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The worldwide contamination of waters and food by herbicides is a major health issue, yet the toxic effects of herbicides to non-target organisms and ecosystems have been poorly summarized. Here we review the effects of herbicides belonging to the groups of chloroacetanilides, imidazolinones, sulfonylureas, and pyrimidinylcarboxylic, on small invertebrates, high vertebrates, plants, and the surrounding ecosystems. We describe toxicity in terms of behavioural changes, molecular biosynthesis, endocrine disruption, immunological responses, enzymatic alteration, and reproductive disorders. Strategies to decrease toxic effects are also presented. We observe widespread toxicity threats in amphibians and major aquatic species. Each herbicide group displays a different toxicity risk. For instance, chloroacetanilides display higher risks to soil, aquatic, algal, cyanobacteria, and terrestrial species, whereas alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor are highly carcinogenic to humans. Most imidazolinone herbicides cause phytotoxicity in non-target and succeeding crops. Sulfonyl-urea herbicides are severely toxic to soil microbes and succeeding crops. Pyrimidinylcarboxy herbicides are more toxic to soil microbes, aquatic species, and rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides are widely recognized as the most cost-effective solution for weed control, but their extensive use in both urban and agricultural settings raise serious concerns about nontarget effects. We assessed the possible hazards associated with pre-emergence herbicides such as dimethenamid–P, metazachlor, and pyroxasulfone, which are frequently applied in both urban and agricultural soils. The dissipation rate constant values (k day−1: 0.010–0.024) were positively linked to total organic carbon (TOC), silt, clay, soil pH, and Al and Fe oxides, but negatively correlated with sand content. In contrast, half-life values (DT50: 29–69 days) of the herbicides showed negative correlations with TOC, clay, silt, soil pH, and Fe and Al oxides, while sand content showed a positive impact. The selected herbicides showed minimal impact on soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA). Mostly, soils with higher organic matter (OM) content exhibited increased DHA levels, highlighting the role of OM in influencing this soil enzyme across different soils. Assessment of environmental indicators like groundwater ubiquity score (GUS:1.69–6.30) and leachability index (LIX: 0.23–0.97) suggested that the herbicides might reach groundwater, posing potential risks to nontarget biota and food safety. Human non-cancer risk evaluation, in terms of hazard quotient (HQ < 1) and hazard index (HI < 1), suggests minimal or no risks from exposure to soil containing herbicide residues at 50% of the initial concentrations. Our data thus help the stakeholders and regulatory agencies while applying these pre-emergence herbicides in soils and safeguarding human and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination of the soil cover of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, was studied. The content of 16 individual polyarenes was analyzed in the upper horizon of background chestnut and urban soils, sampled during soil and geochemical survey in July–August 2022. The average concentration of total PAHs in the soil cover of Ulan-Ude was 735 ng/g, which was 8 times as much as the concentration in the background soils (87 ng/g). The PAH amount in the soil of various functional zones decrease in the following order: railway transport > motor traffic > industrial > one-story residential > multi-story residential > recreational. At the same time, the amount of PAHs in the railway transport zone was 2.6–5.2 times higher than in other functional zones, which indicates that railway transport is the most powerful source of PAHs in the city. Contamination of soils with polyarenes in all functional zones is determined primarily by medium- (46%) and high-molecular-weight (41%) compounds. Among PAHs with low molecular weight, phenanthrene prevailed (9% of the total PAHs), but medium-molecular-weight fluoranthene (18%) and pyrene (13%) showed higher share; high-molecular-weight compounds dominated by benzo(ghi)perylene (12%), benzo(b)fluoranthene (10%), indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (8%) and benzo(a)pyrene (6%). The total amount of 16 PAHs in the soil cover of the city varied within the range of 17–9 540 ng/g. The highest levels of pollution (3 226–9 540 ng/g) were recorded at 9 sampling points (4% of the city), which form the most contrasting local PAH anomalies. In more than half of the territory of Ulan-Ude, the total amount of PAHs did not exceed 500 ng/g. The indicator ratios of individual PAHs made it possible to determine the dominant types of sources, which include railway transport and coal combustion. The contribution to the environmental hazard of soil contamination with PAHs in Ulan-Ude was mainly made by benzo(a)pyrene (64%) and, to a lesser extent, by benzo(b)fluoranthene (9.6%), indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (7.2%), dibenzo(ah)anthracene (6.5%) and benzo(a)anthracene (6.1%).

Heavy metal contamination has severe impacts on the natural environment. The currently existing physico-chemical methods have certain limitations, restricting their wide-scale application. The use of biological agents like bacteria, algae, and fungi can help eliminate heavy metals without adversely affecting flora and fauna. Due to their inherent ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions, nowadays, mycoremediation approaches are receiving considerable attention for heavy metal removal from contaminated sites. In this review, we emphasised the role of white rot fungi in remediation of heavy metal along with different factors influencing biosorption, effects on exposed fungi, and the mechanisms involved. Bibliometric analysis tools have been applied to literature search and trend analysis of the research on white rot fungi-mediated heavy metal removal. Annual growth rates and average citations per document are 5.08% and 35.48, respectively. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Trametes versicolor have been widely explored for the remediation of heavy metals. In addition to providing some prospects, the review also highlighted a few limitations, including inconsistent removal and effects of environmental factors influencing the functioning of white rot fungi. Overall, white rot fungi have been found to have immense potential to be widely utilised for sustainable remediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments.

