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Keywords = potential pollution sources

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20 pages, 5041 KiB  
Review
Aquatic Biomass-Based Carbon Dots: A Green Nanostructure for Marine Biosensing Applications
by Ahmed Dawood, Mohsen Ghali, Laura Micheli, Medhat H. Hashem and Clara Piccirillo
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7030064 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Aquatic biomass—ranging from fish scales and crustacean shells to various algae species—offers an abundant, renewable source for carbon dot (CD) synthesis, aligning with circular economy principles. This review highlights recent studies for valorizing aquatic biomass into high-performance carbon-based nanomaterials—specifically aquatic biomass-based carbon dots [...] Read more.
Aquatic biomass—ranging from fish scales and crustacean shells to various algae species—offers an abundant, renewable source for carbon dot (CD) synthesis, aligning with circular economy principles. This review highlights recent studies for valorizing aquatic biomass into high-performance carbon-based nanomaterials—specifically aquatic biomass-based carbon dots (AB-CDs)—briefly summarizing green synthesis approaches (e.g., hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and microwave-assisted treatments) that minimize environmental impact. Subsequent sections highlight the varied applications of AB-CDs, particularly in biosensing (including the detection of marine biotoxins), environmental monitoring of water pollutants, and drug delivery systems. Physically AB-CDs show unique optical and physicochemical properties—tunable fluorescence, high quantum yields, enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and surface bio-functionalization—that make them ideal for a wide array of applications. Overall, the discussion underlines the significance of this approach; indeed, transforming aquatic biomass into carbon dots can contribute to sustainable nanotechnology, offering eco-friendly solutions in sensing, environmental monitoring, and therapeutics. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed to give a perspective of the potential of AB-CDs; the final aim is their integration into multifunctional, real-time monitoring and therapeutic systems—for sustainable nanotechnology innovations. Full article
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17 pages, 11742 KiB  
Article
The Environmental and Grid Impact of Boda Boda Electrification in Nairobi, Kenya
by Halloran Stratford and Marthinus Johannes Booysen
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(8), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16080427 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
Boda boda motorbike taxis are a primary mode of transport in Nairobi, Kenya, and a major source of urban air pollution. This study investigates the environmental and electrical grid impacts of electrifying Nairobi’s boda boda fleet. Using real-world tracking data from 118 motorbikes, [...] Read more.
Boda boda motorbike taxis are a primary mode of transport in Nairobi, Kenya, and a major source of urban air pollution. This study investigates the environmental and electrical grid impacts of electrifying Nairobi’s boda boda fleet. Using real-world tracking data from 118 motorbikes, we simulated the effects of a full-scale transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric motorbikes. We analysed various scenarios, including different battery charging strategies (swapping and home charging), motor efficiencies, battery capacities, charging rates, and the potential for solar power offsetting. The results indicate that electrification could reduce daily CO2 emissions by approximately 85% and eliminate tailpipe particulate matter emissions. However, transitioning the entire country’s fleet would increase the national daily energy demand by up to 6.85 GWh and could introduce peak grid loads as high as 2.40 GW, depending on the charging approach and vehicle efficiency. Battery swapping was found to distribute the grid load more evenly and better complement solar power integration compared to home charging, which concentrates demand in the evening. This research provides a scalable, data-driven framework for policymakers to assess the impacts of transport electrification in similar urban contexts, highlighting the critical trade-offs between environmental benefits and grid infrastructure requirements. Full article
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14 pages, 1603 KiB  
Article
Characterization of the Enzymatic and Biosorption Processes Involved in the Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye by Pleurotus ostreatus Pellets
by Guadalupe L. Daniel-González, Soley B. Nava-Galicia, Analilia Arroyo-Becerra, Miguel Angel Villalobos-López, Gerardo Díaz-Godínez and Martha D. Bibbins-Martínez
J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080572 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
Synthetic dyes are highly recalcitrant and are discharged in large volumes in industrial wastewater, which represents a serious environmental pollution problem. Biological methods for dye degradation are a potentially effective option for these synthetic products. In this study, a strain of Pleurotus ostreatus [...] Read more.
