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Microplastics (MPs) and textile cellulose are globally pervasive pollutants in freshwater. In-situ studies assessing the ingestion of MPs by freshwater meiofauna are few. Here, we evaluated MP and textile cellulose ingestion by some meiofaunal taxa and functional guilds of a first-order stream in the city of Florence (Italy) by using a tandem microscopy approach (fluorescence microscopy and μFTIR). The study targeted five taxa (nematodes, oligochaetes, copepods, ephemeropterans and chironomids), three feeding (scrapers, deposit-feeders, and predators), and three locomotion (crawlers, burrowers, and swimmers) guilds. Fluorescent particles related to both MPs and textile cellulose resulted in high numbers in all taxa and functional guilds. We found the highest number of particles in nematodes (5200 particles/ind.) and deposit-feeders (1693 particles/ind.). Oligochaetes and chironomids (burrowers) ingested the largest particles (medium length: 28 and 48 μm, respectively), whereas deposit-feeders ingested larger particles (medium length: 26 μm) than scrapers and predators. Pellets were abundant in all taxa, except for Chironomidae. Textile cellulose fibers were present in all taxa and functional guilds, while MP polymers (EVA, PET, PA, PE, PE-PP) differed among taxa and functional guilds. In detail: EVA and PET particles were found only in chironomids, PE particles occurred in chironomids, copepods and ephemeropterans, PA particles were found in all taxa except in nematodes, whereas particles made of PE-PP blend occurred in oligochaetes and copepods. Burrowers and deposit-feeders ingested EVA, PET, PA, PE and PE-PP, while crawlers and scrapers ingested PE and PA. Swimmers and predators ingested PE, PA and PE-PP. Our findings suggest a pervasive level of plastic and textile cellulose pollution consistent with an urban stream which propagates in the meiofaunal assemblage of the stream ecosystem.

Using monitoring data from apex predators for chemicals risk assessment can provide important information on bioaccumulating as well as biomagnifying chemicals in food webs. A survey among European institutions involved in chemical risk assessment on their experiences with apex predator data in chemical risk assessment revealed great interest in using such data. However, the respondents indicated that constraints were related to expected high costs, lack of standardisation and harmonised quality criteria for exposure assessment, data access, and regulatory acceptance/application. During the Life APEX project, we demonstrated that European sample collections (i.e. environmental specimen banks (ESBs), research collection (RCs), natural history museums (NHMs)) archive a large variety of biological samples that can be readily used for chemical analysis once appropriate quality assurance/control (QA/QC) measures have been developed and implemented. We therefore issued a second survey on sampling, processing and archiving procedures in European sample collections to derive key quality QA/QC criteria for chemical analysis. The survey revealed great differences in QA/QC measures between ESBs, NHMs and RCs. Whereas basic information such as sampling location, date and biometric data were mostly available across institutions, protocols to accompany the sampling strategy with respect to chemical analysis were only available for ESBs. For RCs, the applied QA/QC measures vary with the respective research question, whereas NHMs are generally less aware of e.g. chemical cross-contamination issues. Based on the survey we derived key indicators for assessing the quality of biota samples that can be easily implemented in online databases. Furthermore, we provide a QA/QC workflow not only for sampling and processing but also for the chemical analysis of biota samples. We focussed on comprehensive analytical techniques such as non-target screening and provided insights into subsequent storage of high-resolution chromatograms in online databases (i.e. digital sample freezing platform) to ultimately support chemicals risk assessment.

The composition and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the Brazilian Amazon Continental Shelf surface waters are described for the first time. The study was conducted during the 2018 rainy and dry seasons, using 57 water samples collected with aluminum buckets and filtered through a 64-μm mesh. The samples were vacuum-filtered in a still-air box, and the content of each filter was measured, counted, and classified. A total of 12,288 floating MPs were retrieved; particles were present at all 57 sampling points. The mean MP abundance was 3593 ± 2264 items·m

