Water, Air, & Soil Pollution最新文献

{"title":"Enhanced Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Soils Using Biochar-Immobilized Mixed Bacteria: Mechanisms and Microbial Responses","authors":"Bing Xiao,&nbsp;Jianli Jia,&nbsp;Wei Xu,&nbsp;Siyi Ji,&nbsp;Ben Zhang,&nbsp;Weiran Wang,&nbsp;Yichi Ma,&nbsp;Xiaolong Gao","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08111-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08111-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), common environmental pollutants, exhibit “triple” toxicity and degrade slowly in soil. Immobilised microbial technology is an innovative environmental protection technology that can significantly improve the degradation efficiency of PAHs. In this study, we developed biochar immobilized mixed bacteria (BIM) materials using rice straw biochar (RBC) as a carrier, established a highly effective PAH-degrading mixed bacteria (M), and conducted a 49-day soil remediation experiment. The results indicated that BIM, RBC, and M eliminated 95.50%, 87.01%, and 90.16% of phenanthrene (PHE), and 73.78%, 44.61%, and 50.94% of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), respectively. The diversity of soil microbial communities was significantly enhanced by BIM, and the results of the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis revealed that the genera with the most notable differences included <i>Lysinibacillus</i>, <i>Rhodococcus</i>, and <i>Lysobacter</i>. Additionally, the Mantel test and correlation heat map results demonstrated that the inclusion of exogenous microbes was the most significant factor influencing biomarker changes, with BIM and M being the primary contributors to alterations in microbial community structure and gene abundance. To further improve the degradation of PAHs and investigate the responses of soil microbial community structure and diversity, we developed effective materials for PAH adsorption and degradation. Along with looking at its improved breakdown of PAHs in contaminated soil, we also reveal the method of soil ecological component identification and biodegradation under microbial reaction. This research provides a theoretical and technological foundation for green and low-carbon remediation technologies aimed at addressing soil contamination by PAHs.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Integrated Environmental Monitoring of El Shatt Lake: Exploring Microbial Diversity, Physicochemical Properties, and Ecosystem Resilience to Pollution","authors":"Djihad Chenna,&nbsp;Hadia Hemmami,&nbsp;Ilham Ben Amor,&nbsp;Soumeia Zeghoud,&nbsp;Hamza Zaoui,&nbsp;Mohammed Messaoudi","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08065-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08065-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of El Shatt Lake, with a focus on quantifying and identifying culturable bacteria to assess environmental contamination. Water samples were collected from various sites and analyzed using classical methods, such as the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC), alongside advanced techniques like flow cytometry. A total of 14 bacterial families were isolated and identified, including <i>Escherichia coli</i> (202 ± 10.0 CFU/ml in S1 to 203 ± 13.0 CFU/ml in S4), <i>Pseudomonas spp.</i> (12 ± 6.0 CFU/ml in S2 to 75 ± 4.0 CFU/ml in S1 and S5), and <i>Salmonella spp.</i> (13 ± 2.0 CFU/ml in S5). Physicochemical analysis revealed significant spatial variations, with salinity ranging from 1.72% to 4.87%, pH levels from 7.65 to 8.25, and conductivity from 29.6 µs/cm to 78.47 µs/cm. The highest bacterial loads were recorded in sites S4 and S5, attributed to anthropogenic impacts. The study highlights localized contamination and potential public health risks, underscoring the importance of comprehensive environmental monitoring.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Role of Poultry Manure and Corn Cob Biochar in Reducing Ozone-Induced Damage to Chili Plant (Capsicum annuum L.)","authors":"Hafiza Umaira Shams,&nbsp;Shahla Nazneen,&nbsp;Sardar Khan,&nbsp;Neelum Ali","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08118-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08118-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aims to assess the effect of tropospheric ozone (O₃) on chili (Capsicum annuum L.) yield and nutritional quality using two types of biochar (poultry manure, and corn cob) with 1% and 2% concentrations in the field. O₃ concentration ranged from 5 to 110 ppb, with an average of 43–59 ppb and AOT40 values exceeded by 6 ppm h over a 3-month period. Weekly assessments were carried out for plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, flowers, fruits, chlorophyll and elemental (Na, Fe, Mg, Mn), and enzymatic (Catalase, Flavonoids, Glutathione, Malon De aldehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Phospho<i>enol</i>pyruvate, Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) contents. Moisture, ash, protein and nitrogen analysis were conducted for leaves, roots, stems and fruits. Specifically, the number of leaves, leaf length, chlorophyll content, and number of fruits increased by 57%, 50%, 63% and 84.6%, respectively, for poultry manure 2%, followed by poultry manure 1%. Similarly, better elemental results were obtained for root, stem and leaves in the range of 10.3% to 60.2% for poultry manure 2% as compared to other treatments. Similar results were observed for moisture, ash, nitrogen and protein. Enzymatic analysis showed that the control group experienced significantly higher-level oxidative stress as compared to the treated group, however, this varied across different plant parts. The study concludes that tropospheric O₃ poses a threat to the quality and nutritional value of chili. However, biochar, especially poultry manure 2% effectively protects the plant from the detrimental effects of tropospheric O₃.