Synthetic dyes are highly recalcitrant and are discharged in large volumes in industrial wastewater, which represents a serious environmental pollution problem. Biological methods for dye degradation are a potentially effective option for these synthetic products. In this study, a strain of Pleurotus ostreatus was used to evaluate the decolorization of the Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye added to the culture medium in the exponential growth phase of the fungus. The dye removal capacity of live and inactivated pellets by biosorption, as well as the enzymatic degradation of the dye using a cell-free culture broth considered an extracellular extract (EE), were also evaluated. The activity of laccase and dye-decolorizing peroxidase was determined in both the EE and the intrapellet extract (IPE); their values increased in the presence of dye in the culture medium. A decolorization of 98.5% and 98.0% was obtained in the culture broth and by the EE, respectively; biosorption of the dye by the inactivated pellets was 17 mg/g. The results suggest that the decolorization of the dye is primarily enzymatic, although there are also bioadsorption and bioaccumulation of the dye, which is then enzymatically degraded, and could be used as a carbon source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biotechnology and Bioprocesses)
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14 pages, 6012 KiB  
Article
Decoding the Primacy of Transportation Emissions of Formaldehyde Pollution in an Urban Atmosphere
by Shi-Qi Liu, Hao-Nan Ma, Meng-Xue Tang, Yu-Ming Shao, Ting-Ting Yao, Ling-Yan He and Xiao-Feng Huang
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080643 - 30 Jul 2025
Abstract
Understanding the differential impacts of emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on formaldehyde (HCHO) levels is pivotal to effectively mitigating key photochemical radical precursors, thereby enhancing the regulation of atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) and ozone formation. This investigation systematically selected and analyzed [...] Read more.
Understanding the differential impacts of emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on formaldehyde (HCHO) levels is pivotal to effectively mitigating key photochemical radical precursors, thereby enhancing the regulation of atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) and ozone formation. This investigation systematically selected and analyzed year-long VOC measurements across three urban zones in Shenzhen, China. Photochemical age correction methods were implemented to develop the initial concentrations of VOCs before source apportionment; then Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling resolved six primary sources: solvent usage (28.6–47.9%), vehicle exhaust (24.2–31.2%), biogenic emission (13.8–18.1%), natural gas (8.5–16.3%), gasoline evaporation (3.2–8.9%), and biomass burning (0.3–2.4%). A machine learning (ML) framework incorporating Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) was subsequently applied to evaluate the influence of six emission sources on HCHO concentrations while accounting for reaction time adjustments. This machine learning-driven nonlinear analysis demonstrated that vehicle exhaust nearly always emerged as the primary anthropogenic contributor in diverse functional zones and different seasons, with gasoline evaporation as another key contributor, while the traditional reactivity metric method, ozone formation potential (OFP), tended to underestimate the role of the two sources. This study highlights the primacy of strengthening emission reduction of transportation sectors to mitigate HCHO pollution in megacities. Full article
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17 pages, 7151 KiB  
Article
A Recycling-Oriented Approach to Rare Earth Element Recovery Using Low-Cost Agricultural Waste
by Nicole Ferreira, Daniela S. Tavares, Inês Baptista, Thainara Viana, Jéssica Jacinto, Thiago S. C. Silva, Eduarda Pereira and Bruno Henriques
Metals 2025, 15(8), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080842 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 112
Abstract
The exponential increase in electronic waste (e-waste) from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment presents a growing environmental challenge. E-waste contains high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), which are classified as critical raw materials (CRMs). Their removal and recovery from contaminated systems not [...] Read more.
The exponential increase in electronic waste (e-waste) from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment presents a growing environmental challenge. E-waste contains high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), which are classified as critical raw materials (CRMs). Their removal and recovery from contaminated systems not only mitigate pollution but also support resource sustainability within a circular economy framework. The present study proposed the use of hazelnut shells as a biosorbent to reduce water contamination and recover REEs. The sorption capabilities of this lignocellulosic material were assessed and optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) combined with a Box–Behnken Design (three factors, three levels). Factors such as pH (4 to 8), salinity (0 to 30), and biosorbent dose (0.25 to 0.75 g/L) were evaluated in a complex mixture containing 9 REEs (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy; equimolar concentration of 1 µmol/L). Salinity was found to be the factor with greater significance for REEs sorption efficiency, followed by water pH and biosorbent dose. At a pH of 7, salinity of 0, biosorbent dose of 0.75 g/L, and a contact time of 48 h, optimal conditions were observed, achieving removals of 100% for Gd and Eu and between 81 and 99% for other REEs. Optimized conditions were also predicted to maximize the REEs concentration in the biosorbent, which allowed us to obtain values (total REEs content of 2.69 mg/g) higher than those in some ores. These results underscore the high potential of this agricultural waste with no relevant commercial value to improve water quality while providing an alternative source of elements of interest for reuse (circular economy). Full article
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25 pages, 6370 KiB  
Article
Emissions of Conventional and Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Sustainability Assessment
by Esra’a Alrashydah, Thaar Alqahtani and Abdulnaser Al-Sabaeei
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156839 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Vehicle emissions, as a source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, have a significant impact on the environment and climate change. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the potential to reduce air pollution and GHGs. However, BEVs often attract the criticism that their benefits [...] Read more.
