Buragohain A, Vartic V, Lalmuanpuii R
… +7 more, Khawlhring L, Mamatkulov K, Arzymanyan G, Yushin N, Nekhoroshkov P, Zinicovscaia I, Muthukumaran RB
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42402076
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The biomass ash generated from the smoldering combustion of tobacco stalk (stem, petiole, and midrib), during the production of "tuibur," a "smokeless" tobacco product of Northeast India (NEI), is dispersed in soil. The...The biomass ash generated from the smoldering combustion of tobacco stalk (stem, petiole, and midrib), during the production of "tuibur," a "smokeless" tobacco product of Northeast India (NEI), is dispersed in soil. The tobacco stalk ash (TSA) was examined. Despite a common mineralogy, owing to smoldering combustion, TSA has exhibited different microstructures and chemical compositions. Widespread deposition of fine to ultrafine aggregates of ash over the inorganic mineral crystallites was observed. At the end of smoldering combustion, none of the volatile gases were released during the crystallization as manifested by smooth-faced nanoscale inorganic mineral crystallites. The presence of calcite, potassium chloride, potassium aluminum silicate, magnesian calcite, and calcium silicate hydrate as sub-micron scale crystallites in TSA is consistent with the high calcium content and lower silicon content of tobacco stem/midrib. The poorly resolved signals with broadened diffraction peaks and the lower peak intensities reflect the nanoscale attributes and poorly crystallized silicate mineral phases of TSA. Two polymorphs of calcium carbonate, i.e., calcite and aragonite, were observed. The concentrations of potential hazardous elements (PHEs) including Cd (400 ± 10 μg/kg), Cr (10.1 ± 0.05 mg/kg), Pb (2.3 ± 0.12 mg/kg), and Ni (16.8 ± 0.80 mg/kg) in the bulk of ash were determined. Thus, the disposal of TSA can cause the contamination of PHEs and toxic organic pollutants on the soil and in groundwater, posing negative environmental risks.
Adaneh AE, Wong-Wah-Chung P, Awaleh MO
… +4 more, Piram A, Ibrahim NH, Ahmed MM, Doumenq P
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42400764
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This study investigates the occurrence, distribution, and risks (ecological and human health) of 25 targeted pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Djibouti's aquifer, a critical water resource. Nine stati...This study investigates the occurrence, distribution, and risks (ecological and human health) of 25 targeted pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Djibouti's aquifer, a critical water resource. Nine stations were sampled during the dry season (June 2024) to study the thermosaline groundwater of the Djibouti volcanic aquifer system. Only six PPCPs, caffeine (CAF), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), levofloxacin (LEV), propranolol (PPL), tramadol (TMD), and fluoxetine (FLX), were detected. Urban areas showed higher contamination due to inadequate wastewater treatment. CAF, a marker of domestic wastewater, was consistently present at a level ranging from 3.7 ± 0.1 to 13.2 ± 0.7 ng/L. While SMX and LEV exhibited the highest concentration of 23.6 ± 1.6 to 45.9 ± 1.2 ng/L and 119.7 ± 4.0 to 141.6 ± 3.7 ng/L, respectively, reflecting their persistence and widespread use. Spatial analysis identified hotspots located near the Ambouli dry river area, with concentrations exceeding 200 ng/L, linked to urban activities. Ecological risk assessment identified moderate risks from PPCPs, particularly CAF and FLX, with risk quotient (RQ) values clustering around ecological thresholds. However, mixture risk quotient (MRQ) values indicated significant cumulative risks at urban sites, driven by antibiotics like SMX and LEV, which also raise concerns about antimicrobial resistance and cocktail effect. Furthermore, human health risk analysis highlighted heightened vulnerabilities for infants and children, with CAF and SMX posing significant risks even at low water consumption rates. These findings underscore the need for improved wastewater management, targeted remediation strategies, and regular groundwater monitoring to safeguard public and environmental health.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42400763
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Anthropogenic microparticles derived from synthetic polymers and industrially modified natural materials have become persistent pollutants in marine ecosystems because of their capacity to adsorb and transport other cont...Anthropogenic microparticles derived from synthetic polymers and industrially modified natural materials have become persistent pollutants in marine ecosystems because of their capacity to adsorb and transport other contaminants. In this study, we quantified anthropogenic microparticles (AMPs) ingestion and evaluated its relationship with total mercury concentrations (THg; liver + muscle) in 23 blue sharks (Prionace glauca) from the northern Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), a key corridor for global fisheries and debris transport associated with the North Pacific Garbage Patch. All individuals contained AMPs (mean ± SD = 32 ± 37 particles per digestive tract). Most particles were < 5 mm, with fibers as the dominant shape (76%). Among synthetic polymers, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most abundant. Microplastics (MPs) showed a mean abundance of 12 ± 11 particles per digestive tract, whereas more than 60% of FTIR-confirmed particles corresponded to non-plastic anthropogenic microparticles (NPAMPs), mainly cotton, rayon, and cellulose, with a mean abundance of 22 ± 27 particles per digestive