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Comparison of Sublethal Effects of Metal and Insecticide in Congeneric Species of Neotropical Cladocerans","authors":"Larissa Broggio Raymundo,&nbsp;Mariana Miguel,&nbsp;Diego Ferreira Gomes,&nbsp;Raquel Aparecida Moreira,&nbsp;Odete Rocha","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08098-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08098-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tropical aquatic ecosystems face significant contamination risks from pesticides and heavy metals, yet the chronic sublethal effects of these pollutants on native species remain poorly understood. The chronic toxicity of Chlorpyrifos and Cadmium were assessed on two native cladoceran species, <i>Ceriodaphnia silvestrii</i> and <i>Ceriodaphnia rigaudi</i>, from tropical regions. Chlorpyrifos and Cadmium are common aquatic pollutants in Brazil, but their effects on native species, particularly sublethal effects such as the growth and size of neonates produced by exposed females, are poorly understood. The test organisms were exposed to Chlorpyrifos at concentrations 0.0014; 0.0028; 0.0042; 0.0056; 0.007; and 0.014 µg L⁻¹ and to Cadmium at 0.001; 0.003; 0.005; 0.011; 0.016; 0.022 mg L⁻¹. Endpoints analyzed included survival, reproduction output, size of neonates produced, and organism body growth. Reproduction of both species exposed to Chlorpyrifos was affected at all tested concentrations. Cadmium affected the reproduction of <i>C. rigaudi</i> at all tested concentrations and of <i>C. silvestrii</i> at 0.002; 0.003; 0.005; 0.008; and 0.011 mg L⁻¹. The size of neonates produced by both species exposed to Chlorpyrifos was smaller than those in the control at all tested concentrations. Exposure to Cadmium affected the size of neonates of <i>C. rigaudi</i> at concentrations of 0.002; 0.005; 0.008; and 0.011 mg L⁻¹ and of <i>C. silvestrii</i> at 0.005; 0.011; 0.016; and 0.022 mg L⁻¹. Growth of <i>C. rigaudi</i> exposed to Chlorpyrifos was affected at concentrations of 0.0070 and 0.0140 µg L⁻¹ and of <i>C. silvestrii</i> at 0.0014; 0.0042; 0.005; 0.0070; and 0.0140 µg L⁻¹. Exposure to Cadmium affected the growth of <i>C. rigaudi</i> at 0.002; 0.005; 0.008; and 0.011 mg L⁻¹ and of <i>C. silvestrii</i> at 0.011; 0.016; and 0.022 mg L⁻¹. These findings highlight the crucial importance of using sublethal endpoints to unveil the profound and potentially far-reaching impacts of metals and pesticides on non-target aquatic organisms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Detection of Raloxifene Using a Modified Carbon Nitride Graphite with Cobalt and Iron as a Turn-off Fluorescence Sensor","authors":"Nafiseh Hajian Afarani,&nbsp;Fatemeh Keshavarzi,&nbsp;Kahin Shahanipour,&nbsp;Seyed Amir Zarei","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08109-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08109-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A fluorescence sensor modified with iron and cobalt has been designed and developed to measure the amount of raloxifene in aqueous solutions. The sensor is based on graphite carbon nitride specifically g-C₃N₄, which is a unique type of carbon known for its exceptional stability, high quantum efficiency and specific surface area. To synthesize g-C₃N₄-Co-Fe, various characterization techniques were employed, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mapping, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), fluorescence, and UV–Vis. Fluorescence quenching occurs when raloxifene is added to g-C₃N₄-Co-Fe, resulting in the formation of a complex between raloxifene and iron and cobalt. This quenching is caused by resonance electron transfer between g-C₃N₄, Co and Fe in the presence of raloxifene. The quenching effect becomes stronger as the amount of raloxifene increases, indicating a correlation. Using this method, the amount of raloxifene in aqueous solutions has been successfully detected in the range of 10.0 µM to 500 µM, with a detection limit of 5.0 µM (at S/N = 3). The fluorescence emission intensity at 465 nm was measured with an excitation wavelength of 365 nm. The high efficiency of this nano probe has been studied under optimal conditions (pH = 4, time = 10 min and temperature = 25 ºC). Additionally, a nanoprobe with special characteristics has been developed for the detection of raloxifene.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Adverse Effects of Polystyrene Microplastic Exposure on Daphnia magna: a Comprehensive Assessment of Acute Toxicity, Behavioral Changes, and Oxidative Stress","authors":"Wang Li,&nbsp;Bo Zu,&nbsp;Jian Li,&nbsp;Wei Chen,&nbsp;Mei Wang,&nbsp;Jiawen Li","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08017-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08017-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental concern. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the adverse effects of polystyrene microplastic (PSMP) on <i>Daphnia magna</i>, focusing on acute toxicity, behavioral changes, and oxidative stress responses. Exposure experiments demonstrated that the acute toxicity of PSMP (1, 6.5, and 50 µm in size) to <i>D. magna</i> increased with concentration, with 1-µm particles being the most toxic (48-h LC50 value: 23.57 mg/L). Behavioral analyses revealed that PSMP exposure reduced swimming speed from 5.8 ± 0.2 mm/s (control) to 3.7 ± 0.4 mm/s (1/2 LC50) after 24 h, further decreasing to 3.0 ± 0.5 mm/s at 48 h. Similarly, thoracic limb movement frequency, jumping frequency, and mandibular activity were suppressed, with transient hyperactivity observed at low doses (1/16 LC50) followed by inhibition. Furthermore, exposure to smaller-sized PSMP caused significant changes in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione in <i>D. magna</i>, indicating that PSMP induces oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species levels, ultimately leading to oxidative damage. While particle size is a well-established critical parameter, behavioral endpoints (e.g., reduced swimming speed and feeding efficiency) and oxidative damage at sublethal concentrations serve as more sensitive early-warning biomarkers for environmental risk assessment. Future research should validate these biomarkers in natural ecosystems and investigate the effects of chronic exposure on population dynamics.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143938702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Stabilization of Copper, Lead, and Zinc in Copper Smelting Slag Tailings by Sulfate-reducing Bacteria Using Typical Industrial By-product Gypsum as a Sulfur Source","authors":"Wei Zhang,&nbsp;Kaibin Fu,&nbsp;Shu Chen,&nbsp;Qian Zhou,&nbsp;Leming Zhu,&nbsp;Jun Yao","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08100-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08100-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Copper smelting slag tailings are characterized by the presence of various toxic heavy metals, which pose a risk of environmental contamination when stored in open air. This study investigates the stabilization effectiveness and mechanisms of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) utilizing either phosphogypsum (PG) or flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) as a sulfur source for the immobilization of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in copper smelting slag tailings. The results indicated that the bioavailability reduction rates (i.e., stabilization effectiveness) of Pb and Zn in the copper smelting slag tailings initially increased and subsequently decreased with the increasing amount of PG or FGDG, while the change in Cu was not significant. Notably, PG was determined to be a more effective sulfur source for SRB. At a PG addition level of 15%, the bioavailability reduction rates for Cu, Pb, and Zn in the copper smelting slag tailings were found to be 90.41%, 94.27%, and 85.00%, respectively. Additionally, the oxidizable and residual fractions of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the copper smelting slag tailings increased following stabilization. Within the mixed systems, the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) exhibited a significant decline over time, while the pH level increased, and the concentrations of Cu decreased marginally. Analyses conducted using SEM–EDS, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the formation of metal sulfides contributed to the reduction of bioavailability of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the copper smelting slag tailings. Furthermore, the residual calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) from PG or FGDG was shown to provide a sustained supply of sulfur for SRB activity. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for the remediation of Cu, Pb, and Zn in similar smelting slag tailings and highlights the potential for the comprehensive utilization of typical industrial by-product gypsum.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Eco-Friendly Fe3O4@MnO2 Catalysts: Efficient Degradation of Metformin and High Adaptability","authors":"Yinying Jiang,&nbsp;Jiang Yu,&nbsp;Zhi Huang,&nbsp;Jie Yu,&nbsp;Siwei Deng,&nbsp;Weiwei Zhu,&nbsp;Zixin Zeng","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08071-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08071-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Metformin (MET), recognized as the most extensively consumed pharmaceutical globally, exhibits minimally metabolized and is predominantly excreted unchanged. To remove MET from water, this study synthesized Fe₃O₄@MnO₂ (FM) catalysts, which could be easily recoverable using magnets. Notably, Fe₃O₄ nanospheres, characterized by their superior crystallinity, significantly altered the morphology and structure of the externally wrapped MnO₂. This modification resulted in an expanded surface area and an increased number of active sites. Furthermore, ultrasound (US) was employed to assist in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, ensure effective dispersion of FM-5, and enhance the homogeneity of the reaction system. The synergistic application of US and FM-5 successfully activated PMS, achieving a remarkable MET degradation efficiency of 98.89% within 80 min, predominantly via a pathway governed by ·O₂⁻ and ¹O₂. The FM-5/US/PMS system demonstrated robust adaptability under various environmental conditions. An analysis of the correlation mechanism revealed enhanced MET decomposition under alkaline conditions, thereby broadening the pH adaptation range of FM-5/US/PMS. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and HPLC–MS detection to propose degradation products, this study identified a product with comparatively lower toxicity. This work could offer a reference for further development of high performance and eco-friendly catalyst.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Environmental risks and morphological transformation of heavy metals in copper smelting slag during rainfall events","authors":"Wanquan Yu,&nbsp;Chenchen Li,&nbsp;Jin Yan,&nbsp;Hanjing Yu,&nbsp;Xinyu Zhou,&nbsp;Huiying Kan,&nbsp;Yaoqiang Ma,&nbsp;Yuyun Li,&nbsp;Qi Meng,&nbsp;Peng Dong","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08056-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08056-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The long-term open-air storage of copper smelting slag (CSS) poses significant environmental hazards due to the release of heavy metals (HMs). However, the dynamic mechanisms governing the rainfall-driven migration and transformation of HMs in CSS remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated a CSS site in Sichuan, China, utilizing static leaching experiments to evaluate HMs contamination levels and column leaching experiments to simulate HMs migration and transformation dynamics under rainfall conditions. Multiple characterization techniques were integrated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Results indicated elevated HM concentrations in the slag, with Zn toxicity leaching exceeding hazardous waste identification thresholds. Column experiments revealed that rainfall, particularly acid rain events, significantly accelerates HM release and transformation. Under prolonged rainfall, HM release exhibited a biphasic pattern: an initial rapid phase followed by a stable phase, attributed to the rapid dissolution of ion-exchangeable fractions and the slow weathering of silicate minerals. Linear fitting of cumulative release data calculated annual HM fluxes of 4.32 × 10², 22.669 × 10⁴, and 9.9 × 10² g·ha⁻¹ for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, with leachate samples frequently surpassing regulatory HM limits. Transformational behaviors were dominated by the oxidation of sulfidic fractions, which enhanced HM mobility and environmental risks. For example, the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) for Cu increased from 2.30% to &gt; 11% post-column experiments, elevating its risk classification to \"moderate.\" This study dynamically investigates the release and transformation behaviors of HMs in CSS under rainfall conditions. The findings underscore the necessity for slag site managers to implement effective water-oxygen isolation measures or leachate collection systems to mitigate HM exposure and release.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Airborne Microplastic Pollution in a Highly Urbanized City: Occurrence, Characteristics, Human Exposure and Potential Risks","authors":"Yijing Gan,&nbsp;Xinlu Yang,&nbsp;Lixiang Zhong,&nbsp;Xinyan Chen,&nbsp;Mingfu Lin,&nbsp;Xian Qing,&nbsp;Laiguo Chen,&nbsp;Jun Wang,&nbsp;Yumei Huang","doi":"10.1007/s11270-025-08102-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11270-025-08102-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The potential threat of airborne microplastics to human health has attracted widespread attention, especially in large cities with high concentrations of these particles. This study performed a preliminary investigation to uncover the occurrence, potential sources and risks of airborne microplastics in Guangzhou, a highly urbanized megacity of South China. The results suggested that the concentrations of airborne microplastics in Guangzhou ranged from 0.5 to 6.7 particles/m³, with an average of 2.5 ± 1.4 particles/m³. The concentrations of atmospheric microplastics at the sampling site near the heavy traffic area (mean: 3.7 ± 1.7 particles/m³) were significantly higher than at other sampling sites (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Temporally, the atmospheric microplastic concentrations were lowest in the morning (mean: 1.9 ± 1.2 particles/m³), indicating the impact of human activities and air temperatures. Four shapes (including fiber, fragment, foam and film) of microplastics were observed, among which fiber was the main shape and most of them were in the range of 50–300 µm. Rayon and polyethylene terephthalate were the predominant polymer types in fibrous microplastics, indicating that such microplastics primarily originated from synthetic textiles. Human exposure to airborne microplastics via inhalation was estimated to be 4.1 × 10³–12.18 × 10³ particles/yr. The ecological risk level of fibrous microplastic polymers in the atmosphere of Guangzhou was classified as hazard level II. The findings of the study are helpful for understanding the pollution status and potential risks of airborne microplastics in megacities, and highlight the necessity of long-term monitoring of urban atmospheric microplastic pollution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":808,"journal":{"name":"Water, Air, & Soil Pollution","volume":"236 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}