Pub Date : 2025-04-15DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109473
Riccardo Leinardi , Chiara Longo Sanchez-Calero , Saloua Ibouraadaten , Francine Uwambayinema , Yousof Yakoub , Cristina Pavan , Rani Claus , Frauke Lemaire , Steven Ronsmans , Manosij Ghosh , Lénárd Farczádi , Horatiu Moldovan , Jeroen A.J. Vanoirbeek , Francesco Turci , Peter H.M. Hoet , François Huaux
An innovative method based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed to quantify the time-dependent systemic redistribution pattern of pulmonary-deposited crystalline silica particles by measuring silicon (Si) levels in the lungs, distal organs, and biological fluids. The method was applied in a murine model and validated in blood and urine samples from two occupationally exposed cohorts (miners and porcelain industry workers). In mice, 30 % of silica particles deposited in the lungs via oropharyngeal administration accumulated in extrapulmonary sites in less than 4 months. An early translocation (within 3 days) resulted in silica distribution to liver and kidneys (13 %), followed by a delayed migration (up to 60 days) in mediastinal lymph nodes (12 %), spleen (1.7 %), and abdominal skin (1.7 %). The long-term increase of Si in urine suggested silica renal clearance. Our data also indicated that the toxic potential of particles is a key determinant of extrapulmonary redistribution. The interest of Si as biomarker of exposure has been confirmed in workers exposed to crystalline silica dust. In these individuals, elevated Si levels in blood and urine paralleled silica exposure. Our findings quantify the dynamics of silica biodistribution in extrapulmonary organs, offering new insights on the biomonitoring of silica exposure in different scenarios.
{"title":"Dynamic biodistribution of inhaled silica particles to extrapulmonary sites: Early and late translocation mechanisms with implication for particle biomonitoring","authors":"Riccardo Leinardi , Chiara Longo Sanchez-Calero , Saloua Ibouraadaten , Francine Uwambayinema , Yousof Yakoub , Cristina Pavan , Rani Claus , Frauke Lemaire , Steven Ronsmans , Manosij Ghosh , Lénárd Farczádi , Horatiu Moldovan , Jeroen A.J. Vanoirbeek , Francesco Turci , Peter H.M. Hoet , François Huaux","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An innovative method based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed to quantify the time-dependent systemic redistribution pattern of pulmonary-deposited crystalline silica particles by measuring silicon (Si) levels in the lungs, distal organs, and biological fluids. The method was applied in a murine model and validated in blood and urine samples from two occupationally exposed cohorts (miners and porcelain industry workers). In mice, 30 % of silica particles deposited in the lungs via oropharyngeal administration accumulated in extrapulmonary sites in less than 4 months. An early translocation (within 3 days) resulted in silica distribution to liver and kidneys (13 %), followed by a delayed migration (up to 60 days) in mediastinal lymph nodes (12 %), spleen (1.7 %), and abdominal skin (1.7 %). The long-term increase of Si in urine suggested silica renal clearance. Our data also indicated that the toxic potential of particles is a key determinant of extrapulmonary redistribution. The interest of Si as biomarker of exposure has been confirmed in workers exposed to crystalline silica dust. In these individuals, elevated Si levels in blood and urine paralleled silica exposure. Our findings quantify the dynamics of silica biodistribution in extrapulmonary organs, offering new insights on the biomonitoring of silica exposure in different scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109473"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-15DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109474
Karine Sartelet , Jules Kerckhoffs , Eleni Athanasopoulou , Lya Lugon , Jeni Vasilescu , Jian Zhong , Gerard Hoek , Cyril Joly , Soo-Jin Park , Camelia Talianu , Sef van den Elshout , Fabrice Dugay , Evangelos Gerasopoulos , Alexandru Ilie , Youngseob Kim , Doina Nicolae , Roy M. Harrison , Tuukka Petäjä
Mapping urban pollution is essential for assessing population exposure and addressing associated health impacts. High urban concentrations are due to the proximity of sources such as traffic or residential heating, and to urban density with the presence of buildings that reduce street ventilation. This urban complexity makes fine-scale mapping challenging, even for regulated pollutants such as NO2 and PM2.5. In this study we apply state-of-the-art empirical and deterministic modeling approaches to produce high-resolution (<100 m) pollution maps across five European cities (Paris, Athens, Birmingham, Rotterdam, Bucharest). These methodologies enable full-city mapping capturing intra-urban gradients of concentrations. Depending on the methodology, regulated pollutants (NO2, PM2.5) and/or emerging pollutants (black carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFP characterized here by particulate number concentration PNC)) are considered. For deterministic modelling, different approaches are presented: a multi-scale Eulerian modelling chain down to the street scale with chemistry/aerosol dynamics at all scales, multi-scale hybrid models with Eulerian regional dispersion and Gaussian subgrid dispersion, and a Gaussian-based model. Empirical land use regression models were developed based upon mobile monitoring.
