Environmental Science And Pollution Research International[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
A cross-sectional study of phthalate exposure and correlation with testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in females in the United States of America (USA).
Rahman HH, Stokey WR, Jeon S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42105063 · Publisher ↗
Lipid-based chemicals that are added to plastic materials to increase their functionality, phthalates are diesters of orthophthalic acid that contaminate various levels of the environment. Human phthalate toxicity is bes...
Lipid-based chemicals that are added to plastic materials to increase their functionality, phthalates are diesters of orthophthalic acid that contaminate various levels of the environment. Human phthalate toxicity is best recorded as endocrine disrupting chemicals, anatomical and physiological risks to a fetus, and disturbance to musculoskeletal, dermatologic, and reproductive systems. Testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are essential components for the regulation of the reproductive system, and dysregulation can result in decreased libido, anovulation, infertility, or effect on peripheral systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of urinary phthalate metabolites with abnormal testosterone and SHBG levels in the US female population aged 15-55 years. This study examines the correlation between urinary phthalate exposure and serum female hormone levels using data from the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted complex logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between urinary creatinine-standardized phthalate concentrations and infertility status, as determined by serum testosterone and SHBG in females aged 15-55 years (N = 4,411). Subject demographic characteristics and medical and reproductive health conditions were included in the model as covariates. Among 4,411 study participants, the overall rate of infertility based on the testosterone (normal range: 15-70 ng/dl) was 24.2% (testosterone < 15: 22.4% and testosterone > 70: 1.8%) and rate of infertility based on the SHBG levels (normal range: 17.4-52.1 nmol/L) was 62.2% (SHBG < 17.4: 2.3% and SHBG > 52.1: 59.9%). Abnormal levels of testosterone were associated with increasing Mono-isononyl phthalate (MNP) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.041, 95% CI = 1.008, 1.075] and Cyclohexane 1,2-dicarboxylic acid monohydroxy isononyl ester (MHNCH) [OR = 1.030, 95% CI = 1.005, 1.055]. In the regression model for quantitative measures of SHBG, decreased SHBG levels were significantly associated with increased Mono(carboxyisononyl) phthalate (MCNP) (p = 0.034) and MHNCH (p = 0.002). Additionally, age, race, and BMI were significant predictors of female infertility in relation to SHBG levels. Analysis observed statistically significant correlation between testosterone-MNP, testosterone-MHNHC, SHBG-MCNP, and SHBG-MHNHC. Demographic factors associated with abnormal testosterone included age, country of birth, and alcohol use, and those associated with abnormal SHBG included age, education level, country of birth, body mass index (BMI), income status (FIPR), alcohol use, first menstrual cycle, and uterine cancer diagnosis. Further studies will be needed to determine causation and the mechanism of how phthalates affect testosterone and SHBG levels in females.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the Russian coast of the Black Sea: Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Sochi River estuary (Sochi, Russia).
Donets MM, Belanov MA, Borovkova AD … +5 more , Boychenko TV, Masaleva KR, Stolbova MS, Ovchinnikova MR, Tsygankov VY
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42105062 · Publisher ↗
This study provides data on concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), from the eastern Black Sea (Sochi, Russia). At all stations sampled, phenanthren...
This study provides data on concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), from the eastern Black Sea (Sochi, Russia). At all stations sampled, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene, and fluoranthene were dominant compounds. Individuals of the < 60 mm size group had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher concentrations of fluorene, phenanthrene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and low-molecular-weight PAHs compared to larger individuals. The total levels of pollutants did not differ significantly between the organs, but there were variations in their qualitative composition. All indicator PAH ratios for all the specimens showed a dominance of petrogenic PAHs. The levels of toxicants in our study area were higher than those reported for Ukraine, the Bosphorus Strait, some districts of Turkey, and Bulgarian waters near the city of Varna. However, these levels proved to be lower than those off the coast of İğneada Floodplain Forests National Park and Anadolu Feneri. Thus, the coastal waters off Sochi exhibit moderate contamination by PAHs of petrogenic origin, likely coming with contaminated water discharged from ships and oil spills and accumulating near the coast due to the specific pattern of local currents.
Integrated Fenton oxidation and composting for sustainable remediation of refinery oily sludge: optimization, performance and circular‑economy implications.
