Environments

19 pages, 3833 KB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Municipal Organic Waste Leachates by Nitrification: Analysis of the Diversity and Abundance of Canonical and Comammox Microorganisms

by Roberto Carlos Moreno-Quirós, Ángel Isauro Ortíz-Ceballos and Sergio Martínez-Hernández

Environments 2025, 12(12), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120479 - 8 Dec 2025

Abstract

Leachates from municipal organic waste contain high concentrations of ammonium and organic matter, making their treatment a top priority. The present study addressed leachate treatment under nitrification and focused on the diversity and abundance of comammox bacteria and their interaction with other canonical [...] Read more.

Leachates from municipal organic waste contain high concentrations of ammonium and organic matter, making their treatment a top priority. The present study addressed leachate treatment under nitrification and focused on the diversity and abundance of comammox bacteria and their interaction with other canonical microorganisms. Batch reactors (1L) were fed with synthetic (100 mg HN₄⁺-N/L) or leachate ammonium and operated at 150 rpm, 3 mg DO/L, pH 7, and 30 °C. Reactor performance was evaluated using metabolic response variables and the microbial community by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The results showed ammonium and organic matter (5200 mg COD/L) consumption efficiencies above 95%. The abundance and richness of the microbial community decreased in the presence of leachates. Sequences of the genus Nitrosomonas predominated with the synthetic medium, while the genus Nitrospira was the most abundant when fed with leachates. Archaea and anammox sequences were also detected. Comammox sequences of Candidatus Nitrospira inopinata, C. N. nitrificants, C. N. kreftii, C. N. neomarina, C. N. nitrosa, and C. N. allomarina were also detected, with the first species being predominant in the presence of leachates. These findings demonstrate that comammox and canonical microorganisms coexist during ammonium removal from leachates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Management and Life Cycle Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities)

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14 pages, 2400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses to Microplastic Ingestion in the Peacock Wrasse Symphodus tinca from Ibiza, Spain

by Antoni Sureda, Maria Magdalena Quetglas-Llabrés, Montserrat Compa, Amanda Cohen-Sánchez, Antoni Box, Llorenç Gil, Samuel Pinya and Silvia Tejada

Environments 2025, 12(12), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120478 - 8 Dec 2025

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous coastal contaminants that can induce oxidative stress, detoxification responses and inflammation in marine species. We evaluated MP occurrence and associated physiological responses in the digestive tract of the peacock wrasse Symphodus tinca (N = 28) from the northeastern [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous coastal contaminants that can induce oxidative stress, detoxification responses and inflammation in marine species. We evaluated MP occurrence and associated physiological responses in the digestive tract of the peacock wrasse Symphodus tinca (N = 28) from the northeastern coast of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain). MPs occurred in 60.7% of the fish (58 items in total; mean 2.1 ± 0.5 items·fish⁻¹), dominated by fibres (75.9%). Polyester (38.1%) and polypropylene (23.8%) were the most frequent polymers in the subset of MPs analysed. Fish were grouped by median MP count (<2 vs. ≥2), and statistical differences and correlations were assessed. Individuals with ≥2 MPs showed significantly elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase, SOD), the phase-II detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the pro-inflammatory enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO). Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative-damage biomarkers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls tended to be higher in the high-MP group, but differences were not statistically significant. MP exposure correlated positively with all biomarkers except protein carbonyls. In conclusion, higher MP loads in S. tinca are associated with activation of antioxidant, detoxification and inflammatory pathways, without clear evidence of widespread oxidative damage under the sampled conditions. These physiological responses suggest potential impacts on individual fitness that may signal early ecological effects in coastal fish populations, highlighting their value as early-warning indicators in coastal monitoring and environmental management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicity of Microplastics)

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19 pages, 70686 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Agricultural Hybrid Carbon Model for National-Scale SOC Stock Spatial Estimation

by Nikiforos Samarinas, Nikolaos L. Tsakiridis, Eleni Kalopesa and Nikolaos Tziolas

Environments 2025, 12(12), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120477 - 6 Dec 2025

Abstract

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks in croplands play a key role for climate change mitigation and soil sustainability, with proper management techniques enhancing carbon storage to support these goals. This study focuses on the development of a hybrid carbon modeling approach for the [...] Read more.

