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Search Results (333)

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Keywords = particulate contaminants

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17 pages, 1783 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions in Sustainable Cities: Trace Metal Accumulation in Urban Forests of Vienna (Austria) and Krakow (Poland)
by Mateusz Jakubiak, Ewa Panek, Krzysztof Urbański, Sónia Silva Victória, Stanisław Lach, Kamil Maciuk and Marek Kopacz
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157042 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 70
Abstract
Forests are considered one of the most valuable natural areas in metropolitan region landscapes. Considering the sensitivity and ecosystem services provided by trees, the definition of urban forest ecosystems is nowadays based on a comprehensive understanding of the entire urban ecosystem. The effective [...] Read more.
Forests are considered one of the most valuable natural areas in metropolitan region landscapes. Considering the sensitivity and ecosystem services provided by trees, the definition of urban forest ecosystems is nowadays based on a comprehensive understanding of the entire urban ecosystem. The effective capturing of particulate matter is one of the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. These ecosystems function as efficient biological filters. Plants accumulate pollutants passively via their leaves. Therefore, another ecosystem service provided by city forests could be the use of tree organs as bioindicators of pollution. This paper aims to estimate differences in trace metal pollution between the wooded urban areas of Vienna and Krakow using leaves of evergreen and deciduous trees as biomonitors. An additional objective of the research was to assess the ability of the applied tree species to act as biomonitors. Plant samples of five species—Norway spruce, Scots pine, European larch, common white birch, and common beech—were collected within both areas, in seven locations: four in the “Wienerwald” Vienna forest (Austria) and three in the “Las Wolski” forest in Krakow (Poland). Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn in plant material were determined. Biomonitoring studies with deciduous and coniferous tree leaves showed statistically higher heavy metal contamination in the “Las Wolski” forest compared to the “Wienerwald” forest. Based on the conducted analyses and the literature study, it can be concluded that among the analyzed tree species, only two: European beech and common white birch can be considered potential indicators in environmental studies. These species appear to be suitable bioindicators, as both are widespread in urban woodlands of Central Europe and have shown the highest accumulation levels of trace metals. Full article
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15 pages, 3624 KiB  
Article
A Spectroscopic DRIFT-FTIR Study on the Friction-Reducing Properties and Bonding of Railway Leaf Layers
by Ben White, Joseph Lanigan and Roger Lewis
Lubricants 2025, 13(8), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13080329 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Leaves react with rail steel and form a tribofilm, causing very low friction in the wheel/rail interface. This work uses twin-disc tribological testing with the addition of leaf particulates to simulate the reaction and resulting reduction in the friction coefficient in a laboratory [...] Read more.
Leaves react with rail steel and form a tribofilm, causing very low friction in the wheel/rail interface. This work uses twin-disc tribological testing with the addition of leaf particulates to simulate the reaction and resulting reduction in the friction coefficient in a laboratory setting. Diffuse Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was carried out on the organic material and the layers that formed on the twin-disc surface. Dark material, visibly similar to leaf layers formed on tracks during autumn, was used along with a transparent thin film. This “non-visible contamination” has been reported to cause low-adhesion problems on railways, but has not previously been characterised. This article discusses the nature of these layers and builds upon earlier studies to propose a degradation and bonding mechanism for the leaf material. This understanding could be used to improve friction management methods employed to deal with low adhesion due to leaves. Full article
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23 pages, 2483 KiB  
Article
A Unionid Mussel Biodiversity Hotspot Experiencing Unexplained Declines: Evaluating the Influence of Chemical Stressors Using Caged Juveniles
by W. Aaron Wilson, Christine Bergeron, Jennifer Archambault, Jason Unrine, Jess Jones, Braven Beaty, Damian Shea, Peter R. Lazaro, Jody L. Callihan, Jennifer J. Rogers and W. Gregory Cope
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080503 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Unionid mussel populations in a section of the Clinch River in Virginia, USA, has declined substantially, but the causes of the decline remain unknown. To investigate this zone of decline (ZOD), we deployed juvenile freshwater mussels (Villosa iris in 2012 and Lampsilis [...] Read more.
