Environments

20 pages, 19639 KB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers of Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Paddy Soils: Linking Soil Properties, Diazotrophic Communities, and Nitrogen Dynamics

by Azhar Sohail Shahzad, Laraib Sheikh, Faizan Ahmad, Yunfei Yu, Yifan Guan and Shunyao Zhuang

Environments 2026, 13(9), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090509 - 15 Sep 2026

Abstract

Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers that deliver bioavailable nitrogen to rice fields. However, the spatial variability of BNF and the relative contributions of soil physicochemical properties and trace-element availability remain poorly understood in long-term cultivated paddy soils. [...] Read more.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers that deliver bioavailable nitrogen to rice fields. However, the spatial variability of BNF and the relative contributions of soil physicochemical properties and trace-element availability remain poorly understood in long-term cultivated paddy soils. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an incubation experiment using paddy soils collected from Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces of China, and quantified BNF rates using acetylene reduction assay (ARA). BNF rates varied from 24 ± 3 to 368 ± 13 kg N ha⁻¹ with substantial geographic variability (15.3-fold). We observed that soil BNF capacity of Zhejiang soils was much higher than in Jiangxi soils. Microbial community and correlation analysis revealed that Phylum Proteobacteria and genera Pseudomonas and Geobacter were abundant and showed positive association with high BNF sites. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Random Forest modelling stated that available Molybdenum was the most important predictors of BNF. Overall, our findings demonstrated that soil physiochemical properties, micronutrient availability, and microbial community composition interact to regulate BNF in paddy soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Nitrogen Management, Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions in Agricultural Systems)

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28 pages, 5377 KB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Enteric Methane into Cattle Breeding Objectives for Climate-Smart Livestock Production

by Ramanathan Kasimanickam, Morgan H. Radtke, Cyril P. Stephen, Joao C. P. Ferreira and John P. Kastelic

Environments 2026, 13(9), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090508 - 15 Sep 2026

Abstract

Enteric methane (CH₄) emissions from dairy and beef cattle are a major source of agricultural greenhouse gases, creating a need for mitigation strategies that are effective, permanent, and economically sustainable. This review evaluates the current status of methane traits in cattle [...] Read more.

Enteric methane (CH₄) emissions from dairy and beef cattle are a major source of agricultural greenhouse gases, creating a need for mitigation strategies that are effective, permanent, and economically sustainable. This review evaluates the current status of methane traits in cattle breeding programs and examines opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating methane into national breeding objectives. Published evidence on methane phenotyping technologies, quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, economic valuation, and international breeding initiatives was synthesized. In addition, mechanistic forecasting and Monte Carlo simulation models were used to assess the potential long-term contribution of methane-inclusive breeding programs to greenhouse gas mitigation under different genetic gain and adoption scenarios through 2050. Available evidence indicates that methane emissions are moderately heritable and amenable to genetic selection, yet methane remains absent from most commercial multi-trait selection indices. Simulation analyses suggest that incorporating methane-specific traits into breeding objectives could generate cumulative and permanent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while increasing economic value under evolving carbon-pricing frameworks. Successful implementation will require expanded phenotyping, standardized genomic evaluations, appropriate index construction, and international collaboration. Integrating methane traits into national breeding objectives represents a practical and scalable strategy that complements nutritional, managerial, and technological mitigation approaches while supporting climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient cattle production. Full article

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

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18 pages, 326 KB

Open AccessReview

Ailanthus altissima Allergy: Emerging Aeroallergen in the Field of Respiratory Allergies in Romania

by Nicolae Ovidiu Berghi, Alina Gabriela Berghi, Mihai Dumitru, Alina Oancea, Alexandru-Darius Dragomir-Serboiu, Ionut Costin, Daniela Vrinceanu and Adina Zamfir Chiru Anton

Environments 2026, 13(9), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090507 - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Respiratory allergies are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma place a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds contribute to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, while globalization, urban landscaping, [...] Read more.

Respiratory allergies are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma place a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds contribute to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, while globalization, urban landscaping, biological invasions, and climate change are facilitating the spread of new allergenic plants across continents. Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China that has become widely distributed in North America and Europe, including Romania. Although initially introduced as an ornamental and shade tree, its rapid growth, tolerance of pollution and drought, and ability to colonize disturbed urban habitats have increased its relevance as a potential aeroallergen. This narrative clinical review synthesizes evidence from clinical case reports, sensitization studies, molecular allergen characterization, aerobiological monitoring, and Romanian distribution data. To improve clinical and public health applicability, the review includes summary tables comparing Ailanthus with other emerging allergens such as ragweed and Platanus, outlining Romanian ecological and pollen-monitoring evidence, summarizing diagnostic implications for ENT and allergy practice, identifying evidence gaps, and presenting future research priorities. Current evidence supports A. altissima pollen as an emerging but under-recognized respiratory allergen, particularly in urban areas where the tree is established. However, major limitations remain, including the lack of standardized diagnostic extracts, incomplete molecular allergen validation, limited routine pollen monitoring, and absence of Romanian clinical sensitization studies. Greater clinical awareness, species-specific aerobiological surveillance, standardized allergen characterization, and coordinated Romanian sensitization studies are needed to determine the extent to which A. altissima pollen contributes to allergic rhinitis and asthma. Future research should explicitly distinguish species occurrence, airborne pollen exposure, IgE sensitization, and clinically relevant respiratory disease when evaluating the emerging allergenic importance of A. altissima. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy and Safe Environments Across Occupational and Environmental Contexts, 2nd Edition)

