Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A-toxic\/hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering最新文献

PFBS (perfluorobutanesulfonic acid) are surfactants in several household products, including drinking water. Exposure to drinking water contaminated with Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs) has been associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia, and/or insulin resistance. The immune system is particularly vulnerable to toxicant exposures, with certain environmental chemicals, such as PFAS, potentially causing immunotoxicity. This study aims to assess PFBS exposure and inflammatory-related effects in the pancreas. Three groups of male Sprague Dawley rats ingested 0 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm of PFBS-diet for ten weeks to achieve study goals. Histopathological analysis showed no significant changes in treated rat pancreases; however, increased weight gain was observed, indicating possible adipogenic effects of PFBS. Treated rats exhibited lower serum glucose levels and higher insulin concentrations, suggesting improved glucose regulation and increased insulin production due to PFBS exposure. PFBS-exposed rats demonstrated reduced serum lipase activity, a marker of pancreatic function. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulated insulin-related genes (Ins1 and Ins2), inflammatory genes (IL6 and TNFα), and pancreatitis-associated genes (CTRC and SPINK1) in treated groups. This study suggests that PFBS exposure could influence glucose regulation, insulin production, and pancreatic inflammation. Further research is essential to decipher the precise mechanisms and clinical implications of PFBS exposure.

With the rapid development of agriculture and industrialization, nitrate (NO₃^-) contamination has become an increasingly severe global environmental issue. In this study, a nitrogen-doped porous carbon material (Cf-U1Z1-450) was synthesized using coffee grounds as the carbon precursor, with quaternary nitrogen (N-Q) species successfully incorporated via urea-assisted doping. Structural characterization confirmed the effective introduction of N-Q groups, which significantly enhanced the material's adsorption performance. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that Cf-U1Z1-450 exhibited a maximum nitrate adsorption capacity of 0.62 mmol/g under acidic conditions (pH 3). Even under neutral to alkaline conditions (pH 7-11), it still showed considerable uptake, suggesting that N-Q groups remained active at higher pH. Furthermore, fixed-bed column adsorption experiments demonstrated regeneration ability and adsorption stability, with the saturated adsorption capacity remaining nearly unchanged after five adsorption-desorption cycles. These results indicate the crucial role of N-Q functional groups in improving nitrate removal and biomass-derived carbon materials modified with N-Q hold potential for application in nitrate-contaminated water treatment.

China's gold mining enterprises produce a large amount of cyanide slag containing copper ions and cyanide every year, which causes serious environmental pollution if deposited directly. Aiming at hazardous waste cyanide slag, a new process of "cyanide slag washing, copper ions precipitation in washing solution and gaseous membrane recovery of CN^-" was developed by combining theoretical analysis with experimental research, which realized the comprehensive utilization of copper ions and cyanide in the slag. Firstly, the washing test of cyanide waste slag was carried out. The results showed that when the pH of washing water was 3.0 and the water amount was 0.8 m³/t, the total cyanide concentration in the leaching toxicity of cyanide residue was less than the limit value of 5 mg·L^-1 stipulated by the national standard. Secondly, the thermodynamics and chemical analysis results show that Cu²⁺/Cu(CN)_n^(n-1)- in the washing solution can be removed by CuCN and CuS precipitation, and cyanide is converted into HCN and absorbed by NaOH solution to form NaCN. Further experimental studies showed that the precipitation rate of Cu²⁺/Cu(CN)_n^(n-1)- reached 98.99% under the condition of pH 3.5 and NaHS dosage of 200 mg·L^-1. The total cyanide removal rate was 99.02% when the flow rate of washing solution was 0.4 m³/h and the two-stage membrane was used. The feasibility and stability of the new method were verified by the cycle test, which can not only solve the problem of toxic and harmful substances leakage in the tailings dam but also maximize the utilization of mineral resources.

