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Environments
Volume 13
Issue 3
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Environments, Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2026) – 53 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Saharan dust intrusions are increasingly recognized as active agents in atmospheric chemistry, yet their influence on the isotopic fractionation of greenhouse gases remains largely unexplored. This study provides new evidence from continuous CH₄ and CO₂ stable carbon isotope measurements at a new ICOS station in southern Italy, revealing that dust-laden air masses can measurably alter regional carbon dynamics. During dust events, δ¹³C–CH₄ shows enrichment alongside reduced CH₄ levels, suggesting enhanced oxidation driven by mineral aerosols. At the same time, δ¹³C–CO₂ exhibits unexpected depletion, consistent with dust-induced radiative suppression of photosynthesis. These findings highlight the overlooked role of Saharan dust in shaping short-term isotopic variability across the Mediterranean Basin. View this paper
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26 pages, 3374 KB  
Article
Sloping Terrain May Increase Grazing Pressure on Rangelands: Evidence from Herbivore Jaw Activity and Locomotion
by Eugene David Ungar, Maya Zahavi, Hillary Voet, Shilo Navon, Aharon Bellalu and Tal Svoray
Environments 2026, 13(3), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030177 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the relationships between the local and landscape scales in herbivore foraging should place the management of rangeland production systems on a firmer footing. The objective was to test whether local-scale landscape features modulate the coupling between locomotion and eating, [...] Read more.
A deeper understanding of the relationships between the local and landscape scales in herbivore foraging should place the management of rangeland production systems on a firmer footing. The objective was to test whether local-scale landscape features modulate the coupling between locomotion and eating, thereby altering the pattern of landscape-scale grazing pressure. We studied shepherded small-ruminant herds on hilly semiarid rangeland by integrating acoustic monitoring to detect jaw movements, GPS to track location and movement, and GIS to link location to landscape attributes. Based on 69 one-day foraging routes, minutely rate of jaw movement (RJM) as a function of time-into-foraging-route showed a unimodal concave shape but did not respond to path angle. Minutely movement velocity responded convexly to time-into-foraging-route, and the quadratic term for path angle was negative and highly significant. The response to path angle was concave and symmetrical for uphill and downhill travel. Based on the empirical evidence that increasing path angle reduces velocity but not RJM and a set of reasonable associated assumptions, it is inferred that more jaw movements are performed per unit area scanned by the animal. It is further inferred abductively that more bites are removed per unit area and that more mass is removed per unit area, and hence, grazing pressure is more intense on sloping terrain than on level areas. For a given duration of foraging route, an increase in density of bite placement at the local behavioral scale implies a contraction in the surface area of the daily herd footprint at the landscape scale. This has implications for how carrying capacity of such areas should be defined. Full article
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24 pages, 2234 KB  
Systematic Review
Toward Cleaner and Smarter Ports: Systematic Review of Water Monitoring and Pollution Alert Technologies from Global Patents (TRL4–5) and Scientific Analyses (TRL 3)
by Cristina M. Quintella, Nuno Borges, Ricardo Salgado and Ana M. A. T. Mata
Environments 2026, 13(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030176 - 23 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1379
Abstract
This systematic review evaluates recent scientific and technological advances in water quality monitoring and pollution alarms for ports, based on records retrieved from seven databases following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 414 documents were screened, resulting in 141 articles (TRL 3) and [...] Read more.
This systematic review evaluates recent scientific and technological advances in water quality monitoring and pollution alarms for ports, based on records retrieved from seven databases following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 414 documents were screened, resulting in 141 articles (TRL 3) and 56 patents (TRL 4–5). Bibliometric, patentometric, and thematic analyses were conducted using Bibliometrix and ORBIT®. Results show sustained growth in both academic and technological outputs, with a patent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 32%, compared with 13% for scientific publications, indicating accelerated translation from research to innovation. The conversion rate from scientific research to patenting increased from 14% (2010–2015) to 47% (2020–2023). Analysis of patent legal status reveals that 52% of patent families remain valid (48% granted; 4% pending), while 33% are lapsed, 13% revoked, and 2% expired, reflecting the dynamic and emerging character of the field. Technological ownership is highly concentrated, with China accounting for nearly all active patents, whereas scientific production is more geographically distributed. Thematic analysis identifies four main scientific clusters: environmental monitoring, chemical pollutants, seashore hazards, and eutrophication. The main technological domains of the patents are analysis of biological materials, control, and environmental technologies. Emerging areas of focus at TRL 3 and TRL 4–5 include microplastics, climate-change impacts, aquaculture risks, real-time sensing, IoT-enabled platforms, machine-learning analytics, autonomous monitoring systems, and bioindicator-based early-warning tools. This review provides a quantitative roadmap to support sustainable port operations, coastal ecosystem protection, and progress toward multiple synergistic United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article
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23 pages, 3577 KB  
Article
Endophyte-Assisted Phytoremediation by the Halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum Coping with Extreme Salinity and Hydrocarbon Pollution
by Anton Shiriaev, Andrea Scartazza, Daniela Di Baccio, Elisabetta Franchi, Ilaria Pietrini, Danilo Fusini, Alessia Bastianoni, Irene Rosellini, Gianniantonio Petruzzelli, Francesca Pedron and Meri Barbafieri
Environments 2026, 13(3), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030175 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1290
Abstract
Hypersaline waters contaminated with crude oil represent a major obstacle for phytoremediation, as few plant species tolerate both high salinity and hydrocarbon toxicity. In this study, the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pallas) M. Bieb. was grown hydroponically in hypersaline solutions (50 and 80 g [...] Read more.
