Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology最新文献

{"title":"Impacts of Copper on Daphnia Populations Through the Disturbance of Predator–Prey Interactions","authors":"Takamasa Yoneyama,&nbsp;Masaki Sakamoto","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01195-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01195-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The kairomone released by larvae of phantom midges in the genus <i>Chaoborus</i> induces a defensive morphology in <i>Daphnia pulex</i>. This morphology effectively reduces predation pressure and prevents a sharp decline in prey population density. Copper, an anthropogenic pollutant, inhibits the induction of defense mechanisms. However, the consequences of this inhibition at the population level are unclear. In the present study, we confirmed the inhibitory effect of copper on morphological defense using an individual-level experiment (Exp. 1) and further evaluated the effects in a bi-trophic population-level experiment (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, the induction of neckteeth was inhibited by copper at a concentration of 53.9 nM (Cu²⁺ activity of 0.26 nM). In Exp. 2, no inhibition was detected at a total concentration of 100 nM (on day 12); however, inhibitory effects were observed as Cu²⁺ activity increased. These results indicate that the inhibition of morphological changes cannot be explained by the total copper concentration but by the concentration of free copper ions. The copper-induced suppression of morphological defense resulted in a decrease in the abundance of juvenile <i>Daphnia</i> due to increased predation pressure from <i>Chaoborus</i> larvae. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the potential for environmental copper pollution to alter population dynamics and prey–predator relationships in aquatic taxa.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147808186","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":"Reconstructing the Effects of Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Change in Three Lakes of the Fildes Peninsula, Maritime Antarctic","authors":"Florencia Bertoglio,&nbsp;Samuel Yergeau,&nbsp;Claudia Piccini,&nbsp;Santiago Giralt,&nbsp;Roberto Urrutia,&nbsp;Dermot Antoniades","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01193-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01193-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Fildes Peninsula (maritime Antarctica) is greatly affected by global warming and local human impacts since it is in one of the Antarctic regions with the highest intensity of human activity. To establish the effect of human activities on Fildes Peninsula lakes, we compared trends in diatom assemblages, bacterial communities and metal concentrations in sediment cores from two lakes close to human infrastructure with those in a more remote lake. In the two lakes close to stations and the airport, we found heavy metal enrichments and diatom teratologies, as well as notable changes in diatom assemblages in one of these lakes, roughly coincident with the time when the first two stations were built (~ 1970). Due to the known association between diatom teratologies and metal enrichment, metal stress is a convincing explanation for these changes. Certain bacterial taxa determined to be indicators of pollution were also found to be more abundant in the impacted lakes in recent sediments (i.e., Hungateiclostridiaceae, OPB41, <i>Anaerovorax</i> and <i>Leptolinea</i>). Metal, diatom and bacteria changes observed in the lake more distant to infrastructure were more subtle and are likely related to climate change alone. Given the proximity of the affected lakes to the airport and roads, our data suggests that transportation infrastructure and activity on Fildes Peninsula is likely a key cause of contamination in the region’s ecosystems. This study provides important insights into how human activities and climate change have affected Fildes Peninsula aquatic ecosystems and how they may respond to future stressors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147808187","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":"Multi-matrix Investigation of Heavy Metals and Arsenic Speciation in the Mae-Kok River System: Chemical Characterization and Source Attribution","authors":"Siwatt Pongpiachan,&nbsp;Patcharee Pripdeevech,&nbsp;Suttipong Wannapaiboon,&nbsp;Kanjana Thumanu,&nbsp;Sarunpron Khruengsai,&nbsp;Teerapong Sripahco,&nbsp;Danai Tipmanee,&nbsp;Dhammawit Haemanwichian,&nbsp;Weerat Kanchanaratchataphong,&nbsp;Krailak Fakkaew,&nbsp;Nion Sirimongkonlertkun,&nbsp;Aekkapol Aekakkararungroj,&nbsp;Tatporn Kunpradid","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01188-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01188-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Mae-Kok River in northern Thailand is a transboundary river system influenced by multiple upstream and downstream anthropogenic pressures. This study presents a multi-matrix assessment of metal contamination by