Environmental Science-Processes & Impacts

A study to assess the vascular developmental toxicity of anticarcinogen toremifene in zebrafish ()
Liu J, Wang H, Yang C and Hu T
Due to the increasing burden of disease and demand for medicines, more and more pharmaceutical compounds are appearing in the environment. Toremifene (TOR), a first-line drug in the therapy of breast cancer, is widely used in the treatment of related diseases. However, the toxicity assessment of TOR is insufficient. Here, a model organism zebrafish and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to investigate the effects and mechanisms of TOR on angiogenesis. The results showed that TOR exposure reduced hatching and survival rates, and increased the malformation rate. TOR inhibited angiogenesis by inducing nuclear condensation in zebrafish endothelial cells and impeding cell migration, resulting in vascular malformation in zebrafish embryos. TOR disrupted the cytoskeleton, suppressed HUVEC migration, adhesion, activity and division, induced cell cycle arrest, and accelerated apoptosis. qRT-PCR indicated that transcriptional levels of , , , and reduced in the TOR-exposed groups, and western blot indicated that TOR decreased the contents of Integrin β1, Rho, ROCK, MLC, and pMLC in the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Collectively, TOR may disturb endothelial cell behaviors by disrupting the cytoskeleton the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, ultimately resulting in abnormal angiogenesis. The study increases awareness of the toxicity of TOR to aquatic organisms and raises public concern about the health risks posed by anti-tumor drugs.
Sulfur depletion through repetitive redox cycling unmasks the role of the cryptic sulfur cycle for (methyl)thioarsenate formation in paddy soils
León Ninin JM, Dreher CL, Kappler A and Planer-Friedrich B
Inorganic and oxymethylated thioarsenates form through the reaction of arsenite and oxymethylated arsenates with reduced sulfur, mainly as sulfide (S) but also as zerovalent sulfur (S). In paddy soils, considered low-S systems, microbial reduction of the soil's "primary" sulfate pool is the principal S source for As thiolation. Under anoxic conditions, this primary pool is readily consumed, and the precipitation of iron (Fe) sulfides lowers S availability. Nonetheless, sulfate can be constantly replenished by the reoxidation of S coupled with the reduction of Fe phases in the so-called cryptic S cycle (CSC). The CSC supplies a small secondary sulfate pool available for reduction and, according to previous studies, As thiolation. However, sulfate concentrations commonly found in paddy soils mask the biogeochemical processes associated with the CSC. Here, we depleted a paddy soil from excess S, Fe, and As from a paddy soil through repetitive flooding and draining (, redox cycling). After 10, 20, and 30 such cycles, we followed thioarsenate formation during an anoxic incubation period of 10 days. Higher S/As ratios increased As thiolation contribution to total As up to 10-fold after 30 cycles. During the anoxic incubation, the depleted soils showed a transient first phase where the reduction of the primary sulfate pool led to inorganic thioarsenate formation. In the second phase, methylthioarsenate formation correlated with partially oxidized S species (S, thiosulfate), suggesting CSC-driven sulfate replenishment, re-reduction, and thiolation. Methylthioarsenates formed even as inorganic thioarsenates de-thiolated, indicating thermodynamic preference under S-limited conditions. This study highlights the role of the CSC in sustaining thioarsenate formation in low-S systems.
