{"title":"Influence of meteorological factors on air pollution and health risks: A comparative analysis of industrial and urban areas in Chonburi Province, Thailand","authors":"Teeranun Nakyai , Mattana Santasnachok , Anamai Thetkathuek , Nantaporn Phatrabuddha","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Air pollution is a major global issue due to its short- and long-term effects on public health, with meteorological factors significantly influencing its spread. This study compared the relationships between meteorological factors, air pollution concentrations, and health risk assessments in the urban and industrial areas of Chonburi Province, Thailand. Data on air pollutant concentrations and meteorological factors spanning 10 years (2012–2021) were collected from automatic air pollution monitoring stations operated by the Thailand Pollution Control Department and Thai Meteorological Department. The results revealed that air pollutant concentrations were the highest during the winter season in industrial and urban areas. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between atmospheric pressure and the concentrations of NO<sub>2</sub>, particulate matter with diameters <10 μm (PM<sub>10</sub>), and <2.5 μm (PM<sub>2.5</sub>). Conversely, relative humidity (RH), rainfall, and wind speed were negatively correlated with pollutant concentrations. In urban areas, rainfall and RH were negatively correlated with NO<sub>2</sub>, CO, O<sub>3</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, and PM<sub>2.5</sub>. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that meteorological factors moderately influenced O<sub>3</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, and PM<sub>2.5</sub> in urban and industrial areas. Industrial areas have higher hazard quotient (HQ) values than urban areas. Notably, the industrial area exhibited higher HQ values than the urban area, with the maximum HQ reaching 1.224 during winter. The results of this study are crucial for planning and developing effective strategies to mitigate the health risks to both the general public and workers from exposure to air pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100608"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100611
Amanda Bailey , Rosalind A. Schoof , Lester Dupes , Jesse A. Port , Julie W. Tu
{"title":"Lead and arsenic enrichment across soil particle size fractions relevant to exposure assessment","authors":"Amanda Bailey , Rosalind A. Schoof , Lester Dupes , Jesse A. Port , Julie W. Tu","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil lead exposure assessment is based on concentrations in fine particle fractions most likely to be ingested after adhering to children's hands or other objects. The <250 micron (μm) particle size fraction is often used for residential lead soil assessment and bioavailability studies that guide subsequent decisions regarding the scope of soil remediation at contaminated sites. Recent studies suggest use of a finer fraction (<150 μm) may be more representative of exposures, but data documenting a difference in lead concentrations between these two size fractions are limited. Site investigations may require analysis of hundreds of samples. Screening these samples to <150 μm requires significantly more sample mass and laboratory processing time and space. Due to these sampling and analysis limitations, it is important to understand whether analysis of the finer fraction yields significantly different results compared with the <250 μm fraction. To assess the potential for lead enrichment in the <150 μm fraction relative to the <250 μm fraction, lead concentrations in both fractions were compared. Enrichment at <150 μm was statistically significant but relatively low, particularly at concentrations relevant for human exposure assessment. Arsenic enrichment was also evaluated in this study. The results of this and the few other comparable studies indicate that reliance on the <250 μm versus <150 μm sieve size is unlikely to significantly alter site assessments. This finding should be considered in determining the need to use the <150 μm fraction or in assessing the accuracy of prior data based on the <250 μm fraction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100611"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Odor impact assessment in the plume – A validation using tracer gases in two spatial farm configurations","authors":"Margret Keck , Kerstin Zeyer , Joachim Mohn , Sabine Schrade","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Livestock facilities and biogas plants pose major challenges for odor assessment due to their spatial extent and the heterogeneity of areal sources. Methods for assessing odor impact in such situations have to overcome points of criticism, such as the lack of reliability and subjectivity in sensory analysis. The aim of this study was to validate an improved procedure for investigating odor plumes by trained assessors. In addition to the widespread approach, which focuses on odor frequency, we combined the odor parameters of intensity and frequency. Due to the relevance of weak and mixed odors, very weak (i.e., perceptible) odors were included, rather than focusing only on recognizable odors (clear, distinct perception). On two farms, a tracer gas approach was implemented to provide an objective measure of dispersion. Comparable spatial patterns in odor parameters (frequency, frequency-weighted odor intensity) and tracer gas concentrations provide a number of key findings to consider in odor assessment of areal sources. Two spatial source configurations were studied—the animal part and the biogas part nested or spatially separated—and discriminated by dosing two different tracer gases. In nested configurations, tracer gases mix homogeneously in the plume and therefore only the combined source can be mapped. By contrast, for spatially separated sources, each position in the plume receives an individual exposure to tracer gases and odor, depending on source arrangement, wind direction, and the adjacent buildings. The presented approach can be extended to reliably track and assign more complex situations. The improved procedures will support objectifying odor impact assessment and pave the way for developing appropriate mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143419593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100604