The Victoria Land (East Antarctica) is characterized by the presence of lakes and ponds where rare water is found during the Summer months. These freshwater ecosystems are an important resource for migrating seabirds that use them and leave there their droppings and feathers, contributing to enrich the water with organic matter. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are long-range transported to polar regions and their detection in the Antarctic ecosystems date back to the 1960s. Most studies have been related to POP concentrations in marine environment, and terrestrial ecosystems have been poorly investigated. This study reports the concentration of PBDEs (23 congeners) and PCBs (21 among non-, mono-, di-, and ortho congeners) in lake sediment, soil and vegetation mat (community of algae, cyanobacteria, bryophites) collected close to six lakes in the Victoria Land (74°31'S-74°97'S, 165°07'E-162°51'E): Edmonson Point 14 and 15A, Carezza, Enigma, Tarn Flat 20, Inexpressible Island 10B. The ∑PBDEs averaged 0.09-0.28 ng/g and BDEs 28, 47 and 154 were higher in mat and soils, while BDEs 183 and 47 in sediment samples. PCBs ranged0.003-0.807 ng/g and congeners nos. 114, 138, and 187 were the most abundant. In addition, TEQs were derived for the non-and mono-ortho PCBs detected and values were very low in each matrix (0.010 pg/g in the soil, 0.012 pg/g in sediment and mat). The long-range atmospheric transport can be confirmed as the most important POP source in Antarctica, although the scientific stations and seabird colonies may be potential local sources and contribute to contaminant release.

The Hooghly River (HR) estuary is the first deltaic off-shoot of the perennial and transboundary river, Ganga, India. HR receives industrial and domestic waste along with storm-water run-off from Kolkata city and the adjoining districts. Organic micropollutants (OMPs) have been collectively termed for plasticizers, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are extensively consumed and disposed in the waste streams. Hence emerging OMPs were investigated to obtain the first baseline data from the Hooghly riverine sediment (HRS) along urban and suburban transects using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentration range of OMPs in the HRS varied between 3 and 519 ng/g for carbamazepine, 5–407 ng/g for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 2–26 ng/g for musk ketone, 2–84 ng/g for triclosan, 2–199 ng/g for bisphenol A (BPA), 2–422 ng/g for plasticizers (phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA)) and 87–593 ng/g for parabens. Carbamazepine concentration in sediment was an useful marker for untreated wastewater in urban waterways. High concentrations of BPA and PAEs in the suburban industrial corridor together with significant correlation between these two type of OMPs (r2 = 0.5; p

The review aimed to evaluate the sustainability of wood biomass burning for energy production and its contribution to the air quality and impact to human health in different European cities and to highlight the most important steps to lower particulate aerosol emissions. The contribution of residential wood combustion resulted to be relevant to the particulate matter (PM) mass, with great discrepancies in biomass burning contribution to PM mass in European cities due to the different investigated seasons and different degree by the use of wood as fuel for residential heating. The importance of source apportionment of atmospheric aerosol for the implementation of effective strategies to control PM emissions and assess health effects due to air quality was also evidenced. Two major issues emerged from the critical literature analysis: the need of high-quality emission inventories and European policy strategies, such as replacement of old burning devices with improved lower emission ones.

People spend more than 90% of their time indoors and a very big part of that time inside their bedrooms, suggesting that the quality of the air that people breathe during sleeping is of particular importance and can play an important role in our overall exposure to chemicals and also in our well-being. The bedrooms' air quality is, according to the authors’ opinion, rather neglected in most studies, and with this opinion article, we try to bring this research question into more attention of the scientific community and also of the society and public authorities. Even though there are always more articles dealing with indoor air quality (IAQ) and new or emerging chemicals, the number of studies that address the IAQ in bedrooms is not proportionally increasing, let alone the fact that even studies that monitor air quality in bedrooms sometimes do not focus on the IAQ during the sleeping periods to simulate exactly what are the IAQ problems during an entire night. Herein, we explain why, in our opinion, the air quality in bedrooms should be addressed in a different way than other microenvironments and why this kind of research should be further intensified to help authorities and environmental agencies correctly assess the exposure of individuals to indoor toxic pollutants.

