Search Results (40)

The rapid growth of the world’s population is generating escalating demands for food production. Global food demand is expected to increase by 35% to 56% between 2010 and 2050. Therefore, food mass production is becoming more challenging. The chemicalization of food production, processing, transport, packaging, and storage is almost impossible to avoid. These factors, along with environmental pollution, contribute to the increase in food product contamination. Xenobiotics appearing in food, including a variety of toxic substances (heavy metals, acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and pathogens (pathogenic bacteria, fungi, molds, and yeast-producing mycotoxins) can threaten consumers’ safety and have negative economic implications. In this regard, the introduction of effective detoxification methods appears to be very important. It can be accomplished by physical, chemical, and biological means. Many reports have proved that probiotics are useful in food biodetoxification. Probiotics effectively reduce food contamination (at various stages of food production) and, moreover, annihilate toxins present in the human body. Many in vitro studies have confirmed the biodetoxification properties of probiotics, demonstrating that they diminish the toxic effects of the main types of food contaminants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, mycotoxins, nitrates and nitrites, acrylamide, alkylphenols, biogenic amines, and dioxins). Probiotics produce various bioactive compounds, including antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic compounds. Their protective and beneficial influence on human microbiota can modulate host inflammatory processes, inhibit carcinogenesis, and modify immune resistance. Detoxification with probiotics is environment-friendly and, unlike physical and chemical methods, does not adversely affect the nutritional value and quality of food. In addition, probiotics in food are associated with well-known human health benefits; therefore, as a functional food, they have gained common consumer acceptance. The large-scale application of biodetoxification methods in both agriculture and the food industry is a challenge for the future. Based on contemporary research, this review provides the mechanism of probiotic biodetoxification, possible applications of various probiotics, and future trends. Full article

Atmospheric intermediate volatile organic compounds (IVOCs) are important precursors of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), and in-depth research on them is crucial for atmospheric pollution control. This review systematically synthesizes global advancements in understanding IVOC sources, emissions characterization, compositional characteristics, ambient concentrations, SOA contributions, and health risk assessments. IVOCs include long-chain alkanes (C₁₂~C₂₂), sesquiterpenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, ketones, esters, organic acids, and heterocyclic compounds, which originate from primary emissions and secondary formation. Primary emissions include direct emissions from anthropogenic and biogenic sources, while secondary formation mainly results from radical reactions or particulate surface reactions. Recently, the total IVOC emissions have decreased in some countries, while emissions from certain sources, such as volatile chemical products, have increased. Ambient IVOC concentrations are generally higher in urban rather than in rural areas, higher indoors than outdoors, and on land rather than over oceans. IVOCs primarily generate SOAs via oxidation reactions with hydroxyl radicals, nitrate radicals, the ozone, and chlorine atoms, which contribute more to SOAs than traditional VOCs, with higher SOA yields. SOA tracers for IVOC species like naphthalene and β-caryophyllene have been identified. Integrating IVOC emissions into regional air quality models could significantly improve SOA simulation accuracy. The carcinogenic risk posed by naphthalene should be prioritized, while benzo[a]pyrene requires a combined risk assessment and hierarchical management. Future research should focus on developing high-resolution online detection technologies for IVOCs, clarifying the multiphase reaction mechanisms involved and SOA tracers, and conducting comprehensive human health risk assessments. Full article

