Environments

29 pages, 10580 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Distribution and Ecological Risks of Trace Metals in a Marine Protected Area of the Northwestern Arabian Gulf

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070413 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Dissolved bio-essential trace metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, and Fe) in seawater and 17 elements in surface sediments were studied to assess the metal contamination and associated ecological risks in the Sulaibikhat Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the northwestern Arabian Gulf. Dissolved [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)

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19 pages, 4326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Seasonal PM2.5 Exposure and Immune Response in Residents Living in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

by Jutarat Thaboot, Witida Laopajon, Nuchjira Takheaw, Anurak Wongta, Surat Hongsibsong, Kriangkrai Chawansuntati, Supachai Yodkeeree, Woottichai Khamduang and Supansa Pata

Environments 2026, 13(7), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070412 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 536

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that significantly impacts environmental and health outcomes. In Chiang Mai province, Thailand, residents face recurring PM2.5 pollution from November to May each year, primarily due to open biomass burning and transboundary emissions. The long-term health [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aerosols, Health, and Environmental Interactions)

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24 pages, 4396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in Designing a New Smart Static Methane Detection and Monitoring Chamber: Application to Plugged and Unplugged Abandoned Wells

by Nima Daneshvarnejad, Yash Pragnesh Gandhi, Young Cho, Rajiv Kalia, Shahram Farhadi, Donald Paul and Iraj Ershaghi

Environments 2026, 13(7), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070411 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 332

Abstract

Methane emissions from plugged and unplugged abandoned wells dilute rapidly with air, causing conventional detection methods to fall short of detecting methane leaks from these sources. Commonly used technologies for methane emission detection often fall short of the detection limit required for low-rate [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Climate Change and Ecosystems)

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25 pages, 4636 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Analysis and Characterization of Phenotypic Traits of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Actinobacterial Strains Isolated from a Sierozem Soil of Southern Kazakhstan

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070410 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 307

Abstract

The self-purification capacity of oil-contaminated soils is largely determined by the metabolic activity of autochthonous oil-oxidizing microorganisms. This study examined three strains of actinobacteria, which are hydrocarbon degraders, isolated from oil-contaminated sierozem soil at the Daulet Asia landfill (Southern Kazakhstan). Functional gene analysis [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Society, Environment, Health)

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16 pages, 3685 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal-Alkaline-Activated Persulfate for Remediation of PAH-Contaminated Soils: Natural Organic Matter Regulation, Degradation Mechanisms, and Toxicity Assessment

by Jiayuan Li, Shibing Jia, Hongyong Wang and Gang Xu

Environments 2026, 13(7), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070409 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 356

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), characterized by their high stability, are typical persistent organic pollutants that pose irreversible risks to human health. Conventional chemical oxidation methods exhibit limitations that hinder effective remediation in practice. In contrast, sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes have emerged as promising [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)

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63 pages, 5405 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Global Trends and Research and Gaps in Anaerobic Digestion: A Systematic and Bibliometric Review with Implications for Ghana

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070408 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective technology for sustainable waste management, renewable energy production and resource recovery within a circular economy. This study offers a systematic bibliometric review of global advances in AD research and assesses their relevance to Ghana. Using the PRISMA [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Management in Rural Areas: Indigenous Knowledge, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Futures)

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5 pages, 153 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Emerging Technologies for Waste Treatment, Pollution Control and Resource Recovery

by Cheng-Han Lee

Environments 2026, 13(7), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070407 - 20 Jul 2026

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Abstract

This Editorial introduces the Special Issue “Emerging Technologies for Waste Treatment, Pollution Control and Resource Recovery”, which examines how contemporary environmental engineering is moving beyond conventional end-of-pipe treatment toward integrated, circular, and systems-oriented approaches. The collected contributions address sustainability innovation in textile manufacturing, [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies for Waste Treatment, Pollution Control and Resource Recovery)

21 pages, 2412 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wastewater Treatment with Constructed Wetlands and Banana Fibre Filtration

by J. Chrisostome Ufitinema, Valens Habimana, Antoine Nsabimana and Gunaratna Kuttuva Rajarao

Environments 2026, 13(7), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070406 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 458

Abstract

Increasing water scarcity and pollution have intensified the need for low-cost wastewater treatment in developing regions. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a nature-based solution for pollutant removal but often fail, on their own, to meet discharge and reuse standards. This study evaluated four CW [...] Read more.