tract. Generalized additive models (GAMs) identified NPAMP abundance as the strongest predictor of THg concentrations (mean ± SD = 1.08 ± 0.43 mg kg⁻), revealing a significant non-linear relationship with higher Hg levels during the hot-rainy season. These findings suggest that NPAMPs may represent, together with diet, an additional pathway associated with Hg exposure in P. glauca. Risk indices (PLI, MPDI, and PHI) indicated low-to-moderate contamination levels; however, more than half of the individuals exceeded polymer hazard thresholds (PHI > 1000). Given the observational design, limited sample size, and the fact that seasons were sampled in different years, the NPAMP-THg relationship should be interpreted as co-occurrence rather than direct evidence of contaminant transfer. Furthermore, because particles were quantified only in non-edible tissues, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to seafood safety risk. Nevertheless, NPAMPs emerge as a previously under-recognized component of contaminant exposure in pelagic predators and should be incorporated into future marine monitoring frameworks.
Govindarajan P, Babu S, Bojjangada RP
… +2 more, Nanaiah SBT, Batumalay M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42400762
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Microplastic contamination in bottled drinking water is an emerging environmental and public health concern, particularly when bottles are exposed to varying storage and thermal conditions. This study introduces FMIND (f...Microplastic contamination in bottled drinking water is an emerging environmental and public health concern, particularly when bottles are exposed to varying storage and thermal conditions. This study introduces FMIND (fuzzy microplastic inference for detection risk), an IoT-enabled fuzzy inference framework for rapid and low-cost microplastic contamination risk assessment. Bottled water stored in PET and stainless-steel containers under sunlight, shade, and freezer conditions was evaluated using IoT sensors measuring temperature, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) before and after 30 days of storage. Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between sensor variations and contamination-related physicochemical indicators, including turbidity (r = 0.861), TDS (r = 0.793), and temperature (r = 0.565) (p < 0.001). The FMIND fuzzy model applied 12 Sugeno rules to generate a contamination risk score (0-100), while the HFIRM-GT enhanced configuration improved classification consistency within the experimental dataset, achieving an F1 score of 0.91. Laboratory validation using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and EDAX elemental analysis on selected high-risk samples supported the presence of polymer-associated microplastic fragments in sunlight-exposed PET bottles. The proposed framework does not directly quantify microplastics through IoT sensors; instead, it estimates contamination risk using indirect physicochemical indicators supported by laboratory validation. FMIND integrates IoT sensing, fuzzy reasoning, and chemical validation into a unified and interpretable framework for periodic bottled water contamination risk assessment. The reported predictive performance reflects evaluation within a limited experimental dataset and should be interpreted as preliminary proof-of-concept validation rather than generalized field-scale performance. The system provides a scalable and cost-effective approach that supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Rong C, Peng Y, Shi Q
… +3 more, Tao Y, Wang P, Wang Q
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42399544
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Lead-zinc tailings are typically stored in tailings ponds or stockpiles. Over extended periods, weathering and seepage in these storage sites can lead to the release of potentially toxic metals. Alkali-activated solidifi...Lead-zinc tailings are typically stored in tailings ponds or stockpiles. Over extended periods, weathering and seepage in these storage sites can lead to the release of potentially toxic metals. Alkali-activated solidification/stabilization presents a viable method for reducing contaminant mobility and enhancing the safe reuse potential of lead-zinc tailings. In this study, two alkaline activator systems were employed to stabilize the lead-zinc tailings. Activator A comprised a sodium silicate solution and NaOH, while Activator B comprised S95-grade ground granulated blast-furnace slag and NaOH. The effects of cement content, activator dosage, and water content on compressive strength and leaching behavior were examined. XRD and SEM-EDS analyses were conducted to investigate the reaction products, microstructure, and elemental distribution of the solidified products. The study results show that both activator systems decreased Zn, Mn, and Cd leaching concentrations under the tested conditions. Based on the XRD, SEM-EDS, and leaching results, the reduced heavy metal mobility in SP-B can be primarily attributed to gel formation, physical encapsulation, and chemical retention. The gel-like products formed during hydration and alkali activation enveloped and bonded the fine metal-bearing particles, thereby reducing their direct contact with the leaching solution. The alkaline environment and slag-derived Ca-, Si-, and Al-bearing species likely facilitated adsorption, surface complexation, precipitation, and gel-associated retention. Overall, Activator B demonstrated superior environmental stabilization performance compared to Activator A under the tested conditions and holds potential for the safe reuse of lead-zinc tailings in conventional backfill and non-structural infill applications.