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks in croplands play a key role for climate change mitigation and soil sustainability, with proper management techniques enhancing carbon storage to support these goals. This study focuses on the development of a hybrid carbon modeling approach for the simulation of topsoil SOC stocks across the entire agricultural area of Lithuania. In essence, the proposed hybrid approach combines a custom cloud-based Soil Data Cube (SDC) and the RothC process-based model. High-resolution annual soil layers produced via the SDC (developed using Earth Observation and Copernicus datasets processed through AI-based methodologies) were incorporated into the RothC model to achieve reliable and detailed spatial estimations of SOC stocks. Moreover, 20-year projections into the future were conducted for (i) the business as usual scenario, and (ii) two different IPCC climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) for the estimation of the SOC stock changes. The initial SOC stock varies from 15 to over 80

t C / h a

while the projections present an average SOC loss of

- 0.14

t C / h a / yr f

or the business-as-usual scenario and an average SOC sequestration of

- 0.24

and

- 0.34

t C / h a / yr

under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. The framework aims to provide a robust and cost-effective solution for estimating SOC stocks under climate pressures, supporting EU policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy. Full article

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23 pages, 2233 KB

Open AccessReview

From Dawn to Now: The Evolution of PFAS Research Trends

by Phuong D. Tran and Kyoungtae Kim

Environments 2025, 12(12), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120476 - 6 Dec 2025

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals known for their exceptional stability, strong surface activity, and ability to repel both water and oil. Due to these characteristics, PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s across multiple industries. [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals known for their exceptional stability, strong surface activity, and ability to repel both water and oil. Due to these characteristics, PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s across multiple industries. However, over the decades, these substances have emerged as persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants. While it is evident that PFAS pose adverse effects on both ecosystems and human well-being, the mechanisms underlying their toxicities are yet to be fully understood. To better examine the thematic evolution of PFAS research, this review divides the literature into four distinct eras: before 2000s, from 2000 to 2010, from 2010 to 2020, and from 2020 onwards. Since the latter half of the 20th century, the rapid development and mass production of PFAS resulted in the manufacture of thousands of industrial and household products. After decades of concerns regarding their toxic impacts, major phase-outs in the early 2000s shifted attention towards environmental studies and biomonitoring. Throughout the 2010s, extensive studies were conducted to assess the PFAS toxicities, especially perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the two widely detected compounds on human populations. Since 2020, research efforts have increasingly progressed toward molecular-level studies, advancements in analytical detection methods, and remediation technologies. Additionally, this review examines regulatory changes, highlights current knowledge gaps, and outlines directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS))

21 pages, 19490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wastewater-Based Estimation of COVID-19 Transmission in California: A Hierarchical Beta-Binomial Model for Estimating the Effective Reproduction Number

by José Cricelio Montesinos-López, Maria L. Daza-Torres, Abelardo Montesinos-López, Junlin Chen, Heather N. Bischel and Miriam Nuño

Environments 2025, 12(12), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120475 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the critical need for scalable, timely, and unbiased methods to monitor disease transmission at the population level. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) provides an effective method for monitoring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission by detecting [...] Read more.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the critical need for scalable, timely, and unbiased methods to monitor disease transmission at the population level. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) provides an effective method for monitoring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission by detecting viral RNA shed into the sewage system. Because it does not rely on individual testing, WBE can offer timely, cost-effective, and community-level insights into infection trends. In this study, we present a hierarchical Beta-Binomial model that integrates SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in wastewater with reported COVID-19 case counts to enhance the monitoring of community-level transmission dynamics. The model incorporates wastewater viral loads as a predictor and reported cases as the response, while adjusting for testing volume to account for biases introduced by fluctuations in testing practices. This approach enables reliable estimation of the effective reproduction number (

R_{t}

), even in the absence of consistent reporting of clinical data. Applied to twenty counties in California, our modeling framework demonstrates the potential of wastewater surveillance to inform public health decision making, particularly in locations with sparse clinical data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Assessment and Surveillance)

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17 pages, 5754 KB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Biodiversity in a Coastal Periphery Revealed by a Community-Based Monitoring Approach Integrating Citizen Science and Environmental DNA Metabarcoding

by Daniele Bellardini, Daniele De Luca, Luca Russo, Rosalia Calicchio, Cristina Castracani, Pasquale De Luca, Iole Di Capua, Federica Massimi, Anja Raggio, Alessia Riccardi, Jessica Vannini, Gennaro Attanasio, Paolo Vassallo, Roberto Sandulli, Marco Signore, Emanuela Dattolo and Domenico D′Alelio

Environments 2025, 12(12), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120474 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The global biodiversity crisis brings significant environmental and social impacts, necessitating innovative approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This is particularly relevant for coastal peripheries that are rich in both natural and cultural capital. The Reknotting Marine Biodiversity project adopted a trans-disciplinary [...] Read more.