Heavy metal contamination has severe impacts on the natural environment. The currently existing physico-chemical methods have certain limitations, restricting their wide-scale application. The use of biological agents like bacteria, algae, and fungi can help eliminate heavy metals without adversely affecting flora and fauna. Due to their inherent ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions, nowadays, mycoremediation approaches are receiving considerable attention for heavy metal removal from contaminated sites. In this review, we emphasised the role of white rot fungi in remediation of heavy metal along with different factors influencing biosorption, effects on exposed fungi, and the mechanisms involved. Bibliometric analysis tools have been applied to literature search and trend analysis of the research on white rot fungi-mediated heavy metal removal. Annual growth rates and average citations per document are 5.08% and 35.48, respectively. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Trametes versicolor have been widely explored for the remediation of heavy metals. In addition to providing some prospects, the review also highlighted a few limitations, including inconsistent removal and effects of environmental factors influencing the functioning of white rot fungi. Overall, white rot fungi have been found to have immense potential to be widely utilised for sustainable remediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaanxi Province is located in the most important molybdenum ore district in the world, but a lot of molybdenum tailings have been released, polluting the environment and wasting resources seriously. Taking eleven tailing samples collected at the main molybdenum tailings ponds in Shaanxi Province as the research object, the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics were studied through scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and others. The ecological risk and utilization potential of molybdenum tailings were investigated through leaching test, geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk assessment, and other methods. The results demonstrated that the main chemical and mineralogical composition of various molybdenum tailings in Shaanxi Province is similar, and the predominant mineral composition is muscovite, quartz, microcline, and calcite. The potential ecological risk of heavy metals in six molybdenum tailings is high, while Pb and Cd are the main pollution risk elements. Molybdenum tailings contain considerable amounts of critical minerals with huge potential economic value, and molybdenum tailings with high environmental hazards could be converted into a possible source for critical minerals by recovering the critical minerals and repurposing the secondary tailings as an additive or cement substitute. This study provides an innovative idea for the pollution treatment of molybdenum tailings and indicates the prospect of molybdenum tailings as a secondary source for critical minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undoubtedly the biggest single cause of pollution, automobile emissions have a variety of negative occupational and human health impacts. Chemicals, paints, primers, and other hazardous products are frequently used in auto workshops' operational procedures. Substances like petrol, diesel, solvents, lubricants, and grease can be unintentionally or purposely release/exposed to the terrestrial environment. Numerous rock oil products consist of organic compounds that are capable of causing significant risk to soil, organisms, and humans due to their high toxicity. Objectives: The study aims to assess the occupational and toxicological risk of exposure to toxic elements (TEs) in topsoil from residentially situated automobile workshops (AWs) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: 12 composite soil samples were strategically collected and transported to the laboratory. 1 g of the processed sample was digested using aqua regia, namely a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, optimally in a molar ratio of 1:3, while toxic elements analyses were done using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results: The result showed the presence of arsenic (As = 0.67 – 5.63 mg/kg), cadmium (Cd = 8.92 – 134 mg/kg), cobalt (Co = 6.21 – 71.22 mg/kg), nickel (Ni = 1.89 – 9.18 mg/kg), and lead (Pb = 32.6 – 211 mg/kg) in the soil. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in 66.7% and 58.3% of the sample are higher than the Canada soil guideline value (CSGV) (for Cd 22 and for Pb 140 mg/kg) respectively. Contamination factors (CF) indicate very high soil contamination from Cd and Pb, and the significant association between the TEs (Pb, Cd, Co, Ni and As) p < 0.01, suggests an emergence from an anthropogenic origin. Hazard index (HI) values for the TEs were < 1, except for Pb (27.8) in the children, indicating a significant non-cancer-related effect on exposure, while the total cancer risk (TCR) value was within the threshold limit. Conclusions: The investigated topsoil is polluted with Cd and Pb, and there is a non-cancer-related effect on children with prolonged exposure to Pb. Therefore, AWs should be cited away from residential homes, while remediation of the polluted soil should be considered.

