环境•农林最新文献

Soil serves as the substrate for plant growth and forms the foundation of the terrestrial food chain, sustaining the global population. However, anthropogenic activities have increasingly exposed soil to infestations by weeds, pests, diseases, and pollutants. Despite the widespread use of traditional soil disinfection and remediation (SDR) techniques in agricultural practices, their limitations-including low efficiency, environmental contamination, and susceptibility to external factors-make them inadequate for addressing the diverse needs of SDR. The development of novel physical technologies has not only effectively mitigated the shortcomings of traditional methods, but also holds great promise for significant advancements in the field of SDR. In this review paper, a series of physical field assisted SDR (PFASDR) technologies involving electromagnetic field, electric field, and ionizing radiation are outlined. The PFASDR mechanism, processing equipment, key operating parameters, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method are systematically reviewed. Moreover, the challenges and future directions of PFASDR are also discussed to facilitate its better practical applications in agriculture and optimization of operational parameters. This review may also provide specific theoretical information and practical applications to improve the design and scaling up of PFASDR.

A network of 12 major ports operates along the lower Yangtze River, among which the Zhang Jia Gang Port was selected as a representative pilot site due to its high particulate emissions from coal terminals. An intelligent monitoring and control system was installed on January 2022 and operated continuously for one year to evaluate its performance. The system integrates laser radar, a beta-ray monitor, and five light-scattering dust monitors with Gaussian-based source inversion and automated spray control. A total of 8,682 instantaneous concentration measurements were obtained for each particulate matter component (TSP, PM₁₀, and PM₂.₅). The observed particulate ratios (PM₂.₅/TSP = 0.31, PM₁₀/TSP = 0.68, and PM₂.₅/PM₁₀ = 0.45) indicate that coarse mineral particles dominate the emissions, typical of coal and bulk cargo operations, with limited contributions from fine secondary aerosols or combustion sources. These ratios provide essential diagnostic insight for optimizing control responses: high PM₁₀/TSP values highlight the need for mechanical dust suppression, while relatively low PM₂.₅ fractions imply limited effectiveness of filters targeting fine particles. The intelligent system, by incorporating ratio-based calibration, dynamically adjusted spray timing and intensity to match real-time dust characteristics, reducing water consumption by 28.65% (from 124,830 to 89,064 tons) while maintaining effective suppression. Seasonal water savings reached 21.94%, 38.51%, 39.82%, and 14.34% in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The study demonstrates a scalable, data-driven approach that couples real-time monitoring, ratio-informed analysis, and adaptive control to enhance both environmental efficiency and resource conservation in port and industrial dust management.

Graphical Abstract

Agricultural non-point source pollution (AGNPS) currently affects 80% of global water bodies and 50% of land. Furthermore, rural rainwater runoff pollution is a common manifestation of AGNPS. Unlike domestic sewage, rural rainwater runoff typically exhibits high dissolved oxygen (DO) and low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio characteristics. It primarily presents issues of total nitrogen (TN) exceeding standards, with nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) being the primary contributor. However, most of the current research results on the use of Constructed Rapid Infiltration Systems (CRIS) to treat rainwater runoff pollution have not achieved satisfactory results in terms of NO₃-N and TN removal, with some studies focusing only on NH₃-N removal while neglecting NO₃-N. Addressing these limitations, this study employed artificially simulated rainwater runoff as influent to conduct comparative experiments to evaluate the purification efficiency of four different filter media combinations within an iron-based autotrophic denitrification CRIS. The evaluated parameters were COD, NH₃-N, NO₃-N, TN, and TP, while changes in pH were simultaneously monitored. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, biodiversity testing was conducted on the filter media in the CRIS of the four schemes. After 49 days of operation, the results demonstrated that the iron-based autotrophic denitrification CRIS equipped with filter media combination B (zeolite: laterite-sand mixture: sponge iron: activated carbon = 1:1:1:2) achieved optimal performance. Its average removal rates for COD, TN, NO₃-N, NH₃-N, and TP reached 68.51%, 74.43%, 80.97%, 92.03%, and 98.74%, respectively. The microbial community analysis also substantiates that the filter media in Scheme B possessed superior denitrification capabilities. The results of this study provide a simple and effective new technology for controlling rural rainwater runoff pollution.

