Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

Background

The introduction of non-native species can cause significant ecological and economic impacts by disrupting local habitats and ecosystem services. Due to its central European location and extensive trade networks, Germany is particularly susceptible to the introduction and spread of non-native species. Here, we compiled the first comprehensive list of established non-native species in Germany, detailing the invaded environments, native regions, and documented impacts.

Results

The final list included 1962 established non-native species from 594 families and 35 phyla, with Tracheophyta (n = 839), Arthropoda (n = 612), and Chordata (n = 129) being the most represented. Most of these species were terrestrial (79.3%), followed by semi-aquatic (8.4%), with less than 5% occupying freshwaters and other ecosystems. This study highlights a significant lack of information on the impacts of non-native species in Germany, with 97.9% of species having unknown effects. The greatest number of species included in this list were native to the Palearctic region (n = 813), followed by the Nearctic (n = 365) and Neotropic (n = 127) regions. However, many species were of unknown origin (n = 335), with a smaller subset classified as widespread (n = 166).

Conclusions

This first comprehensive list of established non-native species is essential for guiding management strategies in Germany. By cataloguing established non-native species and their impacts, it provides policymakers and stakeholders with a clearer understanding of which species are present, their patterns of spread, and their potential impacts, enabling them to prioritise management efforts for the most harmful species.

The sustainability of resource recovery and agricultural practices can be enhanced by utilising microalgal biomass from a high-rate algal pond for wastewater treatment to improve soil quality and food yields. However, certain factors should be considered first. The addition of fertilisers and the presence of contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) can modify the behaviour of pesticides, applied to such fields. A sorption study of three model pesticides with different octanol–water partitioning coefficient (log K_ow): acetamiprid (ACE, log K_ow 0.80), chlorantraniliprole (CAP, log K_ow 2.76), and flubendiamide (FLU, log K_ow 4.20), was carried out in soils amended with microalgal biomass in the presence and absence of MPs. The surface of the sorbents in the study was characterised by attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (CA), and point of zero charge (pH_PZC). Overall, the sorption of model pesticides increased with their hydrophobicity: ACE > CAP > FLU. The addition of microalgal biomass to soil increased the sorption of ACE (0.72 ± 0.05 µg g⁻¹), compared to soil only (0.08 ± 0.08 µg g⁻¹). The greater sorption capacity of ACE can be attributed to electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between ACE moieties and the negatively charged surface of microalgal biomass containing polar functional groups. The presence of MPs (3% w/w, mixture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS)) did not affect the sorption of ACE, CAP or FLU, regardless of the presence or absence of microalgal biomass. However, FLU sorption was enhanced in the presence of PE and PS in soil, spiked with these individual MP polymers. Microalgal soil amendment can, therefore, influence the behaviour of hydrophilic compounds in soil.

Background

Aquatic communities are constantly exposed to multiple pulses of pesticides caused by spray drift or runoff that can have significant short- and long-term effects. In particular, short pulses can lead to chronic effects that may only occur considerable time after the end of exposure. Furthermore, in the environment, pesticide pulses vary in frequency, duration and intensity. For this reason, we conducted a higher tier study with a long observation period (98 days) using artificial indoor streams to compare the effects on an aquatic community, consisting of the oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus, the snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, the amphipod Gammarus pulex and the mayfly Ephemera danica. Four pesticide pulses with different recovery times (from one to seven days) between pulses were applied using the model insecticide deltamethrin. Two different deltamethrin concentrations (1st, 3rd and 4th pulses with 0.64 ng/L, 2nd pulse with 2 ng/L) were tested.

Results

For E. danica, we observed a significant increase in mortality and a significantly reduced emergence success with increasing days of recovery between the pulses. The snails appeared to benefit from the toxicity-induced mortality of the mayfly larvae; they showed an opposite pattern compared to the mayfly larvae that was reflected in significantly higher energy levels. In addition, the juvenile gammarids were very sensitive to pyrethroid exposure, reflected by the significantly lower number of offspring. No adverse effects were observed for L. variegatus.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the temporal spacing of the insecticide pulses is important. Exposure over longer periods at longer intervals is more harmful than the same number of pulses in quick succession, particularly for insects. In addition, it is important to ensure that toxicity tests are conducted over a sufficiently long period of time to reliably detect chronic effects after short-term exposures. Furthermore, our results show that the current regulatory thresholds for deltamethrin do not adequately protect aquatic insects and should therefore be lowered.

