Article
Environmental Sciences
Kirstin Hester, Ellen Kirrane, Timothy Anderson, Nichole Kulikowski, Jane Ellen Simmons, David M. Lehmann
Summary: This study aims to identify and characterize the epidemiological and experimental data on the relationship between environmental metals exposure and neurodegenerative diseases, and highlight important knowledge gaps and future research directions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang-Jie Zhao, Zhong Tang, Jia-Jun Song, Xin-Yuan Huang, Peng Wang
Summary: Agricultural soils are at risk of toxic metal contamination, which leads to excessive accumulation of these metals in food crops and poses significant risks to human health. Understanding the uptake, translocation, and detoxification processes of these toxic metals is essential for developing strategies to limit their accumulation in food. Various transporters are involved in the uptake and transport of toxic metals across different cellular compartments and plant tissues, and these processes are regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Complexation with thiol-rich compounds and sequestration in vacuoles are common mechanisms for detoxification and limiting the translocation of toxic metals. Genes involved in toxic metal uptake, transport, and detoxification have been identified and can be targeted for genetic manipulation. Natural variations in toxic metal accumulation exist in crop germplasm, and marker-assisted breeding can be employed to develop low metal accumulation crops. Phytoremediation, using plants to extract and remove toxic metals from soil, is also possible but requires plants with high accumulation capacity. Knowledge gaps and future research needs are discussed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Giraldez, Zulema Varela, Jesus R. Aboal, J. angel Fernandez
Summary: In this study, three methods for moss biomonitoring were compared, revealing that while they yield relatively similar results, the interpretations are not equivalent and none of the methods provides a reliable estimate of soil contribution to moss element concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended to use moss for atmospheric biomonitoring only for elements like Cu, Zn, and Cd, for which soil contribution is low.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yamin Wang, Swee Ngin Tan, Mohamed Lokman Mohd Yusof, Subhadip Ghosh, Yeng Ming Lam
Summary: Heavy metal and metalloid contamination in urban soils is a common problem. This study investigated the levels of 12 heavy metals and metalloids in soil and their accumulation by plant foliage in nature parks and industrial sites in Singapore. The results showed that certain tropical plant species have the potential to remediate contaminated lands.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
L. D. B. Suriyagoda, O. Dissanayake, V Kodithuwakku, I Maduwanthi, N. Dissanayaka, R. Chandrajith
Summary: Vegetables are widely cultivated in high rainfall and mountainous regions in Sri Lanka with poor soil conservation practices. The accumulation of essential mineral and toxic trace elements in the soils and cultivated vegetables are poorly understood. The soil samples contained high concentrations of essential minerals and toxic trace elements, while the edible parts of cabbage had the highest concentrations and potato had the lowest. The vegetables analyzed contained high concentrations of essential minerals and trace elements, but did not exceed the permissible limits.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana C. R. Geronimo, Elaine S. P. Melo, Kassia R. N. Silva, Hugo S. Pereira, Valdir A. Nascimento, David J. Machate, Valter A. do Nascimento
Summary: The study estimated human health risks associated with heavy metals and metalloids in herbal medicines used for anxiety treatment in Brazil. While most herbal medicines had concentrations within safe ranges, monitoring by regulatory agencies is necessary to prevent acute or chronic toxicities caused by heavy metals.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Coline Monchanin, Jean-Marc Devaud, Andrew B. Barron, Mathieu Lihoreau
Summary: The declining population of invertebrates globally is concerning, with the impacts of metal pollutants on terrestrial invertebrates being underestimated. There is a need to revise regulatory thresholds to better protect these animals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeynep Aydogan
Summary: Consuming edible arthropods is no longer limited to rural areas and has become an emerging industry. The gastronomy world, especially in western countries, is exploring the nutritional value of arthropods. Research indicates that black scorpions, black ants, flying termites, giant waterbugs, and June beetles have high concentrations of certain chemicals in their bodies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag, Sharon Mary O'Rourke, Enda Cummins
