Pub Date : 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100607
Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz , Stylianos K. Gkaras , Dimitris G. Kaskaoutis
This study aims to increase our knowledge on the concentrations of heavy metals and health risks associated with human exposure to indoor and outdoor dust. Several anthropogenic activities are the source of heavy metals and potential toxic elements, which in excess quantities may be harmful for human health, respiratory, immune, and neurological systems or even cause cancer. Heavy metals carried with dust may enter indoors, resulting in even higher concentrations than outdoors, with deleterious effects for residents, especially for sensitive groups of population. Mitigation strategies should focus more on reduction of heavy metals exposure for better living conditions.
{"title":"Atmospheric heavy metals and human health","authors":"Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz , Stylianos K. Gkaras , Dimitris G. Kaskaoutis","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to increase our knowledge on the concentrations of heavy metals and health risks associated with human exposure to indoor and outdoor dust. Several anthropogenic activities are the source of heavy metals and potential toxic elements, which in excess quantities may be harmful for human health, respiratory, immune, and neurological systems or even cause cancer. Heavy metals carried with dust may enter indoors, resulting in even higher concentrations than outdoors, with deleterious effects for residents, especially for sensitive groups of population. Mitigation strategies should focus more on reduction of heavy metals exposure for better living conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100607"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143682423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100608
Yang Zheng , María Dolores Hernando , Damià Barceló , Chen Wang , Hui Li
The convergence of climate change and microplastic pollution poses a dual environmental threat with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Climate change accelerates microplastic distribution through mechanisms like altered ocean currents, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, increasing microplastic concentrations in previously unaffected regions and the atmosphere. Warming contributes to microplastics released from melting glaciers into oceans and affects soil microplastic distribution under drought conditions. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, further disperse microplastics, complicating their environmental impact. The contamination of food and water sources with microplastics during climate-driven events, such as flooding, raises serious concerns about water security and food safety. Additionally, interactions between microplastics and other emerging pollutants heighten environmental and health risks. This study highlights the urgent need for risk assessment frameworks that incorporate climate factors and for strategic management approaches to address the compounded impact of climate change and microplastic pollution. By recommending enhanced water treatment, soil management, systematic monitoring, and toxicological assessments, the research advocates for integrated global responses to mitigate these interconnected challenges for ecosystem and public health protection.
{"title":"Climate change exacerbates microplastic pollution: Environmental behavior and human health risks","authors":"Yang Zheng , María Dolores Hernando , Damià Barceló , Chen Wang , Hui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The convergence of climate change and microplastic pollution poses a dual environmental threat with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Climate change accelerates microplastic distribution through mechanisms like altered ocean currents, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, increasing microplastic concentrations in previously unaffected regions and the atmosphere. Warming contributes to microplastics released from melting glaciers into oceans and affects soil microplastic distribution under drought conditions. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, further disperse microplastics, complicating their environmental impact. The contamination of food and water sources with microplastics during climate-driven events, such as flooding, raises serious concerns about water security and food safety. Additionally, interactions between microplastics and other emerging pollutants heighten environmental and health risks. This study highlights the urgent need for risk assessment frameworks that incorporate climate factors and for strategic management approaches to address the compounded impact of climate change and microplastic pollution. By recommending enhanced water treatment, soil management, systematic monitoring, and toxicological assessments, the research advocates for integrated global responses to mitigate these interconnected challenges for ecosystem and public health protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100608"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-19DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100606
Emilio Laino , Gregorio Iglesias
Climate change intensifies extreme weather events. Their impacts on environmental contamination are investigated in ten European coastal cities, spanning diverse climatic regions: Sligo (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Vilanova (Spain), Benidorm (Spain), Oarsoaldea (Spain), Massa (Italy), Oeiras (Portugal), Piran (Slovenia), Gdansk (Poland) and Samsun (Turkey). Rising sea levels and storm surges, heavy precipitation and flooding, and other climate hazards exacerbate the mobilization of contaminants from natural and anthropogenic sources (agricultural runoff, industrial discharges and urban effluents). By examining the interactions between extreme weather events and contaminant pathways, this study highlights heightened risks to public health, ecosystems and water quality. Case studies demonstrate the compound effects of flooding, coastal erosion and droughts on contamination dynamics: untreated wastewater overflow, release of sediments and landfill contaminants, elevated pollutant concentrations, saltwater intrusion and algal blooms. Mitigation and adaptation strategies are discussed, including monitoring and early warning systems, sustainable urban drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions and policy frameworks.