This study corroborated the viability of heterogeneous Fenton and heterogeneous photo-Fenton process for the degradation of atrazine from aqueous solution. Nano-scale iron manganese binary oxide supported zeolite (NIMZ) was synthesized and was used as a catalyst to degrade atrazine. The influence of numerous factors like pH, H₂O₂ dosage, and catalyst dosage on atrazine degradation was investigated. Under the operating parameters of pH 3, 0.02 M H₂O₂, and 200 mg/L catalyst, the heterogeneous Fenton system reached its highest atrazine degradation efficiency of 58.15%. Nonetheless, the atrazine elimination achieved through the heterogeneous Fenton method was relatively modest. Thus, to enhance the atrazine degradation efficiency, heterogeneous photo-Fenton method was employed to treat atrazine concentration of 50 µg/L. The experimentally determined optimal pH, H₂O₂ dosage and catalyst dosage in the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process were 3, 0.02 M and 250 mg/L, respectively. A degradation efficiency of 76.26% was recorded with the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process, exceeding the conventional heterogeneous Fenton process (58.15%) by 18.11%. Quenching studies revealed that effectiveness of heterogeneous photo-Fenton process was majorly owing to large number of hydroxyl radicals generated because of catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂ by NIMZ and photo decomposition of H₂O₂ by irradiation of UV light.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival, metabolism and swimming behavior of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles exposed to burned sediments from dry lagoons located in the "Los Sapos" Island (Santa Fe Province, Argentina), with different fire events over one year: no fire events (NF), two fire events (TF) and multiple fire events (MF). The physicochemical parameters of the sediments were analyzed. A sediment test was performed using 25, 50 and 100% dilutions of each sediment sample at a microcosm scale for 48 h. Tadpole survival and swimming behavior, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-Transferase (GST) activities (markers of neurotoxicity and oxidative stress), were analyzed. The burned sediments showed high conductivity (<1000 μS/cm2) and proton activity with presence of carbonates. The treatments with sediments from TF and MF led to mass tadpole mortality (100%). Diluted 25 and 50%, these treatments also resulted in a significant decrease (30%) in the activities of AChE and GST as well as in the swimming speed (60%) and total distance moved (40%) respect to the NF treatment (ANOVA and Tukey's test, p < 0.05). These results highlight the high ecological risks faced by tadpole reproductive sites that have been affected by fires.

The pollution of freshwater resources has become a critical global issue due to intensive and unregulated agricultural practices, rapid urbanization, and industrial expansion along waterways. Phytoremediation, which involves using aquatic macrophytes to remove contaminants from water, is recognized as an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective remediation strategy. This study investigates the phytoremediation capacity of Eichhornia crassipes in reducing heavy metal contamination in the transboundary Orontes (Asi) River within Türkiye's borders. The Asi River, spanning 571 km from Lebanon through Syria to the Mediterranean Sea in Hatay, Türkiye, is severely affected by heavy metal pollution, primarily due to agricultural activities. The study assessed the bioaccumulation potential of E. crassipes, which grows abundantly in the river, focusing on metal accumulation in its petioles. The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, and lead in petioles were quantified at 6.69, 23.50, 29.77, and 65.25 mg kg^-1, respectively, while the maximum concentrations of these metals in the aquatic habitat were 76.57, 303.26, 693.58, and 106.19 µg L^-1, respectively. The effectiveness of phytoremediation can be further enhanced through genetic modification, microbial stimulation, and chemical or natural amendments. These findings illustrate the significant potential of E. crassipes for heavy metal remediation in natural water bodies, contributing to ecosystem conservation, species sustainability, and biodiversity protection.

Oil pollution poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and water quality, necessitating the development of efficient, selective, and reusable absorbent materials. In this study, cork was chemically modified using deep eutectic solvents (DES) synthesized from nonanoic acid combined with either choline chloride or betaine at a 1:4 molar ratio. To further enhance hydrophobicity, the DES-treated corks were subsequently coated with stearic acid. The successful chemical modification and structural changes were confirmed through comprehensive characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscope (UHR-SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The materials were then tested for their oil absorption capacity, reusability, and antibacterial properties. The comprehensive characterization confirmed successful chemical modification and structural changes in the cork material. The DES-treated corks exhibited improved antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, showing significant reductions of 23.2% (choline chloride-based) and 47.1% (betaine-based) compared to untreated cork. Absorption tests with engine oil and dichloromethane demonstrated that the betaine-nonanoic acid-treated cork achieved superior performance, with high absorption capacities of 13.92 g g^-1 and 28.15 g g^-1, respectively, and an oil-water separation efficiency of 80.14%. Furthermore, the material maintained high efficiency over 10 reuse cycles with minimal loss in capacity. These findings highlight the potential of DES-treated cork, particularly when coated with stearic acid, as a sustainable and high-performing sorbent for oil spill remediation.

