Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080426

Authors: Xuekai Wang Xiangwu Meng Mengtian Zhang Kai Li Lichun Mao Lu Zhong Jianjun Li

Efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) from antibiotic-contaminated wastewater remains a significant challenge. In this study, a nitrogen-doped carbon modified cobalt ferrite (C@CoFe2O4, CF) composite was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method, and its adsorption–catalysis dual-function performance was systematically evaluated. Structural characterization revealed that CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were locally encapsulated by an N-doped carbonaceous layer, providing a high specific surface area and abundant nitrogen-containing active sites. Under optimized conditions, the CF-3/PMS system achieved 93.44% TC removal within 45 min, while CF-3 exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 486.5 mg·g−1. Radical quenching experiments suggested that singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radicals (O2•−) played major roles in TC oxidation, while sulfate radicals (SO4•−) and hydroxyl radicals (HO•) also contributed, indicating the coexistence of radical and non-radical oxidation pathways. TC adsorption was driven by surface complexation, π–π electron donor–acceptor interactions, and hydrogen bonding. The enhanced TC removal performance may arise from the cooperative contributions of N-containing carbon sites, accessible Co/Fe-containing regions, and interfacial electronic interactions, which promote TC enrichment and PMS-mediated oxidation. This work provides a promising strategy for designing bifunctional materials for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080425

Authors: Mara Lastretti Andrea Faa Monica Piras Angelica Dessì Pasquale Paribello Marco Piludu Germano Orrù Mirko Manchia Gavino Faa Vassilios Fanos

Major depressive disorder (MDD) accounts for a substantial share of global disability-adjusted life years and remains inadequately treated despite pharmacological advances. Growing evidence implicates endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—particularly phthalates and bisphenols—as environmental contributors to the onset of these conditions. This narrative review examines evidence from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2000–March 2025) on the relationship between early-life exposure to these compounds and the development of mood disorders, with emphasis on molecular and neurobiological mechanisms. Phthalates such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), are detected ubiquitously in human urine, blood, placenta, and umbilical cord blood. Key mechanisms identified include Nrf2/HO-1-driven oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, disruption of calcium signalling and synaptic plasticity via CREB phosphorylation deficits, epigenetic suppression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) via promoter hypermethylation, NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β neuroinflammatory cascades, interference with thyroid hormone bioavailability through transthyretin competition, and PPAR-mediated disruption of brain lipid metabolism. Prenatal and early-life exposure has been associated with ADHD, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and elevated risk of depressive and anxiety phenotypes in epidemiological cohorts. Psychological vulnerability factors—perceived stress, deficient emotion regulation, and adverse childhood experiences—likely amplify this biological susceptibility through HPA axis sensitisation. Methodological limitations of current evidence, including reliance on single-spot urine samples and residual confounding, are critically appraised. Future research priorities include longitudinal biomonitoring cohorts, brain organoid mechanistic models, and integration of validated psychiatric assessments into environmental health study designs.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080424

Authors: Fariza Khozhanepessova Akmaral Serikbayeva Arezoo Dadrasnia Nazira Moldagulova

Oil contamination of soils in arid regions of Kazakhstan is a critical environmental problem, as extreme temperatures, low humidity and salinity limit traditional bioremediation. A pilot-scale 45-day field experiment at the Karazhanbas oil field (Mangistau Region, Kazakhstan) provided a first field validation of an adsorption-immobilisation bioremediation technology. A consortium of Rhodococcus erythropolis AT7 and Dietzia maris 22K was immobilised on buckwheat and rice husk carriers. Four treatments were tested on 1 × 1 m plots (initial petroleum products 3725 mg/kg): the consortium immobilised on buckwheat husks, on rice husks, free cells, and an untreated control. Petroleum products were measured by FTIR spectroscopy on days 0, 15, 30 and 45. The buckwheat husk variant showed the highest observed degradation efficiency among the tested treatments—94.0 ± 0.5% (3725 to 223 ± 18 mg/kg)—1.6 times higher than rice husk (57.9%) and 1.7 times higher than free cells at the standard dose (54.6%). Degradation followed first-order kinetics (k = 0.0355 day−1; t1/2 = 19.5 days), and hydrocarbon-oxidising microorganisms increased to 3.4 × 108 CFU/g in the immobilised treatments. The higher performance of buckwheat husks may be associated with lower lignin content and improved carrier properties, with phenolic compounds such as rutin as a plausible additional factor. These pilot results provide a basis for larger-scale validation in Western Kazakhstan.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080423

Authors: Francisco Castillo-Vergara Sofia Rodriguez-Venturo Edwin Loarte Katy Medina Eladio Tuya José Úbeda

The shrinking of glaciers is drastically transforming headwater catchments, exposing new land surfaces and forming new water bodies, characterized by marked environmental gradients and the activation of potential geochemical hazards. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the geochemical patterns of soil and water in areas deglaciated between 1970/1984 and 2025 within the Llaca and Gueshgue valleys of the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Systematic soil and water sampling was conducted, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques. The analyses revealed a clear and statistically significant geochemical differentiation between the two areas (p ≤ 0.05). Gueshgue was identified as a system in transition, exhibiting geochemical signatures of acid rock drainage (ARD), with loamy soils rich in Fe and Al, and acidic waters featuring high redox potential and elevated concentrations of SO42−, EC, Co, Cu, Mn and Mg. In contrast, Llaca exhibited greater stability, with neutral waters and sandy soils dominated by silicate weathering signatures (SiO2) and trace elements (Al, Li, Ba, K, and Ti). These findings indicate that the impact of glacier retreat on proglacial ecosystems is heterogeneous; identifying these geochemical patterns is fundamental to establishing baseline monitoring and guiding the sustainable management of these climate-change-sensitive ecosystems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080422

Authors: Kuok Ho Daniel Tang

Microplastics, typically defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter, have emerged as a pervasive environmental contaminant of global concern [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080421

Authors: Benedetto Schiavo Diana Meza-Figueroa Claudio Inguaggiato

Environmental pollution remains one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development and public health worldwide [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080420

Authors: Andrei Tudor Rusu Cristina Horju Deac Tiberiu Rusu

Background: Drilling slurry, a waste material generated during natural gas extraction, requires careful chemical characterization to determine its environmental hazard classification and inform appropriate management strategies. Methods: This study characterizes the drilling fluid used as raw material and the resulting drilling slurry waste, using a case study sample from the Buzău extraction area (Well 1 Florica, S.N.G.N. Romgaz S.A.), including total composition analysis, three-stage leaching tests, linear regression of leaching kinetics, and standardized geoaccumulation indices (Igeo, CF, PLI). Results: Total composition analysis confirmed low heavy metal concentrations (Cd = 0.02, Cr = 0.05, Pb = 0.64, Zn = 2.82 mg/kg dry matter). All leachate parameters remained below non-hazardous waste thresholds (Order No. 95/2005), with safety factors of 20–100× for regulated metals and 1.2–2.7× for chlorides, sulphates, and dissolved organic carbon. Standardized pollution indices confirmed Class 0 (unpolluted) status for all five metals, with a composite Pollution Load Index of 0.0124. Leaching regression analysis revealed dissolution-controlled release for chlorides, sulphates, and zinc (R2 > 0.93) versus matrix-retention behavior for copper, nickel, cadmium, and chromium. Comparative analysis showed horizontal drilling generates approximately 146% more waste volume than conventional vertical drilling (170 m3 versus 69 m3 at 2100 m depth). Conclusions: The analyzed drilling slurry meets non-hazardous waste classification with substantial safety margins, corroborated by three independent analytical frameworks. Waste minimization strategies and biodegradable fluid substitution offer practical pathways to reduce the environmental footprint of natural gas drilling operations.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080419

Authors: Lori Han Bruce Wilson Nadine Hackshaw Sebastian Behrens Joe Magner

Denitrifying bioreactors are edge-of-field best management practices used to reduce excess nutrients in agricultural drainage. Traditional systems rely on woodchips as both a carbon source and microbial habitat, but woodchip-only bioreactors often exhibit limited nitrate removal, particularly under low temperatures and high flow conditions. This study evaluated nitrogen removal in a multimedia bioreactor under varying environmental conditions. A non-ideal, continuous stirred-tank model was applied to estimate nitrogen removal rates and nitrate removal efficiencies in mesoscale reactors containing walnut-shell biochar, Brotex, and woodchips. Two configurations—woodchip–biochar with and without Brotex—were tested at 4 h and 12 h hydraulic residence times (HRTs) and temperatures from 6 °C to 14.5 °C. Nitrate removal was consistently higher in the non-Brotex treatments. At low temperature, average removal was 15.3% (3.21 g m−3 d−1) and 50.5% (3.66 g m−3 d−1) for 4 h and 12 h HRTs, respectively. Removal improved at higher temperatures, reaching 54.2% (4.77 g m−3 d−1) and 79.7% (7.86 g m−3 d−1). These results exceeded many nitrate removal values reported for woodchip-only systems in the literature under similar temperature and hydraulic residence time conditions, indicating that alternative media can enhance performance across a range of flow and temperature conditions, supporting broader application in diverse climates.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080418

Authors: Xiang Li Kerry Holmberg Leikun Yin Leslie Ludtke Brady Hartmann Joseph Anderson John Nieber Joe Magner

Groundwater nitrate contamination imposes a safety concern. Mitigating groundwater nitrate levels requires a quantitative assessment of source contributions, which is also challenging to estimate considering the data uncertainty and the agriculture environmental complexity. The Pineland Sand Region in north central Minnesota, United States, features sandy soils and has a mixed land-use landscape of agriculture and natural background, with part of the area located within the White Earth Nation Reservation region. We analyzed the land-use patterns and identified nitrate contaminant sources in nature, wetlands, row crops, pasture, and urban areas. To estimate the nitrate source apportionment and its uncertainty in this study area, we first characterized these sources using calcium, sulfate, chloride, and sodium, and then applied a Bayesian mass-balance mixing model using a Monte Carlo Markov Chain approach in 164 groundwater wells and further obtained the probability distributions of the fractional contributions from those specific sources. The results show that nature and wetlands source fractions dominate sites with negligible agriculture impacts, while row crop and pasture sources are estimated with higher contaminant contributions in sites subject to more intensive agriculture management. We also discussed a few specific sites’ contaminant source fractions and suggest a future source characterization scheme to advance groundwater nitrate understanding in the study area.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080417

Authors: Rachid Ismail Mohammednoor Altarawneh Joy H. Tannous

Airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been extensively identified as a major contributor to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality. PM2.5 poses an even greater threat due to the presence of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). It is, thus, important to study human exposure to EPFRs. Dust samples from residential areas in Al Ain, UAE, were tested, and free radicals were detected and quantified. ESR measurements showed distinct signals with g-factors around 2.004–2.006, typically associated with oxygen-centered EPFRs. Spin concentrations were quantified at approximately 2.64 × 1016 spins/g in Dust Sample 1 (DS1) and 2.36 × 1017 spins/g in Dust Sample 2 (DS2), values comparable to those reported in other regions. DS1 and DS2 were collected from two different locations in inhabited areas of the city of Al Ain. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectra revealed possible functional groups such as catechols and hydroquinones, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed mineral oxides that could stabilize these radicals. However, the spectra also displayed features consistent with the six-line hyperfine splitting of Mn. These findings confirm the presence of environmentally relevant paramagnetic species in dust, which have implications for human health.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080416

Authors: Noemí Aranda-Merino Cristina Gómez de las Heras María Ramos-Payán Rut Fernández-Torres Miguel. A. Bello-López José L. Gómez-Ariza

Environmental exposures throughout life play a major role in shaping human health and contribute to the onset and progression of numerous chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. These effects arise from complex interactions between environmental pollutants, diet, lifestyle, occupation, genetic background, and other biological and socioeconomic factors. Although recent advances in omics technologies have substantially improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, most studies continue to adopt reductionist approaches that fail to capture the complexity of the environment–health–disease continuum. We propose a comprehensive conceptual framework based derived from the existing literature for investigating lifelong environmental exposures through a multilevel and multidimensional strategy. Four complementary levels are defined: (i) molecular alterations characterized using ionomics, metallomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and integrated multi-omics; (ii) tissue and organ alterations assessed by imaging technologies and radiomics; (iii) population-level variability investigated through epidemiological approaches (epidemiomics); and (iv) the integration and interpretation of heterogeneous datasets using artificial intelligence. Representative applications of these methodologies are discussed to illustrate their potential for identifying biomarkers, elucidating disease mechanisms, and improving exposure assessment. Particular attention is given to the integration of molecular, imaging, and epidemiological data to establish more robust causal relationships between environmental exposures and health outcomes. The proposed framework highlights the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced computational tools to address the complexity of exposome research. Ultimately, this integrative approach may support early disease detection, personalized prevention strategies, and the development of evidence-based environmental, occupational, and public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of environment-related diseases.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080415

Authors: Carmen Luisa Vásquez Stanescu Lucas de Aquino Marinho Crismeire Isbaex Luís Rosa Rodrigo Ramírez-Pisco Luís Manuel Navas Gracia Teresa Batista

Maritime transport contributes 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, traditionally evaluated through operational fuel cycles while neglecting lifecycle impacts. This study redefines merchant ship recycling as a strategic front-end pillar for global decarbonization by assessing Embodied Carbon Trade-offs. Utilizing a mixed PRISMA systematic and semi-systematic methodology of literature from 2019–2025, we analyzed bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers across six thematic clusters. Our findings demonstrate that scenarios involving the potential decommissioning of up to 22.2% of the global merchant fleet exceeding 20 years of age could significantly mitigate lifecycle emissions by displacing primary iron-ore smelting with circular electric arc furnace marine-steel recovery. Crucially, this environmental dividend is non-linear and bound by regional energy matrices; under deeply decarbonized grids, this technological displacement can theoretically yield an upper-bound 72% emissions reduction, whereas fossil-heavy power supplies significantly diminish net mitigation margins. Practically, this research provides an operational roadmap for shipowners and regulators navigating the Hong Kong Convention and carbon border mechanisms. This work concludes that sustainable shipbreaking has the potential to function as an economically viable, strategic reservoir of low-carbon raw materials essential for achieving international net-zero targets throughout the entire shipping structural lifecycle.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13080414

Authors: Nazmun Naher Sultan Ahmed Rezaur Rahman

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal obligation in Bangladesh for projects with substantial environmental and socio-economic impacts. Over time, Bangladesh has established sound policies, rules, and a growing workforce to support the EIA process. However, two key issues persist: the effectiveness of EIA reports and weak implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). In practice, implementing agencies often prioritize physical progress over environmental safeguards, treating the EIA as merely a clearance formality for Planning Commission approval. Regulatory bodies, such as the Department of Environment and the Planning Commission, frequently neglect the substantive review of EIA reports, focusing on checklist requirements rather than rigorous environmental scrutiny. This procedural mindset undermines the role of EIA as a strategic planning and decision-making tool. This study examines each step of the EIA process, from report preparation to EMP implementation, highlighting gaps that require sustainable improvements. A mixed-method approach was employed to evaluate the quality of the EIA process, with particular attention to its methodological rigor, accuracy of impact assessment, challenges in public participation, and the effectiveness of the proposed EMPs and their implementation. The recommendations presented in this study aim to enhance the efficiency of the EIA process and promote its application in similar contexts across developing countries.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070413

Authors: Turki Al-Said Surendraraj Alagarsamy Sabeena Farvin Koduvayur Habeebullah Ali Al-Hashem Loreta Fernandes Amit Sarkar Yesudhason Poulose Rakhesh Madhusoodanan Waleed Al-Zakri Faiza Al-Yamani

Dissolved bio-essential trace metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, and Fe) in seawater and 17 elements in surface sediments were studied to assess the metal contamination and associated ecological risks in the Sulaibikhat Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the northwestern Arabian Gulf. Dissolved metals were mostly at low to moderate levels and within the limits of most international water quality standards. However, dissolved Cu concentrations (0.54 to 4.73 µg L−1) in the MPA stations (MPA-1 and MPA-2) exceeded the Oslo–Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) ecotoxicological assessment thresholds, suggesting possible adverse ecological effects. Sediment showed higher levels of Cd, Cr, Ni, V, Cu, and Zn at stations within the MPA, with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) linking these enrichments to nearby industrial and desalination discharge sources. The calculated enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values confirmed moderate to substantial anthropogenic contributions for Cd, Cr, and Ni, while the major lithogenic elements were derived from natural mineralogical inputs. A pollution load index (PLI) > 1 at stations MPA-1, MPA-3 and MPA-4 in Sulaibikhat Bay indicated cumulative metal contamination. Ecological risk assessment criteria classified sediments within the MPA and Sulaibikhat Bay as having a moderate level of ecological risk, with Cd identified as the principal contributor. The toxicological indices, namely mean Effect Range Median Quotient (m-ERM-Q) and mean Probable Effect Level Quotient (m-PEL-Q), indicated a low-to-moderate probability of adverse biological effects due to Cu and Ni exposure in the MPA. In contrast, the reference station in the Kuwait Bay showed very low contamination and negligible ecological risk. These findings stress the need for continuous monitoring and effective source control to protect the ecosystem of this newly established MPA in Kuwait.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070412

Authors: Jutarat Thaboot Witida Laopajon Nuchjira Takheaw Anurak Wongta Surat Hongsibsong Kriangkrai Chawansuntati Supachai Yodkeeree Woottichai Khamduang Supansa Pata

