Search Results (2,319)

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 217 publications on nanomaterials for soil and groundwater remediation, sourced from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. The findings highlight significant contributions from various countries, with India identified as the leading contributor, followed by China and the United States. This reflects robust international collaboration in addressing environmental contamination. The analysis also identifies influential journals in this field, particularly “Science of the Total Environment” and “Environmental Science and Technology”, which are recognized for their high citation impact and play a crucial role in disseminating research findings and advancing knowledge in nanomaterials for environmental remediation. A keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals six distinct clusters that emphasize critical research themes. The first cluster focuses on environmental toxicity, underscoring the risks posed by contaminants, particularly heavy metals and emerging pollutants such as PFAS, highlighting the need for advanced monitoring strategies. The second cluster showcases innovative nanoremediation technologies, particularly zero-valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are noted for their effectiveness in pollutant removal despite challenges like surface passivation and high production costs. The third cluster addresses heavy metals and phytoremediation, advocating integrated strategies that enhance crop resilience while managing soil contamination. The fourth cluster explores photocatalysis and advanced oxidation processes, demonstrating how nanomaterials can enhance pollutant degradation through light-activated catalytic methods. The fifth cluster emphasizes adsorption mechanisms for specific contaminants, such as arsenic and pharmaceuticals, suggesting targeted remediation strategies. Finally, the sixth cluster highlights the potential of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in improving soil fertility and supporting plant growth. Overall, while nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential for effective environmental remediation, they also pose risks that necessitate careful consideration and further research. Future studies should prioritize optimizing these materials for practical applications, addressing both environmental health and agricultural productivity. Full article

Antimony (Sb), as a toxic heavy metal, has drawn worldwide attention, and its efficient removal from water has become increasingly urgent. In this study, an iron-modified alkaline lignin chitosan (Fe-ALCS) gel bead is prepared by the freeze-drying method to remove Sb(III) from the aqueous solution. The static adsorption experiment discusses the various environmental influences on the adsorption performance of Fe-ALCS for Sb(III) removal. The adsorption mechanism is explored by combining adsorption kinetics, isothermal adsorption, and characterization methods (such as FTIR, XRD, XPS, etc). The results show that the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Sb(III) decreases with the increase in pH and mass–volume ratio. With the increase in the initial Sb(III) concentration, Q_e showed a rapid increasing trend in the range of 50–100 mg/L and continued to rise with the extension of contact time (t), reaching the maximum value at 3540 min. Under the optimal conditions of pH = 3, m/v = 1.0 g/L, and C₀ = 20 mg/L, the removal efficiency (R_e) value is 95.07%, which is still approximately 86.8% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity is 266.58 mg/g fitted by the Langmuir model. The adsorption mechanism is mainly related to the iron-based active site of Fe–O(OH), where the O–H on its surface undergoes ligand exchange with Sb(OH)₃ to form a stable Fe–O–Sb coordination structure. Additionally, C–OH, C–O, and other functional groups in ALCS also contribute to Sb adsorption. Fe-ALCS is an environmentally friendly, renewable, and convenient biomass adsorbent with good potential for wastewater treatment. Full article

Bioavailable fractions of particulate-bound trace elements are key determinants of inhalation toxicity, yet air-quality assessments typically rely on total metal concentrations, which may underestimate health risks. This study integrates the exchangeable (F1) and reducible (F2) fractions of trace elements in fine (PM_2.5) and coarse (PM₁₀) particulate matter with multi-criteria decision-making (TOPSIS) and similarity-based classification (Czekanowski’s method). Archival weekly-integrated samples from the summer season were collected at eight industrially influenced sites in southern Poland. Sequential extraction (F1–F2) and ICP-MS were applied to quantify concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and lead in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Aggregated hazard values were then derived with TOPSIS, and site similarity was explored using Czekanowski’s reordered distance matrices. Regulatory targets for cadmium and nickel, and the limit for lead in PM₁₀ were not exceeded, but F1/F2 profiles revealed pronounced site-to-site differences in potential mobility that were not evident from total concentrations. Rankings were consistent across size fractions, with site P₁ exhibiting the lowest hazard indices and P₈ the highest, while mid-rank sites formed reproducible similarity clusters. The proposed chemical-fractionation and multivariate framework provides a reproducible screening tool for multi-element exposure, complementing compliance checks and supporting prioritisation of sites for targeted investigation and environmental management. In the sustainability context, bioavailability-based indicators strengthen air-quality assessment by linking monitoring data with health-relevant and cost-effective management strategies, supporting efficient resource allocation and reducing exposure in vulnerable populations. Full article