Toghiani J, Tarighat H, Jamali N … +1 more , Fallah N
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42104176 · Publisher ↗
Oily sludge is a hazardous by-product of petroleum refining, characterized by high concentrations of recalcitrant hydrocarbons and organic matter that limit the effectiveness of biological treatment alone. In this study,...
Oily sludge is a hazardous by-product of petroleum refining, characterized by high concentrations of recalcitrant hydrocarbons and organic matter that limit the effectiveness of biological treatment alone. In this study, a homogeneous Fenton advanced oxidation process was optimized as a pretreatment step to enhance subsequent aerobic composting of refinery oily sludge. The effects of pH (3-5), hydrogen peroxide dosage (8-12 mL g⁻ oily sludge), and Fe⁺/H₂O₂ molar ratio (0.10-0.16) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were investigated using a Box-Behnken response surface methodology. Under optimized conditions (pH = 5.0, H₂O₂ = 8.5 mL g⁻ oily sludge, Fe⁺/H₂O₂ = 0.10), the model predicted 96.5% COD removal, while experimental validation confirmed approximately 94%. The Fenton pretreatment also achieved 98.2% total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removal, significantly reducing pollutant load and improving suitability for subsequent biological treatment. The pretreated sludge was composted aerobically for 75 days using different microbial inoculum. Fruit and vegetable compost showed the highest additional hydrocarbon degradation (20.3%, relative to residual hydrocarbons after Fenton pretreatment), while improving compost maturity (germination index (GI) > 80%). Overall, the integrated Fenton-composting system achieved 98.6% cumulative TPH removal relative to untreated sludge. These findings demonstrate an effective strategy for detoxification, stabilization, and partial valorization of refinery oily sludge within a circular-economy framework. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among the first to systematically integrate optimized Fenton oxidation with aerobic composting while simultaneously evaluating oxidation efficiency and compost quality.
Multivariate statistical analysis of influencing factors in ecological multifunctional wool dyeing using Spartium junceum flowers bio-colorants and hybrid mordants.
Safapour S, Rather LJ, Mir SS … +4 more , Toprak-Cavdur T, Cavdur F, Dar QF, Assiri MA
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42101801 · Publisher ↗
Dyeing with natural dyes offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic colorants, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally responsible textile processing. This study investigates the aest...
Dyeing with natural dyes offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic colorants, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally responsible textile processing. This study investigates the aesthetic and functional enhancement of wool yarns dyed with Spartium junceum flower extract, employing a comprehensive mordanting strategy including single metal salts (Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn), binary metal combinations, biomordants (oak hull, sumac fruit, eucalyptus leaves, gallnut, ascorbic, and gallic acids), and metal-biomordant hybrids, yielding 52 formulations in total. Colorimetric evaluation (K/S, L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) showed that Cr(III)- and Cu(II)-based systems markedly increased color strength and shade depth compared with unmordanted and biomordant-only samples, while hybrid systems such as Cr/GA, Cr/EU, Cu/GA, Cu/AA, and Zn/Cr produced the deepest, most saturated yellow-orange shades at reduced metal dosages. Fastness testing confirmed good-very good wash and rub fastness and substantially improved light fastness (6-7 and 7) for the best-performing hybrids, further supported by very low ΔE* values. Functional assessment revealed that selected metal-biomordant systems dramatically enhanced UV protection, increasing UPF from "Poor/Good" for raw and unmordanted yarns to "Excellent" levels, with several hybrids exhibiting UPF values well above 100. The same systems also showed strongly increased antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay relative to unmordanted controls. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 and PC2 together explained 73.78% of the total variance, confirming the multivariate interdependence between color depth, UV shielding, and radical scavenging. Box plots and radar charts further emphasized Cr-GA and Cu-AA as high-performance mordant systems with balanced functional and aesthetic profiles. A composite performance index was used to rank formulations, identifying 11 top-performing systems with scores exceeding 0.63. This study illustrates how bio-metal mordanting, coupled with multivariate analysis, can be leveraged to design natural textiles with high multifunctionality. Finally, a machine learning (i.e., random forest) model was used to predict colorimetric attributes, and the satisfactory performance of the model was noted, implying the potential of using machine learning in prediction of similar process parameters.