Bahammou O, Bellouk H, Mrabet IE
… +7 more, Khalil F, Benzina M, Bouaziz J, Ferronato C, Meunier FC, Valdés H, Zaitan H
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42399543
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In this work, a new approach for treating tannery wastewaters (TWWs) was applied, beginning with a coagulation-flocculation pretreatment. Under the optimal operating conditions obtained (5 g L of ferric chloride at pH 7)...In this work, a new approach for treating tannery wastewaters (TWWs) was applied, beginning with a coagulation-flocculation pretreatment. Under the optimal operating conditions obtained (5 g L of ferric chloride at pH 7), this process was able to completely remove both turbidity and color present in the effluent, achieving a 73% of chemical organic oxygen (COD) removal. The sludge generated during the coagulation-flocculation (CF) process was valorized and characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDX mapping and subsequently applied as a catalyst in an ultrasound-assisted photo-Fenton-like heterogeneous process (SPF). For this purpose, an experimental design based on Box-Behnken planning was employed to optimize the process operating parameters. Under the optimal conditions obtained (initial concentration of HO of 2284 mg L, catalyst dosage of 2050 mg L at pH = 3), complete CN removal and a 91% of COD reduction were achieved. Furthermore, phytotoxicity assessments based on germination percentage, germination rate index, and seedling vigor index showed a significant decrease in toxicity, with germination rates of 94% for both wheat and M. sativa seeds. With a total treatment cost of 4.8 $USD m of treated TWW, the sequential treatment with CF followed by a heterogeneous SPF (CF-SPF) using a valorized sludge rich in Fe as a catalyst, proved to be an efficient and viable alternative for the sustainable management of tannery wastewater.
Feltracco M, Barbaro E, Mazzi G
… +8 more, Munteanu A, Bortolini M, Favaro E, Ulgelmo B, Scalabrin E, Frassati S, Barbante C, Gambaro A
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42399542
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The study of benzothiazoles (BTHs) in the atmosphere is gaining attention due to their strong link with non-exhaust traffic emissions, particularly those resulting from tire wear. While these compounds have been widely i...The study of benzothiazoles (BTHs) in the atmosphere is gaining attention due to their strong link with non-exhaust traffic emissions, particularly those resulting from tire wear. While these compounds have been widely investigated in water and soil, their presence in aerosol remains less explored, with reported atmospheric concentrations ranging from approximately 50 pg m in remote areas up to 2000 pg m in urban environments. Given their consistent detection in urban environments, BTHs could serve as effective markers for tracking non-exhaust traffic emissions, thereby enhancing our understanding of their contribution to air pollution and facilitating source identification. This review focuses on recent advances in the study of BTHs, providing an updated overview of their environmental occurrence and potential as traffic-related tracers. Additionally, it highlights the latest developments in analytical methods for their detection, emphasizing progress made in the past few years via UHPLC-MS/MS techniques, which achieve limits of detection down to sub-ng L levels in aqueous matrices. This review concludes that to reliably employ BTHs as tracers, it is essential to analyse a broader range of derivatives and transformation products; such a comprehensive analytical approach is crucial for distinguishing between diverse emission sources and accurately accounting for the compounds' environmental fate.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42399541
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Air quality index (AQI) is an important indicator for assessing urban air quality and its impacts on public health. Accurate AQI forecasting is essential for pollution management, especially in megacities such as Tehran,...Air quality index (AQI) is an important indicator for assessing urban air quality and its impacts on public health. Accurate AQI forecasting is essential for pollution management, especially in megacities such as Tehran, where air quality is strongly influenced by both human activities and meteorological conditions. This study proposes a hybrid ensemble framework combining autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity in mean (GARCH-M), multiple linear regression (MLR), and principal component regression (PCR) to predict daily AQI. Historical AQI and meteorological data from 2012 to 2015 were used for model calibration, and predictions were validated using 2016 observations. The results show that the proposed second ensemble model (Model 4) achieved the highest prediction accuracy across all seasons, with coefficients of determination (R) ranging from 0.942 to 0.969 and RMSE values between 3.861 and 12.783 in the validation dataset. Compared to the standalone ARIMA model, the hybrid model improved R by up to 42% and reduced NMSE by up to 82%. In winter, when air pollution was most severe, the model achieved an R of 0.962 and RMSE of 6.019, demonstrating strong robustness under critical conditions. The findings confirm that integrating time series models with meteorological variables significantly enhances AQI forecasting accuracy and provides a reliable framework for operational air quality management in urban environments.
