Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management最新文献

Polymers and plastics are widely used to support a range of growing market segments and applications (e.g.,, packaging, construction, agricultural films) due to functional properties (e.g.,, durability, versatility) and cost effectiveness. With continued growing use of polymers and plastics, there is increased interest in health and environmental assessments of these materials, including chemicals associated with their production and use. Additives and polymer-associated chemistries (APAC), as individual chemicals, are subject to regulation by chemical assessment frameworks (e.g.,, U.S. TSCA, EU REACH). Finished products and articles are subject to other regulations (e.g.,, U.S. FDA Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act). Assessing risk (ie, hazard x exposure) and making risk-based decisions requires analysis of a complex, dynamic dataset. There is a need for practical screening and prioritization methods to address the large numbers and complexity of APAC. Therefore, a data synthesis framework supporting risk-based screening and prioritization of APAC is proposed to demonstrate where and how to gather, organize, and process data for downstream human health and environmental risk assessment of APAC (ie in articles). A case study was performed using the 13,186 APAC identified in the UNEP Chemicals in Plastics report to evaluate the utility of this data synthesis framework and evaluate how many APAC have sufficient publicly available data to perform downstream risk assessment. Based on application of this framework, it was determined that at a minimum Tier 1 + data are readily accessible to support risk-based screening and prioritization of most of the UNEP database APAC for human health (8,819 or 66.9%) and environmental (9,068 or 68.8%) risk assessment.

The pollution of urban soils in tropical megacities with legacy radionuclides poses a significant environmental challenge, yet risk assessment is often hampered by a reliance on models from temperate climates. This study addresses this gap by presenting the first longitudinal (2022-2024) investigation into the dynamics of soil-to-plant transfer for both natural radionuclides (2³8U, 2³2Th, 40K), which define the geological baseline, and the primary anthropogenic contaminant, 1³7Cs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Analysis of four ecologically significant plant species indicates that radionuclide bioavailability is not static. Instead, it exhibits significant fluctuations correlated with seasonal climatic shifts, a dynamic that challenges equilibrium-based assumptions and underscores the need for process-based risk assessment models. The results inform a "right plant, right place" management strategy for urban soil pollution. Araucaria columnaris was identified as an effective phytoextractor for 1³7Cs (TF up to 0.697), while Pinus kesiya was confirmed as a low-uptake species suitable for safe urban greening. Furthermore, risk assessment of the edible Moringa oleifera confirmed a negligible public health risk from its consumption (<3% of the public dose limit) and established its potential as a valuable sentinel species for long-term environmental monitoring. This research provides a foundational dataset on soil pollution in Southeast Asia and a transferable methodology for mitigating radiological risks in urban ecosystems.

Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern with direct and indirect environmental health impacts. Africa hosts some of the most heavily polluted water bodies, exacerbated by limited management resources and research capacities. To evaluate the state-of-the-art in African freshwater microplastics approaches, we review studies that assessed pollution in freshwater organisms and appraise the field sampling and laboratory techniques used. Thirty-seven studies were included that analysed the status of microplastic concentration, ingestion, and abundance in African freshwater organisms. Of these, 11 studies conducted experimental work in laboratory settings, whereas the remainder were field-based. Studies were biased taxonomically and geographically, with 24 on fish, 10 on macroinvertebrates, and one each on birds and amphibians, and with studies predominantly in a few countries, mainly South Africa. Most of the studies were thus conducted in southern Africa, followed by east Africa, finding fibres to be the most dominant microplastic type, followed by fragments. Laboratory studies predominantly used pellets, polystyrene microbeads, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon 66, and polyethylene terephthalate to determine their impact on organisms such as Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia sparrmanii, Daphnia magna, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Tetrahymena thermophila. Microplastic extraction and separation from fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates are mostly done using potassium hydroxide (KOH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Furthermore, instrumental analytical techniques for microplastics included the use of microscopes and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) or attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for polymer verification. Although Africa ranks highly in unmanaged plastic waste, studies on the prevalence of freshwater microplastics and their interactions with freshwater organisms in natural ecosystems remain scarce. Therefore, it is recommended that more studies are conducted to address the substantial gap, given the importance of freshwater biota in biomonitoring, especially in countries with a complete absence of studies on freshwater microplastic pollution.