A multitude of pathways within human food chains have been affected by the presence of lead (Pb) which has highly negative consequences on animal and human health. Numerous sources contribute to Pb exposure, and the use of Pb ammunition is considered one of the main unregulated means of releasing this hazardous metal into the game meat and environment. In addition to this, geogenic sources or anthropogenic activities could also result in higher contamination of game meat. Considering these aspects, the present study was carried out in wild boar (n = 53) from different hunting grounds in northern part of Sardinia (Italy) for evaluation of mean residual levels in liver, spleen, and thigh muscle through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The highest mean concentration of Pb was estimated in liver (6.70 ± 34.87 mg/kg dw) followed by spleen (5.11 ± 22.36 mg/kg dw) and thigh muscle (2.67 ± 11.74 mg/kg dw). Concerning biological sexes, females (n = 27) had higher mean levels for all tissues, however, no differences were ascertained in the bioaccumulation of Pb. Among the age groups, adults had higher accumulation of Pb in all tissues compared to juveniles. Nevertheless, the level of Pb in both groups did not yield any accumulation pattern. Additionally, a moderate correlation was calculated for liver and spleen (0.643, p < 0.01) for Pb accumulation. The risk assessment revealed a very high risk to the hunters who frequently consume the game meals as margin of exposure for this group was very low. In comparison with EFSA guidelines, none of the samples was fully fit for human consumption which calls for inclusion of game meat in the EU regulation.

Background

Uncertainty remains a significant challenge in life cycle assessment (LCA), despite the availability of comprehensive models and databases. Addressing this requires tailored uncertainty and sensitivity analysis methods, such as parameter variation, scenario analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. This study assesses the uncertainty and sensitivity of the environmental impact of ten daytime radiative cooling (RC) materials, contributing to the development of a novel cementitious-based RC material within the MIRACLE project. The study investigates three key sources of input uncertainty: (1) parameter sensitivity, analyzing variations in production processes; (2) Monte Carlo analysis, assessing uncertainty within Ecoinvent datasets used for RC material modeling; and (3) pedigree matrix evaluation, incorporating an additional layer of uncertainty where data are incomplete.

Results

The sensitivity analysis reveals that sputtering rate and pumping power significantly impact the environmental footprint of RC materials. Doubling the pumping power doubles the environmental impact, while the lowest sputtering rate increases the impact by over 600%. Scenario analysis further shows that best- and worst-case outcomes vary by up to 1278%, underscoring the need for precise process data. Monte Carlo analysis demonstrates that increasing the number of records used for material modeling broadens the range of outcomes but with limited dispersion, indicating that each impact category is characterized by independent uncertainties. The pedigree matrix is a useful tool when uncertainty data are missing but has a relatively small influence on overall uncertainty.

Conclusions

Process-related parameter choices contribute more significantly to uncertainty than inventory datasets. Accurate modeling of key production steps, particularly sputtering rate and pumping power, is essential for understanding environmental impact variability. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored uncertainty assessment methodologies in LCA studies, particularly for emerging materials like radiative cooling technologies. By improving uncertainty assessment approaches, this study enhances the reliability of environmental impact assessments in material innovation.

Background

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based microplastics are prevalent marine pollutants, yet their impact on calcifying organisms remains understudied. This study investigates PET glitter microplastics as nucleation sites for Ca–Mg carbonates, assessing their role in biomineralisation. Laboratory experiments simulated seawater conditions (21–60 °C, 2–50 mM Ca and CO₃, varied Mg/Ca ratios) to induce specific carbonate polymorphs (calcite, Mg-calcite, aragonite, vaterite, monohydrocalcite) on six PET glitter variants. Mineral phases and PET surface interactions were characterised using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction.

Results

PET glitter actively promoted Ca–Mg carbonate crystallisation, with nucleation preferentially occurring at surface irregularities. Polymorph selection and morphology remained consistent with control experiments. Calcite formed rhombohedral crystals (1–20 µm), vaterite and monohydrocalcite appeared as spherical aggregates (5–10 µm, 100–200 nm nanocrystals), Mg-calcite exhibited a granular texture (< 50 nm), and aragonite displayed branching morphologies, with secondary aragonite forming reduced branching and columnar structures (< 10 µm). Crystallisation was rapid: vaterite and ACC-derived calcite formed within 2–3 min, solution-derived calcite within 5–10 min, Mg-calcite within 2–3 h, and monohydrocalcite within 6 h. Secondary transformations of vaterite and aragonite, as well as monohydrocalcite-derived aragonite, completed after 6 h. All CaCO₃ phases strongly adhered to PET, except primary aragonite, which displayed weaker attachment. PET degradation was observed during crystallisation, with cracks and surface peeling releasing microplastic fragments.

Conclusions

PET uniquely influences surface CaCO₃ nucleation compared to other microplastics. Unlike polystyrene or polyethylene, which require organic coatings for encapsulation, PET actively promotes crystallisation via ester (–COO–) and hydroxyl (–OH) groups that facilitate Ca²⁺ adsorption, creating local supersaturation zones. Surface defects further concentrate ions, accelerating mineral growth. Crystallisation in confined PET features enhances fragmentation, increasing micro- and nanoplastic release. The strong attachment of CaCO₃ phases to PET may affect biomineralisation in marine organisms, impacting shell formation and skeletal integrity. Additionally, PET degradation through crystallisation-driven fragmentation raises concerns about increased microplastic bioavailability and long-term environmental pollution.