Summary: High exposure to metals and metalloids can cause acute sickness and pose a severe threat to human health. This study identifies key metal(loid)s and highlights the mechanisms of their uptake by plants. Soil parameters like pH, organic matter content, clay content, cation exchange capacity, and microbial decomposition capability play critical roles in the mobility and availability of metal(loid)s in the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sergio Fernandez-Trujillo, Jhon J. Lopez-Perea, Maria Jimenez-Moreno, Rosa C. Rodriguez Martin-Doimeadios, Rafael Mateo
Summary: The study investigated the accumulation of five elements in the muscle of six species of freshwater fish from the Tablas de Daimiel National Park in central Spain, finding varying accumulation levels among different species. Some fish exceeded the maximum residue levels established by European legislation, potentially facing adverse effects. Discussions included the potential sources of elevated selenium levels in the fish and the contamination from spent lead shot pellets used in hunting in the past in this seleniferous area.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Maria Raffa, Fulvia Chiampo, Subramanian Shanthakumar
Summary: The contamination of soil by heavy metals and metalloids is a global issue, requiring monitoring and remediation methods. Various techniques are available, with the choice mainly depending on factors such as contaminated site geology and cost. Some techniques are widely used, while others are still in the research stage.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Pahriya Ashrap, Emily S. Barrett, Deborah J. Watkins, Amber L. Cathey, Carmen M. Velez-Vega, Zaira Rosario, Jose F. Cordero, Akram Alshawabkeh, John D. Meeker
Summary: Metal(loid)s may act as endocrine disruptors by altering prenatal hormone levels, with potential effects depending on specific windows of exposure during pregnancy. Essential metal(loid)s such as manganese and cobalt may also contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Future studies are needed to further investigate these associations, as the study of metal(loid)s as endocrine disruptors is still in its early stages of epidemiological research.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vishnu D. Rajput, Tatiana Minkina, Sudhir K. Upadhyay, Arpna Kumari, Anuj Ranjan, Saglara Mandzhieva, Svetlana Sushkova, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Krishan K. Verma
Summary: The advancements in nanoparticles offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to remove toxic compounds from contaminated soils, when combined with bioremediation methods.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcelo de Oliveira, Elaine S. de Padua Melo, Thais Carvalho da Silva, Carla Maiara Lopes Cardozo, Igor Valadares Siqueira, Mariana Pereira Hamaji, Vanessa Torres Braga, Luiz Fernando Taranta Martin, Alessandro Fonseca, Valter Aragao do Nascimento
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the presence of metal(loid)s in lubricating eye drops used for the treatment of dry eye disease. The concentrations of various metals were determined in eye drop samples, and it was found that some samples exceeded the limits set by pharmaceutical regulations. This highlights the need for stronger control and inspection of eye drops by regulatory agencies in multiple countries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weijie Liu, Xinli Xing, Miao Li, Yue Yu, Tianpeng Hu, Yao Mao, Lili Liang, Yuan Zhang, Jiaquan Zhang, Shihua Qi
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the pollution source of heavy metals (HMs) in soil near mining and evaluate the influence mechanism of dust fall on HMs pollution. The results showed that dust fall is the primary pollution source to HMs accumulation in soil. Mineralogical analysis revealed that quartz, kaolinite, calcite, chalcopyrite, and magnetite are the major mineral phases in dust fall.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Teresa Boquete, Zulema Varela, Jose Angel Fernandez, Juan Antonio Calleja, Cristina Branquinho, Antonina Chila, Nils Cronberg, Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho, Cristiana Aleixo, Belen Estebanez-Perez, Veronica Fernandez-Gonzalez, Andres Baselga, Carola Gomez-Rodriguez, Juana Maria Gonzalez-Mancebo, Sebastien Leblond, Javier Martinez-Abaigar, Nagore G. Medina, Encarnacion Nunez-Olivera, Jairo Patino, Ruben Retuerto, Anton Vazquez-Arias, Alain Vanderpoorten, Harald G. Zechmeister, Jesus Ramon Aboal
