Search Results (2,608)

This study aims to select the most suitable submerged plants for the remediation and ecological rehabilitation of nutrient-enriched aquatic environments. The experiment selected Vallisneria natans, Myriophyllum verticillatum, and Elodea nuttallii as research objects. An artificial outdoor pot experiment was conducted with six different levels of ammonia nitrogen: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 mg/L. The present study measured the physiological and growth parameters of submerged macrophytes under varying ammonia nitrogen concentrations. The response characteristics of plants to ammonia nitrogen stress were analyzed, and the tolerance thresholds of different submerged macrophyte species to ammonia nitrogen were determined. This enabled us to screen for ammonia nitrogen-tolerant pioneer species suitable for water ecological restoration in eutrophic water bodies. The experiment spanned 28 days. The results showed that the maximum suitable concentration and maximum tolerance concentration of ammonia nitrogen for Vallisneria natans, Myriophyllum verticillatum, and Elodea nuttallii were 2, 4, and 4 mg/L and 4, 12, and 8 mg/L. Submerged plants can grow normally within their maximum ammonia nitrogen tolerance concentration. When the concentration exceeds the maximum tolerance level, the growth of submerged plants is severely stressed by ammonia nitrogen. Low ammonia nitrogen concentrations promote the growth of submerged macrophyte biomass and chlorophyll content as well as the accumulation of dry matter in plants, while high ammonia nitrogen concentrations damage the antioxidant enzyme system and inhibit the growth of submerged plants. The tolerance of the three submerged macrophytes to ammonia nitrogen is as follows: Myriophyllum verticillatum > Elodea nuttallii > Vallisneria natans. Therefore, Myriophyllum verticillatum should be chosen as the ammonia nitrogen-tolerant pioneer species in the ecological restoration of eutrophic water bodies. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the application of aquatic macrophytes in the treatment of eutrophic water bodies and ecological restoration. Full article

Mercury (Hg) poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystems, garnering increased attention in environmental studies. This paper evaluates the dynamics of Hg accumulation in various common tree leaves, specifically white poplar, linden, and cherry plum, throughout their growing season. The findings offer valuable insights into air quality and the ability of urban vegetation to mitigate mercury pollution in urban areas. A case study was conducted in Turda, a town in northwestern Romania, where a former chlor-alkali plant operated throughout the last century. Although the plant ceased its electrolysis activities over 25 years ago, the surrounding soil remains contaminated with mercury (Hg) due to the significant amounts released during its operation. The results indicated that the Hg concentration varied between 2.4 and 7.3 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight (dw), exceeding the intervention threshold for soil of 2.0 mg kg⁻¹. Additionally, the Hg content in the leaf samples consistently increased over time, influenced by leaf age and tree species. The Hg content increased in the following order: cherry plum < white poplar < linden. On average, white poplar leaves accumulated 72 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, linden leaves 128 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, and cherry plum leaves 47 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw during the six-month monitored period from April to September. The results obtained can be used to evaluate the potential of different tree species for mitigating atmospheric Hg contamination and to elaborate on the suitable management of fallen leaves in the autumn. Full article

This study assessed the baseline indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of secondary school classrooms in Tanzania by measuring temperature, relative humidity, noise, lighting, and indoor air quality. Objective measurements were conducted using calibrated sensors in 14 classrooms across five schools, with data collected during occupied school hours and additional noise measurements during unoccupied periods. All classrooms are naturally ventilated through operable windows and doors. The findings reveal a pattern of cumulative IEQ deficiencies: classroom temperatures frequently exceeded the recommended 20–24 °C range, reaching means as high as 30.4 °C, while relative humidity varied widely, with levels occasionally surpassing 65%. Noise levels consistently exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended 35 dBA threshold, with significant differences observed between occupied and unoccupied periods (p = 0.02). Light distribution was uneven, with significantly higher lux levels near windows than at classroom centers (p < 0.001), and artificial lighting was generally insufficient due to infrastructure limitations. Although CO₂ concentrations remained below the 1000 ppm threshold, indicating adequate ventilation, particulate matter levels were often elevated, with PM2.5 reaching up to 58.80 µg/m³ and PM10 up to 96.90 µg/m³, exceeding health-based guidelines. Together, these findings suggest that students are exposed to multiple environmental stressors that may impair health, comfort, and academic performance. This study provides a critical baseline for future research and context-specific interventions aimed at improving learning environments in Tanzanian schools and similar settings in East Africa. Full article

