Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health最新文献

{"title":"BiVO4-based photoanodes for the photoelectrocatalytic removal of trace organic pollutants from water: A mini review on recent developments","authors":"Agha Zeeshan Ali ,&nbsp;Sanjeeb Mohapatra ,&nbsp;Jan Peter van der Hoek ,&nbsp;Henri Spanjers","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This mini review explores the potential of visible light–driven bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄)-based photoanodes for removing trace organic pollutants from water. It highlights the advantages of using BiVO₄-based photoanodes over conventional UV-driven photoanodes in water treatment. The mechanism of reactive species generation through water oxidation is discussed. The review also highlights the role of sulfate and sulfite radicals in enhancing pollutant degradation. Furthermore, it evaluates how heterojunction formation improves the removal efficiency of BiVO₄-based photoanodes by reducing charge carrier recombination. Limited research on BiVO₄-based photoanodes for the simultaneous removal of multiple organic pollutants at low concentrations (&lt;1 mg L⁻¹) from real wastewater is identified as a key knowledge gap. Addressing this gap could advance the application of BiVO₄-based photoanodes in photoelectrocatalytic-based advanced oxidation processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100615"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834907","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":"Nonylphenol in agricultural soil system: sources, effects, fate, and bioremediation strategies","authors":"Qilu Cheng ,&nbsp;Junwei Ma ,&nbsp;Yuyi Yang ,&nbsp;Hui Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nonylphenol (NP), a persistent endocrine-disrupting compound, has emerged as a widespread contaminant in terrestrial ecosystems. While extensive research has delineated NP pollution in aquatic environment, its behavior in soil remains underexplored. This review advances the contamination pathways, ecotoxicological impacts, fate determinants, and bioremediation strategies of NP in agricultural soils. NP primarily enters farmlands through sludge amendment, wastewater irrigation, pesticide application, and atmospheric deposition. It induces multilevel soil dysbiosis and phytotoxicity via morphological, physiological, and metabolic disruptions. The abiotic and biotic processes, particularly indigenous microbial degradation and plant uptake, that influence the fate of NP in soil are also addressed. Furthermore, emerging bioremediation strategies, mainly bioaugmentation, phytoremediation, and earthworm-assisted technologies, show potential in enhancing NP bioremoval in the field. Additional research is necessary to strengthen legislation, establish toxicity endpoints, and regulate contamination of soil NP through agroecosystem-relevant field trials, incorporating realistic exposure scenarios and crops-specific human health risk assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100616"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792232","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":"Indoor air quality in arid areas","authors":"Konstantinos E. Kakosimos","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Indoor air quality (IAQ) in arid regions faces unique challenges, including dust infiltration, reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, and inadequate filtration technologies. This study examines the factors contributing to compromised IAQ, such as particulate matter from dust storms and cultural practices like incense burning, while highlighting innovative solutions like biodegradable air filters, passive cooling designs, and advanced insulation. Through a synthesis of recent studies, it underscores the need for tailored policies, technological advancements, and community engagement to address IAQ challenges and enhance health outcomes in arid environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100610"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143682424","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":"Occurrence and accumulation characteristics of antibiotics in soil and effects of carbon and nitrogen cycle","authors":"Kexin Guo ,&nbsp;Lei Han ,&nbsp;Jingyang Luo ,&nbsp;Guanghua Lu ,&nbsp;Yiping Li ,&nbsp;Jianchao Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotic contamination has become a global environmental issue, particularly in soils, where the accumulation of antibiotics negatively impacts soil health and microbial communities. Recent studies have shown high detection rates of tetracyclines and sulfonamides in soil, which significantly disrupt nitrogen and carbon cycling. They also alter microbial structures and reduce soil biological activity and fertility. While existing research highlights the detrimental effects of antibiotics on soil ecosystems, studies on their long-term environmental behavior and ecological risks remain limited. This review summarizes the accumulation characteristics of antibiotics in soil and their impacts on carbon and nitrogen cycles, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects of antibiotics on soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100619"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882952","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":"Health impacts of air pollution in South America: Recent advances and research gaps","authors":"Valeria Mardoñez-Balderrama ,&nbsp;Néstor Y. Rojas ,&nbsp;Andrea Pineda Rojas ,&nbsp;S. Enrique Puliafito ,&nbsp;María Cazorla ,&nbsp;Thiago Nogueira ,&nbsp;Caroline Wikuats","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>South American cities experience high levels of air pollution. Studies on its health impacts, however, are scarce when compared with those in wealthier regions. This review focuses on recent research on air pollution and health impacts in this continent, including studies that have been focused on vulnerable groups such as infants and children, lower-income groups, and rural and indigenous populations. Impacts of household air pollution are also discussed. South America would greatly benefit from expanded monitoring networks, improved air quality modeling, and detailed health data to better understand exposure–health relationships and multipollutant interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100627"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144134769","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":"Atmospheric heavy metals and human health","authors":"Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz ,&nbsp;Stylianos K. Gkaras ,&nbsp;Dimitris G. Kaskaoutis","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to increase our knowledge on the concentrations of heavy metals and health risks associated with human exposure to indoor and outdoor dust. Several anthropogenic activities are the source of heavy metals and potential toxic elements, which in excess quantities may be harmful for human health, respiratory, immune, and neurological systems or even cause cancer. Heavy metals carried with dust may enter indoors, resulting in even higher concentrations than outdoors, with deleterious effects for residents, especially for sensitive groups of population. Mitigation strategies should focus more on reduction of heavy metals exposure for better living conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100607"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143682423","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":"RNAi applications toward environmentally sustainable food security","authors":"Jonathan Willow ,&nbsp;Guy