Environments

17 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Conceptualisation of an Ecodesign Framework for Sustainable Food Product Development across the Supply Chain

by Beatriz Q. Silva, Marta W. Vasconcelos and Sergiy Smetana

Environments 2023, 10(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10040059 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3282

As the world population grows, the pressure to intensify an unsustainable food production system increases. At the same time, one-third of all the food produced is lost or wasted along the value chains. Therefore, it is crucial to develop methods to increase food [...] Read more.

As the world population grows, the pressure to intensify an unsustainable food production system increases. At the same time, one-third of all the food produced is lost or wasted along the value chains. Therefore, it is crucial to develop methods to increase food production while decreasing resource usage and minimising the environmental impact. Ecodesign concepts have already been implemented in various sectors, reducing the environmental impact of products. However, published work has yet to analyse the potential of ecodesign for food production across the value chain. This review assesses the existing literature on ecodesign principles and proposes a conceptual framework of strategies to be applied to current food chains, addressing the challenges posed by current agrifood systems. We suggest that the relevant ecodesign principles fall into three main categories depending on the supply chain stage: “design for sustainable sourcing (DfSS)”, “design for optimised resource use (DfORU)”, and “design for end-of-life optimisation (DfEO).” Applying this framework across the supply chain could significantly reduce the environmental impact of food production and indirectly contribute to dietary change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Environments)

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21 pages, 895 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Problems in Africa: Deficits and Solution Approach

by Gilbert Moyen Massa and Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki

Environments 2023, 10(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10030044 - 05 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6478

Abstract

The lack of proper waste management in developing countries results in environmental pollution and human illness. This review presents the available data on the electronic and electrical waste generated and/or transported in Africa. Particular attention is given to waste treatment and the recycling [...] Read more.

The lack of proper waste management in developing countries results in environmental pollution and human illness. This review presents the available data on the electronic and electrical waste generated and/or transported in Africa. Particular attention is given to waste treatment and the recycling sector, as well as methods for recovering metals from e-waste. The roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and institutions involved in Africa are discussed. Design for Environment guidelines and Sustainable Product Design Concepts are illustrated to find proper strategies for managing e-waste in general, and for Africa in particular. Raising awareness among national and international institutions is necessary to improve e-scraps management in Africa. Measures should be taken to facilitate the transition of e-waste management from the informal to the formal sector, which will create decent jobs and corresponding incomes. Full article

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

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11 pages, 1630 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ecotoxicity of Single-Use Plastics to Earthworms

by Teresa Rodríguez, Dana Represas and Emilio V. Carral

Environments 2023, 10(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10030041 - 27 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2816

Abstract

The excessive use of plastics in recent years, especially so-called single-use plastics, has led to an incipient increase in the presence of this material in the soil. As soil is the essential production factor in agriculture, this study aims to test the toxicity [...] Read more.

The excessive use of plastics in recent years, especially so-called single-use plastics, has led to an incipient increase in the presence of this material in the soil. As soil is the essential production factor in agriculture, this study aims to test the toxicity to earthworms of different concentrations of plastics using the same substrate for each sample. Earthworms are the main bioindicator of soil quality and are of particular ecological value because their disappearance or loss in population would have disastrous consequences for the environment. This study examines the growth, mortality and reproductive cycle of individual earthworms. The species to be studied is Eisenia fetida and during the test, individuals are immersed in five different concentrations: 1 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg; 100 mg/kg; 1000 mg/kg; and 2000 mg/kg. Bioplastic OK industrial compost (that meet the requirements established to comply with compostability according to EN 13432) was used. Whether the plastic in any of those concentrations is harmful to the worm population was then be checked. The test shows the mixture of PLA and PBAT (biodegradable plastic) studied has no significant effect on the population of Eisenia fetida. None of the variables studied yields significant data on this plastic and the effect it causes on the population of earthworms, Eisenia fetida. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioplastics in the Environment II)

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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 2643

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 7688

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 2846

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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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 2672

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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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 4240

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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22 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Historical Analysis of Hydrogen Economy Research, Development, and Expectations, 1972 to 2020

by Jiazhen Yap and Benjamin McLellan

Environments 2023, 10(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10010011 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7570

Abstract

Global climate change concerns have pushed international governmental actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting cleaner technologies, hoping to transition to a more sustainable society. The hydrogen economy is one potential long-term option for enabling deep decarbonization for the future energy landscape. [...] Read more.

Global climate change concerns have pushed international governmental actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting cleaner technologies, hoping to transition to a more sustainable society. The hydrogen economy is one potential long-term option for enabling deep decarbonization for the future energy landscape. Progress towards an operating hydrogen economy is discouragingly slow despite global efforts to accelerate it. There are major mismatches between the present situation surrounding the hydrogen economy and previous proposed milestones that are far from being reached. The overall aim of this study is to understand whether there has been significant real progress in the achievement of a hydrogen economy, or whether the current interest is overly exaggerated (hype). This study uses bibliometric analysis and content analysis to historically map the hydrogen economy’s development from 1972 to 2020 by quantifying and analyzing three sets of interconnected data. Findings indicate that interest in the hydrogen economy has significantly progressed over the past five decades based on the growing numbers of academic publications, media coverage, and projects. However, various endogenous and exogenous factors have influenced the development of the hydrogen economy and created hype at different points in time. The consolidated results explore the changing trends and how specific events or actors have influenced the development of the hydrogen economy with their agendas, the emergence of hype cycles, and the expectations of a future hydrogen economy. Full article

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

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16 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review on Medical Waste Management: Treatment, Recycling, and Disposal Options

by Mustafa Attrah, Amira Elmanadely, Dilruba Akter and Eldon R. Rene

Environments 2022, 9(11), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9110146 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 17933

Abstract

Many nations struggle with the collection, separation, and disposal of medical waste. However, extra caution is required to avoid the risk of injury, cross-contamination, and infection; thus, healthcare workers and individuals responsible for waste management must follow the mandatory safety procedures. In this [...] Read more.

Many nations struggle with the collection, separation, and disposal of medical waste. However, extra caution is required to avoid the risk of injury, cross-contamination, and infection; thus, healthcare workers and individuals responsible for waste management must follow the mandatory safety procedures. In this review, a classification of the various types and categories of medical waste and its treatment methods are discussed. Due to the fact that medical waste can be contaminated and hazardous, it must be managed and processed using complex steps and procedures. In many countries, the primary medical/hospital waste treatment method is incineration, which is regarded as a highly polluting process that emits numerous pollutants that degrade air quality and pose a threat to human health and the environment. As case studies, medical waste treatment and disposal practices in Germany, China, USA, and Egypt were compared, and the legislations and laws enacted to regulate medical waste in each of these countries are reviewed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic II)

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16 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Strategies on Oxidative Properties of Ambient PM₁₀ in the Metropolitan Area of Milan, Italy

by Maria Chiara Pietrogrande, Cristina Colombi, Eleonora Cuccia, Umberto Dal Santo and Luisa Romanato

Environments 2022, 9(11), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9110145 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of controlling pandemic measures on the characteristics of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), with specific concern to its toxicity, measured by its oxidative properties. The investigated PM₁₀ samples were collected in the metropolitan area of Milan during the [...] Read more.

This research investigates the impact of controlling pandemic measures on the characteristics of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), with specific concern to its toxicity, measured by its oxidative properties. The investigated PM₁₀ samples were collected in the metropolitan area of Milan during the epidemic lockdown, and their oxidative potential (OP) was assessed using ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) acellular assays. During the full lockdown, we estimated reductions to 46% and 60% for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and black carbon (BC) concentrations, respectively, based on the aggregated 2018–2019 data of NO₂ and BC levels, used as baseline conditions. To quantify the impact of lockdown restrictions on PM oxidative activity, we studied the OP data measured in our laboratory on PM₁₀ filters and directly compared the results from 15–30 April 2020 with those from the same time span in 2019. The OP^AA values dropped to nearly 50%, similar to the concentration decrease in Elemental Carbon (EC) and traffic related metals, as well as to the variation in NO₂ level. Otherwise, the OP^DTT responses decreased to nearly 75%, as described by the corresponding reduction in Organic Carbon (OC) concentration and BC level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic II)

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27 pages, 4188 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advances in the Applications of Nanomaterials for Wastewater Treatment

by Emmanuel I. Epelle, Patrick U. Okoye, Siobhan Roddy, Burcu Gunes and Jude A. Okolie

Environments 2022, 9(11), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9110141 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6948

Abstract

Freshwater is in limited supply, and the growing population further contributes to its scarcity. The effective treatment of wastewater is essential now more than ever, because waterborne infections significantly contribute to global deaths, and millions of people are deprived of safe drinking water. [...] Read more.