Summary: Unisexual bryophytes, such as the cosmopolitan moss Pseudoscleropodium purum, provide a useful model system to study the regulation of sexual vs. asexual reproduction in plants. In this study, the researchers investigated the sex expression, sex ratio, and shoot traits of 242 populations of P. purum across its distribution range. They found high variation in sex expression and predominantly female-biased populations. The variation in reproductive traits was partly explained by environmental variation and the species' biogeographical history. The researchers hypothesize that sexual dimorphism and vegetative growth contribute to sex ratio bias and limit the chances of sexual reproduction in long-term persistent populations.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carme Pacin, Javier Martinez-Abaigar, Encarnacion Nunez-Olivera, Jesus R. Aboal, Flavia De Nicola, J. Angel Fernandez
Summary: Testing the innovative and cost-effective Mosspheres as passive air samplers for monitoring and mapping polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) proved their high sensitivity and suitability. The study detected low concentrations of PAHs, with only a few enriched points exceeding legal thresholds near industrial areas and busy roads. However, Mosspheres were able to detect spatial structure for several PAHs and construct high-resolution pollution maps, supporting their widespread application and potential inclusion in European Directives on air quality control.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Anton Vazquez-Arias, Carme Pacin, Angela Ares, J. Angel Fernandez, Jesus R. Aboal
Summary: This study aims to compile and critically review the available information on the subcellular distribution of metals in seaweeds. The existing studies provide contrasting and sometimes contradictory results, indicating the need for further research on the distribution of metals in algal cells.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Z. Varela, M. T. Boquete, J. A. Fernandez, J. Martinez-Abaigar, E. Nunez-Olivera, J. R. Aboal
Summary: Terrestrial mosses have been used for over 50 years in air pollution monitoring, but their value as biomonitors is based on partially erroneous assumptions regarding their morphological structure and physicochemical characteristics. This study provides evidence that challenges these assumptions and highlights the traits that make mosses good biomonitors of air pollution. The findings suggest that mosses have a complex morphological structure and can retain particles containing pollutants, which affects their uptake processes.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Garcia-Seoane, J. Antelo, S. Fiol, J. A. Fernandez, J. R. Aboal
Summary: This study examined the differences in trace metal accumulation in two terrestrial and one aquatic moss species, and investigated whether these differences were influenced by their physico-chemical characteristics. Laboratory results showed higher metal uptake capacity in terrestrial mosses due to a greater abundance of acidic functional groups on their surfaces. However, the findings also suggest an interaction between the type of environment and moss characteristics that may influence the metal uptake trend.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. R. Aboal, C. Pacin, R. Garcia-Seoane, Z. Varela, A. G. Gonzalez, J. A. Fernandez
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in heavy metal concentrations in brown algae over the last 90 years and found significant decreases in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations. The decreases started between 1970 and 1990 and were strongly correlated with pH, SST, and heat content. This reduction in metal concentrations is important because brown algae play a vital role in marine food webs and can distribute pollutants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Teresa Boquete, Jesus R. Aboal, Ruben Villares, Uxia Dorado-Garcia, J. Angel Fernandez
Summary: Mercury contamination poses a global environmental problem due to its high toxicity and persistence, resulting in biomagnification and threatening wildlife and ecosystems. A study conducted along the North Atlantic coast of Spain over 30 years revealed a significant decrease in mercury concentrations in two coastal animal species. However, biomagnification still occurred, and nitrogen pollution affected stable nitrogen isotope ratios, limiting their use as indicators for biomagnification.
Article
Biology
Zulema Varela, Javier Martinez-Abaigar, Rafael Tomas-Las-Heras, Jose Angel Fernandez, Maria-Angeles Del-Castillo-Alonso, Encarnacion Nunez-Olivera
Summary: Air pollution in urban areas is a major environmental risk. This study aimed to test the suitability of Ligustrum lucidum physiological variables as proxies for heavy metal and platinum group element pollution. The results showed that the physiological variables of Ligustrum lucidum trees had only a slight response to heavy metals and platinum group elements.
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)