecological risks, with Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn showing similar distribution patterns and sources controlled by coastal currents, while Cr, Sn, Cd, and As are influenced by different factors. Understanding the sources and distribution of these metals is crucial for effective management and control of heavy metal pollution.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Zhang, Shaoming Pan, Gang Li, Zhiyong Liu
Summary: Heavy metals in coastal sedimentary environments pose great concerns due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. This study investigated the spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals in the northern South China Sea region. The results showed different distribution patterns and sources for different metals.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kuan-Nan Lin, Yee-Cheng Lim, Chiu-Wen Chen, Chih-Feng Chen, Chih-Ming Kao, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: The study assesses the spatial and seasonal variations of heavy metals in sediment from Fengshan River and uses multiple sediment pollution indices to evaluate the pollution status and potential ecological risk. The results indicate significant spatial variations in heavy metal concentrations, with severe contamination observed in the lower reaches of the river. The study also highlights the importance of organic matters in the distribution of heavy metal pollutants in Fengshan River sediments. The findings offer valuable information for river pollution remediation and urban planning.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Il-Gyong Kim, Yong-Bom Kim, Ryong-Hung Kim, Tong-Su Hyon
Summary: This study focused on investigating the spatial distribution, contamination and origin of heavy metals in the surface sediments of Jangsong tidal flat in Kangryong river estuary, DPR Korea. The findings showed that the heavy metals had diverse sources, with some metals originating from lithogenic sources and others from anthropogenic sources. Despite slight enrichments in some metals, the overall conclusion was that the area was not heavily polluted and had low ecological risk.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaomei Su, Hong Ling, Dan Wu, Qingju Xue, Liqiang Xie
Summary: This study investigated the contamination of heavy metals in Lake Yangcheng, a eutrophic lake in China. Results showed that heavy metals were retained and accumulated in the sediments, with the west lake region having the highest ecological risks. The highest metal concentrations were observed in winter, except for mercury which showed a different seasonal pattern. Anthropogenic activities were identified as the major sources, and industrial discharge was the main contributor to antimony pollution. Measures should be taken to prevent heavy metal pollution in the lake, particularly in the west region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. M. Zakir Hossain
Summary: The spatial distribution and pollution assessment of selected heavy metals in sediments of the Brahmaputra River watershed in Bangladesh were investigated. The concentrations of certain heavy metals were found to be enriched or decreased relative to the average upper continental crust composition. The results suggest that some heavy metals in the sediments are derived from anthropogenic sources, while others are of natural origin.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng Li, Zhenghui Fu, Shuhang Wang, Yang Zhang, Jinbo Zhang, Yanxiao Liu, Huaicheng Guo, Pingjian Yang
Summary: This study conducted an ecological and human health risk assessment of metals and heavy metals in Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. The concentration, distribution, and source of these metals were investigated. It was found that the metals in the sediments of Qinghai Lake mainly came from five rivers entering the lake, with copper and zinc showing the highest enrichment capacity. The results of the risk assessment indicated low ecological risks and no threat to human health from the heavy metals in the lake's sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lian Hu, Jintao Mao, Ronghua Zhong, Hongtao Zhao
Summary: This study examined the effects of chlorinated disinfectants sprayed during COVID-19 on road-deposited sediments (RDS) and found increased leaching of heavy metals (HMs) and redistribution of their chemical forms. Finer particle sizes dominate the contribution of HMs, and current control measures are ineffective in removing these particles.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fuyu Xie, Miaocheng Yu, Qingke Yuan, Ying Meng, Yukang Qie, Ziming Shang, Fubo Luan, Dalei Zhang