The perfect storm in a coastal pond: duckweed, botulism, bird mortalities, and recurrent blooms of Euglena sanguinea.
Rodríguez F, Ben-Gigirey B, Caballero P … +4 more , Garrido JL, Viñas L, Riobó P, García-Portela M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42101800 · Full text
In summer 2024, a freshwater coastal pond in northwest Spain (A Congorza, Cangas) experienced its first massive mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) mortalities, repeated in 2025. The pond is covered by Lemna minor and develops...
In summer 2024, a freshwater coastal pond in northwest Spain (A Congorza, Cangas) experienced its first massive mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) mortalities, repeated in 2025. The pond is covered by Lemna minor and develops a red scum during summer. Molecular, pigment, and morphological analyses allowed identification of Euglena sanguinea as the responsible species for the latter. Water, tissues, and maggots from dead specimens were analyzed to assess physico-chemical characteristics, plankton composition, clinical signs, and toxins in order to explain these mortalities. Poor water quality parameters were determined during summer 2025 with suboxic dissolved oxygen (1.5-5.2 mg L⁻) and high levels of biological and chemical oxygen demand (17-130 and 56-535 mg L⁻, respectively) revealed severe degradation, failing to meet Directive EU/2024/3019 standards. Legacy persistent organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, OCPs, PBDEs) appeared at low, non-lethal levels. Clinical signs and analyses confirmed avian botulism (type C and C/D toxins) as the primary cause of death. LC-HRMS detected putative euglenophycin isomers in E. sanguinea pellets. Overall, these findings indicate that avian botulism is the primary cause of mallard mortalities in A Congorza. The dominance of L. minor and recurrent E. sanguinea red blooms evidence the eutrophication and severe habitat degradation potentially contributing to a multifactorial stress fatal to A. platyrhynchos.
Buoyant calcium stearate modified sorbent based on Rhizoclonium hookeri derived activated carbon for facile oil spill clean-up.
Rehman S, Bakhsh EM, Khan SB … +5 more , Hossain MS, Zada M, Khan N, Khan SA, Sohni S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42098559 · Publisher ↗
The development of marine algae-derived oil sorbents is an emerging field with potential to offer a promising solution to mitigate catastrophic impact of oil spills. Herein, a highly buoyant, hydrophobic and magnetically...
The development of marine algae-derived oil sorbents is an emerging field with potential to offer a promising solution to mitigate catastrophic impact of oil spills. Herein, a highly buoyant, hydrophobic and magnetically separable oil sorbent "calcium stearate-modified magnetic activated carbon" (CS@MAC) was fabricated by anchoring magnetite over algal biocarbon derived from Rhizoclonium hookeri and by subsequent surface coating with calcium stearate. Characterization studies using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TG evidenced that surface modifications of algal biomass were effective in bringing concomitant changes in its properties, rendering it suitable for oil spill clean-up applications. SEM results verified even distribution of magnetite spheres (~50 nm) over biocarbon's surface, and the presence of CS in the resultant sorbent was established by FTIR and TG, which leads to buoyancy and hydrophobicity. Our engineered CS@MAC demonstrated excellent oil sequestration efficiency exceeding 90% and fast kinetics (30 min) using a low dose in synthetic sea water matrices. Compared with magnetic biochar and magnetic activated carbon, the CS@MAC not only reached up to a higher oil uptake efficiency but also remained buoyant, validating its suitability for oil spill clean-up. Furthermore, CS@MAC demonstrated robust performance with removal efficiency of 93% in 1st to 74% in 5th cycle, indicating its potential for practical applications. These combined findings show that our designed sorbent is an eco-friendly, affordable, and buoyant material with improved hydrophobicity, signifying a viable solution for facile oil spill clean-up.
Photocatalytic degradation of trace ciprofloxacin using LED light strips coated with a MOF-composite.
Dixit D, Boving T, Sarkar S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42098558 · Publisher ↗
The purpose of this study was to explore the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP)-a fluoroquinolone-using a bench-top photoreactor equipped with energy-efficient UV LED (395 nm) light strips coated with a ca...
