{"title":"A review on sources and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wetland ecosystem: focusing on plant-biomonitoring and phytoremediation.","authors":"Aparna Dhara, Ratna Dutta","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36240-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11356-025-36240-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the contemporary era, rapid global urbanization, coupled with intense industrial development, has led to a continuous influx of carcinogenic pollutants like PAHs, into the ecosystems. Owing to their long-range transportation potential, PAHs have driven their way from a regional scale to a global platform and become readily available in air, water, sediment, and biota of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems, like wetlands. The wetland ecosystems, due to their susceptibility to anthropogenic activities, face a heightened vulnerability to anthropogenic PAHs pollution. This PAHs pollution load adversely influences the unique biodiversity of wetlands. Hence, it is a pertinent to implement immediate and continuous monitoring programs to assess the present and ongoing PAHs pollution status. In this context, the use of plants for biomonitoring emerges as a potential alternative tool to the traditional monitoring process which also offers simultaneous mitigation mechanism and provides sustainability through detoxification. Therefore, sources and distribution of PAHs in wetland sediment and water are discussed in this review work to highlight the major sources of PAHs pollution and their distribution which would aid in proper strategic planning for phytoremediation the present study focuses on phytoremediation studies of wetland PAHs reported so far emphasizing its potential as a sustainable solution for addressing and mitigating PAHs pollution in wetlands. Various phytoremediation mechanisms are pointed out case to case to understand the plants' potential in bioremediation technique.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655584","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}
Gabriel Pérez, Julià Coma, Cristina Chocarro, Alejandro Juárez, Claudia Marín, Franc Rauter, Neva Zupanc, Barbara Šubic, Darja Majkovič
{"title":"Rock mineral wool-based green roofs to improve the quality of urban water runoff.","authors":"Gabriel Pérez, Julià Coma, Cristina Chocarro, Alejandro Juárez, Claudia Marín, Franc Rauter, Neva Zupanc, Barbara Šubic, Darja Majkovič","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36232-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36232-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Green roofs are nature-based solutions that allow greenery to be integrated into the building envelope, making it possible to re-nature cities while providing multiple benefits. However, whether green roofs are a source or sink of pollution in the urban environment is still a controversy. One of the causes of the possible deterioration of the quality of runoff water from green roofs is the substrate. Green roofs based on rock mineral wool (RMW) growing media require thinner substrate layers or can even be substrate-less. In the present study, four green roof systems based on RMW have been studied over the course of 2 years. Their performance, in terms of leachate quality, has been compared with two traditional roofs, a green roof with pozzolana as a draining material and a gravel-ballasted conventional flat roof. Limit values for wastewater quality from international regulations were considered benchmark. The main conclusions were that after the first flush, which was observed for all solutions, generally exceeding the limit values, RMW-based solutions performed better than traditional solutions. Furthermore, the average values of leachates from all tested green roofs and especially those from RMW solutions fall within the limits set by international regulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655750","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}
Pengxiao Liu, Shuai Gao, Ying Li, Bin Hou, Ning Liu, Zhen Du, Jing Lu
{"title":"The aging and pollution behavior of microplastics in tap water supply system subjected to residual chlorine exposure.","authors":"Pengxiao Liu, Shuai Gao, Ying Li, Bin Hou, Ning Liu, Zhen Du, Jing Lu","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36196-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36196-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the aging and pollution behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) microplastics (MPs) exposed to residual chlorine in tap water distribution systems. The ABS and PC MPs in the aging processes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results revealed that 0.4 mg/L residual chlorine could induce morphological changes, increase surface oxygen-containing functional groups, and enhance the hydrophilicity of MPs at the CT value of 9216 mg·min/L. Additionally, both ABS and PC MPs released dissolved organic matter (DOM) into water, with higher DOM concentrations observed in the presence of residual chlorine. Besides, this interaction also led to the formation of trichloromethane (TCM). And the TCM production increased with higher MPs concentrations, smaller particle size, and longer chlorine exposure time.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655762","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":"Toward eco-friendly menstrual products: a comparative life cycle assessment of sanitary pads made from bamboo pulp vs. a conventional one.","authors":"Azita Mirzaie, Miguel Brandão, Hamid Zarrabi","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36269-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36269-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The predominant menstrual products utilized by women are sanitary pads. The majority of disposable sanitary pads are comprised of plastics and bleached wood pulp, often accounting for as much as 90% of their composition by weight. Nevertheless, the overall environmental footprint of production to disposal of disposable sanitary pads is often overlooked due to the cultural stigma associated with menstruation and the lack of chemical information. This study aims to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the life cycle of sanitary pads and provide insights for decision-making and driving improvements in product design and production processes. It is important to note that this study does not aim to assess the health and safety of the products for consumer use. A case study was conducted at Hempur in Stockholm, Sweden, to assess the environmental impacts of a disposable pad made from bamboo pulp and