Environments

21 pages, 4734 KB

Open AccessReview

Arsenic and Uranium Contamination on Navajo Nation Tribal Lands, USA: A State-of-the-Science Review of a Toxic Mining Legacy and Its Socio-Environmental Impacts

by Malynndra Tome and Gregory Möller

Environments 2025, 12(10), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100394 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

This review explores the complex environmental and human health issues facing the Navajo Nation, USA and focuses on arsenic and uranium pollution in vital drinking water sources. Located in the Southwestern United States, with territory comparable to the size of Ireland, these are [...] Read more.

This review explores the complex environmental and human health issues facing the Navajo Nation, USA and focuses on arsenic and uranium pollution in vital drinking water sources. Located in the Southwestern United States, with territory comparable to the size of Ireland, these are the homelands of the indigenous Navajo people. Rich in coal, natural gas, and oil, Navajo lands have been a critical target for resource exploitation over the past century. Uranium and arsenic are the two most widespread geogenic contaminants and are also common contaminants associated with mining and other anthropogenic sources in this region. The legacy of uranium mining during the Cold War era on the Navajo Nation has left significant environmental damage to the land and vital drinking water sources in these arid lands. There is an estimated 20 to 30% lack of public water systems in the Navajo Nation, creating a reliance on water hauling for many Navajo families. This reliance often results in the use of potentially harmful contaminated domestic water sources for Navajo families who must gather water from unregulated but available resources. The contamination of drinking water sources poses significant health risks to the Navajo people, who already endure the combined effects of inadequate public infrastructure, a struggling economy, and persistent poverty. There are present and on-going efforts from several key groups and organizations working to address these challenges. However, there is continued need for remediation and mitigation efforts, research, and community involvement to address this critical environmental justice issue and ensure equal access to safe drinking water for the Navajo people. Full article

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24 pages, 3113 KB

Open AccessArticle

What Is Environmental Biotechnology? Although Widely Applied, a Clear Definition of the Term Is Still Needed

by Sonia Heaven, Sigrid Kusch-Brandt, Louise Byfield, Angela Bywater, Frederic Coulon, Thomas Curtis, Tony Gutierrez, Adrian Higson and Jhuma Sadhukhan

Environments 2025, 12(10), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100393 - 21 Oct 2025

Abstract

The term Environmental Biotechnology is widely used, but lacks a universally accepted definition, with varying interpretations across disciplines and sectors leading to challenges in funding, policy formulation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through a literature review and engagement activities, this study examines existing definitions, identifies [...] Read more.

The term Environmental Biotechnology is widely used, but lacks a universally accepted definition, with varying interpretations across disciplines and sectors leading to challenges in funding, policy formulation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through a literature review and engagement activities, this study examines existing definitions, identifies key areas of divergence, and explores pathways toward a more cohesive understanding. Findings reveal a spectrum of valid interpretations, often shaped by specific contexts, with researchers generally recognising a shared conceptual framework within their own subfields but encountering ambiguities across subject boundaries. Common points of difference include whether Environmental Biotechnology is restricted to microorganisms or encompasses other biological systems. Some understandings reflect sector-specific needs, contributing to fragmentation, though a broader approach could strengthen the field’s identity by providing a unifying framework, mapping overlaps with related fields such as Industrial Biotechnology. A working definition is proposed for Environmental Biotechnology as the use of biologically mediated systems for environmental protection and bioremediation, incorporating resource recovery and bioenergy production where these enhance system sustainability. Importantly, it was recognised that any definition must remain adaptable, reflecting the evolving nature of both the science and its applications. Full article

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32 pages, 3918 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Added to a Polymeric Fiber Matrix Used as Biofilm Support in Anaerobic Systems

by Alexa Mariana Salgado-Arreguín, Juan Manuel Méndez-Contreras, Carlos Velasco-Santos, Norma Alejandra Vallejo-Cantú, Erik Samuel Rosas-Mendoza, Albino Martínez-Sibaja and Alejandro Alvarado-Lassman

Environments 2025, 12(10), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100392 - 20 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of graphene-based additives, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), into polymeric fiber matrices used as biofilm supports in anaerobic digestion systems, determining additive specific effects by benchmarking the impregnated matrices against the same [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of graphene-based additives, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), into polymeric fiber matrices used as biofilm supports in anaerobic digestion systems, determining additive specific effects by benchmarking the impregnated matrices against the same nylon carrier without additives under identical operational conditions. Modified matrices were assessed through BMP assays using the liquid fraction of fruit and vegetable waste (LF-FVW) as substrate. Intermediate GNP and GOQD loadings (FM50 and FMDOT50) achieved the highest methane yields (317.9 ± 20.2 and 348.4 ± 20.0 mL CH₄/g COD_(rem)) compared with the control fiber matrix (301.0 ± 20.1 mL CH₄/g COD_(rem)). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses confirmed nanomaterial retention on the matrix surface and interaction with microbial aggregates. Embedding the nanostructures within the fiber enhanced biofilm formation and methane yield while minimizing nanomaterial washout. Future work will focus on advanced physicochemical characterization (XRD, XPS, BET, and EDX mapping), leaching tests to assess long term stability, and scale up evaluation for full scale anaerobic digestion applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioremediation Techniques for Water Pollution: Towards a Cleaner Environment)