Freshwater is in limited supply, and the growing population further contributes to its scarcity. The effective treatment of wastewater is essential now more than ever, because waterborne infections significantly contribute to global deaths, and millions of people are deprived of safe drinking water. Current wastewater treatment technologies include preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments, which are effective in removing several contaminants; however, contaminants in the nanoscale range are often difficult to eliminate using these steps. Some of these include organic and inorganic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, pathogens and contaminants of emerging concern. The use of nanomaterials is a promising solution to this problem. Nanoparticles have unique properties allowing them to efficiently remove residual contaminants while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this review, the need for novel developments in nanotechnology for wastewater treatment is discussed, as well as key nanomaterials and their corresponding target contaminants, which they are effective against. The nanomaterials of focus in this review are carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanosheets, fullerenes, silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and iron nanoparticles. Finally, the challenges and prospects of nanoparticle utilisation in the context of wastewater treatment are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Catalytic Remediation of Environmental Contaminants)

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28 pages, 10284 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Indoor Air Quality: A Review of Cleaning Technologies

by Teresa M. Mata, António A. Martins, Cristina S. C. Calheiros, Florentina Villanueva, Nuria P. Alonso-Cuevilla, Marta Fonseca Gabriel and Gabriela Ventura Silva

Environments 2022, 9(9), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9090118 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 16615

Abstract

Aims: Indoor air quality (IAQ) has attracted increased attention with the emergence of COVID-19. Ventilation is perhaps the area in which the most changes have been proposed in response to the emergency caused by this virus. However, other strategies are possible, such as [...] Read more.

Aims: Indoor air quality (IAQ) has attracted increased attention with the emergence of COVID-19. Ventilation is perhaps the area in which the most changes have been proposed in response to the emergency caused by this virus. However, other strategies are possible, such as source control and the extraction of pollutants. The latter incorporates clean technologies, an emergent area with respect to IAQ. Method: Various air treatment technologies can be used to control contaminants, which are reviewed and discussed in this work, including physicochemical technologies (e.g., filtration, adsorption, UV-photocatalytic oxidation, ultraviolet disinfection and ionization) and biological technologies (e.g., plant purification methods and microalgae-based methods). Results and interpretation: This work reviews currently available solutions and technologies for “cleaning” indoor air, with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most common problems in this area is the emission of pollutants that are sometimes more dangerous to human health than those that the technologies were developed to remove. Another aspect to consider is the limitation of each technology in relation to the type of pollutants that need to be removed. Each of the investigated technologies works well for a family of pollutants with similar characteristics, but it is not applicable to all pollutant types. Thus, the optimal solution may involve the use of a combination of technologies to extend the scope of application, in addition to the development of new materials, for example, through the use of nanotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality)

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37 pages, 19177 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Remote Sensing Image-Based Analysis of the Urban Heat Island Effect in Bragança, Portugal

by Cátia Rodrigues de Almeida, Leonardo Furst, Artur Gonçalves and Ana Cláudia Teodoro

Environments 2022, 9(8), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9080098 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4518

Abstract

Urban Heat Islands increase surface temperatures which impact the health and well-being of urban populations. Radiative forcing is impacted by changes to the land surface associated with urbanization that are particularly significant immediately after sunset. This paper aimed to analyze the behavior of [...] Read more.

Urban Heat Islands increase surface temperatures which impact the health and well-being of urban populations. Radiative forcing is impacted by changes to the land surface associated with urbanization that are particularly significant immediately after sunset. This paper aimed to analyze the behavior of UHI in different Local Climate Zones (LCZ) in Bragança city (Portugal), using Air Temperature (Ta), satellite images (Landsat 8), and on-site data. The methodology included a seasonal approach, integrating data with different scales (spatial, radiometric, and spectral) and qualitative and quantitative analyses. Google Earth Engine (GEE) optimized the processing time and computation requirement to generate the Land Surface Temperature (LST) maps. The integration of data with different scales corroborated the complementation of information/analysis and detected the correlation between the Ta and LST. However, the identification of the UHI was compromised due to the time of the passage of Landsat 8, and it was identified as the Urban Cool Island (UCI), a complementary effect of UHI, supporting the results of previous studies and for the use of Remote Sensing (RS) for thermal effects analysis. Full article

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17 pages, 995 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Macro- and Microplastics in the Antarctic Environment: Ongoing Assessment and Perspectives

by Emilia Rota, Elisa Bergami, Ilaria Corsi and Roberto Bargagli

Environments 2022, 9(7), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9070093 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9721

Abstract

The number of scientists and tourists visiting Antarctica is on the rise and, despite the management framework for environmental protection, some coastal areas, particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula region, are affected by plastic contamination. The few data available on the occurrence of microplastics [...] Read more.

The number of scientists and tourists visiting Antarctica is on the rise and, despite the management framework for environmental protection, some coastal areas, particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula region, are affected by plastic contamination. The few data available on the occurrence of microplastics (<5 mm) are difficult to compare, due to the different methodologies used in monitoring studies. However, indications are emerging to guide future research and to implement environmental protocols. In the surface and subsurface waters of the Southern Ocean, plastic debris >300 µm appears to be scarce and far less abundant than paint chips released from research vessels. Yet, near some coastal scientific stations, the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items, as well as microbeads and microfibers released into wastewater from personal care products and laundry, could potentially affect marine organisms. Some studies indicate that, through long-range atmospheric transport, plastic fibers produced on other continents can be deposited in Antarctica. Drifting plastic debris can also cross the Polar Front, with the potential to carry alien fouling organisms into the Southern Ocean. Sea ice dynamics appear to favor the uptake of microplastics by ice algae and Antarctic krill, the key species in the Antarctic marine food web. Euphausia superba apparently has the ability to fragment and expel ingested plastic particles at the nanoscale. However, most Antarctic organisms are endemic species, with unique ecophysiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions and are likely highly sensitive to cumulative stresses caused by climate change, microplastics and other anthropogenic disturbances. Although there is limited evidence to date that micro- and nanoplastics have direct biological effects, our review aims at raising awareness of the problem and, in order to assess the real potential impact of microplastics in Antarctica, underlines the urgency to fill the methodological gaps for their detection in all environmental matrices, and to equip scientific stations and ships with adequate wastewater treatment plants to reduce the release of microfibers. Full article

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25 pages, 587 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Indoor Air Quality in Elderly Centers: Pollutants Emission and Health Effects

by Teresa M. Mata, Fátima Felgueiras, António A. Martins, Helena Monteiro, Maria Pia Ferraz, Gisela M. Oliveira, Marta Fonseca Gabriel and Gabriela Ventura Silva

Environments 2022, 9(7), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9070086 - 06 Jul 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8042

Abstract

The world population is ageing, in particular in the developed world, with a significant increase in the percentage of people above 60 years old. They represent a segment of the population that is more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Among them, indoor air [...] Read more.

The world population is ageing, in particular in the developed world, with a significant increase in the percentage of people above 60 years old. They represent a segment of the population that is more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Among them, indoor air quality is one of the most relevant, as elders spend comparatively more time indoors than younger generations. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic contributed immensely to raising awareness of the importance of breathing air quality for human health and of the fact that indoor air is a vector for airborne infections and poisoning. Hence, this work reviews the state of the art regarding indoor air quality in elderly centers, considering the type of pollutants involved, their emission sources, and their health effects. Moreover, the influence of ventilation on air quality is also addressed. Notwithstanding the potential health problems with the corresponding costs and morbidity effects, only a few studies have considered explicitly indoor air quality and its impacts on elderly health. More studies are, therefore, necessary to objectively identify what are the impacts on the health of elderly people due to the quality of indoor air and how it can be improved, either by reducing the pollutants emission sources or by more adequate ventilation and thermal comfort strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Quality and Health Risks)

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16 pages, 4391 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Simulation of Traffic-Born Pollutant Dispersion and Personal Exposure Using High-Resolution Computational Fluid Dynamics

by Sadjad Tajdaran, Fabrizio Bonatesta, Byron Mason and Denise Morrey

Environments 2022, 9(6), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9060067 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3967

Abstract

Road vehicles are a large contributor to nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution. The routine roadside monitoring stations, however, may underrepresent the severity of personal exposure in urban areas because long-term average readings cannot capture the effects of momentary, high peaks of air pollution. While [...] Read more.

Road vehicles are a large contributor to nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution. The routine roadside monitoring stations, however, may underrepresent the severity of personal exposure in urban areas because long-term average readings cannot capture the effects of momentary, high peaks of air pollution. While numerical modelling tools historically have been used to propose an improved distribution of monitoring stations, ultra-high resolution Computational Fluid Dynamics models can further assist the relevant stakeholders in understanding the important details of pollutant dispersion and exposure at a local level. This study deploys a 10-cm-resolution CFD model to evaluate actual high peaks of personal exposure to NOx from traffic by tracking the gases emitted from the tailpipe of moving vehicles being dispersed towards the roadside. The investigation shows that a set of four Euro 5-rated diesel vehicles travelling at a constant speed may generate momentary roadside concentrations of NOx as high as 1.25 mg/m³, with a 25% expected increase for doubling the number of vehicles and approximately 50% reduction when considering Euro 6-rated vehicles. The paper demonstrates how the numerical tool can be used to identify the impact of measures to reduce personal exposure, such as protective urban furniture, as traffic patterns and environmental conditions change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Human Health)

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19 pages, 12126 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Environmental Gamma Dose Rate Monitoring and Radon Correlations: Evidence and Potential Applications

by Alessandro Rizzo, Giuseppe Antonacci, Enrico Borra, Francesco Cardellini, Luca Ciciani, Luciano Sperandio and Ignazio Vilardi

Environments 2022, 9(6), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9060066 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3884

Abstract

Gamma emitting radionuclides naturally present in the Earth’s crust and the radon exhaled by soil in the atmosphere with its short-lived progeny are two of the main contributors to the environmental gamma dose rate that typically characterizes an outdoor measurement site. The present [...] Read more.

