Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

{"title":"Comprehensive study of biochars from different vegetative feedstocks: influence on soil properties and development of Zea mays L.","authors":"Valentina Pidlisnyuk,&nbsp;Andriy Herts,&nbsp;Oleksandr Kononchuk,&nbsp;Volodymyr Khomenchuk,&nbsp;Oksana Horyn,&nbsp;Viktor Markiv,&nbsp;Aigerim Mamirova","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01118-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01118-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The pursuit of remediation strategies aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals has encouraged the use of soil organic amendments, including biochar. Biochar has the potential to enhance plant growth, improve soil fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Its properties determined by the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, and are typically characterized through proximate and ultimate analyses. However, comprehensive evaluations of biochars as soil amendments remain limited, complicating their appropriate selection for field-scale applications. The current study evaluated the properties of two commercial biochars—Ideale (IDL; derived from biomass waste) and Intermarcom (INT; derived from wood waste)—applied at 3%, 5%, and 7% rates, as influenced on soil properties and <i>Zea mays</i> L. growth. Soil parameters assessed included pH, total organic carbon (TOC), P₂O₅, NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, K, Ca, electric conductivity, and permanganate oxidizable carbon. Plant performance was evaluated based on leaf area, yield, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant capacity in a pot experiment. Experimental treatments included soil-only, soil–biochar, soil–plant, and soil–biochar–plant systems to monitor biochar behavior under different conditions.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Application of 3% IDL significantly promoted <i>Z. mays</i> growth, increasing biomass production by up to 73.2%. Higher application rates of IDL did result in further improvements. In contrast, INT negatively affected <i>Z. mays</i> development, reducing leaf and stem biomass by 30.7% and 49.9%, respectively. Both biochars increased soil pH and TOC but had contrasting effects on soil nitrogen dynamics. IDL incorporation led to a dose-dependent reduction in NH₄⁺ (up to 77.3%), while NO₃⁻ levels remained largely unaffected. Conversely, INT decreased NO₃⁻ content (up to 36.6%) and increased NH₄⁺ concentrations. Water adsorption–desorption tests confirmed the preferential adsorption of NO₃-N by INT.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Optimal <i>Z. mays</i> growth was achieved with 3% IDL, whereas INT negatively impacted plant growth at all tested application rates. These findings underscore the importance for thorough pre-application assessment of biochar properties to ensure effective and sustainable field-scale utilization.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01118-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144140099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic, technological and environmental drivers of the circular economy in the European Union: a panel data analysis","authors":"Lucian Puiu Georgescu,&nbsp;Costinela Fortea,&nbsp;Valentin Marian Antohi,&nbsp;Daniel Balsalobre-Lorente,&nbsp;Monica Laura Zlati,&nbsp;Nicoleta Barbuta–Misu","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01119-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01119-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The circular economy has become a strategic priority in the European Union, aiming to reduce dependence on finite natural resources and promote a sustainable economic model. This study investigates the key factors influencing the use of circular materials in the European Union between 2010 and 2022, considering the impact of global challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, the energy crisis, and geopolitical tensions. Unlike previous research, this study integrates economic, technological, and environmental dimensions, with a particular focus on the role of digital transformation as a catalyst for circularity. The research applies an econometric model based on the analysis of panel data to explore the interconnections between resource productivity, recycling rates, private sector investment, digitalization, and expenditures on research and development. The findings reveal a strong positive relationship between resource efficiency, recycling efforts, and the use of circular materials, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and technological advancements in supporting circularity. However, significant regional differences among European Union member states are also identified, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address these disparities. In the context of European policies such as the Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, this study provides valuable insights for decision makers. The results suggest that increasing investment, expanding digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation are essential for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive perspective on circularity and demonstrating how digital transformation can enhance sustainability. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01119-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Release of high-molecular-weight plasticizers from PVC: mesocosm experiments under near-natural conditions","authors":"Regine Nagorka,&nbsp;Tomasz Goral,&nbsp;Ulrike Scholz,&nbsp;Stefan Meinecke","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01117-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01117-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>In recent years, rapidly increasing environmental concentrations have been observed for certain high-molecular-weight (HMW) plasticizers, that are mainly used in PVC outdoor products. However, in light of their low solubility, these findings cannot be adequately explained by leaching alone. The study aimed to describe the extent of leaching and fragmentation of standardized PVC objects containing plasticizers influenced by weathering, including mechanical stress through wave action. We investigated the release behavior of the two potentially hazardous plasticizers di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) and tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM) from PVC in an artificial wave and pond mesocosm system under outdoor conditions over 181 days.