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

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17 pages, 2041 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mycotoxin Contamination of Wild Plants in Agricultural Landscapes: Seasonal Dynamics and the Underestimated Role of Woody Species

by Máté Maurer, Adrián Antal, Dorottya Szám, Patrik Plank, László Szemethy, Zsuzsanna Szőke and Szilvia Stranczinger

Environments 2026, 13(7), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070405 - 18 Jul 2026

Viewed by 396

Abstract

Mycotoxin research has traditionally focused on cultivated crops, whereas wild plants growing in semi-natural vegetation remain largely unexplored despite their possible ecological importance. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the occurrence, seasonal dynamics, organ-specific distribution, and growth-form differences of aflatoxin B₁ [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring of Environmental Pollutants)

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13 pages, 2718 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urinary Uranium Levels in Cancer Patients and Healthy Residents Living in Uranium Legacy-Affected Areas: A Comparative Study

by Kuralay Ilbekova, Danara Ibrayeva, Yerbol Dogalbayev, Madina Kairullova, Meirat Bakhtin and Polat Kazymbet

Environments 2026, 13(7), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070404 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal, and drinking water and food are the primary sources of non-occupational exposure for the general population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate urinary uranium concentrations among cancer patients and healthy residents living [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 6901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Exposure to Ultrafine Particles (UFPs) in Pizzerias: Personal Monitoring and Comparison of Oven Technologies

by Sergio Pili, Alessandro Murru, Joanna Izabela Lachowicz, Simone Milia, Tatiana Pedrazzi, Giuseppe De Palma, Marcello Campagna and Luigi Isaia Lecca

Environments 2026, 13(7), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070403 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 451

Abstract

Background: Ultrafine particles (UFPs) represent a significant occupational health concern in commercial cooking environments, yet comprehensive exposure assessment in pizzerias remains limited despite their global prevalence and unique cooking processes. Understanding UFP exposure patterns and associated health effects in this widespread food service [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Environmental Contaminants)

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27 pages, 1379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Textile-Waste-Derived Biofuel Pellets for Coal Substitution: Combustion Emissions, Ash Characterization, Life Cycle of Carbon, and Economic Assessment

by Irfan Ansari, Asad A. Zaidi, Ahmad Hussain, Abdul Hameed Memon, Shahnaz Shahani and Asad Bilal Haleem

Environments 2026, 13(7), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070402 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 541

Abstract

The increasing generation of textile cotton waste (TCW) and textile wastewater sludge (TWS) presents significant environmental management challenges. This study evaluates the conversion of TCW and TWS into biofuel pellets for waste recovery and coal substitution. Pellets were prepared at TWS ratios of [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment for Circular Waste and Wastewater Treatment)

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13 pages, 3911 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Substituting Organic Fertilizer for Chemical Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Yield of Four Crops

by Junpeng Yin, Erwu Yang, Yulin Zhang and Xiaoxun Xu

Environments 2026, 13(7), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070401 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 465

Abstract

The partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers is regarded as one of the effective ways to achieve sustainable agricultural development. However, further research is needed to understand how different cropping systems respond to the substitution of organic fertilizers and the underlying [...] Read more.

