Journal Description

Pollutants

Pollutants (ISSN 2673-4672) is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed open-access journal of all aspects of environmental pollution published quarterly online by MDPI. It covers Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Environmental Systems, Water Resources, Environmental Economics and Policy, Environmental Health, etc. It publishes reviews, research articles, communications, and technical notes. Papers taking a holistic approach among multiple temporal and spatial scales are especially welcome.

Open Access—free to download, share, and reuse content. Authors receive recognition for their contribution when the paper is reused.
Rapid Publication: First decisions in 15 days; acceptance to publication in 3 days (median values for MDPI journals in the second half of 2020).
Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.

Imprint Information Open Access

Latest Articles

Open AccessReview

The Appropriateness of Using Aquatic Snails as Bioindicators of Toxicity for Oil Sands Process-Affected Water

by

Zhongzhi Chen

,

Brian Eaton

and

Jim Davies

Pollutants 2021, 1(1), 10-17; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants1010002 - 06 Jan 2021

Abstract

Canada’s oil sands mining activity produces large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and there have been increasing concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts associated with this material. Developing an understanding of the toxicity of OSPW is critical to anticipating and mitigating [...] Read more.

Canada’s oil sands mining activity produces large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and there have been increasing concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts associated with this material. Developing an understanding of the toxicity of OSPW is critical to anticipating and mitigating the potential risks and effects of the oil sands industry on surrounding ecosystems. The composition of OSPW is highly variable and is influenced by a range of factors. While numerous research projects have been conducted on the toxicity of OSPW, much remains unknown about its impact on various biota. Freshwater gastropods (snails and slugs) are an ecologically crucial aquatic group, and members of this taxa have been used as bioindicators in a range of ecological settings. The literature suggests freshwater snails could be used as an indicator of toxicity in monitoring programs associated with oil sands development. This mini-review explores the use of snails as bioindicators in aquatic systems affected by oil sands development, focusing on how snails may respond to potential constituents of concern in systems exposed to OSPW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Monitoring)

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum

by

,

,

and

Pollutants 2021, 1(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants1010001 - 24 Dec 2020

Abstract

This study investigated whether moderate soil contamination by Cd and Pb may negatively affect seed germination, photosynthesis and foliar accumulation in the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum. Seeds were incubated with Cd and Pb solutions of 10 and 100 µM, and two-month-old plants [...] Read more.

This study investigated whether moderate soil contamination by Cd and Pb may negatively affect seed germination, photosynthesis and foliar accumulation in the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum. Seeds were incubated with Cd and Pb solutions of 10 and 100 µM, and two-month-old plants were watered weekly for three weeks with the same solutions. Control samples were treated with deionized water. The percentage of seed germination and seedling length, as well as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence and foliar reflectance, were measured, along with the foliar Cd and Pb concentrations. The results indicated that seed germination is not affected, while seedling length is decreased by approximately 81% by high Cd levels. Cadmium was subjected to foliar translocation from the soil depending on the supplied concentration, thus causing reductions in the chlorophyll content (−24%). It is of interest that foliar Cd levels in Cd-treated plants were close to or above the limit for the European Pharmacopoeia. Negative effects of Pb were not detected, but accumulation and blockage of this metal at the root level, although not approached experimentally, cannot be ruled out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil Pollution)

► Show Figures