Environmental Science and Pollution Research最新文献

{"title":"Toward efficient and economical water splitting: role of NiO, CuO, and transition metal composites.","authors":"Ashwini Pol, Pratik Sutar, Anamika V Kadam","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37775-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37775-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Global transition to renewable energy (RE) sources is imperative for achieving long-term sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependence. This study critically examines strategies for efficient utilization of RE sources, with particular emphasis on the electrochemical splitting of water for hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) production. Key challenges associated with conventional energy systems are outlined, followed by an overview of diverse RE sources, including their benefits and limitations. A central focus is placed on electrochemical processes, namely, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) which are integral to water splitting. Practical applications of H₂ and O₂ in sustainable energy systems are discussed to underscore their real-world relevance. Furthermore, this work identifies existing gaps in the literature and positions the current research within broader scientific discourse. By providing a comprehensive review and targeted insights into the roles of NiO, CuO, and transition metal-based composites, this study lays a robust foundation for advancing cost-effective and efficient water splitting technologies. Current challenges, including cost, scalability, and long-term stability, are systematically discussed, and key research gaps are identified. By consolidating mechanistic insights and performance trends, this review offers targeted guidance for the development of cost-effective and high-efficiency water splitting catalysts. Unlike existing reviews that broadly summarize transition metal oxide electrocatalysts, this review provides a comparative and failure-oriented analysis of NiO- and CuO-based systems, highlighting when they outperform competing catalysts, when they fail, and why these behaviors emerge under different electrolysis conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147831588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Application of an integrated process including sand media, constructed wetland, and nylon 6 membrane in wastewater treatment of the herbal essences industry.","authors":"Mojgan Hosseini, Mohsen Soleimani, Nourollah Mirghaffari, Sedigheh Borhani","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37666-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37666-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wastewater generated during herbal essences production is frequently discharged into the environment without adequate treatment, leading to significant environmental issues. This study examines the effectiveness of a multi-stage wastewater treatment system consisting of sand media (SM), a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW), and a nylon 6 membrane modified with zeolite (NMZ). The performance of this system was evaluated based on parameters including COD, BOD₅, turbidity, NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, PO₄^3-, and phenol in the wastewater from the herbal essences industry in Kashan city, Iran. Results showed that the average removal efficiencies for COD, BOD₅, turbidity, PO₄^3- NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, and phenol during the two-stage approach (i.e., SM + VFCW) were approximately 82%, 87%, 96%, 92%, 94%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. Following treatment through the NMZ, the removal efficiencies slightly improved (2 to 3%) showing the major treatment effects of two primary stages including SM and VFCW. Overall, the multi-stage system achieved high removal efficiencies ranging from 79 to 100%. Most parameters, including BOD₅, turbidity, PO₄^3-, NO₃^-, and phenol, met the water quality standards for irrigation reuse and surface water discharge. However, COD and NH₄⁺ remained above the permissible limits for direct discharge, indicating that further optimization or additional treatment is required. These results provide a clear indication of the system's effectiveness and highlight its potential for partial compliance with regulatory standards in small herbal essence industries.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147831973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation of rice straw biochar-supported TiO₂ for efficient and reusable photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol.","authors":"Nur Ahmad, Jelita Marista Lalus, Ary Mauliva Hada Putri, Triastuti Sulistyaningsih, Khoiriah, Asmida Herawati, Reza Audina Putri","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37797-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37797-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The contamination of aquatic environments by pharmaceutical residues, notably paracetamol (PCT), has emerged as a significant environmental issue, attributed to its persistence and the inadequate efficacy of traditional treatment approaches in its removal. In this study, TiO₂/biochar composite photocatalysts were synthesized via an ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation method and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of PCT under UV light irradiation. Biochar was produced from rice straw biomass waste through a controlled pyrolysis process and subsequently composited with anatase-phase TiO₂ at biochar mass ratios of 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. The use of rice straw-derived biochar not only supports agricultural waste valorization but also provides a porous carbon matrix that enhances TiO₂ dispersion and surface properties. The photocatalysts were characterized using XRD, FTIR, BET, FESEM-EDX, XPS, PL, and UV-DRS. XRD analysis confirmed the preservation of the anatase TiO₂ phase with crystallinity 93.92% and crystallite sizes of 40-50 nm. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic Ti-O-Ti and O-H vibrations, along with organic functional groups associated with biochar. BET results demonstrated an increase in surface area and pore volume for the TiO₂/biochar composites compared to pristine TiO₂, while FESEM images showed well-dispersed nanoscale particles (< 100 nm). UV-DRS analysis indicated band gap energies in the range of 3.1-3.2 eV. Photocatalytic experiments showed that the TiO₂/biochar composite containing 20 wt.% rice straw-derived biochar exhibited the highest PCT degradation efficiency, achieving 94% removal within 180 min at an initial concentration of 10 mg/L. Moreover, the composite photocatalyst demonstrated good stability, maintaining degradation efficiencies of 91-94% over repeated reuse cycles. The findings underscore the efficacy of biochar derived from rice straw in modifying TiO₂, positioning it as a promising and sustainable photocatalyst for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147831647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Feast-famine enrichment of mixed microbial cultures enhances wastewater valorization into bioplastics.","authors":"Eyder Andrés Espinosa Acosta, Armando Espinosa Hernández, Iván O Cabeza, Jeniffer Gracia, Nubia Moreno-Sarmiento","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37726-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37726-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biobased polymers with the potential to replace conventional plastics. To reduce production costs while contributing to wastewater treatment, mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) have been proposed as a sustainable platform for PHA production. This process comprises three stages: (1) acidogenic fermentation of wastewater streams to generate volatile fatty acids (VFAs), (2) selection and enrichment of MMCs under feast-famine conditions, and (3) PHA accumulation using the selected biomass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selection and enrichment of MMCs for PHA production within a circular economy framework. VFAs obtained by sludge acidogenic fermentation were used as the carbon source, and two operational factors organic load (500-1500 mg COD L^-1) and cycle length (3 or 6 days) were tested in a <math><mrow><mn>3</mn> <mo>×</mo> <mn>2</mn></mrow> </math> factorial design. The condition of 500 mg COD L^-1 with a 3-day cycle achieved the highest performance, with statistically significant effects (p < 0.05) for both main factors and their interaction. Pilot-scale validation in a 16-L working volume reactor confirmed these results, yielding 83.3 mg PHA L^-1 (reported as PHB-equivalents following acid hydrolysis to crotonic acid and HPLC quantification) and a yield of 0.28 g COD g COD^-1 ( <math><msub><mi>Y</mi> <mrow><mi>P</mi> <mi>H</mi> <mi>A</mi> <mo>/</mo> <mi>V</mi> <mi>F</mi> <mi>A</mi></mrow> </msub> </math> , expressed as COD-based PHA produced per COD of VFA consumed). Molecular analysis revealed species classically associated with PHA dynamics (Paracoccus sp., Alcaligenes sp.) and the presence of Diaphorobacter limosus, suggesting complementary roles under selective pressure. These findings highlight wastewater valorization into bioplastics as a viable route within the circular economy framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Mechanistic and Data-Guided Design of Biochar Adsorbents for Gas Phase Pollution Control: A State-of-the-Art Review.","authors":"Hammad Khan, Muhammad Arshad, Ahsan Jalal, Ubaid Khalid, Arslan Maqbool, Mahvash Ansari, Sajjad Hussain","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37767-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37767-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air pollution remains critical global challenge, with sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to environmental degradation and adverse health outcomes. Among mitigation technologies, biochar (BC) has gained attention as sustainable adsorbent for gas-phase pollutant control due to its hierarchical porosity, tunable surface chemistry, and production from renewable biomass. This review examines mechanistic foundations and design strategies of engineered biochar for removal of SOx, NOx, and VOCs, while comparing its performance with conventional technologies that are pollutant-specific, energy-intensive, or limited under industrial conditions. Key synthesis routes including pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, and co-pyrolysis are discussed alongside modification strategies such as activation, heteroatom doping, and metal functionalization, which enhance pore structure, surface reactivity, and pollutant selectivity. Reported studies indicate that engineered biochars achieve adsorption capacities up to ~ 200 mg g^-1 for SO₂ and ~ 245 mg g^-1 for aromatic VOCs such as toluene, while demonstrating effective NOx removal under flue-gas conditions. These performances are governed by hierarchical porosity, defect-rich carbon structures, and oxygen-containing functional groups that promote acid-base interactions, π-π stacking, and redox-mediated adsorption pathways. Computational tools increasingly support adsorbent design: Density Functional Theory provides atomistic insight, while Machine Learning enables rapid prediction across datasets. Despite progress, challenges remain, including regeneration energy demand, reduced selectivity under humid conditions, and limited industrial scalability. By integrating experimental insights with computational approaches, this review outlines a predictive framework for developing efficient and durable advanced biochar adsorbents for next-generation air pollution control.