Riantini Virtriana , Kalingga Titon Nur Ihsan , Tania Septi Anggraini , Albertus Deliar , Agung Budi Harto , Akhmad Riqqi , Anjar Dimara Sakti
{"title":"Development of location suitability prediction for health facilities using random forest machine learning in 2030 integrating remote sensing and GIS in West Java, Indonesia","authors":"Riantini Virtriana , Kalingga Titon Nur Ihsan , Tania Septi Anggraini , Albertus Deliar , Agung Budi Harto , Akhmad Riqqi , Anjar Dimara Sakti","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Access to healthcare facilities is crucial in the present day. Healthcare facilities must be proportional to the population in a given area. Therefore, it is important to increase the number of healthcare facilities in regions where there is an imbalance. Proper planning and a sustainability review are necessary when determining locations for healthcare facilities. Environmental changes can affect the suitability of a location in the future. Thus, planning that can predict future suitability conditions is required to ensure that the built locations have high sustainability. This study predicts the suitability of healthcare facility locations in 2030 in West Java using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Both static and dynamic data processed at 30×30 meter intervals across West Java will be used. Geospatial and remote sensing data are utilized in the study. Dynamic parameter extrapolation uses data from 2000 to 2018. The random forest machine learning method is employed to obtain the suitability values for healthcare facility locations using existing health facility training data in West Java. The results show changes in the suitability classes of healthcare facilities in each region from 2018 to 2030, with some areas experiencing an increase or decrease in class. This research highlights consistently suitable locations, ensuring their sustainability as healthcare facility sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100604"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the effect of deposited bitumen or asphaltenes on the nitrification process in the north saskatchewan river sediment","authors":"Nayereh Saborimanesh , Patricia Q. Tran , Md Hosnay Mobarok","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Following oil spills, heavier compounds of oils formed oil-sediment mixtures and deposited on the riverbed, yet their impacts on freshwater sediment ecosystems are not well understood. This study aimed to (1) examine the effects of deposited bitumen (Bit) and asphaltene (Asp) on the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) water quality, focusing on organic carbon and nitrogen; (2) assess the impact of Bit or Asp on sedimentary nitrification; and (3) explore the response of the microbial community to Bit or Asp. Laboratory-scale abiotic (no sediment) and biotic treatments with fresh (NH₃-deprived) sediment and NH₃-enriched sediment were performed at 20 ± 1°C for up to 120 days. Results of the abiotic and biotic treatments with fresh sediment indicated that up to 5 mg/L of total organic carbon (TOC) or nitrogen in the form of NH<sub>3</sub> leached from both deposited Asp and Bit into the overlaying water. Considering the relatively low background concentrations of TOC (2.19 ± 0.29 mg/L) and nitrogen (0.07 ± 0.02 mg/L) in the NSR water, the leached compounds could contribute to the overall organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in the river. A comparison of the unexposed NH<sub>3</sub>-enriched sediment (Ctl) and Bit-exposed NH<sub>3</sub>-enriched sediment showed that exposure of nitrifying communities did not affect ammonia oxidation but decreased nitrite (50 %) and nitrate (30 %) production. Additionally, the sedimentary microbial community composition altered from its initial composition to a new profile post-exposure to Asp or Bit. The microbial communities also responded differently to Bit exposure compared to Asp exposure. For instance, Asp-exposed sediment was dominated by a diverse group of taxa, while Bit-exposed sediment was mainly dominated by phylum Proteobacteria post-exposure. Overall, the findings indicate that deposited Bit and Asp could contribute organic carbon and nitrogen to the NSR water, impaire the sedimentary nitrification process and alter microbial community composition in the sediments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100619"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143350497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100610
Hirpha Adugna Areti, Abas Siraj Hamda, Lata Deso Abo, Abdisa Jabesa, Melkiyas Diriba Muleta