29 pages, 8293 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Modification Strategies, Functional Properties, and Applications of Starch-Based Biodegradable Films for Food Packaging: A Systematic Review

by Luz A. Castillo-Cifuentes, Miguel Casallas-Ojeda, Luis E. Díaz, Manuel F. Valero, Xiomar Gómez, Paola Acevedo and Iván O. Cabeza

Environments 2026, 13(9), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090506 - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

The increasing environmental impact of conventional plastics and the low recycling rates of single-use packaging have intensified the search for biodegradable alternatives, particularly starch-based films for food packaging. Although starch is renewable, widely available, and biodegradable, its limited mechanical strength, high water sensitivity, [...] Read more.

The increasing environmental impact of conventional plastics and the low recycling rates of single-use packaging have intensified the search for biodegradable alternatives, particularly starch-based films for food packaging. Although starch is renewable, widely available, and biodegradable, its limited mechanical strength, high water sensitivity, and poor barrier performance require targeted modification to meet packaging requirements. This study presents a systematic and bibliometric review of starch-based biodegradable films, analyzing 164 research articles published between 2015 and January 2026 and indexed in Scopus^® and Web of Science^® (WoS), following PRISMA^® guidelines. The review examines research trends, starch sources, processing methods, modification strategies, characterization practices, and application areas, with an emphasis on plasticizers, organic acid additives, polymer blends, fillers, and chemical modifications. The results show that solution casting remains the dominant preparation method, accounting for 82% of the reviewed studies, while filler-based strategies have become the main recent trend, representing 51 of 96 studies published between 2023 and 2026. Glycerol remains the most frequently used plasticizer, appearing in 83% of plasticized formulations. The use of agro-industrial residues as starch sources or functional additives also reflects the growing relevance of circular economy approaches in this field. However, despite advances in mechanical, thermal, barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant performance, critical gaps persist for commercial implementation. Migration testing, techno-economic analyses, and life cycle assessments (LCAs) are reported in only 4.3%, 1.8%, and 1.8% of studies, respectively. Future research should move beyond formulation-centered studies toward integrated approaches that combine functional performance, food-contact safety, regulatory compliance, scalability, and end-of-life assessment to accelerate commercially viable starch-based packaging materials. Full article

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

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20 pages, 7357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Resource Sustainability and Adaptive Management in a Cryosphere-Dependent Endorheic Basin: A Case Study of the Cherchen River, NW China

by Aishajiang Aili, Qiao Xu, Yan Xu, Dong Cui, Tao Lin and Kamalitdin Idirisov

Environments 2026, 13(9), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090505 - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

The Cherchen River Basin (CRB), a cryosphere-dependent endorheic basin in northwestern China, faces strong competition among agricultural, groundwater, and ecological water demands under pronounced seasonal runoff variability. This study integrates multi-source hydrological records, groundwater-resource assessment, sectoral water-use statistics, and groundwater-quality constraints to diagnose [...] Read more.

The Cherchen River Basin (CRB), a cryosphere-dependent endorheic basin in northwestern China, faces strong competition among agricultural, groundwater, and ecological water demands under pronounced seasonal runoff variability. This study integrates multi-source hydrological records, groundwater-resource assessment, sectoral water-use statistics, and groundwater-quality constraints to diagnose water-resource sustainability under 2020 reference-year conditions and develop an adaptive assessment-to-management framework. Total water supply was 471.85 million m³, of which surface water and groundwater contributed 77.3% and 22.6%, respectively. Agriculture accounted for 96.8% of socioeconomic water use, with an average irrigation application of 659 m³/mu and high-efficiency irrigation covering 41.1% of cropland. Groundwater abstraction reached 106.69 million m³, equivalent to approximately 72% of the estimated exploitable groundwater resource, indicating high groundwater dependence but not, by itself, long-term aquifer depletion. Annual gross water supply corresponded to approximately 47% of the estimated available water-resource base; because return flows were not consistently quantified, this value is treated as an annual water-resource utilization ratio rather than a formal WEI⁺. Benchmark calculations indicate that reducing mean irrigation application toward regional levels of 616–558 m³/mu could lower gross agricultural demand by approximately 27.8–65.4 million m³ yr⁻¹. Based on these diagnostics, we propose a four-stage framework comprising resource diagnosis, pressure identification, management prioritization, and adaptive implementation. Management measures beyond the irrigation benchmark scenarios are presented as policy options requiring monitoring and further hydrological, ecological, or economic evaluation rather than as predetermined outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Hydrological Challenges in Data-Scarce Basins)