Vehicle emissions, as a source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, have a significant impact on the environment and climate change. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the potential to reduce air pollution and GHGs. However, BEVs often attract the criticism that their benefits are minimal as the power plant emissions compensate for emissions from the tailpipes of vehicles. This study compared two scenarios: scenario A considers all vehicles as internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), and scenario B considers all vehicles as BEVs. The study used the City of San Antonio, Texas, as the study area. The study also focused on the seasonal and spatial variation in ICEV emissions. The results indicate that scenario A has a considerably higher volume of emissions than scenario B. For ICEVs, PM2.5 emissions were up to 50% higher in rural areas than urban areas, but 45% lower for unrestricted versus restricted conditions. CO2 emissions were highly affected by seasonal variations, with a 51% decrease from winter to summer. The full adoption of BEVs could reduce CO2 and N2O emissions by 99% and 58% per km, especially for natural gas power resources. Therefore, BEVs play a significant role in reducing emissions from the transportation sector. Full article
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22 pages, 6926 KiB  
Article
Exploring Heavy Metals Exposure in Urban Green Zones of Thessaloniki (Northern Greece): Risks to Soil and People’s Health
by Ioannis Papadopoulos, Evangelia E. Golia, Ourania-Despoina Kantzou, Sotiria G. Papadimou and Anna Bourliva
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080632 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
This study investigates the heavy metal contamination in urban and peri-urban soils of Thessaloniki, Greece, over a two-year period (2023–2024). A total of 208 composite soil samples were systematically collected from 52 sites representing diverse land uses, including high-traffic roadsides, industrial zones, residential [...] Read more.
This study investigates the heavy metal contamination in urban and peri-urban soils of Thessaloniki, Greece, over a two-year period (2023–2024). A total of 208 composite soil samples were systematically collected from 52 sites representing diverse land uses, including high-traffic roadsides, industrial zones, residential neighborhoods, parks, and mixed-use areas, with sampling conducted both after the wet (winter) and dry (summer) seasons. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, texture, organic matter, and calcium carbonate content) were analyzed alongside the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. A pollution assessment employed the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), revealing variable contamination levels across the city, with certain hotspots exhibiting a considerable to very high ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and HCA) identified distinct anthropogenic and geogenic sources of heavy metals. Health risk assessments, based on USEPA models, evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for both adults and children via ingestion and dermal contact pathways. The results indicate that while most sites present low to moderate health risks, specific locations, particularly near major transport and industrial areas, pose elevated risks, especially for children. The findings underscore the need for targeted monitoring and remediation strategies to mitigate the ecological and human health risks associated with urban soil pollution in Thessaloniki. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Distribution and Behavior of Trace Metals in the Environment)
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19 pages, 12174 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Trends and Exceedance Drivers of Ozone Concentration in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration, China
by Junli Xu and Jian Wang
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080907 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, characterized by high population density, an advanced transportation system, and a concentration of industrial activity, is one of the regions severely affected by O3 pollution in central and eastern China. Using data collected from 251 monitoring [...] Read more.