Maia LC, Dos Santos GR, Pereira AR
… +3 more, da Fonseca YA, Gurgel LVA, de Freitas Carvalho C
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42399540
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A novel process was employed to produce ferric coagulants using iron recovered from the coarse and fine fractions of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) sludge. The FeSO obtained as an intermediate product was converted to Fe(SO)...A novel process was employed to produce ferric coagulants using iron recovered from the coarse and fine fractions of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) sludge. The FeSO obtained as an intermediate product was converted to Fe(SO) (final product), which was used as a coagulant in water treatment. The iron contents of the coarse and fine BOF sludge fractions were 82.51 ± 0.02% and 45.6 ± 0.5% (dry basis), respectively. Iron was recovered from the sludge fractions by acid leaching with HSO solution, followed by the addition of ethanol to the leachate to crystallize FeSO, from which ferric coagulants were obtained by oxidation reaction with HO. The performance of the coagulants was evaluated using the jar test method. The optimum condition for the production of FeSO from the fine fraction of the BOF sludge was established using a desirability function. This resulted in the formation of 13.1 ± 0.2 g of FeSO‧7HO from 7.00 g of waste, with a high yield of 91 ± 1%, using 13% (v/v) HSO solution, a leaching time of 140 min, and 120 mL of ethanol. The phase composition of the FeSO was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The Fe(SO) produced from the coarse and fine fractions of BOF sludge achieved high turbidity removals (95 ± 1% and 94.1 ± 0.9%, respectively), demonstrating its potential as a coagulant. Performance was compared with a commercial coagulant (polyaluminum chloride), confirming competitive efficiency (97 ± 1%). In addition, bench-scale production costs of ferric coagulants were estimated, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess economic feasibility.
Cherene MGP, de Castro Xavier G, da Silva Barroso L
… +4 more, da Silva Luna Paravidino M, de Souza Souza Tavares KM, de Azevedo ARG, Monteiro SN
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42397536
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Trillions of cigarette butts are discarded annually worldwide, releasing over 7000 toxic chemicals and becoming one of the most prevalent solid wastes in society. Cigarette filters are composed primarily of cellulose ace...Trillions of cigarette butts are discarded annually worldwide, releasing over 7000 toxic chemicals and becoming one of the most prevalent solid wastes in society. Cigarette filters are composed primarily of cellulose acetate fibers, a nonbiodegradable material that poses significant environmental challenges. This systematic review surveyed the ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to evaluate recent research on the incorporation of cigarette butt fibers into building materials such as mortar, concrete, gypsum composites, asphalt, and bricks. Few studies were found in these areas, and their results were analyzed and compared, allowing for the identification of gaps in the literature. It was observed that, in small proportions, the incorporation of cigarette butts can reduce density, improve thermal insulation, and decrease energy consumption. On the other hand, higher levels compromise mechanical strength and durability, and there is still a lack of fundamental tests that limit the practical application of these materials.