This review provides insight into the abundance, origin, distribution and composition of MPs in the sea surface and water column of the Mediterranean Sea. Literature data on MP particles on the sea surface showed an evident heterogeneous distribution and composition, with marked geographical differences between Mediterranean sub-basins. A standardized protocol for water sampling, extraction and detection of plastic debris is strongly recommended. The heterogenicity of MPs distribution and its concentration levels could be related to several factors, such as the different methodological approaches. In addition, the influence of hydrodynamic features such as currents, up and down-welling, gyres and fronts could also be responsible for this heterogeneity in concentrations. Marine litter modelling studies have been applied to understand litter sources, fate, transport and accumulation in oceans. Recent studies focused on the “plastisphere” in order to better understand the potential risk of pathogen dispersion with plastic transport in the Mediterranean Sea.

Macro-, meso-and microplastic (MAP, MEP, MP) occurrence in compost is an environmental issue whose extent and effects are not yet understood. Here, we studied the occurrence of MAPs, MEPs and MPs in compost samples, and the transfer of hazardous contaminants from plastics to compost and soil. MAPs/MEPs and MPs concentrations in compost were 6.5 g/kg and 6.6 +/- 1.5 pieces/kg; from common recommendations for compost application, we estimated similar to 4-23 x 10(7) pieces MPs and 4-29 x 10(4) g MAPs/MEPs ha(-1) per year ending into agricultural soils fertilized with such compost. Regarding contaminants, bis(ethylhexyl) phthalate, acetyl tributyl citrate, dodecane and nonanal were extracted in higher concentrations from plastics and plastic-contaminated compost than from compost where MAPs/MEPs had been removed prior to extraction and analysis. However, some contaminants were present even after MAPs/MEPs removal, ascribable to short-and long-term release by MAPs/MEPs, and to the presence of MPs. DEHP concentration was higher in soils where compost was applied than in fields where it was not used. These results, along with estimations of plastic load to soil from the use of compost, show that compost application is a source of plastic pollution into agricultural fields, and that plastic might transfer hazardous contaminants to soil.

The Mediterranean Sea is affected by one of the most significant plastic pollution worldwide. This review critically evaluates the most recent literature on the presence of microplastics in sediments, suggested to be long term sinks and have a high potential to accumulate this kind of marine debris. A picture of microplastic levels in coastal environments is given, evidencing information gaps and considering also estuary, lagoons and areas influenced by the contribution of rivers. A wide range of contamination levels has been found, with the highest in lagoon and estuary environments. The lack of homogeneity in the methods of study and the need to harmonize the latter and the expression of the results in addition to the need to obtain data on the contributions of the main tributaries of the Mediterranean and on lagoons, are other important considerations taken.

Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) were analyzed in surface waters and riverine sediments of Brahmaputra and Hooghly Rivers, along urban-suburban-rural transects. ∑16 PAHs concentrations were higher in Hooghly riverine sediment (HRS) (Avg, 445 ng g−1) than Brahmaputra riverine sediment (BRS) (Avg, 169 ng g−1) dominated by 4-ring PAHs. In contrast, PAHs concentrations in surface water of Brahmaputra River (BRW) (Avg, 4.04 μg L−1) were comparable with Hooghly River (HRW) (Avg, 4.8 μg L−1), with dominance by 3-ring PAHs. Toxic PAHs (BaA, Chr, BbF, BkF, BaP, InP and DBA) were dominant in sub-urban transect of HRS (Avg, 387 ng g−1) and BRS (Avg, 14 ng g−1). Diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis (PCA) and ring wise composition suggested combustion as the main PAHs source in these riverine belts. In BRS, higher PAHs in suburban and rural transects were attributed to incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass burning. In HRS, >85% of high molecular weight PAHs were found in the industrial areas of the suburban transect possibly associated with the discharge of industrial effluents. Harbor and port activities were other major contributors of HMW-PAHs in Hooghly riverine system. Carcinogenic potency estimated in terms of toxic equivalent (TEQ) was several folds higher in HRS (Avg, 106 ng TEQ g−1) compared with BRS (Avg, 2.5 ng TEQ g−1). Mostly low molecular weight PAHs are likely posing a risk to fishes in both the rivers. Risk on edible fish species may be a matter of concern considering the regular consumption of fishes in this region.