This work concerns innovative approach to prepare Pb–Sn–Ba grids for lead-acid batteries which provides their enhanced structural stability and mechanical properties allowing functionality and prolongation of service life at high temperatures. To have these properties in the Pb–Sn–Ba grids, two roll melt spinning technology is applied that provides a greater to extreme environments resistance to fatigue, higher mechanical properties, thermal (for high temperature exposure) stability. As a result, far less disposal and environmental hazard will be posed by longer-lived lead-acid batteries with the Pb–Sn–Ba grids prepared using melt spinning technology compared to those fabricated by conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to extend the understanding of environmental and economic considerations on tourism activities in achieving sustainable development goals. The motivation of the study is to provide the empirical inference of variables based on study topicality and the implications to achieve SDG 8 and SDG 9 specifically. The study used panel data from 2000 to 2021 to check for cross-sectional dependency and performed various panel unit root tests to verify the unit root properties of the variables. With the help of Pedroni and Kao's statistical results, we confirm variables are integrated. The results from OLS modified and dynamic demonstrate the correlation between transformation, measured by patents and publications, and higher economic performance and lower environmental hazard, emphasizing the role of transformation. The results also show that tourism arrivals have a significant positive effect on reducing pollution hazards and increasing economic performance, which shows progress toward sustainable development. Based on the study, it was determined that the contribution of asylum seekers did not positively impact the host countries' economic conditions or environmental improvement initiatives. It was found that higher levels of education play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development through economic growth and mitigating environmental risks. To achieve sustainable development in the G20 economies, promoting tourism, undertaking transformational measures, and enhancing higher education are recommended. These results have significant implications for policymakers, firms, and an agenda of the United Nations sustainable development program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leachates are produced as a filtrate from waste landfills as a result of highly polluted waters. Organic substances that are mostly present are: phenolic compounds, halogen organic substances, oils and fats. The presence of nitrogen substances is significant, followed by phosphoric substances, sulfates, chlorides, and heavy metals. Sanitary landfill "Smiljevići", created 60 years ago, is placed on the hill area of Novi Grad municipality, Sarajevo. In that time area around landfill was very sparsely populated. Following the legislative, the leachate from the Smiljevići landfill does not have a good environmental status. On the other hand, according to global - typical values, contaminant concentrations are much closer to low than average values. The content of contaminants with long retention in nature and tendency to bioaccumulation is within legal limits. Most parameters that exceed the permitted values include usually biodegradable compounds that the stream of the river Bosnia can absorb better than the small ecosystem of the Lepenički creek. The problem is further aggravated bz the fact that the area surrounding the creek is now relatively densely populated, the stream has a small water capacity, especially in the summer, and the contaminants are mostly volatile. Finally, this problem also can be attributed to irresponsible activity of urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benzophenone-3 (BP-3) sunscreen is recurrently released into the environment from different sources, however, evaluations of its adverse effects on plants do not exist in the literature. In this study, BP-3 was evaluated, at concentrations 2; 20, and 200 µg/L, regarding phytotoxicity, based on germination and root elongation in seeds, in Lactuca sativa L., Cucumis sativus L. and Allium cepa L., and phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and oxidative stress in A. cepa bulb roots. The BP-3 concentrations, except for the 200 µg/L concentration in L. sativa, caused no significant reduction in seed germination. All concentrations tested significantly reduced the elongation of roots from seeds and roots from bulbs. The 20 and 200 µg/L concentrations caused oxidation in cells, disturbances in the cell cycle, and alterations in prophase and metaphase, as well as the induction of micronuclei, in A. cepa root meristems. Furthermore, the three concentrations induced a high number of prophases in root tips. Such disorders were caused by excess H2O2 and superoxide produced in cells due to exposure to BP-3, which triggered significant phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in root meristems. Thus, the recurrent contamination of agricultural and non-agricultural soils with BP-3, even at a concentration of 2 µg/L, represents an environmental risk for plants. These results point to the impending need to set limits for the disposal of this sunscreen into the environment since BP-3 has been used in industry for several decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides play a critical role in terms of agricultural output nowadays. On top of that, pesticides provide economic support to our farmers. However, the usage of pesticides has created a public health issue and environmental hazard. Chlorpyrifos (CPY), an organophosphate pesticide, is extensively applied as an insecticide, acaricide, and termiticide against pests in various applications. Environmental pollution has occurred because of the widespread usage of CPY, harming several ecosystems, including soil, sediment, water, air, and biogeochemical cycles. While residual levels in soil, water, vegetables, foodstuffs, and human fluids have been discovered, CPY has also been found in the sediment, soil, and water. The irrefutable pieces of evidence indicate that CPY exposure inhibits the choline esterase enzyme, which impairs the ability of the body to use choline. As a result, neurological, immunological, and psychological consequences are seen in people and the natural environment. Several research studies have been conducted worldwide to identify and develop CPY remediation approaches and its derivatives from the environment. Currently, many detoxification methods are available for pesticides, such as CPY. However, recent research has shown that the breakdown of CPY using bacteria is the most proficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. This current article aims to outline relevant research events, summarize the possible breakdown of CPY into various compounds, and discuss analytical summaries of current research findings on bacterial degradation of CPY and the potential degradation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restricting to live births can induce bias in studies of pregnancy and developmental outcomes, but whether this live-birth bias results in underestimating disparities is unknown. Bias may arise from collider stratification due to an unmeasured common cause of fetal loss and the outcome of interest, or depletion of susceptibles, where exposure differentially causes fetal loss among those with underlying susceptibility.MethodsWe conducted a simulation study to examine the magnitude of live-birth bias in a population parameterized to resemble one year of conceptions in California (N = 625,000). We simulated exposure to a non-time-varying environmental hazard, risk of spontaneous abortion, and time to live birth using 1000 Monte Carlo simulations. Our outcome of interest was preterm birth. We included a social vulnerability factor to represent social disadvantage, and estimated overall risk differences for exposure and preterm birth using linear probability models and stratified by the social vulnerability factor. We calculated how often confidence intervals included the true point estimate (CI coverage probabilities) to illustrate whether effect estimates differed qualitatively from the truth.ResultsDepletion of susceptibles resulted in a larger magnitude of bias compared with collider stratification, with larger bias among the socially vulnerable group. Coverage probabilities were not adversely affected by bias due to collider stratification. Depletion of susceptibles reduced coverage, especially among the socially vulnerable (coverage among socially vulnerable = 46%, coverage among nonsocially vulnerable = 91% in the most extreme scenario).ConclusionsIn simulations, hazardous environmental exposures induced live-birth bias and the bias was larger for socially vulnerable women.

