Environmental Science And Pollution Research International[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Mitochondria at the crossroad: Mechanisms of nanoplastic-induced neurotoxicity and brain accumulation.
Murthy MK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319697 · Publisher ↗
Widespread environmental contamination with nanoplastics (NPs) poses a significant risk to human health, particularly their accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS). This review examines how NPs can breach biolog...
Widespread environmental contamination with nanoplastics (NPs) poses a significant risk to human health, particularly their accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS). This review examines how NPs can breach biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), olfactory system, and gut-brain axis, to access the brain. After their uptake by neurons through endocytosis, NPs primarily accumulate in the mitochondria, triggering cascades of neurotoxic changes in the brain. Existing evidence shows that NP exposure impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics, causes severe oxidative damage, disrupts calcium (Ca) signaling, and impairs vital regulatory quality control processes, such as mitophagy. These effects extend throughout the cell, leading to synaptic dysfunction, altered neurotransmitter levels, chronic neuroinflammation, and the activation of various pathways associated with neuronal cell death, such as apoptosis and ferroptosis. However, despite these effects, current studies often have shortcomings, as they tend to use high acute doses instead of chronic exposures. Overall, this review identifies mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical crossroads in NP neurotoxic responses and calls for standardized and environmentally relevant experiments to assess the long-term risks of NP to the brain.
Retraction Note: Production, disposal, and efficient technique used in the separation of heavy metals from red meat abattoir wastewater.
Atangana E
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42310185 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Future multi-dimensional drought analysis using machine learning and geospatial approaches: a case study of Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abdul Rahim AI, Moorthy P, Balu B … +1 more , Chokkalingam L
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307868 · Publisher ↗
This research delivers a comprehensive future-oriented multi-dimensional drought appraisal for Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India, by inter-linking Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing, machine learning alg...
This research delivers a comprehensive future-oriented multi-dimensional drought appraisal for Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India, by inter-linking Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing, machine learning algorithms, geospatial analysis, and socioeconomic indicators. Four primary drought dimensions-meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, and socioeconomic vulnerability-are interfaced into a holistic drought evaluation framework during 2014-2025, representing an epoch with intensified climate variability in South India. Meteorological drought is assessed through the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), while hydrological drought is assessed through the Standardized Water Level Index (SWI) from the observations of the Public Works Department (PWD) groundwater. Agricultural drought conditions are considered using multi-sensor satellite indices on the GEE platform, namely, Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), Temperature Condition Index (TCI), and Precipitation Condition Index (PCI). Socioeconomic vulnerability parameters, which included population density, literacy, household density, and workforce-related characteristics. These socioeconomic indicators were standardized and weighted separately to derive a socioeconomic vulnerability map, while meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought indicators were integrated into Multi-Drought Severity Index. The spatio-temporal assessment shows cyclic drought occurrences, which became stronger in the 2015-2018 period and revived from 2021 onward, particularly in the years 2023-2025. LULC analysis with Random Forest classification for 2014, 2018, and 2025 pointed toward rapid urbanization and consequent land-use change, which increases drought vulnerability. Future drought manifestation for 2035 was done by employing multi-year geospatial trends, historical RF-based LULC spatio-temporal change analysis, ANN-based LULC-2035 predictions, and long-term drought indicators. The integrated ANN-based LULC-2035 and MDSI-2035 analysis predicts extreme drought in Thuraiyur, Omandhur, and Thachankurichi, with varying severity across other regions. This study demonstrates the successful application of multi-indicator drought modelling together with machine-learning-driven land-cover prediction, thereby presenting a scalable framework for regional drought risk assessment and climate-resilient planning.
A clustering-based surrogate model leveraging random forest for rapid pumping optimization in saltwater-intruded heterogeneous aquifers.
Ranjbarzeinalygharamaleki A, Cherubini C, Baldock T
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307867 · Publisher ↗
The efficient approximation of time-variant outputs from high-fidelity numerical models is essential for sustainable groundwater management in coastal aquifers. While surrogate models are increasingly deployed to bypass...
