Environmental Science And Pollution Research International[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Snapshot reflection of the seasonal resilience and diversity of fungal phylotypes in the tropical Ikogosi spring.
Adedire DE, Onilude AA, Odeniyi OA … +3 more , Nash O, Semenya K, Unuofin JO
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42135536 · Full text
Freshwater ecosystems like rivers, streams, and springs harbour diverse microbial communities, including fungal and bacterial phylotypes. These communities are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, playing key role...
Freshwater ecosystems like rivers, streams, and springs harbour diverse microbial communities, including fungal and bacterial phylotypes. These communities are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, playing key roles in biogeochemical cycles. However, research on the seasonal differences concerning the fungal diversity of Ikogosi Warm Spring's sediments and water has been lacking. In this pilot study, we aimed to bridge this gap by employing high-throughput DNA sequencing to examine the fungal microbiome of this spring during the wet and dry seasons. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from water and sediment samples from different locations of the spring, and the fungal ITS1 region was sequenced using Illumina HiSeq technology. Sequences were processed with the DADA2 pipeline in R, enabling comprehensive taxonomic and diversity analyses. In addition, the spring's sediment and water physicochemical characteristics were assessed, and the impact of environmental variables on fungal communities was examined using redundancy analysis. Taxonomic analysis revealed that the spring was dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, irrespective of seasonal differences. In water samples, Ascomycota represented 62.0% (wet season) and 89.0% (dry season), while Basidiomycota accounted for 37.7% and 10.7%, respectively. Sediments exhibited a similar dominance, with Ascomycota comprising 65.1% in both seasons and Basidiomycota contributing 34.8% (wet season) and 33.5% (dry season). Alpha diversity indices indicated that fungal diversity was higher during the dry season than in the wet season, with no significant difference at p < 0.05. Redundancy analysis showed that some physicochemical factors, such as potassium and sulphate ions in water samples, were associated with seasonal patterns. These factors also influenced fungal communities in the spring, such as Cladosporium, Trichosporon, and Meyerozyma.
Artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring for air and water pollution control in the USA: opportunities, challenges, and policy directions.
Apaji AN, Uzuh FD, Okemmiri SI … +1 more , Abere DV
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42133165 · Publisher ↗
In this review article, we present the current state of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in air and water pollution monitoring in the USA. Recent studies in this field show promising outcomes, including...
In this review article, we present the current state of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in air and water pollution monitoring in the USA. Recent studies in this field show promising outcomes, including the ability to generate more granular data in real-time, using predictive analytics to identify and prevent pollution, and better modeling of complex exposure. Compared to traditional monitoring systems, these next-generation technologies show improvements in timeliness and sensitivity. Despite these promising developments, some gaps and challenges remain, including calibration and standardization, interoperability, regulatory fragmentation, funding limitations, digital divide, and stakeholder trust, which impede their broad and equitable adoption. This article points to some best-practice examples, conducts a structured, evidence-focused narrative review and comparative assessment of the different technologies using quantitative findings from existing meta-analyses and large comparative studies, and discusses barriers to implementation. The article concludes by providing some recommendations for practice and policy. Recommendations from this review are primarily related to the development of consistent technical standards and specifications, workforce and community engagement, participatory governance, and ethical frameworks to address the responsible use of AI and the implications of data bias with the need for accountability and transparency. To fully harness the potential of next-generation monitoring systems in pursuit of environmental justice, public health protection, and informed policymaking will require further research and concerted efforts in policy and investment to address these issues.
Impact of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter on water quality, tannin, feed conversion, survival rate, and production of Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) cultured in brackish water ponds.
Gunarto G, Suwoyo HS, Muliani M … +4 more , Suryati E, Farizah N, Kamariah K, Septiningsih E
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42133164 · Publisher ↗
Mangrove ecosystems are integral to the ecological stability of coastal environments and to the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture. We studied the impact of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter on water quality, tannin, gr...