Hypersaline waters contaminated with crude oil represent a major obstacle for phytoremediation, as few plant species tolerate both high salinity and hydrocarbon toxicity. In this study, the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pallas) M. Bieb. was grown hydroponically in hypersaline solutions (50 and 80 g L−1 NaCl) containing crude oil (600 mg L−1). The plant was inoculated with endophytic bacteria isolated in a previous step from its root and selected for salt tolerance and hydrocarbon-degrading potential. The plant behaviour was assessed through growth and photosynthetic performance, while the degradation of hydrocarbons (C < 12 and C > 12) was monitored over time. At 50 g L−1 NaCl, crude oil reduced the plant growth by 60%, but inoculation with endophytic bacteria mitigated this decline, demonstrating their positive influence under combined salt and hydrocarbon stress. At 80 g L−1 NaCl, neither plant biomass nor chlorophyll fluorescence was significantly affected by crude oil, with or without bacterial inoculation, consistent with the strong intrinsic salt tolerance of H. strobilaceum, which likely buffered additional stress inputs. Metagenomic analyses revealed distinct root-associated microbial communities under different treatments, suggesting synergistic plant–microbe interactions that enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and metabolic stability. The presence of endophytes accelerated the degradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10–C40) at both salinity levels. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic bacteria to enhance resilience in H. strobilaceum and its phytoremediation capacity, offering a promising nature-based approach for the sustainable treatment of highly saline, crude oil-contaminated industrial waters. Full article
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17 pages, 7207 KB  
Article
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions Using Peach Stone-Derived Activated Carbons
by Ivanka Stoycheva, Bilyana Petrova, Angelina Kosateva, Boyko Tsyntsarski, Nartzislav Petrov, Pavlina Dolashka and Bogdan Ranguelov
Environments 2026, 13(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030174 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become a global environmental concern due to their extreme persistence and toxicity. In this study, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was removed from aqueous solutions using porous carbon adsorbents synthesized from peach stones. The novelty of this work lies [...] Read more.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become a global environmental concern due to their extreme persistence and toxicity. In this study, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was removed from aqueous solutions using porous carbon adsorbents synthesized from peach stones. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a procedure for obtaining a suitable carbon adsorbent, whose properties are consistent with the properties of the adsorbate. An appropriate activation was used, allowing the preparation of an adsorbent with a highly developed porous texture and a large surface area, which is a prerequisite for a significant adsorption capacity of the obtained adsorbents towards PFOA. Both carbon adsorbents obtained from peach pits, with clearly different surface chemistry—KOH-activated carbon (ACKOH) and its nitric acid-oxidized derivative (ACHNO3)—for PFOA adsorption were compared, along with the clarification of the relationship between the graphitic structure, pore development, surface functionality and adsorption characteristics. The first adsorbent was produced by chemical activation with KOH at 800 °C, while the second was obtained by oxidative modification of the activated sample with 12% HNO3. Characterization by Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and nitrogen physisorption revealed a highly graphitized structure (ID/IG = 0.86) and well-developed porosity. Adsorption experiments were carried out at PFOA concentrations from 8 to 40 µmol/L using a spectrophotometric method based on methylene blue ion-pair extraction into chloroform. The results showed that ACKOH exhibited a high maximum adsorption capacity of 1660 µmol/g (687.36 mg/g) and followed the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption. In contrast, ACHNO3 showed a significantly lower adsorption capacity of 398.36 µmol/g (164.95 mg/g), which was attributed to electrostatic repulsion caused by acidic oxygen-containing surface groups. These findings demonstrate that peach stone-derived activated carbon is a promising, sustainable, and efficient adsorbent for the removal of PFOA from water. Full article
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20 pages, 3090 KB  
Article
The Impact of Land-Use Planning on Lifestyle Carbon Footprints
by Teemu Jama, Jukka Heinonen and Henrikki Tenkanen
Environments 2026, 13(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030173 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1174
Abstract
Research on Consumption-Based Carbon Footprints has recognised that lifestyles change significantly along the urban–rural continuum, with urban typically manifesting as an increase in the footprint of consumption while rural areas have a higher footprint for vehicle usage. However, there is limited research on [...] Read more.
Research on Consumption-Based Carbon Footprints has recognised that lifestyles change significantly along the urban–rural continuum, with urban typically manifesting as an increase in the footprint of consumption while rural areas have a higher footprint for vehicle usage. However, there is limited research on the extent to which land-use patterns defined by urban plans influence these outcomes. To fill this lack, we controlled for household income and housing type and measured Spearman and Pearson partial correlations between the coverage of different zoning land-use types in the neighbourhoods and the footprints of different subdomains: Goods and services, Leisure travel, Vehicle, and Total footprint. These domains are central to both modern lifestyles and urban planning with related objectives. We found out that high Goods and Services and Leisure travel footprints do align with the urban land-use types, while Vehicle footprints show inverted results. However, the mirrored impact for higher Vehicle and Total footprint is not recognised in exurban areas, while the impact on Goods and services and Leisure travel is inverted. These findings diverge from the common per capita analysis of supply-side emissions used to analyse zoning impacts and call for more detailed research on the net climate impacts of the built environment designated with land-use plans. Full article
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13 pages, 853 KB  
Article
Long-Term Effect of Oral Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium on Gastrointestinal Cancer Mortality—An Ecological Study in Greece
by Konstantinos Katsas, Aristotelis Bamias, Theodora Psaltopoulou and Konstantinos Triantafyllou
Environments 2026, 13(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030172 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic trace element. While carcinogenicity through inhalation is well-established, gastrointestinal (GI) carcinogenicity via oral ingestion remains contentious. This study aimed to measure GI cancer mortality at Oinofyta, Greece, where the toxic waste of industries was [...] Read more.
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic trace element. While carcinogenicity through inhalation is well-established, gastrointestinal (GI) carcinogenicity via oral ingestion remains contentious. This study aimed to measure GI cancer mortality at Oinofyta, Greece, where the toxic waste of industries was discarded in the village’s water source for a long time. An ecological study was carried out at the Oinofyta municipal unit, where the primary water supply had been contaminated with Cr(VI) for approximately three decades. Mortality data of all residents of Oinofyta for the period 2000–2021 were obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, and causes of death were classified according to the ICD-10. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) were computed, stratified by five-year age groups, biological sex, and calendar year, using the population of the entire Voiotia regional unit as the reference population. A higher all GI cancer SMR was observed during the second decade (SMR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.03, 1.95), but not the first (SMR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.64, 1.44). Overall, the SMR was evidently higher for males (SMR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.0, 1.8), but not for females (SMR = 0.97; 95%CI = 0.6, 1.49). A borderline higher SMR was also observed for colorectal cancer in males (SMR = 1.63; 95%CI = 0.93, 2.65; p = 0.08). Additionally, the SMR for all GI cancers demonstrated a significant increasing trend from 2000–2009 to 2010–2021 (0.98; 95%CI = 0.64, 1.44 to 1.44; 95%CI = 1.03, 1.95). This ecological study presents a population-level association between Cr(VI)-contaminated drinking water with certain GI cancers, suggesting further research for etiological associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)
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21 pages, 1637 KB  
Article
Barriers to Solar Photovoltaic Adoption: Findings from Household Interviews in Four Towns in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
by Uzziah Mutumbi, Gladman Thondhlana and Sheunesu Ruwanza
Environments 2026, 13(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030171 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1868
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel energy, but the uptake of solar PV systems is often constrained by perceived and actual barriers. Despite South Africa’s very high solar generation potential, solar PV adoption remains low, [...] Read more.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel energy, but the uptake of solar PV systems is often constrained by perceived and actual barriers. Despite South Africa’s very high solar generation potential, solar PV adoption remains low, accounting for less than 10% of the country’s energy mix. Central to renewable energy debates is making sure that the transition is equitable, affordable, and inclusive. Yet, despite high levels of inequality, there is no empirical standing on the factors hindering solar PV adoption among a socially differentiated household gradient. Using household interviews, the study investigated barriers to solar PV adoption across an income gradient in four towns located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Results showed that significantly more high-income (82%) than low-income (63%) households had considered solar PV adoption, primarily to mitigate power cuts (89%). Both income groups were constrained by financial, institutional, and social barriers, but low-income households were disproportionately affected. While 86% of high-income households cited initial financial constraints, low-income households were nearly twice as likely to worry about high maintenance costs (48% vs. 26%) and system unfamiliarity (36% vs. 14%). High-income respondents were more concerned with institutional and technical barriers, such as a lack of supportive policies and grid-feed difficulties. Nearly all (98%) low-income households lacked knowledge regarding solar PV system capacity, compared to 60% for high-income households. Altogether, the results highlight that heterogeneity matters in our understanding of barriers to solar PV adoption and should be a key consideration in designing differentiated approaches to address barriers and ensure equity in renewable energy adoption. Full article