The purpose of this study was to explore the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP)-a fluoroquinolone-using a bench-top photoreactor equipped with energy-efficient UV LED (395 nm) light strips coated with a catalyst. The photocatalyst coating was synthesized by integrating a novel copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with titanium dioxide nanoparticles to activate both pollutant adsorption and photodegradation processes. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the catalyst's (TiO/HKUST-1) efficiency in degrading fluoroquinolone-type antibiotics as a function of the initial CIP concentration, catalyst concentration in the coating material, irradiation time, and system geochemistry, including temperature. The longevity of the catalyst, including potential leaching of metal ions from the catalyst coating, was examined under dynamic, flow-through conditions in the baffled reactor. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), initiated by the TiO₂/HKUST-1 composite, degraded CIP (C = 100 µg L) by > 95% within 15 min. These results, including an assessment of the reactor's energy use, demonstrate that the catalyst coating on LED light strips enhances treatment efficiency by improving light absorption, facilitating efficient charge separation, and increasing the accessibility of active sites on the catalyst. This approach, with further optimization, could have practical and scalable applications in the decentralized (i.e., household-scale) treatment of aqueous-phase fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
PM-attributable mortality and economic burden in Can Tho City: evidence from Vietnam's Mekong Delta.
Ho TH, The NH, Do Phuc Nhu N … +2 more , Minh TH, Van CD
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42098557 · Publisher ↗
Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) was responsible for approximately 4.9 million deaths globally in 2023; however, empirical evidence on PM-attributable health impacts remains sparse in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. This stu...
Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) was responsible for approximately 4.9 million deaths globally in 2023; however, empirical evidence on PM-attributable health impacts remains sparse in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. This study quantified PM concentrations and estimated attributable mortality and economic burden in Can Tho City, Vietnam, for 2023. The study utilized satellite-derived PM estimates at 1 × 1 km resolution combined with local mortality data. Attributable deaths were calculated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model across six health endpoints, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, lower respiratory infections (LRI), and non-communicable diseases plus lower respiratory infections (NCD + LRI). Economic losses were monetized using a Vietnam-specific Value of Statistical Life (VSL) derived through benefit transfer from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, yielding VSL estimates of 10.4 and 6.8 billion VND, respectively. The annual mean PM concentration was 27.7 μg/m, 5.5-fold higher than the World Health Organization guideline (5 μg/m) and exceeding the Vietnamese national standard (25 μg/m). Among 3417 NCD + LRI deaths in adults aged 25+ in 2023, 705 (95% CI: 546-828) were attributable to PM, representing more than one in five deaths (20.6%) in this category (88 deaths per 100,000 population). Economic losses ranged from 3713 to 8611 billion VND, accounting for 3-7% of Can Tho City's gross regional domestic product. These findings demonstrate that PM pollution imposes a substantial health and economic burden on Can Tho City and provide robust quantitative evidence to support air quality management strategies in the Mekong Delta region.
The mitigating effects of Rhizophagus irregularis on Haloxyfop-R-Omethylester-induced harmful biochemical effects in Helianthus annuus.
Dehghan Z, Khara J
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42096128 · Publisher ↗
Herbicides, including Super Gallant (Haloxyfop-R-Omethylester), play a vital role in chemical weed control but can have detrimental effects on plant physiology and biochemistry. This study investigated the impact of Supe...
Herbicides, including Super Gallant (Haloxyfop-R-Omethylester), play a vital role in chemical weed control but can have detrimental effects on plant physiology and biochemistry. This study investigated the impact of Super Gallant-induced stress and the protective effects of Rhizophagus irregularis (previously known as Glomus intraradices) on the proline, protein, soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the shoots and roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), were also assessed. The results revealed that AM fungi mitigated the adverse effects of Super Gallant by enhancing the antioxidant system and increasing the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars, thereby improving the plant's defense mechanisms. ACCase activity was elevated in AM-inoculated plants, and soluble protein accumulation was observed as an adaptive response under chemical stress. However, MDA levels, a marker of oxidative damage, increased with higher herbicide concentrations, indicating limitations in the protective role of AM fungi under certain conditions. This study highlights the critical role of AM fungi in enhancing the physiological responses of sunflower to chemical stress and demonstrates that AM fungi can serve as a sustainable strategy for managing chemical stress in agricultural systems. These findings provide a foundation for future research aimed at optimizing the use of AM fungi and other biotic agents to address environmental stress challenges effectively.
