Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

Background

Substances of very high concern (SVHCs), causing serious and often irreversible effects on human health and the environment, are included in the candidate list under the European REACH regulation, awaiting further regulatory processing. There is a need for prioritisation efforts to evaluate hazardous chemicals rapidly and efficiently. Lacking workplace exposure measurements, this paper aimed to evaluate whether it is feasible to make an exposure-based prioritisation of occupationally relevant SVHCs. Exposure surrogates, such as data on product use, production volume and processes, were used to establish exposure profiles among professional workers in the Nordic countries.

Results

It was challenging to create an exposure-based prioritisation list of SVHCs solely by using publicly available information, mainly due to limited data accessibility in product registers, ECHA Chem and REACH workplace exposure scenarios.

Conclusions

Limited data accessibility hampers an effective and transparent chemical risk assessment and exposure-based prioritisation of substances that is applicable and useful for regulatory authorities and other stakeholders. To enable a more effective chemical risk assessment and exposure-based prioritisation of substances, exposure data needs to be accessible.

Waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) represent a sustainable, low-cost wastewater treatment option, yet the ecological dynamics of microeukaryotic communities and their pathogenic potential remain underexplored. Here, we investigate how treatment stage and season shape microeukaryotic communities—and the fate of potentially pathogenic taxa—in a full-scale WSP, interpreting patterns with ecological assembly models to inform safe wastewater reuse. Over one year, 48 samples were collected from four stages (inlet, anaerobic, facultative, and outlet) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and microeukaryotic communities via high-throughput 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Water quality improved markedly along the treatment train, with ≥ 75% removal of biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and ammonium nitrogen. Microeukaryotic community composition was significantly structured by treatment stage and season (PERMANOVA, p < 0.001), with the highest diversity observed at the inlet. Opisthokonta, mainly heterotrophic fungi and protists, dominated all stages, while biomarker analysis revealed functional compartmentalization—Ascomycota fungi in the inlet and phototrophic taxa such as Eustigmatophyceae and Scenedesmus in later stages. Ecological modeling showed a shift from stochastic assembly (ecological drift) upstream to deterministic processes (heterogeneous selection) downstream. Notably, 150 potentially pathogenic genera were identified, including Candida, Aspergillus, Acanthamoeba, and Entamoeba, with incomplete removal of some taxa. Persistence of Candida and Saccharomyces in effluent, despite moderate removal (~ 65–81%), highlights potential public health risks. These findings provide novel insights into the ecological functioning of WSPs and underscore the need for improved pathogen monitoring using molecular approaches to ensure safe wastewater reuse.

In this study, L-histidine zwitterionic carbon dots (HZCDs) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The synthesized HZCDs were used to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Additionally, the HZCDs-modified membranes were activated using the protease enzyme to prepare protease-activated composite membranes. The prepared materials underwent extensive characterization and validation using various techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. The blending or activation of HZCDs by the protease enzyme reduced the contact angle of the prepared membranes. The contact angle decreased from 78.75° to 50.12° and 40.02° for 2.0 wt.% HZCDs-PES and PES/Protease-HZCDs membranes, respectively. As the contact angle decreased, the hydrophilic nature of the prepared membranes increased, reflecting a strong affinity for water and efficient wettability. In this context, the pure water flux (PWF) values of PES membranes increased from 140.5 ± 5.3 to 248.7 ± 8.4 L/m².h with rising HZCDs amount from 0 to 2 wt.% HZCDs-PES. Additionally, PWF values for protease-activated composite membranes increased from 140.5 ± 5.3 to 321.1 ± 9.2 L/m². h. BSA flux values of PES membranes increased from 56.4 ± 2.4 to 82.9 ± 0.9 L/m².h with increasing HZCDs amount from 0 to 2.0 wt.% HZCDs-PES. Besides, BSA values for protease-activated composite membranes increased from 56.4 ± 2.4 to 89.8 ± 2.2 L/m².h. The purpose of this modification was to impart hydrophilic properties to the PES membrane and address the issue of membrane fouling, which is a common problem in filtration processes. 2.0 wt.% HZCDs-PES and enzyme-activated membranes PES membranes demonstrated 100% BSA removal efficiency. Also, 2.0 wt.% HZCDs-blended membranes and 2.0 wt.% protease-HZCDs-blended membranes demonstrated remarkable antifouling properties up to 87.7% and 88.8% flux recovery ratio (FRR), respectively. In contrast, BSA flux recovery reached only 67.8% for the pristine PES. When compared to pristine PES membranes, enzyme-activated membranes demonstrated superior filtration and protein rejection efficiencies.