Gamma emitting radionuclides naturally present in the Earth’s crust and the radon exhaled by soil in the atmosphere with its short-lived progeny are two of the main contributors to the environmental gamma dose rate that typically characterizes an outdoor measurement site. The present work aims to investigate variations in the environmental dose-rate time series originated by different natural phenomena, such as weather and seismic events, which can modify the radon concentration in the air. The data analyzed here were acquired over a five-year period using a Reuter–Stokes high-pressure ionization chamber placed in the ENEA Casaccia Research Center (Rome, Italy), from November 2013 to December 2018. The detector was set to take a single measurement of the equivalent ambient dose

H^{*} (10)

every 15 min, thereby collecting more than 184,000 values over the five-year period under consideration. The detector’s sensitivity to the short-lived radon progeny was verified in a preparatory study performed by means of simultaneous radon flux measurement on field. Variations induced by meteorological events as well as variations potentially induced by seismic events were investigated by implementing different data analysis techniques. In the latter case, a retrospective preliminary study was conducted, applying the ARFIMA class of models in order to test the method’s potential. The analysis techniques, results and potential applications are presented and discussed in this article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionising and Non Ionising Radiation Protection Issues in the Environment and Workplaces)

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17 pages, 1195 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Modified Biochars and Their Effects on Soil Quality: A Review

by Abdul Hafeez, Taowen Pan, Jihui Tian and Kunzheng Cai

Environments 2022, 9(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9050060 - 15 May 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6611

Abstract

Biochar (BC) has attracted attention due to its impacts on soil quality by enhancing soil fertility, carbon storage and contaminants immobilization. BC also induces changes in microbial community structure and enhances crop productivity in long term scenarios compared to many other organic amendments. [...] Read more.

Biochar (BC) has attracted attention due to its impacts on soil quality by enhancing soil fertility, carbon storage and contaminants immobilization. BC also induces changes in microbial community structure and enhances crop productivity in long term scenarios compared to many other organic amendments. However, information related to the role of modified BCs in altering the soil quality is still scarce. BC can be modified by using physical, chemical and microbial methods. Modified BC can change the functional groups, pore size, pore structure, surface area and chemical properties of soil, which plays a key role in changing the soil quality. The addition of modified BCs as soil amendment increased soil CEC (cation exchange capacity), EC (electron conductivity), pH, organic matter, hydraulic conductivity, soil porosity, infiltration rate, microbial activities (enzymes and community), nutrient profile and gas exchange properties, but it varies according to the soil structure and pervading environmental conditions. This study provides a basis for effective practical approaches to modifying BCs for improving soil quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Environmental Technologies)

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17 pages, 1363 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Microbial Involvement in the Bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Polluted Soils: Challenges and Perspectives

by Ilaria Chicca, Simone Becarelli and Simona Di Gregorio

Environments 2022, 9(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9040052 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6408

Abstract

Nowadays, soil contamination by total petroleum hydrocarbons is still one of the most widespread forms of contamination. Intervention technologies are consolidated; however, full-scale interventions turn out to be not sustainable. Sustainability is essential not only in terms of costs, but also in terms [...] Read more.

Nowadays, soil contamination by total petroleum hydrocarbons is still one of the most widespread forms of contamination. Intervention technologies are consolidated; however, full-scale interventions turn out to be not sustainable. Sustainability is essential not only in terms of costs, but also in terms of restoration of the soil resilience. Bioremediation has the possibility to fill the gap of sustainability with proper knowledge. Bioremediation should be optimized by the exploitation of the recent “omic” approaches to the study of hydrocarburoclastic microbiomes. To reach the goal, an extensive and deep knowledge in the study of bacterial and fungal degradative pathways, their interactions within microbiomes and of microbiomes with the soil matrix has to be gained. “Omic” approaches permits to study both the culturable and the unculturable soil microbial communities active in degradation processes, offering the instruments to identify the key organisms responsible for soil contaminant depletion and restoration of soil resilience. Tools for the investigation of both microbial communities, their degradation pathways and their interaction, will be discussed, describing the dedicated genomic and metagenomic approaches, as well as the interpretative tools of the deriving data, that are exploitable for both optimizing bio-based approaches for the treatment of total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils and for the correct scaling up of the technologies at the industrial scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Remediation)

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11 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Field Test of Mini Photoionization Detector-Based Sensors—Monitoring of Volatile Organic Pollutants in Ambient Air

by Jiří Bílek, Petr Maršolek, Ondřej Bílek and Pavel Buček

Environments 2022, 9(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9040049 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4363

Abstract

The determination of the concentrations of the organic compounds in ambient air using reference methods is a time-consuming process. The samples must be collected on a specific sorbent material and analyzed. In the best-case scenario, the analysis may be performed on site by [...] Read more.

The determination of the concentrations of the organic compounds in ambient air using reference methods is a time-consuming process. The samples must be collected on a specific sorbent material and analyzed. In the best-case scenario, the analysis may be performed on site by portable chromatography techniques; otherwise, transport and laboratory analysis is necessary. Continuous sensory measurement is advantageous, especially concerning speed, resolution, price and ease of use. On the other hand, questions are raised, especially on the subject of the quality of data obtained by sensory measurements. The authors tested several types of volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. The chosen type was deployed in a 25-unit sensor network for further testing by parallel measurements with the reference technique within the CLAIRO project. Full article

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19 pages, 6674 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Stabilisation of Ozone in Water for Microbial Disinfection

by Emmanuel I. Epelle, Andrew Macfarlane, Michael Cusack, Anthony Burns, Ngozi Amaeze, Kenny Richardson, William Mackay, Mostafa E. Rateb and Mohammed Yaseen

Environments 2022, 9(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9040045 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6761

Abstract

In current times of increasing global decontamination concerns, sustainable and environmentally-friendly technologies that possess rapid and effective disinfection capabilities are necessary for public health and safety. In this study, we evaluate the potential of ozone-based technology to reveal its immense potential in disinfection [...] Read more.

In current times of increasing global decontamination concerns, sustainable and environmentally-friendly technologies that possess rapid and effective disinfection capabilities are necessary for public health and safety. In this study, we evaluate the potential of ozone-based technology to reveal its immense potential in disinfection applications. Ozonated water generated by an electrolytic method was utilised to quantify ozone retention as a function of mineralogical composition for microbial decontamination. The impacts of temperature and detergent concentration on ozone concentration are critically analysed, as well as ozone’s decomposition and stain removal characteristics. In addition, fabric swatches inoculated with known concentrations of environmental microbes (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus) are washed with ozonated water to ascertain the impact of wash duration on bacterial removal efficiency. The results show significant improvement in the stability and retention potential of ozone in mineral water at low temperature and in the presence of a detergent. The experiments demonstrate first-order decomposition kinetics of ozone in aqueous formulations. The disinfection potency of ozone is also substantiated by a significant removal of microbiota on the fabric utilised (up to 7 log reduction for the bacteria analysed), thus making it effective for sterilisation applications. This also reduces the need for toxic chemicals or chemicals with toxic by-products (e.g., chlorine) for large-scale decontamination operations in various industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Environmental Technologies)

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11 pages, 4548 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Monitoring Phycocyanin with Landsat 8/Operational Land Imager Orange Contra-Band

by Igor Ogashawara, Lin Li, Chase Howard and Gregory K. Druschel

Environments 2022, 9(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9030040 - 19 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3933

Abstract

The Operational Land Imager (OLI) onboard the Landsat 8 satellite has a panchromatic band (503–676 nm) that has been used to compute a virtual spectral band known as “orange contra-band” (590–635 nm). The major application of the orange contra-band is the monitoring of [...] Read more.

