Search Results (1,970)

The pervasive contamination of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in livestock and poultry production systems represent a critical threat to animal health, productivity, and food safety. This review systematically evaluates the potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenol from Curcuma longa, to mitigate MNP-induced toxicity, drawing on evidence from 25 preclinical studies (2014–September 2025). We highlight that curcumin exerts broad-spectrum, dose-dependent protection primarily through a dual mechanism: the preventive activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway and the therapeutic suppression of NF-κB-driven inflammation. These actions collectively ameliorate oxidative stress, restore metabolic homeostasis (e.g., via the gut–liver axis), and reverse histopathological damage across key organs, including the liver, kidneys, and reproductive tissues. A major translational insight is the significant species-specific variation in curcumin bioavailability, which is substantially higher in poultry than in ruminants, necessitating the development of tailored delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation. While the preclinical data are compelling, translating these findings into practice requires robust clinical trials to establish standardized, safe, and effective dosing regimens for food-producing animals. This review concludes that curcumin presents a promising, sustainable phytogenic strategy to enhance the resilience of livestock and poultry systems against MNP pollution, directly contributing to the One Health goals of safeguarding animal welfare, food security, and environmental sustainability. Full article

This study integrates network toxicology with molecular docking technology to systematically elucidate the key molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which bisphenol A (BPA) induces obesity. By cross-referencing multiple databases—including the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), SwissTarget prediction platform, and PharmMapper—potential BPA target genes were identified, yielding a total of 1326 candidate targets. Obesity-related genes were collected from GeneCards and OMIM databases, yielding 4570 disease-associated targets. Among these, 653 overlapping genes were identified as potential mediators linking BPA exposure to obesity. Protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape, and the MCC algorithm identified five core hub genes: STAT3, MYC, TP53, IL6, and mTOR. Validation using random datasets demonstrated significant upregulation of these genes in the obesity group (p < 0.05), highlighting their potential central role in BPA-induced obesity effects. Functional enrichment analysis via GO and KEGG pathways indicated that BPA may promote obesity by interfering with endocrine signaling, activating lipid metabolism, and stimulating atherosclerosis pathways. Molecular docking analysis using CB-Dock2 confirmed strong binding affinity between BPA and core targets, providing structural evidence for their potential interactions. This study elucidates the potential biological mechanism by which BPA exacerbates obesity through endocrine disruption and metabolic reprogramming, employing a multidimensional approach encompassing cross-target analysis, pathway enrichment, and molecular interactions. It provides an innovative systems toxicology framework and empirical basis for assessing metabolic health risks induced by environmental pollutants. Full article

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in river basin pollution control shows great potential to improve governance efficiency through real-time monitoring, pollution prediction, and intelligent decision-making. However, its rapid development also brings regulatory challenges, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, responsibility definition, and cross-regional coordination. Based on the SETO loop framework (Scoping, Existing Regulation Assessment, Tool Selection, and Organizational Design), this paper systematically analyzes the regulatory needs and pathways for AI in watershed water pollution control through typical case studies from countries such as China and the United States. The study first defines the regulatory scope, focusing on protecting the ecological environment, public health, and data security. It then assesses the shortcomings of existing environmental regulations in governing AI, such as their inability to adapt to dynamic pollution sources. Subsequently, it explores suitable regulatory tools, including information disclosure requirements, algorithmic transparency standards, and hybrid regulatory models. Finally, it proposes a multi-tiered organizational scheme that integrates international norms, national legislation, and local practices to achieve flexible and effective regulation. This study demonstrates that the SETO loop provides a viable framework for balancing technological innovation with risk prevention and control. It offers a scientific basis for policymakers and calls for establishing a dynamic, layered regulatory system to address the complex challenges of AI in environmental governance. Full article

