Hao Phu Dong, Binh Thanh Nguyen, Thia Hong Le, My Hoang Nguyen, Anh Hoang Le
{"title":"Agricultural byproduct-derived biochar for mitigating trace metal risks from soil to rice to public health: implications for sustainable management.","authors":"Hao Phu Dong, Binh Thanh Nguyen, Thia Hong Le, My Hoang Nguyen, Anh Hoang Le","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf024","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heavy metal contamination in soil and its accumulation in rice poses a health risk to over 50% of the global population. Simultaneously, the poor management and underutilization of agricultural biomass waste presents an additional environmental challenge. Converting this biomass into biochar offers a potential solution to these challenges. This study evaluated biochar impacts on soil trace element content, rice plant uptake, translocation, accumulation, and associated human health risks while identifying rice response mechanisms to biochar application. A two-season field experiment was conducted using five treatments: T1 (no biochar), T2 and T3 (10 and 20 tons of rice-husk biochar), and T4 and T5 (10 and 20 tons of longan biochar). Eight trace elements, categorized as micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and toxic elements (Cd, Pb, Co, Ni), were measured in rice roots, stems, grains, and soil. Biochar application reduced the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) by 5.9% to 11.4% for micronutrients and 2.8% to 4.4% for toxic elements compared with T1. Translocation, bioaccumulation, and phytoextraction indexes tended to increase with biochar, and the hazard index decreased by 5.1%-9.5% for micronutrients and 1.3%-8.5% for toxic elements, indicating reduced health risks. These results highlight biochar's dual role in enhancing trace element phytoextraction and reducing health risks, with a more pronounced effect on micronutrients. Rice plants responded to reduced micronutrient availability by boosting uptake while lowering toxic element absorption when HPI was high. Transforming agricultural waste into biochar for rice cultivation offers multiple benefits, promoting agricultural sustainability, environmental health, and consumer safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"895-909"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143390784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Graham Merrington, Robert W Gensemer, Guy Gilron, Iain Wilson, Adam Peters, Rick van Dam, Lisa A Golding, Jenny Stauber, Jennifer Gadd, Ross Smith, David DeForest, Emily Garman, Ellizabeth Middleton, Adam Ryan, Christopher A Cooper, Erin Smith, Stijn Baken
{"title":"Bioavailability and risk assessment of metals in freshwaters: is global regulatory implementation keeping pace with scientific developments?","authors":"Graham Merrington, Robert W Gensemer, Guy Gilron, Iain Wilson, Adam Peters, Rick van Dam, Lisa A Golding, Jenny Stauber, Jennifer Gadd, Ross Smith, David DeForest, Emily Garman, Ellizabeth Middleton, Adam Ryan, Christopher A Cooper, Erin Smith, Stijn Baken","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf033","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The scientific knowledge that enables the prediction of potential aquatic ecological risks due to exposure of metals based on freshwater chemistry data has been available for several decades. As a result, ecosystems can be protected using frameworks and procedures incorporated into regulatory approaches. Yet when evaluating how freshwater risks from metals are assessed globally, it is apparent that regulatory jurisdictions differ in their progress and approaches when accounting for bioavailability. It is entirely reasonable and appropriate for a lag in time between the development of the science and its incorporation into routine regulatory environmental protection. We openly acknowledge that this is not just a regulatory challenge and take a more holistic view of the implementation of the science that informs metal bioavailability. Implementation comprises the steps required to utilize science and knowledge to enable its practical, beneficial, and routine application in regulatory decision-making. Different regulatory jurisdictions have taken varied approaches to account for metal bioavailability. We have made specific use of frameworks that utilize limit values, such as water quality guidelines, criteria, and quality standards, to illustrate the similarities and differences in the implementation of bioavailability. Approaches taken in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the United States were reviewed and evaluated. Although some of these approaches or parts thereof have been successful, other aspects have been less so. In this evaluation, we have identified key commonly encountered obstacles and challenges in these approaches to the implementation of metal bioavailability. Finally, we provide an evidence-driven \"road map\" to the successful regulatory implementation of metal bioavailability in risk assessment drawn from successful components of the approaches reviewed. The application of this framework will enable regulatory jurisdictions to readily keep pace with the science pertaining to metal bioavailability and avoid the challenges experienced by others.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"870-881"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143491910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pitfalls of India's restoration initiatives.","authors":"Jithu K Jose","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf051","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The current decline of biodiversity is a pressing global issue. Restoration, widely accepted as a natural climate solution, is an effective measure to combat this loss. However, restoration practices vary among countries; developing countries like India rarely produce positive restoration outcomes. There are many pitfalls in India's restoration efforts. Most of the restoration programs in the country are \"just planting trees.\" The majority of the tree-planting programs in the country were questioned due to their unscientific approach and negative impacts. Most restoration initiatives focus more on planting a certain number of trees than on how many will survive over time or, more crucially, if the intended benefits will be realized. They look for short-term results rather than long-term goals. Postrestoration studies and results are unavailable for most projects in the country. Restoration initiatives in many Indian states were criticized for generating negative impacts. Large-scale restoration initiatives divert the funding for conservation, so protecting existing biodiversity should be the priority.