The Operational Land Imager (OLI) onboard the Landsat 8 satellite has a panchromatic band (503–676 nm) that has been used to compute a virtual spectral band known as “orange contra-band” (590–635 nm). The major application of the orange contra-band is the monitoring of cyanobacteria which is usually quantified by the measurement of the concentration of phycocyanin (PC) which has an absorption peak around 620 nm. In this study, we evaluated the use of the orange contra-band approach for estimating PC concentration from in situ proximal hyperspectral data from Eagle Creek Reservoir (ECR), in Indiana, USA. We first validated the empirical relationship for the computation of the orange contra-band by using the panchromatic, red, and green spectral bands from ECR. PC concentration retrieval using the orange contra-band were not successful when using the entire dataset (R² < 0.1) or when using only PC concentrations higher than 50 mg/m³ (R² < 0.24). Better results were achieved when using samples in which PC was 1.5 times higher than the chlorophyll-a concentration (R² = 0.84). These results highlighted the need for the development of remote sensing algorithms for the accurate estimation of PC concentration from non-PC dominant waters which could be use to track and/or predict cyanobacteria blooms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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16 pages, 2382 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Old Pb Mining and Metallurgical Production in Soils from the Linares Mining District (Spain)

by Carlos Boente, Carlos Sierra, Julián Martínez, Eduardo Rodríguez-Valdés, Elías Afif, Javier Rey, Isabel Margarida Horta Ribeiro Antunes and José Luis Rodríguez Gallego

Environments 2022, 9(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9020024 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4063

Abstract

Mineral processing and metallurgy production centers may leave a far-reaching fingerprint of soil contamination. This scenario is particularly relevant in the mining district of Linares (Southern Spain), where former industrial sites are now dedicated to other land uses. Within this context, we selected [...] Read more.

Mineral processing and metallurgy production centers may leave a far-reaching fingerprint of soil contamination. This scenario is particularly relevant in the mining district of Linares (Southern Spain), where former industrial sites are now dedicated to other land uses. Within this context, we selected five sectors of concern in Linares region, which are currently used as agricultural and residential areas. The study began with an edaphic characterization, including grain-size fractioning and soil chemical analyses, which were complemented by mineralogical and sequential extraction information. Anomalous soil concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found, with higher values than the admissible regional guideline limits. Moreover, chemical speciation indicated that in general, Pb, Zn, and Cd were highly available and bound mainly to the carbonate fraction. In addition, health risk assessment evidenced potential threats by Pb and As. Regarding remediation approaches, we observed that, in soils affected by mining and ore dressing activities, the clay and silt size fractions contained the highest pollution load, making them suitable for a size classification treatment. By contrast, in areas affected by metallurgical activity, pollutants were prone to be evenly distributed among all grain sizes, thereby complicating the implementation of such remediation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Pollution Assessment and Sustainable Remediation Strategies)

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13 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dissolution of Silver Nanoparticles in Stratified Estuarine Mesocosms and Silver Accumulation in a Simple Planktonic Freshwater Trophic Chain

by Camille Guilleux, Zhongzhi Chen, Peter G. C. Campbell and Claude Fortin

Environments 2022, 9(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9020020 - 28 Jan 2022

Viewed by 4186

Abstract

The increasing presence of nanomaterials in consumer products has led the scientific community to study the environmental fate of these contaminants of emerging concern. Silver nanoparticles, used mainly for their antibacterial properties, are among the most common nanomaterials. Understanding their transformations and interactions [...] Read more.

The increasing presence of nanomaterials in consumer products has led the scientific community to study the environmental fate of these contaminants of emerging concern. Silver nanoparticles, used mainly for their antibacterial properties, are among the most common nanomaterials. Understanding their transformations and interactions with living organisms, especially under environmentally relevant conditions that can modify metal bioavailability, is a crucial step in the study of their impacts on aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (20 nm; 10 µg/L) were added to the surface freshwater layer of mesocosms simulating a stratified estuary. The investigation by dialysis of the nanoparticle dissolution showed that a large amount of total silver was found in the freshwater layer (and a very low amount in the seawater layer) and that 5–15% was in the form of dissolved silver. These results indicate that the halocline, separating fresh water from seawater, acted as a strong density barrier limiting the sedimentation of the nanoparticles. A simple trophic chain, composed of the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the invertebrate Daphnia magna, was used to determine silver bioavailability. This study suggests that citrate-coated silver nanoparticles do not significantly contribute to Ag accumulation by algae but may do so for invertebrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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15 pages, 1053 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Soil Remediation: Towards a Resilient and Adaptive Approach to Deal with the Ever-Changing Environmental Challenges

by Martina Grifoni, Elisabetta Franchi, Danilo Fusini, Marco Vocciante, Meri Barbafieri, Francesca Pedron, Irene Rosellini and Gianniantonio Petruzzelli

Environments 2022, 9(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9020018 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8382

Abstract

Pollution from numerous contaminants due to many anthropogenic activities affects soils quality. Industrialized countries have many contaminated sites; their remediation is a priority in environmental legislation. The aim of this overview is to consider the evolution of soil remediation from consolidated invasive technologies [...] Read more.

Pollution from numerous contaminants due to many anthropogenic activities affects soils quality. Industrialized countries have many contaminated sites; their remediation is a priority in environmental legislation. The aim of this overview is to consider the evolution of soil remediation from consolidated invasive technologies to environmentally friendly green strategies. The selection of technology is no longer exclusively based on eliminating the source of pollution but aims at remediation, which includes the recovery of soil quality. “Green remediation” appears to be the key to addressing the issue of remediation of contaminated sites as it focuses on environmental quality, including the preservation of the environment. Further developments in green remediation reflect the aim of promoting clean-up strategies that also address the effects of climate change. Sustainable and resilient remediation faces the environmental challenge of achieving targets while reducing the environmental damage caused by clean-up interventions and must involve an awareness that social systems and environmental systems are closely connected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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27 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Environmental and Economic Impacts of Mismanaged Plastics and Measures for Mitigation

by Avalon Diggle and Tony R. Walker

Environments 2022, 9(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9020015 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 18341

Abstract

The mismanagement of plastic materials has grown to become a mounting global pollution concern that is closely implicated in unsustainable production and consumption paradigms. The ecological, social, and economic impacts of plastic waste mismanagement are currently transboundary in nature and have necessitated numerous [...] Read more.

The mismanagement of plastic materials has grown to become a mounting global pollution concern that is closely implicated in unsustainable production and consumption paradigms. The ecological, social, and economic impacts of plastic waste mismanagement are currently transboundary in nature and have necessitated numerous methods of government intervention in order to address and mitigate the globalized and multifaceted dilemmas posed by high rates and volumes of plastic waste generation. This review examines the current landscape of a plastics economy which has operated with a linear momentum, employing large quantities of primary resources and disincentivizing the functioning of a robust recycling market for collecting plastic waste and reintegrating it into the consumer market. This contextualizes an increasing plastic pollution crisis that has required global efforts to address and mitigate the ecological risks and socio-economic challenges of mismanaged plastic waste. A timeline of government interventions regarding plastic pollution is described, including numerous international, regional, and local actions to combat plastic waste, and this is followed by an examination of the relevance of the extended producer responsibility principle to improve plastic waste management and obligate industry to assume responsibility in waste collection and recycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Contamination: Challenges and Solutions)

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35 pages, 3226 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Potentially Toxic Elements’ Contamination of Soils Affected by Mining Activities in the Portuguese Sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt and Optional Remediation Actions: A Review

by Clarisse Mourinha, Patrícia Palma, Carlos Alexandre, Nuno Cruz, Sónia Morais Rodrigues and Paula Alvarenga

Environments 2022, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9010011 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7082

Abstract

Both sectors of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portuguese and Spanish, have been exploited since ancient times, but more intensively during and after the second half of the 19th century. Large volumes of polymetallic sulfide ore were extracted in open pits or in underground [...] Read more.

Both sectors of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portuguese and Spanish, have been exploited since ancient times, but more intensively during and after the second half of the 19th century. Large volumes of polymetallic sulfide ore were extracted in open pits or in underground works, processed without environmental concerns, and the generated waste rocks and tailings were simply deposited in the area. Many of these mining sites were abandoned for years under the action of erosive agents, leading to the spread of trace elements and the contamination of soils, waters and sediments. Some of these mine sites have been submitted to rehabilitation actions, mostly using constructive techniques to dig and contain the contaminated tailings and other waste materials, but the remaining soil still needs to be treated with the best available techniques to recover its ecosystem functions. Besides the degraded physical structure and poor nutritional status of these soils, they have common characteristics, as a consequence of the pyrite oxidation and acid drainage produced, such as a high concentration of trace elements and low pH, which must be considered in the remediation plans. This manuscript aims to review the results from studies which have already covered these topics in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, especially in its Portuguese sector, considering: (i) soils’ physicochemical characteristics; (ii) potentially toxic trace elements’ concentration; and (iii) sustainable remediation technologies to cope with this type of soil contamination. Phytostabilization, after the amelioration of the soil’s properties with organic and inorganic amendments, was investigated at the lab and field scale by several authors, and their results were also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Pollution Assessment and Sustainable Remediation Strategies)

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9 pages, 597 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Microplastic Contamination in Human Stools, Foods, and Drinking Water Associated with Indonesian Coastal Population

by Arif Luqman, Husna Nugrahapraja, Ruri Agung Wahyuono, Izzatul Islami, Muhammad Husain Haekal, Yasri Fardiansyah, Balqis Qonita Putri, Fahmi Ikhlasul Amalludin, Elsalisa Ainur Rofiqa, Friedrich Götz and Anjar Tri Wibowo

Environments 2021, 8(12), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8120138 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 9088

Abstract

Approximately 381 million tons of plastic are produced globally every year, and the majority of it ends up as pollutants. In the environment, plastic waste is fragmented into microplastic particles less than 5 mm in size; owing to their small size, durability, and [...] Read more.