Mangrove ecosystems are integral to the ecological stability of coastal environments and to the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture. We studied the impact of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter on water quality, tannin, growth, survival, and feed conversion of tiger shrimp PL-40 culture in brackish water ponds. Two treatments were tested: (A) ponds soaked with R. mucronata leaf litter (0.125 mg/L); (B) ponds not soaked with R. mucronata leaf litter. Each treatment was replicated three times with a post-larvae stocking density of 10 ind./m. Shrimp were fed a pellet at 20% of their biomass and gradually reduced to 3% by the fourth month. In the first 2 months, water from a reservoir pond was pumped into the pond every 3 days to replace the water lost through seepage and evaporation. However, 2 months later, 5% of the total water volume in the ponds was exchanged with water from a reservoir every 3 days. Treatment A had lower levels of total organic matter, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, as well as lower Vibrio spp. levels in sediments, compared to treatment B in the initial study. Conversely, these parameters deteriorated near the end of the study. The highest tannin leaching of R. mucronata leaf litter occurred on day 25. Shrimp survival, growth, and production rates were higher (p < 0.05) in treatment A than in treatment B. The feed conversion ratios were more efficient in treatment A than in treatment B. Shrimp in treatment B also experienced an IHHNV infection. These findings highlight the potential of mangrove leaf litter as a natural means to enhance water quality, improve shrimp growth, and mitigate disease in shrimp aquaculture.
A decade of air quality biomonitoring in North Africa: a systematic review reveals dominance of lichen and heavy metal studies alongside substantive methodological gaps.
Bouchriti Y, Ait Haddou M, Achbani A … +6 more , Sine H, Rida J, Lkoul A, Gougueni H, Amiha R, Kabbachi B
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42133163 · Publisher ↗
Air pollution is a major challenge in North Africa, but a comprehensive synthesis of biological monitoring (biomonitoring) approaches for the region is absent. This systematic review addresses this gap by providing the f...
Air pollution is a major challenge in North Africa, but a comprehensive synthesis of biological monitoring (biomonitoring) approaches for the region is absent. This systematic review addresses this gap by providing the first methodologically appraised analysis of scientific evidence (2014 to 2024) on the use of bioindicators for air quality assessments across North Africa. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251166809). Following PRISMA guidelines, searches in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science identified 508 records, with 32 studies included for synthesis. The analysis revealed that lichens are the predominant bioindicators (62.5%, 20/32), notably Xanthoria parietina, followed by vascular plants (31.3%, 10/32). Research is heavily focused on heavy metals (78.1%, 25/32), particularly lead, zinc and copper, whereas gaseous pollutants and particulate matter remain underrepresented. Despite employing advanced analytical techniques, the studies exhibit significant methodological limitations: only 15.6% calculated bioaccumulation factors, 18.8% used transplantation techniques, and correlations with instrumental air quality data were rare. This methodological inconsistency constrains quantitative risk assessment and regional data comparability. This review provides new knowledge by quantifying thematic biases, systematically appraising methodological quality against predefined criteria and translating these findings into a strategic framework, including standardized protocols and a regional network, tailored to North Africa's arid environments. Accordingly, we recommend establishing standardized regional protocols, integrating biological and physicochemical data and creating a coordinated North African biomonitoring network to generate comparable, context-aware data for evidence-based air quality management in the region's unique arid and semiarid environments.
Addressing contaminants of emerging concern in the United States public water systems.
Siame T, Willis AB, Nyarko AJ … +2 more , Karimi S, Tonade E
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42129005 · Full text
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) represent a growing yet inadequately governed threat to drinking water safety in the USA. Advances in analytical technologies have detected widespread, low-level contamination from...
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) represent a growing yet inadequately governed threat to drinking water safety in the USA. Advances in analytical technologies have detected widespread, low-level contamination from substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and personal care products. This raises concerns about the long-term health of humans and ecosystems. Despite growing scientific knowledge, regulatory and policy frameworks have lagged, leading to uneven protections across public water systems. Here, we assess the policy and regulatory infrastructure related to CECs nationwide across all 50 states. Only four states (8%), California, Maine, Wisconsin, and Vermont, had strong, multi-CEC policy infrastructure with enforceable standards, systematic monitoring, and investments in advanced treatment. Many states (36; 72%), distributed across regions, exhibited moderate capacity, typically focusing on PFAS rather than on comprehensive CEC management. In contrast, ten states (20%), mainly in the South and rural West, exhibited poor policy infrastructure with limited regulation, technology, and weak enforcement. These disparities reveal substantial geographic and institutional gaps in drinking water governance. By comparing US and international policies, we propose phased, practical recommendations that combine precautionary regulation, polluter accountability, innovation incentives, and transparency. These steps aim to update drinking water governance to match current chemical challenges, safeguard vulnerable communities, and prepare US water systems for an expanding list of emerging contaminants.
