Article
Environmental Sciences
David Vernez, Christelle Oltramare, Baptiste Sauvaget, Helene Demougeot-Renard, Lothar Aicher, Nicolas Roth, Isabelle Rossi, Arianna Radaelli, Sylvain Lerch, Vincent Marolf, Aurelie Berthet
Summary: High concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs were found in the soil in Lausanne, Switzerland, possibly from a former waste incinerator. A three-step approach was taken to assess the human health risks and identify preventive measures. The results highlighted concerns about the consumption of food products derived from contaminated land.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jun-Ik Son, Seung-Jae Lee, Se-In Park, Eun-Hye Kwon, Hueon Namkung, Jun-Gu Kang, Wonseok Lee
Summary: This study evaluated the emission of PCDD/DFs in seven incineration plants in Korea using SRF and bio-SRF. The results showed that all seven plants effectively managed their dioxin emissions, but both SRF and bio-SRF plants produced a large amount of highly chlorinated dioxins. The SRF plants had a high ratio of OCDF and showed a low ratio of OCDF to 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shijian Xiong, Yaqi Peng, Ken Chen, Shengyong Lu, Wenqian Jiang, Xiaodong Li, Fei Wang, Kefa Cen
Summary: This study investigated the distribution, migration, and relationship of PCDD/F and heavy metals in a typical hazardous waste incinerator. The results showed that the air control pollution devices effectively reduced PCDD/F concentrations, and the sulfur content in hazardous waste played a role in emissions. The migration analysis revealed that PCDD/F mainly migrated to mixtures with sodium bicarbonate and activated carbon, and heavy metals were classified based on their volatility. The findings also showed correlations between PCDD/F emissions and certain heavy metals.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lili Yang, Guorui Liu, Jia Shen, Minxiang Wang, Qiuting Yang, Minghui Zheng
Summary: PBDD/Fs are emerging persistent organic pollutants with potentially higher toxicities than dioxins, but accurate quantification is challenging, leading to a lack of research on toxicities, formation mechanisms, and environmental fates. Different congener profiles between PBDD/Fs and dioxins indicate their distinct sources and formation mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunlin Zhang, Li Bai, Qian Yao, Jiangyong Li, Hao Wang, Liran Shen, Olli Sippula, Jun Yang, Jinping Zhao, Jun Liu, Boguang Wang
Summary: This study investigated PCDD/F emissions from industrial boilers fired with different biomass fuels and found that some emissions exceeded limit values, with 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF potentially being a good indicator of dioxin-induced toxicity. The emission factor varied among the boiler types, with biomass-pellet-fired boilers having the highest emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuxuan Ying, Yunfeng Ma, Xiaoxiao Wang, Hong Yu, Angjian Wu, Shengyong Lu, Xiaodong Li, Xiaoqing Lin, Lijun Liu, Wenhua Yin
Summary: Growing amounts of industrial waste are being co-incinerated with municipal solid waste in incineration plants, but there have been few studies on the characterization of PCDD/Fs during co-incineration. This study analyzes the emission characteristics and formation pathways of PCDD/Fs during the co-disposal of textile/food industry waste and municipal solid waste in a fullscale incineration plant. It is found that the emission of toxic PCDD/Fs in the chimney and fly ash is below the national standard. The co-incineration of textile industry waste significantly influences PCDD/Fs emission, while the co-incineration of food industry waste has a lesser impact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bondi Gevao, Karell Martinez-Guijarro, Perihan Binnur Kurt-Karakus, Carol Sukhn, Roland Weber, Divya Krishnan, Smitha Rajagopalan, Askin Birgul, Hassan Alshemmari, Mariam Hajeyah, Majed Bahloul, Mohamed I. Orif
Summary: The study monitored the concentrations of PCDD/F in the Middle East using passive air samplers at 12 sites across four countries. The highest concentrations were found in Oman and Kuwait, with a potential additional source involving the use of elemental chlorine. The study provides reliable measurements for assessing time trends in PCDD/F in the air.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Siwatt Pongpiachan, Teeraporn Wiriwutikorn, Andrea Sbrilli, Massimo Gobbi, Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi, Carmela Centeno
Summary: The study investigated PCDD/PCDF emissions from industrial boilers using different fuels, finding that wood-fired boilers had the highest emissions while coal-fired boilers had the lowest. Interestingly, heavy oil was associated with lower health impacts compared to wood-fired boilers. Fuel type appeared to have a minor role in the formation mechanism of PCDD/PCDF.