The global biodiversity crisis brings significant environmental and social impacts, necessitating innovative approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This is particularly relevant for coastal peripheries that are rich in both natural and cultural capital. The Reknotting Marine Biodiversity project adopted a trans-disciplinary approach to integrate participatory science and education, involving local communities and researchers in biodiversity monitoring using environmental DNA metabarcoding along the coast of Marina di Camerota, Southern Italy. This approach compared Posidonia oceanica habitats with areas subject to anthropogenic pressures. Results show a greater diversity of pelagic fish and benthic organisms in the presence of P. oceanica, nine species that can potentially cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and eight species responsible for non-toxic algal blooms in less pristine areas. This study highlights the value of coastal habitats and the strategic value of citizen science in raising ecological awareness, proposing a replicable model for local marine observatories jointly managed by scientists and citizens. Full article

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20 pages, 2917 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential Impacts of Climate and Land Use Changes on Water Yield in the Croatan National Forest, USA

by Mahdis Fallahi, Stacy A. C. Nelson, Joseph P. Roise, Solomon Beyene, M. Nils Peterson and Peter V. Caldwell

Environments 2025, 12(12), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120473 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Coastal forests are highly sensitive to both climate change and land use change, which can strongly affect hydrological processes and long-term water yield. This study quantifies the individual and combined impacts of climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) change on water yield [...] Read more.

Coastal forests are highly sensitive to both climate change and land use change, which can strongly affect hydrological processes and long-term water yield. This study quantifies the individual and combined impacts of climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) change on water yield in the Croatan National Forest (CNF), a coastal ecosystem in North Carolina, USA, from 2003 to 2070. To produce high-resolution climate projections, we extended the MIDAS (Machine Learning-Based Integration of Downscaled Projections for Accurate Simulation) approach by applying a full statistical downscaling of temperature and precipitation from CMIP6–SSP5-8.5 scenarios using the Random Forest algorithm. Future LULC scenarios were generated using machine learning and Markov Chain-based modeling to predict spatial changes up to 2070. The downscaled climate and LULC data were integrated into the WaSSI hydrological model to simulate their potential effects on water yield under the following four scenarios: baseline, LULC change only, climate change only, and combined change. The results showed that climate change alone could reduce annual water yield by about 11%, while LULC change alone could increase it by roughly 3% due to lower evapotranspiration from forest-to-urban conversion. Under the combined scenario, water yield decreased by about 6%, indicating that climate change dominated, but LULC change could locally alter or influence its effects. Overall, the findings highlight that climate change could be the primary driver of reduced water yield in coastal forests, while LULC change mainly affects its spatial variability. This integrated framework improves the accuracy of regional hydrological projections and provides useful insights for climate adaptation and sustainable water resource management in coastal forest ecosystems. Full article

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23 pages, 2323 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Soil Improvers on Soil Health: A Data Mining Approach to Support Sustainable Agriculture Across the EU

by Lorenzo Nolfi, Arianna Bindo, Luciana Di Gregorio, Manuela Costanzo, Marina Caldara, Silvia Tabacchioni, Andrea Visca, Tapio Salo, Andrea Bauerle, Veronika Hansen, Roberta Bernini, Giovanna Cristina Varese, Ioannis Manikas, Nelson Marmiroli, Ansa Palojärvi and Annamaria Bevivino

Environments 2025, 12(12), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120472 - 4 Dec 2025

Abstract

Soil health is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience. Using a data mining approach, this study aims to explore emerging themes related to the impact of soil improvers on soil health by analyzing results from various EU-funded agricultural projects, [...] Read more.