This study examined the profile of industries in Ota, Ogun State; determined the types of waste produced in the industries; identified and assessed the agencies responsible for managing industrial waste; examined the different storage and disposal methods employed and assessed how environmentally friendly the storage; collection and disposal methods of wastes in the industries. These were intended to provide information that will assist policymakers and industries management to develop an environmentally friendly waste management practice in the study area. Total enumeration was used in the collection of primary data from industries. A total of 102 questionnaires (80.9%) were retrieved and used for data analysis. The study established that 66.8% of the industries were manufacturing industries being the most abundant while 1% was the service industry. Also, the largest amount of waste generated in the study area was metal/steel. Next to it were paper and nylon. Findings further revealed that the most commonly used method of waste collection was big waste bags (40%) and the least being garbage bags and old metal containers (12%). In addition, 27% of the industries practiced the recycling method of waste disposal while 9.1% and 2.1% still dispose of their waste in vacant plots/open spaces and dilapidated/uncompleted buildings. The study concluded that the solid waste management practices among industries in Ota; Ogun State were not adequate thereby causing diverse impacts that are detrimental to the ecosystem.

This study was conducted to investigate the ability of carbon sequestration in barley and to determine the global warming potential of this product in the cropping year 2020-2021 in rural areas Shirvan city. For this purpose, systematic random sampling was performed in 30 farms from 0-30 cm soil depth and consumption inputs were obtained through face-to-face questionnaire. The results showed that the soil carbon sequestration capacity in barley farms was equal to 1.74 ton/ha-1. Comparison of conversion coefficient of plant organs showed that spike had a higher conversion coefficient of 22.4% than root. The carbon sequestration capacity of spike, stem and barley root was determined as 1297.20, 620.62 and 114.00 kg.ha-1, respectively. Among the inputs, diesel fuel with an average of 552.70 kg.ha-1 had the highest role and electricity with an average of 6.85 kg.ha-1 had the least role in greenhouse gas emissions. Among greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide with 1135.79 kg.ha-1 had the highest share. The total global warming potential of one hectare of barley in Shirvan city was 1147.31 kg equivalent of carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon footprint obtained for the total plant biomass was equal to 0.28 kg equivalent to carbon dioxide per kg of barley biomass. In general, the obtained results showed that the barley product has an acceptable carbon sequestration capacity and is a suitable crop to be included in the model program of rural areas. Based on the results of this research, part of the gross production of rural areas of Shirvan city will be achieved through the cultivation of barley in marginal lands with low production capacity, which will play an important role in the development of these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The research is aimed to identify, investigate and study the parameters and characteristics of the "quarry cavities - backfill material" systems on the territory of Ukraine using new comprehensive methodological tools that form the basis for the development of effective methods for restoring the earth's surface with an emphasis on industrial and construction use. Methods. An integrated approach is used, which includes: analysis of the spatial location of industrial waste heaps on the territory of Ukraine as potential backfill materials and resulting quarry cavities that are not subject to complete earth's surface restoration, as well as determination of the volumes of resulting cavities and backfill materials. Based on a set of factors, the "quarry cavities - backfill material" systems have been ranked according to priority. Tools used are: information data from the State Informational Geological Fund of Ukraine, registers of industrial waste accumulation sites in region, the Google Earth satellite program, an online topographic map (OpenStreetMap) and Blender program for constructing 3D models. Findings. A new concept and theoretical representation of "quarry cavities - backfill material" has been formulated. The characteristics of a number of important conditions for the harmonious existence and effective implementation of promising "quarry cavities - backfill material" systems are provided. A new information-analytical map of the spatial location of potential backfill materials and resulting quarry cavities has been created. Thirteen promising systems and their parameters have been identified, within which it is appropriate to consider backfill technologies for the complete earth's surface restoration. The existing balance of cavities and backfill materials for the identified systems has been determined, followed by grading of quarries according to the predicted lifespan. Originality. The "quarry cavities - backfill material" systems, which have the greatest advantages, are specified by ranking them according to a complex of technological, environmental, economic and social factors. Practical implications. The results obtained provide valuable information for the development of a government strategy and environmental programs for the restoration of land areas disturbed by mining operations based on backfill technologies and their subsequent use for industrial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor waste management of unused or expired medications jeopardizes healthcare staff, employees who oversee medical waste, patients and their families, the neighboring population, and environmental contamination. In addition, the inappropriate treatment or disposal of that waste leads to. In addition, medical waste