With increasing global challenges related to water scarcity and phosphorus depletion, the recovery and reuse of wastewater-derived nutrients offer a sustainable path forward. This study evaluates the dual role of lanthanides (Ce³⁺ and La³⁺) in recovering phosphorus from municipal wastewater and supporting corn (Zea mays) cultivation through lanthanide phosphate (Ln-P) and lanthanide-reclaimed wastewater (LRWW, wastewater spiked with lanthanide). High-purity precipitates of CePO₄ (98%) and LaPO₄ (92%) were successfully obtained without pH adjustment, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Germination assays revealed that lanthanides, even at concentrations up to 2000 mg/L, did not significantly alter germination rates compared to traditional coagulants, though root and shoot development declined above this threshold—likely due to reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and elevated total dissolved solids (TDSs), which induced physiological drought. Greenhouse experiments using desert-like soil amended with Ln-P and irrigated with LRWW showed no statistically significant differences in corn growth parameters—including plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, and biomass—when compared to control treatments. Photosynthetic performance, including stomatal conductance, quantum efficiency, and chlorophyll content, remained unaffected by lanthanide application. Metal uptake analysis indicated that lanthanides did not inhibit phosphorus absorption and even enhanced the uptake of calcium and magnesium. Minimal lanthanide accumulation was detected in plant tissues, with most retained in the root zone, highlighting their limited mobility. These findings suggest that lanthanides can be safely and effectively used for phosphorus recovery and agricultural reuse, contributing to sustainable nutrient cycling and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and sustainable cities. Full article

This study provides an up-to-date assessment of the environmental status in the area of the S/s Stuttgart wreck in the southern Baltic Sea, focusing on macrozoobenthos, sediment chemistry, and contamination in Mytilus trossulus soft tissues. Comparative analyses from 2016 and 2023 revealed increased species richness and distinct benthic assemblages, shaped primarily by depth and distance from the wreck. Among macrozoobenthos, there dominated opportunistic species, characterized by a high degree of resistance to the unfavorable state of the environment, suggesting adaptation to local conditions. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals were detected in sediments, with maximum values of Cd—0.85 mg·kg⁻¹, Cu—34 mg·kg⁻¹, Zn—119 mg·kg⁻¹, and Ni—32.3 mg·kg⁻¹. However, no significant correlations between sediment contamination and macrozoobenthos composition were found. In Mytilus trossulus, contaminant levels were mostly within regulatory limits; however, mercury concentrations reached 0.069 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight near the wreck and 0.493 mg·kg⁻¹ at the reference station, both exceeding the threshold defined in national legislation (0.02 mg·kg⁻¹) (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 568). Condition indices for Macoma balthica were lower in the wreck area, suggesting sublethal stress. Ecotoxicological tests showed no acute toxicity in most sediment samples, emphasizing the complexity of pollutant effects. The data presented here not only enrich the existing literature on marine pollution but also contribute to the development of more effective environmental protection strategies for marine ecosystems under international protection. Full article

This study investigated ten potential toxic metals (PTMs) in six milk and dairy product types and evaluated food safety (TDI, RDA), human exposure (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk (THQ, HI), and contamination levels (CF, PLI). Based on total PTM load, products ranked as: children’s milk > yogurt > protein milk > milk > ayran > kefir. Aluminum (Al) showed the highest average concentration in all products except ayran, where manganese (Mn) was dominant. Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were consistently at the lowest levels. Except for chromium (Cr) exposure from children’s milk, all average and maximum EDI values stayed below TDI and RDA thresholds. Children’s milk had the highest non-carcinogenic risk, while yogurt, kefir, milk, and ayran may also pose potential risks when maximum HI values are considered. Although CF values varied across products, PLI results showed all products had high levels of PTM contamination. Given the widespread consumption of dairy across all age groups, especially by sensitive populations like children, monitoring and controlling PTM levels is crucial alongside ensuring nutritional quality. Full article

