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Facial information plays an important role in human communication, e.g., rich and nuanced facial expressions effectively convey emotions. Traditional data such as 2D facial images and videos are susceptible to perturbation from lighting and occlusion, while 3D static data such as mesh models lack the temporal information which is necessary to describe facial dynamics. Therefore, researches on 4D facial data (3D facial models together with time as the fourth dimension) have received considerable attention in recent years. 4D data can simultaneously reflect the complex facial temporal and space information. To fully explore these characteristics, we present a systematic overview of the 4D facial research in this paper. We give a review in terms of historical development of 4D facial datasets, acquisition process of these datasets, related algorithms and applications, and discussion of outstanding issues. We also analyze the 4D facial research works by summarizing and comparing them; in particular, we present the results on three kinds of tasks conducted on the 4D facial datasets, i.e., expression-related tasks (AU detection, expression recognition and retrieval), generation tasks (3D facial reconstruction, facial expression and facial animation generation), and other tasks (facial registration, facial recognition and facial disease diagnosis). Finally, we summarize the future research directions. [Display omitted] • We provide a comprehensive overview of a 4D facial dataset. • We classified and elaborated on the different facial studies conducted using 4D facial datasets. • We summarize the future research direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removing nitrate from surface water is a constant challenge due to its high stability. While electrochemical treatment, a clean and renewable energy source, is promising, most strategies focus solely on energy conversion without considering treatment efficiency and practical application prospects. In this study, a Fe-based MOF derived material MC was synthesized by combining the process of hydrothermal and pyrolysis using Fe-MOF as the raw material to investigate the viability of nitrate reduction. The MC electrode exhibits 91.3 % NO 3 - removal and 44.9 % current efficiency in 180 min. The selectivity of ammonia is 90.6 % without Cl- and the selectivity of N 2 is 89.9 % with Cl-. The excellent behavior of MC is attributed to the layered structure of dispersed Fe-based nanocluster and interconversion of Fe three valence states, which are conducive to mass transfer and electron transfer, respectively. The Layered Fe-based electrode material MC is a cost-effective, high-efficiency and stabilized electrode catalyst capable of treating water in a wide pH range and broad hardness. It maintained excellent stability over ten cycles and was used to remove nitrate, TN, and COD from polluted surface water, proving to be an environmentally friendly option for the deep purification of polluted surface water. [Display omitted] • MC showed efficiency and stability for reduction under wide pH and broad hardness. • Enhanced electron transfer was induced by nanocluster and three valence states. • MC has a removal of NO 3 -, TN and COD in polluted surface water simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium is a component of different natural and industrial products and a widely used metal, which, nonetheless, has only garnered attention in recent years owing to its potential risks. Six sampling trips were conducted over different seasons and years, collecting 108 samples from rivers and 232 from the bays and analyzed using high-precision inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study investigated the sources, spatiotemporal characteristics, and risks of vanadium in the aquatic ecosystems of two typical bays of the Northwest Pacific that have strong links with vanadium-related industries. Likewise, the health and ecological risks were assessed using probabilistic and deterministic approaches. Overall, vanadium concentrations were higher in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB: 0.41–52.7 μg L−1) than in Laizhou Bay (LZB: 0.39–17.27 μg L−1), with concentrations higher than the majority of the worldwide studies. Vanadium-realted industries significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the metal concentrations in the rivers with 54.22% (40.73–150%) and 54.45% (27.66%–68.87%) greater concentrations in JZB and LZB rivers. In addition, vanadium exhibited significant seasonal variation, and higher values were quantified during the monsoon period at LZB owing to the greater catchment area. Impacted by smaller freshwater inputs, the post-monsoon period had substantial impacts on JZB, and vanadium in the rivers and bays was significantly higher during the winter. Despite some concentrations being higher than that indicated in the drinking water guidelines established by China, vanadium presents low to null risks to the population as per both approaches. Last, species with limited resilience are likely to face medium to high risks, with an incidence of 65–93% using the probabilistic method and 52–97% using the deterministic assessment. [Display omitted] • Concentrations in water near vanadium-related industries are up to 54.45% higher. • Seasonal variations in the vanadium concentrations linked with vanadium adsorption capacity. • Vanadium concentrations in both study areas higher than those found across China. • Medium and high ecological risks were estimated for both bays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested that rare earth elements (REEs) are contaminants of emerging concern. Moreover, the understanding of the occurrence and risks of REEs in river-estuary-bay systems is limited. The present study investigated the distributions, geochemical characteristics, and ecological risks of Y and 14 REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) in sediments from the Yellow River to its estuary and adjacent Laizhou Bay. The average total concentrations of Y and REEs in the sediments generally increased from the Yellow River (149 mg/kg) to the estuary (165 mg/kg) and Laizhou Bay (173 mg/kg). In the estuarine core sediments, the concentrations of Y, light REEs (LREEs), and heavy REEs (HREEs) were in the ranges of 19.5–31.4 mg/kg, 58.6–156 mg/kg, and 12.3–19.1 mg/kg, respectively, from the 1700s to 2018, showing no obvious increasing or decreasing trends. The surface and core sediments from the river to the bay were characterized