To compare the relative performance of the methodologies and to evaluate their performance and limitations, the modelling results are compared to fixed measurement stations. We introduce a standardized metric to quantify spatial and seasonal variability and assess each method’s capacity to reproduce fine-scale urban heterogeneity. We also evaluate how data assimilation affects both concentration accuracy and variability representation—particularly relevant for emerging pollutants where measurement data are sparse. We confirm established seasonal and spatial patterns: spatial variability is more pronounced for PNC, NO2 and BC than PM2.5, and concentrations are higher during the winter periods. We also observe reduced spatial variability in winter for PM2. 5 (linked to residential heating) and for BC in cities with significant wood burning emissions. This study adds unique value by evaluating these patterns using fixed measurement stations, and quantifying them across entire urban areas at very fine spatial resolution (<100 m). Furthermore, important methodological strengths and limitations are pointed out, providing practical guidance for the selection and improvement of urban exposure mapping methods, supporting the implementation of the new EU Air Quality Directive.
{"title":"Air pollution mapping and variability over five European cities","authors":"Karine Sartelet , Jules Kerckhoffs , Eleni Athanasopoulou , Lya Lugon , Jeni Vasilescu , Jian Zhong , Gerard Hoek , Cyril Joly , Soo-Jin Park , Camelia Talianu , Sef van den Elshout , Fabrice Dugay , Evangelos Gerasopoulos , Alexandru Ilie , Youngseob Kim , Doina Nicolae , Roy M. Harrison , Tuukka Petäjä","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mapping urban pollution is essential for assessing population exposure and addressing associated health impacts. High urban concentrations are due to the proximity of sources such as traffic or residential heating, and to urban density with the presence of buildings that reduce street ventilation. This urban complexity makes fine-scale mapping challenging, even for regulated pollutants such as NO<sub>2</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>. In this study we apply state-of-the-art empirical and deterministic modeling approaches to produce high-resolution (<100 m) pollution maps across five European cities (Paris, Athens, Birmingham, Rotterdam, Bucharest). These methodologies enable full-city mapping capturing intra-urban gradients of concentrations. Depending on the methodology, regulated pollutants (NO<sub>2</sub>, PM<sub>2</sub>.<sub>5</sub>) and/or emerging pollutants (black carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFP characterized here by particulate number concentration PNC)) are considered. For deterministic modelling, different approaches are presented: a multi-scale Eulerian modelling chain down to the street scale with chemistry/aerosol dynamics at all scales, multi-scale hybrid models with Eulerian regional dispersion and Gaussian subgrid dispersion, and a Gaussian-based model. Empirical land use regression models were developed based upon mobile monitoring.</div><div>To compare the relative performance of the methodologies and to evaluate their performance and limitations, the modelling results are compared to fixed measurement stations. We introduce a standardized metric to quantify spatial and seasonal variability and assess each method’s capacity to reproduce fine-scale urban heterogeneity. We also evaluate how data assimilation affects both concentration accuracy and variability representation—particularly relevant for emerging pollutants where measurement data are sparse. We confirm established seasonal and spatial patterns: spatial variability is more pronounced for PNC, NO<sub>2</sub> and BC than PM<sub>2.5</sub>, and concentrations are higher during the winter periods. We also observe reduced spatial variability in winter for PM<sub>2</sub>. <sub>5</sub> (linked to residential heating) and for BC in cities with significant wood burning emissions. This study adds unique value by evaluating these patterns using fixed measurement stations, and quantifying them across entire urban areas at very fine spatial resolution (<100 m). Furthermore, important methodological strengths and limitations are pointed out, providing practical guidance for the selection and improvement of urban exposure mapping methods, supporting the implementation of the new EU Air Quality Directive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109474"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-15DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109475
Gyuri Kim , Soyeon Jeon , Bumjun Park , Seo-Gyeong Jo , Hi-Gyu Moon , Seok-Ho Kim , Yun Suk Huh , Kyuhong Lee , Rodger Duffin , Wan-Seob Cho
Despite increasing public concern about the health impact of air pollution, little is known about the biokinetics of ultrafine particles. Herein, we investigate their biokinetics and associated mechanisms underlying organ distribution and extrapulmonary translocation of ambient ultrafine particulate matter in mice. The test materials used in this study were black carbon (BC) generated by a spark discharge soot generator and two reference materials (SRM 2975 and carbon black). The test particles were intratracheally instilled into the lungs of mice at 25 μg/mouse, and the organ burden was evaluated up to 3 months post-instillation. The data showed significant BC accumulation in lung-associated lymph nodes (LALN) and spleen from 1–3 months post-exposure, with no detectable levels in other organs. The reference materials showed a similar distribution pattern, indicating a common extrapulmonary translocation pathway for ultrafine carbon particles deposited in alveoli. This pathway is unique to particles deposited in the alveoli, as direct injection into lymphatic and systemic circulation showed typical organ accumulation (e.g., liver, lung, spleen, and LALN). The results highlight that the unique extrapulmonary translocation of test particles to the LALN and spleen may be due to the particles that escape from the lung being the smallest particles, evading hepatic surveillance but physically entrapped in the spleen’s open circulation.