Antimony mobility in soils: current understanding and future research directions
da Costa L, Zopfi J, Alewell C, Lehmann MF and Lenz M
Antimony (Sb) has gained increased attention over the past few decades due to its possible detrimental effects on biota and its potential to leach and disperse from contaminated soils. The fate of Sb in the environment is largely controlled by its chemical speciation, as well as the speciation of solid phases ( Mn/Fe-oxyhydroxides) that interact with Sb in soils. Microbes have the capacity to facilitate a multitude of oxidation and reduction reactions in soils. Therefore, they exert control over the reactivity of Sb in the environment, either directly and/or indirectly, by changing Sb speciation and/or affecting the redox state of soil solid phases. Here, we outline processes that determine the behaviour of Sb in soils. We conclude that based on laboratory studies there is a good theoretical understanding of pure soil components interacting with Sb species. However, comparatively little is known concerning the contribution of these interactions in complex natural systems that are dynamic in terms of biogeochemical conditions and that can hardly be simulated using laboratory incubations. We note that important biochemical foundations of microbially driven Sb conversions ( molecular constraints on organisms, genes and enzymes involved) have emerged recently. Again, these are based on laboratory incubations and investigations in environments high in Sb. In this regard, an important remaining question is which microorganisms actively impact Sb speciation under real-world conditions, in particular where Sb concentrations are low. Multiple dissolved Sb species have been described in the literature. We note that more analytical development is needed to identify and quantify possible key Sb species in natural systems, as well as anthropogenically impacted environments with only moderate Sb concentrations. With these research needs addressed, we believe that the Sb fate in the environment can be more accurately assessed, and remediation options can be developed.
Investigating the adsorption of organic compounds onto microplastics experimental, simulation, and prediction methods
Wang Y, Zhao P, Yi H and Tang X
Exploring the adsorption of organic compounds onto microplastics (MPs) is of great significance for understanding their environmental fate and evaluating their ecological risks. To date, various techniques, , experiments, simulations, and prediction models, have been utilized for exploring the adsorption of different organic compounds onto MPs. In this review, we systematically introduce the sources of MPs, the interactions between MPs and organic compounds, the factors influencing the adsorption of organic compounds onto MPs, and research advances in investigating the adsorption of organic compounds by microplastics with different techniques. We also point out that the structures of MPs and environmental factors can have distinct effects on the adsorption mechanisms, and the adsorption mechanisms for numerous organic compounds onto MPs are still unclear. Besides, there is a paucity of multi-dimensional models for predicting the adsorption of organic compounds by MPs under different environmental conditions with a single click. We hope that our review can provide insights into the environmental behavior and fate of organic compounds and microplastics, as well as also guiding future research on the adsorption of organic compounds onto microplastics.
Tiny pollutants, big consequences: investigating the influence of nano- and microplastics on soil properties and plant health with mitigation strategies
Wael H, Vanessa EB, Mantoura N and Antonios DE
The impact of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) on ecosystems and human health has recently emerged as a significant challenge within the United Nations Agenda 2030, drawing global attention. This paper provides a critical analysis of the influence of plastic particles on plants and soils, with the majority of data collected from recent studies, primarily over the past five years. The absorption and translocation mechanisms of NPs/MPs in plants are first described, followed by an explanation of their effects-especially particles like PE, PS, PVC, PLA, and PES, as well as those contaminated with heavy metals-on plant growth, physiology, germination, oxidative stress, and nutrient uptake. The study also links the characteristics of plastics (size, shape, concentration, type, degradability) to changes in the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of soils. Various mitigation strategies, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, are explored to understand how they address these changes. However, further research, including both laboratory and field investigations, is urgently needed to address knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the long-term effects of MPs, their underlying mechanisms, ecotoxicological impacts, and the complex interactions between MPs and soil properties. This research is crucial for advancing sustainability from various perspectives and should contribute significantly toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Elucidation of the mechanism by which the foliar application of triacontanol enhances Cd enrichment in L. through morphological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses
Mi L, Liu Y, Huang Q, Zhao L, Qin X, Sun Y and Li B
Phytoremediation is an effective technology for removing heavy metal cadmium (Cd) from soil without harming the soil; however, it is limited by its long remediation time and low efficiency. In this study, a plant growth regulator (PGR), triacontanol, was sprayed on the leaves of the hyperaccumulator L. at different growth stages to enhance the accumulation of soil Cd, thereby ultimately enhancing the efficiency of phytoremediation. Results showed that leaves were the main site of Cd accumulation in , and foliar application of triacontanol increased the leaf biomass and Cd content, with maximum values of 14.69% and 15.44%, respectively. Furthermore, the Cd removal rate in the soil increased to 11.53%. The effect of a single application of triacontanol on Cd accumulation was better than that of two applications, and the bloom period was found to be the best application stage. The proportion of Cd in the cell walls increased, enhancing Cd fixation ability. The photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant capacity of improved significantly. In the roots, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses indicated that triacontanol promoted the metabolism of low-molecular-weight organic acids, leading to an increase in the available and exchangeable Cd in soil, with maximum values of 14.72% and 2.29%, respectively. The upregulation of Cd transport-related genes and pathways in the roots strengthened their ability to absorb Cd and resist Cd stress. These findings systematically elucidated the molecular mechanism of triacontanol-enhanced Cd accumulation in and provide technical support for its wide application.