Soil health is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience. Using a data mining approach, this study aims to explore emerging themes related to the impact of soil improvers on soil health by analyzing results from various EU-funded agricultural projects, with the final goal of identifying the key factors driving the effectiveness of soil amendments. By integrating data mining and text analysis, the study extracts, aggregates, and visualizes insights, providing a comprehensive overview of innovative strategies to enhance soil fertility and promote ecological balance. This integrated analytical framework offers a nuanced understanding of the conceptual landscape surrounding soil health in EU projects, highlighting the multifaceted roles of organic amendments and microbial solutions. Our findings underscore the critical link between organic amendments and soil health, highlighting their potential as strategic tools for achieving more sustainable agricultural systems. These findings provide a basis for refining soil management strategies in agriculture and support the development of evidence-based policies aimed at improving soil health and fostering ecological balance across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Soil Quality and Management, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 1777 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Enhancing the Performance of Pre-Treatment Systems for Saline–Alkaline Agricultural Drainage in Southern Xinjiang

by Zhuo Shi, Baoqin Jiao, Xingpeng Wang, Pengfei Huang, Xiaoli Wang and Yunxia Li

Environments 2025, 12(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120471 - 4 Dec 2025

Abstract

Freshwater scarcity in southern Xinjiang has intensified the need for effective utilization of saline–alkaline agricultural drainage. This study evaluates pre-treatment technologies for reverse osmosis (RO) systems to improve water quality and mitigate membrane fouling. Three processes were tested: coagulation–sedimentation–media filtration (G₁), [...] Read more.

Freshwater scarcity in southern Xinjiang has intensified the need for effective utilization of saline–alkaline agricultural drainage. This study evaluates pre-treatment technologies for reverse osmosis (RO) systems to improve water quality and mitigate membrane fouling. Three processes were tested: coagulation–sedimentation–media filtration (G₁), micro-flocculation–media filtration (G₂), and micro-flocculation (G₃) combined with ultrafiltration and varying polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dosages (0–15 mg·L⁻¹). Results show that G₁ and G₂ significantly outperform G₃ in removing turbidity, organic matter, and inorganic ions, achieving SDI₁₅ < 5 and turbidity < 0.3 NTU, meeting RO feedwater standards. Optimal performance occurred at the 7.5–10 mg·L⁻¹ coagulant dosage range, effectively controlling flux decline and fouling. The integrated pre-treatment–ultrafiltration system provides a robust technical framework for saline–alkaline water desalination, offering practical guidance for sustainable water resource utilization in arid agricultural regions. Full article

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27 pages, 1320 KB

Open AccessReview

Healthcare Facilities as an Emerging Source of Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective

by Muhammad Tariq Khan, Marisa Ribeiro-Almeida, Unzile Yaman and Joana C. Prata

Environments 2025, 12(12), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120470 - 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), mostly resulting from the widespread use of antimicrobials in healthcare, veterinary, and agriculture, poses a significant challenge to global health. Healthcare facilities are hotspots of AMR due to high antibiotic consumption and the presence of highly susceptible populations. Moreover, there [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), mostly resulting from the widespread use of antimicrobials in healthcare, veterinary, and agriculture, poses a significant challenge to global health. Healthcare facilities are hotspots of AMR due to high antibiotic consumption and the presence of highly susceptible populations. Moreover, there may be a dynamic exchange in AMR between healthcare infrastructures, human populations, animals, and the environment. To address these challenges, this review presents a One Health perspective, emphasizing the complex interconnections among many ecosystems. Furthermore, the development and dissemination of AMR in the healthcare environment, via surfaces and hands, have been critically investigated. Some of the neglected aspects that contribute to AMR, such as ventilation and wastewater, have also been addressed. The natural environment plays a crucial role as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The expected increase in AMR in the coming years will not only pose a challenge to public health but also to food security and environmental health. Hospitals should install advanced systems for treating wastewater to reduce the discharge of antimicrobials. Hospitals should also combine full water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) protocols with infection prevention and control (IPC) methods. These efforts are aimed at preventing infections and protecting public health and the environment. Other measures include advancing research to understand transmission pathways, increasing surveillance, reducing contamination in healthcare settings, implementing national plans for stewardship, and globally sharing resources and targets to reduce AMR. Full article

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23 pages, 1629 KB

Open AccessReview

Knowledge of Urban Ecosystem Services in Central and Eastern Europe and Their Implications for Urban Planning: A Review

by Geta Rîșnoveanu and Dan Bărbulescu

Environments 2025, 12(12), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120469 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

Overcoming conceptual and institutional barriers demands interdisciplinary collaboration, improved governance, and stronger stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable urban planning and enhance ecosystem resilience. In the transition toward resilient cities, the concept of ecosystem services serves as a critical interface between science, planning, and [...] Read more.

