Environments

14 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Foraging Honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica) as Biocenosis Monitors of Pollution in Areas Affected by Cement Industry Emissions

by Bartolomeo Sebastiani, Sara Mariucci and Nicola Palmieri

Environments 2023, 10(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020034 - 19 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2648

Abstract

Two areas affected by cement plant emissions, in an industrial district of Central Italy, were investigated by foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica) on the return to their hives, as an in situ biomonitor. The contamination was compared with that of a [...] Read more.

Two areas affected by cement plant emissions, in an industrial district of Central Italy, were investigated by foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica) on the return to their hives, as an in situ biomonitor. The contamination was compared with that of a background reference area on the Central Apennine Mountains, quite far from the contamination sources. At all the sites, the bee colonies were stationary. One hundred seventy-seven compounds belonging to the class of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were positively identified by gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques. For the first time, the presence of several unusual compounds on bee samples is highlighted. These include polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs), 1.55–35.63 ng/g d.w., compounds that, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 67.50–129.95 ng d.w., are classified as carcinogenic and/or mutagenic. In an attempt to identify the contribution of different and specific sources of these pollutants to the total pollution profile, the composition of aliphatic linear hydrocarbons was also examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment II)

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26 pages, 2321 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Chromium in Water and Carcinogenic Human Health Risk

by Maria-Nefeli Georgaki, Marianna Charalambous, Nerantzis Kazakis, Michael A. Talias, Charalampos Georgakis, Theodora Papamitsou and Christina Mytiglaki

Environments 2023, 10(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020033 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7710

Abstract

Understanding the extent of human health risks with an emphasis on carcinogenesis development attributable to potentially toxic chemicals is critical to effective prevention and mitigation strategies. Chromium (Cr), mainly the hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), is a chemical associated with cancer when found in [...] Read more.

Understanding the extent of human health risks with an emphasis on carcinogenesis development attributable to potentially toxic chemicals is critical to effective prevention and mitigation strategies. Chromium (Cr), mainly the hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), is a chemical associated with cancer when found in drinking water, making it a major public health issue. This study assessed a possible carcinogenic human health risk among the general population due to exposure to total or hexavalent chromium. We performed a systematic review of the international scientific literature, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol to determine the human risk of cancer mortality and morbidity. In total, 76 articles were checked for eligibility, 13 of which were included in the final systematic review. Only scientific articles from January 2000 to November 2022 published on PubMed were included. Data from both epidemiological ecological studies (Relative Risk and Rate Ratio—RR and Standardized Mortality Rate—SMR) and epidemiological case studies (Lifetime Cancer Risk—LCR, Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk—ILCR, Cancer Risk—CR, Hazard Quotient—HQ, Hazard Index—HI, Health Risk Assessment—HRA, Disability-Adjusted Life Year—DALY, and Chronic Daily Intake Index—CDI) were included for the overall assessment of carcinogenicity in the general population. According to most articles, there is credible evidence that hexavalent chromium via water is indicated as a major contributor to the global burden of cancer in humans. Some of them emphasize malignant neoplasms in the lung, liver, stomach, and genitourinary system. Although the health index data of the case studies are based on a limited number of samples, they raise concerns about the possibility of an increase in the degree of carcinogenesis. However, there are significant limitations due to the lack of information on the dose and duration of exposure in the target group. Further research involving extensive analysis of the association of the two variables is needed, which depends on more complete information extraction and advanced methodologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment Volume II)

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17 pages, 3759 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigating Vegetation Types Based on the Spatial Variation in Air Pollutant Concentrations Associated with Different Forms of Urban Forestry

by Ashley N. J. Douglas, Peter J. Irga and Fraser R. Torpy

Environments 2023, 10(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020032 - 16 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2852

Abstract

Globally, rapid urbanisation is one of the major drivers for land-use changes, many of which have a marked impact on urban air quality. Urban forestry has been increasingly proposed as a means of reducing airborne pollutants; however, limited studies have comparatively assessed land-use [...] Read more.

