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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 21801

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hefa Cheng

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Guest Editor

College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Interests: environmental geochemistry; fate and transport of organic pollutants in different environmental matrices; risk assessment of organic pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Hui Zhi

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Guest Editor

College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Interests: fate and transport of emerging contaminants in water and soil; ecological risk assessment of emerging contaminants and potential impacts on human health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid development of society and economy, environmental pollution has become a serious problem worldwide. Environmental pollutants including traditional pollutants such as heavy metals and emerging pollutants, such as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), are ubiquitous in the environment, with potential impacts on the ecosystem and human health. Various pollutants in the air, water and soil environments can accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial species and threaten human health via the food chain. They can cause damage to the human respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system, etc. However, the impacts of a wide variety of environmental pollutants on the ecosystem and human health are still far from clear. To achieve a sustainable development of society and environment, we need to better understand the fate and transport of environmental pollutants as well as their associated impacts on the ecosystem and human health. This Special Issue, entitled “Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health”, which belongs to the section of “Health, Well-Being and Sustainability”, focuses on the environmental exposure and ecological risks of different environmental pollutants. We are pleased to invite you to contribute your relevant manuscripts focusing on (but not limited to) the following topics:

New technologies to identify and quantify environmental pollutants;
Fate and transport of traditional and emerging pollutants in different environmental matrices;
Novel degradation mechanism, pathways and environmental toxicity of environmental pollutants;
Ecological and human health effects of environmental pollutants;
Human exposure and risk assessment of different environmental pollutants;
Pollution control and removal strategies of environmental pollutants.

In this Special Issue, both original research articles and reviews are welcome. The keywords listed below represent a few of the priority topics we aim to address. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Hefa Cheng
Dr. Hui Zhi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

environmental pollutants
emerging contaminants
traditional pollutants
fate and transport
degradation mechanisms
degradation pathway
ecological risk assessment
human health

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 2571 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Concentration Levels of PM_2.5 and O₃ for Highly Urbanized Areas Based on Machine Learning Models

by Chao Wei, Chen Zhao, Yuanan Hu and Yutai Tian

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209211 - 17 Oct 2025

Viewed by 235

Abstract

The accurate real-time forecasting and impact factor identification of air pollutant levels are critical for effective pollution control and management. In this study, we implemented three machine learning algorithms, namely, Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN), to predict PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2019 to 2023. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and was further utilized to predict PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations and identify their controlling factors. The models could efficiently capture the spatial and temporal variations in the pollutants in the study area, and it was found that both anthropogenic sources and weather conditions can have significant impacts on air pollutant levels. PM₁₀ and CO were significantly correlated to PM_2.5 levels, which could be attributed to their similar emission sources and dispersion characteristics in air. O₃ concentrations were greatly influenced by temperature and NO₂ due to their significant impacts on O₃ generation. This study demonstrates that XGBoost-based models are cost-effective tools for predicting PM_2.5 and O₃ levels and identifying their controlling factors. These findings provide valuable insights for formulating effective air pollution prevention policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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17 pages, 5671 KB

Open AccessArticle

Street Trees as Sustainable Urban Air Purifiers: A Methodological Approach to Assessing Particulate Matter Phytofiltration

by Karolina Kais, Marzena Suchocka, Olga Balcerzak and Arkadiusz Przybysz

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7451; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167451 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1131