disposal exerts an intolerable burden on the economy of health care facilities. Currently, there is a lack of data in community settings regarding adequate methods of medication disposal in Saudi Arabia. Aim of the Study: The current study aimed to evaluate current knowledge and awareness of the safe disposal of unused or expired medicines in the Saudi Arabia. Method: A survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia within 5 months from October 2021–February 2022. The survey was distributed to participants via social media channels. The questionnaire was constituted of 16 items divided into three sections: demographic information, quantification, and characterization of unused and expired medication at home, and practice and attitude regarding the disposal of unused or expired medication. Results: The survey was taken by 1105 participants and 1100 (99.54%) participants completed the survey. The study found that (49.1%) of participants stored medicines at home and these medicines were mainly stored in the refrigerator (64.4%). Household trash was the most frequent method of disposal (79.5%). Non-prescribed medicines (67%) were mainly stored as unused or expiry medicines at home followed by prescribed medicines (51.9%). The main reason for the storage of unused/expired medicines at home was stopped medication after recovery (68.5%). Only 8.4% of participants had received appropriate education or training related to the correct disposal of medication. The best-practiced method to increase community awareness regarding the disposal of unused or expiry medicine was awareness through social networking (70.3%). In conclusion, patients’ education regarding safe medication disposal and availability of medication disposal program is necessary to improve appropriate medication waste methods and decrease possible environmental harm.

Identifying interrelation between the ecological risk of urban soils contamination with heavy metals and health indicators solves the essential task of forecasting environmental threat to the population. The research was conducted using the example of the urban ecosystem of the city of Dnipro, where a network of key soil sampling areas was formed by applying a grid of 2 km × 2 km. The area of sampling was about 200 m2. The gross content of metals in the soil was measured after its acid treatment on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the study, the data on soil contamination with heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni) and statistical measures of public health was used. The ecological risk due to element and polyelement contamination of the soils of the Dnipro urban ecosystem with heavy metals was identified, considering the three ways of their intake (by swallowing, inhalation, through the skin). It was found that the greatest environmental threat is caused by soil contamination with lead, so the ecological risk was unacceptable and mostly high throughout the city of Dnipro. Taking into account the polyelement nature of the pollution, the ecological risk was identified as unacceptable, mostly average, and in some cases as high. The correlation between the state of health of the population and the quality of the environment of the Dnipro urban ecosystem under technology-driven stress was established on the basis of correlation coefficients between the values of ecological risk, mortality rate and the number of cases of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organotin-based (OTs: TBT and TPT) antifouling paints have been banned worldwide, but recent inputs have been detected in tropical coastal areas. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the toxicity of both legacy and their substitute antifouling booster biocides (e.g., Irgarol and diuron) on neotropical species. Therefore, the acute toxicity of four antifouling biocides (TBT, TPT, Irgarol, and diuron) was investigated using the marine planktonic organisms Acartia tonsa and Mysidopsis juniae, the estuarine tanaid Monokalliapseudes schubarti (water exposure), and the burrowing amphipod Tiburonella viscana (spiked sediment exposure). Results confirmed the high toxicity of the OTs, especially to planktonic species, being about two orders of magnitude higher than Irgarol and diuron. Toxic effects of antifouling compounds were observed at levels currently found in tropical coastal zones, representing a threat to planktonic and benthic invertebrates. Furthermore, deterministic PNECmarine sediment values suggest that environmental hazards in tropical regions may be higher due to the higher sensitivity of tropical organisms. Since regulations on antifouling biocides are still restricted to a few countries, more ecotoxicological studies are needed to derivate environmental quality standards based on realistic scenarios. The present study brings essential contributions regarding the ecological risks of these substances in tropical and subtropical zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are the most cost-effective means of pest control; however, the serious concern is about the non-target effects due to their extensive and intensive use in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. The degradation rate constant (k) and half-life (DT50) of four commonly used pesticides, glyphosate, 2,4-D, chlorothalonil and dimethoate were determined in five Australian urban landscape soils, with varying physicochemical characteristics, to assess their environmental and human health risks. The k values (day−1) for the selected pesticides were inversely proportional to those of organic carbon (OC), silt, clay and Fe and Al oxides, and directly proportional to pH and sand content in soils. In contrast, the calculated values of DT50 (days) of all the four pesticides in five soils positively correlated with OC, clay, silt and oxides of Fe and Al, whereas soil pH and sand content exhibited a negative correlation. The calculated values of environmental indices, GUS and LIX, for the selected pesticides indicate their potential portability into water bodies, affecting non-target organisms