Environment International最新文献

{"title":"Prescribed burn related increases of population exposure to PM2.5 and O3 pollution in the southeastern US over 2013–2020","authors":"Kamal J. Maji ,&nbsp;Zongrun Li ,&nbsp;Yongtao Hu ,&nbsp;Ambarish Vaidyanathan ,&nbsp;Jennifer D. Stowell ,&nbsp;Chad Milando ,&nbsp;Gregory Wellenius ,&nbsp;Patrick L. Kinney ,&nbsp;Armistead G. Russell ,&nbsp;M. Talat Odman","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ambient air quality across the southeastern US has improved substantially in recent decades. However, emissions from prescribed burns remain high, which may pose a substantial health threat. We employed a multistage modeling framework to estimate year-round, long-term effects of prescribed burns on air quality and premature deaths. The framework integrates a chemical transport model with a data-fusion approach to estimate 24-h average PM_2.5 and maximum daily 8-h averaged O₃ (MDA8-O₃) concentrations attributable to prescribed burns for the period 2013–2020. The Global Exposure Mortality Model and a log-linear exposure–response function were used to estimate the premature deaths ascribed to long-term prescribed burn PM_2.5 and MDA8-O₃ exposure in ten southeastern states. Our results indicate that prescribed burns contributed on annual average 0.59 ± 0.20 µg/m³ of PM_2.5 (∼10 % of ambient PM_2.5) over the ten southeastern states during the study period. On average around 15 % of the state-level ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were contributed by prescribed burns in Alabama (0.90 ± 0.15 µg/m³), Florida (0.65 ± 0.19 µg/m³), Georgia (0.91 ± 0.19 µg/m³), Mississippi (0.65 ± 0.10 µg/m³) and South Carolina (0.65 ± 0.09 µg/m³). In the extensive burning season (January–April), daily average contributions to ambient PM_2.5 increased up to 22 % in those states. A large part of Alabama and Georgia experiences ≥3.5 µg/m³ prescribed burn PM_2.5 over 30 days/year. Additionally, prescribed burns are responsible for an average increase of 0.32 ± 0.12 ppb of MDA8-O₃ (0.8 % of ambient MDA8-O₃) over the ten southeastern states. The combined effect of prescribed burn PM_2.5 exposure, population growth, and increase of baseline mortality over time resulted in a total of 20,416 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 16,562–24,174) excess non-accidental premature deaths in the ten southeastern states, with 25 % of these deaths in Georgia. Prescribed burn MDA8-O₃ was responsible for an additional 1,332 (95 % CI: 858–1,803) premature deaths in the ten southeastern states. These findings indicate significant impacts from prescribed burns, suggesting potential benefits of enhanced forest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109101"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142519780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental endocrine disrupting chemical-DEHP exposure-provoked biotoxicity about microbiota-gut-mammary axis in lactating mice via multi-omics technologies","authors":"Xiaolong Xu,&nbsp;Yonglong He,&nbsp;Zefang Cheng,&nbsp;Haoyuan Zhang,&nbsp;Yijian Chu,&nbsp;Zhewei Wang,&nbsp;Xiaopeng An","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastics, pervasive in humans and nature, often contain Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that enhance plastic’s elasticity. However, DEHP is an environmental endocrine disruptor, affecting organisms upon exposure. Understanding mammary gland development in lactating females is crucial for offspring nourishment and dairy production. Employing multi-omics technology, this study aimed to uncover DEHP’s impact on the microbial–gut–mammary axis. Forty mice were exposed to varying DEHP doses for 18 d. We performed 16S sequencing, metabolomics, mammary tissue observation, and gene expression profiling. Results revealed DEHP’s influence on microbial diversity, with increased <em>Lactobacillus</em> abundance and reduced <em>Proteobacteria</em>, alongside colonic inflammation. Elevated GMP and adenosine 5′-monophosphate levels in the bloodstream were noted, while ascorbic acid, glycitein, and others decreased. MEHP, a DEHP metabolite, damaged mammary tissues, inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation, triggering apoptosis and ferroptosis. These findings unveil potential therapeutic targets for DEHP-induced chronic toxicity in humans and animals, aiding dairy livestock health and human well-being. This study underscores the importance of understanding the adverse effects of DEHP exposure on mammalian systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109130"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142588484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strategic carbon emission assessment in sludge treatment: A dynamic tool for low-carbon transformation","authors":"Xin-Lei Yu ,&nbsp;Jie Ding ,&nbsp;Shan-Shan Yang ,&nbsp;Ji-Wei Pang ,&nbsp;Mei-Yun Lu ,&nbsp;Xian Zhao ,&nbsp;Shan-Shan He ,&nbsp;Lu-Yan Zhang ,&nbsp;Nan-Qi Ren","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The carbon–neutral target presents a significant challenge for the sewage sludge treatment and disposal (SSTD) industry, necessitating strategic planning for a low-carbon transition. However, flexible and comprehensive carbon emission analysis tools to support this goal remain lacking. This study presents a carbon emission analysis tool to evaluate the carbon emission characteristics and future mitigation potentials of SSTD. The tool integrates life cycle inventory (LCI) modeling-based analysis, sensitivity analysis, regression analysis, and scenario analysis. Carbon emissions are dynamically calculated based on sludge properties, technological level, and industry external parameters, providing a foundation for adaptable evaluation tailored to local conditions. The framework considers the potential effects of multi-parameter and multi-aspect changes in scene design, both within and outside the industry, to achieve dynamic and comprehensive simulations. A case study conducted in Wuhan, China, demonstrated the usability and application processes of the framework. The results indicated that carbon emissions from SSTD are projected to more than double from 2021 to 2060 without interventions. Among the mitigation measures, energy and chemical savings would yield the largest reduction potential, followed by the technical layout adjustment and the promotion of energy efficiency. Operational optimization in the sludge industry and outside the industry would contribute the least. With all mitigation measures applied, emissions could decrease to –82.91 kt CO_2-eq in 2060, equivalent to 13.03% compensation for emissions from the sewage treatment line. Among all the processes, incineration routes are recommended due to their current and future low carbon emissions. The cooperative resource route of anaerobic digestion and land use also shows promise as it progressively demonstrates superior performance with increasing organic matter and nutrient content of sludge. Critical factors, sub-processes, and emission types for different routes were identified and can be optimized accordingly. The developed method demonstrates sufficient flexibility to be applied to other cities and larger-scale regions, thereby offering technical and strategic support for SSTD towards carbon–neutral operation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109124"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142588487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reflection on the landscape of education in the area of exposure modelling","authors":"K.S. Galea ,&nbsp;A. Paini ,&nbsp;G. Bachler ,&nbsp;C. Alejandre-Colomo ,&nbsp;P. Fantke ,&nbsp;W. Fransman ,&nbsp;C. Jung ,&nbsp;A. Van Nieuwenhuyse ,&nbsp;N. von Goetz ,&nbsp;A. Connolly","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exposure models are essential for a range of contexts involving exposure science. The Exposure Models Working Group, established under ISES Europe, identified that to improve model use, suitable training and education is required. However, there is currently no formal educational training programme for exposure modelling in Europe. We present results from an online survey disseminated to the European exposure science community to identify modelling training needs. The questionnaire had three sections: background information about the respondents and interests in exposure science, previous attendance of exposure modelling courses, interest in future training and education in exposure modelling and their coverage and format.</div><div>A total of 88 survey recipients completed the survey. Most respondents were from governmental organizations (36 %), with 50 % of all respondents having less than 10 years of experience. About two-thirds of the respondents stated that they had previously attended exposure modelling courses. These were mostly focused on specific models, up to one day in duration and took place in-person. Two thirds of respondents expressed interest in attending future exposure modelling training modules, with the most important topics being interpretation of model results and use of models to meet regulatory standards/requirements. Preferred attendance of training courses was virtual or blended. Costs and certificates of attendance seemed less influential when selecting a training course. Our survey suggests that there is a demand for training in exposure modelling and provides insight to inform the development of training modules that are suitable to fulfil the training needs of exposure scientists and practitioners.