Unionid mussel populations in a section of the Clinch River in Virginia, USA, has declined substantially, but the causes of the decline remain unknown. To investigate this zone of decline (ZOD), we deployed juvenile freshwater mussels (Villosa iris in 2012 and Lampsilis fasciola in 2013) in both cages and silos at sites within the Clinch River System. We analyzed mussel tissues for trace element and organic contaminant concentrations, shells for trace elements, and environmental media (total water, dissolved water, particulate sediment, and bedload sediment) for both inorganic and organic contaminants. We found a few differences between mussels deployed in cages and those deployed in silos: survival was slightly lower in cages due to periodic sedimentation. Our results identified the ZOD based on the accumulation of trace elements (notably As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Sr), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and δ15N enrichment, with especially high concentrations found in the human-impacted tributaries, Dumps Creek and Guest River. Some correlations were found between environmental media and both mussel tissues and shells. In particular, PAHs and Mn had several significant relationships between bioaccumulated concentrations and environmental concentrations. Finally, Co, Cu, Fe, and V in soft tissues negatively correlated with mussel growth, whereas bioaccumulated PAH concentrations correlated negatively with resident mussel densities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Biodiversity Hotspots in 2025)
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20 pages, 2580 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metal Pollution in Water and Seston in a Subtropical Coastal Lagoon of the Gulf of Mexico: Hydrometeorological and Anthropic Influence
by Alejandra Reyes-Márquez, Hugo Alberto Barrera-Huertas, Jacinto Elías Sedeño-Díaz, Enrique Morales-Acuña, Sergio Aguíñiga-García, Rafael Cervantes-Duarte and Eugenia López-López
Water 2025, 17(13), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131929 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1430
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a critical environmental issue worldwide. In these ecosystems, the seston adsorbs heavy metals from the water and introduces them into the food web, causing potential environmental and health risks. This study analyses how heavy metals (Cd, [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a critical environmental issue worldwide. In these ecosystems, the seston adsorbs heavy metals from the water and introduces them into the food web, causing potential environmental and health risks. This study analyses how heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, and Mn) are distributed in the water and seston of the Tampamachoco Lagoon, an ecosystem affected by pollution from a thermoelectric plant and by hydrometeorological variability, both of which influence their concentrations. The relationships among metal distribution, physicochemical variables, and the influence of plant emissions in three seasons (rainy, northerly windstorms, and dry) were analyzed. The metal concentrations in seston (Fe > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Hg) were up to four times higher than in the water column (Fe > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu > Hg), emphasizing the key role of particulate matter in metal transport and bioavailability. Particularly, the Cd concentrations exceeded WHO thresholds by 527.6% in the water column during the rainy season, while Hg and Pb exceeded the thresholds of the Mexican criteria for the protection of marine aquatic life by 4.05% and 41.6%, respectively. Principal Component Analyses revealed distinct spatiotemporal distribution patterns for metals in water and seston, reflecting the combined effects of natural variability and anthropogenic inputs. The strong association between metals and seston indicates continued contamination and potential risks to aquatic ecosystems. These findings highlight the environmental impact of metals on seston and the need for monitoring to assess aquatic ecosystems’ health. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how metals are distributed between seston and water, and how climate variability affects pollutant redistribution patterns. We propose that water quality regulations need to be rethought and redirected towards the achievement of new strategic objectives that truly integrate the different pollutant sources whose final destination is water bodies, so as to protect and conserve biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. Full article
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15 pages, 2017 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Harmful Emissions from Multiple Binder Systems in Pilot-Scale Sand Casting
by Erika Garitaonandia, Andoni Ibarra, Angelika Kmita, Rafał Dańko and Mariusz Holtzer
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132765 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
This study investigates hazardous emissions from foundry binder systems, comparing organic resins (phenolic urethane, furan, and alkaline-phenolic) and clay-bonded green sand with inorganic alternatives (sodium silicate and geopolymer). The research was conducted at the Fundaciόn Azterlan pilot plant (Spain), involving controlled chamber tests [...] Read more.