{"title":"Lung-associated lymph nodes and spleen are major secondary accumulating organs in mice following inhaled black carbon as a surrogate of ultrafine ambient particles","authors":"Gyuri Kim , Soyeon Jeon , Bumjun Park , Seo-Gyeong Jo , Hi-Gyu Moon , Seok-Ho Kim , Yun Suk Huh , Kyuhong Lee , Rodger Duffin , Wan-Seob Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite increasing public concern about the health impact of air pollution, little is known about the biokinetics of ultrafine particles. Herein, we investigate their biokinetics and associated mechanisms underlying organ distribution and extrapulmonary translocation of ambient ultrafine particulate matter in mice. The test materials used in this study were black carbon (BC) generated by a spark discharge soot generator and two reference materials (SRM 2975 and carbon black). The test particles were intratracheally instilled into the lungs of mice at 25 μg/mouse, and the organ burden was evaluated up to 3 months post-instillation. The data showed significant BC accumulation in lung-associated lymph nodes (LALN) and spleen from 1–3 months post-exposure, with no detectable levels in other organs. The reference materials showed a similar distribution pattern, indicating a common extrapulmonary translocation pathway for ultrafine carbon particles deposited in alveoli. This pathway is unique to particles deposited in the alveoli, as direct injection into lymphatic and systemic circulation showed typical organ accumulation (e.g., liver, lung, spleen, and LALN). The results highlight that the unique extrapulmonary translocation of test particles to the LALN and spleen may be due to the particles that escape from the lung being the smallest particles, evading hepatic surveillance but physically entrapped in the spleen’s open circulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109475"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109465
Xin Hu , Ahmed Tlili , Kristin Schirmer , Mutai Bao , Helmut Bürgmann
The effect of metals on freshwater microbiomes is poorly understood compared to other factors, such as nutrients or climate. While deleterious effects of metals on plant and animal biodiversity are well documented, the role of metals in shaping the biodiversity, composition and functional potential of sediment microbial communities remains unknown. Therefore, we explored if metal concentrations can be linked to alterations in biodiversity and composition of freshwater sediment microbial communities. We collected sediments from 34 streams and lakes in Switzerland and grouped them based on their metal content. Microbial diversity and community composition were determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Most of the sediments were not contaminated with metals according to Sediment Environmental Quality Criteria, although some stations exceeded the limits for Cu, Zn, and Pb. Nevertheless, correlational analysis indicated links of metal concentrations to various aspects of sediment microbial biodiversity. Al concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with microbial richness. We further observed a predominantly negative correlation between some metals and abundances of dominant taxa. Predicted microbial functional potential analysis indicated that different types of metals have different effects on microbial functional potential. For example, Mn exhibited a significant positive correlation with nitrogen fixation potential, whereas Cu, Pb, and Zn displayed a significant negative correlation. Overall, our findings indicate that metal concentrations may alter microbial community diversity and functional potential in freshwater sediments even at ambient concentrations. Further research into the role of metals as drivers of microbial biodiversity and factors in biodiversity loss is warranted.