by obvious fractionation between LREEs and HREEs. In sediments, Fe minerals and clay are believed to promote the accumulation of REEs, especially HREEs. The enrichment levels of REEs generally increased from the middle reaches of the Yellow River to the bay, and Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb, and Lu were the most enriched elements in the sediments. Lu had moderate potential ecological risks in sediments of "the Yellow River−estuary−bay" system, and other REEs had relatively low ecological risks. The potential ecological risk indices of Y and REEs ranged from 78.7 to 144, showing increasing trends from the Yellow River to its estuary and adjacent bay, which should raise concerns regarding emerging contaminant management around estuarine and coastal regions. [Display omitted] • Concentrations of REEs increased from the Yellow River to estuary and Laizhou Bay. • Historical REE contents (1707–2018) of the estuarine sediment core were determined. • Fe minerals and clay promoted the REE accumulation in sediments. • Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb, and Lu were most enriched elements in the sediments. • Moderate ecological risks of REEs appeared and increased from the river to bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides are ubiquitous pollutants in estuaries because of the increased demand for food and the need for intensive agricultural systems worldwide. Multi-interface partitioning processes are inadequate for the degradation products of herbicides, especially in sediment-laden river estuaries with intensive water and sediment partitioning. Therefore, the partition characteristics of atrazine and its degradation products at the surface water-suspended particulate matter (SPM), surface water-surface sediment, and SPM-surface sediment interfaces in a typical sediment-laden river estuary were analyzed, the dominant environmental factors were described, and the related mechanisms were explored. The results showed that the partitioning priority of atrazine and its degradation products was surface water > SPM > surface sediment. The partition coefficients of these three interfaces were significantly correlated. The primary degradation products and desisopropylhydroxyatrazine tended to partition into the SPM, and desethyldesisopropylatrazine tended to partition into the surface sediment. Canonical analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that temperature, salinity, sediment pH, and SPM concentrations were the main influencing factors. In the sediment-laden river estuary, the SPM concentration was the most dominant factor. The partition coefficients increased exponentially when the SPM concentration was <150 mg/L at the SPM-surface sediment interface, leading to a rapid shift in the interface proportion of atrazine and its degradation products. In the context of climate change and human activities, the SPM concentration in the estuary was decreasing, which hastened the release potential for atrazine and its degradation products from the estuarine sediment. The investigation of the partition traits of organic degradation pollutants promotes the understanding of the multi-interface transport processes in estuaries. [Display omitted] • The partitioning of atrazine among multi-interface was significantly correlated. • The partitioning priority of atrazine correlated with its degradation products. • SPM was the highest priority factor of partitioning in the sediment-laden estuary. • The partitioning of atrazine rapidly shifted with SPM concentration <150 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, surface seawater, bottom seawater and surface sediments were collected from the Yellow River Estuary Area (YREA) and the Laizhou Bay (LB) to investigate the occurrence, spatial distribution and geochemical control factors for total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in different phases. The geochemical characteristics of seawater and sediments suggested significant variances in the YREA and the LB. The high contamination of Hg in the YREA showed the discharge of the Yellow River (YR) contributed significantly to the Hg contamination in the LB. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was utilized to explore the complicated interactions between geochemical controls and methylation potentials in different phases. Although the ecological risk (ER) of Hg was not significant in this study area, the higher values of ER in the YREA suggested that the YR was the primary Hg contributor to LB. Therefore, the potential Hg risk should not be ignored. [Display omitted] • Yellow River discharge greatly contributed to Hg contamination in the Laizhou Bay. • The partial least squares regression model explored MeHg geochemical controls. • MeHg in sediments was more predictable than DMeHg and PMeHg in seawater. • The higher Hg risk was observed in the Yellow River Estuary Area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pollutants are ubiquitous in estuarine areas, nonetheless, the transport mechanisms of herbicides in such areas are limited. Atrazine and acetochlor were analyzed in suspended particle matter (SPM), surface sediment, and surface water from the Yellow River estuary and the surrounding rivers and sea. Among these rivers, the Yellow River contributes the most herbicide flux to the sea annually. The herbicide concentrations in water and sediment decreased from the estuarine areas to the deep sea. The fugacity fraction values of atrazine exceeded 0.5 in the Yellow River estuary, which supported that the herbicides in sediment desorbed at the estuarine areas. The herbicide in the SPM showed high concentration in the outer sea and increased as a power function with decreasing SPM content. The increasing partition capacity indicated that the herbicides tended to sink into sediment, increasing the ecological risk posed by herbicides. The ecological risk of acetochlor deserves continuous attention. [Display omitted] • Herbicides in water and sediment decline from the estuaries to the deep sea. • Herbicides in sediment were desorbed at the estuarine areas. • Herbicides decreased as a power function with the increasing of suspended particle. • Suspended particle matter serves as a participating media in the transport process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate ester (OPE) levels, profiles, sources, spatial distribution, and partitioning were firstly studied in the rivers of the Shandong Peninsula. A total of 53 water samples and 45 sediment samples were collected from the rivers