Globally, rapid urbanisation is one of the major drivers for land-use changes, many of which have a marked impact on urban air quality. Urban forestry has been increasingly proposed as a means of reducing airborne pollutants; however, limited studies have comparatively assessed land-use types, including urban forestry, for their relationship with air pollution on a city scale. We, thus, investigated the spatial relationships between three air pollutant concentrations, NO₂, SO₂, and PM₁₀, and different land uses and land covers across a major city, by constructing a yearly average model combining these variables. Additionally, relationships between different vegetation types and air pollutant concentrations were investigated to determine whether different types of vegetation are associated with different air pollutants. Parklands, water bodies, and more specifically, broadleaf evergreen forest and mangrove vegetation were associated with lower pollutant concentrations. These findings support urban forestry’s capabilities to mitigate air pollution across a city-wide scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Metabolism)

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19 pages, 2487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Changes of Positive Anomalies of Erythema-Effective UV Irradiance Associated with Low Ozone Events in Germany 1983–2019

by Gudrun Laschewski and Andreas Matzarakis

Environments 2023, 10(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020031 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2529

Abstract

In order to assess whether there is an increasing need for adaptation to the associated human health risks, the long-term occurrence (1983–2019) of low-ozone events (LOEs) with associated near-surface anomalies of erythema-effective UV irradiance was examined using an impact-related approach. Based on satellite [...] Read more.

In order to assess whether there is an increasing need for adaptation to the associated human health risks, the long-term occurrence (1983–2019) of low-ozone events (LOEs) with associated near-surface anomalies of erythema-effective UV irradiance was examined using an impact-related approach. Based on satellite data, means of four locations in Germany (Sylt, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich) were compared for three subperiods (T1: 1983–1989, T2: 1990–1997, T3: 1998–2019). The period of peak global ozone depletion in the 1990s (T2) is characterized by a larger frequency of LOEs than the preceding (T1) and the subsequent (T3) subperiods. During the most recent subperiod (T3), the mean number of LOEs is 1.1 ± 0.5 events/year, with a variability of 0 to 4.2 ± 0.8 events/year, and shows a statistically significant decrease in the annual number of −4.8%/year. The annual totals of the LOE-associated anomalies of the erythema-effective UV radiation dose show no trend during T3. With regard to LOE-associated UV index anomalies, spring is the season most affected by LOEs, with more than half of all cumulative UV peak loads, while the absolute maximum values of the LOE-associated UV index anomaly of about 1.8 UV index occur near the summer solstice. Within the most recent subperiod (T3), summer contributes an increasing share of the peak loads. Overall, the study confirms that LOEs pose health risks due to intermittent, pronounced positive anomalies in erythema-effective UV irradiance and therefore require special attention and adaptation measures. Long-term changes can be identified, but to date there has been no evidence of an increasing health risk in Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk and Climate Change II)

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10 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Solids Accumulation on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Substrate, Plant Growth and Performance of a Mediterranean Horizontal Flow Treatment Wetland

by Alessandro Sacco, Liviana Sciuto, Feliciana Licciardello, Giuseppe L. Cirelli, Mirco Milani and Antonio C. Barbera

Environments 2023, 10(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020030 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

In treatment wetlands (TWs), solids accumulation can result in hydraulic malfunction, reducing the operation life, and it could enhance biological activity by favoring biofilm development. It is still unknown whether the solids accumulation can affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to [...] Read more.

In treatment wetlands (TWs), solids accumulation can result in hydraulic malfunction, reducing the operation life, and it could enhance biological activity by favoring biofilm development. It is still unknown whether the solids accumulation can affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to evaluate the solid concentration along a horizontal flow (HF) TW, and its role in GHG emissions, hydraulics, treatment performance, and vegetation development (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.). The study was carried out in an eight-year-old full-scale HF-TW located in the Mediterranean region (Sicily, Italy). To collect data inside the HF unit, nine observation points (besides the inlet and the outlet) along three 8.5-m-long transects (T1, T2, and T3) were identified. The first transect (close to the inlet zone) showed a hydraulic conductivity (Ks) reduction approximately one order of magnitude higher than the other two. Results highlighted that GHG emissions increased during the summer, when the temperature and solar radiation were higher than in the rest of the year, matching the macrophyte growth rate. Theoretical methane (CH₄) emissions followed the trend of volatile solids (VS), which was around 3.5 and 4 times in T1 to T2 and T3. Pore clogging affected carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which decreased from T1 to T3, with maximum monthly values in T1 (21.4 g CO₂·m⁻²·d⁻¹) being approximately double with respect to T2 (12.6 g CO₂·m⁻²·d⁻¹) and T3 (10.7 g CO₂·m⁻²·d⁻¹) observed in July. The same trend for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, decreasing from T1 to T3, was observed. Notwithstanding this behavior, the final effluent quality was very satisfactory, with an average value of COD removal efficiency above 90%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies)

