Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Wahab Yasir, Muhammad Bashir Ahmed Siddique, Zunera Shabbir, Habib Ullah, Luqman Riaz, Waqar-Un- Nisa, Shafeeq-ur-rahman, Anis Ali Shah
Summary: The co-existence of PCBs and Cr(VI) in the environment due to industrial effluent has worsened pollution issues, impacting aquatic and terrestrial life. Strategies for simultaneous removal of these contaminants have not been sufficiently explored, and co-contamination may hinder bacteria's bioremediation efficiency. Bioaugmentation with metal-resistant bacteria and utilization of sorbents/biosurfactants are potential solutions for the detoxification of Cr(VI) and PCBs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Makoto Shimasaki, Hazuki Mizukawa, Kohki Takaguchi, Aksorn Saengtienchai, Araya Ngamchirttakul, Disdanai Pencharee, Kraisiri Khidkhan, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Kei Nomiyama
Summary: This study investigated the exposure of pet cats in Thailand to organohalogen compounds (OHCs) through analysis of serum samples. The results showed significantly higher levels of PBDEs in Thai cat sera compared to other contaminants, with decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) being the major contaminant in dry cat food and house dust. The contamination by PCBs was lower in Thailand than in other countries. The study suggests that the high levels of BDE-209 in pet cat sera can be attributed to the consumption of dry cat food and house dust. These findings highlight the non-negligible exposure of pet cats to OHCs.
Article
Polymer Science
Angela M. Gutierrez, Thomas D. Dziubla, J. Zach Hilt
Summary: The environmental conditions of groundwater and surface water vary greatly depending on the location, which can affect the physical and chemical properties of nanocomposites and pollutants used in remediation. In this study, magnetic nanocomposite microparticle (MNM) gels were used as sorbents for remediating PCB 126 as a model organic contaminant. The effects of ionic strength, water hardness, and pH on the sorption efficiency of the MNMs for PCB 126 were studied. The results showed that ionic strength and water hardness had minimal effects on the sorption of PCB 126 by MNM gels, while an increased pH resulted in a decrease in binding, likely due to anion-pi interactions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tyler J. Hannah, David Megson, Courtney D. Sandau
Summary: There is an increasing awareness of paints and pigments as a source of by-product PCBs in the environment. This review identified the presence of 149 different PCBs in paint samples, which is more than what has been reported in commercial Aroclor formulations. The study also provides valuable information on the mechanisms of PCB formation in pigments, dyes, and paints, as well as additional classes of pigments that are expected to contain PCBs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Di-Hua Zhu, Fang-Hong Nie, Min Zhang, Wan Wei, Qing-Lang Song, Yao Hu, Dan-Ju Kang, Zhi-Bao Chen, Hong-Ying Lin, Jin-Jun Chen
Summary: This experiment evaluated the effects of PCB exposure on the intestines of zebrafish. The results showed that PCBs exposure led to intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in zebrafish, while also disturbing intestinal metabolites and microbiota, highlighting the consequences of PCB exposure.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Na Liu, Fangjing Lin, Jie Chen, Zexi Shao, Xinru Zhang, Lizhong Zhu
Summary: In response to organic pollutants, rice plants activate defense systems including cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis to reallocate metabolites and improve adaptability. This novel strategy enhances crop outputs and quality in environments impacted by organic contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thibault Fiolet, Yahya Mahamat-Saleh, Pauline Frenoy, Marina Kvaskoff, Francesca Romana Mancini
Summary: The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mortality risk in the general population, finding that background exposure to PCBs may increase the risk of cardiovascular-specific mortality.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosalinda C. Montone, Mariana B. Alonso, Marcos Cesar O. Santos, Paula Mendez-Fernandez, Satie Taniguchi, Ana Paula M. Barbosa, Renato M. Goncalves, Janeide de Assis Padilha, Carolina Bertozzi, Josilene da Silva, Juliana Marigo, Antonio Derley S. Pereira, Rafael A. Lourenco
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Franciscana dolphins from three regions in Brazil. The results showed that PCBs and DDTs were the predominant pollutants, with the highest PCB concentrations observed in highly urbanized and industrial areas. The sex and maturity of the dolphins had significant effects on the POPs concentrations. Although the concentrations of POPs are declining, PCB levels remain high and pose adverse health effects on the dolphins.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Elahe Zarerad, Kimia Niksalehi, Maryam Armandeh, Mahmood Alizadeh Sani, Mahshid Ataei, Taraneh Mousavi, Armin Salek Maghsoudi, Shokoufeh Hassani
Summary: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic chemicals composed of chlorine, hydrogen, and carbon atoms. They have been widely used in various industries due to their high boiling points, chemical stability, non-flammability, and insulating properties. However, PCBs are highly toxic and have been banned from production. They have the ability to accumulate and magnify in the environment and can have negative impacts on organisms and ecosystems. PCB exposure mainly occurs through food and environmental pollutants, and oxidative stress is the most influential mechanism of PCB toxicity.
