Sci. Total Environ. [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Quantifying morphological complexity and wet deposition of suspected microplastics in rainwater: A case study of Wroclaw, Poland.
Rasheed Z, Bęcek K
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42176494 · Publisher ↗
Despite growing concern regarding the wet deposition of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), the role of particle morphological complexity in controlling deposition efficiency and atmospheric transport remains insufficiently...
Despite growing concern regarding the wet deposition of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), the role of particle morphological complexity in controlling deposition efficiency and atmospheric transport remains insufficiently understood. Characterising MP geometry is essential for analysing aerodynamic behaviour and environmental interactions. This study presents the first quantitative assessment of the fractal dimension (FD) of particles exhibiting microplastic-like morphology (hereafter referred to as suspected microplastics, MPs) in the Central European city. Over a 14-month period, rainwater samples were collected from urban residential and traffic-influenced areas in Wroclaw, Poland, using a passive sampler positioned 5 m above ground level. Advanced morphological characterisation was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), followed by vector-based geometric analysis implemented in Python for particle classification and FD estimation. Particle identification is based on SEM-derived morphology and does not include chemical confirmation; therefore, classification as microplastics is indicative rather than definitive. Mean abundances of suspected microplastics (MPs) were 135 ± 89 particles L in the residential area and 168 ± 64 particles L in the traffic-influenced area. Fibres dominated wet deposition and exhibited a mean FD of 1.10 (σ = 0.15), indicating smooth, elongated geometries with low structural complexity. Fragments were observed less frequently and exhibited greater morphological variability; however, the analysis focuses primarily on fibres, as they are more common. These findings demonstrate that fractal dimension provides a quantitative descriptor of particle morphological complexity and may serve as a descriptor of aerodynamic behaviour and environmental fate in atmospheric systems.
Enhanced rock weathering in grassland: Impacts of basalt dust on hay meadow soil, forage, and floristic diversity.
Bell DS, Epihov DZ, Dupla X … +2 more , Beerling DJ, Leake JR
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42172731 · Publisher ↗
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technique with agricultural co-benefits, though its efficacy in grasslands remains largely unexplored. Permanent grasslands, such as hay meadows,...
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technique with agricultural co-benefits, though its efficacy in grasslands remains largely unexplored. Permanent grasslands, such as hay meadows, can support high floristic diversity, but their agronomic and biodiversity responses to surface-applied silicate rock dusts are unknown. To address this, 50 t ha basalt rock dust was spread on a floristically rich (>28 vascular plant species, ∼ 25 m), mildly acidic (pH = 6.35) upland hay meadow in the UK, and its effects on soil chemistry and plant diversity were studied. In the first season, basalt-treated plots showed significantly higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and Si than controls, although no clear temporal accumulation trend was observed. After 1 year, basalt increased soil pH at 0-10 cm by 0.25 units and raised concentrations of exchangeable calcium (+13%), magnesium (+14%), sodium (+22%), and silicon (+35%). This suggests a potential maximum CDR of approximately 542 kg CO ha yr in the upper 10 cm of soil, before considering cation sorption and strong acid effects. The trace elements barium, cadmium, caesium, cobalt, nickel, chromium, strontium, and vanadium increased in the soil, but only strontium significantly increased in plant shoots, and no elements reached ecotoxic levels. Magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus concentrations also increased in plant shoots and hay, while no changes occurred in forage yield, sugar, protein, or digestibility. Importantly, basalt amendment did not significantly impact Simpson or Shannon-Wiener plant diversity indexes. These findings suggest that even the short-term application of basalt to floristically diverse UK grasslands may provide CDR while benefiting plant and soil nutrition, without compromising floristic diversity or forage quality.
Excessive rainfall anomalies during the dry season (harvest period) and their impact on rainfed crop yields in Ethiopia.
Kern S, Abera T, Hailu BT … +4 more , Muhammed MA, Berhanu M, Miehe G, Zeuss D
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42172730 · Publisher ↗
Rainfall variability contributes to crop failures and an increase in food insecurity in regions vulnerable to climate change, such as East Africa. Although the impact of growing period rainfall variability on crop yields...
