Current Pollution Reports最新文献

Purpose of Review

Outdoor air pollution, the scourge of modern urban living, has long been associated with an array of adverse health outcomes. While empirically supported strategies have already been prescribed for individuals to effectively lessen the impact of contaminated air on their physical health, much is still unknown about comparable solutions for mental wellbeing. The utility of an all-embracing framework that could offer a parsimonious elucidation of existing apparently-heterogeneous work is contended to be pivotal, and this narrative review will address this by reviewing recent main findings through the lens of evolutionary mismatch theory.

Recent Findings

In general, recent evidence suggests that the evolutionary mismatch theorisation (which posits that air pollution–induced lifestyle changes could play an influential role in modifying mental wellbeing outcomes due to their evolutionarily unfamiliar nature) might be valid. More specifically, the air pollution–mental wellbeing link (tentatively) appears to have been influenced by (1) the evolutionarily mismatched curtailment of physical activities, (2) sunlight exposure, and (3) social contact, together with (4) the evolutionarily mismatched overexposure to upsetting information. The jury is still out for the proposed role of the evolutionarily mismatched reduction of greenery exposure, while the very limited evidence does not support the postulated influence of evolutionarily mismatched opportunities for comparisons with others via media.

Summary

Findings from this review (tentatively) propound that deleterious mental-wellbeing consequences due to urban air pollution could be mitigated if individuals maintain a more evolutionarily familiar lifestyle within the limits of their circumstances.

Graphical Abstract

Purpose of Review

The various disease outbreaks have increased the consumption of antibiotics. Unfortunately, this condition can further increase the accumulation of antibiotics that can pollute the environment and even human health. Biodegradation is one method to reduce or even eliminate the accumulation of antibiotics. This review aims to discuss the sources of antibiotics in the environment, mechanisms of antibiotic biodegradation, factors affecting the biodegradation process, ecological risks, regulatory implications, current strategies that have been implemented, and innovative approaches to reduce antibiotic resistance and environmental contamination.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have highlighted antibiotic resistance in aquatic and soil environments. This increases the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial populations. Biodegradation techniques such as biological wastewater treatment, wetlands, microbial degradation, and algal degradation have been able to show satisfactory performance. In particular, microbial consortia and genetic modification of bacteria, fungi, and microalgae can also provide synergistic metabolic pathways that enhance the efficiency of antibiotic degradation. In addition, biogenic nanoparticles and enzyme-assisted degradation methods, such as laccases, can be advanced innovative approaches for antibiotic biodegradation. 

Summary

Antibiotic biodegradation has been a pivotal research focus due to increasing environmental pollution and the risk of antibiotic resistance. This topic is promising in decomposing antibiotics into compounds that are more tolerant of the environment. Although there has been progress in antibiotic biodegradation research, further studies should be conducted to overcome challenges such as the complexity of the compounds, antibiotic stability, antibiotic and gene resistance phenomena, and non-optimal environmental factors. 

Purpose of Review

Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) holds considerable promise for the recovery and reutilization of resources from animal farming liquid waste (AFLW). However, typical pollutants in AFLW can markedly impair AnMBR performance. This review aims to describe the mechanisms through which conductive materials enhance AnMBR performance to maximize resource recovery and minimize environmental impact.

Recent Findings

AFLW exhibits high resource utilization potential. However, pollutants in AFLW, such as antibiotics, resistance genes, and heavy metals (HMs), can disrupt microbial communities in AnMBR, reducing treatment efficiency and increasing environmental risks. Conductive materials, such as iron-based materials (e.g., zero-valent iron, magnetite) and carbon-based materials (e.g., biochar, granular activated carbon), enhance microbial activity through mediated interspecies electron transfer and direct interspecific electron transfer, improving pollutant removal and resource recovery. Additionally, conductive materials reduce the bio-toxicity of HMs through adsorption, further mitigating environmental pollution.

Summary

This review highlights the enhancement of resource recovery and reduction of environmental risks in AnMBR for treating AFLW through the incorporation of conductive materials. The incorporation of conductive materials has been shown to significantly improve AnMBR performance, including enhanced methane production, reduced start-up time, and improved degradation efficiency of organic matter. The main mechanisms of conductive materials are further discussed to provide the further development of AnMBR in AFLW treatment.