integrating river water, soils, and sediments with enrichment factor (EF) analysis, multivariate statistical approaches, and arsenic speciation. Concentrations of arsenic, lead, and nickel in river water frequently exceeded international guideline values, while EF results indicate substantial anthropogenic enrichment, particularly in the upstream reach of the river. Hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and positive matrix factorization identify coherent groupings of elements (As, U, Co, Ni, and Cu) characterized by polymetallic geochemical associations. These patterns are compatible with upstream anthropogenic inputs involving sulfide-rich materials but do not uniquely identify specific point sources. In contrast, zinc and cadmium exhibit enrichment patterns and statistical character distinct from the polymetallic element group, consistent with diffuse anthropogenic influences such as agricultural activities, although these associations are indirect. Differences in clustering between river water and soil–sediment matrices highlight contrasting metal behavior between short-term aqueous transport and longer-term depositional accumulation. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that arsenic occurs predominantly as arsenate [As(V)], with localized enrichment of arsenite [As(III)] indicating spatial variability in redox conditions. Chromium is present mainly as Cr(III), suggesting limited mobility under prevailing environmental conditions. Overall, the results indicate a multi-source contamination regime shaped by overlapping upstream and local anthropogenic influences. This integrated approach improves understanding of metal behavior in transboundary river systems and provides a scientific basis for future monitoring and management efforts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760548","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":"Relationship Between Metal Contamination and Altered Morphology of the Carapace and Chelipeds of the Crab Neohelice granulata in the Bahía Blanca Estuary (Argentina)","authors":"Nicolás Eduardo Tamburi,&nbsp;Eros David Uranga,&nbsp;Natalia Sol Buzzi","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01198-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01198-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The accumulation of metals in estuarine environments represents potential threats to both aquatic ecosystems and human health, highlighting the need for reliable in situ biomarkers of contamination. In the burrowing crab <i>Neohelice granulata</i> (Brachyura, Varunidae), previous studies have shown that biochemical markers may be influenced by seasonal fluctuations, limiting their usefulness for assessing spatial patterns of metal exposure. Recently, morphological variation among organisms has been proposed as a biomarker of environmental stress. Building on this framework, the present study aimed to evaluate whether metal contamination is associated with morphological changes in <i>N. granulata</i> populations from different sites of the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were measured in sediments and crab hepatopancreas, and their relationship with carapace and chelipeds morphology were analyzed by traditional and geometric morphometric approaches. Results revealed similar spatial patterns of metal loads in sediments and crab hepatopancreas, reflecting differences in anthropogenic impacts among sites. Moreover, significant morphological differences in carapaces were detected among crab populations, consistent with the observed gradient of metal contamination. These findings suggest that metal exposure may be associated with the morphological variation in <i>N. granulata</i> and highlight its potential use as a biomarker of environmental stress in estuarine crabs. Finally, geometric morphometrics of the carapace proved more effective than traditional chelipeds morphometrics in distinguishing crabs’ populations exposed to different levels of metal contamination.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760652","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":"Distribution and Occurrence of Microplastics in Foliar Deposition Across Tree Species in Lahore","authors":"Muhammad Shahid,&nbsp;Sidra Farooq,&nbsp;Rahib Hussain,&nbsp;Tahir Sattar,&nbsp;Abdul Qadir","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01192-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01192-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Despite global concern over microplastic (MP) pollution, only a few studies have systematically evaluated the deposition and retention of atmospheric MP on urban tree foliage at the city scale, particularly in densely populated regions of South Asia. Here, the study present the first comprehensive assessment of foliar MP deposition in Lahore, Pakistan, examining the influence of leaf surface morphology and canopy height across 15 plant species at 44 locations along a major urban corridor. The leaves of the selected tree species were identified for