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19 pages, 950 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organization of Chemical Production Based on the Principles of Green Chemistry: Waste Recycling and Resource Chains in the Production of Rubber Products

by Aleksei I. Shinkevich, Tatiana V. Malysheva and Irina G. Ershova

Environments 2025, 12(10), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100391 - 20 Oct 2025

Abstract

A new look at the concept of green chemistry from the side of the laws of production organization allows for the development of organizational solutions for achieving environmental friendliness of chemical–technological processes without capital-intensive modernization of production lines. The uniqueness of chemical production, [...] Read more.

A new look at the concept of green chemistry from the side of the laws of production organization allows for the development of organizational solutions for achieving environmental friendliness of chemical–technological processes without capital-intensive modernization of production lines. The uniqueness of chemical production, unlike most industries, is the maximum possibility of organizing a closed resource–waste production cycle. The purpose of the article is to develop solutions for organizing chemical production based on the principles of green chemistry with an emphasis on waste recycling and resource chains using the example of rubber product production. Analysis and critical assessment of publications and literary sources showed a shortage of research on organizational tools for creating green production systems with minimal resource losses and maximum product yield. Interpretation of the laws of production organization in the projection of “green” chemistry made it possible to identify six vectors for creating sustainable production with a high strength of interrelation between the laws of production organization and the principles of green chemistry. The solutions obtained in most cases are aimed at increasing the closed nature of production and organizing circular resource chains. Using the example of rubber tire and cover production, trends of waste recycling prevalence (69%) were revealed compared to their disposal (31%). Based on artificial neural networks, a model of usefully used waste in circular resource chains was built, where three variables act as factors of sustainable production: the mass of waste returned to its own production cycle; the mass of waste returned to the production cycle of another enterprise, and the mass of waste sent for storage or disposal at landfills. The highest rate of beneficially used waste in circular resource chains is achieved in the third scenario, which prioritizes reintegrating waste back into the production cycle (57.5%). The transition from one scenario to another does not result in a polar shift in this rate, which instead varies within a range of 50–58%. The proposed solutions can be used by enterprises when choosing engineering directions and tools based on the synthesis of “green chemistry” concepts and production organization laws. Prospects for the development of the topic lie in the development of the methodology for organizing environmental engineering in the proposed directions and implementation tools as well as research into the technology of organizing closed low-waste production processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy in Waste Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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16 pages, 1658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change-Related Salinity Fluctuations and Warming Induce Physiological Stress and Cellular Alterations in an Antarctic Intertidal Brown Alga

by Francisca Morales, Pamela T. Muñoz, Agustina Undabarrena, Paula S. M. Celis-Plá, Consuelo Rámila, Polette Aguilar-Muñoz, Verónica Molina, Nelso P. Navarro, Claudio A. Sáez, Céline Lavergne, Beatriz Cámara, Catherine Tessini, Kerina González-Pino, Gabriela B. Pérez-Hernández and Fernanda Rodríguez-Rojas

Environments 2025, 12(10), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100390 - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Antarctica is experiencing one of the fastest warming rates globally, profoundly impacting seawater temperature and salinity, with direct consequences for marine life. The present study examined the combined effects of salinity fluctuations at 20, 33 (control salinity), and 41 psu, and temperatures of [...] Read more.

Antarctica is experiencing one of the fastest warming rates globally, profoundly impacting seawater temperature and salinity, with direct consequences for marine life. The present study examined the combined effects of salinity fluctuations at 20, 33 (control salinity), and 41 psu, and temperatures of 2 °C (control temperature) and 8 °C (thermal stress) for 3 days, on the health and physiology of the Antarctic intertidal macroalga Adenocystis utricularis. Photosynthetic activity, photoinhibition, and photoprotective processes were assessed alongside biomarkers of oxidative stress/damage (total ROS, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation) and antioxidant/osmotic response (ascorbate, free amino acids, and proline). The results showed that maximum quantum yield (F_v/F_m) remained stable under both salinity and thermal stress. However, productivity (ETR_max), the photoprotection index (NPQ_max), and irradiance saturation (Ek_ETR) were significantly decreased at 8 °C, remaining constant under salinity fluctuations. At 2 °C, oxidative stress and damage were significantly higher under hypo- and hypersalinity conditions. However, at 8 °C, oxidative stress indicators decreased, accompanied by increased ascorbate levels in both hypo- (20 psu) and hypersalinity (41 psu) treatments compared to the control salinity. While warming temperatures negatively altered the oxidative response of A. utricularis at a 33 psu, we report here an interactive effect between salinity and temperature, leading to an altered stress response to salinity fluctuations under thermal stress. This study provides key information to better understand the adaptation of Antarctic intertidal macroalgae to multifactor climate change consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems, 4th Edition)