Overcoming conceptual and institutional barriers demands interdisciplinary collaboration, improved governance, and stronger stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable urban planning and enhance ecosystem resilience. In the transition toward resilient cities, the concept of ecosystem services serves as a critical interface between science, planning, and governance, fostering stakeholder engagement and translating the complex ecosystem functions into indicators for urban planning. This study aims to assess existing knowledge on Urban Ecosystem Services (UESs) and their implications for urban green infrastructure planning across Central and Eastern Europe. A comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative review of the peer-reviewed literature retrieved from Web of Science and SCOPUS, was conducted for 11 former socialist countries that joined the European Union after 2004. The results reveal major barriers to UES integration, including inconsistent terminology, institutional inertia, fragmented governance, and limited stakeholder participation. Although research interest in UESs is increasing, research remains geographically concentrated in a few cities, mainly capitals, thereby constraining the understanding of spatial patterns and drivers of UES supply and demand across the region. Moreover, production services and ecological processes sustaining urban systems are largely underexplored. The study concludes that advancing UES research and practice requires a holistic, multi-scale, and standardized approach that identifies key stressors and context-specific impacts. Overcoming conceptual and institutional barriers demands interdisciplinary collaboration, improved governance, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable urban planning and enhance ecosystem resilience. Full article

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11 pages, 1051 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Methylphosphonofluoridic Acid in the Environment by Derivatization and LC/MS/MS Analysis

by Chen Belay, Adi Tzadok, Moran Madmon, Tamar Shamai Yamin, Gali Sod-Moriah, Victoria Nahum and Avi Weissberg

Environments 2025, 12(12), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120468 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

Rapid and specific detection of toxic Novichok agents (A230, A232, A234) is crucial for forensic investigations and the prevention of chemical weapon misuse. While A232 and A234 are relatively stable, A230 is less stable and primarily undergoes hydrolysis via P–F bond cleavage. This [...] Read more.

Rapid and specific detection of toxic Novichok agents (A230, A232, A234) is crucial for forensic investigations and the prevention of chemical weapon misuse. While A232 and A234 are relatively stable, A230 is less stable and primarily undergoes hydrolysis via P–F bond cleavage. This product indicates the presence of the Novichok core but does not indicate the agent’s prior existence. In this study, a method with high sensitivity for determining the presence of the minor A230 hydrolysis product—namely methylphosphonofluoridic acid (MPFA), which is generated via P-N bond cleavage—in environmental matrices was established. 2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]phenol (2-DMAMP) was found to be effective for the derivatization of MPFA in water. The derivatization protocol after optimization involved adding 2-DMAMP followed by agitating for 72 h at 50 °C before LC–MS/MS analysis. The derivatized MPFA, analyzed by ESI–MS/MS, showed two main fragment ions with m/z values of 185.0 and m/z 107.0. The approach was applied to tap water, aqueous soil extract, and saline samples. While intact MPFA exhibited reduced detectability due to strong matrix effects, derivatization enhanced its stability and minimized interferences, resulting in its significantly higher detection sensitivity. The detection of MPFA provides a clear indication that the toxic Novichok compound was present prior to hydrolysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Risk Assessment, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do You Give a Monkey’s? Unraveling the Conservation Value of the Endangered Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

by Isshi Rayna Bel E. Paquingan, Peter Jan D. de Vera, John Paul A. Catipay, Vasileios J. Kontsiotis and Vasilios Liordos

Environments 2025, 12(12), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120467 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

Understanding the economic and psychological values that people assign to threatened species is crucial for their effective protection. The long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is an endangered primate currently threatened by habitat destruction, removal from the wild for scientific, commercial, and recreational [...] Read more.