Rainfall variability contributes to crop failures and an increase in food insecurity in regions vulnerable to climate change, such as East Africa. Although the impact of growing period rainfall variability on crop yields has been well studied in East Africa, characterizing rainfall anomalies during the crop harvesting season and their effect on crop yields remains unexplored. Here, we evaluated the phenomenon of unexpected excessive rainfall anomalies during the dry season (RAD) and its impact on cereal crop yields in Ethiopia from 1996 to 2022. For the evaluation, we used the Climate Hazards group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS), in situ meteorological stations, and crop yield data. Our results showed that the frequency and severity of RAD events vary across Ethiopia. On average, RAD events occurred 14 times during 1992-2022. Among regions in Ethiopia, Gambela, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples', and Oromiya experienced the highest frequency and severity of RAD events. During RAD events, most cereal crops showed an average reduction in yields compared to yields during normal rainfall events in the dry season. However, significant (P < 0.05) reductions in crop yields occurred mainly in the Oromiya and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' regions. Maize showed the highest yield reduction compared to other cereal crops. Our findings underscore the need for regularly monitoring RAD events to mitigate their impacts on food security in the region.
Modelling nutrient loads in data-scarce large catchments using spatially regularized ensemble calibration.
Masi M, Moghaddam MB, Castelli F … +1 more , Arrighi C
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42172729 · Publisher ↗
Nutrient pollution in freshwater systems poses major ecological challenges, requiring robust modelling tools to support effective water management. However, catchment-scale water quality modelling is often constrained by...
Nutrient pollution in freshwater systems poses major ecological challenges, requiring robust modelling tools to support effective water management. However, catchment-scale water quality modelling is often constrained by sparse monitoring networks and high parameter uncertainty associated with complex biogeochemical systems. This study presents an integrated modelling framework combining the MOBIDIC-ADR hydrological model with a newly developed BIO-ALGAE reactive component to simulate nutrient dynamics across large catchments. The framework employs spatially regularized ensemble calibration using PEST++ iterative ensemble smoother to estimate distributed pollutant loads while quantifying parameter and predictive uncertainty. The model was applied to the Arno River catchment (7990 km) in Italy, simulating 8 water quality constituents including dissolved oxygen, nitrogen species, phosphorus compounds, and algal biomass over a ten-year period (2011-2020). Using 8151 observations from sparse sampling locations, the calibration demonstrated the model's ability to reproduce observed patterns across multiple constituents. The model proved effective in identifying pollution hotspots, highlighting strong associations between urban areas and elevated carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand and ammonium loads, whereas phosphorus displayed a more heterogeneous spatial distribution indicative of multiple source contributions. Despite limitations under low dissolved oxygen conditions, the approach effectively captured first-order reactive processes and provided spatially explicit load estimates with uncertainty bounds. This framework offers a practical decision-support tool for targeted water quality management in data-scarce environments.
A province-wide survey of neonicotinoids, chlorantraniliprole, atrazine, metolachlor, and other pesticides in drinking water of Québec, Canada.
Feng X, Munoz G, Duy SV … +1 more , Sauvé S
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42166868 · Publisher ↗
A reconnaissance survey was conducted at a province-wide scale to document the occurrence of pesticides in drinking water from Québec, Canada. Twenty-four target pesticides were investigated in tap water from 340 municip...
A reconnaissance survey was conducted at a province-wide scale to document the occurrence of pesticides in drinking water from Québec, Canada. Twenty-four target pesticides were investigated in tap water from 340 municipalities across 17 administrative regions. Of 425 samples, 398 (94%) had detectable levels of at least one target pesticide (maximum: 16 pesticides). The most frequently detected compounds were atrazine (detection rate = 72%; min-max ≤0.01-51 ng/L; 95th percentile = 33 ng/L) and its degradation products desethylatrazine (52%; <0.20-59 ng/L; 95th percentile = 31 ng/L) and hydroxyatrazine (78%; <0.01-28 ng/L; 95th percentile = 13 ng/L). Neonicotinoids were rarely detected in finished tap water (e.g., detection rates of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam: 9-11%). Most tap water samples had low pesticide levels, with profiles typically dominated by triazines. However, a multivariate analysis revealed watershed-specific trends that correlated with the water source and known regional uses. For instance, tap water samples produced from the St. Lawrence River (Great Lakes watershed) had greater levels and prevalence of triazines. Hexazinone was more frequently detected in tap water from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, likely related to its use in blueberry fields. Hot spots with relatively high levels of insecticide residues included 3 sites from Portneuf's Regional County Municipality (ΣNeonicotinoids up to 250 ng/L) and 2 sites from Montérégie (chlorantraniliprole up to 66 ng/L), all sourced from groundwater. Tap water samples were all compliant with Québec and Canadian drinking water guidelines and almost all compliant (99% of samples) with the European Union guideline of 100 ng/L for individual pesticides, indicating the good quality of drinking water with respect to pesticide exposure.
