Science of the Total Environment最新文献

Fishes are key indicators of ecosystem health and are important food sources for Indigenous peoples. Although fishes have been shown to ingest microplastics (MPs; plastic particles <5 mm long) in localities between the polar regions and equator, very few investigations focus on the drivers of microplastic pollution in Arctic fishes. We investigated MPs in 435 stomachs and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of 7 freshwater fish species from the Canadian Arctic and tested for correlations with habitat, capture location, surrounding human population, and stomach/GI tract mass. Overall, an average 2.22 ± 3.51 MPs per fish was determined following blank and polymer composition normalizations. Northern pike (Esox lucius) contained the greatest average microplastic abundance (3.59 ± 5.09 MPs/fish), the highest percentage of individuals containing MPs (86%), and as a demersal species, contained significantly more MPs than pelagic and benthic fishes. Fishes captured from the Great Slave Lake location contained significantly more total MPs (mean 3.41 ± 4.40 MPs/fish) than fishes from four other studied locations, which may be explained by the greater human population around Great Slave Lake. Fish captured from lakes on the more remote and sparsely populated Cornwallis Island, however, contained significantly greater micro-fragment concentrations, which suggests that proximity to localized anthropogenic activities can influence microplastic concentrations. We found no relationship between stomach/GI tract mass and microplastic abundance. Our study provides a crucial baseline for long-term monitoring of MPs in Arctic fishes, as it assesses the main factors contributing to microplastic ingestion in over 400 freshwater fish and in multiple fish species at 18 capture sites.

Thermo-responsive membranes and hydrogels have gained significant attention for their multifunctional applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, controlled drug delivery, and filtration systems. These smart membranes and hydrogels respond to temperature changes, offering advantages such as self-cleaning properties, antifouling capabilities, and precise control of drug release through reversible swelling-deswelling and pore gating mechanisms. In biomedical applications, thermo-responsive membranes and hydrogels enhance patient care by accelerating wound healing, minimising infection risks, and reducing the frequency of interventions. Multiple reports in the literature have demonstrated that temperature-triggered hydrogels show 3 to 5 times higher drug release efficiency compared to non-responsive carriers. In water treatment, self-cleaning and antifouling features of thermo-responsive membranes have significantly reduced maintenance costs and enhance filtration efficiency by up to 99% flux recovery rate and more than 125% flux improvement in reported systems. This paper, in comparison with previous studies, explores the cost-saving potential and technological advantages of thermo-responsive membranes and hydrogels across diverse application sectors. It also examines industrial constraints such as energy demand, solvent systems, and cycling durability of these membranes and hydrogels to provide a deeper understanding of the behaviour of thermo-responsive materials in different operational environments. Unlike earlier reviews, membrane performance analysis was also integrated at critical transition points (flux, recovery ratio, release efficiency) and fabrication methods were linked to application-specific outcomes. Furthermore, these membranes and hydrogels have shown clear opportunities for future research and industrial implementation, particularly in reducing material and labour costs in healthcare and lowering operational expenses in filtration systems. The integration of these membranes and hydrogels with bioelectronics and smart systems, will likely further expand their utility and market viability in the coming years.

Road infrastructure is essential for urban connectivity and economic development, yet its construction phase often results in substantial environmental impacts, especially in developing regions where life-cycle data and assessment capacity remain limited. This study applies a cradle-to-site Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a 9.6 km four-lane road expansion project in El Salvador, using the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method and ELCD background data adapted to local conditions. The results indicate that cement, diesel, and steel dominate contributions to global warming potential, terrestrial and marine ecotoxicity, and resource depletion. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that relatively small reductions in material quantities and transport distances can lead to meaningful decreases in emissions and ecotoxic impacts. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating life cycle considerations into early-stage design and procurement decisions for road infrastructure. The study provides a replicable analytical framework to support climate-resilient and resource-efficient infrastructure planning in data-constrained contexts, contributing to both national sustainability priorities and broader international development targets.