{"title":"Metal concentration in freshwater sediments is linked to microbial biodiversity and community composition","authors":"Xin Hu , Ahmed Tlili , Kristin Schirmer , Mutai Bao , Helmut Bürgmann","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effect of metals on freshwater microbiomes is poorly understood compared to other factors, such as nutrients or climate. While deleterious effects of metals on plant and animal biodiversity are well documented, the role of metals in shaping the biodiversity, composition and functional potential of sediment microbial communities remains unknown. Therefore, we explored if metal concentrations can be linked to alterations in biodiversity and composition of freshwater sediment microbial communities. We collected sediments from 34 streams and lakes in Switzerland and grouped them based on their metal content. Microbial diversity and community composition were determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Most of the sediments were not contaminated with metals according to Sediment Environmental Quality Criteria, although some stations exceeded the limits for Cu, Zn, and Pb. Nevertheless, correlational analysis indicated links of metal concentrations to various aspects of sediment microbial biodiversity. Al concentrations were significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) correlated with microbial richness. We further observed a predominantly negative correlation between some metals and abundances of dominant taxa. Predicted microbial functional potential analysis indicated that different types of metals have different effects on microbial functional potential. For example, Mn exhibited a significant positive correlation with nitrogen fixation potential, whereas Cu, Pb, and Zn displayed a significant negative correlation. Overall, our findings indicate that metal concentrations may alter microbial community diversity and functional potential in freshwater sediments even at ambient concentrations. Further research into the role of metals as drivers of microbial biodiversity and factors in biodiversity loss is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109465"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143831849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109450
Sjerp de Vries , Christos Baliatsas , Robert Verheij , Michel Dückers
Background
Previous studies observed predominantly positive associations between the amount of nearby green space and a variety of health outcomes. Although nearness is assumed to be an important aspect of this association, the presence of own private green space is rarely studied. We investigated cross-sectional associations between the amount of domestic garden greenery and the prevalence of 21 health conditions.
Methods
Electronic health records of general practitioners, providing data on health conditions of individuals and where they lived for the year 2018, were linked with data from the same year on garden presence and size derived from the Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land registry and Mapping Agency. Amount of garden greenery was assessed with high resolution aerial photographs. Data were available for about 800,000 persons from 294 practices. We performed multi-level logistic regression analyses with practice as second level, adjusting for multiple covariates, including socioeconomic status at individual and neighbourhood level.
Findings
Prevalence of 16 of the 21 health conditions was lower for at least the highest classes of garden greenery. The inverse association was strongest for intestinal tract infections, with an over 20 % lower prevalence if the garden contained at least 50 m2 greenery versus no garden. Including the overall amount of greenery within 125 m of the home in the analyses did not attenuate the results. Sex was an important moderator, with many associations being stronger for women.
Conclusions
Own private green space is inversely associated with the prevalence of many health conditions, more so than other nearby green space. Responsible pathways are unclear. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the pathways underlying the cross-sectional associations. Information on pathways may also offer clues on how to compensate for the absence of a domestic garden, which is likely to become more common due to urban densification.
{"title":"Domestic gardens and morbidity: Associations between private green space and diagnosed health conditions in the Netherlands","authors":"Sjerp de Vries , Christos Baliatsas , Robert Verheij , Michel Dückers","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Previous studies observed predominantly positive associations between the amount of nearby green space and a variety of health outcomes. Although nearness is assumed to be an important aspect of this association, the presence of own private green space is rarely studied. We investigated cross-sectional associations between the amount of domestic garden greenery and the prevalence of 21 health conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Electronic health records of general practitioners, providing data on health conditions of individuals and where they lived for the year 2018, were linked with data from the same year on garden presence and size derived from the Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land registry and Mapping Agency. Amount of garden greenery was assessed with high resolution aerial photographs. Data were available for about 800,000 persons from 294 practices. We performed multi-level logistic regression analyses with practice as second level, adjusting for multiple covariates, including socioeconomic status at individual and neighbourhood level.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Prevalence of 16 of the 21 health conditions was lower for at least the highest classes of garden greenery. The inverse association was strongest for intestinal tract infections, with an over 20 % lower prevalence if the garden contained at least 50 m<sup>2</sup> greenery versus no garden. Including the overall amount of greenery within 125 m of the home in the analyses did not attenuate the results. Sex was an important moderator, with many associations being stronger for women.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Own private green space is inversely associated with the prevalence of many health conditions, more so than other nearby green space. Responsible pathways are unclear. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the pathways underlying the cross-sectional associations. Information on pathways may also offer clues on how to compensate for the absence of a domestic garden, which is likely to become more common due to urban densification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109450"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143831584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-12DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109457
