Human Activities Research Articles

Investigating the quality of European silver eels by quantifying contaminants and parasite infestation in a French Mediterranean lagoon complex.

Coastal lagoons are diverse habitats with significant ecological gradients, which provide crucial ecosystem services but face threats from human activities such as invasive species and pollution. Among the species inhabiting the lagoons, the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is an emblematic species strongly impacted by contamination and parasitism. Several indicators were developed to assess the quality of eel at a large geographic scale. Most indicators are based on the concentration of individual pollutant and/or abundance of parasites separately without considering individual variations. This study assessed the quality of 59 eels captured at three different sites inside a Mediterranean lagoon complex (the Camargue, South of France), by integrating multiple degradation factors (POPs, TEs, and A. crassus infestation) and considering individual eel characteristics (length, age, growth rate, and sex). Using multivariate TOPSIS analysis including these degradation factors, this study found that eel quality decreased with age but did not significantly vary between sites. When focusing on each degradation factor, A. crassus infestation rates were lower in older eels, independently to the site; however, the POPs and TEs contaminations were lower in the Grandes Cabanes site compared to the Vaccarès and Fumemorte sites even if smallerand younger eels were more contaminated by POPs. These findings reveal the fine-scale spatial variability in eel quality, with TOPSIS analysis providing a robust method to rank and score scenarios. This approach enhances the understanding of habitat degradation sources affecting eel contamination and parasitic infestation, supporting more effective strategies for sustainable habitat management.

Land use dynamics and their impact on hydrology and water quality of a river catchment: a comprehensive analysis and future scenario.

Land use changes profoundly affect hydrological processes and water quality at various scales, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water resource management. This paper investigates the implications of land use alterations in the Gap-Cheon watershed, analyzing data from 2012 and 2022 and predicting changes up to 2052 using the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The study employs the Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) model to assess water quantity and quality dynamics. Seven land use classes were identified, and their evolution was examined, revealing significant shifts in urban, agricultural, grassland, wetland, and forested areas. The model performance across observed data was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), percent bias (PBAIS), and mean absolute error (MAE). Results show the dynamic nature of land use changes, highlighting shifts in urbanization, agriculture, and forested areas. Notably, the study explores the consequences of these changes on water quantity and quality, scrutinizing surface runoff, evapotranspiration, stream flow, and nutrient loads. Urban green spaces emerge as key mitigators, regulating runoff and enhancing water absorption. Forests (vegetation) also play a crucial role in maintaining water balance, while wetlands act as natural filters for flood mitigation and water quality improvement. The findings underscore the importance of informed land use planning, recognizing urban green spaces, forests, and wetlands as integral components for sustainable watershed management. As society navigates environmental challenges, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment emphasizing the need for nature-based solutions in land use planning for resilient and balanced ecosystems.

Anthropogenized Karst Landscapes in the Area of the Pismata Locality in the Canyon Valley of the Rusenski Lom River near the Village of Ivanovo

The present paper is an attempt to reconstruct and assess the impact of localized, studied and documented permanent changes in anthropogenic rock sections, forms and formations. The karst rock crown shapes to a large extent the area of Pismata near the village of Ivanovo, Ruse region. It has for centuries suffered an active anthropogenic impact. The same has led to the gradual transformation of the vast majority of natural rock niches, caves, sheds, rock bridges and other karst formations into sites with different purposes for humans. The stages of human economic, household and cultural activity in the region have influenced the modern appearance of entire rock sections, passages, terraces and have led to the gradual formation of typical samples of anthropogenic karst landscapes. These samples can be used as a model and comparative material in identifying and studying different types of architectural, cultural and historical anthropogenic karst landscapes in the canyon valleys of the Rusenski Lom River and its tributaries, and in other areas with similar landscapes.

Effect of reserve protection level and governance on tree cover loss and gain.

