Search Results (7,654)

Detection of soil pollution by petroleum products is necessary to remedy threats to economic and human health. Pollution by hydraulic oil often occurs through leaks from forestry machinery such as harvesters. Electronic noses equipped with gas sensor arrays are promising tools for applications of pollution detection and monitoring. A self-made, low-cost electronic nose was used for differentiation between clean and polluted samples, with two types of oils and three levels of pollution severity. An electronic nose uses the TGS series of gas sensors, manufactured by Figaro Inc. Sensor responses to changes in environmental conditions from clean air to measured odor, as well as responses to changes in sensor operation temperature, were used for analysis. Statistically significant response results allowed for the detection of pollution by biodegradable oil, while standard mineral oil was difficult to detect. It was demonstrated that the TGS 2602 gas sensor is most suitable for the studied application. LDA analysis demonstrated multidimensional data patterns allowing differentiation between sample categories and pollution severity levels. Full article

The National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh identifies eleven climate-stressed zones, placing nearly 100 million people at high risk of climate-related hazards. Vulnerable groups such as the poor, floating populations, daily laborers, and slum dwellers are particularly affected. However, there is a lack of data on climate-sensitive diseases and related hospital visits in these areas. This study explored the prevalence of such diseases using the Delphi method through focus group discussions with 493 healthcare professionals from 153 hospitals in 156 upazilas across 21 districts and ten zones. Participants were selected by district Civil Surgeons. Key climate-sensitive diseases identified included malnutrition, diarrhea, pneumonia, respiratory infections, typhoid, skin diseases, hypertension, cholera, mental health disorders, hepatitis, heat stroke, and dengue. Seasonal surges in hospital visits were noted, influenced by factors like extreme heat, air pollution, floods, water contamination, poor sanitation, salinity, and disease vectors. Some diseases were zone-specific, while others were widespread. Regions with fewer hospital visits often had higher disease burdens, indicating under-reporting or lack of access. The findings highlight the need for area-specific adaptation strategies and updates to the Health National Adaptation Plan. Strengthening resilience through targeted investment and preventive measures is crucial to reducing health risks from climate change. Full article

The competitive retention of pollutants in water tables determines their environmental fate and guides routes for their removal. To distinguish the fine differences in competitive binding at zeolite adsorption centers, a group of neonicotinoid pesticides is compared, relying on theoretical (energy of adsorption, orientation, charge distribution) and experimental (spectroscopic and thermogravimetric) analyses for quick, inexpensive, and reliable screening. The MOPAC/QuantumEspresso platform was used for theoretical calculation, indicating close adsorption energy values for acetamiprid and imidacloprid (−2.2 eV), with thiamethoxam having a lower binding energy of −1.7 eV. FTIR analysis confirmed hydrogen bonding, among different dipole-dipole interactions, as the dominant adsorption mechanism. Due to their comparable binding energies, when the mixture of all three pesticides is examined, comparative adsorption capacities are evident at low concentrations, owing to the excellent adsorption performance of the FAU zeotype. At higher concentrations, competition for adsorption centers occurs, with the expected thiamethoxam binding being diminished due to the lower bonding energy. The catalytic impact of zeolite on the thermal degradation of pesticides is evidenced through TG analysis, confirming the adsorption capacities found by UV/VIS and HPLC/UV measurements. Detailed analysis of spectroscopic results in conjunction with theoretical calculation, thermal profiles, and UV detection offers a comprehensive understanding of neonicotinoids’ adsorption and can help with the design of future adsorbents. Full article

The study presents a comprehensive assessment of the combustion efficiency of low-grade coal from the Karazhyra deposit in small- and medium-capacity boiler units of the energy workshops operated by Vostokenergo LLP (East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan). It was found that the average annual thermal energy output amounts to 2,387,348.85 GJ with a coal consumption of 164,328.5 tons. Based on operational data from 2016 to 2017, the average thermal efficiency (boiler efficiency) was 66.03%, with a maximum value of 75% recorded at the Zhezkent energy workshop. The average lower heating value (LHV) of the coal was 19.41 MJ/kg, which is below the design value of 20.52 MJ/kg, indicating the use of coal with reduced energy characteristics and elevated ash content (21.4%). The unburned carbon content in the ash and slag waste (ASW) was determined to be between 14 and 35%, indicating incomplete combustion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the presence of microspheres, porous granules, and coal residues, with silicon and aluminum oxides dominating the composition (up to 70.49%). Differences in the pollutant potential of ash from different boiler units were identified. Recommendations were substantiated regarding the adjustment of the air–fuel regime, modernization of combustion control systems, and utilization of ASW. The results may be used to develop measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency and environmental safety of coal-fired boiler plants. Full article