Approximately 381 million tons of plastic are produced globally every year, and the majority of it ends up as pollutants. In the environment, plastic waste is fragmented into microplastic particles less than 5 mm in size; owing to their small size, durability, and abundance, they can easily be dispersed, incorporated into the food chains, and enter the human body. The extent of microplastic exposure in the human body has become a major concern in many countries, including in Indonesia, the second largest plastic waste contributor in the world. Here, we report the detection of microplastics in human stools collected from a fisherman community in the coastal area of Surabaya, Indonesia. Microplastics were found in more than 50% of samples analyzed with a concentration ranging from 3.33 to 13.99 µg of microplastic per gram of feces (µg/g). HDPE was observed as the most prevalent type of microplastic, with an average concentration of 9.195 µg/g in positive samples. Different types of microplastics were also detected in seafood, staple foods, drinking water, table salts, and toothpaste, which were regularly used and consumed by the study participants. Results from this preliminary study indicate widespread contamination of microplastic in the human body and in consumables associated with the coastal populations of Indonesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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12 pages, 9431 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

NOx and CO Fluctuations in a Busy Street Canyon

by Peter Brimblecombe, Meng-Yuan Chu, Chun-Ho Liu and Zhi Ning

Environments 2021, 8(12), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8120137 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3813

Abstract

Busy street canyons can have a large flow of vehicles and reduced air exchange and wind speeds at street level, exposing pedestrians to high pollutant concentrations. The airflow tended to move with vehicles along the canyon and the 1-s concentrations of NO, NO [...] Read more.

Busy street canyons can have a large flow of vehicles and reduced air exchange and wind speeds at street level, exposing pedestrians to high pollutant concentrations. The airflow tended to move with vehicles along the canyon and the 1-s concentrations of NO, NO₂ and CO were highly skewed close to the road and more normally distributed at sensors some metres above the road. The pollutants were more autocorrelated at these elevated sensors, suggesting a less variable concentration away from traffic in the areas of low turbulence. The kerbside concentrations also showed cyclic changes approximating nearby traffic signal timing. The cross-correlation between the concentration measurements suggested that the variation moved at vehicle speed along the canyon, but slower vertically. The concentrations of NOx and CO were slightly higher at wind speeds of under a metre per second. The local ozone concentrations had little effect on the proportion of NOx present as NO₂. Pedestrians on the roadside would be unlikely to exceed the USEPA hourly guideline value for NO₂ of 100 ppb. Across the campaign period, 100 individual minutes exceeded the guidelines, though the effect of short-term, high-concentration exposures is not well understood. Tram stops at the carriageway divider are places where longer exposures to higher levels of traffic-associated pollutants are possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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24 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review about Microalgae Wastewater Treatment for Bioremediation and Biomass Production—A New Challenge for Europe

by Eugenio Geremia, Maddalena Ripa, Claudio Marcello Catone and Sergio Ulgiati

Environments 2021, 8(12), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8120136 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9468

Abstract

Microalgae have received much attention in the last few years. Their use is being extended to different fields of application and technologies, such as food, animal feed, and production of valuable polymers. Additionally, there is interest in using microalgae for removal of nutrients [...] Read more.

Microalgae have received much attention in the last few years. Their use is being extended to different fields of application and technologies, such as food, animal feed, and production of valuable polymers. Additionally, there is interest in using microalgae for removal of nutrients from wastewater. Wastewater treatment with microalgae allows for a reduction in the main chemicals responsible for eutrophication (nitrogen and phosphate), the reduction of organic substrates (by decreasing parameters such as BOD and COD) and the removal of other substances such as heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. By selecting and reviewing 202 articles published in Scopus between 1992 and 2020, some aspects such as the feasibility of microalgae cultivation on wastewater and potential bioremediation have been investigated and evaluated. In this review, particular emphasis was placed on the different types of wastewaters on which the growth of microalgae is possible, the achievable bioremediation and the factors that make large-scale microalgae treatment feasible. The results indicated that the microalgae are able to grow on wastewater and carry out effective bioremediation. Furthermore, single-step treatment with mixotrophic microalgae could represent a valid alternative to conventional processes. The main bottlenecks are the large-scale feasibility and costs associated with biomass harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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12 pages, 2169 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Toxic Effects of Thallium on Biological Indicators of Haplic Chernozem Health: A Case Study

by Sergey Kolesnikov, Tatiana Minnikova, Tatiana Minkina, Vishnu D. Rajput, Natalya Tsepina, Kamil Kazeev, Alexander Zhadobin, Elena Nevedomaya, Tigran Ter-Misakyants, Yulia Akimenko, Saglara Mandzhieva, Svetlana Sushkova, Anuj Ranjan, Ilgiz Asylbaev, Victoria Popova and Alena Tymoshenko

Environments 2021, 8(11), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8110119 - 03 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3687

Abstract

Thallium (Tl) was introduced into Haplic Chernozem in the amounts of 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg, and biological indicators were observed at 10, 30, and 90 days after incubation in the laboratory experiment. An increase in biological activities; i.e., the total number of [...] Read more.

Thallium (Tl) was introduced into Haplic Chernozem in the amounts of 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg, and biological indicators were observed at 10, 30, and 90 days after incubation in the laboratory experiment. An increase in biological activities; i.e., the total number of bacteria, Azotobacter spp. abundance, enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenases), and phytotoxic indicators (germination rate of radish) after 30 days of Tl exposure were noted. The total number of bacteria and Azotobacter spp. abundance, enzyme activity, and phytotoxicity were more sensitive (16–76%) and informative (12–65%) indicators compared to the control, respectively. Integral biological indicators of soil state (IIBS) noted at 10, 30, and 90 days decreased at a dose of 30 and 300 mg/kg by 13–43% in relation to the control. An increase in Tl concentration and duration of exposure (up to 90 days) inhibited biological properties and caused ecotoxicological effects, respectively. We concluded that the use of individual indicators served as an indicator of the state of the soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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16 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Phytoremediation: The Sustainable Strategy for Improving Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality

by Heayyean Lee, Ziwoo Jun and Zahra Zahra

Environments 2021, 8(11), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8110118 - 02 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7750

Abstract

Most of the world’s population is exposed to highly polluted air conditions exceeding the WHO limits, causing various human diseases that lead towards increased morbidity as well as mortality. Expenditures on air purification and costs spent on the related health issues are rapidly [...] Read more.

Most of the world’s population is exposed to highly polluted air conditions exceeding the WHO limits, causing various human diseases that lead towards increased morbidity as well as mortality. Expenditures on air purification and costs spent on the related health issues are rapidly increasing. To overcome this burden, plants are potential candidates to remove pollutants through diverse biological mechanisms involving accumulation, immobilization, volatilization, and degradation. This eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-invasive method is considered as a complementary or alternative tool compared to engineering-based remediation techniques. Various plant species remove indoor and outdoor air pollutants, depending on their morphology, growth condition, and microbial communities. Hence, appropriate plant selection with optimized growth conditions can enhance the remediation capacity significantly. Furthermore, suitable supplementary treatments, or finding the best combination junction with other methods, can optimize the phytoremediation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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18 pages, 17719 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Case Study on Metal Contamination in Water and Sediment near a Coal Thermal Power Plant on the Eastern Coast of Bangladesh

by Md. Solaiman Hossain, Md. Kawser Ahmed, Eurida Liyana, Md. Shahadat Hossain, Yeasmin Nahar Jolly, M. Jamiul Kabir, Shirin Akter and M. Safiur Rahman

Environments 2021, 8(10), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8100108 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4787

Abstract

This study has evaluated the potential ecological risk and human health risk for the contamination of nine elements (Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, As, Pb, Co, Fe, and Sr) in water and sediment samples in two seasons, i.e., before and after rainy season, by [...] Read more.