Corrigendum to "Application of the compact and useful PM instrument with gas sensors (CUPI-G) for high temporal and spatial resolution monitoring with weather factor integration" [Sci. Total Environ. 979 (2025), 179361].
Bhowmick A, Boontanon SK, Olsen-Kettle L … +6 more , Li Y, Boontanon N, Sakamoto Y, Murano K, Kajii Y, Jindal R
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42161783 · Publisher ↗
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Early life antioxidants predict first-migration survival in the White Storks (Ciconia ciconia).
Jankowiak Ł, Siekiera J, Ostaszewska M … +2 more , Profus P, Tryjanowski P
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42155389 · Publisher ↗
Early-life conditions can shape individual performance and survival in wild animals, particularly in species undertaking long-distance migration. We examined whether physiological parameters measured in the blood of nest...
Early-life conditions can shape individual performance and survival in wild animals, particularly in species undertaking long-distance migration. We examined whether physiological parameters measured in the blood of nestling White Storks (Ciconia ciconia), including oxidative stress biomarkers, hematological indicators, trace elements, and pesticide residues-were associated with survival during the first migratory journey to Africa. Using data from 38 GPS-tracked juveniles in western Poland, we applied Cox proportional hazards models to identify predictors of mortality. The final model revealed that higher concentrations of catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly associated with reduced mortality risk, suggesting a protective role of antioxidant capacity. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that antioxidants mitigate telomere attrition, a process shown to predict survival in free-living birds. Thus, antioxidant status in early life may influence migration outcomes both by buffering oxidative damage and by preserving telomere integrity. Survival was also positively related to immune-hematopoietic balance and the proportion of arable land surrounding the natal nest, likely because open agricultural landscapes provide more favorable foraging conditions than forested habitats, whereas birds from more forested habitats had higher mortality risk. Our study highlights the combined importance of physiological resilience and landscape context in mediating early-life survival during one of the most demanding phases of the White Stork's life cycle.
Improving lightning representation in global model through convective cloud based Price and Rind 1992 scheme.
Sandhya M, Mohan GM, Mohandas S … +3 more , Jayakumar A, Anurose TJ, Prasad VS
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42155388 · Publisher ↗
Accurate representation of lightning activity in coarse-resolution medium-range weather forecasting models remains a major challenge due to the fine scale nature of electrification processes. In the National Centre for M...
Accurate representation of lightning activity in coarse-resolution medium-range weather forecasting models remains a major challenge due to the fine scale nature of electrification processes. In the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting Global Unified Model (NCUM-G), lightning flash rates are computed following the widely adopted Price and Rind (1992) (PR92) formulation. However, the current parameterization relies on storm detection criterion solely a cloud-thickness threshold, resulting in a large number of false alarms over India. To address the limitations of the current parameterization scheme, this study evaluates two key components of the lightning parameterization framework: (i) storm detection criteria and (ii) the formulation for estimating flash counts estimation, with a focus on enhancing performance over the Indian subcontinent. The analysis highlights pronounced seasonal variability in both the storm occurrence and convective intensity, highlighting the need for refined criteria for storm identification. Three approaches were explored to improve storm detection: (a) modifying the definition of cloud depth, (b) redefining cloud-depth limits, and (c) incorporating additional dynamical parameters along with cloud depth to account for seasonal variations in convection characteristics. Among all combinations tested, the approach that uses column-maximum vertical velocity and cold cloud depth for storm identification, together with convective cloud-top height in the PR92 flash-count formulation, shows the most promising results. Fractional Skill Score (FSS) analysis confirms that this modified scheme enhances the skill in representing the observed lightning flash counts in NCUM-G at medium-range time scales. Consistent with this, domain-scale categorical verification metrics, including critical success index (CSI) and equitable threat score (ETS), indicate that the modified configuration achieves a more balanced performance by reducing forecast bias and false alarms while maintaining improved detection skill, demonstrating a more realistic representation of lightning-producing convection. Despite these improvements, certain regional discrepancies persist, largely attributable to systematic model biases in simulating convective processes.