Summary: The discharge of pollutants into the Yellow River has been controlled since 2013, resulting in an improvement in the overall water quality. However, the contamination status and sources of heavy metals in the river remain unclear. Our study found that heavy metal contents in sediments remained stable over time, but there was a significant reduction in surface water. No heavy metal contamination was observed in surface water, and the distribution of heavy metals along the river did not show significant spatial differences. Sediments were assessed as having a low to moderate contamination degree. The upstream and midstream had higher concentrations of heavy metals compared to the downstream. Anthropogenic activities and soil erosion from the Loess Plateau were identified as important sources of heavy metals in the Yellow River sediments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heidelore Fiedler, Xue Li, Jin Zhang
Summary: Human breast milk has been used to assess human exposure to pollutants, and harmonized protocols for sampling and analysis of POPs have been widely available. Our assessment of breast milk samples from 90 countries showed declining trends for most POPs, but the most recent data no longer showed significant differences from the previous period. Some newly listed POPs were never quantified in these milk pools, suggesting the need to include them in future surveys.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenyu Wang, Pei Hua, Jin Zhang, Peter Krebs
Summary: Trace metal pollution is a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem, and understanding the long-term behavior and driving forces of these metals is important for water quality management. This study analyzed data from the German Elbe River basin and found that the concentrations of various trace elements followed a specific order. The study also identified river flow and flooding as the main factors affecting periodic variations in metal pollution. Additionally, the study determined that hydrochemical factors and various sources contributed to trace metal contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenyu Yang, Jin Zhang, Peter Krebs
Summary: Investigating future flood exposure risk and associated mitigation strategies is vital for sustainable urban development. This study utilized hydrological modeling and future climate and urbanization scenarios to investigate the risk of flood exposure and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies at the city scale. The results showed that the current hydrological pattern in a highly urbanized and densely populated region in China caused a significant portion of the population and GDP to be exposed to flooding threats. Scenario analysis demonstrated that high-carbon emission scenarios increased population and GDP exposures to flood, while a green infrastructure strategy effectively decreased these exposures in low-carbon emission scenarios. Uncertainty analysis showed wide uncertainty ranges in future scenarios, and the green infrastructure strategy reduced the flood exposure uncertainty ranges. Spatial analysis indicated that population- and GDP-intensive regions were more vulnerable to flood exposure, but the effectiveness of the green infrastructure strategy was limited in these regions. The data from this study can assist in sustainable urban development in response to climate change and urbanization.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Brijesh Yadav, Lal Chand Malav, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta, Chiranjeev Kumawat, Abhik Patra, Abhishek Patel, Abhishek Jangir, Mahaveer Nogiya, Roshan Lal Meena, Pravash Chandra Moharana, Nirmal Kumar, Ram Prasad Sharma, Lala Ram Yadav, Gangalakunta P. Obi P. Reddy, Banshi Lal Mina
Summary: This study assessed and modeled the land degradation vulnerable zones in the Luni River basin, Rajasthan, India using AHP and geospatial techniques. The results showed that about 21.4% of the total area is at very high degradation risks, 12.3% at high risks, and 16%, 24.3%, and 26% at moderate, low, and very low risks, respectively. The validation using high-resolution Google Earth images and field photographs confirmed the prediction accuracy of the AHP technique (82% AUC).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Geraldine Jhafet Huerfano-Moreno, Jose Ismael Rojas-Pena, Yair Leandro Zapata-Munoz, Juan Manuel Trujillo-Gonzalez, Marco Aurelio Torres-Mora, Francisco J. Garcia-Navarro, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta
Summary: The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs) emphasize the importance of ensuring quality water for all people. However, in rural settlements of Colombia, access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge, particularly in vulnerable populations without basic sanitation systems. A study conducted in a rural settlement in Colombia assessed the quality and potential use of groundwater from 17 monitored wells. The results showed that the studied water samples were unsuitable for human consumption without prior adequate treatment, and regulatory measures are needed to improve groundwater monitoring quality and introduce modern waste disposal techniques.