MINI-REVIEWS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. S. Kirankumar, K. Sanath, S. Ajay, Amala Varghese, K. P. Prathish
Summary: This study introduces an integrated workflow for evaluating environmental and health risks of dl-POPs at industrial hotspot regions. By developing validated and user-friendly analytical strategies, routine monitoring of dl-POPs can be conducted effectively, especially in developing countries. The study validates a gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer based analytical workflow as a substitute for conventional magnetic sector high resolution mass spectrometer technique and demonstrates its utility for predicting enviro-food-health nexus by analyzing fish and sediment samples from a POPs hotspot in India. The study highlights the importance of periodic surveillance of dl-POPs to safeguard human health and the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuduan Mao, Shuren Liu, Yuting Zhou, Qi An, Xuji Zhou, Zhouying Mao, Yiting Wu, Weiping Liu
Summary: Recent studies have shown that unintentionally produced PCBs are major contributors to atmospheric PCBs and are controlling PCB burdens in agricultural soils across China. The dominant contributors to PCBs in Chinese agricultural soils are the legacy of historically produced and used commercial PCB mixtures, especially high-chlorinated congeners. Unintentional sources, such as pigment/paint, combustion-related sources, and polymer sealants, account for a significant portion of total PCBs in Chinese soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Business
Richard T. Melstrom
Summary: This paper examines the effect of removing pollutants on home prices in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The results show that home prices near the water increased significantly and that remediation did not change pre-existing inequalities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angeline Andrew, Jie Zhou, Jiang Gui, Antoinette Harrison, Xun Shi, Meifang Li, Bart Guetti, Ramaa Nathan, Maeve Tischbein, Erik Pioro, Elijah Stommel, Walter Bradley
Summary: This study used geospatial estimation to assess the exposure of ALS patients to airborne contaminants and found that airborne lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be associated with an increased risk of ALS. The main sources of these contaminants include small aircraft, power plants burning biomass, and industrial boilers. The association with a residential history of lead exposure was confirmed in two additional cohorts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mandar Bokare, Nathalie Lombard, Samuel Magee, Dev Murali, Upal Ghosh
Summary: This study used passive samplers to measure the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the air of Washington DC and quantified the air-water exchange by comparing it with measurements in the water phase. The results refute the long-standing understanding that air is a source of PCBs to the river, and the volatilization rate is lower than previously estimated.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessica Palladini, Elisa Terzaghi, Renzo Bagnati, Alice Passoni, Enrico Davoli, Angelo Maspero, Giovanni Palmisano, Antonio Di Guardo
Summary: Two new classes of PCB metabolites, sulfonated-polychlorinated biphenyls (sulfonatedPCBs) and hydroxy-sulfonated-polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-sulfonated-PCBs), have been recently discovered. They are more polar than their parent compounds, but little is known about their chemical identity, ecotoxicity, or toxicity. This study provides the first evidence on the fate of these metabolites in the environment and presents results from various experiments to evaluate their soil partition coefficients, degradation after rhizoremediation, uptake by plants and earthworms, and an analytical method for extracting and concentrating these compounds from water.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam F. Pedersen, Rune Dietz, Christian Sonne, Lan Liu, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Melissa A. McKinney
Summary: Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are monitored in marine mammal blubber using established techniques, but these methods have limitations. The QuEChERS extraction method was developed and validated for PCB and OC contaminants in marine mammal blubber, showing higher matrix removal, reduced solvent usage, and shorter extraction time compared to current methods. The method was successfully applied to southeast Greenland killer whales and demonstrated good agreement with current-use methods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guanyan Li, Lijun Yan, Xiangmeng Chen, Su Shiung Lam, Jorg Rinklebe, Qing Yu, Yafeng Yang, Wanxi Peng, Christian Sonne