Sixty-four phenols grouped as nitrated, bromo, amino, methyl, chloro-phenols, and cresols, and thirty-eight organic acids grouped as mono-carboxylic and dicarboxylic are analyzed in forty-two fog samples collected in the Alsace region between 2015 and 2021 to check their atmospheric behavior. Fogwater samples are collected using the Caltech Active Strand Cloudwater Collector (CASCC2), extracted using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) on a solid cartridge (XTR Chromabond), and then analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show the high capability of phenols and acids to be scavenged by fogwater due to their high solubility. Nitro-phenols and mono-carboxylic acids have the highest contributions to the total phenolic and acidic concentrations, respectively. 2,5-dinitrophenol, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and 3,4-dinitrophenol have the highest concentration, originating mainly from vehicular emissions and some photochemical reactions. The top three mono-carboxylic acids are hexadecenoic acid (C16), eicosanoic acid (C18), and dodecanoic acid (C12), whereas succinic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and oxalic acid are the most concentrated dicarboxylic acids, originated either from atmospheric oxidation (mainly secondary organic aerosols (SOAs)) or vehicular transport. Pearson’s correlations show positive correlations between organic acids and previously analyzed metals (p < 0.05), between mono- and dicarboxylic acids (p < 0.001), and between the analyzed acidic compounds (p < 0.001), whereas no correlations are observed with previously analyzed inorganic ions. Total phenolic and acidic fractions are found to be much higher than those observed for pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured at the same region due to their higher scavenging by fogwater. Full article

Increasing urbanization and the associated sealing of areas and the use of storm sewer systems for drainage not only increase the risk of flooding but also reduce water quality in streams into which stormwater is discharged. Green infrastructure (GI) measures are applied with the aim of managing this stormwater sustainably and reducing the associated risks. To this end, a quantitative–qualitative approach was developed to simulate GI—namely, rain gardens, bioretention cells, and vegetative bioswales—at the urban catchment scale. The findings highlight the potential of applying GI measures to managing stormwater more effectively in urban environments and mitigating its negative pollution-related impacts. For the housing estate analyzed, a simulated implementation of GI resulted in a reduction in pollution, measured as total nitrogen (N; 9–52%), nitrate-N (5–30%), total phosphorus (11–59%), chemical oxygen demand (8–46%), total suspended solids (13–73%), copper (12–64%), zinc (Zn; 16–87%), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16–91%), and the hydrocarbon oil index (HOI; 15–85%). Reducing the concentrations of pollutants minimizes the risk to human health determined via the HOI from a low-risk level to zero risk and reduces the ecological risk in terms of Zn pollution from a significant risk to a low risk of adverse effects. The modeling conducted clearly shows that the GI solutions implemented facilitated a quantitative reduction and a qualitative improvement in stormwater, which is crucial from an environmental perspective and ensures a sustainable approach to stormwater management. Lowering the levels of stormwater pollution through the implementation of GI will consequently lower the environmental burden of pollutants in urban areas. Full article

Stormwater runoff from large roads is a major source of pollutants to receiving waters, and reduction of these pollutants is important for sustainable water resources and transportation networks. Porous pavements have been shown to substantially reduce many of these pollutants, but studies are lacking on arterial roads. We sampled typical stormwater pollutants in runoff from sections of an arterial road 9–16 years after installation of three pavement types: control with conventional asphalt, porous asphalt overly, and full-depth porous asphalt. Both types of porous pavements substantially reduced most of the stormwater pollutants measured. Total suspended solids, turbidity, total lead, total copper, and 6PPD-quinone were all reduced by >75%. Total nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand, total and dissolved copper, total mercury, total zinc, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate were all reduced by >50%. Reductions were lower or absent for nitrate, orthophosphate, E. coli, dissolved lead, and dissolved zinc. Most reductions were statistically significant. Many pollutants exceeded applicable water quality standards in the control samples but met them with both types of porous pavement. This study demonstrates that porous overlays and full-depth porous asphalt can provide substantial reductions of several priority stormwater pollutants on arterial roads for many years after installation. Porous pavements have the potential to substantially enhance water quality of urban waterways and provide ecological benefits on urban thoroughfares. Full article