Terrestrial protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, yet it is not fully understood when and how different types of protected areas are most effective in achieving specific conservation objectives. We assessed the impact of reserves on tree cover loss and gain through a case study in Tasmania, Australia. We considered varying protection levels (strict, where human activities are restricted, and multiple use) and governance types (public and private). We used a counterfactual matching approach to compare tree cover loss and gain between reserves and matched unprotected areas from 2004 to 2021. We accounted for forest policy changes, environmental covariates, and human pressures to reduce placement bias. We also characterized reserves by size, governance, management, and vegetation and compared covariates inside and outside reserves to define baseline conditions. Reserves established from 2004 to 2016 were overall 75.4% less likely to have lost tree cover and 16.0% more likely to have had tree cover gain compared with controls. Patterns of loss and gain varied by protection level and governance type. Multiple-use reserves were as effective as reserves in which human activities were more restricted. Privately managed reserves contributed to tree cover growth, and public reserves helped avoid loss. This highlights reserves' distinct contributions to conservation targets, with private reserves allowing for growth and restoration and public reserves acting as stable anchor points. Our results emphasize the importance of having a diverse array of protected areas to enhance the resilience of reserve networks. We advocate for adaptive regional measures and robust monitoring to achieve global ecological targets.

Biomonitoring of the Paraopeba river: Cytotoxic, genotoxic and metal concentration analysis three years after the Brumadinho dam rupture - Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The rupture of Vale S.A. mining tailings dam in Brumadinho, Brazil, in January 2019 had significant environmental impacts on the Paraopeba River basin. Additionally, severe floods in early 2022 contributed to the transport of particles in the river. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of Paraopeba River water. Thus, the Allium cepa test system was applied, along with physicochemical analyses, flow cytometry, and metal concentration, comparing the results between the rainy and dry seasons three years after the dam rupture. The tests were conducted on water samples collected during three periods: January 2022, July 2022, and January 2023, at five points along the river and its tributaries. Allium cepa seeds were exposed to the collected water samples, as well as negative (water) and positive (trifluralin) controls. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the mitotic index and flow cytometry, and genotoxicity by the chromosomal alterations index. The analysis of metals and physicochemical parameters revealed that most values complied with current regulations. However, there were exceptions, with ammonia levels exceeding the permitted limits at all points in the three collections. High levels of aluminum, iron and nitrite were found at most points, before and after the dam collapse, mainly during the rainy season. This indicates the impact of rainfall on water quality, which increases the transport of contaminating particles, probably resulting from human activities and the high concentration of nitrogen compounds released into the Paraopeba River. The results of the bioassay suggest a relatively low cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the samples evaluated. However, this study highlights the continuous contamination of the river by unidentified anthropogenic factors, requiring continuous monitoring and analysis to track the evolution of water quality and its environmental effects.

Spatial and temporal distribution patterns and conservation status of seagrasses in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea.

Seagrasses represent a significant class of marine foundation species, yet the distribution of seagrasses in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea remains uncertain, thereby impeding the efficacy of conservation and restoration practices. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of seagrasses was simulated by the MaxEnt model based on the construction of marine environment and human activity datasets. The main controlling factors affecting seagrass potential distribution were analyzed, and the response of seagrass distribution to global change was clarified. Additionally, the current status of protected and disturbed seagrass meadows was determined. The results indicate the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was enhanced (AUC=0.987) through the integration of a human activity index, pinpointing a highly suitable seagrass area of 867.64km2. The primary factors dictating seagrass distribution were identified as human activities index (18.4%), water quality indicators (including nitrate 20.9%, silicate 11.3%, and dissolved iron 6.4%), and topographic elements (such as bathymetry 15.1% and slope 12.0%). The highly suitable areas for seagrasses showed a gradual expansion in the future, with a projected increase of 12% in 2100 under the SSP585 scenario. A binary overlay analysis showed that only 2.61% of seagrass potential habitats (highly and moderately suitable areas) were adequately protected, highlighting a significant conservation gap in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea regions. On the contrary, seagrass potential habitats exposed to mariculture activities were as much as 49.76%. These findings underscore the urgent need for monitoring and protecting seagrasses in the study area, with the establishment of MPAs emerging as a viable conservation strategy. This research provides a scientific basis for understanding the degradation and conservation status of seagrass meadows and has important practical implications for targeted conservation and restoration efforts of these critical marine foundation species.