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14 pages, 516 KB  
Article
Different Approaches, Same Indication: Using Plants as a Potentially Valuable Alternative to Assess the Genotoxicity of Urban Fine Particulate Matter
by Carlotta Alias, Claudia Zani, Ilaria Zerbini and Donatella Feretti
Environments 2026, 13(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030170 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 897
Abstract
The objective of this study was to use plant models, Allium cepa and Lepidium sativum, to assess the genotoxic effects of the urban particulate matter (PM) collected in a Northern Italian town. Aqueous extracts of different particle sizes (PM10–3, PM [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to use plant models, Allium cepa and Lepidium sativum, to assess the genotoxic effects of the urban particulate matter (PM) collected in a Northern Italian town. Aqueous extracts of different particle sizes (PM10–3, PM3–0.5, PM0.5) were tested alongside the organic extracts through the standard Ames test. The organic particulate matter extracts were subjected to mutagenicity testing in the Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 (without and with metabolic activation), whereas the aqueous extracts were evaluated for genotoxicity in the emerging seedlings of L. sativum and in the root tips of A. cepa bulbs using the comet test to detect the primary DNA damage. Furthermore, the micronuclei frequency was assessed in the bulbs of A. cepa. As expected, the organic extracts of PM3–0.5 and PM0.5 induced point mutations in bacteria. The aqueous extracts of the finest fractions caused a significant increase in genotoxic damage in both plant models. These findings indicate that the two plant models (L. sativum seeds and A. cepa bulbs) are able to detect the genotoxicity of aqueous extracts of air pollutants, with many potential advantages as screening-level tools to complement Ames testing for an easier assessment of urban air quality in terms of DNA toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Assessment: Environmental Impacts, Risks and Human Health Hazards)
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33 pages, 5735 KB  
Article
Life Cycle and Circularity: The Assessment of Conventional and Additive Manufacturing Injection Molds
by Joana Matos, Eleonora Caneve, Antonio Silva and Paulo Pedrosa
Environments 2026, 13(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030169 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1076
Abstract
The transition to a circular economy requires assessment tools that capture not only the environmental and economic performance of products but also their circular design, functionality, and durability. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) are widely used, they alone [...] Read more.
The transition to a circular economy requires assessment tools that capture not only the environmental and economic performance of products but also their circular design, functionality, and durability. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) are widely used, they alone do not capture modularity, reparability, reuse potential, or product lifespan. This study introduces a novel, integrated framework combining LCA, LCC, and product-level circularity indicators to provide a holistic evaluation of sustainability and circularity. In this study, two types of injection molds for plastic part production are compared: a conventionally manufactured mold and an additively manufactured metal mold produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology. The comparison integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and a set of micro-circularity indicators, including the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), Recycling Desirability Index (RDI), circular design guidelines (CDG), Disassembly Effort Index (DEI), longevity indicator (LI), and Circular Economy Indicator Prototype (CEIP). Results show that the AM mold exhibits lower environmental impacts across almost all categories, while its slightly higher initial cost is largely offset by reduced indirect costs over the product lifecycle. Micro-circularity indicators reveal that the AM mold achieves higher material circularity and better circular design performance (MCI, CDG, CEIP) but shows only minor improvements in disassembly and recyclability (DEI, RDI) and lower longevity (LI) compared to the conventional mold, highlighting potential limitations for remanufacturing and end-of-life recovery. The novelty of this study lies in the integrated application of LCA, LCC, and multiple micro-circularity indicators, providing an operational framework for evaluating circular design, reparability, and durability in additive manufacturing and enabling informed, holistic decision-making for truly circular products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Management and Life Cycle Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities)
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19 pages, 2326 KB  
Article
Application of Bio-Absorbent Polymer from Almond Industry By-Products on Soil: A First Approach
by Ana T. Caeiro, Ricardo A. Costa, Paula Alvarenga, Rosalina Marão, Albino Bento, Nuno Saraiva, Francisco Marques, Jorge Rebelo, André Encarnação, Edmundo Marques, Carlos Pereira and Jorge Gominho
Environments 2026, 13(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030168 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 790
Abstract
Almond hulls and shells are abundant by-products of the almond industry that could be valorized as bio-based absorbent polymers (BAP), offering a promising alternative to synthetic materials to improve water management in the agricultural setting. In this study, almond hulls and shells were [...] Read more.
Almond hulls and shells are abundant by-products of the almond industry that could be valorized as bio-based absorbent polymers (BAP), offering a promising alternative to synthetic materials to improve water management in the agricultural setting. In this study, almond hulls and shells were pelletized in different proportions to assess pelletization feasibility and physical properties, followed by industrial-scale production of an industrialized formulation (80% hulls, 20% shells). Ecotoxicological risk was assessed using direct bioassays with whole pellets (germination with Lactuca sativa and Zea mays; acute toxicity with Eisenia fetida) and indirect bioassays with pellet water extracts (germination with L. sativa, immobilization with Daphnia magna, and bioluminescence inhibition with Vibrio fischeri). Field trials were conducted in an irrigated almond orchard to evaluate soil moisture dynamics and plant water status under different BAP application rates and irrigation regimes. Pelletization increased the soil’s water-holding capacity in the laboratory test and soil moisture in the field, even under reduced irrigation. However, ecotoxicological assays revealed significant to high acute toxicity at higher concentrations, depending on the organism and exposure pathway. Almond hull and shell pellets show potential to improve soil water retention and reduce irrigation demand but require cautious application and further testing to mitigate ecotoxicological risks. Full article
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24 pages, 3468 KB  
Review
Exposure of Fish and Shellfish to Organochlorine Pesticides and Associated Consumer Health Risks
by Mst. Aspriya Rahman Antu, Md. Tanvir Ahmed, Suraiya Alam Rojoni, Sabiha Suraiya Shammi, Sharmin Suraiya, Md Sadek Ali and Monjurul Haq
Environments 2026, 13(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030167 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1410
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), a broad class of highly stable and lipophilic chemicals, have been widely used to control pests and disease vectors in agriculture, households, and the public health sector. Due to their lipophilic nature and resistance to degradation, OCPs accumulate in the [...] Read more.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), a broad class of highly stable and lipophilic chemicals, have been widely used to control pests and disease vectors in agriculture, households, and the public health sector. Due to their lipophilic nature and resistance to degradation, OCPs accumulate in the fatty tissues of fish and shellfish, positioning these foods as critical vectors for human exposure. This review synthesizes current global research on the presence of OCPs in fish and shellfish, with an emphasis on geographical variation, species-specific accumulation patterns, and temporal trends. This study discusses the sources and pathways which bring OCPs to the aquatic environment to highlight regional disparities in pollutant levels, influenced by industrial activities, agricultural practices, and waste management systems. It also explores the mechanisms of bioaccumulation and biomagnification that contribute to the elevated levels of OCPs in fish and shellfish, underscoring the complexities of food chain dynamics in contaminant transfer. This paper also highlights the diverse adverse effects of OCPs on consumer health, including chronic and carcinogenic diseases such as endocrine and respiratory malfunctions, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, reproductive disorders, and skin or eye injuries, while suggesting mitigation strategies to promote an OCP-free and healthy aquatic environment. Full article
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29 pages, 3816 KB  
Article
Water–Energy–Carbon Nexus and the Impact of Real Water Losses in Urban Water Supply: A Case Study of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Thailand
by Chalanda Prachumchai, Somjath Amornrattanasiri and Adichai Pornprommin
Environments 2026, 13(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030166 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1370
Abstract
Urban water supply systems require considerable electrical energy inputs across all operational processes: raw water abstraction, treatment, transmission, and distribution. Consequently, water loss within these processes represents not merely a loss of water volume, but also additional energy consumption and an increase in [...] Read more.
