Environmental Pollution最新文献

{"title":"Transcriptional responses of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) under the 2022 Marine Heatwave: a trade-off of physiological regulation between metabolism, stress response, and shell biomineralization in a mixed exposure scenario","authors":"Letizia Iuffrida ,&nbsp;Silvia Franzellitti","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126328","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There has been a notable increase in occurrence and intensity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) over the past decades, with a consequent remarkable risk to vulnerable species as marine bivalves. This study examines the responses of farmed <em>Mytilus galloprovincialis</em> to the 2022 MHW that impacted the Northwestern (NW) Adriatic Sea. Expression of key transcripts involved in functions of digestive glands and mantles were investigated to explore the putative acclimatory processes contributing to mussel fitness. The 2022 MHW was characterized by persistent sea temperature anomalies, elevated salinity, and dramatically low chlorophyll-a levels. Despite the temporal trends of pH and the extreme seawater temperatures reached in July and August, the carbonate system never reached the undersaturation state, being favourable for bivalve biomineralization. Transcriptional profiles in digestive glands and mantles displayed a two-step temporal response. In digestive glands, metabolism and lysosomal response functional categories showed an initial decrease (late May), and a recovery in late August. Antioxidant and cytoprotective related gene products showed a February to August increased expression, with strong up-regulations in August. In mantles, transcripts involved in shell biomineralization were prompted in the initial stage of the MHW, likely to withstand the abrupt changes of seawater parameters and to maintain bivalve growth. At high MHW intensities, energy was diverted towards the strong stress response activation in digestive glands, with a relative decrease of mRNA levels for shell biomineralization transcripts. Results showed that a trade-off between core physiological processes may contribute to the acclimatory response of mussels to cope with the adverse conditions of the 2022 MHW in the NW Adriatic Sea.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126328"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143884945","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":"Enhanced oxidation of Cr(III) with the mineral transformation of CrxFe1-x(OH)3 in the presence of Mn(II): overlooked process during the reoccurrence of Cr(VI) in reduced chromite ore processing residue","authors":"Shenhao Xie ,&nbsp;Kunpeng Yang ,&nbsp;Shuai Zhang ,&nbsp;Jie Chen ,&nbsp;Jiating Zhao ,&nbsp;Lizhong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reoccurrence of Cr(VI) in reduced chromium ore processing residue (rCOPR) causes secondary pollution after remediation, with Mn(II)-induced catalytic oxidation identified as one of its key contributors. The mineral transformation of Cr-Fe coprecipitate (Cr_xFe_1-x(OH)_3, dominant phase in rCOPR) tends to form goethite along with Cr(III) in alkaline environments. However, the effect of this critical process on Cr(VI) reoccurrence remains unknown and requires further investigation. Our results showed that after the mineral transformation, approximately 10 times higher concentration of Cr(VI) (2261.67 ± 108.13 μg L⁻¹) produced within 24 h than pre-transformation levels (212.92 ± 22.71 μg L⁻¹). Mn (oxyhydr)oxides (MnO_xs) produced from Mn(II) oxidation served as the direct oxidant of Cr(III). The alteration in Cr(VI) generation kinetics after the mineral transformation indicated distinct speciation patterns and interactions of Cr(III) and MnO_xs in this process. Three predominant crystalline phases in MnO_xs, hausmannite (Mn₃O₄), feitknechtite (β-MnOOH), and manganite (γ-MnOOH) were identified through XPS, XRD, SEM and TEM-EDS. Theoretical calculations revealed the hierarchical adsorption ability for Cr(III): ferrihydrite (−9.69 eV) &gt; MnO_xs (−9.50, −9.30 eV) &gt; goethite (−9.27 eV). The synergistic interplay between MnO_xs’ oxidation capacity and Cr(III) accessibility governed the release of Cr(VI). Our findings elucidated the kinetic process and underlying mechanisms of Cr(VI) generation induced by Mn(II) oxidation with the mineral transformation of Cr-Fe coprecipitate in Cr contaminated environments. These new insights support pollution control of Cr(VI) reoccurrence in rCOPR and may guide future research on promoting the long-term stability and safety of rCOPR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126327"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143880837","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":"Assessing severity in groundwater contamination by arsenic, iron and manganese and deciphering its heterogeneity in a sub-tropical monsoon region","authors":"Sanghamitra Patra,&nbsp;Pranab Kumar Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study examines groundwater contamination in a sub-tropical monsoon region relying heavily on groundwater. The region lacked assessments of metal pollution and health risks associated with it. The investigation, therefore, was mainly focused on the pollution impact and potential health risks associated with the heavy metals analyzed, namely arsenic, iron, manganese, zinc, aluminum, lead, and cadmium. While concentrations of zinc, aluminum, lead, and cadmium were within their respective permissible limits, arsenic, iron and manganese showed elevated levels in 76 %–94 % of