A high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol from processed meats is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally enhanced Bologna-type sausage by partially replacing the beef content with a structured emulsion gel (EG) formulated from pine nut oil, inulin, carrageenan, and whey protein concentrate. The objective was to improve its lipid quality and functional performance while maintaining product integrity and consumer acceptability. Three sausage formulations were prepared: a control and two variants with 7% and 10% EG, which substituted for the beef content. The emulsion gel was characterized regarding its physical and thermal stability. Sausages were evaluated for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol content, pH, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, emulsion stability, instrumental texture, microstructure (via SEM), oxidative stability (TBARSs), and sensory attributes. Data were analyzed using a one-way and two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s test (p < 0.05). The EG’s inclusion significantly reduced the total and saturated fat and cholesterol, while increasing protein and unsaturated fatty acids. The 10% EG sample achieved a PUFA/SFA ratio of 1.00 and an over 80% reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Functional improvements were observed in emulsion stability, cooking yield, and water retention. Textural and visual characteristics remained within acceptable sensory thresholds. SEM images showed more homogenous matrix structures in the EG samples. TBARS values increased slightly over 18 days of refrigeration but remained below rancidity thresholds. This period was considered a pilot-scale evaluation of oxidative trends. Sensory testing confirmed that product acceptability was not negatively affected. The partial substitution of beef content with pine nut oil-based emulsion gel offers a clean-label strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of Bologna-type sausages while preserving functional and sensory performance. This approach may support the development of health-conscious processed meat products aligned with consumer and regulatory demands. Full article

Background: We investigated the role of a high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) increase below the upper limit of normal (ULN) in patients with breast cancer (BC). hsTnT assays accurately quantify very low plasma troponin concentrations and enable the early detection of cardiomyocyte injury before a drop in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The increase in hsTnT below the ULN in response to chemotherapy has not previously been studied. Method: This was an open-label pilot study. Female patients with newly diagnosed BC scheduled to receive systemic cancer treatment were recruited. Blood sampling and echocardiography were performed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months of cancer treatment. hsTnT concentrations were measured using the Elecsys TnT hs assay (Roche Diagnostics). The limit of blank and 99th percentile cutoff values for the hsTnT assay were 3 and 14 ng/L. We calculated the rise in hsTnT (ΔhsTnT) by the difference (%) between its baseline level and during follow-up (FU) in each patient. Results: Among eligible subjects, we excluded 4 patients before the start of treatment and 17 patients during the follow-up with values for the hsTnT >14 ng/L. Finally, 60 women with a median age of 48.6 ± 1.3 years were included in the study. The median baseline hsTnT concentration was 5.5 ± 1.4 ng/L. During 6 months of cancer treatment, hsTnT increased in all patients by up to 10–305% from baseline, with an average of 94.2%. LV EF was normal at baseline and decreased significantly compared to the value before cancer treatment (61.9 ± 3.3% vs. 56.3 ± 7.0%; p < 0.045). We correlated the hsTnT rise with a drop in LV EF ≥ 10% from its baseline level. Logistic regression analysis showed that Δ hsTnT has a good predictive value for LV dysfunction, 0.78 (p = 0.05), 95% CI (0.67–0.90). The increase in hsTnT > 81% was determined as the optimal threshold value for detecting early biochemical cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: It was investigated that hsTnT rise within the cutoff < 14 ng/L can be used as a marker of early biochemical cardiotoxicity and is valuable for predicting LV drop in 6 months of FU. We conclude that BC patients with increased hsTnT plasma concentration > 81% from the baseline value should be considered as high-risk patients for cardiotoxicity and need more precise cardiac monitoring and early preventive medical intervention strategies. Full article

The city of Uvira, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is increasingly experiencing flood events with devastating impacts on human life, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This study evaluates flood susceptibility in Uvira using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach. It integrates eight factors contributing to flood occurrence: distance from water bodies, elevation, slope, rainfall intensity, drainage density, soil type, topographic wetness index, and land use/land cover. The results indicate that proximity to water bodies, drainage density and slope are the most influential factors driving flood susceptibility in Uvira. Approximately 87.3% of the city’s land area is classified as having high to very high flood susceptibility, with the most affected zones concentrated along major rivers and the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. The reliability of the AHP-derived weights is validated by a consistency ratio of 0.008, which falls below the acceptable threshold of 0.1. This research provides valuable insights to support urban planning and inform flood management strategies. Full article