The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, characterized by high population density, an advanced transportation system, and a concentration of industrial activity, is one of the regions severely affected by O3 pollution in central and eastern China. Using data collected from 251 monitoring stations between 2015 and 2025, this paper analyzed the spatio-temporal variation of 8 h O3 concentrations and instances of exceedance. On the basis of exploring the influence of meteorological factors on regional 8 h O3 concentration, the potential source contribution areas of pollutants under the exceedance condition were investigated using the HYSPLIT model. The results indicate a rapid increase in the 8 h O3 concentration at a rate of 0.91 ± 0.98 μg·m−3·a−1, with the average number of days exceeding concentration standards reaching 41.05 in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Spatially, the 8 h O3 concentrations were higher in coastal areas and lower in inland regions, as well as elevated in plains compared to hilly terrains. This distribution was significantly distinct from the concentration growth trend characterized by higher levels in the northwest and lower levels in the southeast. Furthermore, it diverged from the spatial characteristics where exceedances primarily occurred in the heavily industrialized northeastern region and the lightly industrialized central region, indicating that the growth and exceedance of 8 h O3 concentrations were influenced by disparate factors. Local human activities have intensified the emissions of ozone precursor substances, which could be the key driving factor for the significant increase in regional 8 h O3 concentrations. In the context of high temperatures and low humidity, this has contributed to elevated levels of 8 h O3 concentrations. When wind speeds were below 2.5 m·s−1, the proportion of 8 h O3 concentrations exceeding the standards was nearly 0 under almost calm wind conditions, and it showed an increasing trend with rising wind speeds, indicating that the potential precursor sources that caused high O3 concentrations originated occasionally from inland regions, with very limited presence within the study area. This observation implies that the main cause of exceedances was the transport effect of pollution from outside the region. Therefore, it is recommended that the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration adopt economic and technological compensation mechanisms within and between regions to reduce the emission intensity of precursor substances in potential source areas, thereby effectively controlling O3 concentrations and improving public living conditions and quality of life. Full article
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28 pages, 1243 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on the Preparation of Iron-Manganese Modified Biochar and Its Application in Environmental Remediation
by Chang Liu, Xiaowei Xu, Anfei He, Yuanzheng Zhang, Ruijie Che, Lu Yang, Jing Wei, Fenghe Wang, Jing Hua and Jiaqi Shi
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080618 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Biochar, a porous carbonaceous material derived from the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions, offers several advantages for environmental remediation, including a high specific surface area, ease of preparation, and abundant raw material sources. However, the application of pristine biochar is limited by [...] Read more.
Biochar, a porous carbonaceous material derived from the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions, offers several advantages for environmental remediation, including a high specific surface area, ease of preparation, and abundant raw material sources. However, the application of pristine biochar is limited by its inherent physicochemical shortcomings, such as a lack of active functional groups and limited elemental compositions. To overcome these limitations, metal-modified biochars have garnered increasing attention. In particular, iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) modification significantly enhances the adsorption capacity, redox potential, and microbial activity of biochar, owing to the synergistic interactions between Fe and Mn. Iron-manganese-modified biochar (FM-BC) has demonstrated effective removal of heavy metals, organic matter, phosphate, and nitrate through mechanisms including mesoporous adsorption, redox reactions, complexation, electrostatic interactions, and precipitation. Moreover, FM-BC can improve soil physicochemical properties and support plant growth, highlighting its promising potential for broader environmental application. This review summarizes the preparation methods, environmental remediation mechanisms, and practical applications of FM-BC and discusses future directions in mechanism elucidation, biomass selection, and engineering implementation. Overall, FM-BC, with its tunable properties and multifunctional capabilities, emerges as a promising and efficient material for addressing complex environmental pollution challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Remediation Strategies for Soil Pollution)
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15 pages, 5802 KiB  
Article
Study on the Influence Mechanism of Alkaline Earth Element Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of ZnO
by Haitao Zhang, Bo Feng, Yonghong Chen, Peng Jin, Ruolin Ruan, Biyu Xu, Zhipeng Zheng, Guopeng Zhou, Yang Zhang, Kewei Wang, Yin Zhong and Yanhua Fan
Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080850 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
As a promising n-type semiconductor thermoelectric material, ZnO has great potential in the high-temperature working temperature range due to its advantages of abundant sources, low cost, high thermal stability, and good chemical stability, as well as being pollution-free. Sr-doped ZnO-based thermoelectric materials were [...] Read more.
As a promising n-type semiconductor thermoelectric material, ZnO has great potential in the high-temperature working temperature range due to its advantages of abundant sources, low cost, high thermal stability, and good chemical stability, as well as being pollution-free. Sr-doped ZnO-based thermoelectric materials were prepared using the methods of room-temperature powder synthesis and high-temperature block synthesis. The phase composition, crystal structure, and thermoelectric performances of ZnO samples with different Sr doping levels were analyzed using XRD, material simulation software and thermoelectric testing devices, and the optimal doping concentrations were obtained. The results show that Sr doping could cause the Zn-O bond to become shorter; in addition, the hybridization between Zn and O atoms would become stronger, and the Sr atom would modify the density of states near the Fermi level, which could significantly increase the carrier concentration, electrical conductivity, and corresponding power factor. Sr doping could cause lattice distortion, enhance the phonon scattering effect, and decrease the lattice thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity. Sr doping can achieve the effect of improving electrical transport performance and decreasing thermal transport performance. The ZT value increased to ~0.418 at 873 K, which is ~4.2 times the highest ZT of the undoped ZnO sample. The Vickers hardness was increased to ~351.1 HV, which is 45% higher than the pristine ZnO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials and Microdevices, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1787 KiB  
Article
Flow Regime Impacts on Chemical Pollution in the Water and Sediments of the Moopetsi River and Human Health Risk in South Africa
by Abraham Addo-Bediako, Thato Matita and Wilmien Luus-Powell
Water 2025, 17(15), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152200 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Many effluents from human activities discharged into freshwater ecosystems cause chemical pollution. Chemical pollution in rivers is a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems due to the associated potential human health risks. This study determined the extent of chemical pollution, identified potential sources of [...] Read more.