Thessa Van Pee , Liesa Engelen , Marthe De Boevre , Muriel Derrien , Janneke Hogervorst , Roger Pero-Gascon , Michelle Plusquin , Giulia Poma , Arnau Vich I Vila , Adrian Covaci , Lynn Vanhaecke , Sarah De Saeger , Jeroen Raes , Tim S. Nawrot
The intestinal microbiome is essential for gastrointestinal and overall health, yet its response to air pollution in children remains underexplored. In a study involving 412 young children from the ENVIRONAGE cohort, stool samples were analysed via Illumina Miseq sequencing to assess microbiome alpha diversity (observed richness, species evenness, and Shannon diversity) and composition. Exposure to previous year particulate air pollution (black carbon, PM2.5, coarse PM, and PM10) was modeled using high-resolution spatial–temporal interpolation models. Multiple linear regression models were adjusted for a priori selected covariables and stratified by sex. Furthermore, we performed a differential relative abundance analysis at family and genus level, while accounting for the same covariables. Statistically significant effect modification by sex was apparent for several intestinal alpha diversity indices and air pollutants. In boys, we observed negative associations between particulate air pollution exposure and intestinal microbiome richness (estimates ranging from −5.55 to −9.06 per interquartile range (IQR) increase in particulate air pollution exposure) and Shannon diversity (estimates ranging from −0.058 to −0.095 per IQR increase). Differently, in girls non-significant positive associations were observed with species evenness (estimates ranging from 0.019 to 0.020 per IQR increase) and Shannon diversity (estimate 0.065 per IQR increase in black carbon). After multiple testing correction, we reported several bacterial families and genera (Streptococcaceae, Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XIII, Coriobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and Paraprevotella) to be oppositely associated with particulate air pollution exposure in boys and girls. Our findings show a sex-dependent association between particulate air pollution exposure and intestinal microbiome composition, highlighting boys as potentially more vulnerable to diversity loss associated with childhood exposure to particulate pollution.
{"title":"Sex differences in the association between long-term ambient particulate air pollution and the intestinal microbiome composition of children","authors":"Thessa Van Pee , Liesa Engelen , Marthe De Boevre , Muriel Derrien , Janneke Hogervorst , Roger Pero-Gascon , Michelle Plusquin , Giulia Poma , Arnau Vich I Vila , Adrian Covaci , Lynn Vanhaecke , Sarah De Saeger , Jeroen Raes , Tim S. Nawrot","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109457","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109457","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intestinal microbiome is essential for gastrointestinal and overall health, yet its response to air pollution in children remains underexplored. In a study involving 412 young children from the ENVIR<em>ON</em>AGE cohort, stool samples were analysed via Illumina Miseq sequencing to assess microbiome alpha diversity (observed richness, species evenness, and Shannon diversity) and composition. Exposure to previous year particulate air pollution (black carbon, PM<sub>2.5</sub>, coarse PM, and PM<sub>10</sub>) was modeled using high-resolution spatial–temporal interpolation models. Multiple linear regression models were adjusted for a priori selected covariables and stratified by sex. Furthermore, we performed a differential relative abundance analysis at family and genus level, while accounting for the same covariables. Statistically significant effect modification by sex was apparent for several intestinal alpha diversity indices and air pollutants. In boys, we observed negative associations between particulate air pollution exposure and intestinal microbiome richness (estimates ranging from −5.55 to −9.06 per interquartile range (IQR) increase in particulate air pollution exposure) and Shannon diversity (estimates ranging from −0.058 to −0.095 per IQR increase). Differently, in girls non-significant positive associations were observed with species evenness (estimates ranging from 0.019 to 0.020 per IQR increase) and Shannon diversity (estimate 0.065 per IQR increase in black carbon). After multiple testing correction, we reported several bacterial families and genera (<em>Streptococcaceae</em>, <em>Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XIII</em>, <em>Coriobacteriaceae</em>, <em>Streptococcus</em>, and <em>Paraprevotella</em>) to be oppositely associated with particulate air pollution exposure in boys and girls. Our findings show a sex-dependent association between particulate air pollution exposure and intestinal microbiome composition, highlighting boys as potentially more vulnerable to diversity loss associated with childhood exposure to particulate pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109457"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143822933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-12DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109455
Zhihao Qin , Yan Li , Yanlan Qin , Zhongli Chen , Jinsong Guo , Fang Fang , Andreas Schäffer , Henner Hollert , Ying Shao
