Environmental Quality Management最新文献

{"title":"Hazard Assessment With Environmental Compatibility of Ferrochrome Wastes in Their Utilization Aspect","authors":"Anubha Pujary,&nbsp;Tara Prasad Rath,&nbsp;Subrat Kumar Mallick,&nbsp;Trilochan Jena,&nbsp;Nibedita Pradhan,&nbsp;Chittaranjan Panda","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70084","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ferrochrome slag (FCS) and ferrochrome flue dust (FFD) are the two major solid wastes generated in the production of ferrochrome alloy. Physical and mechanical studies reveal better properties so that these can be gainfully utilized in many construction fields, particularly as aggregate in concrete works. However, the chemical properties reveal about 11.2% and 20.3% residual hazardous chromium (as Cr₂O₃) in FCS and FFD, respectively. Incidentally, almost all the chromium in these wastes remains inherently entrapped as trivalent and metallic forms with little chance of leaching of soluble hexavalent chromium from the wastes. However, the preliminary toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) analysis result identifies the FFD as hazardous waste as it fails to satisfy the TCLP standard with respect to chromium. But in situ, voluminous FCS waste after satisfactory TCLP compliance can be utilized and disposed of. However, the leaching studies of FCS under adverse conditions such as reduced particle size and low pH demonstrate the release of a significant amount of leachable hexavalent chromium. As such, it still satisfies the TCLP standard for chromium and thus comes out of the purview of hazardous waste. However, it fails to meet the regulatory criteria of Indian discharge standards to surface water bodies with respect to hexavalent chromium, thereby restricting its usage potential and disposal consideration.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143762008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Analysis of Biorefineries: Assessing Sustainability and Scalability in the Bioeconomy","authors":"Sundaram Vickram,&nbsp;Shofia Saghya Infant,&nbsp;Bhavani Sowndharya Balamurugan,&nbsp;Palanivelu Jayanthi,&nbsp;Manikandan Sivasubramanian","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The worldwide transition to a sustainable bioeconomy is significantly reliant on the successful installation of biorefineries, which convert biomass into a variety of biobased goods. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic and life cycle analysis (TEA-LCA) paradigm for determining biorefinery sustainability and scalability. The TEA part looks at important economic factors like market competitiveness, capital expenditure (CAPEX), and operating expenditure (OPEX) to find out what causes costs to rise and what technological limits biorefineries face that affect their ability to make money. The LCA assesses environmental implications across the manufacturing chain, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy and water use, and land usage. This analysis is unique as it identifies methods to improve sustainability by using renewable energy and increasing process efficiency. In addition, we investigate the potential of biorefineries to facilitate a circular economy by analyzing the trade-offs between economic and environmental objectives. In addition to technical assessments, scaling issues—ranging from regional biomass supply to logistical infrastructure—are examined, underscoring the need for enabling policy frameworks for promoting bio-based products in mainstream markets. The review provides concrete guidelines for planning, managing, and growing sustainable biorefineries, therefore contributing to a low-carbon, resilient future.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ionic Liquid-Based Aqueous Bi-Phasic System and Ultrasound Cell Disruption for Protein Recovery From Spirulina platensis","authors":"Sundarakannan Rajendran,&nbsp;Geetha Palani,&nbsp;Merlyn R. Sujatha,&nbsp;Herri Trilaksana,&nbsp;Nagaraj Meenakshisundaram","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Efficient protein extraction from algal biomass is crucial for sustainable bioresource use, yet traditional methods are often slow and environmentally taxing. This study explores enhanced protein recovery from <i>Spirulina platensis</i> by combining cell disruption techniques with an aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) system using ionic liquids (ILs). Ultrasonication, performed at 24 kHz across power densities of 460, 300, and 85 W/cm², was identified as the most effective cell disruption method, significantly improving protein release. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into cell damage patterns that correlate with extraction efficiency. Following disruption, the IL 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was used in the ATPE system, outperforming the traditional PEG/phosphate buffer system in protein separation. Optimizing parameters like pH, solid–liquid ratios, and phase composition further boosted protein partitioning. Tests comparing commercial and synthesized ILs showed slightly higher yields for commercial ILs. This advanced ATPE-IL approach demonstrates high efficiency and sustainability, offering a promising solution for scalable protein extraction in bioresource processing. This study explores fast and efficient methods for extracting soluble proteins from algal biomass, combining bench-scale cell disruption techniques and an ATPE system with ILs. Initially, various cell disruption methods, including ultrasonication at 24 kHz with power densities of 460, 300, and 85 W/cm², were employed to investigate their effects on protein release. The degree of protein extraction was found to be proportional to the extent of cell disintegration, with ultrasonication proving superior. SEM was used to analyze morphological damage from different techniques. The study aims to find the most efficient separation of proteins from <i>S. platensis</i> using an ATPE system with ILs and PEG/phosphate buffer systems. Subsequently, proteins from <i>S. platensis</i> were separated using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) with the hydrophilic IL [Bmim]Cl as a solvent. This method's efficiency was compared to traditional PEG/phosphate buffer systems. Key parameters such as pH values, solid–liquid ratios, and phase component concentrations were optimized to enhance protein partitioning efficiency. Comparative analysis between commercial and synthesized ILs showed promising results for ecofriendly bioactive component separations. The integration of these advanced techniques underscores their potential for efficient and sustainable protein extraction from algal biomass.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Human Health Risk in Central Ganga Plain, India","authors":"Sandhya Maurya,&nbsp;Abhishek Saxena,&nbsp;Pragya Singh,&nbsp;Preeti Pal,&nbsp;Garima Gupta,&nbsp;Anju Patel","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70083","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigates groundwater quality in Raebareli district, India, with a specific focus on heavy metal contamination and its implications for human health and ecological risk. The district, part of the central Indo-Gangetic alluvium, is representative of regions facing significant groundwater pollution challenges. Using indices such as the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and the ecological risk index (ERI), contamination levels were assessed through weighted arithmetic methods and sub-index calculations. The study identified lead (Pb) as the predominant contaminant, affecting 93.75% of analyzed water samples, with 59.3% of sites classified as critically polluted and unsuitable for drinking or other purposes. Health risk assessments revealed that cadmium (Cd) posed the highest noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks among the detected metals. Hazard quotient analysis indicated that children were more vulnerable to noncarcinogenic chronic health risks, particularly from Pb ingestion, which exceeded safe thresholds at 20 stations for adults and 22 stations for children. Cd contributed to 78.2% of carcinogenic risks in children and 75% in adults. Ecological risk assessments showed that 50% of the samples posed low ecological risks, 46.8% moderate risks, and 3.1% considerable risks. Statistical tools, including Pearson's correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA), revealed significant associations between metal pairs, distinct clustering patterns, and contamination sources, both natural and anthropogenic. The findings emphasize the urgent need for public awareness programs and rapid mitigation measures to safeguard groundwater resources and public health. Prolonged exposure to the detected heavy metals is linked to severe health conditions, such as neurological disorders, kidney damage, cardiovascular issues, and cancer, highlighting the critical need for sustainable water resource management. This study provides essential baseline data and insights to support informed decision-making and effective mitigation strategies for addressing heavy metal contamination in groundwater.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Urban Water Systems: A Global Overview With Governance Perspectives From Kerala State, India","authors":"Sruthy Shini,&nbsp;Navaneeth Adukkadan,&nbsp;Surendran Udayar Pillai,&nbsp;Binish Mechirackal Balan,&nbsp;Thomas Ambattu Paili,&nbsp;Mahesh Mohan","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental issue, significantly impacting urban areas due to high population densities and intense human activities. Global plastic production surged from 1.5 million metric tons in 1950 to 413.8 million in 2023, exacerbating environmental contamination. In Kerala, India, microplastic pollution in urban ecosystems has escalated, affecting water bodies, soil, and marine biodiversity. This review explores the governance strategies and challenges in addressing urban microplastic pollution in Kerala, where plastic constitutes 4%–6% of municipal waste. Monsoon runoff and inadequate waste management exacerbate pollution, contributing to high microplastic concentrations in aquatic environments and marine organisms in Kerala. Findings from recent studies reveal elevated microplastic levels in lakes, coastal beaches, and seafood, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure, effective regulatory measures, and community engagement. The review also underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary research to better understand the sources, pathways, and impacts of microplastic contamination. Key recommendations include the adoption of robust regulatory frameworks, implementation of advanced monitoring technologies, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing plastic waste. By addressing these factors, the paper provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies to combat microplastic pollution in Kerala's urban settings.