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34 pages, 4311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Pollution on Physico-Chemical Parameters and Diatom Communities Diversity in the Main Tributaries of the Arieș River, Romania

by Mirel Glevitzky, Mihai Teopent Corcheş and Doriana Maria Popa

Environments 2025, 12(10), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100389 - 18 Oct 2025

Abstract

Human activities in the Apuseni Mountains region, Romania, especially in the Roșia Montană mining area, have significantly impacted water quality in the Arieș River tributaries. This study assessed the main physico-chemical and salinity parameters, along with the contents of trace elements (As, Cd, [...] Read more.

Human activities in the Apuseni Mountains region, Romania, especially in the Roșia Montană mining area, have significantly impacted water quality in the Arieș River tributaries. This study assessed the main physico-chemical and salinity parameters, along with the contents of trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni) dissolved in water, as well as in the Abrud, Ștefanca, Valea Seșii, and Sârtaș rivers, the main tributaries of the Arieș River. Maximum concentrations of trace elements were observed in Valea Seșii (e.g., Zn up to 716 µg/L, Fe up to 562 µg/L), while Abrud and Sartăș showed moderate contamination. Diatom analysis revealed a high prevalence of Achnanthidium minutissimum and Planothidium lanceolatum, with teratological forms of A. minutissimum being the most frequent, indicating stress from pollutants. Saprobic index values ranged from 1.21 to 1.91, reflecting water quality from good to moderately impacted. The integration of chemical and biological data highlights the cumulative effects of mining and agricultural activities, demonstrating the utility of combined monitoring for effective freshwater management. Our results showed that numerous diatom taxa are currently present in samples collected from various watercourses within the Aries River basin, reflecting both the biological diversity and the variable influence of environmental factors on aquatic communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavior and Remediation of Emerging Contaminants in Water Environments)

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18 pages, 2262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Dynamics of Phytoplankton Communities in Relation to Water Quality in Poyang Lake, China

by Gnoumasse Sidibe, Liang Gan, He Liu, Sahr Lamin Sumana, Abdulai Merry Kamara and Ligang Xu

Environments 2025, 12(10), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100388 - 18 Oct 2025

Abstract

Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, is an ecologically significant but increasingly vulnerable system threatened by eutrophication and harmful algal blooms driven by human activities. Phytoplankton organisms, as primary producers and sensitive bioindicators, provide critical insights into these ecological changes; however, comprehensive seasonal [...] Read more.

Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, is an ecologically significant but increasingly vulnerable system threatened by eutrophication and harmful algal blooms driven by human activities. Phytoplankton organisms, as primary producers and sensitive bioindicators, provide critical insights into these ecological changes; however, comprehensive seasonal assessments remain scarce. This study examined intra-annual phytoplankton dynamics at 15 representative sites, with the objectives of quantifying seasonal and spatial variations in community composition, density, biomass, and diversity, and identifying key environmental drivers. Surface water samples were collected during four seasons. Phytoplankton were identified microscopically, and diversity was quantified using Shannon–Wiener, Pielou’s evenness, and Margalef’s richness indices. Concurrent measurements included water temperature (WT), dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients (TN, TP, NO₃⁻-N, NO₂⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and transparency. Pearson correlation and redundancy analysis (RDA) were applied to evaluate phytoplankton–environment relationships. A total of 118 phytoplankton species belonging to 7 phyla were identified. Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria, and Bacillariophyta exhibited the highest species richness. The highest seasonal abundances were observed for Microcystis wesenbergii (0.998) in winter, Aulacoseira granulata var. angustissima (0.780) in spring, and Snowella lacustris (0.520) in autumn, indicating pronounced seasonal shifts in dominant taxa across Poyang Lake. Phytoplankton density and biomass peaked in summer, while diversity indices significantly declined with increasing WT. RDA revealed that WT, DO, TP, and transparency collectively explained 45.7% of the community variation, with DO emerging as the most influential factor. These findings demonstrate that physical drivers, particularly thermal conditions and oxygen availability, exert stronger influences on phytoplankton diversity than nutrients alone, challenging nutrient-centric paradigms. Management should integrate hydrological and oxygen regulation with nutrient control, while long-term monitoring, depth-stratified sampling, and trait-based approaches are recommended to improve predictive models under climate variability. Full article

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23 pages, 8417 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Coniferous Forest Cover Change and Associated Uncertainty in a Subbasin of the Great Salt Lake Watershed: A Stochastic Approach Using Landsat Imagery and Random Forest Models

by Kaleb Markert, Gustavious P. Williams, Norman L. Jones, Robert B. Sowby and Grayson R. Morgan

Environments 2025, 12(10), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100387 - 17 Oct 2025

Abstract

We present a stochastic method for classifying high-elevation coniferous forest coverage that includes an uncertainty estimate using Landsat images. We evaluate trends in coniferous coverage from 1986 to 2024 in a sub-basin of the Great Salt Lake basin in the western United States [...] Read more.