smooth, leathery, hairy, and glossy surfaces, and the presence of trichomes (hair-like structures) was taken into account. Microplastic particle concentration on leaves varied between 0.93 n/cm² to 9.23 n/cm²; the highest MPs were quantified on the <i>Morus alba</i> leaves (i.e., 9.23 n/cm²), and the lowest were noted on <i>Lagerstroemia indica</i> leaves (i.e., 0.93 n/cm²). Morphologically, the highest number of MPs (4.8 n/cm²) was adhered to the hairy surface leaves (<i>n</i> = 9), followed by smooth surface leaves (3.8 n/cm²) (<i>n</i> = 10), glossy surfaces (2.7 n/cm²) (<i>n</i> = 13), and the lowest was on the leathery surface leaves, i.e., 2.6 n/cm² (<i>n</i> = 12), and were not statistically different. The spectral analysis confirmed that fibers of polyethylene terephthalate (61.25%) were the dominant polymer, followed by polyphenylene sulfide (17.67%) and aramid polymer (10.43%). An inverse relationship of MPs with the height where leaves were sampled, signifying lesser deposition above 1 m. There have been other studies within cities, and other publications have noted the influence of the tree and leaf morphology. Lower heights in the canopy are closer to ground-level emissions source or they accumulate microplastic particles that leach (wash off) from the upper canopy. Among all the plant species, <i>Morus alba</i> (<i>n</i> = 5) are most suitable species having complex venation, waxy, and hairy leaf morphology that can enhance biomonitoring and potentially mitigate airborne plastic pollution in rapidly growing cities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147687868","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":"Roadkill: An Opportunistic Strategy to Track PFAS in Venomous Snakes in a South African Urban Environment","authors":"John A. Bowden,&nbsp;Lauren Blackman,&nbsp;Qaim Mehdi,&nbsp;Hannes Botha,&nbsp;Nick Evans,&nbsp;Marc S. Humphries,&nbsp;Joe Aufmuth","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01191-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01191-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging contaminant globally, with recent attention regarding their presence in South Africa; however, to date, most studies have focused on their presence and impact on aquatic systems. Few sentinels exist capable of defining the presence and role of PFAS in urban environments. Here, we have demonstrated the use of an opportunistic sampling strategy (e.g., roadkill), as a means to obtain specimens capable of defining the potential urban burden of PFAS. Within many urban environments in South Africa, snakes have become widespread, due to the abundance of food and shelter. Employing the roadkill sampling strategy, the livers of three species of apex venomous snakes, black mamba <i>(</i>BM, <i>Dendroaspis polylepis</i>, <i>n</i> = 28), eastern green mamba (<i>Dendroaspis angusticeps</i>, <i>n</i> = 5), and Mozambique spitting cobra (<i>Naja mossambica</i>, <i>n</i> = 6), were sampled. The snakes were then monitored for 30 PFAS in and around the urban center of Durban, South Africa, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, nine PFAS were quantified across the snakes sampled, dominated by long chain species, along with the presence of an emerging class of replacement PFAS, 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA). This study reports some of the highest ∑PFAS documented in South African biota at 1084 ng/g dry weight (dw; median ∑PFAS of 511 ng/g dw for BM). While there are obvious caveats to utilizing roadkill for PFAS monitoring, these opportunistic throw-away samples could become useful for tracking the fate of PFAS in threatened or dangerous species, especially within urban environments. Further, these urban sentinels can provide data for a current research gap (terrestrial fate and transport) and offer a glimpse into potential human exposure risks in regions where urban pollution is a growing concern.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637702","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":"Flood Frequency and Duration Drive the Aquatic-Terrestrial Pesticide Transfer to Riparian Root-Zone Soil: A Mesocosm Study","authors":"Franziska Fiolka,&nbsp;Alessandro Manfrin,&nbsp;Franziska Middendorf,&nbsp;Stephane Mutel,&nbsp;Collins Ogbeide,&nbsp;María José Gormaz-Aravena,&nbsp;Miyako Molly Briggs,&nbsp;Jakob Wolfram,&nbsp;Clara Mendoza-Lera,&nbsp;Ralf Schulz","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01190-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01190-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The aquatic-terrestrial transition areas, riparian zones, recognized as biodiversity hotspots, are increasingly subjected to various stressors, including chemical contaminants such as pesticides. These compounds can be transported into the riparian zone, from surrounding agricultural fields, e.g., via surface runoff, but also from the aquatic environments, e.g. during flooding events. However, little is known about how flood frequency and duration affect this aquatic-terrestrial transfer. To