The distribution of Itea yunnanensis, a shrub species in the genus Itea of the family Iteaceae, is primarily concentrated in the Hengduan Mountains region of China, where it faces severe threats from global climate change. However, systematic research on the species’ distribution patterns, climatic response mechanisms, and future suitable habitat dynamics remains insufficient. This study aims to assess the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of I. yunnanensis-suitable habitats under current and future climate change scenarios to reveal the migration patterns of its distribution centroid and ecological thresholds, and to enhance the reliability and interpretability of predictions through model optimization. For MaxEnt modeling, we utilized 142 georeferenced occurrence records of I. yunnanensis alongside environmental data under current conditions and three future Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5). Model parameter optimization (Regularization Multiplier, Feature Combination) was performed using the R (v4.2.1) package ‘ENMeval’. The optimized model (RM = 3.0, FC = QHPT) significantly reduced overfitting risk (ΔAICc = 0) and achieved high prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.968). Under current climate conditions, the total area of potential high-suitability habitats for I. yunnanensis is approximately 94.88 × 10⁴ km², accounting for 9.88% of China’s land area, with core areas located around the Hengduan Mountains. Under future climate change, the suitable habitats show significant divergence, area fluctuation and contraction under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, and continuous expansion under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Meanwhile, the species’ distribution centroid exhibits an overall trend of northwestward migration. This study not only provides key spatial decision-making support for the in situ and ex situ conservation of I. yunnanensis, but also offers an important methodological reference for the adaptive research on other ecologically vulnerable species facing climate change through its optimized modeling framework. Full article

We surveyed the air quality conditions in 18 homes with gas stoves for PM_2.5, CO₂, NO₂ and CO using calibrated low-cost sensors. In each home, participants were asked to cook as usual, but to record their cooking activities and mitigation efforts (windows, ventilation fans, etc.). All homes showed enhanced pollutants during, and immediately after, times of cooking or stove use. For each home, we quantified the minutes per day and minutes per minute of cooking over known health thresholds for each pollutant. On average, homes exhibited 38 min per day over one or more of these thresholds, with PM_2.5 and NO₂ being the pollutants of greatest concern. Six homes had much higher occurrences over the health thresholds, averaging 73 min per day. We found an average of 1.0 min over one or more of the health thresholds per minute of cooking when no mitigation was used, whereas when mitigation was used (filtration or vent fan), this value was reduced by 34%. We further investigated several mitigation methods including natural diffusion, a commercial HEPA filter unit, a commercial O₃ scrubber and a ventilation fan. We found that the HEPA unit was highly effective for PM_2.5 but had no impact on any of the gaseous pollutants. The O₃ scrubber was moderately effective for NO₂ but had little impact on the other pollutants. The ventilation fan was highly effective for all pollutants and reduced the average pollutant lifetime significantly. Under controlled test conditions, the pollutant lifetime (or time to reach 37% of the original concentration), was reduced from an average of 45 min (with no ventilation) to 7 min. While no commercial filter showed efficacy for both PM_2.5 and NO₂, the fact that each could be removed individually suggests that a combined filter for both pollutants could be developed, which would significantly reduce health impacts in homes with gas stoves. Full article

This study evaluates the human health risks associated with exposure to arsenic in groundwater from a semi-arid region of Mexico, focusing on concentration levels and their temporal variation. Arsenic concentrations were analyzed using ordinary kriging for spatial interpolation, along with descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Human health risk was assessed through the following two key indicators: the Hazard Quotient (HQ), which estimates non-carcinogenic risk by comparing exposure levels to reference doses and carcinogenic risk (CR), which represents the estimated lifetime probability of developing cancer due to arsenic exposure. The mean arsenic concentration across both study years was 0.0200 mg/L, with median values of 0.0151 mg/L in 2015 and 0.0200 mg/L in 2020. The average HQ was 2.13 in 2015 and 2.17 in 2020, both exceeding the safety threshold of one. Mean CR values were 0.00096 and 0.00097 for 2015 and 2020, respectively, with a consistent median of 0.00072 across both years. A t-test was applied to compare the distributions between years. Both HQ and CR values significantly exceeded the recommended safety limits (p < 0.05), indicating that groundwater in the study area poses a potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for water quality monitoring and the implementation of mitigation measures to safeguard public health in the region. Full article

