Environmental Monitoring and Assessment最新文献

Exposure to household air pollutants has become a significant environmental health concern in developing nations. This study aimed to understand the growing energy consumption within households, particularly for cooking, and its impact on women’s health in rural areas. We conducted real-time monitoring of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in 61 rural kitchens in the Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal, India. Additionally, we calculated the Standard Living Index (SLI) based on socio-demographic factors from 540 households. Our analyses using ANOVA and chi-square methods revealed significant effects of cooking fuel types and locations on various health indicators among women. Eye irritation was prevalent across all fuel types, followed by shortness of breath (33%), coughing (22%), and dizziness (21%). Alarmingly, nearly half (48%) of children under five consistently accompanied their mothers during cooking, exposing them to health risks. Indoor air pollution, particularly from traditional fuels like fuelwood, cow dung cakes, and leaves, poses a grave threat to families. These fuels emit considerable amounts of PM2.5 and CO, with levels reaching as high as 565 µg/m³ and 12.5 ppm, respectively, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Clean cooking fuel users, such as those using LPG, reported improved quality of life scores across physical, psychological, social, and environmental categories. This study highlights the urgent need to transition to cleaner cooking fuels to mitigate adverse health effects on women and children in rural households.

By monitoring evapotranspiration (ET), the exchange of water and energy between the soil, plants, and the atmosphere can be controlled. Routine estimations of ET on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis can give relevant information on small-scale agricultural practices, such as the Ribb watershed in Ethiopia. However, MODIS sensors have recently given high temporal resolution ET products across large areas, but their low spatial resolution limits its application on a local scale. The primary goal of the study was to downscale the MODIS ET (1 km) product to a finer spatial resolution at the watershed level. The model’s 12 predictor variables (NDVI, EVI, LAI, FVC, SAVI, NDMI, NDWI, Albedo, emissivity, LST, and DEM: slope and elevation) were produced using the random forest (RF) algorithm using Sentinel-2 (S-2) 20 m and Landsat-8 (L-8) 30 m. The RF regression model was used to assess the relationship between predicted variables and downscaled MODIS ET. The FAO-PM ET model, developed from meteorological stations, was validated by (varvec{R}^{varvec{2}}) and RMSE for three seasons (rainy, post-rainy, and dry) in 2022. The results were in good agreement with MODIS ET, with an RMSE of 0.22 for S-2 and 0.28 for L-8. In the FAO-PM ET model, the downscaled result showed greater spatial details and better agreement with gage station readings ((varvec{R}^{varvec{2}} varvec{approx } varvec{0.88}) and (varvec{0.82})). Thus, considering the effectiveness and simplicity of machine learning techniques, our study demonstrated the potential for ET downscaling. Furthermore, the study suggests integrating spatiotemporal time series data to reach higher resolution.

The present study is focused on investigating the heavy/toxic metals (Al, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, As, Mn, and Zn) of PM_2.5 and assessing their associated human health risks. During the study period (July 2022 to July 2023), the PM_2.5 samples were collected from two distinct sites in Faridabad (92 samples from site 1 and 85 samples from site 2). In this study, the US EPA’s Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) was followed to evaluate the human health risk associated with PM_2.5-bound heavy elements. The annual average of PM_2.5 concentrations was 108 ± 16 µg m⁻³ at site 1 and 154 ± 11 µg m⁻³ at site 2, approximately three to four times higher than the national ambient air quality standards (annual, 40 µg m⁻³). The analysis of enrichment factors (EFs) for the elements Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Ni indicates that the heavy elements associated with PM_2.5 primarily originate from anthropogenic sources. The application of the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) model for Faridabad revealed local pollution sources contributing to elevated mass concentrations at the receptor site from the southern (S), northwestern (NW), northeastern (NE), southwestern (SW), and southeastern (SE) regions. Furthermore, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified the predominant sources of PM_2.5-bound heavy elements as industrial emissions (41%), vehicular emissions (34%), and combustion processes (25%). After a thorough assessment of health hazards, Cr appeared as a significant carcinogenic risk factor. Children with elevated hazard quotient (HQ) values for Mn and Cr indicated non-carcinogenic health problems. Ultimately, this analysis reinforces the necessity for rigorous monitoring and intervention to safeguard public health from the potentially harmful effects of heavy elements.