Neonicotinoid insecticide sulfoxaflor in the environment: a critical review of environmental fate, degradation mechanism, and toxic effects
Zhao YX, Shen Y, Chen LW, Li J and Yang J
In recent decades, neonicotinoids (NEOs) have become widely adopted in agriculture for the control of crop pests and plant pathogens, leading to improved crop yields and enhanced agricultural productivity. However, the prolonged and widespread use of NEOs has raised significant concerns regarding their environmental persistence, food safety, and public health risks. These pesticides have been shown to contaminate various environmental compartments, including soil, surface water, and groundwater, posing potential hazards to ecosystems and human health. Microbes play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of toxic pesticides, with microbial degradation emerging as a promising, cost-effective strategy for degrading pesticide residues. Several sulfoxaflor (SUL)-degrading microbes have been isolated and characterized, yet the identification of microbes, genes, and enzymes responsible for the degradation of NEOs remains an area requiring further investigation. Despite some progress, few reviews have comprehensively addressed the underlying mechanisms of NEOs degradation. This paper provides a detailed review of research on the environmental distribution, exposure risks, and ecotoxicological effects of NEOs, with a particular focus on the environmental fate of SUL. It aims to offer a novel perspective on the fate of NEOs in the environment, their potential toxicological effects, and the role of microbes in mitigating their impact.
Enhanced residual risk of abamectin induced by 6PPD: in water, soil, and vegetables
Ji J, Zhu S, Hu X, Zhu J, Pang S, Ma Y and Li X
Abamectin, one of the most widely used pesticides globally, is known for its effectiveness in protecting crops and animal health. However, the residual risk of abamectin in agricultural products and the environment may be exacerbated by other pollutants, posing greater potential hazards. One such emerging environmental pollutant is -(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-'-phenyl--phenylenediamine (6PPD), a common tire antioxidant found in various environments, including agricultural products and human urine. Our study is the first to reveal the co-existence of 6PPD and abamectin in water and soil, and it demonstrated that 6PPD significantly enhances the residual persistence of abamectin in environmental media and vegetables. Specifically, 6PPD extended the half-life of abamectin by 79% in pak choi and by 70% in cabbage. Additionally, 6PPD increased the photolysis half-life of abamectin by 191% in water and by 50% on soil surfaces. Furthermore, 6PPD also prolonged the photolysis half-life of four other macrolides in water. This study reveals the mechanism through which 6PPD extends the half-life of abamectin: by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting hydroxylation and oxidation, thus slowing its degradation. And this paper highlights that 6PPD significantly exacerbates the environmental risks and food safety issue associated with abamectin. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for studying the safe use of pesticides in complex environments with multiple contaminants.