Variations in the root-soil system influence the grapevine holobiont by shaping plant physiology and root microbiome.
Guazzini M, Marasco R, Radović S … +12 more , Pellegrini E, Vuerich M, Lodovici A, De Wittenau GD, Paparelli E, Magris G, Zanin L, Contin M, De Luca E, Daffonchio D, Di Gaspero G, Marroni F
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42150350 · Publisher ↗
Soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in plant health and productivity by engaging in complex interactions that shape and are shaped by soil physico-chemical properties. In this study, we employed a multi-...
Soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in plant health and productivity by engaging in complex interactions that shape and are shaped by soil physico-chemical properties. In this study, we employed a multi-omics approach to investigate how variations in soil composition affect the grapevine holobiont. Grape plantlets were grown in three distinct soil types, namely sand, peat, and peat-manure. To further assess how variation in soil and root conditions affects the holobiont's response, we included treatments involving soil autoclaving and root heat treatment across all soil types. We found that soil type significantly influences leaf multielement composition and concentration, while also shaping the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the plant rhizosphere. This shift led to changes in taxa involved in nitrogen fixation, biocontrol, and pathogenicity. Autoclaving soils consistently reduced bacterial diversity across all soil types, whereas fungal communities were less affected. In contrast, thermal treatment of roots had only a minor impact on microbial community composition but did induce transcriptional changes in the root and altered leaf macronutrient concentrations. Our findings indicate that differences in soil composition reshape the entire root-soil continuum, ultimately affecting plant physiology at multiple levels-from root function to leaf nutrient status. This highlights that the soil is not a passive growth medium but a key determinant of grape holobiont structure and function. These results reinforce the view that plant health and adaptation arise from integrated, dynamic interactions among the host, its associated microbiome, and the surrounding soil matrix.
Seasonal variation in metal concentrations in the Gualaxo do Norte River following the Fundão dam collapse is associated with behavioural and cholinergic alterations in Astyanax lacustris.
Lopes JVSR, Azevedo CS, Paschoalini AL … +5 more , Almeida TVP, Morais MEM, Diniz MAS, Rizzo E, Vasconcellos ADS
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42150349 · Publisher ↗
The Fundão dam collapse in Mariana (Southeast Brazil) released metal-rich tailings into the Doce River basin and its tributaries, including the Gualaxo do Norte River. Metal concentrations in aquatic environments vary se...
The Fundão dam collapse in Mariana (Southeast Brazil) released metal-rich tailings into the Doce River basin and its tributaries, including the Gualaxo do Norte River. Metal concentrations in aquatic environments vary seasonally, generally increasing during the rainy season. Exposure to metals may lead to behavioural alterations and changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in fish. This study investigated the effects of water from the Gualaxo do Norte River (collected during the dry and rainy seasons) on the behaviour and cholinergic activity of Astyanax lacustris. One hundred fish were assigned to four treatments: dechlorinated water during the dry (CDS) and rainy (CRS) seasons, and river water from the dry (DS) and rainy (RS) seasons. Fish were exposed to the treatments for 15 days, and behaviours were recorded for 10 days. After that, brain and muscle AChE activity was analysed in the fish. Metals such as Al, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn showed higher concentrations in the water collected during the rainy season. Fish from the DS group showed increased activity, whereas those from the RS group showed reduced activity, reduced sociability, and lower aggressiveness. Muscular AChE activity increased in DS and RS groups relative to CDS and CRS. In contrast, cerebral AChE activity was higher in DS (compared to CDS and RS) and lower in RS (compared to CRS). Our results indicate that water collected during the rainy season may pose a greater threat to fish health because of increased metal runoff. Even a decade after the dam rupture, residual contamination continues to affect fish physiology and behaviour, emphasising the persistent ecological risks and the urgent need for long-term monitoring and management of impacted aquatic ecosystems.