The mountainous rivers of Central Asia host diverse ichthyofauna threatened by increasing anthropogenic pressures, particularly water pollution, abstraction, and hydropower development. This study provides valuable morphometric and ecological data for Schizothorax eurycephalus (snow trout) and Triplophysa ferganaensis (stone loach) in the Shakhimardan River basin, Uzbekistan. S. eurycephalus exhibited positive allometric growth, while T. ferganaensis showed negative near-isometric growth. The mean Fulton’s Condition Factor was 1.0 for S. eurycephalus and 0.7 for T. ferganaensis, with site-specific variations. Strong correlations among morphometric parameters, particularly length–height relationships, support non-invasive monitoring techniques. Dietary analysis revealed S. eurycephalus was predominantly herbivorous, with around 70% algae consumption. Early sexual maturity was observed in S. eurycephalus males, whereas T. ferganaensis showed no clear maturity signs, but swollen bellies suggested ongoing or recent reproductive activity. These baseline morphometric and ecological data establish a solid foundation for future ecological assessments, conservation strategies, and the design and monitoring of mitigation measures to address anthropogenic impacts in this vulnerable region. Full article

The sustainable development of Chinese cities is of long-term significance. Multiple environmental regulatory instruments aim to promote the parallel advancement of environmental conservation and economic growth. This study examines three batches of low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) programs, employing eco-efficiency as the outcome variable. Using conventional difference-in-differences (DID) models, time-varying DID models, and period-by-period propensity score matching DID (PSM-DID) models with city and time fixed effects, we investigate the comprehensive impact of pilot policies on both economic and environmental performance. Eco-efficiency, measured through the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, exhibits a strong correlation with energy consumption patterns, as carbon emissions and air pollutants predominantly originate from non-clean energy utilization. The analysis reveals that LCCP policies significantly enhance eco-efficiency. These findings demonstrate robustness across placebo tests, endogeneity treatments, and alternative outcome variable specifications. The first and third LCCP batches significantly improve eco-efficiency, whereas the second batch demonstrates no statistically significant effect. Significant impacts emerge in regions where cities hold pilot status while provinces do not; conversely, regions where both cities and provinces participate in pilot programs show no significant effects. Finally, from an energy consumption perspective, policy recommendations are proposed to further enhance eco-efficiency through regulatory instruments. Full article

Nanoplastics (NPs), the tiniest and one of the most problematic fractions of plastic pollution, present dangers because of their size, reactivity, and ecosystem interactions. This review highlights the distinct characteristics, sources, routes, and ecological effects of NPs, a substantial subgroup of plastic pollution. With a focus on their ecological and toxicological implications, this review highlights the unique qualities of NPs and their functions in wastewater and urban runoff systems. The analysis of NPs’ entry points into terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems reveals difficulties with detection and quantification that make monitoring more difficult. Filtration technologies, adsorption-based techniques, and membrane bioreactors are examples of advanced technical solutions emphasized as efficient NP mitigation measures that can integrated into current infrastructure. Environmental effects are examined, including toxicological hazards to organisms in freshwater, terrestrial, and marine environments, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. This analysis emphasizes the serious ecological problems that NPs present and the necessity of using civil and environmental engineering techniques to improve detection techniques, enact stronger laws, and encourage public participation. Full article

The main objective of this study was to select indigenous fungal species suitable for the potential mycoremediation of the soils polluted by organic pollutants. As a sampling area, Litvínov City (North Bohemia, Czech Republic) was selected. The city is characterized by intensive coal mining, coal processing, and the chemical industry, predominantly petrochemistry. The elevated contents of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were identified in urban soils due to the long-term industrial pollution. The results confirmed elevated contents of PAHs in all the analyzed soil samples with high variability ranging between 0.5 and 23.3 mg/kg regardless of the position of the sampling area on the city map. PCBs and PCDD/Fs exceeded the detection limits in the soil at the sampling points, and several hotspots were revealed at some locations. All the sampling points contained a diverse community of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi, as determined according to abundant basidiomycetes. Fungal species with a confirmed ability to degrade organic pollutants were found, such as species representing the genera Agaricus from the Agaricaceae family, Coprinopsis from the Psathyrellaceae family, Hymenogaster from the Hymenogasteraceae family, and Pluteus from the Pluteaceae family. These species are accustomed to particular soil conditions as well as the elevated contents of the POPs in them. Therefore, these species could be taken into account when developing potential bioremediation measures to apply in the most polluted areas, and their biodegradation ability should be elucidated in further research. The results of this study contribute to the investigation of the potential use of fungal species for mycoremediation of the areas polluted by a wide spectrum of organic pollutants. Full article