We present a stochastic method for classifying high-elevation coniferous forest coverage that includes an uncertainty estimate using Landsat images. We evaluate trends in coniferous coverage from 1986 to 2024 in a sub-basin of the Great Salt Lake basin in the western United States This work was completed before the recent release of the extended National Land Cover Database (NLCD) data, so we use the 9 years of NLCD data previously available over the period from 2001 to 2021 for training and validation. We perform 100 draws of 5130 data points each using stratified sampling from the paired NLCD and Landsat data to generate 100 Random Forest Models. Even though extended NLCD data are available, our model is unique as it is trained on high elevation dense coniferous stands and does not classify wester pinyon (Pinus edulis) or Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) shrub trees as “coniferous”. We apply these models, implemented in Google Earth Engine, to the nearly 40-year Landsat dataset to stochastically classify coniferous forest extent to support trend analysis with uncertainty. Model accuracy for most years is better than 94%, comparable to published NLCD accuracy, though several years had significantly worse results. Coniferous area standard deviations for any given year ranged from 0.379% to 1.17% for 100 realizations. A linear fit from 1985 to 2024 shows an increase of 65% in coniferous coverage over 38 years, though there is variation around the trend. The method can be adapted for other specialized land cover categories and sensors, facilitating long-term environmental monitoring and management while providing uncertainty estimates. The findings support ongoing research forest management impacts on snowpack and water infiltration, as increased coniferous coverage of dense fir and spruce increases interception and sublimation, decreasing infiltration and runoff. NLCD data cannot easily be used for this work in the west, as the pinyon (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) forests are classified as coniferous, but have much lower impact on interception and sublimation. Full article

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25 pages, 3562 KB

Open AccessReview

A Bibliometric Anatomy of Literature on Bio-Based Fertilisers with Insights into Environmental Impacts and Evaluation Approaches

by Carlos Alberto Torres-Guerrero, Nancy Peña, Joan Colón, Daniel Egas, Ana Robles-Aguilar, Laia Llenas and Jorge Senán-Salinas

Environments 2025, 12(10), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100386 - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers due to their potential for nutrient recovery, reduced environmental emissions, and improved soil health. However, their broader adoption is hindered by regulatory uncertainty, quality inconsistencies, and methodological variability in assessing their [...] Read more.

Bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers due to their potential for nutrient recovery, reduced environmental emissions, and improved soil health. However, their broader adoption is hindered by regulatory uncertainty, quality inconsistencies, and methodological variability in assessing their environmental impacts. This study can reveal about the body of research on bio-based fertilisers (BBFs), using a hybrid methodology that combines bibliometric and content analysis. A total of 247 publications from 2001 to 2024 were reviewed to identify research trends, environmental concerns, and assessment approaches. Results show a sharp increase in BBF-related publications after 2016, driven primarily by European and North American research, with growing focus on life cycle assessment (LCA) and nutrient recovery. The in-depth analysis of the ten most cited LCA and non-LCA studies highlights key methodological differences: non-LCA studies frequently rely on empirical fieldwork and generate primary data, whereas LCA studies typically synthesise secondary data to provide broader system-level insights. Despite this complementarity, the lack of methodological harmonisation poses a barrier to consistent comparison and interpretation. The findings highlight the need for a unified, standardised assessment framework to reliably evaluate the environmental performance of BBFs and support their effective implementation within circular and sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

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24 pages, 5821 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pasture Floristic Composition as an Indicator of Soil pH Correction and Sheep Stocking Rate in Montado Ecosystem

by João Serrano, Paula Matono, Emanuel Carreira, Shakib Shahidian, Francisco J. Moral, Luís L. Paniagua, Rui Charneca, Alfredo Pereira and Anabela Belo

Environments 2025, 12(10), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100385 - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

The application of dolomitic limestone is a recommended practice for improving pastures established on acidic soils. On the other hand, pasture availability should determine the adjustment of the biotic load. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of pasture plant [...] Read more.