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that significantly impacts environmental and health outcomes. In Chiang Mai province, Thailand, residents face recurring PM2.5 pollution from November to May each year, primarily due to open biomass burning and transboundary emissions. The long-term health impacts of PM2.5 in Chiang Mai remain inadequately documented. This study aims to investigate leukocyte distribution and IgE level in response to long-term PM2.5 exposure. Participants residing in San Patong district, Chiang Mai, were recruited. Leukocyte distribution was investigated by the complete blood count and flow cytometry. IgE levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Long-term PM2.5 exposure is associated with significant changes in leukocyte distribution, including WBC count, neutrophil, monocyte, and basophil absolute count, while lymphocyte and eosinophil counts were not significantly affected. In the present study, flow cytometric immunophenotyping was performed during the late PM2.5 season to evaluate the distributions of major leukocyte populations and the expression of activation and inhibitory markers on lymphocyte subsets. Interestingly, IgE levels showed a decreasing trend. These findings highlight the immunological effects of repeated PM2.5 exposure and underscore the need for further research to clarify its mechanisms and health implications.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070411

Authors: Nima Daneshvarnejad Yash Pragnesh Gandhi Young Cho Rajiv Kalia Shahram Farhadi Donald Paul Iraj Ershaghi

Methane emissions from plugged and unplugged abandoned wells dilute rapidly with air, causing conventional detection methods to fall short of detecting methane leaks from these sources. Commonly used technologies for methane emission detection often fall short of the detection limit required for low-rate emissions from abandoned wells, and are either dependent on environmental conditions or costly and highly energy consuming, barring them from becoming a scalable solution to this problem. We introduce here a new system for outdoor testing and show how the flux chamber detection limit is progressively reduced from 700 g/h to 2 g/h and ultimately to 1 g/h, meeting the US Department of the Interior (DOI) standard for monitoring equipment used on abandoned wells. Field deployment on an actual abandoned well also revealed intermittent emissions, which may serve as an indicator of deteriorating well integrity over time when monitored periodically. To forecast the emission event timing and intensity, a Liquid Time-Constant (LTC) and a gated recurrent neural network were trained on methane concentration time series collected during field deployment. As available well sites for physical testing are limited and atmospheric conditions are not controllable, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation framework integrated with machine learning (ML) was developed to optimize wellhead chamber geometry and size for both detectability and safety. This chamber is designed to be used for testing well sites in mass number that helps well abandonment ranking systems for both operators and regulatory bodies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070410

Authors: Roza Narmanova Yanina Delegan Olga Mironova Alexander Bogun Angelina Baraboshkina Lenar Akhmetov Natalia Zakharchenko Bekzhan Alimkhan Elena Rukavtsova Saken Kanzhar Olga Sizova Nurzhan Suleymenov Tatiana Anokhina Nurbol Appazov Svetlana Kuzhamberdieva Andrey Filonov

The self-purification capacity of oil-contaminated soils is largely determined by the metabolic activity of autochthonous oil-oxidizing microorganisms. This study examined three strains of actinobacteria, which are hydrocarbon degraders, isolated from oil-contaminated sierozem soil at the Daulet Asia landfill (Southern Kazakhstan). Functional gene analysis was conducted (genome completeness > 98%, and contamination < 3%), and the phenotypic properties of these bacterial strains were studied to assess their potential for bio- and phytoremediation technologies in the sharply continental arid climate of the Aral Sea region. The isolated strains Rhodococcus kroppenstedtii K18 and MF2 and Kocuria rosea K1 grow on oil (12–22% oil loss after 10 days of cultivation in liquid mineral salt medium) and diesel fuel and can utilize hexadecane and benzoate as the sole source of carbon and energy. Furthermore, Rhodococcus K18 and MF2 utilize dodecane and eicosane, while K. rosea K1 utilizes phenol and gentisate. A significant decrease in surface tension (to 31.4 mN/m) observed during cultivation of strains K18 and MF2 on minimal salt medium indicates the secretion of surfactants that increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic substrates. The studied strains possess a number of properties that promote plant growth: they produce auxins, solubilize calcium hydroxyapatite, and protect plants from infection by the phytopathogenic microorganisms Fusarium oxysporum and Pectobacterium wasabiae. Actinobacteria are compatible when co-cultivated, as no mutual growth inhibition was observed. This study expands our understanding of typical bacterial representatives of desert soil, and this may contribute to the development of bioremediation approaches for the restoration of disturbed biotopes under extreme environmental conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070409

Authors: Jiayuan Li Shibing Jia Hongyong Wang Gang Xu

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), characterized by their high stability, are typical persistent organic pollutants that pose irreversible risks to human health. Conventional chemical oxidation methods exhibit limitations that hinder effective remediation in practice. In contrast, sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes have emerged as promising alternatives, among which the heat-alkaline activation system for persulfate (PS) demonstrates distinct advantages. In this study, a heat-alkaline-activated PS system was established to investigate the degradation of PAHs in both simulated contaminated soils and coal chemical industrial site soils, as well as the modulatory effects of natural organic matter (NOM). Response surface methodology optimized critical experimental parameters to 12.53 mmol PS dosage, 60.31 °C reaction temperature, and a 1.55 CaO/PS molar ratio. Under these conditions, degradation efficiencies of 98.32% and 82.26% were achieved in simulated and field soils, respectively. Radical test experiments revealed a cooperative mechanism dominated by SO4−• > •OH > O2−• radicals, accompanied by auxiliary involvement of non-radical 1O2. Low concentrations of NOM plausibly facilitate degradation via a hypothesized electron transfer protective effect and boosted radical generation, whereas excessive NOM inhibits degradation through competitive consumption of reactive radicals. Density functional theory calculations identified preferred radical attack sites on the aromatic rings of PAHs and corroborated the degradation pathway involving aromatic ring oxidation, functional group addition, ring cleavage, and mineralization. QSAR-based theoretical toxicity predictions via T.E.S.T. suggested that the ultimate degradation products exhibit lower potential toxicity than parent PAHs. Experiments fill the knowledge gap regarding NOM-mediated regulation in heat-alkaline activated PS systems, and elucidate degradation mechanisms and toxicity evolution.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070408

Authors: James Darmey Satyanarayana Narra Osei-Wusu Achaw Walter Stinner Isaac Kwasi Frimpong Nene Kwabla Amoatey Theophilus Ofori Agyekum Daniel Amaniampong

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective technology for sustainable waste management, renewable energy production and resource recovery within a circular economy. This study offers a systematic bibliometric review of global advances in AD research and assesses their relevance to Ghana. Using the PRISMA framework, the literature from 2011 to 2025 was sourced from the Scopus database and analysed through bibliometric and thematic methods. The review emphasises four key factors affecting AD performance: municipal solid waste as feedstock, pretreatment technologies, biochemical methane potential (BMP) assessment and process optimisation. Studies were included if they addressed any of these themes. Non-English publications, inaccessible full texts and papers lacking bibliographic metadata were excluded. After screening 3424 records, 61 studies were included in the systematic review. After metadata screening, 3374 of the 3424 retrieved records were retained for bibliometric analysis. Results show that municipal solid waste, food waste, agricultural residues and sewage sludge are promising sources for biogas generation. Pretreatment techniques, including thermal, chemical, mechanical and biological, significantly enhance substrate biodegradability and methane production. BMP assessment is a reliable way to gauge feedstock suitability and energy recovery potential. Optimising parameters like pH, temperature, organic loading, hydraulic retention time and co-digestion ratios improves process stability and biogas yield. The review highlights the increasing use of modelling and optimisation to boost digester performance and facilitate scale-up. In Ghana, abundant organic waste offers significant opportunities for biogas development. Employing advanced feedstock characterisation, pretreatment, BMP evaluation and optimisation can improve AD efficiency, support renewable energy, reduce waste disposal issues and promote Ghana’s shift toward a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070407

Authors: Cheng-Han Lee

This Editorial introduces the Special Issue “Emerging Technologies for Waste Treatment, Pollution Control and Resource Recovery”, which examines how contemporary environmental engineering is moving beyond conventional end-of-pipe treatment toward integrated, circular, and systems-oriented approaches. The collected contributions address sustainability innovation in textile manufacturing, life-cycle-informed PFAS removal from landfill leachate, fishbone-derived hydroxyapatite adsorbents for heavy metal removal, and constructed wetlands for azo dye degradation. Together, these studies demonstrate that effective waste treatment must be evaluated not only in terms of pollutant removal efficiency, but also by material circularity, secondary environmental burdens, operational feasibility, and long-term contaminant fate. This Editorial highlights key cross-cutting themes, including the valorization of residual materials, the importance of realistic matrices and field validation, and the need to integrate life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and mechanistic investigation early in technology development. It further identifies major research gaps concerning spent media management, regeneration, toxicity, transformation products, and scale-up under variable operating conditions. Overall, this Special Issue proposes a framework in which emerging waste treatment technologies are understood as multifunctional environmental systems that support pollution control, resource recovery, and resilient circular economies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070406

Authors: J. Chrisostome Ufitinema Valens Habimana Antoine Nsabimana Gunaratna Kuttuva Rajarao

Increasing water scarcity and pollution have intensified the need for low-cost wastewater treatment in developing regions. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a nature-based solution for pollutant removal but often fail, on their own, to meet discharge and reuse standards. This study evaluated four CW systems planted with Cyperus latifolius, Juncus effusus, Phragmites mauritianus, and Pennisetum purpureum, integrated with banana fibre filtration as a polishing step. The CWs alone achieved ammonium removal of 74–83%, nitrate 78–85%, phosphorus 86–91%, and COD 78–83%. Banana fibre filtration enhanced overall removal efficiencies to 93–96%, 94–96%, 81–88%, and 82–87% for ammonium, phosphorus, nitrate, and COD, respectively. Pennisetum purpureum had the highest aboveground nitrogen accumulation (74.4 g N/m2), with its coupled system achieving the highest nitrate removal, whereas Juncus effusus had the highest phosphorus accumulation (93.1 g P/m2), with its coupled system showing the best overall removal of ammonium, phosphorus, and COD. The integrated system reduced fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli by 6–8 log and eliminated detectable Salmonella and Shigella. Treated effluent met FAO irrigation, Rwanda discharge, and European Union (EU) standards for all evaluated parameters except phosphorus, which remained above the stricter EU limit. Despite bench-scale operation over four months, these findings demonstrate a low-cost, nature-based treatment approach suitable for decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse, with harvested wetland biomass offering additional potential for animal feed, energy, or fibre valorization.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070405

Authors: Máté Maurer Adrián Antal Dorottya Szám Patrik Plank László Szemethy Zsuzsanna Szőke Szilvia Stranczinger

Mycotoxin research has traditionally focused on cultivated crops, whereas wild plants growing in semi-natural vegetation remain largely unexplored despite their possible ecological importance. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the occurrence, seasonal dynamics, organ-specific distribution, and growth-form differences of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) in wild plant species from agricultural areas of the Hungarian Plain. A total of 134 samples collected in July, August, and October were analyzed for mycotoxin contamination. All three mycotoxins were frequently detected, and only 13% of samples were free of the investigated toxins. Mycotoxin profiles changed seasonally, with multi-toxin co-occurrence predominating in July, ZEN in August, and DON in October, whereas AFB1 declined toward the end of the growing season. Growth form explained contamination patterns more strongly than plant organ: woody species showed higher AFB1 and DON contamination, whereas grasses showed higher ZEN concentrations. Although most concentrations were low, occasional extreme values approached or exceeded European Union reference values for animal feed. Our findings identify semi-natural vegetation, particularly woody species, as a previously underestimated reservoir of mycotoxins and demonstrate that seasonal dynamics and plant growth form should be considered when assessing environmental mycotoxin exposure in agricultural landscapes.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070404

Authors: Kuralay Ilbekova Danara Ibrayeva Yerbol Dogalbayev Madina Kairullova Meirat Bakhtin Polat Kazymbet

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal, and drinking water and food are the primary sources of non-occupational exposure for the general population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate urinary uranium concentrations among cancer patients and healthy residents living in uranium legacy-affected areas and to compare them with those of individuals residing in a region with a more favorable radiological environment, accounting for urinary creatinine levels. An observational human biomonitoring study was conducted among 80 adults divided into four groups (n = 20 each): cancer patients and healthy residents from the exposed area and cancer patients and healthy residents from the comparison area. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were analyzed for uranium using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and urinary creatinine was measured using the kinetic Jaffe method. Urinary uranium concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 1.30 µg/L, with the highest values observed in cancer patients from the exposed area. After creatinine adjustment, median uranium concentrations were 0.0974 µg/g creatinine in exposed cancer patients, 0.0888 µg/g creatinine in exposed healthy residents, 0.0515 µg/g creatinine in comparison-area cancer patients, and 0.0607 µg/g creatinine in comparison-area healthy residents. Significant differences were observed between exposed and comparison populations among both cancer patients (p = 0.0066) and healthy residents (p = 0.0499). Residence in the exposed area was positively associated with urinary uranium levels (ρ = 0.292, p = 0.012). These findings suggest higher internal uranium exposure among residents of uranium legacy-affected areas and support the use of urinary uranium as a biomarker of environmental exposure. This study contributes to the assessment of internal uranium exposure in residents of uranium legacy-affected areas, including both cancer patients and healthy residents. However, the findings should be interpreted as differences in exposure biomarkers and do not establish a causal relationship between uranium exposure and cancer.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070403

Authors: Sergio Pili Alessandro Murru Joanna Izabela Lachowicz Simone Milia Tatiana Pedrazzi Giuseppe De Palma Marcello Campagna Luigi Isaia Lecca

Background: Ultrafine particles (UFPs) represent a significant occupational health concern in commercial cooking environments, yet comprehensive exposure assessment in pizzerias remains limited despite their global prevalence and unique cooking processes. Understanding UFP exposure patterns and associated health effects in this widespread food service sector is crucial for protecting worker health. Objective: To quantify occupational exposure to airborne UFPs among pizzeria workers across different oven technologies. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 10 pizzerias in the Cagliari metropolitan area (April 2022–March 2024), encompassing wood-fired ovens (WFO, n = 6), electric ovens (EO, n = 3), and mixed systems (BO, n = 1). Ventilation characteristics were documented at each site to evaluate their influence under real-world operating conditions. Personal UFP exposure was measured using DISCmini diffusion size classifiers (10–700 nm range), while qualitative particle characterization employed ELPI+ impaction with SEM-EDS analysis. Results: UFP concentrations varied dramatically by oven type, with median values of 3.18 × 104 particles/cm3 (WFO), 1.29 × 105 particles/cm3 (EO), and 2.55 × 105 particles/cm3 (BO). Seven of ten pizzerias exceeded WHO precautionary limits (20,000 particles/cm3), with electric oven facilities showing concentrations comparable to high-emission industrial operations. Elemental analysis revealed predominantly carbon-based particles with significant iron, aluminum, and silicon content, indicating combined combustion and mechanical abrasion sources. Conclusions: Pizzeria workers experience substantial UFP exposure levels that frequently surpass those in other food service environments and approach levels typically observed in high-exposure industrial workplaces. Electric ovens generate significantly higher UFP levels than wood-fired systems, likely due to ventilation efficiency differences.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070402

Authors: Irfan Ansari Asad A. Zaidi Ahmad Hussain Abdul Hameed Memon Shahnaz Shahani Asad Bilal Haleem

The increasing generation of textile cotton waste (TCW) and textile wastewater sludge (TWS) presents significant environmental management challenges. This study evaluates the conversion of TCW and TWS into biofuel pellets for waste recovery and coal substitution. Pellets were prepared at TWS ratios of 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, and 80:20 and assessed through combustion emission analysis, ash characterization, cradle-to-gate carbon assessment, and equal-energy cost comparison with imported bituminous coal. Increasing the TWS fraction prolonged combustion duration and increased SO2 and NOx emissions; however, all oxygen-normalized emissions remained within Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) limits under the tested conditions. The 20:80 blend exhibited the lowest emission factors, with CO, SO2, NOx, and CO2 emissions of 1.03 g kg−1, 3.81 g kg−1, 1.57 g kg−1, and 1.42 kg kg−1, respectively. Ash analysis showed that Cd and Pb were not detected, while measured heavy-metal concentrations remained below U.S. EPA regulatory limits and relevant EU limit values. The 20:80 pellet achieved a cradle-to-gate carbon intensity of 6.6 g CO2e MJ−1, approximately 59% lower than upstream coal production. Equal-energy fuel-cost savings relative to imported coal were 37.6% for the binder-based 20:80 pellet and 83.1% for the binder-free 40:60 pellet. Overall, the results indicate that TCW–TWS pellets, particularly those containing 20–40% TWS, can support textile waste utilization and partial coal substitution while reducing fuel costs.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070401

Authors: Junpeng Yin Erwu Yang Yulin Zhang Xiaoxun Xu

The partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers is regarded as one of the effective ways to achieve sustainable agricultural development. However, further research is needed to understand how different cropping systems respond to the substitution of organic fertilizers and the underlying mechanisms in the context of calcareous purple soils in the same region. In this study, four field trials involving soybean, wheat, rice, and corn were conducted at different sites within the same regional calcareous purple-soil area to investigate the comprehensive effects of partially replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers on soil fertility. The initial soil pH at the experimental site ranged from 6.25 to 8.60. The experiment established four treatments, which were CK (sole conventional chemical fertilizer), alongside OC1, OC2, and OC3, in which 10%, 20% and 30% of chemical fertilizer were substituted by a commercial organic fertilizer (45% organic matter, C/N = 25). The results indicate that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic amendments generally led to significant improvements in soil organic matter, available phosphorus, and quick-acting potassium levels. However, the impact on alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen varied depending on the crop type. In terms of crop responses, organic fertilizer substitution had a notable effect on nutrient accumulation in grains and overall yield. Soybeans and rice showed positive trends in both nutrient uptake and yield enhancement, while wheat primarily benefited from increased total nitrogen content in its grains. In contrast, corn achieved the best balance between yield and nutrient absorption under the OC2 treatment. An equal-weight membership function evaluation, based on within-system normalization of six soil and crop indicators, ranked the treatments as OC2 > OC3 > OC1 > CK. OC2 therefore showed the highest integrated performance among the four crop systems examined in this study. Under OC2, soil organic matter increased by 1.21–31.24% relative to CK across the four field systems, while significant yield increases of 4.2% and 6.5% were observed in the rice and corn systems, respectively. This study suggests that substituting 20% of chemical fertilizers with organic amendments can effectively enhance soil fertility and boost crop productivity, making it a promising regional fertilization strategy that balances ecological benefits with agricultural output.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070400