Contaminant bioaccessibility in abandoned mine tailings in Namibia changes along a climatic gradient
Ettler V, Křížová T, Mihaljevič M, Drahota P, Racek M, Kříbek B, Vaněk A, Penížek V, Zádorová T, Sracek O and Mapani B
Fine-grained dust from tailing storage facilities in abandoned sulfide-ore mining areas represents an important source of environmental contamination. Fine fractions (<48 μm and <10 μm) of tailings from three old mining sites situated along a climatic gradient from hot semiarid to cold desert conditions in Namibia were studied: Kombat (Cu-Pb-Zn; rainfall ∼500 mm), Oamites (Cu; ∼120 mm), Namib Lead & Zinc (Pb-Zn; ∼0 mm). Multi-method mineralogical and geochemical investigations were adopted to assess the binding and gastric bioaccessibility of the metal(loid)s and to evaluate the associated human health risks. The total concentrations of contaminants in the tailings generally increased with the decreasing particle size (up to 134 mg As kg, 14 900 mg Cu kg, 8880 mg Pb kg, 13 300 mg Zn kg). The mean bioaccessible fractions varied substantially between the sites and were significantly higher for the tailings from the sites with a higher rainfall (73-82% 22%). The mineralogical composition of the tailings, reflecting the original mineralogy and the degree of the weathering process, is the main driver controlling the bioaccessibility of the metal(loid)s. In desert environments, metal(loid)s in tailings are bound in sulfides or sequestered in secondary Fe oxyhydroxides and/or Fe hydroxysulfates, all of which are insoluble in simulated gastric fluid. In contrast, tailings from areas with higher precipitation contain metal(loid)s hosted in carbonate phases (malachite, cerussite), which are highly soluble under gastric conditions. Based on the higher contaminant bioaccessibility, the vicinity of the settlement and farmlands, and a higher percentage of wind-erodible fine particles, a higher risk for human health has thus been identified for the Kombat site, where further remediation of the existing tailings storage facility is highly recommended.
Fungi as an emerging waterborne health concern: impact of treated wastewater discharge aerosolization
Ramadan L and Harb M
The discharge of treated wastewater effluents into river-fed irrigation canals results in a de facto form of water reuse. Waterborne fungal populations in such environments pose a unique human health concern given that opportunistic fungal pathogens can be proliferated during spray irrigation of crops. In the present study, we consider two different routes (effluent discharge bioaerosols) through which wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can impact the presence and abundance of fungal communities in irrigation canals of the Rio Grande river basin in New Mexico. Site A was selected to investigate the influence of effluent discharge from a WWTP on waterborne fungal communities in a receiving irrigation canal. Site B represented an irrigation canal that was directly adjacent to a WWTP but that receives no effluent discharge (to exemplify bioaerosolization exclusively). Sampling dates were chosen to capture variations in weather and stream flow conditions at each of the two sites. Results indicated that treated wastewater discharged into the canal had a distinct impact on fungal community composition, especially under low wind and flow conditions. When stream flow was highest, variations along the canal at Site A were minimal. The highest occurrence of pathogen-associated genera was observed at Site B under high wind conditions with an average relative abundance of 20.9 ± 13.1% (peak of 39.3%) and was attributable to bioaerosol emissions from the WWTP and a nearby livestock facility. Such genera included , , and . These findings suggest that although treated effluent discharge can directly impact irrigation canal fungal community composition, bioaerosols likely have a larger overall effect on the spread of potential fungal pathogens.
Associations of individual and mixtures of organophosphate pesticides with the risk of osteoporosis in adult population
Zhao J, Li Y, Mao Z, Wang C, Hou J, Li Z, Wang J, Tian Y and Li L
The impact of organophosphate pesticide (OPP) exposure on osteoporosis in adult population remains unclear. Thus, it is necessary to explore the association between the exposure to a mixture of OPPs and the prevalence of osteoporosis as well as to identify the major contributor of OPPs in this association. Participants were selected from the 2005-2008 cycle of the NHANES cross-sectional study. OPP exposure was estimated using six different metabolites found in urine. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). Survey-weighted generalized linear regression models (SWGLMs) were used to estimate the association between individual OPP exposure and osteoporosis/BMD. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile g-computation (Qgcomp) models were used to assess the mixture of OPPs and identify the key pollutants. SWGLMs indicated that higher concentrations of dimethyl dithiophosphate (DMDTP) and diethyl dithiophosphate (DEDTP) were associated with increased osteoporosis risk in the upper quartiles. WQS models revealed a significant combined effect of six OPP metabolites on osteoporosis (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.73, = 0.015), femoral neck BMD ( = -0.012, 95% CI: -0.020, -0.004, = 0.003) and lumbar spine BMD ( = -0.015, 95% CI: -0.025, -0.006, = 0.001), with DMDTP and DEDTP identified as key pollutants. Results from the Qgcomp models showed no substantial changes. This study indicated that exposure to both individual OPPs and their mixtures were associated with decreased BMD and increased osteoporosis risk, with DMDTP and DEDTP identified as major contributors to these associations. This underscores the need to prioritize control of these two pollutants to limit their exposure for osteoporosis prevention.
