Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joana Soares, Isabel Miguel, Catia Venancio, Isabel Lopes, Miguel Oliveira
Summary: Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue caused by human industrial and domestic activities, and understanding public perceptions about it can help engage society in solutions. Research in Portugal showed that participants were aware of the degradation of plastics in the environment and perceived bio-ecological impacts as a greater threat than socioeconomic impacts. Socio-demographic variables and knowledge about plastic pollution impacts were found to predict pro-environmental behaviors. Awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution was highly associated with pro-environmental behavior, providing insights on how to enhance such behaviors and reduce the presence of micro(nano)plastics in the environment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Geography
Helen Poltimae, Kaja Peterson
Summary: Estonian farmers are more concerned about soil fertility issues rather than broader environmental issues. Environmental awareness plays a crucial role in the adoption of farmland management measures, particularly those related to biodiversity where the link to private benefits is not straightforward.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haipeng Chen, Qianling Shen, Dungang Zang, Houjian Li, Yaya Sow
Summary: This study used the 2016 China Labor Force Dynamic Survey data to quantitatively analyze land abandonment from the perspective of environmental pollution, constructing Tobit and IV Tobit models. The results showed that environmental pollution significantly increased the probability and area of land abandonment, with significant regional heterogeneity in the impact of environmental pollution on land abandonment. The study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between environmental pollution and land abandonment in China and offers practical significance for sustainable rural economic development and food security.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhuang Yao, Hyeon Jeong Seong, Yu -Sin Jang
Summary: The invention and widespread use of plastics have brought convenience to modern life but also caused serious environmental issues. Current disposal methods are expensive and unsustainable, hence research is increasingly focusing on the biodegradation of plastics like polyethylene.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hao Zhou, Yong Chen, Yanzhong Liu, Qiaozhi Wang, Yaqi Liang
Summary: This study proposes a theoretical framework to explain the relationship between farmers' perceptions, knowledge, characteristics, and adaptation behaviors in the face of heavy metal pollution. The results show that knowledge and information have significant positive effects on perceptions, and adaptation perception plays a mediating role between risk perception and adaptation behavior. Farmers' characteristics also have significant effects on adaptation behaviors.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Subha Sasi, Manoj P. Rayaroth, Charuvila T. Aravindakumar, Usha K. Aravind
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of the various aspects of the anionic surfactant AES, including its toxicity, fate in the ecosystem, technical advancements, occurrence and distribution in different environmental compartments, and potential removal strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhaolin Du, Weiqiang Dou, Dasong Lin, Li Qin, Yi An, Hongan Chen, Lina Wu, Liyan Mou
Summary: This study found that tillage systems can affect the cadmium (Cd) threshold of farmland soil. Field experiments were conducted for 2 years at three Cd-polluted sites in China under different tillage systems. The results showed that the sensitivities to Cd in rice varieties were different under the same tillage system but almost the same under different tillage systems. The influence of tillage systems resulted in lower Cd threshold values than the current Chinese soil environmental quality standards.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jian Chen, Taimoor Hassan, Di Zhao
Summary: Household electricity conservation plays a significant role in environmental pollution, and an increase in environmental pollution awareness leads to higher household electricity consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Meral Uzulmez, Aysen Ercan Istin, Ebru Barakazi
Summary: This research aims to determine the ecotourism perception and environmental awareness of tourist guides by identifying the criteria influencing the perception of ecotourism. Through questioning professional tourist guides operating in Turkey, a total of 336 answers were obtained. The data analysis reveals mostly positive relationships in terms of environmental awareness dimensions. Regression analyses further conclude that awareness and ecotourism knowledge significantly impact the economic contribution of ecotourism. Therefore, this research contributes to the scientific field by evaluating environmental awareness and ecotourism awareness within a sustainable context. It is also recommended to conduct more research on the relationship between the ecological environment and tourism sustainability.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sukhbir Singh Gill, Tanish Goyal, Megha Goswami, Preeti Patel, Ghanshyam Das Gupta, Sant Kumar Verma
Summary: Carbonaceous materials, including carbon nanotubes, fullerene, graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanofiber nanospheres, and activated carbon, have effective adsorption and photocatalytic properties, making them ideal for removing emerging and persistent inorganic/organic contaminants, heavy metals, and radionucleotides from the environment. This review provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms, efficiencies, applications, advantages, and shortcomings of using carbonaceous materials for the remediation of environmental toxicants. Opportunities and challenges associated with carbon materials are discussed, offering future perspectives in the field.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hung Chak Ho, Paulina P. Y. Wong, Chunlan Guo
