Environmental Geochemistry and Health最新文献

PAHs and phthalates co-exposure may contribute to insulin resistance (IR), but evidence remains limited. In this repeated-measure pilot study of 127 Chinese adults, we assessed urinary metabolites of PAHs and phthalates and five IR surrogate indicators. During each survey, first-morning urine samples were obtained for 4 consecutive days and fasting blood was drawn on the 4th day. We determined 10 urinary PAH metabolites and 10 urinary phthalate metabolites by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). Linear mixed-effects models (LMEs), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were applied to explore the individual and overall association. After multivariate adjustments, positive associations were found between summed hydroxyfluorene (∑OHFlu), mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and summed phthalates at lag 0 day with one or more of the 5 IR surrogate indices (all P-FDR < 0.05). BKMR and WQS models further revealed that co-exposure to PAHs or/and phthalates mixture was linked to increased surrogate indices of IR, and ∑OHFlu, MiBP, and MnBP were major contributors. Our finding provided novel clues for elevated IR surrogate indicators associated with PAHs and phthalates co-exposure, and highlighted the importance of further monitoring and controlling PAHs and phthalates pollution to prevent the progression of IR.

Air pollution is a major public health concern, particularly for young children who are vulnerable to its adverse effects due to their developing respiratory and immune systems. This study assesses spatial exposure risks for early childhood development centers (ECDs) in Gauteng, South Africa, by analyzing their proximity to major pollution sources. Geographic information systems were used to conduct buffer analysis, kernel density estimation (KDE) and spatial autocorrelation analysis (Global Moran's I) to identify pollution hotspots and potential clustering of ECDs located in high-risk areas. Statistically, the results showed significant spatial clustering of ECDs around pollution sources (Moran's I > 0, p < 0.05). Using secondary data, results show that Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni have the highest number of ECDs in high-risk zones, despite Tshwane having the most pollution sources. This highlights that exposure is not solely determined by the number of pollution sources but is influenced by spatial distribution and urban density. Integration of Sentinel-5P satellite NO₂ and SO₂ data further validated the pollution exposure patterns, with elevated NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations observed along dense urban and industrial corridors, aligning with KDE-identified clusters. Sedibeng showed lower pollutant levels and more unexposed ECDs, suggesting that urban planning and source dispersion may mitigate exposure risks. A risk map developed by overlaying KDE outputs of pollution sources and ECDs highlighted critical hotspots requiring urgent intervention. Overall, the results suggest that pollution exposure is influenced more by population density and spatial distribution of pollution sources than by the sheer number of pollution sources. These findings underscore the need for targeted environmental health interventions in areas with high exposure risk. Moreover, established buffer zones around pollution sources can support safer spatial planning of ECDs.

Heavy metals in lake sediments pose significant threats to both the environment and human health, necessitating urgent investigation into their source distribution and quantitative risk assessment. To systematically examine the seasonal variations, ecological impacts, and health risks of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn) in these sediments, we conducted multi-period sampling covering both non-ice-sealing period and ice-sealing period. Our analytical framework integrates a improved geo-accumulation index method, potential ecological risk assessment, and a health risk model based on Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate that heavy metal concentrations consistently exceeded local background levels, with Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn exhibiting significantly higher enrichment during the ice-sealing period. By incorporating the coefficient of variation, improved geo-accumulation index method effectively mitigated the common limitation of overestimation caused by sporadic high-pollution sites in traditional approaches, demonstrating superior assessment performance. Among the elements analyzed, As and Cr pose higher non-carcinogenic risks to children, primarily through hand-to-mouth exposure. To mitigate health hazards caused by toxic heavy metals in sediments, stringent regulations should be established to control waste discharges from both traffic and industrial activities.

The impact of antibiotic residues on human health and the environment has become a serious global concern. Scientists are developing new technologies to remove antibiotic pollutants from water, wastewater, and soil. This study presents an effective method for removing antibiotic residues from sewage using Cu-doped TiO₂ photocatalyst (Cu-TiO₂). Ciprofloxacin antibiotic residue (CFA) was selected as the model pollutant for this investigation due to its common use in the healthcare system. The result showed that Cu-TiO₂ effectively removes 94.1% and 85.7% of CFA from wastewater under solar and visible light, respectively. According to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, Cu-TiO₂ degrades CFA faster than TiO₂, with a half-life of 14.7 min, whereas TiO₂ has a half-life of over 69 min. Besides, the doped photocatalyst also presented high reusability, retaining 74.6% CFA degradation efficiency after five cycles and releasing less than 1.8% of Cu ions. Furthermore, this study investigated the effectiveness of the Cu-TiO₂ photocatalyst in mitigating health risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and evaluated its practical application.

