{"title":"Reframing forest-based climate actions","authors":"Fuming Zhao, Yueqin Shen and Runsheng Yin","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00361F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00361F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Forests are a crucial component in the international efforts toward mitigating climate change. Achieving the potential contribution of forest climate actions, however, is challenging. Just as the technical issues like monitoring and MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) must be addressed, the institutional issues of fulfilling the emission reduction and removal (ER&R) responsibility, including climate governance and finance, must be worked out. Compared to the broad attention that the technical issues have attracted, however, fewer studies have explored the institutional issues. This article presents our perspective on how to tackle the institutional and technical issues coherently by asserting that it is paramount to build a more balanced portfolio of knowledge base and policy response. In addition to raising their climate ambitions, countries should consolidate their approaches to climate governance and nest local initiatives within the jurisdictional programs. They should also strengthen their means and measures for carrying out their commitments, including implementing more effective ER&R plans and enhancing carbon pricing mechanisms and public and private partnerships of climate investment. Thus, more research should be done on the comparative performance of alternative approaches to climate governance and nesting, and adopting more transparent standards, protocols, and methodologies. Further, greater attention should be directed to the longer-term, multi-dimensional effects of forest interventions with more reliable data and more robust techniques. Other than pursuing actions of the large, non-RBP (results-based payments) space, future research needs to examine not only the “results” but also the “payments” of RBP interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 5","pages":" 705-712"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00361f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143883543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jintao Gu, Bo Yuan, Shefford P. Baker, Shaojun Zhang, Xiaomeng Wu, Ye Wu and K. Max Zhang
{"title":"Revealing nighttime construction-related activities from a spatially distributed air quality monitoring network†","authors":"Jintao Gu, Bo Yuan, Shefford P. Baker, Shaojun Zhang, Xiaomeng Wu, Ye Wu and K. Max Zhang","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00334A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00334A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, through a novel network-based data-driven method, we reveal a likely unintended, nighttime-specific impact of construction activities on elevated coarse particulate matter (PM<small><sub>c</sub></small>) concentrations in a metropolitan area. We analyzed the spatial and temporal patterns of coarse particulate matter (PM<small><sub>c</sub></small>) levels in the urban part of a 165-node PM FEM monitoring network in Xi'an, China. We employed a novel technique called network analysis, which relies on data-driven, peer-to-peer comparisons within the monitoring network to identify regional events and local hotspots. Results revealed that the highest PM<small><sub>c</sub></small> concentrations in the urban section of Xi'an occurred during late night and early morning. Aided by satellite-based aerial imagery and data mining of internet resources, we confirmed those peaks' strong association with construction-related sources. This observation is further supported by Land Use Regression (LUR) models, which demonstrate significant improvement in nighttime PMc prediction accuracy when they include a ‘construction site’ variable, an effect not observed during daytime. This finding underscores the significant impact of frequent nighttime construction activities and associated heavy-duty truck traffic (“dump trucks” responsible for transporting construction materials and wastes), which are likely unintentionally incentivized by both local policies and construction practices in many Chinese cities. Our work demonstrated the potential of utilizing air quality monitoring networks for construction-related environmental monitoring and enforcement. We also recommend that policymakers re-assess construction-related environmental and transportation policies by considering the trade-offs between air quality—the focus of our analysis—and other environmental and non-environmental considerations such as construction efficiency, traffic safety, noise, and waste management.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 5","pages":" 753-762"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00334a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143883529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Retraction: Greening the waves: experimental and chemometric approaches in spectroscopic methods for organic pollutant determination in natural waters","authors":"Ashwini Borah, Chetana Hasnu and Gongutri Borah","doi":"10.1039/D5VA90009C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5VA90009C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Retraction of ‘Greening the waves: experimental and chemometric approaches in spectroscopic methods for organic pollutant determination in natural waters’ by Ashwini Borah <em>et al.</em>, <em>Environ. Sci.: Adv.</em>, 2024, <strong>3</strong>, 1072–1086, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00028E.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 696-696"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d5va90009c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. V. M. Sreekanth, Huu Phuc Dang, Nguyen Quoc Thang, Nguyen Van Cuong and Nguyen Thi Mai Tho