{"title":"Biowastes as sustainable catalysts for water treatment: A comprehensive overview","authors":"Hirpha Adugna Areti, Abas Siraj Hamda, Lata Deso Abo, Abdisa Jabesa, Melkiyas Diriba Muleta","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water purification remains a critical global challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. This review highlights the transformative potential of catalysts derived from biowaste for water treatment, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods. Agricultural residues, food waste, and biomass are converted into efficient catalysts through processes such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and chemical activation. These catalysts enable the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants through adsorption and oxidation mechanisms. They address both waste management and water treatment needs, aligning with circular economy principles by promoting resource recovery and sustainability. Integrating advanced technologies, such as membrane filtration and advanced oxidation processes, further enhances the efficacy of these catalysts. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning provide tailored solutions for optimizing catalyst design and enabling real-time monitoring. Despite challenges related to scalability, stability, and reusability, strategies such as functionalization, hybridization, and the incorporation of computational tools offer pathways for improvement. This comprehensive review underscores the economic and environmental benefits of biowaste-based catalysts while identifying future research directions to advance this promising technology. It emphasizes the importance of green innovation in sustainable water purification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100610"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of heavy metal pollution and spatial distribution in waterfalls of Chattogram district, Bangladesh: Implications for drinking and irrigation purposes","authors":"Abdur Rouf Azad , Md. Rezaul Karim , Md. Refat Jahan Rakib , Md. Ripaj Uddin","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100613","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100613","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses the concentrations of heavy metals and their distribution as well as ecological status in the major waterfalls at Chattogram, namely Khoiyachora, Kupikatakhum, Napittachhara, Bagbiani, Sohosrodhara, and Suptadhara. The water from these waterfalls are being used by the local inhabitants for household, drinking and irrigation purposes. Eighteen water samples from six water waterfall were collected during the summer, rainy and winter seasons in 2022-2023. The concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Hg, Cr, and As in water samples were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), and compared with the national (ECR, 2023) and international standards (WHO, 2015). Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) were calculated (18.51 to 22.87) showed below the critical limit of 100, indicating suitability for drinking. However, %Na (0.92) and the magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) value (32.49) suggested that the water is unsuitable for irrigation but suitable for drinking. On the other hand, metrics such as the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) (26.74) and Kelly's ratio (KR) (9.83) indicated suitability for irrigation. HPI values (0–25) indicate excellent water quality, safe for consumption. Heavy Metal Pollution Indices (HPIs) and multivariate statistical models (PCA, CA, and Pearson correlation) were applied to evaluate spatial-temporal variations, distribution, and pollution sources. CA grouped monitoring sites into two clusters based on anthropogenic and geo-genic inputs. PCA identified five significant principal components explaining 73.79 % of total variance. Seasonal and geographical variations in Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and As concentrations were observed, especially in northern and southern study areas, highlighting spatial differences in pollution patterns. The policymakers should take proper steps for monitor the waterfalls to ensure water security and environmental protection as well as water management for the nearby inhabitants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100613"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100614
Yingying Xing, Yu Zheng, Xiukang Wang
{"title":"Integrated strategies for effective remediation of chromium-contaminated soils: Advancements, challenges, and sustainability implications","authors":"Yingying Xing, Yu Zheng, Xiukang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil chromium contamination represents a significant global environmental challenge, posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems. The toxicity of hexavalent chromium, in particular, underscores the need for effective remediation strategies to mitigate its harmful effects. This review aims to evaluate various remediation methods for chromium-contaminated soils, including engineering, bioremediation, chemical, and agricultural approaches. It synthesizes existing literature to identify advancements and challenges associated with each method, focusing on their effectiveness, duration, and environmental impact. The findings indicate that solidification/stabilization techniques are effective in sequestering chromium; however, they raise concerns regarding long-term stability. Bioremediation, which employs hyperaccumulator plants and specific microorganisms, shows promise in reducing hexavalent chromium to its less toxic trivalent form, although it is often constrained by prolonged remediation times. Chemical methods, while effective, encounter challenges related to dosage control and the management of secondary pollutants. Agricultural strategies, including optimized land use and fertilization practices, can help mitigate chromium pollution but require careful management to enhance their efficacy. This review highlights the importance of integrating multiple remediation techniques to achieve optimal results. It emphasizes the potential of eco-friendly methods such as phytoremediation and constructed wetlands, which not only remove pollutants but also improve soil quality. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity of incorporating economic and environmental sustainability assessments into the development of comprehensive remediation strategies. The review concludes that an integrated approach combining engineering, bioremediation, chemical, and agricultural methods is essential for effectively managing chromium contamination in soils. By promoting sustainable practices in soil management and environmental protection, these strategies contribute to the broader goals of pollution prevention and ecological restoration, aligning with national development objectives and enhancing public health and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100614"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-02-08DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100617
Lawrence Adelani Adetunde , Osarenkhoe Omorefosa Osemwegie , Bolanle Adenike Akinsanola , Adebowale Toba Odeyemi , Vincent Ninkuu
{"title":"Trend in pharmaceutical effluent discharge and management using microorganisms","authors":"Lawrence Adelani Adetunde , Osarenkhoe Omorefosa Osemwegie , Bolanle Adenike Akinsanola , Adebowale Toba Odeyemi , Vincent Ninkuu","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent rising population has been matched by a corresponding increase in pharmaceutical companies and products worldwide. Pharmaceutical effluents are causing unprecedented environmental pollution, risking ecosystem health and public safety. The discharge of treated or untreated wastewater is drawing attention from scientific and political communities due to its implications for climate change. Hence, a global effort is needed to enhance understanding of the impacts of pharmaceutical wastewater on soil, animals, human health, food security, biodiversity, and ecosystems. This has inspired studies on eco-friendly biotechnological and bioremediation strategies using microorganisms to address pollution challenges. Therefore, this review aims to explore the trend, consequences, and microbial roles in pharmaceutical wastewater management, discharge characteristics, and utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100617"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Environmental AdvancesPub Date : 2025-04-01Epub Date: 2025-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100620
Godswill J. Udom , Brian Turyahabwe , Ayodeji Aturamu , Omoirri M. Aziakpono , Richard D. Agbana , Omole G. Joseph , Nita-wills G. Udom , Nuru Mugide , Omali P. Odey , Haron Olot , Orish E. Orisakwe
{"title":"Heavy metal and metalloid pollution: A systematic review of health implications for pregnant women, children, and geriatrics in the East African region","authors":"Godswill J. Udom , Brian Turyahabwe , Ayodeji Aturamu , Omoirri M. Aziakpono , Richard D. Agbana , Omole G. Joseph , Nita-wills G. Udom , Nuru Mugide , Omali P. Odey , Haron Olot , Orish E. Orisakwe","doi":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envadv.2025.100620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metal(loid) contamination in East Africa is a critical public health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Despite increasing industrialisation and mining activities in the region, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis addressing the exposure pathways and associated health implications of these toxicants. The study aims to bridge this gap by examining the sources, exposure routes, and health impacts of heavy metal(loid)s in East African communities. The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists and analysed using the narrative synthesis method. A risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using the Risk-of-bias VISualization (robvis) tool. The search generated 1025 papers, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal significant health consequences categorised into maternal complications, developmental effects, and systemic disorders. Maternal exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium correlates with gestational hypertension, preterm births, and developmental toxicity in offspring. In children, neurodevelopmental delays, reduced cognitive function, and growth impairments are prominent outcomes. The elderly experience exacerbated risks of cardiovascular diseases, renal dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders (for example, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer's disease) due to bioaccumulated metals. To mitigate these exposure-associated risks, regional collaborations and public health interventions (e.g., eco-friendly manufacturing processes, effective environmental monitoring policies, and improved waste management systems) must be implemented. To this end, this study provides a foundation for evidence-based strategies to protect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable development in East Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34473,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Advances","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100620"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143369826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}