Article
Ecology
Maria Faria, Tamires Bertocco, Ana Barroso, Manuela Carvalho, Felicia Fonseca, Cristina Delerue Matos, Tomas Figueiredo, Amalia Sequeira Braga, Teresa Valente, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta
Summary: Wildfires can disrupt ecosystems, especially at the soil level, making it susceptible to degradation. However, there is no consensus on the analytical method for determining soil pH, particularly in burned soils. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different analytical protocols on soil pH results.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yichen Zhou, Hao Ding, Zhenyu Wang, Mei Li, Jin Zhang, Xue Li
Summary: This study evaluated the temporal, spatial, and source changes of seven trace metals based on long-term monitoring data from 1999 to 2016. The results showed decreasing concentrations of Al, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn. Pollution levels were higher in the midstream compared to the upstream and downstream. Anthropogenic pollution sources, especially historical mining, industrial, agricultural, and geological natural sources, were the main contributors to the contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yihua Huang, Yinong You, Manman Wu, Min Han, Jin Zhang, Wei Gao, Danping Xie, Hongzhan Chen, Hui Ou, Ninghui Song, Chunlei Cheng, Wen Zhuang, Jiaqi Li, Zhipeng Lei, Biao Jin, Zhen Zhou, Mei Li
Summary: Accelerated urbanization and industrialization have led to increased generation of wastewater with complex chemical contents, posing a threat to water quality. Understanding the chemical characteristics and pollution sources of industrial wastewater is crucial for effective water treatment strategies. This study conducted a non-target chemical analysis of industrial wastewater samples from a chemical industrial park in China, identifying volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Priority was given to persistent, mobile, and toxic substances that could impact drinking water resources. The source analysis revealed the dye production industry as the largest contributor of toxic contaminants. The results provide valuable information for risk-based wastewater management and source reduction strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
R. Jimenez-Ballesta, S. Bravo, C. Perez-de-los-Reyes, J. A. Amoros, F. J. Garcia-Navarro
Summary: The study aimed to understand the role of soil as a terroir component in the Mentrida PDO vineyards in central Spain and contribute to sustainable vineyard management. The study analyzed the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils and the content of trace elements, with an emphasis on rare earths. The findings revealed important soil properties that support grapevine quality production and provide insights into soil nutrient availability and management in regional viticulture.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hao Ding, Shuling Liao, Donghai Tu, Pei Hua, Jin Zhang
Summary: This study assesses the life-cycle CO2 emissions of plastics in China and considers different stages of the supply chain. The results show that China's plastic CO2 emissions increased by 38.07% from 2010 to 2021 and may consume 4.2-5.4% of the global carbon budget by 2050. Different economic sectors have varying responsibilities for emissions at different stages of the supply chain. Despite increasing emissions, China's economic structure has potentially improved the embodied carbon leakage from plastic trade.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenyu Yang, Jin Zhang, Pei Hua, Peter Krebs
Summary: This study proposed a hydraulic and water-quality modeling framework to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of pollution risk mitigation by low impact development strategies under future scenarios. The results showed that the performance of these strategies declined and became uncertain in future climate and urbanization scenarios. However, through diversified implementation and increased deployment, their performance could be enhanced and the uncertainty reduced. The methods and findings of this study provided valuable insights into sustainable water quality management in response to climate change and urbanization.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Li, Xu Zhu, Jin Zhang, Zhenyu Wang, Ruifei Li
Summary: This study systematically assessed the spatiotemporal distribution, periodic fluctuations, source apportionment, and risk evaluation of PFAS in the Rhine River based on long-term measuring data. The results showed a decline in PFAS concentration and flux over the studied period, with agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and textile industries identified as the primary sources. The study also concluded that the ecological and human health risks posed by PFAS exposure were not significant.
Review
Environmental Studies
Jorge Mongil-Manso, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta, Juan Manuel Trujillo-Gonzalez, Ana San Jose Wery, Alexandra Diez Mendez
Summary: Plastic pollution has a negative impact on agricultural soils, especially in traditionally agricultural regions such as CYL, where farmlands, irrigation, and greenhouse soils are contaminated with plastic residues. The increasing volume of plastic waste poses challenges to environmental management and can potentially affect the economy, soil, food chain, and human health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Salman A. H. Selmy, Dmitry E. Kucher, Gintautas Mozgeris, Ali R. A. Moursy, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta, Olga D. Kucher, Mohamed E. Fadl, Abdel-rahman A. Mustafa
Summary: Understanding the dynamics of land use and land cover change is crucial for ecological management and land use planning. This study used remote sensing data and modeling to identify, simulate, and predict the historical and future changes in land use and land cover in the Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that urban areas expanded, desert lands decreased, and cultivated lands increased. The validation of the model indicated that it was accurate in predicting land use and land cover changes.