This study has evaluated the potential ecological risk and human health risk for the contamination of nine elements (Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, As, Pb, Co, Fe, and Sr) in water and sediment samples in two seasons, i.e., before and after rainy season, by calculating several pollution indices such as pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (PER), and target hazard quotient (THQ). Samples were analyzed for elemental concentration using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. This study found that waters in the Kutubdia channel are safe and standard for aquatic organisms. In addition, the study area’s elemental concentration in water and sediments is still safe but moderately enriched with Zn and Cu. The elemental concentration in water was observed to be high in the pre-monsoon season and vice versa in the sediment study. The result also reveals no potential ecological risk (PER < 4) in the study site. However, the health risk index showed a noncarcinogenic risk (THQ > 1) for children and adults regarding the inhalation process where manganese was dominant. Apart from this, the pollution source was also identified by multivariate statistical analysis, including cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA)—and a natural pollution source prevalent was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2021)

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15 pages, 936 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Abundance and Composition of Marine Litter on the Seafloor of the Gulf of Sant Jordi (Western Mediterranean Sea)

by Òscar Saladié and Edgar Bustamante

Environments 2021, 8(10), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8100106 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

This article analyzes the abundance and composition of marine litter in the Gulf of Sant Jordi (Catalonia, Spain). Marine litter was removed from the sea by a fishing trawler operating from the port of L’Ametlla de Mar; 56 hauls were performed between July [...] Read more.

This article analyzes the abundance and composition of marine litter in the Gulf of Sant Jordi (Catalonia, Spain). Marine litter was removed from the sea by a fishing trawler operating from the port of L’Ametlla de Mar; 56 hauls were performed between July and September 2018. The marine litter was classified following UNEP/IOC Guidelines on Survey and Monitoring of Marine Litter and EU MSFD Technical Group on Marine Litter Joint List, with a total of 2691 items collected and an average number by haul of 48 (SD 28.24). The density was 130 items km⁻² but with significant differences according to trawling depth: 192 items km⁻² (≤100 m) and 71.5 items km⁻² (>100 m). As expected, plastic was the most commonly found material, comprising almost 80% of the total. The relative presence of plastics declined as trawling depth increased. An alarmingly high amount of sanitary waste was found. Further studies are necessary to compare summer results with those of smaller seasonal populations and to analyze what happens to sanitary waste. Full article

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10 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Organic Fertilizer Mixed with Food Waste Dry Powder on the Growth of Chinese Cabbage Seedlings

by Sang-Mo Kang, Shifa Shaffique, Lee-Rang Kim, Eun-Hae Kwon, Seong-Heon Kim, Yun-Hae Lee, Kalsoom Kalsoom, Muhammad Aaqil Khan and In-Jung Lee

Environments 2021, 8(8), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080086 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8768

Abstract

Food waste is a common global threat to the environment, agriculture, and society. In the present study, we used 30% food waste, mixed with 70% bio-fertilizers, and evaluated their ability to affect the growth of Chinese cabbage. The experiment was conducted using different [...] Read more.

Food waste is a common global threat to the environment, agriculture, and society. In the present study, we used 30% food waste, mixed with 70% bio-fertilizers, and evaluated their ability to affect the growth of Chinese cabbage. The experiment was conducted using different concentrations of food waste to investigate their effect on Chinese cabbage growth, chlorophyll content, and mineral content. Leaf length, root length, and fresh and dry weight were significantly increased in plants treated with control fertilizer (CF) and fertilizer mixed with food waste (MF). However, high concentrations of food waste decreased the growth and biomass of Chinese cabbage due to salt content. Furthermore, higher chlorophyll content, transpiration efficiency, and photosynthetic rate were observed in CF- and MF-treated plants, while higher chlorophyll fluorescence was observed in the MF × 2 and MF × 6 treatments. Inductively coupled plasm mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results showed an increase in potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and magnesium (Mg) contents in the MF and MF × 2 treatments, while higher sodium (Na) content was observed in the MF × 4 and MF × 6 treatments due to the high salt content found in food waste. The analysis of abscisic acid (ABA) showed that increasing amounts of food waste increase the endogenous ABA content, compromising the survival of plants. In conclusion, optimal amounts of food waste—up to MF and MF × 2—increase plant growth and provide an ecofriendly approach to be employed in the agriculture production system. Full article

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19 pages, 1188 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Trends in Pharmaceuticals Removal from Water Using Electrochemical Oxidation Processes

by Georgios Bampos, Athanasia Petala and Zacharias Frontistis

Environments 2021, 8(8), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080085 - 22 Aug 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6400

Abstract

Nowadays, the research on the environmental applications of electrochemistry to remove recalcitrant and priority pollutants and, in particular, drugs from the aqueous phase has increased dramatically. This literature review summarizes the applications of electrochemical oxidation in recent years to decompose pharmaceuticals that are [...] Read more.

Nowadays, the research on the environmental applications of electrochemistry to remove recalcitrant and priority pollutants and, in particular, drugs from the aqueous phase has increased dramatically. This literature review summarizes the applications of electrochemical oxidation in recent years to decompose pharmaceuticals that are often detected in environmental samples such as carbamazapine, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, etc. Similar to most physicochemical processes, efficiency depends on many operating parameters, while the combination with either biological or other physicochemical methods seems particularly attractive. In addition, various strategies such as using three-dimensional electrodes or the electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide have been proposed to overcome the disadvantages of electrochemical oxidation. Finally, some guidelines are proposed for future research into the applications of environmental electrochemistry for the degradation of xenobiotic compounds and micropollutants from environmental matrices. The main goal of the present review paper is to facilitate future researchers to design their experiments concerning the electrochemical oxidation processes for the degradation of micropollutants/emerging contaminants, especially, some specific drugs considering, also, the existing limitations of each process. Full article

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23 pages, 1011 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion: Reviewing Strategies for Increasing Reactor Performance

by Marcos Ellacuriaga, José García Cascallana, Rubén González and Xiomar Gómez

Environments 2021, 8(8), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080080 - 14 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4637

Abstract

High-solid and solid-state anaerobic digestion are technologies capable of achieving high reactor productivity. The high organic load admissible for this type of configuration makes these technologies an ideal ally in the conversion of waste into bioenergy. However, there are still several factors associated [...] Read more.

High-solid and solid-state anaerobic digestion are technologies capable of achieving high reactor productivity. The high organic load admissible for this type of configuration makes these technologies an ideal ally in the conversion of waste into bioenergy. However, there are still several factors associated with these technologies that result in low performance. The economic model based on a linear approach is unsustainable, and changes leading to the development of a low-carbon model with a high degree of circularity are necessary. Digestion technology may represent a key driver leading these changes but it is undeniable that the profitability of these plants needs to be increased. In the present review, the digestion process under high-solid-content configurations is analyzed and the different strategies for increasing reactor productivity that have been studied in recent years are described. Percolating reactor configurations and the use of low-cost adsorbents, nanoparticles and micro-aeration seem the most suitable approaches to increase volumetric production and reduce initial capital investment costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production)

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18 pages, 2546 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of the Rice Yield under an Agrivoltaic System: A Case Study in Japan

by Ruth Anne Gonocruz, Ren Nakamura, Kota Yoshino, Masaru Homma, Tetsuya Doi, Yoshikuni Yoshida and Akira Tani

Environments 2021, 8(7), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8070065 - 10 Jul 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 12607

Abstract

Agrivoltaic systems, comprising photovoltaic panels placed over agricultural crops, have recently gained increasing attention. Emerging interest in these systems led us to investigate their influence on rice crops. Various factors affecting rice crop yield, including fertilizer application, temperature, and solar radiation, were directly [...] Read more.

Agrivoltaic systems, comprising photovoltaic panels placed over agricultural crops, have recently gained increasing attention. Emerging interest in these systems led us to investigate their influence on rice crops. Various factors affecting rice crop yield, including fertilizer application, temperature, and solar radiation, were directly observed, and measured to evaluate changes associated with the shading rates of photovoltaic systems installed above rice crops. The results suggest that the allowable upper limit of the shading rate for agrivoltaic installations ranges from 27 to 39%, which sustains at least 80% of the rice yield, a condition set by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for these systems. If such systems are applied to rice paddies in Japan at 28% density, they could generate 284 million MWh/yr. This is equivalent to approximately 29% of the total Japanese electricity demand, based on 2018 calculations. This projection indicates the potential of agrivoltaic systems for efficient land use and sustainable energy generation. Full article

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16 pages, 3803 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Classification of Noise Sources for Port Area Noise Mapping

by Luca Fredianelli, Matteo Bolognese, Francesco Fidecaro and Gaetano Licitra

Environments 2021, 8(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8020012 - 09 Feb 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5324

Abstract

Maritime transportation is recognized to have advantages in terms of environmental impact compared to other forms of transportation. However, an increment in traffic volumes will also produce an increase in noise emissions in the surroundings for a greener source, as ports are frequently [...] Read more.