The application of dolomitic limestone is a recommended practice for improving pastures established on acidic soils. On the other hand, pasture availability should determine the adjustment of the biotic load. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of pasture plant community composition as an indicator to assess the effects of intensification strategies in the Montado ecosystem, specifically soil pH correction and/or increasing animal stocking rate. Forty-eight sampling areas of a biodiverse pasture were monitored on a 4-ha plot located at the Mitra farm (Évora district; southern Portugal). The experimental design included four treatments: with and without limestone application (respectively, DL and WDL) × traditional low stocking rate (LSR, 7 sheep ha⁻¹) and high stocking rate (HSR, 18 sheep ha⁻¹). Floristic composition, structural parameters, and diversity metrics were recorded and analyzed using multivariate statistical tools. Pasture diversity was assessed through the computation of richness indices, with plant species identified as ecological indicators representative of each study area. The results showed Rumex pulcher, Trifolium subterraneum, Plantago lanceolata, and Lolium rigidum as botanical indicators of the four treatments of this study, respectively, LSR in untreated soil, HSR in untreated soil, HSR in treated soil, and LSR in treated soil. The results also show that soil amendment led to a more distinct and stable pasture floristic composition (PFC) compared to untreated areas. Conversely, the stocking rate (SR) played a secondary but still ecologically relevant role. Notably, HSR appears to reduce the need for lime application to achieve a balanced floristic composition and desirable plant community structure, potentially lowering soil amendment costs without compromising pasture quality. In LSR areas, the application of lime was essential to significantly improve the floristic richness, the vegetation cover, and the presence of legumes. Full article

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32 pages, 1502 KB

Open AccessReview

Aquatic Ecotoxicology of Antiretrovirals: A Review

by Gabriel Souza-Silva, Valéria Aparecida Bispo, Mariângela Domingos Alcantara, Maria Clara Vieira Martins Starling, Cléssius Ribeiro de Souza, Laíse Taciane Rodrigues Jardim, Matheus Miranda, Kenia Pedrosa Nunes, Cíntia Aparecida de Jesus Pereira, Marcos Paulo Gomes Mol and Micheline Rosa Silveira

Environments 2025, 12(10), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100384 - 16 Oct 2025

Abstract

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) present variable toxicity to aquatic organisms. This study reviewed the literature from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to evaluate ARV ecotoxicity, focusing on aquatic models. Inclusion criteria were studies using ARVs as test substances with toxicity data on aquatic [...] Read more.

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) present variable toxicity to aquatic organisms. This study reviewed the literature from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to evaluate ARV ecotoxicity, focusing on aquatic models. Inclusion criteria were studies using ARVs as test substances with toxicity data on aquatic organisms. Quality assessment followed the CRED method, and environmental risk was evaluated via risk quotients (RQs) using the ERA tool. Efavirenz emerged as the most toxic ARV, with EC50 values of 0.011 mg/L (Chlorococcum infusionum) to 0.034 mg/L (Raphidocelis subcapitata), causing growth inhibition, photosynthesis reduction, and oxidative stress. Tenofovir showed lower toxicity, with EC50 values above 300.0 mg/L (Biomphalaria glabrata) and 111.82 mg/L (Artemia salina). Other ARVs, including Lamivudine and Zidovudine, displayed moderate toxicity (EC50 3.013–5.442 mg/L in microalgae). Main effects observed included oxidative damage, altered enzyme activity (catalase and NADH-cytochrome C oxidoreductase), reduced growth and photosynthesis, and bioaccumulation in aquatic plants like Lemna minor. Efavirenz also showed synergistic toxicity when combined with other ARVs. These findings indicate that ARVs, particularly highly toxic compounds such as Efavirenz, pose significant ecological risks, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal and remediation strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk Assessment of Aquatic Environments)

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21 pages, 679 KB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on N₂O Emissions from Rice Cultivation: A Review

by Annette Madelene Dăncilă, Cristina Modrogan and Oanamari Daniela Orbuleț

Environments 2025, 12(10), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100383 - 15 Oct 2025

Abstract

Rice is a major dietary component for more than half of the world’s population, and its cultivation requires a careful balance of nutrients to ensure high yields and sustainable practices. Soil-derived N₂O fluxes represent a major environmental challenge with global implications. [...] Read more.