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25 pages, 7173 KB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation of Multicomponent Tannery Dye Mixtures by Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes

by Yessica G. López-Duran, Martín O. A. Pacheco-Álvarez, Silvia Gutiérrez-Granados, Oracio Serrano, Patricio Espinoza, Enric Brillas and Juan M. Peralta-Hernández

Environments 2026, 13(9), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090504 - 11 Sep 2026

Abstract

Industrial effluents containing persistent synthetic dyes represent an important environmental challenge because of their high chemical stability, low biodegradability, and potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) as remediation strategies for dye-contaminated tanery dyes, with particular [...] Read more.

Industrial effluents containing persistent synthetic dyes represent an important environmental challenge because of their high chemical stability, low biodegradability, and potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) as remediation strategies for dye-contaminated tanery dyes, with particular emphasis on conditions representative of complex industrial effluents. Electrochemical oxidation (EOx), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) processes using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes were comparatively investigated for the degradation of Violet S4B and a multicomponent mixture containing Violet S4B, Brown DR, and Black NT2. The effects of current density and pollutant concentration were assessed through discoloration, pseudo-first-order kinetics, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and HPLC analysis of oxidation intermediates. For the multicomponent system, PEF achieved approximately 99% discoloration after 120 min, compared with nearly 97% for EF and 95% for EOx, with apparent rate constants increasing in the order EOx < EF < PEF. More importantly, COD analysis demonstrated extensive mineralization during PEF treatment, while HPLC revealed negligible accumulation of oxalic acid, indicating effective oxidation of refractory intermediates. The results demonstrate that combining anodic oxidation, electrochemically generated Fenton chemistry, and photo-assisted reactions enhances the remediation of complex dye mixtures. These findings support BDD-based EAOPs, particularly PEF, as promising technologies for reducing persistent organic pollution associated with tannery dye solutions. Full article

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

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24 pages, 1679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Carbon Under Native and Exotic Trees on a Pastoral Dairy Farm in New Zealand

by Gabriella Pitcher, David Whitehead, Sam McNally, Racheal Bryant, Elena Moltchanova and Brett Robinson

Environments 2026, 13(9), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090503 - 11 Sep 2026

Abstract

Intensive dairying emits greenhouse gases and degrades waterways through nutrient runoff and leaching. Trees and shrubs on paddock margins may slow nutrient movement by raising infiltration and by immobilising nutrients in soil carbon. We measured soil carbon along transects running from pasture into [...] Read more.

Intensive dairying emits greenhouse gases and degrades waterways through nutrient runoff and leaching. Trees and shrubs on paddock margins may slow nutrient movement by raising infiltration and by immobilising nutrients in soil carbon. We measured soil carbon along transects running from pasture into three clusters on a pasture-based, intensively managed dairy farm near Lincoln, New Zealand: a mixed New Zealand native planting of nine species (Site MN), a hybrid willow, Salix matsudana × S. alba (Site W), and a planting of Kunzea robusta (kānuka) and Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) (Site KM). Each planting type occurs at one site, so the study compared three case-study plantings, rather than native and exotic trees in general. Within these plantings, we tested four hypotheses: soil organic carbon (SOC) stock is higher under trees than under pasture (H1); particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration is higher under trees than under pasture (H2); SOC peaks at the dripline (H3); and SOC is higher under exotic trees than under New Zealand natives (H4). Carbon stocks over 0–0.3 m were significantly greater 12 m inside the mixed native planting, at 114 t C ha⁻¹, than at the dripline and in the adjacent pasture, 95 t C ha⁻¹, an increase of 20%. Stocks under willow and under kānuka/mānuka did not differ significantly from pasture. POC varied significantly with location under all three plantings at both 0–0.1 m and 0.1–0.3 m, and mean POC under the trees exceeded that under the adjacent pasture at every site and depth. In the 0–0.1 m layer POC averaged 0.22 to 0.35 g per 100 g of soil under the trees compared to 0.06 to 0.11 g per 100 g of soil under pasture. No planting had its highest carbon at the dripline, and the exotic willow had no more carbon than the natives, so H3 and H4 were not supported in these plantings. Tree clusters on paddock boundaries and marginal land add POC to agricultural landscapes at no cost to soil carbon. Future work should determine whether that carbon immobilises mobile nitrogen and phosphorus. Full article

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

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34 pages, 8250 KB

Open AccessArticle

PM_2.5 Composition, Sources, and Health Risks in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Pre-Vision 2030 Baseline

by Yousef Alsufayan, Shedrack R. Nayebare, Omar S. Aburizaiza, Azhar Siddique, David O. Carpenter, Mirza M. Hussain, Jahan Zeb, Abdullah J. Aburiziza, Saiyada Shadiah Masood, Muhayatun Santoso and Haider A. Khwaja

Environments 2026, 13(9), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090502 - 9 Sep 2026

Abstract

Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is a hot-desert pilgrimage city receiving millions of religious visitors annually, yet its fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has not been chemically characterized. The city whose population is periodically influx by millions of religious visitors, generating concentrated increases in [...] Read more.

Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is a hot-desert pilgrimage city receiving millions of religious visitors annually, yet its fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has not been chemically characterized. The city whose population is periodically influx by millions of religious visitors, generating concentrated increases in vehicular activity while simultaneously exposing a large transient population to ambient air pollution. Despite this, its fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has not been chemically characterized. Twenty-four-hour PM_2.5 samples were collected at five urban sites between December 2014 and February 2016 and analyzed for black carbon, water-soluble inorganic ions, and trace elements; sources were resolved by enrichment factors and positive matrix factorization (PMF), and screening-level inhalation risks estimated for eight PM_2.5-bound metals. Site means ranged from 37.7 ± 20.5 µg m⁻³ at Uhad to 103 ± 50.7 µg m⁻³ at Al-Awali, exceeding the World Health Organization 24-h guideline of 15 µg m⁻³ at all sites in every season. Observed site–cycle means ranged from 37.7 ± 20.5 µg m⁻³ at Uhad to 103 ± 50.7 µg m⁻³ at Al-Awali, with concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization 24-h guideline of 15 µg m⁻³ across the monitored site–cycle datasets. Reconstructed mass was dominated by organic matter (53–80.5%) and crustal material (15–53%). Sulfate was the dominant water-soluble ion, but secondary inorganic aerosols contributed only 1–22% of mass, resembling rapidly urbanizing arid cities rather than Asian or European megacities. PMF resolved five sources: crustal dust, industrial mixed dust, oil combustion, vehicular emissions, and secondary aerosols. Hazard quotients remained below unity and cumulative carcinogenic risks below 10⁻⁶, principally from chromium and nickel. Because these measurements precede the Vision 2030 urban-transformation program, they establish a chemically resolved reference state for evaluating future air-quality change in Madinah. Full article

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

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18 pages, 1026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Coalification Environment of Coal Seams No. 3 and No. 6 in the Yangye Formation of the Karatuzi Mining Area and Directions for Clean Utilisation

by Abdulijang Jumahong, Shuai Shao, Changcheng Han, Shuo Feng, Lei Gao and Wei Zhang

Environments 2026, 13(9), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090501 - 9 Sep 2026

Abstract

The Karatuzi mining area is a key coal resource base in Southern Xinjiang. This paper focuses on Coal Seams No. 3 and No. 6 of the Yangye Formation. Through coal petrology, coal quality and elemental geochemical analyses, combined with assessments of the coalification [...] Read more.

The Karatuzi mining area is a key coal resource base in Southern Xinjiang. This paper focuses on Coal Seams No. 3 and No. 6 of the Yangye Formation. Through coal petrology, coal quality and elemental geochemical analyses, combined with assessments of the coalification environment, coal cleanliness grades and direct liquefaction evaluation systems, this study investigates their coalification environments and potential for clean utilisation. The results indicate that both coal seams consist predominantly of the vitrinite group and are classified as medium-rank coals. The ash content of the raw coal ranged from 21.76% to 27.66%; the sulphur content of Coal Seam No. 3 is lower than that of Coal Seam No. 6, whilst the concentrations of Cl, F and As are generally low to moderate. The coalification period of the Yangye Formation was characterised by a generally humid, water-saturated peat bog environment. The raw coal from both Seam No. 3 and Seam No. 6 was classified as Grade IV unclean coal; following flotation, the ash content decreased to 7.31–7.54%, and the cleanliness grades were upgraded to Grade II and Grade III, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant changes in moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, sulphur content, fluorine and arsenic. Following flotation, the raw coal attains the potential for use as Grade II coal for direct liquefaction, providing a basis for the quality enhancement and clean utilisation of coal in the mining area. Full article

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

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19 pages, 6173 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Exposure Complexity Characterization to Support Chemical Exposure Assessment Strategy Selection

by Daniel-Onut Badea, Valentin-Ilie Făgărăşian and Lucian-Ionel Cioca

Environments 2026, 13(9), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090500 - 7 Sep 2026

Abstract

Contemporary occupational environments are characterized by complex exposure scenarios involving multiple contaminants, exposure pathways, and variable working conditions. Occupational exposure assessment approaches provide complementary information but offer limited guidance for selecting assessment strategies according to exposure scenario complexity. This study presents Occupational Exposure [...] Read more.