The efficient approximation of time-variant outputs from high-fidelity numerical models is essential for sustainable groundwater management in coastal aquifers. While surrogate models are increasingly deployed to bypass the computational costs of simulation-optimization (S-O) under heterogeneity, their performance often degrades in high-dimensional input spaces. This study proposes a novel ensemble clustering framework integrated with a random forest (RF) surrogate model to optimize pumping strategies across extensive well networks. The framework utilizes MODFLOW and SEAWAT to generate a foundational dataset of hydraulic drawdown and saltwater intrusion (SI) distributions. A primary innovation lies in our clustering-based dimensionality reduction, which effectively reduces 52 physical pumping wells to 10 representative proxy wells. This strategy significantly reduces input dimensionality while identifying near-optimal pumping patterns. To train the RF model, targeted SEAWAT simulations were subsequently implemented to generate 5200 training samples, for each of which 100 realizations of hydraulic conductivity fields are generated. Results indicate that this integrated clustering-RF approach achieves 95% computational savings over traditional surrogate-numerical hybrids. This efficiency is realized through a drastic reduction in input variables via well-field classification and focused sampling near optimal extraction patterns. The resulting scalable framework provides a robust tool for decision-makers managing complex, saltwater-intruded aquifer systems.
Seasonal variation of microcystin-LR and associated health risks in and around Hirakud Reservoir, India.
Sahu AK, Sahoo SK, Biswas P … +5 more , Mir SA, Nayak B, Naik PK, Naik UC, Baitharu I
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301406 · Publisher ↗
Harmful algal blooms and related toxin contamination in freshwater aquatic bodies are an escalating global concern. Though bloom-forming cyanobacterial species capable of toxin secretion have been frequently reported in...
Harmful algal blooms and related toxin contamination in freshwater aquatic bodies are an escalating global concern. Though bloom-forming cyanobacterial species capable of toxin secretion have been frequently reported in several aquatic bodies in tropical countries, algal toxins in freshwater aquatic bodies are poorly investigated. The present study assessed the seasonal fluctuations in the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in Hirakud Reservoir and evaluated the associated human health risks. Water samples were collected monthly from March 2023 to February 2024, covering the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon periods. Physicochemical parameters of water samples were assessed using a standard method. Toxin analysis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Significant spatio-temporal variation in pH, total nitrogen, TN/TP was observed in reservoir water. Diverse cyanobacterial species were observed in the reservoir with Microcystis aeruginosa dominating across the season. The concentrations of MC-LR ranged from 0.45 during the monsoon to 19 µg/L in the post-monsoon season with higher concentration detected at sites HR2 (17 µg/L) and HR8 (19 µg/L). Strong association between microcystin concentration and cyanobacterial cell density was observed in Hirakud Reservoir. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of season, station, and their interaction on the water quality of the reservoir. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated a dominant influence of seasonal dynamics over spatial heterogeneity. Health risk assessment showed higher non-carcinogenic risks among children than adults, primarily via ingestion. These findings emphasize the urgent need for routine monitoring of Cyanobacteria and their toxins in freshwater bodies used for drinking water in vulnerable regions.
Ciprofloxacin and glyphosate co-exposure alters soybean development and reprograms metabolic pathways.
Gegenschatz SA, Monzón CM, Charris-Molina A … +5 more , Sequin CJ, Hoijemberg PA, Goicoechea HC, Teglia CM, Gutierrez FA
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301405 · Publisher ↗
The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical residues and herbicides in agricultural soils raises concerns about their impacts on crop development. Here, we first screened the effects of 22 emerging contaminants on soybea...