This study evaluates the accuracy of ²²²Rn exhalation rates from building materials using two standard experimental protocols, thus addressing the increasing importance of rapid radon assessment due to health concerns and regulatory limits. In detail, six types of natural stones frequently employed for the construction of buildings of historical-artistic relevance were analyzed using the closed chamber method (CCM) combined with the Durridge Rad7 system, by using two experimental protocols that differed in the measurement duration: 10 days (Method 1) versus 24 h (Method 2). Obtained results revealed that the radon exhalation rates ranged from 0.004 to 0.072 Bq h⁻¹, which are moderate to low if compared to studies in other regions. Statistical comparison using the u-test confirmed equivalence between protocols (u-test ≤ 2), thus supporting the validity of the faster Method 2 for practical applications. Furthermore, to estimate the potential indoor radon levels and determine the associated radiological risks to human health, for the investigated natural stones, the Markkanen room model was employed. As a result, simulated indoor radon concentrations remained well below regulatory thresholds (maximum value: 37.3 Bq m⁻³), thus excluding any significant health concerns under typical indoor conditions. Full article

Efficient water heating is essential for wool-washing processes, which demand temperatures above 70 °C. To meet this requirement sustainably, a parabolic trough solar concentrator system is proposed in this paper as an alternative to conventional natural gas systems. The design centers on a water pool constructed from bricks reinforced with an internal steel layer, enhancing heat exchange efficiency. Also, various synthetic oils were analyzed as heat transfer fluids (HTFs) within an immersed heat exchanger, such as Thermia B oil, Heat Transfer Oil 32, biphasic oil, and Therminol vp1 oil. Numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS CFX v19.2 software with the k-ε turbulence model to evaluate the thermal performance and temperature distribution. The results demonstrate the superior efficiency of the solar-powered system, with the steel-reinforced pool achieving optimal water temperatures between 78 °C and 85 °C, exceeding the required threshold for industrial wool washing. Among the various synthetic oils analyzed, Thermia B emerged as the most effective heat transfer fluid, maintaining water temperatures in the range of 75 °C to 85 °C. This superior thermal performance is attributed to its high thermal conductivity and reduced heat loss, ensuring consistent and optimal heat distribution for the wool-washing process. Full article

Indoor radon constitutes a public health issue in various regions across the United States as the second leading cause of lung cancer following tobacco smoke. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises radon mitigation interventions for residential buildings with indoor radon concentrations exceeding the threshold level of 4 pCi/L. Despite considerable research assessing the technical effectiveness of radon mitigation systems, there remains a gap in understanding their broader influence on occupant behavior and preferences in residential design. This study aims to investigate the impact of residing in radon-mitigated homes within the Commonwealth of Kentucky—an area known for elevated radon concentrations—on occupants’ preferences regarding healthy home design attributes. The objectives of this research are twofold: firstly to determine if living in radon-mitigated homes enhances occupant awareness and consequently influences their preferences toward health-related home attributes and secondly to quantitatively evaluate and compare the relative significance homeowners assign to health-related attributes such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and water quality relative to conventional attributes including home size, architectural style, and neighborhood quality. The overarching purpose is to explore the potential role radon mitigation initiatives may play in motivating occupants towards healthier home construction and renovation practices. Using choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis, this paper compares preferences reported by homeowners from radon-mitigated homes against those from non-mitigated homes. While the findings suggest a relationship between radon mitigation and increased preference for indoor air quality, the cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation, and the possibility of reverse causation—where health-conscious individuals are more likely to seek mitigation—must be considered. The results provide novel insights into how radon mitigation efforts might effectively influence occupant priorities towards integrating healthier design elements in residential environments. Full article