Fine particles (PM_2.5) have generally been reported as the major contributor to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Lebanon is characterized by a high density of transport, the production of electricity by generators, and a problem of uncontrolled incineration of household waste. For the purpose of this paper, the physico-chemical properties of fine (PM_2.5-0.3) and quasi-ultrafine (PM_0.3) particulate matter sampled in Southern Lebanon, were studied. Then, an evaluation and comparison of the toxicity of the different extracted fractions from PM (i.e., native PM_2.5-0.3 vs. organic extractable matter fraction (OEM_2.5-0.3), and non-extractable matter fraction (NEM_2.5-0.3)) was performed. Also, an examination of the toxicity of PM_0.3 was conducted indirectly through the evaluation of the OEM_0.3 harmfulness. The physico-chemical analysis showed that PM_0.3 was much more concentrated than PM_2.5-0.3 in organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (28-fold) and their nitrated (N-PAHs, 14-fold) and oxygenated (O-PAHs, 10-fold) derivatives. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to PM_2.5-0.3, its derived fractions (i.e., OEM_2.5-0.3 and NEM_2.5-0.3), and OEM_0.3 before evaluating the global cytotoxicity, metabolic activation of organic compounds, genotoxicity, and inflammatory response. Different responses were observed depending on the considered fraction of particles. The global cytotoxicity showed a pronounced response related to ATP and LDH activities after exposure to the quasi-ultrafine organic extractable matter fraction (OEM_0.3). There was no significant induction of the AhR cell-signaling pathway by NEM_2.5-0.3. Despite the apparent difference in the kinetics of induction of the toxicological endpoints under study, OEM_0.3 provoked a higher overall cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than OEM_2.5-0.3 and total PM_2.5-0.3. Taken together, these results clearly showed that the finest particles are more damaging to BEAS-2B cells than PM_2.5-0.3 because they are richer in organic compounds, thereby inducing more remarkable toxic effects. Full article

In this work, three wheat crops were planted successively under semi-arid climatic conditions; we wished to evaluate the positive and negative effects of the addition of sewage sludge (SS) on plants and soils under the conditions encountered during conventional agricultural management. SS was added to the first two crops at doses equivalent to 170 kg N/ha, and the third crop was left untreated. The soils were sampled initially and at the end of each cultivation period. At the end of the third crop’s cultivation period, the heavy metal and organic pollutant contents of grain and straw were analyzed, as well as the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The amended soils showed a higher N content, greater microbial respiration, and greater dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity than the control. The amended plants showed higher N, Ca, and K contents than the control. Yields were 11% and 16% higher in the SS-amended soils than in the control in the experiments involving the second and third crop, respectively. No problems related to salinity or the heavy metal content were observed in both the soil and plant. However, nitrate content increased in the amended soils compared to the control. Among the persistent organic compounds, only linear alkyl benzene sulphonates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons increased with the addition of SS, but such differences from the control disappeared gradually. No problematic coliform content or presence of Salmonella spp. was detected in the soil or plant. We can thus conclude that SS of adequate quality can be recycled in agricultural soils, but adequate monitoring of the receiving soil is crucial. Full article

To understand the influences of emulsified fuel on ship exhaust emissions more comprehensively, the emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrated, oxygenated and parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied on a ship main engine burning emulsified heavy fuel oil (EHFO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO) as a reference. The results demonstrate that EHFO (emulsified heavy fuel oil) exhibits notable abilities to significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and low molecular weight PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the gas phase, particularly showcasing maximum reductions of 13.99% and 40.5%, respectively. Nevertheless, burning EHFO could increase the emission of high molecular weight PAHs in fine particles and pose a consequent higher carcinogenic risk for individual particles. The total average (gaseous plus particulate) ΣBEQ of EHFO exhausts (41.5 μg/m³) was generally higher than that of HFO exhausts (18.7 μg/m³). Additionally, the combustion of EHFO (extra-heavy fuel oil) can significantly alter the emission quantity, composition, and particle-size distribution of PAH derivatives. These changes may be linked to molecular structures, such as zigzag configurations in C=O bonds. Our findings may favor the comprehensive environmental assessments on the onboard application of EHFO. Full article

