Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

{"title":"Ecotoxicological data of selected antiviral drugs acting against SARS-CoV-2: Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition, Daphnia magna immobilization, and comparison with in silico predictions","authors":"Indra Bartels,&nbsp;Nazmun Nahar,&nbsp;Esther Smollich,&nbsp;Sonja Zimmermann,&nbsp;Torsten C. Schmidt,&nbsp;Martin Jaeger,&nbsp;Bernd Sures","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01154-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01154-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals that are released into the environment after wastewater treatment may have a severe impact on organisms in the aquatic environment. Especially ecotoxicological effects of antiviral drugs have been insufficiently investigated up to date. As a result of SARS-CoV-2, favipiravir, remdesivir and molnupiravir, as well as their metabolites GS-441524 and EIDD-1931, have become the focus of treatment options against the COVID-19 virus. Thus, this study investigated potential ecotoxicological effects of these substances to the aquatic organisms <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i> (DIN EN ISO 11348-1:2008) and <i>Daphnia magna</i> (OECD No. 202). The concentrations of the test substances in the exposure media were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry. During the bioluminescence inhibition test using <i>A. fischeri</i>, effective concentration values indicating 10% efficacy were found for favipiravir and molnupiravir to be 9.3 mg∙ L⁻¹ and 95.5 mg∙ L⁻¹. For EIDD-1931, ecotoxicological data were obtained and could fill the gap in available databases. As the effective concentrations indicating 50% efficacy on <i>A. fischeri</i> and <i>D. magna</i> were determined to exceed 1400 and 1500 mg∙ L⁻¹, no ecotoxicological hazards during exposure are expected. Ecotoxicity values were further predicted for <i>D. magna</i> using quantitative structure–activity relationship. Predicted values did not correlate with the findings of the acute immobilization tests with <i>D. magna,</i> suggesting predictions should be considered with caution. In general, the ecotoxicological findings as well as the calculation indicated no or low ecotoxicological risks emerging from the five substances tested.</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":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01154-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169980","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":"Aquatic ecosystems as a final receptor of atmospheric organic particulate-bound pollutants: a plea for the integration of aquatic ecotoxicology into the risk assessment of air pollution","authors":"Marc Wollenweber,&nbsp;Markus Schmitz,&nbsp;Saeed S. Albaseer,&nbsp;Sabrina Schiwy,&nbsp;Natalie Reininger,&nbsp;Werner Brack,&nbsp;Jörg Oehlmann,&nbsp;Joachim Curtius,&nbsp;Alexander L. Vogel,&nbsp;Henner Hollert","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01136-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01136-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Air pollution has detrimental effects on human health and is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. The effects of polluted air on human health, ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular disorders to cognitive impairment, have been discussed extensively. Air pollution also adversely affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through the deposition of harmful chemicals on land and water bodies. This holds especially true for aquatic ecosystems, in particular surface water habitats, which serve as a final receptor of organic pollutants.</p><h3>Main body</h3><p>Over the past decades, a large knowledge base has been built up on the atmospheric transport and transformation of airborne pollutants. Several atmospheric deposition pathways have been identified by which airborne pollutants enter aquatic ecosystems, where they disperse and expose aquatic organisms. While past and current risk assessment has established sound strategies to reduce local and global air pollution, there are still several blind spots with respect to ecological health. This leads to an information gap regarding the mechanistic understanding of how airborne pollutants impact ecosystems, their biota, and the role of atmospheric deposition on this process. However, ecotoxicological considerations are important because air pollution contains a large number of organic pollutants, which pose a threat to aquatic biota. Therefore, we believe that current state of air pollution risk assessment would greatly benefit from the interdisciplinary approach of combining atmospheric research and ecotoxicological testing strategies. The use of effect-based methods from aquatic risk assessment can leverage our knowledge of the effects of air pollution on aquatic ecosystems and assist to decide on meaningful risk strategies.