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109103"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142519946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative study for organophosphate triesters and diesters in mice via oral gavage exposure: Tissue distribution, excreta elimination, metabolites and toxicity","authors":"Wenyu Xu ,&nbsp;Wei Zhang ,&nbsp;Zechen Yu ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Gai ,&nbsp;Jie Fu ,&nbsp;Ligang Hu ,&nbsp;Jianjie Fu ,&nbsp;Haiyan Zhang ,&nbsp;Guibin Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) and diesters (di-OPEs) may threaten human health through dietary intake, whereas little information is available about their fate in mammals. Herein, mice exposure experiments were carried out through gavage with six tri-OPEs and six di-OPEs, respectively. The residual levels of di-OPEs in mice were generally higher than those of tri-OPEs. The residual di-OPEs mainly distributed in the liver and blood while the most tri-OPEs remained in stomach, indicating easier transfer and lower metabolism levels of di-OPEs. The accumulation of tri- and di-OPEs with large octanol–water partition coefficients and long carbon chain were observed in tissues and feces, implying that the elimination of these OPEs through fecal excretion is an important elimination pathway. A total of 86 OPE metabolites were found in murine urine and feces, 57 of which were identified for the first time. For tri-OPEs, carboxylated OPEs had higher peak intensities and fewer interference factors among the metabolites, which could serve as ideal biomarkers. The predicted oral median lethal doses of OPEs and corresponding metabolites showed an increased toxicity of some hydroxylated OPEs and di-OPEs, needing further attention. These results provided new insights and evidence on the fates and biomarkers of OPEs exposure for mammals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109114"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142566188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the immobilized enzymes function in soil remediation following polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination","authors":"Babar Hussain, Hongqing Zhu, Chunyu Xiang, Luo Meng Fei, Bowei Zhu, Shibin Liu, Ma Hui, Shengyan Pu","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.109106","url":null,"abstract":"The bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) from soil utilizing microorganisms, enzymes, microbial consortiums, strains, etc. has attracted a lot of interest due to the environmentally friendly, and cost-effective features. Enzymes can efficiently break down PAHs in soil by hydroxylating the benzene ring, breaking the C–C bond, and catalyze the hydroxylation of a variety of benzene ring compounds via single-electron transfer oxidation. However, the practical application is limited by its instability and ease to loss function under harsh environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, and edaphic stress etc. Therefore, this paper focused on the techniques used to immobilize enzymes and remediate PAHs in soil. Moreover, previous research has not adequately covered this topic, despite the employment of several immobilized enzymes in aqueous solution cultures to remediate other types of organic pollutants. Bibliometric analysis further highlighted the research trends from 2000 to 2023 on this field of growing interest and identified important challenges regarding enzyme stability and interaction with soil matrices. The findings indicated that immobilized enzymes may catalyzed PAHs via oxidation of OH groups in benzene rings, and generate benzyl radicals (i.e., ^•OH and ^•O₂) that undergo further reaction and release water. As a result, the intermediate products of PAHs further catalyze by enzyme and enzyme induced microbes producing carbon dioxide and water. Meanwhile efficiency, activity, lifetime, resilience, and sustainability of immobilized enzyme need to be further improved for the large-scale and field-scale clean-up of PAHs polluted soils. This could be possible by integrating enzyme-based with microbial and plant-based remediation strategies. It can be coupled with another line of research focused on using a new set of support materials that can be derived from natural resources.","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142520007","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}