This study investigates hazardous emissions from foundry binder systems, comparing organic resins (phenolic urethane, furan, and alkaline-phenolic) and clay-bonded green sand with inorganic alternatives (sodium silicate and geopolymer). The research was conducted at the Fundaciόn Azterlan pilot plant (Spain), involving controlled chamber tests for the production of 60 kg iron alloy castings in 110 kg sand molds. The molds were evaluated under two configurations: homogeneous systems, where both mold and cores were manufactured using the same binder (five trials), and heterogeneous systems, where different binders were used for mold and cores (four trials). Each mold was placed in a metallic box fitted with a lid and an integrated gas extraction duct. The lid remained open during pouring and was closed immediately afterward to enable efficient evacuation of casting gases through the extraction system. Although the box was not completely airtight, it was designed to direct most exhaust gases through the duct. Along the extraction system line, different sampling instruments were strategically located for the precise measurement of contaminants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenol, multiple forms of particulate matter (including crystalline silica content), and gases produced during pyrolysis. Across the nine trials, inorganic binders demonstrated significant reductions in gas emissions and priority pollutants, achieving decreases of over 90% in BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) and over 94% in PAHs compared to organic systems. Gas emissions were also substantially reduced, with CO emissions lowered by over 30%, NOx by more than 98%, and SO2 by over 75%. Conducted under the Greencasting LIFE project (LIFE 21 ENV/FI/101074439), this work provides empirical evidence supporting sodium silicate and geopolymer binders as viable, sustainable solutions for minimizing occupational and ecological risks in metal casting processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analytical Chemistry)
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19 pages, 3174 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment and Mitigation of Indoor Air Quality in a Commercial Retail Building in Saudi Arabia
by Wael S. Al-Rashed and Abderrahim Lakhouit
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5862; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135862 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization worldwide has dramatically improved living standards but has also introduced serious environmental and public health challenges. One of the most critical challenges is air pollution, particularly indoors, where individuals typically spend over 90% of their time. Ensuring [...] Read more.
The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization worldwide has dramatically improved living standards but has also introduced serious environmental and public health challenges. One of the most critical challenges is air pollution, particularly indoors, where individuals typically spend over 90% of their time. Ensuring good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is essential, especially in heavily frequented public spaces such as shopping malls. This study focuses on assessing IAQ in a large shopping mall located in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, covering retail zones as well as an attached underground parking area. Monitoring is conducted over a continuous two-month period using calibrated instruments placed at representative locations to capture variations in pollutant levels. The investigation targets key contaminants, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and formaldehyde (HCHO). The data are analyzed and compared against international and national guidelines, including World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Saudi environmental regulations. The results show that concentrations of CO, CO2, and PM2.5 in the shopping mall are generally within acceptable limits, with values ranging from approximately 7 to 15 ppm, suggesting that ventilation systems are effective in most areas. However, the study identifies high levels of TVOCs and HCHO, particularly in zones characterized by poor ventilation and high human occupancy. Peak concentrations reach 1.48 mg/m3 for TVOCs and 1.43 mg/m3 for HCHO, exceeding recommended exposure thresholds. These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhancing ventilation designs, prioritizing the use of low-emission materials, and establishing continuous air quality monitoring protocols within commercial buildings. Improving IAQ is not only crucial for protecting public health but also for enhancing occupant comfort, satisfaction, and overall building sustainability. This study offers practical recommendations to policymakers, building managers, and designers striving to create healthier indoor environments in rapidly expanding urban centers. Full article
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14 pages, 4066 KiB  
Article
Microplastics in Stormwater: Sampling and Methodology Challenges
by Andres Sanchez Garcia, Huayun Zhou, Cesar Gomez-Avila, Tariq Hussain, Aryan Roghani, Danny Reible and Balaji Anandha Rao
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060502 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 677
Abstract
Stormwater runoff is a significant source of microplastics to surface water. This study addresses challenges in the sampling, treatment, and characterization of microplastics in existing stormwater control measures across various regions in the United States. Stormwater sediment samples were collected via traditional stormwater [...] Read more.