Contemporary occupational environments are characterized by complex exposure scenarios involving multiple contaminants, exposure pathways, and variable working conditions. Occupational exposure assessment approaches provide complementary information but offer limited guidance for selecting assessment strategies according to exposure scenario complexity. This study presents Occupational Exposure Complexity Characterization (OECC), a conceptual methodology developed through an examination of the principal occupational exposure assessment approaches. The methodology characterizes occupational exposure scenarios using six complementary dimensions describing chemical, exposure pathway, temporal, occupational activity, monitoring, and interpretation complexity. The findings obtained across these dimensions are organized into the Occupational Exposure Complexity Profile (OECP), which provides a structured characterization of exposure scenario complexity and may support the selection of environmental monitoring, personal exposure monitoring, human biomonitoring, exposure modeling, or integrated assessment approaches. The methodology includes a workflow from exposure characterization to support assessment strategy selection and was illustrated using published occupational exposure scenarios involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, engineered nanomaterials, and microplastics. Occupational Exposure Complexity Characterization (OECC) provides a preliminary framework for support exposure assessment strategy selection according to the characteristics of the exposure scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Exposure and Its Impacts on Environmental Health)

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19 pages, 3142 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sorption of Pharmaceuticals onto Polyethylene Terephthalate and Medium-Density Polyethylene: Influence of Plastic Polymer Type and Water Medium

by Marta Cabrera-Sola, Beatriz Suárez-González, Úrsula Gallardo-Gómez, Lourdes Rodrigo and Alberto Zafra-Gómez

Environments 2026, 13(9), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090499 - 7 Sep 2026

Abstract

The growing accumulation of microplastics in marine ecosystems, coupled with the presence of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, represents an environmental problem that has received little attention to date. The present study evaluates the potential of microplastics to act as transport vectors for [...] Read more.

The growing accumulation of microplastics in marine ecosystems, coupled with the presence of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, represents an environmental problem that has received little attention to date. The present study evaluates the potential of microplastics to act as transport vectors for pharmaceuticals through their adsorption onto two plastic polymers widely used today: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) in seawater. As a control, the same experiments were conducted in ultrapure water (Milli-Q). Both plastics were exposed to a mixture of 29 pharmaceuticals belonging to different therapeutic classes over a 28-day period, with sampling conducted at various time intervals. The identification, quantification, and characterization of the compounds were performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. Statistical analysis was performed using R-Studio software. Outcomes reveal that the type of polymer significantly influences adsorption, with MDPE being more efficient than PET. In contrast, the type of water and the therapeutic class of the drugs were not identified as determining factors. Furthermore, a positive, albeit moderate, correlation was observed between the hydrophobicity of the pharmaceutical and its adsorption efficiency on MDPE. These findings suggest that hydrophobic interactions play a key role in the adsorption of drugs onto microplastics, providing a solid foundation for future research, such as predictive models or mitigation strategies in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastic Pollutants in Aquatic Environments)

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32 pages, 3069 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Culture and Willingness to Pay for Clean Air: A Cultural Additivity Perspective and Bayesian Mindsponge Method

by Duc Lam Nguyen, Ngoc Duc Doan, Thi Quynh Trang Tran, Bich Diep Nguyen and Van Quy Khuc

Environments 2026, 13(9), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090498 - 4 Sep 2026

Abstract

Urban air pollution has become a critical governance challenge for many developing cities, where sustained air quality improvement depends not only on pollution-control capacity but also on durable public participation and financial support. Building on Cultural Additivity Theory (CAT), this study employs Bayesian [...] Read more.

Urban air pollution has become a critical governance challenge for many developing cities, where sustained air quality improvement depends not only on pollution-control capacity but also on durable public participation and financial support. Building on Cultural Additivity Theory (CAT), this study employs Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics with a Bayesian cumulative ordinal logistic specification to investigate how environmental perceptions, adaptive behavior, and household financial capacity are associated with household willingness to pay (WTP) for urban air quality improvement, using survey data from 604 households in Hanoi, Vietnam. The results show that household income, perceived pollution urgency, perceived pollution impact, and avoidance behavior are positively associated with higher WTP. More importantly, the positive associations of perceived pollution urgency and avoidance behavior with WTP are more pronounced at higher household income levels, indicating that these environmental orientations are more closely associated with higher contribution preferences at greater levels of financial capacity. These findings suggest that household WTP reflects a differentiated decision process in which environmental engagement and material circumstances jointly correspond to stated financial contribution rather than operating as isolated determinants. This study makes three contributions. First, it extends CAT into behavioral environmental economics by distinguishing environmental value formation from its expression in stated financial contribution and revealing within-decision differentiation across environmental attributes. Second, it extends the application of BMF analytics to payment card WTP data through a Bayesian cumulative ordinal logistic specification that supports posterior and probability-based interpretation. Third, it provides evidence for designing clean air governance that combines locally relevant risk communication and behaviorally informed public engagement with flexible participation arrangements that recognize heterogeneous household financial capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas, 4th Edition)