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A rapid release of DPHP and TOTM into the surrounding water was observed in the wave mesocosms (DPHP, 12.3 µg/L; TOTM, 19.8 µg/L after 24 h) with highly fluctuating concentration trends. Maximum sediment levels (DPHP, 4.12 µg/kg dry weight; TOTM, 5.43 µg/kg dry weight) were reached after 56 days. For both, water and sediment, the concentrations dropped from the shore area to the deeper water segments by &gt; 80%. The DPHP test objects also contained a small amount of TOTM, and we observed concentration ratios of DPHP and TOTM in water and sediment samples that were highly similar to their content ratio in the test objects. In contrast, under leaching and weathering conditions in a stagnant pond and a dry gravel bed system, low levels of DPHP and TOTM were revealed in water (&lt; 0.20 µg/L) and sediment (&lt; 0.10 µg/kg dry weight).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our data indicate, that under mechanical stress exerted through waves, the fast generation of small particles mainly influence plasticizer release, leading to an immediate occurrence of HMW plasticizers in the aqueous environment. Considering the ecological risk, particularly for coastal regions, the study documents the urgent need to sufficiently restrict their use. Furthermore, our results show that mesocosm experiments can be an integral part of research on plasticizer transfer in the environment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01117-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144100269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement of metabolic heat accumulation for hyperthermophilic composting system: influencing factors and microbial communities","authors":"Zhiquan Wang,&nbsp;Zhe Chen,&nbsp;Shunfeng Jiang,&nbsp;Huachang Jin,&nbsp;Ruihuan Chen,&nbsp;Suqing Wu,&nbsp;Chunzhen Fan,&nbsp;Min Zhao,&nbsp;Xiaomei Gong,&nbsp;Minghai Xu,&nbsp;Xiangyong Zheng","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01116-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01116-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hyperthermophilic composting (HTC) system has attracted significant attention because of the extreme high temperature and special hyperthermophiles, but few researches were clearly explained how to achieve the hyperthermophilic conditions. Thereby, this study further analyzed the main factors affecting the metabolic heat accumulation based on the acclimated hyperthermophilic <i>Bacillus thermoamylovorans</i>. In total, our observations showed that the higher start-up temperature and easily degradable organic matter (OM) could promote the metabolic heat accumulation, the low OM and high heavy metal content had a negative effect on the rise of temperature. Especially, excessive easily degradable OM did not further increase the maximum temperature, but prolonged the thermophilic stage instead. Besides, the richness and diversity of bacteria were significantly decreased when the thermophilic stage stepped into hyperthermophilic stage, with the <i>Sphingobacterium</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, and <i>Lysinibacillus</i> became the dominant bacterial communities. Among them, the acclimated <i>Bacillus thermoamylovorans</i> could account for 31% during the thermophilic stage, but rapidly decreased to 4% in hyperthermophilic stage. No strong dependence between rising temperature and diversity/richness of hyperthermophilic microbial communities was observed, which indicated that the existence of hyperthermophiles was one of necessary, but not sufficient conditions to achieve the hyperthermophilic conditions. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01116-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144090999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An inorganic “non-targeted” characterization platform for comprehensive monitoring of elements in surface water","authors":"Kristof Tirez,&nbsp;Joni Dehaspe,&nbsp;Jeroen Van Stappen,&nbsp;Ingeborg Joris,&nbsp;Christine Vanhoof,&nbsp;Stefan Voorspoels,&nbsp;Johan Annys","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01113-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01113-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The concept of bioavailability influencing environmental risk from <i>metals</i> has gained European regulatory and scientific support, but routine implementation remains a challenge due to the scarcity of physico-chemical data obtained from national surface water monitoring networks for assessing <i>metal</i> complexation with abiotic ligands. It is essential to remain vigilant and to ensure that the narrow focus of our routine analytical equipment does not limit our perspective. The focus blinders in our surface water monitoring networks should not transform into vision blinders, preventing us from considering broader insights and possibilities. Thanks to advancements in analytical instrumentation and data processing capabilities, this study presents an inorganic “non-targeted” characterization platform for wide-eyed and time-efficient high-quality surface water monitoring.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>This study evaluated the feasibility of a comprehensive inorganic quantitative non-targeted analysis (NTA) combined with geochemical modeling as holistic monitoring, i.e., a complete and comprehensive characterization of matrix and trace elements in Flemish surface water samples. For this purpose, state-of-the-art inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry (ICP–MS/MS) and Discrete Analyzer instrumentation were employed to perform quantitative analysis of more than 70 elements in the periodic table. The obtained quantitative analysis data served as input for the PHREEQC geochemical model to calculate the chemical species of the elements and estimate the concentration of the free <i>metal</i> ion. For elements contributing to standard exceedances in Flemish waterways (e.g., Co), holistic monitoring can enhance understanding of their “(biological) availability” and ecological impact relative to environmental quality standards derived from chronic ecotoxicity data (NOEC or EC10). Various Risk Characterization Ratio (RCR) approaches were compared for Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb, utilizing the free ion concentration and the bioavailable <i>metal</i> concentration. Besides, the multi-element ICP–MS/MS analysis revealed a “gadolinium anomaly,” indicating the presence of Gd-based contrast agents in some Flemish surface waters.