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11 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Analysis of Uncertainty in the Depth Profile of Soil Organic Carbon

by Nathan Robinson and Kurt Benke

Environments 2023, 10(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020029 - 06 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

The soil organic carbon (SOC) depth profile provides information for many applications, including monitoring climate change, carbon sequestration, reforestation, and land erosion. Models of the SOC profile support data interpolation, trend analysis, and carbon mapping, and can be used in larger pedometric models [...] Read more.

The soil organic carbon (SOC) depth profile provides information for many applications, including monitoring climate change, carbon sequestration, reforestation, and land erosion. Models of the SOC profile support data interpolation, trend analysis, and carbon mapping, and can be used in larger pedometric models in support of carbon farming. Model errors may be due to statistical variability in discrete data and the limited sample size available for model calibration. Uncertainties in the model can arise from a process of iterative parameter adjustment and can be estimated by gradient-based methods or probabilistic methods. A comparison between Frequentist and Bayesian approaches to the construction of regression-based models revealed that the results were very similar when used for calibrating a model for the SOC profile. The model was applied to four representative regional sites in Victoria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Principles and Practices)

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11 pages, 5386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Waterworks Sludge Amended Soils Using Bermudagrass Bioassay

by Sai Leung Ng

Environments 2023, 10(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020028 - 03 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Waterworks sludge has the potential to be used as a soil amendment, but the ecotoxicological risk of potentially toxic elements should not be underestimated. In this regard, this study determined the contents of nine potentially toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, [...] Read more.

Waterworks sludge has the potential to be used as a soil amendment, but the ecotoxicological risk of potentially toxic elements should not be underestimated. In this regard, this study determined the contents of nine potentially toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Al) of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] grown in waterworks sludge amended soils. Treatments involved different loading rates of waterworks sludge, soil types, and fertilization options that represented different scenarios of greening applications. The recommended metal levels in plant tissues and maximum tolerable levels for feeding cattle are adopted as benchmarks for gauging the ecotoxicological risk to the first and second trophic levels of the ecosystem, respectively. No recommended levels for potentially toxic elements are exceeded when sludge loading rate is not higher than 50% (wt/wt). When various fertilization treatments are applied to 25% (wt/wt) sludge amended soils, the accumulation of aluminum and zinc deserves our attention because a few samples exceed the recommended levels. They are mainly samples of below-ground biomass. Overall, using waterworks sludge as a soil amendment does not cause an obvious ecotoxicological risk. The findings can provide a valuable reference to other cities for the sustainable management of waterworks sludge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk and Climate Change II)

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14 pages, 318 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transboundary Water Governance Scholarship: A Critical Review

by Robert G. Varady, Tamee R. Albrecht, Sayanangshu Modak, Margaret O. Wilder and Andrea K. Gerlak

Environments 2023, 10(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020027 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5038

Abstract

Governing and managing the allocation and use of freshwater has always been a complex and fraught undertaking. The challenges to effective and equitable management have been exacerbated by rising pressures on supplies caused by such drivers as population growth, urbanization and climate change. [...] Read more.

