Search Results (2,740)

With the growing trend toward insulator hybridization, higher requirements are imposed on the synergistic improvement of interfacial durability and pollution flashover performance. Machining annular grooves at the green-body stage and embedding silicone rubber enables the construction of an embedded structure with improved durability, forming hydrophilic/hydrophobic alternating surfaces. However, the outdoor insulation characteristics of such hybrid surfaces remain insufficiently investigated, and their engineering feasibility requires further validation. In this study, a series of hydrophilic/hydrophobic alternating surfaces were fabricated, and artificial pollution tests were conducted. The results show that the AC pollution flashover voltage exhibits a saturated increasing trend as the hydrophobic interfaces become more dispersed. When twenty 4 mm wide hydrophobic interfaces were distributed along a 16 cm creepage distance, the flashover voltage was 12.4% higher than that of a fully hydrophobic surface. These results indicate that appropriate design of hydrophobic interface distribution can achieve excellent pollution flashover performance even at relatively low hydrophobic coverage (≤50%). High-speed imaging combined with infrared thermography reveals the discharge mechanism governed by hydrophobic interface distribution from an electro–thermal coupling perspective. The coexistence of multiple dry bands induced by discrete hydrophobic interfaces is identified as the key factor enhancing flashover withstand capability. A static pollution flashover model was established to quantitatively estimate the AC flashover voltage, confirming the external insulation feasibility of the embedded hybrid concept. Full article

Against the backdrop of the dual-carbon strategy promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry, pollutant emissions generated during vessel berthing operations have become a critical challenge in port environmental governance. To address the combined effects of the priority berthing policy for new energy vessels and time-of-use electricity pricing, a joint optimization model for berth and shore power allocation is developed with the objectives of minimizing the total economic cost of vessels and the environmental tax cost associated with pollutant emissions. An improved Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search algorithm (ALNS-II) is further designed to solve the model. Numerical experiments based on actual port data verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and the superiority of the algorithm. The results indicate that, under time-of-use electricity pricing, the priority berthing policy for new energy vessels can shorten their waiting time at anchorage and encourage fuel-powered vessels to shift toward electrification. When the peak-to-valley electricity price ratio increases from 4.1:1 to 7.5:1, the environmental tax cost of pollutant emissions decreases slightly, whereas the total economic cost of vessels rises by 4.17%, suggesting that the peak-to-valley electricity price ratio should not be set excessively high. In addition, increasing the proportion of new energy vessels to 70% is more conducive to improving the overall economic and environmental performance of ports. The findings provide a theoretical basis and decision support for the optimal allocation of port resources under the coordination of multiple policies. Full article

Terrestrial environments function as major sinks and dynamic sources of microplastics. Land use strongly influences inputs, accumulation, and transport pathways of these contaminants in the environment. Despite the extensive literature, few reviews have compared contamination levels and the potential impacting factors across land uses. To fill this gap, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the origins, occurrence, pathways, and ecological effects of microplastics across diverse land uses. The review revealed multiple interconnected pathways that drive microplastic contamination in terrestrial systems. Abundances are consistently higher in intensively managed croplands, urban areas and industrial vicinities. However, their detection in remote environments underscores the critical role of diffuse inputs and long-range atmospheric transport. Vertically, microplastics are enriched in topsoils, and their concentrations declines with depth. Horizontally, concentration declines with increasing distance from major hotspots like agricultural fields, industrial facilities, and road networks. Ecologically, microplastics alter soil physical properties, modify chemical conditions, and shift microbial community composition and enzyme activities. Furthermore, they stress soil fauna and plants through ingestion, toxicity, and physical blockage, with impacts contingent on polymer type, particle morphology, and concentration. Collectively, this review reveals consistent spatial patterns and widespread adverse ecological impacts, highlighting the clear need for integrated management strategies to mitigate terrestrial microplastic pollution. Full article

Globally, the transport sector accounts for almost a quarter of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion and generates large amounts of pollutants, placing significant pressure on the environment and human health. By 2050, the European Green Deal requires a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions, making sustainability necessary across all modes of transport. Based on the relevant literature, this study examines the role and potential of railways in decarbonising the EU transport sector. Railway is highly efficient, consuming just 1.9% of transport sector energy while handling 16.9% of freight and 5.1% of passenger transport in the EU, yet is responsible for only 0.4% of total emissions. According to studies, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by improving energy efficiency, using low-carbon or renewable energy, and expanding train electrification. The greatest potential for decarbonisation lies in a modal shift to rail. However, this requires significant infrastructure investment: raising line speeds to at least 160 km/h, expanding networks, building terminals, digitalisation, and alignment with TEN-T standards. Although the EU supports the modal shift with funding programmes, the transition is not progressing as expected—the share of road freight transport increased from 74% in 2013 to 78% in 2023. Stronger investment is needed in Member States’ national policies for the development and modernisation of railways. The authors developed a Path Evaluation Matrix (PEM), a quantitative decision framework integrating the fields of energy, transport, politics, and economics. The PEM results indicate that BEMU (battery electric multiple units) is optimal for 68% of secondary lines in south-eastern Europe. Full article

