Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

Background

The eco-corona, consisting of environmental biomolecules formed around engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) when released to the environment, has gained increasing focus in the scientific literature and its role for ENM fate and toxicity is now widely acknowledged. The European chemicals legislation, REACH, entails reporting requirements when it comes to the transformation of nanoforms. Guidance provided by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) highlights eco-corona and biotransformation as relevant transformation processes. Still, no specific advice is given on how to test these processes. Based on the findings from the MISTRA Environmental Nanosafety project, we here map out methods to characterise ENM eco-corona and biotransformation and assess their effects. Furthermore, the regulatory relevance of the methods is evaluated.

Results

We identified methods to assess both eco-coronas formed ex vivo (by interaction with natural organic matter-based solutions or solutions with animal secretes) and bio-coronas formed in vivo (via biotransformation, i.e., filtration of ENMs through living organisms). We recommend implementing these methods and methodological considerations in a future update of ECHA’s guidance on ENM ecotoxicity and fate testing, both in the sections on transformation and aquatic pelagic toxicity. When exploring the characteristics and kinetics of eco-corona formation, various data are needed, including data on time-dependent interaction/adsorption/desorption between ENM and constituents in the medium (both with and without the addition of natural organic matter/biomolecules). It is, furthermore, proposed that environmental relevance is enhanced for hazard assessment of nanoforms in REACH. This can be done by incorporating eco-corona considerations in the persistency, bioaccumulative, and toxicity (PBT) assessment.

Conclusions

We here propose to update ECHA 's guidance on ENM ecotoxicity testing and the PBT assessment required under REACH to include eco-corona considerations. If updated, this will aid in implementing information requirements on ENM transformation, increase the environmental relevance of ENM ecotoxicity tests, and reduce uncertainties in the extrapolation of ENM ecotoxicity data.

The European Commission’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (EC SSbD) Framework aims to put together safety and sustainability considerations throughout the entire chemical and material innovation processes. Being a voluntary (pre-market) approach, the framework fosters the development of safe and sustainable chemicals, materials, processes, and products while drawing on existing legal frameworks. We explore the relationship between the EC SSbD Framework and current European legislation regarding safety and sustainability. We highlight commonalities and differences to deduce synergies, and identify opportunities for mutual support and benefit. By systematically evaluating each step of assessing safety and sustainability criteria, indicators, and elements in the EC SSbD Framework, we demonstrate how information generated during the innovation process can also support legal compliance while driving pro-active design improvements. Vice versa, we investigate how regulatory data and methodologies can inform SSbD assessment steps, ensuring a reciprocal flow of information between innovation and compliance efforts. Despite notable differences identified, our findings demonstrate that the voluntary EC SSbD Framework has an added value, and it fosters synergies between innovation of chemicals and materials and safety and sustainability provisions of relevant legislation.

Accumulation of xenobiotic chlorinated ethenes (CEs) at legacy industrial soil and groundwater sites around the world is a pressing environmental and public health issue. Understanding the biochemical pathways through which microorganisms degrade cDCE is key to developing cost-effective, sustainable bioremediation strategies for CE contamination. Two strains, Acinetobacter pittii CEP14 and Ectopseudomonas alcaliphila JAB1, isolated from contaminated industrial sites, have demonstrated the ability to cometabolically degrade cDCE in the presence of phenol. In this study, we integrate transcriptomics, using differential gene expression analysis to pinpoint genes induced during cDCE co‐metabolism, with proteomics to confirm protein‐level expression. We use heterologous expression experiments to demonstrate that phenol monooxygenase is responsible for oxidising cDCE in both strains. Furthermore, we show that CEP14 and JAB1 α-subunits share 71.4% identity with each other but only 14.6–26.5% identity with established monooxygenases with known cDCE-oxidising activity, highlighting the diversity of enzymes that may be capable of cometabolic cDCE degradation. Finally, we hypothesise on a two-branch phenol monooxygenase-mediated cDCE degradation pathway in which the chemical degradative intermediates 2,2-dichloroacetaldehyde and cDCE epoxides are formed. This study sheds light on the biochemical mechanisms by which monoaromatic compounds can enhance the biodegradation of cDCE and demonstrates the potential utilisation of strains CEP14 and JAB1 for the biodegradation of cDCE.