{"title":"Synthesis of calcined LDHs materials decorated on ZnO nanorods: enhancing adsorption capacity and antibacterial activity†","authors":"T. V. M. Sreekanth, Huu Phuc Dang, Nguyen Quoc Thang, Nguyen Van Cuong and Nguyen Thi Mai Tho","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00413B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00413B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, ZnCo-layered double hydroxides (ZnCo-LDHs) were successfully synthesized <em>via</em> a co-precipitation method using zinc nitrate and cobalt nitrate in a 3 : 1 molar ratio on ZnO rods (ZnO/ZnCo-LDHs). Subsequent heat treatment of the ZnO/ZnCo-LDHs at 600 °C transformed them into ZnCo<small><sub>2</sub></small>O<small><sub>4</sub></small> and ZnO, which were evenly distributed within the ZnO rods. The adsorption capacity of Reactive Blue 221 (RB221) using the ZnO/ZnCo-cLDHs composites reached 75.74 (mg g<small><sup>−1</sup></small>) in 100 min under the following conditions: initial RB221 concentration of 80 ppm, pH 7, and a dose of 1.0 g L<small><sup>−1</sup></small>. The mechanism of dye adsorption on the ZnO/ZnCo-cLDHs was determined by the “memory effect” of oxide and available vacant sites between interlayers of adsorption mixtures. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was more efficient in explaining the adsorption of RB221 dye on ZnO/ZnCo-cLDHs than the Freundlich isotherm. Experimental data indicated that the second-order kinetic equation is a more suitable model for describing the adsorption process than the first-order kinetic equation. Furthermore, the ZnO/ZnCo-cLDHs composites demonstrated antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, and <em>Salmonella typhimurium</em>.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 663-675"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00413b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Neha Arora, Shweta Tripathi, George P. Philippidis and Shashi Kumar
{"title":"Thriving in extremes: harnessing the potential of pH-resilient algal strains for enhanced productivity and stability","authors":"Neha Arora, Shweta Tripathi, George P. Philippidis and Shashi Kumar","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00247D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00247D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Algal biomass can play a multifaceted role in advancing the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) as a means of carbon sequestration and waste mitigation. Outdoor algal cultivation, typically conducted in open raceway ponds, while a cost-effective approach for biofuel and bioproduct production, suffers from several challenges, including weather variability, contamination, nutrient mixing, and challenges in harvesting and dewatering. Notably, large-scale cultivation of neutrophilic algae grown at pH 7 necessitates pH stabilization measures due to fluctuations induced by CO<small><sub>2</sub></small> uptake, nutrient concentration, photosynthesis, and competing microbial activity, resulting in significant operating costs. The exploitation of pH-resilient algae encompassing acidophilic, acid-tolerant, alkaliphilic, and alkali-tolerant strains can maximize growth and productivity across a wide range of pH from acidic to alkaline. As a result, the repertoire of water sources used for cultivation can be expanded to include wastewater treatment and industrial effluents, reducing use of scarce freshwater and dependence on costly pH regulation measures. Extremophilic strains possess the intrinsic capacity to withstand pH fluctuations that limit invaders, hence minimizing culture crashes. In the present review we highlight the unique adaptations of pH-resilient algal strains that can strengthen the resilience of large-scale algal cultivations and overcome the challenges of outdoor operations. We delve into the pH adaptation mechanism of extremophilic algae and their applicability in diverse fields of bioremediation, carbon capture, and bioproduct manufacture. Recent strides in strain improvement for enhancing the metabolic prowess of pH-resilient algae have been discussed, emphasizing their critical role towards shaping the future of a sustainable bioeconomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 884-900"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00247d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144148218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ba Lich Pham, Huy Thong Vu, Van Linh Nguyen, Thi Kim Thuong Nguyen, Anh Duc Trinh and Thi Thao Ta
{"title":"Geochemical speciation, pollution assessment, and source identification of heavy metals in sediment cores of the Cau River basin, Hai Duong province, Vietnam†","authors":"Ba Lich Pham, Huy Thong Vu, Van Linh Nguyen, Thi Kim Thuong Nguyen, Anh Duc Trinh and Thi Thao Ta","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00325J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00325J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Heavy metal contamination in sediment has caused severe threats to the aquatic ecosystem and public health worldwide. Networks of rivers and their tributaries serve as dynamic habitats for these potentially harmful metals through aqueous–sedimentary equilibrium shifts. Hence, determining the distinct chemical forms of a given heavy metal in sediment is crucial for evaluating its bio-lability and toxicity. This study demonstrates the geochemical speciation using a sequential extraction procedure to fractionate individual phases (exchangeable, carbonate, Fe–Mn oxide, organic, and residual) of nine heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cr) in the sediment of a river system in Hai Duong, a deltaic province in Vietnam. A quantitative assessment of environmental risk factors (<em>e.g.