Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiyan Li, Zini Lai, Yanyi Zeng, Yuan Gao, Wanling Yang, Yongzhan Mai, Chao Wang
Summary: This study investigated the pollution characteristics, sources, and ecological risks of PAHs in surface sediments from the river networks and outlets of the Pearl River Delta. The results showed that PAHs in sediments were mainly derived from coke tar and liquid fossil fuel combustion, coal/wood combustion, and petroleum contamination. Ecological risks of PAHs were found to be at moderate levels in the Pearl River Delta, indicating the need for regular monitoring.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra F. Fernandez, Olga Pardo, Cristina S. Hernandez, Borja Garlito, Vicent Yusa
Summary: The study found a high detection rate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolites in children living in the Valencian Region of Spain, with exposure levels affected by factors such as province of residence, BMI, age, consumption of plastic-wrapped food, and dietary habits. Risk assessment showed that children's daily intake levels were within safe limits, and no potential non-cancer health risks due to PAH exposure were observed.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyang Lu, Weijun Tian, Surong Zhang, Meile Chu, Jing Zhao, Bingkun Liu, Kun Yang, Huimin Cao, Zhuo Chen
Summary: This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, source, and ecological risk of PAHs and SPAHs in surface sediments in Laizhou Bay. The results showed seasonal differences in concentrations of PAHs and SPAHs and a spatial distribution trend of estuary > coast > offshore. Combustion sources, including petroleum, coal, and biomass, were identified as the main contributors to PAHs and SPAHs. The risk level of PAHs was low-to-moderate, while SPAHs posed a moderate-to-high ecological risk.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra F. Fernandez, Olga Pardo, Agustin Pastor, Vicent Yusa
Summary: This study analyzed eleven metabolites of PAHs in the urine of 110 lactating women in Spain, finding that naphthalene metabolites had the highest urinary levels. Statistical analysis showed that smoking status and ingestion of certain food groups were the main influencing factors on PAH exposure. Overall, the study did not reveal a significant health risk for Spanish women due to PAH exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lei Dong, Li Lin, Jia He, Xiong Pan, Xue Wu, Yan Yang, Zheng Jing, Sheng Zhang, Guochuan Yin
Summary: This study investigated the occurrences of PAHs in the surface water and sediments of the Han River. The concentrations of PAHs varied across different seasons, with higher levels during the dry season. The distribution of PAHs showed substantial variation along the river, without a clear trend. The major sources of PAHs were biomass and coal combustion.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Ma, Jijie Kong, Weidi Li, Xinying Cheng, Yueqing Zhang, Deyang Kong, Shaogui Yang, Shiyin Li, Limin Zhang, Huan He
Summary: This study conducted a systematic monitoring of NPAHs and PAHs in agricultural soils of the Taige Canal basin. The results showed that four-ring NPAHs and PAHs were predominant and mainly originated from vehicle exhaust emissions, coal combustion, and biomass combustion. The health risk posed by PAHs in soils was lower than that of NPAHs in the Taige Canal basin.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muke Han, Aijuan Ma, Zhong Dong, Jie Yin, Bing Shao
Summary: This study analyzed human serum samples collected from the participants of the 2017 Beijing Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance and found that organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were widespread environmental contaminants. The most common contaminants were pentachlorophenol and pyrene. Suburb residents showed significantly higher levels of PAHs compared to urban residents. Exposure to certain contaminants like benzo(a)pyrene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, Pyr, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachlorobenzene were associated with increased risk of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Some serum samples also showed elevated levels of harmful substances that were associated with health risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elyse Caron-Beaudoin, Pierre Ayotte, Amira Aker, Caty Blanchette, Sylvie Ricard, Veronique Gilbert, Ellen Avard, Melanie Lemire
Summary: This study found that Inuit people are exposed to numerous volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Smoking habit is an important contributor to the elevated levels of benzene and PAHs exposure. Other local sources of exposure need to be further investigated and reduced.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pan Yan, Lingfei Kong, Tuo Qin, Zhonggeng Luo, Xiaona Zhang, Cai Tie
Summary: Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS), this study identified the monohydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and 9-fluorenone in the urine of low-dose PAH-exposed individuals. The concentrations of these metabolites were monitored for 15 consecutive days, and the results showed that they were strongly correlated with their parent PAH exposure and may serve as potential biomarkers of PAH internal exposure at low doses. This study provides methodological and data support for further health risk studies involving internal exposure to PAHs and other organic pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei Jin, Yuan Li, Li Lu, Dong Zhang, Shanying He, Jiali Shentu, Qiwei Chai, Lei Huang