Governing and managing the allocation and use of freshwater has always been a complex and fraught undertaking. The challenges to effective and equitable management have been exacerbated by rising pressures on supplies caused by such drivers as population growth, urbanization and climate change. Moreover, vast quantities of water straddle international and other boundaries—four-fifths of the world’s largest river basins and hundreds of aquifers span such borders. This further complicates management and governance, which is subject to disparate legal, political, administrative, financial, cultural and diplomatic conditions. Recognition in the literature and in practice of ‘transboundariness’ dates to the 1970s and has grown since. The authors trace the evolution of transboundary water scholarship and identify five framings used in transboundary water governance and management: conflict and cooperation; hydropolitics; hydrodiplomacy; scale; and disciplinary approaches. Transboundary water management initiatives can be viewed through three broad strands: interventions, advancements in governance strategies and democratization of data and information for strengthening science–policy interaction. The authors close with a discussion of future directions for transboundary water governance and management, emphasizing the need for additional research on how to deal with climate-related and other mounting challenges. Full article

15 pages, 3910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Plant Type, Substrate and Irrigation Regime on Living Wall Performance in a Semi-Arid Climate

by Rosmina A. Bustami, Simon Beecham and James Hopeward

Environments 2023, 10(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020026 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2749

Abstract

Living walls are fast becoming a ubiquitous feature of modern living and are widely implemented in commercial buildings in both internal and external environments. However, there are several challenges associated with maintaining healthy plant growth on these water sensitive urban design systems. This [...] Read more.

Living walls are fast becoming a ubiquitous feature of modern living and are widely implemented in commercial buildings in both internal and external environments. However, there are several challenges associated with maintaining healthy plant growth on these water sensitive urban design systems. This experimental study of an instrumented prototype-scale living wall has found that there is a close relationship between the plants, substrates and adopted irrigation regimes. In this study, plant selection was found to be more critical than either substrate or irrigation regime selection. This research also found that both the location of the plants on the wall and irrigation volume significantly affected the plants’ ultimate total dry weight. In particular, plants were found to grow taller on the upper section of the living wall compared to the middle and lower sections. It is recommended that particular attention should be given to plant location and the amount of irrigation water supplied at different positions on the living wall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Metabolism)

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10 pages, 1758 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Exploration of Ferrate(VI) Potential in Treating Lake Constance Water

by Jia-Qian Jiang, Shaoqing Zhang, Michael Petri and Christian Mosbach

Environments 2023, 10(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020025 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2279

Abstract

Occurrence of micropollutants in water and their potential impact on the environment and human health are arising concerns. The micropollutants are not removed efficiently by current wastewater treatment and a small amount of them get released into receiving waters accompanying the discharging of [...] Read more.

Occurrence of micropollutants in water and their potential impact on the environment and human health are arising concerns. The micropollutants are not removed efficiently by current wastewater treatment and a small amount of them get released into receiving waters accompanying the discharging of the treated wastewater effluents. Therefore, it is useful to investigate an advanced or alternative technology to remove traces of micropollutants in Lake Constance water during drinking water treatment. Among various oxidation processes, ferrate(VI) has received extensive attentions due to its superior dual properties of oxidation and coagulation. The work in this communication is the first trial using ferrate(VI) in comparison with FeCl₃/ozonation to treat lake water and to remove micropollutants in the region. The results of pilot-scale trials showed that 10% of metformin, benzotriazole and acesulfam can be removed by ferrate(VI) at a dose of 0.1 mg L⁻¹ from raw water, but FeCl₃ with or without pre-ozonation cannot achieve the same performance. The degradability of three additional micropollutants by ferrate(VI) oxidation followed the sequences of bisphenol-S (BS) > azithromycin (AZM) > imidacloprid (IMP) was evaluated, and 100% concentration reduction of BS was achieved. The work suggests that ferrate(VI) is a potential alternative to the existing treatment processes for drinking water treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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12 pages, 2955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Local Factors on Coastal Erosion: The Case of Vagueira Beach in Portugal

by Luiz Magalhães Filho, Peter Roebeling and Carlos Coelho

Environments 2023, 10(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020024 - 30 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2637

Abstract

Vagueira Beach, on the central Portuguese coast, is known as one of the places in Europe most affected by coastal erosion. The area has suffered more than 156 m of coastline retreat from the period 1958 to 2001. With the aim of evaluating [...] Read more.