The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical residues and herbicides in agricultural soils raises concerns about their impacts on crop development. Here, we first screened the effects of 22 emerging contaminants on soybean (Glycine max L.) germination and subsequently assessed the individual and combined effects of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and glyphosate (G) during early development. A multidisciplinary strategy was applied, integrating morphophysiological measurements, stress-related biomarkers, and H NMR-based metabolomic profiling from germination to the R1 stage. Soybean seedlings exposed to CIP (0.10 and 1.00 mg L), alone or with G, showed dose-dependent phytotoxicity, with CIP 1.00 mg L significantly reducing shoot length, leaf number, and biomass. Remarkably, co-exposure with glyphosate modulated CIP-induced effects in a parameter-dependent manner, with both attenuation and enhancement depending on the measured trait. At R1, proline and GABA showed slight, non-significant increases, while metabolomics revealed reduced glucose and elevated alanine and squalene, suggesting alterations in energy, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. These metabolic disruptions were attenuated under co-exposure. Overall, CIP significantly alters soybean physiology and metabolism, while G modulates CIP-induced effects in a parameter-dependent manner, showing both attenuation and enhancement depending on the evaluated trait. The findings highlight the ecological relevance of pharmaceutical-herbicide mixtures and demonstrate the value of metabolomics for detecting early biochemical responses in crops.
Enhanced oxidative degradation of emerging pollutants sulisobenzone (BP-4) by sodium phosphate-assisted ozonation.
Tejomurtula P, Kattela C, Muthukumar A … +1 more , Muthuchamy M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42295628 · Publisher ↗
Sulisobenzone (BP-4) is a widely used ultraviolet filter in sunscreens and has emerged as a contaminant of concern due to its persistence and potential ecological risks in aquatic environments. This study investigates th...
Sulisobenzone (BP-4) is a widely used ultraviolet filter in sunscreens and has emerged as a contaminant of concern due to its persistence and potential ecological risks in aquatic environments. This study investigates the ozonation of sulisobenzone in the presence of sodium phosphate dibasic to enhance its degradation and mineralization. Ozonation was conducted for 60 min at an ozone flow rate of 0.48 L min using sodium phosphate concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 M. Increasing phosphate concentration significantly improved degradation efficiency, with 0.1 M sodium phosphate achieving 96% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 93% total organic carbon (TOC) removal. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with the rate constant increasing from 1.43 ± 0.15 × 10 min in the absence of phosphate to 2.97 ± 0.15 × 10 min at 0.1 M sodium phosphate. Quenching experiments confirmed that hydroxyl radicals were the dominant reactive species, with additional contribution from phosphate-derived radicals. Complete removal of sulisobenzone was verified by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified multiple transformation products, indicating degradation pathways involving oxidative desulfonation and aromatic ring cleavage. This study demonstrates that phosphate-assisted ozonation significantly enhances radical generation and mineralization efficiency without the need for additional oxidants or catalysts, offering a simple and effective strategy for the removal of persistent pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) from aqueous systems.
An assessment of contaminants and benthic condition in the Matagorda Bay system (Texas, USA).
Caillier JJ, Montagna PA, DeLorenzo ME … +2 more , Chung KW, Key PB
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42295627 · Full text
The Matagorda Bay system has suffered a long-term decline in benthic abundance, biomass, and diversity since the 1980's. This study examined sediment contamination to determine if legacy pollutants are degrading sediment...
The Matagorda Bay system has suffered a long-term decline in benthic abundance, biomass, and diversity since the 1980's. This study examined sediment contamination to determine if legacy pollutants are degrading sediment quality and are a possible cause for ecosystem degradation. Degradation can be indicated by a decline in benthic integrity (i.e., diversity), decreased survival rates of organisms exposed to sediment, and sediment chemical contaminant concentrations over threshold limits. These methods form the Sediment Quality Triad to assess environmental effects. There were no contaminant concentrations above threshold limits for PCBs or DDTs, but 46% of 24 stations had concentrations over threshold limits, established by sediment quality guidelines, for seven trace elements and one PAH: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and silver (Ag); and dibenzo (a,h) anthracene. Mostly near river mouths, 16 of the 24 stations had moderate to high toxicity, and 17 out of the 24 stations had fair to low diversity. Toxicity was inversely correlated with diversity, but there were no correlations between sediment chemistry and toxicity or benthic metrics. These findings indicate that legacy chemical contamination is not driving estuary-wide degradation of benthic communities The only station where high contamination was linked to high toxicity and low diversity was in the uppermost region of Lavaca Bay close to creek mouths. Low diversity and/or high toxicity was common near river and creek mouths. Because unmeasured pollution could be entering from rivers and creeks, management plans for the watershed and non-point sources could help to protect this ecosystem.