Ecological interactions amplify cumulative effects in marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity encompasses not only species diversity but also the complex interactions that drive ecological dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Still, these critical interactions remain overwhelmingly overlooked in environmental management. In this study, we introduce an ecosystem-based approach that assesses the cumulative effects of climate change and human activities on species in the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem, eastern Canada, by explicitly accounting for the effects arising from species interactions within a multiple stressors framework. Our findings reveal previously unrecognized threats to exploited and endangered fishes and marine mammals, exposing noteworthy gaps in existing management and recovery strategies. By integrating the less obvious yet no less substantial effects arising from species interactions into cumulative effects assessments, our approach provides a robust tool to guide more comprehensive and effective management and conservation efforts for marine species.

Effects of Low-Severity Fire on the Composition and Stability of Soil Organic Carbon in Permafrost Peatlands (Northeast China).

Climate change and human activity are increasing the frequency of wildfires in peatlands and threatening permafrost peatland carbon pools. In Northeast China, low-severity prescribed fires are conducted annually on permafrost peatlands to reduce the risk of wildfires. These fires typically do not burn surface peat but lead to the loss of surface vegetation and introduction of pyrogenic carbon. However, the long-term effects of repeated low-severity fires on soil carbon stability in these ecosystems remain unclear. Thus, we conducted low-severity prescribed fire experiments over 3 years in the permafrost peatlands of the Great Khingan Mountains. Our findings showed a gradual decline in the total carbon content, primarily due to the reduction in free particulate organic matter (fPOM). Initially, fPOM was higher in the burned sites but decreased with repeated burning. Chemical analyses revealed a 32% increase in the aromaticity of the fPOM at the burned sites, which diminished the thermal stability of the soil. Furthermore, both prescribed fires and the addition of pyrogenic carbon reduced biological stability while increasing enzyme activity and CO2 production, which was attributed to the introduction of post-fire pyrogenic carbon. These results suggest that low-severity fires compromise the stability of permafrost peatlands, particularly because the pyrogenic carbon input alters the chemical composition of the soil carbon fraction.

Psycho-physiological foundations of human physical activity behavior and motivation: Theories, systems, mechanisms, evolution, and genetics.

Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof Physical activity is a meaningful part of life, which starts before birth and lasts until death. There are many health benefits to be derived from physical activity, hence, regular engagement is recommended on a weekly basis. However, these recommendations are often not met. This raises the question: when and why are people motivated to be physically active? Attempts to explain the motivation for physical activity (or lack thereof) have been the research interest for many years and disciplines. In this review, we provide evidence suggesting that physical activity behavior and the psycho-physiological foundations thereof are influenced by evolution, genetics, life stage, and the environment. The psycho-physiological foundations in turn comprise motivational and volitional factors as described in traditional psychological theories, psychological states and traits such as affective and stress reactions, as well as physiological states and systems (e.g. anatomical development and neural networks and transmitters). Importantly, physical activity elicits differential physiological responses and subjective experiences, which may impact future physical activity behavior and motivation. In summary, the interplay of psycho-physiological mechanisms and the importance of examining the ultimate mechanism for physical activity behavior are emphasized. The synthesis of knowledge provided in this review provides impetus for theory development and can facilitate the promotion of physically active lifestyles.

Variations in land surface temperature increase in South-East Asian Cities.