Abstract

PM_2.5 is an air pollutant that has a direct link to increased cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, which has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Existing research highlights species-specific variations in the capacity of trees to capture and retain particulate matter (PM). However, a critical gap remains regarding sensitivity analyses of i-Tree Eco model assumptions. Such analyses are crucial for validating the model’s PM deposition estimates against empirically derived efficiencies, a deficiency that the present study addresses. The study consisted of two steps: a tree inventory was carried out at three selected sites, based on which, an ecosystem service analysis was performed using i-Tree Eco, and samples were taken from the leaves of trees at the analysed sites, which were the basis for comparing the data from the i-Tree Eco method and laboratory methods. The study focused on comparing PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ removal estimates derived from both the model and laboratory measurements. The results revealed significant discrepancies between the modelled and laboratory values. A comparison of the average annual PM₁₀ accumulation measured using laboratory methods for individual tree species showed that Tilia sp. achieved 24%, Fraxinus sp. 47.6%, Aesculus sp. 50.77%, and Quercus robur 23.4% of the PM₁₀ uptake efficiency estimated by the i-Tree Eco model. For PM_2.5 uptake, the values obtained through both methods were more consistent. Furthermore, trees growing under more challenging environmental conditions exhibited smaller diameter at breast height (DBH) and lower PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 removal efficiency according to both methods. While I-Tree Eco incorporates tree biophysical characteristics and health status, its methodology currently lacks the resolution to reflect site-specific environmental conditions and local pollutant concentrations at the individual tree level. Therefore, laboratory methods are indispensable for calibrating, validating, and supplementing i-Tree Eco estimates, especially when applied to diverse urban environments. Only the combined application of empirical and model-based methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential of urban greenery to improve air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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23 pages, 3264 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of PM_2.5- and O₃-Attributable Impacts in China: Changing Trends and Driving Factors

by Tong Gao

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167350 - 14 Aug 2025

Viewed by 668

Abstract

China’s divergent fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and surface ozone (O₃) pollution trends pose critical threats to sustainable development. This study quantifies the spatiotemporal evolution of health burdens (premature deaths) and economic costs across 333 cities during 2015–2023, integrating the Global Exposure Mortality Model (for PM_2.5) and Log-linear Exposure-Response Model (for O₃) with income- and age-adjusted Value of Statistical Life. The results revealed an 11% decrease in PM_2.5-attributable premature deaths, but this benefit was partially offset (60%) by an 87% increase in O₃-related deaths. Furthermore, the per capita economic loss from O₃ exposure increased by 154%, far exceeding China’s 79% growth in per capita disposable income. Decomposition analysis revealed that while diverging exposure levels primarily drove differential PM_2.5- and O₃-related impacts, this disparity was significantly amplified by population aging. These findings underscore the need for air quality strategies to both sustain PM_2.5 reduction achievements and implement rigorous O₃ controls, while integrating pollution considerations into public health frameworks with special emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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36 pages, 9492 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Digitalization for Air Pollution Detection: Forecasting Information System of the Environmental Monitoring

by Kyrylo Vadurin, Andrii Perekrest, Volodymyr Bakharev, Vira Shendryk, Yuliia Parfenenko and Sergii Shendryk

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093760 - 22 Apr 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 956

Abstract

This study addresses the urgent need for advanced digitalization tools in air pollution detection, particularly within resource-constrained municipal settings like those in Ukraine, aligning with directives such as the AAQD. The forecasting information system for integrating data processing, analysis, and visualization to improve environmental monitoring practices is described in this article. The system utilizes machine learning models (ARIMA and BATS) for time series forecasting, automatically selecting the optimal model based on accuracy metrics. Spatial analysis employing inverse distance weighting (IDW) provides insights into pollutant distribution, while correlation analysis identifies relationships between pollutants. The system was tested using retrospective data from the Kremenchuk agglomeration (2007–2024), demonstrating its ability to forecast air quality parameters and identify areas exceeding maximum permissible pollutant concentrations. Results indicate that BATS often outperforms ARIMA for several key pollutants, highlighting the importance of automated model selection. The developed system offers a cost-effective solution for local municipalities, enabling data-driven decision-making, optimized monitoring network placement, and improved alignment with European Union environmental standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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16 pages, 2195 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Veterinary Antimicrobials in Commercial Organic Fertilizers on Chinese Markets

by Hui Zhi, Hui Feng and Hefa Cheng

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3503; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083503 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 622