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Dietary inclusion of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate in corn silage-based diets: effects on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and greenhouse gas emissions using a RUSITEC system.","authors":"Chika C Anotaenwere, Omoanghe S Isikhuemhen, Peter A Dele, Ahmed E Kholif, Kiran Subedi, Michael Wuaku, Joel O Alabi, Oludotun O Adelusi, Kelechi A Ike, Deborah O Okedoyin, DeAndrea Gray, Uchenna Y Anele","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37792-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37792-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the impact of incorporating Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate (SMS) into corn silage-based diets on rumen fermentation, fiber digestibility, and biogas emissions using the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC). Given the need to reduce feed costs and mitigate environmentally harmful emissions from rumen fermentation, SMS was evaluated as a partial replacement for corn silage at inclusion levels of 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 40% (T3). These three treatments were compared to a control diet consisting of 100% corn silage, to assess rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility and biogas emissions, thereby determining the feasibility of SMS as a functional feed component in sustainable ruminant production systems. Significant improvements (P < 0.001) were observed in dry matter digestibility, which increased from 41.1% in the control to 46.8% and 48.1% in the T1 and T2 treatments, respectively. Likewise, neutral detergent fiber digestibility rose from 56.7% (control) to 62.3% (T1) and 65.1% (T2). SMS inclusion significantly decreased methane (CH₄) emissions (P < 0.001), with the 10% SMS treatment reducing CH₄ from 65.6 to 14.4 mg/g DM, a reduction of about 78%. Ammonia levels also declined significantly (P < 0.001) from 1025 mmol/g DM in the control to 420 mmol/g DM in the T1 group. Hydrogen sulfide emissions showed a similar pattern (P < 0.001), dropping from 7828 mmol/g DM (control) to 1817 mmol/g DM (20% SMS). Although total volatile fatty acids were not significantly affected, acetate levels increased (P = 0.046) to 74.9% (T2), and valerate was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the T1 group (2.58%). These results indicate that replacing 10-20% of corn silage with P. ostreatus SMS can significantly enhance nutrient digestibility and reduce environmental emissions, without affecting fermentation characteristics. SMS is an economical, eco-friendly, and promising feed additive for sustainable ruminant farming.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Quantification of potentially toxic compounds in anhydrous cements: optimization of leaching by thermal analysis for sustainable production of cements.","authors":"Bruna Souza Rosa, Samile Raiza Carvalho Matos, Luanne Bastos de Britto Barbosa, Heloysa Martins Carvalho Andrade, Ana Paula Kirchheim, Jardel Pereira Gonçalves","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37769-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37769-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The co-processing of waste in clinker synthesis is a widely adopted strategy to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and natural raw materials. However, the incineration of waste may increase the release of potentially toxic compounds (PTCs) and volatile metals, raising concerns for the environment and human health. A major limitation in assessing these risks is the lack of suitable methods to directly quantify PTCs in anhydrous cement; existing approaches are typically limited to hydrated pastes. This study proposes a novel method for quantifying PTC in anhydrous cement by combining leaching tests and thermal analysis. The methodological framework involved: (i) identifying an acid solution capable of sustaining PTC quantification by prolonging reaction kinetics, (ii) selecting the leaching stage, and (iii) defining the optimal solid-liquid contact time. Portland cement samples were characterized, and the reactivity of different solutions was assessed by isothermal calorimetry prior to leaching tests. Results indicated that maintaining a pH between 0.65 and 0.70 optimizes the leaching solution, while the nitric acid/sodium hydroxide ratio must be adjusted explicitly for each cement type. Compared with the standard TCLP method, the proposed approach enabled the detection of 11 metals (Ba, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, La, V, Co, Sb, Mo, and Sn), demonstrating the effectiveness of the refined methodology.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147831453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Chemical characterisation and health implications of atmospheric particulate matter In Ghana's mining hub of Tarkwa.","authors":"Francis Krampah, Newton Amegbey, Samuel Ndur, Nikao Adziman Lasidzi","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37780-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37780-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It has now been established that the chemical composition of Particulate Matter (PM) is essential for predicting its associated health endpoints. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the chemical composition and associated health risk of atmospheric particulate matter in the mining city of Tarkwa, Ghana. Total suspended particles (TSP) and PM10 were monitored biweekly for one year using miniVol air samplers for three communities within Tarkwa. The exposed filter samples were divided into two parts and chemically characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope - Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) for elemental particle analysis, and ICP-MS for metal analysis. The risk of non-carcinogenic health impact in the exposed population was computed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), while Positive Matrix Factorisation (PMF) was applied for source identification. The recorded mean TSP mass concentrations for monitoring sites Abekoase (AK), Nsuta (NV), and Tarkwa Banso (TN) were 27.74, 157, and 163 µg/m³, respectively. PM10 mean concentrations were 23.8, 70.85 and 78.64 µg/m³ for AK, NV and TN, respectively. The SEM-EDX analysis revealed particles rich in Si, Al, Na, Zn, Fe, Ca, K, F, O, Mn, and C, with varied mass percentage abundance pointing to Aluminosilicates, Aluminosilicates-soot and likely psilomelane for both TSP and PM10. Varied Metal concentrations in decreasing order of Al > Zn > Mg > Fe > Si > Mn were recorded for TN and NV, while a decreasing