investigate the flood-mediated pesticide transport, we conducted an experiment in 16 flow-through unit mesocosms, each unit containing a stream supplied with water from an agriculturally influenced river, and an adjacent riparian area. We simulated flooding events with varying duration of three, seven and fourteen days, repeated four times between May through September. We sampled river water every week and riparian root-zone soil 24 h after each flooding event and analysed organic pesticides using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry via electrospray ionization. We found that six pesticides were detected exclusively in riparian root-zone soil following four repeated flooding events. Our findings indicate that both longer flood durations and repeated flooding events tend to increase the total concentration of pesticides in the riparian root-zone soil. These results demonstrate that flooding promotes the movement of pesticides from streams into adjacent riparian areas. As flood frequency and intensity are expected to increase due to climate change, the significance of this transport pathway is likely to increase, with potential consequences for riparian biodiversity and habitat quality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00244-026-01190-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147632184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Occurrence, Particle–Water Partitioning, and Ecological Risk of Traditional and Emerging Organophosphorus Esters and Organophosphine Oxides in Urban Waters of Shanghai, China","authors":"Yan Shi,&nbsp;Yang Cheng,&nbsp;Le Guo,&nbsp;Long Chen,&nbsp;Ying Yang,&nbsp;Huajun Zhen,&nbsp;Guangli Xiu","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01187-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01187-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Organophosphorus esters (OPEs) and organophosphine oxides (OPOs) are two major classes of organophosphorus compounds that have been commonly applied as plasticizers, flame retardants and lubricants, and are frequently detected in aquatic environments. In recent years, several emerging compounds from both classes have been identified. However, their occurrence, particle–water partitioning, and ecological risks in aquatic environments remain poorly understood. Because suspended particulate matter (SPM) plays a critical role in the transport, phase distribution, and ecological exposure of hydrophobic contaminants, surface water and SPM were simultaneously collected at 27 sites along the Huangpu River and its tributaries. Fourteen OPEs and three OPOs, including the emerging compounds bis(2-ethylhexyl) phenyl phosphate (BEHPP), tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO), and ethyldiphenylphosphine oxide (EDPPO), were analyzed using solid-phase extraction and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results showed that tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP, 280.4 ± 126.5 ng/L), triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO, 209.4 ± 192.0 ng/L), and triethyl phosphate (TEP, 163.5 ± 63.8 ng/L) dominated in surface water, while tris-iso-butyl phosphate (TiBP, 203.7 ± 130.1 ng/g), TCIPP (174.3 ± 174.6 ng/g), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP, 66.2 ± 66.2 ng/g) and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP, 62.2 ± 44.7 ng/g) prevailed in SPM. Additionally, emerging substances such as BEHPP, TBPO and EDPPO were detected in all surface water samples at 0.9 ± 0.7, 39.5 ± 19.8, and 0.8 ± 0.3 ng/L, respectively. BEHPP and TBPO were also widely detected in SPM samples at 40.1 ± 22.1 and 16.1 ± 34.7 ng/g, respectively. Particle–water partitioning of OPEs and OPOs was influenced, at least partially, by their hydrophobicity. Risk assessment results indicated low ecological risks for OPEs and OPOs in surface water. In contrast, medium to high risks in SPM particularly from traditional compounds (TiBP, TBOEP, TCIPP and EHDPP) and emerging BEHPP warrant further attention.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589555","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":"Chemical Characterization of Trace Elements in PM2.5 and PM10 and Their Source Apportionment by PMF Modelling with Associated Health Risk Assessment in the Aravalli Region, India","authors":"Prity S. Pippal,&nbsp;Rajesh Kumar,&nbsp;Atar Singh,&nbsp;Paulraj Rajamani,&nbsp;Anshika Kushwaha,&nbsp;Narpat Surela,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01189-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01189-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study assessed particulate matter to quantify trace elements, and source apportionment using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model, enrichment factor (EF), and health risk assessment of toxic trace elements. The mean 24-h gravimetrically measured PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations were 66.87 µg/m³ and 121.44 µg/m³, respectively, exceeding the standard limits. The 22 trace elements detected