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>As a proof of concept, benefits of the holistic monitoring, i.e.<i>,</i> coupling of a non-targeted characterization platform with geochemical modeling, are given in terms of (i) improved analysis quality on the entire sample and not limited to individual analytes, (ii) Improved data interpretation, not only the dissolved concentration per element but the concentration for each element species, and (iii) future contaminants: concentration of elements that are currently not monitored on a routine basis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01113-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global tobacco-related head and neck cancer burden from 1990 to 2019: estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019","authors":"Xiang Bu,&nbsp;Zhihan Liu,&nbsp;Jing Liu,&nbsp;Meng Lei","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01115-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01115-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This study aims to estimate the number of deaths and mortality rates associated with tobacco-related head and neck cancers (TRHNCs) from 1990 to 2019.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Detailed information on head and neck cancers from 1990 to 2019 was collected using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The study reports the global number of deaths and mortality attributable to TRHNCs, along with the corresponding age-standardized death rates (ASDR).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The number of deaths attributed to TRHNCs decreased from approximately 0.24 million in 1990 to around 0.15 million in 2019. The ASDR also showed a decline, dropping from 0.94 in 1990 to 0.73 in 2019.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The deaths of TRHNCs showed increased trends while the ASDR of TRHNCs have exhibited a significant decrease on a global scale. East Asia bears the heaviest disease burden of TRHNCs. The majority of this burden is observed in men, particularly among males aged 55 to 69 years old.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01115-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From gram-negative strains to mortality: understanding bacterial resistance in mainland China","authors":"Yi-Chang Zhao,&nbsp;Zhi-Hua Sun,&nbsp;Jia-Kai Li,&nbsp;Huai-yuan Liu,&nbsp;Ming-Xuan Xiao,&nbsp;Bi-Kui Zhang,&nbsp;Wei Cao,&nbsp;Miao Yan","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01111-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01111-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the detection and resistance rates of major Gram-negative pathogens—<i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>—across China, and examines their associations with climate, agriculture, economy, and diet. This study draws on data from the China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). From 2014 to 2021, bacterial cases rose significantly, with notable regional variations in detection and resistance rates. Descriptive statistics and double fixed-effects regression models were used analyze associations. Results indicate a steady increase in bacterial detection and resistance rates over time. Regional differences were pronounced. Environmental factors, including humidity, temperature, and rainfall were significantly correlated with these rates. Economic conditions and dietary patterns also showed relevant correlations. Overall, the study underscores the need for region-specific public health strategies, as local conditions significantly influence the spread and resistance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Besides, the analysis also shows that local conditions significantly influence the spread and resistance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Tailored interventions are essential for effective control of these public health threats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01111-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Groundwater in Germany: challenges, solutions, and the BMBF funding measure LURCH: sustainable groundwater management","authors":"Sarah Fieger,&nbsp;Thomas Track","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01109-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01109-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Water is fundamental to life and a vital element for sustainable development. In Germany, groundwater systems are increasingly facing challenges due to climate change and competing demands from various sectors, including drinking water supply, agriculture, forestry, industry, and energy. For the past twenty years, many areas have experienced a noticeable drop in groundwater levels. This situation highlights the urgent need for meticulous management of this essential resource. The complexity of Germany’s groundwater systems further complicates this task. In response to these issues, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched the \"Sustainable Groundwater Management\" (LURCH) funding measure. It is designed to promote sustainable groundwater management across the country and ensure its protection as a crucial drinking water source and ecological resource. The LURCH research projects address both quantitative and qualitative challenges in groundwater management, focusing on sustainable resource protection and climate adaptation. They aim to develop an integrated understanding of aquifer systems, considering natural interfaces such as surface waters, groundwater recharge, and saline water interactions, alongside various water uses in drinking water supply, agriculture, forestry, and industry. Groundwater’s role as a thermal reservoir and its ecological functions are also explored. The research tackles pollution risks from nitrate, trace substances, and pathogens while advancing analytical methods and technological innovations, including in-situ treatment and monitoring. Additionally, sustainable management strategies consider economic feasibility, investment, and operating costs, supported by digital tools for improved decision-making. With a strong emphasis on practical implementation, the projects develop solutions to help stakeholders in water supply, agriculture, and industry adapt to climate change and ensure the long-term resilience of groundwater resources. This paper aims to summarize the background and the objectives of the BMBF LURCH funding measure and will introduce the 10 joint projects in a nutshell. It is an introduction to the new ESEU series on Groundwater, which provides an overview of the planned activities within LURCH and highlights the developed solutions. Beyond introducing several joint projects funded by the LURCH funding measure, this collection of papers will publish original research papers, reviews, opinion papers and policy briefs developed based on LURCH projects. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we aim to address the challenges and opportunities associated with protecting this vital resource.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01109-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing chemical pollution with biomonitoring approaches in streams and rivers: a critical review","authors":"Ariane Moulinec,&nbsp;Jens Arle,&nbsp;Henner Hollert,&nbsp;Sarah Hörchner,&nbsp;Sarah Johann,&nbsp;Cornelia Kienle,&nbsp;Matthias Oetken,&nbsp;Andrea Sundermann","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01110-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01110-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Many rivers and streams are affected by chemical pollution, yet current chemical monitoring methods are limited for technical and economic reasons. Biomonitoring has been increasingly used as a means of assessing the impacts of chemical pollution and indirectly monitoring river contamination. To provide an overview of the wide variety of biomonitoring approaches, we conducted a systematic review of the literature investigating the relationship between chemical pollution and biological responses. We distinguished five main approaches for the biomonitoring of chemical pollution: (i) monitoring of native communities; (ii) laboratory bioassays; (iii) in situ bioassays; (iv) mesocosms; and (v) monitoring of wild populations. Although each of them covers a wide range of methods and endpoints, we have highlighted their main advantages and limitations. Because native communities are exposed to a wide range of stressors, isolating the effects of chemical pollution alone is often limited. Most of the existing community indices cannot depict the full extent of the impact of pollutants on communities, but rather provide information on either general degradation of water and/or sediment quality. Effect-based methods (EBMs), including ecotoxicological bioassays and biomarkers, can better isolate the effects of pollution, and, to some extent, of specific types of pollutants. The experimental design of EBMs must be adapted to the research question and the context of the study, so that the test organisms, exposure scenarios and endpoints accurately reflect the contamination. In this context, a comparison with theoretically non-stressful situations with either a dilution series of the exposure solution in the laboratory or a comparison of laboratory and field treatment is relevant. The main difficulties encountered in the approaches investigated in the present review are the comparability of sampling strategies, non-linear concentration–response relationships, extrapolation from laboratory to field exposure, the highly variable sensitivity of organisms and the geographical specificities. Overall, a combination of different EBMs can integrate the effects of exposure to specific contaminants at both spatial and temporal scales while accounting for confounding factors. The establishment of thresholds and guidelines would facilitate the integration of EBMs into regular monitoring programmes. This in turn will greatly facilitate the assessment of chemical impairment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01110-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143919130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans","authors":"Joseph Boctor,&nbsp;Frances C. Hoyle,&nbsp;Mohamed A. Farag,&nbsp;Matta Ebaid,&nbsp;Thomas Walsh,&nbsp;Andrew S. Whiteley,&nbsp;Daniel V. Murphy","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive contaminants in agricultural soils, raising concerns over their environmental fate, food chain infiltration, and potential human health impacts. This review critically examines their primary sources—plastic mulching, biosolids, organic fertilisers, and atmospheric deposition—while distinguishing findings from laboratory, semi-field, and field studies. We assess their effects on soil health, microbial diversity, and crop productivity, emphasising methodological challenges in detecting and quantifying MPs. Plant and soil toxicity studies often use exaggerated MP concentrations (up to 50% by volume), whereas field data indicate much lower yet cumulatively significant levels (typically below 0.1% w/w). This discrepancy reveals the potential for long-term accumulative ecological risks and misrepresentations in many toxicity studies. Accurate toxicity assessments and analytical methodologies are crucial, as exaggerated MP concentrations in studies may misrepresent real-world risks. The review also evaluates plant uptake pathways, exploring bioaccumulation evidence and research discrepancies. In addition, we highlight the role of MPs as carriers of hazardous additives and pollutants, distinguishing their intrinsic effects from those of associated chemicals. A significant gap remains in standardised risk assessments and regulatory frameworks, limiting effective governance despite increasing environmental exposure. We propose future research priorities, including improved detection methods, long-term field studies, environmentally relevant toxicity studies and policy interventions, to mitigate the risks MPs and NPs pose in soil-based food systems. This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts to address the growing challenges of agricultural plastic contamination.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143900622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}