Growth of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sector is an emerging problem for India. The presence of halogenated compounds in e-wastes may result in the formation of persistent organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) during recycling processes. We therefore investigated PCBs and PCDD/Fs in surface soils explicitly from the informal e-waste recycling sites and nearby open dumpsites of major metropolitan cities from four corners of India, viz., New Delhi (North), Kolkata (East), Mumbai (West) and Chennai (South). In the informal e-waste recycling sites, the range of Σ26PCBs (0.4–488 ng/g) and ƩPCDD/Fs (1.0–10.6 ng/g) were higher than Ʃ26PCBs (0.3–21 ng/g) and ƩPCDD/Fs (0.15–7.3 ng/g) from open dumpsites. In the e-waste sites, ƩPCDDs were found with increasing trend from ƩTetraCDD to OctaCDD, whereas ƩPCDFs showed a reverse trend. The dominance of PCDF congeners and maximum toxicity equivalents (TEQ) for both PCDDs (17 pg TEQ/g) and PCDFs (82 pg TEQ/g) at Mandoli in New Delhi has been related to intensive precious metal recovery process using acid bath. Among dumpsites, highest TEQ for PCDD/Fs was observed at Kodangaiyur dumpsite of Chennai (CNDS-02, 45 pg TEQ/g). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model identified distinct congener pattern based on the functional activities, such as e-waste dismantling, shredding, precious metal recovery and open burning in dumpsites. E-waste metal recovery factor was loaded with 86–91% of PCB-77, -105, -114, -118 and 30% of PCB-126, possibly associated with the burning of wires during the copper extraction process. Almost 70% of the Ʃ26PCB concentrations was comprised of the dioxin-like PCB congeners with a maximum concentration of 437 ng/g at New Moore market in Chennai, followed by Wire Lane (102 ng/g), in Mumbai. We speculate that PCB-126 might have resulted from combustion of plastic materials in e-waste stream and dumped waste.

Microplastics pollution is progressively threatening natural parks across the world. In the framework of monitoring this concerning trend, the present study focuses on the occurrence and identification of mesoplastics (MEPs) and microplastics (MPs) in sand samples collected before and after the summer season from the beach of the Nature Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli (Pisa, Italy). Meso- and microplastics were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy 2D Imaging, and detected in all samples with average concentrations of 207 ± 30 MPs/kg d.w., and 100 ± 44 MEPs/kg d.w., respectively. Seasonal changes of flow of the Arno River, industrial activities, and urban footprint were considered as the major sources of plastic pollution. Our results showed the occurrence of both natural and synthetic polymers including cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, and acrylonitrile.

A sample preparation method was evaluated for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in mussel samples, by using colorimetric and electrochemical immunoassay-based screening methods. Herein, a rapid procedure based on QuEChERS-like extraction approach followed by solid phase purification was optimized for PBDE extraction from mussel samples. The detection limits for colorimetric and electrochemical immunoassays, calculated as BDE-47 equivalent concentration, were 0.6 ng g−1 and 1.1 ng g−1, respectively. Real mussel samples, including a Certified Reference Material (CRM), were analyzed. The samples were measured by colorimetric and electrochemical immunoassays as well as by GC-MS. In comparison to GC-MS results, 106% and 102% relative accuracy were obtained for the colorimetric and electrochemical immunoassays, respectively. The proposed method could be useful for massive environmental campaigns, being able to rapidly detect possible polluted seafood samples.

This is the first survey to investigate the occurrence and extent of microplastic (MPs) contamination in sub surface waters collected near-shore and off-shore the coastal area of the Ross Sea (Antarctica). Moreover, a non-invasive method to analyze MPs, consisting in filtration after water sampling and analysis of the dried filter through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 2D Imaging, using an FPA detector, was proposed. The non-invasiveness of analytical set-up reduces potential bias and allows subsequent analysis of the filter sample for determination of other classes of contaminants. MPs ranged from 0.0032 to 1.18 particle per m3 of seawater, with a mean value of 0.17 ± 0.34 particle m−3, showing concentrations lower than those found in the oceans worldwide. MPs included fragments (mean 71.9 ± 21.6%), fibers (mean 12.7 ± 14.3%), and others (mean 15.4 ± 12.8%). The presence of different types of MPs was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, with predominant abundance of polyethylene and polypropylene. The potential environmental impact arising from scientific activities, such as marine activities for scientific purposes, and from the sewage treatment plant, was also evidenced.