Maritime transportation is recognized to have advantages in terms of environmental impact compared to other forms of transportation. However, an increment in traffic volumes will also produce an increase in noise emissions in the surroundings for a greener source, as ports are frequently surrounded by urban areas. When more sources or higher noise emissions are introduced, the noise exposure of citizens increases, and the likelihood of official complaints rises. As a consequence, among the most demanding aspects of port management is effective noise management aimed at a reduction in the exposure of citizens while ensuring the growth of maritime traffic. At the same time, the topic has not been thoroughly studied by the scientific community, mostly because port areas are challenging from a noise management point of view; they are often characterized by a high degree of complexity, both in terms of the number of different noise sources and their interaction with the other main transportation infrastructure. Therefore, an effective methodology of noise modeling of the port area is currently missing. With regard to the INTERREG Maritime Program, the present paper reports a first attempt to define noise mapping guidelines. On the basis of the current state-of-the-art and the authors’ experiences, noise sources inside port areas can be divided into several different categories: road sources, railway sources, ship sources, port sources, and industrial sources. A further subdivision can be achieved according to the working operation mode and position of the sources. This classification simplifies actions of identification of the responsible source from control bodies, in the case that noise limits are exceeded or citizen complaints arise. It also represents a necessary tool to identify the best placing of medium/long-term noise monitoring stations. The results also act as a base for a future definition of specific and targeted procedures for the acoustic characterization of port noise sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Environments in 2020)

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13 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Investigation of the Potential Adoption of Anaerobic Digestion for Energy Production in Irish Farms

by Sean O’Connor, Ehiaze Ehimen, Suresh C. Pillai, Niamh Power, Gary A. Lyons and John Bartlett

Environments 2021, 8(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8020008 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been recognised as an effective means of simultaneously producing energy while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite having a large agriculture sector, Ireland has experienced little uptake of the technology, ranking 20th within the EU-28. It is, therefore, necessary [...] Read more.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been recognised as an effective means of simultaneously producing energy while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite having a large agriculture sector, Ireland has experienced little uptake of the technology, ranking 20th within the EU-28. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the general opinions, willingness to adopt, and perceived obstacles of potential adopters of the technology. As likely primary users of this technology, a survey of Irish cattle farmers was conducted to assess the potential of on-farm AD for energy production in Ireland. The study seeks to understand farmers’ motivations, perceived barriers, and preferred business model. The study found that approximately 41% of the 91 respondents were interested in installing AD on their farming enterprise within the next five years. These Likely Adopters tended to have a higher level of education attainment, and together, currently hold 4379 cattle, potentially providing 37,122 t year⁻¹ of wastes as feedstock, resulting in a potential CO₂ reduction of 800.65 t CO₂-eq. year⁻¹. Moreover, the results indicated that the primary consideration preventing the implementation of AD is a lack of information regarding the technology and high investment costs. Of the Likely Adopters and Possible Adopters, a self-owned and operated plant was the preferred ownership structure, while 58% expressed an interest in joining a co-operative scheme. The findings generated provide valuable insights into the willingness of farmers to implement AD and guidance for its potential widespread adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion for Biogas Production)

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13 pages, 2998 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mercury Bioavailability in Fluvial Sediments Estimated Using Chironomus riparius and Diffusive Gradients in Thin-Films (DGT)

by Laura Marziali and Lucia Valsecchi

Environments 2021, 8(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8020007 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

Mercury bioavailability was assessed by exposing the dipteran Chironomus riparius for the whole life cycle to legacy-contaminated fluvial sediments (0.038–0.285 mg Hg kg⁻¹ d.w.) and analyzing tissue concentrations in larvae at different exposure times (7, 11, and 16 days) and in adults. [...] Read more.

Mercury bioavailability was assessed by exposing the dipteran Chironomus riparius for the whole life cycle to legacy-contaminated fluvial sediments (0.038–0.285 mg Hg kg⁻¹ d.w.) and analyzing tissue concentrations in larvae at different exposure times (7, 11, and 16 days) and in adults. In the same experiment, diffusive gradients in thin-film passive samplers (DGTs), both piston- and probe-shaped, were co-deployed in the same sediments and retrieved at the same times as the organisms. To compare the two approaches, results showed a good agreement between accumulation kinetics of C. riparius and DGTs, both approximating an apparent steady-state. A strong correlation was found between values in tissues and in both types of DGTs (r between 0.74 and 0.99). Concentrations in mature larvae (19–140 µg kg⁻¹ w.w.), which may represent a basal level of the aquatic food web, exceeded the European Environmental Quality Standard for biota (20 µg kg⁻¹ w.w.), which aims at protecting the top predators from secondary poisoning. Body burdens in larvae and in adults were similar, showing negligible decontamination during metamorphosis and proving an efficient mercury transfer from sediments to terrestrial food webs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mercury in Fluvial Systems: Distribution and Cycling Processes)

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15 pages, 3909 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Water Quality Monitoring with Arduino Based Sensors

by Wong Jun Hong, Norazanita Shamsuddin, Emeroylariffion Abas, Rosyzie Anna Apong, Zarifi Masri, Hazwani Suhaimi, Stefan Herwig Gödeke and Muhammad Nafi Aqmal Noh

Environments 2021, 8(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8010006 - 14 Jan 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 29790

Abstract

Water is a quintessential element for the survival of mankind. Its variety of uses means that it is always in a constant state of demand. The supply of water most primarily comes from large reservoirs of water such as lakes, streams, and the [...] Read more.

Water is a quintessential element for the survival of mankind. Its variety of uses means that it is always in a constant state of demand. The supply of water most primarily comes from large reservoirs of water such as lakes, streams, and the ocean itself. As such, it is good practice to monitor its quality to ensure it is fit for human consumption. Current water quality monitoring is often carried out in traditional labs but is time consuming and prone to inaccuracies. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing an Arduino-based sensor system for water quality monitoring. A simple prototype consisting of a microcontroller and multiple attached sensors was employed to conduct weekly onsite tests at multiple daily intervals. It was found that the system works reliably but is reliant on human assistance and prone to data inaccuracies. The system however, provides a solid foundation for future expansion works of the same category to elevate the system to being Internet of Things (IoT) friendly. Full article

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15 pages, 12328 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Subtle Changes or Dramatic Perceptions of Air Pollution in Sydney during COVID-19

by Peter Brimblecombe and Yonghang Lai

Environments 2021, 8(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8010002 - 01 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5045

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic made it critical to limit the spread of the disease by enforcing human isolation, restricting travel and reducing social activities. Dramatic improvements to air quality, especially NO₂, have often characterised places under COVID-19 restrictions. Air pollution measurements in [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it critical to limit the spread of the disease by enforcing human isolation, restricting travel and reducing social activities. Dramatic improvements to air quality, especially NO₂, have often characterised places under COVID-19 restrictions. Air pollution measurements in Sydney in April 2019 and during the lockdown period in April 2020 show reduced daily averaged NO₂ concentrations: 8.52 ± 1.92 and 7.85 ± 2.92 ppb, though not significantly so (p₁~0.15) and PM_2.5 8.91 ± 4.94 and 7.95 ± 2.64 µg m⁻³, again a non-significant difference (p₁~0.18). Satellite imagery suggests changes that parallel those at ground level, but the column densities averaged over space and time, in false-colour, are more dramatic. Changed human mobility could be traced in increasing times spent at home, assessed from Google Mobility Reports and mirrored in decreased traffic flow on a major road, suggesting compliance with the restrictions. Electricity demand for the State of New South Wales was low under lockdown in early April 2020, but it recovered rapidly. Analysis of the uses of search terms: bushfires, air quality, haze and air pollution using Google Trends showed strong links between bushfires and pollution-related terms. The smoke from bushfires in late 2019 may well have added to the general impression of improved air quality during lockdown, despite only modest changes in the ground level measurements. This gives hints that successful regulation of air quality requires maintaining a delicate balance between our social perceptions and the physical reality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response to Current Air Quality Changes in Small and Large Areas)

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14 pages, 2309 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of the Phytotoxicity of Leachate from a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill: The Case Study of Bukov Landfill

by Markéta Šourková, Dana Adamcová, Jan Zloch, Zdzisław Skutnik and Magdalena Daria Vaverková

Environments 2020, 7(12), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7120111 - 13 Dec 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4754

Abstract

Municipal solid waste landfilling, landfilling process and landfill reclamation result in leachate, which may be dangerous to the environment. Municipal solid waste leachate phytotoxicity tests were performed using the toxicity test and a subchronic toxicity pot experiment by direct application of leachate to [...] Read more.

Municipal solid waste landfilling, landfilling process and landfill reclamation result in leachate, which may be dangerous to the environment. Municipal solid waste leachate phytotoxicity tests were performed using the toxicity test and a subchronic toxicity pot experiment by direct application of leachate to reference soil in 5, 25, and 50% concentration for a period of 28 days. White mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds were exposed to different leachate dilution. Leachate were collected monthly in 2018 in the period from April to September. Furthermore, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen were measured. The inhibition results on Sinapis alba L. seeds in the tested leachate samples ranged from −18.02 to 39.03%. Lower concentration of leachate showed a stimulating effect (only for Sample 1 and Sample 2 at 5% concentration). It was found out that leachate taken at the landfill is phytotoxic. The results of measurements are based on rainfall which affects the quantity and quality of the leachate. The values of germinated seeds/growing plants from the subchronic toxicity pot experiment ranged from 80 to 104%; therefore, the leachate is considered phytotoxic. However, it was confirmed that leachate may be used for landfill irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Advanced Landfill Methods and Remote Sensing for Landfill Monitoring)

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15 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Waste Wash-Water Recycling in Ready Mix Concrete Plants

by Ayoup M. Ghrair, Andrew Heath, Kevin Paine and Muath Al Kronz

Environments 2020, 7(12), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7120108 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7358

Abstract

The management of waste wash-water (WWW) is one of the most significant environmental problems associated with ready-mix concrete production worldwide. The problems are exacerbated should it be disposed of in an inappropriate manner. This study evaluated the potential of WWW recycling in ready [...] Read more.