Application of advanced oxidation processes for remediation of rubber industry wastewater: a comprehensive review.
Ullah Z, Tian ZY, Joseph CG … +8 more , Guilhen SN, Teo SH, Gansau JA, Sarbatly R, Alias K, Subhramaniyun P, Khan MN, Iqbal MS
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42096127 · Publisher ↗
Rubber is an industrial material valued worldwide for its remarkable elasticity and versatility. It has become an essential material among the several various sectors, contributing to technological progress and improving...
Rubber is an industrial material valued worldwide for its remarkable elasticity and versatility. It has become an essential material among the several various sectors, contributing to technological progress and improving the quality of everyday life. In the twenty-first century, increasing global awareness over rubber pollution has highlighted the significant attention towards the ecological footprint and sustainability challenges associated with rubber materials. The manufacturing of rubber is known to produce effluents that are difficult to treat with existing technologies. These effluents are known to have a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) alongside organic toxic pollutants. However, the new advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for treating such wastewater have shown promise alongside AOPs that produce high amounts of hydroxyl radicals. This paper analyzes other prominent techniques such as Fenton and photo-Fenton, photocatalysis, ozonation, and electrochemical oxidation, aimed at treating rubber industry effluents. These techniques are found to be highly effective against resistant pollutants and aid in increasing biodegradation efficiency. The Fenton processes, alongside AOP technologies, pose some operational challenges and are not advanced enough to have cost-effective and efficient solutions. The combination of AOPs with biological processes and other recent studies have been shown to be effective, but more research needs to be done on their economic viability. We have also emphasized the important role of hybrid synergistic systems and AI in improving the effectiveness of AOPs for achieving better waste management practices in the rubber industry.
Experimental dissolution of road dust in simulated environmental and biological fluids.
Mubarok AK, Gieré R
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42096126 · Full text
Road dust from six sites in Philadelphia (PA, USA) was subjected to time-series dissolution experiments using the EPA 3050B method, synthetic rainwater, simulated gastric fluid, and Gamble's solution (simulated lung flui...
Road dust from six sites in Philadelphia (PA, USA) was subjected to time-series dissolution experiments using the EPA 3050B method, synthetic rainwater, simulated gastric fluid, and Gamble's solution (simulated lung fluid) in order to study environmental availability and bioaccessibility of selected metals (Al, Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb). In general, the results showed that increasing acidity led to enhanced metal release, and that larger amounts of a given element were leached from the fine (< 75 µm) than the coarse (< 841 µm) size fraction of the same sample. Moreover, the higher the initial bulk metal content in the road dust, the higher the amount extracted. In simulated gastric fluid, many elements showed classic logarithmic concentration vs. time trends. In synthetic rainwater, only a few elements at some sites displayed such a pattern; rather, several metals exhibited a maximum concentration before the endpoint of the experiments, which is probably due to re-precipitation. In Gamble's solution, some samples released Al, V, Cu, and Zn, whereby distinct leaching behaviors of Al and V point to the presence of minor Al- and V-phases at some of the sites. The wide variability in concentration-time trends of the released metals as well as in their potential environmental availability, their environmental availability, and their bioaccessibility is most likely due to mineralogical differences between the sites. These differences document that it is problematic to draw general conclusions about possible environmental and health impacts of road dust, unless the speciation of potentially toxic elements is known. Our study further suggests that the maximum element-extraction rates may help in evaluating the effects of speciation on leaching behavior and duration as well as on potentially associated health risks subsequent to unintentional ingestion or inhalation of road-dust particles.
Retraction Note: Influence of COVID-19 on the poultry production and environment.
Hafez HM, Attia YA, Bovera F … +3 more , Abd El-Hack ME, Khafaga AF, de Oliveira MC
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42091848 · Full text
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Engineering Co₃O₄ nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and Co⁺ as an efficient activator of PMS for degradation of methylene blue.
Luo C, Sun J, He D … +4 more , Qiu X, Zheng R, Liu Q, Jiang P
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42091847 · Publisher ↗
Advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radical have emerged as an attractive technology in organic dye wastewater treatment. In this work, CoO nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and Co⁺ (r-CoO) were prepare...