Conventional two-dimensional (2D) electrocatalytic ozonation faces challenges such as low mass transfer efficiency, limited hydroxyl radical (•OH) yield, and insufficient pollutant degradation rates. To address these limitations, this study developed a novel three-dimensional electrocatalytic ozonation system using a 316 stainless-steel skeleton as the cathode. By systematically comparing the ozone decay kinetics, •OH yield, imidacloprid degradation efficiency, and ozone mass transfer characteristics among the 3D electrocatalytic ozonation system, 2D electrocatalytic ozonation system, and conventional ozonation system, combined with electrode interface reaction analysis and structural simulation, the core mechanism by which the 3D structure enhances the electrocatalytic ozonation reaction was revealed. The results showed that the 3D electrocatalytic ozonation technology primarily promotes ozone decay and •OH generation through a reaction pathway dominated by the reduction of ozone at the cathode, while simultaneously enhancing pollutant removal efficiency. The pseudo-first-order kinetic constant for ozone decay in the 3D system reached 1.0 min⁻¹, which was five times that of the 2D system (0.2 min⁻¹). The •OH yield increased to 38%, significantly higher than that of the 2D system (15%) and conventional ozonation (10%). The complete degradation of imidacloprid was achieved within 5 min, and the degradation rate (2.14 min⁻¹) was 10 times that of the 2D system. The high specific surface area (75 cm²/g, 30–90 times that of the 2D flat electrode) and 70% porosity of the 3D framework overcame the mass transfer limitation of the 2D structure, exhibiting excellent reaction activity. The ozone mass transfer amount was approximately 1.5 times that of the 2D electrode and 2 times that of conventional ozonation. This study provides theoretical support and technical basis for the engineering application of 3D electrocatalytic ozonation technology in the field of micro-pollutant control. Full article

This study collected 427 cultivated topsoil samples from the Mohe watershed in Tangcheng County, eastern China. By integrating positive matrix factorization (PMF) for quantitative source apportionment with self-organizing maps (SOMs) for spatial clustering, we effectively identified pollution factors and conducted a systematic evaluation of pollution sources, environmental capacity, and health risks. The results show that: (1) the soils were slightly acidic and enriched in Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Pb, with Cd and Hg showing high spatial variability linked to anthropogenic inputs. (2) Quantitative source apportionment indicated that 25.9% of heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni, Pb) originated mainly from natural pedogenic sources, while agricultural activities contributed 20.8% (Cd) and 42.8% (Cu, Zn). Hg (10.5%) enrichment was attributed to residential coal combustion and wind patterns, demonstrating source-specific anthropogenic influences. (3) The environmental capacity assessment indicated a moderate capacity level across the study area. However, the improved index (PI_min) revealed overload phenomena at localized sites, and these overloaded areas exhibited high spatial consistency with the distributions of agricultural and mixed sources. (4) Health risk evaluation indicated that hand-to-mouth ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway, with children facing significantly higher risks than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks remained within safe limits, but carcinogenic risks were non-negligible, with 86.7% of sites exceeding the threshold for children, especially in cultivated lands and riverbank villages. Findings underscore the importance of addressing synergistic effects of natural and agricultural sources in watershed management and prioritizing children’s health protection. Full article

Environmental pollution, driven by industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices, has intensified global ecological degradation. Among the most concerning pollutants is PFOS, a synthetic compound known for its chemical stability, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulative potential. Widely utilised in industrial and consumer products, PFOS infiltrates ecosystems and food chains, posing substantial risks to human and animal health. Upon exposure, PFOS disrupts lipid metabolism, damages cellular membranes, and alters signaling pathways through partial metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Accumulating evidence links PFOS to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Critically, PFOS contributes to the development and progression of prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers via mechanisms such as hormonal interference, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic modifications. Epidemiological studies further associate elevated PFOS serum levels with increased cancer risk, particularly in occupationally and environmentally exposed populations. This review brings together the latest knowledge on PFOS emissions, mechanistic toxicity, and cancer-causing potential, highlighting the urgent need for focused research and improved regulatory measures to safeguard public health. Full article