Summary: The comprehensive water quality index (CWQI) is a mathematical statistic that reflects the pollution status of rivers based on several water quality indicators. This study established a CWQI for a typical river in eastern China, using 1-year monitoring data from 20 sampling sets. The predicted CWQI for each monitoring section indicates that most sections are moderately polluted, with some sections being seriously polluted. The analysis shows that TN, n-ary sumation PAHs, and n-ary sumation n-Alks are the main factors influencing water quality, particularly due to the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons in the middle and lower reaches.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chaobin Ren, Qianqian Zhang, Huiwei Wang, Yan Wang
Summary: PAH contamination in the groundwater of the Hutuo River Basin in Hebei Province, China, is mainly attributed to biomass combustion, with wood, coal, and gasoline sources contributing the most, followed by oil and diesel sources, and natural gas combustion. The concentration of PAHs in groundwater is influenced by land use, with varying pollution sources contributing differently in different areas. Results of this study provide valuable insights for the prevention and control of PAH contamination in groundwater in the region.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Senyuan Huang, Qin Li, Hao Liu, Shengtao Ma, Chaoyang Long, Guiying Li, Yingxin Yu
Summary: This study on PAH exposure levels and influencing factors in China found that PAHs have adverse health effects, associated with sampling time, living habits, and regional economic development and energy consumption imbalances. The study also found smoking to be the main factor correlated with PAH concentrations, and inhalation and diet to be the main exposure routes. Naphthalene and phenanthrene were identified as possibly related to lung cancer risk in the Chinese population.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Wang, Hao Zhang, Xuan Zhang, Pengchu Bai, Lulu Zhang, Sim Joo Huang, Stephen Brian Pointing, Seiya Nagao, Bin Chen, Akira Toriba, Ning Tang
Summary: This study determined the levels of PM2.5, PAHs, and NPAHs in Singapore from 2020 to 2021. The results showed a slightly higher concentration of PM2.5 compared to 2015, while the average PAH concentration decreased during the sampling period. NPAHs were detected for the first time in Singapore, and PAHs and NPAHs were mainly attributed to local vehicle emissions. Air masses from Indonesia and southern China were found to potentially influence the air pollution levels in Singapore.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Bruno Alves Rocha, Joao Paulo Bianchi Ximenez, Paula Picoli Devoz, Anthony Santana, Andres Dobal Campiglia, Fernando Barbosa Jr
Summary: This study aimed to measure levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urine from Brazilian children and provide risk assessment. Naphthalene was found to be the major contributor to children's exposure to PAHs. Children in urban regions had higher PAH exposure and older children had higher concentrations of 2-naphthol, suggesting possible differences in dietary habits. This study provides the first levels of PAHs in Brazilian children.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Savannah J. Volkoff, Daniel L. Rodriguez, David R. Singleton, Alexander W. McCumber, Michael D. Aitken, Jill R. Stewart, Claudia K. Gunsch
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial community of the Elizabeth River using both culture-based and culture-independent methods, and identified potential candidates for bioremediation of PAH contaminants. The results showed the presence of PAH-degrading bacteria in the sediment, and a divergence in the microbial community between highly contaminated and less contaminated sites. The study highlights the importance of both culture-based and culture-independent methods in identifying promising bacterial candidates for precision bioremediation.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ebrahem M. M. Eid, Ahmed A. A. Hussain, Saad A. M. Alamri, Sulaiman A. A. Alrumman, Kamal H. H. Shaltout, Nasser Sewelam, Salma K. K. Shaltout, Ahmed F. F. El-Bebany, Mohamed T. T. Ahmed, Dhafer A. A. Al-Bakre, Ahmed H. H. Alfarhan, Yolanda Pico, Damia Barcelo
Summary: Predictive models were generated to assess the absorption of nine metals by the different parts of forage sorghum in growing media mixed with poultry manure. The roots exhibited the highest metal contents. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values were < 1 for some metals and > 1 for others. Translocation factor values were < 1 for all metals except for Co, Cr, and Ni. The predictive models showed a high level of data precision and can be used to ensure the safety of growing forage sorghum in media fortified with poultry manure.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Zapata-Corella, Zi-He Ren, Yin-E Liu, Anna Rigol, Silvia Lacorte, Xiao-Jun Luo