as well as food safety. The evaluation for human non-cancer risk of these pesticides, based on the calculated values of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), suggested that exposure of adults and children to soils, contaminated with 50% of initially applied concentrations, through ingestion, dermal and inhalation pathways might cause negligible to zero non-carcinogenic risks. The present data might help the stakeholders in applying recommended doses of pesticides in urban landscapes and regulatory bodies concerned in monitoring the overall environmental quality and implementing safeguard policies. Our study also clearly demonstrates the need for developing improved formulations and spraying technologies for pesticides to minimize human and environmental health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of pharmaceuticals is continuously increasing globally and their residues are recognized as a risk for the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate drug utilization patterns of analgesics in relation to environmental hazard in the region surrounding Sweden's largest drinking water source, Lake Mälaren. This was examined using sales data on pharmaceuticals from the Swedish E-health Agency. The total sales of analgesics (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, other non-opioid analgesics, and opioids) for both human and veterinary use in the region were analyzed for the years 2016 to 2020, in relation to the inherent environmental hazard for each active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). We found that a total of 454 tons of analgesics were sold in the region during these 5 years. Classifications of environmental hazard were available for 16 out of the 45 studied APIs, accounting for 98.8% of the total mass in kilograms. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid, which are all classified as low-hazard compounds, were the most commonly sold APIs. Diclofenac, the only pharmaceutical classified as high-hazard, was the fifth most commonly sold API, with a total sold mass of 2321 kg. The majority of the total sold mass of analgesics originated from dispensed prescriptions for human use in urban areas. Visualization of drug sales for humans and animals in different settings can be used to identify the environmental burden of pharmaceuticals. Based on our study, we suggest that additional measures to reduce the impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment should primarily be directed to prescribing physicians in urban areas and campaigns targeted at the high over-the-counter sales of diclofenac. Moreover, it is important to address the fact that many pharmaceuticals currently have limited data on environmental hazard.

BackgroundElectronic cigarette (EC) users may exhale large clouds of aerosol that can settle on indoor surfaces forming ECEAR (EC exhaled aerosol residue). Little is known about the chemical composition or buildup of this residue.ObjectiveOur objective was to identify and quantify ECEAR chemicals in two field sites: an EC user's living room and a multi-user EC vape shop.MethodsWe examined the buildup of ECEAR in commonly used materials (cotton, polyester, or terrycloth towel) placed inside the field sites. Materials were subjected to different lengths of exposure. Nicotine, nicotine alkaloids, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were identified and quantified in unexposed controls and field site samples using analytical chemical techniques.ResultsNicotine and nicotine alkaloids were detected in materials inside the EC user's living room. Concentrations of ECEAR chemicals remained relatively constant over the first 5 months, suggesting some removal of the chemicals by air flow in the room approximating a steady state. ECEAR chemicals were detected in materials inside the vape shop after 6 h of exposure and levels continually increased over a month. By 1 month, the nicotine in the vape shop was 60 times higher than in the EC user's living room. ECEAR chemical concentrations varied in different locations in the vape shop. Control fabrics had either no detectable or very low concentrations of chemicals.ConclusionsIn both field sites, chemicals from exhaled EC aerosols were deposited on indoor surfaces and accumulated over time forming ECEAR. Non-smokers, EC users, and employees of vape shops should be aware of this potential environmental hazard.

Over the past 20 years, numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been introduced for targeted therapy of various types of malignancies. Due to frequent and increasing use, leading to eventual excretion with body fluids, their residues have been found in hospital and household wastewaters as well as surface water. However, the effects of TKI residues in the environment on aquatic organisms are poorly described. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of five selected TKIs, namely erlotinib (ERL), dasatinib (DAS), nilotinib (NIL), regorafenib (REG), and sorafenib (SOR), using the in vitro zebrafish liver cell (ZFL) model. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTS assay and propidium iodide (PI) live/dead staining by flow cytometry. DAS, SOR, and REG decreased ZFL cell viability dose- and time-dependently, with DAS being the most cytotoxic TKI studied. ERL and NIL did not affect viability at concentrations up to their maximum solubility; however, NIL was the only TKI that significantly decreased the proportion of PI negative cells as determined by the flow cytometry. Cell cycle progression analyses showed that DAS, ERL, REG, and SOR caused the cell cycle arrest of ZFL cells in the G0/G1 phase, with a concomitant decrease of cells in the S-phase fraction. No data could be obtained for NIL due to severe DNA fragmentation. The genotoxic activity of the investigated TKIs was evaluated using comet and cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assays. The dose-dependent induction of DNA single strand breaks was induced by NIL (≥2 μM), DAS (≥0.006 μM), and REG (≥0.8 μM), with DAS being the most potent. None of the