Authors: Dimitra Rapti Sotirios Valkaniotis

Coastal lagoon Salt Ponds are highly valuable wetland systems where traditional salt production coexists with ecosystems of significant ecological importance, often characterized by high environmental sensitivity. In data-scarce coastal settings, particularly those located near river channels and drainage networks, assessing multiple environmental hazards remains a major challenge. This study proposes a simplified and transferable methodological framework for multi-hazard assessment in coastal Salt Pond environments (DAFFLE; Data Acquisition Fluvial Flooding and Liquefaction Evaluation), with particular emphasis on areas where field data are limited and fluvial processes and seismic effects may interact. The approach integrates three main components: first, improved terrain modelling using global elevation datasets and ICESat-2 laser altimetry data to better represent very flat coastal areas; second, flood hazard simulation by modelling water depths under different flood scenarios to map potential inundation; third, liquefaction susceptibility is assessed using surficial geological data and key geomorphological parameters, producing simplified probabilistic hazard maps informed by existing seismic hazard datasets or scenario-based assumptions. The proposed framework provides a scalable and practical tool for first-order multi-hazard assessment in vulnerable coastal Salt Pond environments. It supports comparative hazard analyses and decision-making in regions where detailed site-specific data and extensive field investigations are not available, offering a consistent baseline for coastal lagoon Salt Pond risk evaluation and management.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070399

Authors: Xinyi Wang Wenbiao Zhou Yulei Wang Yan Gao

The dewatering of cyanobacteria-laden sludge remains a challenge. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mainly consist of polysaccharides and proteins, which form a stable gel network with water through hydrogen bonding and other interactions. To address this bottleneck, a low-voltage (5 V) electrochlorination system was constructed, employing a Ti/IrO2/RuO2 electrode as the anode, iron as the cathode, and calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O) as the electrolyte. The results showed that the active chlorine generated during electrolysis degraded the highly water-retentive loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS), converting them into low-viscosity, easily removable soluble EPS (S-EPS). Moreover, the total contents of polysaccharides and proteins in EPS decreased. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that in the EPS of the algal sludge, the relative proportion of humic-like substances increased, while that of protein-like products decreased. At a CaCl2·2H2O dosage of 1 g/L, the dewatering performance of the algal sludge was significantly improved: the capillary suction time (CST) of the algal suspension decreased from 10.30 ± 0.1 s to 4.1 ± 0.05 s, the proportion of bound water decreased from 43.5% to 9.8%, and the cake solids content increased to 9.48%. The residual water quality of this process was also favorable, with total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations stabilized at 0.166 ± 0.040 mg/L and 9.0 ± 1.1 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, this study provides an efficient, low-energy electrochemical pretreatment strategy to overcome the dewatering bottleneck in cyanobacteria-laden sludge, thereby reducing the treatment load and cost of downstream mechanical dewatering.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070398

Authors: Flor de Liz Alvarez Cabana Sebastian Adolfo Zuñiga Medina Sonia Lazarte Arredondo Rosa María Morán Silva Jorge Polanco-Argüelles Ronny Ivan Gonzales Medina Juan Adriel Carlos Mendoza

Climate change and increasing water demand threaten water security in strategic high-Andean reservoirs by altering seasonal water availability, increasing evaporative losses, and intensifying pressure on regulated storage. This study assesses the hydrological vulnerability of the Pañe Reservoir, Arequipa, Peru, under CMIP6 scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 and three water-demand trajectories projected to 2100. A reservoir-scale water-balance model was calibrated using a genetic algorithm with CHIRPS precipitation and ERA5-Land temperature data, achieving satisfactory performance in calibration (NSE = 0.886; R2 = 0.907) and validation (NSE = 0.888; R2 = 0.891). Climate projections from MPI-ESM1-2-LR, EC-Earth3-Veg-LR, and EC-Earth3 were bias-corrected using Quantile Delta Mapping. Under baseline demand, active storage maintains positive trends of +1.3 ×106 to +2.2 ×106 m3/decade; however, a 100% demand increase produces negative trends of up to −2.8 ×106 m3/decade under SSP2-4.5. Effective precipitation increases by +0.123 and +0.283 mm/day under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively, while Rx5day and Rx10day rise by +5.43/+8.78 and +12.13/+19.42 mm/decade. These trends suggest greater wet-season concentration of water inputs, but not necessarily improved dry-season security under rising demand. Reservoir warming reaches +0.60 °C/decade under SSP5-8.5, which may increase evaporative losses and could create conditions more favorable to water-quality deterioration. Overall, future vulnerability in the Pañe system reflects the imbalance between increasing withdrawals and the reservoir’s capacity to regulate highly seasonal high-Andean inflows, highlighting the need for demand control, loss reduction, bofedal protection and complementary wet-season storage.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070397

Authors: Raimonds Kasparinskis Zigmārs Rendenieks Inga Meirāne

Environmental site-specific risk assessment (SSRA) has developed into a complex, multi-tiered discipline that integrates contaminated land characterization, ecological endpoint selection, exposure pathway analysis, and uncertainty quantification to facilitate remediation decision-making. This literature review integrates findings from 33 highly relevant peer-reviewed publications over three decades (1994–2024). Overall, our narrative synthesis indicated that while SSRA methodologies share a common conceptual foundation, the implementation varies notably across regions, contaminants, and ecological contexts. This review reveals a gradual move away from deterministic screening-level assessments and toward probabilistic, spatially explicit frameworks that incorporate multiple lines of evidence, advanced uncertainty analysis, and decision support systems. The key findings show that tiered assessment methods that combine screening and definitive evaluations are still the most common and that Bayesian networks, Monte Carlo simulations, and weight-of-evidence methods are being used more to deal with uncertainty in parameters and models.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070396

Authors: Jianbo Jia Jiteng Hong Xiaolong Xu Changyu Liu

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices that simultaneously treat wastewater and recover energy. However, their power generation performance is limited by the biocatalytic activity of electroactive biofilms. In this study, a low-cost, high-performance electroactive biofilm formation method was developed by replacing conventional constant potential polarization, which needs a fixed-resistance polarization approach. Additionally, alternating intermittent polarization with dual anodes was implemented based on these biofilms to continuously induce electron storage behavior. Experimental results confirmed the feasibility of the proposed fixed-resistance polarization method for biofilm cultivation. Compared with the primary biofilms, the derived biofilms exhibited markedly enhanced startup efficiency and power generation performance. Specifically, the startup time decreased by 24.8% from 44.23 h, while bioenergy conversion efficiency improved from 69.72 ± 3.30% to 91.90 ± 3.51%. These performance enhancements were attributed to the superior electrochemical activity of the derived biofilms, as evidenced by increased maximum current density, higher anode capacitance, and broader electrochemical activity range. These characteristics remained stable throughout the biofilm iteration process. Moreover, dual-anode alternating intermittent polarization successfully induced continuous electron storage behavior, leading to enhanced organic matter removal and energy conversion. Under the optimized conditions, MFCs demonstrated notable improvements in electroactivity. This study revealed the regulatory mechanisms of polarization patterns on biofilm formation and operation, providing an experimental foundation for the large-scale application of MFCs in wastewater treatment and energy recovery.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070395

Authors: Ying Jiang Yunzhu Chen Lichao Nengzi Xuemei Wang Zhe Nan Yanjun Yang Wanming Zhang Yuan Qing

Rapid accumulation of soil lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and fluorine (F) caused by bastnasite mining development has increasingly become a concern worldwide in the past decades. However, the effects of the different chemical forms of these elements on the composition and diversity of soil dominant, moderate, and rare microorganisms are unclear. In this study, Planctomycetota was changed from dominant to moderate, caused by exchangeable and carbonate-bound forms of La and Ce. Both organic bound La (La_ORG) and water-soluble F (F_WS) were the crucial factors driving variations in the relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Bacteroidota from moderate to dominant, while the fungal phylum Chytridiomycota was changed from moderate to dominant, promoted by F_WS. La_ORG, the ferrum-manganese bound form of Ce, and F_WS displayed a negative correlation with the three rare bacterial phyla, i.e., Abditibacteriota, GAL15, and Deinococcota respectively. F_WS caused the disappearance of the rare fungal phylum Monoblepharomycota and the appearance of the rare bacterial phylum Fibrobacterota. Organic bound forms of both Ce and F showed a negative correlation with the bacterial Sobs and fungal Phylogenetic diversity indices, respectively. To summarize, the different chemical forms of La, Ce, and F showed varied effects on the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070394

Authors: Maria Luigia Vommaro Piero Giulio Giulianini Anita Giglio

Herbicides are widely used in modern agriculture to control weeds and maintain crop productivity, but their persistence in soil raises concerns about unintended effects on non-target organisms. Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline herbicide extensively applied to cereal and vegetable crops, is designed to target plant microtubules and is generally considered unlikely to pose genotoxic risks to animals. However, information on its sublethal effects on beneficial soil arthropods remains limited. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and histopathological effects of a commercial pendimethalin-based formulation on the ground beetle Pterostichus melas italicus, an ecologically relevant predatory species in agroecosystems. Adult males collected from an organic farm were exposed under laboratory conditions to soil treated at the recommended field dose and maintained for up to 7 days, corresponding to subchronic exposure. Individuals were sampled after 2 and 7 days, and the midgut and Malpighian tubules were analysed using histological and transmission electron microscopy. Exposure induced marked but non-lethal ultrastructural alterations, particularly in the Malpighian tubules, including reduction in the basal labyrinth, cytoplasmic vacuolisation, mitochondrial swelling, increased phagolysosome abundance, and nuclear karyorrhexis. These effects were transient under laboratory conditions and occurred without detectable impacts on survival, highlighting the Malpighian tubules as sensitive targets for the early detection of herbicide-induced physiological disturbances. However, the observed recovery may reflect compensatory physiological processes that could entail energetic costs and, under field conditions characterized by multiple concurrent stressors, potentially compromise physiological performance and predatory efficiency. Consequently, this study underscores the necessity of integrating sublethal ultrastructural biomarkers into environmental risk assessment frameworks for non-target beneficial insects.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070393

Authors: Simon Bbumba Moses Kigozi Ibrahim Karume Joan Talibawo Muhammad Ntale Yasin Wandhami Maganda Billy Garvin Ssemyalo Beatrice Arwenyo Prashan M. Rodrigo

The increasing discharge of pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly antibiotics like metronidazole (MNZ), into water systems poses significant ecological and public health risks due to their high solubility and low biodegradability. This study developed and characterized a highly porous activated carbon derived from maize cob (MC-AC). The synthesized material was characterized using FTIR, FESEM, PXRD, HRTEM, and BET analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted, and the removal efficiency of MC-AC for MNZ was 98.6%. Optimization and modeling of the process variables of pH (3–11), contact time (0–75 min), concentration (0–70 mg/L), temperature (25–35 °C), and adsorbent dosage (0.5–1.5 g/L) were investigated using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology, and 29 runs were obtained. The BBD model determined an optimal removal efficiency of 94.6 for metronidazole. Furthermore, non-linearized kinetic and isotherm models were used to determine the adsorption mechanism and mode of metronidazole from water. From the investigation, it was observed that both the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models exhibited high correlation coefficients. The models with the best performance and low error metrics were determined by R2, MSE, RMSE, SAE, and SSE. Therefore, the adsorption mode was multilayer heterogeneous, and the mechanism was chemisorption. Therefore, this study provides a unique alternative for using the Box–Behnken design, kinetic, and isotherm models to understand the removal of metronidazole from water using maize cob-activated carbon.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070390

Authors: Kaylie Anne Walsh Fabrizio Monaci

Riverine mercury biomagnification is most frequently studied via metrics such as the trophic magnification factor (TMF), the biomagnification factor (BMF) and the trophic magnification slope (TMS). However, these metrics prove problematic in lotic systems dominated by benthic macroinvertebrates because short food chains, the frequent lack of fish, patchy basal production and marked spatial heterogeneity obscure the signal that they are meant to extract. We argue that stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C, δ15N) are not merely optional enhancements but are a prerequisite for a mechanistic understanding of the transfer of methylmercury (MeHg). Nitrogen isotopes distinguish among trophic positions not as categories, but as gradients, whilst carbon isotopes reflect the underlying pathways increasingly seen as defining how MeHg enters food webs. Invertebrate studies, published more recently, report systematically lower magnification levels compared to community-based studies and become far more comprehensible when carbon source and trophic pathways are made explicit, with Hg isotopes (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg) providing supplementary data about mercury sources and processing. To be able to carry out reliable river monitoring, such frameworks require clarity in choices of background value, discrimination factors and statistical methods.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070392

Authors: Jiri Remr

Eco-anxiety has emerged as an important construct in environmental psychology. The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), which consists of 13 items, is a multidimensional instrument designed to assess affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral responses, and anxiety related to environmental issues. This study examined the psychometric properties of the HEAS-13 in a general population sample from Czechia. The study assessed the scale’s validity in relation to generalized anxiety and self-reported housing damage associated with adverse weather-related events. Data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with a population-based sample in Czechia (n = 1027), with respondents selected using address-based sampling. The psychometric evaluation included descriptive statistics, an internal consistency analysis, inter-item correlations, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) based on principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using a Weighted Least Squares Mean and Variance (WLSMV) estimator appropriate for ordinal indicators, and convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity testing. The HEAS-13 demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.962; McDonald’s omega = 0.958 for the total scale). EFA supported the original four-factor structure and CFA showed a good fit of the original model. Score distributions were positively skewed, and substantial floor effects indicated generally low levels of eco-anxiety symptom endorsement in the general population. The HEAS-13 total score was strongly correlated with the GAD-7 (rho = 0.839) supporting convergence with generalized anxiety, but also indicating possible construct overlap. Known-groups validity was supported by higher HEAS-13 scores among respondents reporting hazard-related home damage. Measurement invariance was examined across sex and age groups. The HEAS-13 appears to be a reliable and structurally well-fitted instrument for assessing multidimensional eco-anxiety in population-based research. The results provide evidence that the construct is meaningfully associated with generalized anxiety and experience of environmentally disruptive events. The HEAS-13 may serve as a useful tool for future research on environmental distress and climate- and environment-related mental health. It may also be useful for studies examining risk perception as an explanatory, associated, or contextual variable.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070391

Authors: Muhammad Saleem Yuqiang Wang Alex Brosnahan Abby Fisel Clara Green James Schumacher David T. Pierce Van Doze Donald A. Sens Seema Somji Scott H. Garrett

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a worldwide issue due to the health risks associated with eating contaminated fish. The present study was carried out to measure the mercury (Hg) levels in different tissues of locally harvested fish and to assess the potential human health risks associated with their consumption. Fifty-two fish samples (northern pike (Esox lucius), walleye (Sander vitreus), and white bass (Morone chrysops)) were dissected, and tissue samples were individually homogenized and measured for total mercury using a Milestone DMA-80 tri-cell analyzer. Among the species studied, the highest mean Hg concentrations in the muscles and kidneys were observed in northern pike, while the highest Hg concentrations in the livers and gills were noted in white bass. The liver consistently showed the highest mercury accumulation across all species. The Hg levels in almost 50% of the northern pike muscle tissue samples exceeded the limit (0.5 μg/g) set by the European maximum permissible concentration for foodstuffs. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the Hg concentration in the muscles with both the weight and length of walleye and white bass. Human health risk assessment was estimated by the maximum allowable daily fish consumption (CRlim), maximum allowable monthly fish meal consumption (CRmm), individual risk assessment, and the target hazard quotient (THQ). The average monthly consumption limit (CRmm) ranged from two to four meals for adults and one to two meals for children. Individual risk assessment showed potential health risks associated with the regular consumption of northern pike and white bass, followed by walleye, for both adults and children. The mean hazard quotient (THQ) values exceeded one for all species in both adults and children, which indicates potential health risks associated with fish consumption. Across all species studied, children experienced higher risk than adults, suggesting greater susceptibility to potential health effects from the consumption of the studied fish. Lastly, the mercury levels should be regularly monitored, especially in piscivorous fish like northern pike, for pollution control and human health protection.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070389

Authors: Marcela P. Spaolonzi Ana Sofia G. G. Santos José R. M. Barbosa Manuel Fernando R. Pereira Carla A. Orge Olivia Salomé G. P. Soares Cátia A. L. Graça

Catalytic ozonation has gained increasing attention as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) capable of overcoming some limitations of conventional ozonation in water treatment, particularly incomplete pollutant mineralization and the formation of undesirable by-products. This review provides a critical assessment of recent advances in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation, covering developments from microscale powdered catalysts to macrostructured supported systems. While research has predominantly focused on suspended microscale catalysts, a growing number of studies have investigated macrostructured materials due to their potential advantages for catalyst handling, recovery, and implementation in continuous-flow processes. The influence of catalyst composition, including metal oxides, carbon-based materials, and composite systems, on catalytic performance and stability is discussed. Although still an emerging research area, macrostructured catalysts have demonstrated promising characteristics that may facilitate catalyst recovery and continuous operation, making them attractive candidates for large-scale catalytic ozonation applications. The analysis also reveals important research gaps, particularly regarding long-term stability under continuous operation, scale-up studies, catalyst deactivation mechanisms, and the evaluation of real wastewater matrices. Future research should focus on developing robust, scalable catalytic systems that combine high activity, durability, and ease of recovery while meeting the requirements of sustainable and circular economy principles for advanced water treatment applications.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070388