The management of waste wash-water (WWW) is one of the most significant environmental problems associated with ready-mix concrete production worldwide. The problems are exacerbated should it be disposed of in an inappropriate manner. This study evaluated the potential of WWW recycling in ready mix concrete plants in Jordan. A representative waste wash-water sample (400 L) was collected from a basin in a ready-mix concrete company. A pilot plant on the lab scale was fabricated and installed. The treatment system consisted of a concrete washout reclaimer, wedgebed slurry settling pond, slow sand filtration unit, and a neutralization unit. Water samples were collected from all stages of the pilot plant and analyzed. The collected waste wash-water samples were utilized for replacement of well water (mixing water) at various ratios. Fourteen concrete mixtures were produced and cast, as well as tested at various curing ages (7, 28, and 90 days). The results show that the raw WWW was not acceptable as mixing water even after dilution as it led to significant reductions in concrete compressive strength and low workability. However, the WWW from the settling pond, the filtered WWW and the filtered-neutralized WWW at dilution ratios up to 75% were shown to be potential alternatives to fresh water for ready-mixed concrete. Therefore, the current guidelines for mixing water quality should be revised to encourage the reuse of the WWW. Full article

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10 pages, 1209 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Germination and Seedling Growth Responses of Zygophyllum fabago, Salsola kali L. and Atriplex canescens to PEG-Induced Drought Stress

by Ali Reza Yousefi, Sakineh Rashidi, Parviz Moradi and Andrea Mastinu

Environments 2020, 7(12), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7120107 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 5054

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions, planting drought-tolerant species is the most useful strategy in the reclamation of degraded soils. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of simulated drought by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on seed germination and seedling growth of three desert [...] Read more.

In arid and semi-arid regions, planting drought-tolerant species is the most useful strategy in the reclamation of degraded soils. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of simulated drought by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on seed germination and seedling growth of three desert plants such as Atriplex canescens, Salsola kali and Zygophyllum fabago. Seeds were subjected to water stress to drought stress by PEG at five stress levels (0, −1, −4, −8, −12, −14 bars). Germination of Z. fabago was completely inhibited at an osmotic potential of −8, −10 and −12 bars and the germination of A. canescens was inhibited only at −14 bar. In contrast, S. kali responded positively to high levels of stress and our results showed the highest final germination percent (71.75, 54 and 18.25%) under three-drought stress −8, −12 and −14 bars, respectively. In addition, increasing PEG concentration adversely affected the germination rate and seedling vigor index as well as the root and shoot length of species. Under high stress levels, S. kali achieved a higher germination rate and seedling vigor index compared to Z. fabago and A. canescens. Among species, S. kali was the only one able to develop roots and shoots at −14 bar. Therefore, S. kali could be considered as a promising plant for the rehabilitation of degraded soils at risk of desertification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic of Vegetation and Climate Change)

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20 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Environmental and Political Determinants of Food Choices: A Preliminary Study in a Croatian Sample

by Marijana Matek Sarić, Krešimir Jakšić, Jelena Čulin and Raquel P. F. Guiné

Environments 2020, 7(11), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7110103 - 22 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3515

Abstract

Production, processing, transporting, selling, and consumption of food are highly resource intensive. Therefore, if they are not well managed the consequences for the environment are far-reaching. This study aimed at investigating behaviors and attitudes of the Croatian population concerning the influence of environmental [...] Read more.

Production, processing, transporting, selling, and consumption of food are highly resource intensive. Therefore, if they are not well managed the consequences for the environment are far-reaching. This study aimed at investigating behaviors and attitudes of the Croatian population concerning the influence of environmental and political determinants of food choices, and the socio-demographic factors associated with pro-environmental behavior. Data analysis involved a non-probabilistic sample of 1534 adult participants from Croatia who responded to a validated questionnaire from November 2017 to March 2018. To test differences between sociodemographic groups, Welch’s t-test (two groups) and ANOVA (multiple groups) were used. The relationship between age and motivators of food choices was analyzed with Pearson’s r correlation coefficient. Participants reported a neutral rate of agreement with the items, with the exception of items related to food waste and food origin, for which they expressed a moderate amount of agreement. Socio-demographic factors that influence environmentally or politically concerned food choices in our study were age (older participants, p < 0.001), gender (women in comparison to men, p < 0.05), education level (higher education in comparison to elementary/high school, p < 0.05), marital status (married/cohabiting in comparison to unmarried, p < 0.05), responsibility for food supply (those who are responsible for food supply in comparison to those who are not responsible for food supply, p < 0.05), eating practices (participants with specific eating practices in comparison to participants without specific eating practices, p < 0.05), and smoking (those who have never smoked score and those who used to smoke in comparison to active smokers, p < 0.05). The results show that there are no statistically significant differences in environmental and political determinants of food choices based on the place of residence and employment status. The findings indicate that environmental and political determinants do not play a significant role in the food choices among the Croatian population. Full article

22 pages, 2500 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change Mitigation Policies in the Transportation Sector in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

by Tatiana Bruce da Silva, Patrícia Baptista, Carlos A. Santos Silva and Luan Santos

Environments 2020, 7(11), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7110099 - 07 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4358

Abstract

This study analyzes climate change mitigation policies focused on light-duty electric vehicles (LDEVs) in the transportation sector in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, in the 2016–2050 period. We use the Open Source Energy Modeling System (OSeMOSYS) to analyze scenarios that consider greater uptake [...] Read more.

This study analyzes climate change mitigation policies focused on light-duty electric vehicles (LDEVs) in the transportation sector in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, in the 2016–2050 period. We use the Open Source Energy Modeling System (OSeMOSYS) to analyze scenarios that consider greater uptake of LDEVs in different time frames, implementation of a CO₂ emission restriction policy, exclusion of fossil fuels from the power mix, and a combination of these policies. We find that carbon pricing, along with higher rates of LDEVs adoption, causes the highest emission reductions (up to 47%), albeit at higher costs. LDEVs become the preferred vehicle technology as soon as they reach cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles in different scenarios. Greater LDEVs uptake, however, leads to increased electricity consumption (up to 3%), which is provided by fossil fuels when there is no emission restriction policy. If restrictions are placed on the expansion of fossil fuel power plants, fewer LDEVs are adopted (up to less than 26%) because there is not enough electricity to supply the demand. Given the state’s power mix in 2016 (58% provided by fossil fuels), investment in zero-carbon energy is necessary for mitigation policies in the transportation sector to be effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deployment of Green Technologies for Sustainable Environment)

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65 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Urban Soils and Road Dust—Civilization Effects and Metal Pollution—A Review

by Manfred Sager

Environments 2020, 7(11), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments7110098 - 04 Nov 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5936

Abstract

Urban soils have been changed much by human impacts in terms of structure, composition and use. This review paper gives a general introduction into changes from compaction, mixing, water retention, nutrient inputs, sealing, gardening, and pollution. Because pollutions in particular have caused concerns [...] Read more.

Urban soils have been changed much by human impacts in terms of structure, composition and use. This review paper gives a general introduction into changes from compaction, mixing, water retention, nutrient inputs, sealing, gardening, and pollution. Because pollutions in particular have caused concerns in the past, metal pollutions and platinum group metal inputs have been treated in more detail. Though it is not possible to cover the entire literature done on this field, it has been tried to give examples from all continents, regarding geochemical background levels. Urban metal soil pollution depends on the age of the settlement, current emissions from traffic and industry, and washout. It seems that in regions of high precipitation, pollutants are swept away to the watershed, leaving the soils less polluted than in Europe. Health hazards, however, are caused by ingestion and inhalation, which are higher in 3rd world countries, and not by concentrations met in urban soils as such; these are not treated within this paper in detail. With respect to pollutants, this paper is focused on metals. Contrary to many reviews of the past, which mix all data into one column, like sampling depth, sieved grain sizes, digestion and determination methods, these have been considered, because this might lead to considerable interpretation changes. Because many datasets are not Gaussian distributed, medians and concentration ranges are given, wherever possible. Urban dust contains about two to three fold the hazardous metal concentrations met in urban soils. Some data about metal mobilities obtained from selective and sequential leaching procedures, are also added. Soil compaction, pollution, sealings and run-offs cause stress situations for green plants growing at roadside locations, which is discussed in the Section 5. Environmental protection measures have led to decrease metal pollutions within the last decade in many places. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminant Elements in Roadside Dust and Soil)

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