{"title":"Extreme weather events and environmental contamination under climate change: A comparative review of ten European coastal cities","authors":"Emilio Laino , Gregorio Iglesias","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change intensifies extreme weather events. Their impacts on environmental contamination are investigated in ten European coastal cities, spanning diverse climatic regions: Sligo (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Vilanova (Spain), Benidorm (Spain), Oarsoaldea (Spain), Massa (Italy), Oeiras (Portugal), Piran (Slovenia), Gdansk (Poland) and Samsun (Turkey). Rising sea levels and storm surges, heavy precipitation and flooding, and other climate hazards exacerbate the mobilization of contaminants from natural and anthropogenic sources (agricultural runoff, industrial discharges and urban effluents). By examining the interactions between extreme weather events and contaminant pathways, this study highlights heightened risks to public health, ecosystems and water quality. Case studies demonstrate the compound effects of flooding, coastal erosion and droughts on contamination dynamics: untreated wastewater overflow, release of sediments and landfill contaminants, elevated pollutant concentrations, saltwater intrusion and algal blooms. Mitigation and adaptation strategies are discussed, including monitoring and early warning systems, sustainable urban drainage infrastructure, nature-based solutions and policy frameworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100606"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100605
Md Refat Jahan Rakib , Mehnaj Mohiuddin , Md Abdullah Al Masud , Mohammed Fahim Murshed , Venkatramanan Senapathi , Md Aminul Islam , Md Jakariya
The increasing presence of microplastics (MP) in drinking water worldwide has highlighted its potential adverse health effects and the need to summarize existing data to assess knowledge gaps. In this review, thirteen studies on microplastics in groundwater were methodically analyzed. Concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 6832 particles per microliter were found, mainly in open and drilled wells, containing the common polymers PVC, PET, PE, PA and PS. Most studies focus on Europe and North America, suggesting a geographical bias. This report calls for further research in underrepresented regions such as Asia, Africa and South America and highlights the need for standardized sampling methods. It suggests expanding research to better understand MP pollution levels, sources and public health impacts, particularly in groundwater near urban and industrial areas. Improvements in ecological assessment models are also advocated to improve understanding of MPs impacts of MP on ecosystems and groundwater quality to support the development of effective management strategies.
{"title":"Exploring the impact of microplastics in groundwater on human health: A comprehensive review","authors":"Md Refat Jahan Rakib , Mehnaj Mohiuddin , Md Abdullah Al Masud , Mohammed Fahim Murshed , Venkatramanan Senapathi , Md Aminul Islam , Md Jakariya","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing presence of microplastics (MP) in drinking water worldwide has highlighted its potential adverse health effects and the need to summarize existing data to assess knowledge gaps. In this review, thirteen studies on microplastics in groundwater were methodically analyzed. Concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 6832 particles per microliter were found, mainly in open and drilled wells, containing the common polymers PVC, PET, PE, PA and PS. Most studies focus on Europe and North America, suggesting a geographical bias. This report calls for further research in underrepresented regions such as Asia, Africa and South America and highlights the need for standardized sampling methods. It suggests expanding research to better understand MP pollution levels, sources and public health impacts, particularly in groundwater near urban and industrial areas. Improvements in ecological assessment models are also advocated to improve understanding of MPs impacts of MP on ecosystems and groundwater quality to support the development of effective management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 100605"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100602
Lan Wang , Tao Yuan , Yee Chu Kwa, Mui-Choo Jong
Phthalates are the most prevalent plasticizers and are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties, hence posing significant concerns. As a vital component of daily intake, phthalate contamination in drinking water poses risks to human health, yet the concept of phthalate as lifelong exposome through drinking water remains underexplored. This review summarizes phthalates levels throughout the drinking water system, including raw water sources, drinking water treatment plants, tap water, and bottled water, highlighting instances where concentrations reaching 1438 μg/L in municipal tap water, far exceeding the World Health Organization guideline of 8 μg/L in some areas. Secondary contamination from plastic water pipes and various water filter elements contributes to the diversity of phthalates, with up to 22 phthalate types present in drinking water. We emphasized that the chronic exposure to phthalates in drinking water leads to bioaccumulation, resulting in health implications across different age groups, for instance, reproductive dysregulation, neurological disorders, and other chronic diseases such as obesity and hypertension. Utilizing the Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) framework, we evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of phthalates, revealing that phthalates toxicity aggravates with structural complexity, and chronic toxicity significantly more complicated than acute toxicity. The potential health risks caused by phthalates, particularly their cumulative chronic toxicity and lifelong exposome through contaminated drinking water, necessitate proactive and pre-emptive measures.
