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Abstract Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that was applied in a series of military conflicts and still poses a severe threat to civilians and military personnel. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM toxicity are still not fully understood, oxidative stress has been considered as the initial vital process for damage. Polydatin, the product of resveratrol and glucose, is a promising candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. However, its effects on SM-induced hepatic injury remain unknown. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of polydatin against SM-induced hepatic injury and its possible mechanism. We found that treatment with polydatin remarkably improved the survival rate of mice bear subcutaneously injected with SM. Polydatin decreased the SM-induced increase of serum aminotransferase levels and ameliorated hepatic pathological damage. We also found that indexes of oxidative stress were improved in mouse liver samples and L02 cells. Meanwhile, changes in the Sirtuin family after treatment with SM were explored in mice and cells since polydatin is a potent activator of Sirt1 and Sirt3. Polydatin significantly increased the expression of Sirt1, HO-1, and NQO1; and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in mouse liver and L02 cells. Furthermore, we also observed that either Sirt1 or Nrf2 knockdown abolished the protective effect of polydatin. Our data indicated that polydatin could provide protection against SM-induced hepatic injury through the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway, suggesting that polydatin is a novel potential antidote for sulfur mustard. Highlights • Polydatin could improve the survival rate of SM-treated mice. • Sirt1 was significantly reduced after SM-treatment. • Polydatin protects against SM-induced liver injury via Sirt1/Nrf2. • First correlation between polydatin and a chemical warfare agent [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from coal combustion has become the major contributor of atmospheric PAHs in China and caused worldwide concern due to their adverse effects on human health and ecosystem. In this work, the abundance, distribution, source and health risk assessment of ambient PM 10 -bounded PAHs were studied in all seasons from a typical coal resource city in China. The spatial distribution characteristics of PM 10 -bounded PAHs were also investigated, which cover 6 functional zones including industrial area, mining area, commercial district, education area, residential area and control area, respectively. The average concentrations (in ng/m3) of 16 EPA priority PAHs in PM 10 in spring, summer, autumn and winter were 194 ± 11.1, 161 ± 14.0, 183 ± 14.1 and 213 ± 19.2, respectively, and with an annual average of 188 ± 21.8. The composition distribution of PM 10 -bounded PAHs in each functional zone showed that 4-rings PAHs were dominated in all seasons, followed by 3-rings and 5-rings. Principal component analysis (PCA) and diagnostic ratio indicated that the main PAH sources were coal combustion, traffic and biomass combustion. Health risk assessment analysis (BEQ) suggested that the residential exposure to PAHs in the mining and commercial areas, particularly in winter season, may pose a greater cancer risk than people living in other parts of Huainan city. The maximum BEQ values were found at mining and commercial areas, which were mainly influenced by the emissions from gasoline or diesel vehicles, coal and biomass combustion. Both inhalation and skin contact have great influence on the cancer risk of residents in Huainan city. Highlights • We assessed seasonal and spatial variations of PM 10 -bound PAHs in coal-mining city. • Annual average levels of PM 10 -bounded PAHs in Huainan city was 188 ± 21.8 ng/m3. • 4-rings PAHs were dominated in PM 10 -bounded PAHs. • Both inhalation and skin contact show great cancer risk. • The main PAH sources were coal combustion, traffic and biomass combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe environmental issues are caused by long-term coal mining activities; however, the process of mercury (Hg) response in mining subsidence area sediments (MSAS) is still unclear, and direct evidence showing the relationship between Hg accumulation mechanism in sediments and mining activities is lacking. In this study, the characteristics of total mercury (THg) content in MSAS were investigated. Moreover, Hg isotopes were obtained to determine the main sources and environmental process of mercury in MSAS, and a MixSIAR mixing model was first used to estimate the potential Hg sources. The THg content