Methacrylate photopolymer resin (MPR) is widely used in various fields, including the biomedical field. There are several problems associated with their use: the potential toxicity of monomer residues during incomplete polymerization and the possibility of bacterial expansion. Doping polymers with nanoparticles is one of the ways to increase the degree of polymerization (protection from toxicity), improve the performance characteristics of the polymer, and add antibacterial properties. We used an in situ polymerization method to obtain the composites of MPR with tellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs) with a dopant concentration of 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1% (v/v). The composite of MPR+TeNPs had a higher degree of polymerization compared to MPR without NPs, improved mechanical properties, and pronounced antibacterial activity. The effects depended on the concentration of TeNPs. All of the studied composites had no cytotoxic effect on human cells. MPR+TeNPs 0.1% had the maximum antibacterial effect, which is probably realized through Te-dependent induction of oxidative stress (increase in the generation of 9-oxoguanine and long-lived reactive forms of proteins). The results obtained deepen the knowledge about the influence of NPs of leading metals on photopolymerization and the final properties of the methacrylate matrix, and the synthesized MPR+TeNP composites may find potential biomedical applications in the future. Full article

Contamination with heavy metals, including chromium that exists in two oxidation states—Cr(III) and Cr(VI)—poses a significant challenge for the soil environment. Both chemical forms of chromium can exert toxic effects on microorganisms that play a key role in maintaining soil fertility and plant health. The aim of the study was to compare the selective toxic effects of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions on soil bacterial and fungal taxonomic diversity using NGS technology. The data obtained enabled a comprehensive characterisation of the taxonomic profile of the soil microbiome exposed to both forms of chromium, providing a basis for further research into the adaptation and resistance mechanisms of microorganisms. The calculated diversity indices, in particular the Shannon-Wiener index, suggest that Cr(VI) is more toxic to bacteria than Cr(III). In soil contaminated with chromium, the relative abundance of chromium-resistant bacteria of the phylum Actinobacteriota increased to the detriment of chromium-sensitive Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteriota. The abundance of Ascomycota, the dominant fungal phylum, increased in soil with Cr(III) and decreased in soil with Cr(VI). Cr(III) promoted the growth of bacteria of the genera Phycicoccus and Arthrobacter and Penicillium fungi. In turn, Cr(VI) stimulated the growth of bacteria of the genera Mycoplana and Cellulosimicrobium, and Trichoderma fungi. The study demonstrated that microbial resistance mechanisms are influenced by the chemical form of chromium. In addition, the increased abundance of chromium-resistant taxa highlights their potential for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with this element. Full article

In this study, 74 bacterial isolates were obtained from sediments of Šibenik Bay, which has historically been impacted by heavy metal pollution. Isolates were tested for tolerance to cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn), both individually and in mixtures, and for their biofilm-forming ability. Toxicity followed the trend Hg > Sn > Zn/Cd/Cr > Co/Ni > Pb, with Cu showing resistance across different concentrations. Resistance traits were observed against all tested metals, with some isolates displaying multi-metal resistance to as many as seven metals, reflecting long-term selective pressure in the Bay. The Bacillus species dominated the community (48 isolates across five clusters), confirming this genus as the principal group in metal-polluted sediments. Several less-explored genera, including Ruegeria/Cribrihabitans, Bhargavaea, Pseudoalteromonas, and Lysinibacillus/Sporosarcina, also exhibited notable resistance traits, underscoring their potential as novel candidates for bioremediation. Eleven isolates from Bacillus/Mesobacillus/Cytobacillus, Bacillus/Peribacillus/Rossellomorea, Bacillus/Pseudoalkalibacillus/Alkalibacillus, Lysinibacillus/Sporosarcina, and Ruegeria/Cribrihabitans clusters showed resistance and robust growth under metal mixtures. Among all isolates, 11, 32, 81, and 82 (Bacillus/Mesobacillus/Cytobacillus and Bacillus/Peribacillus/Rossellomorea) combined broad multi-metal tolerance with strong biofilm formation, positioning them as candidates for site-specific, nature-based bioremediation of heavy-metal-impacted coastal ecosystems such as Šibenik Bay. Full article