Summary: The study revealed that socio-environmental perceptions have a significant impact on the preparedness and knowledge of air pollution risk among adolescent males. Particularly, low environmental knowledge of oneself can negatively influence overall preparedness. Specific preparedness and knowledge are influenced by various factors, indicating the need for targeted environmental and health actions.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Economics
Hao Wei, Yaru Zhou
Summary: Environmental pollution affects people's quality of life and health. Improving environmental awareness and developing green technologies are the key measures to solve the pollution problem. This paper empirically examines the impact of international talent inflow on corporate pollution emissions and identifies potential channels, such as promoting technological progress, improving environmental protection concept, and exporting higher-quality products. The results show that attracting international talents is an effective way to reduce pollution emissions and achieve green and sustainable development.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guochang Fang, Kun Yang, Gang Chen, Lixin Tian
Summary: This paper constructs the ecological footprint accounts for 30 provinces in China and compares the effects of pollution fees and environmental protection tax on ecological footprints. It finds that the environmental protection tax has a stronger inhibition on ecological footprints, especially for fishing grounds and fossil energy land. The conclusions have reference significance for the government to adjust the appropriate environmental protection tax rate.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Marcus H. Y. Leung, Xinzhao Tong, Zhiyong Shen, Shicong Du, Philippe Bastien, Brice M. R. Appenzeller, Richard J. Betts, Sakina Mezzache, Nasrine Bourokba, Nukhet Cavusoglu, Luc Aguilar, Namita Misra, Cecile Clavaud, Patrick K. H. Lee
Summary: This study explores the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the skin microbiome in two Chinese cities with different levels of air pollution. The results show that high PAH exposure is linked to dry skin and a specific cutotype that has reduced correlation network structure integrity. The study also reveals the role of bacteria-produced arginine in moisturizing the skin and the limited hydration functions in cutotype 2, which explains the observed dry skin phenotype.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Oluwaseun Olowoporoku, Oluwole Daramola, Oluwafemi Odunsi
Summary: The study examined the determinants of residents' perception of environmental hazards and risks in coastal towns of Delta State, Nigeria, with recommendations including proper management of existing environmental amenities, provision of new ones, and collaboration among stakeholders to raise public awareness of threats. Three broad factors identified as determinants of residents' perception were availability of environmental amenities, environmental actions, and socioeconomic characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Junming Zhu, Zhangming Ge, Jiali Wang, Xiao Li, Can Wang
Summary: This study investigates the regional mitigation effects, pathways, and ancillary impacts of four independent pilot ETS programs in three Chinese regions using a comprehensive evaluation framework. The findings show that the pilot programs have economy-wide responses, but enduring mitigation is only observed within ETS sectors. The mitigation is achieved through improving energy efficiency and fuel switching, without impairing industrial activities. The pilot programs also result in local air pollution reduction co-benefits, and no leakage or spillover effects were observed. The study suggests that a national market based on lessons learned from the pilots could achieve 18%-20% reductions in non-pilot regions, thus providing a rationale for developing economies to adopt ETS systems.
Review
Soil Science
Liuwei Wang, Zhongtao Hu, Hanbing Yin, Scott A. Bradford, Jian Luo, Deyi Hou
Summary: Colloidal contaminants and pathogens in soil exhibit unique environmental behaviors and fates, which are influenced by aging mechanisms and changes in their physicochemical properties. This review provides insights into the aging processes of colloids, particularly nanoplastic contaminants and colloidal pathogens, and discusses their implications for risk mitigation.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Soil Science
Pingfan Zhou, Liuwei Wang, Jing Gao, Yaqi Jiang, Muhammad Adeel, Deyi Hou
Summary: Nanoplastics (NPs) are accumulating in the soil environment and pose serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. This review provides a summary of current studies on NP-plant interactions, focusing on uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of NPs. NPs can be taken up by plant roots, transported throughout the plant, and negatively impact plant growth and development. The potential mechanism of NP-plant interactions and future perspectives are also discussed.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yihan Wang, Zongguo Wen, Xiaojun Lv, Junming Zhu
Summary: China's thermal power sector accounts for 45% of total carbon emissions, and this study investigates the regional discrepancies in reaching the carbon peaking target. Using a thermal power plant database, the study evaluates the emission reduction potential, expected carbon peaking period, and co-benefits. The results show an increase in carbon emissions but a decline in emission intensity, with some cities at risk of not reaching the carbon peaking target by 2030.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liuwei Wang, Michael S. Bank, Jorg Rinklebe, Deyi Hou
Summary: This study reports the discovery of plastic-rock complexes in the environment, formed when plastic debris irreversibly sorbs onto rocks after flooding events. These complexes consist of low-density polyethylene or polypropylene films stuck onto mineral matrices. Laboratory tests showed that these complexes serve as hotspots for microplastic generation. The generation rate of microplastics from these complexes was significantly higher than in landfills, seawater, and marine sediment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huixia Wang, Liuwei Wang, Boxing Yang, Xuanru Li, Renjie Hou, Zhongtao Hu, Deyi Hou