Rice is a major dietary component for more than half of the world’s population, and its cultivation requires a careful balance of nutrients to ensure high yields and sustainable practices. Soil-derived N₂O fluxes represent a major environmental challenge with global implications. While agriculture is a necessary activity to feed a growing population, it must evolve to minimize its ecological footprint. This review provides an update on the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application, such as ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), urea (CO(NH₂)₂), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), on N₂O emissions from rice cultivation. The role of various nitrification inhibitors (e.g., dicyandiamide (DCD), 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine (nitrapyrin) and 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)) in minimizing the release of N₂O from soils to the atmosphere was also discussed. Here, we described N₂O production by nitrification and denitrification processes in the paddy rice field, and then summarized the strategies, such as optimized fertilizer use, improved drainage and water management, and the use of organic amendments, that can enhance crop productivity while promoting sustainable reductions in N₂O emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions and Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture)

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20 pages, 1104 KB

Open AccessReview

Sex- and Gender-Based Differences in Asthmatic Responses to Chemical Sensitizers, Particularly in Occupational Settings: A Scoping Review

by Lidia Caporossi, Simona Di Renzi, Elisa Partenzi, Delia Cavallo, Paola Tomao and Diana Poli

Environments 2025, 12(10), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100382 - 15 Oct 2025

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and occupational factors. Key environmental risks include exposure to tobacco smoke and respiratory sensitizing agents, many of which are prevalent in workplace settings. In adults, asthma is associated with [...] Read more.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and occupational factors. Key environmental risks include exposure to tobacco smoke and respiratory sensitizing agents, many of which are prevalent in workplace settings. In adults, asthma is associated with reduced employment, job instability, and work-related disability, resulting in significant social and economic consequences. This scoping review investigates the role of exposure to respiratory sensitizers in the onset and progression of asthma, considering data from the general population to occupational settings, with a focus on sex and gender as key modifiers of risk, disease severity, and occupational outcomes. Biological studies were also considered to clarify the mechanisms underlying observed sex/gender differences. Epidemiological data indicate that women are disproportionately affected by asthma, experiencing more severe symptoms, higher comorbidity rates, and increased exposure in certain professions such as healthcare, cleaning, and textile work. These disparities are attributed to both sex-related factors (e.g., hormonal influences) and gender-related factors (e.g., occupational roles, smoking habits). Although traditional job roles are changing, women continue to face greater occupational asthma risks. As roles evolve, physiological sex-based differences may become increasingly relevant in shaping asthma susceptibility. This review emphasizes the need for sex- and gender-sensitive strategies in asthma prevention, surveillance, and management, especially in occupational health contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Environmental and Occupational Monitoring: New Methods, New Chemicals, New Concerns for Safety and Health)

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28 pages, 8745 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use and Land Cover Change and Potential Implications for Water Levels of the Great Salt Lake

by Tucker Howey, Luke North and Ruth Kerry

Environments 2025, 12(10), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100381 - 15 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Great Salt Lake has shrunk significantly in volume since non-native settlement started. Most of that shrinkage has occurred in recent years. There are many adverse consequences associated with the shrinking of the lake, so avoiding the lake drying completely is desirable. To [...] Read more.

The Great Salt Lake has shrunk significantly in volume since non-native settlement started. Most of that shrinkage has occurred in recent years. There are many adverse consequences associated with the shrinking of the lake, so avoiding the lake drying completely is desirable. To prevent this from happening, the causes of the drying need to be determined. Previous studies suggest that drying is due to a combination of water diversion for agricultural and municipal use and a decades-long drought. While municipal water use has been mentioned in other studies, it has sometimes been presented as a solution to the drying of the lake. As agriculture uses more water per hectare than urban areas, a prevalent notion is that urban expansion results in water savings. This viewpoint assumes that urban areas are predominantly developed on agricultural land. In this paper we quantify land use change in the Great Salt Lake basin over the last ~40 years and associated likely water diversion quantities based on average irrigation needs for different crops and for urban areas. We determine whether recent urbanization has occurred on natural or agricultural lands and has therefore increased or decreased water demand. Our results show that the cultivated crop area in Salt Lake County decreased markedly in the 2002–2007 and 2018–2023 periods, while developed land increased far more than the decrease in agricultural land. For the 2008–2023 period, far more natural land uses have been converted to urban uses than conversions from agricultural land, meaning that water demand has increased with urbanization. Also, alfalfa has a high water demand and has increased in area. Nevertheless, the increased irrigation water use from the alfalfa area has been smaller than the increase in water use from urban development. Results show that for the four most populous counties, >75% of land use change from 2008 to 2023 has resulted in a net increase in water use. Even for the more agricultural Cache County, Utah, and Franklin County, Idaho, >50% of land use change resulted in a net increase in water use. The results of this study have important implications for the planning of future urban development if the Great Salt Lake is to be preserved. Full article

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16 pages, 3281 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fluid/Fluid Interfacial Areas Measured for Different Non-Wetting/Wetting Fluid Pairs in Natural Porous Media

by Mark L. Brusseau, Matthew E. Narter, Gregory Schnaar, Juliana Araujo and Justin Marble

Environments 2025, 12(10), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100380 - 15 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study examined the impact of fluid type and grain diameter on the interfacial area between different pairs of non-wetting and wetting fluids in natural porous media. Synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used to obtain high-resolution, three-dimensional images of multi-phase porous media systems. Multiple [...] Read more.