Removal of arsenic and heavy metals from soil-washing effluents of contaminated mine sites using a novel Fe-assisted electrodeposition approach, amino-functionalized magnetic biochar, and chitosan-based column filtration systems.
Bagherifam S, Kazemian H
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42150348 · Publisher ↗
Arsenic contamination of environmental systems has aroused a great deal of public interest due to its toxicological properties. This study investigates the efficiency of three novel approaches including: iron-assisted el...
Arsenic contamination of environmental systems has aroused a great deal of public interest due to its toxicological properties. This study investigates the efficiency of three novel approaches including: iron-assisted electrodeposition, lime, and adsorption using biochar and chitosan-based columns for arsenic removal from highly contaminated effluents generated from pilot soil washing tests of a contaminated mine site with 32,000 mg/kg arsenic in Northwest Territories, Canada. In a first-of-its-kind approach, Fe-assisted electrodeposition achieved 99% arsenic removal from soil washing effluents within 10 h using iron(III) sulfate, concurrently yielding FeAs solids on the cathode as a potential value-added byproduct. Similarly, application of lime resulted in 99% arsenic removal with precipitation of calcium arsenates. Amino-functionalized magnetic biochar exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 26.74 mg g for As(III) and 11.31 mg g for As(V). A layered column of magnetic biochar, zeolite, activated carbon, and a chitosan-enhanced sand filtration system achieved almost complete arsenic removal (99%). The results of column tests demonstrated highly effective arsenic removal, alongside substantial co-removal of other toxic metals including lead, zinc, antimony, cadmium, uranium, and cobalt by up to 99% from soil washing effluents, underscoring the practical applicability of the proposed methods in real-world remediation scenarios. The combined techniques used in this study can be employed as a novel, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for arsenic remediation in wastewater generated from soil washing systems in mining-impacted environments.
Assessment of ambient air pollution and health risks using satellite remote sensing in the garment industrial belt of Savar and Gazipur, Bangladesh.
Modak AK, Al Sakib A
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42143980 · Publisher ↗
Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) pollution in rapidly industrializing regions poses significant environmental and public health risks. This study presents an integrated assessment of spatiotemporal variability, satell...
Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) pollution in rapidly industrializing regions poses significant environmental and public health risks. This study presents an integrated assessment of spatiotemporal variability, satellite retrieval performance, forecasting, and health risks in the Savar-Gazipur industrial belt, Bangladesh (2019-2024). Satellite-derived analyses reveal persistent exceedances of Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standards (BNAAQS) and WHO-guided values, with strong seasonal dynamics characterized by winter maxima (PM₂.₅ up to 233 μg/m; PM₁₀ up to 368 μg/m) and monsoon minima driven by wet deposition processes (r = -0.73 with rainfall). Validation against ground-based measurements (2022-2024) shows that satellite products effectively reproduce seasonal patterns, although exhibiting variable accuracy reflecting uncertainties associated with retrieval limitations in humid, heterogeneous urban-industrial environments. Forecasting using SARIMA, ETS, Holt-Winters, and ANN models (2024-2026) reveals pollutant-specific performance, with ANN best for PM₂.₅ (R ≈ 0.76) and Holt-Winters for PM₁₀ (R ≈ 0.68). Health risk assessment based on ground-measured concentrations revealed elevated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with Hazard Quotient (HQ) values exceeding 2.4 and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) values for all tested age groups well above the US EPA's acceptable threshold of 1 × 10. These findings indicate severe long-term exposure hazards for residents and workers in the industrial belt. This study uniquely integrates satellite remote sensing, hybrid forecasting models, and quantitative health risk assessment, providing a comprehensive framework for air quality evaluation in industrial regions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for mitigation while acknowledging inherent uncertainties in satellite-based PM estimation.
Exposure of Belgian children to multiple classes of currently used pesticides.
Pirard C, Dufour P, Charlier C
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42143417 · Publisher ↗
Pesticides have been extensively used worldwide for agricultural, public health, veterinary or domestic purposes. Because children are among the most vulnerable and exposed populations to pesticides, the monitoring of th...