Biochar-based fertilizer can mitigate nitrogen runoff loss from the citrus orchard as comparison with organic fertilizer.
Ni S, Ying S, Zhang H … +4 more , Chen Y, Nie X, Wu Y, Wang M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42120789 · Publisher ↗
China has the largest citrus cultivation area globally, where it faces a high risk of nutrient loss from the excessive chemical fertilizer application. Organic and biochar-based fertilizers have been shown to mitigate nu...
China has the largest citrus cultivation area globally, where it faces a high risk of nutrient loss from the excessive chemical fertilizer application. Organic and biochar-based fertilizers have been shown to mitigate nutrient losses. However, research on mitigating nutrient runoff losses from citrus orchards remains limited. This study conducted a 2-year field experiment in southern China, with four treatments including no-fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), organic fertilizer substitution (COF), and biochar-based fertilizer (BF). Nitrogen and phosphorus losses via surface runoff and their inputs from precipitation were monitored. The result indicated that the BF treatment reduced total nitrogen runoff losses by 18.35% compared with COF, primarily by decreasing nitrate nitrogen losses following precipitation events. Nitrogen and phosphorus deriving from precipitation constituted significant sources in runoff. Different from runoff losses of ammonium nitrogen closely linked to recent fertilization activities, nitrate nitrogen losses were supposed mainly to originate from rain-eroded soil particles, which also led to phosphorus losses. This study provides valuable insights for mitigating non-point source pollution from citrus orchards.
Enhancing disease resilience in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus): an integrated assessment of environmental stressors, pathogen dynamics, and the protective efficacy of Spirulina platensis in Egyptian aquaculture.
Hegazy AMM, Khalil RH, Amer MT … +2 more , Abdel-Latif HMR, Fathi M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42118491 · Publisher ↗
The sustainable expansion of striped catfish (P. hypophthalmus) aquaculture in Egypt is constrained by environmental stressors, recurrent bacterial infections, and rising antimicrobial resistance. This study offers the f...
The sustainable expansion of striped catfish (P. hypophthalmus) aquaculture in Egypt is constrained by environmental stressors, recurrent bacterial infections, and rising antimicrobial resistance. This study offers the first integrated assessment of water quality parameters, pathogen identity and virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, and the immunoprotective potential of dietary S. platensis under Egyptian farming conditions. Field assessments from naturally infected farms revealed chronic hypoxia (mean DO 3.66 mg L) and persistent thermal stress (32.6 °C), both significantly outside recommended ranges, while nitrite levels approached the known toxicity threshold. Two major bacterial pathogens-Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae-were isolated with comparable prevalences across liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Molecular characterization (16S rRNA sequencing; GenBank PX371951 and PX371952) confirmed their identity. Probit challenge assays demonstrated markedly higher virulence for A. hydrophila (LD = 1.05 × 10 CFU fish) compared with S. agalactiae (LD = 1.06 × 10 CFU fish). Both species exhibited multidrug resistance, notably universal resistance to penicillin (A. hydrophila) and high resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and amikacin (S. agalactiae), underscoring the limitations of empirical antibiotic use. A 4-week feeding trial demonstrated that dietary S. platensis (5 g kg) significantly enhanced innate immunity, reduced stress (lower cortisol) and oxidative damage (lower malondialdehyde), and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase). Spirulina supplementation reduced mortality by 22.6% after A. hydrophila challenge and by 79.2% after S. agalactiae challenge, demonstrating substantial immunomodulatory and protective benefits. Overall, this work highlights critical environmental stressors and AMR challenges in Egyptian catfish farming and identifies Spirulina platensis as a practical, eco-friendly immunostimulant that can reduce disease burden in striped catfish aquaculture. Overall, this work highlights critical environmental stressors and AMR challenges in Egyptian catfish farming and identifies Spirulina platensis as a practical, eco-friendly immunostimulant that can reduce disease burden in striped catfish aquaculture, suggesting promising avenues for improving disease resilience in health management strategies.