This study examined the impact of fluid type and grain diameter on the interfacial area between different pairs of non-wetting and wetting fluids in natural porous media. Synchrotron X-ray microtomography was used to obtain high-resolution, three-dimensional images of multi-phase porous media systems. Multiple porous media, comprising a range of physical and geochemical properties, were used in this study. The four pairs of non-wetting/wetting fluids used were dense OIL/water, light OIL/water, air/dense OIL, and air/water. Images were obtained over a broad range of wetting phase saturation and for both wetting phase drainage and imbibition conditions. The results showed that for each fluid pair, the total (capillary + film) interfacial area increased with decreasing wetting fluid saturation. Interfacial areas were similar among all fluid pairs for a given porous medium. They were also similar for drainage and imbibition conditions. The maximum specific interfacial area (A_m) was shown to correlate well with inverse median grain diameter. The physical properties of the porous medium appear to have a greater influence on the magnitude of specific total interfacial area for a given saturation than fluid properties or wetting phase history. Full article

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18 pages, 1775 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Acid Catalysis on Hydroxycinnamate Recovery from Corn Stover Using Hydrothermal and Organosolv Treatments

by Anna Fantidou, Antony Sarris, Ioanna Tsaousi, Maria Tsela, Theodoros Chatzimitakos and Dimitris P. Makris

Environments 2025, 12(10), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100379 - 15 Oct 2025

Abstract

Corn stover (CS) is a highly abundant type of agricultural biowaste, largely composed of lignocellulosic material. CS may be a particularly rich pool of hydroxycinnamates, represented primarily by p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid; yet, these compounds are bound onto the lignocellulosic matrix, [...] Read more.

Corn stover (CS) is a highly abundant type of agricultural biowaste, largely composed of lignocellulosic material. CS may be a particularly rich pool of hydroxycinnamates, represented primarily by p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid; yet, these compounds are bound onto the lignocellulosic matrix, and their release requires an appropriate acid and/or alkaline catalysis. This being the case, this study herein aimed to develop an effective process to boost hydroxycinnamate recovery by employing acid-catalyzed hydrothermal and organosolv treatments. To this end, oxalic acid was tested as a benign, natural acid catalyst, along with the well-examined sulfuric acid. A kinetic assay showed that both the acid catalyst and the use of an organic solvent (ethanol) may greatly impact the rate and level of polyphenol recovery. Under optimized conditions, determined by implementing response surface methodology, it was demonstrated that the organosolv treatment was far more effective than the hydrothermal one, with regard to total polyphenol recovery, while the oxalic acid catalysis was equally efficient as the sulfuric acid one. This treatment afforded 17.8 ± 2.3 mg gallic acid equivalents per g of dry CS mass. However, a thorough insight into the polyphenolic composition of the extracts produced revealed that hydrothermal treatment may enable, apart from p-coumaric and ferulic acid release, the formation of a compound tentatively identified as an ester of p-coumaric acid with a pentose. Furthermore, it was shown that sulfuric acid-catalyzed organosolv treatment provided almost 25 and 34% higher yields for p-coumaric and ferulic acid, respectively, but it strongly inhibited p-coumaric acid-pentose ester formation. These compositional differences appeared to impact the antioxidant activity of the corresponding extracts. It was concluded that the oxalic acid-catalyzed ethanol organosolv treatment of CS may have important potential in a biorefinery context, but improvements are required to further enhance treatment performance. This would lead to replacing corrosive catalysts, such as sulfuric acid, with benign ones, thereby establishing a fully sustainable process for the recovery of bioactive phytochemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermochemical Treatments of Biomass, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 9182 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Measurements of Traffic-Related PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and NO₂ Emissions Around the Roundabout and Three-Arm Intersection in the Urban Environment

by Dusan Jandacka, Marek Drliciak, Michal Cingel and Matej Brna

Environments 2025, 12(10), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100378 - 14 Oct 2025

Abstract

In recent decades, road transport has become one of the dominant factors shaping environmental conditions, with both beneficial and adverse consequences. While transport infrastructure facilitates access to essential services and supports societal well-being, vehicular emissions remain a major source of air quality degradation. [...] Read more.