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

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28 pages, 43468 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Simplified Multi-Hazard Framework for the Protection of Coastal Salt Pond Systems

by Dimitra Rapti and Sotirios Valkaniotis

Environments 2026, 13(7), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070400 - 15 Jul 2026

Viewed by 472

Abstract

Coastal lagoon Salt Ponds are highly valuable wetland systems where traditional salt production coexists with ecosystems of significant ecological importance, often characterized by high environmental sensitivity. In data-scarce coastal settings, particularly those located near river channels and drainage networks, assessing multiple environmental hazards [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 5th Edition)

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18 pages, 15756 KB

Open AccessReview

Low-Voltage Electrochlorination Enables the Degradation of EPS and Enhanced Dewaterability of Cyanobacteria-Laden Sludge

by Xinyi Wang, Wenbiao Zhou, Yulei Wang and Yan Gao

Environments 2026, 13(7), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070399 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 480

Abstract

The dewatering of cyanobacteria-laden sludge remains a challenge. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mainly consist of polysaccharides and proteins, which form a stable gel network with water through hydrogen bonding and other interactions. To address this bottleneck, a low-voltage (5 V) electrochlorination system was [...] Read more.

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

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23 pages, 40926 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrological Vulnerability Assessment of the Pañe Reservoir Using Spatially Distributed Modeling in Google Earth Engine Under CMIP6 Climate Scenarios and Increasing Water Demand

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070398 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 872

Abstract

Climate change and increasing water demand threaten water security in strategic high-Andean reservoirs by altering seasonal water availability, increasing evaporative losses, and intensifying pressure on regulated storage. This study assesses the hydrological vulnerability of the Pañe Reservoir, Arequipa, Peru, under CMIP6 scenarios SSP2-4.5 [...] Read more.

Climate change and increasing water demand threaten water security in strategic high-Andean reservoirs by altering seasonal water availability, increasing evaporative losses, and intensifying pressure on regulated storage. This study assesses the hydrological vulnerability of the Pañe Reservoir, Arequipa, Peru, under CMIP6 scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 and three water-demand trajectories projected to 2100. A reservoir-scale water-balance model was calibrated using a genetic algorithm with CHIRPS precipitation and ERA5-Land temperature data, achieving satisfactory performance in calibration (NSE = 0.886;

R^{2}

= 0.907) and validation (NSE = 0.888;

R^{2}

= 0.891). Climate projections from MPI-ESM1-2-LR, EC-Earth3-Veg-LR, and EC-Earth3 were bias-corrected using Quantile Delta Mapping. Under baseline demand, active storage maintains positive trends of +1.3

\times 10^{6}

to +2.2

\times 10^{6}

m³/decade; however, a 100% demand increase produces negative trends of up to −2.8

\times 10^{6}

m³/decade under SSP2-4.5. Effective precipitation increases by +0.123 and +0.283 mm/day under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively, while Rx5day and Rx10day rise by +5.43/+8.78 and +12.13/+19.42 mm/decade. These trends suggest greater wet-season concentration of water inputs, but not necessarily improved dry-season security under rising demand. Reservoir warming reaches +0.60 °C/decade under SSP5-8.5, which may increase evaporative losses and could create conditions more favorable to water-quality deterioration. Overall, future vulnerability in the Pañe system reflects the imbalance between increasing withdrawals and the reservoir’s capacity to regulate highly seasonal high-Andean inflows, highlighting the need for demand control, loss reduction, bofedal protection and complementary wet-season storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Modeling and Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 5639 KB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Site-Specific Risk Assessments—A Review of Methodological Frameworks, Contaminated Land Assessment, and Ecological Risk Characterization Approaches

by Raimonds Kasparinskis, Zigmārs Rendenieks and Inga Meirāne

Environments 2026, 13(7), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070397 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 874

Abstract

Environmental site-specific risk assessment (SSRA) has developed into a complex, multi-tiered discipline that integrates contaminated land characterization, ecological endpoint selection, exposure pathway analysis, and uncertainty quantification to facilitate remediation decision-making. This literature review integrates findings from 33 highly relevant peer-reviewed publications over three [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)