Vagueira Beach, on the central Portuguese coast, is known as one of the places in Europe most affected by coastal erosion. The area has suffered more than 156 m of coastline retreat from the period 1958 to 2001. With the aim of evaluating the influence of local factors on coastal erosion, this paper assesses the anthropogenic and natural factors that are related to the retreat of the coastline by adopting statistical correlation and regression analyses. Through Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), it was observed that local factors, such as annual dredging at the Aveiro Port entrance (r = 0.93), the total length of groins in the Espinho–Vagueira section (r = 0.89), and storm events (r = 0.52), are directly related to coastline retreat in the area. A multiple linear regression model was developed in which coastline retreat is explained by these same factors over the period 1980–2006. With a coefficient determination of R² = 0.91, it was observed that the length of groins (significant at the 1% level), the dredging of the port entrance (significant at the 5% level), and precipitation (as a proxy for storm events; significant at the 10% level) are significantly correlated with coastline retreat. Hence, it is shown that anthropogenic factors are the main drivers of coastline retreat in Vagueira Beach. This study provides an innovative approach for the assessment of coastal erosion, resulting in important information that could be used for decision-making related to coastal zone management as it allows us to understand in greater detail the main drivers of coastal erosion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Quality in Coastal Ecosystems Volume II)

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15 pages, 4770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tire and Road Wear Particle-Containing Sediments with High Organic Content Impact Behavior and Survival of Chironomid Larvae (Chironomus riparius)

by Tatjana Tull, Stefanie Krais, Katharina Peschke, Steffen Weyrauch, Rita Triebskorn and Heinz-R. Köhler

Environments 2023, 10(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020023 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2980

Abstract

Tire and road wear particles (TRWP), which contribute significantly to microplastic emission, are receiving more attention, but details about particle composition, translocation from source to sink, and particularly the possible effects on ecosystems are largely unknown. We examined the influence of native TRWP-containing [...] Read more.

Tire and road wear particles (TRWP), which contribute significantly to microplastic emission, are receiving more attention, but details about particle composition, translocation from source to sink, and particularly the possible effects on ecosystems are largely unknown. We examined the influence of native TRWP-containing sediments from two settling ponds on the mortality and behavior of the aquatic larvae of Chironomus riparius. Both sediments, whether pure or mixed with different proportions of quartz sand and suspended in water, led to increased mortalities with increasing concentrations and were shown to be oxygen consuming. Artificial aeration significantly reduced larval mortality in both sediments. Chironomid larvae show high tolerance to anoxic and polluted environments due to physiological and behavioral adaptations, such as the construction of vertical sediment tubes (chimneys), in which they create oxic compartments. A significant correlation was found between the proportion of contaminated sediment and the number of chimneys: the more contaminated sediment, the fewer chimneys were constructed. The number of chimneys per surviving larva decreased with an increased proportion of contaminated sediment in parallel to increased larval mortality. We hypothesize that contents of these sediments negatively impact the larvae’s ability to survive at low oxygen concentrations due to impairments of essential behavioral and physiological processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plastics, Microplastics, and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Sources, Migration, Contamination, and Sustainable Management Strategies)

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14 pages, 1039 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of Recovered Struvite as a Safe and Sustainable Phosphorous Fertilizer

by Carolina Mancho, Sergio Diez-Pascual, Juan Alonso, Mar Gil-Díaz and M. Carmen Lobo

Environments 2023, 10(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020022 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2678

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crops. Modern agriculture is dependent on P derived from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable resource that is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to identify alternative sources of P and develop novel [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crops. Modern agriculture is dependent on P derived from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable resource that is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to identify alternative sources of P and develop novel technologies for its recovery. Such technologies are increasingly focused on the recovery of struvite (MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O) (STR) from urban wastewater. A reduction of P in effluents decreases the risk of eutrophication while allowing this mineral to be recovered and reused. Here we applied STR recovered from urban wastewater to three different soils and examined its slow-release properties. We performed a soil column leaching study and compared the results of soil treated with STR with those of soil amended with conventional phosphorous fertilizers, namely NPK, ammonium phosphate (MAP), and superphosphate (SSP). Phosphate leaching capacity followed the order MAP ~ NPK > SSP > STR in the three soils and was consistent with its rate of water solubility. Analysis of the soils after the leaching process showed differences in available P, the highest content being found in soils treated with STR. The results were consistent with those obtained in the leaching assay. STR behaves as a slow-release fertilizer and reduces the risk of eutrophication compared to the conventional P fertilizers tested. Full article