Microplastic pollution in farmland soils has emerged as a global concern due to its potential to degrade soil health, inhibit crop growth, and enter the food chain. However, effective and environmentally friendly remediation strategies remain limited, particularly regarding the use of biochar to mitigate polyethylene microplastic (PE-MP) stress in agroecosystems. This study investigates whether tobacco stalk biochar (TSB) can alleviate PE-MPs stress in rice seedlings. A two-factor pot experiment was conducted to systematically analyze the responses of soil physicochemical properties, rice growth indicators, and antioxidant enzyme activities to the combined application of varying concentrations of PE-MPs (0, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w)) and TSB (0, 3%, 6%, and 9% (w/w)). The results show that TSB significantly increased soil pH and organic matter content, effectively mitigating the decline in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium caused by PE-MPs (e.g., under the M3B3 treatment, available nitrogen and phosphorus contents increased by 68.7% and 226%, respectively, compared with those under the M3B0 treatment). Under low-concentration PE-MP (0.5%) stress, an appropriate amount of TSB (3%) resulted in the highest rice germination rate, vigor index, and stress tolerance index, while significantly inducing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to alleviate oxidative damage. However, high-concentration combinations of TSB and PE-MPs exhibited an antagonistic effect. In conclusion, tobacco stalk biochar can synergistically mitigate microplastic stress on rice through multiple pathways, with its remediation effects exhibiting significant dose dependence and interactive complexity. These findings provide a theoretical and technical basis for the ecological remediation of microplastic pollution in farmland. Full article

Urban coastal wetlands along the Peruvian Pacific coast are increasingly affected by urban expansion, pollution, and hydrological alterations, compromising their ecological integrity. In this context, the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community and its relationship with limnological conditions and drivers of change were evaluated in the Santa Rosa wetland (Chancay, Lima). The objective is to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community in the Santa Rosa wetland and analyze its relationship with physicochemical limnological variables and drivers of change. Sampling was conducted during two contrasting hydrological seasons in 2022: T1 (low-water season) and T2 (high-water season), at six sampling points (P1–P6). Physicochemical variables (water depth, temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids—TDS, total suspended solids—TSS, dissolved oxygen—DO, turbidity, nitrate—NO₃⁻, ammonium—NH₄⁺, phosphate—PO₄³⁻, and dissolved organic matter—DOM) were measured, and the relative abundance of aquatic macrophytes was evaluated. Drivers of change were identified through direct observation and a structured matrix, with phosphate a PCoA performed to summarize spatiotemporal trends. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Co-inertia analysis, and Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP). Significant spatiotemporal variation was observed in physicochemical parameters (p < 0.05), with moderate covariation between the two matrices (RV = 0.47). A total of ten aquatic macrophyte species were recorded, with higher abundance of Pontederia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes in T1, and Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Bacopa monnieri in T2. The most relevant drivers of change were solid waste, livestock grazing, organic contamination, and urban expansion. Spatial heterogeneity was observed in the drivers of change affecting the Santa Rosa wetland, forming a mosaic of areas with different impact profiles. Despite multiple anthropogenic pressures, the Santa Rosa wetland maintains a limnological structure and a functionally coupled macrophyte community, suggesting that essential ecological processes are maintained within the temporal scope of this study. The observed covariation between physicochemical conditions and vegetation confirms the persistence of essential ecological processes, even within an altered urban context. This study demonstrates that integrating biotic components, limnological variables, and drivers of change is fundamental to understanding and monitoring the ecological dynamics of urban wetlands along the Peruvian coast. Full article

Due to the influence of multiple factors such as the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere, the limitations of data sources, and the assumptions of inversion methods, there are many difficulties in inverting the concentration distribution with high temporal and spatial resolution over a large area near the ground. In this study, the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model was adopted. Through dynamic constraints of emission sources, meteorological fields, and chemical mechanisms, combined with the optimization output of radial basis functions, a 1 km × 1 km hourly near-surface nitrogen dioxide concentration distribution dataset in China from 2015 to 2024 was generated. Based on the analysis of spatial differences and temporal fluctuations, the concentration changes of nitrogen dioxide are closely related to human activities, climate change, and seasonal variations. Thanks to China’s implementation of a large number of proactive pollution control measures, the average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide has dropped from 19.7 μg/m³ in 2015 to 14.1 μg/m³ in 2024, with a cumulative reduction of 28.43%. The phenomenon of the one-hour average concentration exceeding the limit of 200 μg/m³ has been basically eliminated across the country. Full article