and the sewage treatment plant in the peninsula to quantitate levels of 13 targeted OPEs. Total OPE concentrations ranged from 263 to 6676 ng L−1 in the water, and 39.3–360 ng g−1 in the sediment. TEP, TCPP, and TCEP together contributed more than 90% of total OPE content. TCEP and TCPP concentrations in the Xiaoqing River sediment were increased by approximately two and seven times from 2014 to 2019, respectively. Total OPE concentrations generally increased from upstream regions to the estuaries. The main OPE sources were municipal effluent in the Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) watershed and chemical industrial wastewater in the Laizhou Bay (LZB) watershed. TCPP, TEP, and TCEP were generally approaching equilibrium between sediment and overlying water, while TNBP, TIBP, and TBOEP effectively transferred from the overlying water to the sediment. The riverine OPE flux was 0.66 ton/year to JZB and 3.58 ton/year to the LZB. TCPP and TCEP in municipal effluent, and TEP in chemical industrial wastewater should be regulated to protect Shandong Peninsula waters. [Display omitted] • Thirteen OPEs were detected and quantitated in Shandong Peninsula surface waters. • These surface waters were seriously contaminated with the targeted OPEs. • TEP, TCPP, and TCEP together contributed more than 90% of total OPEs. • OPEs originated primarily from municipal and chemical industrial effluents. • Total OPE concentrations generally increased from upstream locations to estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the long-term effects of urbanization and industrialization on coastal trace metal contamination, two sediment cores, Q21 (representing 1965–2018) and Q23 (representing 1986–2018), collected from the adjacent coasts of the east old town and west new area of Qingdao were analyzed. Although the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sc, and Zn were higher in Core Q21, the increasing trends in their concentrations and contamination levels were more obvious in Q23, especially since the 2000s. Moreover, the urbanization rates of the new area (1978–2017) were significantly positively correlated with the historical metal concentrations in Q23. Affected by the rapid socio-economic development in the new area, the combined excessive concentrations of the eight metals (excluding Sc) increased faster in Q23 (0.14–78.4 mg/kg) than Q21 (0.58–45.3 mg/kg). Overall, the sediment Core Q23 experienced higher trace metal contamination and ecological risks than Core Q21. • Historical records of nine metals in two cores of Jiaozhou Bay were investigated. • Excessive concentrations of metals in the sediment cores were quantified. • Rapid urbanization in the western bay accelerated metal enrichment in sediments. • Severe metal contamination could occur in western bay owing to rapid urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations, sources, and ecological risks of nine trace elements in nine rivers flowing into Laizhou Bay were investigated. The dissolved element concentrations were 1.85–74.4, 0.01–0.47, 0.15–3.46, 1.54–19.7, 2.92–45.1, 1.72–11.5, 1.02–8.35, 0.10–1.02, and 21.4–185 μg/L for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sc, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Zinc was the most abundant element in the sediments, with an average concentration of 106 mg/kg, followed by Cr (64.5 mg/kg), Cu (25.5 mg/kg), Pb (24.3 mg/kg), Ni (23.4 mg/kg), Co (10.9 mg/kg), Sc (8.14 mg/kg), As (6.75 mg/kg), and Cd (0.16 mg/kg). Elements including Co, Cr, Ni, and Sc were mainly from natural sources and As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were largely influenced by anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practice, industrial production, river transportation, and urbanization. Overall, the rivers flowing into Laizhou Bay experienced slight pollution and ecological risk. However, the severe element contamination in Jie River deserves continuous attention. • Zn was the most abundant element in the water and sediments of coastal rivers. • Co, Cr, Ni, and Sc were mainly from lithogenic sources in these coastal rivers. • As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were largely influenced by anthropogenic activities. • Severe trace element contamination in the Jie River deserves continuous attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence, spatiotemporal variations, influence factors and environmental risks of eight common neonicotinoids (NEOs), fipronil, and three fipronil metabolites (fipronil and its metabolites are collectively referred to as FIPs) in different seasons from the estuary to the inner area of Jiaozhou Bay, China were comprehensively investigated. First- and second-generation NEOs were found to be the predominant pesticides in this area. The average contents of ∑NEOs and ∑FIPs from the estuary to the inner bay decreased from 12.99 ng/L to 0.82 ng/L and from 1.10 ng/L to 0.17 ng/L, respectively. NEO and FIP concentrations were higher in summer and autumn. High ∑NEO content is distributed in main inflow rivers, such as Dagu River and Licun River, which are influenced by pesticide application. NEO concentrations in all rivers were high upstream and low downstream because of the influence of heavy rainfall and seawater dilution in summer. NEO concentrations were high along the coast and low at the mouth and center of Jiaozhou Bay in summer and autumn and evenly distributed in winter and spring. Temperature has a great influence on most NEOs and FIPs owing to its effect on their degradation. Nitrogen-containing nutrients have an important influence on the distribution of fipronil and acetamiprid, which may be due to the activity of nitrogen-containing functional groups in their structure. Only Licun River, Dagu River and Haibo river sewage treatment plant in summer posed a certain risk of chronic toxicity for NEOs using the new threshold established by the species sensitive distribution (SSD) method for Chinese native aquatic lives. These findings should arouse people's attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, water and sediment samples from the Jiaozhou Bay and surrounding rivers were collected to analyze the seasonal occurrence and allocation of 12 organophosphate esters (OPEs) and the associated ecological risk. The higher contamination of OPEs in the adjacent rivers indicated the impact of terrestrial input. Tris(1-chloropropan-2-yl) phosphate (TCIPP) was the predominant OPE in the four environmental sample groups investigated. The spatial distribution of OPEs in