Urban water supply systems require considerable electrical energy inputs across all operational processes: raw water abstraction, treatment, transmission, and distribution. Consequently, water loss within these processes represents not merely a loss of water volume, but also additional energy consumption and an increase in carbon emissions, given that electricity generation relies predominantly on fossil fuels. This study applied two methodological approaches to analyze the role of water loss within the Water–Energy–Carbon (WEC) Nexus of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), Thailand, over the period 2017–2024. The first method utilized a detailed WEC linkage analysis to balance water inputs and outputs in each process to quantify specific losses: raw water, in-plant, transmission, and distribution losses. The second method applied the International Water Association’s Leakage Emissions Initiative framework, focusing specifically on potable real water loss in distribution process, which constituted the largest volume (64.85% of total losses) and embodied the highest specific energy consumption. Based on the first method, the average annual potable real water loss was 534.71 MCM/yr (23.58% of water supplied to distribution), corresponding to embedded energy and carbon emissions of 103.76 GWh/yr (24.89% of total energy consumption) and 49,562 tCO2e/yr (24.89% of total carbon emission), respectively. Although the second method was considerably simplified, the estimated energy and carbon emission values were only slightly higher than those derived from the detailed method, demonstrating the second method’s effectiveness as a streamlined assessment tool. These findings underscored that water loss reduction initiatives are essential for minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions, thereby supporting Thailand’s pathway toward Net Zero emissions by 2050. Full article
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24 pages, 1154 KB  
Article
Towards Healthier Space: Assessing Public Awareness About Radon-Exposure Health Risk in Buildings/Passive Houses—The Case of Serbia
by Ranka Gajić, Svetlana Batarilo, Nataša Tomić-Petrović and Jelena Nešović-Ostojić
Environments 2026, 13(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030165 - 16 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1192
Abstract
Radon is the most important of all sources of natural radiation, and it belongs to the main air pollutants in closed space. It is necessary to develop awareness of its harmful effects in buildings in order to take appropriate measures to reduce the [...] Read more.
Radon is the most important of all sources of natural radiation, and it belongs to the main air pollutants in closed space. It is necessary to develop awareness of its harmful effects in buildings in order to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of exposure to it. This study assesses public awareness of radon-related risks in Serbia by analyzing four areas: general public, legislative framework, professional practices, and student knowledge. Data were collected from media sources, legal documents, conferences and scientific publications, and surveys among students of University of Belgrade. Student answers have shown that they are not aware of the danger of radon in buildings: there is a gap between knowledge about radon and about its effects in the interior space. The results also show low presence of this topic in the media and in professional circles in Serbia. This paper is a contribution to the overall efforts to spread awareness in Serbia about the problem of the presence of radon in closed spaces and the health problems it can cause. This is also important in the context of the search for energy-efficient building solutions, where the passive house is emerging as the most sustainable form. It is a relatively new concept in Serbia, so information about the harmful effects of radon in indoor spaces and about the implementation of certain strategies in passive construction for protection against radon is necessary in order to protect the health of the environment and the population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)
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22 pages, 971 KB  
Review
Small Breweries, Large Footprints? Environmental Implications of Brewing Waste
by Dora Bjedov, Krešimir Mastanjević and Kristina Habschied
Environments 2026, 13(3), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030164 - 14 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1630
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the craft brewing sector has increased the number of small breweries, leading to rising organically rich waste across aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric ecosystems. Although brewery by-products are frequently discussed in terms of valorisation and resource efficiency, their environmental implications [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of the craft brewing sector has increased the number of small breweries, leading to rising organically rich waste across aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric ecosystems. Although brewery by-products are frequently discussed in terms of valorisation and resource efficiency, their environmental implications remain insufficiently examined. The present review synthesises current knowledge on waste generated by small breweries (i.e., operations with annual production volumes typically below 20,000 hL of beer), including their composition and management, with an emphasis on the potential environmental consequences of inadequate handling. Waste, including wastewater, solid by-products, gaseous emissions, odours, and noise, is considered, and their mechanistic effects on aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric compartments are discussed. Particular attention is given to cumulative and localised impacts in ecosystems, such as oxygen depletion, nutrient enrichment, altered microbial processes, and downstream effects on soil biota, aquatic food webs, and biodiversity. Commonly proposed mitigation and valorisation strategies are critically evaluated, with attention to ecological trade-offs and constraints related to scale, infrastructure, and regulatory thresholds. The review highlights a pronounced bias in the research literature towards chemical and toxicological characterisation, alongside a lack of field-based and long-term monitoring studies. By identifying key knowledge gaps and framing small brewery waste within an environmental context, this review emphasises the need for biomonitoring, scale-appropriate management approaches, and regulatory frameworks tailored to small breweries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment for Circular Waste and Wastewater Treatment)
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19 pages, 685 KB  
Article
Decarbonization Pathways in the European Union: Sectoral Contributions to CO2 Emissions Reductions (2000–2022)
by Hasan Tutar, Dalia Štreimikienė and Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos
Environments 2026, 13(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030163 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1288
Abstract
In the European Union, decarbonization has progressed unevenly across sectors and member states. This study examines sectoral CO2 trajectories in the EU-27 during 2000–2022 using a harmonized annual panel built primarily from the European Commission’s Energy Statistical Country Datasheets and complemented with [...] Read more.