Rainfall runoff may be captured and stored for later use, but the quality of this water can be detrimental in some uses without the use of appropriately designed first-flush diverters. The rainfall runoff water quality was measured on nineteen new small-scale and two aged commercial roofs located near high traffic highways. Roof coverings included asphalt shingles, sheet metal, clay tiles, and tar and gravel. Runoff samples were evaluated for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), and pyrethroid insecticides. Eighteen small-scale roofs were subjected to a range of simulated rainfall events, while natural runoff was sampled on the commercial roofs and one small-scale roof. Runoff was analyzed for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids, boron, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, sodium adsorption ratio, nitrate-nitrogen, seventeen PAHs, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Samples from four natural storm events were also analyzed for total coliforms and Escherichia coli. In addition, soils below seventeen existing gutter downspouts were sampled to determine long-term pollutant accumulation. Atmospheric deposition was the main contributor of pollutants in the roof runoff. A majority of samples fell within the U.S. EPA guidelines for non-potable urban and agricultural water reuse. Trace levels of PAHs, PFRs, and insecticides were detected, but all detections were three orders of magnitude below the USGS health-based screening level benchmark concentrations. Results indicate that diverting the first flush, based on turbidity, total suspended solids, or conductivity, can improve the overall water quality and reduce the concentrations of PAHs in harvested rainwater. Downspout soil sampling showed potential for the long-term accumulation of PAHs at concentrations exceeding the minimum human-health risk-based screening levels at these high runoff-loading locations. Full article

Coke production is an important source of environmental polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. The focus near coking plants has primarily been on parent-PAH contamination, with less attention given to highly toxic derivatives. In this study, soil samples were collected from both within and outside of a coking plant. The concentrations of parent-PAHs and their derivatives, including methylated-PAHs, oxygenated-PAHs, and nitrated-PAHs, were examined. Spatial interpolation was employed to determine their spatial distribution patterns. Methods for identifying potential sources and conducting incremental lifetime cancer risk analysis were used. This could achieve a comprehensive understanding of the status of PAC pollution and the associated health risks caused by coke production. The concentrations of total PACs inside the plant ranged from 7.4 to 115.8 mg/kg, higher than those outside (in the range of 0.2 to 65.7 mg/kg). The spatial distribution of parent-PAH concentration and their derivatives consistently decreased with increasing distance from the plant. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) among parent-PAHs and their derivatives was observed, indicating relatively consistent sources. Based on diagnostic ratios, the potential emission sources of soil PACs could be attributed to coal combustion and vehicle emissions, while principal component analysis–multiple linear regression further indicated that primary emissions and secondary formation jointly influenced the PAC content, accounting for 60.4% and 39.6%, respectively. The exposure risk of soil PACs was dominated by 16 priority control PAHs; the non-priority PAHs’ contribution to the exposure risk was only 6.4%. Full article

Emissions from modern gasoline engines represent an environmental and health risk. In this study, we aimed to compare the toxicity of organic compound mixtures extracted from particulate matter (PM extracts) produced by neat gasoline (E0) and a blend containing 15% ethanol (E15), which is offered as an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels. Human lung BEAS-2B cells were exposed to PM extracts, and biomarkers of genotoxicity, such as DNA damage evaluated by comet assay, micronuclei formation, levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX, the expression of genes relevant to the DNA damage response, and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were determined. Results showed that both PM extracts significantly increased the level of oxidized DNA lesions. The E0 extract exhibited a more pronounced effect, possibly due to the higher content of nitrated PAHs. Other endpoints were not substantially affected by any of the PM extracts. Gene expression analysis revealed mild but coordinated induction of genes related to DNA damage response, and a strong induction of PAH-inducible genes, indicating activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Our data suggest that the addition of ethanol into the gasoline diminished the oxidative DNA damage, but no effect on other genotoxicity biomarkers was observed. Activated AhR may play an important role in the toxicity of gasoline PM emissions. Full article