Stormwater runoff is a significant source of microplastics to surface water. This study addresses challenges in the sampling, treatment, and characterization of microplastics in existing stormwater control measures across various regions in the United States. Stormwater sediment samples were collected via traditional stormwater sampling approaches for particulate and inorganic contamination with portable automatic samplers, analyzed using visible and fluorescence microscopy with Nile red as a selective stain, and subsequently confirmed through Raman spectroscopy. The inclusion of laboratory and field blanks enabled the identification of contamination at key steps during sample handling. The results reveal that the filtration process is a significant source of laboratory contamination, while the sampling process itself could be a primary contributor to overall sample contamination. Additionally, it was found that using green fluorescence as the sole emission wavelength may underestimate MP quantities, as some particles emit fluorescence exclusively in the red spectrum. Raman analysis revealed interferences caused by pigments and additives in plastics, along with challenges evaluating particles in the low micron range (≤10 microns), which complicates a comprehensive analysis. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of implementing strong quality assurance and control measures when assessing the levels of microplastics in the environment, including sample collection, processing, and analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in the Water Cycle)
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14 pages, 2418 KiB  
Article
Durable and High-Efficiency Air Filtration by Superamphiphobic Silica Composite Aerogel
by Qiang Yu, Yuxin Mu, Pengfei Li, Wenjun Zhou, Jianwen Zhang, Jinchao Li, Yong Wei and Shanlin Wang
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9030038 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
The escalating industrial emissions have dramatically increased airborne particulate matter (PM), particularly submicron particles (PM0.3), creating substantial health risks through respiratory system penetration. Current fiber-based filtration systems predominantly relying on electrostatic adsorption mechanisms suffer from critical limitations, including insufficient efficiency, potential secondary contamination, [...] Read more.
The escalating industrial emissions have dramatically increased airborne particulate matter (PM), particularly submicron particles (PM0.3), creating substantial health risks through respiratory system penetration. Current fiber-based filtration systems predominantly relying on electrostatic adsorption mechanisms suffer from critical limitations, including insufficient efficiency, potential secondary contamination, and performance degradation in humid environments. We develop a flexible silica composite aerogel to overcome these challenges with customizable and exceptional superamphiphobicity. This composite aerogel exhibits high porosity of ~95% and robust compression Young’s modulus that reaches ~220 kPa at 50% strain even after 1000 cycles. These features enable it to maintain a high filtration efficiency of ~98.52% for PM0.3, even after 50 cycles under traditional artificial simulation conditions. Significantly, a competitive filtration efficiency of ~97.9% is still performed in our composite aerogel at high humidity (water mist), high temperatures (50–250 °C), and corrosive solutions or atmospheres environments, revealing potential industrial applications. This work is expected to replace conventional air filtration materials and pave the way for various human protection and industrial production applications. Full article
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23 pages, 2145 KiB  
Article
Metal Exposure, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity Assessment in Sediments from the St. Lawrence River Before and After Remediation Using a Resuspension Technique
by Masoumeh Javid, Catherine N. Mulligan, Marie Lefranc and Maikel Rosabal Rodriguez
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060432 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 448
Abstract
This study, using Hyalella azteca and Chironomus riparius, evaluated the effects of exposure to heavy metal-contaminated sediments collected from the study area under three conditions: before remediation, after remediation, and suspended particulate matter (SPM). The selected toxicity tests allowed for the evaluation [...] Read more.
This study, using Hyalella azteca and Chironomus riparius, evaluated the effects of exposure to heavy metal-contaminated sediments collected from the study area under three conditions: before remediation, after remediation, and suspended particulate matter (SPM). The selected toxicity tests allowed for the evaluation of biological responses across varying concentrations of heavy metals. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in survival or growth between sediment-exposed organisms and controls for either species. In addition, bioaccumulation of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in both organisms was assessed and compared among the sediment conditions and the control. No statistically significant differences in tissue metal concentrations were found between organisms exposed to sediments from the study area and those in control conditions. Sequential extraction analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of metals in the sediments were bound in stable, non-bioavailable forms. These findings are consistent with the observed biological responses, as low levels of bioavailable metals corresponded with the absence of toxic effects. Together, the data confirm that the sediments, regardless of remediation stage or particle fraction, posed no significant biological risk under the conditions tested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)
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18 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
Modeling Desorption Rates and Background Concentrations of Heavy Metals Using a One-Dimensional Approach
by Wendy Tatiana Gonzalez Cano, Serguei Lonin and Kyoungrean Kim
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060421 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Harmful heavy metals (HHMs) in marine sediments pose significant ecological and human health risks. This research developed a novel one-dimensional mathematical model to investigate the desorption rates and background concentrations (Cbg) of HHMs in cohesive sediments of coastal environments, [...] Read more.