This study presents the process of design and development of a low-cost turbidimeter for monitoring water quality, facilitating rigorous spatial–temporal variability analysis within large-scale hydrological systems. We propose a low-cost optical turbidimeter, modifying the existent SEN0189 turbidity sensor, Arduino boards, and additional sensors for temperature compensation. We compared a low-cost system with high-tech sensors, modifying the original low-cost SEN0189 probe for enhanced environmental performance. The three-step methodological framework involved prototype development, compensation for environmental factors, and preparation for future field deployment. Calibration equations with a high coefficient of determination and a temperature correction equation were established. We made adaptations to overcome field deployment challenges, including a 3-D printed sensor case, defining the relationship between measurement uncertainty and energy consumption, and specifying field installation guidelines. In summary, this study presents a comprehensive approach to a low-cost optical turbidity system, demonstrating its potential for accurate and affordable field deployment. We aim to address the critical need for sustainable inland water management tools, making this system a valuable contribution to environmental monitoring practices. We also aim to inspire similar development of open-source monitoring systems within our community.

Indiscriminate disposal of dry cell battery (DCB) waste contributes to environmental and public health issues in developing countries such as Ghana, due to the toxic nature of this specific waste. Accordingly, a study was conducted in Accra, Ghana, to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing handling DCB waste, aiming a sustainable environment. Using a random sampling technique, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, encompassing 367 respondents from the Accra-Tema Metropolitan areas and Tema West Municipal Assembly in Greater Accra, Ghana. Using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods, the survey data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The results of this study show that female gender and residential area are likely to positively influence the use of DCB at home. Education significantly affects the use of DCB and its proper disposal. The results also suggest that 78% of the respondents disposed of DCB waste in waste bins. The mean monthly income of the respondents stands at USD 270, which is average and likely partially to positively influence the disposal of the DCB. The data collected revealed that female gender, age group, family size, and education level influence the indiscriminate disposal of DCB waste and DCB waste recycling. The results highlight that educated females above the age of 55, with a monthly income, are likely to properly segregate DCB waste. This study contributes to the knowledge gap in relation to dry cell battery waste management (DCBWM) in developing countries, aiming to advance global sustainability. This study is expected to contribute to educate and create awareness in managing DCB waste to reduce its indiscriminate disposal which leads to environmental pollution and negatively affects human health and environmental sustainability in Ghana.

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are prevalent in ecosystems due to their exceptional properties and widespread use, profoundly affecting both human health and ecosystem. Upon entering the environment, MNPs and PFAS undergo various transformations, such as weathering, transport, and accumulation, potentially altering their characteristics and structural dynamics. Their interactions, governed by factors like hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, Van der Waals forces, electrostatic attractions, and environmental conditions, can amplify or mitigate their toxicity toward human health within ecological conditions. Several studies demonstrate the in vivo effects of PFAS and MNPs, encompassing growth and reproductive impairments, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage, genotoxicity, immunological responses, behavioral changes, modifications in gut microbiota, and histopathological alterations. Moreover, in vitro investigations highlight impacts on cellular uptake, affecting survival, proliferation, membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and antioxidant responses. This review combines knowledge on the co-existence and adsorption of PFAS and MNPs in the environment, defining their combined in vivo and in vitro impacts. It provides evidence of potential human health implications. While significant research originates from China, Europe, and the USA, studies from other regions are limited. Only freshwater and marine organisms and their impacts are extensively studied in comparison to terrestrial organisms and humans. Nonetheless, detailed investigations are lacking regarding their fate, combined environmental exposure, mode of action, and implications in human health studies. Ongoing research is imperative to comprehensively understand environmental exposures and interaction mechanisms, addressing the need to elucidate these aspects thoroughly.

Levels of natural radioactivity due to ⁴⁰ K, ²³²Th, and ²²⁶Ra in limestone deposits and corresponding surface soil samples from the Nkalagu community of Ebonyi State were investigated. Gamma spectroscopic analysis using a NaI (TI) detector was employed to measure the activity concentrations (ACs) of the natural radionuclides in the collected samples. The average AC of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰ K was found to be 64.62 ± 11.63, 54.27 ± 8.52, and 313.06 ± 25.33 Bq/kg, respectively, in limestone, whereas in the soil, the value was 60.80 ± 11.71, 44.97 ± 10.74, and 185.90 ± 18.20 Bq/kg, respectively. Except for ⁴⁰ K, the obtained mean ACs of the radionuclides were in excess of the worldwide averages reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The mean value of Ra_eq, H_ex, H_in, I_γ, and AUI was obtained as 166.33 Bq/kg, 0.45, 0.62, 1.18, and 1.28, respectively, in the limestone, and 139.42 Bq/kg, 0.38, 0.54, 0.98, and 1.12, respectively, in the surface soil. The radiation doses in limestone ranged from 120.78–168.89 nGyh⁻¹ and 63.86–88.88 nGyh⁻¹ for indoor and outdoor, respectively, whereas in the soil, the range was 104.47–129.77 nGyh⁻¹ and 54.60–68.02 nGyh⁻¹ for indoor and outdoor, respectively. The total annual effective dose ranged from 0.671 to 0.937 mSvy^–1 with an average of 0.800 mSvy^–1 in limestone and 0.579 to 0.720 mSvy^–1 with an average of 0.667 mSvy^–1 in the soil. Values of representative gamma index and activity utilization index, and indoor and outdoor radiation doses in limestone were above the recommended world average of ≤ 1, and 84 nGyh^–1 and 59 nGyh^–1, respectively, suggesting a restriction in the use of the limestone in construction of houses. The study therefore recommends that the use of limestone in building construction, especially in house interiors, should be discontinued.

