Chemosphere最新文献

{"title":"Developing a consistent model for predicting equilibration in polymeric passive samplers across various HOC classes in sediment pore water","authors":"Ashkan Alborzi ,&nbsp;Moein Hajian Z.D. ,&nbsp;Uriel Garza-Rubalcava ,&nbsp;Tariq Hussain ,&nbsp;M.D. Rashedul Islam ,&nbsp;Joshua D. Howe ,&nbsp;Danny Reible","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of polymeric passive samplers (often polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, or low-density polyethylene, LDPE) to indicate water concentrations of hydrophobic organic compounds under environmental conditions generally requires two key parameters, a compound-specific polymer-water equilibrium partition coefficient (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>p</mi><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span>), and the degree of equilibration achieved in a given environmental exposure scenario. Herein, we have developed model to extrapolate equilibration of performance reference compounds between polymer and pore water across different compound classes that is also dependent upon accurate estimates of <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>p</mi><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span>. We have also developed quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, to estimate <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>p</mi><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> for PAHs, PCBs, DDx, and dioxin/furans for the two most common polymeric samplers, PDMS and LDPE. The QSAR models developed in this study provide high accuracy consistent estimates for <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>p</mi><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> across the different HOC families. The root mean square error of the QSAR for <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>L</mi><mi>D</mi><mi>P</mi><mi>E</mi><mo>−</mo><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> was 0.226 log units based upon measured values for 159 compounds and 0.184 log units for <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>K</mi><mrow><mi>P</mi><mi>D</mi><mi>M</mi><mi>S</mi><mo>−</mo><mi>w</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> based upon measured values for 131 compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143781"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142696104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Characteristics of dissolved organic matter and their role in membrane fouling during simultaneous sludge thickening and reduction using flat-sheet membranes","authors":"Xuefeng Zhu ,&nbsp;Zexian Fang ,&nbsp;Shicai Cheng ,&nbsp;Guangyin Zhen ,&nbsp;Xueqin Lu ,&nbsp;Hongbo Liu ,&nbsp;Jing Qi ,&nbsp;Zhichao Wu ,&nbsp;Xuedong Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhen Zhou ,&nbsp;Mika Sillanpää","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Four parallel simultaneous sludge thickening and reduction reactors using flat-sheet membranes were employed for the aerobic digestion of sludge to explore the characteristics of dissolved organic matter and its membrane fouling effect. During the initial 8 days of using flat-sheet membranes for simultaneous sludge thickening and reduction (MSTR), a notable increase was observed in the concentrations of humic acids and compounds that resemble soluble microbial by-products in the effluent. Subsequently, a fluctuating trend in humic acid levels ensued, accompanied by a gradual decline in soluble microbial by-product-like substances. Post the initial 8-day period, the capillary suction time (CST) rose from approximately 400 s to over 800 s, the viscosity increased from 20 mPa s to 38 mPa s, and the membrane resistance increased from roughly 6.0e+ 11 m⁻¹ to approximately 9.0e+11 m⁻¹. This phenomenon can be attributed to the clogging of pores by foulants whose size is similar to that of the membrane pores leading to the accumulation and deposition of macromolecules and larger particulates forming gel layers and cake layers. The interplay among diverse microorganisms engenders functional modules, collectively influencing the distribution and characteristics of dissolved organic matter within the MSTR. These microorganisms exert their metabolic effects individually and interact reciprocally, creating synergistic and inhibitory mechanisms. Notably, the synergistic interactions among microorganisms predominated, culminating in an enhanced effluent quality within the system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143740"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142640477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Pharmaceuticals in the environment: A strategy for prioritizing molecules of environmental concern","authors":"Taciana Guarnieri ,&nbsp;Jacqueline R. Nascimento ,&nbsp;Marcus Leonan ,&nbsp;Pedro R. Brandão ,&nbsp;Camilo Dias Seabra Pereira ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Brasil Choueri ,&nbsp;Elisa Hardt ,&nbsp;Maria Lourdes L. Moraes ,&nbsp;Leandro A. Calixto ,&nbsp;Vanessa J. Pereira ,&nbsp;Levi G. Oliveira ,&nbsp;Sherlan Guimarães Lemos ,&nbsp;Décio Semensatto ,&nbsp;Geórgia Labuto","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of drugs in the environment is a growing global concern, and selecting molecules for study is challenging. We propose a logical and integrative strategy to prioritize molecules of concern by predicting potential masses entering the environment, followed by a prioritization step. Our strategy was applied to antineoplastics with limited biodegradability, narrow therapeutic-to-dose margins, and significant ecotoxicological effects. As a case study, we used data from 2022 for cities in the Alto