In the European Union, decarbonization has progressed unevenly across sectors and member states. This study examines sectoral CO2 trajectories in the EU-27 during 2000–2022 using a harmonized annual panel built primarily from the European Commission’s Energy Statistical Country Datasheets and complemented with EDGAR/JRC sectoral emissions data. The empirical strategy combines descriptive analysis with OLS, fixed-effects, log-linear, and exploratory difference-in-differences specifications to assess conditional associations among per capita CO2 emissions, the renewable energy share, GDP per capita, and the carbon price. EU-wide CO2 emissions declined by 26.4% over the study period, with the largest contraction in the energy sector, while transport emissions remained comparatively stable. Across specifications, renewable energy share is consistently associated with lower emissions, although its magnitude weakens after controlling for time-invariant country heterogeneity. Carbon price is negatively associated with emissions in the baseline and log-linear models. In contrast, the exploratory DiD interaction is not statistically informative in the main treatment specification and yields negligible effect sizes in regional split models. The sign reversal in GDP between the pooled and within-country models indicates that cross-country differences and within-country dynamics should not be treated as equivalent. Overall, the findings support a heterogeneous and multi-speed decarbonization pattern and suggest that carbon pricing is better understood as part of a broader policy mix rather than as a stand-alone causal driver. Full article
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33 pages, 3915 KB  
Article
Study of Reedbed System Planted with Phragmites australis for the Treatment of Groundwater Contaminated with 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) and Its Microbial Analysis at a Former Industrial Plant
by Fazli Rahim, Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah, Setyo Budi Kurniawan and Muhammad Fauzul Imron
Environments 2026, 13(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030162 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1010
Abstract
A 2-acre reedbed system, cultivated with Phragmites australis, was established and utilized to remediate groundwater polluted with chlorinated hydrocarbons at a former industrial site. The reedbed comprised a combination of horizontal and vertical systems over four parallel installations, with a treatment capacity [...] Read more.
A 2-acre reedbed system, cultivated with Phragmites australis, was established and utilized to remediate groundwater polluted with chlorinated hydrocarbons at a former industrial site. The reedbed comprised a combination of horizontal and vertical systems over four parallel installations, with a treatment capacity of 305 m3/day. The mean inlet concentration for the four-line treatment was 112.4 mg/L, which was below the specified inlet concentration of 250 mg/L. From 2019 to 2024, the reedbed system effectively eliminated 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), with average removal rates of 97.7%, 98.8%, 98.5%, and 98.6% for Lines 1 to 4, respectively. The average outlet concentrations of 1,2-DCA were 0.70 mg/L, 0.40 mg/L, 0.42 mg/L, and 0.52 mg/L for Lines 1–4, respectively, resulting in an overall average of 0.51 mg/L. We performed the assessment of natural attenuation by first-order decay kinetics for five groundwater monitoring wells, showing values between 0.0012/year and 0.0036/year (shallow wells), 0.0003/year and 0.0021/year (middle wells), and 0.0003/year and 0.0009/year (deep wells). Here, shallow groundwater showed the highest kinetic rates compared to middle and deep groundwater wells. The results indicated that the reedbed system removed the bulk of contaminants through active biological processes involving plants and microbes, and that natural attenuation further degraded 1,2-DCA in the groundwater profiles. Based on data monitoring from 2019 to 2024, the reduction and degradation results showed good removal efficiency for the reedbed systems, combined with natural attenuation in the groundwater. Full article
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12 pages, 739 KB  
Article
Groundwater Radionuclide Contamination in the Saumalkol Settlement Located near Decommissioned Uranium Mining Sites
by Danara Ibrayeva, Madina Kairullova, Masahiro Hosoda, Yasutaka Omori, Yerlan Kashkinbayev, Kuralay Ilbekova, Assel Bagramova, Aigerim Shokabayeva and Meirat Bakhtin
Environments 2026, 13(3), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030161 - 13 Mar 2026
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1082
Abstract
Groundwater used for drinking in settlements located near decommissioned uranium mining facilities may contain elevated naturally occurring radioactive materials, posing long-term public-health concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological quality of groundwater used for drinking in the Saumalkol settlement [...] Read more.
Groundwater used for drinking in settlements located near decommissioned uranium mining facilities may contain elevated naturally occurring radioactive materials, posing long-term public-health concerns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological quality of groundwater used for drinking in the Saumalkol settlement by applying gross alpha–beta screening and isotope-specific analysis of 226Ra and 228Ra to identify the main contributors to groundwater radioactivity and estimate the associated radiation dose from water consumption. Groundwater samples were analyzed using gross alpha–beta screening and isotope-specific determination of 226Ra and 228Ra by radiochemical separation and low-background counting, and ingestion doses were estimated using international dose coefficients. Gross alpha activity averaged 2.26 ± 0.96 Bq/L, with most samples exceeding the WHO screening value of 0.5 Bq/L, while gross beta activity averaged 0.65 ± 0.17 Bq/L. Mean activity concentrations of 226Ra and 228Ra were 0.17 ± 0.03 Bq/L and 1.47 ± 0.9 Bq/L, respectively, with significantly higher 228Ra in deep boreholes and a systematic predominance of 228Ra over 226Ra (p < 0.05), indicating a thorium-controlled geochemical signature in fractured crystalline aquifers. The estimated annual committed effective ingestion dose from radium isotopes was 0.46 mSv, exceeding the reference level of 0.1 mSv for drinking-water exposure. These findings demonstrate that groundwater radioactivity in Saumalkol is dominated by radium from the thorium series and highlight the need for sustained radionuclide-specific monitoring and targeted water management strategies in uranium-affected regions. Full article
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43 pages, 690 KB  
Article
Methodological Comparison Between an AI-Based Sustainable Healthcare Waste Management Approach and Expert Evidence
by Maria Assunta Cappelli, Eva Cappelli and Francesco Cappelli
Environments 2026, 13(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030160 - 13 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 995
Abstract
This study assesses the extent to which an AI-driven circular waste management tool, previously developed by the same authors as a decision-support system for the circular management of healthcare waste in compliance with international guidelines, reflects the operational needs and perceived priorities of [...] Read more.
This study assesses the extent to which an AI-driven circular waste management tool, previously developed by the same authors as a decision-support system for the circular management of healthcare waste in compliance with international guidelines, reflects the operational needs and perceived priorities of healthcare professionals and environmental managers. Within a context characterised by high regulatory complexity and increasing pressure toward more sustainable management models, the research adopts a qualitative approach based on the thematic analysis of 11 semi-structured interviews, followed by a systematic mapping of the emergent themes onto the tool’s thematic areas, indicators, and operational actions. The results demonstrate a high degree of alignment between the tool and operational practice, with 93% of the tool’s actions supported by empirical evidence and the emergence of a shared core cluster focused on hard-to-manage waste streams, mandatory training, and day-to-day operational challenges. The alignment between the priorities expressed by interviewees and the importance scores generated by the computational model is high for actions of greater relevance, while it decreases for less frequent actions that are more context-dependent. Circular economy practices are recognised as relevant but remain predominantly positioned at a strategic rather than an operational level. Overall, the study confirms the conceptual robustness of the tool and identifies its main limitations and the conditions required for its integration into hospital workflows. Full article
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22 pages, 2418 KB  
Article
Environmental Mercury Exposure in Residents and Occupational Groups of Coastal Areas of the Marano and Grado Lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)
by Luca Cegolon, Emilia Patriarca, Elisa Petranich, Giuseppe Mastrangelo, Francesca Larese Filon, Donatella Sansone and Stefano Covelli
Environments 2026, 13(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030159 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
The Marano and Grado lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) has been affected by long-standing mercury (Hg) pollution due to inputs from the Isonzo River—mainly in the form of cinnabar (HgS)—and inorganic Hg conveyed into the lagoon by discharges from the chlor-alkali plant of [...] Read more.