sampling sites, during post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. Pollution indices including Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Contamination Index (CI) classify 80 %–90 % of sampling sites as heavily polluted across both seasons. While ecological impact of heavy metals on the area is minimal, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated highlight severe concerns. Over 60 % of sampling sites in 70 % of the study area surpassed the acceptable Total Hazard Index (THI) limit for adults, while all sites exceeded the limit for children. A similar trend was observed in Carcinogenic Risk (CR) values with over 60 % of sites in the entire study area exceeding acceptable limit. Arsenic was identified as the primary contributor to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Multivariate statistical analyses were instrumental in identifying the primary source affecting groundwater chemistry as geogenic sources. Further, the identification of hydrogeological factors including lithology, geomorphology, sand to clay ratio and hydraulic conductivity provided an answer for the notable diversity in assessments across the area. This optimization is beneficial for developing countries like India, highlighting the importance of groundwater monitoring to attain sustainability while aligning with the One Health approach for public and environmental well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126325"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143884947","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":"Independent and synergistic effects of extreme heat and NO2 pollution on diabetic nephropathy in a type II diabetes mouse model","authors":"Zipeng Qiao ,&nbsp;Xiangling Feng ,&nbsp;Wenying Sun ,&nbsp;Faming Wang ,&nbsp;Chan Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126321","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme heat and traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) have been linked to worsening chronic health disorders, however, their combined effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) are little understood. Type II diabetic mice were exposed to heat (40 °C) and NO₂ (5 ppm) separately for 4 h per day over 6 weeks to investigate the synergistic effects on the progression of DN. We found that exposure to high temperature and NO₂ elevated blood glucose levels and exacerbated histopathological changes. Additionally, there were increased oxidation indicators (ROS, MDA, 8-OHdG) and decreased antioxidant indicators (CAT, SOD, GSH-PX), along with elevated inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). The expressions of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels (TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1, TRPM2) were also upregulated. Our findings suggest that simultaneous exposure to high temperature and NO₂ impairs metabolic and autophagy pathways. Exposure to both high temperature and NO₂ produces a synergistic effect, leading to more severe damage than exposure to either factor individually. This resulted in increased expression of APOA1, P62, and p-mTOR/mTOR while decreasing the expression of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and LC3-II/I. This disruption promoted the progression of DN. In contrast, capsazepine (CZP) reduced TRP expression, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, metabolic and autophagy disorders, thereby mitigating renal damage and alleviating the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Our study provides some potential strategies for early prevention and effective reduction of DN.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126321"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877845","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":"Intervention of organophosphate esters in phospholipids hypochlorination at the air-water interface","authors":"Zhilong Xu ,&nbsp;Jing He ,&nbsp;Kai Yu ,&nbsp;Yun Ju ,&nbsp;Jing Zhao ,&nbsp;Hong Zhang ,&nbsp;Jie Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126307","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126307","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a serious and pervasive indoor environmental pollutant, and their extensive use and frequent detection in indoor environments have raised growing concerns globally about their impact on the respiratory system. Simultaneously, increasing attention has been directed toward interfacial hypochlorous acid (HOCl) chemistry, particularly in relation to indoor air quality and public health. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HOCl-mediated oxidation of phospholipids in the presence of OPEs remain unclear. This study utilized an online air-water interface reaction monitoring technique to examine the effects of ten OPEs, including alkyl, chlorinated, and aryl OPEs, on the oxidation of a model lung phospholipid 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (POPG) exposed to HOCl at the air-water interface. The results indicated that OPEs inhibit the oxidation of phospholipids by HOCl at the air-water interface, and this inhibitory effect is correlated with the concentration of OPEs and their water-oil partition coefficient (LogP). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the hydrophilicity of OPEs enables their incorporation into the phospholipid monolayer, resulting in a compact arrangement of POPG. This arrangement partially shields the C=C double bonds from exposure to HOCl, thereby inhibiting the oxidation of POPG at the air-water interface. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which OPEs modulate HOCl-induced phospholipid oxidation, providing a theoretical foundation for the development of specific drugs targeting related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126307"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877844","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":"Exploring the micro- and nanoplastics–diabetes nexus: Shattered barriers, toxic links, and methodological horizons","authors":"V.C. Shruti ,&nbsp;Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy ,&nbsp;Fermín Pérez-Guevara ,&nbsp;Ricardo Cuenca Alvarez","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with increasing evidence linking them to metabolic dysfunction, including diabetes-related outcomes. While experimental studies have demonstrated that MNPs disrupt glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, and lipid homeostasis through oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endocrine disruption, the implications for human health remain largely unexplored. Given the widespread presence of MNPs in food, water, and air, chronic low-dose exposure may contribute to metabolic disorders, yet epidemiological data are scarce. This review synthesizes current findings on MNP-induced metabolic disturbances, highlighting their impact on insulin resistance, hepatic fat accumulation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Additionally, we evaluate the analytical methodologies used to detect MNPs in biological systems and assess the relevance of exposure levels in real-world scenarios. By contextualizing these mechanisms within a broader public health framework, this review underscores the urgent need for large-scale human studies to establish causal links between MNP exposure and metabolic diseases. Addressing these knowledge gaps is critical for informing risk assessment, regulatory policies, and future research directions aimed at mitigating the metabolic risks associated with environmental plastic pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126319"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877843","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":"Model established by response surface methodology for Cu(II) removal from water with mercaptoacetyl aminomethy polyacrylamide as flocculant","authors":"Shengji Jiang,&nbsp;Gang Wang,&nbsp;Lulu Wang,&nbsp;Xin Wang,&nbsp;Liang Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126322","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126322","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The flocculation process has been validated as a highly effective technique for the removal of heavy metal ions. A novel flocculant, mercaptoacetyl aminomethy polyacrylamide (MAAPAM), was synthesized from acrylamide, sodium formate, ammonium persulfate, formaldehyde, dimethylamine, and thioglycolic acid as the raw materials. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the flocculation conditions for Cu(II) removal using MAAPAM. The optimal conditions for achieving the maximum Cu(II) removal efficiency of 99.21 % were a Cu(II) concentration of 7.5 mg/L, a pH of 6.1, and a MAAPAM dosage ratio to Cu(II) concentration of 5.5:1. These conditions were in close agreement with the model predictions, with a relative error of less than 0.5 %. Furthermore, the applicability of the quadratic regression model developed through RSM was rigorously evaluated. Coexisting inorganic ions (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) in water samples exerted a slight inhibitory effect on the removal of Cu(II) and had minimal impact on the quadratic regression model. The relative error between the measured and predicted values was maintained within ±5 %. The analysis of floc morphology and fractal dimension was conducted to investigate the flocculation mechanism. The results demonstrated that the chelation reaction between the sulfhydryl groups (—SH) in MAAPAM and Cu(II) plays a predominant role in capturing Cu(II). Additionally, the adsorption bridging and netting-sweeping mechanisms are also critical for achieving efficient removal of Cu(II) during the flocculation process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126322"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877928","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":"Assessing Health Risks and Socioeconomic Disparities Associated with Ambient Air Pollution and Point Sources across the United States","authors":"Khanh Do, Yang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126311","url":null,"abstract":"Air quality in the United States (U.S.) has significantly improved over the last few decades. Nevertheless, many parts of the country still suffer from high levels of air pollution, including numerous non-attainment areas. This study aims to provide a systematic analysis to quantify the impact of air pollution on human health across the entire U.S. By combining the 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health surveys, criteria air pollutants, and socioeconomic status at the census tract level, we seek to (1) assess the impacts of air pollution on human health, and (2) investigate environmental health and air pollution disparities across the U.S. Our analysis suggests that fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is associated with most diseases, while ozone (O₃) is highly correlated with the prevalence of cancer and kidney disease. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is positively correlated with multiple health outcomes, whereas nitrogen oxide (NO) shows mixed correlations across different diseases. Health risks significantly increase as the levels of PM_2.5 and O₃ exceed 14 μg m^-3 and 40 ppb, respectively. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between disease prevalence, air pollution levels, and socioeconomic status. Minority and low-income groups across the U.S. are exposed to higher levels of PM_2.5 and are prone to greater health risks, including asthma, high blood pressure, mental health, physical health, diabetes, and kidney disease. Notably, individuals exposed to PM_2.5 levels greater than 9.0 μg m^-3 have a higher risk of self-rating their health as poor status (RR: 1.202, 95% CI: 1.200, 1.203). Residents living within a 5-km radius of point source emissions from the oil and gas sector experience significant health impacts, particularly to naphthalene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted during oil and gas production. This study highlights significant health disparities driven by environmental pollution inequality, particularly impacting low-income and minority groups across the U.S.","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143876361","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":"Assessing the contribution of VOCs to SOA formation and identifying their key species during ozone pollution episodes in a typical petrochemical city","authors":"Xiaoyu Yan ,&nbsp;Fuhong Gao ,&nbsp;Yuanyuan Ji ,&nbsp;Cong An ,&nbsp;Rui Gao ,&nbsp;Yanqin Ren ,&nbsp;Junling Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoshuai Gao ,&nbsp;Likun Xue ,&nbsp;Fanyi Shang ,&nbsp;Jidong Li ,&nbsp;Hong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the key precursors of ozone (O₃) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). To clarify the causes of the increase in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations during O₃ pollution episodes, this study investigated summer PM_2.5 variations in Dongying, a representative petrochemical city in China. We specifically examined the contribution of SOA formed from the oxidation of VOCs to the increase in PM_2.5 concentrations and identified key VOCs and their sources, using observation-based modeling and parametric estimation methods. During the observation period, four O₃ pollution episodes occurred in Dongying. These episodes were accompanied by simultaneous increases in PM_2.5 concentrations. The results showed that the increase in SOA concentration was a key contributor to the increase in PM_2.5 levels. Compared with those on clean days, the mean hourly concentrations of SOA formed by the photochemical oxidation of VOCs with OH radicals (SOAvoc) on polluted days were significantly higher, particularly during the most serious O₃ pollution episode. The key VOCs with higher contributions to SOA formation potential or SOAvoc formation mainly included toluene, m/p-xylene, and naphthalene in aromatic hydrocarbons; dodecane in alkanes; isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in alkenes; and n-butyraldehyde and hexanal in oxygenated VOCs. The key aromatic hydrocarbons and alkanes originated mainly from petroleum refining and product sources, and vehicle exhaust sources. Organic chemicals were the main anthropogenic source of key alkenes. The sources of the above key VOCs species, particularly petrochemical-related emission sources, should be emphasized in the future development of PM_2.5 reduction measures in Dongying during summer. The results of this study are also useful for the accurate control of PM_2.5 pollution in other petrochemical cities worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126315"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143876297","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":"Multi-matrix approach to microplastic pollution in the bivalve Donax trunculus, sediment and water along the Mediterranean coasts","authors":"Silvia Secco ,&nbsp;Giulia Cesarini ,&nbsp;Luca Gallitelli ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Suaria ,&nbsp;Andrea Paluselli ,&nbsp;Michael Di Gioacchino ,&nbsp;Armida Sodo ,&nbsp;Massimiliano Scalici","doi":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastic pollution is a widespread issue in marine ecosystems worldwide, and at the basin level, the Mediterranean represents one of the main hotspots for plastic debris. Here, we present MPs pollution levels in the bivalve <em>Donax trunculus</em>, commonly known as wedge clam, considering both young and adult individuals, as well as sediment and water matrices across a national scale, covering the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Adriatic coasts of Italy. The aim is to provide an overview of MPs pollution in coastal ecosystems and assess whether wedge clams can act as an early warning sentinel for sandy habitats. Results highlighted that the Adriatic and Ionian coasts exhibited higher MPs levels than the Tyrrhenian coast across all matrices, with MPs pollution predominantly consisting of blue acrylic fibers. <em>D. trunculus</em> proved to be an excellent sentinel for MPs pollution in sediment. The findings also revealed that young individuals had more MPs than adults, highlighting potentially severe harm to the growth of marine organisms. As a commercially valuable species, this study underscores the urgent need to further investigate this issue, especially given its critical implications for both marine ecosystem health and human well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":311,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Pollution","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 126318"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143876202","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}