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30 pages, 300327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Multi-Scenario Evolution of Regional Flood Risk in Arid Central Asia

by Wenzhuo Li, Alim Samat, Yixuan Liu, Jilili Abuduwaili and Dana Shokparova

Environments 2026, 13(9), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090497 - 4 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study develops an interpretable and validated XGBoost–SHAP framework integrating multisource geospatial data and historical flood observations, with model performance evaluated using independent validation and future projections driven by bias-corrected CMIP6 climate scenarios to characterize the spatiotemporal variations and contributions of flood driving [...] Read more.

This study develops an interpretable and validated XGBoost–SHAP framework integrating multisource geospatial data and historical flood observations, with model performance evaluated using independent validation and future projections driven by bias-corrected CMIP6 climate scenarios to characterize the spatiotemporal variations and contributions of flood driving factors across three regions of Kazakhstan (2000–2025). The results demonstrate pronounced spatial differences in flood-driving factors: delayed snowmelt coupled with orographic rainfall dominates flood variability in the mountainous Almaty Region; hydrological memory effects regulate flood responses in the Akmola plains; and socioeconomic exposure shows an increasing contribution to flood risk evolution in Turkestan. Future multi-scenario simulations indicate that the flood-affected area in the Almaty Region is projected to increase by 10.8% under SSP2-4.5, which is associated with enhanced snowmelt processes, whereas the Akmola Region may experience a 23.2% reduction under SSP5-8.5, which is associated with changes in evaporation–soil moisture interactions. The interaction between socioeconomic development and natural hazards results in divergent risk trajectories: urban expansion in Akmola and Turkestan may offset declining hydroclimatic hazards, creating a potential risk paradox, whereas mountainous regions remain sensitive to concurrent increases in hazard intensity and exposure. These findings indicate that flood risk evolution in the studied regions of arid Central Asia is being increasingly influenced by socioeconomic dynamics in addition to natural hazards, highlighting the importance of differentiated adaptive planning strategies. Full article

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25 pages, 599 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Local Ecological Knowledge and Remote Sensing for Wildlife Assessment and Conservation: Insights from Sebitoli, Kibale National Park, Uganda

by Hugo Magaldi, Gabriel Dubus, Raymond Katumba, Harold Rugonge, Innocent Kasekendi, Marc Allassonnière-Tang and Sabrina Krief

Environments 2026, 13(9), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090496 - 4 Sep 2026

Abstract

Effective conservation of tropical forests under sustained anthropogenic pressure requires reliable, up-to-date knowledge of species presence, yet local ecological knowledge (LEK), camera trapping (CT), and passive acoustic recording (PAR) are rarely compared and used jointly against the same species list at the same [...] Read more.

Effective conservation of tropical forests under sustained anthropogenic pressure requires reliable, up-to-date knowledge of species presence, yet local ecological knowledge (LEK), camera trapping (CT), and passive acoustic recording (PAR) are rarely compared and used jointly against the same species list at the same site, simultaneously. Kibale National Park (KNP) in Uganda is a well-known biodiversity hotspot and the local culture is deeply shaped by wildlife, with social life and cultural identity rooted in a system of clans and totems. Sebitoli, in the northern sector of KNP, was logged in the 1970s and was part of a park-wide census in 2005. We used the three approaches for 54 vertebrate taxa (32 mammals, 15 birds, 7 reptiles) in this regenerating forest patch twenty years after. Over six months, from 1 February to 30 July 2025, 20 paired camera-trap/acoustic-recorder stations using automated deep-learning classifiers to detect species from camera-trap footage and audio recordings were combined with a structured LEK survey of 34 local research and conservation staff. The 2005 park-wide census provides a historical reference for interpreting present-day detections, although differences in survey design and metrics preclude direct inference about changes in density or abundance. All seven taxa for which non-zero density estimates were reported in Sebitoli in 2005 were detected by at least one method in the present study, the endangered elephants and chimpanzees being among the most frequently detected by the three methods. Camera trapping also detected African golden cat Caracal aurata and African Buffalo Syncerus caffer, which were not recorded during the 2005 transects. No single method captured the full community: CT and PAR combined detected 61% of taxa within their joint taxonomic scope, against 50% for the best single sensor, while LEK alone returned a non-zero score for all 54 species, including every reptile and most taxa currently outside classifier coverage. LEK-sensor correlation weakened substantially once classifier scope was accounted for (

ρ

= 0.29–0.30), and naming consensus among respondents tracked visual familiarity rather than totemic or cultural salience. Our findings show the detections of species rare or absent twenty years before and highlight how integrating LEK, CT, and PAR can provide a broader and more complementary assessment of biodiversity than any single monitoring approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity, Ecological Understanding and Conservation)

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13 pages, 1692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lichen Transplantation for Assessing Intra-Urban Environmental Stress: A Case Study in Jelgava, Latvia

by Jovita Pilecka-Ulcugaceva, Paula Miezaka, Jana Grave, Inga Straupe and Inga Grinfelde

Environments 2026, 13(9), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090495 - 4 Sep 2026

Abstract

Lichen transplantation can reveal spatial variation in biological responses across urban environments, but visible vitality cannot identify specific pollutants. We transplanted the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes from a presumed lower-impact forest area to 20 sites in Jelgava, Latvia and assessed its visible condition [...] Read more.