</em>, contamination factor and risk assessment code) and the pseudo-partitioning coefficient between pore water and sediment was conducted to define the pollution levels of heavy metals and their contaminated areas. Furthermore, multivariate analyses facilitate a profound comprehension of the contributions to pollution. Analyses of the extracts from the sequential extraction procedure were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results of sedimentary heavy metal speciation indicate that the critical risks of Cd (15.8–38.4%) and Mn (16.3–53.8%) to the aquatic ecosystem are due to their higher retrieval from the exchangeable fraction. Additionally, an appreciable percentage of Co (26.3–58.0%), Mn (16.8–66.3%), Ni (16.0–53.1%), Pb (6.75–69.7%), and Zn (4.42–45.8%) in the carbonate fraction highlights a strong tendency for co-precipitation or ion exchange of these metals with carbonate minerals. Whilst colloids of Fe–Mn oxides act as efficient scavengers for metals such as Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb, organic matter forms primarily function in trapping Cu, Pb, Fe, Cr, Co, and Ni. Our findings in the ecological risk evaluations and multivariate analyses indicate that Cr, Ni, and Fe are ascribed to natural lithogenic provenances. In contrast, anthropogenic inputs induce Cd, Mn, Cu, and Pb high-environmental risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 676-695"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00325j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of a novel semi-automated analytical system of microplastics using reflectance-FTIR spectrometry: designed for the analysis of large microplastics†","authors":"Ryota Nakajima, Hiromi Sawada, Shinichiro Hayashi, Akishi Nara and Mitsunari Hattori","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00400K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00400K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The (semi-) automation of microplastic analysis would dramatically accelerate the otherwise time-consuming and labor-intensive process, enabling more efficient identification of global microplastic distribution. Numerous methods have been proposed for the automated analysis of small microplastics (approximately less than 100 μm) on filters using micro-FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). However, the development of automated analysis technology for relatively larger microplastics (<em>e.g.</em>, >500 μm), which can be handled with forceps, has progressed relatively slowly. In this study, we developed a device that enables semi-automated analysis of such large microplastics. This device modifies the reflection measurement accessory of FTIR for microplastic analysis and integrates it with an image recognition camera and a motorized stage. This system allows for the final output of the number, size, and polymer type of microplastics placed on a sample plate into a Microsoft Excel file in a single procedure. The accuracy rate of identifying degraded microplastics (comprising eight types of polymers) collected from environmental sources, including the ocean, using this device was over 98% when compared to the commonly used ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection)-FTIR method. Furthermore, the time required for analysis—from the placement of the sample and size measurement to material identification—was, on average, 6.6 times faster than conventional methods. The current MARS system can reliably and automatically identify environmentally degraded microplastics with a minimum size threshold of 400 μm, and it offers significant advantages in terms of reduced data collection time and high throughput for the processing of large microplastics.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 6","pages":" 901-911"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00400k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144148219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Faizan Saleem, Jennifer L. Jiang, Enze Li, Kevin L. Tran, Herb E. Schellhorn and Thomas A. Edge
{"title":"eDNA metabarcoding-based source attribution of fecal indicator bacteria exceedances in urban freshwater beaches, sand and rivers†","authors":"Faizan Saleem, Jennifer L. Jiang, Enze Li, Kevin L. Tran, Herb E. Schellhorn and Thomas A. Edge","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00221K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00221K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Freshwater beach quality is routinely tested by measuring fecal indicator bacteria, which can assess water quality but cannot identify sources of fecal contamination. We compared eDNA metabarcoding and microbial source tracking (MST) digital PCR methods to identify fecal contamination sources in water and sand at four urban Lake Ontario beaches and two nearby river mouth locations. eDNA sequences matched mammal, bird, and fish taxa known in the study area. Human eDNA sequences were prominent in all water and sand samples such that they had less value for discriminating between sewage occurrence at sites. Mallard duck, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, gull, robin, chicken, red fox, and cow eDNA sequences were common across all locations. Dog, Canada goose, and swan eDNA sequences were more common in Toronto beach waters, suggesting localized sources. MST results were generally consistent with eDNA, such as finding the Gull4 DNA marker and the human mitochondrial DNA marker in most water and sand samples. Chicken, cow, and dog eDNA sequences and the human bacterial MST