{"title":"Chronic exposure to phthalates in drinking water: The implications on public health","authors":"Lan Wang , Tao Yuan , Yee Chu Kwa, Mui-Choo Jong","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phthalates are the most prevalent plasticizers and are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties, hence posing significant concerns. As a vital component of daily intake, phthalate contamination in drinking water poses risks to human health, yet the concept of phthalate as lifelong exposome through drinking water remains underexplored. This review summarizes phthalates levels throughout the drinking water system, including raw water sources, drinking water treatment plants, tap water, and bottled water, highlighting instances where concentrations reaching 1438 μg/L in municipal tap water, far exceeding the World Health Organization guideline of 8 μg/L in some areas. Secondary contamination from plastic water pipes and various water filter elements contributes to the diversity of phthalates, with up to 22 phthalate types present in drinking water. We emphasized that the chronic exposure to phthalates in drinking water leads to bioaccumulation, resulting in health implications across different age groups, for instance, reproductive dysregulation, neurological disorders, and other chronic diseases such as obesity and hypertension. Utilizing the Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) framework, we evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of phthalates, revealing that phthalates toxicity aggravates with structural complexity, and chronic toxicity significantly more complicated than acute toxicity. The potential health risks caused by phthalates, particularly their cumulative chronic toxicity and lifelong exposome through contaminated drinking water, necessitate proactive and pre-emptive measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 100602"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143570549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The wastewater treatment consists of a resource recovery approach driven by the growing demand for sustainable solutions to address environmental pollution and resource scarcity. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of regenerative resource recovery from wastewater using bio-based soft technologies. It highlights the current state-of-the-art methodologies and stresses their significance in promoting sustainable wastewater management. The paper outlines various bio-based soft technologies, their principles, successful applications, and case studies. It also reports the advantages and limitations of these technologies, offering insights into their integration with existing systems and potential future advancements in promoting these technologies for effective wastewater management. It has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment with more efficient resource recovery, improved scalability, and broader integration into global wastewater management systems.
