Environmental Sciences Europe最新文献

Chemical pollution is identified as a significant driver of biodiversity loss, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current environmental risk assessment (ERA) practices. Conventional ERA approaches primarily rely on the endpoints of mortality, growth, and reproduction, often failing to capture the full scope of potential effects that chemicals can have on organisms. This is potentially problematic in cases of chemicals causing neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and metabolic toxicity, which have recently been introduced to the discussion under REACH by the new report of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) on Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge. For these modes of action (MoAs), which have to date been discussed primarily in the context of human toxicity, there is currently no established approach for addressing them in ERA. This is despite the fact that these chemicals often have sublethal effects on traits linked to potential effects on population-relevant endpoints (e.g., foraging behaviour). In this study, we evaluated the importance of non-conventional sublethal endpoints for hazard and risk practices. We categorised endpoints into conventional (CE; i.e., defined by standardised guidelines), semi-conventional (semi-CEs; i.e., defined by standardised guidelines but only for a limited number of species), and non-conventional endpoints (NCE; i.e., ecotoxicological measurements not defined by standardised guidelines and so going beyond conventional measurements). In this conceptual review, we selected case studies that evaluated both conventional and non-conventional endpoints to evaluate the importance of NCEs for the assessment of the emerging hazards in comparison to CEs, focusing on (1) sensitivity (effect levels), (2) mechanistic understanding, and (3) population-level effects. Our assessment shows that using NCEs can improve mechanistic understanding of chemical hazards and provide important information about the chemicals’ MoA. Comparisons between NCEs and CEs at the individual and population levels revealed that in 13% of cases, NCEs showed effects when CEs were unaffected. NCEs were generally more sensitive, being on average 56 times more sensitive than mortality, 8 times than reproduction, and 2 times than growth—in 9 cases, the NCEs were more than 1000 times more sensitive than the CE. NCEs showed unconventional links to the population level that would have gone undetected in the current ERA system (e.g., changes in boldness behaviour affecting reproduction in fish). We propose a first approach to address environmental hazard identification and risk prediction for neurotoxic, immunotoxic, and metabolic toxic compounds by organising relevant NCEs according to an Adverse-Outcome-Pathway (AOP) structure, and a MoA-based AOP framework.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of insecticidal veterinary medicines in public parks in the Netherlands, and to establish whether these substances might pose a threat to the local entomofauna. Fifteen parks and two control sites were selected across the country and volunteers collected composite samples of dandelion plants. Samples were collected in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Nine insecticidal veterinary medicines were detected in total, including two isomers of permethrin and two metabolites of fipronil. As four out of the six parent compounds detected (fipronil, imidacloprid, permethrin and dinotefuran) are currently primarily marketed for use on pets, it is plausible that these substances originated from dogs and cats visiting the parks. The other two compounds, etofenprox and phoxim, are likely to have originated from airborne deposition, as earlier studies have reported the presence of these substances in polyurethane air filters and untreated vegetation. However, dinotefuran has never been found in previous studies. At two control sites, dandelions did not contain any veterinary medicines. Toxicological literature indicates that the concentrations of permethrin, imidacloprid, fipronil and its metabolites found are likely to have negative effects on butterflies feeding on the dandelions.

Nitrogen pollution represents one of the most significant threats to European freshwater ecosystems, with nitrite (NO₂-N) standing out as a highly toxic compound for aquatic organisms, particularly vertebrates. Despite its recognized toxicity, little is known about its effects on invertebrates, even as riverine ecosystems experience profound species turnover. Here, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of nitrite on three representative amphipod species (Gammarus fossarum, G. pulex, and G. roeselii), which occupy distinct river sections and ecological niches. These species serve as models for assessing how nitrogen pollution may shape invertebrate communities across freshwater habitats. A series of laboratory bioassays revealed that G. fossarum, a species associated with upstream sections and pristine conditions, was the most sensitive to nitrite exposure, followed by the midstream species G. pulex and the long-established downstream species G. roeselii. To contextualize these findings, we compared the nitrite vulnerability of these amphipods with that of other freshwater invertebrates, offering a comprehensive perspective on how nitrogen pollution reshapes aquatic communities. While many invertebrate groups exhibit lower vulnerability to nitrite due to their reliance on hemocyanin—an oxygen-transport molecule mostly unaffected by nitrite oxidation—our results underscore significant interspecific differences in tolerance. For sensitive insect species, lethal effects occurred already at environmentally relevant concentrations, highlighting their exceptional vulnerability. In contrast, more tolerant groups such as amphipods survived higher concentrations, yet still displayed sublethal impairments, most notably a reduced leaf litter consumption—a key process in stream nutrient cycling—and altered behavioral responses at comparable exposure levels. Molluscs exhibit the highest tolerance, whereas insects are the most sensitive. Among crustaceans, tolerance varies widely, with a relationship to chloride content of the water mitigating the toxicity of nitrite. Chloride concentrations generally rise along the course of a river, placing upstream regions with naturally low chloride levels and their species at heightened risk. These differences highlight the potential role of nitrogen pollution as a driver of species turnover, particularly in multistressor environments. By linking species-specific sensitivity to broader ecological processes, like leaf litter consumption, this study provides critical insights into cascading effects of nitrogen pollution on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