Abstract

Commercial organic fertilizers (COFs), as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, have been widely promoted and applied to agricultural soils to improve soil fertility and develop green agriculture. However, the residues of veterinary antimicrobials in COFs could be transferred to agricultural soils and pose ecological risk that should not be ignored. This study quantified the occurrence of fifty-seven veterinary antimicrobials, covering five classes (i.e., twenty-three sulfonamides, nineteen quinolones, seven macrolides, six tetracyclines, and two lincosamides) in ninety-three COFs collected from five provinces in China. Twenty-two veterinary antimicrobials, including eleven quinolones, six sulfonamides, four macrolides, and one lincosamide, were detected in the COFs with total contents up to 3870 ng/g. The contents of individual antimicrobials ranged from 0.66 to 3310 ng/g, and their detection frequencies were between 2% and 49%. The composition and contents of antimicrobials in the COFs varied significantly, depending on their raw materials, production processes, and source regions. Seven antimicrobials, including ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and tilmicosin, could pose low to medium potential ecological risk to soil organisms in the amended soils. The wide occurrence of antimicrobials in COFs and their potential ecological risk indicate the urgent need to establish regulatory limits of antimicrobial residues in COFs to control and prevent antimicrobial pollution in agricultural soils brought by their amendment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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26 pages, 4495 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Analysis of Indoor Air Quality and Fungal Microbiota in Educational Heritage Buildings: Implications for Health and Sustainability

by Alexandru Bogdan Ilies, Ovidiu Burtă, Sa’ad Al-Hyari Hadeel, Cristina Mircea, Maisa Al Shomali, Tudor Caciora, Mariana Ratiu, Ana Cornelia Pereș, Thowayeb H. Hassan, Bekzot Janzakov and Liviu Lazar

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031091 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2523

Abstract

Indoor air quality is paramount for the health and well-being of individuals, especially in enclosed spaces like office buildings, schools, hospitals, and homes where people spend a significant amount of time. Ensuring good indoor air quality is not only essential for reducing symptoms such as headaches, eye and respiratory irritation, fatigue, and difficulty in concentration, but it is also a key component of sustainable building practices aimed at promoting long-term health and environmental balance. This study aims to explore the impact of the microclimate and fungal microbiota on the health and cognitive performance of occupants in a university classroom, which is part of a cultural heritage building. The research delves into various microclimatic parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, volatile organic compounds, O₂, and particulate matters (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), to understand their influence on the development of microbiota and the manifestation of symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome. Over the course of a year-long investigation, microbiological samples were collected, revealing the presence of 19 fungal species, with Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Aureobasidium being the most prevalent genera. These species were found to thrive in an environment characterized by inadequate ventilation, posing potential health risks to occupants, such as allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Microclimatic parameter values such as mean temperature of 22.9 °C and mean relative humidity of 38.5% indicated moderate conditions for fungal proliferation, but occasional high levels of PM_2.5 and CO₂ indicated periods of poor indoor air quality, negatively influencing the comfort and health of the occupants. The questionnaires completed by 190 students showed that 51.5% reported headaches, 44.2% frequent sneezing, and 43.7% severe fatigue, linking these symptoms to increased levels of CO₂ and PM_2.5. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated approach to indoor air quality assessment in a heritage educational building, highlighting the need for improved ventilation and air management to enhance health and cognitive performance, while emphasizing sustainable indoor environment management that balances occupant well-being with the preservation of cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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25 pages, 4937 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Potential Impacts of Contaminants on the Water Quality of Lake Victoria: Two Case Studies in Uganda

by Brian Nalumenya, Matteo Rubinato, Jade Catterson, Michael Kennedy, Hilary Bakamwesiga and Disan Wabwire

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9128; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209128 - 21 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6650

Abstract

Nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic life; however, in excess, they can result in a decline in water quality, posing serious risks to both human and aquatic organisms. Human activities, such as urbanisation, industry, and farming, can increase the amount of nutrients and other elements that reach receiving waterbodies like Lake Victoria in Uganda, which can be problematic at elevated levels. There is therefore a strong need to evaluate recent changes in pollutant concentrations and their potential negative effects. To contribute to this gap and to explore the pollutant changes in Lake Victoria, a series of water chemistry data (phosphate, nitrate, potassium, ammonium, sodium, sulphate, silica and chlorine) was collected between 2016 and 2023 in Uganda’s Napoleon Gulf (NG) and Murchison Bay (MB), primarily by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). These locations were chosen based on their vicinity to expanding urban centres and agriculture, and they are also areas where fishing frequently occurs. The datasets were collected at different water depths (0.5–24 m). Data were analysed with the use of IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 28.0) software and confirmed the excessive concentrations of pollutants within MB compared to NG. The analysis identified the different nutrient types that exceeded internationally recognised thresholds relating to acceptable water quality during the data collection period. Seasonal variations were observed, during the dry season; nutrient levels, however, in NG showed higher nutrient concentrations during the wet season. The study’s capacity to inform local authorities and policymakers about such potential major sources of pollution is of crucial importance for beginning to address the potential impacts on human health and aquatic life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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16 pages, 4773 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution Source and Soil Quality Assessments of Heavily Contaminated Soils by Selected Potentially Toxic Elements in a Human-Degraded Wetland Area