Authors: Alexis Danielle Guerra Helena M. Solo-Gabriele John Scott Meschke Kirstin Ross João Brandão Sunny Jiang

Marine microbiomes play an important role in coastal marine environments. This study examined microbial communities in beach waters and sands at six recreational beaches to identify the fingerprints of anthropogenic influences. Samples were collected from four metropolitan areas in the U.S., within Miami, Florida; Seattle, Washington; Newport Beach, California and in Australia within Adelaide. Samples were analyzed for enterococci and fungi by culture. Reverse-transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) was performed for pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). Next-generation sequencing was carried out to elucidate the microbial diversity and predict antibiotic resistance. Enterococci concentrations surpassed the U.S. EPA marine water quality guideline value in the seawater samples from Seattle and Adelaide, and fungal concentration exceeded the WHO guideline in the sand of North Star Beach, California. Low levels of PMMoV were detected in seawater and sand from multiple locations. Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla in sand, while Marinimicrobia and Cyanobacteria dominated in seawater. Beach sand had higher bacterial and fungal diversity than seawater, of which the most abundant fungal genera include taxa of potential pathogens. Predicted antibiotic resistance genes showed high levels of beta-lactam and multidrug resistance genes in all samples. This study contributes to the understanding of anthropogenic impact on the coastal environment, emphasizing the need for human health protection measures.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070387

Authors: Sinan Sousan Stephanie L. Richards Qiang Wu Krista Bryant Abdulahi Opejin Jonathan Berkuta

Vector-borne diseases remain a public health concern, and ultra-low-volume (ULV) systems generate adulticide droplets that must remain airborne long enough to contact flying mosquitoes. Accurate droplet and aerosol size characterization is essential for equipment calibration, interpretation of efficacy studies, and evaluation of the airborne fraction relevant to spray transport. This study evaluated complementary nozzle-level and downstream airborne measurements under controlled chamber conditions using a DC-IV droplet counter, TSI APS 3321, and GRIMM MiniWRAS 1.371. Mineral oil and kerosene were atomized at 1.0 to 10.5 bar and 0.20 to 1.00 mL/min. Mass median diameter (MMD), count median diameter (CMD), regression relationships, and size distributions were evaluated. Four MMD calculation methods were also assessed, including Hatch–Choate conversion and a Volume-Based method. For mineral oil, DC-IV reported a mean MMD of 30.78 µm, compared with 4.88 µm for APS and 3.15 µm for MiniWRAS. For kerosene, differences narrowed to 6.21, 6.45, and 4.09 µm, respectively. Hatch–Choate estimates were unstable when lognormal assumptions were violated, whereas the Volume-Based method reproduced reported APS and MiniWRAS MMD values within ±1%. These findings support continued DC-IV use for nozzle calibration and indicate that APS and MiniWRAS can provide complementary real-time characterization of the downstream airborne spray aerosols.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070386

Authors: Cara H. Womacks Paul E. Sacks Matthew Tye Linda J. Walters

Community-based oyster reef restoration historically involved deploying plastic-based restoration units. However, many practitioners now seek to eliminate plastic usage due to environmental concerns. Scientific investigation into the efficacy and environmental safety of novel, non-plastic restoration products is limited. Four non-plastic shell bag materials (three biopolymers, one basalt fiber) were tested in field and laboratory studies, using plastic controls. In Mosquito Lagoon, FL, USA, a subtropical estuary, units at four restored reefs were monitored quarterly for one year. A 12-month laboratory study examined these same materials and their potential to shed microparticles. In the field, all biopolymers exhibited low persistence (≤17% remaining after 12 months). Basalt had high persistence (96%), but developed large rips by the end of the study. Oyster recruitment was negatively associated with damage to shell bags due to substrate loss. In the laboratory, basalt fiber shed high numbers of thin, rod-like microparticles (1987.4 microparticles/year ± 256.4 SE). Other materials shed <5 microparticles/year on average. Low durability of experimental materials emphasizes the need for more resilient restoration products that can withstand conditions in subtropical marine ecosystems. It is unknown if basalt microparticles impact marine environments, but further study is imperative given the high volume that was shed.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070385

Authors: Gamal S. Abdelhaffez Mohamed A. Eltaher Ahmed H. Ibrahim Amr B. ElDeeb

With increasing global concerns about industrial wastewater treatment and the need for sustainable practices, this study explores the potential of softwood sawdust as an eco-friendly, cost-effective adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions, specifically zinc (Zn2+) and lead (Pb2+), from synthetic model solutions. Factors affecting adsorption include adsorbent particle size, pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. A remarkable removal efficiency of 98.2% for Zn2+ and 98.1% for Pb2+ under optimal adsorption conditions of −106 µm average particle size at 8 pH and 0.3 g of adsorbent dosage using 50 (mg/L) initial concentrations for 60 min at ambient temperature. Characterization of the adsorbent used by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analysis confirmed the structural integrity and surface properties of wood sawdust. It is clear that there is a gradual decline in adsorption capacity over multiple reuse cycles due to the depletion of active functional groups. The results confirm wood sawdust’s effectiveness as a locally available, low-cost, and biodegradable option for treating wastewater, eliminating metal ions, supporting environmental conservation, and aligning with sustainability goals.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070384

Authors: Ernoiz Antriyandarti Ihsannudin Ihsannudin Mohammad Rondhi Suko Irawan Muhammad Selfiro Rizky Margono Ifan Rizky Kurniyanto Fadhil Adi Nugraha

Essential Ecosystem Areas (EEAs) aim to balance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, particularly on small islands where ecological vulnerability and economic dependence are closely linked. This study evaluates conservation effectiveness and conservation–development interactions in the Masakambing Island EEA, a key habitat of the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea abbotti). It applies the System for the Integrated Assessment of Protected Areas (SIAPA), a multi-criteria framework assessing ecological, management, socio-economic, and governance dimensions of protected areas. Nine ecotourism destinations were evaluated across seven dimensions: conservation status, planning, management, socio-economic context, social perception, conservation threats, and effectiveness. Data from 54 respondents were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation. Results show that natural attractions achieved the highest scores, including Cockatoo Sleeping Trees (1.20), Mangrove Forest (1.19), and Cockatoo Nest Trees (1.18), while Keramat Ujung Cemetery (0.70) and Jurang Cinta (0.92) scored lowest. Regression results indicate that planning, conservation status, management, and socio-economic context significantly influence performance. A strong positive correlation was observed between socio-economic context and social perception (r = 0.914), indicating community support aligns with perceived economic benefits. SIAPA reveals imbalances between ecological assets and governance capacity, offering insights to strengthen conservation governance, community participation, and sustainable development.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070383

Authors: Selda Murat Hocaoglu

Smart wastewater treatment plants are increasingly essential for improving the resilience of water infrastructure under climate-related disturbances and operational variability. Despite significant advances in sensing technologies and data analytics, full-scale automation remains limited. One of the primary barriers is that monitoring strategies remain primarily designed for regulatory compliance, prioritizing absolute analytical accuracy often at relatively high cost, thereby limiting their widespread use for real-time decision-making. This perspective proposes a shift from compliance-oriented monitoring to purpose-oriented monitoring, in which monitoring systems are designed according to the operational purpose they support. To support this shift, we introduce a framework recognizing that different operational applications require different levels of measurement performance. Accordingly, compliance assessment, early warning, process troubleshooting, real-time control, and asset management each require different combinations of accuracy, precision, temporal resolution, and tolerance to measurement error. Within this framework, high-frequency multi-source data streams from conventional, spectral, visual, and virtual sensors can provide complementary information on process dynamics, effectively supporting operational decisions, even when individual measurements do not achieve laboratory-level analytical performance. When combined with hybrid models that integrate mechanistic and data-driven approaches, this purpose-oriented monitoring framework can enable predictive process management and accelerate the transition toward autonomous wastewater treatment systems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070382

Authors: Diego F. Cuadros Xi Chen Ming Tang

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has matured into a population-level surveillance complement with operational precedent in poliovirus environmental surveillance, institutionalised systems for SARS-CoV-2, and expanding evidence across respiratory pathogens, substance-use markers, and antimicrobial-resistance targets at uneven maturity. The unresolved problem is specific: sub-sewershed spatio-temporal inference under sewer-network and observational aggregation. Intra-catchment heterogeneity, hydraulic dynamics, and equity-relevant population differences can all be obscured by aggregate-scale modelling. Current artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods in WBE can be organised into four threads: temporal forecasting, spatial–statistical localisation, sewer-network and hydraulic transport, and cross-site transfer. These methods solve useful parts of the surveillance problem at the scales they target, but they do not yet supply transferable latent sub-sewershed representations under downstream aggregation. This review proposes a candidate multimodal foundation-model framework that treats place and time as jointly learnable entities, integrates a graph backbone over the sewer-network topology, incorporates physics-informed constraints, and embeds equity-conscious downstream validation as a design requirement. The framework is intended to make sub-sewershed hypotheses explicit, testable, uncertainty-bounded, and accountable to environmental-justice-relevant external validation. Whether those hypotheses survive empirical testing remains an open question.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070381

Authors: Euthalia Hanggari Sittadewi Titin Handayani Iwan Gunawan Tejakusuma Noorwitri Utami Zufialdi Zakaria Asep Mulyono Hilmi El Hafidz Fatahillah Imam Santosa Wira Cakrabuana Donowati Tjokrokusumo Evensius Bayu Budiman Fardy Septiawan Muhammad Luthfi Aziz Teguh Prayogo Mochamad Rifat Noor Noviarso Wicaksono Taufiq Widiaputra

Landslides pose a significant natural hazard requiring cost-effective, sustainable mitigation strategies. Nature-based solutions utilizing vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) demonstrate considerable potential due to its deep, dense root system, which enhances soil reinforcement. This study examines the effects of growth medium composition and NPK fertilization on the root mechanical properties, biomass accumulation, and vegetative growth of vetiver under controlled greenhouse conditions. The planting medium comprised landslide-affected soil mixed with compost in varying proportions, combined with different NPK fertilizer levels. Root tensile strength was measured to assess mechanical performance, while biomass and vegetative parameters were evaluated to determine growth responses. Results indicate that both growth medium composition and fertilization significantly influence biomass production, root diameter, and tensile strength. The highest biomass (178.33 g) was recorded under T80P20N7.5, while the greatest root diameter (1.47 mm) and tensile strength (21.9 MPa) were observed under T100P0N0. These outcomes suggest a trade-off between biomass production and mechanical reinforcement. Overall, optimizing soil amendments and nutrient inputs enhances vetiver’s bio-reinforcement capacity, supporting its application in sustainable slope stabilization and landslide mitigation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070380

Authors: Paraskevi Chalatsi-Diamanti Ekavi Aikaterini Isari Eleni Grilla Petros Kokkinos Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis

Viticulture, winemaking, and distillation industries produce substantial quantities of organic by-products (grape prunings, stems, marc-pomace, spent yeast, wine lees, distillation heads and tails, stillage), presenting both environmental challenges and promising opportunities for sustainable valorization. This narrative review offers a comprehensive analysis of the viticulture, winemaking, and distillation processes, along with the characterization of their solid and liquid by-products. Furthermore, it examines the chemical composition and mentions main valorization strategies for these residues, emphasizing their potential both as feedstocks for biochar production and as sources of valuable solvents. Additionally, various applications of biochars are explored, with particular focus on biochar derived from grape pruning and grape pomace-marc biomass, highlighting its effectiveness as a sorbent for environmental contaminants. Moreover, a broad range of biochar activation and modification methods that enhance physicochemical properties and expand functional applications is reviewed. Solvent-based biochar modification is also examined in order to introduce a novel concept: employing grape distillation liquid by-products (heads and tails fractions) to activate biochars made from grape prunings and pomace, creating a high-value sorbent while simultaneously valorizing two major waste streams. This dual-use strategy offers a new pathway for circular resource management within the viticulture and winemaking sectors.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070379

Authors: Huifeng Cai Jie Xiang Jinyong Zhu Qiaojun Zheng Zhongning Wu Kaihong Lu Zhongming Zheng Wen Yang

Microalgae-based regulation is increasingly recognized as an eco-friendly strategy for improving water quality and nutrient management in intensive aquaculture systems. Although its effects on bacterial communities have been extensively investigated, its ecological impacts on higher trophic levels—particularly eukaryotic plankton communities across different size fractions—remain poorly understood. In this study, two indigenous microalgae species, Nannochloropsis oculata and Thalassiosira weissflogii, were inoculated into shrimp rearing water to elucidate the dynamics and interactions among microalgae, nutrient factors, and eukaryotic plankton communities across the small-sized (0.22–3 μm) and large-sized (>3 μm) fractions. The results revealed significant differences in the composition and diversity of both plankton size fractions under different microalgae treatments. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that microalgae influenced plankton communities both directly and indirectly through nutrient-mediated pathways. According to the neutral community model, microalgae inoculation was associated with an increased contribution of deterministic processes to community assembly. Variance partitioning further revealed that the large-sized community was primarily governed by microalgae, whereas the small-sized community was mainly shaped by rearing time, indicating size-dependent assembly mechanisms. The average variation degree and coefficient of variation, combined with effect-size analyses, indicated that N. oculata inoculation was associated with higher short-term community stability, an effect most pronounced in the large-sized fraction. Overall, these findings demonstrate that microalgal inoculation modulates the structure, assembly processes, and short-term stability of eukaryotic plankton communities, providing new insights into size-dependent, microalgae-driven assembly mechanisms and their potential to stabilize plankton communities for sustainable aquaculture management.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070378

Authors: Ítala Duam Souza Narusawa Nelson Ken Narusawa Nakakoji João Fernandes da Silva Júnior Gabriel Garreto dos Santos João Paulo Ferreira Neris Pedro Guerreiro Martorano Alexandre da Trindade Lélis Rômulo José Alencar Sobrinho Alessandra Noelly Reis Lima Welliton de Lima Sena Rose Luiza Moraes Tavares Fábio Júnior de Oliveira Thais Gleice Martins Braga Eliseu José Weber

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are major drivers of environmental transformation in sensitive regions, such as the Marajó Archipelago in the Brazilian Amazon. This study assessed accumulated anthropization of LULC in the Immediate Geographic Region of Soure–Salvaterra, Eastern Amazon, between the reference years 1985 and 2023, using MapBiomas data and spatial statistical techniques. Bivariate Local Moran’s I (LISA) was applied to evaluate intertemporal spatial associations between areas classified as natural in 1985 and anthropized in 2023. In this approach, High–Low indicates natural areas associated with low anthropization in 2023, whereas High–High indicates areas where natural cover in 1985 was spatially associated with higher anthropization in 2023. The results indicated a strong predominance of High–Low, with values above 94% in all municipalities and up to 99.86% in Santa Cruz do Arari. In contrast, High–High had localized concentrations in Salvaterra (3.53%), Cachoeira do Arari (1.28%), and Soure (1.16%), especially in coastal zones and inland sectors. Low–Low, associated with lower anthropogenic pressure or possible signs of natural regeneration, was extremely low (≤0.0004%). These findings indicate that LISA is useful for identifying local LULC patterns and supporting environmental assessment and territorial planning in tropical regions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070376

Authors: Abhishek Bajpai Namratha Biddanda Ganapathi Georgina McGregor Kenneth Tryggestad Melinda Pickup Colin Saltmere Jitka Kochanek

Ecological restoration and nature repair combat ecosystem and land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Yet seedling recruitment failure and perilously low plant survival (6–11%, often less) result in mass seed wastage. To increase seed use efficiency for restoration, the germination stimulant karrikinolide or KAR1 (3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one) was evaluated for on-demand seed germination, seedling establishment and plant survival in Australian core restoration species. Our research demonstrated that KAR1 promoted on-demand germination in 82% of species across nine families. We also showed improved germination outcomes in stored and aged seeds and greater seedling establishment and plant survival in soil after KAR1 treatment. The commercially available stimulant, gibberellic acid (GA3), provided no assistance beyond seed germination, suggesting KAR1 cannot be readily substituted. We recommend that KAR1 has the potential to meaningfully enhance large-scale seed use efficiency for restoration once challenges like cost and KAR1 delivery issues are overcome.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070377

Authors: Ziv Klausner Eyal Fattal

The wind field in urban areas is characterized by an inherent spatial variability, which is also termed spatial uncertainty. This may be manifested as a noticeable difference between rooftop-level measurements in adjacent locations, the degree of which changes throughout the day. In meteorological and environmental contexts, such uncertainty is often described as a probability distribution. Usually, studies deal with the uncertainty of each wind vector component separately, i.e., wind speed and direction. The uncertainty is assumed to be distributed symmetrically around the mean and represented by a single characteristic value. Such representation neglects the correlation between the two wind vector components together. This, in turn, may result in wind vector component combinations that are physically inconsistent with realistic wind regimes. This study proposes a method that quantifies the spatial uncertainty of the urban rooftop wind. It is based on a covariance matrix that quantifies the relationship between the rooftop spatial wind components alongside the seasonal Mahalanobis distance functions. It draws on a representative sample of weather stations and previously calculated seasonal log-logistic Mahalanobis distance functions. Thus, an elliptic-shaped tolerance region is calculated to quantitatively estimate a given proportion of the possible values of the wind vectors at a given time. The model was demonstrated on the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv. The results show that the spatial wind distribution can be very well represented by a small sample of merely four stations. The model’s results were found to be well within the confidence interval, leading to the conclusion that the model is fully capable of providing an accurate description of the current state of the urban wind field.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070375