Outdoor workers who are exposed to traffic-derived pollutants often suffer from a range of diseases, with liver disease being particularly notable. Recently, a rubber stabilizing additive antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its transformed-quinone product 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) attracted attention. However, their implication for human health remains inadequately elucidated. In this study, outdoor and indoor workers were recruited to analyze 6PPD and 6PPD-Q distribution in their serum and urine. Simultaneously, blood cell counts, liver function, renal function, blood glucose level, and lipid profile were evaluated by 23 physiological parameters. For the first time, we found that the concentrations of 6PPD (0.54 - 1.66 μg L−1) and 6PPD-Q (0.58 - 4.04 μg L−1) in outdoor group serum were two- and three-fold in the indoor group, respectively. Compared with indoor workers, 18 biochemical parameters, notably total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin, were elevated in outdoor workers (p < 0.05). A computed tomography scan showed liver lesions in 60% of the outdoor group, whereas only 30% of the indoor group. The statistical analysis exhibited that significant positive correlations exist between the serum 6PPD-Q and immune cell counts, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and triglycerides in human beings (p < 0.05). The logistic regression implied that for each 1 μg L−1 increase of 6PPD-Q in serum, the risk of human liver lesions increased by 2.31 times. Our results suggest that outdoor exposure is associated with increased concentrations of 6PPD-Q in serum, which could potentially influence glucose and lipid metabolism, immune cell regulation, and liver health.
{"title":"Correlation between 6PPD-Q and immune along with metabolic dysregulation induced liver lesions in outdoor workers","authors":"Zhihao Qin , Yan Li , Yanlan Qin , Zhongli Chen , Jinsong Guo , Fang Fang , Andreas Schäffer , Henner Hollert , Ying Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109455","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109455","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Outdoor workers who are exposed to traffic-derived pollutants often suffer from a range of diseases, with liver disease being particularly notable. Recently, a rubber stabilizing additive antioxidant <em>N</em>-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-<em>N</em>′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its transformed-quinone product 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) attracted attention. However, their implication for human health remains inadequately elucidated. In this study, outdoor and indoor workers were recruited to analyze 6PPD and 6PPD-Q distribution in their serum and urine. Simultaneously, blood cell counts, liver function, renal function, blood glucose level, and lipid profile were evaluated by 23 physiological parameters. For the first time, we found that the concentrations of 6PPD (0.54 - 1.66 μg L<sup>−1</sup>) and 6PPD-Q (0.58 - 4.04 μg L<sup>−1</sup>) in outdoor group serum were two- and three-fold in the indoor group, respectively. Compared with indoor workers, 18 biochemical parameters, notably total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin, were elevated in outdoor workers (<em>p <</em> 0.05). A computed tomography scan showed liver lesions in 60% of the outdoor group, whereas only 30% of the indoor group. The statistical analysis exhibited that significant positive correlations exist between the serum 6PPD-Q and immune cell counts, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and triglycerides in human beings (<em>p <</em> 0.05). The logistic regression implied that for each 1 μg L<sup>−1</sup> increase of 6PPD-Q in serum, the risk of human liver lesions increased by 2.31 times. Our results suggest that outdoor exposure is associated with increased concentrations of 6PPD-Q in serum, which could potentially influence glucose and lipid metabolism, immune cell regulation, and liver health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109455"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143822916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109458
Dasheng Lu , Yuanjie Lin , Sunyang Le , Yuhang Chen , Chao Feng , Zixin Qian , Guoquan Wang , Jingguang Li , Ping Xiao
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs, are major environmental and food safety concerns due to their bioaccumulative and toxic properties. However, comprehensive research on the concentrations and influencing factors of POPs across different food types and regions, particularly in underdeveloped regions of western China, remains scarce. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of POPs contamination in six food types (pig liver, pork, freshwater fish, marine fish, beef, and eggs) from western China by integrating environmental, geographical, socio-economic data, and food POP concentrations with machine learning and multivariate analyses to evaluate distribution patterns, key influencing factors, and associated health risks. The results showed distinct contamination patterns across food types and regions. Among all food, pig liver exhibited the highest levels of ∑PCDD/Fs, while marine fish showed elevated PBDEs and ndl-PCBs, highlighting the influence of organ-specific bioaccumulation and global oceanic pollution. Freshwater fish displayed higher ∑PCDD/Fs due to localized agricultural and industrial pollution. Regional differences were most pronounced in pork, with higher contamination in Yunnan and Sichuan, driven by industrial emissions, biomass burning, and geographical factors. Regression models, particularly Random Forest and SHAP analyses, identified food type, latitude, GDP, and climatic conditions as key predictors of POP variability. Risk assessments indicated that dietary exposure to POPs from high-consumption foods remained within safety thresholds, posing no significant health risks to the general population. This study highlights the utility of advanced analytical tools in understanding contamination dynamics and emphasizes the need for systematic monitoring, targeted interventions, and enhanced food safety regulations, particularly in western China.