The degradation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills involves complex physical, chemical, and biological interactions that span multiple spatial and temporal scales. To better understand these dynamics, this study develops a comprehensive model that couples microbial, chemical, thermal, and hydraulic fields. The model captures bidirectional feedback mechanisms, such as heat and acid production from microbial metabolism, which in turn influence microbial activity and reaction pathways. A simplified one-dimensional formulation was solved using the finite difference method and validated against historical temperature data from real landfills. Simulation results indicate that temperature peaks at approximately 45 °C around the fifth year, followed by a gradual decline. pH and substrate concentration decrease over time but exhibit minimal variation with depth. The degradation rate reaches its maximum within two years and subsequently declines. These trends highlight the critical roles of temperature in initiating rapid degradation and substrate concentration in determining the endpoint of the reaction. This model provides a theoretical foundation for interpreting energy and mass transformation processes in landfills and offers practical insights for optimizing landfill management, reducing pollution, facilitating resource recovery and providing a theoretical model and prediction tool for sustainable waste management. Full article

Background: Liver disease is a growing global health burden. While individual environmental exposures like heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) and behavioral factors such as smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors, their combined impact and the underlying physiological pathways are poorly understood. Allostatic load (AL), a measure of cumulative physiological stress, is a potential mediator or modifier in the relationship between these chronic exposures and liver disease. This study aimed to investigate the joint effects of heavy metals and behavioral exposures on liver health and to examine the mediating role of AL. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 cycle. We assessed blood concentrations of the environmental and lifestyle variables in relation to liver biomarkers and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Multivariable linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression–Causal Mediation Analysis (BKMR-CMA) were used to model combined, nonlinear effects of the exposure–outcome mixture and to evaluate the mediating role of AL. Results: Lead exposure was positively associated with higher AST (β = 0.65, p = 0.04) and GGT (β = 1.99, p = 0.05), while smoking increased GGT (β = 0.79, p = 0.03) and ALP (β = 0.78, p < 0.01). AL independently predicted higher FLI (β = 3.66, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights that liver health is influenced by the combined effects of environmental pollutants, behaviors, and cumulative biological stress. While lead exposure and smoking were independently linked to liver enzyme elevations, and AL to FLI, mediation by AL was limited, though trends suggest AL may still amplify chronic metabolic pathways leading to liver disease. Full article

In order to effectively control the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), China has undertaken relatively strict blockade measures, which can effectively reduce population mobility and eliminate transmission pathways at the source. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the impact of urban blockades on the air quality before, during, and after COVID-19. This study uses data collected from monitoring stations in Xi’an, a typical city in northwestern China, from 2018 to 2023 to conduct an in-depth analysis of the changes in concentration of various pollutants in the atmosphere from a spatiotemporal perspective. The results showed that the average concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 µm (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO) decreased during the epidemic lockdown (2020–2022) by 18.7%, 15.4%, 29.4%, 20.9%, 0.03%, and 28.1%, respectively. After the implementation of urban lockdown (2023), the annual average concentrations of the five major pollutants other than O₃ decreased, while the concentration of O₃ increased. The monthly changes in concentration of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO, SO₂, and NO₂ were similar during 2018–2023, being “higher in winter and lower in summer”. The monthly average concentration of O₃ changed in a “unimodal” manner. The concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, and PM₁₀ decreased the most in January, by 46.4%, 33.5%, and 26.4%, respectively. The concentration of CO decreased the most in April, by 37.3%. PM_2.5 decreased the most in May, with a decrease of 26.7%. O₃ showed the largest increase in November, by 28.6%. After taking relevant measures, the concentrations of various pollutants and their correlations decreased. However, after resuming work, the concentrations of pollutants were still relatively high, and long-term management of air quality in Xi’an is still needed. These results provide a scientific basis for formulating more precise and effective air pollution control strategies. Full article

