Review
Environmental Sciences
Sarah C. Marteinson, Anjelica Bodnaryk, Mark Fry, Nicole Riddell, Robert J. Letcher, Chris Marvin, Gregg T. Tomy, Kim J. Fernie
Summary: DBE-DBCH, as a replacement flame retardant, has not been assessed for risk and regulation but has been found to be a contaminant in various environmental media.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yan Wan, Qiang Zeng, Insup Kim, Pujiang Shi, Yong-Jin Yoon, Chor Yong Tay, Jong-Min Lee
Summary: The extensive use of electronic and electrical equipment generates a large amount of e-waste plastics that need to be disposed of properly. This study focuses on removing a novel brominated flame retardant (BFR) known as TBBPA-DBMP using an extraction process aided by ultrasonic in alcohol extractants. Predictive models were developed to determine the optimal extraction conditions in methanol and ethanol solvents. The results showed high extraction efficiencies of TBBPA-DBMP under the optimized conditions. The validity of the predicted optimal extraction conditions was also verified.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Honglin Huang, Lili Lv, Dan Wang, Bin Guo, Jitao Lv, Lei Luo, Bei Wen, Yuehui Kang
Summary: This study investigated the phytotoxicities of TBECH diastereomers on maize plants, revealing that TBECH could induce the production of reactive oxygen species and affect gene expression in plants, as well as alter the chemical composition of root exudates. These findings provide new insights into the biochemical effects of TBECH on plants, contributing to a better understanding of their stereo-selectivity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Entai Yang, Bei Wen, Zhenying Zhang, Honglin Huang, Shuzhen Zhang
Summary: This study evaluated the accumulation and depuration of DBE-DBCH and TBCO diastereomers in earthworms and found that different diastereomers exhibited different accumulation and depuration kinetics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ning Wang, Lin He, Guochun Lv, Xiaomin Sun
Summary: This study investigates the environmental transformation and toxicological implications of TBECH stereoisomers under OH. oxidation in the gas phase using computational chemistry. The results reveal the complexity of TBECH transformation reactions and the diversity of its atmospheric transformation products, with lower toxicity to aquatic organisms but some remaining classified as toxic or harmful, and exhibiting carcinogenic and teratogenic activity. This study provides a deep insight into the transformation mechanism, kinetics, and environmental impacts of atmospheric TBECH for the first time through theoretical calculations.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Keisuke Nakamura, Shigetomo Matsuyama, Yukari Orihara, Nobuyasu Hanari
Summary: A certified reference material (CRM) of polystyrene (PS) for the analysis of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209) was issued. The certification of the PS CRM was conducted using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and evaluated for its uncertainties. The results showed that the quantification of BDE 209 in PS can be improved by applying IDMS in TD-GC/MS.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen Huang, Biao Jin, Min Han, Gan Zhang, Hans Peter H. Arp
Summary: Shale gas exploitation generates flowback and produced water (FPW) containing complex organic compounds, some of which are persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) or very persistent and very mobile (vPvM). A literature review identified 162 organic compounds in FPW, with only 22 considered PMT/vPvM substances. Examples of PMT substances in FPW include anthracene, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Prioritizing risk management and monitoring of PMT/vPvM compounds in FPW is crucial for protecting regional water resources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shi Yao, Xiaona Li, Tao Wang, Xin Jiang, Yang Song, Hans Peter H. Arp
Summary: This study found that soil metabolites from different soils create a similar eco-corona on microplastics, acting as a barrier that inhibits the adsorption of other metabolites and organic contaminants. The formation and composition of the eco-corona in soils have not received much attention, but it has significant implications for the fate and impacts of microplastics and co-occurring chemical contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Hans Peter H. Arp, Dagny Aurich, Emma L. Schymanski, Kerry Sims, Sarah E. Hale
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Katinka M. Krahn, Gerard Cornelissen, Gabriela Castro, Hans Peter H. Arp, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Raoul Wolf, Rune Holmstad, Andrew R. Zimmerman, Erlend Sormo
Summary: The use of sewage sludge biochars (SSBCs) as sorbents for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from water and soil was compared to wood chip biochar (WCBC). The sorption of PFCAs by SSBCs showed similar performance to commercial activated carbons. These findings could promote the use of SSBCs in soil remediation and water filtration solutions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michel Hubert, Hans Peter H. Arp, Mona Cecilie Hansen, Gabriela Castro, Thomas Meyn, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Sarah E. Hale
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in different size fractions of soil that was historically contaminated with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). The results showed that the smaller size fractions with higher organic carbon content had higher sorption coefficients (Kd values) for PFAS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Radka Kodesova, Ganna Fedorova, Vit Kodes, Martin Kocarek, Oleksandra Rieznyk, Miroslav Fer, Helena Svecova, Ales Klement, Adam Borik, Antonin Nikodem, Roman Grabic