During two surveys in 2015 and 2016, sediments samples were collected along the Ombrone river (Maremma Regional Park, province of Grosseto, Italy), in particular at its mouth and in the marine area in front of it, in order to quantify, identify and categorize plastic items (macro, meso and micro-plastics and colour, material etc.) and evaluate their potential sources. The Albegna and Osa rivers were identified as external areas of comparison. The results of the analysis showed different situations, especially as regards fluvial inputs, in addition to evidencing local provisions of plastic material derived from agricultural activities. The microplastics values per kg of sediment and the prevailing type of items found largely varied between the investigated sites (45–1069 items/kg dry sample).

In this review article, we have compiled and reviewed the previously published available literature on environmental distribution, behaviour, fate and regional trends of legacy and emerging flame retardants (FRs) including brominated (BFRs), organo-phosphate (OPFRs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and dechlorane plus (DP) in the freshwater ecosystem. Transport and fate is discussed briefly with the evidences of de-bromination, sedimentation and accumulation in biota. De-bromination of BDE-209 is considered of concern because the lower brominated congeners are more toxic and mobile thus posing increased risk to the freshwater ecosystem. The available data on temporal and spatial trends as yet, is too few to show any consistent trends, enabling only general conclusions to be drawn. There is a lack of temporal studies in Asia, while, overall the trends are mixed, with both increasing and decreasing concentrations of BFRs and OPFRs. OPFRs and NBFRs have replaced classical BFRs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) in some countries but the amount of PBDEs in the environment is still considerable. Knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research are discussed emphasizing on further monitoring, advanced analytical methodologies, and risk assessment studies to completely understand the science of flame retardants in the freshwater ecosystem.

Polluted dredged sediments are classified as waste and cannot be re-used in civil and environmental engineering nor in agriculture, posing serious logistical, economic and environmental problems for their management. We tested co-composting of sediments (S) slightly polluted by PAHs with urban green waste (GW), as a sustainable technique to both degrade the organic pollutants and lend to sediments suitable properties to be reused as technosol. Four treatments were tested: sediments only (S), GW only (GW), 1:1 w:w S:GW (SGW1:1), and 3:1 w:w S:GW (SGW3:1) for a co-composting period of one year. The co-composting materials underwent to an initial short and moderate thermophilic phase. However, at the end of the co-composting process, SGW3:1 and SGW1:1 achieved suitable physical and chemical properties as plant substrate in terms of organic C, N and humic substances contents, electrical conductivity and bulk density. In the first six months of treatment, the PAHs concentration in SGW3:1 and SGW1:1 was reduced by 26% and 57%, respectively, reaching values below under 1mgg(-1), whereas such a reduction in S alone was observed only after nine months. We concluded that co-composting with green waste can be a suitable approach for reclamation of dredged sediments opening opportunities for their use as technosol or as plant growing substrate.

In this study the occurrence, morphology and identification of microplastics in Black Sea sediments collected at different depths (range 22–2131 m) were determined for the first time. The study explored the advantages and limitations of using a non-invasive method consisting of filtration of the supernatant from the mixture of sediment with saturated NaCl solution followed by FTIR 2D imaging for the identification of natural and synthetic polymers. The proposed method confirmed its potential for clear identification of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile, polyamides and cellulose-based fibers, but more difficulties when the filter substrate neighboring the fibers exhibits intense absorptions in the 1800–1000 cm−1 range. Microplastics (MPs) were determined in 83% of the investigated sediment samples. The average abundance in all samples was 106.7 items/kg. The highest pollution occurred on the North-Western shelf where the abundance of MPs was 10 times higher than in sediments from the deep sea. The most abundant plastic polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene, followed by acrylate and acrylonitrile copolymers. Polyamide and cellulose-based textile fibers were also found. The most frequent microplastic colors observed were black, blue and clear/transparent, while fibers represented the dominant microplastics in sediments.