Summary: Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) present a serious threat to ecosystems, and prolonged exposure can have detrimental effects on wildlife and humans. Cadmium, in particular, has been linked to various diseases such as cancer, kidney dysfunction, bone lesions, anemia, and hypertension. This review focuses on the ability of plants to accumulate cadmium from different environmental sources and the factors that influence this process. Plants employ various mechanisms and pathways for cadmium transport, and the excessive concentrations of cadmium in the environment can affect soil properties, pH levels, and microorganism composition, thereby influencing plant uptake. Additionally, plants utilize antioxidant reactions to defend against cadmium toxicity. Further exploration is needed to determine the implications of differences in cadmium absorption capacity for crop breeding or genetic modification, as well as identifying the potential of plants to become hyperaccumulators and preventing excessive cadmium uptake by edible plants. The use of activators such as wood vinegar, GLDA (Glutamic acid diacetic acid), earthworms, and fungi can enhance phytoremediation, reducing crop uptake and human exposure, thereby promoting food safety and environmental health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lijun Dai, Li Deng, Weili Wang, You Li, Lingqing Wang, Tao Liang, Xiaoyong Liao, Jinwoo Cho, Christian Sonne, Su Shiung Lam, Joerg Rinklebe
Summary: There is increasing concern about the health of residents living in mining and smelting areas. This study analyzed the levels of toxic elements in hair samples collected from residents in these areas and found significantly higher concentrations of these elements, which may have adverse health effects. Remedial actions should be taken to improve the health of the residents in these areas.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kang Guo, Lijun Yan, Yifeng He, Hanyin Li, Su Shiung Lam, Wanxi Peng, Christian Sonne
Summary: With the development of highway construction and urban economy, automobiles have become essential means of transportation. This paper reviews the latest research progress in using phytoremediation technology to remediate the environmental pollution caused by automobile exhaust, and highlights the prospects for stereoscopic forestry.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charles Christian Riis Hansen, Aki Jarl Laruson, Jacob Agerbo Rasmussen, Jesus Adrian Chimal Ballesteros, Mikkel-Holger S. Sinding, Gunnar T. T. Hallgrimsson, Menja von Schmalensee, Robert A. A. Stefansson, Kristinn Haukur Skarphedinsson, Aili Lage Labansen, Madis Leivits, Christian Sonne, Rune Dietz, Kim Skelmose, David Boertmann, Igor Eulaers, Michael D. D. Martin, Agnar S. S. Helgason, M. Thomas P. Gilbert, Snaebjorn Palsson
Summary: Divergence in white-tailed eagle populations across Europe and the North-East Atlantic is observed, with the greatest differentiation between island and mainland populations. The island populations have a common ancestry from a mainland population and show signs of inbreeding and little genetic variation. Temporal differences also indicate persistent regional populations despite potential admixture. These patterns may have been shaped by historical events such as glaciation, colonization, human expansion, and persecution.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Linlin Lu, Wei Fan, Xue Meng, Lili Xue, Shengbo Ge, Chen Wang, Shin Ying Foong, Cindy S. Y. Tan, Christian Sonne, Mortaza Aghbashlo, Meisam Tabatabaei, Su Shiung Lam
Summary: This paper summarizes the characteristics of waste cotton and the high-value products that can be derived from it through mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling methods. Recycling and reusing waste cotton are common practices to reduce global waste production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Charlotte Bie Thostesen, Kirstin Anderson Hansen, Christian Sonne, Carl Christian Kinze, Lars Mikkelsen, Annika Thomsen, Peter Povlsen, Hanne Lyngholm Larsen, Anne Cathrine Linder, Sussie Pagh
Summary: When live whales strand, it is crucial to determine whether they should be rescued, euthanized, or left alone. However, this decision is difficult due to limited information about the whale's health condition. This article discusses the dilemma and decision-making process based on the stranding of a male killer whale in Danish waters. The case highlights the importance of considering the health of the animal and the chances of successful rescue before taking action.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Soren Krabbe Staahltoft, Magnus Fjord Aaser, Jakob Nodgaard Strange Jensen, Ismat Zadran, Emil Birkmose Sorensen, Anders Esbjerg Nielsen, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Dan Bruhn, Anne Cathrine Linder, Christian Sonne, John Frikke, Cino Pertoldi
Summary: Virtual fencing is a new method of containing livestock using GPS technology and auditory warnings and electric impulses. This study examines the effectiveness of one such system in a rotational strip grazing regime with 17 Angus bull calves, and aims to determine which calves are more likely to receive electric impulses. The system proves effective at containing the bull calves and they learn to associate the warnings with the impulses. However, there are individual differences in the number of warnings and impulses received.
