Journal of hazardous materials advances最新文献

This study investigates the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in kitchen dust from households in the Cumilla District of Bangladesh, utilizing three different cooking systems: wood, kerosene, and gas. Sixty dust samples were collected from various kitchen surfaces and analyzed for 18 PAH compounds. The extraction and analysis of PAHs were performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The results indicated significant variations in PAH concentrations across different cooking systems, with the highest levels observed in kitchens using wood stoves, followed by kerosene and gas stoves. Diagnostic ratios were used to identify the sources of PAHs, revealing a combination of pyrogenic and petrogenic origins. Health risk assessments, including Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and Hazard Index (HI), were conducted to evaluate the potential risks associated with PAH exposure. The findings demonstrated a higher carcinogenic risk associated with wood stove systems, while kerosene and gas systems posed comparatively lower risks. The study's findings have practical implications for public health and policy development, as they underscore the need for continuous monitoring of indoor PAH levels and the development of policies to mitigate exposure, highlighting the critical importance of addressing indoor pollution to ensure public health safety.

The increase in occupational, environmental, and prenatal exposure of humans to environmental pollutants in recent years has been associated with an increase in the incidence or aggravation of dermatitis symptoms in different age groups. The present systematic review was conducted with the aim of obtaining studies related to the impact of occupational, environmental, and prenatal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, and metals on dermatitis. To identify relevant studies, a systematic search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase databases until January 11, 2024 (without date limit). The Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) statement was formed to create a comprehensive and efficient research question and studies that did not meet the PECO criteria were excluded. In addition, the quality of the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) specific checklist and the possibility of risk of bias using the ROB tool. Finally, the eligible studies were discussed according to the type of pollutant. After detailed reviews, 86 eligible studies were considered for inclusion in the present systematic review. A review of studies showed that 66 % (N = 57) of the eligible articles were of high quality (Q1) and 58.13 % (N = 50) were classified as high ROB. The results indicated that chronic exposure to VOCs, solvents, and metals can play an effective role in incidence and aggravation of dermatitis symptoms, especially atopic dermatitis and eczema, in all age groups. However, exposure to some micronutrients, such as selenium and manganese, can positively improve community health. The results of this systematic review show the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on dermatitis, which can negatively affect people's self-esteem and occupational/educational performance. Therefore, it is very necessary to adopt strict approaches to comply with environmental standards and prevent chronic exposure to contaminants, especially in pregnant women and employees.

Maize is the second most-common crop globally. Thus, enormous maize cobs are generated annually from maize processing activities which could serve as a potential and non-edible source for biofuel production. The primary aim of this research was to assess the practicality of producing bioethanol from discarded maize cob through a distinct two-step process referred to as separate hydrolysis and co-fermentation. After a 72-hour fermentation period, the greatest ethanol yield of 66.23 ± 8.35 mL/kg was obtained. This was followed by 54.33 ± 7.27 35 mL/kg after 48 h, and 21.68 ± 2.97 35 mL/kg after 24 h. Importantly, all ethanol yields at different time points exhibited statistical significance at p < 0.05. Moreover, the study revealed a robust positive correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.01) between glucose and Total reducing Sugars (TRS) yields, and negative correlations were observed between ethanol yield and glucose (r = -0.97, p < 0.05) as well as ethanol and TRS (r = -0.98, p < 0.05). The results indicate the potential of maize cob waste as a valuable resource for bioethanol production. Significant enhancements in operational processes are necessary to enhance the economic feasibility of producing ethanol from maize cobs. Nigeria's utilization of waste for biofuel production is bolstered by substantial policy and financial backing for renewable fuels. The economic viability of ethanol production from maize cobs relies heavily on its competitiveness relative to other waste treatment methods and the effectiveness of policy measures.

