Xiaoyu Zhang, Shuhui Zhang, Le Fang, Cheng Zhang, Xia Li
{"title":"The impacts of socioeconomic development and climate change on long-term nutrient dynamics: A case study in Poyang Lake.","authors":"Xiaoyu Zhang, Shuhui Zhang, Le Fang, Cheng Zhang, Xia Li","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The anthropogenic activities associated with rapid socioeconomic development affect global climate change and the water quality of lake ecosystems. However, the impacts of socioeconomic and climate changes on lake nutrient dynamics require additional study. In this study, we used a long-term dataset (1987-2021) of Poyang Lake to identify the nutrient dynamics and assess the impacts of social and climatic factors on nutrient concentrations. The filtering trajectory method (FTM) suggested that in Poyang Lake, nutrients first increased and then decreased, with TP reaching its highest value of 157 μg/L in 2015. The study employs a combination of structural equation modeling (SEM) and FTM to identify the complex interactions between socio-economic and climatic factors affecting nutrient concentrations in Poyang Lake. The SEM results revealed that socioeconomic factors rather than climate change determined the long-term changes in TN and TP. Additionally, FTM results verified that GDP, urbanization (Ur) and P-fertilizer (P<sub>fer</sub>) were the key drivers of TN; Ur, population (P), and sewerage treatment rate (STR) were the primary factors of TP. Through generalized additive models (GAMs), we observed that GDP accounted for 86 % of the temporal variability in TN and 45.7 % of that in TP, exhibiting inverted U-shaped relationships with both TN and TP. Air temperature (AT), a climatic factor accounted for only 44.6 % and 14.8 % of the variation in TN and TP, respectively. In addition, P<sub>fer</sub> explained 66.0 % of the variation in TN, and STR explained 50.4 % of the variation in TP with a peak TP at the STR threshold of approximately 80 %. Our findings highlight the importance of P<sub>fer</sub> and STR as critical indicators for watershed nutrient management. The identification of key temporal drivers and nutrient trajectories provides a scientific basis for developing management strategies. The results highlight coordinated control strategies for water pollution and carbon reduction as essential measures for mitigating climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"957 ","pages":"177843"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142783454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Yakubu Adekunle Alli, Funeka Matebese, Soulaima Chkirida, Nokuthula E Magida, Adeniyi S Ogunlaja, Enobong Hanson, Chukwuebuka Nwakile, Mustafa Kemal Bayazit
{"title":"Unveiling the potential of step-scheme and Type II photocatalysts in dinitrogen reduction to ammonia.","authors":"Yakubu Adekunle Alli, Funeka Matebese, Soulaima Chkirida, Nokuthula E Magida, Adeniyi S Ogunlaja, Enobong Hanson, Chukwuebuka Nwakile, Mustafa Kemal Bayazit","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Innovative photocatalytic systems designed to enhance efficiency of nitrogen fixation processes, specifically focusing on sustainable ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) production strategies via dinitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>) reduction into ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>). This process is critical for sustainable agriculture and energy production. To improve photocatalyst activity, catalyst stability and reusability, reduction efficiency due to electron/hole recombination, and light-absorption efficiency has drawn extensive attention. Herein, a broad range of research progress and comprehensive overview of step-scheme/type-II heterojunctions focusing on dinitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>) reduction are reviewed with focus on general synthesis, characterization by their unique charge separation mechanisms that improve light absorption and electron-hole pair utilization. The review highlights recent advancements in material design, which have shown promising results in enhancing photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. A significant portion of the review delves into the underlying mechanisms which these heterojunctions operate. Despite the promising literature results, several challenges facing this field, such as scalability, stability of photocatalysts, and environmental impact under operational conditions were also discussed. In summary, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of step-scheme/type-II photocatalysts for dinitrogen reduction to ammonia. The need for interdisciplinary approaches to overcome existing challenges such as incorporation of piezoelectric biomaterials and unlocking the full potential of these materials in addressing global nitrogen demands sustainably are highlighted, outlining future directions for further research and innovations.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"957 ","pages":"177903"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142783458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions and physiological changes in Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima seedlings under elevated particulate matter (PM).","authors":"Jongkyu Lee, Myeong Ja Kwak, Su Young Woo","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177744","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urban trees effectively reduce air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), which is a major concern in East Asia. While acting as biofilters, urban trees can be affected by PM exposure, which hinders their growth and physiological functions, thereby reducing their pollution mitigation ability. Trees absorb pollutants but also emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which can act as precursors to other forms of air pollution. To