Authors: Anna Derstila Alkiviadis Stamatakis Traianos Minos Evangelia E. Golia

Heavy metal contamination of soils represents a persistent environmental challenge, for which in situ immobilization has emerged as a cost-effective and technically viable alternative to conventional invasive remediation technologies. This review comparatively evaluates three distinct categories of soil amendments—biochar, zeolite and attapulgite—within a unified analytical framework integrating extractable fractions (TCLP, DTPA, and CaCl2) and geochemical fractionation approaches (BCR and Tessier). The novelty of this study lies in the systematic assessment of the dominant immobilization mechanisms associated with each amendment in relation to soil properties and the chemical speciation of the target metal, as well as in distinguishing between an apparent reduction in metal extractability and a genuine shift toward more stable geochemical fractions. The findings identify ion exchange as the primary immobilization mechanism in zeolites (NaA zeolite, 1–5% w/w, 96% reduction in TCLP-extractable Pb and 91% reduction in TCLP-extractable Cd), the synergistic action of adsorption, complexation, and precipitation in biochar systems (manure-derived biochar, 0–5% w/w, 97.4% reduction in the exchangeable Pb fraction according to the Tessier scheme), and the critical role of surface modification in attapulgite-based amendments (C-ATP, 4% w/w, 95.1% and 74.3% reductions in TCLP-extractable Pb and Cd, respectively). Because these efficiencies were obtained using different extraction protocols, they are not directly comparable. At the same time, cases of adverse responses were identified, including increased As extractability following the application of phosphate-modified biochar and the redistribution of Pb and Cd after amendment with natural zeolite in industrially contaminated soil. These observations highlight that amendment performance is not an intrinsic property of the material itself, but rather the outcome of specific geochemical interactions occurring within the soil system. Increased soil pH emerged as the principal common factor promoting metal stabilization across all amendment categories, whereas substantial variability in amendment dosage, incubation period, and analytical methodology limited direct quantitative comparisons among studies. Consequently, the selection of an appropriate soil amendment should be based on the integrated evaluation of soil physicochemical properties, contaminant speciation, and the intended scale of application, supported by long-term monitoring under field conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070374

Authors: Manhiro Flores-Iwasaki Roberto Carlos Mori-Zabarburú Armstrong B. Fernández-Jeri Lucas D. Muñoz-Astecker Sivmny V. Valqui-Reina Eisen Carlos Usquiza Cruz Jorge A. Condori-Apfata Angel David Hernández-Amasifuen

This study represents the first comprehensive characterization of fish biodiversity in the Sonche Canyon (northeastern Peru) using environmental DNA (eDNA), revealing a community of 19 taxa whose detection depended critically on a multi-marker approach. The analysis demonstrated that the use of both Metafish and Mifish-U PCR primer pairs generated a high complementarity index (0.53), allowing the capture of divergent biological signals; Metafish was essential for identifying characiformes; while Mifish-U revealed the presence of specific gymnotiformes and loricariids. The findings, supported by rarification curves confirming sampling saturation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed co-variation between the biodiversity “hotspot” in Tingorbamba and elevated nitrate concentration (6.1 mg/L), as well as the ubiquitous presence of the invasive species Oncorhynchus mykiss. In conclusion, the utility of the molecular markers and the observed co-variation between physicochemical variables and species distributions underscore the need for standardized protocols for the monitoring and conservation of fauna in the vulnerable lotic systems of the Peruvian Andes.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070373

Authors: Setyo Budi Kurniawan Suriya Vathi Subramanian Hassimi Abu Hasan Hanies Ambarsari Dian Andriani Nurfitri Abdul Gafur Meidaliyantisyah Fitri Yola Amandita Tuti Suryati Rina Andriyani Arina Yuthi Apriyana Ekaputra Agung Priantoro Dominikus Hariawan Akhadi Tarzan Sembiring Muhammad Fauzul Imron

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ultra-persistent contaminants characterized by exceptional chemical stability, high mobility, and widespread environmental occurrence, posing significant challenges for remediation. Phytotechnology has emerged as a promising nature-based approach, yet its effectiveness is strongly governed by PFAS physicochemical properties and plant–soil interactions. This review provides a mechanistic synthesis linking PFAS environmental behavior with phytotechnology performance by examining PFAS sources, transport pathways, and structure-dependent properties that control persistence, partitioning, and mobility, with an emphasis on differences between short- and long-chain compounds. These characteristics determine bioavailability and influence treatment outcomes. Plant uptake mechanisms, including root absorption, xylem translocation, and tissue accumulation, are discussed alongside rhizosphere processes such as sorption, microbial interactions, and hydrological dynamics that regulate PFAS retention and redistribution. Current evidence indicates that phytotechnology functions primarily as a form of phytomanagement rather than a destructive solution, as mineralization is limited and field-scale treatment remains low. Instead, plant–soil–microbe systems reduce PFAS mobility and exposure through stabilization and sequestration. Future research should prioritize strategies for short-chain PFAS, integration with sorptive amendments, and data-driven approaches to optimize phytomanagement performance.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070372

Authors: Benedetto Schiavo Diana María Meza-Figueroa Claudio Inguaggiato Ofelia Morton-Bermea Daisy Valera-Fernández Belem González-Grijalva Francisco Berrellez-Reyes Elizabeth Hernández-Álvarez

Road dust is an important urban reservoir of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and a relevant source of human exposure through resuspension and inhalation, particularly in large megacities. This study provides an integrated assessment of the seasonal variability, contamination levels, source identification, particle characteristics, lung bioaccessibility, and health risk of road dust in Mexico City, one of the world’s largest urban centers. A total of 74 road dust samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, and V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb were analyzed by ICP–MS in the <20 µm fraction. Geochemical indices, spatial analysis, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, SEM–EDS particle characterization, in vitro lung bioaccessibility (ALF), and human health risk models were applied. Sb, Cu, and Pb were identified as the most enriched elements, exceeded local background concentrations at all sampling sites. Spatial patterns revealed recurrent hotspots in the northern, northeastern, and central sectors of the city. SEM–EDS analyses showed that most particles belonged to the 2.5–5 µm equivalent-size class and included Fe-rich spherules, Pb-rich aggregates, silicate grains, and C-rich particles. Health risk assessment indicated acceptable risks for adults, whereas children exceeded the non-carcinogenic threshold (HI = 3.85–4.60) and slightly surpassed the upper acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Lung bioaccessibility results revealed low Pb solubility but high mobility of Ni and Cu, with some samples reaching complete dissolution under ALF conditions. These findings demonstrate that traffic-derived road dust represents a persistent urban exposure pathway in Mexico City and highlight the importance of integrating total concentrations, particle characteristics, and bioaccessibility data to improve environmental and health-risk assessments in urban environments.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070371

Authors: José María García de Castro Barragán Álvaro F. García-Rodríguez María Elena Fernández Boy Heike Knicker

This study evaluated the effects of water washing on the properties of biochars produced from tomato greens (TB) and vineyard pruning (VB), and examined how these changes influence plant performance in biochar–peat substrates. A 31-day pot experiment was conducted using tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown on biochar/peat mixtures at a 60:40 (v/v) ratio. Fresh biochars (TB 0, VB 0) and biochars subjected to one (TB 1, VB 1) or two (TB 2, VB 2) washings were assessed. Washing substantially reduced pH from 10 to 9 in both materials. The electrical conductivity (EC) and salt content of TB 0 (9147 ± 96 μS cm−1) were markedly higher than those of VB 0 (1539 ± 33 μS cm−1). Successive washing effectively lowered EC to 1019 ± 18 µS cm−1 and 75.4 ± 4 μS cm−1, respectively. Plant performance improved significantly as salinity decreased. Statistical analyses indicated a stronger influence of EC than pH on plant growth. Reduced germination was primarily associated with osmotic stress caused by elevated concentrations of soluble salts, particularly Na, K, Ca, Cl, and S. Biomass production was negatively correlated with these ions. Only Ca and K exhibited significant negative relationships, suggesting that nutrient antagonism may also have contributed to growth inhibition. These findings demonstrate that water washing is an effective strategy for enhancing the horticultural suitability of salt-rich biochars. Salinity, rather than alkalinity alone, appears to be the principal constraint limiting their use as peat substitutes. Washing therefore broadens the potential application of salt-rich green waste-derived biochars in horticultural substrates, supporting peat conservation and circular-economy approaches to organic waste valorization.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070370

Authors: Daria Russo Sara Tunesi Maria Teresa Greco Antonio Giampiero Russo

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, with substantial health impacts and higher mortality among vulnerable groups including older adults and individuals with chronic diseases. Risk stratification tools may support public health systems in identifying high-risk individuals and implementing targeted preventive interventions. This population-based study included Milan residents aged ≥75 years during the summers of 2022–2023 and aimed to test an algorithm for stratifying heat-related health risk. By combining individuals’ classification as ill, treated, and deprived, four heat-related risk levels were defined. The algorithm was developed on the 2022 cohort and validated on the 2023 cohort. A logistic regression model with cross-validation was used, and performance was assessed using AUC, calibration, and Brier score. A total of 192,063 (2022) and 181,509 (2023) residents aged ≥75 years were included. Approximately 56% were classified as high or very high risk, with slightly higher proportions in 2023. Mortality increased with risk level and multimorbidity. The model showed good overall accuracy, fair discrimination, and good calibration in the development cohort. Higher mortality was associated with male, older age (≥85 years), and higher risk strata, while living alone showed inconsistent associations. This prognostic algorithm may contribute to the stratification of heat-related mortality risk among older adults and could support targeted prevention and timely responses to heatwave.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070369

Authors: Aliya Yskak Seitbek Kuanushbayev Zhumash Bekmyrza Zhassulan Irzhanov Almabek Nugmanov Gulnaz Yermoldina Assel Tokusheva Vladimir Fominov Aleksandr Bulaev Petr Lyanga Kuanysh Zhumalynov Zheniskul Bozhekenova

Soil contamination around iron ore complexes in semiarid zones is usually described by total metal concentrations, which underestimate the labile mobile pool. At the Sokolovka-Sarbai mining and beneficiation complex (SSGPO, Northern Kazakhstan), total (EPA 3051A) and mobile (neutral NH4OAc, pH 7) forms of ten heavy metals were analyzed in 87 site-horizon composites (29 sites × 3 pits × 3 horizons; 261 field samples). Descriptive indices flag Co as the only moderately contaminated element (I_geo 1.16) and Mn as the only one in persistent deficit (Kc_total 0.62); Co and Mn show the largest mobility-factor increments above background (Δ_MF +17.8 and +22.3 p.p.). The priority toxic elements As, Cd and Pb remain at or near depth-matched background in the total fraction (median Kc_total 0.98–1.09; I_geo < 0 for all three), although Pb shows a moderate mobile-fraction enrichment (median Kc_mobile 2.6); mercury was not among the ten metals analyzed. Factor analysis of mobile forms resolves two independent sources (F1-siderophile Cr-Ni-Fe-Mn-Co; F2-Zn-dominant, non-sphalerite) and a humus-driven sorption pool (F3), coherently localized in the dump2A-pit2 sector; mobile-fraction attribution greatly outperforms the total fraction (21 vs. 0 FDR-significant trends). The raw Mn-deficit-Co-mobility correlation (ρ = −0.54) is fully mediated by humus (partial ρ = +0.05). Total Mn deficit and enhanced Co lability are therefore interpreted as coupled consequences of a single humus-Ca-pH Kastanozem geochemistry rather than a causal “Mn-buffer depletion → Co mobilization” chain. Because the dataset is cross-sectional, this distinction remains correlational; sequential fractionation and mineralogical verification are priorities for future work.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070368

Authors: Oscar E. Coronado-Hernández Angel Villabona-Ortíz Mauricio J. Rosso-Pinto Candelaria Tejada-Tovar José Quevedo-Cabarcas

Pb(II) is a potentially toxic element that can cause problems in the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems; it can also cause cancer. Most studies have been conducted primarily in the laboratory; therefore, it is necessary to find a way to predict performance on a large scale. Taking this into account, the objective of this study was to simulate an industrial-scale packed adsorption column for the removal of Pb(II) using Dioscorea rotundata-based biomass as an adsorbent, employing the Aspen Adsorption software. To this end, a parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the bed under different operating conditions, using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms in conjunction with Linear Driving Force (LDF) kinetics. Removal efficiencies of up to 92.4% were observed for the Freundlich–LDF model and 92.4% for the Langmuir–LDF model. Additionally, machine learning algorithms were combined with statistical indicators (R2, RMSE) to analyze the models’ effectiveness. R2 values of up to 0.999 were obtained in the validation and testing phases. This research demonstrates a novel approach to predicting the potential performance of adsorption columns packed with biomass derived from organic waste in the field of engineering, using computational tools with machine learning algorithms.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070367

Authors: Raúl Althay Lorenzo Quijada Jenifer Vaswani Reboso Sebastián Ovidio Pérez Báez Alejandro Ramos Martín Harue Hernández-Zerpa

This study presents a comprehensive approach that combines the kinetic characterization of the activated sludge process with the application of microalgae culture systems to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Based on experimental data obtained in laboratory reactors and real operating parameters extracted from a reference plant, the emission routes associated with secondary treatment were analyzed and the mitigation potential by microalgae in the tertiary stage was modeled. Comparative tables, CO2 capture scenarios and integrated operation diagrams were developed. The results show that the integration of both technologies can significantly reduce BOD residual load, improve energy yield and capture up to 135 kgCO2/day depending on the remaining substrate. The reduction in aeration demand reached 25%, and BOD removal increased from a range of 72 to 85% (conventional system) to 87–94% (hybrid system). The work supports the engineering plausibility and relevance of a hybrid sludge–microalgae system as an exploratory strategy for WWTP sustainability. Given the experimental design available in the historical laboratory record, the tertiary-stage outcomes are interpreted here as indicative algal–bacterial scenario responses. Because replicate runs under identical conditions and a parallel non-inoculated control reactor were not available, the manuscript does not present these results as definitive tertiary-performance validation. Complementary plant-scale records from the Canary Islands were considered solely as an external plausibility benchmark for the polishing-stage assumptions and were not interpreted as replicate evidence or as a substitute for a non-inoculated control reactor. The specific objective of this work is to derive activated sludge biokinetic parameters from laboratory assays and to use the experimentally constrained residual load framework to assess, at the scenario level, the mitigation potential of a tertiary algal–bacterial stage under Canary Islands conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070366

Authors: Elvira Mussayeva Meirat Bakhtin Aliya Kurbanova

In situ leaching (ISL) is the most popular method for uranium mining worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite its economic benefits, ISL raises concerns about radioactive migration and groundwater contamination. This review assesses the environmental impacts of ISL uranium mining, focusing on radionuclide transport pathways and key information gaps. This review, focusing on groundwater contamination, radionuclide migration, soil and sediment contamination, atmospheric impacts, vegetation responses, and ecosystem disturbances, summarizes current understanding of the hydrogeochemical, radiological, and environmental impacts of uranium mining. The analysis indicates that groundwater is the environmental component most vulnerable to contamination during ISL operations due to the injection of acidic or alkaline leaching solutions that may mobilize uranium, radium, sulfates, selenium, arsenic, and other potentially hazardous elements. In addition to impacts on groundwater, there have also been reports of soil contamination, airborne dust, radioactive accumulation in flora, and impacts on aquatic and microbiological resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Although cleanup methods and natural attenuation can minimize contamination to some extent, residual contamination can persist for decades after mine closure. Overall, ISL uranium mining emphasizes the need for effective groundwater management, long-term environmental monitoring, and improved reclamation methods, balancing surface disturbance with long-term hydrogeochemical and environmental concerns.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070365

Authors: Jiatao Dang Meng Yin Panbo Yang Xiaoyu Yan Kaixin Wang Manman Wang Zhixuan Jing Shuheng Zhao Xiaotong Chen Nannan Xie Jianjun Hu

Municipal sewage sludge was used to prepare sewage sludge pyrolysis char (SS-PC). The effects of pyrolysis temperature on the morphology and structure of SS-PC were investigated, and the performance of SS-PC-800, prepared at 800 °C, for promoting gas production from corn stover pyrolysis was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor. The results suggested that adding SS-PC-800 promoted the pyrolysis of corn stover and reduced the activation energy required for thermal decomposition. A further comparison of five metal oxides indicated that CaO had the most pronounced effect on H2 formation under the tested conditions. A synergistic effect was observed when reactive CaO was introduced into SS-PC. At a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, when the mass ratio of CaO to SS-PC-800 was 2:3 and the mass ratio of mixed catalyst to corn stover was 1:5, the H2 yield was 26.5% higher than that obtained from corn stover pyrolysis alone. In this study, SS-PC was employed as a catalytic material, and the synergistic interaction between its catalytic components and CaO effectively enhanced H2 production during biomass pyrolysis. These findings can provide a useful reference for the resource utilization of municipal sludge and the development of catalysts for biomass thermochemical conversion.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070364

Authors: Loris Pietrelli Patrizia Menegoni Pietro Giovacchini Corrado Battisti

Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. In this paper we reported evidence of microplastic (MP) contamination in pellets collected in rural and urban sites for a set of species: common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus; great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo; barn owl, Tyto alba; little owl, Athene noctua; long-eared owl, Asio otus; Eurasian scops owl, Otus scops; European bee-eater, Merops apiaster; and little egret, Egretta garzetta. A total of 559 pellets were collected and analyzed; among them, 78 microplastics were found on 77 pellets (13.8% compared to the total number of pellets sampled). The following polymers were recorded: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), expanded polyester (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester (PES), polymethyl acrylate (PMA), rubber, and starch-based biopolymer. We found significantly higher MP frequency in the most anthropized site. Pellets with the highest number of microplastics were those produced by Falco tinnunculus, Asio otus, and Tyto alba, with 30.0%, 29.6%, and 27.1%, respectively. Of a total sample of 78 MP items, 59.0% are represented by fibers, 23.1% by fragments and 17.9% by films. Among the microplastics, fragments of balloons (in a remote area) and biopolymer shopping bags were found. Our results suggest that pellet analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070363