Anthropogenic methane (CH₄) emissions lead to global warming and air pollution. China has recently crafted a bottom-up approach to regulate its anthropogenic CH₄ emissions; however, emissions during and after the COVID-19 lockdown have not been fully investigated using this updated method. In this study, we calculate provincial-level anthropogenic CH₄ emissions in 2022 using this official bottom-up approach, explore feasible mitigation pathways, estimate reduction potentials, evaluate the economic cost of abatement, and assess the social benefits of reductions. The results show that China’s total anthropogenic CH₄ emissions in 2022 were estimated to be 52.6 (49.8–55.6) Tg, approximately 47.6%, 39.5%, and 12.9% of which were from agricultural activities, energy utilization, and waste management, respectively; forest burning contributed 0.35 Gg. Using currently available approaches, China’s total yearly anthropogenic CH₄ emissions can be reduced by around 33%, with an average reduction cost of USD 130.9 million per Tg of CH₄. The social cost of CH₄ was estimated to be USD 231.8 per metric ton, indicating that the negative impact of annual anthropogenic CH₄ emissions was equal to 0.07% of China’s GDP. Despite the consistency between top-down inversions and our bottom-up inventory, we argue that the official guideline may underestimate China’s soil CH₄ emissions due to changes in soil substrate availability, relative humidity, and the active layer of methanogens from global warming. Methods to improve current estimation accuracy are discussed. Owing to the slow international diffusion rate of methane-targeted abatement technologies, China needs to develop relevant technologies with independent intellectual property rights. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a highly toxic gas, is mainly sourced from petroleum refining, natural gas purification, and coal chemical processes. It poses significant risks to human health, causes environmental pollution, and accelerates equipment corrosion. Recent studies have demonstrated that electrochemical coupling systems offer an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective strategy for removing sulfur-containing gaseous pollutants. These systems enable the conversion of H₂S into recoverable sulfur under mild conditions, while simultaneously harnessing the chemical energy of H₂S to drive the production of higher-value products (H₂, HCOOH, CH₄, CO, H₂O₂, etc.). Therefore, electrochemical systems for sulfur recovery have received increasing attention. This review highlights the significance of electrochemical recovery of sulfur from H₂S. It summarizes the reaction pathways and mechanisms involved in anodic sulfur oxidation, critically analyzes and discusses methods for detecting sulfur oxidation products, and summarizes the latest advances in sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) anode materials and various electrochemical coupling systems. The aim is to enhance the fundamental understanding of electrochemical sulfur recovery and to provide insights for the design of novel SOR electrodes and integrated electrochemical coupling systems. Full article

Owing to the lack of a unified ESG (environmental, social and governance) rating standard, notable inconsistencies have appeared in ESG ratings assigned to the same firm by various rating agencies. Based on data encompassing Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2023, this paper investigates the effects of ESG rating divergence on corporate financial flexibility. We find that ESG rating divergence reduces corporate financial flexibility, and the finding remains reliable following various robustness tests. Mechanism tests show that ESG rating divergence diminishes corporate financial flexibility by raising operating leverage and the cost of equity capital, and exacerbating the degree of maturity mismatch between investing and financing. Further, we find that the negative impact of ESG rating divergence on financial flexibility is more pronounced in heavily polluting firms, enterprises with stronger market competitive positions, those facing lower financing constraints and companies with higher analyst earning forecast accuracies. We subsequently explore the economic effects of financial flexibility in reaction to ESG rating divergence. The findings indicate that ESG rating divergence negatively affects corporate sustainable resilience by first reducing financial flexibility. Overall, this study reveals the specific effects and pathways via which ESG rating divergence affects the financial flexibility of firms, holding significant implications for actively promoting the establishment of ESG systems and achieving sustainable corporate growth. Full article