Climate change and global warming are terms used to describe the variation in the Earth's mean temperature as a result of human activities contributing to the formation of urban heat islands (UHI). One method for determining the temperature of a region is the land surface temperature (LST). The study of LSTs is important and closely related to climate change, as is the provision of convenient living and working conditions in cities, which support economic growth. The NASA Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) database was utilized to gather data on the LST for each subregion from 2000 to 2022. The study area comprises 11 capital cities from Southeast Asian (SEA) nations, organized into nine sub-regional super-regions. This study used the specific area of cities as a study area different from the previous study that covered islands. The objective of the present study was to employ a cubic spline model with seven or eight nodes to assess the periodicity and fluctuations in LST in SEA cities. A 95% confidence interval was then created using the LST variation. An adequate representation of the cyclical pattern in the cubic spline equation required eight knots. The research revealed a statistically significant increase in the mean daily LST in 8 of the 11 SEA super-regions. The findings showed a confidence interval of [0.295, 0.447] °C at the 95% confidence level and an overall average increase in the LST at SEA of 0.371°C per decade. While the LST increased in Jakarta, Hanoi, Vientiane, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Phnom Penh, it remained unchanged in the Bandar Seri Begawan super-region. On the other hand, the LST was slightly lower in Naypyidaw and marginally greater in Manila. An increase in LST in SEA cities indicates global warming due to reduced green areas.

Porous Carbon Nanoparticle Composite Paper Fiber with Laser-Induced Graphene Surface Microstructure for Pressure Sensing.

In recent years, flexible pressure sensors have played an increasingly important role in human health monitoring. Inspired by traditional papermaking techniques, we have developed a highly flexible, low-cost, and ecofriendly flexible pressure sensor using shredded paper fibers as the substrate. By combining the properties of laser-induced graphene with the structure of paper fibers, we have improved the internal structure of pressure-sensitive paper and designed a conical surface microstructure, providing new insights into nanomaterial engineering. It features low resistance (424.44 Ω), low energy consumption of only 0.367 μW under a pressure of 1.96 kPa, high sensitivity (1.68 kPa-1), and a wide monitoring range (98 Pa-111.720 kPa). The pressure-sensitive paper with surface microstructure (MFTG) developed in this study has a total thickness comparable to A4 paper, is soft and bendable, can be cut into any shape like paper to fit the human body, and holds great potential for continuous monitoring of human activity status and physiological information.

Research on the spatial-temporal distribution of three-dimensional carbon footprint in different urban agglomerations in China.

This study expands the original two-dimensional carbon footprint model into a three-dimensional model form. Introduce two indicators of carbon footprint depth (CFdepth) and size (CFsize) to form a three-dimensional carbon footprint model (CF3D), which is used to respectively represent the occupation and consumption of natural capital reserves by human activities' carbon emissions. Based on the 3D carbon footprint model, this paper calculated the CFsize, CFdepth, and CF3D for four different urban agglomerations of China (BTH, YRD, PRD, and CY) spanning from 2000 to 2017. Building on this, the study analyzed the spatial-temporal and dynamic characteristics of the multivariate collaboration between CFsize, CFdepth, and GDP using a multivariate collaborative relationship model. The research findings reveal that (1) from 2000 to 2017, the utilization of natural capital stock in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), and Chengyu (CY) urban agglomerations were in an unsustainable development state, with their CFdepth exceeding 1. Among these regions, the degree of natural capital consumption was PRD > BTH > YRD > CY. (2) There manifests an obvious regional complementary characteristic of CFsize and CFdepth. Regions coupled with abundant land resources (such as Chengde and Hangzhou) tend to have high CFsize and low CFdepth, whereas area with fewer land resources (such as Tianjin and Shanghai) exhibits the opposite pattern. (3) In four urban agglomerations, the relationship of temporal multivariate collaboration among CFsize, CFdepth, and GDP exhibits a declining trend from 2000 to 2017, with an average value ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. The change in their multivariate spatial collaboration was not pronounced throughout the course of the study.

Sources, levels, and determinants of indoor air pollutants in Europe: A systematic review.