Sharma R, Gupta V, Pal V
… +3 more, Sen J, Meghvansi MK, Goel AK
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42397535
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Anaerobic digestion is a pivotal technology for modern sanitation. This study investigates the impact of inoculum-substrate ratio (ISR) on anaerobic digestion of human faecal matter (HFM). To determine the anaerobic dige...Anaerobic digestion is a pivotal technology for modern sanitation. This study investigates the impact of inoculum-substrate ratio (ISR) on anaerobic digestion of human faecal matter (HFM). To determine the anaerobic digestion efficiency of HFM, the experiments were conducted using an automatic biomethane potential test system with ISRs ranging from 0.33 to 3. Higher ISRs (1, 2, and 3) resulted in improved volatile solids reduction, increased hydrolysis rates, and higher cumulative methane production compared to lower ISRs. Kinetic modelling revealed that an ISR of 3 exhibited the highest hydrolysis rate constant and shortest lag phase. Analysis of volatile fatty acids showed that higher ISRs mitigated acid accumulation and maintained pH stability. Microbial community analysis demonstrated shifts in bacterial and archaeal populations across different ISRs, with higher ratios fostering greater diversity and abundance of hydrolytic and methanogenic microorganisms. The findings offer essential insights for enhancing the anaerobic digestion of HFM, promoting sustainable waste management and renewable energy production.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42397534
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One of the most serious pollution problems in aquatic lake systems is contamination by heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs). These pollutants cause serious harm to aquatic organisms. The research focused on studyin...One of the most serious pollution problems in aquatic lake systems is contamination by heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs). These pollutants cause serious harm to aquatic organisms. The research focused on studying HMs (Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr) and MPs in organs of Clarias gariepinus inhabitant of Burullus Lake. Water and live fish samples were collected from the northwestern part of the lake, preserved and then transferred for laboratory analyses. HMs were analyzed using digestion methods with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. For MPs, 10% potassium hydroxide was used. The metal ions followed these orders Mn > Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb and Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb > Ni in the liver and muscle, respectively. In water, this order was Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) was for Mn in both tissues; the lowest was Pb in the liver and Cd in the muscle. The metal concentrations exceeded the limits reported by FAO/WHO. The estimated daily and weekly intakes (EDI and EWI) were higher than 1 in both adults and children. The hazard index (HI) was within the limit of 1. The values were higher for Cd, Pb, and Ni than the tolerable value of lifetime carcinogenic risk according to USEPA of (10). The most abundant microplastics (MPs) were transparent lines, followed by colored fibers and then colored fragments. The polymeric composition of microplastics was 333 T Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) in the intestine and 118 T (low-density polyethylene [LDPE]) in the muscle. The pollution load index for MPs was more than 1 in both tissues. The histopathological changes indicated a loss of detoxification ability and intestinal integrity, as manifested by hepatocellular necrosis and vacuolar degeneration. Intestinal lesions exhibited villous sloughing along with necrobiotic alterations and iron deposition. It is concluded that high contamination ratios of MPs were observed in the tested samples and these ratios may increase within time if water and sediments are not treated effectively.
Martins Costa MA, Albini G, de Oliveira LF
… +5 more, de Oliveira EA, Duarte de Souza AJ, de Oliveira Bérgamo M, Moreno LV, Dussán KJ
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42393421
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This study evaluated lignocellulosic residues as low-cost adsorbents for CO capture in a dynamic column system, focusing on spent coffee grounds biochar (SCGB) as an alternative to commercial activated carbon. Commercial...This study evaluated lignocellulosic residues as low-cost adsorbents for CO capture in a dynamic column system, focusing on spent coffee grounds biochar (SCGB) as an alternative to commercial activated carbon. Commercial activated carbon, SCGB, magnetized SCGB, KOH-activated SCGB, peanut shell pellet charcoal, sugarcane bagasse charcoal containing kaolin, and calcined SCGB samples were tested. SCGB was produced by pyrolysis and modified by chemical activation, magnetite incorporation, or post-pyrolysis calcination. CO adsorption tests were performed in a column under different air and CO₂ inlet flow rates, and CO concentrations were monitored at the inlet and outlet using infrared sensors. The adsorption capacity ranged from 0.43 to 7.17 mmol CO/g, depending on the adsorbent and operating conditions. The best performance was obtained for non-activated SCGB, which reached 7.17 mmol CO/g under intermediate air flow conditions. Although KOH activation improved the textural properties of SCGB, it did not lead to the highest adsorption capacity in the column. These results indicate that CO capture under dynamic conditions is controlled not only by BET surface area and micropore volume, but also by pore accessibility, surface chemistry, bed behavior, and gas residence time. Spent coffee grounds biochar showed competitive CO adsorption performance and may be considered a promising low-cost adsorbent for carbon capture applications. The results support the use of biomass-derived residues in column-based CO mitigation processes, while highlighting the need for further studies on humidity tolerance, regeneration, and scale-up.