seawater varied greatly seasonally and was mainly affected by terrestrial input, with OPEs being redistributed under the influence of tidal currents. The partition coefficients (log K oc) of the OPEs were calculated, and their strong correlation with the log K ow (octanol-water) values suggested that the water-sediment allocation was significantly affected by hydrophobicity. The homologous relationships among the 7 OPEs with detection frequencies greater than 40% were identified by principal component analysis (PCA). The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model explicated that ∑OPEs cycling dynamics and principal controlling factors were dissimilar in the bay versus surrounding rivers. The risk quotient (RQ) faced by typical organisms in seawater and river water indicated that short-term OPEs exposure was safe for green algae, daphnia and fish. The organisms in rivers faced the higher ecological risk of OPEs in spring than in summer and winter. Therefore, the terrestrial transport of OPEs in spring should be controlled. [Display omitted] • The spatial distribution of OPEs in seawater showed seasonal variations. • The calculated log K oc of OPEs displayed significant correlation with log K ow. • The partial least squares regression explored ∑OPEs cycling dynamics. • Risk of OPEs was higher in rivers than in the bay for green algae, daphnia and fish. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model indicated dissimilar source dynamics and principal controlling factors in the bay versus surrounding rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in water are receiving particular attention as they pose adverse effects on aquatic systems, even at trace concentrations. A comprehensive study was conducted on 14 EDCs (five estrogens and nine household and personal care products (HPCPs)) in the water of the urbanized Jiaozhou Bay in the Yellow Sea during summer and winter. Results showed that the total concentration of 14 EDCs ranged from 100 to 658 ng L−1 and 56.7–212 ng L−1 in the estuarine and bay water, respectively. The average total concentration of five estrogens in summer was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in winter due to the higher precipitation dilution and degradations during summer, whereas the average total concentration of nine HPCPs was significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the summer than that during the winter because of the higher usage and emissions during the summer. Estrogens and HPCPs were dominated by 17α-ethinylestradiol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), respectively. High PHBA concentrations may be related to the hydrolysis of parabens. The total concentrations of EDCs were higher in the eastern coastal seawater of the bay due to the strong influence of domestic and industrial wastewater discharge. Estrogens may interfere with the endocrine system of aquatic organisms in the bay because the total estradiol equivalent concentration exceeded 1 ng L−1. 17α-ethinylestradiol was the main contributor to the estrogenic activity. The EDC mixtures posed high risks (RQ > 1) to mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, and low to moderate risks (RQ < 1) to algae. Fish was the most sensitive aquatic taxon to the EDC mixtures. Given the concentration and frequency of EDCs, the optimized risk quotient method revealed that 17α-ethinylestradiol, estrone, triclocarban, triclosan, and 17β-estradiol should be prioritized in ecological management because of their high risks (prioritization index of >1). [Display omitted] • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widely detected in an urbanized bay. • Estrogen concentration is lower in summer due to high rainfall and degradation. • Household and personal care products (HPCPs) was high in summer due to high use. • Impacted by riverine input, EDC concentration was high in the eastern bay coast. • Five priority EDCs with high ecological risks were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP) are widely used in the offshore oil and gas production industry for their excellent flexibility, corrosion resistance and internal pressure resistance. RTPs inevitably experience extreme environmental loads including internal pressure and tensile load in the procedures of installation and operation, which influence the structural integrity and safety. Therefore, reinforced layers of RTP are designed to bear internal pressure and tensile load. Herein, the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pipe that consisting of aramid fiber braid reinforced layers is investigated by combination of numerical simulation and experimental methods. The full-scale internal pressure bursting experiments of 1-inch aramid fiber RTPs were carried out to study the burst pressure and failure behavior. A finite element model of aramid fiber RTP is established using ABAQUS, which considers the material nonlinearities as well as frictional interactions between layers. Based on the finite element model which validated by the experimental results, the mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe subjected to internal pressure and tensile load is investigated in detail. The current study compares the influence of braided angle of fiber-reinforced layers, friction coefficient between each layer and load conditions on the mechanical behavior of RTPs. The experiment results reveal that the bursting pressure of 1-inch aramid fiber RTPs is about 76.1 MPa. The failure of aramid fiber RTP under internal pressure is dictated by leakage due to the fracture of fiber-reinforced layers and the fracture of the internal layer at the end fitting. It is worth noting that the braiding angle renders an obvious influence on mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced RTPs, whereas the mechanical behavior remains insensitive to friction coefficient between layers. Moreover, the synergistic influence of internal pressure and tensile load significantly affects the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced RTPs. The current study shall serve as a reference for the design and application of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pipes in marine oil and gas production. • The full-scale internal pressure bursting experiments of 1-inch aramid fiber RTP were carried out to investigate the failure behavior of the RTP, and the failure model and ultimate load of aramid fiber reinforced thermoplastic flexible pipe under internal pressure were clarified. • A finite element model of aramid fiber RTP is established, which