Summary: The sorption of organic contaminants in soils and sediment plays a vital role in their mobility in the vadose zone environment. This study evaluated Freundlich sorption isotherms for eleven micropollutants and correlated the sorption coefficients with soil properties to predict sorption behavior. Predicted distribution maps were then used to assess groundwater vulnerability. The results showed different sorption patterns among the compounds, emphasizing the importance of considering soil properties in understanding and managing contaminant mobility.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pavla Fialova, Roman Grabic, Katerina Grabicova, Petra Novakova, Helena Svecova, Sarit Kaserzon, Kristie Thompson, Branislav Vrana
Summary: An upscaled passive sampler variant based on diffusive gradients in thin films for polar organic compounds was tested in several field studies. The performance of the sampler was evaluated in the treated effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant and in the raw municipal wastewater influent. The sampler showed robustness and repeatability, but deteriorated after exposures longer than 14 days.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriela Castro, Erlend Sormo, Guanhua Yu, Shannen T. L. Sait, Susana Gonzalez, Hans Peter H. Arp, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
Summary: A simple and reliable sample preparation method, combined with UPLC-MS/MS, was developed to determine the occurrence and removal efficiency of 21 OPFRs in sewage sludge. The optimized method showed good repeatability and the analysis can be completed within 20 minutes. The method was applied to sludge samples from waste treatment plants in Norway, where 16 out of 21 OPFRs were detected, and the highest concentration found was 2186 ng/g in digested sludge.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sanne J. Smith, Melanie Lauria, Lutz Ahrens, Philip McCleaf, Patrik Hollman, Sofia Bjalkefur Seroka, Timo Hamers, Hans Peter H. Arp, Karin Wiberg
Summary: We present a practical treatment train that combines foam fractionation and electrochemical oxidation to effectively remove persistent PFAS contaminants from water. The study used an experimental approach, characterizing the process through target analysis, PFAS sum parameters, and toxicity testing. Results were successfully reproduced through a newly developed numerical model. The treatment train achieved an average degradation of 50% for total PFAS, with significant degradation of long-chain and short-chain PFAS. The treatment also reduced the toxicity and extractable organofluorine concentration of the water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sunil Paul M. Menacherry, Radka Kodesova, Ganna Fedorova, Alina Sadchenko, Martin Kocarek, Ales Klement, Miroslav Fer, Antonin Nikodem, Alica Chronakova, Roman Grabic
Summary: This study systematically investigated the dissipation kinetics and half-lives of selected organic micropollutants in different soil types. Some pollutants disappeared rapidly, while others remained persistent. Venlafaxine showed the longest half-lives among stable compounds. Results showed the persistence of organic pollutants in agricultural soils, which could have significant environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Erlend Sormo, Gabriela Castro, Michel Hubert, Viktoria Licul-Kucera, Marjorie Quintanilla, Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos, Gerard Cornelissen, Hans Peter H. Arp
Summary: The current treatment options for organic waste contaminated with PFAS include incineration, composting, and landfilling, all of which result in emissions. Dry pyrolysis is a promising alternative, but the fate of PFAS during this process is uncertain. This study developed a robust method for determining PFAS in complex matrices and established a mass balance for 56 different PFAS during full-scale pyrolysis of various wastes. PFAS were present in all wastes but were removed by at least 96.9% through pyrolysis. Residual PFAS were detected in biochars obtained at temperatures up to 750 degrees C, with emissions consisting mainly of short chain PFAS.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Min Han, Biao Jin, Jun Liang, Chen Huang, Hans Peter H. Arp
Summary: Determining PMT/vPvM substances on the global market is crucial for preventing drinking water contamination. This study developed machine learning models to screen these substances using molecular descriptors. The models achieved high accuracy in identifying PMT/vPvM substances and were compared to a three-step prediction approach. Additionally, the prediction mechanism was interpreted using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). This work advances the identification of substances that meet PMT/vPvM criteria through big data in silico screening models.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sunil Paul M. Menacherry, Radka Kodesova, Helena Svecova, Ales Klement, Miroslav Fer, Antonin Nikodem, Roman Grabic
Summary: The accumulation and distribution of different pharmaceuticals in onion, spinach, and radish plants grown in six soil types were investigated. Neutral molecules showed higher accumulation and translocation to plant leaves compared to ionic molecules. The accumulation of carbamazepine (CAR) and its metabolite in plant leaves indicated the potential risk of pharmaceutical entrance into the food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lena Mutzner, Kefeng Zhang, Richard G. Luthy, Hans Peter H. Arp, Stephanie Spahr
Summary: Urban stormwater, once managed primarily for flood control and property protection, is now increasingly recognized as an underutilized water resource. However, conventional stormwater treatment systems are inefficient at removing persistent and toxic organic substances, which may pose risks when urban runoff is used for drinking water sources or discharged into surface waters. By reviewing numerous stormwater monitoring studies, we identified 49 persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) and very persistent, very mobile (vPvM) substances in urban stormwater. The lack of surveillance data on these substances and their fate in stormwater control measures hinders reliable risk assessments of stormwater capture. Unified guidelines are needed to monitor and assess the risks of PMT/vPvM substances in urban stormwater runoff and establish improved stormwater management criteria for safe water supply.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