better understand the effects of PM on urban trees, this study examined how two tree species, Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima, respond to elevated PM levels under controlled conditions at a concentration of 300 μg m<sup>-3</sup>. The aim was to investigate how increased PM levels affect BVOCs emissions and physiological responses in seedlings, and how these physiological changes influence BVOCs emission pattern. The results revealed species-specific responses in BVOCs emissions under PM stress with being especially oxygenated monoterpenes more than non‑oxygenated monoterpenes. Increased PM adsorption was found to reduce photosynthetic abilities, including photosynthesis (A<sub>net</sub>), carboxylation capacity (V<sub>cmax</sub>), and electron transport rate (J). This reduction in photosynthetic efficiency was further evidenced by decreased chlorophyll content and light absorption, which were assessed through chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Additionally, the study evaluated oxidative stress indicators, such as lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), to provide a comprehensive understanding of the species' responses to elevated PM conditions. The study found that elevated PM conditions were closely linked to an increase in oxygenated monoterpenes, which was associated with both oxidative stress and impaired physiological function. These observations emphasize the need for strategic urban tree selection to enhance air quality and suggest that understanding species-specific BVOCs emissions in response to PM is crucial for optimizing urban green spaces for health and environmental benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"957 ","pages":"177744"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142783796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Zeyu Du, Xibin Ji, Wenyue Zhao, Jiachang Jiang, Zhibin He, Hu Liu, Jinlong Gao, Xinyuan Wang
{"title":"Integrating revised DPSIR and ecological security patterns to assess the health of alpine grassland ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.","authors":"Zeyu Du, Xibin Ji, Wenyue Zhao, Jiachang Jiang, Zhibin He, Hu Liu, Jinlong Gao, Xinyuan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alpine grassland ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) provide critical services but face threats from human activity and climate change. Ensuring ecosystem health is vital for sustainability and preserving ecosystem services and processes, especially in delicate ecosystems such as the Gannan alpine grasslands. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive model that integrates ecosystem structure, function, processes, and socioeconomic factors. This study proposes a comprehensive ecosystem health assessment approach that combines the revised driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework with ecological security patterns (ESPs), overcoming the limitations of previous models that focused primarily on ecosystem structure without sufficiently addressing dynamic ecosystem processes. This method aims to diagnose the health of the Gannan alpine grasslands on the QTP from 2000 to 2020. We found that in the context of global climate change, the ecological health was maintained at a relatively high level (covering 75.41 % of the area) in most areas of Gannan, whereas lower levels (12.09 %), were found in the northern areas of Gannan and southwestern areas of Maqu likely resulting from higher livestock density, increased population density, and weaker landscape connectivity. The results of the driver analysis showed that livestock inventory (with an influence Q-value of 0.70) significantly affected the health of the Gannan alpine grassland ecosystem, suggesting that sustainable livestock management is essential for maintaining ecological corridor connectivity, protecting core zones and promoting regional sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"957 ","pages":"177833"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142783802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Jun'an Bao, Jinke He, Ning Hu, Haifeng Xiong, Yucheng Chen, Lei Huang
{"title":"Removal characteristics of heavy metals from polluted river water purified by hybrid constructed wetlands.","authors":"Jun'an Bao, Jinke He, Ning Hu, Haifeng Xiong, Yucheng Chen, Lei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heavy metal pollution in urban rivers has become a global issue. In this study, hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs) were used to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of field wetland projects in removing heavy metals, with evaluation metrics including seasonal variations, plant contributions, and structure compositions. The experimental results showed that the synergistic system of root-microorganism-substrate formed in the combined process well realized the high efficiency of heavy metal removal, in which the removal rate in the warm season was higher than that in the cold season. The average removal rates of Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb were 44.62 %, 43.12 %, 40.59 % and 45.18 %, respectively. In the effluent, Zn and Cr can better meet the corresponding standards of the US, EU, and CN, and the biotoxicity of Cu and Pb was also greatly reduced. Compared to Cu, Cr, and Pb, the removal of Zn was less affected by influent loads and stable removal was achieved. In HCWs, the primary contribution to heavy metal removal is attributed to sediment deposition, subsequently followed by the uptake by plant roots and stems, with adsorption onto fillers being the least significant. These results of the study show that HCWs can effectively treat heavy metal pollution in water bodies, and are a highly efficient process for ecological remediation of urban river water. Most importantly, HCWs have demonstrated strong adaptability during the operation of actual ecological restoration projects. Additionally, HCWs can adjust the component structure according to the specific conditions of the process to realize the highest efficiency, which provides a new idea for urban river ecological restoration.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"959 ","pages":"178162"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142870710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Jingru Zhang, Yi Zhang, Guangjun Gong, Wanting Liu, Yuechao Zhao, Yongchen Song
