Accumulation Of Pollutants Research Articles

Choline supplementation reduces cadmium uptake and alleviates cadmium toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings

Sustainable plant production in soil polluted with heavy metals requires that novel strategies are developed for the benefit of humans and other living things. Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal pollutant for plants, and there is limited information on the use of exogenous bio-regulators to reduce the accumulation and toxic effects of Cd pollution in plants. Choline is an endogenous quertarnary amine that is known to improve stress tolerance in plants, while its mechanism of action in certain conditions is yet to be determined. This study investigated the effects of foliar choline supplementation (10 mM) on Solanum lycopersicum seedlings exposed to Cd application (50 mg/L in soil). The seedlings were randomized to five groups: Control (E1), Cd stress (E2), Choline supplementation after Cd stress (E3), Choline (E4), and Choline supplementation before Cd stress (E5). Following the applications, the Cd content, growth and development parameters (chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weight), oxidative stress parameters (H2O2 and MDA contents), as well as antioxidative defense system (SOD, GSH, AsA, and TPC contents) were analyzed. Choline supplementation after Cd stress reduced the enhanced Cd content in roots by 38% but did not alter it in leaves (p > 0.05) compared to the Cd group. Choline supplementation before Cd stress decreased Cd content both in roots by 87.5% and in leaves by 50%. Choline supplementation after and before Cd stress increased fresh and dry weights in both roots and leaves. While the Cd group (E2) increased the H2O2 level and SOD activity, no remarkable change was observed in H2O2 levels in all choline supplementations (E3, E4, E5). Therefore, lipid peroxidation (MDA) was not observed in choline supplementation before Cd stress (E5), however, when the choline was applied after Cd stress (E3) MDA content was reduced by 40% compared with the Cd stress group (E2). Choline supplementations after and before Cd stress (E3, E5) increased AsA content by 30%, while the Cd group (E2) decreased it by 60% compared with the control group (E1). Choline supplementations before Cd stress (E5) increased TPC by 33%, while the Cd group (E2) decreased it by 18%, moreover, when choline was applied after Cd stress (E3), no change was observed compared to the control group. These data suggest that choline prevents inhibition of plant growth due to Cd toxicity by reducing Cd uptake. The results provided in the present study are likely to enhance the quality and efficiency of crop production in heavy metal-polluted areas.

Dynamic pollution management strategies and coordination in aquatic product supply chain under eco-compensation: Perspective of extreme weather crisis

The ecological compensation mechanism emerges as a solution to reduce pollution for aquatic product supply chain. To comprehend the dynamic pollution management strategies and coordination under the ecological compensation mechanism, this study develops a stochastic differential game between farmers and firms from the perspective of extreme weather crisis. The subjects’ optimal decisions are explored in three cases including cooperative case, noncooperative case, and land transfer-cost sharing contract case. Then we simulate theoretical results and illustrate a case study to demonstrate the applicability of ecological compensation collaboration. The results indicate that the extreme weather crisis changes the evolutionary trend and steady state of pollution accumulation. Moreover, the land transfer-cost sharing contract could realize the Pareto improvement in high-risk environment especially after the crisis. But its coordination relies on the ecological compensation coefficient, which gets larger with the interval of [4.9,6.3] after the crisis, compared to the range of [4,5.4] before the crisis. Notably, the contract and ecological compensation mechanism exhibit a complementary relationship in response to the crisis. The findings could provide new inspirations for aquatic product supply chain to balance production and environmental protection.