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14 pages, 2721 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Fixed-Resistance Polarization Strategy for High-Performance Biofilm Cultivation and Electron Storage Enhancement in MFCs

by Jianbo Jia, Jiteng Hong, Xiaolong Xu and Changyu Liu

Environments 2026, 13(7), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070396 - 13 Jul 2026

Viewed by 538

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices that simultaneously treat wastewater and recover energy. However, their power generation performance is limited by the biocatalytic activity of electroactive biofilms. In this study, a low-cost, high-performance electroactive biofilm formation method was developed by replacing conventional [...] Read more.

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

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22 pages, 5491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Chemical Forms of Lanthanum, Cerium and Fluorine on the Farmland Soil Microbial Community

by Ying Jiang, Yunzhu Chen, Lichao Nengzi, Xuemei Wang, Zhe Nan, Yanjun Yang, Wanming Zhang and Yuan Qing

Environments 2026, 13(7), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070395 - 13 Jul 2026

Viewed by 469

Abstract

Rapid accumulation of soil lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and fluorine (F) caused by bastnasite mining development has increasingly become a concern worldwide in the past decades. However, the effects of the different chemical forms of these elements on the composition and diversity of [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Topic Environmental Pollution and Remediation in Mining Areas)

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20 pages, 8428 KB

Open AccessArticle

Field-Realistic Pendimethalin Exposure Induces Sublethal Alterations in the Gut and Malpighian Tubules of a Beneficial Ground Beetle

by Maria Luigia Vommaro, Piero Giulio Giulianini and Anita Giglio

Environments 2026, 13(7), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070394 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 545

Abstract

Herbicides are widely used in modern agriculture to control weeds and maintain crop productivity, but their persistence in soil raises concerns about unintended effects on non-target organisms. Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline herbicide extensively applied to cereal and vegetable crops, is designed to target plant [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)

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25 pages, 7307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Response Surface Methodology, Isotherms, and Kinetics in Metronidazole Removal from Water Using Highly Porous Maize Cob Activated Carbon

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070393 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 652

Abstract

The increasing discharge of pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly antibiotics like metronidazole (MNZ), into water systems poses significant ecological and public health risks due to their high solubility and low biodegradability. This study developed and characterized a highly porous activated carbon derived from maize cob [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)

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23 pages, 791 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Czech Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13): Construct Validity, Factor Structure, and Measurement Invariance in a Population-Based Sample

by Jiri Remr

Environments 2026, 13(7), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070392 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 638

Abstract

Eco-anxiety has emerged as an important construct in environmental psychology. The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), which consists of 13 items, is a multidimensional instrument designed to assess affective symptoms, rumination, behavioral responses, and anxiety related to environmental issues. This study examined the psychometric [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Society, Environment, Health)

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13 pages, 3132 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mercury Contamination in Locally Harvested Fish Species and Potential Health Implications

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070391 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 539

Abstract

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a worldwide issue due to the health risks associated with eating contaminated fish. The present study was carried out to measure the mercury (Hg) levels in different tissues of locally harvested fish and to assess the potential [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Society, Environment, Health)

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32 pages, 2106 KB

Open AccessReview

Disentangling Mercury Biomagnification in River Macroinvertebrate Food Webs: A Critical Role for Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes

by Kaylie Anne Walsh and Fabrizio Monaci

Environments 2026, 13(7), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070390 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 765

Abstract

Riverine mercury biomagnification is most frequently studied via metrics such as the trophic magnification factor (TMF), the biomagnification factor (BMF) and the trophic magnification slope (TMS). However, these metrics prove problematic in lotic systems dominated by benthic macroinvertebrates because short food chains, the [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Pollution on Aquatic Invertebrates)

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48 pages, 7051 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Catalysis Design from Micro to Macroscale for Heterogeneous Catalytic Ozonation: A Critical Review