Predicting aquatic toxicity of anionic hydrocarbon and perfluorinated surfactants using membrane-water partition coefficients from coarse-grained simulations
Gredelj A, Roberts J, Kearney EM, Barrett EL, Haywood N, Sheffield D, Hodges G and Miller MA
Anionic surfactants are widely used in commercial and industrial applications. For assessment of their environmental fate and effects, it is highly desirable to quantify the membrane-water partition/distribution coefficient (/). Here, we further develop a computational route to for anionic surfactants based on coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, validating it against new and existing experimental measurements. Having parameterised molecular fragments for the coarse-grained models, the simulations are used to predict for molecules where no experimental values are available. This expanded set of simulated values is then used to derive QSARs for acute toxicity of mono-constituent anionic surfactants in daphnids and fish, allowing for extrapolation to similar compounds without experimental values. For this study, we have selected hydrocarbon-based (HC) surfactants because of their widespread use, and perfluorinated (FC) surfactants as a challenging case study. Separate daphnid and fish QSARs demonstrate good fits, robustness and predictivity, and highlight differing toxicity relationships for HC and FC surfactants in daphnids. Overall, the combined use of simulated and derived QSARs is a promising approach for ecotoxicity screening of surfactants.
Supplying silicon reduces cadmium accumulation in pak choi by decreasing soil Cd bioavailability and altering the microbial community
Jing R, Yu Y, Di X, Qin X, Zhao L, Liang X, Sun Y and Huang Q
Silicon-containing materials have been widely used in Cd-contaminated soil remediation. However, the immobilization effects of sodium silicate on Cd migration and transformation in an acidic soil-vegetable system have not been thoroughly studied. Herein, a pot experiment was performed to investigate the effects of sodium silicate application on pak choi growth, oxidative status, Cd uptake and accumulation in pak choi, soil Cd bioavailability and fractions, and soil bacterial communities. The results showed that sodium silicate application significantly increased soil pH (0.29-1.61 units) and induced the transformation of the Cd fraction from an exchangeable fraction (Exc-Cd) into an iron and manganese oxide-bound fraction (OX-Cd) and organic matter-bound fraction (OM-Cd), decreasing Cd bioavailability by 13.7-20.8% in Cd-contaminated acidic soil. As a result, sodium silicate application significantly alleviated Cd toxicity, enhanced pak choi growth, and reduced Cd concentration in roots by 23.5-89.0% and in shoots by 58.5-81.0%, with Cd concentration in the edible part at a Si application rate equal to or greater than 0.4 g Si per kg soil falling below the safety limits for Cd as defined in China's food safety standard (GB 2762-2022). In addition, sodium silicate application significantly increased soil bacterial richness (Ace index and Chao1) and diversity (Shannon and Simpson index) and altered the soil microbial structure. These findings suggested that sodium silicate has great potential as an environmentally friendly amendment to immobilize Cd-contaminated acidic soil and reduce Cd accumulation in vegetables.