Role of emergent macrophytes for phytoremediation of nutrients, heavy metals, and arsenic in constructed wetlands.
Rai PK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42295626 · Publisher ↗
Nutrients, heavy metals (HMs), and arsenic (As) pollution in the environment increased sharply after the Industrial Revolution. At present, global anthropogenic sources of nutrients and HMs remarkably exceed the geogenic...
Nutrients, heavy metals (HMs), and arsenic (As) pollution in the environment increased sharply after the Industrial Revolution. At present, global anthropogenic sources of nutrients and HMs remarkably exceed the geogenic sources, perturbing environmental sustainability and human health. The ecological risk of deploying traditional chemical technologies underscores the need of fostering phyto-technologies as green approach for wastewater treatment. Nonetheless, knowledge is insufficient on sustainability paradigm of emergent macrophytes-driven phytoremediation in constructed wetlands (CWs). Macrophytes are equipped with unique physico-biochemical and molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress tolerance and inorganic pollutants remediation. Therefore, the present review offers a panoramic view on the use of hyperaccumulator emergent macrophytes in CWs for nutrients, HMs, and As remediation. Further, the present discussion prioritizes the quest for bioprospecting emergent macrophytes in fostering up-scaled wastewater phytotechnologies. The results reveal the potential role of emergent macrophytes in phytoremediation of inorganic pollutants, including metal-based nano-scale particles. Phytostabilization is elucidated as major mechanism of phytoremediation to mitigate human health risks and eutrophication. Last, the limitations and prospects in emergent macrophytes-based phytotechnologies are discussed to help achieve "United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals" (UN-SDGs). In future prospects, biomass of emergent macrophytes can be coupled with "Plant microbial Fuel cell" (PMFC) for renewable energy and climate action, nurturing SDG 7 and SDG 13. Moreover, technoeconomic and life-cycle assessment of phytotechnology need to be abridged with "Biorefinery and Circular Bioeconomy" and "Functionalized Biochar Carbon Composites" to help achieve sustainable phytoremediation for timely accomplishment of multiple UN-SDGs.
Impact of different vehicle distances on PM concentration and population exposure from two electric two-wheelers traveling side-by-side.
Niu X, Cai N, Shu F … +2 more , Wang B, Wu J
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42295625 · Publisher ↗
As a commuting tool, electric two-wheelers are convenient, fast, and environmentally friendly. Electric two-wheelers accounted for more than 75% of all electric vehicles. However, riding electric two-wheelers may generat...
As a commuting tool, electric two-wheelers are convenient, fast, and environmentally friendly. Electric two-wheelers accounted for more than 75% of all electric vehicles. However, riding electric two-wheelers may generate resuspension dust pollution, which may pose a risk of dust exposure due to directly exposed to the air environment for riders. So it is necessary to study the road dust generated during the electric two-wheelers traveling, and impact of different vehicle distances on PM concentration and population. Computational fluid dynamics method and sliding mesh technique were used to simulate two electric two-wheelers traveling side-by-side and analyze PM concentration distribution under different vehicle distances. For d = 1.5 m, the airflow speed was the highest both in front of and in the rear of the vehicle, compared to for d = 0.5 m and 1.0 m. The average PM concentration decreased with the increase of the height z above the ground, and the average PM concentrations were the lowest at d = 1.0 m. The average PM concentration at y = 0 m line was highest for d = 0.5 m and d = 1.5 m and lowest for d = 1.0 m. Regardless of the vehicle distances, the average PM exposure concentration was highest for carried children compared to carried adult and the drivers. For carried adult, carried child, and the driver, the average PM exposure concentration within 5 s was lowest for d = 1.0 m. PM exposure for carried children should be a priority concern in the two electric two-wheelers traveling side-by-side. The vehicle distance of 1.0 m should be maintained to reduce resuspension dust PM pollution. The research results provide important data support for studying dust distribution during the electric two-wheeler.
Circular biocementation via waste-derived urease: maize root residue as a sustainable enzyme source for EICP.