{"title":"Visualization study of the effects of polycarboxylates on CO<sub>2</sub> hydrate generation and interfacial property.","authors":"Jingru Zhang, Yi Zhang, Guangjun Gong, Wanting Liu, Yuechao Zhao, Yongchen Song","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Marine carbon sequestration, with its high potential and low risk of leakage, is an attractive technology for effectively addressing global climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A current concern about marine sequestration lies in the potential negative effects of the carbon sequestration process on the marine environment. CO<sub>2</sub> hydrate sequestration is considered to be one of the most stable method of sequestration, and researchers are actively searching for promoters that facilitate hydrate sequestration and are friendly to the marine environment. Therefore, the development and utilization of environment-friendly promoters are of great significance for marine carbon sequestration by the hydrate method. In this study, two novel kinetic promoters, polycarboxylates (SP-409 and SPC-100), were applied. The changes in kinetic properties of CO<sub>2</sub> hydrate generation and gas-liquid interfacial properties were investigated under different promoter types and concentrations, temperatures, and pressures. Visual observation reveals that the formation of hydrate first occurs at the gas-liquid interface and on the reactor wall, then gradually starts to diffuse into the interior of the solution, forming a white cylindrical solid with a hollow interior. After a comprehensive comparison of temperatures, pressures, and concentrations, the SP-409 solution promoted hydrate generation better than the SPC-100 solution, and the optimal promotion concentration was 1000 ppm. In addition, there is an exponential relationship between the rate of hydrate formation and interfacial tension (IFT), which means that the rate of hydrate generation can be quickly estimated from the interfacial tension data at a certain temperature and pressure.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":"958 ","pages":"178155"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142870955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Ileana A Callejas, Yuwei Kong, Katie Osborn, Wei-Cheng Hung, Marisol Cira, Taylor Cason, Ashlyn Sloane, Alexis Shenkiryk, Aaron Masikip, Akshyae Singh, Adriane Jones, Joshua A Steele, Jennifer A Jay
{"title":"The influence of urbanization and water reclamation plants on fecal indicator bacteria and antibiotic resistance in the Los Angeles River watershed: A case study with complementary monitoring methods.","authors":"Ileana A Callejas, Yuwei Kong, Katie Osborn, Wei-Cheng Hung, Marisol Cira, Taylor Cason, Ashlyn Sloane, Alexis Shenkiryk, Aaron Masikip, Akshyae Singh, Adriane Jones, Joshua A Steele, Jennifer A Jay","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177577","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urban land use and water reclamation plants (WRPs) can impact fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in coastal watersheds. However, there is a lack of studies exploring these effects on the US West Coast. Additionally, there is limited research using a complementary approach across culture-, qPCR-, and metagenomics-based techniques for characterizing environmental AMR. In this study, sixteen locations were sampled in the Los Angeles River, encompassing both upstream and downstream of three WRPs discharging into the river. Culture-dependent methods quantified Enterococcus, total coliforms, E. coli, and extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli as a low-cost screening tool for AMR, while qPCR measured selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): sul1, ermF, tetW, blaSHV, along with intI1 and 16S rRNA genes. Bacteroides HF183 and crAssphage markers were quantified via ddPCR. All samples underwent shotgun sequencing to investigate gene abundance and mobility and an overall risk score for AMR. Results reveal downstream sites contain ARGs at least two orders of magnitude greater than upstream locations. Developed areas had the highest ARG sequence abundances and the most ARG classes as indicated by metagenomic analysis. WRP effluent exhibited elevated ARGs and co-location of ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and pathogens. A culture-based assessment of AR in E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed increased resistance ratios for most antibiotics from upstream to downstream a WRP discharge point. This study highlights the impacts of land use and WRPs on ARGs and FIB, offering a multi-pronged analysis of AMR.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":" ","pages":"177577"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142680346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Emily A Washington, Allison S Paley, Alexandra M Gulizia, Cherie A Motti, George Vamvounis, Mia O Hoogenboom