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In this opinion paper, we critically review the current knowledge on aquatic ecosystems as a final receptor of atmospheric pollutants and present an approach on how to advance the integration of aquatic ecotoxicology into risk assessment of air pollution in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01136-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169976","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":"Associations between organophosphate flame retardants and risk for nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in offspring","authors":"Shujian Lin,&nbsp;Sainan Li,&nbsp;Qianhui Cheng,&nbsp;Yiqi Ding,&nbsp;Yongyan Chen,&nbsp;Jufen Liu,&nbsp;Lei Jin,&nbsp;Zhiwen Li,&nbsp;Aiguo Ren,&nbsp;Linlin Wang","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01150-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01150-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital malformation with a complex etiology involving many environmental factors. Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are a class of emerging contaminants that are associated with adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, but their potential role in NSCL/P risk remains unexplored.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 134 NSCL/P cases and 292 controls were recruited in China between 2005 and 2021. The concentrations of six target OPFRs in placentas were quantified using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to examine the relationships between OPFR exposure and NSCL/P risk.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In the logistic regression model, high TBP level was associated with an increased risk for NSCL/P, while low TCPP level was linked to elevated risk for NSCL/P. The BKMR model revealed a significant joint effect of mixed exposure to OPFRs on the increased risk for NSCL/P, with TBP associated with a significant increase in NSCL/P risk. In the WQS model, the WQS index was positively correlated with the risk for NSCL/P [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.24], with TBP having the highest weight of 90%.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study provides novel epidemiologic evidence that prenatal exposure to a mixture of OPFRs may lead to an increased risk of NSCL/P, to which TBP is a major contributor. These findings underscore the importance of reducing environmental OPFR exposures during fetal development to mitigate the burden of this common birth defect.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01150-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167606","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":"Geospatial assessment of heavy metal contamination and metal-resistant bacteria in Qarun Lake, Egypt","authors":"Ahmed M. Khalifa,&nbsp;Khaled Z. ElBaghdady,&nbsp;Sayed Abdel-Karim,&nbsp;Sameh B. El Kafrawy,&nbsp;Elsayed M. Nafea,&nbsp;Ahmed M. El-Zeiny","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01152-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01152-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Qarun Lake is experiencing multiple environmental challenges, notably heavy metal pollution originating from agricultural drainage water. This study presents an integrated approach that combines remote sensing and geospatial analysis of heavy metal contamination with microbiological investigations of indigenous metal-resistant bacteria.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Representative water samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal content using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) concentrations. The study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, specifically Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation methods, to produce maps depicting heavy metal pollution indices and implementing spatial analysis, making use of ArcGIS (version 10.7.1). Water samples were subcultured on nutrient agar plates augmented with heavy metals. Bacterial colonies that showed high tolerance to heavy metals were identified using MALDI-TOF–MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The concentrations of heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr ranged between 0.22 and 0.62, 0.05 and 0.31, 0.03 and 0.1, and 0.02 and 0.06 mg/L, respectively. Among seven pollution indices assessed for heavy metal concentrations, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) varied from 265.26 to 958.60, and the pollution load index (PLI) ranged between 0.34 and 1.11. Spatial distribution maps representing the specified pollution indices in the surface waters of Lake Qarun were produced. Six isolates that showed high resistance to multiple heavy metals were identified as <i>Actinokineospora fastidiosa</i>, <i>Streptomyces thermolilacinus</i>, <i>Enterococcus hirae</i>, <i>Bacillus cereus</i>, <i>Bacillus altitudinis</i>, and <i>Pseudomonas oleovorans</i>.