Smagghe","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advancing agricultural production in an environmentally sustainable manner will be a vital component in meeting food security needs of the future. Targeted messenger RNA (mRNA) downregulation, relying on <em>in planta</em> or sprayed applications of specifically tailored RNA molecules, represents an expanding field of nucleotide sequence-specific management of agricultural pests/pathogens. Here we discuss several current commercial RNA interference (RNAi) applications toward improving food security. We also discuss and highlight additional emerging approaches within RNAi-based management of pests/pathogens that affect food security, focusing on studies that represent a diverse array of potential applications, conceptual hurdles, focal environments, and taxonomic groups (regarding both food resource and pest/pathogen). This discussion is intended to showcase both well- and lesser-known RNAi applications currently being implemented in support of food security; and promote further research and development into some interesting recent areas of exploration, especially those regarding underrepresented areas of inquiry and those backed by recent and highly promising research findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100612"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143830369","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":"The role of invasive alien species as bioindicators for environmental pollution","authors":"Paolo Pastorino ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Esposito ,&nbsp;Marino Prearo ,&nbsp;Christian Sonne","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Invasive alien species (IAS) are significant drivers of biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems through predation, competition, disease transmission, and habitat alteration. Recently, IAS have been proposed as bioindicators in environmental chemistry, offering an innovative approach to chemical pollution monitoring. Their adaptability, resilience, and widespread distribution enable the assessment of contaminant bioaccumulation, particularly in degraded habitats where native species are rare or protected, minimizing additional ecological stress. This mini-review examines the emerging use of IAS, such as bivalves, crustaceans, fish, mammals, and plants, in detecting a wide range of contaminants. A targeted literature search (2022–2024) identified 15 peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the potential of IAS in monitoring trace elements, persistent pollutants, and emerging contaminants. For instance, bivalves such as <em>Dreissena polymorpha</em> accumulate mercury, crustaceans like <em>Procambarus clarkii</em> reflect microplastic pollution, and semiaquatic mammals such as <em>Myocastor coypus</em> provide insights into wetland microplastic contamination through fecal analysis. However, IAS are not yet integrated into established biomonitoring programs and are currently used only in individual case studies or research efforts. The main limitation lies in physiological and ecological differences between IAS and native species, which can lead to variable bioaccumulation patterns and complicate ecological risk assessments. Additional challenges include ethical considerations, regulatory constraints, and methodological inconsistencies across studies. Addressing these challenges through refined protocols, molecular tools, and appropriate risk mitigation will be crucial for integrating IAS into environmental monitoring frameworks. This strategy can complement existing methods, improving chemical pollution tracking while supporting global efforts to manage contamination and protect biodiversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100620"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895646","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":"Role of micro- and nano-plastics in altering biogeochemical cycles","authors":"Nguyễn Hoàng Ly ,&nbsp;Lalitha Gnanasekaran ,&nbsp;Tejraj M. Aminabhavi ,&nbsp;Yasser Vasseghian ,&nbsp;Sang-Woo Joo","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100621","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100621","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently, plastic products have played a significant role in life-supporting appliances, but after their shelf life, they are causing ubiquitous micro- and nano-plastic (MNP) pollution in natural environments. Scientific studies have proved that MNP contamination significantly contributes to global climate change to alter biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and phosphorus (P). These elements are essential for all living organisms to function properly, but their excessive amounts can negatively affect the ecosystem. Thus, biogeochemical cycles should be investigated to maintain a sustainable environment. This mini review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on how the biogeochemical cycles have been affected by MNP pollution at terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric levels. MNP presence may affect environmental matrix properties or the physiology of the microorganisms and plants/animals, resulting in changes in plant uptake and metabolic efficiency. These insights will help researchers frame comprehensive strategies and fruitful engineering solutions to address environmental and climatic risks in the foreseeable future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100621"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143912981","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":"Chronic exposure to phthalates in drinking water: The implications on public health","authors":"Lan Wang ,&nbsp;Tao Yuan ,&nbsp;Yee Chu Kwa,&nbsp;Mui-Choo Jong","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phthalates are the most prevalent plasticizers and are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties, hence posing significant concerns. As a vital component of daily intake, phthalate contamination in drinking water poses risks to human health, yet the concept of phthalate as lifelong exposome through drinking water remains underexplored. This review summarizes phthalates levels throughout the drinking water system, including raw water sources, drinking water treatment plants, tap water, and bottled water, highlighting instances where concentrations reaching 1438 μg/L in municipal tap water, far exceeding the World Health Organization guideline of 8 μg/L in some areas. Secondary contamination from plastic water pipes and various water filter elements contributes to the diversity of phthalates, with up to 22 phthalate types present in drinking water. We emphasized that the chronic exposure to phthalates in drinking water leads to bioaccumulation, resulting in health implications across different age groups, for instance, reproductive dysregulation, neurological disorders, and other chronic diseases such as obesity and hypertension. Utilizing the Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) framework, we evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of phthalates, revealing that phthalates toxicity aggravates with structural complexity, and chronic toxicity significantly more complicated than acute toxicity. The potential health risks caused by phthalates, particularly their cumulative chronic toxicity and lifelong exposome through contaminated drinking water, necessitate proactive and pre-emptive measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 100602"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143570549","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}