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Methods for Methane Emission Estimate From Lagoon-Based Swine Manure Management Systems","authors":"Clement D. D. Sohoulande,&nbsp;Matias B. Vanotti,&nbsp;Ariel A. Szogi","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To support national estimates of methane (CH₄) emissions from manure management systems, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) proposed guidelines that include three tiers, of which Tier 1 and Tier 2 methodologies are the most used. The choice of each methodology is often driven by data availability. The application of the IPCC Tier 1 approach uses default emission factors and requires less data compared to IPCC Tier 2, which is considered a more advanced methodology. Nevertheless, no study has addressed the implications of the methodology choice on the estimation of CH₄ emissions from swine manure management systems. Subsequently, there is barely any quantitative information on the discrepancies to expect when using the IPCC Tier 1 or Tier 2 approach for estimating CH₄ emissions from significant sources such as open-air swine waste treatment lagoons. Hence, this study used the IPCC Tier 1 and Tier 2 methodologies to estimate CH₄ emissions from feeder-to-finish swine waste treatment lagoons across the North Carolina region. Precisely, updated IPCC guidelines were applied to farm, county, and state level data of feeder-to-finish swine farms to quantify CH₄ emissions from open-air anaerobic swine waste treatment lagoons. Results show that IPCC Tier 2's estimates of CH₄ emissions are higher, sustaining a discrepancy of 6.7% between the two IPCC Tiers’ methodologies. Quantitatively, the differences between the two IPCC tiers’ estimates totaled 7320 Mg CH₄/year (197640 Mg CO₂ equivalent/year) at the state level and were unequally distributed among counties and farms. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis highlighted a meaningful contrast between the IPCC Tiers estimation per swine head or unit animal weight and direct measurements of swine lagoons’ CH₄ emissions in North Carolina. The discrepancies are likely due in large part to sources of errors in the direct measurements, suggesting the need for advanced techniques for in situ CH₄ emission measurements. The study highlights the trade-off related to the emission estimation approaches, and the information reported could be useful to better understand CH₄ emission inventories.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity of Polonium (210Po) and Suspended Solid Materials Interaction in Some Pelagic Fish in Batang Waters","authors":"Muslim,&nbsp;Elva J. Rose,&nbsp;Mohamad N. Yahya,&nbsp;Heny Suseno,&nbsp;Sri Y. Wulandari","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As an archipelagic country, Indonesia has a vast maritime area and biodiversity. This makes the Indonesian government often campaign for the fish-eating movement to all its people. However, few people know what is contained in the fish they eat daily, especially fish caught in waters near the Steam Power Plant (SPP). The lack of literature regarding the levels of ²¹⁰Po in economically important pelagic fish in Indonesia resulted in a study aimed at determining the activity concentration of ²¹⁰Po in several economically important pelagic fish species in the waters of Batang and its relationship with several secondary parameters. The analytical method used in this study followed IAEA–MEL guidelines. The results of the activity concentration of ²¹⁰Po in barracuda (<i>Sphyraena barracuda</i>), blue spot mullet (<i>Valamugil seheli</i>), mackerel (<i>Rastrelliger kanagurta</i>), ribbonfish (<i>Trichiurus savala</i>), and barread queenfish (<i>Scomberoides lysan</i>) were 6.09, 12.84, 2.04, 45.86, and 33.29 Bq/kg, respectively. The highest value of ²¹⁰Po activity was found in the ribbonfish, likely influenced by its habitat, with the radionuclide entering the fish's body dominantly through the food chain. ²¹⁰Po readily binds to selenium and proteins in the fish, with correlation (<i>R</i>²) values of 0.683 and −0.633, respectively. High turbidity or high levels of suspended solids materials (SSM) around the SPP inhibits the accumulation of ²¹⁰Po on proteins, leading to a negative relationship between the two parameters. The ²¹⁰Po activity in these five pelagic fish species is still classified as safe for consumption, as it is below the quality standard set by the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Regulation Agency. The concentration of ²¹⁰Po in the fish did not show a significant relationship with water currents. This research provides useful data on the current level of ²¹⁰Po activity, a toxic radionuclide in fish living near Batang's SPP, and can serve as baseline data for future monitoring.