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The research demonstrates that Qarun Lake is highly contaminated with heavy metals because of agricultural and industrial waste discharge. <i>Bacillus altitudinis</i>, <i>Bacillus cereus</i>, and <i>Actinokineospora fastidiosa</i> are among the most potent bacterial strains capable of tolerating heavy metals. This study validates the use of isolated strains biomass as a cost-effective and efficient biosorbing agent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous environments. Geospatial techniques have enabled geographic analyses of heavy metals in Qarun Lake. These techniques can predict metal levels following biological treatment, thus offering a method to evaluate the effectiveness of bioremediation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01152-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167459","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":"Adsorption and desorption effect of modified bentonite on soil heavy metal Pb/Cd and the feasibility assessment of reducing the ecotoxicity","authors":"Xue Yang,&nbsp;Yuancheng Li,&nbsp;Maoxi Gan,&nbsp;Yuling Chen,&nbsp;Hailong Meng,&nbsp;Lun Li,&nbsp;Jianhong Xu,&nbsp;Meihong Zhao,&nbsp;Dongpeng Lv","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01144-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01144-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Lead and cadmium (Pb/Cd) are pervasive in soils, and their detrimental effects on ecosystems are increasingly evident. Therefore, taking measures to mitigate the toxicity of Pb/Cd is urgently necessary. In this study, bentonite was used as a raw material for modification, and the influence of modified bentonite on the soil adsorption and desorption of Pb/Cd was investigated. The potential application of modified bentonite in mitigating the phytotoxicity of Pb/Cd was evaluated by conducting pot experiments, and the environmental risk was evaluated by acid rain leaching test.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Results indicate that the removal rates of Pb/Cd of BTS obtained by 450℃ calcination and 20% citric acid activation reached 88.03% and 80.04%, respectively. Pb/Cd was primarily adsorbed by BTS through coordination between the groups (e.g., siloxane, hydroxyl, and carboxyl) and Pb/Cd. BTS amendment at an appropriate concentration (1%, 3%, and 5%, w/w) to soils contaminated with Pb/Cd resulted in a significant increase in ryegrass yield and chlorophyll (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05), and it enhanced root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, under the effect of acid rain at pH 5.0, the release concentrations of Pb/Cd were the lowest when BTS-5% was added, and the cumulative release concentrations were 2.079 and 1.506 mg·L⁻¹, respectively. The extractable acid state increased before and after leaching, whereas the residual state decreased.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>BTS (3% and 5%) can reduce the environmental risk level from a strong risk to a slight risk. Furthermore, the results of this study can provide theoretical basis for the promotion and application of bentonite in pollution control.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01144-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168177","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":"Monitoring microplastics in a region with sensitive fish biodiversity: Tigris, Euphrates and Van Lake drainages in Irano-Anatolian hotspot","authors":"Cüneyt Kaya,&nbsp;Mert Minaz,&nbsp;Yasemen Şentürk Koca,&nbsp;Münevver Oral Kaba,&nbsp;Irmak Kurtul,&nbsp;Ülgen Aytan","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01125-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01125-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental threat, particularly in regions with sensitive biodiversity. The Irano-Anatolian Hotspot, home to diverse and endangered fish species, remains largely unexplored in terms of MP contamination. This study aims to assess MP pollution in the Tigris, Euphrates, and Lake Van drainages by investigating MP abundance, size distribution, polymer composition, and potential pollution sources. Surface water (SW) and sediment (SD) samples were collected from multiple stations, and MPs were identified using microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. MP abundance in SW ranged up to 545.4 MPs/m³, while SD samples exhibited values up to 33.2 MPs/kg. The results indicate that MP abundance is significantly higher near densely populated areas, suggesting a strong correlation with anthropogenic activities. The dominant MP types include fibers, fragments, and films, primarily composed of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), pointing to sources, such as packaging materials, fishing gear, and laundry effluents. MP size distribution indicated that smaller particles (&lt; 1 mm) accounted for 47.7% in SD, while larger MPs (&gt; 1 mm) were more prevalent in SW (80.8%), highlighting the influence of hydrodynamic factors. These findings provide critical baseline data on MP pollution in the region while highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies. Taking into consideration, the potential bioavailability of MPs to aquatic organisms, future research should focus on seasonal variations and trophic transfer risks. Raising public awareness and implementing adaptive management strategies are essential for protecting the region’s aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01125-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145166890","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":"Modeling sunflower yield and