Absalan P, Parniaei N, Mirzajani F … +1 more , Shafaat A
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42295624 · Publisher ↗
This study introduces a sustainable biocementation strategy that valorizes agricultural residues as urease sources for enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). While EICP offers a low-carbon alternative to traditio...
This study introduces a sustainable biocementation strategy that valorizes agricultural residues as urease sources for enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). While EICP offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement, reliance on food-grade proteins like soybeans limits its scalability. Here, maize (Zea mays) root residue is employed as a novel, non-food enzyme source. Active urease extracted via ammonium sulfate precipitation maintained 82% function over 4 weeks and facilitated dense calcite formation, confirmed by XRD and SEM. Industrial-scale modeling indicates that this waste-derived EICP can achieve a carbon footprint 90% lower than Portland cement, even under fossil fuel-dependent energy grids. Substituting food-competing proteins with agricultural waste reduces environmental pressure and enables a cost-effective, circular industrial process. Beyond soil stabilization, this approach extends to eco-construction, crack remediation, and carbon immobilization. This work establishes a scalable framework for harnessing waste-derived urease in environmentally benign biocementation, advancing sustainable construction and green technology integration in the built environment.
Occupational exposure and human-health risk assessment of PAHs across different arc welding processes.
Livani AA, Nasrabadi T, Malekmohammadi B … +1 more , Khalili M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42287580 · Publisher ↗
Welding is a critical industrial process but remains a major source of airborne chemical contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and linked to oxidative str...
Welding is a critical industrial process but remains a major source of airborne chemical contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and linked to oxidative stress and carcinogenicity. In this study, process-resolved field measurements were conducted to quantify exposure to the 16 U.S. EPA-priority PAHs during shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Personal breathing-zone sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to characterize emission profiles, and U.S. EPA health-risk models were applied to estimate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards. PAH concentrations and resulting risk metrics consistently followed the order SMAW > GMAW > GTAW, with SMAW generating the highest cumulative burden and hazard indices exceeding accepted thresholds. GTAW produced the lowest emissions and correspondingly minimal risk. These findings suggest clear process-dependent variability in PAH exposure and underscore the need for targeted engineering controls to mitigate risks in the welding process.
Retraction Note: The effect of transport infrastructure (road, rail, and air) investments on economic growth and environmental pollution and testing the validity of EKC in China, India, Japan, and Russia.
Liu Y, Ali A, Chen Y … +1 more , She X
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42286326 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes and potential drivers of their persistence in tap water from well-managed drinking water systems.
Sagita ND, Li W, Firdaus MA … +3 more , Rosadi MY, Wei Y, Li F
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42286325 · Publisher ↗
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging pollutants of public health concern, yet their occurrence and influencing factors in tap water remain poorly understood. This study evaluated ARGs in tap water from Japan,...
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging pollutants of public health concern, yet their occurrence and influencing factors in tap water remain poorly understood. This study evaluated ARGs in tap water from Japan, a representative drinking water supply system with good water quality. Five ARGs (blaTEM-1, sul1, sul2, tetA, and tetG), intI1, and 16S rDNA were quantified alongside general water quality parameters in 55 samples from different regions. ARGs were detected in 96% of samples, with blaTEM-1 and tetA most prevalent. Regional variation in ARG abundance possibly reflected source water quality, with Tokyo showing the highest abundance and Central Japan the lowest. In all regions, free residual chlorine positively correlated with ARGs but negatively correlated with bacteria, suggesting ARGs may persist even when bacteria are inactivated. ARGs consistently correlated positively with DOM, while positive correlations with particles (0.5-1 µm and 3-10 µm) and negative correlations with temperature were region-specific. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that intI1, free residual chlorine, DOC, and temperature were associated with ARG abundance, suggesting water quality may influence ARG occurrence. These findings highlight the need for strategies that combine source water protection, enhanced removal of organic matter and particles, and advanced disinfection to control ARGs.
Quaternary blended composite cement-a pathway to sustainable and circular construction.
Singh SK, Ahlawat J
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42284003 · Publisher ↗
The depletion of natural resources and the substantial carbon emissions associated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production pose critical environmental challenges to the construction sector. This study investigates...
