Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management最新文献

On 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom formally exited the European Union (EU; Brexit) and ceased to be subject to EU chemical regulation requirements. Before Brexit, UK chemical policy was regulated largely by the EU. With its large internal market, sophisticated regulatory capability, and stringent regulatory framework, the EU has become the world's leading regulatory state, regularly influencing global industrial decisions and practices. At the time of writing, there has been limited academic analysis of the implications of Brexit for UK chemical regulation. More than two years post-Brexit, we have the opportunity to assess UK chemical regulation and revisit early expectations about regulatory divergence. This article takes the EU's Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as a case study to analyze patterns of post-Brexit regulatory divergence, thereby providing one of the first analyses of the implications of Brexit on UK chemical regulation. Through the analysis and review of key documents and reports (n = 99), this article assesses the extent to which UK and EU regulatory (REACH) regimes are beginning to diverge and discusses the potential implications of any divergence for the United Kingdom. We find that the UK and EU chemical regulatory regimes are now evolving independently and provide clear, empirical evidence of an emerging divergence in regulatory decisions, ambitions, and approaches. The evidence suggests that the United Kingdom is currently unable to keep pace with EU developments, lacking the capacity, expertise, and capability of its EU counterparts, raising the prospect of further divergence in the future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1529–1538. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Blooms of Alexandrium catenella threaten to disrupt subsistence, recreational, and commercial shellfish harvest in Alaska, as the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced pose a serious public health risk and can lead to costly shutdowns for shellfish farmers. Current methods of PST detection in the region range from monitoring programs utilizing net tows to detect A. catenella to direct shellfish tissue testing via mouse bioassay (MBA) for commercial aquaculture harvest, as well as various optional testing methods for subsistence and recreational harvesters. The efficacy and feasibility of these methods vary, and they have not been directly compared in Southeast Alaska. In this study, we sought to assess and compare A. catenella and PST early detection methods to determine which can provide the most effective and accurate warning of A. catenella blooms or PST events. We found microscope counts to be variable and prone to missing lower numbers of A. catenella, which may be indicative of bloom formation. However, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) significantly correlated with microscope counts and was able to effectively detect even low numbers of A. catenella on all sampling days. Paralytic shellfish toxin concentrations measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and MBA significantly correlated with each other, qPCR, and some microscope counts. These results show that qPCR is an effective tool for both monitoring A. catenella and serving as a proxy for PSTs. Further work is needed to refine qPCR protocols in this system to provide bloom warnings on an actionable timescale for the aquaculture industry and other shellfish harvesters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2189–2202. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Ecological risk assessments for potential pesticide impacts on species listed as threatened or endangered must ensure that decisions to grant registration or establish water quality standards will not jeopardize species or their critical habitats. Pesticides are designed to affect pest species via physiological pathways that may be shared by some nontarget species for which toxicity data are usually unavailable, creating a need for robust methods to estimate acute and chronic toxicity with minimal data. We used a unique probabilistic approach to estimate the risk of chronic effects of two organophosphate (OP) pesticides on the vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi. Acute toxicity estimates were derived from Monte Carlo (MC) sampling of acute toxicity distributions developed from interspecies relationships using surrogate species. Within each MC draw, acute values were divided by an acute to chronic ratio (ACR) sampled from a distribution of ACRs for OP pesticides and invertebrates, producing a distribution of chronic effects concentrations. The estimated exposure concentrations (EECs) were sampled from distributions representing different environmental conditions. Risk was characterized using probability distributions of acute toxicity, ACRs, and EECs in a probabilistic analysis, as well as partial probabilistic variations that used only some distributions whereas some variables were used deterministically. A deterministic risk quotient (RQ) was compared with the results of probabilistic methods to compare the approaches. Risk varied across exposure scenarios and the number of variables that were handled probabilistically, increasing as the number of variables drawn from distributions increased. The magnitude of RQs was not correlated with the probability that EECs would exceed chronic thresholds, and comparison of the two approaches demonstrates the limited interpretability of RQs. Our novel probabilistic approach to estimating chronic risk with minimal data incorporates uncertainty underlying both exposure and effects assessments for listed species. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1654–1666. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The European Union and Member States national laws require competent authorities to promptly and effectively address environmental incidents, noncompliances, and criminal offenses, necessitating thorough planning of investigation and assessment activities. To enhance environmental damage assessments in line with the European Environmental Liability Directive (ELD, 2004/35/EC), the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL Network) has introduced the Criteria for the Assessment of the Environmental Damage (CAED) framework. This framework, outlined in a Practical Guide, offers a methodological approach to environmental damage assessment (EDA) focusing on three key objectives: case screening, identification of “clues” of damage, and determination of “evidence” of damage. Given the critical importance of structured data collection and evaluation, the CAED project has adopted a Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) model adapted to environmental damage and developed the Practical Tables. These tables serve as a comprehensive tool for systematically identifying investigative priorities and collecting standardized data and information using a predefined list of qualitative or quantitative indicators. This article provides an overview of the Practical Guide and Practical Tables, collectively referred to as the CAED Toolkit, aiming to establish a common framework for environmental damage assessments among various competent authorities and stakeholders across Europe. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2050–2059. © 2024 SETAC