TKIs studied induced micronuclei formation. These results suggest that normal non-target fish liver cells are sensitive to the TKIs studied in a concentration range similar to those previously reported for human cancer cell lines. Although the TKI concentrations that induced adverse effects in exposed ZFL cells are several orders of magnitude higher than those currently expected in the aquatic environment, the observed DNA damage and cell cycle effects suggest that residues of TKIs in the environment may pose a hazard to non-intentionally exposed organisms living in environments contaminated with TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiram (tetramethylthiuramdisulfide) or thiram sulphide is a dithiocarbamate group of non-systemic group of fungicide which are applied for seed treatment, control of the crop pests, to repel animals, etc. Moreover, thiram has also been responsible to cause moderate skin sensitivity and eye irritation. Higher exposure to thiram might also lead to developmental damages to newborn and neurotoxic effects to non-target organisms. Advancing to prevent such toxic effects and prevention of soil fertility from thiram and thiram-like chemicals is indispensable. The analytical High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) is a simple, quick and a reliable method was proposed and validated for the detection and quantification of various small molecules for many years. This manuscript represents the solution to use microbes to degrade the thiram present in the soil and for that, HPTLC based method to study thiram degradation by Pseudomonas has been designed. Herein, a HPTLC protocol formalised to reveal the detection and quantification of thiram within the range of 100 to 700 ng/spot on TLC plate. The same concentration was then used for calculating percent microbial degradation of thiram from the culture broth. To perform the microbial degradation of thiram, Pseudomonas otitidis strain TD-8 and Pseudomonas stutzeri strain TD-18 were taken as thiram degrader microbial strain. The efficacy of TD-8 to degrade thiram was identified to be 81 and 99% when grown in presence of thiram for 4 days and 8 days, respectively, while TD-18 strain's efficacy to degrade thiram was found to be 57% and 99% when grown in presence of thiram for 4 days and 8 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphogypsum (CaSO4) is produced as a waste by-product during phosphoric acid production in the fertilizer industry. Only 15% of worldwide phosphogypsum production is recycled, while 85% is stored in the vicinity of factories as huge piles resulting in environmental and health hazards. An extensively studied biotransformation of phosphogypsum to calcium carbonate or calcite (CaCO3) using sulfate reducing bacteria (SRBs) is a prolonged process and results in the formation of extremely hazardous H2S gas. Here we report for the first time a novel approach for biotransformation of phosphogypsum to CaCO3 using urease producing Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain GUMP2. The strain could effectively transform phosphogypsum to crystalline, bead-shaped CaCO3 precipitates. In a batch reactor with the PG loading rate of 60 g/L, 100% biotransformation was observed within seven days. After calcite recovery, the ammonium sulfate formed in the supernatant was recovered by precipitation. Urease-producing L. sphaericus strain GUMP2 could be used to remove the hazardous phosphogypsum from the environment by converting it to the industrially useful CaCO3 and ammonium sulfate, a valuable agricultural fertilizer. This novel and sustainable approach could be a promising solution for the hazardous phosphogypsum in the phosphoric acid industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. To study the urbanized territory as a system, an approach was used that allows assessing gaseous and dispersed atmospheric pollution using a unified scale of environmental hazard. The features of air pollution in urban areas were considered, where a significant number of stationary and mobile sources of negative environmental impact are concentrated in limited overpopulated areas.The purpose of the study. the use of theoretical foundations for a systematic assessment of the level of environmental hazard of an urbanized area under the influence of the road network due to a combination of gaseous and dispersed atmospheric pollution.Methods and materials. Based on the improved model of the Urbanized Territory system, the following hypothesis is proposed: 1) motor traffic flows are both independent sources of formation of dispersed particles and sources of uplifting and spreading of particles, which in the presence of gaseous pollutants increases the level of environmental hazard of atmospheric pollution in an urbanized area; 2) atmospheric pollution of an urbanized area is formed when gaseous pollutants and dispersed particles from the street and road network are superimposed on the polluting background of other elements of the Urbanized territory system.Results. The distribution maps of the calculated complex index of atmospheric pollution were obtained for the most problematic areas of the urbanized territory of Naberezhnye Chelny - Prospekt Mira and Kazansky Prospekt. The obtained results characterize the change in the level of environmental hazard of urbanized areas when gaseous pollutants and dispersed particles from the street and road network are superimposed on the polluting background of other elements of the Urbanized territory system.Discussion and conclusion. Based on the generalization and comparison of the results of previous and current studies of the authors, comparing them with the results of other researchers, the hypothesis was fully confirmed. Conclusion. With the confirmation of the hypothesis, the goal of the study was achieved, which has scientific novelty and practical significance for the arrangement of a favorable and comfortable urban environment.

Novel materials and their combinations are the basis of societal progress: stone—Stone Age; bronze—Bronze Age; iron—Iron Age [...]