Differences in distribution and characteristics of microplastics in sediments of the south-eastern part of the Gulf of Trieste

IntroductionThe Gulf of Trieste is prone to the accumulation of various pollutants and microplastics due to its geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. However, the distribution and sources of microplastics in this semi-enclosed area are poorly studied. The aim of our study was to determine the distribution and chemical composition of MP particles in the sediments of the Gulf of Trieste.MethodsIn this study, we collected 24 surface sediment samples using a Van Veen grab. Microplastics were extracted by density separation using NaCl. The size, shape, and color of the extracted microplastics were determined using an optical microscope, and the composition of the polymers was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.Results and discussionThe highest concentrations of up to 125 microplastic particles per 100 g dry sediment were found in coastal areas. Concentrations in the open sea were much lower, with an average of 3 particles per 100 g of sediment. Most of the microplastic was fibrous, made of polypropylene, 100–300 µm in size, and blue. This is the first study showing that microplastics are present in the sediments of the south-eastern part of the Gulf of Trieste. The findings suggest that microplastics exhibit a tendency to be retained within the sediment, leading to their accumulation primarily in a narrow coastal area rather than dispersing offshore. Our results will contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution and possible sources of plastics and microplastics in the Gulf of Trieste and even beyond in similar semi-enclosed marine areas.

Influence of micro- and nano-plastics on phenanthrene adsorption at the root-water interface

The adsorption of organic pollutants onto plant root surfaces is an initial crucial stage in the transfer of these pollutants from aqueous or soil solutions to plant systems. This study explored the potential influence of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) (0.1–100 μm) on the process of phenanthrene (Phe) adsorption at the root–water interface. The findings indicate that MNPs can exhibit either promotional or inhibitory effects on the root adsorption of organic pollutants, depending on both their particle size and content. Specifically, both the sorption capability of MNPs for Phe and their tendency to accumulate on or within root tissues increase with decreasing particle size. These dual effects facilitate the accumulation of nanoscale MNPs (0.1–6 μm in this work) within roots, which function as efficient carriers for Phe and increase Phe accumulation in root tissues. In contrast, MNPs with larger particle sizes (1–100 μm in this work) exhibit reduced affinity for roots and are more prone to remain in solution, thereby exerting more pronounced competitive inhibition against the adsorption of Phe by roots. However, when the concentration of nano-plastics in the rootwater system exceeded the retention capacity of the roots, the excess nano-plastics could compete with the roots for Phe, potentially reducing overall Phe sorption by the roots. These conditional effects of MNPs as either competitors or facilitators (vectors) in the root adsorption processes of organic pollutants may account for the different roles observed in previous studies where MNPs exhibited varying effects on the plant accumulation of organic pollutants.

MOF Nanosheet-Functionalized Poly(lactic acid) Meta-membranes for Long-Term Air Purification and Intelligent Monitoring.

The wide use of conventional polymeric air filters is causing a dramatically increasing accumulation of plastic and microplastic pollution. The development of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibrous membranes for efficient air purification is of important significance but frequently challenged by the rapid decay of filtration performance due to the intrinsically poor electret properties of PLA. Here, we propose an electroactivity promotion methodology, involving the one-step synthesis and homogeneous incorporation of high-dielectric ZIF-8 nanosheets (ZIFNSs), to facilitate interfacial polarization and fiber refinement during electrospinning of PLA nanofibers. The preparative electrospun PLA/ZIFNS meta-membranes exhibited an unusual combination of significantly reduced nanofiber diameter (∼462 nm), enhanced surface potential (approaching 10 kV), and increased surface activity and facilitated the formation of electroactive phases. With well-controlled morphological features, the highly electroactive PLA/ZIFNS meta-membranes exhibited exceptional filtration efficiencies for PM2.5 and PM0.3 (99.2 and 96.0%, respectively) even at the highest airflow rate of 85 L/min, in clear contrast to that of its pure PLA counterpart (only 79.3 and 74.6%). Arising from the increased electroactivity and active contact sites, remarkable triboelectric performance and self-charging mechanisms were demonstrated for the PLA/ZIFNS meta-membranes, contributing to long-term efficient PM0.3 filtration (97.5% for over 360 min). Moreover, as triggered by physiological activities like respiration and speaking, the electroactive PLA/ZIFNS meta-membranes enabled real-time monitoring with high sensitivity and specificity. The proposed strategy affords significant promotion of electroactivity and triboelectric performance for PLA nanofibers, which may motivate the development of ecofriendly protective membranes for respiratory healthcare and real-time monitoring.