Harmful heavy metals (HHMs) in marine sediments pose significant ecological and human health risks. This research developed a novel one-dimensional mathematical model to investigate the desorption rates and background concentrations (Cbg) of HHMs in cohesive sediments of coastal environments, using Cartagena Bay (CB), Colombia, as a reference for estuarine systems. The model integrates mass balance and molecular diffusion equations incorporating porosity and tortuosity. Both the particulate and dissolved phases of HHMs were considered. Numerical experiments were conducted over 28 years with a daily time step, simulating four primary hydrodynamic processes: molecular diffusion, desorption, sedimentation, and turbulent water exchange. The spatiotemporal evolution of  Cbg provides valuable insights for sediment modeling, policy development, and advancing the understanding of HHM pollution in sediments. Results of the model align closely with empirical data from CB, demonstrating its applicability not only to local conditions but also to similar contaminated areas through a generalized approach. This model can be used as a reliable computational tool for managing coastal environments. Full article
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24 pages, 1664 KiB  
Review
Microextraction and Eco-Friendly Techniques Applied to Solid Matrices Followed by Chromatographic Analysis
by Attilio Naccarato, Rosangela Elliani and Antonio Tagarelli
Separations 2025, 12(5), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12050124 - 14 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 708
Abstract
In this review, a 5-year overview on environmentally friendly approaches for the extraction of the most relevant organic pollutants in soil, sediment, particulate matter, and sewage sludge coupled with chromatographic analysis is reported. Organic contaminants encompass various compounds derived from personal care products, [...] Read more.
In this review, a 5-year overview on environmentally friendly approaches for the extraction of the most relevant organic pollutants in soil, sediment, particulate matter, and sewage sludge coupled with chromatographic analysis is reported. Organic contaminants encompass various compounds derived from personal care products, industrial chemicals, microplastics, organic matter combustion, agricultural practices, and plasticizer material. The principles of green analytical chemistry (GAC) and green sample preparation (GSP) serve as a guideline for the development of more environmentally sustainable analytical protocols. This study focuses attention on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), and microextraction techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME), spray-assisted droplet formation-based liquid-phase microextraction (SADF-LPME), and dispersive liquid–liquid extraction (DLLME). These approaches represent the most relevant eco-friendly sample preparation for the advanced extraction of target analytes from environmental solid samples. Full article
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13 pages, 7814 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Chamber Wall-Deposited Thin Film of Plasma Deposition Equipment for the Efficiency of In Situ Dry-Cleaning
by Jiseok Lee, Jiwon Jang and Sang Jeen Hong
Coatings 2025, 15(5), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050563 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
In plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes, thin films can accumulate on the inner chamber walls, resulting in particle contamination and process drift. In this study, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of these wall-deposited films to understand their spatial variation and [...] Read more.
In plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes, thin films can accumulate on the inner chamber walls, resulting in particle contamination and process drift. In this study, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of these wall-deposited films to understand their spatial variation and impact on chamber maintenance. A 6-inch capacitively coupled plasma (CCP)-type PECVD system was used to deposit SiO2 films, whilst long silicon coupons were attached vertically to the chamber side walls to collect contamination samples. The collected contamination samples were comparatively analyzed in terms of their chemical properties and surface morphology. The results reveal significant differences in hydrogen content and Si–O bonding configurations compared to reference films deposited on wafers. The top chamber wall, located near the plasma region, exhibited higher hydrogen incorporation and larger Si–O–Si bonding angles, while the bottom wall exhibited rougher surfaces with larger particulate agglomerates. These variations were closely linked to differences in gas flow dynamics, precursor distribution, and the energy state of the plasma species at different chamber heights. The findings indicate that top-wall contaminants are more readily cleaned due to their high hydrogen content, while bottom-wall residues may be more persistent and pose higher risks for particle generation. This study provides insights into wall contamination behavior in PECVD systems and suggests strategies for spatially optimized chamber cleaning and conditioning in high-throughput semiconductor processes. Full article
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36 pages, 1542 KiB  
Review
Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor Air: Sampling, Determination, Sources, Health Risk, and Regulatory Insights
by Tajana Horvat, Gordana Pehnec and Ivana Jakovljević
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050344 - 26 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3081
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is a serious public health issue caused by the accumulation of numerous toxic contaminants within enclosed spaces. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), biological contaminants (mould, bacteria, and allergies), inorganic gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen [...] Read more.