The depletion of natural resources and the substantial carbon emissions associated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production pose critical environmental challenges to the construction sector. This study investigates the development of a sustainable quaternary blended cement system incorporating steel and iron industry by-products, i.e. Linz-Donawitz slag (LDS), ladle furnace slag (LFS), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), in combination with OPC. Binder pastes were formulated with varying proportions of LDS and LFS, while maintaining OPC at 50% and GGBFS at 10% by mass. The blended systems were comprehensively evaluated with respect to mechanical performance, durability in aggressive environments, phase assemblage, microstructural characteristics, and thermogravimetric behaviour. The optimised composition, consisting of OPC (50%), GGBFS (10%), LDS (20%), LFS (20%), and 10% chemical activator, achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 62.9 MPa, significantly surpassing the OPC control (53.4 MPa). Microstructural and mineralogical analysis confirmed the formation of a dense and homogeneous calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel network, consistent with thermogravimetric findings indicating enhanced hydration and reduced portlandite content. Durability assessment of the optimised mix demonstrated superior resistance to exposure to MgSO₄ and HCl. The control mix showed weight changes of 0.70% and 0.64% in the presence of MgSO4 and HCl, respectively, while the optimised mix exhibited the lowest gains at 0.45% and 0.49%, respectively. Furthermore, exposure to sulphate and acid solutions reduces strength. The control mix exhibited strength losses of 6.37% and 9.55% under sulphate and acid exposure, whereas the optimised mix demonstrated comparatively lower reductions of 1.74% and 5.08%, respectively. The ingress of sulphate and chloride ions from the MgSO and HCl solution into the pore structure of the binder matrix initiates chemical reactions with the calcium hydroxide and monosulphate phases, leading to the formation of expansive products, such as gypsum and ettringite. Although a marginal increase in drying shrinkage of the optimised mix (0.038%) compared with the control (0.034%) was observed, the overall durability performance remained superior to that of conventional OPC systems. The optimised blends met the requirements of Indian and ASTM standards for OPC 43-grade cement, confirming their technical viability for practical implementation. Beyond performance improvements, the study highlights significant sustainability and economic implications. Partial substitution of clinker with steel and iron slags reduces embodied CO₂ emissions, diverts industrial by-products from landfills, and advances circular economy principles within the construction industry. While initial production costs are comparable to conventional OPC due to supplementary cementitious material processing, lifecycle benefits, including reduced clinker demand, improved durability, extended service life, and potential environmental incentives, enhance overall cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, this research establishes steel and iron slags as viable constituents in high-performance quaternary blended cements. By demonstrating enhanced strength, improved durability, regulatory compliance, and environmental benefits, the study provides a practical pathway for lowering the carbon footprint of cementitious materials.
Carbonated manufactured sand as a sustainable substitute for natural fine aggregates in mortar.
Athar H, Saini D, Kulkarni KS … +2 more , Bhanavath SN, Kushwah A
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42284002 · Publisher ↗
The depletion of natural sand due to over-extraction and strict environmental regulations has accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the feasibility of producing CO-sequestered sand from...
The depletion of natural sand due to over-extraction and strict environmental regulations has accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the feasibility of producing CO-sequestered sand from industrial by-products such as coal fly ash and carbide sludge. Artificial lightweight coarse aggregates (ALCA) were synthesized by mixing 70% fly ash and 30% carbide sludge, followed by autoclaving at 5 bar pressure. The hardened ALCA were then crushed and ground to obtain fine aggregates (< 4.75 mm), which were subsequently subjected to accelerated carbonation under different CO pressures (3, 5, and 7 bar) and carbonation durations (8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h). Fine aggregate obtained after carbonation of ALCA at 7 bar CO pressure for 8 h yielded carbonated sand (C-sand) with compressive strengths of 19 MPa and 25 MPa at 7 and 28 days, respectively, comparable to natural sand. To evaluate performance in mortar, natural sand was partially replaced with C-sand at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels. A 20% replacement achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 38.52 MPa, closely matching the control mix. The optimized blend of 20% C-sand and 80% natural sand, developed as CO-sequestered manufactured sand (CM-sand), satisfied IS 383-2016 requirements and corresponded to Zone II gradation. It exhibited a fineness modulus of 1.89, water absorption of ~ 6%, specific gravity of ~ 2.51, loose bulk density of ~ 0.76 g/cm, rodded bulk density of ~ 0.92 g/cm, and a void ratio of ~ 0.63. Importantly, the process sequesters ~ 22.08 kg of CO per cubic meter of mortar, offering an eco-friendly, resource-efficient alternative to natural sand in construction applications.