Many effluents from human activities discharged into freshwater ecosystems cause chemical pollution. Chemical pollution in rivers is a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems due to the associated potential human health risks. This study determined the extent of chemical pollution, identified potential sources of pollution and assessed human health risk in the Moopetsi River, an intermittent river in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Chemical analyses were conducted on water and sediment samples collected during high-flow, low-flow and intermittent-flow regimes. The findings showed seasonal variations in the chemical pollution levels in the sediments and the highest contamination was measured during intermittent flow. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index values identified chromium and nickel as major contributors to sediment contamination. The mean arsenic, chromium and nickel levels exceeded the established guideline values. An evaluation of human health risk was conducted using ingestion and dermal absorption pathways. The results showed that ingestion has greater non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than dermal exposure, especially for children during intermittent flow. The elements of great concern for non-carcinogenic risk were chromium, manganese and nickel and for carcinogenic risk, they were arsenic, chromium, nickel and lead. The outcome of this study is useful for waste management and conservation to reduce environmental degradation and human health risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Removal and Recovery from Water)
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25 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of Collector-Drainage Water and Groundwater—An Application of CCME WQI Model
by Nilufar Rajabova, Vafabay Sherimbetov, Rehan Sadiq and Alaa Farouk Aboukila
Water 2025, 17(15), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152191 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
According to Victor Ernest Shelford’s ‘Law of Tolerance,’ organisms within ecosystems thrive optimally when environmental conditions are favorable. Applying this principle to ecosystems and agro-ecosystems facing water scarcity or environmental challenges can significantly enhance their productivity. In these ecosystems, phytocenosis adjusts its conditions [...] Read more.
According to Victor Ernest Shelford’s ‘Law of Tolerance,’ organisms within ecosystems thrive optimally when environmental conditions are favorable. Applying this principle to ecosystems and agro-ecosystems facing water scarcity or environmental challenges can significantly enhance their productivity. In these ecosystems, phytocenosis adjusts its conditions by utilizing water with varying salinity levels. Moreover, establishing optimal drinking water conditions for human populations within an ecosystem can help mitigate future negative succession processes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of two distinct water sources in the Amudarya district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan: collector-drainage water and groundwater at depths of 10 to 25 m. This research is highly relevant in the context of climate change, as improper management of water salinity, particularly in collector-drainage water, may exacerbate soil salinization and degrade drinking water quality. The primary methodology of this study is as follows: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) standard for collector-drainage water is applied, and the water quality index is assessed using the CCME WQI model. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) model is adapted to assess groundwater quality using Uzbekistan’s national drinking water quality standards. The results of two years of collected data, i.e., 2021 and 2023, show that the water quality index of collector-drainage water indicates that it has limited potential for use as secondary water for the irrigation of sensitive crops and has been classified as ‘Poor’. As a result, salinity increased by 8.33% by 2023. In contrast, groundwater quality was rated as ‘Fair’ in 2021, showing a slight deterioration by 2023. Moreover, a comparative analysis of CCME WQI values for collector-drainage and groundwater in the region, in conjunction with findings from Ethiopia, India, Iraq, and Turkey, indicates a consistent decline in water quality, primarily due to agriculture and various other anthropogenic pollution sources, underscoring the critical need for sustainable water resource management. This study highlights the need to use organic fertilizers in agriculture to protect drinking water quality, improve crop yields, and promote soil health, while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Furthermore, adopting WQI models under changing climatic conditions can improve agricultural productivity, enhance groundwater quality, and provide better environmental monitoring systems. Full article
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17 pages, 2126 KiB  
Article
Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Signatures in Three Pondweed Species—A Case Study of Rivers and Lakes in Northern Poland
by Zofia Wrosz, Krzysztof Banaś, Marek Merdalski and Eugeniusz Pronin
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152261 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 174
Abstract
Aquatic plants, as sedentary lifestyle organisms that accumulate chemical substances from their surroundings, can serve as valuable indicators of long-term anthropogenic pressure. In Poland, water monitoring is limited both spatially and temporally, which hampers a comprehensive assessment of water quality. Since the implementation [...] Read more.
