Environmental Sciences

Article Engineering, Environmental

Scutellarin targets Wnt5a against zearalenone-induced apoptosis in mouse granulosa cells in vitro and in vivo

Na Sun, Abdul Haseeb, Panpan Sun, Hua Zhang, Jia Zhong, Wei Yin, Kuohai Fan, Huizhen Yang, Zhenbiao Zhang, Yaogui Sun, Panpan Hu, Hongquan Li

Summary: Scutellarin exerts anti-apoptotic effects on ZEA-induced mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) by targeting Wnt5a.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Polystyrene nanoplastics induce developmental impairments and vasotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Andressa Liberal Santos, Laura Carvalho Rodrigues, Candido Carvalho Rodrigues, Felipe Cirqueira, Guilherme Malafaia, Thiago Lopes Rocha

Summary: The exponential increase in the use of plastics has led to significant environmental pollution caused by nanoplastics. This study investigated the harmful effects of environmentally relevant polystyrene nanoparticles on the early developmental stages of zebrafish. The results showed that the nanoparticles induced developmental impairments, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and behavioral impairments in the fish. Overall, the findings highlight the environmental risks associated with polystyrene nanoparticles.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Review Engineering, Environmental

Smart waste management 4.0: The transition from a systematic review to an integrated framework

Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi

Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.

WASTE MANAGEMENT (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Robust reactive oxygen species production in interfacial reaction between organic acids and biochar: The combined effect of electron acceptance and electron conduction

Kecheng Zhu, Sirui Ma, Na Chen, Yunchao Dai, Tiecheng Wang, Xuetao Guo, Hanzhong Jia

Summary: The interfacial electron transport and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the redox action between biochar and low-molecular-weight organic acids have been overlooked. This study revealed that biochar could strongly interact with organic acids and act as an electron shuttle, leading to the generation of ROS. The findings provide new insights for the development of green and efficient organic pollutant removal technologies.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Biogeochemical cycling in paddy soils controls antimony transformation: Roles of iron (oxyhydr)oxides, organic matter and sulfate

Yizhou He, Yang Yang, Wenting Chi, Shiwen Hu, Guojun Chen, Qi Wang, Kuan Cheng, Chao Guo, Tongxu Liu, Bingqing Xia

Summary: This study investigates the transformation of antimony (Sb) in paddy fields and identifies the key processes involved. The results show that under anaerobic conditions, the release of Sb is facilitated by the reductive dissolution of iron, the release of soil colloids, and dissolved organic carbon. In the subsequent aerobic phase, the oxidation of Sb(III) by reactive oxygen species leads to increased levels of dissolved Sb(V). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of Sb in paddy systems.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Transformation of phenylarsenic chemical warfare agents and their effect on bacterial communities in Baltic Sea sediment

Noora-Kaisa Rantanen, Anna Reunamo, Matti A. Kjellberg, Olga Rumbin, Jaak Truu, Harri Kiljunen, Hanna Niemikoski, Anu Lastumaki, Kari K. Lehtonen, Paula Vanninen

Summary: This study investigated the transformation of phenylarsenic chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in the Baltic Sea sediment and discovered several new transformation products. It also found that bacterial communities in the sediment were affected by exposure to phenylarsenic CWAs.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Investigating the impact of microplastics on sulfur mineralization in different soil types: A mechanism study

Youming Dong, Minling Gao, Weiwen Qiu, Ling Xiao, Zimin Cheng, Hongchang Peng, Zhengguo Song

Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms by which microplastics affect soil sulfur mineralization. The results showed that the type, concentration, and size of microplastics are the main factors influencing sulfur mineralization. Additionally, microplastics directly alter the structure and activities of soil enzymes.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Occurrence, seasonal variation and gas/particle partitioning of current used pesticides (CUPs) across 60 °C temperature and 30° latitudes in China

Liang Wang, Gang Cao, Zi-Feng Zhang, Li-Yan Liu, Shi-Ming Jia, Meng-Qi Fu, Wan-Li Ma

Summary: Gas and particle phase samples were collected at three sites in China, revealing variations in concentrations of different types of pesticides across regions and seasons, potentially influenced by local climates and crop cultivation patterns. The partitioning of pesticides between gas and particle phases was primarily determined by their physicochemical properties and ambient temperature.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Are Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) suitable as biomonitor or bioindicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution?

Thimo Groffen, Heleen Keirsebelik, Hannes Dendievel, Mathilde Falcou-Prefol, Lieven Bervoets, Jonas Schoelynck

Summary: This study investigates the potential use of Chinese mitten crabs as biomonitoring organisms for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The study finds that PFAS concentrations in crabs from Flanders are often higher than those in other regions, indicating high pollution levels in the area. The accumulation profiles of PFAS also differ between the invasive crab and native European perch and European eel, suggesting the need for a multi-species approach in biomonitoring. More information is needed to confirm the suitability of crabs as bioindicators.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Uptake, accumulation and toxicity of short chain chlorinated paraffins to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Jianzhong Yu, Qing Tang, Ge Yin, Weifang Chen, Jitao Lv, Lingxiangyu Li, Chenghao Zhang, Yunxiang Ye, Xijiao Song, Xueping Zhao, Tao Tang, Changpeng Zhang, Lixi Zeng, Zhenlan Xu