The main sources of lead exposure for children occur in the home environment, yet no low-cost analytical methods exist to screen homes for lead hazards. Previously, an inexpensive (~$20), quantitative lead screening kit was developed in which residents collect soil, paint, and dust samples that are returned to a laboratory for lead analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This screening kit was initially validated in 2020; it was determined that in situ and ex situ XRF lead measurements on the same samples exhibited strong sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. As a follow-up to the initial validation, an implementation study and further statistical analyses were conducted. Correlation analysis using the results from nearly 400 screening kits identified an overall lack of correlation between sample types, reinforcing the utility of all eight sample locations. Principal component analysis searched for underlying correlations in sample types and provided evidence that both interior and exterior paint are major sources of lead hazards for Indiana homes. The implementation study compared the results of the government-standard lead inspection and risk assessment (LIRA) and the lead screening kit in 107 Indiana homes. In the United States, the LIRA is a thorough inspection of paint, dust, and soil that is usually state mandated in response to a child's elevated blood level and is used to identify where remediation efforts should be focused. The lead screening kit and LIRA agreed on the presence of lead in 79 of the 107 homes tested (74%). Discrepancies in agreement are likely the result of differences in the sample location and number of samples collected by each method. Overall, these results suggest that the lead screening kit is an acceptable resource that could be used to expand the services health departments provide for lead prevention. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1504–1513. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Our recent paper in Environmental Science & Technology, "Conflicts of interest in the assessment of chemicals, waste, and pollution" (Schäffer et al., 2023), has received considerable attention. That's good. Wise management of chemicals and waste is a topic that needs serious and thoughtful debate.

Feedback from readers of our paper suggests that the term conflict-of-interest (COI) comes with negative connotations. This is unfortunate. It's apparently a common impression that the mere existence of a COI indicates wrongdoing. It doesn't. As expert advisors, our primary interest should be to serve the interests of the organization that we are advising. What a COI does indicate is that it is inappropriate to participate in certain decisions because we have a competing interest that risks influencing our ability to provide advice that aligns with the interests of the organization we are to advise (Moore et al., 2005). Conflict-of-Interest policies help us stay on course because we commonly underestimate when our interests unduly impact our judgment, overestimate our ability to be neutral, and tend to ignore all the gray zones that are challenging to navigate (Chugh et al., 2005). This is why COI policies need to be carefully carved out and regularly reviewed—in light of the organization's mission and values. If COIs are improperly defined or managed, there is a serious risk that the reputation of the people involved and the organization will be called into question. Rigorous COI policies are necessary to protect not only the decisions to be made but also the integrity of the organization. They are essential when it comes to policies that impact the health and well-being of many people. This is why it is crucial that a rigorous COI policy is developed for the proposed Intergovernmental Science−Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention (SPP) (UN Environment Programme, 2024), as discussed in our previous paper (Schäffer et al., 2023).

A common response to COI debates is “… but everyone has interests.” This is, however, a red herring. Everyone, indeed, has interests. Interests and values are innate to every person (Douglas, 2021; Elliott, 2017). We need to be clear over our values and engage in discussions about whether or not our values and research align with societal goals. Notably, an interest does not automatically lead to a COI, and it is crucial to recognize what's what (Bero & Grundy, 2016). Craving a reputation, for example, doesn't automatically lead to a COI: It only does so if the reputation that one craves stands in conflict with the interest of the organization that one is to advise. The goal of the SPP is to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (UN Environment Programme, 2024). A common argument is that r

Use of effective environmental remediation facilities represents a crucial strategy for water reclamation and addressing the challenges of water scarcity. The objective of this study was to assess the wastewater treatment system (WWTS) in Zabol Industrial Town using the life cycle assessment method. Primary data, collected annually for a functional unit of 1 m³ of wastewater treatment, were subjected to analysis using the ReCiPe, Cumulative Energy Demand, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methods. Human carcinogenic toxicity (50%), freshwater ecotoxicity (13%), and marine ecotoxicity (10%) were the primary environmental impacts due to the WWTS performance. The discharge of heavy metals during sludge generation, coupled with the consumption of natural gas and oil, especially for electricity production, were pivotal factors contributing to the environmental burdens observed. Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand (COD) (56.34%), electricity consumption (>15.47%), and total phosphorous (>4.49%) significantly threatened human health and ecosystem categories, while fossil fuel consumption had the greatest impact on resources. Nonrenewable fossil fuels, namely, natural gas (47.2%) and oil (38.27%), played a predominant role in the energy provision of the system. The IPCC analysis depicted the emissions of CO₂ (86.77%) and CH₄ (12.16%) stemming from the process of electricity generation. Based on the outcomes of the sensitivity analysis, implementing a 10% increase in COD yielded an increment in all impacts within the range of 1.40% to 6.83%. Given Iran's geographic location and the unique climatic conditions in Zabul, use of solar and wind energy to energize the WWTS can substantially alleviate its environmental burdens. This study presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating the environmental impact, energy consumption, and carbon footprint of a WWTS. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1747–1758. © 2024 SETAC