Authors: Alla Silkina José Ignacio Gayo-Peláez Kam W. Tang

The increasing demand for lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REEs) driven by battery technologies, electrification and renewable energy systems has intensified the interest in recovery pathways as an alternative to conventional mining. High-salinity mine waters—including lithium brines, geothermal fluids, and metallurgical effluents—represent both an environmental liability and a significant secondary resource for metal recovery. However, extreme ionic strength, complex metal speciation, and strong competition from major ions severely limit the efficiency and selectivity of traditional extraction technologies. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising biological agents for metal recovery via biosorption, bioaccumulation, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated binding, especially in saline and hypersaline systems. This review synthesises current knowledge on microalgal-based recovery of Li, Co, and REEs from high-salinity waters, emphasising co-design principles that integrate strain physiology, their adaptation to the extreme operating conditions, water chemistry, and process engineering. Halotolerant and extremophilic taxa—Nannochloropsis oceanica, Galdieria sulphuraria, and Synechococcus elongatus—are examined as representative models for complementary metal-binding mechanisms and operational niches. Limitations such as weak affinity for lithium, competitive ion suppression, desorption inefficiencies, and scale-up challenges are discussed. Emerging strategies such as modular multi-strain systems, hybrid bio-physicochemical platforms, and biomass valorisation are also addressed. The review concludes that microalgal systems, when co-designed for selectivity and resilience, can contribute to the strategic recovery of critical materials that align with EU, UK and US policies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070362

Authors: Onyinyechi G. Opara Vsevolod V. Pavshintsev

Petroleum exploitation in the Niger Delta has caused widespread contamination of mangrove ecosystems, yet studies that integrate total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and metals in mangrove water are still very limited. This study presents the first dual-pollutant baseline assessment of TPH and five priority metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn) in Bille mangrove water, a severely oil-impacted system supporting about 50,000 residents. Water samples were collected from six sites along a contamination gradient (flow station, pipeline passage, old bunkering site) and analyzed for TPH (C8–C40) and metals. All concentrations are reported in mg/L for direct comparability with World Health Organization (WHO) drinking-water guidelines and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) thresholds. TPH concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 57.66 mg/L, with Site 3 (pipeline passage) showing levels about 320-fold higher than reference sites and exceeding the WHO drinking-water guideline (0.05 mg/L) by up to 1153-fold. Cadmium (0.040–0.350 mg/L) and nickel (0.055–0.561 mg/L) exceeded WHO drinking-water guidelines (Cd 0.003 mg/L; Ni 0.07 mg/L) by 13–117- and up to 8-fold, respectively. Health risk assessment, using USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) protocols, revealed a total cancer risk of 4.15 × 10−3 at Site 3, 41-fold above the USEPA acceptable threshold of 1 × 10−4, and extreme non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index = 20.03–25.51) at petroleum-infrastructure sites; cadmium contributed 86–88% of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Ecological risk indices classified Site 3 as extreme (Potential Ecological Risk Index = 722, against the Håkanson PERI = 600 “very-high-risk” threshold), mainly driven by cadmium (Er = 310–350) and nickel (Er = 140–150). Source apportionment using the Carbon Preference Index, enrichment factors, and strong TPH–metal correlations (r > 0.88, p < 0.01) clearly identified petroleum operations as the dominant contamination source. This work demonstrates the critical importance of integrated multi-pollutant assessments in petroleum-degraded mangrove water for guiding environmental protection and public-health interventions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070361

Authors: Harprabhjot Kaur Dhaliwal Leslie Ludtke John Nieber Joe Magner

Land-use change from natural vegetation to agricultural systems significantly affects watershed hydrology and water quality. This study assesses the long-term effects of historical land-use change on hydrologic processes and nitrogen transport in the Straight River watershed, Minnesota, USA, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model. Three land-use scenarios were created to assess changes in water balance and nitrate levels. These scenarios represent the reconstructed pre-settlement conditions from 1855, established agricultural development from 2006, and current conditions from 2022. Results show a significant increase in water percolation and groundwater recharge. Percolation more than doubled, increasing from about 118 mm under reconstructed pre-colonial conditions to over 256 mm in 2022. Streamflow increased to 2.1 m3s−1 in 2022, indicating improved hydrologic connectivity and groundwater contributions. Nitrate leaching increased from about 1.14 kg N ha−1 to more than 32 kg N ha−1 (1850s–2022), and nitrate export increased by >2000%, indicating strong nitrate loading. The significant increase in nitrate compared to water fluxes points to agriculture as the primary source of groundwater pollution and downstream nutrient loading. These findings highlight the importance of land-use change in affecting water balance and nutrient behavior. They also point out the need to include a historical baseline in watershed assessments. The results show the importance of better land and nutrient management strategies to reduce nitrate losses and protect water resources in intensively managed agricultural areas.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070360

Authors: Michael Gormley Khanda Sharif Beth A. Cowling

Plastic waste presents a significant environmental and public health concern in Malawi, where rapid urban growth, limited waste collection services, and informal disposal practices contribute to persistent plastic waste hotspots. In Lilongwe City, the waste collection rate has been reported ranges from 10% to 30%. This means that out of the 500 to 600 tons of municipal solid waste produced each day, only about 50 to 150 tons are collected daily. These hotspots occur in settings such as drains, markets, settlement edges, riverbanks, and lakeshore environments. They intensify health-relevant exposure pathways by encouraging stagnant water, increasing flood risk, facilitating open burning, and supporting the formation of plastisphere biofilms that can contain pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant organisms. This research synthesises evidence on the main sources of plastic waste in Malawi, the mechanisms of leakage across different environments, and the associated health implications. It uses a scoping approach aligned with PRISMA-ScR guidance and is informed by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded Sustainable Plastic Attitudes to benefit Communities and their Environments (SPACES project), which highlights the influence of behavioural, governance, and environmental factors on plastic pollution. A two phase, risk-based decision framework to support targeted management of plastic waste hotspots is described. Phase 1 focuses on rapid harm reduction through the identification and ranking of hotspots according to risk severity, spatial extent, and feasibility, guiding timely interventions such as drain clearance, waste capture, and temporary stabilisation. Phase 2 addresses longer term prevention by tackling upstream drivers through policy measures, improved services, reuse and reduction schemes, and community engagement. The framework has been developed using evidence from Malawi; however, its methodology could be applied to other low- and middle-income countries that experience similar constraints and exposure pathways. The framework offers a transparent and practical tool for decision makers seeking to allocate limited resources effectively while reducing environmental and health risks associated with plastic waste.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13070359

Authors: Jay N. Meegoda Ravisha N. Mudalige David W. Washington Duwage C. Perera

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants whose mobility in soil and groundwater is strongly controlled by adsorption and desorption processes. In saturated clay-rich soils, these processes are complex because PFASs interact with hydrated mineral surfaces, organic matter, metal oxides, exchangeable cations, and pore-water constituents. This review synthesizes the current literature on PFAS adsorption and desorption in saturated soils, with an emphasis on clay mineralogy, mineral–water interfaces, pore-water chemistry, and electrochemical double layer (EDL) effects. PFAS retention is influenced by molecular properties such as chain length, functional head group, and charge state, as well as soil properties such as organic carbon content, clay mineral type, surface charge, cation exchange capacity, and Fe/Al oxide content. Longer-chain PFASs and sulfonate-based compounds generally show stronger retention, while shorter-chain PFASs tend to remain more mobile. This review focuses particularly on how an EDL affects PFAS behavior in saturated clay systems. Unlike dry clay surfaces, saturated clay surfaces are covered by structured water, exchangeable ions, and diffuse counterion layers. These hydrated interfacial conditions influence how closely anionic PFASs can approach negatively charged clay surfaces, how dissolved cations reduce electrostatic repulsion or promote cation-mediated binding, and how effectively short-range interactions such as hydrophobic association, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and surface association contribute to adsorption. Desorption is also emphasized because adsorption does not necessarily represent permanent immobilization. Changes in pH, ionic strength, cation composition, dissolved organic matter, or competing solutes can weaken retention and promote PFAS release. Overall, PFAS mobility in saturated clay-rich soils should be interpreted as a coupled interfacial process rather than simple partitioning to soil solids. Future work should better connect molecular-scale mechanisms, EDL behavior, adsorption–desorption experiments, and saturated transport studies to improve predictions of PFAS retention and long-term groundwater release.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060358

Authors: Qian Cheng Haoli Xu Zijian Cheng Zhao Lu Yong Huang Qizhan Chen Fangyuan Wang Daqing Wang

Accurately mapping surface freshwater bodies (e.g., ponds, reservoirs, and small lakes) is vital for managing insular ecosystems and communities. However, satellite-based extraction in coastal settings is challenged by seawater intrusion, complex topography, and cloud cover. Focusing on bedrock islands outside China’s Pearl River Estuary, this study developed a robust method to address these issues. We used both Gaofen-1 (GF-1) optical and Gaofen-3 (GF-3) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, supported by field-collected water quality samples from surface freshwater body shorelines for model training and validation. The performance of two index-based methods (the Normalized Difference Water Index, NDWI, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI), two machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, RF, and Support Vector Machine, SVM), and a U-Net convolutional neural network (U-Net) deep learning model was compared. The U-Net model achieved the highest accuracy, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.881 (GF-1) and 0.840 (GF-3). It effectively discriminated freshwater from seawater and mitigated cloud interference, demonstrating superior precision and robustness over traditional methods. This work establishes a high-precision framework for monitoring island freshwater resources, supporting sustainable water management. The proposed framework provides a practical tool for tracking freshwater availability under climate variability and anthropogenic pressures, contributing to the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 6.3.2 on ambient water quality.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060357

Authors: Manman Zhao Shuang Yang Wenlu Lan Chaoxing Ren Hui Zhao

As an important port in the Beibu Gulf of the South China Sea, Tieshangang Bay is potentially at risk of PTE pollution, yet systematic research integrating multi-hydrological period data remains limited. By applying pollution indices (Cf, WQI, Igeo, RI) combined with PCA, and PMF, we investigated PTE distribution characteristics, risk assessment, and source apportionment across different hydrological seasons. The results indicate that average PTE concentrations in surface seawater meet Class II standards of the Sea Water Quality Standard, with Zn and As showing relatively high concentrations compared to other PTEs. High-concentration areas were mainly located in the inner and middle bay. In sediments, concentrations of Zn and Cr were relatively high, with values generally higher inside the bay than outside. Both Cf and WQI values for seawater PTEs were below 1, indicating an overall low pollution risk. However, Cd and Hg in sediments presented a moderate potential ecological risk. Source apportionment revealed that seawater PTEs primarily originated from an industrial–aquaculture composite source (44.60%), while sediment PTEs were mainly attributed to composite terrestrial inputs (53.16%). These findings provide a scientific basis for PTE pollution management and sustainable development in Tieshangang Bay.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060356

Authors: Kanokporn Swangjang

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key instrument for integrating environmental considerations into development planning; however, its effectiveness remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study evaluated the quality of ecological information across all stages of the EIA process, including baseline studies, impact assessment, mitigation measures, and monitoring programs. A total of 121 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) from land development projects in central Thailand (2019–2024) were analyzed using structured content analysis. The results indicated that baseline ecological studies were generally comprehensive, particularly in species identification and habitat characterization. However, impact assessments remained largely descriptive, with limited use of quantitative and spatial analytical methods. Ecological mitigation measures were often generic, weakly linked to identified impacts, and particularly unclear in land development projects, indicating limited alignment with the mitigation hierarchy. Monitoring programs were even less frequently included and rarely functioned as a mechanism for evaluating mitigation effectiveness or supporting adaptive management. To address these gaps, this study proposes an integrated DPSIR–EIA–Ecosystem Services framework that strengthens linkages across EIA stages and enhances the analytical and decision-support capacity of ecological assessment for sustainable environmental governance.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060355

Authors: Peter Brimblecombe

Fireworks have been used in China for more than a millennium, though they are an increasing part of celebration globally. Consumption of fireworks is on the rise despite increased regulation of their use. This review examines the key themes that are apparent in contemporary research: contamination of air, water and soil, in addition to waste debris, noise and light pollution, along with contemporary approaches to mitigate environmental impact. Research is, as expected, more frequent from countries with high fireworks use, so some rather small countries such as the Netherlands, Malta and Iceland are notably active. Concentrations of emitted gases (especially SO2) and fine particles are frequently studied, along with associated toxic metals and semimetals (especially Cu, Zn, Cd, As, Ba and Sr). There are many projections of effects of fireworks, but relatively few epidemiological studies of health outcomes or the impact of contamination on local ecosystems. Fireworks waste and debris is an environmental problem; it is expensive to clear and aesthetically unpleasing. Excessive noise (up to 137 dB) created by fireworks affects pets and wildlife, as well as posing a risk to pyrotechnicians. Fireworks produce bursts of light that can be distracting to motorists and disturb wildlife, while smoke particles cause lowered visibility. Green fireworks and festivals of light with lasers or drone technology present routes to lower impact. Contemporary society is sympathetic towards restricting fireworks, but recognition of their cultural importance remains.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060354

Authors: Tamara Dudnikova Leonid Perelomov Maria Gertsen Marina Burachevskaya Svetlana Kozmenko Saglara Mandzhieva Irina Perelomova Vyacheslav Arlyapov Tatiana Minkina

Environmental pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a serious environmental problem. One of the effective methods of cleaning the environment from these toxicants is the use of sorbents based on clay minerals. Special organo-mineral, bio-mineral and bio-organo-mineral complexes were obtained. Organo-mineral complexes (organoclays) were synthesized on the basis of Na-bentonite and anionic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants. Bio-mineral and bio-organo-mineral complexes were produced by inoculating bentonite and organoclays with a consortium of bacteria. The adsorption characteristics of the complexes to benzopyrene and naphthalene were studied. Modification of bentonite with various types of surfactants leads to a significant increase in the percentage adsorption of both benzopyrene and naphthalene, with benzopyrene being more so. All bio-organo-mineral complexes adsorb more benzopyrene than pure bentonite and the bentonite + bacteria complex. In most cases, this pattern is also characteristic of naphthalene adsorption. Organoclay complexes with bacteria adsorb PAHs in greater quantities than organoclays, typically at the average concentrations of benzopyrene and naphthalene used (30–60 μg mL−1) and when modified with individual surfactants. Based on the determination coefficients, the adsorption of benzopyrene and naphthalene by all studied sorbents is best described by the Langmuir equation. The maximum (limiting) adsorption of benzopyrene by all organo-mineral complexes (organoclays) exceeds the maximum adsorption of benzopyrene by bentonite. Modification of bentonite with surfactants may not change, decrease, or increase the maximum adsorption of naphthalene compared to the original bentonite, depending on the surfactant used. Colonization of the organoclay surface by bacteria, with rare exceptions, results in a decrease in the maximum adsorption values of benzopyrene and naphthalene compared to organoclay, or has no effect at all.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060353

Authors: América Verónica Hernández-Jiménez Luz Adriana Ontiveros-García José Belisario Leyva-Morales María Anel Fuentes-Valencia Jesús Mateo Amillano-Cisneros César Camacho-López Fernando Salas-Martínez Aldo Márquez-Grajales Pedro de Jesús Bastidas-Bastidas Otilio Arturo Acevedo-Sandoval Lucía Leyva-Camacho Zamaria Yoselin De la Torre-Espinosa Henri Márquez-Pacheco

Phosphorus (P) accumulation in intensively agricultural soils represents a growing environmental concern due to its potential mobilization and contribution to eutrophication. This study investigated the mechanisms controlling P availability and redistribution in agricultural soils from the Elota–Piaxtla Irrigation District (northwestern Mexico) during cropping and non-cropping periods. Soil P fractions were determined using the Hedley sequential extraction method and related to soil physicochemical properties through a correlation analysis. During the cropping period, P in Fe/Al hydroxides dominated (45–67% of total P), indicating strong adsorption and fixation in fine-textured soils. In contrast, the non-cropping period showed a significant increase in organic P in humic substances (up to 55%), suggesting enhanced biological transformation and residue recycling. Labile P fractions decreased from 60% to 44% of total P between sampling periods, while moderately labile fractions increased, indicating seasonal redistribution of P pools. Statistical analysis revealed that P dynamics were primarily governed by mineralogical characteristics and organic matter transformations rather than by individual soil properties. The accumulation of moderately labile and organic P fractions during fallow periods highlights a latent environmental risk, particularly in irrigated systems prone to runoff and erosion. These findings emphasize the need for fraction-based nutrient management strategies that integrate both agronomic efficiency and environmental protection in intensive agricultural soil.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060352

Authors: Eli Pavlova-Traykova Sevdalin Belilov Kiril Vassilev Dimitar Dimitrov Milena Mitova Rositsa Yaneva Kameliya Petrova Elena Todorova Blagoy Koychev Veselin Marinkov Beloslava Genova Martin Georgiev Gana Gecheva