Deciphering the treatment performance, microbial community responses, and behavior of antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic sequencing batch reactors under graphene exposure
Wang J, Li D, Zhao P, Zhang Z, Wang J, Shan S, Li S, Xu D, Yu H and Ma Q
Graphene has garnered significant attention due to its unique and remarkable properties. The widespread application of graphene materials in numerous fields inevitably leads to their release into the environment. This study examines the long-term impacts of graphene on anaerobic sequencing batch reactors. The low-concentration graphene (5 mg L) exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the removal of chemical oxygen demand, while the high-concentration group (100 mg L) was less affected. The transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy results demonstrated that the anaerobic sludge could attack graphene materials, and cell viability tests showed that high concentrations of graphene were more conducive to microbial attachment. High-throughput sequencing revealed significant alterations in the microbial community structure under graphene pressure. and gradually became the dominant genera in the high-concentration group. Network analysis showed that graphene increased the complexity and interaction of microbial communities. Additionally, high-throughput qPCR analysis demonstrated that graphene influenced the dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes, with most exhibiting increased abundance over time, especially in the low-concentration group. Consequently, when considering the application of graphene in wastewater treatment, it is crucial to evaluate potential risks, including its effects on system performance and the likelihood of antibiotic resistance gene enrichment.
Yearlong study of indoor VOC variability: insights into spatial, temporal, and contextual dynamics of indoor VOC exposure
Warburton T, Hamilton JF, Carslaw N, McEachan RRC, Yang TC, Hopkins JR, Andrews SJ and Lewis AC
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from many sources indoors, with ingress of outdoor air being an additional source of these species indoors. We report indoor VOC concentrations for 124 homes in Bradford in the UK, collected between March 2023 and April 2024. Whole air samples were collected over 72 hours in the main living area of the home. Total VOC (TVOC) concentrations in the homes were highly variable, ranging from 100 μg m to >8000 μg m (median concentration ∼1000 μg m). Acetaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene concentrations in >75% of homes were found to be in exceedance of the 1 in 1 000 000 lifetime cancer risk threshold. Higher concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) as well as trimethylbenzenes were found in urban houses (summed xylene median 2.35 μg m) compared to rural homes (summed xylene median 1.22 μg m, -value = 0.02), driven by ingress of elevated outdoor BTEX and trimethylbenzenes (outdoor urban BTEX median 1.69 μg m, outdoor rural BTEX median 0.78 μg m). Inferred air change rate (ACR) exhibited a degree of seasonality, with average ACR varying between median values of 1.2 h in the summer and 0.70 h in winter. Time-averaged emission rate data provided additional insight compared to measured concentrations, such as seasonal variability, with highest total VOC time-averaged emission rates occurring in summer months (median 51 953 μg h), potentially a product of both increased occupancy times during school holidays as well as off-gassing of VOCs from surfaces. This comprehensive analysis underscores the critical role of seasonal, spatial, and contextual factors in shaping indoor VOC exposure, as well as potential health risks associated with consistently elevated concentrations of specific VOCs.
Effects of urban particulate matter on the secondary structure of albumin
Kaumbekova S, Sakaguchi N, Miyamoto Y, Onoda A, Ishihara Y and Umezawa M
Particulate air pollution is an environmental problem recognized as a global public health issue. Although the toxicological effects of environmental particle matter (PM) have been reported, the mechanism underlying the effect of PM on protein conformational changes, which are associated with the development of various diseases, has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of urban PM on the secondary structure of proteins using bovine serum albumin (BSA). An urban aerosol (CRM28) was used as the original PM (PMO) and washed with acetone to investigate the effect of PM with two different chemical compositions. After washing with acetone, the remaining PM fraction contained decreased amounts of ions and carbon, while the metallic concentration was increased; thus, this PM fraction was labeled as PMM. After incubation of BSA with PM, the samples were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to investigate the changes in the absorption peak of the amide I band. BSA incubated with PMO and PMM showed an increase in the β-sheet ratio to the total secondary structure. Furthermore, the β-sheet content was more significantly increased when mixed with PMM (by 22.6%), indicating a more significant effect of the metallic fraction on the formation of β-sheets. In comparison, the lowest total amount of α-helix and β-sheets (with a decrease of 8.5%) was observed after incubation with PMO, associated with the protein partial unfolding in the presence of ions and carbonaceous PM constituents. The potential of a long-term effect of PM composition on protein structure would be of future interest in time-course studies.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of surface waters by historic landfills groundwater plumes: ecosystem exposure and downstream mass loading