Rock powders are increasingly considered a sustainable alternative to soluble fertilizers, particularly in highly weathered tropical soils. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the short-term chemical and mineralogical changes induced by a diabase-shale-dolostone blend applied as a soil remineralizer to a Ferralsol under controlled laboratory conditions. Specifically, the experiment assessed nutrient release, changes in soil chemical attributes, and dissolution-precipitation features on mineral surfaces. A 1-year pot experiment was conducted in Rio Claro (SP, Brazil), using four remineralizer treatments and a control, each with three replicates. The treatments combined two application rates (15 and 20 t ha^-1) with two particle-size fractions: filler (< 0.3 mm) and powder (0.3-2.0 mm). Additionally, individual fragments of diabase and dolostone (2-5 mm) were enclosed in mesh bags to monitor surface weathering. Soil and fragments were sampled twice a year, while leached water was collected monthly. The remineralizer's application positively affected the soil, raising pH, base saturation, and the available levels of SO₄^2-, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, as well as reducing Al³⁺ and Al saturation. New phases of clay minerals such as chlorite, vermiculite, and hydroxy-interlayered minerals (HIMs) were observed. The leachate evaluations showed the availability of K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺, along with the soil's permanence of Al³⁺, Si, and P. In fragments, the rapid precipitation of poor crystalline material-kaolinite-like phase (KLP)-demonstrates that rock powder reduced exchangeable acidity. The rock powder blend holds potential as a nutrient source for soil, especially secondary macronutrients, warranting future agronomic testing.

The accumulation of Cd in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to food safety and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the effectiveness of Arthrospira platensis biomass, applied individually or in combination with compost, in reducing Cd bioavailability and enhancing plant mineral nutrition. Soil was collected from a cocoa crop with a Cd concentration of 3.72 ± 0.20 mg kg⁻¹. A greenhouse trial was conducted, where A. platensis biomass was applied individually or in combination with compost at doses ranging from 2 to 4% w/w. After 90 days changes in soil physicochemical properties and Cd bioavailability were assessed through geochemical fractionation. The results demonstrated a substantial decrease in the bioavailable fraction, with reductions of 1.5-, 1.7-, 1.9-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. Concurrently, the Cd concentration associated with reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions increased significantly, indicating a shift towards more stable and less bioavailable forms. Additionally, nutrient analysis revealed enhanced N, P, and K concentrations in plant shoots, with increases ranging from 0.39- to 0.84-fold, depending on the treatment. These findings suggest that the application of A. platensis biomass, particularly in combination with compost, can mitigate Cd bioavailability while enhancing soil nutrient composition. This study presents a promising strategy for reducing heavy metal uptake in crops and improving soil health in contaminated agricultural lands.

Mining operations produce vast quantities of tailings, slags, sludges, and overburden, creating significant environmental, health, and economic risks due to their toxicity and long-term instability. This review evaluates sustainable valorization pathways for these waste materials in agriculture and construction within a circular economy framework. A quantitative meta-analysis and bibliometric assessment of 181 Scopus-indexed publications (2010-2024) identify research trends, hotspots, and reuse efficiencies. The physicochemical properties, reuse potential, and life-cycle performance of major mining by-products-including iron, copper, gold, coal, tungsten, and magnesite tailings-are critically examined. Findings highlight enhanced soil fertility, remediation benefits, and carbon sequestration in agriculture, alongside improved mechanical strength and durability in geopolymers, concrete, and bricks. Despite these advantages, challenges persist regarding scalability, hazardous element stabilization, regulatory gaps, and social acceptance. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Net Present Value (NPV) analyses reveal both sustainability gains and trade-offs. The review outlines strategies for transforming mining waste into valuable resources aligned with low-carbon and SDG-driven development.