order of Mg > Al > Zn > Si > Fe > Mn was recorded for AK. The dry season recorded higher PM-bound metal concentration than the wet season. The metallic concentrations of Fe, Si, Mg and Zn corresponded to a THQ of below unity for both children and adults. However, the estimated THQs for Al and Mn ranged from 2.22 to 19.44 and from 2.64 to 21.78, indicating an adverse health impact on the exposed population. The major PM emission sources were identified as crustal dust, traffic sources and industrial/mining activities. This study establishes a baseline for the study area by providing critical insight into PM pollution, its sources, associated health impacts and priority areas for management intervention. Future investigations of PM chemical composition should extend beyond elemental analysis to include water-soluble fractions, mineralogical characteristics and mechanism of action, particularly in relation to human health, to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of PM properties and behaviour.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Persistent organic pollutants in the bottom sediments of rivers in Russia, Syria, and Guinea.","authors":"Ludmila Malakhova, Natalya Mirzoeva, Veronika Voitsekhovskaia, Tatyana Malakhova, Oleg Mironov, Alpha Issaga Palle Diallo, Ibrahima Keita, Mahmoud Hadid, Maan Salameh","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37786-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37786-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study provides a comparative analysis of concentrations and spatial distribution patterns of DDT (including its metabolites) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in bottom sediments from three rivers with contrasting environmental and anthropogenic settings: the Salgir (Russia), the Asi (Orontes, Syrian Arab Republic), and the Fatala (Republic of Guinea). Surface and sediment-core samples collected in 2023 revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in POPs contamination. In the Salgir River, ∑DDT concentrations reached up to 562 ng/g, with DDT/DDE ratios > 0.79 indicating recent inputs, likely from legacy pesticide storage sites. ∑6PCB concentrations (sum of six indicator congeners) reached 252 ng/g, with evidence of ongoing inputs in industrial zones. The Asi River exhibited the highest ∑6PCB levels (up to 863 ng/g), particularly near industrial facilities, with a congener profile dominated by highly chlorinated forms (hexa- to octachlorobiphenyls), consistent with technical PCB mixtures. The distribution of these contaminants is primarily associated with long-term significant anthropogenic loads of various nature in the Asi River region, although identifying direct sources of PCBs entering the ecosystem of the river requires additional research. The Fatala River showed minimal contamination (∑6PCB < 2.6 ng/g; DDTs below detection limits), reflecting background conditions. Sediment-core profiles confirmed historical PCB contamination peaks in the Salgir River corresponding to the 1960s-1990s, based on established geochronology, and indicated continued PCB accumulation in surface layers of both the Salgir and Asi rivers. Comparison with national and international sediment quality guidelines indicates that the observed contamination levels in the Salgir and Asi rivers substantially exceed ecologically safe values, highlighting their potential impact on the ecosystem.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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":"Valorization of pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable feed additive: enhancing growth, digestion, immunity, and disease resistance in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.","authors":"Jhanani Gopalraaj, Krishnakumar Velayudhannair","doi":"10.1007/s11356-026-37772-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37772-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The growing demand for sustainable aquaculture and eco-friendly feed resources necessitates the development of circular economy strategies that valorize agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, a nutrient-rich fruit waste, as a functional and sustainable feed additive in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 60-day feeding trial included a control (0X) and five experimental diets (P1-P5) supplemented with P. granatum peel protease (0.02X-0.10X). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune-oxidative responses, and tissue histology were assessed, followed by a 72-h post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Growth improved significantly in P4 and P5 (p < 0.05), with the highest specific growth rate (2.14 ± 0.03%/day in P4; 2.13 ± 0.01%/day in P5) and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.39 ± 0.01) in P5. P4 showed the highest protein (240.01 ± 2.68 mg/g) and amino acids (148.16 ± 0.83 mg/g). Protease activity peaked in P4 (1.55 ± 0.03 IU/g), while amylase and lipase remained unchanged. Antioxidant defenses in P5 were elevated, including superoxide dismutase (43.31 ± 0.33%), catalase (1.91 ± 0.05 U/min/mg protein), glutathione S-transferase (1.43 ± 0.01 U/min/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (5.97 ± 0.02 U/min/mg protein), and total hemocyte count (22.80 ± 0.05 × 10⁶ cells/mL). Histology confirmed improved hepatopancreas structure. P. granatum exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila (MIC 6.25 mg/mL), and in vivo challenge showed the lowest mortality in P4 and P5 (16.25 ± 1.77%) versus control (71.25 ± 1.77%). These results highlight P. granatum peel as a viable circular bioresource, promoting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable aquaculture productivity while minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. Future studies should focus on long-term feeding trials and large-scale farm evaluations to further validate the commercial viability of P. granatum peel as a sustainable functional feed additive in aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147831806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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}