The increase in global antibiotic consumption has intensified the presence of these substances in aquatic ecosystems. Related to this, phytoremediation studies have gained prominence due to their high efficiency in mitigating the contamination of emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. In this context, the current study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment the efficiency of the macrophyte Salvinia auriculata in phytoremediation, and the bioaccumulation, depletion, and genotoxic effects in Astyanax bimaculatus exposed to enrofloxacin (EFX) and chloramphenicol (CAP). Environmental samples were collected from the Piracicaba River (SP) at different seasonal periods and analysed using LC–MS/MS. Antibiotics from the tetracycline, fluoroquinolone, and phenicol classes were mainly quantified, with higher concentrations in the dry season. Phytoremediation experiments with S. auriculata demonstrated removal rates greater than 95% for EFX, especially in treatments with higher biomass, while CAP showed lower removal rates (45%). In bioaccumulation and depletion tests, CAP showed greater persistence in fish tissues, while EFX was rapidly eliminated. The presence of S. auriculata modulated bioavailability, reducing the concentration in water, but, in some cases, increasing the absorption rate in fishes. In addition, genotoxic analyses revealed a CAP-induced increase in the frequency of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes (ANEs), an effect that was attenuated in the presence of the macrophyte. The results highlight the potential of S. auriculata as an effective phytoremediation tool, capable of reducing the antibiotic load in the environment and partially mitigating the genotoxic effects in aquatic organisms.

RNA interference is a powerful gene regulatory strategy in which RNA molecules participate in the sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression by dsRNA, either through transcriptional or translational suppression. Since the RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) has been acknowledged as a natural method for controlling gene expression in higher species, ranging from plants to people, it has a stronger impact on crop improvement. In this review, we focused on additional research in numerous areas including microRNA (mi RNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), plant RNAi transformation vector and transgenic RNAi plants, and off-target effects. The RNAi mechanism involves small interfering RNA molecules that efficiently down-regulate desired genes. Manipulating genes through small RNA interference can lead to improved traits in crops, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as nutritional enhancement through bio-fortification. We also summarized the successful use of RNAi in altering several desired traits in plants such as changes in morphology, increased nutrients content, enhanced plant biomass and grain yield, extended shelf life, development of seedless fruit, induction of male sterility, enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolite, improved biofuel production and enhanced defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. This review article presents an outline of the ideas and mechanisms of the RNAi approach in crop improvement through gene regulation and explores various applications across diverse aspect of crop enhancement while addressing current challenges.

Background

Microplastic pollution has been widely studied in aquatic environments, but limited evidence is available on its presence in agricultural soils, especially in India. Farmlands are increasingly exposed to plastic debris through irrigation, fertilizers, mulching materials, and other human activities. Understanding the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in soil is critical for assessing potential ecological and agricultural risks. This study investigates the presence, types, and possible sources of microplastics in banana farmland soils of Kasaragod District, Kerala.

Results

A total of sixteen soil samples were collected in the month of February from banana cultivation areas in triplicates (n = 48). Microplastic contamination was confirmed in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 19.17 to 319.17 particles per kilogram of soil, and an average of 137.19 particles per kilogram of dry soil. Morphological analysis by microscopy revealed that fibres were the most dominant form (72%), followed by fragments (15%), microbeads (10%), and films (3%). Most of the particles black, blue, and red being the prevalent colours, with possible inputs from both agricultural and domestic sources. Polymer identification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed polypropylene (70%) and polyethylene (30%) as the main polymers. Pollution hazard index analysis suggested that all sites posed medium to high ecological risk with the highest PHI value recorded as 1100. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in microplastic abundance among locations, and correlation analysis indicated a strong association between fibre particles and coloured microplastics, highlighting their link to human activities.

Conclusions

This study provides the first documented evidence of microplastic contamination in banana farmland soils in India. The findings demonstrate that agricultural soils can act as an important sink for microplastics and are vulnerable to ongoing plastic deposition from multiple sources. The dominance of coloured microplastic fibres suggests substantial anthropogenic contributions. The observed ecological risks underscore the urgent need for improved management of plastic waste, better agricultural practices, and stronger regulatory measures to protect soil quality and ensure sustainable farming systems. This highlights the critical need for integrating sustainable plastic management strategies within agricultural practices to prevent long-term soil degradation and ensure food security.