The invasive Asian clam species, Corbicula fluminea, has significant ecological and societal implications at both local and international levels due to its nutritional aspects. C. fluminea from four urban rivers in Bangladesh exhibited negative allometric growth and degree of contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which posed a concern to human health based on the AAS and USEPA risk models. The highest mean concentration of PTEs followed a decreasing order: Zn (155.08 ± 4.98 mg/kg) > Cu (53.96 ± 7.61 mg/kg) > Mn (14.29 ± 3.25 mg/kg) > Cd (2.23 ± 0.10 mg/kg) > Pb (1.64 ± 0.14 mg/kg) > As (1.51 ± 0.45 mg/kg) > Ni (1.25 ± 0.27 mg/kg) > Cr (0.65 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in C. fluminea and raising safety concerns. With the exception of Cr and Mn, all element levels were exceeded safety guideline value (SGV) (mg/kg. ww) and exhibited a strong positive correlation (p < 0.05) among the sites. The target hazard quotient of Mn is THQ > 1, and As showed a non-carcinogenic risk in children at OBR, BR, and MR site. The hazard index (HI > 1) value at the BR and MR sites indicated a public health risk associated with the clam. The target cancer risk (TCR) values for As, Cd, and Ni showed that consuming clams posed a carcinogenic risk to human health. These findings suggest that eating these clams may put consumers at significant risk for health issues related to As, Cd, Ni, and Mn exposure. The study emphasizes the need for strict monitoring and preventative measures to reduce the health risks posed by PTEs contamination in clams.

Heavy metals (HMs) are ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments due to unplanned industrial waste discharge, the release of untreated wastewater, and improper mining activities. In particular, the concentrations of HMs are found to be higher in aquatic environments. As a result, the aquatic biota was heavily affected by HM contamination. This critical review aims to understand the sources and toxicity of HMs in commercial fish species, explore their ecological exchange, and examine the related human health challenges in Bangladesh. A modified PRISMA review technique is used in this paper to analyze the current status and research limitations of HM studies in Bangladesh fish species and their toxicity within aquatic food webs. Briefly, we searched several keywords to explore the research trend of HM concentrations and toxicity in fish species. Furthermore, potential toxicity and risk assessment of HMs through the aquatic food chain in Bangladesh were explored. On the other hand, a cross-tabulation approach was used to process the toxicity findings of HMs. Previous studies indicate that fish species can possess comparatively higher HMs than river water due to ecological exchange factors, including bioaccumulation and biotransformation. This review focuses on Bangladesh, highlighting areas for improvements and the need for further study to achieve a transparent understanding of HM deposition in fish species and the sustainable management of aquatic food chain toxicity.

Solid waste incineration (SWI) can release numerous air pollutants although the geographic reach of emissions is not routinely monitored. While many studies use moss and lichens for biomonitoring trace elements, including around SWIs, few investigate the complex, multi-element footprint expected from SWI emissions. This study develops using native moss as a screening tool for SWI while also informing community concerns about an aging incinerator in rural Oregon, USA. Trained community volunteers helped collect 36 composite samples of epiphytic moss (Orthotrichum s.l.) along a 32-km transect from the SWI. We used ICP-MS to measure 40 elements in moss, including 14 rare earth elements (REEs) previously unexplored for SWI. We compared the elemental signatures of samples with an emissions profile for SWI and modeled relationships between element concentrations and distance from the facility using nonparametric regression. The chemical signatures in moss pointed to SWI as a source, potentially through both stack and fugitive dust emissions. The strongest models described farther-dispersing elements, including mercury and cadmium (xR² = 0.65 and 0.62, respectively), and suggested most deposition occurs within 5 to 10 km of the facility. Elements often associated with soil and dust, like arsenic and chromium, exhibited localized peaks within 0.2 km of the incinerator (xR² = 0.14–0.3). Three novel elements—cesium and REEs europium and gadolinium—also showed promise as atmospheric tracers for SWI. Gadolinium, a contrast reagent for MRIs, could reflect medical waste incineration by the facility. We include additional analysis and discussion to help stakeholders use results effectively.