This study aims to assess public perceptions of climate change and the adaptive capacity of communities in the NUTS III Tâmega e Sousa, sub-region of northern Portugal—a territory highly vulnerable to climate-related risks. Understanding local awareness, concerns, and behavioral responses is crucial for designing effective climate adaptation strategies and enhancing community resilience in the face of increasing extreme weather events. A structured questionnaire was administered to 391 residents between January and March 2024, following a pilot test and expert validation. The survey evaluated climate change awareness, perceived risks, preparedness, and support for adaptation measures. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were used to identify group differences. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to synthesize response patterns and identify key dimensions of adaptive behavior. The study revealed high awareness of climate change impacts (over 90%) but low perceived readiness, with only 38.6% believing current efforts are adequate. Women and individuals with higher education showed greater concern and engagement. Economic limitations were a major barrier, with only 16.9% feeling financially capable of adaptation. The results provide valuable reflections for policymakers aiming to enhance regional resilience by aligning public engagement with adaptive strategies through targeted education and support mechanisms will be crucial for ensuring sustainable adaptation efforts in the NUTS III Tâmega e Sousa. These findings also highlight a disconnect between awareness and action. This is one of the first studies to empirically evaluate public adaptive capacity to climate change in the Tâmega e Sousa.

Background

Previous cross-sectional surveys showed that between 20 to 35% of the adult population report health effects in contact with fragrances. The present international survey with 3152 self-reported fragrance sensitive persons addresses the situation in more detail, gathered reported symptoms, underlying diseases, strategies to cope with fragrance sensitivity, and the impact on participation in social life and on quality of life.

Results

On average, every fragrance sensitive person in this survey associates almost ten health symptoms with fragrance exposure, the most frequent ones being cognitive problems, migraine/headaches, mucous membrane problems and breathing problems. More than a third (37.47%) of the survey participants indicate that they have experienced a physical breakdown due to heavy exposure to fragrances. Almost half of the respondents (48.92%) report that their fragrance sensitivity was the reason why they lost their job. Nearly 70% (68,31%) of survey participants indicate that they are excluded from social life almost completely or very strongly, and nearly two thirds (62.53%) indicate that they are forced into increasing isolation almost completely or very strongly. Around three quarters (76.84%) of survey participants state that fragrance exposure affects their quality of life strongly or takes away any quality of life completely.

Conclusions

Fragrance exposure is an invisible barrier that leads to isolation of fragrance sensitive persons in society. General avoidance of fragrances does not heal their sensitivity, but prevents the manifestation of the symptoms, so that fragrance sensitive persons would be able to participate in and contribute to society. Fragrance-free regulations for important areas, such as those implemented partially in Canada and the USA, would be an important improvement.

Many fragrance substances are hazardous with effects for the human health and the environment, but they are not essential for human health, safety or for the functioning of society. Therefore, hazardous fragrances are obvious candidates for a prompt phase out according to the European essential use concept. A responsible use of fragrances would not only help fragrance vulnerable individuals, but also the general population and the environment.