Soil erosion (SE) is a constant, complex land degradation process, a common natural disaster that occurs all over the world and severely impacts soil fertility, food security, and environmental balance. Soil erosion depends on many factors, including soil properties, slope, vegetation, rainfall amount and intensity, and anthropogenic activities. There are two main natural erosive forces by which soil is eroded and transported—water and wind. Water erosion refers to the detachment, transportation, and deposition of soil particles (solid runoff) into river networks. These particles, varying in size and composition, are the main products of soil erosion and most strongly affect river ecosystems. Solid runoff, or sediment-laden runoff, affects water quality, destroying habitats, carrying pollutants, reducing reservoir storage, and causing flooding. Erosion control activities also influence river ecosystems in different ways. Hydrotechnical facilities, a major erosion control practice, can alter the composition of aquatic biota by disrupting longitudinal connectivity and isolating populations. Reforestation and afforestation are other erosion control practices that have a strong impact on ecosystems. Stormwater retention systems in urban and forest areas are also important measures addressed in this review. This review examines complex environmental interactions and the roles of erosion and erosion control activities in river ecosystems. During the research, several key points were established: erosion and erosion control activities significantly affect river ecosystems. There is a lack of quantitative analysis of erosion intensity and its influence on ecosystems. This is probably due to the exceptional complexity and diversity of river ecosystems, but such a study would provide important information about complex relationships in nature.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060351

Authors: Maurizio Bacci Giovanni Gualtieri Gaptia Lawan Katiellou Bernard Nana Luc Descroix Alessandro Zaldei

Reliable air pollution monitoring remains a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), limiting the assessment of population exposure and the development of effective mitigation strategies. Recent advances in low-cost (LC) sensors offer promising opportunities, but their deployment in low-infrastructure settings still faces significant technical and logistical challenges. This study presents the experience gained from deploying LC sensor networks in Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Republic of Guinea, focusing on the practical challenges of installing and maintaining these systems under demanding conditions. In Burkina Faso, an LC station was co-located with a reference-grade instrument, enabling field calibration. In Niger, factory-calibrated LC sensors were deployed across urban, semi-urban, and rural settings, while in Guinea they were installed in a remote area. Several practical issues and challenges emerged, including unstable power supplies, limited internet connectivity, safety, and logistical constraints. Careful planning and involvement of local expertise proved essential for the long-term sustainability of LC sensors. Knowledge transfer to local partners supported ongoing maintenance and strengthened data ownership. Overall, this study demonstrated that the reliability of LC air quality networks in SSA depends not only on technology, but also on adaptive strategies, robust calibration, and strong local engagement, offering practical guidance for future scalable and sustainable implementations in resource-limited settings.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060350

Authors: Alena Kuricová Mária Hudáková Ivan Kebísek Andrea Juríčková Samuel Kočkár

Surface mining represents a significant intervention into the natural environment, negatively affecting air, water, soil and local ecosystems. In cement production, these impacts are closely connected to occupational health and safety risks, particularly in processes involving blasting operations. The aim of the article is to design, implement, and empirically verify an integrated model for assessing occupational and environmental risks in the cement production process, with an emphasis on the surface mining of raw materials stage, which will enable a comprehensive assessment of the interrelationships between risks, increase the accuracy of their evaluation, and support effective decision-making in OSH management and the environmental performance of the enterprise. The research was conducted as a case study using a combination of scientific quantitative methods focused on designing and verifying the integrated IMORM model in the cement industry. The methodological approach included an analysis of the requirements of ISO standards, methodological recommendations of EU-OSHA, comparison of approaches, expert interviews, observation in practice, application of a checklist, point-based method, risk catalogue, synthesis of knowledge, modelling, and verification. The application of an integrated approach to risk management demonstrated higher effectiveness compared to traditional approaches, whereby all unacceptable OSH risks were reduced to an acceptable level after the implementation of measures. In the environmental area, the risk score decreased significantly by 52.9%, and in the OSH area, the risk index decreased by 31%. At the same time, the model’s ability to effectively prioritize measures and identify cross-cutting solutions with a high impact was confirmed. The contribution of the article lies primarily in expanding knowledge in the field of integrated risk management and in proposing a practically applicable model that reflects the requirements of management systems according to the standards ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 31000. The IMORM model represents a tool applicable to enterprises with a high level of occupational and environmental risks, particularly in the mining and processing industries. The model also supports more comprehensive decision-making in the field of OSH and environmental management and contributes to improving the safety and environmental performance of the enterprise.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060349

Authors: Warin Intana Chime Eden Weeratian Tawanwongsri

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to ensure disease-free products; however, comprehensive evidence of their mucocutaneous effects among Asian agricultural workers is limited. This scoping review aimed to map the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and contributing factors of pesticide-related mucocutaneous conditions among agricultural workers in Asia. The study was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals to identify studies published between 2005 and January 2025. Observational and cross-sectional studies involving agricultural workers in Asia and examining pesticide exposure with associated mucocutaneous effects were included. Data were charted using a standardized form, including study details, participant demographics, prevalence of mucocutaneous symptoms, types of pesticides used, and exposure-related outcomes. A total of ten studies were included in the study. Skin-related symptoms ranged from 4.8% to 37.5%, while ocular symptoms ranged from 6.0% to 41.2%. Allergic contact dermatitis was reported in 26.1% of workers, and acute dermatitis accounted for 24.0% to 54.0% of pesticide-related dermatitis cases. Organophosphate insecticides, bipyridylium herbicides, and fungicides were commonly reported in relation to these effects. Limited personal protective equipment use and unsafe practices may have increased exposure risk. This review highlights the need for standardized exposure assessment, improved protective measures, and stronger occupational safety interventions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060347

Authors: Gomathi Kannayiram Sendilvelan Subramanian Prabhahar Muthuswamy Larissa R. Sassykova Albina R. Sassykova Azamat T. Konysbayev Yuliya A. Litvinenko Fatima M. Kanapiyeva Tleutai S. Abildin Nurbubi K. Zhakirova Beikut D. Balgysheva Aigul A. Muratbekova Renata R. Aitbayeva Ruimao Hua

The consumption of vegetable oils is steadily increasing, especially in Asian countries. Once used, the utilized cooking oils are either thrown into landfills or dumped there, endangering both the environment and people. One common method is to convert waste cooking oil (WCO) into biofuel; however, since WCO contains many free radicals, burning it releases large quantities of pollutants, meaning that disposal of WCO poses significant environmental risks. To stabilize the WCO (Cocos nucifera) before converting it into biofuel, this study analyzed the extraction, optimization, and use of antioxidant-rich bio-oil from Anisomeles malabarica leaves as a natural additive. Solvent screening revealed that a hexane–ethanol ratio of 4:2 was optimal for generating 76.7% bio-oil at room temperature. A maximum yield of 77% was attained by temperature and time optimization, which determined that 50 °C and 20 min were ideal. The extraction exhibits zero-order kinetics during the increasing phase, according to kinetic studies, with rate constants ranging from 0.54 to 1.44% min−1 (R2 = 0.950–0.997). The Peleg equilibrium model (average R2 = 0.806) was used to describe the extraction profile. The regression equation ln(k) = 1799.3 × (1/T) − 10.828 (R2 = 0.9748, p = 0.0002) was obtained using Arrhenius analysis. It was found that the compounds responsible for the antioxidant scavenging activity were found to be phytol, hexadecenoic acid, and tocopherol (vitamin E). The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test confirmed that 3% (v/v) bio-oil scavenged about 95% of free radicals, whereas the conjugated diene experiment demonstrated that over 90% of lipid oxidation in WCO was prevented. The combustion and emission properties of biofuel (WCB), which was created by transesterifying bio-oil-treated WCO, were compared to those of neat diesel and untreated WCO-derived biofuel (WC). In comparison to both WC50 and neat diesel, WCB50 demonstrated an equivalent in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate, but significantly reduced emissions of NOx, CO, hydrocarbons, and smoke. These results show that Anisomeles malabarica bio-oil works well as a natural antioxidant addition for clean combustion and biodiesel stabilization.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060348

Authors: Jose Alejandro Cano Emiro Antonio Campo Abraham Londoño-Pineda Juan Camilo Cardona Montoya Alexander Alberto Correa-Espinal Stephan Weyers

This study examines the associations among circular economy (CE) awareness, CE maturity, and circular material flows in the construction industry using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The analysis is based on cross-sectional self-reported survey data collected from 265 firms within the Sustainable Habitat Cluster of Medellín, Colombia. The proposed model examines relationships among cognitive, organizational, and operational dimensions of circularity across the construction supply chain. Results indicate that CE awareness is positively associated with both CE maturity and circular material flows, suggesting that firms reporting higher levels of CE knowledge, communication, training, and access to information systems also report stronger organizational engagement with circular economy initiatives and better circularity outcomes. In contrast, the association between CE maturity and circular material flows was not statistically significant, and no significant mediation effect was observed. These findings indicate that the CE implementation capabilities captured by the maturity construct were not significantly associated with stronger operational circularity outcomes within the sampled firms. The study provides empirical evidence from an emerging-economy construction cluster and highlights the importance of complementing awareness-building initiatives with organizational and operational mechanisms that facilitate the implementation of circular practices across construction ecosystems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060346

Authors: Nikolay Stoyanov Aleksander Dimitrov Antonia Pandelova Bozhidar Dzhudzhev

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension are some of the most common socially significant diseases worldwide. The reasons for this are complex and in recent years there has been increasing evidence of associations between the diseases and various air pollutants. Studies show varying degrees of influence of particulate matter (PM) and atmospheric gases. The present study focuses on the long-term exposure of PM10 and Ozone O3 on the incidence of type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension. The studied period is 7 years from 2018 to 2024. The region in which the cohort study was conducted is the city of Sofia, the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria. Logistic regression models, with Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) to establish the associations with levels of air pollutions, were used. Relationships of diseases with various socio-demographic factors were also established. The models for the arterial hypertension have strongly positive relationships with O3 with values OR 1.023 (95% CI: 1.001 ÷ 1.045) for each increase of 10 µg/m3 O3. The model for PM10 and arterial hypertension showed OR of 1.014 (95% CI: 0.927 ÷ 1.12). For type 2 diabetes and PM10 and O3 the obtained results are OR 1.007 (95% CI: 0.923 ÷ 1.109) and OR 1.008 (95% CI: 0.98 ÷ 1.033). The combined model of two pollutants was also examined, for which a positive influence was obtained with an OR of 1.024 (95% CI: 1.001 ÷ 1.046).

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060345

Authors: Davide Rotondo Davide Gualandris Antonio Calisi Marcello Manfredi Francesco Dondero

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants of growing concern for soil ecosystems, yet their effects on the humoral arm of innate immunity in soil invertebrates remain poorly characterized. Here, we used the earthworm Eisenia fetida to screen 31 legacy and emerging PFAS congeners for their ability to modulate the hemolytic activity of cell-free coelomic fluid, a functional readout of soluble immune effectors including the pore-forming toxin lysenin. Earthworms were exposed under OECD 207 contact-filter conditions at two concentrations (0.6 and 229 µM) for 72 h, after which decellularized coelomic fluid was tested against sheep erythrocytes. To dissect direct biochemical interference from organism-mediated regulation, the same panel was also applied ex vivo (2.5 µM) to coelomic fluid from unexposed earthworms. In vivo, PFASs produced markedly heterogeneous, congener-specific responses: PFBS, PFBA and PFMOPrA suppressed hemolytic activity, whereas PMDA, PFHxA and HFPO-DA enhanced it. In contrast, ex vivo exposure produced a consistent, broad inhibition of hemolysis, indicating a direct interaction of PFASs with soluble immune proteins. Proteomic profiling of the lysenin family under PFOA and HFPO-DA suggested isoform-level reweighting rather than uniform abundance shifts, although effects did not survive multiple-testing correction. Together, these data show that PFASs act as congener-specific immunomodulators of extracellular humoral defense in E. fetida and identify candidate congeners for confirmatory mechanistic studies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060343

Authors: Dimitra Rapti George Papathanassiou Maria Taftsoglou Riccardo Caputo

Liquefaction phenomena are strongly influenced by the depositional evolution of the area, including sediment grain size, depositional age, shallow layering, and groundwater depth. This study focuses on a 560 km2 wide sector of the eastern Po River Plain (northern Italy), encompassing part of the modern Po Delta, to evaluate the susceptibility of the different geological units to liquefaction. A comprehensive dataset was compiled, integrating lithological, chronological (14C), geomorphological, hydrological, and hydrogeological information, together with satellite imagery, historical and modern maps, archaeological evidence, and subsurface data from core drilling and CPTu tests. The integrated analysis allowed us to reconstruct a liquefaction susceptibility map recognizing four classes: very high (4% of the investigated area), high (26%), moderate (20%), and non-susceptible (50%). CPTu-based statistical analyses confirm that the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI) increases with higher susceptibility classes and decreases with increasing groundwater depth (0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 m scenarios). These results provide a scientific basis to support sustainable land management and governance strategies in the Po Delta, an area of high environmental, cultural, and economic value, a large sector of which is included in the Natura 2000 network.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060344

Authors: Florencio Montellano-Jiménez Edwin A. Zelaya-Benavidez Victor A. Franco-Luján Virginia Hernández-Montoya Marbella Sánchez-Soriano Heriberto Cruz-Martínez

Rivers worldwide are increasingly affected by pollution from untreated wastewater, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and solid waste. In Mexico, the Atoyac and Salado rivers in Oaxaca present critical cases of environmental degradation. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of their current condition by integrating a review of scientific studies reported in the literature with updated field measurements conducted at representative sampling points. The results reveal severe deterioration in water quality, with key physicochemical parameters—such as total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and fats and oils—consistently exceeding the permissible limits established in the standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. For instance, chemical oxygen demand reached values as high as 2112 mg/L, approximately 10 times higher than the regulatory limit (210 mg/L), highlighting the severity of organic pollution in these rivers. These findings indicate a high load of organic and inorganic pollutants associated with anthropogenic activities, including urbanization, industrial discharges, and inadequate wastewater management. In contrast, pH and temperature values remain within acceptable ranges. Most heavy metals and cyanides were found below regulatory limits, suggesting no immediate risk from these contaminants. However, continuous monitoring of these heavy metals and cyanides is necessary, as they could represent a public health problem in the future. Overall, this study underscores the urgent need for integrated and multidisciplinary strategies to restore and sustainably manage these river systems, considering both environmental and socio-environmental dimensions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060341

Authors: Gregory Felipe Franco-Miranda Angel Molina-Garcia Antonio Mateo-Aroca

While rapid digital transformation has significantly optimized sectors such as finance and e-commerce, maintenance management in industrial environments has historically received lower levels of technological and capital investment. This lag creates critical gaps in operational efficiency and asset longevity, particularly within renewable energy infrastructures where sustainability and resilience are paramount. Addressing this technological disparity is essential for minimizing ecological footprints and maximizing the viability of net-zero systems. This paper introduces an advanced multi-platform digital solution designed to optimize the operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and smart infrastructures. The platform addresses traditional management gaps by implementing standardized protocols that integrate real-time remote monitoring, sensor networks, and cloud-based data acquisition. By centralizing historical and real-time data from solar, wind, and hybrid grids, it facilitates advanced analytics, such as predictive modeling of component degradation. Real-world validation across photovoltaic plants and wind farms demonstrates significant impacts: a 30% reduction in unplanned outages and a 20% to 25% decrease in operational and maintenance costs. The results confirm that digitalizing maintenance processes is a strategic pillar for the energy transition, aligning industrial performance with global low-carbon pathways.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060342

Authors: Robert Nikolić Laura Južnik Rotar

Across the European Union, deposit–refund systems (DRSs) are increasingly seen as a crucial response to mounting waste management challenges, including low recycling rates and rising plastic pollution. By attaching a refundable deposit to beverage containers, these systems incentivise civilians to return packaging, thereby significantly reducing litter and improving the quality of recyclable materials. In the context of ambitious EU circular economy and waste reduction targets, DRSs play a key role in addressing resource inefficiency and environmental degradation. The empirical results obtained from a comprehensive panel regression analysis, which accounts for heterogeneity in policy effectiveness, reveal that the effectiveness of a DRS is not uniform across the packaging spectrum in the EU. The results indicate that the presence of a DRS and higher deposit values have a statistically significant and positive effect on packaging waste recycling rates, especially for plastic packaging waste, and that DRSs play a major role in improving and increasing the separate collection of packaging waste, ensuring good quality of the aforementioned fractions. In addition, some structural factors, such as population density and tourism intensity, have a strong impact on recycling efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of implementing deposit systems to achieve circular economy objectives and provide an empirical basis for improving waste management policies in the EU, thereby strengthening evidence-based decision-making.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060340

Authors: Rachid Aziam Daniela Simina Stefan Safa Nouaa Camelia Ungureanu Mohamed Chiban Maria Teodora Stefan

Wastewater containing such inorganic contaminants, especially phosphate and nitrate ions, has to be treated thoroughly before disposal into natural environments. This is a precautionary measure to avoid adverse effects on public health, which are exacerbated when these two pollutants are present in an aqueous system. The present research investigated how the adsorption process is influenced by factors such as the effect of ion composition, contact time, temperature and competitive adsorption behavior in multi-anion systems using Ternary Biopolymer–Bentonite Beads. This study used five isotherms and four kinetic models to investigate phosphate ions removal on prepared natural Clay-Bio-polymer composite beads. The results indicate that the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model provides the most accurate description of the adsorption process. Moreover, the correlation coefficients (R2) obtained for both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are nearly equal to 1, confirming their strong reliability in fitting the experimental data. The strong fit of both the Langmuir and Freundlich models indicates that the adsorption process exhibits mixed behavior, with both monolayer adsorption on relatively homogeneous sites and multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous sites. This mixed-behavior system is typical of composite adsorbents with diverse surface properties. The Redlich-Peterson model, a hybrid of Langmuir and Freundlich, showed the best overall correlation (R2 = 0.990 for H2PO4− and 0.998 for NO3−). The applicability of the Sips and Toth isotherm models, which account for both uniform and non-uniform adsorption behaviors, validated the experimental results. In the competitive binary system, the maximum adsorption capacities achieved by the composite were 121.844 mg/g for H2PO4− and 27.979 mg/g for NO3−. The results indicate strong competition between H2PO4− and NO3− ions for the available active sites, reflecting an antagonistic adsorption. A positive value of ∆H° verifies that the adsorption process is endothermic and primarily physical, consistent with the experimental observations. The negative ∆G° values demonstrate that the adsorption occurs spontaneously, whereas the positive ∆S° indicates an increase in randomness at the solid–liquid interface during the uptake of phosphate ions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060339