{"title":"Activation of persulfate by a layered double oxide supported sulfidated nano zero-valent iron for efficient degradation of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether in soil","authors":"Yibing Li, Lixun Zhang, Zhengfang Zhang, Yuntao Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.109098","url":null,"abstract":"The nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) activated persulfate (PS) is recognized as a promising approach to degrade 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), which is ubiquitous in the soil at electronic waste sites. However, all the reported studies were performed in liquids, gaps in the real behaviour and microbial contribution to the degradation of BDE-47 in soil media need to be urgently filled. The removal efficiency of BDE-47 is low using traditional nZVI as activator because of its aggregation and corrosion. Herein, we designed a novel layered double oxide supported sulfidated nano zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@LDO) composite and explored the performance of S-nZVI@LDO/PS to remediate BDE-47 contaminated soil. The results showed that S-nZVI@LDO has excellent stability and superior reduction capability. It could couple PS to achieve a rapid and efficient degradation of BDE-47, and the removal efficiency reached 92.31 % (5 mg/kg) within 6 h, which was much higher than that of n-ZVI/PS (53.38 %) or S-nZVI/PS (75.69 %). The kinetic constant of BDE-47 degradation by S-nZVI@LDO/PS was 23.6 and 3.7 times higher than that by single S-nZVI@LDO and nZVI/PS, respectively. It is attributable to the efficient production of SO₄^•-, •OH, O₂^•-, and ¹O₂ in the system, in which SO₄^•- and •OH dominated. The bioinformatic analysis demonstrate that soil remediation by S-nZVI@LDO/PS significantly enriched aromatic compounds-degrading bacteria and increased the abundance of hydrocarbon degradation functions. Microbial degradation may play important roles in the BDE-47 degradation and soil quality recovery. The identification of degradation pathways suggests that BDE-47 was degraded to very low-toxic products based on GHS toxicity prediction through a series process of debromination, hydroxylation, cleavage central oxygen, and ring opening, or even completely mineralized. The findings may provide significant implications for the <em>in-situ</em> clean-up of brominated flame retardants in contaminated soil using S-nZVI@LDO/PS Fenton-like system.","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"63 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142519777","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}

{"title":"Associations of heat with diseases and specific symptoms in Flanders, Belgium: An 8-year retrospective study of general practitioner registration data","authors":"Endale Alemayehu Ali ,&nbsp;Bianca Cox ,&nbsp;Karen Van de Vel ,&nbsp;Els Verachtert ,&nbsp;Bert Vaes ,&nbsp;Simon Gabriel Beerten ,&nbsp;Elisa Duarte ,&nbsp;Charlotte Scheerens ,&nbsp;Raf Aerts ,&nbsp;Gijs Van Pottelbergh","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Global temperature rise has become a major health concern. Most previous studies on the impact of heat on morbidity have used hospital data.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to quantify the association between ambient temperature and a variety of potentially heat-related medical conditions and symptoms using general practitioner (GP) data, in Flanders, Belgium.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used eight years (2012–2019) of aggregated data of daily GP visits during the Belgian summer period (May-September). A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) with time-stratified conditional quasi-Poisson regression was used to account for the non-linear and delayed effect of temperature indicators (minimum, mean and maximum). We controlled for potential confounders such as particulate matter, humidity, and ozone.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall (lag0-14) association between heat and most of the outcomes was J-shaped, with an increased risk of disease observed at higher temperatures. The associations were more pronounced using the minimum temperatures indicator. Comparing the 99th (20 °C) to the minimum morbidity temperature (MMT) of the minimum temperature distribution during summer, the relative risk (RR) was significantly higher for heat-related general symptoms (RR = 1.30 [95 % CI: 1.07, 1.57]), otitis externa (RR = 4.87 [95 % CI:2.98, 7.98]), general heart problems (RR = 2.43 [95 % CI: 1.33, 4.42]), venous problems (RR = 2.48 [95 % CI:1.55, 3.96]), respiratory complaints (RR = 1.97 [95 % CI: 1.25, 3.09]), skin problems (RR = 3.26 [95 % CI: 2.51, 4.25]), and urinary infections (RR = 1.37 [95 % CI: 1.11, 1.69]). However, we did not find evidence for heat-related increases in gastrointestinal problems, cerebrovascular events, cardiovascular events, arrhythmia, mental health problems, upper respiratory problems and lower respiratory problems. An increased risk of allergy was observed when the minimum temperature reached 17.8 °C (RR = 1.50 [95 % CI: 1.23, 1.83]). Acute effects of heat were observed (largest effects at the first few lags).