In recent decades, road transport has become one of the dominant factors shaping environmental conditions, with both beneficial and adverse consequences. While transport infrastructure facilitates access to essential services and supports societal well-being, vehicular emissions remain a major source of air quality degradation. Among the pollutants released, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) are of particular concern due to their adverse health effects, especially in densely trafficked urban areas. Pollutant levels are determined not only by traffic intensity but also by external influences such as meteorological conditions and roadway design. This study examines how different intersection configurations affect ambient concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and NO₂. Field monitoring and dispersion modeling were carried out for a three-arm intersection and a roundabout. NO₂ concentrations were quantified using a reference chemiluminescence method, while PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were measured with an optical aerosol spectrometer. Traffic flow characteristics associated with each intersection geometry were simulated in PTV Vissim, and pollutant dispersion patterns were subsequently analyzed using the CadnaA modeling environment. Field measurements revealed lower PM concentrations (reduction in PM₁₀, PM_2.5–10 and PM_2.5 concentration—30.1%, 45.1% and 22.8%) and higher NO₂ concentrations (increase in NO₂ concentration—143.3%) at the roundabout. Full article

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

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27 pages, 1050 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Riverbank Morphodynamics to Water Contamination: A Long-Term Evaluation of the Global Pollution Index in the Timiș River, Romania

by Florina-Luciana Burescu, Simona Gavrilaș, Bianca-Denisa Chereji and Florentina-Daniela Munteanu

Environments 2025, 12(10), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100377 - 14 Oct 2025

Abstract

Riverbank height plays a potentially important role in hydrological dynamics and pollutant transport, yet its influence on long-term water quality trends remains insufficiently documented. This study explores possible relationships between riverbank height variations and the Global Pollution Index (

I_{G P}^{*}

[...] Read more.

Riverbank height plays a potentially important role in hydrological dynamics and pollutant transport, yet its influence on long-term water quality trends remains insufficiently documented. This study explores possible relationships between riverbank height variations and the Global Pollution Index (

I_{G P}^{*}

) in the Timiș River, Romania, over eleven (11) years (2013–2023). A dataset of 17 physicochemical parameters—including BOD₅, COD-Cr, dissolved oxygen, nutrients (N and P species), heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, and Zn), detergents, and phenols—was used to tentatively assess ecological status. The results suggest that, despite a maximum riverbank elevation change of ~11 cm between 2020 and 2025,

I_{G P}^{*}

values remained within a relatively narrow range (1.98–2.56, mean 2.19), pointing to persistent but moderate anthropogenic pressure. The highest index value (2.56, in 2016) coincided with a transient pollution event, whereas subsequent years stabilized around 2.0–2.3, which may reflect chronic diffuse pollution. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between BOD₅ and conductivity (r = 0.76, linked to organic loads), COD-Cr and heavy metals (r = 0.79, suggestive of industrial influence), and total nitrogen and nitrate (r = 0.97, related to agricultural inputs), appear to outline distinct source-related signatures. This study offers preliminary evidence that even modest riverbank fluctuations may influence hydrodynamics and the fate of pollutants, while basin-scale water quality seems to remain largely governed by diffuse pollution sources. By integrating long-term geomorphological monitoring with multi-parameter water quality data into a composite index (

I_{G P}^{*}

), our work sketches a potentially innovative framework for diagnosing pollution drivers. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating riverbank morphology into EU Water Framework Directive monitoring, alongside GIS, IoT, and machine learning tools, could contribute to more adaptive river basin management. Full article

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17 pages, 1510 KB

Open AccessReview

Ice Jam Flooding of the Drying Peace-Athabasca Delta: Hindsight on the Accuracy of the Traditional Knowledge and Historical Flood Record

by Spyros Beltaos

Environments 2025, 12(10), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100376 - 13 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) in northern Alberta, Canada, is one of the world’s largest inland freshwater deltas and is largely located within the Wood Buffalo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Owing to its ecological and socioeconomic significance, the PAD has been [...] Read more.

The Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) in northern Alberta, Canada, is one of the world’s largest inland freshwater deltas and is largely located within the Wood Buffalo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Owing to its ecological and socioeconomic significance, the PAD has been designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance. A paucity of large-scale Peace River ice jam flooding and concurrent drying trend during the past five decades has motivated various studies on relevant processes and on possible remedial action. In turn, many of these studies are informed by a flood record that was compiled in 1995, based on Historical information and Traditional Knowledge (H-TK flood record). Later work has expressed occasional reservations regarding the accuracy of this record, while much more is now known about the physical and hydroclimatic controls of PAD ice jams. This paper examines the 20th century portion of the H-TK record in the light of recent scientific advances made since the 1990s and of a wealth of hydrometric and climatic indicators, along with eyewitness corroborations, that extend back to the early 1900s. Systematic observational data and monitoring reports that have become available since the 1990s have also provided valuable documentation of PAD flooding. It is concluded that the record of major ice-jam floods is reliable, while the possibility of “missed” events cannot be precluded. The record of minor ice jam floods, which is largely inferred from reversed tributary flows entering Lake Athabasca, may not be reliable because more than half of the reported events might not have occurred at all. The value of the H-TK record is primarily in the major events, which generate overland inundation and can amply recharge various ponds, lakes, and wetlands of the PAD. Implications of the results for pre- and post-regulation flood frequencies and for future park management are discussed. Full article

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