The Marano and Grado lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) has been affected by long-standing mercury (Hg) pollution due to inputs from the Isonzo River—mainly in the form of cinnabar (HgS)—and inorganic Hg conveyed into the lagoon by discharges from the chlor-alkali plant of Torviscosa. The present study compared different occupational sub-groups along the Marano and Grado lagoon against residents of the Dolomites Alps. Seventy-three local fishermen, 81 workers of the fish industry, and 76 local workers (52 employees of a large adhesive factory and 24 workers of an oil mill) of Porto Nogaro were recruited by convenience sampling. Hair mercury levels of the latter three groups were compared with those of 93 residents of the Dolomites Alps. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of hair mercury with various factors collected by a structured questionnaire. Median hair Hg levels were significantly lower in Dolomites’ residents (0.58 mg/Kg) compared to Porto Nogaro workers (1.31 mg/Kg), workers of the fish industry (2.32 mg/Kg) or fishermen (2.56 mg/Kg), following an upward trend. After adjusting for a number of potential confounders, the concentration of hair Hg progressively increased with fish intake at linear and logistic regression analysis. Advising to limit the consumption of locally caught fish to no more than one meal per week should not be restricted to pregnant women and children, but should also be extended to adults, in order to avoid the potential long-term neurological effects of low-dose Hg exposure. It is crucial to remain vigilant and continue monitoring Hg environmental contamination in the lagoon across various environmental matrices, such as sediments, water, fish, shellfish and birds. Regardless of Hg levels measured in the workplace, occupational health protocols of steel plants along the coastal area of the Marano and Grado lagoon should include biological monitoring of Hg, to disentangle the effect of occupational exposure from non-occupational exposure to the metal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Chemical Exposure and Human Health)
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14 pages, 1209 KB  
Review
Integrated Bioreactor and Wetland-Based Approaches for Agricultural Drainage Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Design, Performance, and Field Applications
by El Ouali Ouijdane, El Abbari Chaimaa, Labjar Najoua, Zouahri Abdelmjid, Dakak Houria, Beniken Lhou, Omari Fatima Ezahra, Nasrellah Hamid and El Hajjaji Souad
Environments 2026, 13(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030158 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1149
Abstract
Agricultural drainage water is a significant contributor to a broad spectrum of pollutant loads, including nitrates, ammonium, organic matter, phosphorus, and emerging substances, and thus poses an important environmental and human health concern. This review aims to integrate existing knowledge on bioreactors and [...] Read more.
Agricultural drainage water is a significant contributor to a broad spectrum of pollutant loads, including nitrates, ammonium, organic matter, phosphorus, and emerging substances, and thus poses an important environmental and human health concern. This review aims to integrate existing knowledge on bioreactors and natural and constructed wetlands in the treatment of agricultural drainage water. It covers bioreactors from a perspective on categorization, principles, and performance with respect to treatment efficiency. It provides a critical evaluation of constructed wetlands as passive treatment systems, in addition to their importance as nature-based service providers. Some significant issues in bioreactors, such as media durability, greenhouse gas production, and the elimination of emerging pollutants, will be critically described, and this critique will conclude with proposals for possible path methods in bioreactors toward a suitable convergence with a nature-related water treatment system. Full article
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5 pages, 170 KB  
Editorial
Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition
by Sílvia C. Gonçalves
Environments 2026, 13(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030157 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 856
Abstract
Marine environmental quality is a complex and multifactorial concept that encompasses the assessment of the physical, chemical and biological status of a given marine environment as opposed to its natural state, as well as the measurement of the levels of contaminants present in [...] Read more.
Marine environmental quality is a complex and multifactorial concept that encompasses the assessment of the physical, chemical and biological status of a given marine environment as opposed to its natural state, as well as the measurement of the levels of contaminants present in water, sediments and organisms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)
27 pages, 1194 KB  
Review
Lifecycle Risks and Environmental Fate of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Automotive Coatings
by Emma Landskroner and Candace Su-Jung Tsai
Environments 2026, 13(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030156 - 13 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are incorporated into automotive coatings to enhance durability, corrosion, UV resistance, and, in some formulations, photocatalytic self-cleaning. While the toxicology of pristine TiO2 is well studied, the behavior of TiO2 NPs embedded in polymer matrices [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are incorporated into automotive coatings to enhance durability, corrosion, UV resistance, and, in some formulations, photocatalytic self-cleaning. While the toxicology of pristine TiO2 is well studied, the behavior of TiO2 NPs embedded in polymer matrices and subjected to real-world aging, maintenance, and removal remains poorly characterized. This narrative review synthesizes 24 publications spanning the lifecycle of TiO2 nano-enabled automotive coatings, from synthesis and formulation through application, in-service weathering, repair, refinishing, and end-of-life environmental fate. Upstream properties, such as coating functionality and performance, have been examined as determinants of later-life release, exposure, and fate. Across studies, dispersion state, interfacial compatibility, and surface modification—together with transformations such as agglomeration, photocatalysis, weathering, and eco-corona formation—shape particle stability, release, exposure relevance, and toxicological risk. Evidence indicates that sanding and accelerated weathering predominantly generate matrix-associated, polymer-fragment-dominated aerosols rather than pristine TiO2 NPs, while NP-specific exposure measurements during spray application remain limited. Hazard data suggest matrix embedding may attenuate, but does not eliminate, biological responses relative to pure particles. Wastewater treatment plants and biosolids have been shown to act as sinks with potential for soil accumulation following sludge application. Regulatory frameworks rarely account for aging, transformation, and release, stressing the need for synchronized testing of aged materials and nano-specific exposure metrics to support safer-by-design coatings and risk governance. Full article
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21 pages, 1986 KB  
Article
Environmental Performance of Chlorella sp.-Based Phytoremediation Across Multiple Wastewater Scenarios: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment
by Janet B. García-Martínez, Laura T. Ríos Niño, Lizeth N. Saavedra Gómez, Crisóstomo Barajas-Ferreira, Antonio Zuorro and Andrés F. Barajas-Solano
Environments 2026, 13(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030155 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 879
Abstract
This study assesses the environmental performance of three wastewater treatment setups through an attributional, gate-to-gate life cycle assessment (functional unit: 1 m3 of treated wastewater): (Sc1) a traditional municipal wastewater treatment plant, (Sc2) an aquaculture recirculation system using microalgae, and (Sc3) a [...] Read more.