considers geometrical and material nonlinearities as well as frictional interactions between layers. • The influence of braided angle of fiber-reinforced layers, load conditions and friction coefficient between each layer on the mechanical behavior of RTPs were studied in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying trophic status shift and developing nutrient criteria were considered important for controlling coastal eutrophication. Based on data from 1980 to 2018, we used sequential t -test analysis of regime shifts and assessment of coastal trophic status models to detect regime shifts in trophic status in Bohai Bay (China). We identified four distinct periods: unimpaired (1980–1984), minimally impacted (1985–1994), tipping point (1995–1999) and severely degraded (2000–2018). Using the reference conditions at different trophic status, a frequency distribution analysis was performed to develop candidate nutrient criteria. By considering other factors, such as the quantity and quality of data and long-term nutrient variations, we determined recommended criteria for dissolved inorganic nitrogen (15.3 μmol L−1) and phosphorus (0.42 μmol L−1) in Bohai Bay. This study provides a novel and feasible approach to determine reference conditions for the determination of nutrient criteria for coastal waters. Regime shift in trophic status of Bohai Bay during different time periods. [Display omitted] • Four distinct periods of trophic status were identified in Bohai Bay in the past four decades. • The reference conditions were determined based on the combined results of STARS and ASSETS models. • The regionally specific nutrient criteria were developed for Bohai Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are widely used to alleviate pest pressure in agricultural systems, and atrazine is a typical diffuse pollutant and serves a sensitivity index for environmental characteristics. Based on the physicochemical properties of parent substances, degradation products of pesticides may pose a greater threat to aquatic ecosystems than pesticides. Atrazine and three primary degradation products (deethylatrazine (DEA), deisopropylatrazine (DIA) and didealkylatrazine (DDA)) were investigated in a semienclosed bay of the western Pacific Ocean. Seasonal surface water and suspended particulate sediment (SPS) samples were collected from the estuary and bay in January, April, and August 2019. The level of pesticide contamination was lower in the bay than in the estuary, and the pesticide concentration in the dissolved phase was higher than that in the adsorbed phase. The average concentrations of atrazine and the three degradation products in the three seasons ranged from 2.42 to 328.46 ng/L in water and from 0.07 to 12.75 ng/L in SPS. The proportion of atrazine among the four detected pollutants decreased from 0.7 to 0.1 in surface water and from 0.3 to 0.1 in SPS over the seasons. As the main degradation products, the concentration proportions of DDA and DEA reached as high as 0.6 in August. The ratio of DEA to atrazine (DEA/ATR) increased from January to August, which indicated the progressive degradation process in the bay. Single-factor analysis of variance and principal component analysis indicated that atrazine degradation was sensitive to temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. These three factors accounted for almost 70% of the seasonal variance in atrazine without a quantification assessment of photolysis or bacteria. The spatial distributions of DEA in the three seasons demonstrated that wind and currents also played important roles in pollutant redistribution. The seasonal temporal and spatial correlations between water and SPS demonstrated the degradation patterns of atrazine in marine conditions, supporting the need for future detailed toxicity studies. [Display omitted] • Seasonal concentrations variation of atrazine and three degradation products were figured. • Seasonal atrazine compositions proved the temporal degradation process in the bay. • Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity were essential for degradation process. • Spatial distributions in water and suspended particulate sediment were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) are toxic metalloids widely distributed in coastal sediments, but are seldom studied for their geochemical baselines. In this study, sediment samples were collected from Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) to evaluate their baselines, contamination, and ecological risk. Results showed that the As and Sb concentrations were between 3.15 and 11.94 mg/kg and 0.20–0.61 mg/kg, respectively. Sc and Fe showed good performance in developing geochemical baseline functions for the metalloids. Organic matter content and clay had significant positive correlations with metalloid abundance in sediments (p < 0.01). In the JZB, As and Sb were not enriched in the sediments, with the enrichment factors below 1. Furthermore, the contamination degrees of As and Sb were low in the JZB. In addition, the ecological risks of As and Sb were relatively low in the JZB, with the risk index between 4.02 and 12.70 and 1.68–5.09, respectively. • Geochemical baseline functions of As and Sb were developed in a semi-enclosed bay. • Organic matter and clay were significantly relevant with metalloids in sediments. • As and Sb were not enriched in the sediments of the JZB. • The contamination degrees and risk levels of As and Sb were low in the JZB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of OPEs were investigated. • Total OPE concentrations decreased by 67–70% in waters after the COVID-19 outbreak. • OPEs released from masks were insufficient to increase their concentrations in water. • Spatial distribution of OPEs was affected by riverine inputs & coastal engineering. • TCEP, TNBP, and BDP showed potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in numerous consumer products such as plastics and furniture. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly slowed anthropogenic activities and reduced the emissions of pollutants. Meanwhile, the mismanagement of large quantities of disposable plastic facemasks intensified the problems of plastic pollution and leachable pollutants in coastal waters. In this study, the joint effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the occurrence of 12 targeted OPEs in the waters of Laizhou Bay (LZB) were investigated. The results showed that the median total OPE concentrations were 725, 363, and 109 ng L−1 in the sewage treatment plant effluent, river water, and bay water in 2021, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 67%, 68%, and 70%, respectively, compared with those before the COVID-19 outbreak. The release potential of targeted OPEs from disposable surgical masks in the LZB area was ∼0.24 kg yr−1, which was insufficient to increase the OPE concentration in the LZB waters. The concentrations of most individual OPEs significantly decreased in LZB waters from 2019 to 2021, except for TBOEP and TNBP. Spatially, a lower concentration of OPEs was found in the Yellow River estuary area in 2021 compared with that before the COVID-19 pandemic due to the high content of suspended particulate matter in the YR. A higher total OPE concentration was observed along the northeastern coast of LZB, mainly owing to the construction of an artificial island since 2020. The ecological risks of the OPE mixture in LZB waters were lower than those before the COVID-19 outbreak. However, TCEP, TNBP, and BDP should receive continuous attention because of their potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PPCPs decreased gradually in detection rates and levels from rivers to coastal seas. • Amoxicillin and p-hydroxybenzoic acid accounted for over 50% of the total PPCPs. • Southeastern waters outside the yangtze estuary had higher PPCP concentrations. • PPCP mixtures posed medium to high risks to different aquatic organisms. • Priority PPCPs with high ecological risks were identified. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have captured global concern due to their detrimental effects on aquatic organisms. Thirty PPCPs were analyzed in the water of the Jiaozhou Bay watershed, the Yellow Sea (YS) and the East China Sea (ECS) in China to investigate the distribution and risk of PPCPs from rivers to coastal seas, which are not yet well documented. The results showed the prevalence of the target PPCPs with a downward trend in detection frequencies and total concentrations from rivers (675 ng/L on average) to bay (166 ng/L) and to coastal seas (103 ng/L). Antibiotics and personal care products (PCPs) were dominated by amoxicillin (AMOX) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively, while the dominant estrogens were inconsistent in different regions. Spatially, the total PPCP concentrations were higher in the ECS than that in the YS due to the larger quantity of sewage flowing into the ECS. Additionally, higher total PPCP concentrations were appeared in the southeastern waters outside the Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay of the ECS. The PPCP mixtures might pose medium to high risk to aquatic organisms in general. The total risk quotient (RQ T) of antibiotics and PCPs to algae was higher than that to crustacean and fish, while estrogens may cause the greatest damage to fish. Despite the higher PPCP concentrations in river water than in seawater, the RQ T of PPCPs in bay water was generally higher than that in river water, which may be associated with the susceptibility of marine organisms. Furthermore, the high-risk pollutants that need special concern in different regions were clarified, showing that AMOX, 17ß-estradiol, and estriol deserve the highest-priority in rivers, bay, and coastal waters, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Yellow River PAH input & sea currents determined PAH spatial distribution in the sea. • Yellow River alluvial loess solid dilution effect led to lower PAH levels in the sediment. • Yellow River & Yellow Sea water dilution effect led to lower PAH levels in the water. • PAH properties decided its partitions in surface/bottom water & bottom water/sediment. • PAH ecological risks in both water and sediment were negligible or acceptable. The marginal Bohai Sea, connected to the northwestern Pacific Ocean, is threatened by human activity. The Yellow River, the second largest river in China, drains large amounts of water, silts, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the southern Bohai Sea; however, to what extent the Yellow River inputs influence the spatial distributions and partitions of PAHs in the southern Bohai Sea is not well known. Therefore, this study collected surface water, bottom water, and sediment samples from the southern Bohai Sea and analyzed them to examine the spatial distributions and partitions of 15 priority PAHs. The results showed that PAH concentrations ranged from 26.9 to 50.1 ng L–1 in surface water, 18.8 to 44.1 ng L–1 in bottom water, and 7.4 to 143.9 ng g–1 in sediment, with higher proportions of four-, five-, and six-ring PAHs in sediment than in water. PAH inputs from the Yellow River and sea coastal currents determined the spatial distribution of PAH concentrations in water and sediment, with an overall decrease from the estuary to the southeast. However, the solid dilution effect of input silts from the Yellow River and the liquid dilution effect of water from the Yellow River and Yellow Sea led to lower PAH concentrations in the water and sediment of the southern Bohai Sea than those in other areas of the Bohai Sea. PAH exchange between the atmosphere and seawater led to significantly higher individual PAH concentrations (except for acenaphthylene) in the surface water than in the bottom water, with ratios significantly related to the PAH n-octanol-water partition coefficient, organic carbon-water partition coefficient, and Henry's law constants. These parameters also determined PAH partitioning between the bottom water and sediment. Individual and total PAH concentrations in the sediment were significantly correlated with organic matter, clay, and silt contents. Therefore, the partitions and spatial distributions of PAHs in the southern Bohai Sea comprehensively depend on PAH properties, PAH inputs from the Yellow River and the atmosphere, sea currents, and seawater and sediment properties. The ecological risks posed by individual PAHs in both water and sediment were negligible or acceptable. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-like substances produced by biochemical reactions after disinfection of Zooplankton like Cyclops and humic substances in natural water are the main components of NOM (Natural organic matter). To eliminate early warning interference in the fluorescence detection of organic matter in natural water, a clustered flower-like AlOOH (aluminum oxide hydroxide) sorbent was prepared. HA (humic acid) and amino acids were selected as mimics of humic substances and protein-like substances in natural water. The results demonstrate that the adsorbent can selectively adsorb HA from the simulated mixed solution and restore the fluorescence properties of tryptophan and tyrosine. Based on these results, a stepwise fluorescence detection strategy was developed and used in natural water rich in zooplanktonic Cyclops. The results show that the established stepwise fluorescence strategy can well overcome the interference caused by fluorescence quenching. The sorbent was also used for water quality control to enhance coagulation treatment. Finally, trial runs of the water plant demonstrated its effectiveness and suggested a potential control method for early warning and monitoring of water quality. [Display omitted] • Adsorption pre-treatment proposed to improve fluorescence monitoring accuracy. • Selective adsorption of adsorbents with flower-like cluster structures. • Investigation of the mechanism of protein quenching in natural water. • Adsorption coagulation has promising applications in practical water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) producing algae are widely distributed in the global coastal aquatic environment, posing a threat to coastal ecosystem health and mariculture safety. However, the levels and potential environmental risks of PSTs frequently detected in shellfish remain largely unexplored in seawater of mariculture zones. In this study, a new method for trace detection of 13 common PSTs (<1.0 ng/L) in seawater was established based on off-line solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-line SPE-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS), and a systematic investigation of PSTs in seawater of the Laizhou Bay, a typical aquaculture bay in China, was conducted to understand their pollution status, environmental impact factors and ecological risks for the first time. Eleven PSTs were detected in the seawater of Laizhou Bay with total concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 349.47 ng/L (mean, 176.27 ng/L), which indicates the rich diversity of PSTs in the mariculture bay and demonstrates the reliability of the proposed analytical method. C1, C2, GTX2, GTX3, dc GTX2, and dc GTX3 were found to be the predominant PSTs, which refreshed the knowledge of PST contamination in the coastal aquatic environment. PST levels in seawater exhibited the highest levels in the southeastern mouth of Laizhou Bay and decreased toward the inner bay. Correlation analyses showed that climatic factors, nutrient status and hydrological conditions had significant effects on the distribution of PST in mariculture bay. Preliminary environmental risk assessments revealed that aquatic organisms throughout the waters of Laizhou Bay are at risk of chronic PST toxicity. These findings imply that the risk of PST in seawater of mariculture bay has previously been grossly underestimated, and that the coastal aquatic environment in North China and even the world may be at more serious risk of PST pollution, which should be taken seriously. [Display omitted] • A new analytical method was developed for 13 trace PSTs in seawater (<1.0 ng/L). • Various PSTs widely distributed in nearshore water was reported for the fist time. • GTXs, dc GTXs, and C-toxins are the predominant PSTs in mariculture seawater. • Aquatic organisms in the Laizhou Bay are generally at risk of chronic PST toxicity. • Nutrient and hydrological conditions affect the distribution of PST in Laizhou Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NH 4 Mo 7 O 24 promotes polymerization of VO x with increased solution acidity. • Steric interaction occurs on V-Mo/TiO 2 depending on loading of metal oxides. • More VO x polymers generate on TiO 2 with MoO x addition at low V loading. • Crystalline V 2 O 5 and MoO 3 form due to steric hindrance with excess monolayer loading. • Feasibly reducible VO x species facilitates adsorption and activation of NH 3. Monometallic (V/TiO 2 and Mo/TiO 2) and bimetallic (V-Mo/TiO 2) catalysts were prepared for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO x with NH 3 at low temperatures (100–300 °C). The effect of MoO x on the dispersion of vanadia with different V 2 O 5 loadings was investigated on the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), N 2 adsorption–desorption, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H 2 temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). As the molybdenum precursor, NH 4 Mo 7 O 24 increased the solution acidity and promoted polymerization of VO x in liquid phase. At a low vanadia loading, polymerization of VO x , the adsorption rate of NH 3 and transformation of active intermediate species NH 2 were enhanced by adding MoO x , while at a high vanadia loading, the steric hindrance became dominant leading to the formation of crystalline V 2 O 5 and MoO 3 and caused decline in SCR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics simulation was used to study the adsorption of single wall carbon nanotubes (SCNT) in levofloxacin (LEV) solutions of different concentrations by Radial distribution function, mean square displacement and interaction energy. The results showed that levofloxacin molecules were adsorbed around the carbon nanotubes. The adsorption effect of large concentration solution was not as good as that of low concentration solution because of agglomeration. LEV molecules with different concentration were free diffusion within 15ns, and gradually agglomerated under the influence of adsorption. The energy change is proportional to the concentration of the molecule. The distance between benzene rings corresponding to the agglomeration effect of levofloxacin molecules was 0.4 nm, which should be the effect of parallel-slipped π−π electron-donor−acceptor (EDA) interactions. The simulation results are valuable to study the adsorption and removal of benzenes by adsorbent. [Display omitted] • The absorption of antibiotics by carbon nanotubes was simulated by molecular dynamics. • The agglomeration process of organic molecules was found in the process of molecular simulation. • By calculating the radial distribution between two levofloxacin molecules, it is concluded that the interaction is the parallel-slipped π−π electron-donor−acceptor interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increasing trend in vanadium concentrations in aquatic organisms from Asia. • Increases in vanadium concentrations comparable to those from vanadium production. • HC5 for seawater species estimated to be 1.13 (0.05–21.19) μg|L-1. • High and moderate risks to aquatic organisms from seawater concentrations. • Moderate and low health risks from seafood consumption to the 