Pesticides have been extensively used worldwide for agricultural, public health, veterinary or domestic purposes. Because children are among the most vulnerable and exposed populations to pesticides, the monitoring of their exposure is of primary importance. However, only few currently used pesticides are usually included in biomonitoring studies, while for a large number, data are sparse or inexistant. To partly fill this gap, several classes of currently used pesticides, namely pyrethroids, organophosphorus (through dialkylphosphates and trichloropyridinol), neonicotinoids, dithiocarbamates (through ethylenethiourea), chlormequat chloride and glyphosate were measured in the urine of 84 Belgian children aged from 2 to 15 years and recruited in 2019. Most of the pyrethroid metabolites studied showed detection frequencies ranging between 63 and 99% with median concentrations from 0.36 to 1.54 μg/L, while trichloropyridinol and diethylphosphate (respectively specific and common metabolite to several organophosphorus including chlorpyrifos) were the most frequently measured among organophosphorus in 100% and 98% of the samples (P50 = 1.25 and 1.83 μg/L). Among neonicotinoids, acetamiprid desmethyl and imidacloprid metabolites (hydroxyled and olefin) were the most abundant confirming the relevance of their measurement compared to the corresponding parents. Ethylenethiourea and chlormequat chloride were positively detected in most samples (68% and 100% respectively) with median levels of 0.40 μg/L and 6.7 μg/L demonstrating the widespread exposure of the Belgian children, while glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid were detected in 25% and 19% of the samples confirming the low levels usually found in urine. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting biomonitoring data of neonicotinoid, ethylenethiourea and chlormequat chloride in a Belgian population.
City-scale cooling and thermal comfort: A dual-index comparison of heat mitigation strategy effectiveness across geographically-diverse cities.
Wong ML, Chalakkal JB, García-Pardo KA … +2 more , Khalili Nasr B, Orehounig K
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42143416 · Publisher ↗
We present an analysis of city-wide heat mitigation strategies across Madrid, Vienna, and Singapore, cities with diverse climatic and geo-topographical conditions and anthropogenic heat (AH) profiles. The study utilises...
We present an analysis of city-wide heat mitigation strategies across Madrid, Vienna, and Singapore, cities with diverse climatic and geo-topographical conditions and anthropogenic heat (AH) profiles. The study utilises an AH-assimilated climate model (mWRF_SG) and a dual-index approach that separately captures (i) thermal comfort, represented by the Net Effective Temperature (NET) indicator, and (ii) the atmospheric thermodynamic state, represented by equivalent potential temperature (θ) as an indicator of moisture changes. We compare common city-wide heat mitigation strategies grouped into roof-based (white roof, green roof, and rooftop photovoltaic panels), vegetation-based (increasing urban vegetation fraction), and AH reduction categories (improved building efficiency and electric vehicle adoption). Results indicate that the relative effectiveness of these strategies is highly dependent on local-to-regional climate and context. White roofs produce the strongest daytime NET cooling in Madrid and Vienna, reflecting substantial albedo-driven reductions in surface heating, whereas their impact in Singapore may be limited by cloud cover. Increasing the urban vegetation fraction yields the strongest cooling in Singapore, where moisture availability is higher relative to drier European climates. Building-envelope efficiency improvements are most effective in Vienna and Madrid, particularly at night, owing to the prevalence of older buildings with poor insulation and the strong influence of reduced nocturnal heat retention on nighttime thermal comfort. Traffic-related AH reductions through EV adoption are most effective in cities with high baseline traffic emissions, with effectiveness further shaped by the timing of diurnal traffic peaks and boundary-layer stability. Crucially, cooling strategies that reduce NET may increase atmospheric moisture in humid contexts like Singapore, with potential implications for precipitation, while in drier climates (Madrid, Vienna), multiple strategies reduce both NET and near-surface equivalent potential temperature. The dual-index applied allows for capturing these trade-offs, highlighting that commonly promoted mitigation measures require climate-sensitive, multi-criteria planning to balance human comfort with broader environmental impacts, thereby supporting sustainable and resilient urban development.