Accurate source apportionment of soil heavy metals (HMs) is critical for targeted pollution mitigation and ecological remediation. This review systematically synthesizes and compares five mainstream source apportionment approaches—receptor models (positive matrix factorization, PMF; absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression, APCS-MLR; UNMIX model), stable isotope tracing, and random forest (RF)-based machine learning—to provide researchers with a comprehensive methodological framework. The methodology includes a systematic literature review, comparative analysis of methodological principles, and synthesis of representative case studies from diverse geographical contexts. The core principles, evolutionary paths, typical use cases (e.g., industrial zones, agricultural fields, regional surveys), and inherent limitations are synthesized for each method. A practical decision framework linking research contexts (study objectives, spatial scales, data availability) to optimal method selection, along with guidelines for multi-method integration, is proposed. This review provides actionable guidance for researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate methods for specific pollution scenarios, ultimately supporting more effective environmental management and policy development. Full article

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging contaminants, have garnered growing interest for their persistence and biological toxicity. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant convergence points for MNPs, where they undergo complex aging, particularly during advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), leading to different environmental fate and behavior. This study aims to discuss the aging of MNPs in wastewater treatment induced by AOPs and evaluate their biological risks. This review was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We searched three electronic databases—Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science—for relevant articles published between the year 2000 and March 2026. A total of 39 studies met the inclusion criteria and a narrative synthesis was conducted to summarize the findings. Risk of bias assessment was not performed, as this is a narrative systematic review without quantitative synthesis. The review protocol was registered in the OSF (registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/FTQHN). First, aging pathways and the alterations in the physicochemical properties of MNPs caused by aging are summarized, mainly including changes in surface morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition, etc. Second, the aging mechanism of MNPs and the factors affecting the aging were discussed. Third, the biotoxicity of aged MNPs on both microorganisms and humans was reviewed, which is mainly due to three sources: plastic particles themselves, released chemicals, and the combination of plastics with coexisting pollutants. Furthermore, this review also criticized the limitations in current studies, the lack of comprehensive evaluation of multiple environmental factors and the identification of specific toxicity; it also provides suggestions for future research. This overview is meaningful for better understanding the environmental fate and risks of MNPs. Full article

Although chronic contamination by silver ions (Ag⁺) can persist in aquatic systems over long periods of time and can therefore have an impact on population developments, regulatory testing commonly relies on single-generation endpoints. Here, we used Daphnia magna to quantify long-term effects of pg/L to ng/L concentrations of Ag⁺ across generations and to test whether recovery depends on exposure history. Using 21 d life-cycle assays over up to seven consecutive generations, we quantified survival, key life-history traits, and population fitness (intrinsic rate of natural increase, r). In our study, low environmental concentrations of Ag⁺ caused minimal mortality, but sublethal effects persisted or multiplied over generations. Notably, continuous exposure led to significant reductions in body length and r at 50 pg/L (nominal LOEC) by the fourth generation exposed, representing population-relevant effects of Ag⁺ at very low concentrations which should be given consideration in the assessment of both water quality and the chemical itself. Recovery was concentration-dependent: low-concentration-exposed lineages recovered within a few generations, whereas 15 ng/L exposure resulted in persistent deficits even through the recovery period of three generations. Exposure-history patterns indicated that long-term outcomes were dominated by the cumulative number of exposed generations. These findings highlight the limitations of acute and single-generation assays and emphasize the importance of considering information on the effects of chemicals, including Ag⁺, across multiple generations in risk assessments. They also highlight the need to include expectations regarding recovery after the removal of pollutants in these assessments. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise, with sarcopenia accompanying CKD in an estimated 25% of patients, featuring as a potentially debilitating issue that should not be overlooked. Sarcopenia, characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is multifactorial. The aging process, uremic toxins, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, hormonal dysregulation, dietary deficits, and even air pollution are among the major parameters being implicated in sarcopenia among patients with CKD. Additionally, the existence of various comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), depression, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), also contribute to the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with skeletal muscle inflammation and atrophy. The purpose of this review is to delve into the complex interplay of multiple factors being involved in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia in patients with CKD. Moreover, we aim to shed light upon nutritional aspects that could delay the development and progression of sarcopenia among patients with CKD. To address vitamin D deficiency, micronutrients and macronutrients together with physical activity remain the cornerstone of delaying the progression of sarcopenia in this sub-population. Additionally, experimental drugs exhibiting therapeutic potential are also being discussed. As sarcopenia and quality of life are interconnected, the timely recognition of sarcopenia, together with nutritional and therapeutic interventions, is of the utmost importance in our crusade for a better quality of life (QoL) in patients with CKD. Full article

