Search Results (690)

This paper provides geospatial and correlation analysis of heavy metal distribution in the soil cover of the city of Temirtau and its industrial zones. Based on 25 soil samples taken in 2024, concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Ba) were determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis. Spatial data interpolation was performed using the Kriging method in the ArcGIS Pro environment. The results showed the presence of localized extreme pollution zones, primarily near the Qarmet JSC metallurgical plant. The most significant exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC), up to 348× MPC for Cr, 160× MPC for Zn, and 72× MPC for As, were recorded at individual locations. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between several elements, particularly Mn and Cu (r = 0.64). Comparison of the spatial distribution of pollution with population data allowed for the assessment of potential environmental risks. This research emphasizes the need to implement systematic monitoring, sustainable land management practices, ecological maps, and preventive measures to reduce the long-term impact of heavy metals on ecosystems and public health, and to promote environmental sustainability in industrial regions. Full article

Ammonia emissions in poultry houses are common and pose health concerns for animals and workers. However, effective control of these emissions with sustainable products is lacking. Therefore, we investigated if an agricultural byproduct, cottonseed hulls, could be recycled through pyrolysis and used to remove ammonia from air. In this study, the efficacy of ammonia removal was observed using cottonseed hull biomaterials pyrolyzed at seven different temperatures: 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, and 700 °C. In this study, ammonia was passed through a column filled with pyrolyzed material, and ammonia in the filtered air was monitored. The results showed that materials pyrolyzed at intermediate temperatures of 350 and 400 °C were the most efficient at ammonia removal and were able to adsorb approximately 3.7 mg NH₃/g of material. Despite extensive characterization, ammonia adsorption could not be linked to intrinsic material properties. Evaluation of the materials showed that the carbon in the pyrolyzed materials would be stable over time should the spent material be used as a soil amendment. Full article

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 extensive use of conventional pesticides has been a fundamental strategy in modern agriculture for controlling pests and increasing crop productivity; however, their improper application poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability. This review compiles scientific evidence linking pesticide exposure to oxidative stress and genotoxic damage, particularly affecting rural populations and commonly consumed foods, even at levels exceeding the maximum permissible limits in fruits, vegetables, and animal products. Additionally, excessive pesticide use has been shown to alter soil microbiota, negatively compromising long-term agricultural fertility. In response to these challenges, recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising alternatives. This review highlights the development of nanopesticides designed for controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery of active ingredients, thereby reducing environmental contamination and increasing efficacy. Moreover, emerging nanobiosensor technologies, such as e-nose and e-tongue systems, have shown potential for real-time monitoring of pesticide residues and soil health. Although pesticides are still necessary, it is crucial to implement stricter laws and promote sustainable solutions that ensure safe and responsible agricultural practices. The need for evidence-based public policy is emphasized to regulate pesticide use and protect both human health and agricultural resources. Full article

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can cause detrimental health effects. The consumption of contaminated food is viewed as a major exposure pathway for humans, but the relationship between agriculture and PFASs has not been investigated thoroughly, and it is becoming a pressing issue since health advisories are continuously being reassessed. This semi-systematic literature review connects the release, environmental fate, and agriculture uptake of PFASs to enhance comprehension and identify knowledge gaps which limit accurate risk assessment. It focuses on the heavily agricultural state of Minnesota, USA, which is representative of the large Midwestern US Corn Belt in terms of agricultural activities, because PFASs have been monitored in Minnesota since the beginning of the 21st century. PFAS contamination is a complex issue due to the over 14,000 individual PFAS compounds which have unique chemical properties that interact differently with air, water, soil, and biological systems. Moreover, the lack of field studies and monitoring of agricultural sites makes accurate risk assessments challenging. Researchers, policymakers, and farmers must work closely together to reduce the risk of PFAS exposure as the understanding of their potential health effects increases and legacy PFASs are displaced with shorter fluorinated replacements. Full article

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a transformative tool in environmental monitoring, enabling non-invasive detection of species and microbial communities across diverse ecosystems. This study systematically reviews the role of bioinformation technology in eDNA analysis, focusing on methodologies and applications across air, soil, groundwater, sediment, and aquatic environments. Advances in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and field-deployable detection systems have significantly improved eDNA detection sensitivity, allowing for early identification of invasive species, monitoring ecosystem health, and tracking pollutant degradation processes. Airborne eDNA monitoring has demonstrated potential for assessing microbial shifts due to air pollution and tracking pathogen transmission. In terrestrial environments, eDNA facilitates soil and groundwater pollution assessments and enhances understanding of biodegradation processes. In aquatic ecosystems, eDNA serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity assessment, invasive species monitoring, and wastewater-based epidemiology. Despite its growing applicability, challenges remain, including DNA degradation, contamination risks, and standardization of sampling protocols. Future research should focus on integrating eDNA data with remote sensing, machine learning, and ecological modeling to enhance predictive environmental monitoring frameworks. As technological advancements continue, eDNA-based approaches are poised to revolutionize environmental assessment, conservation strategies, and public health surveillance. Full article