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to “Water Quality Index, Heavy Metals, and Endocrine Disruptors in the Saigon River Basin: Pollution Assessment and Correlation Analysis”","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Tong, N. X., N. K. Hoa, N. T. T. Tram, and L. T. P. Khang. (2025). Water Quality Index, Heavy Metals, and Endocrine Disruptors in the Saigon River Basin: Pollution Assessment and Correlation Analysis. Environmental Quality Management 34, no. 3: e70063.</p><p>In the paragraphs of section “2.3.3 Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds Concentration,” the text “The GC-MS analysis of EDCs was performed at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, while the LC-MS/MS analysis was carried out at the Southern Pesticides and Testing Center” on page 5 is incorrect. This should have read, “The GC-MS analysis of EDCs and the LC-MS/MS analysis were carried out at the Southern Pesticides and Testing Center”.</p><p>We apologize for this error.</p>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/tqem.70081","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689714","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":"Toward Eco-Friendly Fertilizers: Modulating Nutrient Release From Biopolyurethane Coatings by Adjusting Isocyanate Index and Polyol Percentage","authors":"Nor Syahidah Md Sam,&nbsp;Ganisan Krishnen,&nbsp;Norfhairna Baharulrazi,&nbsp;Luqman Chuah Abdullah,&nbsp;Rohah A. Majid","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The global demand for sustainable agricultural practices necessitates the development of eco-friendly slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). This study investigates biopolyurethane-coated urea (BPUC) as a promising SRF material, focusing on the effects of NCO/OH ratio and castor oil (CO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blending percentage in the polyol phase on biopolyurethane films (BPUF) physicochemical properties and BPUC's nutrient release performance. BPUC was prepared using a solvent-free, green synthesis method, with variations in NCO/OH ratios (1.0–2.0) and PCL blending percentages (10%–40%). Key properties, including crosslink density, glass transition temperature, mechanical strength, biodegradability, and nutrient release behavior, were systematically characterized. The results reveal that increasing the NCO/OH ratio and PCL content enhances crosslink density (up to 7.463 × 10⁻³ mol/cm³) and tensile strength, reducing nutrient diffusion and extending release longevity to 48.5 days. The findings demonstrate the tunability of BPUC coatings to achieve desired release profiles, highlighting the strong correlation between microstructural properties and nutrient release kinetics. These findings suggest that tailoring the NCO/OH and polyol ratios in BPUC can effectively meet the nutrient release needs of crops while reducing environmental impact. This approach highlights a promising, eco-friendly alternative for developing sustainable, controlled-release fertilizers.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143689517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spider Webs as Biomonitoring Tool for Heavy Metal Pollution in Diverse Environments: A Study in Kochi City","authors":"Mathew M. Joseph,&nbsp;Archana T. Anil","doi":"10.1002/tqem.70074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluates the use of webs from two species of spiders, <i>Cyrtophora cicatrosa</i> and <i>Pholcus phalangioides</i>, as biomonitoring tools for heavy metal pollution across diverse environments in Kochi city, Kerala, India. Web samples from Thevara, Eloor, and Kizhakkambalam, representing urban, industrial, and semi-urban/agricultural areas, respectively, were analyzed for Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn concentrations using ICP-OES spectroscopy. Results showed site-specific variation, with Zn reaching its highest concentration in <i>Pholcus</i> webs in Eloor (7558 ppm) and in <i>Cyrtophora</i> webs in Kizhakkambalam (4947.50 ppm). Relative distribution results revealed that Zn and Sn were the dominant metals accumulated in the webs across most sites. The principal component analysis (PCA) results highlight that <i>Cyrtophora</i> webs capture a broad range of metals from urban, industrial, and agricultural sources, while <i>Pholcus</i> webs show specific affinities for industrial and urban pollutants, suggesting a stronger sensitivity to urban-industrial pollution. These findings demonstrate that spider webs offer a cost-effective, species-specific, and non-invasive approach to environmental monitoring, enabling targeted pollution assessment and informing effective mitigation strategies across diverse settings.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":35327,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Quality Management","volume":"34 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143688977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}