Aquatic plants, as sedentary lifestyle organisms that accumulate chemical substances from their surroundings, can serve as valuable indicators of long-term anthropogenic pressure. In Poland, water monitoring is limited both spatially and temporally, which hampers a comprehensive assessment of water quality. Since the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), biotic elements, including macrophytes, have played an increasingly important role in water monitoring. Moreover, running waters, due to their dynamic nature, are susceptible to episodic pollution inputs that may be difficult to detect during isolated, point-in-time sampling campaigns. The analysis of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope signatures in macrophytes enables the identification of elemental sources, including potential pollutants. Research conducted between 2008 and 2011 encompassed 38 sites along 15 rivers and 108 sites across 21 lakes in northern Poland. This study focused on the isotope signatures of three pondweed species: Stuckenia pectinata, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and Potamogeton crispus. The results revealed statistically significant differences in the δ13C and δ15N values of plant organic matter between river and lake environments. Higher δ15N values were observed in rivers, whereas higher δ13C values were recorded in lakes. Spearman correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between δ13C and δ15N, as well as correlations between δ15N and the concentrations of Ca2+ and HCO3. A positive correlation was also found between δ13C and dissolved oxygen levels. These findings confirm the utility of δ13C and, in particular, δ15N as indicators of anthropogenic eutrophication, including potentially domestic sewage input and its impact on aquatic ecosystems. Full article
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25 pages, 400 KiB  
Review
Microplastic Uptake in Vegetables: Sources, Mechanisms, Transport and Food Safety
by Zorana Srećkov, Zorica Mrkonjić, Mirjana Bojović, Olivera Nikolić, Danka Radić and Vesna Vasić
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080609 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Although microplastic pollution has been recognized as one of the major environmental challenges of the 21st century, its toxicological impact on crops, especially vegetables, has attracted limited scientific attention until recently. Vegetables represent a key component of the human diet, making any potential [...] Read more.
Although microplastic pollution has been recognized as one of the major environmental challenges of the 21st century, its toxicological impact on crops, especially vegetables, has attracted limited scientific attention until recently. Vegetables represent a key component of the human diet, making any potential contamination of great importance for food safety. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been conducted to investigate the interactions between microplastics and vegetable crops. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the sources of microplastics in agroecosystems, the mechanisms of uptake and translocation in plants, and the physiological and biochemical responses induced by micro- and nanoplastics. This work aims to improve the scientific basis for assessing the risk of microplastic contamination by identifying gaps in current understanding and suggesting future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Contaminants)
8 pages, 1058 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
A Review of Global Microplastic (MP) Databases: A Study on the Challenges and Opportunities for Data Integration in the Context of MP Pollution
by Hussain Ahamed, Marwa Al-Ani, Ala Al-Ardah and Noora Al-Qahtani
Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022006 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 160
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an escalating global environmental concern, with a growing body of research addressing diverse dimensions of this issue. Despite this progress, the field remains hindered by generating large, heterogeneous datasets that follow inconsistent reporting standards, resulting in fragmented and often [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an escalating global environmental concern, with a growing body of research addressing diverse dimensions of this issue. Despite this progress, the field remains hindered by generating large, heterogeneous datasets that follow inconsistent reporting standards, resulting in fragmented and often incompatible databases. While various databases on MPs have been developed, they primarily operate in isolation, limiting the accessibility and cross-comparison of data. This study presents a foundational approach to aggregating and accessing existing MP pollution datasets. A comprehensive review of the currently available databases was conducted to evaluate their integration potential. It revealed key challenges such as non-standardized data formats, limited accessibility, and difficulty performing comparative analyses across sources. To address these barriers, a prototype web-based platform was developed that enables unified access to MP datasets. The architecture includes a smart standardization layer that harmonizes inputs from disparate sources. The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques was proposed to facilitate natural language querying. This enables researchers to interact with the platform intuitively and extract meaningful insights more efficiently. The proposed system aims to enhance data discoverability, promote interoperability, and support robust, data-driven environmental research, paving the way toward more informed policy-making and scientific collaboration in the fight against MP pollution. With this platform, there is a potential for new discoveries and a future in which the tools to effectively combat this global issue are available, making the audience realize the potential for new discoveries. Full article
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