The present study documents, for the first time, the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by Longnose stingrays in the Western Atlantic Ocean. We examined 23 specimens of Hypanus guttatus from the Brazilian Amazon coast and found microplastic particles in the stomach contents of almost a third of the individuals. Fibers were the most frequent item (82%), blue was the most frequent color (47%) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was the most frequent polymer recorded (35%), as identified by 2D imaging - Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The ingestion of microplastics by Longnose stingray has not been previously recorded. The findings of the present study thus provide an important baseline for future studies of microplastic ingestion by dasyatid rays and other batoid species in the Atlantic Ocean, and contribute to the broader understanding of the spatial and temporal dimensions of the growing problem of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

In this study the level of toxic metals (Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cu) was determined in sediment samples from the Chenab River, Pakistan. The potential toxicity of studied metals was determined by evaluating enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and metal pollution index (MPI). Considering the spatial distributional patterns, the metal concentrations were higher at Trimmu Headwork site followed by Pujnad, Khanki, Marala and Qadirabad Headwork sites. Unusual higher concentrations in the deeper sediments were observed, suggesting a historical deposition of the investigated metals in the area. The Igeo and EF values revealed that sediments in this study were considerably polluted by Cd and Pb and moderately polluted by other metals. Evaluation of metal toxicity based on mean probable effect concentration PEC quotient confirmed that the Chenab River is seriously contaminated with Cd and Pb. Results of the spatial distribution pattern revealed that rapid industrialization and urbanization nearby the study area were probable sources of metal pollution. Proper measures should be taken by industrial units to ensure appropriate treatment of wastewater before disposing the toxic effluents into nearby tributaries. Government authorities must ensure strict enforcement of the National Environmental Quality (NEQ) standards of municipal and industrial effluents to save the Chenab River from further degradation.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in various foodstuffs in Italy and the dietary intake was estimated. PBDEs were detected in all analysed samples at concentrations that spanned over five orders of magnitude. The most abundant congeners were the BDE-209, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. Fish oil and milk samples showed the highest PBDE concentrations among all samples. The daily dietary intake values were found to be in good agreement or higher to literature values, impacted mainly from the contribution of the analysed dairy products. The cancer risk values estimated for BDE-209 indicated that this specific risk associated with the studied foodstuffs is limited. Italy is one of the world-leading countries in the production of furniture and clothes and has extremely developed medium enterprise industrial sector, where PBDEs were historically used suggesting that their occurrence may be linked to these activities.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a pressing environmental concern over the past few years and their extraction from solid samples is a scientific challenge that needs to be faced and solved. Standardized and validated protocols for MPs extraction are lacking and the existing methodology, such as density separation, is often unable to separate high density polymers. The aim of our research was to develop a non-density based, inexpensive, simple and safe method to extract MPs from soil and compost samples. We tested an oil-based extracting technique exploiting the oleophilic properties of plastics. For validating the method, soil and compost samples were spiked with six different micro-polymers: polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyurethane. The obtained results are promising, and the polymer density had only a small role in the recovery rate: low, medium and high density polymers reached a mean recovery rate of 90% ±2%, 97% ± 5% and 95% ± 4%, respectively.

Self-contamination should not be underestimated when quantifying microplastics (MPs) in environmental matrices. Standardised and validated methodologies for MP sampling, extraction, and analysis are lacking. The various applications of plastics in our society have made them ubiquitous, even in clothing, rendering MP self-contamination inevitable. In the present study, we sampled lake sediment, snow, and ice, purposefully wearing red overalls composed of cotton; fibres from which we could quantify using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), serving as an indication of possible self-contamination from clothes. The suitability of cotton as a representation of MP contamination was also evaluated. For all detected fibres, 25 ± 1%, 20 ± 7%, and 8 ± 6% for snow, ice, and sediment, respectively, originated from sampling attire. These findings demonstrate that self-contamination can play a significant role when quantifying MP pollution, highlighting that sampling conducted to date might have overestimated the presence of MP or even contaminated MP-free samples.

Principal objective of this study was to evaluate the health risks of brick kiln workers to dust bound PAHs exposure in Punjab province (Pakistan). To this aim, surface dust samples were collected from brick kiln units located in Chung Khurd (Lahore city), Gujranwala city and Sohra village (in the vicinity of Gujranwala). The highest ΣPAH levels were measured in the dust samples collected in Sohdra village (mean 2578 ng g(-1) d.w., range 302-6757 ng g(-1) d.w.) followed by Gujranwala city (mean 957, range 16.1-1963 ng g(-1) d.w.) and Chung Khurd (mean 882, range 692-1007 ng g(-1) d.w.). Source identification using diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis identified coal and wood combustion as the major PAHs sources. The cancer risk model (CR-Model 1) and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk model (ILCR-Model 2) were used to evaluate the cancer risk assessment via ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact pathways. Both models suggested that brick kiln workers (including adults and children) were exposed to high-potential carcinogenic risk via both ingestion and dermal contact pathways during the brick making process. This study also emphasizes the need for pollution control in the brick kiln industry of Pakistan.