Plastics have revolutionised modern life thanks to their versatility, durability, and low production costs. However, their persistence in the environment has become one of the most pressing global challenges. This review looks closely at the full life cycle of plastics from polymerisation and processing to manufacturing and use across different industries. It also critically examines the environmental impacts of plastic waste. Special attention is given to the two main categories of plastics, thermoplastics and thermosets and the unique challenges they pose for waste management and recycling. We discuss common processing methods like injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, and additional operations, with a focus on how they influence material recovery and sustainability efforts. The review also explores various strategies to reduce plastic pollution, including cutting plastic use at the source, promoting reusable alternatives, advancing mechanical and chemical recycling, and developing new biodegradable polymers. Furthermore, it highlights the role of strong policy actions, increased public awareness, and AI-driven recycling systems in moving towards a circular plastic economy. By combining innovation in materials science with environmental responsibility and socio-economic strategies, this review identifies key pathways for sustainable plastic management and stresses the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the global plastic crisis.

Sustainable nutrient management remains a critical challenge for agri-food systems worldwide, particularly in resource-constrained island regions. Excessive nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses, driven by reliance on imported fertilizers, feed, and inefficient waste management, contribute to eutrophication, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation. These environmental burdens undermine the resilience and sustainability of food systems. This study employed material flow analysis (MFA) to evaluate nutrient flows and losses in Taiwan, a densely populated island that is highly dependent on external nutrient inputs. Results indicate annual inflows of 358.6 kt N and 118.3 kt P, of which 84% of N and 48% of P are lost, primarily through domestic and industrial wastewater discharge and manure mismanagement. Scenario-based assessments demonstrate that enhanced biowaste recycling, including livestock manure, food waste, and wastewater, could reduce fertilizer imports and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by up to 98,299 t CO2 eq annually. While some progress has been made in municipal wastewater valorization, broader implementation of nutrient recovery strategies remains limited. The findings underscore the need for integrated policy frameworks and cross-sectoral collaboration to enhance nutrient circularity, reduce environmental pressures, and support cleaner food production in island settings. This study provides a comprehensive systems-level assessment of nutrient use inefficiencies and recovery opportunities, offering actionable insights for decision-makers and environmental planners. The approach and findings are relevant for developing science-based policies to improve sustainability in vulnerable agri-food systems globally.

A comprehensive analysis of the bioaccumulation of three cyclic (namely, D4, D5, and D6) and five linear (namely, L2, L3, L4, L5, and L6) volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) in biota was conducted by reviewing 50 published articles and laboratory reports on aquatic (82%) and terrestrial species (18%). A total of 178 bioaccumulation values were evaluated employing a quantitative weight-of-evidence (qWoE) approach provided by the Bioaccumulation Assessment Tool. Considerable variability of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values was observed for VMS in aquatic organisms, which ranged from below to above their respective regulatory threshold values. The frequency of evidence for non-bioaccumulation (ie, BCF or BAF <2000) was ≥50% for D6, L2, L5, and L6. Conversely, laboratory biomagnification factor (BMF) values were generally (≥71%) less than 1, indicating low bioaccumulation potential through dietary uptake. Field BMFs displayed more variability but still suggested a low bioaccumulation potential. Despite the majority (≥65%) of trophic magnification factors (TMFs) in aquatic food webs being below 1, the broad range of TMF values for all VMS examined indicates potential uncertainties introduced by environmental factors in the target environments (e.g., chemical exposure gradient) and sampling bias. Overall, lines of evidence (≥71%) suggest that cyclic and linear VMS generally do not bioaccumulate in aquatic species, with dietary uptake being the primary pathway. For terrestrial species, primarily rats, predicted and field BMFs were less than 1 at 37 °C, primarily via respiratory elimination. Field TMFs for terrestrial food webs, including invertebrates and various bird species with body temperatures of 18 and 40 °C, respectively, were sourced from a single study, where D4 demonstrated trophic dilution, while D5 and D6 generally did not biomagnify in this terrestrial food web.

Concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of ship-generated scrubber effluent discharged to the marine environment and the growing number of ecotoxicological experiments have motivated a systematic review of the available whole effluent toxicity (WET) studies where marine organisms have been exposed to scrubber effluent. All available WET studies on scrubber effluent exposure were assessed with respect to reliability and relevance, and the respective toxicity metrics (including effect concentrations and no/lowest observed effect concentration) were compiled to determine hazardous concentrations by applying a probabilistic approach. The ecotoxicological impact was assessed by relating the subsequent hazard concentrations, derived from species sensitivity distribution curves as the potentially affected fraction of species, to estimated environmental concentrations. Environmental concentrations were estimated from previous studies that have modelled scrubber effluent dilution or conducted in situ measurement of dilution of ship-generated waste. The hazardous concentration for 5% of the species was determined at 0.0003%, corresponding to environmentally realistic concentrations. Despite the wide range of confidence limits, the results indicate that the discharge of scrubber effluents, particularly from open loop systems, poses a significant environmental hazard. These findings provide a scientific basis for future risk and impact assessments of scrubber effluents, contributing to the ongoing policy discussion regarding the need to restrict scrubber water discharges.

The advancement of low-carbon energy hinges on access to energy transition minerals, driving the development of new mining projects. This review assesses the potential ecological risks of mining discharges in estuaries, with the Guadalquivir Estuary as focal study system. We considered physical, chemical, hydrodynamic, and biological characteristics. Substantial portion of discharged metals would be absorbed by particulate matter and deposited in bottom sediments. The inner estuary, a low-salinity, hypoxic, and sediment-trapping environment, is particularly vulnerable. Its confinement by a dam, coupled with reduced freshwater flow due to climate change and water overuse, exacerbates the retention of pollutants. Furthermore, a recent mining discharge from Las Cruces Mine carried out since 2009 have already compromised the estuary's sediments with high loads of ecotoxic metals. Moreover, two new authorized mining discharges could further contaminate the inner estuary and the downstream Fishing Reserve, where increased salinity may mobilize metals. Riparian forests and Spartina grasslands remain particularly vulnerable to metal pollution. Our analysis highlights the limitations of current environmental assessments, which often oversimplify the complex dynamics of the Guadalquivir Estuary. To adhere to the precautionary principle, we recommend a moratorium on new mining discharges. This aligns with the Non-Deterioration Principle of the Water Framework Directive, emphasizing the need to prevent further degradation of aquatic environments. We propose future research lines to investigate the dynamics of metal pollution and its environmental impacts. Our analysis shows the complexity of estuarine ecosystems and points to the importance of assessing metal metabolism in relation, especially, to sediments and biota in the current context of increasing mining activity.

The European Green Deal, popular for its "2050 climate neutrality" target, also postulates the "zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment", supported through the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). The CSS mentions Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD), calling for the integration of safety and sustainability into innovation. Developing the SSbD framework further is a key action enabling both CSS objectives and the broader Green Deal ambitions. Yet, SSbD's complexity and data demands are seen by many companies as burdensome, while the benefits of SSbD adoption remain unclear. Therefore, this study examines SSbD's role in "regulatory readiness", ie, proactive development of novel chemicals, materials, and products for compliance before market entry and for adaptability to future regulations. By analyzing 15 EU policies (prioritized through industry feedback) against 15 SSbD components, this study finds a 64% overlap, ie, many mandates for SSbD components are observed within the analyzed legislation. The findings of this study inform recommendations for industry and policymakers to foster industrial competitiveness in the EU. Companies are recommended to leverage SSbD for early regulatory readiness, internalize SSbD's "fail early and fail cheap" philosophy, and invest in SSbD capacity building. Policymakers are recommended to incentivize corporate SSbD adoption, explicitly integrate SSbD into future legislation, and invest in research to address critical gaps in safety and sustainability sciences to strengthen SSbD further.