Purpose of Review

This review examines recent advances in exploring the potential of microalgae for simultaneous CO₂ sequestration and the sustainable biosynthesis of high-value carotenoids, specifically astaxanthin and lutein. It aims to highlight integrated approaches that align microalgal biotechnology with global sustainability targets.

Recent Findings

Drawing on a detailed analysis of recent experimental and technological studies, this review explores innovations in photobioreactor engineering, nutrient regime optimization, genetic and metabolic engineering, and the use of industrial flue gases to enhance CO₂ uptake by microalgae. The review also examines how carotenoid production is tightly linked to the microalgal life cycle: lutein is predominantly synthesized during active growth to support photosynthesis, while astaxanthin accumulates under stress conditions for cellular protection. Recent advancements in cultivation strategies and green extraction technologies have enhanced the yield and purity of these carotenoids, enabling broader industrial applications across nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and aquaculture.

Summary

By analyzing multidisciplinary and biorefinery developments, this review demonstrates that carbon capturing with carotenoid biosynthesis integration in microalgae systems supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The dual focus on environmental remediation and bioactive production underlines microalgae’s potential as scalable, sustainable platforms in the emerging bioeconomy.

Purpose of Review

This review provides a comprehensive understanding about the mechanisms and technologies for the enhanced remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)-contaminated soils by organic and biochar amendments. This article discusses the practical implications in relation to degradation, mobility, and bioavailability of POPs in soils.

Recent Findings

The application of organic (and carbonaceous) amendment lead to changes in soil’s pH, OM, and soluble organic carbon levels which might shift POPs from solid to aqueous phases, increasing their availability for microbial breakdown. Biochar can be useful as an electron donor, acceptor, or shuttle for microorganisms that degrade POPs (via different biological or chemical reactions) apart from its high surface area and excellent sorption properties (π–π interactions).

Summary

Large amounts of organic such as composted manure, biosolids, municipal solid waste, and biochar amendments are utilized as a soil conditioner to enhance soil health and crop productivity as well as a source of carbon and nutrients, which can also impact the interactions of POPs in soil.

Purpose of the Review

High amounts of microplastics (MPs) are collected and then disposed of in sewage treatment plants. This review aims to identify the effects of wastewater treatment processes on the physical and chemical properties of MPs as well as their fragmentation and ageing, which are rarely reported and have not yet been revised.

Recent Findings

The amount of microplastic particles introduced into the WWTP depends on many factors, such as the area and population, treatment processes, migration of people, and weather conditions. As a result, WWTP effluents were identified as the source of MP pollution. Selected treatment methods and chemicals used in wastewater treatment may contribute to the deterioration of MP.

Summary

The impact of individual physical, mechanical, and chemical factors on the fate of microplastics in the WWTP was analysed. In the case of preliminary and primary treatment processes, the fragmentation of MP particles is mainly affected by mechanical interactions such as physical abrasion and water shearing force. However, during tertiary treatment processes, chemical factors such as advanced oxidation processes, chlorination, and ozonation play a leading role in MP deterioration. The paradox of so-called microplastic removal in WWTPs has been highlighted, and the concept of defining wastewater treatment plants as sources of tertiary microplastic pollution has been proposed.

Graphical Abstract

Purpose of Review

Amines, as atmospheric pollutants, significantly impact air quality, climate change, and human health because they readily react with acidic gases in the atmosphere to form secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and participate in the formation of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). This review summarizes the research progress on atmospheric amine, including analytical methods, emission inventory, and regional pollution, as well as their significance in the course of new particle formation (NPF).

Recent Findings

At present, the detection methods for amines mainly include chromatography and mass spectrometry, among which the development of online measurement technology helps to improve time resolution and research depth. The severe lack of field-measured emission factors has hindered the model’s simulation of amine effects. The concentration and main components of particulate amines show significant differences in different regions and seasons. The sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)-H₂O-amine ternary nucleation theory is widely recognized, but field measurements have also revealed the influence of other organic compounds. In general, amines have a critical impact on atmospheric chemical reactions, particularly their support in the generation of new particles and SOA, which makes them a vital factor in climate transform research.

Summary

This review not only provides the latest research findings on amines but also points out the deficiencies in current studies. It emphasizes the need for systematic research on the emissions, the mechanisms of NPF. The ultimate goal is to contribute to mitigating atmospheric pollution and protecting public health.