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patrice Dufour, Catherine Pirard, Geoffrey Ortegat, Jean-Marc Brouhon, Corinne Charlier
Summary: In Belgium, 16 shredding facilities manage annually tens of thousands tons of wastes from different origins, containing hazardous persistent organic pollutants. The study found high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in the fallout dust near these facilities, raising concerns about the health effects on workers and residents.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jon A. Doering, Donald E. Tillitt, Steve Wiseman
Summary: In 1997, the WHO organized an expert meeting to develop TEFs for mammals, birds, and fishes to assess risks posed by mixtures of DLCs. This study reevaluated the TEFs for fishes based on an updated database of RePs for DLCs. The updated TEFs offer greater confidence and can be considered by those who value a larger database and increased confidence in TEQs.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chu Wang, Shujun Dong, Pu Wang, Yanfen Hao, Ruiguo Wang, Qinghua Zhang, Guibin Jiang
Summary: In this controlled feeding experiment, the toxicokinetics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in laying hens were investigated. The results showed that the levels of PCDD/Fs in the laying hens increased rapidly during the exposure period and then gradually decreased during the depletion period. The distribution of different congeners in the hens' tissues varied, and more lipophilic congeners were preferentially transferred to the eggs through maternal transfer.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Sun, Rong Cao, Jing Jin, Yichi Zhang, Yuan Gao, Xianbo Lu, Jiping Chen, Haijun Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the levels and accumulation characteristics of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in nine pools of representative plant-origin foodstuffs from markets in five regions of the Chinese mainland. The results showed that cereals and vegetable oil contributed the most to the estimated dietary intakes of WHO-TEQ.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tomoya Takiguchi, Hoa Thi Vu, Yoshikazu Nishino
Summary: Bone metabolism is regulated by endocrine systems, and exposure to PCDD/Fs can have adverse effects on bones and teeth. Previous studies have shown that exposure to PCDD/Fs can affect odontogenesis and bone genesis, particularly enamel formation and palatine bone. It is also found that exposure to PCDD/Fs in milk can affect both teeth and bones, with reversible effects on bones. Furthermore, high concentrations of PCDD/Fs can adversely affect teeth even in adulthood, but exposure to PCDD/Fs may also induce osteogenesis and improve bone properties. Further human studies are needed to investigate the associations between PCDD/F concentrations and biological markers for teeth and bones.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loreto Santa-Marina, Amaia Irizar, Ziortza Barroeta, Esteban Abad, Aitana Lertxundi, Jess Ibarluzea, Jordi Parera, Nerea Urbieta, Elene Arruti, Alba Jimeno-Romero, Miren Begona Zubero
Summary: This study investigated the levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in the serum of residents in two urban-industrial zones near and far from an energy recovery plant in Gipuzkoa, Spain. Serum samples were collected from 227 participants and analyzed to determine the concentrations of these compounds. The study found that age, sex, lifestyle factors, and diet were associated with the variability of the measured compounds in the participants' serum.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Sun, Baoqin Zhang, Yun Luo, Xindong Ma, Rong Cao, Yichi Zhang, Yuan Gao, Jiping Chen, Haijun Zhang
Summary: This study collected breast milk samples from 51 mothers in Dalian, China, and found that they had higher exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to their higher consumption of seafood. The study also observed differences in the accumulation potentials of different PCDD/F and PCB congeners in breast milk and highlighted the higher exposure risk of infants to these chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
News Item
Environmental Sciences
Sam Hinsley
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Linn Persson, Bethanie M. Carney Almroth, Christopher D. Collins, Sarah Cornell, Cynthia A. de Wit, Miriam L. Diamond, Peter Fantke, Martin Hassellov, Matthew MacLeod, Morten W. Ryberg, Peter Sogaard Jorgensen, Patricia Villarrubia-Gomez, Zhanyun Wang, Michael Zwicky Hauschild
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
N. N. Jonsson, M. MacLeod, A. Hayward, T. McNeilly, K. D. Ferguson, P. J. Skuce
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the marginal effect of liver fluke infection on productivity of Scottish beef cattle and the associated greenhouse gas emissions intensity. The researchers analyzed abattoir records from 2014 to 2017 in Scotland to determine the presence or absence of liver fluke lesions in the liver at the time of slaughter. Causal inference methods, such as directed acyclic graphs and inverse probability weighting, were used to estimate the marginal effects of liver fluke on cattle growth and days to slaughter. Comparison with linear mixed effects models showed similar results, and calculations of greenhouse gas emissions indicated a lower emissions intensity in herds without liver fluke. The study suggests that sustainably controlling liver fluke could have significant production and environmental benefits.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Salvito, Marc Fernandez, Jeremy S. Arey, Delina Y. Lyon, Nelson Lawson, Sandrine Deglin, Matthew MacLeod