Understanding the economic and psychological values that people assign to threatened species is crucial for their effective protection. The long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is an endangered primate currently threatened by habitat destruction, removal from the wild for scientific, commercial, and recreational purposes, and culling due to conflicts with local communities. We conducted on-site interviews with Maguindanao residents in the Philippines (n = 500) to explore the conservation value of the long-tailed macaque and to assess how cognition, emotion, and folklore influence willingness to pay (WTP). Participants showed pro-conservation attitudes and positive emotions toward the long-tailed macaque, had substantial knowledge about their behavior and biology, but did not believe in folklore traditions. An average annual WTP of PHP 46.9 was estimated for macaque conservation, amounting to PHP 10.5 million annually, based on the number of households in the study area. Conservation attitudes, emotions, and biological knowledge about the long-tailed macaque were positively linked to WTP for its preservation. Conversely, dominionistic worldviews were negatively associated with WTP. Younger participants, females, and those with higher incomes demonstrated a higher WTP than older participants, males, and those with lower incomes. These findings can aid in designing and implementing outreach campaigns to raise funds and educate local communities, thereby further improving their attitudes toward this endangered primate. Full article

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19 pages, 4393 KB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Assessment of a Short-Lived Product: The Case of Abrasive Discs

by Silvia Balderas-López, Paul Taboada-González, Marco Antonio Juárez-Mendoza, Luis Eduardo Vargas-Gurrola and Quetzalli Aguilar-Virgen

Environments 2025, 12(12), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120466 - 2 Dec 2025

Abstract

Increasing regulatory and societal pressures to reduce environmental impacts have led the industry to adopt more robust evaluation methods. This study assessed the potential impacts of quick-change abrasive discs—short-life-cycle products made from aluminium oxide, zirconia, and ceramic gel. The evaluation used a cradle-to-grave [...] Read more.

Increasing regulatory and societal pressures to reduce environmental impacts have led the industry to adopt more robust evaluation methods. This study assessed the potential impacts of quick-change abrasive discs—short-life-cycle products made from aluminium oxide, zirconia, and ceramic gel. The evaluation used a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044. The functional unit examined was a 0.29 m² abrasive sheet containing 180 discs, with an average use time of 10 min per disc. Environmental impacts were estimated in SimaPro 9.2 using the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) method and the Ecoinvent 3.6 database. Results indicated that the highest impacts were marine ecotoxicity (49.5%, 0.67–0.74 kg 1,4-DCB eq), freshwater ecotoxicity (32.8%, 0.52–0.58 kg 1,4-DCB eq), human carcinogenic toxicity (10.4%, 0.37–0.44 kg 1,4-DCB eq), non-carcinogenic toxicity (3.6%, 6.9–7.9 kg 1,4-DCB eq), and terrestrial ecotoxicity (2.0%, 27–33 kg 1,4-DCB eq), primarily resulting from raw material production and the high consumption of electricity and fuel during manufacturing. Improvement strategies, such as changes in disc geometry and the integration of photovoltaic systems, reduced impacts by 14–27%. Additional measures addressed energy efficiency, local supplier development, and user awareness for responsible use and disposal. Full article

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20 pages, 2210 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental DNA: A Preliminary Characterization of Invertebrate Biodiversity in a Sicilian River

by Manuela Mauro, Rosi De Luca, Mario Lo Valvo, Slobodanka Radovic, Aiti Vizzini, Grazia Orecchio, Francesco Longo, Vinicius Queiroz, Rosario Badalamenti, Claudio Gargano and Mirella Vazzana

Environments 2025, 12(12), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120465 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are undergoing rapid species loss due to climate change and human impact. In this context, biomonitoring has become essential for species censusing and biodiversity conservation. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful, non-invasive alternative to traditional [...] Read more.

Freshwater ecosystems are undergoing rapid species loss due to climate change and human impact. In this context, biomonitoring has become essential for species censusing and biodiversity conservation. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful, non-invasive alternative to traditional sampling and morphological identification methods. This study is the first to apply eDNA analysis to the characterization of invertebrate communities in the Oreto River, Sicily (Italy). Water samples were collected at three points of the river (upstream, midstream, downstream), and eDNA was extracted for metabarcoding. Overall, the analysis identified 40 species belonging to different phyla, including Annelida, Arthropoda, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Porifera and Rotifera. Twelve species appear to be newly recorded in Sicily, including confirmed identifications (Simulium trifasciatum, Rotaria rotatoria, Euchlanis dilatata, Lecane clostero-cerca) and other potential new identifications (Microchironomus tener, Micropsectra pallidula, Tinodes dives, Philodina flaviceps, Buchholzia appendiculata, Lecane bulla, Drosophila incompta, Corynoneura coronata). The study also confirmed the presence of alien species (Physella acuta, Craspedacusta sowerbii). Furthermore, species composition varied among the three sampling points, with most taxa detected in the upstream section. These results provide a preliminary snapshot of the biodiversity of river invertebrates, highlighting the potential of eDNA to complement traditional methods. Full article

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14 pages, 2126 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Assessment of Soils Following Waste Tyre Fires and Potential Remediation—A Case Study

by Markéta Škrabalová, Dana Adamcová and Milada Šťastná

Environments 2025, 12(12), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120464 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

Waste tyre fires are a significant environmental issue that leads to the release of toxic substances into the soil, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. These contaminants can adversely affect the physicochemical properties of the soil, its microbial activity, and plant growth. [...] Read more.