This comprehensive study investigates the spatial distribution of metals in surface water, their accumulation in fish tissues, and their impact on the gut microbiome dynamics of fish in the Qi River, Huanggang City, Hubei Province. Three distinct sampling regions were established: the mining area (A), the transition area (B), and the distant area (C). Our results revealed that metal concentrations were highest in the mining area and decreased with increasing distance from it. The bioaccumulation of metals in fish tissues followed the order of gut > brain > muscle, with some concentrations exceeding food safety standards. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated in the mining area, while Fusobacteriota were more prevalent in the distant area. Heavy metal pollution significantly altered the composition and network structure of the gut microbiota, reducing microbial associations and increasing negative correlations. These findings highlight the profound impact of heavy metal pollution on both fish health and the stability of their gut microbiota, underscoring the urgent need for effective pollution control measures to mitigate ecological risks and protect aquatic biodiversity. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and exploring potential remediation strategies to restore the health of affected ecosystems. Full article

This study presents the development of Cu-doped NiMo/TiO₂ photoelectrocatalysts for simultaneous green hydrogen production and pharmaceutical pollutant removal under simulated solar irradiation. The catalysts were synthesized via wet impregnation (15 wt.% total metal loading with 0.6 wt.% Cu) and thermally treated at 400 °C and 900 °C to investigate structural transformations and catalytic performance. Comprehensive characterization (XRD, BET, SEM, XPS) revealed phase transitions, enhanced crystallinity, and redistribution of redox states upon Cu incorporation, particularly the formation of NiTiO₃ and an increase in oxygen vacancies. Crystallite sizes for anatase, rutile, and brookite ranged from 21 to 47 nm at NiMoCu400, while NiMoCu900 exhibited only the rutile phase with 55 nm crystallites. BET analysis showed a surface area of 44.4 m²·g⁻¹ for NiMoCu400, and electrochemical measurements confirmed its higher electrochemically active surface area (ECSA, 2.4 cm²), indicating enhanced surface accessibility. In contrast, NiMoCu900 exhibited a much lower BET surface area (1.4 m²·g⁻¹) and ECSA (1.4 cm²), consistent with its inferior photoelectrocatalytic performance. Compared to previously reported binary NiMo/TiO₂ systems, the ternary NiMoCu/TiO₂ catalysts demonstrated significantly improved hydrogen production activity and more efficient photoelectrochemical degradation of paracetamol. Specifically, NiMoCu400 showed an anodic peak current of 0.24 mA·cm⁻² for paracetamol oxidation, representing a 60% increase over NiMo400 and a cathodic current of −0.46 mA·cm⁻² at −0.1 V vs. RHE under illumination, nearly six times higher than the undoped counterpart (–0.08 mA·cm⁻²). Mott–Schottky analysis further revealed that NiMoCu400 retained n-type behavior, while NiMoCu900 exhibited an unusual inversion to p-type, likely due to Cu migration and rutile-phase-induced realignment of donor states. Despite its higher photosensitivity, NiMoCu900 showed negligible photocurrent, confirming that structural preservation and surface redox activity are critical for photoelectrochemical performance. This work provides mechanistic insight into Cu-mediated photoelectrocatalysis and identifies NiMoCu/TiO₂ as a promising bifunctional platform for integrated solar-driven water treatment and sustainable hydrogen production. Full article

The growth of urban and industrial areas is accompanied by an increase in vehicle traffic, resulting in rising concentrations of various air pollutants. This is a global issue that causes environmental damage and risks to human health. The dataset presented in this research contains records with measurements of the air pollutants ozone (O₃) and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as meteorological parameters such as temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and barometric pressure (BP). This dataset was collected using a set of low-cost sensors over a four-month study period (March to June) in 2024. The monitoring of air pollutants and meteorological parameters was conducted in a city with high industrial activity, heavy traffic, and close proximity to a petrochemical refinery plant. The data were subjected to a series of statistical analyses for visualization using plots that allow for the identification of their behavior. Finally, the dataset can be utilized for air quality studies, public health research, and the development of prediction models based on mathematical approaches or artificial intelligence algorithms. Full article