Plastic pollution poses a major environmental threat to coastal ecosystems, particularly in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas where limited water exchange promotes debris accumulation. This study presents a high-resolution spatial analysis of coastal plastic debris along the Khachmaz coastline in the western Caspian Sea. The analysis integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, YOLO-based deep learning detection, and spatial statistical methods. High-resolution UAV orthophotos enabled the automated detection of individual plastic debris items, which were converted into spatial point data for further analysis. Spatial patterns were assessed using areal density estimation, nearest neighbor analysis, kernel density estimation, and Ripley’s L-function to examine clustering across multiple spatial scales. A total of 2389 plastic debris items were identified within 0.0439 km², corresponding to an average density of 54,382 items per km². The results show that plastic debris is unevenly distributed, forming distinct clusters with four primary accumulation hotspots. Significant clustering occurs at spatial scales up to 20 m, with the strongest aggregation observed at distances below 5 m. Spatial overlay analysis indicates a strong association between plastic debris, reed-dominated coastal vegetation, and proximity to the shoreline, suggesting the potential role of localized retention processes and shoreline dynamics in debris accumulation. The combined use of UAV-based deep learning and spatial statistical analysis provides an integrated application framework for monitoring coastal plastic debris and supports targeted, sustainability-oriented coastal management strategies in the Caspian Sea region. Full article

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have emerged as pervasive and persistent environmental contaminants, prompting significant concerns about their potential risks to human health. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of knowledge on the reproductive toxicity induced by MPs/NPs, with a particular focus on nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) due to their enhanced ability to cross biological barriers and induce cellular damage. Following a systematic literature search, we detail the multiple exposure pathways—including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—through which MPs/NPs enter the human body and are disseminated to reproductive tissues. The core of this review elucidates the fundamental mechanisms underlying MPs/NPs-induced reproductive damage. Compelling evidence from in vitro, animal, and initial human studies demonstrates that MP/NP exposure can lead to diminished sperm quality and motility, testicular histological disruption, impaired ovarian folliculogenesis, granulosa cell apoptosis, and dysregulation of key reproductive hormones. We further summarize potential therapeutic interventions, such as antioxidants and traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and discuss key preventive and regulatory strategies. Despite the advancing evidence, critical challenges remain, including quantifying actual human exposure levels, understanding the effects of chronic, low-dose exposure, and elucidating the combined toxicity of MPs/NPs with other environmental pollutants. This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for further mechanistic research, robust epidemiological studies, and the formulation of evidence-based public health policies to mitigate exposure and safeguard global reproductive health. Full article

Biomass combustion, as a key technology for achieving a low-carbon transformation of the energy system, faces multiple challenges in its efficient and clean utilization, including the high heterogeneity of fuels, the complex multi-scale coupling of the combustion process, and the attainment of ultra-low emissions. Traditional research methods have significant disconnections between microscopic mechanism understanding, macroscopic performance prediction of reactors, and end-of-pipe pollution control, which restricts the improvement of system performance. This review presents recent advances in advanced numerical simulation, pollutant control strategies, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) pathways targeting ultra-low emissions in biomass combustion. This work synthesizes progress across three interconnected domains. First, methodologies are examined for integrating detailed chemical kinetics, particle-scale models, and reactor-scale simulations to develop high-fidelity predictive tools. Second, low-nitrogen combustion and synergistic pollutant control strategies for primary furnace types (e.g., grate, fluidized bed) are evaluated, alongside process optimization from fuel pretreatment to flue gas purification. Third, the potential for integrated design of biomass energy systems with carbon capture is assessed, emphasizing that system efficiency hinges on holistic “fuel-combustion-capture” chain optimization rather than isolated unit improvements. Future research directions are highlighted, including the development of physics-informed AI modeling paradigms, deeper co-design of multiple processes, and the establishment of robust life-cycle assessment frameworks. This review aims to provide a structured reference to inform both fundamental research and the practical development of next-generation clean biomass combustion technologies. Full article

Soil health is a major environmental concern. Biochars are a promising solution to address both soil contamination and amendment. They represent a sustainable valorisation alternative for solid wastes produced in huge amounts, namely agroforestry residues and sludge from wastewater treatment plants. Biochar’s superior properties, enhanced pore structure and high specific surface area can contribute to restoring soil quality, by adsorbing several pollutants (e.g., pharmaceutical compounds, pesticides, and metals) from water and soil, enhancing water retention capacity, improving soil aggregation, regulating pH, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. Multiple studies have reported removal efficiencies exceeding 70% for metals and 60% for organic compounds in soils, as well as over 40% for both organic compounds and metals in waters. These efficiencies depend on factors such as feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, modification strategies, and target contaminants. Recent advancements in the field have introduced both chemical and physical modifications that can enhance adsorption selectivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of biochar production, modification strategies, and their environmental applications in soil remediation and water treatment. By comparing unmodified and modified biochars, this review highlights the crucial factors that influence the performance of this highly versatile and cost-effective solution. Full article