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15 pages, 3340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study on Mini-Modus Device Equipped with a Bioreactor to Purify and Oxygenate a Synthetic Effluent

by Guido Perin, Francesco Romagnoli, Fabrizio Perin, Maurizio Bonardi, Franco Romano, Caterina Floretta and Andrea Giacometti

Environments 2023, 10(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020021 - 28 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2110

Abstract

To explore the possibility of recovering a polluted anoxic environment characterized by an elevated organic load, a bench-scale novel technology, called the module for the decontamination of units of sediment (MODUS), was studied. The bench-scale apparatus is able to aerate an effluent by [...] Read more.

To explore the possibility of recovering a polluted anoxic environment characterized by an elevated organic load, a bench-scale novel technology, called the module for the decontamination of units of sediment (MODUS), was studied. The bench-scale apparatus is able to aerate an effluent by a sparger that uses an air flow. The apparatus was implemented with a bioreactor to biodegrade a synthetic effluent made by glucose, urea, and potassium acid phosphate; an apparatus that will be here referred to as the BIOmini-MODUS. To test its performance, seven series of biodegradation experiments were done, each series corresponding to one of the seven different selected air flows in the range 5–20 L min⁻¹. The purpose was to determine the best operative conditions for the BIOmini-MODUS, especially in terms of energy efficiency. These were found by studying eight parameters deemed particularly crucial: (1) dissolved oxygen concentration of the synthetic effluent, (2) time required to complete the substrate biodegradation, (3) air pressure (head losses) of the pumped air, (4) power needed to pump the air, (5) total energy used during a single biodegradation experiment, (6) biodegradation efficiency, (7) biological oxygen demand BOD as a function of time, and (8) the maximum biodegradation velocity reached by each biodegradation experiment. All of them, except BOD, were a function of the air flow. The air flow resulted in being particularly important to optimize the performance of the BIOmini-MODUS in terms of biodegradation velocity and oxygen concentration at the apparatus exit, in conjunction with energy efficiency. This last one, which showed a sharp maximum for an air flow of 10 L min⁻¹, was determined on the basis of the biodegradation rate. At low air flows, a high biodegradation rate resulted in being a good parameter to indicate high energy efficiency; while, on the other hand, a high oxygen concentration resulted in being a good parameter to determine a high biodegradation rate. Full article

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12 pages, 4326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Slow-Release Lanthanum Effectively Reduces Phosphate in Eutrophic Ponds without Accumulating in Fish

by Callie McCright, Jenna McCoy, Natalie Robbins and Steve Comfort

Environments 2023, 10(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020020 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3347

Abstract

Nutrient runoff is a major water quality issue affecting water resources. Excess nutrients such as nitrate (NO₃⁻) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) entering surface waters promote eutrophication. Recent research showed that floating treatment wetlands combined with slow-release lanthanum composites [...] Read more.

Nutrient runoff is a major water quality issue affecting water resources. Excess nutrients such as nitrate (NO₃⁻) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) entering surface waters promote eutrophication. Recent research showed that floating treatment wetlands combined with slow-release lanthanum composites deployed through airlift pumps can reduce NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻ concentrations, minimize algae and weeds, and increase dissolved oxygen concentrations. While water quality improves following this biological and chemical approach, questions remain about the toxicity and potential accumulation of lanthanum in lentic organisms. We addressed this concern by analyzing flesh and liver of fish exposed to the slow-release lanthanum following two years of treatment and compared results to fish harvested from a control, untreated pond. We also conducted an aquarium fish study that used higher lanthanum concentrations than those observed in the field. The field study confirmed that under the concentrations of lanthanum released to treat eutrophic ponds (109 µg L⁻¹), no adverse effects were observed in harvested fish. We also observed no significant differences between lanthanum-exposed and -unexposed fish (α = 0.05) in our controlled tank study. Given the laboratory tank lanthanum concentrations were approximately nine times higher (916 µg L⁻¹) than the observed field concentrations, we conclude the slow-release lanthanum composites used to treat eutrophic ponds are effective in improving water quality and do not lead to significant lanthanum accumulation in fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil and Water Pollution Process and Remediation Technologies)