Major activities in automobile workshops involve the release of toxic substances into the surrounding soil and water, which could pose adverse impact on human health. This study aimed at conducting a Monte Carlo simulation-based risk assessment for the concentrations of heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As)) and geoaccumulation index of these potentially toxic elements in the vicinity of mechanical workshops in Omu-Aran, Nigeria. Forty-eight samples were collected in hand-dug wells (HDWs) near automobile workshop premises and one control point in Omu-Aran. The water samples were subjected to acid digestion as a preparation step prior to evaluating their concentrations using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The classification of contamination levels was determined using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). Physicochemical and heavy metals parameters were determined in the groundwater samples using standard APHA methods. Data analyses were carried out by Monte Carlo Simulation and ANOVA at α0.05. All heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Cr, and As) were significantly different from control and above permissible limits. The detected heavy metal falls within categorized into three Igeo classifications, following Muller's interpretation: significantly to exceedingly contaminated (Cd), moderately to significantly contaminated (Pb, Cr, and As), and ranging from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Fe). Based on the result obtained from the Monte Carlo’s simulation, the observed hazard index (HI) values suggest that children have a higher likelihood (84%) of exceeding an HI value of 1 compared to adults (20%) when exposed to Cr in hand-dug wells (HDWs). In the case of Pb exposure via oral pathways, the computed lifetime carcinogenic risk (LTCR) values are comfortably below the 10⁻⁴ threshold, indicating no expected carcinogenic risk from Pb exposure. However, for Cr exposure in children through hand-dug wells (HWs), the LTCR values range from 0 to 2.14*10⁻⁴, signifying a potential risk associated with current Cr levels. The groundwater within the vicinity of auto mechanic repair activities areas in Omu-Aran has been greatly impacted negatively.

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mostly toxic compounds tied with strong molecular bonds. Benzo[a]pyrene is the most toxic PAH found naturally and anthropogenically in the soil. PAHs are structurally complex and require cautious handling due to their noxious effect on the environment. PAH contamination in the environment, particularly soil, is a proven oncogenic agent as it enters the body through the food chain. They are bonded strongly with the soil depending on their nature, texture, available organic carbon, nitrogen, pH, temperature, and moisture. Out of these, texture is the most important. Clayey soil binds PAHs the most, and sandy soil the least. Many PAHs are not easily degraded and remain persistent and are liable to enter the living system through multiple modes like aerial, dermal, and food through numerous signaling pathways, posing a great risk to human health. Multiple health effects are reported, e.g., mutagenic, cardiovascular, eye, liver, kidney, and neural systems, etc., which may occur due to short- or long-term exposure to PAHs. Cancer is the most prevalent disease reported in history. Ample methods are applied for PAHs degradation in the soil. Biodegradation by microbial communities is the most recommended option, but is slow and costly. Therefore, technological intermix is the preferred choice depending on the nature of the substrate and the limits desired, e.g., degradation of phenanthrene, anthracene, and benzo[a] pyrene increased from 68% to 92–96% by nano-zero-valent iron combined with white rot fungi Peniophora incarnata.

Conclusions

Study on PAHs remediation and its health effect in the soil environment is of paramount importance considering its severity.

Background

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants, and as such, they are subject to prohibition under the Stockholm Convention, due to their environmental and health effects. Despite their historical utilisation in mining operations, the presence of PCBs in mining influenced water (MIW) remains a subject that has not been adequately investigated. PCBs sorbed to suspended solids are often overlooked in conventional water analyses, contributing to misconceptions about their presence in the environment. Given their bioaccumulative and endocrine-disrupting properties, even minute amounts of PCBs in MIW pose substantial risks to ecosystems and human health.

Main body

This review article describes the occurrence, environmental fate and treatment of PCBs in MIW and addresses critical knowledge gaps in the mining industry. Historical data demonstrate that PCBs were extensively utilised in mining applications, including dielectric fluids and hydraulic systems. Despite decades of regulatory oversight, residual PCBs persist in MIW, often at concentrations below DIN or ISO detection limits, yet they accumulate through the food web. The sampling challenges posed by the low solubility and sorption of PCBs to solids necessitate the employment of advanced analytical techniques. This study summarises the results of literature searches, laboratory analyses and discussions with international experts. There is still a global lack of monitoring and awareness of PCB contamination in MIW, with Germany being a notable exception. The study’s primary sections address PCB detection methods, sampling techniques and environmental behaviour, emphasising the persistence and mobility of PCBs through adsorption and desorption processes. Treatment strategies encompass biodegradation, filtration, and thermal processes; however, the efficacy of these strategies is contingent on the specific characteristics of the site.

Conclusions

PCBs in MIW pose a substantial environmental challenge and necessitate multidisciplinary efforts to monitor, understand and eliminate their adverse effects. This review is a comprehensive resource for researchers, regulators and industry representatives, facilitating science-based decisions to protect ecosystems and comply with international environmental standards. Continued research is essential to refine detection methods and develop innovative remediation technologies for PCBs.

Background

Copper (Cu) toxicity induces intestinal mucosal damage in chickens. However, selenized-yeast (SY) is reported to enhance the general health and metabolic state of broiler chickens. Thus, this study was proposed to discover whether SY could protect chickens against Cu-induced intestinal damage. Healthy chicks were divided into 4 groups: Control group received basal diet; Cu group, received CuSO₄ at 300 mg/kg, SY group received 0.4 mg/kg, and SY plus CuSO₄ group received both treatments in diet.