ranged from 27.5 to 113.9 ng/g, with a mean of 65.8 ± 29.4 ng/g, exceeding the local soil background value (19.7 ng/g). The Hg in MSAS was affected by clay and organic matter. The Δ199Hg and Δ201Hg in the sediments varied from − 0.05–0.05‰ (mean: −0.01 ± 0.03‰) and − 0.07–0.01‰ (mean: −0.02 ± 0.03‰), respectively, with the fitting results suggesting that a photochemical reaction occurred in some of the Hg in the sediments prior to deposition. The results of the MixSIAR mixing model revealed that the Hg in MSAS was mainly derived from gangue, soil erosion, coal, fly ash, and feed, and their corresponding percentage contribution was 51.5 ± 9.6%, 23.8 ± 13.1%, 13.9 ± 7.9%, 8.1 ± 5.4%, and 3.1 ± 1.4%, respectively. Hg isotopes can be used to trace the transport and transformation of environmental pollutants, and this may provide an important reference for the assessment and prevention of Hg pollution in typical areas such as coal mining and coal-fired. [Display omitted] • Use isotope to identify the spatio changes of Hg sources. • The Bayesian mixing model was first used in mining area. • Hg in sediments may have undergone photochemical reactions. • Hg in sediments mainly sourced from gangue and soil erosion. • The Hg contamination in mining area needs to be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polyurethane/nanosilica composites were prepared using polyester polyol/nanosilica composite resins obtained from in situ polymerization or blending methods and investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. It was found that more polyester segments had chemically bonded with silica particles during in situ polymerization than during blending, introducing nanosilica increased the Tgs of polyurethanes, and different preparation methods and different particle sizes caused various impact on Tg. Contact angle measurement and XPS analyses indicated that nanosilica tended to move towards the surfaces and interfaces of polyurethane coats, decreasing the free energies of the surfaces and interfaces, but the nanosilica particles were just observed at interfaces not surfaces by AFM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Benzo()pyrene [B()P], widely originated from environmental pollution or food process such as roasting and frying, is a strong mutagen and potent carcinogen. Utilization of hawthorn has been reported against physical mutagens. Our study found that hawthorn extract (HE) contained abundant phenolic compounds, wherein chlorogenic acid was 2.78 mg/g, procyanidine B2 was 3.58 mg/g, epicatechin was 2.99 mg/g DW, which may contribute to anti-genotoxicity activity. So, the role of HE against B()P-induced genotoxicity in C57BL/6 mice was further assessed. Fifty mice were distributed into five groups: control group, B()P group (30 mg/kg, i.p.), B()P + HE-L group (100 mg/kg, i.g.), B()P + HE-M group (200 mg/kg, i.g.), B()P + HE-H group (400 mg/kg, i.g.). Mice were orally administered with solutions of HE for 10 days and injected intraperitoneally with B()P for 3 days from the 8th day. Results showed that B()P can induce significantly pathological damage in liver, lung and spleen, as well as decrease white blood cells (WBCs). Remarkably elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA strand breaks (DSBs) and G1 cell cycle arrest were also found in B()P group, with upregulated expressions of p-H2AX, p-p53 and p21 in bone marrow cells. With administration of HE, liver, lung and spleen injury significantly mitigated, while WBCs were evidently increased in B()P-treated mice. Consistently, HE markedly reduced level of ROS, DSBs and G1 cell cycle arrest accompanied by reducing expressions of p-H2AX, p-p53 and p21 in bone marrow cells. Combined, these results indicated a protective role of HE on B()P-induced genotoxicity. Image 1 • Hawthorn extract (HE) contained abundant phenolic compounds. • HE mitigated Benzo()pyrene [B()P]-induced tissues damage. • HE modulated B()P-caused reduction of WBCs and generation of ROS. • HE alleviated B()P-induced DNA damage and G1 cell cycle arrest. • HE downregulated B()P-elevated p-H2AX, p-p53 and p21 expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in urbanization and intensive coal mining activities have accelerated the deterioration of surface water quality. Environmental problems caused by the accumulation of nitrate and sulfate from natural, urban, and agricultural sources have attracted extensive attention. Information on nitrate and sulfate sources and their transformations is crucial for understanding the nitrogen and sulfur cycles in surface water. In this study, we monitored nitrate and sulfate in three representative rivers in mining cities in northern China. The