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"745-750"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143985156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of uncertainty and disagreement in environmental assessment.","authors":"John Toll","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjae020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/inteam/vjae020","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":"21 4","pages":"731-732"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144527788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Wetland pesticide exposure in agricultural regions: a case study from Uruguay.","authors":"Camila Fernández Nion, Ismael Díaz Isasa","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf028","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intensification of agricultural practices has led to an increased reliance on pesticides, which has become a significant environmental concern due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. In Uruguay, the escalation of pesticide use has been accompanied by detrimental effects on ecosystems critical for conservation. Understanding the dynamics of these widespread pollutants necessitates an in-depth comprehension of the application of active ingredients, their spatial distribution, and their environmental fate. This study aims to assess the exposure of wetland ecosystems in Uruguay's primary agricultural zone to pesticides. The research integrates remote sensing techniques to identify crop rotations, determining the predominant active ingredients and their rates of use in agricultural cycles, estimating pesticide distribution patterns and environmental mobility, and evaluating wetland exposure. The study reveals widespread use of active chemicals such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, clethodim, flumetsulam, triflumuron, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil, with 27.4% of wetland areas experiencing significant exposure. This study provides a comprehensive method for georeferencing pesticide applications, estimating spatial distribution, and assessing wetland vulnerability to agrochemicals, offering valuable insights for environmental management and policy-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"858-869"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143448869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ari Wahyono, Gunawan Pratama Yoga, Luki Subehi, Hadiid Agita Rustini, Muh Fakhrudin, Apip Apip, Iwan Ridwansyah, Octavianto Samir
{"title":"Building a collaborative environmental governance for sustainable management of a volcanic lake at the Dieng Plateau in Central Java Indonesia.","authors":"Ari Wahyono, Gunawan Pratama Yoga, Luki Subehi, Hadiid Agita Rustini, Muh Fakhrudin, Apip Apip, Iwan Ridwansyah, Octavianto Samir","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf020","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia, is home to unique volcanic lakes with significant ecological and economic value. Effective environmental governance is critical for the sustainable management of volcanic lakes, particularly in regions prone to natural hazards like the Dieng Plateau. Several hazards have been reported, including phreatic explosions. This article explores a multidisciplinary approach to environmental governance, integrating ecological sciences and social sciences, to ensure the sustainable management of these lakes. We investigated the necessity and challenges of establishing collaborative environmental governance mechanisms to address the complex issues surrounding Lake Menjer as volcanic lake management in the region. Based on an investigation of water quality and biodiversity, all nutrient inputs from anthropogenic activities promoted this lake's degradation. The environmental degradation of the lake showed the absence of management institutions. Drawing on multidisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement, this study aims to: (1) analyze the trend of environmental degradation in Lake Menjer in terms of eutrophication, and (2) evaluate the current governance structures and propose strategies for enhancing collaboration among the various stakeholders. We analyzed existing policies, institutional frameworks, and community participation models to identify gaps and opportunities for improving environmental governance practices. We also advocate for a holistic and sustainable approach to volcanic lake management that balances ecological conservation and socioeconomic development in Lake Menjer by fostering collaboration and co-management approaches. Key recommendations include fostering inclusive decision-making processes and promoting knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives with collaborative environmental governance approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"833-842"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143370322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Camille Arraes Rocha, Elissandra Viana Marques, Fernanda Caroline Leal Ramos, Oscarina Viana de Souza, Fátima Cristiane Teles Carvalho, Ronaldo Ferreira do Nascimento, Maria Elisa Zanella, Rivelino Martins Cavalcante
{"title":"Evaluating environmental quality and associated risks in areas for sport and leisure in a rapidly urbanizing city: the case of the city of Fortaleza, Brazil.","authors":"Camille Arraes Rocha, Elissandra Viana Marques, Fernanda Caroline Leal Ramos, Oscarina Viana de Souza, Fátima Cristiane Teles Carvalho, Ronaldo Ferreira do Nascimento, Maria Elisa Zanella, Rivelino Martins Cavalcante","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf041","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urbanization leads to significant environmental impacts, including the reduction of green spaces, noise pollution, atmospheric pollution, and thermal discomfort. This study aims to evaluate the environmental quality of urban areas used for leisure and sport in Fortaleza, Brazil, a city undergoing rapid urbanization. This research addresses the critical need for understanding urban environmental conditions and their implications for public health and urban planning. Sampling was carried out across two distinct climatic seasons (wet and dry) in 2018, spanning