Copper ions play essential roles in biological systems, but they can cause toxicity following dysregulation or excessive accumulation. In addition, environmental overexposure to Cu²⁺ can lead to serious agricultural and ecological issues. Accurate detection of Cu²⁺ is therefore critical in both medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Fluorescent proteins (FPs), which are widely used in molecular and cell biology, have been suggested as attractive modalities for metal ion detection owing to their biocompatibility and specific responsiveness to metal ions. The fluorescence emission of FPs is efficiently quenched by Cu²⁺ in a reversible manner, suggesting the potential to develop Cu²⁺-responsive biosensors. To develop highly sensitive and selective Cu²⁺ biosensors based on FPs, an understanding of Cu²⁺ binding to FPs is crucial, along with FP engineering guided by structural analysis. In this study, the molecular properties of FPs and their fluorescence responses to metal ions were reviewed. The crystal structures of FPs complexed with Cu²⁺ were analyzed, revealing both specific and nonspecific Cu²⁺ binding modes. This structural analysis provides insights into the potential of engineering FPs to enhance sensitivity and selectivity for Cu²⁺ detection. Full article

Crude oil exploration and transportation have led to significant soil contamination in nearby communities, yet seasonal and depth-related variations remain poorly understood. This study assessed physicochemical properties, potentially toxic elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soils from the Ibaa community and its pipeline Right of Way (ROW) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples were collected during wet and dry seasons from five locations, and analyses were conducted using standard methods. Results showed that soil temperature ranged from 27.5 to 31.2 °C, reflecting natural environmental conditions, while nitrate concentrations (1.23–3.45 mg/kg) and moisture content (14.3–23.9%) were within acceptable WHO limits. The pH values (4.61–5.72) suggested acidic conditions, particularly in the unremediated areas. Total Organic Carbon exceeded 3%, with a maximum of 6.23% recorded in the wet season, suggesting persistent hydrocarbon contamination. Phosphorus levels (2.65–6.02 mg/kg) were below the 15 mg/kg threshold. Notably, As (4.93 mg/kg) and Cd (1.67 mg/kg) concentrations exceeded the permissible WHO limits. Positive correlations were observed between As–Cd (r = 0.79), Cd–Cu (r = 0.85), and Pb–Cu (r = 0.64). Principal Component Analysis identified four components for physicochemical parameters (81.9% variance) and two for metals (82.6% variance), suggesting crude oil combustion and vehicular emissions as dominant pollution sources. Pb also correlated significantly with total PAHs in the dry season (r = 0.54, p < 0.05). The study highlights the influence of season and depth on contaminant behavior and emphasizes the urgent need for remediation and monitoring to mitigate ecological and public health risks. Full article

Waste management poses escalating threats to environmental sustainability, particularly with municipal solid waste (MSW) growth. Incineration, a widely adopted method for reducing waste volume, produces millions of tons of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) each year. Despite its high toxicity and classification as a hazardous solid waste, its ultrafine particle size and pozzolanic activity offer potential for its use in construction materials. In this study, MSWIFA was used to replace 6%, 12%, 18% and 24% of cementitious materials, and the effect of MSWIFA substitution rate on the workability, mechanical properties, microstructure, and durability of UHPC was studied. Furthermore, the study assessed the solidification capacity of the UHPC for heavy metal ions and quantitatively analyzed its eco-economic benefits. The results show that, under standard curing conditions, substituting 12% of cementitious materials with MSWIFA significantly modified UHPC hydration, shortened setting time, reduced fluidity, and increased wet packing density. The 28-day compressive strength reached 134.63 MPa, comparable to the control group. Concurrently, fluidity, durability, and heavy metal leaching all met the required standards, with energy consumption reduced by 14.86%, carbon emissions lowered by 12.76%, and economic costs decreased by 6.41%. This study provides a feasible solution for recycling MSWIFA into non-hazardous concrete, facilitating sustainable hazardous waste management and mitigating heavy metal-related environmental pollution. Full article