Corrigendum to "The overlooked effects of environmental impacts on root:shoot ratio in experiments and soil-crop models" [Sci. Total Environ. 955 (2024) 176738].
Seidel SJ, Ahmadi SH, Weihermüller L … +6 more , Couëdel A, Lopez G, Behrend D, Kamali B, Gaiser T, Hernández-Ochoa IM
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42142973 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Corrigendum to "Integrating the inter- and intra-annual dynamic features of capital into environmental footprint assessment: Revisiting China's greenhouse gas footprints, 1995-2015" [Sci. Total Environ. 801 (2021) 149629].
Wu Z, Wang M, Ye Q
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42140790 · Publisher ↗
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Wastewater-based surveillance for seasonal respiratory viruses provides a one-week lead to clinical cases and hospital admissions.
Acosta N, Dai X, Lu X … +23 more , Waddell BJ, Du K, Ueno A, Beaudet AB, Bautista MA, McCalder J, Papparis C, De la Torre Espinoza DN, Southern DA, Williamson T, Clark RG, Hu J, Weyant RB, Cabaj JL, Kanji JN, Conly JM, Frankowski K, O'Grady C, Lee B, Qiu J, Pang X, Hubert CRJ, Parkins MD
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42140068 · Publisher ↗
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) is a complementary tool for infectious disease surveillance, providing independent data that is inclusive of entire populations. We evaluated the role of WBS in tracking seasonal respi...
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) is a complementary tool for infectious disease surveillance, providing independent data that is inclusive of entire populations. We evaluated the role of WBS in tracking seasonal respiratory viral infections caused by influenza A (IAV) and B (IBV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - pathogens responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and imposing substantial burdens on healthcare systems. Longitudinal surveillance was performed 1-3 times weekly from January 2022-June 2024, encompassing multiple respiratory virus seasons, across the three municipal wastewater treatment plants serving Calgary, Canada's fourth largest city. Flow-normalized viral loads (gene copies/day) of IAV, IBV and RSV in 24-h composite wastewater were analyzed and compared to confirmed cases leveraging metadata from the single provincial health authority - Alberta Health Services. IAV and RSV RNA in wastewater peaked in winter months (November to February), with maximum viral loads of 4.4 × 10 and 7.9 × 10 (gene copies/day), respectively. In contrast, IBV was generally observed in late winter/early spring with low and infrequent periods of activity. Wastewater signals for all three respiratory viruses strongly correlated with clinical metrics including laboratory-confirmed cases, test percent positivity, and respiratory virus-associated hospital admissions (Spearman r value range: 0.66-0.90). Notably, WBS provided a 1-week lead time relative to traditional clinical respiratory viral surveillance indicators. WBS is a versatile technology that provides objective information that can augment traditional case-based surveillance of respiratory viruses and be used to predict changing disease prevalence and health resource requirements across communities.
Adverse effects of entomopathogenic nematodes on honey bees following foliar application under laboratory conditions.
Straub L, Rüfenacht A, Grossar D … +1 more , Jeker L
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42134175 · Publisher ↗
The need for sustainable crop protection has intensified interest in entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biological alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. However, their potential non-target effects on pollinators rem...
The need for sustainable crop protection has intensified interest in entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biological alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. However, their potential non-target effects on pollinators remain poorly characterized, and regulatory approvals often rely on limited data. Here, we provide the first demonstration of adverse effects of foliar-applied Steinernema carpocapsae (Nemastar®) on adult honey bees, Apis mellifera. Using a modified regulatory protocol (USEPA 850.3030), adult honey bees and greater wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella; positive control) were exposed for 96 h to field-realistic low and high EPN doses (0.25-2.5 × 10 infective juveniles m) under dry and wet application scenarios. Adult honey bee and greater wax moth larvae mortality was recorded daily. Steinernema carpocapsae significantly reduced survival in both species, with the highest mortality under the wet and high-dose conditions. Nematode infestation and proliferation were confirmed in deceased individuals using White traps and standardized counts, revealing species-, dose-, and application-dependent differences. Our results provide novel evidence that foliar surface application of S. carpocapsae can adversely affect adult honey bees. We recommend restricting foliar applications to nighttime (i.e., after dusk) to reduce the risk of exposure to non-target pollinators. We further emphasize the urgent need for standardized regulatory studies for EPN products to ensure sufficient evidence of environmental safety before approval and widespread use.