Background

In the twenty-first century, there is a growing awareness of the role of sustainable agriculture in responding to environmental and socio-economic challenges, as well as the need to provide food for an increasing population. Conventional intensive farming techniques often threaten the environment, biodiversity, and public health. Therefore, a possibility is sought to transform agriculture and ensure its green competitiveness, based on the current environmental potential and the capability to manage it sustainably. The European Green Deal and the subordinate strategies set the targets to be achieved by the Member States of the European Union (EU). Therefore, the present research aims to assess the green competitiveness of agriculture in EU Member States in relation to the European Green Deal's goals based on environmental indicators.

Methodology

The methodology applied in this study was based on the standardization of indicators using the zero unitarization method, in which indicators were classified as stimulants or destimulants to ensure comparability and a uniform scale. The standardized indicators were then used to calculate a synthetic index - the Green Competitiveness Index of Agriculture –, which combines fifteen environmental indicators in line with the targets set for the implementation of the European Green Deal to quantify the overall green competitiveness of the agricultural sector in the EU Member States.

Results

After calculating the index for 2018 and 2022, the research created a linear hierarchy and classification of Member States, ranking them accordingly. The overall level of green competitiveness of agriculture in the EU was found to be moderate. Of the twenty-seven Member States, only nine improved their position in the ranking, fourteen experienced a decline, and four maintained their previous position in 2022. Most of the EU Member States face similar challenges in the area of green competitiveness of agriculture, both at the national level and at the EU level, to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal. Achieving the following targets of the European Green Deal might be problematic: area under organic farming, high diversity landscape features, air quality, sustainable energy, and energy efficiency.

Conclusions

The study identifies moderate and scattered green competitiveness of agriculture among EU Member States with significant environmental performance heterogeneity in terms of energy consumption and emissions. The findings emphasise the need for multi-dimensionality of sustainability evaluation and nationally specific policies to deal with fundamental weaknesses, as well as support the realisation of European Green Deal targets.

Business education has been criticised for overlooking social values despite the critical role that social values play in promoting sustainable development (SD) and equipping future business leaders to tackle global challenges. Against this background, this paper examines the incorporation of social values and SD into business education. The study employs a mixed-methods approach including a bibliometric analysis of 637 publications and an analysis of 15 international case studies. The findings indicate significant progress in incorporating social values such as fairness, justice, accountability, and responsibility into business education. Nevertheless, there is still a significant amount of uncertainty regarding the integration of these values across institutions. The case studies, in particular, elucidate prevalent challenges, providing educators and policymakers with actionable insights. Ultimately, this study contributes to the development of business leaders who can promote positive social and environmental change by emphasizing the critical role of social values and SD in business education and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve their integration.

Gradual rise in arsenic (As) pollution due to reuse of unprocessed industrial wastewater for cultivation of crops is causing lethal effects on human health. Moreover, consumption of As-contaminated grains as a food is a global concern. Hence, effective alternatives to manage this problem are urgently needed. This research studied the combined role of iron-biochar nanocomposites ( Fe-BCNC) and plant growth promoting (PGPR) Bacillus sp. in arsenite [As (III)] detoxification in soil. The investigation focused on the growth of barley, Hordeum vulgare (H. vulgare), in an As (III)-contaminated soil and assesses As-associated health risks. Specifically, the study highlighted the impact of various treatment combinations of Fe-BCNC and PGPR with respect to As fractions in soil, As translocation, bioaccumulation, grain quality attributes, stress markers (like antioxidant enzymes) and health risks associated with As (III)-contaminated food intake. The Fe-BCNC was added into the soil at the rate of 80 g kg⁻¹ of soil before sowing. The results revealed that As applied at 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ enhanced phytotoxicity, causing reduced growth, and worsening physiological and biochemical attributes of H. vulgare. Fe-BCNC and PGPR promoted reductions in As toxicity in both soils (25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ As) by improving plant height (26, 52%), grain weight (75, 76%), physiological such as electrolyte leakage (37, 46%) and grain quality attributes such as crude protein (49, 59%) further regulated by antioxidant enzymes (CAT 31, 26; SOD 31, 25%; POD 48, 30%) under stress conditions. The combined treatment of Fe-BCNC with PGPR enhanced As immobilization in soil (40, 47%), respectively, with the highest proportion of iron, aluminum and manganese associated to As. Moreover, the same combination resulted in reduced As accumulation and translocation, lowering health risk (92, 94%) and cancer index (2 × 10^–4, 2 × 10^–3) in both soils, respectively. Formulations of Fe-BCNC and PGPR and their combination as biodynamic amendment could be crucial to alleviate As-related issues and prevent health risks in end consumers. This research helps achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 (zero hunger) and 15 (life on land) by ameliorating food production, remediating tinted soil, and reconstituting the environment.