Tietê watershed (São Paulo, Brazil), which hosts ∼22 million people. The predicted mass (PM) of antineoplastics potentially introduced into water bodies (807 kg) was calculated using cities sales data (4609 kg), sanitation and pharmacokinetic data, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) removal rates obtained from EPISuite™. The prioritization involved molecules accounting for 99% of the PM, using ToxPi™ software to create a Prioritization Index (PI), rose plots, and dendrograms for risk profile evaluation. Without PM data, prioritization relies solely on intrinsic molecular characteristics. Prioritization parameters were categorized into four: Physicochemical Properties (water solubility, K_OW, K_OC), Environmental Fate (WWTP removal, half-lives), Effects (BCF, ecotoxicity, mutagenicity, chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption potential), and Exposure (PM). Different weights were applied to Exposure to ensure higher PM antineoplastics were prioritized without overshadowing other parameters. Obtaining a priority set with the contribution of all parameters was possible. The prioritized antineoplastics were Paclitaxel, Capecitabine, Pemetrexed, Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, Mitotane, Imatinib, Cyclophosphamide, and Carboplatin. This strategy can be applied to different contexts to generate appropriate prioritization sets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143778"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142690135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase","authors":"Inés María Alonso-Crespo ,&nbsp;Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastic pollution, especially pollution by micro- and nanoplastics, is now considered a potential threat to all ecosystems, including terrestrial ecosystems such as grassland habitats. This study investigated the impacts of micro- and nano-sized plastics on <em>Bromus hordeaceus</em>, a common grass species in European grasslands. The micro and nanoparticles were fossil-based polyethylene (PE) or plant-based polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and these two plastics were used at two different concentrations. Here, we report data on plant development and plastic-plant interactions from two different experiments, (1) an <em>in vitro</em> experiment to test seed germination and establishment and (2) a soil experiment to test plant development and plastic-plant interactions specifically investigated as a form of perforation. Results from the <em>in vitro</em> experiment indicate that while seed germination success was unaffected by plastic type, the presence of all plastic particle types acted as a stimulant, increasing the total length of radicles and sprouts of germinated seeds. Conversely, results from the soil experiment showed that the growth of <em>Bromus hordeaceus</em> was negatively affected by the presence of microPBAT in the soil during the pot assay.</div><div>Microscopic analysis confirmed that seed and plant structures interacted with all plastic particles via adsorption or perforation. This study demonstrates for the first time the ability of roots to penetrate plastics, especially microPBAT particles. Overall, our study concludes that both fossil-based and plant-based micro- and nano-plastics can influence plant growth, with effects varying based on plastic type, concentration, and plant growth phase. Further research is crucial to fully understand the intricate interactions between microplastics, soil properties, and plant development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143715"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142634063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uranium adsorption by iron modified zeolite and zeolite composite membranes","authors":"Akhil Gopalakrishnan,&nbsp;Stephen Asare,&nbsp;Francis Adu-Boahene,&nbsp;Andrea I. Schäfer","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143711","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143711","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Composite membranes incorporated with high-performance adsorbents are promising for uranium removal. The impact of speciation and ionic strength on uranium adsorption by zeolites was investigated in both static adsorption and composite membrane filtration. Zeolites with high Si/Al ratios exhibited the highest uranium adsorption capacity. Iron-modified zeolite, BEA-Fe30 completely removed uranium at a concentration of 0.6 g/L in static adsorption, with uranium uptake ranging from 125 to 130 μg/g at pH values between 6 and 12. At lower pH values, uptake decreased, dropping to 3 μg/g at pH 2. The increased uranium uptake between pH 6 and 12 is attributed to the formation of a ternary complex involving U(VI), carbonate, and Fe oxide surface (hydr)oxo sites. High ionic strength did not impact the adsorption of uranium. Additionally, PHREEQC modeling was employed to simulate uranium speciation and adsorption behavior under varying pH and ionic strength conditions, further validating experimental findings. Zeolite-loaded microfiltration/ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membranes achieved the WHO guideline of 30 μg/L uranium in the permeate, using less zeolite compared to static adsorption. With 0.25 g of zeolite, the MF/UF process achieved a uranium uptake of 699 μg/g, significantly higher than the 256 μg/g observed in static adsorption. However, uranium removal decreased with increased flow rates, suggesting mass transfer limitations during filtration. The study highlights the potential of composite membranes with high-performance zeolites for efficient uranium removal, contributing to advancements in water purification technologies and