Heavy metal(loid) (HM) contamination in water arises from various anthropogenic activities and natural processes, posing risks to human health through ingestion and dermal absorption. Although numerous studies have assessed health risks associated with HMs in water, inconsistencies in the selection of exposure and toxicity factors limit comparability and reliability across studies. To address this gap, the aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive synthesis of exposure and toxicity factors used in health risk assessment (HRA) of HMs in water. The objectives were to evaluate the variability in ingestion, body weight, exposure duration and frequency, and dermal contact parameters, as well as in reference doses and cancer slope factors and to propose standardized values and statistical distributions for more consistent risk estimation. A systematic search of the Scopus database retrieved 806 studies, from which highly cited articles (≥100 citations) and recent publications (2023–2025) were prioritized for analysis. The findings revealed substantial variability in factors and showed that probabilistic approaches, particularly Monte Carlo simulation, were increasingly applied and provided more reliable estimates than traditional deterministic methods. The highest agreement was observed for exposure frequency for ingestion (365 days/year) and skin surface area (18,000 cm²), each applied in 75.5% of cases. By identifying inconsistencies in current practices and proposing standardized exposure and toxicity values and distributions for water, this review is expected to offer practical recommendations to improve the robustness, reliability, and comparability of HRAs, ultimately informing more effective policy-making and water management practices. Full article

Urban community gardens are valued for promoting sustainable food production, yet the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in city soils can present both ecological and public health risks. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the environmental and health risks of toxic heavy metals in community gardens soil contaminated by an industrial fire hazard in New Brunswick, Canada. Both top and subsoil soil samples were collected at Carleton community garden. The collected samples were examined for toxic heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ecological risks were evaluated through the ecological risk factor and the potential ecological risk index, while human health risks were determined using a standard human health risk assessment approach. The mean concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sn exceeded permissible limits when compared to the Canadian soil quality guidelines and upper continental crust values. Findings from the ecological risk assessment showed that all metals were associated with low risk, except for nickel, which posed a high ecological risk across both soil layers. PERI results revealed a low overall ecological threat. The human health risk analysis indicated that children could face non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As exposure, while adults were not at risk from any of the studied metals. These findings identify arsenic as the primary contaminant of concern, with children representing the most vulnerable population, emphasizing the necessity for targeted mitigation strategies and protective measures to reduce their exposure. The results of this study can inform interventions aimed at safeguarding both environmental and public health, while also raising awareness about the presence and risks of toxic heavy metals, ultimately contributing to the protection of human health and the broader ecosystem. Full article

Urban industrial complexes have been expanding worldwide, reducing the spatial separation between agricultural, residential, and industrial zones, particularly in developing nations. Urban road dust contamination, a sensitive indicator of urban environmental quality, primarily originates in urbanization and industrialization. Its detrimental impacts on human health arise not only from particulate matter itself but also from toxic and harmful substances embedded within dust particles. Toxic metals in road dust can pose health risks through inhalation, ingestion and contact. To investigate the seasonal patterns, bioaccessibility levels and the potential human health risks linked to toxic metals (Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Chromium (Cr)), 34 dust samples were collected from key roads in proximity to representative industrial facilities in Wuhan’s Qingshan District. The study found that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu in road dust were within the limits set by the national standard (GB 15618-2018), while Ni and As were not. Seasonally, Ni, As, Pb, Zn, and Cr exhibited higher concentrations during the summer than in other seasons, whereas Cd levels were lowest in spring and highest in autumn, the opposite of Cu. According to the Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET), the average bioaccessibility rates of toxic metals were Cd > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > As > Pb. An improved health risk assessment model was developed, integrating metal enrichment, bioaccessibility, and parameter uncertainty. Results indicated that Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Cr posed no significant non-carcinogenic risk. However, for children, the carcinogenic risks of Cd and As were relatively high, identifying them as priority control metals. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically monitor As and Cd and regulate their potential emission sources, especially in winter and spring. Full article