For plant protection products applied as seed treatments, the risk to birds and mammals possibly feeding on such treated seeds needs to be addressed in the EU, in order to register these products for commercial use. For this purpose, the European Food Safety Food Authority (EFSA) has provided guidance on how to execute such a risk assessment. The risk assessment follows a tiered approach. In the Tier 1 risk assessment of the EFSA guidance (2023), it is assumed that birds or mammals have ad libitum access to treated seeds and exclusively feed on treated seeds. Due to this conservative assumption, the Tier I risk assessment typically indicates an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals and higher-tier refinements are required. One option for refinement is to use data on the availability of treated seeds on the soil surface directly after drilling. Published data on seed counts are, however, limited to a few countries and crops, and often these data are not contemporary, that is, do not reflect advances in sowing technology and current agronomic practice. To address this data gap, we provide recently generated data from industry field trials (the studies were conducted from 2000 to 2022, >70% between 2019 and 2022), covering 270 fields from seven countries (Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, UK) for spring and winter cereals, winter oilseed rape, and sunflower. This comprehensive data set realistically reflects modern agronomic practice and is thus suitable for consideration in a regulatory context for refining the risk assessment for birds and mammals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1706–1714. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Climate change requires major mitigation efforts, mainly emission reduction. Carbon sequestration and avoided deforestation are complementary mitigation strategies that can promote nature conservation and local development but may also have undesirable impacts. We reviewed 246 articles citing impacts, risks, or concerns from carbon projects, and 78 others related to this topic. Most of the impacts cited focus on biodiversity, especially in afforestation projects, and on social effects related to avoided deforestation projects. Concerns were raised about project effectiveness, the permanence of carbon stored, and leakage. Recommendations include accounting for uncertainty, assessing both mitigation and contribution to climate change, defining permanence, creating contingency plans, promoting local projects, proposing alternative livelihoods, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits, combining timber production and carbon sequestration, ensuring sustainable development and minimizing leakage. A holistic approach that combines carbon sequestration, nature conservation, and poverty alleviation must be applied. The potential occurrence of negative impacts does not invalidate carbon projects but makes it advisable to conduct proper environmental impact assessments, considering direct and indirect impacts, minimizing the negative effects while maximizing the positive ones, and weighing the trade-offs between them to guide decision-making. Public participation and transparency are essential. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1812–1838. © 2024 SETAC

Numerous impacts of climate change have been verified and discussed in recent decades (Agache et al., 2022). However, accidents involving encounters with different species of venomous animals remain a problem, with many gaps in knowledge. The majority of studies on venomous animals include data on snakebites, but other animals, including scorpions, bees, spiders, caterpillars, and marine animals (Chippaux, 2015), constitute a significant portion of the records worldwide. As this is a serious public health issue, the official reporting of cases is mandatory in many countries, including 17 nations in the American continent (Fernández & Youssef, 2023). This is a significant step for the prevention and implementation of mitigation measures for these accidents, given their importance for public health management.

Estimates indicate that annually, there are 1.8–2.7 million cases of snakebite envenomation in humans, resulting in a tragic toll of 81 000–138 000 deaths, and leaving 400 000 individuals with permanent physical and psychological sequelae (Gutiérrez et al., 2017). Like data are difficult to track because of problems with proper recording and dissemination to national health systems, especially in poor regions, and, most importantly, because most updated scientific research focuses on snakebites (Gutiérrez et al., 2017).

Just as with snakes, scorpion sting envenomation emerges as a serious health problem in certain regions of the world, resulting in 1.2 million annual occurrences and over 3000 deaths (Chippaux & Goyffon, 2008). Cases of envenomation from spider bites, as well as from other arthropods and marine organisms, equally represent a significant concern in the medical field (Martinez et al., 2022). These accidents typically occur in areas with lower socioeconomic status, precarious housing, rural communities, areas with limited access to healthcare services, and a scarcity of medical resources (Gutiérrez et al., 2017).

The regulation of body temperature in many terrestrial venomous species is influenced by environmental factors, as they are ectothermic, meaning that their body temperature is directly linked to environmental conditions (Nori et al., 2014). This temperature control is predominantly behavioral rather than metabolic, unlike endothermic animals. Therefore, it is widely accepted that variations in temperature and humidity have significant impacts on the behavior, reproduction, brumation, feeding, and activity of these animals (Chippaux, 2017; Williams et al., 2015).

Climate change has significant impacts on venomous animals such as snakes, scorpions, and spiders. For snakes, climate can affect both the increase and decrease of their populations (Yañez-Arenas et al., 2016). Additionally, human population growth and economic development ar