Waste tyre fires are a significant environmental issue that leads to the release of toxic substances into the soil, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. These contaminants can adversely affect the physicochemical properties of the soil, its microbial activity, and plant growth. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of phytotoxicity in soils affected by tyre waste fires using acute and biological tests, while simultaneously measuring microbial respiration as an indicator of soil biological activity. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the application of a 5% dose of biochar as a remediation measure was evaluated. The results showed that leachates from contaminated soils exhibited phytotoxic effects, with growth inhibition of 26.94–28.12% and reduced seed germination of 55.6–55.9%. The application of biochar to the soil under study significantly reduced phytotoxicity-induced growth inhibition (20–23.11%) and improved seed germination rates (79.76–83.71%). Microbial respiration gradually increased following the application of biochar; after 28 days it was over 30% higher compared to soils without biochar amendment. This study confirms that biochar can be an effective amendment that improves the biological quality of soils impacted by tyre waste fires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Soil Contamination and Remediation)

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26 pages, 2957 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two Decades of CARICOMP Mangrove Monitoring (1992–2013) Reveal Variability in Tree Structure and Productivity of Rhizophora mangle Across the Wider Caribbean

by Björn Kjerfve, Hazel A. Oxenford, Rachel Collin, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Jimena Samper-Villarreal, Israel Medina-Gómez, Jorge Cortés, Struan R. Smith, Karen Koltes, Ilka C. Feller, Carolina Bastidas, Rahanna Juman, Francisco X. Geraldes, Alessandro Filippo, Ramon Varela, Croy McCoy, Jaime Garzón-Ferreira, Jaime Polanía, Juan C. Capelo and John Ogden

Environments 2025, 12(12), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120463 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

The Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity (CARICOMP) program was conceptualized in 1985 to monitor coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests at multiple sites across the wider Caribbean. Mangrove monitoring was focused on the dominant Caribbean species, red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). Forest [...] Read more.

The Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity (CARICOMP) program was conceptualized in 1985 to monitor coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests at multiple sites across the wider Caribbean. Mangrove monitoring was focused on the dominant Caribbean species, red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). Forest structure and productivity were monitored at 21 sites (18 countries) across different geomorphological settings, from tropical to subtropical mainland and island systems. Here, we provide the key findings from the CARICOMP mangrove data collected, mostly from 1992 to 2013, to assess spatial and temporal variability across the region. Red mangrove above-ground biomass averaged 190 t ha⁻¹ (far higher than previously reported) but ranged widely across sites from 33 to 590 t ha⁻¹, equating to an average above-ground ‘blue carbon’ of 84 t ha⁻¹ (range 15–260 t ha⁻¹). Tree density averaged 3237 trees ha⁻¹, tree basal area averaged 19.7 m² ha⁻¹, tree height averaged 6.1 ± 2.8 m, and seedling density varied from 1.2 to 74 seedlings m⁻² across the sites. Among the environmental factors that influence mangroves, local temperature and rainfall explained 48% of the variability in measured tree structure parameters. Annual litterfall, as a proxy for productivity, measured on average 1.24 ± 0.70 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹, with 60% of the total litterfall composed of leaves. Litterfall varied seasonally by 42%. No relationship was apparent between litterfall and seasonal ocean–atmosphere climate indices (ONI and AMM). With exception of the three most southwesterly CARICOMP sites, hurricanes and tropical storms impacted the mangrove sites repeatedly, resulting in considerable damage. A direct strike by a category-4 hurricane in 1998 in Dominican Republic killed 67% of the red mangrove trees, lowered above-ground biomass by 91%, basal area by 89%, litterfall by 63%, and resulted in the subsequent growth of many tall and thin saplings, totally changing the structure of the forest ecosystem in the first few years after the hurricane. In comparing mangrove systems, major differences may be explained by time elapsed since the last destructive event (hurricane) affecting each site. This highlights the fact that despite an increasing focus on preserving these valuable ecosystems, they are still highly vulnerable to natural hazards and likely to face a poor outcome under ongoing climate change. Full article