{"title":"Bisphenol A leachate from polystyrene microplastics has species-specific impacts on scleractinian corals.","authors":"Emily A Washington, Allison S Paley, Alexandra M Gulizia, Cherie A Motti, George Vamvounis, Mia O Hoogenboom","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plastic waste causes pervasive environmental contamination and can result in the release of harmful chemical leachates into marine ecosystems, especially as they fragment to smaller microplastics (<5 mm). The toxicity of commonly found polystyrene (PS) microplastics and associated bisphenol A (BPA) leachate to framework-building corals Pocillopora damicornis and Dipsastraea pallida was assessed through exposure experiments. Intermittent exposure over 14-days to 1) virgin PS, 2) preformulated PS with bound BPA (BPA-PS) and 3) leached BPA-PS (L-BPA-PS; simulating early stages of weathering) showed that microplastics void of leachable BPA had minimal effect on either coral species. However, BPA leachate had negative effects on the maximal photochemical yield (F<sub>v</sub>/F<sub>m</sub>) and tissue composition of P. damicornis fragments (e.g., decreased chlorophyll and protein compared to controls). Conversely, BPA leachate did not compromise tissues of D. pallida fragments. These results reveal that exposure to chemicals leaching out of microplastics can drive negative effects of microplastic exposure distinct from physical mechanisms due to ingestion alone, and that effects are species specific.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":" ","pages":"177604"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142680503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Changes in total sulfur of lake sediments from central-eastern China linked to volcanic aerosol and human activity.","authors":"Shiwei Jiang, Xin Zhou, Dongping Hu, Xuanqiao Liu, Anze Chen, Guangcheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177628","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177628","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Investigations into the repercussions of human activities on global climate and the ecological environment have received widespread attention. Over the past century, research has primarily focused on the impact of heavy metals and nutrients on lake ecosystems, along with their links to human activities. However, there is a noticeable dearth in explorations of historical variations in sulfur (S), an element that also has complex adverse effects on the environment and ecosystems. Here, we present an approximately 1800-year record of the total S (TS) content of sediments in Lake Nvshan, central-eastern China. The results provide evidence to indicate that high (low) TS contents in Lake Nvshan sediments are associated with strong (weak) volcanism in the Northern Hemisphere on multi-century scales. We also observed significant enhancement of TS content at 1750 and 1900 CE, which corresponded to a significant increase in the regional population at these times. We thus infer that elevations in TS levels prior to the increase in human activities likely resulted from increased volcanisms that led to greater inputs of sulfate from the stratosphere into the lake. Subsequently, the increases in TS contents could be attributed to intensified human industrial activities. Our findings revealed that volcanically derived sulfates have been supplanted by anthropogenically driven increases in the levels of sulfides as the primary factor influencing sediment TS contents in Lake Nvshan. These findings could elucidate how human activities have steered lake systems away from their natural baseline, thereby augmenting our understanding of their broader environmental impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":" ","pages":"177628"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142680506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}
Luciano Gutierrez, Carlo Sanna, Maria Sabbagh, Giuseppe Nocella, Alfredo Idini, Alberto Carletti, Franco Frau
{"title":"Fear appeals, individuals' cognitive-behavioral responses, and willingness to pay for safe water in fluoride-contaminated regions.","authors":"Luciano Gutierrez, Carlo Sanna, Maria Sabbagh, Giuseppe Nocella, Alfredo Idini, Alberto Carletti, Franco Frau","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177670","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In rural areas with high fluoride concentrations in groundwater, affordable and effective de-fluoridation technologies can significantly reduce the likelihood of being affected by fluorosis-related illnesses, such as skeletal fluorosis. This is particularly significant in areas where groundwater is the primary or sole drinking water source, such as the Rift Valley of Tanzania. Despite the availability of technologies, people's use of de-fluoridation devices still needs to be improved. This study investigates the potential impact of fear appeals on promoting protective behaviors and willingness to pay for fluoride-free water. The fear appeal emphasizes the negative health effects of drinking water with high fluoride levels and suggests using water from a specific de-fluoridation device to reduce the risk of being affected by skeletal fluorosis. To analyze the impact of the fear appeal, we use the Extended Parallel Process Model within a contingent valuation survey conducted in the Rift Valley of Tanzania. Results show that the theoretical components of this model have varying roles in the presence and absence of health risk perceptions. Respondents who receive health risk information are more willing to pay for fluoride-free water than other participants and are interested in adopting precautionary behavior. Governmental institutions and donors should collaborate to improve education on the health risks of drinking water with high fluoride concentrations. Additionally, they should work on enhancing de-fluoridation technology and developing effective risk communication strategies, specifically focusing on individuals' cognitive-behavioral outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":" ","pages":"177670"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142685601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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}