The Bilbao parish, located on the slopes of the Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador), was heavily impacted by ashfall during eruptions between 1999 and 2016. Volcanic ash may contain toxic metals such as Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Se, which are linked to neurological, renal, skeletal, pulmonary, and dermatological disorders. This study evaluated metal concentrations in soil (40–50 cm depth, corresponding to the rooting zone of forage grasses), forage (English ryegrass and Kikuyu grass), and raw milk to assess potential risks to livestock and human health. Sixteen georeferenced sites were selected using a simple random probabilistic sampling method considering geological variability, vegetation cover, accessibility, and cattle presence. Samples were digested and analyzed with a SpectrAA 220 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian Inc., Victoria, Australia). Soils (Andisols) contained Hg (1.82 mg/kg), Cd (0.36 mg/kg), As (1.36 mg/kg), Pb (1.62 mg/kg), and Se (1.39 mg/kg); all were below the Ecuadorian limits, except for Hg and Se. Forage exceeded FAO thresholds for Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Se. Milk contained Pb, Cd, and Hg below detection limits, while Se averaged 0.047 mg/kg, exceeding water safety guidelines. Findings suggest soils act as sources with significant bioaccumulation in forage but limited transfer to milk. Although immediate consumer risk is low, forage contamination highlights long-term hazards, emphasizing the need for monitoring, soil management, and farmer guidance. Full article

The rapid growth of the human population and industrialization has intensified anthropogenic activities, leading to the release of various toxic chemicals into the environment, triggering significant risks to human health and ecosystem stability. One sustainable solution to remove toxic chemicals from various environmental matrices, such as water, air, and soil, is bioremediation, an approach utilizing biological agents. Microalgae, as the primary producers of the aquatic environment, offer a versatile bioremediation platform, where their metabolic processes break down and convert pollutants into less harmful substances, thereby mitigating the negative ecological impact. Besides the CO₂ sequestration potential, microalgae are a source of renewable energy and numerous high-value biomolecules. Additionally, microalgae can mitigate various toxic chemicals through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation. These remediation strategies propose a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to address environmental pollution. This review evaluates the microalgal mitigation of major environmental contaminants—heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), flue gases, microplastics, and nanoplastics—linking specific microalgae removal mechanisms to pollutant-induced cellular responses. Each section explicitly addresses the effects of these pollutants on microalgae, microalgal bioremediation potential, bioaccumulation process, the risks of trophic transfer, and biomagnification in the food web. Herein, we highlight the current status of the microalgae-based bioremediation prospects, pollutant-induced microalgal toxicity, bioaccumulation, and consequential biomagnification. The novelty of this review lies in integrating biomagnification risks with the bioremediation potential of microalgae, providing a comprehensive perspective not yet addressed in the existing literature. Finally, we identify major research gaps and outline prospective strategies to optimize microalgal bioremediation while minimizing the unintended trophic transfer risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived bioactive compounds like syringic acid, a phenolic acid from the shikimic acid pathway, have shown potential against chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and cerebral ischemia. However, its poor water solubility and rapid systemic elimination result in low oral bioavailability, limiting therapeutic potential. This study aimed to enhance its oral bioavailability using MIL-100(Fe), a metal–organic framework (MOF) known for high surface area and drug-loading capacity. Methods: MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized using an optimized method and loaded with syringic acid through impregnation at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Characterization included PXRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and DLS. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated following OECD 423 guidelines, and bioavailability was assessed in Sprague Dawley rats. Results: The 1:2 MIL-100(Fe) to syringic acid ratio achieved the highest drug loading at 64.42 ± 0.03% (12 h). PXRD and FTIR confirmed successful loading (notably at 1239.2 cm⁻¹), and TGA indicated thermal stability at ~350 °C. SEM revealed octahedral particles with an average size of 270.67 ± 2.60 nm. BET showed reduced surface area post-loading. In vitro drug release exhibited media-dependent profiles. Toxicity tests indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of SYA@MIL-100(Fe) resulted in a 10.997-fold increase in relative bioavailability versus oral syringic acid and a 12.82-fold increase compared to intraperitoneal administration. Conclusions: MIL-100(Fe) is a safe and effective oral carrier for syringic acid, significantly enhancing its bioavailability. This platform shows strong potential for delivering phenolic compounds in pharmaceutical applications. Full article