addressing environmental contamination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143711"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142634421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of a novel annular electric field membrane bioreactor and its membrane fouling control in treating catering wastewater","authors":"Rong Zhang ,&nbsp;Mengqian Li ,&nbsp;Huan Ma ,&nbsp;Yanyan Wang ,&nbsp;Beiyu Xin ,&nbsp;Jifeng Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the effects of different voltage and aeration conditions on catering wastewater treatment and membrane fouling in a novel annular electric field membrane bioreactor (AEMBR). The results indicated that the synergistic effect of annular electric field and aeration promoted the degradation of wastewater and the alleviation of membrane fouling. The treatment effect was optimal under a micro electric field of 0.5 V, with removal rates for COD, NH₄⁺-N, TP, and oil ranging from 96.85% to 99.36%, 80.43%–83.01%, 95.46%–97.79%, and 98.83%–99.15%, respectively. Additionally, the fluorescence intensity of macromolecular proteins and small molecular acids decreased. Simultaneously, the average growth rate of transmembrane pressure (TMP) reduced by approximately 0.4 kPa/d. The species abundance and diversity of activated sludge increased, promoting the growth of dominant bacteria, all while maintaining low energy consumption. The aeration intensity had relatively little impact on system operation, and the force of the annular electric field was greater than the force of aeration. This study verified the optimal benefits under micro electric field conditions and provided a basis for the optimization of future process design to achieve a more efficient and economical wastewater treatment system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143756"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142649855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Performance, progress, and mechanism of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts in the degradation of pesticides: A systematic review","authors":"Samaneh Taghilou ,&nbsp;Pegah Nakhjirgan ,&nbsp;Ali Esrafili ,&nbsp;Emad Dehghanifard ,&nbsp;Majid Kermani ,&nbsp;Babak Kakavandi ,&nbsp;Rasool Pelalak","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the modern world, humans are exposed to an enormous number of pesticides discharged into the environment. Exposure to pesticides causes many health disorders, such as cancer, mental retardation, and endocrine disruption. Therefore, it is a priority to eliminate pesticides from contaminated water before discharge into aquatic environments. Conventional treatment systems do not efficiently accomplish pesticide remediation. Applying graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄; GCN)-based materials as highly efficient and low-cost catalysts can be one of the best methods for adequately removing pesticides. This study aims to review the most relevant studies on the use of GCN-based photocatalytic processes for degrading well-known pesticides in aqueous solutions. Thus, in the current state-of-the-art review, an overview is focused not only on how to use GCN-based photocatalysts towards the degradation of pesticides, but also discusses the impact of important operational factors like solution pH, mixture temperature, catalyst dosage, pesticide concentration, photocatalyst morphology, light intensity, reaction time, oxidant concentration, and coexisting anions. In this context, four common pesticides were reviewed, namely 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), malathion (MTN), diazinon (DZN), and atrazine (ATZ). Following the screening procedure, 55 full-text papers were chosen, of which the most were published in 2023 (n = 10), and the most publications focused on the elimination of ATZ (n = 33). Among the GCN modification methods, integrating GCN with other photocatalysts showed the best performance in enhancing photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of pesticides. All GCN-based photocatalysts showed a degradation efficiency of &gt; 90% for pesticides under optimum operating conditions. This review provides a detailed summary of different GCN modification methods to select the most promising and cost-effective photocatalyst degradation of pesticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143667"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142634359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Recent advances in catalysts for toluene elimination via catalytic oxidation","authors":"Xinkang Wang ,&nbsp;Yulin Luo ,&nbsp;Yihang Gao ,&nbsp;Dongxue Han ,&nbsp;Zhuozhi Wang ,&nbsp;Boxiong Shen ,&nbsp;Xiaoxiang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aromatic VOCs, like toluene, have recently attracted increasing attention for the treatment under the carbon peaking and neutrality policy. Catalytic oxidation, characterized by high efficiency and low production of secondary pollutants, has become the mainstream technology for toluene elimination. Thereinto, developing efficient and stable catalysts is essential. This work overviewed different types catalysts for oxidizing toluene, including multi-metal catalysts, high-entropy catalysts, core-shell catalysts, and post-treatment techniques for synthesized catalysts. Additionally, the catalytic reaction mechanisms and catalyst stability were elaborated. Based on the investigations, the ideas for designing novel catalysts in the future were tried to be proposed that the high-entropy catalysts and the integration of heterogeneous elements, morphology adjustment, and surface treatment should be appreciated. Meanwhile, operando or quasi-in situ technology combining with the simulation must be performed for deeply comprehending the oxidation reaction mechanisms. For the investigation of poisoning resistance, one more toxic substance should be considered, which needed to explore new anti-poisoning strategies and methods for essential resistance. All these aspects might promote developing catalyst and understanding catalysis in the field of catalytic oxidation for toluene.