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

Environments 2026, 13(7), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070389 - 8 Jul 2026

Viewed by 789

Abstract

Catalytic ozonation has gained increasing attention as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) capable of overcoming some limitations of conventional ozonation in water treatment, particularly incomplete pollutant mineralization and the formation of undesirable by-products. This review provides a critical assessment of recent advances in [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Wastewater Treatment)

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17 pages, 5433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Six Urban Recreational Beach Sands and Seawater in the United States and Australia

by Alexis Danielle Guerra, Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, John Scott Meschke, Kirstin Ross, João Brandão and Sunny Jiang

Environments 2026, 13(7), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070388 - 8 Jul 2026

Viewed by 647

Abstract

Marine microbiomes play an important role in coastal marine environments. This study examined microbial communities in beach waters and sands at six recreational beaches to identify the fingerprints of anthropogenic influences. Samples were collected from four metropolitan areas in the U.S., within Miami, [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Monitoring and Management)

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32 pages, 12110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Complementary Nozzle-Level Droplet and Downstream Airborne Aerosol Characterization of Oil-Based Ultra-Low-Volume Sprays

by Sinan Sousan, Stephanie L. Richards, Qiang Wu, Krista Bryant, Abdulahi Opejin and Jonathan Berkuta

Environments 2026, 13(7), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070387 - 8 Jul 2026

Viewed by 621

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases remain a public health concern, and ultra-low-volume (ULV) systems generate adulticide droplets that must remain airborne long enough to contact flying mosquitoes. Accurate droplet and aerosol size characterization is essential for equipment calibration, interpretation of efficacy studies, and evaluation of the [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aerosols, Health, and Environmental Interactions)

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19 pages, 10004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plastic-Free Alternatives for Oyster Reef Restoration: Laboratory and Field Trials to Determine Efficacy and Environmental Impacts of Novel Restoration Materials

by Cara H. Womacks, Paul E. Sacks, Matthew Tye and Linda J. Walters

Environments 2026, 13(7), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070386 - 7 Jul 2026

Viewed by 1355

Abstract

Community-based oyster reef restoration historically involved deploying plastic-based restoration units. However, many practitioners now seek to eliminate plastic usage due to environmental concerns. Scientific investigation into the efficacy and environmental safety of novel, non-plastic restoration products is limited. Four non-plastic shell bag materials [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Coastal Ecosystems Under the Context of Climate Change, Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Urbanization)

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29 pages, 19321 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Heavy Metal Removal from Model Aqueous Solutions and Industrial Wastewater Using Softwood Sawdust as Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Biosorbent

by Gamal S. Abdelhaffez, Mohamed A. Eltaher, Ahmed H. Ibrahim and Amr B. ElDeeb

Environments 2026, 13(7), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070385 - 7 Jul 2026

Viewed by 635

Abstract

With increasing global concerns about industrial wastewater treatment and the need for sustainable practices, this study explores the potential of softwood sawdust as an eco-friendly, cost-effective adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions, specifically zinc (Zn²⁺) and lead (Pb²⁺), from [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Treatment and Resource Recovery Technologies for Sustainable Wastewater and Waste Utilization)

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25 pages, 6175 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Conservation–Development Interactions in Masakambing Island EEA, Indonesia: A SIAPA Approach

by Ernoiz Antriyandarti, Ihsannudin Ihsannudin, Mohammad Rondhi, Suko Irawan, Muhammad Selfiro Rizky Margono, Ifan Rizky Kurniyanto and Fadhil Adi Nugraha

Environments 2026, 13(7), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070384 - 7 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Essential Ecosystem Areas (EEAs) aim to balance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, particularly on small islands where ecological vulnerability and economic dependence are closely linked. This study evaluates conservation effectiveness and conservation–development interactions in the Masakambing Island EEA, a key habitat of the [...] Read more.

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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 5th Edition)

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Environments, Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2026) – 55 articles

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