Effects of encapsulated nitrate replacing urea on performance, rumen fermentation, and enteric methane emissions in grazing Nellore cattle from weaning to slaughter.
Fernandes RM, Granja-Salcedo YT, Sakamoto LS … +5 more , Prados LF, Berndt A, Araujo RC, Resende FD, Siqueira GR
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42134174 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term use of an encapsulated nitrate product (ENP) in supplements fed to grazing Nellore cattle on performance, intake, ruminal parameters, and enteric CH emission from weaning to sla...
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term use of an encapsulated nitrate product (ENP) in supplements fed to grazing Nellore cattle on performance, intake, ruminal parameters, and enteric CH emission from weaning to slaughter (14-month period). A total of 108 early weaned Nellore male calves were used (96 for performance and 12 for intake and rumen parameters evaluation) during three grazing phases: the growing phase 1 during dry season (135 days) the growing phase 2 at rainy season (168 days) and finishing phase (129 days). Treatments were isonitrogenous and defined as follows: concentrate supplement containing urea (UR); concentrate supplement formulated to contain 70 g of encapsulated nitrate product (ENP; corresponding to 47 g NO) per 100 kg of BW. During the dry season, intake, performance, and CH emission remained unaffected by ENP. In the rainy season, ENP animals showed greater forage intake (P ≤ 0.05) and lower CH yield expressed as g/kg total dry matter intake (DMI) and CH intensity as g/kg average daily gain (ADG) (P ≤ 0.03), indicating 26.2% and 19.1% decreases, respectively. When assessing the entire experimental period, the total body weight (BW) gain over the entire period was 18.3 kg greater in ENP-fed animals than UR (P = 0.05). While the CH4 yield, expressed as g/kg aBW and g/kg total DMI, tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be lower in ENP-supplemented animals, representing reductions of 17.3% and 19.6% compared with UR, respectively. CH intensity, expressed as g/kg ADG and g/kg CDG, also tended (P ≤ 0.10) to decrease in animals supplemented with ENP. The use of ENP in the supplementation of Nellore cattle grazing tropical forage from weaning to slaughter tended to increase total BW gain and ADG, while promoting favorable shifts in rumen fermentation patterns as increased ruminal propionate and altered RAN dynamics.
Spatio-temporal variability of compound drought heatwave events (CDHEs) in Australian agricultural regions and their impacts on cereal crops.
Skipp M, Verdon-Kidd DC
Sci Total Environ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42134173 · Publisher ↗
The impact of climate-related hazards is on cereal crop production is a growing concern, with food security a major global issue. Among these hazards, compound drought and heatwave events (CDHEs) are particularly damagin...
The impact of climate-related hazards is on cereal crop production is a growing concern, with food security a major global issue. Among these hazards, compound drought and heatwave events (CDHEs) are particularly damaging, yet their impacts on Australian cereal crops at the growing region scale remain understudied. This study quantifies the spatio-temporal variability of CDHEs across Australian cereal-growing regions, using yield impact-based definitions of heatwaves and droughts. Heatwaves were detected using the Excess Heat Factor (EHF), while droughts were identified using the self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI). CDHE days were defined as the co-occurrence of heatwave and drought conditions. Results reveal that the frequency, severity, and spatial extent of CDHEs have increased sharply since the 2000s, particularly across western and eastern Australia, with hotspots of activity concentrated in the warmer months (August to February) in western and eastern Australian cereal-growing regions. Importantly, several historical yield anomalies (i.e. decreases in typical yield) since 2003 aligned with periods of high CDHE frequency and severity. Pearson's correlations between CDHE metrics and detrended cereal crop yields highlight statistically significant relationships in Southern and Eastern Victorian wheat and barley (r = -0.49, -0.45), Tasmanian wheat (r = -0.37), New South Wales Tablelands barley (r = -0.39), and Central North Victorian barley (r = -0.41). Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of Australian CDHEs to drive climate-related yield loss. This work improves understanding of past climate variability and extremes of CDHEs and their links to crop yield, supporting Australia's efforts to better prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate climate-related agricultural losses.
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