Improving ozone-based processes for the degradation of paraquat and diquat as persistent pesticides.
Soto-Verjel J, Serrano-Tarí P, Villamizar S … +3 more , Ruiz-Delgado A, Maturana-Córdoba A, Oller I
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42118490 · Full text
The widespread use of bipyridylium herbicides like paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) poses a significant environmental threat due to their high toxicity and recalcitrance. This study evaluates advanced oxidation processes ba...
The widespread use of bipyridylium herbicides like paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) poses a significant environmental threat due to their high toxicity and recalcitrance. This study evaluates advanced oxidation processes based on ozonation as a robust alternative for their degradation. Simple ozonation was tested at various dosages (0.9 to 1.8 gh⁻) to determine the oxidant's efficiency in breaking down the parent molecules, while catalytic (FeO) and photocatalytic (TiO/solar) systems were evaluated to enhance mineralization and overcome ozone's selectivity toward oxidation intermediates. Experiments progressed from 1 L lab-scale reactors to a solar compound parabolic collector (CPC) pilot system to assess scalability under complex conditions. The results showed that while simple ozonation effectively removed the parent herbicides (up to 83% for DQ), it was insufficient for complete mineralization. The addition of FeO did not significantly improve the process; however, photocatalytic ozonation at a pilot scale achieved the highest mineralization rates and total contaminant removal. Ecotoxicity assays using Aliivibrio fischeri revealed toxicity in generated transformation products, particularly at lower ozone dosages, necessitating optimized exposure times to ensure safe effluent discharge. Furthermore, by leveraging renewable solar radiation and optimizing the ozone dosage, the overall energy demand is significantly reduced, offering a highly sustainable and cost-effective approach. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated solar ozonation processes for the treatment of point-source herbicide contamination.
Integrative evidence on microplastics and heavy metals in vulnerable, threatened, and endangered species in natural environments: knowledge gaps, research priorities, and impacts.
Azhar H, Khalid N
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42118489 · Publisher ↗
Global biodiversity is facing unprecedented declines, with vulnerable, threatened, endangered, and critically endangered (VTEC) species at disproportionate risk. Among emerging threats, microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and hea...
Global biodiversity is facing unprecedented declines, with vulnerable, threatened, endangered, and critically endangered (VTEC) species at disproportionate risk. Among emerging threats, microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and heavy metals (HMs) are persistent contaminants with high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification across ecosystems. This review is the first to synthesize the scarce and fragmented field-based evidence documenting MPs and HMs in VTEC species, highlighting critical gaps in taxonomic, habitat, trophic, and conservation-level coverage. The review evaluates field evidence on microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in vulnerable, threatened, endangered, and critically endangered species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. From 2005 to 2024, only 21 eligible field studies were identified, exposing a serious research deficit relative to conservation urgency. MP studies are dominated by marine taxa while amphibians and freshwater organisms are largely neglected. In contrast, HM research is biased toward terrestrial birds, particularly vultures, with minimal coverage of marine and reptilian species. Overall, contaminant monitoring in high-risk species is fragmented, taxonomically biased, and poorly aligned with proactive conservation planning. Despite extremely limited data, this review underscores the urgent need for integrative, cross-taxa field studies, long-term ecotoxicological monitoring, and conservation strategies.
Carbon emissions, misallocation, and productivity in the cement industry: an empirical investigation.
Li K, Wu Y, Tang L
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42118488 · Publisher ↗
The cement industry is a typical high-carbon and overcapacity sector. In the context of global climate change, identifying productivity loss driven by resource misallocation is essential for controlling CO emissions in t...