Summary: This study presents a new tiered substance characterization approach for assessing the ecological risks of UVCBs. The need for more sophisticated characterizations is determined based on the uncertainty level of the risk assessment. The next step will integrate a tiered exposure assessment to create a more complete risk assessment framework.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pilleriin Peets, Wei-Chieh Wang, Matthew MacLeod, Magnus Breitholtz, Jonathan W. Martin, Anneli Kruve
Summary: The article introduces a machine learning method for rapid prediction of toxicity in unknown chemicals in complex water samples. By using high-resolution mass spectrometry spectra, the toxicity level of these chemicals to fish can be accurately determined, which helps in quickly identifying potentially high-toxicity molecules.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
John D. Hader, Taylor Lane, Alistair B. A. Boxall, Matthew MacLeod, Antonio Di Guardo
Summary: European agricultural development in the 21st century will be influenced by global changes, including climate change, technological advancements, and a shift towards a circular economy. This review identifies key research areas and proposes scenarios to forecast chemical exposure in European agriculture, supporting sustainable practices.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Rodriguez-Leal, Matthew MacLeod
Summary: Research indicates that using QSPR models to predict the properties of phytotoxins can lead to significant uncertainty. It is important to prioritize the measurement of properties for phytotoxins outside the applicability domain of QSPR models in order to better assess potential risks and manage drinking water quality in Europe.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ksenia J. Groh, Hans Peter H. Arp, Matthew MacLeod, Zhanyun Wang
Summary: Polymers are widely used in materials and products, but their environmental safety is not assessed as thoroughly as non-polymeric substances. The regulatory approaches for polymers need to catch up with scientific advances. Transparency, environmental fate, hazards, and production patterns are key aspects that require attention in polymer regulation for a toxic-free and sustainable circular economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Book Review
International Relations
Michael MacLeod
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Florian Thomas Payen, Dominic Moran, Jean-Yves Cahurel, Matthew Aitkenhead, Peter Alexander, Michael MacLeod
Summary: Soil carbon sequestration (SCS) practices on French agricultural land are important for climate change mitigation and the success of France's 4 per 1,000 initiative. A survey of 506 French winegrowers was conducted to assess the adoption rate of SCS practices in vineyards, identify motivations and barriers to adoption, and explore ways to overcome these barriers. The survey revealed differences in motivations and barriers for different SCS practices, highlighting the need for improved communication and targeted policy incentives.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Michael MacLeod, Ben Henderson, Felix Teillard, Wamalwa Kinyanjui, Fisseha Tadesse, Lee Cando, Clark Halpern, Leah A. Germer, Pierre J. Gerber
Summary: This research develops a model to assess the effects of four measures (Index-based livestock insurance, Commercial destocking with an early warning system, Rangeland restoration, Fodder planting) on the resilience of pastoral/agro-pastoral systems. It finds that destocking with an early warning system provides the biggest increases in production and profit.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ralf Ebinghaus, Elena Barbaro, Susan Bengtson Nash, Cristina de Avila, Cynthia A. de Wit, Valeria Dulio, Janine Felden, Antonio Franco, Juergen Gandrass, Marco Grotti, Heike Herata, Kevin A. Hughes, Morten Jartun, Hanna Joerss, Roland Kallenborn, Jan Koschorreck, Anette Kuester, Rainer Lohmann, Zhanyun Wang, Matthew MacLeod, Rebecca Pugh, Caren Rauert, Jaroslav Slobodnik, Roxana Suehring, Katrin Vorkamp, Zhiyong Xie
Summary: Protecting the polar environments requires raising awareness and preventing global emissions of harmful chemicals. The Berlin Statement addresses urgent chemical pollution issues in the polar regions and provides recommendations for improving screening, monitoring, research cooperation, and data sharing to better protect these environments.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Helen Sepman, Louise Malm, Pilleriin Peets, Matthew MacLeod, Jonathan Martin, Magnus Breitholtz, Anneli Kruve
Summary: Nontarget analysis by LC-HRMS is widely used for detecting pollutants in the environment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
John D. Hader, Marcus Frenzel, Jerome Scullin, Elzbieta Plaza, Matthew MacLeod
Summary: Chemical spills in the sewage treatment plant can disrupt the microorganisms' ability to remove pollutants from the water. A case study in Stockholm, Sweden, identified chemicals that pose a potential risk and developed an online tool to assess and prevent future spills.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Matthew MacLeod, Prado Domercq, Sam Harrison, Antonia Praetorius
Summary: The threat posed by plastic in the environment is not well understood due to uncertainties about its sources, transport, transformation, and removal processes, as well as the properties of the plastic pollution itself. Plastic creates various particulate pollution with different compositions, sizes, and shapes, accompanied by chemicals. This Perspective suggests using process-based mass-balance models to synthesize knowledge about plastic pollution based on its measurable properties. Addressing environmental plastic pollution is challenging due to its complex and diverse physical and chemical properties. This Perspective argues that process-based mass-balance models can provide a viable solution for evaluating environmental exposure to plastic pollution.
NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)