95th percentile group. Vanadium has been classified as a potentially toxic metal and has been given limited attention in comparison to similar trace metals. Similarly, worldwide and continental vanadium pollution and risks remain contested. Here, we synthesized the worldwide concentration of vanadium in marine ecosystems with the relevant ecological and human health risks. We found that vanadium in biota and seawater collected from Asia shows significant increases over the temporal analysis, with rates similar to those reported for vanadium consumption and production. Furthermore, invertebrates have a higher concentration of vanadium than fishes. Similarly, we demonstrate that sediments classified as polluted have concentrations that are not directly correlated with the highest concentrations across continents. Finally, ecological risks were higher from seawater, with potential impacts to 55% of aquatic species in Asia estimated from chronic species sensitivity distribution (SSD). The concentration endangering only 5% of seawater species (HC5) was estimated as 1.13 (0.05–21.19) μg L-1. Estimated daily intakes revealed that overall, there are none to low health risks from aquatic product consumption, yet high risks are plausible to children with consumption patterns in the 95th percentile. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 26 surface seawater samples, 26 surface sediment samples and 114 organisms were collected to study the trophic transfer and dietary exposure risk of mercury (Hg) in organisms from the Jiaozhou Bay, which is a typical semi-enclosed urbanized bay. The total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations did not exceed the threshold limits and performed as: fish > crustaceans > mollusks. The trophic level values (TLs) were less than 3 in all the groups, indicating simple structure of food chain. With the increasing δ15N value, THg and MeHg were significantly biomagnified in the mollusks and fish but not in the crustaceans. In addition, the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg were higher than inorganic mercury (IHg) in the aquatic food chain. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) indicated that Hg exposure via consumption of seafood from the Jiaozhou Bay did not pose significant health risks for general population. Consuming fish will face the higher health risk than crustaceans and mollusks, especially in urban regions. Moreover, the risk of MeHg caused by intaking seafood deserved more attention. Trophic transfer function (TTF) explicated the transfer of Hg in the ecosystem and higher trophic transfer efficiency of MeHg than IHg. TTF interpreted the terrestrial input of Hg should be controlled to ensure the safety of consuming seafood from the Jiaozhou Bay. [Display omitted] • Hg concentrations in aquatic samples did not exceed the threshold limit. • Hg biomagnification was observed in marine organisms in the Jiaozhou Bay. • Trophic transfer of MeHg was more obvious than IHg. • Health risk of consuming seafood was more significant in urban regions. • The terrestrial input of Hg should be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Historical evolution of coastal eutrophication in China exhibited two periods. • Nutrient composition and stoichiometry in coastal waters were significantly changed. • Increased N and P are mainly from river input, atmosphere deposition and SGD. • Changed nutrients have resulted in distinctly varied harmful algal blooms. • Eutrophication combined with climate change continually impact coastal ecosystems. Eutrophication in coastal waters caused by excess nutrient inputs has occurred widely on a global scale. Due to the rapid economic development over the last four decades, most of the Chinese coastal waters have experienced a eutrophic process. Major observed trends of coastal eutrophication include two periods, a slow development from the 1970s to 1990s and a fast development after 2000, with major contributions of increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from river inputs, atmospheric deposition, and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Nutrient composition and stoichiometry have been significantly changed, including increased ammonium, bioavailable organic N and P, and asymmetric ratios between N, P and silicate (Si). Most of these changes were related to the rapid increases in population density, fertilizer application, sewage discharge, aquaculture and fossil fuel combustion, and have resulted in distinctly increased harmful algal blooms. Coastal eutrophication combined with the effects of climate change is projected to continually grow in coming decades. Targeted research is therefore needed on nitrogen reduction and control, potential adaptation strategies and the consequences for ecosystems and economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Atrazine, a potent herbicide for weeds removal during the growing season, has been widely used in China. It is known to be distributed in aquatic ecosystems with a long half-life, thus presenting a potential risk to species and consumers. This study analyzed the concentrations of degraded atrazine residues in marine organisms (N = 129) including 3 species of mollusks, 2 species of crustaceans, and 15 species of fish from a semi-enclosed bay, Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), adjacent to the Northwest Pacific Ocean in China. The corresponding trophic magnification factors (TMF), bioaccumulation factors (BCFs), and subsequent risks to final consumers were also determined. The results showed an average atrazine concentration of (0.301 ± 0.03) ng g−1 and (0.305 ± 0.04) ng g−1 in fish and invertebrates, respectively. The BCFs were (5.23 ± 1.75) L kg−1 and (5.81 ± 1.31) L kg−1 for fish and invertebrates, respectively. Atrazine was significantly bio-diluted in JZB through the sampled marine organisms with increasing trophic levels, with a TMF value below 1 (P < 0.01). An analysis of the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) predicted that<0.02% of species were exposed to a dissolved concentration of atrazine (57.88 ng L−1) that would lead to detrimental effects, while risk quotients predicted low long-term risks for species in the bay. Finally, people with a diet limited to species from JZB were found to face no associated health risk due to a significantly small daily intake and target hazard quotient of atrazine. The corresponding non-carcinogenic effect showed no significant risk from seafood consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]