This study uses a multidimensional approach to assess water pollution and soil degradation in two groundwater-dependent shallow lakes designated as Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs). Sampling was conducted within and outside the FPAs to ensure representative data collection. Nutrients, pesticides, and bacteriological indicators in water, along with soil properties, were analyzed. Nitrate concentrations in lakes, streams, and groundwater ranged from 8.0 to 107.0 mg/L in Los Padres and from 12.0 to 52.0 mg/L in La Brava watersheds, with several sites exceeding the drinking water standard of 45.0 mg/L NO₃⁻. Phosphate values reached up to 28.6 mg/L in Los Padres and 24.0 mg/L in La Brava, substantially above recommended limits. Pesticides were consistently detected, with organophosphates dominating over pyrethroids and 2,4-D; chlorpyrifos was the most frequent compound, detected in over 40% of samples, with concentrations up to 0.22 µg/L in Los Padres and 0.11 µg/L in La Brava. All lake sampling sites contained Escherichia coli, with maximum values of 294 MPN/100 mL. The Nutrient Pollution Index ranged from 1.21 to 6.61 in Los Padres and 1.13 to 5.84 in La Brava, classifying waters overall as “moderately” to “very highly” polluted, with clear links to land use intensity. Soils in agroecosystems exhibited significant declines in organic matter, nutrient content, structural stability, and porosity compared to natural soils, enhancing nutrient and pesticide fluxes into adjacent aquatic ecosystems. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutrient-load reduction and pesticide management strategies to preserve the ecological integrity of groundwater-dependent shallow lakes within protected areas.

Microplastics are emerging contaminants in agricultural systems, yet the toxic effects of polymer type, particle size, and application rate on plant growth and physiology remain poorly understood. This study examined the effects of three microplastic types (polyester, polyethylene, and nylon), across three size classes (< 0.212 μm, 0.212–1 μm, and 1–5 μm), and at three dosage levels (0.1, 1, and 10 mg L⁻¹). Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) growth inhibition, with the minimum (50.49 ± 0.56 cm) in polyethylene application at 10 mg L⁻¹ having size < 0.212 μm and the maximum plant height (71.89 ± 4.76 cm) in the control. Root fresh weight declined by 25–32% under microplastics exposure, with nylon exhibiting the least adverse effects. Antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, showed increased activities under microplastic stress, with the order of response being polyethylene > polyester > nylon. The highest enzymatic response was observed with polyethylene at 10 mg L⁻¹ and lowest size, which increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities to 121%, 125%, and 123%, respectively, compared to control (72.96 ± 6.86, 61.84 ± 4.16, and 43.20 ± 3.65 units g⁻¹ respectively). Nylon induced the lowest response of enzymetic activity. These findings demonstrate that microplastics types, sizes, and concentration critically influence maize growth and stress physiology, with polyethylene and polyester posing greater risks than nylon. The study shows that the potential threat of microplastics to agricultural productivity and highlights the need for further research into their mechanisms of action and mitigation strategies in agroecosystems.

This research investigated the stability, combustion, and emission characteristics of various biodiesel-diesel blends and further examined the same characteristics for Zinc oxide nanoparticles at a concentration of 75 mg/L suspended in Coconut biodiesel (B20) using a cationic and a non-ionic surfactant. Non-ionic surfactant-stabilized nano fuels exhibit enhanced stability compared to cationic surfactant. This difference is attributed to the stabilization mechanism where non-ionic surfactants create a physically protective barrier around the nanoparticles using bulky polymer chains, which effectively prevent them from aggregating. Combustion characteristics were improved in B20 + ZnO 75 mg/L + TWEEN 80 75 mg/L blend, determining 7.46% increase in Cylinder Pressure at 380° CA which is ATDC and enhanced Net Heat Release Rate by 9.52% at full load when compared to diesel fuel. Combustion analysis revealed that biodiesel blends with nano additives offer significant environmental benefits, particularly reducing harmful emissions like particulate matter. The non-ionic surfactant-based biodiesel blends achieved a 28.57%, 46.80%, 41.42%, 39.28%, and 21.53% reduction in CO, UHC, Smoke Opacity, Soot formation and NO_x when compared to neat diesel at full load. To predict emissions, higher-order polynomial regression models were applied. The study found that CO emissions were best described by a 4th-order polynomial (R² = 0.95). UHC followed a 2nd-order trend (R² = 0.92), while smoke opacity required a 5th-order polynomial (R² = 0.97). Soot and NOx emissions were effectively modelled using 3rd-order equations (R² = 0.96 and R² = 0.98, respectively). These models provide a better understanding of the non-linear relationship between fuel characteristics and engine performance.