De la Parra-Guerra AC, Rodelo-Soto KJ, Polo-Camargo S
… +7 more, Pallares-Arévalo M, Moraes Flores EM, Picoloto R, Andriolli CR, Osorio-Martínez J, Rematoza-Chamorro K, Fuentes-Gandara F
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42393420
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Open dumping (OD) is uncontrolled dumping of solid waste (SW) in an environment. It involves the illegal practice of dumping waste in areas not designated for waste management, such as open lands, flowing water bodies, o...Open dumping (OD) is uncontrolled dumping of solid waste (SW) in an environment. It involves the illegal practice of dumping waste in areas not designated for waste management, such as open lands, flowing water bodies, or exposed waste piles. OD can contain a complex mixture of organic fractions, and various contaminants that, when infiltrated into the soil through leachate, compromise its stability and resistance. These contaminants can reach aquatic ecosystems and natural resources through runoff. In this study, the impact of OD on soil and sediments toxicity and properties in the Caribbean region of Colombia, specifically in a tropical dry forest (Td-F) environment, was evaluated. A characterization of samples was performed, assessing their chemical composition, concentration of trace elements, physical properties, toxicity, and associated risks. The physicochemical conditions were determined using standardized methodologies, while trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a microwave-assisted digestion method. Additionally, toxicological bioassays were carried out with the Caenorhabditis elegans biological model. Soil and sediments samples were collected at nine sampling points distributed throughout the area, at a depth of 20 cm, and weighing approximately 1 kg. The results suggest that the soil in the OD exhibits slight to moderate deterioration associated with the continuous accumulation of SW. The results reveal soil with organic matter (OM) (3 to 8%), density of 2.0 to 2.44 g cm⁻, pH from 7.67 to 8.40, carbon content from 5.94% to 6.89%, and phosphorus up to 14.8 g L⁻. The decreasing concentration order in soils was chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > copper (Cu) > lead (Pb) > cobalt (Co) > arsenic (As) > cadmium (Cd). The soil and sediment samples showed contamination by Ni, Cu, and Cd. Analyzing the impact of solid waste dumping in the Caribbean region directly contributes to the goal of promoting more sustainable cities, ensuring the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. Finally, this study provides key information to strengthen environmental policies and sustainable solid waste management strategies in coordination with local stakeholders and territorial authorities. The results may serve as a baseline for monitoring, prevention, and mitigation programs related to contamination by potentially toxic elements, while also contributing to the strengthening of environmental governance and the protection of ecosystems and public health.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42393419
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Activated sludge systems are widely used for the treatment of effluents with high organic loads. In this study, tannery effluents were treated through bioaugmentation with activated sludge under mesocosm conditions. Afte...Activated sludge systems are widely used for the treatment of effluents with high organic loads. In this study, tannery effluents were treated through bioaugmentation with activated sludge under mesocosm conditions. After 10 days of treatment, significant removal efficiencies were achieved for key physicochemical parameters, including COD (80%), BOD₅ (85%), total chromium and Cr(VI) (87% and 83%, respectively), sulfates (78%), and phenols and total suspended solids (100%). Overall removal efficiencies ranged from 70 to 100%, with several parameters approaching or reaching regulatory limits. The structure and temporal dynamics of microfaunal and microalgal communities were analyzed in both activated sludge and clarified effluent. Community composition changed over time, with an initial dominance of swimming ciliates and Cyanobacteria under high organic load conditions, followed by an increase in flagellates, sessile and crawling ciliates, and Euglenophyta as physicochemical conditions improved. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that most physicochemical parameters were associated with swimming ciliates and Cyanobacteria during the initial stages of treatment, whereas dissolved oxygen and pH were correlated with flagellates, amoebae, and Euglenophyta at later stages. These findings suggest that microbial community dynamics were mainly driven by treatment time and the associated environmental changes rather than by the treatment condition itself. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of bioaugmentation efficiency for tannery effluent treatment and demonstrates the relevance of microfaunal community dynamics as indicators of treatment progression and system stabilization. In addition, it offers novel insights into the structure and potential bioindicator role of microalgal communities, which remain poorly documented in activated sludge systems treating tannery effluents.