soil water–salt dynamics with combined fertilizers and irrigation in saline soils using APSIM and deep learning","authors":"Qingfeng Miao,&nbsp;Dandan Yu,&nbsp;Haibin Shi,&nbsp;Zhuangzhuang Feng,&nbsp;Weiying Feng,&nbsp;Zhen Li,&nbsp;José Manuel Gonçalves,&nbsp;Isabel Maria Duarte,&nbsp;Yuxin Li","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01145-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01145-2","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Understanding the interactions between crop growth and abiotic stressors (water, salt, and nitrogen) is crucial for optimizing fertilizer use, improving plant stress resistance, and promoting agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Herein, we investigated the effects of organic fertilizer type, organic fertilizer ratio, and supplemental irrigation on soil water and salt transport, crop growth, and yield in mildly to moderately salinized soils. Using the APSIM model, we simulated crop growth and soil moisture under different organic fertilizer application ratios in mildly to moderately saline soils. Based on sunflower field experiments, four machine learning models (regression trees, random forest, support vector machines, and XGBoost) and two deep learning models (deep neural networks and neural networks) were developed to predict soil salinity. Results showed that reducing nitrogen application and using organic fertilizers decreased soil salinity by 11.1–22.8% at a 0–60 cm depth. A 50% organic to inorganic fertilizer ratio minimized salt accumulation. In mildly salinized soils, supplemental irrigation increased leaf area index (LAI) and biomass by 1.8–7.1% and 9–35%, respectively. Moreover, in mildly salinized farmlands, the combination of 75% organic fertilizer and 44 mm of supplemental irrigation resulted in relatively lower soil salinity. In moderately salinized farmland, lower soil salinity accumulation was observed with 25% organic fertilizer and 44 mm supplemental irrigation. In mildly saline–alkali soils, maximum yield was achieved with 50% organic nitrogen substitution + 22 mm supplemental irrigation. In moderately saline–alkali soils, the same substitution rate (50%) yielded peak production but required 44 mm irrigation to counteract osmotic stress. Compared to natural farm manure, commercial organic fertilizer with supplemental irrigation increased crop yield, agronomic efficiency (Ac), and harvest index (Hi). The maximum crop yield and yield components were achieved with 50% organic fertilizer and 22 mm supplemental irrigation. In the moderately salinized soil, the highest irrigation productivity was achieved with 75% organic fertilizer. Although the APSIM-sunflower model can be used to simulate growth and development (&lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.7–0.9; NRMSE = 0.1–0.2), its simulation of soil water dynamics is unsatisfactory (&lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.4–0.5; NRMSE = 0.3). In simulating soil salinity, deep learning models generally outperform machine learning models (EVS ≤ 0.3; &lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; ≤ 0.42), with the deep neural network (DNN (EVS ≤ 0.3; &lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; ≤ 0.82)) algorithm demonstrating the best simulation performance. The adjustment of the organic–inorganic fertilizer ratio and supplemental irrigation strategies can optimize resource utilization in saline-alkali soils. DNN provides a more accurate method for predicting soil salinity, achieving a balance between productivity improvement and e","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01145-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145166886","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":"Assessment of NOx concentration levels during periodic technical inspection idle test of SCR-equipped diesel vehicles","authors":"Jacopo Franzetti,&nbsp;Tommaso Selleri,&nbsp;Natalia Fonseca-González,&nbsp;Anastasios Melas,&nbsp;Barouch Giechaskiel,&nbsp;Ricardo Suarez-Bertoa","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01155-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01155-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The European Union implements periodic technical inspections (PTI) to ensure the safety and environmental performance of vehicles throughout their operational lifespan. Inspections cover both light-duty (LD) and heavy-duty (HD) vehicles. Current inspections do not cover nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a major air pollutant. To address this, the European Commission is assessing the introduction of a methodology to detect malfunctions in modern Diesel vehicle selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units. Previous studies provided a procedure for PTI, where NOx is measured during idling (NOx–PTI idle test) after the vehicle’s exhaust system has been warmed-up. This study investigates which range of NOx concentration would allow detecting vehicles with SCR system malfunctions during PTI.