Results

The current data indicated a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in residual Cu levels and MDA levels with a substantial increase in (P < 0.05) the activities of GPx, CAT, and SOD in the SY-supplemented birds compared to the Cu-challenged ones. Moreover, the reduced (P < 0.05) NO levels and inflammatory markers affirming the anti-inflammatory role of SY. Besides, SY co-administration significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated the AvBD-2, and AvBD-9 and upregulated (P < 0.05) the Gastrotropin, Calbindin, Cath-B, and Muc2 mRNA expressions compared to Cu-intoxicated group. The histopathological findings validated the protective effect of SY on Cu-induced intestinal damage

Conclusion

Our research suggested that SY may be used as a feed supplement to protect the intestine injury during Cu exposure. This might be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of SY.

This study examines the dynamic relationship between environmental pollution, governance quality, and environmental taxation in European Union (EU) countries from 1996 to 2022. Three major air pollutants—PM₂.₅, NO₂, and SO₂—are examined as dependent variables to capture environmental outcomes. Governance quality is represented by regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and rule of law, while environmental policy is proxied by three environmentally related tax indicators: environmental tax as a share of total tax revenue, environmentally related tax revenue as a share of GDP, and environmentally related tax revenue per capita. Employing a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) framework, the study uncovers both short- and long-run dynamics. The findings reveal that governance quality—particularly regulatory quality and rule of law—exerts a significant long-run negative effect on PM₂.₅ and NO₂, while the influence on SO₂ is comparatively weaker. Environmental taxation shows mixed but generally meaningful long-run effects, underscoring the complementary role of fiscal instruments alongside institutional reforms in reducing emissions. Control variables such as per capita GDP, renewable energy use, and working-age population display heterogeneous effects across pollutants, highlighting the complex economic–environmental linkages in the EU. Overall, the results emphasize that strengthening governance structures, tailoring environmental taxation, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy are central to achieving sustainable reductions in air pollution across Europe.

Plastics are widely used in the construction and building industry, accounting for 23.5% of European plastic consumption. They can replace traditional materials in various applications, including building insulation, piping, paints, adhesives, sealants, roofing, flooring, etc., serve as key components in various composites, and are indispensable for packaging materials and elements that facilitate the construction process itself. Despite their long lifespan, building materials inevitably degrade over time, releasing microplastics (MPs) that contribute to environmental pollution. According to some estimates, annual emissions of MPs in the European Union range from 0.7 to 1.8 Mt, with building paints identified as a dominant source, contributing between 231,000 and 863,000 tons per year. However, reported numbers vary significantly across studies, reflecting the substantial uncertainties still present in quantifying MPs. Now ubiquitous across ecosystems worldwide, MPs have become one of the most pressing concerns of the scientific community, leading to a rapid expansion of research in recent years. Yet less than 0.6% of studies focus on their presence in the construction and building sector, leaving this major industry largely overlooked. This review consolidates scattered knowledge by examining the applications of plastics in the construction and built environment and their role in microplastic generation throughout the materials' life cycle, from production and application to use and end-of-life management. It also examines MPs within the broader framework of sustainable development, particularly in the transition from a linear to a circular economy, where MPs could potentially be repurposed as secondary raw materials for new products. Particular emphasis is placed on recent research exploring the incorporation of MPs into construction materials, while highlighting state-of-the-art solutions that demonstrate their potential commercial viability. Moreover, this article raises awareness of the potential risks associated with such practices, offering authors’ critical perspective on existing research and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their impacts. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge, this review lays the groundwork for advancing future research, developing mitigation strategies, and fostering more sustainable material management in the construction and building sector.

Graphical abstract

The Ondo State coastal waters , face increasing heavy metal pollution from human activities, posing risks to ecosystems and public health. This study investigated seasonal and spatial variations of eight heavy metals: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Cobalt (Co) in water, sediment, and Pseudotolithus species from Awoye and Idi-Ogba. Metal levels were measured using Buck Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, with pollution indices and health risks evaluated. Most water quality parameters met USEPA standards, except turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nitrate. Significant seasonal metal peaks included Cd (0.19 mg/L, wet season, Awoye), Cr (0.10 mg/L, dry, Idi-Ogba), Fe (4.44 mg/L, dry, Idi-Ogba), and Pb (0.10 mg/L, wet, Awoye), with Pb exceeding WHO limits. Sediment metal levels were below Effect Range Low guidelines, indicating low ecological risk. Geo-accumulation Index showed unpolluted conditions at Awoye (wet: all metals negative; dry: Cd 0.42) and Idi-Ogba (all seasons negative). Enrichment Factor indicated extreme enrichment, especially Cd (Awoye dry season: 9330.67). Contamination Factor was moderate for Cd at Awoye dry season (2.00), others < 1. Nemerow Pollution Index revealed unpolluted status (Awoye: 0.05–0.21; Idi-Ogba: 0.03–0.04). In Pseudotolithus tissues, the liver and kidney accumulated the most metals, especially Fe and Pb in the two locations. At Awoye, Cd posed significant health risks (HQ: 12.62; cancer risk: 9.5 × 10⁻²), while Idi-Ogba showed minimal concern. These findings highlight the need for regular monitoring and mitigation efforts in the region.