Article
Environmental Sciences
Isabella Ferreira Nascimento Maynard, Pamela Cunha Bortoluzzi, Luciana Machado Nascimento, Rubens Riscala Madi, Eliane Bezerra Cavalcanti, Alvaro Silva Lima, Veronica de Lourdes Sierpe Jeraldo, Maria Nogueira Marques
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in beach sand on six Brazilian beaches, with Viral and Ponta dos Mangues beaches having the highest quantity. White fragments were the predominant type of microplastics, with one of them identified as polyethylene through FT-IR analysis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naveenkumar Ashok Yaranal, Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Kaustubha Mohanty
Summary: Microplastic particles from five different beach locations in Karnataka, India were assessed, with their concentration ranging from 264 to 1002 n/kg of dry sand. The majority of the microplastics were fragmented, <1 mm in size, white and transparent in color, showing roughness, cracks, mechanical, and oxidative weathering on their surface. EDX spectra revealed the presence of various elements on the microplastic surface.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Partho Banik, M. Belal Hossain, As-Ad Ujjaman Nur, Tasrina Rabia Choudhury, Samia Islam Liba, Jimmy Yu, Md. Abu Noman, Jun Sun
Summary: This study provides a description of the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the sediment of Kuakata beach in Bangladesh. The results show a high abundance of microplastics, with fibers as the dominant type. The abundance of microplastics is positively correlated with the finer grain size of the sediment. The beach sediment of Kuakata is categorized as high ecological risk according to the pollution load index.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Sathish, R. Saravanan, Kamal Sharma, Sasan Zahmatkesh, K. Muthukumar, Hitesh Panchal
Summary: This experimental study examines the feasibility and quality of using marine waste microplastics to make masks. By optimizing parameters through the meltblown process and using microplastics, the quality of the masks can be maximized while reducing production costs. The results demonstrate that chemically treated marine waste microplastics can enhance the filtration efficiency and breathability of the masks.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Trinidad Montero-Vilchez, Antonio Martinez-Lopez, Carlos Cuenca-Barrales, Andrea Rodriguez-Tejero, Alejandro Molina-Leyva, Salvador Arias-Santiago
Summary: Wearing masks and gloves may impair skin homeostasis and epidermal barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss and higher skin temperature. High-quality personal protective equipment should be provided, and appropriate skin prevention measures should be implemented.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Veronica Godoy, Joana Correia Prata, Antonio Perez, Joao Pinto da Costa, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando C. Duarte
Summary: The main objective of this study was to estimate the microplastic pollution on Costa Nova sandy beach in Portugal using longitudinal and cross-sectional transects. The results showed low variability in data, with median concentrations ranging from 142 to 356 p/kg d.w. in cross-sectional transects, and from 211 to 270 p/kg d.w. in longitudinal transects. Microspheres were the predominant morphology, accounting for over 90% of all samples, and the most abundant microplastics were <200 μm in size. Despite moderate-low tourist activity, microplastic contamination was higher in Costa Nova compared to other Portuguese beaches, possibly due to nearby port activities and ocean currents. However, this study highlights the disparity in data caused by different methodologies used in analyzing similar areas.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Selvakumar Dharmaraj, Veeramuthu Ashokkumar, Sneha Hariharan, Akila Manibharathi, Pau Loke Show, Cheng Tung Chong, Chawalit Ngamcharussrivichai
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global economic downturn and indirect environmental benefits; the use of face masks has negative impacts on the environment and human health, requiring government sectors to enforce strict regulations for medical waste disposal.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amina Asiya Nchimbi, Daniel Abel Shilla, Charles Mitto Kosore, Dativa Joseph Shilla, Yvonne Shashoua, Farhan R. Khan
Summary: The pollution of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment has become a significant challenge in developing countries where proper solid waste management strategies are lacking. This study investigated the distribution and types of MPs in beach and seabed areas along the coasts of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The findings showed that fragment and fibers were the most common types of MPs in both beach and seabed sediments, indicating their secondary sources. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of four types of polymers, with polyethylene (PE) and polyester (PS) being the most common. The abundance of MPs was higher on beaches compared to seabed areas, and the high content of PE and PS suggests a wide range of MPs entering the ocean.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Subramanian Veerasingam, Ponnumony Vethamony, Valliyil Mohammed Aboobacker, Amanda Engmann Giraldes, Samah Dib, Jassim A. Al-Khayat