{"title":"Assessment of POPs in foods from western China: Machine learning insights into risk and contamination drivers","authors":"Dasheng Lu , Yuanjie Lin , Sunyang Le , Yuhang Chen , Chao Feng , Zixin Qian , Guoquan Wang , Jingguang Li , Ping Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs, are major environmental and food safety concerns due to their bioaccumulative and toxic properties. However, comprehensive research on the concentrations and influencing factors of POPs across different food types and regions, particularly in underdeveloped regions of western China, remains scarce. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of POPs contamination in six food types (pig liver, pork, freshwater fish, marine fish, beef, and eggs) from western China by integrating environmental, geographical, socio-economic data, and food POP concentrations with machine learning and multivariate analyses to evaluate distribution patterns, key influencing factors, and associated health risks. The results showed distinct contamination patterns across food types and regions. Among all food, pig liver exhibited the highest levels of ∑PCDD/Fs, while marine fish showed elevated PBDEs and ndl-PCBs, highlighting the influence of organ-specific bioaccumulation and global oceanic pollution. Freshwater fish displayed higher ∑PCDD/Fs due to localized agricultural and industrial pollution. Regional differences were most pronounced in pork, with higher contamination in Yunnan and Sichuan, driven by industrial emissions, biomass burning, and geographical factors. Regression models, particularly Random Forest and SHAP analyses, identified food type, latitude, GDP, and climatic conditions as key predictors of POP variability. Risk assessments indicated that dietary exposure to POPs from high-consumption foods remained within safety thresholds, posing no significant health risks to the general population. This study highlights the utility of advanced analytical tools in understanding contamination dynamics and emphasizes the need for systematic monitoring, targeted interventions, and enhanced food safety regulations, particularly in western China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109458"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143822934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109456
Shuting Cao , Yanjian Wan , Zhaoying Xiong , Ruiying Li , Yin Wang , Xi Qian , Ruixin Chen , Jingyu Wang , Liping Zhang , Yuan Cui , Rongrong Cheng , Yuanyuan Li , Shunqing Xu , Wei Xia
The impact of prenatal exposure to contaminants with neurotoxicity like epoxide alkanes (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide), alkenals (acrolein, crotonaldehyde), and 1,3-butadiene on children’s intellectual development remains underreported, and related sensitive window is of interest. In this cohort study, metabolites of these contaminants were measured in 3,081 urine samples from 1,027 pregnant women across three trimesters. Children’s intelligence quotient was evaluated at 4–6 years old. Generalized estimating equation models showed that higher urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (a metabolite of propylene oxide), 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (HPMMA, a metabolite of crotonaldehyde), and the sum of acrolein metabolites in the first trimester were associated with lower visual spatial index (VSI), working memory index (WMI), or processing speed index scores. Quantile g-computation models revealed that co-exposure to these contaminants in the first trimester were associated with lower VSI (β = –0.98, 95 % CI: –1.94, –0.03) and WMI (β = –0.86, 95 % CI: –1.66, –0.06) scores, with HPMMA as the major contributor. These results suggested that early pregnancy could be a sensitive window during which exposure to propylene oxide, crotonaldehyde, and acrolein may impair offspring’s intellectual development.