The cement industry is a typical high-carbon and overcapacity sector. In the context of global climate change, identifying productivity loss driven by resource misallocation is essential for controlling CO emissions in the cement industry. We incorporate energy and CO emissions into the Hsieh and Klenow (2009) model (HK model), reconstruct the analytical framework through which resource misallocation affects productivity, and empirically evaluate the resulting productivity loss in Hunan Province's cement industry from 2016 to 2019. The results show that eliminating resource misallocation increases industry productivity by 22.14%, with CO price distortion accounting for 12% of the productivity loss. The study also shows that in the cement industry, economically developed regions have lower resource use efficiency than less developed regions; large enterprises have higher efficiency than small enterprises; older enterprises perform better than newer ones; and state-owned enterprises have higher efficiency than non-state-owned enterprises.
Performance evaluation of self-compacting concrete incorporating sunflower husk ash as a sustainable cement substitute.
Devaraj M, Muthu PSK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42118487 · Publisher ↗
The growing demand for low-carbon construction materials has intensified research on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacements for ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). While several agricultural ashe...
The growing demand for low-carbon construction materials has intensified research on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as partial replacements for ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). While several agricultural ashes such as rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash have been extensively studied, limited investigations have comprehensively examined the microstructural behavior and durability performance of sunflower husk ash (SHA) in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Addressing this research gap, the present study evaluates the performance of SCC incorporating SHA as an environmentally sustainable SHA demonstrates potential as a supplementary cementitious material that may contribute to cement reduction at replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. Fresh properties were assessed using slump flow, T₅₀ time, and V-funnel tests. Mechanical performance was evaluated through compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests at 7 and 28 days. Durability performance was determined using water absorption and rapid chloride penetration tests (RCPT). Microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and XRD analyses to investigate phase development and hydration mechanisms. The results indicate that 20% SHA replacement yields the highest performance among the tested mixes balance of workability, strength, and durability, achieving a 28-day compressive strength of 53.0 MPa, split tensile strength of 4.7 MPa, and flexural strength of 6.5 MPa, along with reduced water absorption and chloride ion permeability. Beyond 20% replacement, performance declined due to dilution of cementitious phases. The findings establish SHA as a viable supplementary cementitious material for high-performance SCC, offering a sustainable pathway for reducing OPC consumption, particularly in regions with abundant sunflower waste.
Sustainable CO capture using acid activated alkaline sludge from photovoltaic industry: longevity and recyclability study.
Sulhadi SS, Lahuri AH, Yusof SM … +5 more , Hussin F, Aroua MK, Hin TYY, Jaafar NF, Sulaiman SN
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42118486 · Publisher ↗
Recycling industrial wastage offers an effective strategy to mitigate waste discharge, promoting development of low-cost CO adsorbents aligning with the principles of the circular economy. This study utilized waste alkal...
Recycling industrial wastage offers an effective strategy to mitigate waste discharge, promoting development of low-cost CO adsorbents aligning with the principles of the circular economy. This study utilized waste alkaline sludge (AS) originated from the photovoltaic industry, activated with 1-4 M of hydrochloric acid (HCl), to study its effect on CO capture performance. Activated AS were characterized with N adsorption-desorption isotherm, XRD, FESEM-EDX, CO adsorption-desorption isotherm and TPD-CO. AS activated by 2 M HCl exhibited the highest surface area of 123.73 m/g and dominated by mesopores which played a significant role in CO adsorption. CO capture by physisorption at 25 °C exhibited an adsorption capacity of 0.44 mg/g, which was a 20 times increment than inactivated AS. Meanwhile, CO capture performance by chemisorption was 284 mg/g, with temperature ranging from 207 to 644 °C and around 9 times higher than inactivated AS. Longevity study revealed that weight loss after prolonged CO exposure for 24 h remain around 1.4%, indicating adsorption stop after 24 h. Longer exposure time induce morphological transformation from irregular ellipsoid into packed and aggregated nano coral, thus lessening its adsorption capacity. Based on adsorption isotherm breakthrough, it was determined that 25 °C was the optimal temperature for both adsorption and regeneration process. The adsorbent also demonstrated stable recyclability for 5 cycles, showing only 14% capacity reduction at the 2nd cycle and achieving a regeneration efficiency of 88.6%.
Correction to: Towards cleaner environment: recycling microalgal co-product to reduce emissions and impacts while eliminating fishmeal in rainbow trout feed for sustainable aquaculture.