Introduction: As wildfire smoke events increase in intensity and frequency in the Pacific Northwest, there is a growing need for effective communication on the health risks of smoke exposure. Delivery through a trusted source or intermediary has been shown to improve reception of risk communication messages. This is especially salient in rural and tribal communities who may be hesitant to trust information from state and federal agency sources. This study aims to identify and characterize trusted sources for smoke risk information in the Okanogan River Airshed Emphasis Area (ORAEA), a rural region of North Central Washington state that is heavily impacted by smoke from wildfires and prescribed fire. Methods: The research team conducted a qualitative study using data collected through key informant interviews and focus groups to assess the role of various sources and intermediaries in disseminating smoke risk information. We used a consensual coding approach in NVivo Qualitative Analysis Software to sort data into preliminary categories, which were grouped into themes using a thematic analysis approach. We used member checking and iterative feedback processes with local project partners throughout the project to ensure credibility of results. Results: Through the analysis, we identified three themes characterizing trusted sources for smoke risk communication in the ORAEA. These themes were: (1) local and tribal sources of information are perceived as more trustworthy than state and federal government sources, (2) trustworthiness is determined by an evaluation of multiple factors, in particular, perceived credibility, quality of information, and relationship with the source, and (3) conservative political ideology and perceived parallels with COVID-19 communication influence perception of trust. Within each theme, we identified several sub-themes, which contributed additional nuance to our analysis. Conclusion: This study provides insights into which sources of information are trusted by rural and tribal community members in the ORAEA and why. Results from our study emphasize the importance of relationships and collaboration with local and tribal partners in smoke risk communication. In this paper, we discuss implications for state and federal agency practitioners and present recommendations for how to work with local and tribal partners on smoke risk communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to assess and prioritize risk levels of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) hazards in solid waste management facilities of Tehran, Iran. The risk of HSE hazards was assessed using Fine-Kinney and environmental failure mode and effects analysis (EFMEA) methods and then the high-risk hazards were prioritized for implementing corrective actions by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) considering six criteria of (1) probability of occurrence, (2) severity of consequences, (3) simultaneous HSE effects, and (4-6) feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of corrective actions. A total number of 485 HSE hazards were identified, of which 78% were health and safety hazards and 22% were environmental hazards. The proportions of the transfer and transport, material recovery and composting facilities and landfill sites in the identified hazards were 21%, 38%, and 41%, respectively. Based on the AHP method, the leading hazards in the transfer and transport, material recovery and composting facilities, and landfill sites were exposure to bioaerosol in carwash facilities, exposure to bioaerosols and odor/volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in manual waste separation, and leachate spills in the former landfill site, respectively. This study showed that the hybrid method was an appropriate and reliable tool to prioritize HSE hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor waste management of unused or expired medications jeopardizes healthcare staff, employees who oversee medical waste, patients and their families, the neighboring population, and environmental contamination. In addition, the inappropriate treatment or disposal of that waste leads to. In addition, medical waste disposal exerts an intolerable burden on the economy of health care facilities. Currently, there is a lack of data in community settings regarding adequate methods of medication disposal in Saudi Arabia. The current study aimed to evaluate current knowledge and awareness of the safe disposal of unused or expired medicines in the Saudi Arabia. A survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia within 5 months from October 2021–February 2022. The survey was distributed to participants via social media channels. The questionnaire was constituted of 16 items divided into three sections: demographic information, quantification, and characterization of unused and expired medication at home, and practice and attitude regarding the disposal of unused or expired medication. The survey was taken by 1105 participants and 1100 (99.54%) participants completed the survey. The study found that (49.1%) of participants stored medicines at home and these medicines were mainly stored in the refrigerator (64.4%). Household trash was the most frequent method of disposal (79.5%). Non-prescribed medicines (67%) were mainly stored as unused or expiry medicines at home followed by prescribed medicines (51.9%). The main reason for the storage of unused/expired medicines at home was stopped medication after recovery (68.5%). Only 8.4% of participants had received appropriate education or training related to the correct disposal of medication. The best-practiced method to increase community awareness regarding the disposal of unused or expiry medicine was awareness through social networking (70.3%). In conclusion, patients' education regarding safe medication disposal and availability of medication disposal program is necessary to improve appropriate medication waste methods and decrease possible environmental harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several countries, the use of recycled coarse aggregate in construction materials is recommended; however, the use of organic matter is restricted because it can produce significant changes in compressive strength. In terms of reaching a conclusive viewpoint regarding the research topic, secondary data collection analysis has been selected. It is essential to utilize the recycled and by-products wastages to prepare alternative materials as this can be useful in generating a significant amount of fine concrete aggregate. As a result, it reduces the extreme exploration of essential natural resources and meets the requirements of natural concrete aggregates by using the alternative and recycled fine concrete aggregate. Moreover, the alternative materials come with similar properties and physical behaviour as they sustain the durability and compound stability of the concrete aggregate through the use of recycled cement. The disposal of industrial wastes can cause extreme environmental harm that can be reduced via recycled cement. However, it has been noted that the presence of harmful materials can result in issues regarding durability. Thus, it is essential to arrange materials for recycled cement that can be effective for construction activities. In order to maintain environmental sustainability and reduce environmental hazards, it is important to utilize the wastages for generating alternative concrete aggregates such as crushed rocks. Thus, this paper reviews the environmental effects of concrete waste pollutants and its sustainable reutilization to promote a cleaner environment and offer benefits to the construction industries with a positive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]