Lactational exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics is associated with dose-related ovarian alterations in rat offspring.
Boostanifard M, Moradi HR, Abbasi S … +1 more , Khaksar Z
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42284001 · Publisher ↗
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are an emerging class of environmental contaminants with increasing concern regarding their potential effects on reproductive development. This study examined whether maternal lactationa...
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are an emerging class of environmental contaminants with increasing concern regarding their potential effects on reproductive development. This study examined whether maternal lactational exposure to PS-NPs is associated with alterations in ovarian growth, structure, and function in female rat offspring. The dams were administered PS-NPs at doses of 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg/day exclusively during the 21-day lactation period. Female offspring were evaluated on postnatal days 30 (PD30) and 60 (PD60). Macroscopic assessments indicated dose-related reductions in body weight, ovarian weight, and ovarian length at both postnatal stages in females. Qualitative fluorescence microscopy using rhodamine-labeled PS-NPs revealed dose-related fluorescent signals within the follicular and stromal compartments of the ovary at PD30 and PD60, supporting particle localization in ovarian tissue. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed a reduction in pre-antral follicle numbers at PD30, progressive thinning of the granulosa layer, and a decreased parenchyma-to-stroma ratio, particularly in high-dose offspring. Biochemical analyses indicated oxidative imbalance, characterized by an elevated total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) at PD30, along with a reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and higher oxidative indices at PD60. Endocrine evaluation at PD60 showed dose-related decreases in circulating estradiol and progesterone levels. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated increased P53 immunoreactivity and reduced BCL-2 expression, consistent with apoptosis-related signaling in ovarian tissue. Collectively, these findings suggest that lactational exposure to PS-NPs is associated with dose-related ovarian alterations accompanied by oxidative imbalance, endocrine disruption, particle localization, and apoptosis-associated responses, highlighting lactation as a potentially sensitive postnatal exposure window.
The occurrence of pharmacologically active dyes in the aquatic environment as a result of water and wastewater contamination-an underestimated environmental problem.
Tkaczyk-Wlizło A, Mitrowska K
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42284000 · Full text
Due to colouring properties, synthetic organic dyes are omnipresent in many application areas, from the textile, tannery, and cosmetic to the food industries. Among them, some compounds are pharmacologically active dyes...
Due to colouring properties, synthetic organic dyes are omnipresent in many application areas, from the textile, tannery, and cosmetic to the food industries. Among them, some compounds are pharmacologically active dyes (PADs) used against selected pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and parasites. However, some of the PADs also have toxicological properties; therefore, their usage in human and veterinary medicine is restricted. The large-scale production of PADs and widespread applications have caused these dyes to permeate the aquatic environment. Despite few reports confirming PADs occurrence in bottom sediment, wild fish, and water, they are still underestimated as emerging contaminants of the water bodies. Moreover, PADs as synthetic organic dyes are stable to light and resistant to microbial treatment; hence, their decolourisation and degradation are difficult in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Up to now, PADs have been found in various types of municipal and industrial wastewater. Due to the pharmacological activity and toxicological properties of some PADs and their confirmed occurrence in the aquatic environment, their presence in the environment should be monitored. The hazard potential of PADs should be assessed, considering individual levels of the aquatic food web with particular regard to tertiary consumers such as predatory fish and humans as top-level consumers. This review collects scientific data considering applications of PADs in human and veterinary medicine and their occurrence in different parts of the aquatic environment, aquaculture, and wastewater. Also, the toxicity of PADs on the individual level of the aquatic food web and risk assessments of selected dyes are presented.
Bio-based coating for wool fabrics prepared from sodium alginate and Eobania vermiculata snail shell waste for improved flame-retardant properties.