Air pollution is linked to childhood mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries globally. There is growing evidence linking air pollution to asthma and other respiratory diseases in children. Studies have shown that children are likely to experience asthma due to their narrow airways and their heightened sensitivity to environmental irritants. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ambient air pollution and respiratory diseases in children under the age of 5. The study will be conducted in the informal township of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, South Africa. A quantitative approach will be used in this cross-sectional analytical study. Data will be collected using different tools that include a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of asthma and respiratory disease and potential risk factors. While environmental air pollution will be measured using Radiello passive samplers and Gillian pumps. Data will be analyzed using the latest version of the STATANow/MP 19.5 software. Furthermore, health risk assessment will be conducted for lifetime non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk estimation following the USEPA framework. The study will identify environmental triggers that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions in other similar community settings and will contribute to the body of knowledge in public health. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Full article

Urban coral reefs in Jakarta Bay and the Thousand Islands, Indonesia, are chronically exposed to land-based pollution and increasing thermal stress. These reefs—including the site of Indonesia’s first recorded coral bleaching event in 1983—remain highly vulnerable to climate-induced disturbances. During the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE), we recorded selective bleaching in the region, associated with a Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) value of 4.8 °C-weeks. Surveys conducted in January 2024 across a shelf gradient at four representative islands revealed patchy bleaching, affecting various taxa at depths ranging from 3 to 13 m. A follow-up survey in May 2024, which tracked the fate of 42 tagged bleached colonies, found that 36% had fully recovered, 26% showed partial recovery, and 38% had died. Bleaching responses varied across taxa, depths, and microhabitats, often occurring in close proximity to unaffected colonies. While some corals demonstrated resilience, the overall findings underscore the continued vulnerability of urban reefs to escalating thermal stress. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy—not only to monitor bleaching and assess reef responses, but also to strengthen protection measures and implement best-practice restoration. Such efforts are increasingly critical in the face of more frequent and severe bleaching events projected under future climate scenarios. Full article

Anthropogenic vibrational disturbances in the marine environment can affect benthic organisms, but these effects on marine animals remain poorly understood. To examine whether anthropogenic substrate-borne vibrations induce physiological stress in the white-clawed fiddler crab (Austruca lactea), individuals were exposed to vibrations at 120 Hz and 250 Hz (~100 dB re 1 µm/s²), and physiological indicators were measured. Lactate and ATP concentrations in the leg muscle were measured, and heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) gene expression in the hepatopancreas was analyzed using RT-PCR with newly designed primers. At 120 Hz, ATP and lactate levels in the leg muscle did not differ significantly between the exposure and control groups. However, at 250 Hz, ATP levels were lower and lactate levels were higher in the exposure group compared to the control. HSP70 gene expression in the hepatopancreas did not differ significantly between the exposure and control groups at either frequency, although one individual exposed to 250 Hz exhibited markedly elevated expression, inducing higher expression variability in the exposed group. These results suggest that anthropogenic vibrational pollution may induce physiological stress in A. lactea, and that such physiological indices could serve as biomarkers for assessing vibroacoustic pollution on marine animals. Full article

The escalating environmental noise pollution along urban rail transit corridors, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, necessitates innovative and efficient noise control measures. A comprehensive investigation was conducted that utilized field measurements of train passing-by noise to establish a statistical energy analysis model for evaluating the acoustic performance of both vertical (VB) and fully enclosed (FB) barrier configurations. The study incorporated Maa’s theory of micro-perforated plate (MPP) parameter optimization and developed a neural network surrogate model focused on insertion loss maximization for barrier geometric design. Key findings revealed significant barrier-induced near-track noise amplification, with peak effects observed at the point located 1 m from the barrier and 2 m above the rail. Frequency-dependent analysis demonstrated a characteristic rise-and-fall reflection pattern, showing maximum amplifications of 1.47 dB for VB and 4.13 dB for FB within the 400–2000 Hz range. The implementation of optimized MPPs was found to effectively eliminate the near-field noise amplification effects, achieving sound pressure level reductions of 4–8 dB at acoustically sensitive locations. Furthermore, the high-precision surrogate model (R² = 0.9094, MSE = 0.8711) facilitated optimal geometric design solutions. The synergistic combination of MPP absorption characteristics and geometric optimization resulted in substantially enhanced barrier performance, offering practical solutions for urban rail noise mitigation strategies. Full article