Increased food production demands, labor shortages, and environmental concerns are driving the need for innovative agricultural technologies. However, effective adoption depends critically on aligning robot innovations with the needs of farmers. This paper examines the alignment between the needs of farmers and the robotic systems used in row crop farming. We review current commercial agricultural robots and research, and map these to the needs of farmers, as expressed in the literature, to identify the key issues holding back large-scale adoption. From initial pool of 184 research articles, 19 survey articles, and 82 commercial robotic solutions, we selected 38 peer-reviewed academic studies, 12 survey articles, and 18 commercially available robots for in-depth review and analysis for this study. We identify the key challenges faced by farmers and map them directly to the current and emerging capabilities of agricultural robots. We supplement the data gathered from the literature review of surveys and case studies with in-depth interviews with nine farmers to obtain deeper insights into the needs and day-to-day operations. Farmers reported mixed reactions to current technologies, acknowledging efficiency improvements but highlighting barriers such as capital costs, technical complexity, and inadequate support systems. There is a notable demand for technologies for improved plant health monitoring, soil condition assessment, and enhanced climate resilience. We then review state-of-the-art robotic solutions for row crop farming and map these technological capabilities to the farmers’ needs. Only technologies with field validation or operational deployment are included, to ensure practical relevance. These mappings generate insights that underscore the need for lightweight and modular robot technologies that can be adapted to diverse farming practices, as well as the need for farmers’ education and simpler interfaces to robotic operations and data analysis that are actionable for farmers. We conclude with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the importance of co-creation with the farming community to ensure the adoption and sustained use of agricultural robotic solutions. Full article

The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant mounds was evaluated in Fenlin Township, Hualien, Taiwan. A DJI Phantom 4 multispectral drone collected reflectance in five bands (blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared), derived indices (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index, SAVI, and photochemical pigment reflectance index, PPR), and textural features. According to analysis of variance F-scores and random forest recursive feature elimination, vegetation indices and spectral features (e.g., NDVI, NIR, SAVI, and PPR) were the most significant predictors of ecological characteristics such as vegetation density and soil visibility. Texture features exhibited moderate importance and the potential to capture intricate spatial patterns in nonlinear models. Despite limitations in the analytics, including trade-offs related to flight height and environmental variability, the study findings suggest that UAVs are an inexpensive, high-precision means of obtaining multispectral data for RIFA monitoring. These findings can be used to develop efficient mass-detection protocols for integrated pest control, with broader implications for invasive species monitoring. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetically produced chemicals that are causing a major One Health crisis. These “forever chemicals” are widely distributed globally in air, water, and soil, and because they are highly mobile and extremely difficult to degrade in the environment. They cause additional health concerns in a circular bioeconomy and food system that recycles and reuses by-products and numerous types of waste materials. Uptake of PFAS by plants and food-producing animals ultimately leads to the consumption of PFAS-contaminated food that is associated with numerous adverse health and developmental effects in humans. Contaminated meat, milk, and eggs are some of the main sources of human PFAS exposure. Although there is no safe level of PFAS exposure, maximum tolerable PFAS consumption guidelines have been established for some countries. However, there is no international PFAS monitoring system, and there are no standardized international guidelines and mechanisms to prevent the consumption of PFAS-contaminated foods. Urgent action is needed to stop PFAS production except for critical uses, implementing effective water-purification treatments, preventing spreading sewage sludge on land and pastures used to produce food, and requiring marketers and manufacturers to use packaging that is free of PFAS. Full article

To enhance agricultural soil health and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, it is important to accurately measure SOC. The aim of this study was to compare common methods for measuring SOC in soils in order to determine the most effective approach among different agricultural land types. The measurement methods of loss-on-ignition (LOI), automated dry combustion (Dumas), and real-time near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were compared. A total of 95 soil core samples, ranging in clay and calcareous content, were collected across a range of agricultural land types from forty-eight fields across five farms in the Southwest of England. There were similar and positive correlations between all three methods for measuring SOC (ranging from r = 0.549 to 0.579; all p < 0.001). On average, permanent grass fields had higher SOC content (6.6%) than arable and temporary ley fields (4.6% and 4.5%, respectively), with the difference of 2% indicating a higher carbon storage potential in permanent grassland fields. Newly predicted conversion equations of linear regression were developed among the three measurement methods according to all the fields and land types. The correlation of the conversation equations among the three methods in permanent grass fields was strong and significant compared to those in both arable and temporary ley fields. The analysed results could help understand soil carbon management and maximise sequestration. Moreover, the approach of using real-time NIRS analysis with a rechargeable portable NIRS soil device can offer a convenient and cost-saving alternative for monitoring preliminary SOC changes timely on or offsite without personnel risks from the high-temperature furnace and chemical reagent adopted in the LOI and Dumas processes, respectively, at the laboratory. Therefore, the study suggests that faster, lower-cost, and safer methods like NIRS for analysing initial SOC measurements are now available to provide similar SOC results as traditional soil analysis methods of the LOI and Dumas. Further studies on assessing SOC levels in different farm locations, land, and soil types across seasons using NIRS will improve benchmarked SOC data for farm stakeholders in making evidence-informed agricultural practices. Full article