Summary: The study investigated the vertical distribution of microplastics in beach sediments around Ras Rakan Island of Qatar, finding higher counts in the western and northern parts of the island with pellets as the dominant type in surface sediments and fibers in bottom sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca Metcalf, Hannah L. White, Michael J. Ormsby, David M. Oliver, Richard S. Quilliam
Summary: Large quantities of microplastics are discharged from WWTPs into the aquatic environment, where they can become colonised by microbial biofilm, forming distinct plastisphere communities that may include potential pathogens. This study found that potential pathogens were able to survive and persist on microplastic and glass particles, suggesting that the plastisphere may facilitate their environmental dissemination and increase human exposure risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Razegheh Akhbarizadeh, Sina Dobaradaran, Iraj Nabipour, Mahbubeh Tangestani, Delaram Abedi, Fatemeh Javanfekr, Faezeh Jeddi, Atefeh Zendehboodi
Summary: During the Covid-19 pandemic, a study conducted in the Bushehr port coastline of the Persian Gulf found a high presence of PPE waste, with an estimated disposal rate of 350 items per day and 127,750 items per year. The damaged surgical masks and torn plastic gloves collected from the coastal areas were identified as potential sources of microplastics pollution in marine environments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Venkatramanan, S. Y. Chung, S. Selvam, K. Sivakumar, G. R. Soundhariya, Hussam Eldin Elzain, Md. Simul Bhuyan
Summary: This study evaluates the accumulation of microplastics on Marina beach in Chennai, finding that polyethylene and additives are the dominant types. To address the problem of plastic accumulation, the government should introduce laws to control the sources and use of plastic waste.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Khawla Chouchene, Joana C. Prata, Joao da Costa, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Mohamed Ksibi
Summary: The Praia da Barra beach in Aveiro has accumulated large quantities of microplastics, predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyester, with particles smaller than 1 mm making up 99.5% of the total, mostly transparent or black in color.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sina Pourebrahimi
Summary: Billions of disposable face masks are discarded monthly due to COVID-19 outbreak, causing severe damage to the ecosystem. Developing high-yield, effective, and green methods to recycle or upcycle face mask wastes into value-added materials is crucial. This paper reviews recent advances in upcycling methods, focusing on producing value-added materials through various waste conversion methods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raissa de Oliveira Ferreira, Abraao Tiago Batista Guimaraes, Thiarlen Marinho da Luz, Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Chinnasamy Ragavendran, Chinnaperumal Kamaraj, Ives Charlie-Silva, Edison Luiz Durigon, Helyson Lucas Bezerra Braz, Andres Hugo Arias, Omar Cruz Santiago, Damia Barcelo, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented negative impacts. The potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 and microplastics in the aquatic environment are not well known. This study evaluated the ecotoxicological effects of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and polyethylene microplastics in male adult Poecilia reticulata. The results showed behavioral changes, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, imbalances in ion homeostasis, and anticholinesterase effects induced by SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Polyethylene microplastic exposure caused genotoxic effects and increased enzyme activity. The combined exposure did not show synergistic effects. The study highlights the need for attention to the impacts of COVID-19 on aquatic biota.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Fernando G. Torres, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre
Summary: This article systematically reviews the current knowledge of PFAS contamination, finding that legacy PFASs remain the most abundant and that edible freshwater species have higher concentrations than marine species. The proximity to factories and fluorochemical industries significantly increases PFAS contamination in food products. Short-chain PFAS are identified as potential chemicals of concern for food security, but their environmental and toxicological implications are not yet fully understood, requiring further research.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sina Dobaradaran, Torsten C. Schmidt, Xenia A. M. Mutke, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Ursula Telgheder, Klaus Kerpen, Marcel Plonowski
Summary: This study assessed for the first time the levels of aromatic amines leachates from cigarette butts in distilled water and river water samples, and found that these chemicals may pose medium risks to aquatic organisms. As there are other hazardous chemicals that may leach from cigarette butts into aquatic environments, restrictions on littering cigarette butts into the environment are necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Farshid Soleimani, Sina Dobaradaran, Amir Vazirizadeh, Gholamhossein Mohebbi, Bahman Ramavandi, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Iraj Nabipour, Torsten C. Schmidt, Thomas E. Novotny, Ammar Maryamabadi, Zahra Kordrostami