by Mehmet Ali Kurt, Sezen Yalçın, Cüneyt Güler, Onur Güven and Ümit Yıldırım

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5477; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135477 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1758

Abstract

Wetlands are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic environments and have essential ecological functions. Unfortunately, due to anthropogenic activities and climate change, the area covered by wetlands is gradually decreasing worldwide, causing deterioration and loss of their critical and vital ecological functions. One of these degraded wetlands is the Hürmetçi Sazlığı, a nationally important wetland located in the Kayseri Province of Turkey. This study aims to determine the spatial and vertical (depth profile) distribution and the sources of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soils around the Hürmetçi Sazlığı Wetland (HSW) and to evaluate environmental risk factors using various soil quality indicators. According to the results obtained, it was determined that some parts of the wetland soils were significantly polluted in terms of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The concentrations (in mg/kg) of these PTEs in the soil around the wetland ranged between 9.12 and 273.9 for As, 0.38 and 1119.46 for Cd, 3.59 and 1807.66 for Pb, and 41.68 and 77,287.5 for Zn. Several soil quality indicators, including the Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Ecological Risk Index (ERI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), were calculated to determine the quality and pollution levels of the collected soil samples. According to the calculated RI values, 70 out of 77 sites sampled in the area around the HSW are in the “High Risk” class in terms of all studied PTEs. The soil profile samples indicated that the topsoil (0–50 cm) was heavily contaminated by all PTEs, particularly near a zinc processing plant established in 1976. In addition, parts of the wetland further away from the Zn processing plant were also affected by arsenic pollution from geogenic sources, which can be associated with Plio-Quaternary volcanic activity in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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17 pages, 1543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropression as a Factor Affecting the Content of Heavy Metals in the Flowers of Sambucus nigra L.—A Medicinal Plant Affecting Human Health

by Anna Figas, Mirosław Kobierski, Anetta Siwik-Ziomek, Magdalena Tomaszewska-Sowa and Zofia Gruszka

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4641; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114641 - 30 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1500

Abstract

The harvesting of herbs from urban and peri-urban areas requires systematic monitoring of soils and plants, especially of trace element concentrations. The aim of the study was to assess the phytoaccumulation of selected trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) in elderberry flowers from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian province (Poland). The enzymatic activity of soils was also assessed in the context of the impact of metals on the biological properties of soils at risk of contamination with trace elements. Soil and plant samples were taken from seven locations with different anthropopressures. Flowers from sites with a high frequency of road traffic were characterized by a greater number of elements (location 1, 3–7) than from areas away from busy roads (location 2). The correlation analysis showed that Cu and Zn contents were highly correlated in the flowers of elderberry as compared to the corresponding soils seven locations with different anthropopressures Regarding the Zn content, only flowers from habitats 1, 2, 7 met the conditions specified in the WHO standard for herbs used in herbal medicine (<50 mg·kg⁻¹). Based on the conducted research, it was found that the level of soil enzymatic activity in the tested soils varied within wide limits but clearly depended on their location. The highest enzyme activity in the soil was found in soil from town center 1 (location 3), where high DHA dehydrogenase DHA (114.5 mg TPF·g⁻¹·24 h⁻¹), fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis FDA (51.26 μg F·g⁻¹·h⁻¹), and β-glucosidases GLUC activity (4.833 μg pNP·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) were determined, as well as in soil from residential area 2 (location 3), where high DHA (165.9 mg TPF·g⁻¹·24 h⁻¹) and FDA (48.23 μg F·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) activity were determined. Analyzing the soil properties, it can be concluded that the content of Cu_t and Zn_t in the soil and their forms available for plants, as well as DHA activity, correlates most closely with the content of organic matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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15 pages, 8312 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relation between Atmospheric Aerosol Concentration and SARS-CoV-2 Variants’ Infection and Mortality Rates in the United States: A Remote-Sensing Perspective

by Yasin Elshorbany, Sarah Mixson, Laila Marcum and Jason L. Salemi

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083381 - 17 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

Numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with reducing aerosol particles and other pollutants. Recent studies have shown a positive correlation between exposure to aerosol particles and COVID-19 cases. In this study, we investigate the relationship between aerosol particle concentration and COVID-19 variants’ infection and mortality rates. Remote-sensing data on aerosol optical depth (AOD), a surrogate for atmospheric aerosol levels, were collected and analyzed in three regions within the states of California, Illinois, and North and South Carolina. These regions were selected to reflect the variability in aerosol concentration and anomalies during the COVID-19 period (2020–2022) compared to a reference period (2010–2019). We found consistent positive linear correlations across most regions between COVID-19 mortality rates and AOD levels below 0.2. These correlations were found to be independent of the change in aerosol levels relative to the reference period. In North and South Carolina, the Delta variant was associated with not only a high mortality rate but also a steeper increase in mortality rate per AOD of 39.6 ± 1.5 (R² = 0.87) compared to Alpha at 10.5 ± 0.3 (R² = 0.85). However, due to the lower mortality rate of the Delta variant compared to the Alpha variant in Illinois, the Delta variant has a lower correlation slope of 28.3 ± 1 (R² = 0.94) compared to the Alpha variant at 52.1 ± 1.8 (R² = 0.78). No correlation between mortality rate and AOD was observed for the Omicron variants in any of the investigated regions except in California where a weak positive correlation was evident. Our findings establish a compelling link between aerosol concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. Our results underscore the urgent need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and broader implications, leading to more sustainable solutions to curb the airborne transmission of COVID-19 viruses and other viral infections in general. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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20 pages, 3555 KB

Open AccessArticle

BTEX Assessment among Informal Charcoal-Burning Food Traders for Cleaner and Sustainable Environment

by Lebogang Phama, Goitsemang Keretetse, Thokozani Mbonane, Phoka Rathebe, Robert Makae and Masilu Daniel Masekameni

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3336; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083336 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1945

Abstract

This study assessed the cleaner and sustainable environment by measuring emission levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) from informal food traders using charcoal as the primary source of energy at a flea market in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured using a real-time monitor (MiniRae 3000 photoionization detector); an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor was used to monitor environmental parameters and passive samplers in the form of Radiello badges, which were used to determine BTEX emissions from charcoal used during food preparation. Measurements were taken at 1.5 m above ground assuming the receptor’s breathing circumference using PID and Radiello. PID data were downloaded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Version 2019). Radiellos were sent to the laboratory to determine the BTEX levels from the total VOCs. The total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentration over the combustion cycle was 306.7 ± 62.8 ppm. The flaming phase had the highest VOC concentration (547 ± 110.46 ppm), followed by the ignition phase (339.44 ± 40.6 ppm) and coking with the lowest concentration (24.64 ± 14.3). The average BTEX concentration was 15.7 ± 5.9 µg/m³ corresponding to the entire combustion cycle. BTEX concentrations were highest at the flaming phase (23.6 µg/m³) followed by the ignition (13.4 µg/m³) and coking phase (9.45 µg/m³). Ignition phase versus the flaming phase, there was a significant difference at 95% at a p-value of 0.09; ignition phase versus the coking phase, there was a significant difference at 95% at a p-value of 0.039; and coking phase versus the flaming phase, there was a significant difference at 95% at a p-value of 0.025. When compared to the occupational exposure limits (OELs), none of the exposure concentrations (BTEX) were above the 8 h exposure limit. The findings of this study suggest that charcoal, as a source of energy, can still be a useful and sustainable fuel for informal food traders. Shortening the ignition and flaming phase duration by using a fan to supply sufficient air can further reduce exposure to VOCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Impacts on Human Health)

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