Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) contaminates the arable soil through multiple paths, and poses a threat to both farmland ecosystems and human health. In this study, the potential sources and distribution characteristics of 12 legacy PFASs in the soil and rivers for irrigation purposes were investigated in farmland systems, and the risks posed by PFASs to earthworm and aquatic organisms were also assessed. Based on field investigations in Yangtze River Basin, we found long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were the major contaminants in arable soil and rivers for irrigation purposes, with PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) being the most dominant monomer. Concentration levels of PFASs in arable soil were strongly related to land use types, the average concentration of PFASs (341.18 ± 600.19 ng/g) in the paddy fields was 100-fold higher than that of dry fields (3.79 ± 4.11 ng/g). Source apportionment revealed that PFASs detected in paddy fields were mainly associated with industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and irrigation water. In rivers for irrigation purposes, higher PFASs contamination were primarily distributed in industrial areas, such as plastic processing, paper, textile and electronics factories. The PFASs in the irrigation river water posed a low-medium risk to daphnia and fish, while the PFASs (PFOA and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA)) in soil posed a medium-high risk to earthworms. These results provided insights that sewage irrigation caused serious pollution of PFASs in the agricultural environment, should be paid more attention.
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are emerging flame retardants widely used in products such as furniture, electronic equipment, construction, and plastics. It has been demonstrated that OPEs are harmful to humans and aquatic organisms, thus posing a threat to ecosystems. Considering that reservoirs are critical sources of drinking water for residents in Southern China, this study quantified nine OPEs in water samples collected from 29 reservoirs and their tributaries. The temporal and spatial distributions of OPEs were analyzed and their ecological risks were assessed. The results showed an extensive presence of OPEs in reservoirs, and the median concentration of Σ9OPEs was much higher in the dry season (65.3 ng/L) than in the wet season (21.3 ng/L). Triisobutyl phosphate (TiBP) (median: 5.24 ng/L) and tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) (median: 10.8 ng/L) dominated in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Other OPEs varied considerably in concentrations over time, related to their physical and chemical properties, environmental factors (e.g., precipitation and temperature), and varied applications. Furthermore, the significant correlations of individual OPEs suggest their shared utilization, emission sources, and environmental behaviors. Spatially, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the Σ9OPEs concentrations in water samples from different sites (inlet, reservoir, outlet, and tributary) of the reservoirs. Additionally, the concentrations of OPEs in reservoir water samples could be linked to industrial development, economic conditions, and population density. OPEs in the reservoir pose low ecological risks (RQ < 0.1), except for EDHPP and TEHP, which present median ecological risks (RQ = 0.54 and 0.38, respectively). Future studies could investigate more OPEs and their joint effects with other organic pollutants, as well as survey the chemical reactions and degradation pathways of OPEs in different environmental matrices to assess their potential ecotoxicity more comprehensively.
This review critically examines the multifaceted impacts of chemical pesticides on environmental ecosystems and human health, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices. The widespread use of pesticides, such as organochlorine compounds (e.g., DDT, endrin) known for their persistence and bioaccumulation, poses significant risks to biodiversity, water quality, and food safety. By accumulating in the food chain, these substances threaten higher trophic levels and amplify the potential for adverse health outcomes, including acute poisoning, cancer, and neurological disorders. Specific examples such as glyphosate and atrazine illustrate the pervasive nature of pesticide contamination in various environments. Key findings include the association of pesticide exposure with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Parkinson's disease, and the development of antibiotic resistance in microbial communities. The review discusses potential remediation methods, including physicochemical techniques like photodegradation and advanced oxidation processes, as well as bioremediation strategies involving microbial degradation. Photodegradation rates are influenced by environmental factors such as sunlight intensity, soil properties, and organic matter content. Bioremediation using specific microbial consortia has shown promise in degrading persistent pesticides, enhancing soil recovery. Emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), enhanced regulatory frameworks, and user education, this review advocates for a strategic shift towards practices that minimize environmental harm and safeguard human health. Implementing these measures can significantly contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide reliance and promoting ecological balance.
Municipal waste management and processing facilities produce various pollutants, including phthalic acid esters (PAEs), which are released into the environment depending on waste components, process type, and time elapsed. PAEs are widely used in industries, particularly in plastics, but their mismanagement poses risks to human health and the environment. The review aims to assess the levels of PAEs in different units of waste processing and management facilities and their health effects. This systematic review collected and analyzed studies investigating the levels of selected PAEs (DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP, and DNOP) in waste processing and management facilities. The databases of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from the inception of the studies up to Oct 14, 2022. Studies were screened, duplicates removed, and relevant studies selected independently by two reviewers. Data from the final articles were extracted according to the study's objectives. A total of 26 studies were analyzed to assess the levels of PAEs, focusing on landfill leachate, soil, air, surface, and groundwater. The findings revealed that approximately 37 % of the studies were conducted in landfills, with DEHP having the highest concentration of PAEs. Moreover, all reviewed studies reported DEHP as the most prevalent PAE in leachate. Around 23 % of the studies were conducted on air and soil media, with DEHP, DBP, and DEP identified as the primary phthalates, comprising over 94 % of all the studied phthalates.
The levels of PAEs in waste management facilities were often high, posing potential health risks to workers. Therefore, reducing plastic use and subsequently reducing waste generation should be considered as the priority action. Also, preventive measures such as dust control, personal protective equipment, and using anti-leak materials and membranes in waste processing and management sites should be implemented to reduce environmental pollution and human exposure.
Microplastics (MPs) are present throughout the environment, and due to their nature, they are extremely difficult to decompose. Reportedly, microorganisms play an important role in degrading and decomposing MPs. Bacillus pasteurii can degrade various complex organic matter, including MPs, which are a class of polymeric organic compounds. This study investigated the degradation effect of B. pasteurii on polypropylene MPs (PP-MPs) in soil. B. pasteurii was extracted from gold mine tailings. Herein, three experimental groups were established—a blank control treatment group, a group with bacteria without Ca2+ added (T2 group), and a group with bacteria supplemented with Ca2+ (T3 group)—for a 30-day indoor simulation of MP degradation in MP-treated soil. The results showed that the total mass change rate of the PP-MPs in the T2 group was 20.95 %, and grooves and holes appeared on the PP-MP surfaces. The total mass change rate of the PP-MPs in the T3 group was 23.22 %, and abundant fissures and pits appeared on the PP-MP surfaces. Additionally, new dominant phyla, such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, appeared after bacterial addition. The relative abundance of several common soil genera, such as Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Flavobacterium, and Arthrobacter, and genera capable of breaking down complex compounds increased after B. pasteurii addition. The soil microbial community diversity improved, with the distribution of each species being relatively uniform. These findings indicated that the B. pasteurii strain can be used to degrade PP-MPs. Additionally, the addition of Ca2+ generated microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation, which further improved the degradation of MPs. This study provides theoretical support for studying the degradation mechanism of PP-MPs.