Zanganeh E, Habashi RB, Sabzevari A
… +2 more, Boeini HZ, Badrzadeh N
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42393418
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In this study, a novel anthraquinone-based ligand, 2-(4-aminostyryl)quinolin-8-ol (AQ), was synthesized and covalently functionalized onto graphene oxide (GO) and graphite (G) to yield GO-AQ and G-AQ nanocomposite adsorb...In this study, a novel anthraquinone-based ligand, 2-(4-aminostyryl)quinolin-8-ol (AQ), was synthesized and covalently functionalized onto graphene oxide (GO) and graphite (G) to yield GO-AQ and G-AQ nanocomposite adsorbents for efficient heavy metal removal. Structural elucidation using H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of the AQ ligand, evidenced by characteristic aromatic, amine, vinylic, and hydroxyl proton signals, which verify its high structural integrity and purity. FTIR analysis revealed distinct vibrational features corresponding to aromatic, C-N, and N-H functionalities, confirming a strong chemical interaction between AQ and GO through amide formation and epoxide ring-opening reactions, whereas interaction with graphite was predominantly physisorptive. XRD and FE-SEM analyses demonstrated structural modifications including partial restacking, increased disorder, and successful ligand incorporation on the GO surface, supported by EDX elemental mapping showing a uniform distribution of C, O, and N atoms. BET analysis confirmed mesoporous characteristics, with GO-AQ exhibiting a higher surface area and porosity compared to G-AQ. Adsorption studies for Pb and Cd ions demonstrated that GO-AQ exhibits superior uptake capacities of 140 mg/g and 130 mg/g, respectively. The process was accurately modeled by the Langmuir isotherm (R > 0.99), indicating a monolayer chemisorption mechanism. The adsorption performance was highly dependent on operational parameters, including pH, contact time, and initial metal concentration, with optimal removal achieved at pH 7 within 40 min. Furthermore, GO-AQ displayed excellent selectivity for multivalent heavy metal ions over lighter cations and retained over 98% of its adsorption efficiency after three consecutive regeneration cycles, confirming its reusability and structural integrity. Overall, the AQ-functionalized graphene oxide adsorbent presented herein represents a robust, high-performance, and sustainable material for the selective removal of toxic heavy metals from aqueous environments.
Vincens N, Löve J, Persson Waye K
… +1 more, Ögren M
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42390704
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Environmental exposures, such as railway noise and vibration, might be unequally distributed across communities. This study investigates how area-level socioeconomic conditions and migration density vary with the distrib...Environmental exposures, such as railway noise and vibration, might be unequally distributed across communities. This study investigates how area-level socioeconomic conditions and migration density vary with the distribution of railway noise and vibration in Southwest Sweden. We employed linear regression and spatial autoregressive models to analyse data from the EpiVib study, which included 7,280 individuals living within 1 km of a trafficked railway in four regions of Southwest Sweden. The study assessed the relationships between exposure levels and area-level socioeconomic conditions and migration density using Statistics Sweden's small-area division system (i.e., DeSO). Areas with lower socioeconomic conditions and higher migration density are exposed to higher levels of railway noise and vibration. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that noise levels were higher in areas with more than 20% of inhabitants having a foreign background. The impact of area-level indicators on noise exposure varied with urbanicity, with higher exposure levels in rural and suburban areas compared to urban areas. Vibration exposure was more pronounced in areas with fair socioeconomic conditions and higher migration density. The study shows inequalities in railway noise and vibration exposure, according to area-level socioeconomic conditions and migration density. Areas with better socioeconomic conditions are consistently less exposed to both railway noise and vibration. Furthermore, the impact of area-level indicators on noise exposure depends on urbanicity levels. Future research, interventions and policies that account for area-level socioeconomic factors as well as urbanicity are advised to ensure environmental equity and justice regarding rail traffic exposures.