{"title":"Trimester-specific associations of exposure to epoxide alkanes, alkenals, and 1,3-butadiene with preschool children’s intellectual development: A birth cohort study in Wuhan, China","authors":"Shuting Cao , Yanjian Wan , Zhaoying Xiong , Ruiying Li , Yin Wang , Xi Qian , Ruixin Chen , Jingyu Wang , Liping Zhang , Yuan Cui , Rongrong Cheng , Yuanyuan Li , Shunqing Xu , Wei Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The impact of prenatal exposure to contaminants with neurotoxicity like epoxide alkanes (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide), alkenals (acrolein, crotonaldehyde), and 1,3-butadiene on children’s intellectual development remains underreported, and related sensitive window is of interest. In this cohort study, metabolites of these contaminants were measured in 3,081 urine samples from 1,027 pregnant women across three trimesters. Children’s intelligence quotient was evaluated at 4–6 years old. Generalized estimating equation models showed that higher urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (a metabolite of propylene oxide), 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (HPMMA, a metabolite of crotonaldehyde), and the sum of acrolein metabolites in the first trimester were associated with lower visual spatial index (VSI), working memory index (WMI), or processing speed index scores. Quantile g-computation models revealed that co-exposure to these contaminants in the first trimester were associated with lower VSI (<em>β</em> = –0.98, 95 % CI: –1.94, –0.03) and WMI (<em>β</em> = –0.86, 95 % CI: –1.66, –0.06) scores, with HPMMA as the major contributor. These results suggested that early pregnancy could be a sensitive window during which exposure to propylene oxide, crotonaldehyde, and acrolein may impair offspring’s intellectual development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109456"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143819564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109453
Helena Duering , Thomas Westerhoff , Frank Kipp , Claudia Stein
Background
Recent reports of multispecies outbreaks show that, in addition to multidrug-resistant bacteria, the accumulation and spread of antibiotic resistance-conferring genes (ARGs) in clinical settings is a growing concern. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) technology is an effective method for inactivating microorganisms. This study aims to investigate whether it also offers a potential method to inactivate mobile genetic elements that confer antibiotic resistance by examining the effects of UV-C irradiation on plasmid-encoded resistance genes, focusing on DNA degradation and whether sublethal doses impact bacterial competence.
Method
We examined the effects of UV-C on the plasmids pCR™-Blunt II-TOPO and pUC19, focusing on DNA integrity and functionality post-irradiation. DNA concentration measurements and gel electrophoresis were used to assess plasmid integrity, while transformation assays evaluated gene functionality and the impact of sub-inhibitory UV-C doses on bacterial competence in Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii.
Results
Results showed a dose-dependent change in plasmid integrity and transformation efficiency. Significant DNA damage was observed at higher UV-C doses, particularly in the TOPO plasmid, which exhibited more pronounced structural damage compared to pUC19. This damage led to a loss of gene functionality, as evidenced by reduced transformation efficiency. Sub-inhibitory doses of UV-C irradiation did not enhance transformation frequency in Escherichia coli or Citrobacter freundii, indicating that UV-C does not promote bacterial competence.
Conclusion
UV-C irradiation effectively damages plasmid DNA, reducing the functionality of ARGs. The study confirms that sub-inhibitory single doses of UV-C do not promote bacterial transformation through increased competence.
{"title":"Irradiation with Ultraviolet-C Light-Emitting Diodes: Evaluation of the potential and limitations in controlling the spread of mobile genetic elements","authors":"Helena Duering , Thomas Westerhoff , Frank Kipp , Claudia Stein","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2025.109453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Recent reports of multispecies outbreaks show that, in addition to multidrug-resistant bacteria, the accumulation and spread of antibiotic resistance-conferring genes (ARGs) in clinical settings is a growing concern. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) technology is an effective method for inactivating microorganisms. This study aims to investigate whether it also offers a potential method to inactivate mobile genetic elements that confer antibiotic resistance by examining the effects of UV-C irradiation on plasmid-encoded resistance genes, focusing on DNA degradation and whether sublethal doses impact bacterial competence.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We examined the effects of UV-C on the plasmids pCR™-Blunt II-TOPO and pUC19, focusing on DNA integrity and functionality post-irradiation. DNA concentration measurements and gel electrophoresis were used to assess plasmid integrity, while transformation assays evaluated gene functionality and the impact of sub-inhibitory UV-C doses on bacterial competence in <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Citrobacter freundii</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results showed a dose-dependent change in plasmid integrity and transformation efficiency. Significant DNA damage was observed at higher UV-C doses, particularly in the TOPO plasmid, which exhibited more pronounced structural damage compared to pUC19. This damage led to a loss of gene functionality, as evidenced by reduced transformation efficiency. Sub-inhibitory doses of UV-C irradiation did not enhance transformation frequency in <em>Escherichia coli</em> or <em>Citrobacter freundii</em>, indicating that UV-C does not promote bacterial competence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>UV-C irradiation effectively damages plasmid DNA, reducing the functionality of ARGs. The study confirms that sub-inhibitory single doses of UV-C do not promote bacterial transformation through increased competence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 109453"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143822937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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