Summary: This study evaluated the toxic effects of cigarette butt leachates on juvenile fish and found that even low concentrations of leachates can cause lethality and pose a threat to fish population density.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Urpi Cabrejos-Cardena, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Sina Dobaradaran, Selvasembian Rangabhashiyam
Summary: The increased use, disposal, and contamination of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of microplastics derived from face masks on the environment. Current research on the ecotoxicological effects of these microplastics on aquatic and terrestrial organisms has several uncertainties and limitations, making it difficult to accurately assess their true impact. However, there is evidence to suggest that face mask microplastics may have endocrine-disrupting and behavioral effects on organisms, but these results cannot be widely extrapolated due to various factors such as face mask manufacturers, providers, consumer preferences, and mask types.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gunasekaran Kannan, Bilal Mghili, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Prabhu Kolandhasamy, Mayakrishnan Machendiranathan, Mayavan Veeramuthu Rajeswari, Ayyappan Saravanakumar
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. However, the mismanagement of PPE litter is exacerbating the global plastic issue. In this study, discarded PPE items were sampled along Marina Beach in India and analyzed chemically. The results indicate that poor waste management and lack of awareness are the main causes of pollution on the beach, and the increasing plastic pollution could have a significant impact on marine biodiversity. Beach management measures were discussed.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sedigheh Mohamadi, Reyhane Madadi, Md. Refat Jahan Rakib, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Abubakr M. Idris
Summary: Plastic pollution is a significant environmental threat worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes single-use plastics, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE), using chemical-analytical techniques. The findings reveal the release of microplastics from degraded surgical face masks and the impact of improperly disposed PPE on organisms in the study area.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Maggy Belen Romero Arribasplata, Virna Alisson Lucas Roman, Alain Alves Povoa, Tony R. Walker
Summary: The colonization of marine litter by marine invertebrate species is a global concern leading to the dispersal of potentially invasive species. However, there are methodological challenges and uncertainties in this field of research. This review compiled and analyzed literature on field studies of marine litter colonization, providing a general overview of the current knowledge. Major challenges and knowledge gaps were identified, including uncertainties in species identification, lack of standardized sampling methodologies, inconsistencies in reported data, and insufficient chemical-analytical approaches. Recommendations are provided for each point, taking into consideration the limited access to advanced techniques and laboratories.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Felix Ayala, Jhonson K. Vizcarra, Karen Castillo-Morales, Uriel Torres-Zevallos, Cristel Cordero-Maldonado, Lyanne Ampuero-Merino, Karlom Herrera-Peralta, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Fernando Angulo, Susana Cardenas-Alayza
Summary: Peru is home to a wide variety of bird species, but little is known about their interactions with plastic waste. In order to address this knowledge gap, the researchers conducted a comprehensive search of scientific literature, collected data from social media platforms and databases, and reached out to experts and bird enthusiasts. The study identified 119 instances of bird interactions with plastic debris, involving 39 different species from 20 families. The red-legged cormorant and the neotropical cormorant were found to be the most affected species. The researchers recommend further investigation, as there may be additional species that interact with plastic waste that have not yet been documented.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reyhane Madadi, Nezha Mejjad, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
Summary: Surface sediment and water samples were collected from Musa Estuary and analyzed for metals concentrations using ICP-MS. Cd had the highest contribution to ecological risk (49% based on PERI index). The Tessier procedure revealed that with increasing contamination, exchangeable and carbonate fractions of Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cu increased. Cd and Pb were found to have a high risk of release based on the mobility factor and individual contamination factor indices. Cluster analysis showed different sources for different metals. The adsorption of Co, Ni, V, and Zn to sediments was influenced by Eh/pH, DOC/temperature, and salinity.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Hajji, Mohamed Ben-Haddad, Mohamed Rida Abelouah, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Aicha Ait Alla