Summary: The study aims to develop amendments for immobilizing arsenic and antimony while promoting soil health. Through a 6-month field trial in a mining-affected region in Southwest China, it was found that the joint application of sodium acrylate hydrogel and iron-modified dolomite lime can simultaneously immobilize arsenic and antimony and improve soil health. This approach has the potential to address heavy metal(loid) pollution in mining-affected regions while maintaining soil functionality and biodiversity.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Enying Zhang, Xingjian Zhu, Wenli Wang, Yue Sun, Xiaomin Tian, Ziyi Chen, Xinshang Mou, Yanli Zhang, Yueheng Wei, Zhixuan Fang, Neil Ravenscroft, David O'Connor, Xianmin Chang, Min Yan
Summary: Soil salinization is a significant obstacle to global crop production, and hydropriming has emerged as a promising method to alleviate salt stress and enhance crop yields. This study used biochemical and metabolomics approaches to investigate the effects of salt stress on hydroprimed maize and to identify differentially accumulated metabolites. The results revealed that hydropriming increased catalase activity, soluble sugar and proline content, while decreasing superoxide dismutase activity and hydrogen peroxide content. Metabolite analysis showed that salt stress led to an increase in the content of 1278 metabolites, while a decrease in the content of 1044 metabolites. On the other hand, hydropriming increased the content of 873 metabolites, while significantly reducing the content of 1313 metabolites. The most important metabolite produced in the roots of unprimed samples in response to salt stress was ethisterone, while 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was the most important metabolite produced in the roots of hydroprimed samples. Furthermore, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathway, associated with reactive oxygen species scavenging, was identified as the most significant metabolic pathway related to salt stress.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Deyi Hou, Abir Al-Tabbaa, David O'Connor, Qing Hu, Yong-Guan Zhu, Liuwei Wang, Niall Kirkwood, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Nanthi S. Bolan, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: Widespread pollution from industrial activities has driven land degradation with detrimental human health effects, especially in urban areas. Sustainable remediation strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soil and groundwater at brownfield sites are outlined in this Review. These strategies can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of remediation and maximize overall net benefits.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhan Qin, Yuanliang Jin, Tianyue Peng, Bin Zhao, Deyi Hou
Summary: Grasslands are valuable but fragile ecosystems that can be easily threatened by human activities. This study focused on the Mongolian-Manchurian steppe, one of the largest and most intact grassland ecosystems, to investigate its pollution status and track potential sources of contaminants.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Zhao, David O'Connor, Hao Zhang, Yuanliang Jin, Yidong Wang, Xiaodong Yang, Renjie Hou, Deyi Hou
Summary: This study evaluates the mercury pollution at a long-exploited primary mercury production site and assesses the effectiveness of recent control measures. The findings indicate widespread and serious soil and water pollution due to mercury mining, but risk control measures can reduce human health and ecological risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Lokesh P. Padhye, Prashant Srivastava, Tahereh Jasemizad, Shiv Bolan, Deyi Hou, Sabry M. Shaheen, Jorg Rinklebe, David O'Connor, Dane Lamb, Hailong Wang, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan
Summary: Contaminant containment measures are necessary to prevent or minimize offsite movement of contaminated materials when burial or removal is not feasible due to extensive sub-surface contamination. These measures can include physical, chemical, and biological technologies to stop contaminant migration and reduce pollutant risks. Regular inspections are required to monitor contaminant mobilization and migration.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Guo, Liuwei Wang, Guangyu Qu, Xizi Liu, Yufei Lian, Deyi Hou
Summary: This study aims to develop suitable soil amendments using locally available biomass materials and naturally abundant clay minerals for Cd-enriched karst soils. By using rice straw biochar, zero valent iron, natural illite-smectite stratified clay, and cow manure, the immobilization of Cd in the soil was achieved, leading to improved chemical fertility and microbial diversity.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianyue Peng, Bin Zhao, David O'Connor, Yuanliang Jin, Ziyi Lu, Yang Guo, Kaiyun Liu, Yao Huang, Wenjing Zong, Jing Jiang, Hao Zhang
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the health risk associated with heavy metals exposure at residential playgrounds in urban areas. The results show enrichment of Cu, As, and Ni in the soil and dust, with positive correlation to the distance to the nearest highway. The study highlights the need for effective measures to mitigate potential health risks and enhance the safety of recreational areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana, Siming You, Lin Zhang, Jin Shang, Johannes Lehmann, Xiaonan Wang, Yong-Guan Zhu, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Young-Kwon Park, Deyi Hou, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: The concept of a hydrogen society is a greener alternative, but there are challenges in sustainable production. Biochar, as a low-cost material, plays a crucial role in hydrogen production and storage.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)