Advanced oxidation processes based on sulfate radical have emerged as an attractive technology in organic dye wastewater treatment. In this work, CoO nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies and Co⁺ (r-CoO) were prepared by a simple precipitation method, followed by a calcination treatment under a hydrogen atmosphere. r-CoO shows excellent performance in activating PMS for methylene blue (MB) degradation; 98.8% of MB was degraded in the system at an initial pH 7.00, 75 mg L catalyst with 100 mg L peroxymonosulfate, and 15 mg L MB for 30 min, yielding a high kinetic constant of 1.172 min, which was 2.4-fold higher than that of the CoO (0.489 min) calcined under air atmosphere (p-CoO). More significantly, r-CoO shows excellent stability for MB degradation. After four consecutive cycles, the degradation of MB remained above 96.8% under the same reaction conditions. The high specific surface area, large pore size, high Co content, and abundant oxygen vacancies might account for the superior performance of r-CoO in provoking PMS activation and the subsequent MB degradation. O and SO· were identified as the main radical species responsible for MB degradation. This work presents an efficient CoO catalyst and a new insight for design of CoO-based heterogeneous catalysts as activators to activate PMS for dye degradation.
Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in tap drinking water in British Columbia, Canada.
Mirzaei M, Scholes RC
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42091846 · Publisher ↗
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are high-priority pollutants posing significant environmental and health risks. British Columbia, Canada, is a large province in which communities rely on diverse drinking water...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are high-priority pollutants posing significant environmental and health risks. British Columbia, Canada, is a large province in which communities rely on diverse drinking water sources with varying potential for PFAS contamination. However, research on PFAS occurrence in Canadian drinking water, particularly in British Columbia (BC), remains limited. This study presents the first province-wide, comprehensive assessment of PFAS in BC's tap water, analyzing 120 samples collected across the province and targeting 31 PFAS compounds with detection limits of 0.008-2.5 ng L. While most total PFAS concentrations were below Health Canada's guideline of 30 ng L, four samples exceeded this threshold. Short-chain PFAS (C6 and shorter) were detected in 74.5% of samples with detectable PFAS, which is consistent with the phase-out of long-chain PFAS, the environmental transformation of precursor compounds, and the greater mobility of short-chain PFAS. Centralized water systems exhibited consistent PFAS concentrations and composition profiles, whereas decentralized systems showed greater variability and appeared more susceptible to PFAS contamination, likely due to diverse contamination sources in the surrounding areas. Since most PFAS levels were low, further efforts should prioritize the small subset of communities with higher concentrations, representing 3.5% of samples collected in this study, and account for the relatively higher prevalence of non-regulated short-chain PFAS.
Toward efficient and economical water splitting: role of NiO, CuO, and transition metal composites.
Pol A, Sutar P, Kadam AV
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42086984 · Publisher ↗
Global transition to renewable energy (RE) sources is imperative for achieving long-term sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependence. This study critically examines strategies for efficien...
Global transition to renewable energy (RE) sources is imperative for achieving long-term sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependence. This study critically examines strategies for efficient utilization of RE sources, with particular emphasis on the electrochemical splitting of water for hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) production. Key challenges associated with conventional energy systems are outlined, followed by an overview of diverse RE sources, including their benefits and limitations. A central focus is placed on electrochemical processes, namely, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) which are integral to water splitting. Practical applications of H and O in sustainable energy systems are discussed to underscore their real-world relevance. Furthermore, this work identifies existing gaps in the literature and positions the current research within broader scientific discourse. By providing a comprehensive review and targeted insights into the roles of NiO, CuO, and transition metal-based composites, this study lays a robust foundation for advancing cost-effective and efficient water splitting technologies. Current challenges, including cost, scalability, and long-term stability, are systematically discussed, and key research gaps are identified. By consolidating mechanistic insights and performance trends, this review offers targeted guidance for the development of cost-effective and high-efficiency water splitting catalysts. Unlike existing reviews that broadly summarize transition metal oxide electrocatalysts, this review provides a comparative and failure-oriented analysis of NiO- and CuO-based systems, highlighting when they outperform competing catalysts, when they fail, and why these behaviors emerge under different electrolysis conditions.