Sarker PK, Figueroa E, Kapuscinski AR … +10 more , McKuin B, Schoffstall BV, Fitzgerald D, Greenwood C, O'Shelski K, Pasion EN, Gwynne D, Orcajo DG, Andrade S, Nocera P
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42115480 · Full text
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Small heat shock proteins with two alpha-crystallin domains: a new set of proteins in the earthworm Eisenia fetida with differential transcriptional responses to stressors.
Tilikj N, de la Fuente M, Navarro AM … +2 more , Martínez-Guitarte JL, Novo M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42115479 · Full text
Climate change and environmental pollution are two primary challenges facing biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Earthworms are key contributors to soil structure and nutrient cycling, and their molecular stress respon...
Climate change and environmental pollution are two primary challenges facing biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Earthworms are key contributors to soil structure and nutrient cycling, and their molecular stress responses can provide an early indication of soil health impairment. Heat shock proteins are central to the stress response, and small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP-independent chaperones that limit stress-induced protein aggregation. Because their expression is stress-sensitive, sHSPs are promising molecular markers for soil stress and contributors to thermotolerance. Eisenia fetida, a widely used ecotoxicology model, relies on molecular chaperones like small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) for stress tolerance. We previously characterized sHSPs containing a single α-crystallin domain (ACD) in E. fetida. Here, we report the first identification of sHSPs containing two α-crystallin domains (ACDs) in annelid species. These genes were identified from an E. fetida transcriptome, their domain architecture was defined, and their transcriptional responses were quantified under heat stress, desiccation, and exposure to two pollutants (bisphenol A and endosulfan), including combined exposure with elevated temperature. Double-ACD sHSPs showed stimulus- and time-dependent transcriptional patterns. Moderate heat and desiccation primarily induced late (24 h) upregulation of several sHSP genes, whereas bisphenol A at optimal temperature did not result in significant transcriptional change and endosulfan produced only limited changes under single-stressor exposure. In contrast, combined exposure to endosulfan and elevated temperature triggered a significant upregulation of multiple sHSP genes, consistent with an additive stress effect. These results expand this protein family diversity in annelids and support a staged sHSP response in which structurally distinct sHSPs may contribute to resilience under prolonged or combined environmental stress.
Seasonal variations in the optical properties of near-surface aerosols and the delineation of aerosol types at a tropical coastal site, Goa, adjoining the Eastern Arabian Sea.
Sen A, Shaikh AA, Menon HB
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42115478 · Publisher ↗
A comprehensive study characterizing the extensive (scattering ( ) and absorption ( ) coefficients) and intensive (scattering Ångström exponent (SAE), absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), and single scattering albedo (S...
A comprehensive study characterizing the extensive (scattering ( ) and absorption ( ) coefficients) and intensive (scattering Ångström exponent (SAE), absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), and single scattering albedo (SSA)) optical properties of near-surface aerosols, was conducted at a tropical coastal site adjoining the Eastern Arabian Sea (Goa, India) for the period from December 2019 to November 2020. Temporal (seasonal/diurnal) variations in aerosol extensive and intensive properties, and the roles of continental/marine air masses (long-range transport and land-sea-breeze circulation), boundary-layer evolution, and emission patterns in modulating the aerosol population have been examined. This is the first study at a coastal site in India to probe the SAE-AAE relationship for aerosol-type classification. Distinct seasonal variability was observed in and , with elevated aerosol concentrations during winter and post-monsoon, attributable to the influence of continental air masses and stagnant meteorological conditions, and reduced aerosol concentrations during monsoon owing to wet scavenging and marine air intrusion. Bimodal peaks in and during morning (08:00-09:00 h) and evening (20:00-22:00 h) indicated diurnal variations in aerosol concentrations driven by boundary-layer evolution and anthropogenic emissions, particularly during winter. Intensive optical properties revealed a seasonal transition from fine-mode, absorbing aerosols, associated with urban pollution during winter (SAE = 1.19 ± 0.15, AAE = 1.02 ± 0.18, SSA = 0.86 ± 0.04) and post-monsoon (SAE = 1.30 ± 0.19, AAE = 0.99 ± 0.19, SSA = 0.90 ± 0.04), to coarse-mode, scattering types in monsoon (SAE = 0.40 ± 0.43, AAE = 0.94 ± 0.26, SSA = 0.93 ± 0.04). The aerosol-type classification revealed low-absorbing small particles (SPLA), black carbon-dominated (BC-dominated), large particles and BC mixture (LP/BC mix), and low-absorbing large particles (LPLA) as the dominant near-surface aerosol types across seasons. Their seasonal distributions reflected a shift from continental to marine influence, with SPLA + BC-dominated aerosol types prevalent during post-monsoon (92.2%) and winter (65.6%), and LPLA + LP/BC mix (89.3%) during monsoon. The lowest mean SSA was observed for the BC-dominated aerosol type during winter (0.84), and the highest for LPLA (0.94) during monsoon. Diurnal variations were consistent across all seasons, with fine-mode (coarse-mode) aerosol types dominating during cooler nocturnal (warmer daytime) hours, indicating land-sea-breeze circulation as the primary driver. These findings underscore the complex interplay among local and upwind emission sources and atmospheric processes in shaping the aerosol regimes over tropical coastal environments.