The Arieş River (Western Romania) represents one of the most important affluents of the Mureş River, with great significance in the Mureş Tisza basin. The environmental quality of the Arieş basin is significantly affected by both historic mining activities and contemporary impacts. Thus, an evaluation of the effects of the main contaminants found in water (organochlorine pesticides—OCPs, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—MAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—PAHs, and metals) on cyanobacteria and plants was performed. Among OCPs, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and derivatives were detected in plants while admissible concentrations were detected in water. Among MAHs, high levels of benzene were detected both in water and in plants. The levels of PAHs exceeded the allowable values in all samples. Increased concentrations of metals in water were found only at Baia de Arieş, but in plants, all metal concentrations were high. The pH, nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates, as well as metals, pesticides, and aromatic hydrocarbons, influenced the physiological characteristics of algae, test plants, and aquatic plants exposed to various compounds dissolved in water. Considering that the Arieş River basin is the site of intense past mining activities, these data provide information about the impact on water quality as a consequence of pollution events. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives have received extensive attention due to their negative effects on the environment and on human health. However, few studies have performed comprehensive assessments of PAHs emitted from pesticide factories. This study assessed the concentration, composition, and health risk of 52 PM_2.5-bound PAHs during the daytime and nighttime in the vicinity of a typical pesticide factory. The total concentration of 52 PAHs (Σ52PAHs) ranged from 53.04 to 663.55 ng/m³. No significant differences were observed between daytime and nighttime PAH concentrations. The average concentrations of twenty-two parent PAHs, seven alkylated PAHs, ten oxygenated PAHs, and twelve nitrated PAHs were 112.55 ± 89.69, 18.05 ± 13.76, 66.13 ± 54.79, and 3.90 ± 2.24 ng/m³, respectively. A higher proportion of high-molecular-weight (4–5 rings) PAHs than low-molecular-weight (2–3 rings) PAHs was observed. This was likely due to the high-temperature combustion of fuels. Analysis of diagnostic ratios indicated that the PAHs were likely derived from coal combustion and mixed sources. The total carcinogenic equivalent toxicity ranged from 15.93 to 181.27 ng/m³. The incremental lifetime cancer risk from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact with the PAHs was 2.33 × 10⁻³ for men and 2.53 × 10⁻³ for women, and the loss of life expectancy due to the PAHs was 11,915 min (about 0.023 year) for men and 12,952 min (about 0.025 year) for women. These results suggest that long-term exposure to PM_2.5 emissions from a pesticide factory has significant adverse effects on health. The study results support implementing the characterization of PAH emissions from pesticide factories and provides a scientific basis for optimizing the living environment around pesticide factories. Full article

In this work, a novel analytical methodology for the extraction and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives, nitrated (NPAH) and oxygenated (OPAH), in bee honey samples was developed. The extraction approach resulted in being straightforward, sustainable, and low-cost. It was based on a salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination (SALLE-UHPLC-(+)APCI-MS/MS). The following figures of merit were obtained, linearity between 0.8 and 500 ng g⁻¹ for NPAH and between 0.1 and 750 ng g⁻¹ for OPAH compounds, coefficients of determination (r2) from 0.97 to 0.99. Limits of detection (LOD) were from 0.26 to 7.42 ng g⁻¹ for NPAH compounds and from 0.04 to 9.77 ng g⁻¹ for OPAH compounds. Recoveries ranged from 90.6% to 100.1%, and relative standard deviations (RSD) were lower than 8.9%. The green assessment of the method was calculated. Thus, the Green Certificate allowed a classification of 87 points. This methodology was reliable and suitable for application in honey samples. The results demonstrated that the levels of nitro- and oxy-PAHs were higher than those reported for unsubstituted PAHs. In this sense, the production chain sometimes transforms foods as direct carriers of contaminants to consumers, representing a concern and demonstrating the need for routine control. Full article

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) has shown success in past years for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater containing inorganic nutrients (i.e., nitrogen). However, the increase in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated matrices calls for new strategies for efficient and environmentally sustainable remediation. Therefore, the present review examined the literature on the connection between the anammox process and PAHs using VOSviewer to shed light on the mechanisms involved during PAH biodegradation and the key factors affecting anammox bacteria. The scientific literature thoroughly discussed here shows that PAHs can be involved in nitrogen removal by acting as electron donors, and their presence does not adversely affect the anammox bacteria. Anammox activity can be improved by regulating the operating parameters (e.g., organic load, dissolved oxygen, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio) and external supplementation (i.e., calcium nitrate) that promote changes in the microbial community (e.g., Candidatus Jettenia), favoring PAH degradation. The onset of a synergistic dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and partial denitrification can be beneficial for PAH and nitrogen removal. Full article