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143720"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142634492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Biochar and nanoscale silicon synergistically alleviate arsenic toxicity and enhance productivity in chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)","authors":"Natasha Manzoor ,&nbsp;Liaqat Ali ,&nbsp;Temoor Ahmad ,&nbsp;Muhammad Yahya Khan ,&nbsp;Hayssam M. Ali ,&nbsp;Ying Liu ,&nbsp;Gang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arsenic (As) contamination in agricultural soils threatens crop productivity and food safety. In this study, we examined the efficacy of biochar (BC) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) as environmentally sustainable soil amendments to alleviate As toxicity in chili (<em>Capsicum annuum</em> L.) plants. Our findings revealed that As stress severely inhibited the growth parameters of <em>Capsicum annuum</em> L., and subsequently reduced yield. However, the application of BC and SiNPs into the contaminated soil significantly reversed these negative effects, promoting plant length and biomass, particularly when applied together in a synergistic manner. Arsenic stress led to increased oxidative damage, as evidenced by a 29% increase in leaf malondialdehyde content as compared to the healthy plants. Nevertheless, the synergistic (BC + SiNPs) application effectively modulated antioxidant enzyme activity, resulting in a remarkable 55% and 66% enhancement in the superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, respectively, boosting chili's resistance against oxidative stress. Similarly, BC + SiNPs amendments improved photosynthesis by 52%, stomatal conductance by 39%, soluble sugars by 42%, and proteins by 30% as compared with those of control treatment. Additionally, the combined BC + SiNPs application significantly reduced root As content by 61% and straw As by 37% as compared with the control one. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the synergistic use of BC and SiNPs preserved chili leaf ultrastructure, shielding against As-induced damage. Overall, the supplementation of contaminated soil with BC and SiNPs was proved to be a sustainable strategy for mitigating As toxicity in chili peppers, enhancing plant growth, physiology, and yield, and thereby food safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143682"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142592421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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":"Investigating illicit drug hotspots and daily variations using sewer-network wastewater analysis","authors":"Hank Hui-Hsiang Lin ,&nbsp;Ming-Chi Hsieh ,&nbsp;Jennifer Ia Wen Wen Liu ,&nbsp;Yu-Hsiang Wang ,&nbsp;Shu-Jie Huang ,&nbsp;En Lien ,&nbsp;Li-Wei Huang ,&nbsp;Pei-Te Chiueh ,&nbsp;Hsin-Hsin Tung ,&nbsp;Angela Yu-Chen Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) research on illicit drug use has predominantly focused on wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents, but information on sewer-network wastewater is very limited. This study represents a pioneering small-scale WBE investigation based on the analysis of sewer-network wastewater samples from different sewer manholes in suburban (Tamsui region) and urban areas (Zhongshan and Wanhua regions) and a comparison of the results with those obtained from corresponding WWTP influents. Among sixteen illicit drugs, methamphetamine exhibited the highest concentration in sewer-network wastewater across both areas. Suburban–urban variations were observed, with more types of illicit drugs detected in the suburban area. Back-calculation indicated that methamphetamine and ketamine were the most-consumed illicit drugs in both sewer-network wastewaters and WWTP influents. Similar types of illicit drugs were detected in the sewer-network wastewaters and WWTP influents, indicating the representativeness of WWTP influents in assessing regional illicit drug abuse. Nevertheless, the sewer-network wastewater results offered additional information making it possible to pinpoint potential hotspots of illicit drug and identify peak usage periods throughout the day, in contrast to the WWTP influent results. In the non-suspected suburban area of Tamsui, high potential hotspots of methamphetamine (sampling points 3 and 6) and ketamine (sampling points 1 and 8) were identified. Although the Zhongshan and Wanhua regions were chosen as suspected hotspots of illicit drug abuse, more severe illicit drug use was observed in Wanhua. Moreover, a trend toward higher illicit drug use from early morning to morning was observed. Despite sampling challenges and higher costs, small-scale WBE via sewer-network wastewater analysis provides superior identification of drug abuse hotspots and peak usage periods. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for law enforcement and can help prevent and combat illicit drug abuse by targeting potential hotspots and understanding daily illicit drug use dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":276,"journal":{"name":"Chemosphere","volume":"368 ","pages":"Article 143690"},"PeriodicalIF":8.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142607787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"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}