Roy JW, Propp VR, Hua T, Brown SJ, Brinovcar C, Smith JE and De Silva AO
Many historic landfill sites have groundwater plumes that discharge to nearby surface waters. Recent research indicates that leachate of historic landfills can contain elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), but there is limited data on resulting PFAS inputs to aquatic ecosystems as might inform on this potential environmental threat. The objective of this study was to evaluate PFAS exposure in three ecological zones and PFAS mass loading downstream, over 1 year, at two historic landfill sites where landfill plumes discharge to nearby surface waters (1 pond with outlet stream, called HB site; 1 urban stream, called DC site). The three zones experienced different magnitudes and patterns of PFAS concentration exposure (, contaminant presence in the zone). The endobenthic zone of the sediments receiving the landfill plumes experienced the highest concentrations (∑PFAS >4000 ng L (HB) and >20 000 ng L (DC)), often year-round and over a substantial area at each site. Dilution of landfill PFAS in surface waters was observed though concentrations were still elevated (∑PFAS: >120 ng L (HB) and >60 ng L (DC)), with evidence of year-round pelagic zone exposure. PFAS concentrations in the epibenthic zones could vary between that of the endobenthic and pelagic zones, sometimes with daily, event-based, and longer-term patterns. Together these findings suggest historic landfill plumes can lead to substantial PFAS exposure to a variety of aquatic life. Downstream PFAS mass loadings during base flows were relatively small individually (15 (HB) and 36 (DC) g per year (∑PFAS)); however, collective loadings from the numerous historic landfills in a watershed could contribute to increasing PFAS concentrations of connected water bodies, with implications for ecological health, drinking water sources, and fisheries.
Effect of hydrothermal treatment on plutonium retention in deep liquid radioactive waste disposal
Egorova TB, Romanchuk AY, Egorov AV, Trigub AL, Zakharova EV, Volkova AG, Zubkov AA, Vlasova IE and Kalmykov SN
Plutonium (Pu)-containing acidic liquid radioactive waste was injected into a deep sandy aquifer disposal (314-386 m) at the Seversk site, Tomsk Region, Russia, over several decades. Herein, laboratory simulation of the near-field conditions of the injection well was conducted, including the waste zone (acetic acid, hydrothermal conditions at 150 °C, pH 2.4), the zone of displacement solutions (nitric acid, pH 1.9, low-level waste, decreasing temperature) and the remote zone with unaltered disposal sands and neutral pH. A study of Pu behavior in the waste zone during 1 and 3 injection cycles (for 50 h) and an additional 3 months of hydrothermal conditioning revealed Pu(IV) sorption on the surface of secondary precipitates, emphasizing the main role of pH in Pu retention and mobility. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to determine Pu speciation and preferential phases responsible for Pu retention. Long-term leaching of sorbed Pu proved effective but slow reversible Pu sorption, while multiple injection cycles and additional hydrothermal conditioning reduced the mobility of dissolved Pu species by stabilizing solids containing Pu. Pu(V), partly flowing from the nitric acid zone, is largely retained in the remote zone with neutral pH and fresh sands, serving as a natural migration barrier.
Occurrence and risk assessment of current-use pesticides in a tropical drinking water source reservoir in Hainan Province, China
Xiang J, Fu CZ, Xu RQ, Lu QY, Tang B, Xing Q, Wang LC, Hao QW, Mo L and Zheng J
The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in Hainan Province, China; therefore, the utilization of pesticides is indispensable. The current ban on traditional pesticides and ongoing replacement of current-use pesticides (CUPs) have not been accompanied by extensive research on the presence of CUPs in reservoirs, which are vital centralized sources of drinking water. In this study, 26 CUPs was investigated in a drinking water source reservoir, the surrounding watershed, and the surrounding agricultural and domestic discharge water in Hainan Province. The predominant detected CUPs in the study area were clothianidin (CLO), thiamethoxam (THM), acetamiprid (ACE), imidacloprid (IMI), and dichlorvos (DCH). Neonicotinoids (NNIs) were the primary type of pesticide contamination in the study area, with a concentration ranging from not detected (n.d.) to 755 ng L (median of 71.0 ng L). The upstream watersheds of the reservoir were primarily contaminated due to agricultural activities, and the highest concentration of individual CUPs, ranging from 102 to 821 ng L (median of 468 ng L), was found in agricultural source water. Source identification analysis revealed that the presence of CUPs in the reservoir primarily stemmed from three types of activities: the cultivation of fruit trees around the reservoir, the daily activities of residents, and the agricultural practices in the upstream watershed basin. Risk assessment indicated that DCH, IMI, and THM posed moderate or high risks to aquatic organisms, with an emphasis on the effects of NNIs. The chronic cumulative risk assessment of NNIs was conducted by the relative potency factor approach, and it indicated that infants and young children were the most vulnerable groups and exhibited heightened susceptibility. The potential exposure to NNIs through drinking water was below the recommended relative chronic reference dose, thereby posing no discernible health risks. The results of this study will support the regulation of CUPs in drinking water sources.