{"title":"Regenerative resource recovery from wastewater: State-of-the-art bio-based soft technology","authors":"Prabhakar Sharma , Simranjeet Singh , Praveen C. Ramamurthy , Joginder Singh , Jayanta Kumar Biswas","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2024.100587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2024.100587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The wastewater treatment consists of a resource recovery approach driven by the growing demand for sustainable solutions to address environmental pollution and resource scarcity. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of regenerative resource recovery from wastewater using bio-based soft technologies. It highlights the current state-of-the-art methodologies and stresses their significance in promoting sustainable wastewater management. The paper outlines various bio-based soft technologies, their principles, successful applications, and case studies. It also reports the advantages and limitations of these technologies, offering insights into their integration with existing systems and potential future advancements in promoting these technologies for effective wastewater management. It has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment with more efficient resource recovery, improved scalability, and broader integration into global wastewater management systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100587"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100594
Abhishek Kumar , Wasim Akram Shaikh , Hakim Mudasir Maqsood , Sanjai J. Parikh , Jayanta Kumar Biswas
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered significant attention because of their persistence and detrimental environmental impacts, posing major challenges in wastewater treatment. Yet, traditional treatment methods fall short of providing a sustainable solution. This study argues that biochar-based composites represent the most promising innovative solution for PFAS remediation. Biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials, possesses beneficial properties such as high porosity, surface area, and surface functionality, making it highly effective in removing various environmental pollutants. Recent advancements in biochar technology, such as incorporating materials like metal oxides, nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, and functionalized polymers, have only increased its efficacy. This article explores the latest developments in biochar-based PFAS removal, including adsorption mechanisms, while critically addressing the current limitations. The findings indicate that biochar-based composites offer a scalable, practical, and effective approach to mitigating PFAS contamination, and should be prioritized over conventional treatment methods.
{"title":"Harnessing sustainable biochar-based composites for effective PFAS removal from wastewater","authors":"Abhishek Kumar , Wasim Akram Shaikh , Hakim Mudasir Maqsood , Sanjai J. Parikh , Jayanta Kumar Biswas","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered significant attention because of their persistence and detrimental environmental impacts, posing major challenges in wastewater treatment. Yet, traditional treatment methods fall short of providing a sustainable solution. This study argues that biochar-based composites represent the most promising innovative solution for PFAS remediation. Biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials, possesses beneficial properties such as high porosity, surface area, and surface functionality, making it highly effective in removing various environmental pollutants. Recent advancements in biochar technology, such as incorporating materials like metal oxides, nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, and functionalized polymers, have only increased its efficacy. This article explores the latest developments in biochar-based PFAS removal, including adsorption mechanisms, while critically addressing the current limitations. The findings indicate that biochar-based composites offer a scalable, practical, and effective approach to mitigating PFAS contamination, and should be prioritized over conventional treatment methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100594"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100595
Guorong Yi , Xuan Wu , Kuok Ho Daniel Tang , Ronghua Li
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging organic contaminant, which is widely used in plastic production and has estrogenic activity, but its accumulation in the environment is increasing due to the extensive use of BPA-containing products. In the natural environment, specific bacteria or fungi can metabolize BPA, converting it into non-toxic or less harmful substances. However, the biodegradation of BPA is a complex and variable process, with its efficiency being influenced by environmental conditions, microbial species, and their activities. This paper analyzes the efficiency of microbial BPA degradation, reviews current research, summarizes the mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved, and provides insights for future research directions.
{"title":"Microbial degradation of bisphenol A – A mini-review","authors":"Guorong Yi , Xuan Wu , Kuok Ho Daniel Tang , Ronghua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging organic contaminant, which is widely used in plastic production and has estrogenic activity, but its accumulation in the environment is increasing due to the extensive use of BPA-containing products. In the natural environment, specific bacteria or fungi can metabolize BPA, converting it into non-toxic or less harmful substances. However, the biodegradation of BPA is a complex and variable process, with its efficiency being influenced by environmental conditions, microbial species, and their activities. This paper analyzes the efficiency of microbial BPA degradation, reviews current research, summarizes the mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved, and provides insights for future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100595"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100592
Feng Wang , Chenxin Zhao , Xiong Shi , Yang Wu , Jingyang Luo
Emerging contaminants (ECs) in waste-activated sludge (WAS) pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Anaerobic digestion (AD), a microbial-driven waste management technology, is particularly vulnerable to interference from ECs. This review comprehensively explores the effects of various ECs, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and microplastics, on AD processes and their underlying mechanisms. ECs typically inhibit sludge digestion by disrupting extracellular polymeric substance structures, altering enzyme activity, and affecting microbial communities and metabolic functions. However, at low concentrations, some microorganisms can adapt and restore methane production. Addressing the synergistic and antagonistic interactions of multiple ECs, which complicate treatment outcomes, is critical. Additionally, ECs alter the removal of resistance genes during AD by reshaping microbial host structures, enhancing horizontal gene transfer, and activating reaction pathways, increasing ecological risks. AD also demonstrates limited efficiency in degrading ECs, reducing the quality of digestate as biofertilizer and potentially impacting human health via the food chain. To improve AD efficiency in the presence of ECs, strategies such as source control, pretreatment, and novel green technologies are proposed. This review provides key insights into optimizing AD performance and resilience for EC-laden organic waste, emphasizing integrated and adaptive approaches to meet evolving challenges.