Background

Agriculture is vital for global food security, with advances in techniques and fertilizers boosting productivity and reducing hunger. However, inefficient fertilizer use has led to soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Over-fertilization wastes resources, strains finances, and disrupts natural nutrient cycles, causing eutrophication and acid rain. The research aimed to explore the relationship between Phosphorus fertilization intensity and utilization efficiency. We assessed sustainable phosphorus management in crops using the new SPMI indicator framework. We hypothesized that higher fertilization intensity is associated with improved phosphorus efficiency.

Results

A novel sustainable management indicator for P (SPMI) has been proposed to assess the sustainability of agricultural production. Using SPMI underlines efficient phosphorus use (PUE) while maintaining high crop yields. Analyses indicate significant variations in phosphorus fertilization across EU countries, impacting yields. While higher fertilization can increase yields and reduce land use, excessive application harms the environment. From 1990 to 2021, phosphorus use efficiency improved, with low-intensity countries benefiting from moderate intensification and high-intensity countries reducing inputs.

Conclusions

Analysed trends demonstrate sustainable intensification, balancing productivity and environmental protection, as shown by declines in SPMI indices, confirming increased sustainability. The intensity of agricultural production is a critical issue in addressing environmental challenges and global hunger. Intensive farming affects smaller areas more severely, while extensive farming has a lesser impact but requires larger spaces. Sustainable intensification offers a potential solution by balancing ecological and economic needs to meet societal demands.

In this article we attempted to investigate the occurrence of metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) in the aquatic environment of the Kozłowa Góra Reservoir (southern Poland) under the influence of the Upper Silesian industry. The reservoir, as a shallow and polymictic unit, has not been the subject of as many extensive studies on the spatial distribution of metals as deep and dimictic reservoirs. The objective of the article is to fill this gap. In our work, we confirmed that the metals in the Kozłowa Góra Reservoir were of anthropogenic origin, and their highest contentin the sediments reflected old Brynica riverbed within the reservoir, which transports pollutants from the Silesian agglomeration. The metals detected in the sediments (a fraction f ≥ 0.06 mm) show positive correlations with organic matter. On the other hand, the metals in the fraction f < 0.2 mm had a positive correlation with a silty-clay fraction. During the study, we also found that only Zn, Cd, and Pb in the fraction f < 0.06 mm showed a mean positive correlation with the silty-clay fraction (f < 0.06 mm). Additionally, we developed the interfacial equilibrium model which allows for the calculation of metal content in the mineral and organic fractions of sediments. The highest concentrations of the analyzed metals occur in the organic fraction, exceeding the concentrations in the mineral fraction by 6 to 34 times. We also developed a model of metal multisorption in the sediment. We found that the accumulation of a given metal in sediment can be influenced by other metals contained in the water and/or sediment. In order to determine the mutual relationships between the metal content in water, in various sediment fractions, and the mass share of the mineral and organic fractions, we developed a cluster analysis method which allows for the isolation of synergistic relationships in the presence of antagonistic relationships. The content of metals in various granulometric fractions of the sediments of the Kozłowa Góra Reservoir we analyzed and showed that metals should be extracted from the fraction f < 0.2 mm, which is the most representative fraction.