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>We analysed NOx concentration recordings from 99 light-duty (LD) and 88 heavy-duty (HD) vehicles during idle tests at various European workshops and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The results showed that well-functioning SCR systems had NOx concentrations below 13 ppm for LD vehicles and 31 ppm for HD vehicles. In contrast, malfunctioning systems had concentrations above 47 ppm for LD vehicles and 45 ppm for HD vehicles. The findings suggest that a reliable threshold for NOx concentration could be established towards the upper end of the identified ranges, allowing for the precise identification of malfunctions while providing a sufficient time buffer for inspection operators to carry out the 30 s test protocol (15 s analyser stabilization period followed by a 15 s NOx measurement).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study provides insights for establishing a sound NOx concentration threshold for distinguishing between functioning and faulty SCR systems in modern Diesel vehicles type-approved Euro 6d-TEMP (LD)/Euro VI (HD) and onwards. The results presented could support current revisions of the PTI directive in ensuring accurate detection of malfunctions while allowing for effective integration of the NOx–PTI idle test into existing inspection procedures. The findings have potential implications for improving air quality and public health by maintaining low NOx emissions from Diesel vehicles throughout their operational lifespan.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01155-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145166891","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":"Illuminating the impact of economic policy uncertainty, renewable energy, and economic growth on environmental sustainability","authors":"Mohammed Albassam,&nbsp;Muhammad Aslam,&nbsp;Azhar Ali Janjua","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01148-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01148-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Global policies projected a temperature increase of 2.8 °C, surpassing the 1.5 °C target, which threatens environmental quality, largely driven by economic activities, economic policy uncertainties, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization. This study investigates the data from 12 countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Republic Korea, Mexico, Russia, United Kingdom and United States of America) spanning from 1997 to 2022. The aim is to assess the role of stated factors, test the EKC hypothesis, and provide insights into economic policy uncertainty on sustainability. To ensure robust results, advanced methodologies such as panel unit root tests, cross-sectional dependence, co-integration analysis and slope homogeneity are employed. The study also estimates the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors, panel corrected standard errors (PCSE), and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), and uses the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel Granger causality test. The findings show that GDP growth initially increases CO₂ emissions but later leads to a reduction, supporting the EKC hypothesis. Urbanization is positively linked to environmental quality, while renewable energy consumption significantly lowers CO₂ emissions. EPU exacerbates environment degradation, contributing to higher CO₂ emissions. Causality tests reveal that CO₂ emissions bidirectional Granger causes GDP, EPU, REN, and URB, while GDP unidirectional Granger causes EPU. The study emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, knowledge sharing, policy harmonization, and infrastructure integration to enhance emission reduction efforts to foster sustainable progress.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01148-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167422","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":"Present and future habitat shifts of the most important commercial fish species in the Black Sea under climate change","authors":"Serkan Gül,&nbsp;Yusuf Ceylan,&nbsp;Göktuğ Dalgıç","doi":"10.1186/s12302-025-01147-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12302-025-01147-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Black Sea is unique due to its semi-enclosed area and anoxic layer. However, changes in ecosystem conditions due to climate change in recent years threaten the viability of fish populations. This study focuses on estimating the future distribution and habitat losses of commercial fish species in the Black Sea under climate change. The results reveal that the decline in suitable habitats for all species is reaches considerable levels in the 2030–2040 and 2090–2100 projections of both scenarios (SSP1–1.9 and SSP5–8.5). The future of the Black Sea ecosystem is under the threat of climate change. Countries and unions bordering the Black Sea should develop and implement a common management plan to control anthropogenic effects through international cooperation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":546,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Sciences Europe","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12302-025-01147-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167062","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}