Summary: This study investigates the absorption and translocation mechanisms of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in plants. The research finds that SCCPs are strongly absorbed by roots but have limited translocation to shoots. The hydrophobicity and molecular size of SCCPs influence their uptake and translocation. A temperature and metabolic inhibitor inhibit the root uptake of SCCPs, supporting the involvement of an active energy-dependent process. SCCPs at environmentally relevant concentrations do not impact root morphology and chlorophyll contents, but they do cause changes in cellular ultrastructure and increase superoxide dismutase activity.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Characterising microplastics in indoor air: Insights from Raman imaging analysis of air filter samples

Cheng Fang, Olalekan Simon Awoyemi, Gopalan Saianand, Lei Xu, Junfeng Niu, Ravi Naidu

Summary: This study successfully identified and visualized microplastic fibers in indoor air using Raman imaging technology, providing statistical information. Air filters can serve as good indicators to monitor microplastic contamination in indoor air quality.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Facet-dependent adsorption of aromatic organoarsenicals on hematite: The mechanism and environmental impact

Wenxuan Chen, Guibin Guo, Lijin Huang, Ouyang Lei, Qin Shuai

Summary: This study systematically investigated the adsorption behaviors of aromatic organoarsenicals on the surface of hematite and found that the facet of hematite plays a role in their adsorption performance. The results contribute to a better understanding of the environmental behavior of aromatic organoarsenicals and offer theoretical support for the development of functional adsorbents and remediation strategies.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Aging of polystyrene microplastics by UV/Sodium percarbonate oxidation: Organic release, mechanism, and disinfection by-product formation

Qiaoyan Wang, Muxin Chen, Yulin Min, Penghui Shi

Summary: The occurrence and transformation of microplastics in the environment and their impact on dissolved organic matter were studied. It was found that ultraviolet-activated sodium percarbonate effectively enhanced the aging and fragmentation of microplastics and the release characteristics of dissolved organic matter were correlated with the concentration of sodium percarbonate. Furthermore, the study suggests that the dissolved organic matter released by microplastics could potentially contribute to the formation of chlorination disinfection by-products.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

The legalization of cannabis may result in increased indoor exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Tunga Salthammer

Summary: This paper presents the basic information of cannabis and its importance in indoor use. The legalization of cannabis leads to an increase in consumption but also brings the possibility of passive exposure and indoor contamination. The understanding of THC in indoor science is still limited, requiring further research and monitoring.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Self-acclimation mechanism of pyrite to sulfamethoxazole concentration in terms of degradation behavior and toxicity effects caused by reactive oxygen species

Xuyun Gao, Chu Dai, Xike Tian, Yulun Nie, Jianbo Shi

Summary: This study revealed a self-acclimation mechanism of pyrite in the oxidation process of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The conversion of (OH)· to O1(2) was proven to be an important factor in the degradation of SMX. This mechanism overcomes the limitations of (OH)· and different oxidizing species have different degradation pathways and environmental toxicity.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Revealing the release and migration mechanism of heavy metals in typical carbonate tailings, East China

Rong Zhao, Xiong Wu, Ge Zhu, Xiao Zhang, Fei Liu, Wenping Mu

Summary: This study investigates the release and transport of heavy metals from tailings under acid rainfall infiltration in simulated actual conditions. The results show a high release rate of trace elements and the presence of carbonate rocks can reduce the release intensity of heavy metals.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a subtropical river-mangrove estuary-bay system

Xingwei Xie, Yonglong Lu, Pei Wang, Haojie Lei, Nengwang Chen, Zian Liang, Xudong Jiang, Jialong Li, Zhiwei Cao, Jieming Liao, Kongming Li

Summary: Mangrove estuaries are economically valuable and biologically diverse coastal ecosystems. However, knowledge about emerging pollutants in mangrove estuaries is limited. This study investigated PFAS concentrations in a continuous river-mangrove estuary-bay system in China, revealing a declining trend of PFAS concentrations from the river to the bay. The primary sources of PFAS pollution were identified as wastewater treatment plant effluent, domestic and production wastewater discharge, aqueous film-forming foam emissions, and fluorochemistry industry wastewater. PFAS pollution in the mangrove creek was mainly influenced by domestic and production wastewater discharge, particularly during the rainy season.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Review Engineering, Environmental

Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview

Junjie Ao, Weifeng Tang, Xiaoning Liu, Yan Ao, Qianlong Zhang, Jun Zhang

Summary: Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and have raised concern due to their metabolism into toxic compounds. This review highlights the current knowledge on PAPs, including their presence in various matrices and their potential toxic effects on the reproductive and endocrine systems. Further research is needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity in other systems, effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Uncovering the impact of mega-scale shipbreaking yards on soil and crop quality in Bangladesh: A spatiotemporal dynamics and associated health risks of metal/loid contamination

Md. Nazrul Islam, Sumon Ganguli, Narottam Saha, M. Mamun Huda, Md. Ashraful Hoque, Cheng Peng, Jack C. Ng

Summary: This study investigates the impact of shipbreaking activities in Bangladesh on soil, crop quality, and human health. It finds that the uncontrolled release of harmful metal/loids from these activities leads to contamination in soil and food crops, posing potential health threats to the general population. The findings contribute to the development of management strategies to protect agroecosystems and public health.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)

Article Engineering, Environmental

Functionalized hydrogen-bonded organic superstructures via molecular self-assembly for enhanced uranium extraction

Yafeng Liu, Shan Ni, Wenjie Wang, Meng Rong, Hui Cai, Huifang Xing, Liangrong Yang

Summary: A fast and simple method for the direct fabrication of functionalized hydrogen-bonded organic superstructures with excellent uranium adsorption ability and selective uranium adsorption properties is reported.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2024)