Purpose of Review

This study aims to examine the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) as a key precursor to disinfection by-products (DBPs) in aquatic environments. Key objectives include elucidating how DOM sources, chemical properties, and environmental transformations influence DBP speciation and toxicity. The study also evaluates strategies for mitigating DBP risks in drinking water treatment and identifies critical knowledge gaps in linking DOM dynamics to DBP toxicity profiles.

Recent Findings

Recent studies highlight that the sources of DOM and its chemical characteristics, including SUVA₂₅₄ and humification index (HIX), strongly influence disinfection by-product formation potential (DBPFP). Photochemical and microbial transformations significantly alter the reactivity of DOM, with photodegradation typically reducing DBPFP while biodegradation increasing it. Despite these findings, the relationship between DOM transformations and DBP toxicity remains underexplored. Advanced mass spectrometry and fluorescence-based techniques have improved the ability to characterize DOM, offering new insights into the molecular-level dynamics of DBP formation. While traditional water treatment methods remain essential, enhanced coagulation, adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes are increasingly necessary to efficiently remove DOM and mitigate DBP formation.

Summary

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the DOM-DBP relationship, offering insights into the speciation and toxicity of DBP. It is highlighted that the sources, chemical properties, and natural transformations of DOM complicate the DBP precursor pool, affecting DOM reactivity and DBP production during disinfection. Advances in analytical techniques could improve our understanding of molecular-level interactions between DOM and DBP. Future research should prioritize comprehensive DOM characterization and predictive models to link DOM subfractions with toxicity explicitly. Furthermore, enhanced removal strategies must be developed to balance disinfection efficacy with minimized health and ecological risks, thereby ensuring water quality safety.

Purpose of Review

This review intends to comprehensively introduce random mutagenesis technology and summarize the up-to-date advances for utilizing it to enhance the pollutant removal abilities of bacteria, microalgae, and microalgae-bacteria consortia. In addition, this review also proposes future improvement strategies to further enhance the strengthening effect of random mutagenesis technology.

Recent Findings

Environmental pollution caused by wastewater, residual antibiotics, and other pollutants has caused severe disservice to the ecosystem and the development of human society. Pure bacterial systems, pure microalgal systems, and microalgae-bacteria consortia have been extensively applied to treat pollutants because of their excellent treatment effects, low cost, and other preponderances. Nevertheless, the pollutant removal abilities of bacteria and microalgae are limited by the individual species characteristics and adverse environmental factors. Fortunately, random mutagenesis technology can effectively solve the above problems. At present, random mutagenesis technology has been proven to significantly improve the removal efficiency of bacteria and microalgae for pollutants such as nutrients, petroleum hydrocarbons, and CO₂.

Summary

This review first systematically describes the overall research situation of random mutagenesis technology through the bibliometric tools and related literature. Then, the applications of random mutagenesis technology in enhancing the pollutant removal capacity of bacteria, microalgae, and microalgae-bacteria consortia are introduced, respectively. This review also innovatively summarizes the principles of enhancing the pollutant removal performance of microalgae and bacteria through random mutagenesis technology. The challenges this technology faces in the current research are analyzed in depth, and corresponding improvement methods are given.

Graphical Abstract

Purpose of Review

Black-odorous water bodies (BOWBs) pose significant environmental challenges, characterized by excessive nutrients, heavy metals, and organic pollutants that degrade aquatic ecosystems. This review examines the impact of BOWBs on the physiological ecology of Vallisneria natans, a submersed macrophyte known for its phytoremediation potential, and its associated biofilm microbial community.

Recent Findings

Vallisneria natans interacts symbiotically with biofilm communities, which facilitate nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation, and enhance overall plant health. However, pollutants like heavy metals, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides disrupt this symbiotic relationship, leading to oxidative stress, impaired nutrient uptake, and reduced growth. These effects limit the effectiveness of V. natans in natural restoration processes, highlighting the need for targeted remediation strategies.

Summary

Understanding the complex interactions between V. natans and its biofilm community under the stress of BOWBs is essential for developing effective, eco-friendly restoration strategies. This review identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to optimize restoration efforts in degraded aquatic systems.