Authors: Asmaa Moussaoui Abdelghafour Sifa Marwa Zerrouk Tarik Benabdelouahab Imane Sebari Kenza Aitelkadi

Rurbanization and peri-urbanization are among the most dynamic territorial processes affecting metropolitan regions in Morocco, particularly within the Casablanca–Settat region. These transformations, driven by rapid urban growth, demographic pressure, and socio-economic change, generate complex transitional spaces between rural and urban environments. In this context, the present study proposes a hybrid methodology for detecting, classifying, and analyzing the rural–urban continuum by using remote sensing data and artificial intelligence techniques. The approach integrates Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, spectral indices, Global Human Settlement Layer datasets, and socio-demographic indicators derived from the Moroccan census. Two models, Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) and Graph Neural Networks (GNN), were applied to classify territories into four categories: urban, peri-urban, rurban, and rural. Model outputs were combined with expert-based decision rules to improve classification robustness and interpretability. The SOM model achieved up to 89.3% agreement with expert classifications and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.842, demonstrating strong interpretability and consistency, while the GNN model reached 53% agreement and effectively modeled spatial dependencies and neighborhood interactions. Diachronic analysis between 2014 and 2024 revealed a 54% increase in peri-urban municipalities, a 24% decrease in rurban territories, and a decline in rural municipalities, highlighting intensified urban sprawl and fragmentation of agricultural landscapes. Beyond its scientific contribution, this study provides a valuable decision-support framework for urban planners, environmental agencies, and policy makers involved in territorial governance and sustainable development. It can support land-use planning, monitoring of urban sprawl, protection of agricultural lands, and the implementation of adaptive territorial policies aimed at improving the resilience and sustainability of rurban environments.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060338

Authors: Jelena Malenović-Nikolić Nikola Petrović Dragan Marinković Marko Mančić Vladimir Simić

Soil vulnerability is commonly assessed using environmental indicators; however, the lack of systematic and continuous monitoring often leads to incomplete and fragmented data, particularly in surface coal mining areas affected by potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination. Existing studies mainly focus on impact assessment, with limited emphasis on structured decision-support frameworks for selecting optimal soil protection strategies. This study addresses this gap by proposing an integrated hybrid decision-making framework that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC), and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The main contribution lies in integrating strategic sustainability perspectives (SBSC) with quantitative multi-criteria methods (AHP and TOPSIS), enabling a transparent and consistent evaluation of soil protection strategies across environmental, economic, technical, and social dimensions. The framework was applied to the Kostolac mining and energy complex in Serbia as a representative case study, using data from the State of the Environment Report as the basis for expert evaluation. The results identify risk reduction and environmental effectiveness as the dominant criteria, while the Progressive Strategy (SBSC) achieved the highest ranking. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the model. From a policy perspective, the findings support prioritizing sustainability-oriented and risk-reduction strategies in mining regulations and investment planning.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060337

Authors: Erich Streit Azra Korjenic Jakob Gruber

Elevated particulate matter (PM) concentrations pose severe health risks, necessitating green infrastructure mitigation. While deposition is well documented, wind-induced remobilization remains insufficiently quantified. This study establishes a size-fractionated (PM1–2.5 and PM2.5–10) wind-induced resuspension and net removal values for six Central European shrub and climbing species (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Hedera helix, Viburnum opulus, Viburnum lantana, Ligustrum ovalifolium, and Cornus mas) under controlled laboratory conditions. Following standardized aerosol chamber loading, leaves were subjected to constant, laminar airflow velocity of 3 m/s. Numerical quantification of particle counts per unit area (cm2) was performed via scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron signal processing. Results demonstrate significant interspecific variations. Parthenocissus quinquefolia was most efficient, retaining the highest particle counts (121.6 × 103 particles/cm2 for PM2.5–10) and achieving net removal rates of 46.3% and 60.5% for PM1–2.5 and PM2.5–10, respectively, relative to initial deposition. Cornus mas exhibited the lowest net removal efficiency for coarse particles (21.2% for PM2.5–10), while Hedera helix showed the highest fractional resuspension rates (k = 1.93 × 10−4 ∙ s−1 and 2.01 × 10−4 ∙ s−1, respectively). These species-specific traits are vital for optimizing urban green infrastructure. Ultimately, these findings provide actionable recommendations for targeted plant selection to maximize urban air purification.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060336

Authors: Andra Oros Mădălina Galațchi George Țiganov

Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are persistent contaminants in coastal systems and may accumulate in marine organisms, with relevance for both environmental monitoring and seafood safety assessment. This study provides an exploratory cross-biota assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in fishery resources from the Romanian Black Sea in 2024. The dataset included 24 composite samples and 120 analyte-level observations across bivalves, gastropods, pelagic fish, and demersal fish. Tissue concentrations were integrated with regulatory maximum levels, bioconcentration factors (BCF), biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), and adult dietary risk indices, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ). Within the limits of this single-year dataset, Cd and Pb concentrations were generally higher in bivalves than in fish and gastropods, whereas Cr showed higher values in several fish samples, particularly pelagic fish. Cd was the main element of concern, with regulatory exceedances occurring mainly in bivalves and fewer exceedances in pelagic fish, while Pb exceedance was isolated. BCF and BSAF supported the relevance of Cd as a priority element but were interpreted only as descriptive tissue–water and tissue–sediment ratios, not as evidence of specific uptake pathways. Low abiotic Cd concentrations may have inflated some ratio-based values, and Cr interpretation remains limited by the absence of Cr speciation and dissolved/particulate partitioning data. The adult dietary risk assessment did not indicate substantial non-carcinogenic concern, as all individual THQ values and cumulative TTHQ values remained below 1. Overall, the findings support continued PTE monitoring in the Romanian Black Sea, using sessile bivalves as indicators of local environmental contamination and including gastropods and representative pelagic and demersal fish species of ecological and fisheries relevance to capture contaminant patterns across benthic and mobile fishery resources. Future monitoring should improve species-level replication, integrate metal partitioning in abiotic matrices, and include additional contaminants of seafood safety relevance, particularly Hg and As.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060335

Authors: Daniele Fattorini

Arsenic represents a ubiquitous element in the environment, characterized by high mobility, complex chemical speciation and a strong sensitivity to redox conditions and biological activity, with microbial processes play a central role in its biogeochemical cycling. The present review provides a comprehensive and integrative synthesis of arsenic biogeochemical cycling across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, in which chemical speciation is explicitly treated as the central unifying concept controlling arsenic mobility, transformation and bioavailability, linking geological, chemical and biological processes across environmental compartments. Natural processes regulating arsenic distribution are examined from mineralogical sources and soil–water interactions to biologically mediated transformations in aquatic and marine biotic compartments, largely driven by microbial activity, highlighting the contrast between inorganic arsenic dominance in abiotic reservoirs and the prevalence of organoarsenicals in tissues of living organisms. The review further explores arsenic behaviour under natural environmental alterations and in extreme or unconventional ecosystems, where redox constraints, sulphide chemistry or intense fluid–sediment exchanges lead to deviations from the baseline speciation patterns. Against this framework, anthropogenic perturbations are discussed through several documented case studies, illustrating how industrial releases, the long-term effects of mining activities, agricultural practices and the use of synthetic arsenical compounds may change arsenic pathways primarily by altering geochemical and biological controls rather than through a generalized increase in total arsenic content. Overall, the topics covered provide an integrated framework for interpreting arsenic dynamics across environmental systems, emphasizing the complex biogeochemical processes governing arsenic cycling.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060334

Authors: Aleksandra V. Kim Elena A. Bogatyrenko Tatiana I. Dunkai Olga V. Nesterova Anastasia V. Brikmans

This review summarizes current data on the use of biochar for the reclamation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. The main focus is on the role of biochar in implementing two bioremediation strategies: bioaugmentation involving the introduction of specialized hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, and biostimulation aimed at activating indigenous microflora. Special attention is given to the promising technology of using biochar as a carrier for immobilizing specialized hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms, which enhances the efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbon cleanup. Along with the advantages, the review discusses limitations that restrict the widespread practical application of biochar in oil-contaminated soils.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060333

Authors: Yoisdel Castillo Alvarez Reinier Jiménez Borges Berlan Rodríguez Pérez Juan Pablo Gómez-Montoya Carlos Rizo Maestre Luis Angel Iturralde Carrera Juvenal Rodríguez Reséndiz

The energy recovery of biomass is frequently implemented through single-output systems or passive management schemes, resulting in underutilization of its thermodynamic potential and losses in economic value, climate benefits, and useful co-products. This study formalizes the concept of biopolygeneration as a diagnostic principle aimed at maximizing biomass utilization through the simultaneous production of multiple energy services and the valorization of secondary streams. A dimensionless metric, the Biopolygeneration Diagnostic Index (BDI), is proposed to quantify this concept. The index is bounded within [0,1] and integrates five sub-indices: energy efficiency (IE), thermal integration (IT), energy self-sufficiency (IA), exergetic quality of outputs (IQ), and co-product valorization (IV). Weights were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (w1=0.40, w2=0.24, w3=w4=0.14, w5=0.08; CR=0.007). The BDI was evaluated using six cases, including five operating plants and one validated computational model representing five biomass conversion technologies in four countries. Results ranged from 0.453 for an engine without combined heat and power (CHP) to 0.733 for a cascade trigeneration system. Under identical feed conditions, the incorporation of CHP (C1→C2) increased the BDI from 0.453 to 0.715, representing a 57.7% improvement attributable solely to heat recovery. Current limitations include the small validation sample (n=6) and the reconstruction of IA and IV from technological characteristics due to the absence of standardized reporting in the literature. Although these sub-indices account for only 22% of the total weighting (wIA+wIV=0.22), the present results should be considered a proof of concept rather than a fully empirical validation. The BDI provides a thermodynamically consistent framework for comparing bioenergy systems across technologies and supports technical, regulatory, and investment decision making. Broader validation using larger measurement-based datasets is required before claims of universality can be established.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060332

Authors: Antonije Onjia Jelena Vesković

OnVeMCS 1.1 is a standalone software for probabilistic human health risk assessment of pollutants in soil, sediment, water, air, and food, enabling Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) of risks across multiple exposure pathways. The hazard index (HI) and cancer risk metrics (TCR/ILCR) for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact are quantified using the standard dose/concentration approach. Users can manually enter analyte concentrations with various probability distributions or import them from Excel templates, and select scenario-specific exposure factor sets for residents (children and adults), outdoor and indoor workers, and food consumers. The software supports both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation (2D MCS) modes. The results are presented through a variety of plots, including histograms and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs), pathway/analyte contribution charts, sensitivity analysis plots, nested CDFs, and uncertainty ribbons. The software also allows the overlay of two or more outputs and the inclusion of regulatory thresholds (HI = 1; TCR/ILCR = 10−6–10−4). The results are exported to a multi-sheet Excel workbook containing raw arrays, summary tables, exceedance probabilities, and sensitivity data. OnVeMCS operates quickly, with even 2D MCSs being completed in several seconds. OnVeMCS is distributed as a single Windows installer file with data examples and is free for the academic community.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060331

Authors: Heli A. Arregocés Natalia Fuentes Molina

Assessing the contribution of tropical cyclones to regional precipitation variability is essential for understanding the associated hydrometeorological benefits and risks. This study quantifies the contribution of tropical cyclones to annual precipitation in the northernmost part of South America from 2016 to 2025, utilizing data from surface rain gauges. Simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, configured with 2 km grid spacing and 38 vertical levels, estimate the influence of relative humidity at 850 hPa and ambient temperature at 500 hPa on precipitation over the continental region when each convective system is nearest to the coastline. During Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Melissa (2025), contributions to the annual average precipitation reached 51% and 47%, respectively, with the highest values observed near the northern South American coastline. The contributions of Harvey (2017), Iota (2020), Julia (2022), and Beryl (2024) to annual precipitation were 0–26%, 0–18%, 0–12%, and 0–19%, respectively. Precipitation distribution was heterogeneous during the passage of tropical storms. The extent of accumulated precipitation was influenced by the cyclone’s trajectory and proximity to mountainous regions. Patterns of relative humidity at 850 hPa did not correspond to a uniform precipitation distribution. Between 6% and 30% of rain gauges did not record precipitation during the analyzed tropical cyclone events. These findings highlight that tropical cyclone-induced precipitation is strongly influenced by complex interactions between atmospheric dynamics and topography. Future research should assess the contributions of these systems to groundwater and surface reservoirs that support indigenous communities in rural areas.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060330

Authors: Valentina-Andreea Petre Camelia Ungureanu Stefania Gheorghe Florentina-Laura Chiriac

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants of concern in aquatic environments because of their stability, mobility, and resistance to conventional degradation. This review examines PFAS remediation technologies in water and wastewater treatment, with emphasis on membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and biological approaches. Although many studies have reported high removal efficiencies, the limitations of these techniques are numerous, including membrane fouling, high energy consumption, incomplete destruction, formation of short-chain transformation products, and the management of concentrated residual streams. As a result, PFAS remain bioavailable in receiving waters for biological uptake, leading to ecological consequences in aquatic systems. PFAS can enter organisms through water, diet, sediment contact, and maternal transfer, and their bioaccumulation is associated with growth inhibition, developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, neurobehavioral changes, and hepatic damage. These effects can persist even when treatment systems achieve reductions in water concentrations. Therefore, PFAS management should be assessed not only by removal efficiency but also by the capacity of treatment systems to reduce trophic exposure in food webs.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060329

Authors: Marco Casazza

Immovable cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and long-standing landscape structures, is typically interpreted through historical, aesthetic, and identity-based perspectives. This paper proposes an alternative reading, situating heritage within the broader context of coupled environmental, biological, and human systems. Grounded in non-equilibrium thermodynamics and system ecology, the study advances an ecophysical perspective in which heritage is understood as a persistent structural and informational component of the human niche. Drawing on evidence from building physics, landscape ecology, environmental psychology, and health-related research, this paper discusses the scientific plausibility of heritage-mediated effects, including environmental buffering, habitat stabilization, and cognitive and physiological regulation. These heterogeneous processes are reinterpreted within a unified conceptual framework, HEROS (HERitage One Health System), which links observable indicators to underlying mechanisms of organization and dissipation. A simplified stock–flow formulation, consistent with ecophysics and system ecology literature, is introduced to illustrate how heritage may influence dissipation across environmental, animal, and human subsystems. Rather than presenting a fully operational model, this perspective aims to reposition heritage within One Health and sustainability frameworks, highlighting its potential role in supporting system stability, resilience, and long-term continuity.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060328

Authors: Mpendulo Wiseman Mamba Delson Chikobvu

This study uses and compares stationary and non-stationary Generalised Extreme Value Distribution (GEVD) to model the behaviour of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emission maxima from each of 13 Eskom’s coal-fuelled power stations. The pollutant is modelled to facilitate monitoring and regulation in order to protect public health and the environment. The Maximum Likelihood Estimate (MLE) and Generalised Maximum Likelihood Estimate (GMLE) parameter estimation methods are used and compared in finding the best-fitting model per power station. The results show that a non-stationary model with time-dependent location and/or scale parameter(s) produced the best fit for ten of the power stations, while a stationary model gave the best fit for three, as confirmed by the diagnostic tools. Future extremely high NO2 emissions were estimated by making use of the 40 and 100 quarter return levels based on the best-fitting models. This study shows how stationarity may not hold for all NO2 emission data from Eskom’s coal-fired power stations. Modelling data using time-dependent non-stationary GEVD models can be useful, especially in identifying and predicting trends or patterns in worsening high NO2 emissions with time. This modelling approach is important in providing information for planning and policy formulation of extreme emissions from coal-fired electricity-generating power stations at Eskom (South Africa).

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060327

Authors: Clarissa Settimi Daniela Zingaretti Renato Baciocchi Iason Verginelli

This review presents a process-based decision-making framework for chlorinated vapor intrusion (CVI) mitigation. CVI mitigation refers to the set of engineered strategies aimed at interrupting, attenuating or transforming vapor fluxes before they reach indoor environments. Existing literature and technical guidelines typically classify mitigation strategies according to technological configuration (active versus passive), rather than physical and chemical processes governing vapor transport and attenuation, which may lead to suboptimal design choices and reduced system resilience. To address this limitation, this framework proposes a process-based classification of CVI mitigation strategies based on the dominant mechanisms controlling vapor migration in subsurface. Five mechanistic categories are identified: driving-force control through pressure manipulation, dilution via air exchange, diffusive flux control through physical barriers, density-driven attenuation in permeable sub-slab layers, and in situ transformation based on sorption or degradation. By explicitly linking mitigation technologies to transport and transformation processes, the proposed framework provides a structured basis for mechanism-oriented selection, integrating performance, longevity, climate resilience, and lifecycle energy demand. In addition to established mitigation approaches, such as sub-slab depressurization, this work highlights emerging passive strategies, including high permeable granular layers and horizontal reactive or adsorbing barriers, as potential low-energy alternatives for durable management. Overall, the proposed framework supports site-specific, sustainability-oriented decision-making on CVI mitigation.