main pollution sources and biogeochemical processes were identified by using stable isotopes (δD, δ18O H2O , δ15N, δ18O NO3 , δ34S and δ18O SO4) and hydrochemistry. The contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources was quantitatively estimated based on a Bayesian mixed model. The results indicated a large variation in sulfate and nitrate sources between the different rivers. Nitrate in the Tuohe River mainly derived from manure/sewage (57.9%) and soil N (26.9%), while sulfate mainly derived from manure/sewage (41.7%) and evaporite dissolution (26.8%). For the Suihe River, nitrate was primarily sourced from chemical fertilizer (37.9%) and soil nitrogen (34.8%), while sulfate was mainly sourced from manure/sewage (33.1%) and chemical fertilizer (21.4%). For the Huihe River, nitrate mainly derived from mine drainage (56.6%) and manure/sewage (30.6%), while sulfate predominantly originated from mine drainage (58.3%) and evaporite dissolution (12.9%). Microbial nitrification was the major pathway for the migration and transformation of nitrate in the surface water. However, denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) did not play a significant role as aerobic conditions prevailed. In this study, we elucidated the sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrate and sulfate. Additionally, we provided a reference for formulating a comprehensive strategy for effective management and remediation of surface water contaminated with nitrate and sulfate in mining cities. [Display omitted] • Natural and anthropogenic sources of nitrates and sulfates were quantified. • Water from the Tuohe, Suihe, and Huihe Rivers and a subsidence zone were studied. • Nitrification was the major pathway for nitrate transformation in surface water. • Multiple sources of pollutants could be identified simultaneously. • Denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) were not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in NO 3 − content in surface water caused by intensive mining activities in Huainan City, China, has attracted considerable attention owing to the deterioration of water quality and the degradation of ecosystems in recent years. The Huainan mining area, which is highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities, was selected as a typical observation area, and the surface water was classified as open subsidence water (OSW), closed subsidence water (CSW), and river water (RW). Moreover, the hydrochemical parameters and the δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate were employed to quantitatively trace the sources and biochemical transformation of NO 3 −, and the contribution ratios of different NO 3 − sources were estimated using the stable isotope analysis in R based on the Bayesian model. There was evident nitrification in the study area, but no significant denitrification has occurred. A substantial portion of δ15N–NO 3 - demonstrated complex sources of NO 3 −. Compared with those of CSW, the NO 3 − compositions of the OSW approached to those of the RW due to river recharge and discharge, and were greatly affected by anthropogenic activities. The proportional contribution of manure and sewage in the OSW was found to be the highest with a mean value of 39.5 % ± 12.3 %, which was followed by that of mine drainage (mean: 22.1 % ± 13.1 %), chemical fertilizer (mean: 17.5 % ± 10.6 %), and soil organic nitrogen (mean: 17.5 % ± 11.6 %). In the RW, the highest mean contribution of manure sewage was 35.2 % ± 9.7 %, which was followed by that of chemical fertilizer (mean: 29.3 % ± 7.2 %), mine drainage (mean: 23.4 % ± 13.0 %), and soil organic nitrogen (mean: 10.9 % ± 8.3 %). In contrast, the contribution of chemical fertilizer to the CSW was the highest with a mean value of 33.9 % ± 13.6 %, which was followed by that of soil organic nitrogen (mean: 26.5 % ± 13.8 %), mine drainage (mean: 18.1 % ± 11.6 %). Therefore, NO 3 − in the surface water of the mining area primarily originates from chemical fertilizers and manure sewage. In addition, the contribution of mine drainage to nitrate in the study area indicates the potential impact of mining activities on surface water. These findings highlight the value of classifying different types of surface water in tracing NO 3 − contamination sources, and provide relevant theoretical basis for tracing nitrate sources in other areas. [Display omitted] • The sources of NO 3 − were identified by hydrochemistry and dual isotopes. • There were similar NO 3 − sources in rivers and open subsidence area. • Chemical fertilizer, manure and sewage were the main NO 3 − sources in mining area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]