polylactic plastic. The study applied life cycle assessment to compare the life cycle of Hempur disposable sanitary pads with conventional ones made of polymers and bleached wood pulp. The research findings reveal that Hempur sanitary pads made from plant-based materials have lower adverse environmental impacts than the conventional ones considered in the study. The upstream operations of Hempur sanitary pads were identified as the least environmentally friendly phase of the product due to the use of unbleached wood pulp and polylactic plastic, which together account for between 40 and 80% in every impact category, most notably water scarcity and abiotic element depletion. Hempur can improve its environmental performance by switching from coal to hydropower for electricity generation in bamboo pulp manufacturing, leading to a decrease in global warming and acidification. Finally, we recommend alternatives for PLA, and the use of bamboo in the core part of the Hempur sanitary pad should be considered and assessed.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655764","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}
Franco Cecchetto, Nicolas D Vazquez, Cristina L Ramirez, Matias D Maggi, Karina S B Miglioranza
{"title":"Legacy industrial pollutants in the South American black bumblebee Bombus pauloensis inhabiting peri-urban and rural fields from the Argentinean pampas.","authors":"Franco Cecchetto, Nicolas D Vazquez, Cristina L Ramirez, Matias D Maggi, Karina S B Miglioranza","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36249-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36249-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), banned worldwide due to their effects on biota. In South America, studies on POPs in wild bees, like Bombus pauloensis, a continentally widespread bumblebee, are lacking, and information on its health is limited. This study assessed, by GC-ECD, PCBs and PBDEs levels in B. pauloensis, flowers and soils from fields located at different distances from urban activities: PU and LF, two peri-urban fields near the local industrial park, with LF also next to an overloaded solid waste landfill, and RU, a rural field. For all matrices, the peri-urban fields registered significant higher pollutant levels compared to RU, especially in workers, where LF showed the highest ∑PCBs and ∑PBDEs levels (21.09 ± 2.57 and 10.29 ± 0.37 ng/g, respectively). In males, PU and LF showed the highest nominal ∑PCBs (PU; 24.97 ± 1.03 ng/g) and ∑PBDE (LF; 10.39 ± 0.77 ng/g) concentrations, which confirms the influence of the landfill. Across matrices, lighter PCB congeners dominated, possibly explained by the past use of PCB mixtures and atmospheric transport, and a biomagnification pattern was observed. PCB concentrations were similar to those proven to cause sublethal effects in bees, and males showed significantly higher POP levels than workers. Thus, drivers and population effects were discussed. This may be one of the first studies of industrial POPs in wild bees in South America, emphasizing the need to look beyond insecticides and unique castes in environmental exposure studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143646806","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":"Enhanced photocatalytic performance of K-doped NaNbO<sub>3</sub> correlated with structural defects, optical and polar properties.","authors":"Rajbala Nain, Rakesh Kumar Dwivedi","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36236-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36236-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The swift pace of industrialization in the modern world has intensified the global energy crisis while exacerbating the challenges of water pollution, posing significant threats to the environmental sustainability and human well-being. Substantial endeavors have been undertaken to protect the environment from the detrimental impacts of methylene blue in the wastewater. This study shows the photocatalytic performance of eco-friendly K-modified NaNbO<sub>3</sub> catalysts in the degradation of methylene blue dye. Compositions with x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 have been synthesized using solid-state reaction method. The XRD patterns for all the compositions demonstrate the formation of a single-phase orthorhombic structure with Pbcm space group symmetry. Analysis of the UV-Visible spectra indicates a trend of decreasing band gap from 3.21 eV for x = 0 to 3.01 eV for x = 0.20. High-resolution XPS scans show the presence of additional Nb<sup>4+</sup> state along with Nb<sup>5+</sup> state for doped samples. The edges of the valence and conduction bands using XPS and UV-Visible spectra, have been determined for each of the samples. The composition with x = 0.10 has shown a maximum degradation efficiency of 96% under UV radiations (300 W Xenon lamp) that aligns with the lowest photoluminescence intensity observed for this sample. An appropriate defect model with the help of band diagrams of these compositions for MB dye degradation and a suitable electron transfer mechanism have been proposed. The scavenger test has been found to validate the role of superoxide ions in the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655744","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}
Gema Rodríguez-Moro, Raúl Cabrera-Rubio, Marta Selma-Royo, José Antonio Gómez-Morlote, Maria Carmen Collado, Nieves Abril, Tamara García-Barrera
{"title":"Modulation of the gut microbiota and the microbial-produced gut metabolites by diclofenac exposure and selenium supplementation.","authors":"Gema Rodríguez-Moro, Raúl Cabrera-Rubio, Marta Selma-Royo, José Antonio Gómez-Morlote, Maria Carmen Collado, Nieves Abril, Tamara García-Barrera","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36233-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36233-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diclofenac (DCF) exposure is of great concern due to the ecotoxicological risk linked with a decline of vulture populations in Southeast Asia, but also because it can affect the reproduction and neurotoxicity in mammals. Otherwise, selenium (Se) is an antioxidant essential element with key roles in health and with antagonistic action against pollutants, but in some cases with a synergistic effect. To investigate the potential intertwined mechanisms between DCF, Se, and gut microbiota, gut metabolomic and gut microbiota profiles were determined in mice after DCF exposure and Se supplementation. Speciation of selenoproteins in plasma was carried out by isotopic dilution analysis to quantify the levels of selenoproteins. Significant differences in the levels of 79% of the gut metabolites were determined after DCF exposure. The most significant altered pathway in DCF and DCF-Se groups is the primary bile biosynthesis, being the only pathway altered in mice exposed to DCF, while in DCF-Se, the metabolism of galactose and linoleic acid is also altered. Moreover, specific associations between specific gut microbiota and metabolites were determined in the studied mice groups suggesting intertwined mechanisms. Selenium supplementation modulated the gut metabolic and microbiota profiles affected by DCF.