Lichen transplantation can reveal spatial variation in biological responses across urban environments, but visible vitality cannot identify specific pollutants. We transplanted the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes from a presumed lower-impact forest area to 20 sites in Jelgava, Latvia and assessed its visible condition monthly for 243 days. The primary endpoint was first-observed necrosis; discoloration was retained as a descriptive secondary state. Thirteen primary transplants developed necrosis, first detected between days 62 and 215. One transplant was right-censored at day 123 after pruning, and six had no observed necrosis by day 243. Kaplan–Meier analysis gave a median time to first-observed necrosis of 184 days (20 primary transplants; 13 events; and 7 censored). A descriptive Urban Stress Index summarized event timing for 19 sites with complete follow-up. Correlations between this index and land-use proportions were statistically non-significant. Exploratory correlations with co-located winter snow Pb and Zn concentrations were negative, contrary to a simple metal-toxicity interpretation. The observed necrosis may reflect altered environmental conditions after transplantation rather than metal accumulation; absent concurrent air and thallus chemistry, microcli-mate measurements, and site replication, pollutant-source attribution is precluded. The approach is therefore best used for exploratory spatial screening and hypothesis generation. Full article

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

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48 pages, 6414 KB

Open AccessReview

Assessing the Hydrogen Supply Chain from an Eco-Design Perspective: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability

by Michelle Andrea Gonzalez Monroy, Adalgisa Sinicropi and Maria Laura Parisi

Environments 2026, 13(9), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090494 - 3 Sep 2026

Abstract

Hydrogen (H₂) is widely regarded as a key energy vector for the transition to a low-carbon energy economy, yet its production, storage, and distribution remain associated with significant environmental burdens. This review analyses the entire low-emission H₂ value chain from [...] Read more.

Hydrogen (H₂) is widely regarded as a key energy vector for the transition to a low-carbon energy economy, yet its production, storage, and distribution remain associated with significant environmental burdens. This review analyses the entire low-emission H₂ value chain from an eco-design perspective, synthesising recent life cycle assessment (LCA) literature on water-splitting technologies (electrolysis, thermochemical cycles, and photocatalysis), biomass-based thermochemical and biological routes, and the emerging exploitation of natural (geological) hydrogen. Environmental performance is benchmarked against conventional steam methane reforming and coal gasification across multiple indicators, including global warming potential (GWP), terrestrial acidification, water scarcity, mineral resource scarcity, and human toxicity. The results demonstrate that no single pathway is universally sustainable. Electrolysis remains strongly dependent on the electricity grid mix, while biomass gasification coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) achieves deep carbon mitigation but exacerbates acidification concerns. Furthermore, photocatalysis and biological routes show theoretically low carbon footprints but remain severely constrained by low technology readiness levels (TRLs). Downstream, physical compression showed lower life cycle burdens than chemical carriers, and pipeline networks outperformed other transportation modes, in the studies reviewed; both findings are conditional on the distance, scale, pressure and utilisation assumptions adopted. Finally, the integrated economic overview reveals that environmental hotspots correlate directly to financial penalties, ultimately dictating the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH). This review consolidates critical technological gaps, highlights the necessity for harmonised LCA boundaries, multi-indicator reporting, and primary industrial data, and proposes strategic research directions to enable a truly sustainable H₂ economy where eco-design choices are matched to localised energy, water, and material realities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Economics, Energy Systems and Policymaking)

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23 pages, 3203 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Harnessing Silicon-Based Growing Media for Sustainable Heavy Metal Remediation in Agricultural and Urban Green Systems: A Systematic Review

by Mehak Shehzad, Adnan Younis, Samreen Nazeer and Muhammad Zubair Akram

Environments 2026, 13(9), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090493 - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils and urban green spaces has become a major environmental concern, threatening ecosystem functioning, food safety, and sustainable land management. Silicon-based growing media have emerged as an environmentally friendly approach for reducing metal mobility while enhancing plant establishment [...] Read more.