A global review of long-range transported lead concentration and isotopic ratio records in snow and ice
Brooks HL, Miner KR, Kreutz KJ and Winski DA
Lead (Pb) has been used for centuries in currency, transportation, building materials, cookware, makeup, and medicine. Mining of Pb in the Roman era matched the ever-increasing demand for metallurgy, transportation, and industry, resulting in a marked deposition of human activity in the geologic record. Researchers use global snowpacks and ice cores to study the historic anthropogenic use of Pb and subsequent deposition into the environment. As the cryosphere resources erode with climate warming, there is an increased urgency to map the content and source of Pb distribution in the environment. In this systematic literature review, we examine studies of long-traveled background atmospheric lead signals in natural, undisturbed snowpacks and ice cores globally. After a systematic review of the literature, we have synthesized 165 published papers to contextualize current data availability and examine spatial and temporal coverage of existing long-range transported Pb records. Cumulatively, these papers contain 560 records for individual and transect sample sites. Of these site records, 147 are ice core analyses, 389 are from snowpits, and 24 span the snow to ice transition. The records are globally distributed, with a high concentration of records at the poles and fewer records at low latitude alpine sites. Long timescale records are available from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets (>100 000 years). Shorter timescale records are available for alpine glaciers (>15 000 years) and persistent snowpacks (generally <5 years). To illustrate the research potential of these records, we selected key global records to analyze and contextualize the Pb pollution record from the North Pacific, noting its unique record of China's industrial revolution and the subsequent explosion of industrial output from China over the last 45 years. Finally, we provide recommendations for future studies aimed at reducing current temporal and spatial gaps in the records. We suggest analyzing archived ice cores never before analyzed for Pb, focused proposals on regions with critical data gaps, continuous resampling of sites to include modern Pb emission sources, and use of analysis techniques which have low sample preparation requirements, high sensitivity, and capability for ultra-trace concentration Pb analysis.
Characterizing the distribution of aromatic amines between polyester, cotton, and wool textiles and air
Edebali Ö, Goellner A, Stiborek M, Šimek Z, Muz M, Vrana B and Melymuk L
Textiles play an important role in the accumulation of harmful chemicals and can serve as a secondary source of chemical pollutants in indoor environments, releasing these chemicals back into indoor air, as well as a vector from which indoor pollution can be released by laundering to wastewater systems. Among harmful indoor pollutants, aromatic amines (AAs) are particularly concerning due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, but have received limited attention in non-occupational indoor environments. We have characterized the distribution of 19 AAs between cotton, wool, and polyester textiles and air. Chamber exposure experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to quantify textile-air distributions of AAs and identify key parameters impacting the distribution. The mass-normalized textile/air distribution coefficients () of AAs for polyester, cotton, and wool range from 5.28 to 9.52 log units (L kg). The findings suggest that cotton generally exhibits higher distribution coefficients than polyester and wool for most analytes. Overall, the results show a strong positive relationship between octanol-air distribution coefficients () and values. The consistent uptake capacity of all tested textiles for AAs highlights the potential for textiles to play a key role in AA indoor distributions.