Influence of habitat utilization strategies on trace element signatures in egg contents of green turtles nesting on Xisha Islands, South China Sea

Habitat utilization significantly influences the accumulation of chemical pollutants, including trace elements (TEs), in the tissues of large marine organisms. Previous research has demonstrated that sea turtles nesting in the same location may employ distinct foraging strategies. This study investigated the influence of habitat use strategies on the concentrations of 16 TEs in the eggs of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting on the Xisha Islands. The analysis incorporated stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes, as well as characteristic elements. Additionally, inter-relationships between TEs were examined. The nesting female green turtles were categorized into two foraging groups based on isotopic signatures, namely oceanic (δ13C values: −21.5 to −17.0 ‰; δ15N values: 7.10 to 12.5 ‰) and neritic (δ13C values: −14.4 to −9.95 ‰ and δ15N values: 5.10 to 10.0 ‰). Different TE patterns were observed in the egg contents of these two groups. The neritic group exhibited elevated levels of V and Cu, which positively corrected with δ13C values. Conversely, the oceanic group displayed higher levels of Zn, Cd, Se, Sn, As and Hg, which positively associated with δ15N values. This distribution pattern is attributed to variations in background TE concentrations in the respective foraging habitats. Additionally, prey items and trophic levels of green turtles may contribute to the observed inter-group differences in TE concentrations (e.g. Zn, As, Se, Sn) found in their eggs, warranting further research. This study provides valuable information about habitat utilization patterns and TE distribution in green turtles nesting on the Xisha Islands. The findings enhance our understanding of TE accumulation mechanisms in turtle tissues and eggs, which is significant for the conservation of this endangered species, the green sea turtle.

Research on an adaptive prediction method for restaurant air quality based on occupancy detection

This study evaluates the impact of personnel on air quality in air-conditioned restaurant environments during winter, summer, and transitional seasons, characterized by the peculiarities of personnel movement, high concentration of personnel in a short period of time, poor ventilation and high personnel density, leading to the accumulation of pollutants that can severely damage personnel health. This study examines carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations and proposes an online adaptive model for their prediction.Environmental influence factors are analyzed through correlations of measured data, and appropriate input parameters (time-lagged cumulative number of people) are selected. The Auto-Regressive with Exogenous Inputs (ARX) model is used to predict the change of air quality with the movement and number of people, compared with classical models (LR, DT, SVM, ENS, GPR, NN, VARX). Results show that the ARX model performs excellently in predicting restaurant environments; the effect of different environmental factors on the predictive effectiveness of the model was also explored. When combined with real-time sensor data and AIC-based adaptive optimization, the prediction accuracy is further improved by more than 25 %. The R2 of the ARX model is 0.9549, the MAE is 0.8352 μg/m3 and the MAPE is 3.17 %. The adaptively optimized model can be adapted to different environments, overcoming the problem of poor adaptability of such models. Our results enable effective environmental control strategies in public spaces, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being by reducing health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

Metal Bioaccumulation and Biochemical Responses in Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)

Caretta caretta (Cheloniidae, Cryptodira) is a species of turtle considered a ‘flagship species’ in the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, the circular marine currents and semi-enclosed configuration of the Mediterranean Sea encourage the accumulation of pollutants (metals, pesticides, etc.) emitted by human activities. Tunisia suffers particularly from coastal urbanisation and industrial development. Metal concentrations (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were measured in distinct tissues (heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle) of loggerhead turtles stranded in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) to estimate the pollution levels in this emblematic species. High concentrations of arsenic and cadmium were found in marine turtles. Therefore, the differential accumulation of metals was measured in the tissues. For example, the liver appears to be a preferential organ for the accumulation of copper, iron, silver and zinc. In contrast, cobalt and cadmium were more concentrated in the kidneys, while arsenic, chromium and nickel were mainly found in the muscles. Antioxidant enzyme responses (catalase, GPx and SOD) and lipid peroxidation were more expressed in the liver and kidneys than in the muscles.

Exploring global oceanic persistence and ecological effects of legacy persistent organic pollutants across five decades.

Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has intensified following regulatory efforts aimed at reducing their release. In this context, we compiled over 10,000 POP measurements, reported from 1980 to 2023, to assess the effectiveness of these legislative measures in the global marine environments. While a general decreasing trend in legacy POP concentrations is evident across various maritime regions, highlighting the success of source control measures, the Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas have experienced a rise in POP levels. This increase suggests the northward migration of pollutants via ocean currents from mid-latitude regions to polar areas. Despite global efforts to reduce emissions, the continued transport and accumulation of pollutants to the Arctic regions may have substantial ecological impacts. Addressing these environmental challenges demands a thorough understanding of POP dynamics, including response times, multiphase transport, and biogeochemical cycling. Continued research into these processes is vital to accurately map their distribution and temporal variations within marine systems.

Co-exposure to microplastics and soil pollutants significantly exacerbates toxicity to crops: Insights from a global meta and machine-learning analysis

Environmental contamination of microplastics (MPs) is ubiquitous worldwide, and co-contamination of arable soils with MPs and other pollutants is of increasing concern, and may lead to unexpected consequences on crop production. However, the overall implications of this combined effect, whether beneficial or detrimental, remain a subject of current debate. Here, we conducted a global meta and machine-learning analysis to evaluate the effects of co-exposure to MPs and other pollutants on crops, utilizing 3346 biological endpoints derived from 68 different studies. Overall, compared with control groups that only exposure to conventional soil contaminants, co-exposure significantly exacerbated toxicity to crops, particularly with MPs intensifying adverse effects on crop morphology, oxidative damage, and photosynthetic efficiency. Interestingly, our analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the accumulation of pollutants in the crop due to the presence of MPs. In addition, the results revealed that potential adverse effects were primarily associated with crop species, MPs mass concentration, and exposure duration. Our study reaffirms the substantial consequences of MPs as emerging pollutants on crops within the context of integrated pollution, providing novel insights into improving sustainability in agro-ecosystems.

Concentrations of radionuclides and trace elements in wetlands.

Environmental risks in wetlands are considered with radionuclides and trace elements to understand pollution accumulation. In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of radiation and heavy metals in water systems and assess pollution configurations. Radionuclides (222Rn, 210Pb and 210Po) and trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were measured to evaluate anthropogenic factors. Water pollution in wetlands was indicated by mean concentrations of 66.2mBq/L for 222Rn, 3mBq/L for 210Pb, 42mBq/L for 210Po, 41ppb for Zn, 37ppb for Ba, 190ppb for Fe and 481ppb for Sr. These pollutants may be related to industrial facilities in Kırklareli city, Türkiye.

Multi-Scale Meteorological Impact on PM2.5 Pollution in Tangshan, Northern China.

Tangshan, a major industrial and agricultural center in northern China, frequently experiences significant PM2.5 pollution events during winter, impacting its large population. These pollution episodes are influenced by multi-scale meteorological processes, though the complex mechanisms remain not fully understood. This study integrates surface PM2.5 concentration data, ground-based and upper-air meteorological observations, and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2015 to 2019 to explore the interactions between local planetary boundary layer (PBL) structures and large-scale atmospheric processes driving PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan. The results indicate that seasonal variations in PM2.5 pollution levels are closely linked to changes in PBL thermal stability. During winter, day-to-day increases in PM2.5 concentrations are often tied to atmospheric warming above 1500 m, as enhanced thermal inversions and reduced PBL heights lead to pollutant accumulation. Regionally, this aloft warming is driven by a high-pressure system at 850 hPa over the southern North China Plain, accompanied by prevailing southwesterly winds. Additionally, southwesterly winds within the PBL can transport pollutants from the adjacent Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to Tangshan, worsening pollution. Simulations from the chemical transport model indicate that regional pollutant transport can contribute to approximately half of the near-surface PM2.5 concentration under the unfavorable synoptic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of multi-scale meteorology in predicting and mitigating severe wintertime PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan and surrounding regions.