The global production of printed circuit board (PCB) is expected to rise substantially in the next decade due to the advancement in technology. The production of PCB results in generation of hazardous waste of various kinds, and one such waste is the very fine particles of the board material that is generated due to drilling and other preparatory operations. The disposal of such waste in the environment can result in serious consequences which needs attention. Therefore, recycling of waste printed circuit board (WPCB) can mitigate its harmful effects on the environment and also reduce the remediation costs. In this study, the WPCB is used as a substitute to ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in development of alkali-activated binder. Alkali-activated binder was synthesized with GGBFS, WPCB, sodium hydroxide sol. (NaOH), and sodium silicate sol. (Na₂SiO₃). GGBFS was replaced with WPCB at replacement rates of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. Additionally, the effect of varying concentration of NaOH and Na₂SiO₃ on the physical and mechanical performance of the binder was studied. The developed binders were evaluated for workability, strength, water absorption, and efflorescence properties. Further, to ascertain its safety on the environment, the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was also performed. The results indicate that WPCB characteristics are compatible with GGBFS in terms of its particle size distribution. Moreover, the replacement of GGBFS with up to 20% WPCB provides desirable properties for the alkali-activated binder. However, higher replacements are not recommended, since it had detrimental effect on the mechanical performance of the binder. The study revealed that desirable performance can be achieved for binders with 8 M NaOH and with Na₂SiO₃ to NaOH ratio of 2, and up to 20% GGBFS replaced with WPCB. The results of TCLP test disclose that the contaminant in the leachate from alkali-activated binders with WPCB are within regulatory limits, and do not pose any threat to the environment. Finally, the outcome of this study provides an innovative approach towards formulation of eco-friendly binder for various construction applications such as foundations, buildings, bridges, pavements, etc.

A MoS₄²⁻-intercalated magnetic FeMgAl layered double hydroxide (Fe₃O₄@MoS₄²⁻-FeMgAl LDH) nanocomposite was synthesised via hydrothermal assisted exfoliation. The material was applied as the adsorbent for extraction, preconcentration and removal of cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) and lead ions Pb²⁺ from wastewater and river water. The structural properties and morphologies of the adsorbent were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The parameters influencing preconcentration and the adsorptive removal process were optimised using the central composite design (CCD) method. The concentration of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The preconcentration method developed in the study was ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction (UA-MSPE). Under optimum conditions, linearity was 0.1-800 µg/L with a correlation of determination (R²) of 0.9987. The uncertainty of the slope and the uncertainty of the intercept were both lower than the uncertainty of the calibration indicating good precision, selection of standards closest to a blank and wide range. Precision expressed as %RSD for both intra-day (n = 27) and inter-day (n = 9) were found to be 3.3 % and 7.0 % respectively. The limit of detection (n = 10) and limit of quantification (n = 10) of the UA-MSPE/ICP-OES were 0.03 µg/L and 0.10 µg/L. The developed method was applied for real sample analysis. Herein, influent wastewater was reported as 1.77 ± 0.14 and 6.53 ± 0.33 ug/L for Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively while the effluent was reported at 0.96 ± 0.07 and 2.57 ± 0.13 ug/L, respectively. River water samples were found to be 0.45 ± 0.01 and 1.23 ± 0.04 ug/L, respectively proving that the adsorbent is capable of preconcentrating the target analytes.

This study conceptualizes a framework for ecological risk assessment of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils amended with biosolids. MPs in biosolids pose risks to soil biota, affecting soil health. The study highlights the complexity of assessing MP risks, considering not only MPs abundance, but also properties such as size, shape, and type. To develop this framework for ecological risk assessment of MPs in agricultural soils amended with biosolids, a literature review was conducted to systematically assess effects of different MPs properties on soil organisms. Earthworms, springtails, and the microbiome were considered as receptors. The study highlights the importance of understanding MPs fate in soil, since effects on soil biota can be time dependent. Furthermore, results show that organisms respond differently to similar MPs properties, increasing the complexity of assessing MPs risks in terrestrial ecosystems. This complexity also relates to MPs effects on soil properties, and indirect effects on soil biota. Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps for effects of specific MPs properties to better assess and manage ecological risks in agricultural systems.

The wastewater bioremediation is an emerging research area to meet the existing/increasing water crisis challenges. The Heavy metals persist in water bodies, which can bioaccumulate in the food chain and cause serious health and environmental problems. The deteriorating effects of heavy metals both on human health and the environment have drawn great attention and have become a major area of study. Phycoremediation is one of the most promising areas being explored currently. The conventional methods such as chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane filtration, floatation, coagulation-flocculation and electrochemical methods inherit limitations in bringing down the cost of treatment, increasing efficiency and formation of toxic sludge as secondary pollution. The phycoremediation of wastewater serves to be green technology. This review highlights current advances in using different species of microalgae to treat various industrial effluents and mechanism of removal of heavy metals from them. A comprehensive look into microalgae-based systems (MBSs) has been covered to assess the efficiency of different species through extracellular and intracellular mechanisms in biosorption, bioaccumulation and detoxification of various heavy metals. It brings into focus all the emerging technologies in current times that have utilised microalgae in the bioremediation of urban wastewater systems. In addition, challenges, bottlenecks and future prospects of phycoremediation are also discussed with a focus on achieving a circular bioeconomy in water management.