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

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23 pages, 5315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Results of a Comprehensive Study on Atmospheric Pollution at the Tankhoi Observation Point (Southeastern Coast of Lake Baikal, Russia): Temporal Variability and Identification of Sources

by Yelena Molozhnikova, Maxim Shikhovtsev and Tamara Khodzher

Environments 2025, 12(12), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120462 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study is based on data obtained as part of continuous monitoring of small gas impurities (SO₂, NO₂, NO), mass concentration of aerosol particles PM_2.5 and meteorological parameters, which was first implemented at the Tankhoi observation point (southeastern [...] Read more.

This study is based on data obtained as part of continuous monitoring of small gas impurities (SO₂, NO₂, NO), mass concentration of aerosol particles PM_2.5 and meteorological parameters, which was first implemented at the Tankhoi observation point (southeastern coast of Lake Baikal, Russia) from October 2023 to May 2025. Statistical methods and the non-parametric wind regression receptor model (NWR) were used to analyze temporal variability and identify sources of pollution. It was found that the concentrations of gas impurities have a clearly pronounced winter maximum: the median values for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen in winter reached 9.2 μg/m³ and 13.8 μg/m³, respectively, which is associated with emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants and unfavorable meteorological conditions (inversions, low boundary layer height). In contrast to gases, PM_2.5 demonstrated a summer peak up to 43.5 μg/m³ in July–August 2024 due to abnormally hot weather and forest fires. The daily course of sulfur dioxide was characterized by an atypical daily maximum caused by the convective transport of polluted air masses from the upper layers of the boundary layer. During this period, higher concentrations of sulfur dioxide caused by long-range high-altitude transport of emissions from regional thermal power plants can reach the ground surface, leading to an increase in their concentration in the near-surface layer. Using the NWR model, the influence of regional thermal power plants located 100–150 km northwest of the station on the levels of SO₂ and NO₂ was confirmed. The results also highlight the contribution of local sources, such as vehicles, stoves, and shipping, to the formation of NO and PM_2.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ambient Air Pollution, Built Environment, and Public Health)

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18 pages, 4384 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lithium (Li) Accumulation and Toxicity Assessment in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Plants by Biometric, Physiological and Ionomic Analyses Under Hydroponics

by Gianluca D'Onofrio, Davide Marzi, Laura Passatore, Lorenzo Massimi, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Massimo Zacchini and Fabrizio Pietrini

Environments 2025, 12(12), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12120461 - 1 Dec 2025

Abstract

Lithium is a metal of particular interest due to its growing industrial use. However, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on the environment. A notable demand for sustainable technologies to remove Li from environmental matrices and possibly recover it for re-utilization [...] Read more.

Lithium is a metal of particular interest due to its growing industrial use. However, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on the environment. A notable demand for sustainable technologies to remove Li from environmental matrices and possibly recover it for re-utilization is occurring. Plants can be successfully targeted for this purpose, but further research is needed to expand knowledge. In this regard, laboratory studies under full control of the parameters affecting plant performances are very helpful to obtain insight on the matter. This study investigated the potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plants to tolerate and accumulate Li in their organs under hydroponic conditions, evaluating morphological, physiological and ionomic parameters. Hemp plants were exposed for 10 days to different LiCl concentrations (0, 50, 150 and 300 mg L⁻¹). The results show the toxicity of the metal at the highest concentration tested (150 and 300 mg L⁻¹ LiCl), causing a reduction in biomass and pigment content (evaluated by spectral reflectance), as well as an uneven impairment of the photosynthetic processes across the leaf lamina (highlighted by the imaging of chlorophyll fluorescence). The ionomic analysis revealed the increase in some micronutrients (Na, Mn, Zn, Mo and Co), which may be involved in the plant’s response to stress conditions at the highest tested Li concentration. Despite accumulating up to 500 mg kg⁻¹ of Li in their aerial organs, hemp plants exposed to 50 mg L⁻¹ LiCl did not exhibit any toxic effects at biometric and physiological levels. These results open up interesting perspectives for the use of this plant species for phytoremediation and metal recovery from biomass, in line with the EU regulations requiring environmentally sustainable practices. Full article

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