Effects of sea-land breeze on air pollutant dispersion in street networks with different distances from coast using WRF-CFD coupling method

A WRF-CFD coupled model with high-temporal resolution is employed to investigate pollutant dispersions during a sea-land breeze (SLB) day in an identical building block configuration at three locations in Shanghai, China, and the blocks are set at the coast (L1), downtown (L2) and inland (L3). The results show that the localized wind speed drops below 1 m/s during the sea-land-breeze collision period (SLBCP), which leads to pollutant accumulation. The closer the block is to the coast, the earlier occurrence and longer duration of SLBCP, and Blocks L1, L2, and L3 experience SLBCPs during the morning peak traffic period (MPTP), low-traffic-volume period (at midday), and evening peak traffic period (EPTP), with durations of 2.5 h, 2 h, and 1 h, respectively. Due to the low wind speeds of both land breezes and sea breezes during the overlap of MPTP and SLBCP, the pollutant concentration in Block L1 is significantly elevated, and the peak concentration is two times higher than that in the non-coastal blocks (L2 and L3). Block L2 shows a peak concentration during the midday low-traffic-volume period, while no evident peak concentration is found in L3 in EPTP. The mean concentrations in Blocks L1, L2, and L3 during EPTP are 72 %, 57 %, and 31 % lower than those during MPTP, respectively. This suggests that SLB has significantly different effects on wind fields and pollutant dispersion in building blocks with different distances from the coast and can provide reference data for transport planning in coastal cities.

Research on the mechanisms of 2D road runoff pollution migration and the influence of pipeline overflow onto roads

In this paper, a novel numerical model capable of high-resolution, accurate simulation of the accumulation, wash-off, and migration of nonpoint source (NPS) pollutants on roads is proposed, effectively addressing the challenge of limited pipe network data for high-density urban building communities. This approach is based on a 1D-2D hydrodynamic and water quality dynamic bidirectional coupling model: GAST-SWMM. The calculation accuracy of the GAST two-dimensional road NPS wash-off model is validated via comparison with experimental data. The obtained Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) is greater than 0.8. Moreover, the model was used to simulate the NPSs in a densely populated urban region of Xi'an, China, lacking building community pipeline data. The NPS pollutant transport and fate under the influence of both road runoff and the building community hydrodynamic water quality during rainfall events with a specific return period were examined. The proposed model can effectively and accurately replicate the accumulation and removal of NPS pollutants on a two-dimensional road and their dynamic interaction with the drainage network. With increasing rainfall return period, the peak time of the surface contaminant total load is postponed. The maximum surface pollutant load durations during rainfall events with 2-, 10-, and 50-year return periods are 60, 75, and 80 min, respectively. During the peak surface pollutant load time, the overflow pollutant fraction can exceed 85% for a 50-year rainfall return period. The simulation method presented in this paper accurately captures the spatial and temporal variations in NPS pollutants in densely populated urban areas, even when pipe network data for building communities are lacking. This method offers valuable technical assistance for urban environmental management and water quality protection.

Insights into chemical aging of urban aerosols over Delhi, India

Atmospheric particles can undergo aging as they are transported over long distances and mix with particles from other sources. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and the formation of complex aerosol mixtures with diverse chemical and physical properties. To investigate the process of aging in ambient atmosphere, 24h sampling of PM2.5 aerosol particles on Quartz microfiber filter with a tin substrate was carried out from November 2020 to March 2021 at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi (28°38'10″ N and 77°10′17" E), using fine particle sampler. Based on the observations of weather and meteorological parameters, a few episodic cases have been selected, and samples were analyzed at bulk and individual particle level. The objective of the present study is to investigate the aging characteristics of aerosols, enabling us to understand the mixing of aerosols (at both bulk and individual particle levels) and the variation in fresh and deformed (aged with other species) graphitic content in the episodic cases. The Raman Spectroscopy technique employed measures the intensity of graphitic (G band; around 1580 cm−1) and disordered graphitic (D band; around 1320 cm−1) content of aerosols. Individual particle microscopic observations reveal the occurrence of open chain fractals of black carbon in variable monomer sizes, sometimes agglomerated with metals like Cu, Cr, Ca etc., along with the presence of S- rich and organic aerosols while the Raman Spectrum (bulk sample analysis) highlights graphitic and disordered (when graphite interacts with other chemical species) graphitic intensities. Comparing the intensities of heavy haze and moderate haze with non-haze days (for comparison purpose, March 23, 2021 with the lowest PM2.5 concentration ∼ 62 μg/m3, has been considered as a non-haze day), it was observed that the intensities recorded on haze days were 45 to 200 times higher for the G band and 43 to 93 times higher for the D band; while for moderate haze days, the intensities were 4 to 61 times higher for the G band and 2 to 29 times higher for the D band. These findings suggest chemical processing of BC during haze days.