Mechanistic and Data-Guided Design of Biochar Adsorbents for Gas Phase Pollution Control: A State-of-the-Art Review.
Khan H, Arshad M, Jalal A … +4 more , Khalid U, Maqbool A, Ansari M, Hussain S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42086983 · Publisher ↗
Air pollution remains critical global challenge, with sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to environmental degradation and adverse health outcomes. Among mitigat...
Air pollution remains critical global challenge, with sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to environmental degradation and adverse health outcomes. Among mitigation technologies, biochar (BC) has gained attention as sustainable adsorbent for gas-phase pollutant control due to its hierarchical porosity, tunable surface chemistry, and production from renewable biomass. This review examines mechanistic foundations and design strategies of engineered biochar for removal of SOx, NOx, and VOCs, while comparing its performance with conventional technologies that are pollutant-specific, energy-intensive, or limited under industrial conditions. Key synthesis routes including pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and co-pyrolysis are discussed alongside modification strategies such as activation, heteroatom doping, and metal functionalization, which enhance pore structure, surface reactivity, and pollutant selectivity. Reported studies indicate that engineered biochars achieve adsorption capacities up to ~ 200 mg g for SO₂ and ~ 245 mg g for aromatic VOCs such as toluene, while demonstrating effective NOx removal under flue-gas conditions. These performances are governed by hierarchical porosity, defect-rich carbon structures, and oxygen-containing functional groups that promote acid-base interactions, π-π stacking, and redox-mediated adsorption pathways. Computational tools increasingly support adsorbent design: Density Functional Theory provides atomistic insight, while Machine Learning enables rapid prediction across datasets. Despite progress, challenges remain, including regeneration energy demand, reduced selectivity under humid conditions, and limited industrial scalability. By integrating experimental insights with computational approaches, this review outlines a predictive framework for developing efficient and durable advanced biochar adsorbents for next-generation air pollution control.
Comparative study of trace metal accumulation in native and invasive plant species.
Dambiec M, Polechońska L, Klink A
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42086982 · Full text
Global ecosystems are rapidly changing under human pressures such as land-use change, degradation, and trace metal pollution. These conditions often favor invasive plants, yet the links between invasiveness and metal con...
Global ecosystems are rapidly changing under human pressures such as land-use change, degradation, and trace metal pollution. These conditions often favor invasive plants, yet the links between invasiveness and metal contamination remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to compare the biogeochemical responses of a native species (Tanacetum vulgare) and an invasive species (Solidago gigantea). Specifically, their capacity for metal uptake and translocation was investigated to assess whether certain traits may facilitate the performance of invasive plants in contaminated sites. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Mn were determined in soils and in the roots and aboveground organs of both species sampled in areas with and without industrial impact. The results showed that both species are capable of inhabiting anthropogenically altered and metal-contaminated sites. Importantly, they both exhibited reduced uptake of metals in polluted soils, indicating the utilization of a metal-excluder strategy. T. vulgare was more likely to restrict metal uptake at the root level, whereas S. gigantea appeared to limit metal translocation to aboveground parts. Moreover, S. gigantea contained significantly lower levels of Cd, Ni, and Pb in its organs than T. vulgare, suggesting greater efficiency in avoiding metal accumulation. These findings support the classification of both species as excluders and highlight the adaptive capacity of invasive species in disturbed environments.
Application of an integrated process including sand media, constructed wetland, and nylon 6 membrane in wastewater treatment of the herbal essences industry.
Hosseini M, Soleimani M, Mirghaffari N … +1 more , Borhani S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42084686 · Publisher ↗
Wastewater generated during herbal essences production is frequently discharged into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to significant environmental issues. This study examines the effectiveness of a mul...