Summary: This study evaluates the distribution, partitioning and environmental and human impact of organophosphate esters, legacy polychlorinated biphenyls, polybromodiphenyl ethers and organochlorine pesticides in the e-waste recycling area of Qingyuan county, China. The study finds that a plastic debris lump accumulated in a small pond is the main source of pollution, causing high concentrations of contaminants in water, sediments, soils and hen eggs in the surrounding area.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marius Kalinauskas, Katazyna Bogdzevic, Eduardo Gomes, Miguel Inacio, Damia Barcelo, Wenwu Zhao, Paulo Pereira
Summary: This study aims to map and assess the supply and demand of recreational culture ecosystem services (CES) in Vilnius. The results showed that natural recreational CES supply was highest in protected areas, while cultural recreational CES supply had the highest scores in the city centre. The demand for recreational CES was highest in the areas near the city centre. There was a mismatch between the supply and demand of natural recreational CES, but a match between the supply and demand of cultural recreational CES. Overall, it is important to preserve areas with high natural recreation CES supply and limit urban expansion, as well as improve public transport accessibility to reduce pollution and its impact on cultural heritage sites.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
John P. Sumpter, Tamsin J. Runnalls, Andrew C. Johnson, Damia Barcelo
Summary: It is uncommon for scientists to acknowledge the limitations of their research because of the pressure to publish. This has resulted in a crisis of reproducibility in published research. To address this, including a 'Limitations' section in scientific papers is suggested, as it promotes honesty and transparency. This recommendation applies to all scientific disciplines.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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)
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)
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
Environmental Sciences
J. M. Castano-Ortiza, R. Gil-Solsonaa, N. Ospina-Alvarez, M. M. Garcia-Pimentel, V. M. Leon, L. H. M. L. M. Santos, D. Barcelo, S. Rodriguez-Mozaz
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in south-eastern Spain during 2018-2019. The results showed a decrease in pharmaceutical residues in seawater and sediments compared to a previous study in 2010-2011, but a notable accumulation in fish and molluscs. The flash flood event in 2019 led to increased concentrations of pharmaceutical residues in the lagoon. Therefore, the impacts of extreme climate events, such as floods, should be considered when assessing the risks of pharmaceutical contaminants in coastal ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saul Antonio Hernandez Martinez, Elda M. Melchor-Martinez, Reyna Berenice Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernandez, Rafael G. Araujo, Jesus Alfredo Rodriguez-Hernandez, Damia Barcelo, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of psychiatric drugs, which are difficult to degrade and pose potential ecological and toxicological risks. Biocatalysis-assisted techniques can efficiently remove these drugs from water. There are differences in waste management policies for the drug industry between high- and low-income countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Montserrat Carrascal, Ester Sanchez-Jimenez, Jie Fang, Carlos Perez-Lopez, Antoni Ginebreda, Damia Barcelo, Joaquin Abian
Summary: A large-scale proteomics approach was used to investigate the protein composition of wastewater from 10 different municipalities in Catalonia. The study revealed that excreta from humans and residues from livestock were the main sources of proteins in wastewater. These findings provide new insights into wastewater proteomics and propose specific bioindicators for wastewater-based environmental monitoring.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Rapp-Wright, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Diana Alvarez-Munoz, Damia Barcelo, Fiona Regan, Leon P. Barron, Blanaid White
Summary: This study monitored a total of 26 endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in three major urbanized river catchments using a single analytical method. Results showed that the highest concentration of the flame retardant TCEP was found in the R. Thames in Central London. Geographical variations and potential risks were observed, and caffeine and BPA were identified as high-risk compounds in all three rivers. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing control measures for these compounds independently of location.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alby Tom, Jisha Jacob, Manoj Mathews, Rajakrishnan Rajagopal, Ahmed Alfarhan, Damia Barcelo, Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Summary: Plant secondary metabolites, such as chalcones, are important sources of biologically active compounds with pharmacological potentials. Natural chalcones and bis-chalcones have shown high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various experiments. This study evaluated the effects of six synthetic bis-chalcones on intestinal epithelial cells and studied their anti-inflammatory potentials in macrophages. The results indicate that these synthetic bis-chalcones have cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory abilities.