seven weeks in each season (April-June and October-November). The assessment employed multi-indicators, including biological (fungi and bacteria), chemical (particulate matter [PM] and carbonyl compounds), and physical parameters (noise and thermal comfort). Air quality indicators showed the following ranges: PM10 levels varied between 1.12 and 55.85 μg.m-³, PM2.5 levels ranged from 0.69 to 34.43 μg.m-³, and carbonyl compounds were observed at concentrations between 0.85 and 816.37 μg.m-³. Biological indicators included fungi counts ranging from 61.0 to 735 CFUs.m-³ (colony-forming units per cubic meter) and bacterial counts between 142.0 and 2,381.5 CFUs.m-³. Physical indicators measured noise levels at 59.87 to 66.81 dBA and thermal comfort values between 25.31 and 27.18 Discomfort Index (DI). Higher concentrations of atmospheric pollution were observed during the wet season, while thermal comfort was better during the dry season. Noise levels remained relatively constant across seasons. Notably, formaldehyde concentrations at most sampling points posed a high cancer risk, exceeding limits set by regulatory agencies. Three points also presented significant health risks due to PM exposure. The evaluation method combined direct measurements with multivariate statistical techniques to calculate an Environmental Quality Index (EQI), classifying sites as \"excellent,\" \"good,\" or \"poor.\" The findings highlight the influence of factors such as vehicular traffic, vegetation coverage, and building density on environmental quality. These findings highlight the importance of urban design and vegetation in improving environmental quality and supporting public well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"910-925"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Warich Leekitratanapisan, Karel A C De Schamphelaere
{"title":"Risk characterization of organic micropollutants in public wastewater treatment plant effluents in Flanders, Belgium.","authors":"Warich Leekitratanapisan, Karel A C De Schamphelaere","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf012","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the ecological risks posed by organic micropollutants (OMPs) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents in Flanders, Belgium, based on single-compound risk characterization. Utilizing a 5-year monitoring dataset from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) and seven ecological threshold values types, this research characterizes the risk of 207 OMPs, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other pollutants. Several OMPs persist in effluents at concentrations that pose significant ecological risks after secondary and tertiary treatment processes in the region of Flanders (Belgium). This study identified 32 OMPs with regional risk quotients (RQregion) exceeding 1, with 24 of these showing RQregion values over 10, marking them as high-priority pollutants. Notable high-risk substances include chlorpyrifos, benzo(b)fluorene, and several herbicides. The findings highlight the necessity for investment in advanced treatment processes to enable compliance with the updated Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which mandates an 80% reduction in a fixed set of micropollutant indicators in relation to their load in WWTP influent by 2045. Based on our prioritization of high-risk OMPs, the fixed set of indicators mandated by the UWWTD does not fully represent the range of harmful contaminants in WWTP effluents, indicating a need for a broader monitoring framework and a more inclusive indicator set. These results underscore the necessity for an expanded approach to monitoring and regulating OMPs to ensure comprehensive protection of aquatic environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"882-894"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143052547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fábio Casallanovo, Gustavo Souza Santos, Ana Paola Cione, Olivier de Cirugeda Helle, Zhaoqiang Li, Daniela Mejias Simone
{"title":"Comparative assessment of exposure tools to estimate pesticide concentrations in rice paddies: a discussion of the Brazilian context.","authors":"Fábio Casallanovo, Gustavo Souza Santos, Ana Paola Cione, Olivier de Cirugeda Helle, Zhaoqiang Li, Daniela Mejias Simone","doi":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf015","DOIUrl":"10.1093/inteam/vjaf015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Estimating pesticide concentrations in paddy rice systems is challenging due to unique cultivation methods and water management practices. Various models, ranging from simple exposure calculators to complex scenario-dependent tools, have been developed globally to address this issue (Pesticide Paddy Field [PADDY], the European Union Mediterranean working group modelling tool [MED-Rice], Rice Water Quality [RICEWQ], and Pesticides in Flooded Applications [PFAM]). In Brazil, pesticides are used in paddy rice production, and there is a potential risk of these compounds reaching waterbodies. Legislative changes in 2023 made environmental risk assessment (ERA) mandatory for pesticide registration in Brazil. However, Brazil has not officially adopted a specific modeling tool for paddy rice systems. This critical review (a) evaluates the strengths and limitations of pesticide exposure models for paddy rice most commonly used in Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America; (b) reviews the tools used in a regulatory context outside Brazil; (c) discusses exposure tools used in lower tiers and then proceeds to a discussion of more sophisticated tools used in higher tiers; (d) provides an overview of the paddy rice production system in Brazil; (e) performs a comparative analysis of the features of each exposure tool against the characteristics of the Brazilian paddy rice production system, and finally, (f) discusses which exposure tools may be most appropriate for integration into a prospective regulatory ERA framework in Brazil. The goal of this review is to contribute to the ongoing regulatory changes and discussions by identifying appropriate models that can effectively assess the environmental risks associated with pesticide use in Brazilian paddy rice cultivation.</p>","PeriodicalId":13557,"journal":{"name":"Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management","volume":" ","pages":"751-760"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143059027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}