Extensive karst fissures exist in areas of karst high geological background and soils formed by the development of carbonate rocks are rich in heavy metal(loid)s. However, there are insufficient studies related to soil heavy metal(loid)s in shallow fissures, and the risk is unknown. An accurate understanding of the distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in these soils and their influencing factors is essential to further reveal the transport patterns of heavy metal(loid)s in karst fissures. In this study, 15 natural shallow fissured soil profiles were selected from a high geochemical background area in southwest China. We examined the vertical distribution patterns of heavy metal(loid)s within the fissures and the factors controlling them. The results showed that the cadmium (Cd) exceedance rate was highest in shallow fissured soil profiles, exceeding the background value by 4 times, and the coefficient of variation for Cd was also the highest, averaging above 60%. Lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) followed. The Cd content was highest at a depth of 0–80 cm, at 3.07 mg/kg. The pollution index (PI) results indicate that Cd is highly polluted (PI > 3), while Pb, As, and Zn are moderately polluted (1 < PI ≤ 3). The geoaccumulation index (I_geo) results indicate that Cd is moderately polluted (1 < I_geo ≤ 2), Pb and Zn are unpolluted to moderately polluted (0 < I_geo ≤ 1), and As is unpolluted (I_geo < 0). The results showed that the Cd pollution was higher than the other 3 types. Furthermore, the pollution index increases with soil depth. The RAC method analysis results show that the potential risk of Cd in 0–20 cm (25.68%) is higher than that in 80–100 cm (19.20%). Soil moisture (SM), soil texture, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) emerged as the primary factors influencing the vertical distribution of Cd, As and Zn (p < 0.01). Clay content enhances heavy metal enrichment in soil, while sand and silt have the opposite effect. There is no strong correlation between Pb and the physical and chemical properties of soil, as Pb is mainly affected by human pollution. This indicates that the study area is not only affected by geological factors, but also by human activities that exacerbate heavy metal pollution. In conclusion, the vertical distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in shallow fissured soil profiles exhibits variability, influenced by a range of factors. These outcomes contribute to understanding the pattern of heavy metal distribution in shallow karst fissures and offer insights for managing soil heavy metal pollution in karst regions.

The main aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of Rapid Sand Filter (RSF) and Disc Filter (DF) in drinking water treatment based on filtration rate, pollutants removal, and footprint. For this, lab-scale RSF and DF were designed and fabricated with the flow rate of 500 L/h at the filtration rate of 6 m³/m²/h. The DF incorporated rotating stainless-steel discs that acts as a support framework, each was completely covered with polymeric filter cloth such as polypropylene or polyester with a pore size of 5 µm and 10 µm. Kaolin simulated water was used as feed water with the turbidity adjusted from 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 20 NTU. The study revealed that the turbidity removal of the DF was 47% higher than that of the RSF, and the TSS removal efficiency was 25% higher than RSF. However, filtration rate is comparable in both RSF (≈5 m³/m²/h) and DF (> 5 m³/m²/h). A comparative evaluation of water filtration efficiency in cloth made disc filter (CMDF) revealed that the polypropylene-based CMDF outperformed the polyester-based CMDF, and for both materials, the 5 µm pore size filter cloth exhibited higher pollutants removal efficiency than the cloth filter with 10 µm pore size. Moreover, during the filtration in DF, the rotating disc module showed a higher filtration rate than without rotating. The filtration efficiency comparison found that DF was more efficient than RSF. Moreover, the techno economic analysis revealed that the DF is more cost-effective technology than the RSF and can be retrofitted into the existing water filtration system.

The presence of emerging micropollutants (EMPs) in the environment has been creating significant risks to human health and ecosystem integrity. These contaminants including steroid hormones, industrial chemicals, detergents, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics often resist conventional water and wastewater treatment methods, necessitating the development of advanced mitigation technologies. This review critically explores EMPs alongside cutting-edge treatment strategies encompassing physicochemical, biological, nanomaterial-assisted, and omics-driven approaches, emphasizing wastewater remediation, environmental sustainability, and resource recovery in line with global sustainability goals. These advancements could support to improve water quality and promote ecosystem health. Furthermore, the reuse of micropollutant-free treated water for non-potable applications such as irrigation and industrial processes is essential to conserve freshwater resources and reduce the pollutant discharge. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach grounded in innovative technologies and scientific expertise is vital to handle the challenges posed by EMPs, thereby fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.