Background

Accelerated glacial retreat driven by climate change is rapidly reshaping alpine and polar environments, exposing deglaciated terrains that serve as critical sites for microbial colonization and early ecosystem development. These newly exposed substrates provide a unique setting for studying primary microbial succession, the onset of soil formation, and the initiation of biogeochemical cycles, particularly carbon cycling. Microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and viruses, play pivotal roles in regulating elemental fluxes and establishing foundational ecosystem processes in these nascent landscapes.

Results

Recent studies highlight substantial shifts in microbial community structure and function across different glacial forefields and cryospheric habitats. Microbial assemblages display pronounced spatial heterogeneity shaped by physicochemical gradients and successional age. Functional analyses reveal diverse metabolic pathways involved in carbon fixation, organic matter transformation, and long-term carbon storage. Additionally, viral populations emerge as influential regulators of microbial metabolism and potential archives of past environmental conditions. The assembly of these communities is influenced by a combination of abiotic factors, dispersal mechanisms, and local adaptation, with cascading effects on carbon fluxes and nutrient dynamics.

Conclusions

Microbial processes in deglaciated environments are central to early biogeochemical transformations and represent key drivers of carbon sequestration in retreating glacial landscapes. Understanding the ecological roles, functional diversity, and climate sensitivity of these microbial communities is essential for projecting biogeochemical and climate system feedbacks in the context of ongoing glacial loss. Integrating microbial ecology into Earth system models will enhance predictions of carbon dynamics and inform conservation and climate mitigation strategies in polar and alpine regions.

The world’s median population is projected to reach 8.8 billion by 2050, making water management, especially groundwater, increasingly important. This research article seeks to address the pressing need for an effective method of evaluating and forecasting groundwater quality. Traditionally, water quality testing methods entail significant experimentation, a time-consuming procedure. To overcome this challenge in an alternative way, our proposed methodology involves parameterizing groundwater physicochemical parameters (Q-value) using machine learning algorithms. Focusing on groundwater samples collected from the Russell River of Australia between December 2016 and April 2020 (scaled to approximately 1300 datapoints on average), this research article uses the concept of Q value, a standardized measure facilitating comprehensive water quality assessment. This study significantly contributes to sustainable water resource management by providing a comprehensive examination of groundwater quality through the utilization of deep learning algorithms. The proposed models, namely Conv-LSTM with Attention, Conv-Bi-LSTM with Attention, LSTM with Attention, and Bi-LSTM with Attention, not only offer a distinctive framework for forecasting Q values but also serve as essential tools for timely decision making in water resource distribution. Among these, the Bidirectional LSTM with Attention model achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with a root mean square error of 0.0057, a mean absolute error of 0.0022, a symmetric mean absolute percentage error of 3.8875%, and a coefficient of determination of 0.9910. These results demonstrate its effectiveness in capturing variability and accurately explaining observed trends in groundwater quality. The proposed framework is a reliable, scalable, and timely decision-support tool for water resource management and policy making.

Background

Water contamination from pesticides is a significant environmental issue, affecting ecosystems and human health. Despite actions aimed at limiting pesticide levels in surface water, pollution persists. Pesticide contamination can stem from both non-point sources, such as agricultural runoff, and point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants. Accurate monitoring of these sources is challenging but crucial. Passive samplers have shown promising results in detecting pesticide levels over time but are not widely used for national monitoring. Effective monitoring of these sources is essential but remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional sampling techniques. This study shows how passive samplers can be used for identifying pesticide contamination from point sources of pollution linked to agricultural practices.

Results

Passive Samplers (POCIS) were placed in the studied water channel upstream and downstream of two potential point sources of pollution (a wastewater treatment plant and a water filling station) with an exposure time of 21 days. Furthermore, grab water samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the POCIS exposure. The monitoring was performed continuously for several months, and the results obtained from both techniques were compared, using HPLC–MS/MS and GC–MS to measure pesticide concentrations. Passive samplers showed higher detection frequencies of pesticides compared to grab water samples in all sampling points, indicating its superior sensitivity and ability to provide valuable information. Significant differences in pesticide concentrations were observed downstream of the wastewater treatment plant, suggesting it as a relevant contamination source. Conversely, the water filling station had a minimal impact on pesticide concentration.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential of passive samplers as a powerful tool for high-resolution monitoring of pesticide pollution, offering a more effective approach for environmental assessments. Their ability to detect contamination trends over time makes them a valuable addition to monitoring programs, supporting more targeted mitigation strategies to improve water quality.