Article
Environmental Sciences
Yangping Zhang, Haifeng Zhang, Min Yang
Summary: The study found multiple pesticides in three urban rivers in Beijing, with some posing medium risks, and most originating from effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Alexander Cartus, Dirk Lachenmeier, Sabine Guth, Angelika Roth, Matthias Baum, Patrick Diel, Gerhard Eisenbrand, Barbara Engeli, Michael Hellwig, Hans-Ulrich Humpf, Hans-Georg Joost, Sabine Kulling, Alfonso Lampen, Doris Marko, Pablo Steinberg, Wim Waetjen, Jan Hengstler, Angela Mally
Summary: The Senate Commission on Food Safety has found that the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring substance in foods may pose health risks due to its genotoxic potential. However, there is a lack of sufficient data to determine its genotoxic effects in vivo after oral exposure. Therefore, the commission recommends reassessing the safety of using acetaldehyde as a food flavoring.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Baris Guezel, Oltan Canli, Ahmet celebi
Summary: Water resources are becoming more valuable, requiring evaluation of pollution and risk situations of water sources. This study analyzed surface sediments from Yuvacik lake to determine levels of persistent pollutants like POPs and metals, revealing possible sources and conducting toxicological and ecological risk assessments. The study found main ecological risk metals to be Ag, Cu, and Cd, highlighting the importance of monitoring and assessing POPs for water resource planning.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carina Quintanilha da Silva, Andreia da Silva Fernandes, Gabriela Felix Teixeira, Rodrigo Jose Franca, Monica Regina da Costa Marques, Israel Felzenszwalb, Deborah Quintanilha Falca, Elisa Raquel Anastacio Ferraz
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of coffee bean quality and roasting degree on mutagenicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The results showed that the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during the roasting process can have toxic effects on cells, and different qualities and roast degrees of coffee beans can lead to varying levels of toxicity on cells.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Baris Guzel, Oltan Canli, Ahmet Celebi
Summary: This study evaluates the pollution and risk situations of the water sources in detail, focusing on the concentrations of persistent pollutants and metals in sediment samples. The results indicate that the pollutants primarily originate from long-distance atmospheric transport and have concentrations below toxicological limits. However, certain metals pose potential ecological risks.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Wu, Qingyu Li, Yanli Wang, Shuya Hu
Summary: Four different types of 0-30 cm soil/sediment samples were collected from aquaculture land, farmland, industrial land, and river bottom sediment in the estuary area of Dagu River to analyze the pollution status and sources of 7 PCB congeners. The results showed low pollution levels in all samples, with the main source of PCBs being shipping activities, along with atmospheric transport and sedimentation sources.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Godere, Philippe Marchand, Anais Venisseau, Ingrid Guiffard, Jean-Charles Leblanc, Bruno Le Bizec, Gaud Dervilly
Summary: There has been a recent revival of interest in historical contaminants such as PCNs. This study assessed the presence of PCNs in fish and seafood products in France and found that they were present in all samples, with levels similar to those in other European regions. Compared to other pollutants, PCNs were observed to contribute less to total concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Suh Junghyuck, Yongwoon Shin, Jieun Lee, Ryu Hakseung, Sujin Seo, Gunyoung Lee, Yong Eui Koo
Summary: The study established an analytical method for assessing the concentration of Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) in Korean food and conducted a risk assessment for Korean food consumption. The results showed that the daily intakes of HCBD were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) established by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NiFDS) in Korea. Considering the risk index of 0.011%, it can be concluded that there are no health concerns for the Korean population.
FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quang Tri Ho, Michael S. Bank, Atabak M. Azad, Bente M. Nilsen, Sylvia Frantzen, Stepan Boitsov, Amund Maage, Tanja Kogel, Monica Sanden, Livar Froyland, Rita Hannisdal, Helge Hove, Anne-Katrine Lundebye, Ole Jakob N. ostbakken, Lise Madsen
Summary: Marine fish from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean are rich in nutrients but also contain contaminants such as mercury and POPs. Concentrations of these contaminants increase from North to South and are associated with sediment contamination and sea temperature. Consuming seafood from the NEAO poses potential risks to human consumers.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Xiang, Huan Yu, Hongliang Chu, Mengke Hu, Tao Xu, Xiaoyu Xu, Ziyi He
Summary: Heavy metal pollution control zoning is important for maintaining the health of the watershed soil ecosystem. This study used self-organizing map and potential ecological risk assessment to classify and evaluate heavy metal pollution, and proposed strategies for classified management and control. The results showed regional differences in soil ecological risk, and identified influential factors.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qiuyun Xu, Yajuan Shi, Li Qian, Xuan Zhou, Jinghan Wang, Lingjie Ke
Summary: Redeveloping abandoned contaminated industrial sites can alleviate urban land shortages. This study proposes a tiered ecological risk assessment approach that combines ecological scenarios, and validates its effectiveness through case studies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Heike Sprenger, Katrin Kreuzer, Jimmy Alarcan, Kristin Herrmann, Julia Buchmueller, Philip Marx-Stoelting, Albert Braeuning
Summary: Toxicological risk assessment is crucial for evaluating and authorizing chemical substances. This study investigated the genotoxic properties of three pesticidal active substances using a combination of transcriptomic data and in vitro tests with human cells. The results demonstrate the potential of transcriptomics and in vitro assays in identifying genotoxic compounds.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baris Guzel, Oltan Canl, Ertugrul Aslan
Summary: This study aimed to analyze organic pollutants and heavy metals in surface sediments from water reservoirs supplying Istanbul, as well as possible sources of contamination. The dominant organic pollutants were PAHs, and polluted sediments were likely sourced from village-town settlements near the dam and highway.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Dieter Schrenk, Joerg Fahrer, Ashley Allemang, Peter Fu, Ge Lin, Catherine Mahony, Patrick P. J. Mulder, Ad Peijnenburg, Stefan Pfuhler, Ivonne M. C. M. Rietjens, Benjamin Sachse, Barbara Steinhoff, Anja These, John Troutman, Jacqueline Wiesner
Summary: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids pose a serious threat to human health, and it is necessary to strengthen research on their toxicity and risk assessment. This paper reports on the major contributions and results of the 2nd International Workshop of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids held in Germany in 2020, aiming to increase understanding of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and discuss risk-limiting measures in food, feed, and medicinal products.
Article
Ecology
Gerald G. Singh, Zaman Sajid, Faisal Khan, Charles Mather, Joey R. Bernhardt, Thomas L. Frolicher
Summary: Current ecological risk assessment methods underestimate the importance of rare disaster events. We propose an updated approach that specifically incorporates disaster risk potential and can be applied in various data contexts and expert judgment-based risk assessments.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fida Hussain, Aqib Hassan Ali Khan, Imran Hussain, Asifa Farooqi, Yousaf Shad Muhammad, Mazhar Iqbal, Muhammad Arslan, Sohail Yousaf
Summary: The study demonstrated that utilizing a combination of amendments such as biochar, compost, and immobilized microorganisms can improve hydrocarbon removal efficiency from aged and contaminated soils. The synergistic effects of these amendments stimulated plant rhizospheric activity, resulting in higher root biomass and seed germination rates. This approach shows potential for enhancing bioremediation processes in challenging contaminated soil conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rabia Aslam, Faiza Sharif, Mujtaba Baqar, Laila Shahzad
Summary: This study evaluated the health risk of air and dust-borne PAHs in Lahore during two consecutive summer and winter seasons. The results showed higher levels of PAHs in air and dust during winter seasons compared to summer seasons. The study highlighted the high carcinogenic risk among residents through exposure to atmospheric PAHs. The isomeric ratios suggested multiple sources of PAHs pollution. It is recommended to monitor atmospheric PAHs throughout the year and use environmentally friendly fuels to prevent pollution and health concerns.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rabia Aslam, Faiza Sharif, Mujtaba Baqar, Abdul-Sattar Nizami, Uzma Ashraf
Summary: This study examined the link between air pollution, asthma, and socioeconomic and demographic factors in Lahore, Pakistan. The findings showed a significant correlation between air pollution and asthma hospital visits, especially in the winter season. Female individuals were more likely to suffer from asthma. Policymakers can develop strategies to address the issue of asthma caused by air pollution in industrial cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khadeeja Rehman, Muhammad Arslan, Jochen A. Mueller, Muhammad Saeed, Samina Anwar, Ejazul Islam, Asma Imran, Imran Amin, Tanveer Mustafa, Samina Iqbal, Muhammad Afzal
Summary: This study optimizes the operational parameters of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) for the remediation of crude oil polluted water using response surface methodology (RSM). The results demonstrate that RSM is an effective strategy for designing FTW experiments and optimizing operational parameters.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rashid Iqbal, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Hazrat Bilal, Muhammad Mahran Aslam, Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Shameem Raja, Muhammad Arslan, Phuong Minh Nguyen
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as potential pollutants and carriers for pathogens in various environments. Their harmful effects on organisms have been well established and their accumulation depends on plastic usage and management policies. Therefore, understanding the hazards and removal methods of MPs is crucial.
HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Mujaddad Ur Rehman, Muhammad Tauseef, Ejazul Islam, Azam Hayat, Samina Iqbal, Muhammad Arslan, Muhammad Afzal
Summary: The study demonstrated that FTWs with immobilized bacteria had a maximum removal rate of 97% for CIP, and also significantly increased the removal rates of COD (92%), BOD (93%), and TOC (90%). This research highlights the potential of FTWs to efficiently remove CIP from water, with enhanced removal efficiency through immobilized bacterial augmentation strategies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Arslan, Soliu O. Ganiyu, Dustin M. E. Lillico, James L. Stafford, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: The fate of dissolved organics and sulfate ions in fixed bed biofilters (FBBs) treating pre-treated oil sands process water (OSPW) in the presence of petroleum coke (PC) and sand was studied. Pre-treatment using solar-activated sulfate radical advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP) achieved excellent degradation of naphthenic acids (NAs) but saw poor removal of dissolved organics and increased toxicity due to byproducts and metabolites. Post-treatment biofiltration improved the mineralization of dissolved organics and NAs and removed residual toxicity, confirming the efficient reclamation of produced water by using advanced oxidation and biofiltration approaches.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phuong Minh Nguyen, Muhammad Arslan, Uwe Kappelmeyer, Ines Mausezahl, Arndt Wiessner, Jochen A. Mueller
Summary: This study shows the structural organization of microbial transformation of inorganic sulfur compounds (ISCs) in constructed wetlands. The fully planted wetland exhibits higher sulfur cycling activity, which is related to the differences in bacterial communities between the roots and porewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rabia Aslam, Faiza Sharif, Mujtaba Baqar, Abdul-Sattar Nizami
Summary: Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) pose a major global problem, especially in urban areas, and are associated with bronchial asthma in Pakistan. The study examined the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and asthma in adults. The findings showed higher levels of PAHs in the blood and urine of adults with asthma, as well as elevated asthma-related biomarkers, indicating a higher risk of asthma in this population.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shagufta Tahir, Abdul Qadir, Mehvish Mumtaz, Nadia Jamil, Mujtaba Baqar, Asad Ullah Saeed, Naeem Khan, Richard Halbrook
Summary: This study evaluates the risk of infants exposed to PCBs in breast milk in urban centers of Pakistan. The findings show higher concentrations of PCBs compared to previous reports from Asia, and their levels are related to factors such as the age and diet pattern of the mother. There are significant differences among test locations, with higher bioaccumulation observed in more urbanized areas. The estimated daily intakes of PCBs for infants exceed recommended values, indicating health risks in these study regions.
HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shaohan Zhang, Zhipeng Cheng, Ming Yang, Zijin Guo, Leicheng Zhao, Mujtaba Baqar, Yuan Lu, Lei Wang, Hongwen Sun
Summary: Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are recognized as emerging persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic organic pollutants in liquid crystal displays. Dermal exposure was found to be the primary route of exposure for LCMs, but the bioavailability and mechanisms of dermal exposure remain unclear.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Leicheng Zhao, Zhipeng Cheng, Hongkai Zhu, Hao Chen, Yiming Yao, Mujtaba Baqar, Hao Yu, Biting Qiao, Hongwen Sun
Summary: Occupational exposure to PFASs in e-waste dismantling regions is a serious concern. This study found that dust and hand wipes in e-waste dismantling workshops contained higher levels of PFASs compared to homes. Hand-to-mouth contact was highlighted as a vital exposure route for both workers and residents.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Arslan, Kamran Siddique, Jochen A. Muller, Razia Tahseen, Samina Iqbal, Ejazul Islam, Saddam Akber Abbasi, Muhammad Usman, Mohamed Gamal El-Din, Muhammad Afzal
Summary: Many communities in Pakistan lack access to safe water due to inadequate water treatment infrastructure and high maintenance costs. Implementing floating treatment wetlands can be a cost-effective solution for improving water quality, especially in rural areas, and positively impact local communities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng Cheng, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Arslan, Huanqing Sun, Li Zhou, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: Rhodococcus pyridinivorans HR-1 strain, a Gram-positive exoelectrogen, showed remarkable electrical capacity and biodegradation ability of pyridine in microbial fuel cells. Addition of bio-surfactant trehalose lipid improved the anode biomass and degradation rate.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Muhammad Arslan, Samina Iqbal, Ejazul Islam, Mohamed Gamal El-Din, Muhammad Afzal
Summary: This paper presents a low-cost protocol for establishing large-scale wastewater reclamation using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern engineering principles. The article describes the steps for setting up a plant nursery, designing and establishing the FTWs, vegetating units, and building the FTW island.