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a microsporidian protozoan parasite, infects diverse hosts, including humans and livestock. Transmission occurs primarily through the fecal–oral route or exposure to contaminated environmental sources, such as water and soil. While its prevalence in animals is well documented, data on environmental contamination—particularly in areas surrounding livestock farms—remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the presence of E. bieneusi in environmental sources near cattle farms in Korea, evaluating potential risks for zoonotic transmission. Overall, 364 environmental samples (soil and water) were collected from areas surrounding cattle farms and analyzed using nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of E. bieneusi. One positive sample (0.3%) was identified in surface water near a shed housing Korean native cattle during autumn. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis identified the sequence as originating from genotype BEB1, a Group 2 genotype commonly associated with ruminants and recognized for its zoonotic potential. While the detection rate was low, this represents the first report of E. bieneusi contamination in water near cattle housing and the first identification of BEB1 in environmental water in Korea. These findings highlight the potential for environmental transmission, emphasizing the need for further research and monitoring to inform strategies for public health and livestock biosecurity. Full article

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 (I_geo), 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 study evaluated the activity concentrations of radionuclides in honey, bee pollen, bee bread, and propolis from multiple regions in Poland (Europe) to assess the levels of radiological contamination and their implications for public health. Furthermore, the work considers the use of bee products as bioindicators of the state of environmental contamination with radionuclides. The apiaries from which the samples were collected were selected in eight provinces in Poland, and are also complemented by reference data from soil contamination monitoring. Radionuclide measurements included both natural (e.g., ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra) and anthropogenic isotopes (e.g., ¹³⁷Cs). The results show that although the overall activity concentrations were generally low, certain locations exhibited elevated levels of ¹³⁷Cs in bee products, likely reflecting historical deposition in soils. Propolis was best correlated with ¹³⁷Cs deposited in soil compared to the other products studied. The patterns observed substantiate the hypothesis that bee products, predominantly propolis, accurately reflect local radiological conditions, thereby providing a practical and non-intrusive approach to monitoring radionuclide contamination and informing risk management strategies. An assessment of potential health risks indicates that the effective dose is safe and ranges from 0.02 to 10.3 µSv per year, depending on the type of product and consumption. Full article

Mercury (Hg) poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystems, garnering increased attention in environmental studies. This paper evaluates the dynamics of Hg accumulation in various common tree leaves, specifically white poplar, linden, and cherry plum, throughout their growing season. The findings offer valuable insights into air quality and the ability of urban vegetation to mitigate mercury pollution in urban areas. A case study was conducted in Turda, a town in northwestern Romania, where a former chlor-alkali plant operated throughout the last century. Although the plant ceased its electrolysis activities over 25 years ago, the surrounding soil remains contaminated with mercury (Hg) due to the significant amounts released during its operation. The results indicated that the Hg concentration varied between 2.4 and 7.3 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight (dw), exceeding the intervention threshold for soil of 2.0 mg kg⁻¹. Additionally, the Hg content in the leaf samples consistently increased over time, influenced by leaf age and tree species. The Hg content increased in the following order: cherry plum < white poplar < linden. On average, white poplar leaves accumulated 72 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, linden leaves 128 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw, and cherry plum leaves 47 ng Hg g⁻¹ dw during the six-month monitored period from April to September. The results obtained can be used to evaluate the potential of different tree species for mitigating atmospheric Hg contamination and to elaborate on the suitable management of fallen leaves in the autumn. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of industrialization and rapid urbanization, the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has increased significantly. As key precursors of PM_2.5 and ozone formation, VOCs pose a growing threat to the health of ecosystems. Due to their complex and dynamic transformation processes across air, water, and soil media, the ecological risks associated with VOCs have attracted increasing attention from both the scientific community and policy-makers. This study systematically reviews the core literature on the ecological impacts of VOCs published between 2005 and 2024, based on data from the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Utilizing three bibliometric tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix), we conducted a comprehensive visual analysis, constructing knowledge maps from multiple perspectives, including research trends, international collaboration, keyword evolution, and author–institution co-occurrence networks. The results reveal a rapid growth in the ecological impact of VOCs (EIVOCs), with an average annual increase exceeding 11% since 2013. Key research themes include source apportionment of air pollutants, ecotoxicological effects, biological response mechanisms, and health risk assessment. China, the United States, and Germany have emerged as leading contributors in this field, with China showing a remarkable surge in research activity in recent years. Keyword co-occurrence and burst analyses highlight “air pollution”, “exposure”, “health”, and “source apportionment” as major research hotspots. However, challenges remain in areas such as ecosystem functional responses, the integration of multimedia pollution pathways, and interdisciplinary coordination mechanisms. There is an urgent need to enhance monitoring technology integration, develop robust ecological risk assessment frameworks, and improve predictive modeling capabilities under climate change scenarios. This study provides scientific insights and theoretical support for the development of future environmental protection policies and comprehensive VOCs management strategies. Full article