Indoor air pollution is a serious public health issue caused by the accumulation of numerous toxic contaminants within enclosed spaces. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), biological contaminants (mould, bacteria, and allergies), inorganic gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide), and a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are examples of common indoor air pollutants. VOCs are one of the chief indoor contaminants, and their effects on human health have made indoor air quality a serious concern. Indoor VOC concentrations are frequently higher than outdoor levels, according to studies, which raises the danger of exposure, particularly for young people and those with respiratory disorders. VOCs originate from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources, and they can create secondary pollutants like ozone and aerosols, which can lead to cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been associated with respiratory irritation, neurological effects, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. This review examines the primary sources, sampling and analysis approach, and health impact of VOCs in indoor air. Additionally, we compared worldwide regulatory guidelines for VOC exposure limits, emphasizing the need for strict exposure limits to protect human health. Full article
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30 pages, 6834 KiB  
Article
Silver-Based Catalysts on Metal Oxides for Diesel Particulate Matter Oxidation: Insights from In Situ DRIFTS
by Punya Promhuad, Boonlue Sawatmongkhon, Thawatchai Wongchang, Ekarong Sukjit, Nathinee Theinnoi and Kampanart Theinnoi
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9030042 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 579
Abstract
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) represents a deleterious environmental contaminant that necessitates the development of effective catalytic oxidation methodologies. This research delineates a comparative analysis of silver-supported metal oxide catalysts (Ag/Al2O3, Ag/TiO2, Ag/ZnO, and Ag/CeO2), with [...] Read more.
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) represents a deleterious environmental contaminant that necessitates the development of effective catalytic oxidation methodologies. This research delineates a comparative analysis of silver-supported metal oxide catalysts (Ag/Al2O3, Ag/TiO2, Ag/ZnO, and Ag/CeO2), with an emphasis on the effects of silver distribution and the metal-support interaction on the oxidation of DPM. An array of characterization techniques including XRD, HRTEM, XPS, H2-TPR, TEM, GC-MS, TGA, and in situ DRIFTS was employed. The novelty of this study resides in elucidating the oxidation mechanism through a tripartite pathway and recognizing Ag0 as the predominant active species involved in soot oxidation. The Ag/Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated superior catalytic performance, achieving a reduction in the ignition temperature by more than 50 °C, attributable to the optimal dispersion of Ag nanoparticles and a balanced metal-support interaction. Conversely, an excessive interaction observed in Ag/ZnO resulted in diminished catalytic activity. The oxidation of DPM transpires through the volatilization of VOCs (<300 °C), the oxidation by reactive oxygen species, and the combustion of soot (>300 °C). This investigation offers significant contributions to the formulation of highly efficient silver-based catalysts for emissions control, with a particular focus on optimizing Ag dispersion and support interactions to enhance catalytic efficacy. Full article
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13 pages, 1309 KiB  
Communication
Differential Accumulation of Particulate Pollutants in Gills and Gastrointestinal Tracts in Sphoeroides Fish from Tropical and Subtropical Estuaries in Brazil
by Sérgio Murilo de Souza Filho, Marco Tadeu Grassi, Mayara Padovan dos Santos, Juliano Morimoto, Marcelo Soeth and Luís Fernando Fávaro
Diversity 2025, 17(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040300 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries [...] Read more.
The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries (tropical and subtropical). Our findings showed that 70 biological samples from fish (92.11%) contained debris, with the tropical estuary exhibiting the highest abundance (n = 499 particles—67% of the total), dominated by laminar (film) particulate pollutants (76.75%). In this estuary, the gill exhibited the highest contamination index, with most particulate pollutants (<1 mm and 1–3 mm) found in 63.6% and 54.5% of samples, respectively. In the subtropical estuary, 246 debris particles (33% of the total) were detected in the biological samples, with 58.5% of particles being of the film type. The gastrointestinal tract had the highest contamination index in this region, with 70.6% of particles in the 1–3 mm size range. These results highlight the pervasive presence of particulate pollutants in estuarine ecosystems and the organ-specific contamination patterns in tropical and subtropical regions, underscoring the ecological risks posed by plastic waste to estuarine biodiversity in hotspot regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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