Growing concern over nanoplastics as emerging pollutants calls for effective treatment methods, with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) showing strong potential for their degradation. This study examines the interaction between polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET-NPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in a heterogeneous Fenton-like system, focusing on colloidal behavior, hydroxyl radicals (^●OH) generation, and potential degradation pathways. Zeta potential (ZP) and particle diameter measurements were used to characterize nanoparticle dispersion and aggregation mechanisms over a pH range of 3–9.5. The results revealed a pronounced pH-dependent stability, with MNPs exhibiting larger hydrodynamic diameters (283 nm) and lower stability at pH 3 (ZP: −9.8 mV) compared with neutral or alkaline conditions (189 nm; ZP: −44 to −42 mV). PET-NPs exhibited minimal agglomeration at a pH of 9.5 (ZP: −25.6 mV). Unlike conventional Fenton systems, ^●OH production peaked at pH 7–9.5 (0.3–0.35 μM), attributed to preserved Fe²⁺ sites and reduced particle agglomeration. Although PET-NPs resisted oxidative degradation, their aggregation with MNPs enabled magnetic recovery (46% efficiency at pH 3) through charge screening, Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ bridging, and hydrophobic interactions. These findings highlight MNPs’ potential for sustainable nanoplastic separation and emphasize the need for optimized catalysts to enhance ^●OH-driven degradation. Overall, this work advances understanding of nanoplastic–magnetite interactions and offers insights into AOP applications. Full article

This study examines the impact of an unintended fire at the Drava International plastic processing facility near Osijek, Croatia, on soil quality and the potential human health risks associated with agricultural soils within a 10 and 20 km radius. Surface soil samples (0–5 cm) were collected from ten locations within 10 km three days after the incident, and eight composite samples were taken from sites 10–20 km away 17 days’ post-event. Additionally, 18 control samples previously collected for soil fertility or quality monitoring were included for comparative analysis. In total, 36 agricultural soil samples were analyzed for pH, organic matter, total phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb). Eighteen post-fire samples were also analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Ecological risk was assessed using the pollution load index (PLI) and enrichment factor (EF), while human health risk was evaluated through the estimation of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and individual carcinogenic risks (CRi) for As, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Results showed that concentrations of dioxins (TEQ LB and UB), dioxin-like PCBs, and non-dioxin-like PCBs in samples within 10 km were either below detection limits or present in trace amounts (4.0 × 10⁻⁶ mg/kg). PFAS compounds were not detected (<0.0005 mg/kg). The total concentration of non-dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.0023 to 0.0047 mg/kg, well below the maximum permissible levels. Post-fire contamination profiles revealed consistently higher PAH concentrations in the 0–10 km zone (mean 0.100 mg/kg) compared to the 10–20 km zone (mean 0.062 mg/kg). Twenty PLI values exceeded the threshold of 1 (range: 1.00–1.26), indicating moderate pollution, while the remaining values (PLI 0.82–0.99) suggested no pollution. EF values indicated minimal to moderate enrichment (EF < 2), supporting the conclusion that metal presence was predominantly geological with limited anthropogenic influence. All ILCR values for adults and children remained below the acceptable threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁴, indicating low carcinogenic risk under both pre- and post-fire conditions. CRi values followed a consistent decreasing trend across exposure pathways: ingestion > dermal absorption > inhalation. Full article

It is generally found that enhancement in catalytic activity comes at the expense of selectivity or stability. In this study, an SO_x²⁻-modified Mn₂O₃ (SO-Mn₂O₃) solid catalyst was prepared using a simple oxalate precipitation method. This catalyst exhibited not only high catalytic activity but also high selectivity and good cycling stability. The degradation ratio of bisphenol A (BPA) under SO-Mn₂O₃ activated potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS) achieved over 99% within 10 min, and the mineralization ratio increased to 83.2%. Particularly, the degradation rate for BPA under the SO-Mn₂O₃/PMS system was 15 times that of Mn₂O₃. Furthermore, the degradation ratio remained at 93.3% after five consecutive cycles. Multiple experimental characterizations confirmed that the introduction of SO_x²⁻ into Mn₂O₃ shifted the oxidative degradation pathway from a mixture of radical and non-radical routes to a predominantly non-radical pathway. This suppressed radical generation promoted the selective formation of high-valence metallic-oxo (Mn(V)=O) species and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), thereby significantly enhancing the catalytic activity. In addition, the SO-Mn₂O₃/PMS system exhibited broad applicability towards the degradation of other phenolic pollutants, strong anti-interference capability against complex water matrices, and suitability for efficient removal of organic contaminants in such environments. This research offers new perspectives for the design of selective catalysts for PMS activation. Full article