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15 pages, 2676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cover Crops and Soil Amendments on Soil CO₂ Flux in a Mississippi Corn Cropping System on Upland Soil

by Jing Hu, Dana M. Miles, Ardeshir Adeli, John P. Brooks, Frances A. Podrebarac, Renotta Smith, Fangni Lei, Xiaofei Li, Johnie N. Jenkins and Robert J. Moorhead II

Environments 2023, 10(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020019 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

Agroecosystems, accounting for more than one-third of arable land worldwide, play an essential role in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. The development of agricultural practices, which maximize soil C sequestration from the atmosphere, is receiving growing attention due to the recognition of agroecosystems’ [...] Read more.

Agroecosystems, accounting for more than one-third of arable land worldwide, play an essential role in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. The development of agricultural practices, which maximize soil C sequestration from the atmosphere, is receiving growing attention due to the recognition of agroecosystems’ great potential to serve as sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). In particular, cover crop and soil amendment applications are generating much interest in mitigating climate change and enhancing agricultural ecosystem services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of winter cover crop and soil amendments, including broiler litter (BL), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and lignite, on soil CO₂ flux from cropping systems in southeastern USA, where related studies were limited. A field study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in a Mississippi upland corn cropping system with measurements of soil CO₂ flux, moisture and temperature during cash crop growing seasons. We observed high temporal variability in soil CO₂ flux with flux peaks between late June and early July, which is likely due to the temporal changes in soil moisture. A significant increase in soil CO₂ flux was found with BL application (p < 0.05). Co-application of FGD gypsum and lignite with BL-reduced soil CO₂ flux by 15–23% but did not fully eliminate the rising effects. Significantly higher soil CO₂ flux and lower soil temperature were observed from fields with cover crops than those without cover crops in the third year of this study (p < 0.05), which is likely attributed to the higher organic C content accumulated in soil with cover crops. Future research should assess year-round soil greenhouse gas fluxes in both cash crop and cover crop growing seasons using a high temporal resolution measurement scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Carbon Assessment)

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13 pages, 1899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Ozonation of Highly PAXHs Contaminated Soil Using Ultrahigh Resolution Mass Spectrometry

by Ilker Satilmis and Wolfgang Schrader

Environments 2023, 10(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020018 - 26 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2467

Abstract

Ozonation is an effective chemical treatment technique for removing contamination from the environment. In some countries it is used to clean up drinking water instead of using chlorinated treatment. The contamination of soil with polyaromatic compounds (PAXHs with X = N, S or [...] Read more.

Ozonation is an effective chemical treatment technique for removing contamination from the environment. In some countries it is used to clean up drinking water instead of using chlorinated treatment. The contamination of soil with polyaromatic compounds (PAXHs with X = N, S or O) are some almost forgotten contaminants but describe very toxic and by now almost omnipresent chemical contaminations. The extremely high number of different PAXHs are strongly adsorbed on soil and a method is introduced where an organic solvent is used to facilitate the reaction of the contaminant with ozone. In this study ozone is applied for 6 or 18 h with addition of toluene and the different phases (organic, water, and extract of soil phase) are studied to understand the ozonolysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives. The reaction is studied using ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS) allowing a comprehensive characterization of the initial contaminants as well as the various oxidation products. The results show that the ozonation treatment leads to continuous degradation of already oxidized compounds and a wide range of oxidation products can be detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) Contamination of Soil)

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17 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Urban Wastewater as a Source of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation: Barriers and Future Possibilities

by Andreia F. Santos, Paula Alvarenga, Licínio M. Gando-Ferreira and Margarida J. Quina

Environments 2023, 10(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020017 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4254

Abstract

Water resources are under pressure worldwide, resulting in scarcity and deterioration of freshwater quality. According to European directives, we could reduce the pressure on water resources in urban areas by increasing the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the impact on water bodies, and [...] Read more.