Haddaji K, Cheriaa R, Tabib S … +1 more , Jaouachi B
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42277349 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the development of a novel sustainable bio-based coating to enhance the flame-retardant properties of wool fabrics. The coating consists of a hybrid formulation combining Eobania vermiculata (EV)...
This study investigates the development of a novel sustainable bio-based coating to enhance the flame-retardant properties of wool fabrics. The coating consists of a hybrid formulation combining Eobania vermiculata (EV) snail shell microparticles, rich in non-combustible calcium carbonate (CaCO) and mineral components, with sodium alginate (SA) used as a bio-based thickener. It was applied using a direct coating technique. Vertical flammability tests demonstrated that combustion of the coated fabrics ceased before removal of the ignition source (12 s). In addition, the char length decreased significantly from 27.53 ± 4.27 cm for the untreated wool fabric (Wool-NT) to 5.4 ± 0.03 cm for Wool-SA-EV. SEM observations revealed smoother fiber surfaces and well-distributed snail shell microparticles (< 90 µm). FTIR analysis confirmed the deposition of the coating via physical interactions with wool fibers. Furthermore, tensile strength of Wool-SA-EV samples increased by approximately 16.6% compared with untreated samples, accompanied by a significant improvement in elastic strain and elongation at maximum force (85.4%). The flexural rigidity increased from 3.12 ± 0.50 to 6.64 ± 0.56 mg cm after SA coating, while the addition of EV microparticles did not significantly affect fabric stiffness. Air permeability decreased from 267 L/m/s for Wool-NT to 212.33 and 165.33 L/m/s for Wool-SA and Wool-SA-EV, respectively, due to pore filling and the formation of a more compact fabric structure. These results highlight the potential for valorizing snail shell waste to develop an eco-friendly and bio-based coating for wool fabrics.
Effect of mineral admixture and natural fiber as partial replacement in self-healing and sustainable concrete.
Kalaivanan E, Arunachalam S
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42274987 · Publisher ↗
The manufacture of cement contributes significantly to carbon dioxide (CO) emissions into the atmosphere. The effects of mineral admixtures (iron dust, glass fines, metakaolin, and limestone fines) make them suitable for...
The manufacture of cement contributes significantly to carbon dioxide (CO) emissions into the atmosphere. The effects of mineral admixtures (iron dust, glass fines, metakaolin, and limestone fines) make them suitable for reducing carbon emissions as a replacement for cement. All mineral admixtures (MA) are byproducts of primary materials, and natural fiber is included. This study focuses on a sustainable material that does not compromise strength. This paper analyzes the properties of self-healing concrete developed using MA Bacillus tropicus and sisal fiber. Three different percentages of MA, 10%, 20%, and 30%, and 1% of sisal fiber were used by weight of cement. Bacteria were incorporated into the concrete using the direct addition method, in which the healing solution (a combination of a 1:9 bacterial-to-nutrient ratio) was added directly to the concrete. A total of five mixes of concrete control C0, bacterial control CB, 10% MA CB10, 20% MA CB20, and 30% MA CB30 were cast. Thus, 1% sisal fiber was constant for all mixes. The self-healing concrete's (SHC) performance was assessed through sorptivity, porosity, water absorption, acid resistance, crack-healing efficiency (CHE), compressive strength (CS), splitting tensile strength (STS), regain compressive strength (RCS), and microstructural morphology analysis. The economic and environmental benefits are evaluated. A comparative analysis of the experimental results showed positive results up to a 20% replacement after declination, but not to a level below the reference mix. Adding fiber significantly increases tensile strength, achieving a 3 to 13% improvement over the control mix, and supports bacterial survival within the concrete environment. Optimal concrete mixtures of 20% were suggested, and the specimens showed improvements of 15.45% in CS, 12.53% in STS, and 90.96% in RCS compared to control concrete specimens. The recovery ratio can exceed 80% for all mixes except the control specimen. The economic analyses identified reduced maintenance costs and lower carbon emissions. The microstructural analysis confirms the presence of bacteria, as well as calcium carbonate and calcite.
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