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengmusen Lin, Xinyu Yu, Han Wang, Hui Ming, Shengbo Ge, Fang Liu, Haowei Peng, Christian Sonne, Libo Zhang
Summary: The technological development of preparing bio-oil from low-temperature hydrothermal conversion of agricultural and forestry waste has a positive significance for alleviating oil energy shortage and reducing environmental pollution. This study investigates the hydrothermal conversion process of cotton stalk using different oxide catalysts and finds that the cerium dioxide-involved process has the highest bio-oil yield, while the silica-involved process has the lowest bio-oil yield and causes the highest environmental impact. The study suggests that catalysts need to consider the balance between synthetic consumption and catalytic performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiyang Li, Nyuk Ling Ma, Huiling Chen, Jiateng Zhong, Dangquan Zhang, Wanxi Peng, Su Shiung Lam, Yafeng Yang, Xiaochen Yue, Lijun Yan, Ting Wang, Bjarne Styrishave, Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski, Christian Sonne
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is a common and serious health issue for women. This study focuses on searching for bioactive compounds from plants for breast cancer treatment. By screening plant extracts from Chinese ancient forests, the researchers identified potent extracts from Amur honeysuckle and Nigaki plants. Further experiments showed that these extracts significantly reduced tumor growth and killed breast cancer cells. The study also found that the extracts target and interact with known breast cancer genes, providing new insights for future cancer treatments.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter Nai Yuh Yek, Yi Herng Chan, Shin Ying Foong, Wan Adibah Wan Mahari, Xiangmeng Chen, Rock Keey Liew, Nyuk Ling Ma, Yiu Fai Tsang, Christian Sonne, Yoke Wang Cheng, Yie Hua Tan, Su Shiung Lam
Summary: The increasing global population and industrialization have led to a higher demand for plastics. Landfilling, the predominant method for plastic waste disposal, poses a significant threat to the environment and public health. Efficient management of biomass and plastic waste is a critical challenge. Gasification and pyrolysis, two waste treatment processes, can enhance the yield and quality of bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. Integration of these processes can reduce energy consumption, increase hydrogen production, and improve the quality of bio-oil. Selective catalysts in the pyrolysis-gasification process can optimize the production of high-purity carbon nanotubes and bio-oil.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yimeng Qu, Yafeng Yang, Christian Sonne, Xiangmeng Chen, Xiaochen Yue, Haiping Gu, Su Shiung Lam, Wanxi Peng
Summary: Industrialization and overpopulation have heavily polluted aquatic environments, and the use of aquatic plants for wastewater purification offers high efficiency and low cost. Combining biochar with nanotechnology can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification. Constructed wetlands can be used to purify wastewater by planting aquatic plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Glenn Cardwell, Janet F. Bornman, Anthony P. James, Alison Daly, Georgios Dabos, Paul Adorno, Jette Jakobsen, Eleanor Dunlop, Lucinda J. Black
Summary: This study aimed to determine the retention of vitamin D2 after rehydration and cooking of UV-irradiated, air-dried mushrooms. The results showed that frying and baking resulted in higher retention of vitamin D2 compared to boiling. UV-irradiated, dried mushrooms are a valuable source of vitamin D2 after rehydration and cooking.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Petra Loznjak Svarc, Jette Jakobsen
Summary: The study investigated the stability of folate during household cooking and exposure to different light conditions. The results showed that light had no significant effect on folate stability, while cooking affected the retention of certain forms of folate. These findings provide valuable information for understanding folate intake from thermally processed nuts and seeds.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam F. Pedersen, Rune Dietz, Christian Sonne, Robert J. Letcher, Anna M. Roos, Malene Simon, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Steven H. Ferguson, Melissa A. McKinney
Summary: There are significant differences in the concentrations of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between polar bears and toothed whales in the Arctic, which can be attributed to regional and temporal variations, differences in biological susceptibility, and ecological factors. Analyzing samples from East Greenland, it was found that feeding patterns have a greater influence on pollutant concentrations, while biological differences primarily affect certain organochlorine compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