Influence of pulp industry dregs on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar.
Cesar LFM, de Souza Albas AE, de Lima NB … +2 more , Akasaki JL, Moraes JCS
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42113402 · Full text
This study examined the constituents and evaluated the effects of incorporating a pulp industry residue (dregs) on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. The properties of the mortar constituents were evaluate...
This study examined the constituents and evaluated the effects of incorporating a pulp industry residue (dregs) on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. The properties of the mortar constituents were evaluated using thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tests specified in standards NBR 16605 (2017), NBR 11579 (2013), and NM 18 (2012). The hardened mortar was evaluated through mechanical testing (NBR 7215 2019), water absorption testing (NBR 9778 2005), and mercury intrusion porosimetry. XRD data from dregs treated at different temperatures were analyzed using the Rietveld refinement method. The specific gravities of the cement, dregs, and sand were 3.13, 2.58 and 2.62 g/cm, respectively. The main chemical elements detected in the dregs (> 1 atom%) were Ca, Mg, Mn, Si, Na, S, and Al. Thermal analysis revealed two endothermic events: the evaporation of sulfur-containing compounds and the decomposition of calcium magnesium carbonate. Lattice parameters were obtained for the CaMg(CO) phase, observed in the dregs treated at 100 and 500 °C, and for the CaO and MgO phases, observed after treatment at 750 °C. To evaluate compressive strength, water absorption, and porosity, mortars were prepared under three distinct conditions: one without dregs; four with dregs added to the mixture, keeping the cement and sand contents constant; and four with dregs as a partial replacement for Portland cement, keeping the sand content constant. Compressive strength decreases with increasing dregs content, with a more pronounced reduction when Portland cement is replaced by dregs than when dregs are added. Incorporating 40 wt% dregs reduced compressive strength by 73% under the Substitution condition and 52% under the Addition condition, relative to the reference mortar without dregs. This reduction in compressive strength is associated with increased water absorption and porosity as the dregs content increases.
Ecological and genomic insights into Bacillus altitudinis as a potential indicator of resistance genes in soil antimicrobial resistance pools.
Bhattacharjee A, Singh AK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42113401 · Publisher ↗
Soil associated with intensive poultry farming serves as a seminal reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes. This study employed an integrated approach that combined metagenomics, phenotypic analysis, and whole-genome...