</div></div><div><h3>Summary</h3><div>Our findings indicated that the occurrence of certain symptoms and illnesses during summer season is associated to high temperature or environmental exposures that are augmented by elevated temperatures. Overall, unlike hospitalization data, GP visits data provide broader population coverage, revealing a more accurate representation of heat-health association.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109097"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142489202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of ambient particulate matter and household fuel use with chronic liver disease in China: A nationwide analysis","authors":"Yongyue Chen,&nbsp;Chenyu Zhao,&nbsp;Yi Zhang,&nbsp;Yan Lin,&nbsp;Guibin Shen,&nbsp;Nana Wang,&nbsp;Xiaocan Jia,&nbsp;Yongli Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Long-term effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on chronic liver disease (CLD) remain unclear. Thus, the study was conducted to investigate the relationship between prolonged exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and household fuel usage with CLD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) covering the years 2011 to 2020 were employed. In the cross-sectional analysis, 16,680 participants were included, while 12,969 participants were enrolled in the longitudinal study. The associations between various sizes of particulate matter and CLD were elucidated using logistic regression model and generalized linear-mixed models. Additionally, the additive effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) levels and the utilization of solid fuels for cooking were investigated, with a comparison of effect sizes between converted and non-converted fuel types.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over a 10-year follow-up period, 746 (5.75 %) individuals developed CLD. For a 1-year average concentrations, PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were each linked to a 1.549 (95 %CI:1.522–1.576), 1.296 (95 %CI:1.276–1.317) and 1.134 (95 %CI:1.118–1.150) fold risk of incident CLD per 10 μg/m³ increase, respectively. A similar effect of PM concentrations over a 2-year period on CLD was observed. Moreover, simultaneous exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of CLD. Those who continue using solid fuels may face a higher risk of CLD compared to individuals who switch to cleaner cooking fuels. Female participants, smokers, and individuals with shorter sleep duration and multiple chronic diseases exhibited slightly stronger effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Long-term exposure to various sizes of PM (PM_1, PM_2.5, PM₁₀) has been linked to an elevated risk of CLD incidence. Co-exposure to ambient PM and solid fuels is associated with higher health risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109083"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142488135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of microplastics on the rheological properties of sediment slurries in aquatic environments","authors":"Jiaqi Zhang,&nbsp;Clarence Edward Choi,&nbsp;Feihong Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envint.2024.109095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sediment slurries, characterized by their high concentrations of fine-grained cohesive sediment, are prevalent in various aquatic environments, including fluid mud, sediment gravity flows, and dredging slurries. Abundant microplastics have been detected in sediment slurries, which indicates that these slurries function as carriers for the transport of microplastics. However, there is a dearth of understanding on how sediment slurries transport microplastics. To ascertain the transport mechanisms, elucidating the effects of microplastics on the rheological properties of sediment slurries is a prerequisite because these properties govern the flow dynamics and mobility of such slurries. This study conducts experimental and theoretical investigations to examine, interpret, and quantify the effects of microplastics on the rheological properties of sediment slurries. Microplastics are shown to increase the yield stress and viscosity of sediment slurries via enhancing sediment aggregation. A new descriptor, specifically, the effective volume fraction, is proposed to characterize the effects of microplastics on sediment aggregation. Based on the newly-proposed descriptor, a new analytical model is proposed to predict the yield stress and viscosity of sediment slurries with microplastics. This study lays a foundation for further interpretating the flow dynamics and thus the transport processes of sediment slurries laden with microplastics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":308,"journal":{"name":"Environment International","volume":"193 ","pages":"Article 109095"},"PeriodicalIF":10.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142488139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}