This study assesses the environmental performance of three wastewater treatment setups through an attributional, gate-to-gate life cycle assessment (functional unit: 1 m3 of treated wastewater): (Sc1) a traditional municipal wastewater treatment plant, (Sc2) an aquaculture recirculation system using microalgae, and (Sc3) a domestic system combining UASB pretreatment with microalgae polishing. Inventory data were analyzed in SimaPro with ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (Hierarchist) across seven effect categories. Robustness was tested through sensitivity analyses (±20%) of power consumption and influent characteristics, as well as an additional scenario exploring the offset of methane-recovery electricity. The global warming impact remained consistent across scenarios, ranging from 60.5 to 65.1 kg CO2-eq·m−3, indicating no significant difference within the operational parameters. In most categories, power consumption and influent-related burdens were the main contributors, while the impacts from flocculants and microalgae inoculum were minimal. Sc3 showed a lower freshwater eutrophication potential compared to Sc1 and Sc2 (0.028 vs. approximately 0.049 kg P-eq·m−3). Normalization highlighted human carcinogenic toxicity and aquatic ecotoxicity as key impact categories. The methane-offset scenario caused only slight changes at low CH4 outputs, suggesting that energy recovery depends on context. Full article
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32 pages, 658 KB  
Article
A Modeling Framework Using Markov Chain and Autologistic Regression to Adjust Temporal and Spatial Dependencies for PM2.5 Trajectory Risk Prediction
by Rafiqul Chowdhury and M. Tariqul Hasan
Environments 2026, 13(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030154 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Data on various air-quality metrics are collected repeatedly by numerous monitoring stations worldwide to closely assess the severity of pollution. Particle pollution from fine particulate matter PM2.5 is one such measure used as an indicator of whether air quality is unhealthy. [...] Read more.
Data on various air-quality metrics are collected repeatedly by numerous monitoring stations worldwide to closely assess the severity of pollution. Particle pollution from fine particulate matter PM2.5 is one such measure used as an indicator of whether air quality is unhealthy. PM2.5 is a specific form of air contamination that negatively impacts the environment and human health when levels are above a certain threshold. As data are collected repeatedly over time at multiple locations, there may be a temporal dependence among repeated outcomes and spatial dependence between neighboring stations. Thus, it is important to assess the impact of risk factors on trajectory risk prediction. However, due to the temporal and spatial dependencies, trajectory risk prediction for such data becomes complicated, as both types of dependences must be accounted for during model building. In this paper, we propose a modeling framework that accounts for both types of dependences by incorporating Markov chains and Markov regression, using autologistics for model fitting and trajectory risk prediction. The proposed model fitting and trajectory risk prediction are illustrated using PM2.5 outdoor air pollution data from the United States from 2000 to 2020. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)
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19 pages, 1187 KB  
Article
Risk of Cardiorespiratory Mortality Associated with Emissions from a Cement Plant: A Residential Cohort Study
by Elisa Bustaffa, Cristina Mangia, Liliana Cori, Fabrizio Bianchi, Marco Cervino, Maria Cristina Imiotti and Fabrizio Minichilli
Environments 2026, 13(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030153 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 782
Abstract
To evaluate the risk of cardiorespiratory mortality associated with exposure to air pollution produced by a cement plant, a population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in an area of southern Italy (n = 29,495; follow-up 2006–2019; person-years = 317,810). Exposure areas were defined [...] Read more.
To evaluate the risk of cardiorespiratory mortality associated with exposure to air pollution produced by a cement plant, a population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in an area of southern Italy (n = 29,495; follow-up 2006–2019; person-years = 317,810). Exposure areas were defined using the quartiles of the spatial distribution of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) mean concentration in 2016 as a proxy for the cement plant’s emissions and estimated using a meteorological–atmospheric dispersion model. The relationship between NOx and cause-specific mortality was quantified with time-dependent, sex-specific Cox regression analyses, controlling for age and proxies of socioeconomic deprivation and traffic pollution, accompanied by the confidence interval at 95% probability (CI95%) and an indicator (1 − p value) with values between 0 and 1, representing the likelihood of having a risk association. In the most exposed area, excesses of circulatory system diseases [men: HR = 1.60 (IC95% 1.24–2.06; 1 − p = 0.999); women: HR = 1.17 (0.93–1.48; 0.823)], heart diseases [men: HR = 1.66 (1.21–2.30; 0.998); women: HR = 1.24 (0.93–1.67; 0.855)], cerebrovascular diseases [men: HR = 2.11 (1.27–3.53; 0.996); women: HR = 1.52 (0.99–2.34; 0.946)], and acute respiratory diseases in women (HR = 2.46 (0.91–6.66; 0.924) were observed. The results, in line with the literature, suggest a deeper assessment of the potential impact of the cement plant, reinforcing the study design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)
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9 pages, 818 KB  
Correction
Correction: Garcilazo-Lopez et al. The Circular Economy as an Environmental Mitigation Strategy: Systematic and Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends and Cross-Sectoral Approaches. Environments 2026, 13, 48
by Aldo Garcilazo-Lopez, Danny Alonso Lizarzaburu-Aguinaga, Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán, Carlos Del Valle Jurado, Carlos Francisco Cabrera Carranza and Jorge Leonardo Jave Nakayo
Environments 2026, 13(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030152 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 747
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
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27 pages, 3313 KB  
Article
Vertebral Malformations in Fish from the Coast of Nayarit, Mexico, and Their Association with Organochlorine and Organophosphate Pesticides
by José Belisario Leyva-Morales, Angélica Yomira Ramos-Ávila, Pedro de Jesús Bastidas-Bastidas, Jasmin Granados Amores, Esperanza Granados Amores, Javier González Ramírez, Fernando Salas-Martínez, Otilio Arturo Acevedo-Sandoval, Claudia Romo-Gómez, César Camacho-López, César Abelardo González-Ramírez, Lucía Leyva-Camacho and Edgar Cruz-Acevedo
Environments 2026, 13(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030151 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 981
Abstract
In recent years, the recording of fish with vertebral malformations has attracted growing interest worldwide, as these malformations may be associated with exposure to xenobiotics. This study aimed to determine the presence and concentrations of pesticide residues (organochlorines and organophosphates) in coastal fish [...] Read more.
In recent years, the recording of fish with vertebral malformations has attracted growing interest worldwide, as these malformations may be associated with exposure to xenobiotics. This study aimed to determine the presence and concentrations of pesticide residues (organochlorines and organophosphates) in coastal fish in Nayarit, Mexico, and to assess their potential association with vertebral malformations. From November 2013 to September 2021, 32 fish, with visible malformations were conveniently collected, an equal number of healthy specimens per species was selected for comparative analysis. The fish exhibited vertebral malformations of the following types: kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis in 9, 8 and 6 species, respectively, while the total number of malformations was higher across the sampled organisms. Furthermore, pesticide residues were detected in both healthy and malformed fish using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The samples analyzed contained at least one pesticide, with the group of healthy fish showing greater diversity of organochlorine compounds. The most frequent of these were p,p’-DDE, followed by p,p’-DDT (41%), p,p’-DDD (25%), and endrin (25%). The species C. raredonae and A. seemanni exhibited the greatest number of pesticides. The pesticides observed in malformed fish samples were p,p’-DDE (100%), p,p’-DDD (97%), p,p’-DDT (97%), endrin (50%), and BHC delta (31%). Chlorpyrifos was present (56% and 100% in healthy and malformed fish), with the highest frequency observed in A. seemanni and B. panamensis. The highest concentrations were observed in the DDT group. An association was also observed between vertebral malformations and concentrations of p,p’-DDE and chlorpyrifos in the species C. raredonae and A. guatemalensis. Multivariate analysis revealed a clear separation between malformed and healthy fish based on contaminant profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Effects of Environmental Pollution Exposure on Animals)
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29 pages, 2979 KB  
Article
Comparative Tests of Two Tire Models for Agricultural Tractors: Soil Compaction, Tractive Performance and Energy Requirements
by Roberto Fanigliulo, Daniele Pochi, Renato Grilli, Stefano Benigni, Daniela Scutaru and Laura Fornaciari
Environments 2026, 13(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030150 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 963
Abstract
Agricultural soil fertility is a key determinant of crop productivity and long-term sustainability. However, intensive farming practices often require repeated passes of heavy machinery, which can lead to soil compaction. This study examines the interplay between tractor traffic, tire inflation pressure, and their [...] Read more.