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils and urban green spaces has become a major environmental concern, threatening ecosystem functioning, food safety, and sustainable land management. Silicon-based growing media have emerged as an environmentally friendly approach for reducing metal mobility while enhancing plant establishment in contaminated environments. Despite growing research interest, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanisms, effectiveness, and practical applications of silicon-amended growing media across diverse plant systems remains lacking. This systematic review addresses this gap by synthesizing current evidence following the PRISMA 2020 framework. A systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar identified 247 publications published between 2010 and 2025, of which 32 peer-reviewed studies met the predefined inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The reviewed literature demonstrates that silicon incorporation into growing media improves substrate functionality by modifying physicochemical properties, immobilizing heavy metals, regulating metal transport within plants, strengthening antioxidant and osmo-protective defense systems, preserving photosynthetic activity, and improving nutrient acquisition and water-use efficiency. Furthermore, silicon influences molecular signaling pathways and promotes beneficial rhizosphere interactions that collectively enhance plant resilience under metal stress. Among the evaluated materials, silicon nanoparticles consistently exhibited greater remediation efficiency than conventional silicon sources because of their higher surface reactivity and improved bioavailability. Overall, silicon-based substrate engineering represents a multifunctional and sustainable strategy for mitigating heavy metal contamination while improving the performance of agricultural crops and urban vegetation. Future research should focus on validating these findings under long-term field conditions, optimizing silicon formulations for different substrate types and contamination scenarios, evaluating environmental safety, and integrating silicon-based technologies into climate-resilient agricultural practices and urban green infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Heavy Metal Remediation Technologies)

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22 pages, 9386 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stream Biofilms in Western Tennessee Provide Insight into Land Use History and Ecosystem Function

by Kimberly E. Baldwin, Leigh Boardman and Shawn P. Brown

Environments 2026, 13(9), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090492 - 1 Sep 2026

Abstract

Many streams in western Tennessee (United States) are heavily modified, altering stream morphology and microbial community dynamics. Given the interest in restoring degraded streams, integration of microbial communities and processes is needed to inform restoration efforts. We investigated community assembly dynamics of biofilm [...] Read more.

Many streams in western Tennessee (United States) are heavily modified, altering stream morphology and microbial community dynamics. Given the interest in restoring degraded streams, integration of microbial communities and processes is needed to inform restoration efforts. We investigated community assembly dynamics of biofilm microbial communities in a degraded and undisturbed stream within the same watershed; the degraded stream is scheduled to be restored. We established biofilm sampling plots, which included the factors light exposure, length of biofilm development, and temporal variation. We conducted metabarcoding targeting bacteria and eukaryotes, investigating community dynamics of 13 functional or taxonomic groups. We also collected stream chemical data including pH, dissolved oxygen, oxygen reduction potential, total dissolved solids, K⁺, NO₃⁻, electrical conductivity, and temperature. We observed greater diversity and higher abundances in the more natural stream, but these patterns are taxonomically context-dependent. Using a community assembly analytical framework, we identified strong temporal effects of community structure and stream chemistry. These dynamics also highlighted biomarkers that are potential indicators of stream conditions. This work highlights the need to integrate aquatic microbial communities into conversations around stream restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity, Ecological Understanding and Conservation)

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32 pages, 2856 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Framework for an AI-Enabled Digital Twin Platform LCA for Megaconstruction Projects

by Hany Elmancy, Lina Khaddour, Berk Canberk, Bernardino D’Amico, Islam Shyha and Nagham El-Berishy

Environments 2026, 13(9), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090491 - 31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Megaconstruction projects, including high-speed rail networks, airports, seaports, and large urban infrastructure programmes, rank among the most resource-intensive activities in the built environment, generating substantial carbon emissions and persistent environmental degradation. These projects face compounding operational challenges: extended construction periods, supply chains that [...] Read more.

Megaconstruction projects, including high-speed rail networks, airports, seaports, and large urban infrastructure programmes, rank among the most resource-intensive activities in the built environment, generating substantial carbon emissions and persistent environmental degradation. These projects face compounding operational challenges: extended construction periods, supply chains that cross multiple continents, and governance structures that involve dozens of contracting organisations, producing data volumes that conventional static Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) cannot accommodate. LCA offers a robust framework for evaluating environmental performance across infrastructure lifecycles, but traditional approaches remain static and retrospective, which limits their use in dynamic, large-scale construction environments. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that integrates predictive machine learning and Digital Twin (DT) technologies within an AI-enabled digital platform, turning LCA into a continuous, real-time decision support process for megaconstruction projects. The framework was developed through a systematic literature review across the LCA, Digital Twin, and machine learning domains, and a structured four-layer design process covering data ingestion, AI predictive modelling, DT synchronisation, and interactive reporting, translated into a six-panel governance dashboard for project managers. Its completeness, coherence, and practical feasibility were then assessed through an Expert Validation Questionnaire. The framework is presented as a pre-empirical, expert-validated design; live deployment and performance testing on an operating megaconstruction project form the next stage of this research. Full article

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

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