Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kun Zhang, Liufeng Liao, Zhonggen Li, Yan Lin, Bo Meng, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study uses Hg isotopes to trace the sources of Hg in soils and reservoir sediments near the Zhuzhou smelter, showing that Hg concentrations and deposition fluxes in reservoir sediments have dramatically decreased since 2000, suggesting the effectiveness of Hg emission control in the Zhuzhou smelter.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alex Kwasi Saim
Summary: The artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Ghana continues to grow, but the impacts caused by mercury use are becoming increasingly severe. Despite previous bans and increased monitoring efforts, the country has not been successful in significantly reducing mercury use and its associated impacts. The lack of mercury alternatives, funding, and education support makes addressing this issue more challenging.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Zhao, A. Terada, K. Nakamura, M. Nakashima, T. Komai, S. Riya, M. Hosomi, H. Hou
Summary: The study revealed that soil moisture and temperature significantly influence Hg emission and Hg fractions, with Hg flux increasing with higher temperature and soil moisture. Soil moisture impacts Hg fractions, and the relationship between activation energy values and soil moisture varies across different soils.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Edyta Hewelke, Piotr T. Zaniewski, Ewa Zaniewska, Ewa Papierowska, Dariusz Gozdowski, Andrzej Lachacz, Ewa Beata Gorska
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the moisture content and strength of water repellency on sandy soil undergoing spontaneous afforestation or weed infestation during a warm period. Three site plots were selected in Central Poland, and the study covers the growing period in 2020. The results showed that the top layer of the Scots pine forest had extremely repellent water classes, while the birch forest had hydrophobicity for the top layer.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristiano Ballabio, Martin Jiskra, Stefan Osterwalder, Pasquale Borrelli, Luca Montanarella, Panos Panagos
Summary: Mapping of surface soil mercury concentrations at continental scale using Deep Neural Network models revealed an increase in mercury concentrations with latitude and altitude in European soils. The study found correlations between soil mercury concentrations and vegetation activity, NDVI, and soil organic carbon content, indicating the importance of atmospheric uptake by plants and soil organic matter on mercury distribution. Additionally, the research identified hotspots of mercury contamination, with some associated with mining areas and others potentially related to unmined geological mercury or industrial pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hu Du, Xun Wang, Wei Yuan, Fei Wu, Longyu Jia, Nantao Liu, Che-Jen Lin, Jiang Gan, Fuping Zeng, Kelin Wang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: In this study, the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) in a karst forest in southwest China was investigated using high-resolution sampling and stable isotope techniques. The results showed that the litterfall deposition of Hg was higher in the karst forest, with elevated concentrations and fluxes in the spring due to the longer lifespan of evergreen tree foliage exposed to atmospheric Hg-0. The study also found that litterfall Hg deposition accounted for a significant portion of the Hg source contribution in the surface soil, and soil erosion enhanced Hg accumulation in low-lying land.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianhang Li, Wei Zhong, Zhiqiang Wei, Shengtan Shang, Susu Ye, Yuanhan Chen, Junyu Pan, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: The new Pb-210-dated record of Hg accumulation in the Huguangyan Lake (HGY) sediment core from a Hg-enriched area in South China suggests that atmospheric deposition is the main source of Hg influx into the lake, with minimal input from the catchment and limited adsorption effects of organic matter and clay. Enhanced anthropogenic input of Hg began in the early 1900s, correlating with wars or increased economic activities in China. The HGY sediments serve as a valuable natural archive for studying atmospheric Hg deposition related to human activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhengcheng Song, Chuan Wang, Li Ding, Min Chen, Yanxin Hu, Ping Li, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Human activities have caused serious soil mercury pollution in industrial areas worldwide. Mercury contamination in soil was found to be significantly elevated in areas of mercury mining, gold mining, and zinc smelting, with atmospheric deposition speculated as the main pathway for soil mercury contamination. Speciation and concentration of mercury in emission gas are crucial factors for mercury pollution in surrounding soils.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xingang Jin, Junyao Yan, Muhammad Ubaid Ali, Qiuhua Li, Ping Li
Summary: Although mercury mining in the Wanshan area has ceased, mine wastes continue to be the primary source of mercury pollution. This study aimed to investigate mercury pollution in various environments and quantify the pollution sources using the mercury isotopes approach. The study found severe mercury contamination in the mine wastes, river water, air, and paddy fields. The findings suggest that mercury isotopes can be used effectively to trace environmental mercury contamination in polluted areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mahmoud A. Abdelhafiz, Jiang Liu, Tao Jiang, Qiang Pu, Muhammad Wajahat Aslam, Kun Zhang, Bo Meng, Xinbin Feng
Summary: Rice paddies provide optimal conditions for methylmercury (MeHg) production, with paddy soil being the main source of MeHg in rice grains. The role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlling MeHg production in rice paddy systems is not well understood. This study investigated the variations in soil DOM and the influence of DOM concentration and optical characteristics on MeHg production in paddy soils from different cultivation sites in China. The results showed that MeHg production is correlated with the consumption of lower molecular weight DOM and the humic components of DOM play a significant role in MeHg variability in paddy soil. The study also revealed that allochthonous DOM limits Hg bioavailability in contaminated soils and autochthonous DOM enhances MeHg production in uncontaminated soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kaiyun Liu, Qingru Wu, Shuxiao Wang, Daiwei Ouyang, Zhijian Li, Dian Ding, Guoliang Li, Yi Tang, Longyi Xiang, Deming Han, Minneng Wen, Tonghao Liu, Lei Duan, Hezhong Tian, Jiming Hao
Summary: This study developed a point-source-based inventory of mercury releases to water in China in 2017, highlighting the significant sources such as nonferrous metal smelting, VCM production, coal-fired boilers, and domestic sewage. Control measures should focus on zinc smelting plants, municipal sewage treatment plants, and the VCM production process. Promoting Hg-free production processes can help reduce mercury inputs at the source.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Aamir Munir, Bushra Khan, Ishaq Ahmed Mian, Muhammad Rafiq, Samreen Shahzadi, Kashif Naeem, Iqbal Ahmad
Summary: Mercury bioaccumulation in fish and scalp hair was assessed in fishing communities along the river Swat in Pakistan. Significant differences were found in mercury concentrations between upstream and downstream fish and scalp hair. Health problems in the fishing community were attributed to mercury accumulation from fish consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kang Luo, Wei Yuan, Nantao Liu, Shufang Zeng, Dingyong Wang, Zhiyun Lu, Xun Wang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study investigates the impact of climate change on the accumulation pathways of mercury (Hg) in forests along the timberline ecotone. Results show that a shift in vegetation structure led to a decrease in vegetation and soil Hg pool sizes. Atmospheric deposition was identified as the main source of Hg accumulation in soils, highlighting the potential risk of global warming in promoting Hg pollution. Further studies are recommended to assess the ecological risk of Hg exposure in alpine ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lily Lisa Yevugah, Godfred Darko, Jesper Bak
Summary: The mining activity in Ghana is causing more widespread soil mercury pollution outside active mining sites, with concentrations in intensive mining areas three times higher than in the rest of the country. The elevated concentrations are likely due to decades of atmospheric deposition rather than natural variation, indicating a significant impact of mining on soil mercury levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Abadi, Abbasali Zamani, Younes Khosravi, Saeid Homayouni
Summary: This study collected and analyzed 357 soil samples of six metals in the Province of Zanjan, northwest Iran. Various environmental indices and indicators were used to assess the heavy metal pollution and ecological risk. The results showed that zinc, lead, and cadmium were the most concerning pollutants, posing significant ecological risk. Both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of soil metals exceeded acceptable levels for children.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)