Graphical Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between the load capacity factor and urbanization, environmental protection expenditures, economic freedom and economic growth in the European Union from 1996 to 2021. The main motivation is the need for sustainable policies that reduce environmental degradation while promoting economic development. The analysis is conducted with empirical methods such as common correlated effects and augmented mean group using panel data from 24 European Union Countries. The results show that urbanization increases load capacity and can support sustainable practices when well managed. The impact of spending on environmental protection varies across countries, improving environmental quality in some regions but being counterproductive in others. The relationship between economic freedom and growth is complex; economic growth increases environmental pressure, emphasizing the need for green technologies. This highlights the need for sustainable development..

Graphical Abstract

Background

In China, the coal–grain composite area accounts for more than 40% of the total cultivated land area, and its soil organic carbon (SOC) content profoundly impacts soil health and food security. However, underground coal mining causes surface subsidence, farmland degradation, and a decline in the SOC pool, severely threatening soil security and long-term crop productivity. Accurately mapping SOC in the coal–grain composite areas is crucial for assessing soil quality and estimating carbon emissions. However, existing studies rarely consider the adverse impacts of mining activities, and the threshold and interaction effects of environmental variables have not been thoroughly investigated. Using 294 samples collected in Peixian county, a typical coal–grain composite area, this study aimed to apply the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model and partial dependence plot to explore the threshold and interaction effects between environmental variables and SOC content, and obtain a spatial map of SOC content.

Results

The results of the GBDT model showed that SOC content was high in the eastern part and low in the western part, which was mainly influenced by land use, mean annual precipitation, distance from the lake, and distance from mining land. Environmental variables exhibited threshold effects on SOC. For instance, the SOC content increased with distance from the mining area, and increased significantly beyond 15.9 km, indicating that the average effective influence range of mining land was 15.9 km. Similarly, the effective influence ranges of the lake, and irrigated ditch were 23.4 km and 0.2 km, respectively. The interaction effect plots showed that environmental variables were not independent but had complex interactions.

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of introducing mining activities and considering threshold and interaction effects, which help to understand the spatial pattern of SOC in the coal–grain composite areas.

Background

The environmental degradation of novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is largely unknown. Here, the photolytic degradation of the two novel BFRs, PolymericFR and Tetrabromobisphenol A-bis (2,3-dibrom-2-methyl-propyl) ether (TBBPA-BDBMPE), has been investigated by studying the chemical composition and ecotoxicological effects of their degradation mixtures. Furthermore, the stability of those mixtures during sample storage under different conditions has been examined.

Results

In the analytical characterization of the degradation mixtures, 14 previously identified degradation products and the sum formulas of six novel products of PolymericFR, as well as 22 sum formulas for previously unknown degradation products for TBBPA-BDBMPE, were detected in a suspect screening. The number of detected products increased with longer exposures to UV light and after the frozen storage of the samples. The freezing/thawing of the photolysis degradation mixtures led specifically to the detection of more polybrominated degradation products for both BFRs. The acute exposure of Desmodesmus subspicatus and Daphnia magna to the degradation mixtures did not affect the green algae but led to the immobility of the invertebrates at high concentrations.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the effects of the degradation mixtures of PolymericFR and TBBPA-BDBMPE on daphnids increase with advancing photolysis. This highlights the importance of photolytic degradation processes for the hazard assessment of polymeric and monomeric brominated flame retardants. Additionally, the sample storage assessment results suggest that the degradation mixtures of brominated flame retardants should not be frozen for their storage, to avoid unintended changes in sample composition and ecotoxicological effects.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Large quantities of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances (PBTs) like heavy metals have accumulated mainly over the last century in reservoirs, such as landfills, dump sites, contaminated sites, and mine tailings, as well as in environmental sinks like soils and sediments. Large floods in the past 20 years have demonstrated the mobilisation of POPs/PBTs from these reservoirs, underscoring the limitations of conventional technical safeguard measures like leachate and wastewater treatment or containment systems at landfills.

Results

This study emphasises the need to develop inventories of POPs/PBTs in these reservoirs for the assessment of future risk of increased flooding triggered by climate change and for priority setting of remediation and securing measures. Further, sea-level rise should be included in these assessments as long-term risk for large areas that are likely to be permanently flooded in the coming decades and centuries. In addition, the risk of release of POPs and other PBTs by industries affected by Natural Hazards Triggering Technological Accidents (Natech) should be globally evaluated. The review emphasises the importance of conducting systematic assessments and inventories to understand the risk of these reservoirs for environmental pollution and human exposure. The releases and remobilisation of POPs/PBTs can lead to higher levels in food and drinking water with increased human exposure. In addition to fish, it is crucial to consider livestock grazing in flood plains and other areas affected by floods, and to include them in inventories and risk management.

Conclusion

Based on these assessments, appropriate measures must be developed to eliminate or secure the respective reservoirs, following the precautionary approach. Whilst management measures have been initiated in affected areas (including affected feed/biomass), such as floodplains, there is a need to develop them more systematically. This review advocates for a comprehensive and precautionary approach to address the environmental challenges posed by climate change for POPs and other PBTs reservoirs, with an emphasis on increased flooding and sea-level rise. The substitution of POPs/PBTs in non-essential uses should be implemented to reduce future risks. A synergistic implementation of the Stockholm, Minimata, and Climate Convention can be used as frame for inventories and mitigation.