DNA marker often showed a higher frequency of occurrence on Beach Action Value (BAV) exceedance days. The surprisingly widespread detection of chicken and cow eDNA sequences was likely from incompletely digested human food, raising caution for interpreting eDNA results related to food animals in sewage-contaminated urban settings. Combined use of MST and eDNA methods provided a more comprehensive characterization of potential fecal contamination sources, including diverse wildlife species at the human–animal One Health interface, that can guide targeted beach-specific water monitoring and risk management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 3","pages":" 456-468"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00221k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143535708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily Cowan, Jen Iris Allan, Timo Seppälä, Eva M. Krümmel, Fe de Leon and Thomas Maes
{"title":"On thin ice – a review of multi-level governance regarding Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEAC)","authors":"Emily Cowan, Jen Iris Allan, Timo Seppälä, Eva M. Krümmel, Fe de Leon and Thomas Maes","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00369A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00369A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The Arctic is a vital and unique ecosystem facing significant threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Recently, Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEAC) have been identified as an area that requires further study by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Understanding and improving existing regulatory systems is crucial to preventing the adverse effects of CEAC. This review concentrates on chemical pollution and the Arctic's vulnerability to long-range chemical transport and local pollution sources, as well as existing national, regional, and global measures to regulate and mitigate these pollution sources. Our review underscores three challenges to effective chemical governance in the Arctic. First, there is a lack of a holistic approach in this area. Second, global and national governance fragmentation means many CEAC fall through regulatory cracks. Third, very few global or national regulations or rules consider the unique vulnerabilities and socioeconomic conditions of the Arctic and its Indigenous Peoples.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 584-594"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00369a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Josiah Hacker, Fatima Iqbal, Matías Osuna, Osely Perea, Keiner Sánchez, Christopher Page, Jamie Torres, Md. Nizam Uddin, Hannah Walden, Mikko Westerbeke, Astana Woody, Nazly Enith Rubio Murillo, Francisco Cubas, Farith A. Díaz-Arriaga and Lewis S. Rowles
{"title":"Aquatic quality watch informed by communities (AQWIC) facilitating the adoption of low-cost sensor systems for underserved communities: a review and tutorial†","authors":"Josiah Hacker, Fatima Iqbal, Matías Osuna, Osely Perea, Keiner Sánchez, Christopher Page, Jamie Torres, Md. Nizam Uddin, Hannah Walden, Mikko Westerbeke, Astana Woody, Nazly Enith Rubio Murillo, Francisco Cubas, Farith A. Díaz-Arriaga and Lewis S. Rowles","doi":"10.1039/D4VA00332B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00332B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >This tutorial review addresses the growing need for accessible water quality monitoring in rivers, lakes, and other surface waters. While commercial monitoring systems effectively serve water utilities and regulatory agencies, many communities lack the resources for regular water quality assessment. We present approaches for developing low-cost monitoring systems specifically designed for community-based environmental monitoring programs, citizen science initiatives, and educational applications. Through systematic analysis of 84 peer-reviewed papers on low-cost water quality monitoring, we identify key implementation approaches, common challenges, and successful design strategies. This analysis informs our tutorial recommendations and provides evidence-based guidance for system development. Specifically, we introduce a web-based portal AQWIC – Aquatic Quality Watch Informed by Communities. This open-source portal includes (1) tutorials on how to construct, program, and deploy water quality sensor systems using commercially available, low-cost components; and (2) an interactive water quality database where users can input their collected water quality data with geolocation. We highlight the functionality of AQWIC and review a set of commercially available low-cost water sensors through several deployments both in the United States and Colombia. The sensor module used is capable of measuring conductivity, temperature, pH, and turbidity, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional testing methods. Our findings demonstrate that the conductivity, temperature, and pH sensors offer reliable and consistent results, aligning with conventional testing methods over several week periods. However, we also observed limitations in the accuracy of the turbidity sensor, emphasizing the need for improved precision at lower turbidity levels. By offering a cost-effective and user-friendly approach to real-time water quality monitoring, this work aims to empower communities to monitor and characterize their water quality and makes significant strides toward ensuring equitable access to safe water for all.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":" 4","pages":" 512-529"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/va/d4va00332b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143740439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}