This study aimed to decipher the magnetic response mechanisms and identify multi-source contributions to black carbon (BC) pollution in street dust from the industrial city of Xuzhou. Street dust samples collected from the city's main roads were systematically analyzed to determine the spatial distribution characteristics and correlations between BC content and magnetic parameters (χ, SIRM, χ_ARM, χ_fd). The results showed that BC concentrations in street dust ranged from 3.6 to 27.7 g kg⁻¹, with an average of 14.5 g kg⁻¹, indicating widespread pollution. Particle size distribution analysis revealed that BC was predominantly enriched in the 50-154 µm fraction, which accounted for 66.5% of the total BC mass. BC and the magnetic parameters (χ, SIRM, χ_ARM) exhibited similar spatial distribution patterns, closely aligned with heavy traffic and industrial zones. Significant positive correlations were found between BC and χ, SIRM, and χ_ARM (r = 0.45-0.55), with the strongest correlation observed with χ_ARM. Source analysis indicated that BC primarily originated from traffic emissions and industrial activities. This study confirms that environmental magnetic parameters can serve as effective proxies for BC pollution in street dust, offering a reliable technique for rapid screening and source apportionment of urban BC contamination.

Acrylonitrile and acrolein are prevalent toxic pollutants in industrial wastewater. These compounds pose significant environmental and health risks due to their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and potential to bioaccumulate. Effective monitoring is crucial due to their high toxicity (e.g., acrylonitrile's LD₅₀ of 78 mg/kg in rats) and potential for bioaccumulation, yet current detection methods face sensitivity and interference challenges. This review focuses on environmental toxicology from acrylonitrile and acrolein, and integrats advanced detection techniques to mitigate risks by enabling monitoring. We evaluated spectroscopic, chromatographic, and sensor-based methods, assessing their detection limits (as low as 0.13 and 1.02 μg/mL) and applicability in aquatic environments. The review synthesizes key findings on acrylonitrile and acrolein, including their sources, impacts, and detection performance, based on evaluated studies. Acrylonitrile and acrolein exhibits both acute toxicological effects and chronic risks, and show high toxicity to aquatic organisms. GC-MS offers high sensitivity and selectivity, while emerging sensors show promise for real-time monitoring but require further development to address interference and sensitivity issues. Acrylonitrile and acrolein pose significant environmental and health risks due to their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and potential for bioaccumulation. Effective monitoring is critical for mitigating impacts on ecosystems and human health, especially in industrial wastewater contexts. Current detection methods have trade-offs, and integrated approaches, combining chromatography for precision and sensors for real-time application, are recommended for comprehensive environmental surveillance. Future research should focus on optimizing sensor technologies to enhance sensitivity and field applicability, supporting regulatory compliance and public health protection.

To evaluate the connection between magnetic properties and heavy metals, 100 surface soil samples were collected from Nanchang City, the capital of Jiangxi Province, China, were analyzed in this study, including determination of magnetic parameters, heavy metal contents, SEM/EDS, and XRD. The results indicate that magnetite is the main mineral determining the magnetic properties, with additional contributions from incompletely antiferromagnetic minerals such as hematite. The relationships between χ and χ_fd% and the results of SEM/EDS indicate that anthropogenic inputs are crucial sources of magnetic particles in these samples. Three areas in Nanchang City characterized by relatively severe heavy metal pollution were identified, located in Honggutan District, Xihu District, and Qingshanhu District, respectively. The main pollutants vary among these three areas, primarily due to variations in human activity patterns. Magnetic concentration-related parameters, such as χ and SIRM, show strong correlations with the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the concentrations of Cd, Sb, Pb, and Zn, indicating a close association between magnetic minerals and heavy metals. Furthermore, soil samples collected from areas with higher heavy metal pollution levels exhibit higher values of χ, SIRM, and S_-ratio, and lower values of χ_ARM/SIRM, χ_ARM/χ, and χ_fd%. The results of correlation analysis, combined with systematic differences in magnetic properties across different land-use types, confirm that the magnetic characteristics of surface soils in Nanchang City are highly sensitive to anthropogenic impacts. Magnetic techniques thus hold potential as a practical method for tracing heavy metal contamination in Nanchang City.