A wastewater treatment plant may receive various types of wastewater namely, urban, industrial, agricultural, washout from the streets, wet or/and dry atmospheric deposition. As such, scientists have detected in wastewaters all major categories of pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, but also substances that are widely used as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, classified as “PPCPs” (pharmaceuticals and personal care products). Finally, the latest categories of compounds to be looked upon in these types of matrices are illicit drugs (drugs of abuse, like cocaine, etc.) and doping substances. This review article summarises major categories of organic microcontaminants that have been detected in wastewaters and studies their fate during the wastewater treatment process. Occurrence of these compounds in the influents and effluents are reported, as well as percents of removal, mass balances and phase distributions.

Individual sugars, organic acids, total polyphenols, vitamin C and antiradical activity (as measured by DPPH method) were quantified in cultivated Fragaria vesca berries, comparing different varieties (Regina delle Valli, Alpine, Sara and Valitutto) and different environments with regard to altitude. Cultivar effect mainly influenced the concentration of total polyphenols and antiradical activity which are strongly correlated (R2 = 0.91; P = 0.001); conversely, altitude seemed to exert an influence in sugar and organic acid composition. The comparison of the general quality of the most diffused cultivar of F. vesca (Regina delle Valli and Alpine) evidenced that both cultivars have the same nutritional properties, whereas Regina delle Valli is better than Alpine from the point of view of total polyphenolic content (716 vs 471 mg catechin/100 g fresh weight) and radical scavenging activity (301 vs 219 ml DPPH solution/100 g fresh weight), thus resulting more attractive from the health protecting attributes point of view. F. vesca berries showed also a concentration of sugars, citric acid, malic acid and total polyphenols much higher than those reported in literature for Fragaria x ananassa.

Changes in tannins, ascorbic acid and sugars in astringent persimmons ‘Rojo Brillante’ and ‘Kaki Tipo’ were investigated during fruit maturation and after postharvest treatments. Soluble tannins exhibited a significant initial increment, followed by a marked constant decrease that led to values between 0.2 and 0.3 g/100 g fresh weight (FW) in the last stage of maturity studied. During the entire period monitored, insoluble tannins represented the minor component of the total tannic fraction, accounting for 9–27% (Rojo Brillante) and 17–32% (Kaki Tipo) of total tannins; levels of insoluble tannins were comparable to or higher than the soluble tannins in softer fruits. Total vitamin C decreased from 0.18–0.20 to about 0.08 g/100 g FW during fruit development owing to fruit growth rather than to degradation processes. Total sugars increased from about 4 g/100 g FW at the early stage of fruit development to 17 g/100 g FW after reaching the commercial stage of maturity. Glucose and fructose increased during the entire period monitored, while sucrose reached a maximum and then gradually decreased, probably owing to a strong invertase activity. Antiradical activities were significantly related to the corresponding tannic fraction. In both ‘Rojo Brillante’ and ‘Kaki Tipo’, postharvest treatment with CO 2 was more effective than with ethylene in reducing soluble tannin concentration (0.031–0.067 and 0.220–0.262 g/100 g FW, respectively).

Sea surface microlayer (SML) and sea water samples (SSW) collected in the Gerlache Inlet Sea (Antarctica) were analysed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SML is a potential enrichment site of hydrophobic organic compounds compared to the underlying water column. Total concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs (dissolved and particulate) in subsurface water (− 0.5 m depth) were 272–553 ng l − 1 (mean: 448 ng l − 1 ) and 5.27–9.43 ng l − 1 (mean: 7.06 ng l − 1 ), respectively. In the SML, the concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs were 353–968 ng l − 1 (mean: 611 ng l − 1 ) and 7.32–23.94 ng l − 1 (mean: 13.22 ng l − 1 ), respectively. To evaluate possible PAH contamination sources, specific PAH ratios were calculated. The ratios reflected a predominant petrogenic input. A characterisation of surface active substances was also performed on SML and SSW samples, both by gas bubble extraction, and by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results showed a good correlation between n-alkanes, PAHs and refractory organic matter.