Wastewater generated during herbal essences production is frequently discharged into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to significant environmental issues. This study examines the effectiveness of a multi-stage wastewater treatment system consisting of sand media (SM), a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW), and a nylon 6 membrane modified with zeolite (NMZ). The performance of this system was evaluated based on parameters including COD, BOD, turbidity, NH, NO, PO, and phenol in the wastewater from the herbal essences industry in Kashan city, Iran. Results showed that the average removal efficiencies for COD, BOD, turbidity, PO NH, NO, and phenol during the two-stage approach (i.e., SM + VFCW) were approximately 82%, 87%, 96%, 92%, 94%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. Following treatment through the NMZ, the removal efficiencies slightly improved (2 to 3%) showing the major treatment effects of two primary stages including SM and VFCW. Overall, the multi-stage system achieved high removal efficiencies ranging from 79 to 100%. Most parameters, including BOD, turbidity, PO, NO, and phenol, met the water quality standards for irrigation reuse and surface water discharge. However, COD and NH remained above the permissible limits for direct discharge, indicating that further optimization or additional treatment is required. These results provide a clear indication of the system's effectiveness and highlight its potential for partial compliance with regulatory standards in small herbal essence industries.
Mosquito larvicide and adulticide impacts on adult western honey bees (Apis mellifera) in in vitro cage studies.
Barascou L, Ellis JD, Jack C
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42084685 · Publisher ↗
The widespread use of mosquitocides raises concerns about unintended effects on non-target beneficial insects, particularly western honey bees (Apis mellifera). We assessed the acute and chronic toxicities of four active...
The widespread use of mosquitocides raises concerns about unintended effects on non-target beneficial insects, particularly western honey bees (Apis mellifera). We assessed the acute and chronic toxicities of four active ingredients (chlorpyrifos, naled, prallethrin, and sumithrin) and their commercial formulations [the adulticides MMII® (chlorpyrifos), Dibrom® (naled), Duet® (prallethrin, sumithrin), and the larvicide Vectobac12AS® (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)] to adult worker honey bees under laboratory conditions. For acute and chronic oral exposure, naled was the most toxic active ingredient (LD₅₀ = 0.00027 µg/bee, LC₅₀ = 0.012 µg/mL, respectively), while Dibrom® was the most toxic formulated product (LD₅₀ = 0.294 µg/bee, LC₅₀ = 1.529 µg/mL, respectively). For acute contact, MMII® (LD₅₀ = 0.036 µg/bee) and Dibrom® (LD₅₀ = 0.059 µg/bee) caused the greatest toxicity. Dibrom® presented the greatest risk to honey bees when delivered chronically via oral exposure. In contrast, Duet® and Vectobac12AS® exhibited low toxicity and risk to adult bees across all exposure routes. We also assessed sublethal effects of mosquitocide exposure on adult honey bees, but no consistent patterns emerged. Overall, these results highlight the need for integrated risk assessments combining lethal and sublethal endpoints to enhance prediction of the ecological risks posed by mosquito control products to honey bee health.
Feast-famine enrichment of mixed microbial cultures enhances wastewater valorization into bioplastics.
Espinosa Acosta EA, Espinosa Hernández A, Cabeza IO … +2 more , Gracia J, Moreno-Sarmiento N
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42084684 · Publisher ↗
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biobased polymers with the potential to replace conventional plastics. To reduce production costs while contributing to wastewater treatment, mixed microbial cultures (MMCs)...
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biobased polymers with the potential to replace conventional plastics. To reduce production costs while contributing to wastewater treatment, mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) have been proposed as a sustainable platform for PHA production. This process comprises three stages: (1) acidogenic fermentation of wastewater streams to generate volatile fatty acids (VFAs), (2) selection and enrichment of MMCs under feast-famine conditions, and (3) PHA accumulation using the selected biomass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selection and enrichment of MMCs for PHA production within a circular economy framework. VFAs obtained by sludge acidogenic fermentation were used as the carbon source, and two operational factors organic load (500-1500 mg COD L) and cycle length (3 or 6 days) were tested in a factorial design. The condition of 500 mg COD L with a 3-day cycle achieved the highest performance, with statistically significant effects (p < 0.05) for both main factors and their interaction. Pilot-scale validation in a 16-L working volume reactor confirmed these results, yielding 83.3 mg PHA L (reported as PHB-equivalents following acid hydrolysis to crotonic acid and HPLC quantification) and a yield of 0.28 g COD g COD ( , expressed as COD-based PHA produced per COD of VFA consumed). Molecular analysis revealed species classically associated with PHA dynamics (Paracoccus sp., Alcaligenes sp.) and the presence of Diaphorobacter limosus, suggesting complementary roles under selective pressure. These findings highlight wastewater valorization into bioplastics as a viable route within the circular economy framework.
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