Agricultural soil fertility is a key determinant of crop productivity and long-term sustainability. However, intensive farming practices often require repeated passes of heavy machinery, which can lead to soil compaction. This study examines the interplay between tractor traffic, tire inflation pressure, and their effects on soil physical properties and fertility indicators. Tire pressure management emerges as a crucial mitigation strategy: high inflation pressures concentrate the load and exacerbate subsoil compaction, whereas reduced pressures (within safe limits) enlarge the tire–soil contact area, distributing the vehicle’s weight more evenly. This in turn improves traction, lowers ground pressure, and reduces energy losses. As a result, both the depth and severity of soil compaction are reduced. Further advances may be achieved through innovative tires manufactured with eco-sustainable materials and tread patterns specifically designed to enhance traction and minimize slippage-related energy loss. In this context, CREA conducted comparative field tests on two tractor tire models from the same manufacturer: a conventional design and an evolved version featuring an innovative tread and larger footprint. The trials assessed the impact of each tire on soil compaction, traction performance, and energy efficiency. Tests were performed on a silty-clay agricultural soil naturally settled for a year, using a dynamometric vehicle to apply different controlled traction force levels, combined with two inflation pressure settings. To highlight performance differences between the two models, the tractor was rear-ballasted, and the study focused on the rear axle, which carried most of the traction stress. Results indicated that, under the specific test conditions, at high inflation pressure both tires performed similarly (with the innovative model slightly reducing fuel use and the conventional yielding marginally higher maximum tractive force), whereas at low pressure the innovative tire clearly outperformed the traditional model in traction efficiency and caused less soil compaction. The extent of the benefits associated with using the innovative tire model across various soil conditions, moisture levels, and in the absence of rear ballasting will be evaluated in further tests based on traction force control using the proposed testing system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Soil Quality and Management, 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 28149 KB  
Article
Geospatial Analysis of Land Cover Change During Solar and Wind Energy Installation in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba, Brazil
by Ada Liz Coronel Canata, Rafael dos Santos Gonçalves, Ivonete Alves Bakke, Lorena de Moura Melo, Olaf Andreas Bakke, Mayara Maria de Lima Pessoa, Arliston Pereira Leite, Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Elisama Soares dos Santos, Nítalo André Farias Machado and Marcos Vinícius da Silva
Environments 2026, 13(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030149 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1080
Abstract
Recent large-scale renewable energy projects, such as the Luzia Solar and Chafariz Wind energy plants in Santa Luzia, Paraíba, Brazil, raised environmental concerns due to their impact on vegetation cover and landscape structure. This study used geospatial technologies to evaluate changes in tree [...] Read more.
Recent large-scale renewable energy projects, such as the Luzia Solar and Chafariz Wind energy plants in Santa Luzia, Paraíba, Brazil, raised environmental concerns due to their impact on vegetation cover and landscape structure. This study used geospatial technologies to evaluate changes in tree cover and landscape configuration resulting from the installation of these projects. Sentinel-2 imagery processed in Google Earth Engine generated NDVI, SAVI, NDWIveg, and LAI vegetation index data for the dry and rainy seasons of the six years between 2019 and 2024. With these vegetation index values and considering MapBiomas (version 8.0) and FRAGSTATS software (version 4.2), we analyzed the changes in land use and vegetation cover of Santa Luzia municipality during this six-year period. Land use and vegetation cover remained stable from 2019 to 2020 (before the installation of the energy plants), characterized by an NDVI value of 0.60, while tree cover decreased in the following four years, during or after the installation of the energy plants, as indicated by the consistent decreases in NDVI and NDWIveg values. Grassland class areas declined from 41.80% (18,434.59 ha) in 2019, to 34.36% (15,151.22 ha) in 2023, while non-vegetated areas increased by 148%. Landscape metrics showed increased fragmentation, with patch density rising from 3.31 to 3.88 patches/100 ha and core area decreasing from 3045.60 ha to 1395.01 ha. These data demonstrated measurable ecological impacts linked to the infra-structure built to run the two solar and wind energy plants in the semi-arid region of Santa Luzia, Paraíba, Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Balancing Energy and Environmental Sustainability: Innovations, Impacts, and Pathways)
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20 pages, 11154 KB  
Article
Level of Pollution and Health Risks from Heavy Metals in Volcanic Ash and Street Dust in the City of Puebla, Mexico
by Miguel Santoyo-Martínez, Francisco Bautista, Avto Goguitchaichvili, Miguel Á. Valera-Pérez, Patricia Quintana and María G. Tenorio-Arvide
Environments 2026, 13(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13030148 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1052
Abstract
Heavy metals in urban dust, derived from anthropogenic activities and natural sources, are considered potentially toxic elements for human health. The city of Puebla, located in Central Mexico, is one of the ten largest metropolitan cities in Mexico. Near this city is the [...] Read more.
Heavy metals in urban dust, derived from anthropogenic activities and natural sources, are considered potentially toxic elements for human health. The city of Puebla, located in Central Mexico, is one of the ten largest metropolitan cities in Mexico. Near this city is the Popocatépetl volcano, which contributes heavy metals through the emission of ash. The objectives of this study were to evaluate heavy metal contamination in urban dust and volcanic ash from the city of Puebla, and to determine the associated human health risks. Heavy metals were analyzed using an XRF spectrometer. The level of contamination was established according to the contamination factor, the geoaccumulation index and the contaminant load index. Furthermore, non-carcinogenic risk indices (HIs) were calculated to evaluate the health risk. The results revealed the presence of 18 elements (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Y, V, Zn and Zr), with the highest concentrations found for most in urban dust samples, while Rb, Ca and K showed higher concentrations in ash samples. High levels of Sb and Sn contamination were found in 90 to 100% of the dust and ash samples, while Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn showed considerable levels of contamination in 60 to 90% of the samples. According to the US EPA thresholds, the health risk assessment indicated safe levels (HI < 0.25) for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V and Zn in the urban dust and volcanic ash samples, while some of the samples exceeded the safety threshold (HI > 1) for Cr and Sb with respect to the child population in the city of Puebla. These results must be taken into consideration by environmental and government authorities, and the degree of pollution should be reduced accordingly. Full article
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