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655746","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":"Re-evaluating pollution regulation for nuclear power: Addressing India's unique challenges.","authors":"Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Anirudh Chandra","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36256-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36256-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A prominent global trend in nuclear power plant (NPP) pollution classification is the shift toward integrated regulatory frameworks that unify nuclear and environmental oversight. Leading nuclear nations like the USA and France exemplify this trend through single-agency models that establish unified pollutant limits for both conventional and radioactive emissions. In contrast, India follows a divergent trend, retaining a dual-agency regulatory model that categorizes NPPs as \"red\" (high risk) and even \"orange\" (moderate risk) in a color-coded system that is traditionally applied to conventional high-emission industries. This imposes unnecessary compliance burdens, reinforces public misconceptions, and fails to reflect the low environmental impact of NPPs. While the dual-agency model provides specialized oversight, it is in contrast with the global trend of regulatory streamlining. To align with international best practices, we propose (i) replacing the color-coded classification with an oversight-based nomenclature inspired by France's regulatory trend, (ii) treating NPPs as a distinct category within pollution frameworks while maintaining compliance with nuclear and environmental regulations, and (iii) adopting a single-agency oversight model to unify pollutant limits, in line with the US trend. These reforms would correct India's misclassification of NPPs, enhance regulatory efficiency, and support nuclear energy's role in sustainable development.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655748","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":"Advancements and challenges in the use of surfactants and nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery: mechanisms, synergies, and field applications.","authors":"Minal Deshmukh, Aadil Pathan","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36237-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36237-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review highlights the recent advancements and challenges in the use of surfactants and nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Novel surfactant formulations, including biosurfactants and hybrid systems, have shown improved recovery efficiency and environmental sustainability. Surfactant-polymer mixtures offer synergistic effects that enhance performance across various reservoir conditions. Concurrently, advancements in nanoparticle technology, such as green nanotechnology and improved formulations, have enhanced the stability, dispersion, and functionality of nanoparticles in EOR processes. Critical factors such as nanoparticle size, concentration, and surface modifications play pivotal roles in optimizing oil recovery efficiency. However, significant challenges persist, particularly surfactant adsorption onto rock surfaces and nanoparticle agglomeration, which reduce the overall effectiveness of these techniques. Addressing these limitations requires strategies such as surface modification and advanced delivery mechanisms. Additionally, economic and environmental concerns remain key barriers to large-scale implementation, underscoring the importance of sustainable and cost-effective solutions. A critical gap in the research is the lack of large-scale field studies and long-term monitoring, which are essential for validating laboratory findings and optimizing these technologies for real-world applications. With increasing focus on sustainability, future research is expected to prioritize eco-friendly materials and methods. Integrating surfactant and nanoparticle-based EOR with other recovery techniques, such as thermal and gas injection, holds potential for maximizing oil recovery. Continued research and development are crucial to overcoming current challenges and advancing the sustainability and efficiency of EOR technologies, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient future for oil recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655588","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":"Unveiling the duality of cement and concrete addressing microplastic pollution: a review.","authors":"Lapyote Prasittisopin","doi":"10.1007/s11356-025-36267-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36267-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, with diverse consequences for ecosystems and human health. While the focus has primarily been on the sources and impacts of microplastics, this review paper explores the roles of cement and concrete in potentially mitigating microplastic pollution and addressing their negative impacts with the focus of 165 relevant publications. Cementitious materials, widely used in construction, have unique properties that greatly increase the formation and transport of microplastics in the environment, and affect circular economy practice. This paper gathers all the information we already know about how cement, concrete, and microplastics interact with each other. It also presents the potential opportunities and challenges of using these materials to deal with microplastic pollution, entailing the advancement of porous concrete as a filtering system, exploration of concrete wetting phenomena based on concrete's surface chemistry and characteristics, proper urban water management systems for concrete green spaces, assessment of innovative technologies with concrete for microplastic mitigation, and the formation of standards and guidelines such as precise Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, environmental product declaration (EPD), policy for urban planning, and green finance paradigms.</p>","PeriodicalId":545,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143655765","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}