Water resources are under pressure worldwide, resulting in scarcity and deterioration of freshwater quality. According to European directives, we could reduce the pressure on water resources in urban areas by increasing the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the impact on water bodies, and promoting water recycling through multiple uses of urban wastewater. Besides the need to address water supply challenges, wastewater treatment systems show environmental stewardship and innovative practices. Using reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is gaining interest because of the drought conditions experienced in Europe over the past few years. Furthermore, using treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation may help to restore nutrients (N and P) to natural biogeochemical cycles. This review highlights the importance of water reuse, current legislation, and existing technologies to implement in wastewater treatment systems to meet the minimum requirements to produce reclaimed water to reuse in agricultural irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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5 pages, 185 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Environments in 2022

by Environments Editorial Office

Environments 2023, 10(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020016 - 19 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2146

Abstract

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...] Full article

34 pages, 4451 KiB

Open AccessReview

Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes Using Diamond Technology: A Critical Review

by Priscilla Brosler, Ana V. Girão, Rui F. Silva, João Tedim and Filipe J. Oliveira

Environments 2023, 10(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020015 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4841

Abstract

Re-evaluation of conventional wastewater treatment processes is of paramount importance to improve the overall quality of our aquatic environment. Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs) are the most promising alternative methods with application in wastewater treatment facilities since in situ electrogenerated oxidant agents degrade [...] Read more.

Re-evaluation of conventional wastewater treatment processes is of paramount importance to improve the overall quality of our aquatic environment. Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAOPs) are the most promising alternative methods with application in wastewater treatment facilities since in situ electrogenerated oxidant agents degrade and mineralize a wide range of water pollutants. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) technology has proven its excellency in the anodic oxidation (AO) of different pollutants. In this work, we describe the use of a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and a bibliometric analysis tool for the assessment of a representative sample of work (hundreds of publications) concerning the synergism between AO using BDD technology and other oxidation methods. One section of the discussion relates to different techniques used to enhance the AO performance of BDD technology, namely persulfate radicals or ozone and photoelectrocatalysis, whereas the second one considers Fenton-based reactions. A standard synergism effect occurs between AO using BDD technology and the add-ons or the Fenton-based methods, resulting in the enhancement of the degradation and mineralization efficiencies. The future of EAOPs using BDD technology must include renewable energy sources to self-sustain the overall process, and further research on the subject is mandatory to enable the effective acceptance and application of such processes in wastewater remediation facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Oxidation Applications II)

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16 pages, 2826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Metabolism Characterization from the National to the Regional Scale: A Case Study of Lisbon

by Sónia Cunha and Paulo Ferrão

Environments 2023, 10(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10020014 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2904

Abstract

Cities are complex systems with a key role in economic development and in improving the environmental sustainability of nations. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of urban systems is fundamental to designing relevant policies and initiatives. Urban metabolism characterization may provide a holistic framework for [...] Read more.

Cities are complex systems with a key role in economic development and in improving the environmental sustainability of nations. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of urban systems is fundamental to designing relevant policies and initiatives. Urban metabolism characterization may provide a holistic framework for analyzing urban systems in the context of the broader national metabolism. This paper provides a methodology to characterize the metabolism of an urban area, such as the Lisbon metropolitan area, taking as a source of data the socioeconomic metabolism of the country. The national metabolism is established by computing physical input-output tables. The downscaling to the urban level is accomplished with a variety of sector-specific parameters, from which an urban mass balance is established for a set of economic activities. The results obtained for the case study of Portugal and the city of Lisbon suggest that the share of services and the type of manufacturing industries in the economic structure of Lisbon, together with the higher resource productivity in the most representative economic sectors, are key aspects of the metabolism that contribute to Lisbon having higher overall resource productivity. The representation of the metabolism flows revealed key differences between the supply chains of Lisbon and the national flows, as well as a strong dependence of the Lisbon economy on material flows from other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Metabolism)

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Environments, Volume 10, Issue 2 (February 2023) – 21 articles

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