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants are important sources of microplastics in the environment, but there is limited research on their occurrence and removal efficiency, especially in African countries. This study investigated the abundance of microplastics in the influent and effluent of two wastewater treatment plants in Morocco and found that the abundance was higher in the plant receiving urban and industrial inputs. Fibers were the most common type of microplastics, and the main polymers identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The study also found that the abundance of microplastics varied with seasons, with higher levels in summer. The findings of this study have implications for wastewater management and understanding microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed Rida Abelouah, Ilef Romdhani, Mohamed Ben -Haddad, Sara Hajji, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Sonia Gaaied, Issam Barra, Mohamed Banni, Aicha Ait Alla
Summary: This study conducted two nationwide surveys in Morocco and Tunisia to investigate the occurrence, physicochemical characteristics, and human health implications of microplastic (MP) contamination in edible mussels. The results showed that MP frequency ranged from 79% to 100% in all analyzed samples, with the highest MP density found in Moroccan mussels. The predominant types of MPs were blue and black fibers, smaller than 1000 μm.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Diana Carolina Dioses-Salinas, Carlos Ivan Pizarro-Ortega, Melisa D. Fernandez Severini, Ana D. Forero Lopez, German Prieto, Sina Dobaradaran, Gunasekaran Kannan, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
Summary: It has been observed that the pandemic measures have led to a significant amount of face masks entering marine ecosystems. This study conducted in situ experiments to examine the physical and chemical changes of face masks in coastal environments, as well as their interaction with intertidal biota. The chemical analyses revealed that face masks are composed entirely of synthetic polymers and did not show significant signs of photo-oxidation. However, scanning electron microscopy showed alterations in the physical structure of KN95 respirators and the accumulation of environmental elements. The study also found that face masks can serve as suitable substrates and hiding spots for bivalves and polychaetes. Understanding the behavior of these contaminants in the intertidal shore provides valuable insights into their fate after entering the ocean.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Diana Carolina Dioses-Salinas, Carlos Ivan Pizarro-Ortega, Melisa D. Fernandez-Severini, Ana D. Forero-Lopez, Sina Dobaradaran, Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in plastic pollution, particularly due to the use of single-use face masks. The negative impact of these masks on the trophic chain is influenced by factors such as bio-incrustation, UV-light exposure, and mechanical abrasion, which affect the toxicological characteristics of microplastics and nanoplastics released from the masks. Besides being a direct source of microplastics and nanoplastics, face masks also facilitate the proliferation and transport of organisms and pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, contaminating water sources and spreading antibiotic resistance genes. However, there is limited research on macrofouling and species dispersal. Therefore, this review provides an updated and summarized analysis of the environmental and ecotoxicological contribution of face mask waste, including degradation, release of microplastics and nanoplastics, interaction with organisms, colonization, and recommendations for future studies.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felix Ayala, Martin Zeta-Flores, Sonia Ramos-Baldarrago, Juan Tume-Ruiz, Antia Rangel-Vega, Eddy Reyes, Edgardo Quinde, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Leticia Lajo-Salazar, Susana Cardenas-Alayza
Summary: Plastics have brought benefits to society, but mismanagement has turned them into a serious environmental problem. This review focuses on the interactions between terrestrial mammals and plastic waste in the Americas, which is a hotspot of mammalian biodiversity and high plastic waste generation. We identified 46 scientific articles documenting plastic ingestion in 37 species and plastic use for nest or burrow construction in four species. The research on plastic pollution in terrestrial mammals is limited and lacks standardized analytical methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Refat Jahan Rakib, Sultan Al Nahian, Reyhane Madadi, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre, Tony R. Walker, M. P. Jonathan, Win Cowger, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Abubakr M. Idris
Summary: Microplastic (MP) pollution in the Karnaphuli River estuary, Bangladesh, poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms. This study investigates the distribution and characteristics of MPs in this area and their relationship with water quality parameters. The results show higher MP abundance during the wet season, with downstream areas having the highest concentration. pH during the wet season and temperature during the dry season were key factors influencing MP distribution. Most MPs were film-shaped, white in color, and 1-5 mm in size. These findings can be used to develop mitigation strategies for MP pollution in the freshwater ecosystem of the Karnaphuli River estuary.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(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)