A comprehensive assessment of heavy metals, VOCs and petroleum hydrocarbon in different soil layers and groundwater at an abandoned Al/Cu industrial site

Compound pollution at industrial sites impedes urban development, especially when there is a lack of understanding about the spatial variations of internal pollution in industrial areas producing light-weight materials. In this study, spatial distribution and ecological risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and petroleum hydrocarbons (C10–40) in the soil and groundwater of an Al/Cu (aluminum/copper) industrial site have been analyzed comprehensively. Results revealed the progressive clustering of pollutants in different soil layers, which indicated varying levels of penetration and migration of pollutants from the surface downward. Furthermore, severity of pollution varied according to pollutant type, with Cu (5–10,228 mg kg−1) often exceeding the background levels significantly (>40). Cd (0.03–2.60 mg kg−1) and Hg (0.01–3.73 mg kg−1) were found at elevated concentrations in deeper soil layers, suggesting distinct variations of PTEs across different soil depths. Among the more hazardous VOCS, polychlorinated biphenyls (1.80–234 μg kg−1) were particularly prevalent in the deeper layers of soil. Petroleum hydrocarbons (C10–40) were widely detected (6–582 mg kg−1), showing significant migration potential from surface to deep soil. These findings suggest that prolonged industrial activities lead to deep-seated accumulation of pollutants, which also impacts the groundwater, contributing to long-term dispersion of contaminants. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain positive correlations among the distribution of Cu, Pb and petroleum hydrocarbons, indicating possible coupling of these pollutants. Severe Cu pollution caused an ecological risk in the surface soil layer (covering >20 % area of high pollution site, contributing >40 % ecological risk). While the Hg and Cd posed significant risks in the deeper soil layers, showing higher risk coefficients and mobility. The study provides crucial insights into the transformation of urban areas with a history of industrial uses into community spaces and highlights the risks posed by the remaining pollutants.

Transcriptomics-based analysis reveals hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) induced kidney damage and lipid metabolism disorders in SD rats

Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) is an emerging environmental pollutant that can accumulate in air and surface water. Currently, it has been widely used in fluoropolymer industry, which could cause serious environmental pollution. Due to the high bioaccumulation, the accumulation of pollutants may have an adverse effect on the normal physiological function of the kidneys. However, the toxic effects of HFPO-TA on the kidney are unknown. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of HFPO-TA exposure on the rat kidney and its mechanism of action. Male SD rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (Ctrl group), L group (0.125 mg/kg/d), M group (0.5 mg/kg/d) and H group (2 mg/kg/d). After 14 consecutive days of gavage, periodic acid‑silver methenamine (PASM) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to examine the structure of the kidneys. We also used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the testes of rats in both the control and high dose groups. Besides, expression of key proteins was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that HFPO-TA can lead to injured renal capsule, change glomerular shape and have a significant impact on the protein expression levels of AQP2, p-AQP2 and PPARα. Additionally, the level of total cholesterol (TC) was obviously decreased after HFPO-TA exposure. RNA-seq analysis showed that HFPO-TA primarily affected peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway that is associated with lipid metabolism and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. In summary, exposure to HFPO-TA can lead to kidney damage and lipid metabolism disorders.

Application of biohybrid membranes for arsenic and chromium removal and their impact on pollutant accumulation in soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings.