Soil associated with intensive poultry farming serves as a seminal reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes. This study employed an integrated approach that combined metagenomics, phenotypic analysis, and whole-genome sequencing to investigate the soil resistome of poultry farms in the Jorhat district, Northeast India, and to evaluate Bacillus altitudinis as an environmental potential indicator for antimicrobial resistance. Metagenomic analysis of poultry-affected soil revealed a diverse array of resistance genes, including 753 unique resistance ontologies related to β-lactam, glycopeptide, macrolide, aminoglycoside, chloramphenicol, and colistin resistance. Culture-based testing of soil and fecal isolates (400 isolates) showed high resistance rates to colistin and ciprofloxacin (~60%), as well as notable resistance to erythromycin and kanamycin, indicating strong antibiotic selection pressures in these ecosystems. Among multidrug-resistant strains, B. altitudinis S2 was particularly notable, exhibiting high minimum inhibitory concentrations for last-line antibiotics such as vancomycin (>50 µg/mL), colistin (>50 µg/mL), and fourth-generation cephalosporins. It also demonstrated multidrug β-lactam resistance supported by synergistic inhibitors. Whole-genome sequencing (3.7 Mb) uncovered a complex antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) profile, including vanZ, mcr-1, catA, mph, aph, and oxa-type β-lactamase genes, alongside multiple SMR, MATE, and RND efflux mechanisms. Many of these genes were located within genomic islands, prophage traces, and mobile genetic elements, strongly indicating horizontal gene transfer from various bacteria, including gut-associated enterococci. The genome also contained genes for resistance to heavy metals and oxidative stress, suggesting co-selection processes that sustain ARGs in soil. The study tries to show B. altitudinis as a crucial environmental indicator for ARGs, serving a genetic bridge between poultry gut microbiota and soil antimicrobial resistance pools, highlighting its significance for One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Comments on "Investigating the association between PM2.5, Climate variables, and COVID-19 daily reported cases from March 2020 to November 2021 in El Paso County, Texas: A Time-Series Analysis".
Pinatha Y, Rattanapitoon SK, Aeksanit T … +1 more , Rattanapitoon NK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42108372 · Publisher ↗
Nazneen et al. ( 2026) identify short-term associations between PM2.5, wind speed, reduced visibility, and daily COVID-19 cases in El Paso County, TX. Beyond correlation, their findings prompt a reframing: in arid border...
Nazneen et al. ( 2026) identify short-term associations between PM2.5, wind speed, reduced visibility, and daily COVID-19 cases in El Paso County, TX. Beyond correlation, their findings prompt a reframing: in arid border regions, particulate spikes may act less as acute biologic insults and more as event-level synchronizers of transmission dynamics. We argue that transient dust-related PM2.5 elevations may restructure indoor congregation and ventilation behavior, temporally aligning susceptible individuals within shared airspaces. Distinguishing exposure-driven susceptibility from synchronization-driven contact compression is critical for causal interpretation. We propose that particulate variability be examined as a modifier of epidemic phase timing rather than solely as a toxicologic covariate. Integrating environmental monitoring with mobility-adjusted transmission metrics and variant-specific dynamics may clarify whether dust events precede measurable inflection shifts in epidemic curves.
Comment on "S, N, P, and B-doped bio-carbons as dual catalysts for tetracycline degradation via the heterogeneous electro-Fenton process".
Manikya S, Vadhithala V, Kumar R … +1 more , Nainwal P
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 May · PMID 42105065 · Publisher ↗
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Effect of mineralization of Erythrina poeppigiana particles and accelerated carbonation on the properties of fiber cement.
Assane LMJ, Borges IO, Batista FG … +5 more , de Sousa Arantes L, de Mello Innocentini MD, de Almeida Mesquita RG, Junior JBG, Mendes LM
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · 2026 Apr · PMID 42105064 · Full text
Fiber cement is widely used in the construction industry due to its satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. However, the need to enhance these characteristics has driven research focused on the development of ne...
Fiber cement is widely used in the construction industry due to its satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. However, the need to enhance these characteristics has driven research focused on the development of new additives and the optimization of manufacturing processes. In this context, the present study aimed to develop and evaluate extruded fiber cement composites reinforced with Erythrina poeppigiana particles. The particles were mineralized with 9% aluminum sulfate [Al₂(SO₄)₃] and chemically characterized. The composites were produced using 66.7% Portland cement (CPV-ARI), 28.3% limestone, and 5% particles. After 72 h of curing, the specimens underwent accelerated carbonation for 24 h. Composite analyses were performed after 28 days of curing. The combination of aluminum sulfate treatment and carbonation (STMC) resulted in composites with improved performance, as evidenced by increased flexural strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and toughness, along with a significant reduction in porosity, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and air permeability. These results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the treated composites, indicating their potential for application in construction systems requiring high structural performance and durability.
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