Lake Mainit is considered an important communal resource in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, which makes the lake a rich natural resource with great ecological value. Calculations of contamination factor (Cf), enrichment factor (Ef), degree of contamination (Cd), modified degree of contamination (mCd), and ecological risk index (MRI) were utilized to diagnose the level of anthropogenic and environmental risk of heavy metal accumulation in bottom sediments. Cf throughout all stations indicates that Lake Mainit is highly contaminated with Ni. Ef mainly was greater than one across all stations, with extremely severe enrichment of Ni. Ni and Cr have a high degree of contamination among all stations. The general MRI across all stations of Lake Mainit is at very high risk. It is evident that Lake Mainit is polluted and will continue to be polluted if fast and reliable responses, both for monitoring and environmental protection, are not provided. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive management of Lake Mainit to help restore its health both from the residents and the acting LGUs of the surrounding municipalities of Lake Mainit.

Petroleum hydrocarbons and their derivatives are compounds widely used in several industries worldwide. Inappropriate disposal or handling of hydrocarbon-derived products may generate environmental and/or health negative impacts. Understanding the genomic traits underlying hydrocarbon degradation by microorganisms may provide valuable information to improve the use of bioremediation-based strategies for the recovery of impacted areas. In this sense, this study aimed to characterize and compare hydrocarbon-degradation genes and pathways of four bacteria isolated from deep oil reservoirs: Micrococcus sp. CBMAI 636, Dietzia maris CBMAI 705, Bacillus subtilis CBMAI 707, Achromobacter xylosoxidans CBMAI 709, via complete genome sequencing and functional annotation. In addition, phylogenetic analyses were carried out seeking to unravel the evolutionary relatedness of such functional genes to those found in different taxa and environments. Genomic analyses confirmed a high genetic potential for hydrocarbon degradation in the studied strains. Comparative genomics indicated the presence of hydrocarbon degradation genes across all strains, suggesting adaptive evolutionary convergence to hydrocarbon-affected environments. Interestingly, Achromobacter xylosoxidans CBMAI 709 exhibited unique orthologous genes that play a crucial role in the capture, uptake and/or breakdown of petroleum compounds, enhancing its adaptability to hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. These are innovative results that provide novel evolutionary insights into the diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading genes and pathways, enriching our understanding of microbial adaptation to hydrocarbon-rich habitats. The findings gathered in this study underscore the potential of these organisms for bioremediation endeavors, paving the way for future applications in environmental polluting restoration.

The accumulation of leachates from unlined dumpsites laden soil-water environment with toxic elements poses imminent threats to both the environment and humans. This study evaluated the seasonal levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), their health-related risks, contamination factors (CF), pollution load index, geo-accumulation index ($I_{\text{geo}}$), ecological risk index, polymetallic contaminant index and Nemerow's synthetic pollution index of soils near a waste dump in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The PTE results indicated that levels of Cd (1.54–3.40 mg/kg) were above the World Health Organization's threshold limit for soil. The studied soil samples had PTE levels higher than the control samples due to their proximity to the dumpsite. The CF of the PTE in the soil indicated moderate to considerable contamination, while the control areas showed moderate contamination for both seasons. The pollution load indices of the soil indicated heavy and moderate pollution for the study sample (2.207–2.517) and control samples (1.445–1.659). However, the ecological risk indices ranged from 85.72 to 164.84, indicating a low ecological risk. The I_geo of the PTE in the soil ranged from unpolluted, moderately polluted to very strongly polluted. The Nemerow's synthetic pollution index values ranged from 3.560 to 3.564 for the study samples and 2.070–2.502 for the control samples, indicating heavy and moderate pollution of the soil respectively. The polymetallic contaminant index values for the study samples (23.22–26.43) and control samples (15.02–17.23) showed high and considerable contamination respectively. Health risk examination highlighted that both adults and children have a low risk for non-cancer health threat via ingestion route, while a high risk was obtained for children for cancer health dangers via ingestion routes. For the dermal pathway, children and adults have minimal chances of exposure to cancer risks, while a high exposure to non-cancer risk was observed for children. Pearson's correlation and principal component loadings revealed the sources of pollution to be of similar origins linked to anthropogenic activities. Awareness programs are necessary to educate the populace about the dangers of using contaminated soil for farming or recreational activities. The use of sanitary dumpsites should be encouraged and adopted as a waste disposal method by the government to mitigate the spread of PTE into the environment.