{"title":"Warning the environmental risks of emerging contaminants on low-carbon sludge anaerobic digestion treatment","authors":"Feng Wang , Chenxin Zhao , Xiong Shi , Yang Wu , Jingyang Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2025.100592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emerging contaminants (ECs) in waste-activated sludge (WAS) pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Anaerobic digestion (AD), a microbial-driven waste management technology, is particularly vulnerable to interference from ECs. This review comprehensively explores the effects of various ECs, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and microplastics, on AD processes and their underlying mechanisms. ECs typically inhibit sludge digestion by disrupting extracellular polymeric substance structures, altering enzyme activity, and affecting microbial communities and metabolic functions. However, at low concentrations, some microorganisms can adapt and restore methane production. Addressing the synergistic and antagonistic interactions of multiple ECs, which complicate treatment outcomes, is critical. Additionally, ECs alter the removal of resistance genes during AD by reshaping microbial host structures, enhancing horizontal gene transfer, and activating reaction pathways, increasing ecological risks. AD also demonstrates limited efficiency in degrading ECs, reducing the quality of digestate as biofertilizer and potentially impacting human health via the food chain. To improve AD efficiency in the presence of ECs, strategies such as source control, pretreatment, and novel green technologies are proposed. This review provides key insights into optimizing AD performance and resilience for EC-laden organic waste, emphasizing integrated and adaptive approaches to meet evolving challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100592"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2024.100588
Md Tabish Noori , Priyanka Gupta , Klaus Hellgardt , Booki Min
Accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil, sediment, and water poses significant public health risks due to their persistence and potential toxicity. PFAS compound possesses strong C – F bonds that require very high energy to break, making current technology unsustainable and challenging for large-scale treatment. Recent mechanistic insights into microbial degradation of PFAS offer promising solutions for their sustainable degradation. Specifically, bioelectrochemical systems can effectively break the strong C – F bonds in PFAS using high-energy electrons generated from electroactive microbes at a conductive anode electrode, achieving an astonishing removal efficiency of up to 96 %. However, these systems are still experimental, requiring further optimization for successful large-scale applications. This concise yet detailed review aims to enhance understanding of the emergence of PFAS as a pervasive potent chemical, microbe-assisted degradation mechanisms, and microbial community analysis, guiding future research and policy development for improved public health and environmental management.
{"title":"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): An emerging environmental challenge and (microbial)bioelectrochemical treatment strategies","authors":"Md Tabish Noori , Priyanka Gupta , Klaus Hellgardt , Booki Min","doi":"10.1016/j.coesh.2024.100588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coesh.2024.100588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil, sediment, and water poses significant public health risks due to their persistence and potential toxicity. PFAS compound possesses strong C – F bonds that require very high energy to break, making current technology unsustainable and challenging for large-scale treatment. Recent mechanistic insights into microbial degradation of PFAS offer promising solutions for their sustainable degradation. Specifically, bioelectrochemical systems can effectively break the strong C – F bonds in PFAS using high-energy electrons generated from electroactive microbes at a conductive anode electrode, achieving an astonishing removal efficiency of up to 96 %. However, these systems are still experimental, requiring further optimization for successful large-scale applications. This concise yet detailed review aims to enhance understanding of the emergence of PFAS as a pervasive potent chemical, microbe-assisted degradation mechanisms, and microbial community analysis, guiding future research and policy development for improved public health and environmental management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52296,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100588"},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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