by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) accounted for 1.12% of the total PM, raising health concerns. The percent contribution of sources by the PMF model for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ is approximately 27% and 40% crustal emissions, 30% and 29% road dust, 18% and 15% secondary aerosols, 13% and 7% vehicular emissions, 6% and 4% industries &amp; mining activities, and 6% and 5% marine sources, respectively. Although crustal emissions and road dust appeared to be significant contributors, as indicated by the combined evaluation of EF and PMF results, these factors were found to be mixtures of resuspended dust and emissions, rather than purely crustal material, due to the strong dominance of fine particles from anthropogenic activities and secondary processes. Further, the observed carcinogenic risk (CR) values were higher for elements Cr &lt; As &lt; Cd &lt; Ni &lt; Pb in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ for children and adults, respectively, than the USEPA limits of 1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10^–4. Children were more susceptible to health risks than adults, with higher hazard quotients (HQs) and CR values for PM_2.5, making it more potent than PM₁₀. This study advances current understanding by coupling size-resolved trace element chemistry with receptor-based source apportionment and quantitative health risk assessment for the understudied Aravalli foothill urban environment. This also provides a comprehensive understanding of trace elements contributing to particulate matter and the associated health risks, with crucial insights for air quality management and public health.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589581","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":"Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Marine Sediments: Distribution, Sources, and Biological Risks in the Habitat of Resident Killer Whales and their Prey in British Columbia, Canada","authors":"Joseph J. Kim,&nbsp;Peter S. Ross,&nbsp;Kelsey Delisle,&nbsp;Tanya M. Brown,&nbsp;Farida Bishay,&nbsp;Marie Noël","doi":"10.1007/s00244-026-01185-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00244-026-01185-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic contaminants, represent a threat to at-risk populations of Resident killer whales (<i>Orcinus orca</i>) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, and their primary prey, Chinook salmon (<i>Oncorhynchus tshawytscha</i>). Concentrations of 76 PAHs in subtidal surface sediments (1 to 435 m depth) from 98 sites along the coast of British Columbia (BC), Canada, were analyzed to evaluate their distribution patterns and potential sources. A subset of parent and alkylated PAHs, including the 16 priority PAHs, was evaluated to assess biological risks to Resident killer whales and Chinook salmon. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed site-specific PAH patterns in sediments, characterized by heavier parent PAHs (4–6 aromatic rings) and lighter alkylated PAHs (2–3 aromatic rings). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution and profiles were strongly influenced by octanol-water partition coefficients (Log Kow) and total organic carbon (TOC) (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), with water depth exhibiting a gradient from heavier PAHs in shallow sediments to lighter PAHs in deeper sediments (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Hotspots of pyrogenic and petrogenic sources were identified along the BC coast, with most areas being contaminated by pyrogenic inputs primarily associated with combustion of lignite and bituminous coal, and petrogenic inputs mainly associated with coal and diesel oil. Biological risk, based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), risk quotients (RQs), and toxic equivalents (TEQs), suggested varying degrees of direct and indirect impacts for Chinook salmon in nearshore Conservation Units (CUs), as well as for Resident killer whales within their Critical Habitats. Among Resident killer whale Critical Habitats, the greatest impacts were expected in the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Critical Habitat around southern Vancouver Island, from both potential direct and indirect effects, with direct impacts from alkylated PAHs requiring special consideration. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted management actions to reduce PAH emissions from both point and non-point sources in coastal environments to support conservation efforts for Chinook salmon and Resident killer whales. In particular, for Resident killer whales, such efforts should be prioritized within the SRKW Critical Habitat surrounding southern Vancouver Island.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8377,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology","volume":"90 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00244-026-01185-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147509089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}