In the framework of the Italian Research Programme in Antarctica (PNRA) an oceanographic cruise was carried out between December 2000 and February 2001 in the Western Ross Sea. n -Alkanes and PAHs concentrations were analysed in sea-water samples collected at different depths at four sites (D, B, CA2, and CA). Vertical profiles of pressure, temperature, salinity and fluorescence were also performed in order to distinguish the water masses present in the sampling areas. n -Alkanes concentrations were consistent with those found in the same area during previous expeditions and showed higher values in the particulate due to the low temperatures. n -Alkanes profiles exhibited different features in the dissolved and particulate phases. The dissolved phase was characterised by a bimodal distribution with two maxima at C16 and C24 and prevalent compounds in the range C15–C32 whereas particulate was strongly dominated by long chain n -alkanes C23–C34 with C24 (Site B, CA and CA2) or C32 (Site B) as Cmax. CPI values and Pr/Ph ratios suggested a prevalent biogenic origin for aliphatic hydrocarbons. n -Alkanes vertical distributions were affected by the dynamic of the pack-ice melting and phytoplankton activity as well by the chemical–physical properties of water masses. Higher n -alkanes values were found in the High Salinity Shelf Waters (HSSW), lower n -alkanes values were found in the Antarctic Surface Waters (AASW) and Modified Circumpolar Deep Water (MCDW). The low PAHs concentration levels confirmed the still pristine character of the Antarctic environment. Neither particular trend in total PAHs concentrations along the water column and nor correlations with the most characteristic water masses of the investigated area of the Ross Sea were observed, except that total PAH higher concentrations were generally observed in correspondence of HSSW.

Atmospheric aerosols were collected during the period from May 2000 through January 2001 at 13 different sites in and around the Baciacavallo sewage treatment plant in Prato (Italy). The urban area surrounding the plant contains significant textile industrial activity and a main arterial road. Aerosol-associated n -alkane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenolethoxylate (NPnEO) ( n =1–3) concentrations were measured in order to evaluate contributions from the sewage treatment plant, naturally produced aerosols, transportation and industrial activities to the air quality in the vicinity of the sewage treatment plant. Aerosol-associated n -alkane concentrations ranged from 36.7 to 205 ng/m 3 and their possible origin was determined by the presence of typical petroleum characteristics such as the unresolved complex mixture and an odd/even carbon ratio (Carbon Preference Index). PAH concentrations ranged from 0.855 to 24.2 ng/m 3 , in accordance with those generally found for urban aerosols in Europe. NP and NPnEO ( n =1–3), as well as fine aerosol particulate matter (PM 10 ) were significantly correlated with relative wind direction with increased levels observed in the ambient atmosphere when the relative wind direction was from the Baciacavallo sewage treatment plant. This study confirms the use of NP and NPnEO ( n =1–3) as markers of sewage treatment emissions and the importance of the contribution of aerosols produced by sewage treatment plant aeration tanks to the local atmospheric composition.

The levels of dissolved and particle-associated n -alkanes, alkylbenzenes, phthalates, PAHs, anionic surfactants and surfactant fluorescent organic matter (SFOM) were measured in sea-surface microlayer (SML) and sub-surface water (SSL) samples collected in the Leghorn marine environment in September and October 1999. Nine stations, located in the Leghorn harbour and at increasing distances from the Port, were sampled three times on the same day. At all the stations, SML concentrations of the selected organic compounds were significantly higher than SSL values and the enrichment factors (EF=SML concentration/SSL concentration) were greater in the particulate phase than in the dissolved phase. SML concentrations varied greatly among the sampling sites, the highest levels ( n -alkanes 3674 μg/l, phthalates 177 μg/l, total PAHs 226 μg/l) being found in the particulate phase in the Leghorn harbour. To improve the knowledge on pollutant exchanges between sea-surface waters and atmosphere, the validity of spray drop adsorption model (SDAM) was verified for SFOM, surface-active agents, such as phthalates, and compounds which can interact with SFOM, such as n -alkanes and PAHs.