Chromium and arsenic are among the priority pollutants to be controlled by regulatory and health agencies due to their ability to accumulate in food chains and the harmful effects on health resulting from the ingestion of food contaminated with metals and metalloids. In the present work, four biohybrid membrane systems were developed as alternatives for the removal of these pollutants, three based on polyvinyl alcohol polymeric mesh (PVA, PVA-magnetite, PVA L-cysteine) and one based on polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), all associated with bioremediation agents. The efficiency of the bioassociation process was assessed through count methods and microscopy. The removal capacity of these systems was evaluated in synthetic liquid medium, both in the absence and in the presence of soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings. The content of chromium and arsenic was also analyzed in aerial and hypogeous tissues of seedlings grown on contaminated solid substrate. PVA and PVA-magnetite biohybrid membranes showed the highest removal rates, between 57 and 75% of the initial arsenic content and more than 80% of the initial chromium content after 48h of treatment, when evaluated in synthetic liquid media with initial concentrations of 2.5ppm of pentavalent arsenic and 5ppm of hexavalent chromium, both in presence and absence of seedlings. PVA and PBAT promoted a significant reduction of arsenic translocation to the aerial parts, generally edible, of this crop of agronomic interest. The systems tested showed a high potential for biotechnological applications in matrices affected by the presence of arsenic and chromium.

Heavy Metal Biomonitoring in Cultured Rainbow Trout of the Black Sea and Risk Estimations on Its Consumption.

In recent years, the growing importance of fish species obtained through aquaculture, coupled with a decline in wild-caught fish, has raised concerns about the potential accumulation of pollutants in these fish. This work aimed to analyze the amounts of elements in trout cultured mainly between Sinop and Samsun shores at the south of the Black Sea and marketed in Sinop fish markets. The comparison of these values with national and internationally accepted regulations was conducted, and evaluation of health risks for consumers was performed. Oncorhynchus mykiss samples were bought in April, May, and June of 2022 and 2023. The heavy metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fish tissues were wet digested in Teflon vessels. The outcomes were contrasted with established regulatory limits for heavy metals in fish. Fortunately, the metal concentrations detected in the fillets were found to be below the permissible levels set by regulations, indicating that the fish were not significantly contaminated. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values, which are utilized to evaluate the possible health risks connected with heavy metal exposure, were calculated. It was reassuring to find that both EDI and THQ values were below the acceptable thresholds, suggesting that the consumption of O. mykiss is not likely to pose a threat to human health. To preserve seafood safety and safeguard public health, however, constant monitoring of fish metal levels is necessary.

Decadal changes in the Sea of Marmara indicate degraded ecosystem conditions and unsustainable fisheries

Globally, all marine ecosystems are under pressure by anthropogenic stressors. However, semi-enclosed seas are at a greater risk of degradation due to their limited connectivity to open seas. This leads to a greater accumulation of pollutants and abrupt regime shifts triggered by unsustainable exploitation of living resources, as ecosystems exhibit low degrees of redundancy and more frequent large-scale episodic events such as harmful algal blooms. The Sea of Marmara is a semi-enclosed marine region that has been subjected to various anthropogenic stressors since the 1990s. Recently, local and governmental authorities have employed basin-wide ecosystem management plans to control and manage point and nonpoint (diffuse) sources of pollutants. However, the management of fisheries in relation to the dynamics of the Sea of Marmara food web has attracted less attention from policymakers, even though fisheries exploitation is one of the most significant anthropogenic pressures. In this study, we capitalized on a previous static ecosystem model of the Sea of Marmara by revising and extending it to simulate the changes between 1990 and 2020. We delineated the temporal dynamics and regime shifts in the food web in terms of ecosystem structure and function by using ecological indicators and developed quantitative management advice for its fisheries. The results showed that the ecosystem has experienced three regimes since 1990, with regime shifts occurring with the onset of the 2000s and the mid 2010s. The first regime exhibited high diversity and material cycling, the second regime was characterized by low diversity and increased impact of fisheries, and the third regime culminated in a fished-down food web state. The analysis of fishery dynamics showed that the majority of harvested species were overexploited. We suggest that the implementation of quotas for exploited species should be considered an immediate solution to the unsustainable exploitation of fish stocks and can help restore ecosystem conditions.