Clopyralid is among the most widely used herbicides worldwide. Discharging clopyralid-contaminated water into the environment can adversely affect human health and ecosystems. Research on the biological treatment of clopyralid-laden wastewater is crucial for enhancing process performance and preventing environmental contamination. This study investigates the biodegradation of clopyralid by an activated sludge (AS) culture to clarify its microbial degradation and inhibition kinetics. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of clopyralid on isolated AS microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) was examined using paper disk and broth culture methods. The results demonstrate the potential of AS to biodegrade clopyralid. Clopyralid degradation rates increased with increasing herbicide concentration from 50 to 225 mg/L, then declined. At 300 mg/L, clopyralid biodegradation was completely inhibited. Luong's kinetics model for inhibitory substrates accurately described this biodegradation pattern. All cultured bacteria and fungi were inhibited at higher clopyralid doses. However, while most bacteria were inhibited at 1200 mg/L of clopyralid, fungi were inhibited at a 10-fold higher concentration. At this concentration range, clopyralid exhibited a bacteriostatic/fungistatic effect rather than a bactericidal/fungicidal one. That is, it did not cause lethal disruption of essential cellular functions. The findings of this study could inform strategies to enhance clopyralid biodegradation at high concentrations in AS reactors.

Groundwater sources such as hand-dug wells remain a primary source of drinking water in many developing regions but are often compromised by turbidity, hardness, and microbial contamination. Conventional disinfection using chlorine is effective but may introduce chemical residuals and disinfection by-products. This study comparatively evaluated the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera seed kernel extract (a natural bio-coagulant with antimicrobial properties) and chlorine (a chemical disinfectant) in improving the physicochemical and microbiological quality of well water. Well water samples were collected from student hostels at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Treatments were conducted using Moringa oleifera seed kernel extract at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% (w/v) and chlorine at 2 mg/L free residual chlorine. Physicochemical parameters (turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, iron concentration) and microbiological indicators (heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, total and fecal coliforms) were analyzed using APHA and WHO standard methods. All analyses were performed in triplicate, and data were subjected to one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Moringa oleifera treatment reduced turbidity from 46.5 NTU to 2.8 NTU (>94%), while chlorine reduced turbidity to 6.5 NTU. Complete removal of coliforms and E. coli was achieved at 1.5% Moringa and 2 mg/L chlorine. Moringa demonstrated superior turbidity reduction and more stable pH, while chlorine showed stronger residual disinfectant action. Conclusively Moringa oleifera seed kernel extract is an effective, eco-friendly bio-coagulant capable of significantly improving water quality and achieving microbial safety comparable to chlorine. Its low cost, biodegradability, and local availability make it a viable alternative or complement to chemical disinfection in decentralized water treatment systems, supporting SDG-6.

Chromium (Cr), classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogen, poses significant risks to human health. This study evaluated the uptake of Cr in Arachis hypogaea, Vigna unguiculata, and Zea mays cultivated in Cr-contaminated soils and assessed the associated toxicological risks to human consumers. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using soils contaminated with Cr at 10 and 30 mg kg^-1. Chromium concentrations in soils and plant tissues were quantified using ICP-OES, and bioconcentration and translocation factors (TFs) were determined to assess Cr uptake and movement within the plants. The lifetime incremental cancer risk (ILCR) was determined to evaluate potential long-term health risks. Results showed that all three species accumulated significant amounts of Cr in roots and aerial tissues, with bioconcentration factors (BFs) greater than one in most treatments. However, TFs remained below or equal to one for most cases, indicating limited upward movement of Cr. Importantly, ILCR values were within permissible limits, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risk for consuming these crops. These findings indicate that A. hypogaea, V. unguiculata, and Z. mays are resistant to Cr contamination and can be safely cultivated and consumed in soils containing up to 30 mg kg^-1 of Cr. This study provides valuable insights for ecotoxicological risks and for the safe management of Cr-contaminated agricultural soils in Mozambican industrial areas.