Clean air is a requirement for life, and the quality of indoor air is a health determinant since people spend most of their daily time indoors. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available evidence regarding the sources, determinants and concentrations of indoor air pollutants in a set of scenarios under study in K-HEALTHinAIR project. To this end, a systematic review was performed to review the available studies published between the years 2013-2023, for several settings (schools, homes, hospitals, lecture halls, retirement homes, public transports and canteens), conducted in Europe, where sources and determinants of the indoor pollutants concentrations was assessed. After a two-stage screening in abstract and full-text, 148 papers were included for data extraction. For particulate matter, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds, several emission sources were identified (occupancy, human activities, resuspension, cleaning products, disinfectants, craft activities, cooking, smoking), with ventilation, number of occupants, building characteristics, being considered as important determinants. This review made also possible to discuss some of the actions that are already in place or should be implemented in the future to prevent and control the presence of pollutants indoors.

Thrombolytic efficacy and safety of recombinant scu-PA in a rabbit retinal vein occlusion model.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) has become the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. Existing therapeutic approaches, including intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) and/or glucocorticoids and laser therapy, primarily address secondary macular edema and neovascularisation. However, these strategies do not address the underlying cause of the disease and may have harmful side effects. There is an urgent need for therapies that have a better prognosis and include the administration of thrombolytics at an early stage. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the thrombolytic effect of treatment with recombinant human Single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activators (scu-PA)and the differences in its efficacy at different doses in a rabbit RVO model. In addition, through a series of ophthalmological examinations, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electrophysiology, conducted to ascertain the effects of treatment with scu-PA on the ocular fibrinolytic system, we noted a definitive safety window for the vitreous administration of scu-PA. Therefore, this study is the first to confirm that an intravenous or vitreous cavity injection of scu-PA has definitive potential for treating RVO; however, additional clinical studies are needed for further validation.

WIMUSim: simulating realistic variabilities in wearable IMUs for human activity recognition

WIMUSim: simulating realistic variabilities in wearable IMUs for human activity recognition

Environmental thresholds of semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) as an indicator of environmental change in Amazon streams.

Freshwater ecosystems under the influence of human activities are subject to multiple environmental stressors that lead to biodiversity loss and habitat modification. In recent years, various organisms have been used as bioindicators to detect environmental changes by their ability to perceive changes in community attributes. A good example is the semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera, infra order Gerromorpha) that act as predators and are sensitive to subtle changes in environmental conditions. Our research aimed to investigate the responses of Gerromorpha communities, genera, and species along an environmental gradient in 45 Amazon streams. The environmental gradient was assessed utilizing the Habitat Integrity Index (HII) across the sampled streams, yielding a collection of 2.212 specimens representing three families, seven genera, and 36 species. The habitat integrity, represented by the HII, showed a positive relationship between species richness and the richness of genera of Gerromorpha, underscoring that both species and genera respond to environmental change in the analyzed habitats. Brachymetra lata (Gerridae), Rhagovelia jubata, and R. elegans (Veliidae) were the most sensitive taxa with a positive relationship to HII. Streams characterized by higher anthropogenic disturbance and reduced riparian vegetation were associated with a biodiversity pattern marked by increased abundance and frequency of generalist species and reduced genus frequency within the Veliidae family. We hope that the results of this study will contribute to future biomonitoring programs in response to habitat and species loss, aiming to assist decision-making to protect and restore riparian vegetation areas.

Ocean current modulation of the spatial distribution of microplastics in the surface sediments of the Beibu Gulf, China.

Microplastic pollution, a major global environmental issue, is gaining heightened attention worldwide. Marginal seas are particularly susceptible to microplastic contamination, yet data on microplastics in marine sediments remain scarce, especially in the Beibu Gulf. This study presents a large-scale investigation of microplastics in the surface sediments of the Beibu Gulf to deciphering their distribution, sources and risk to marginal seas ecosystems. The results reveal widespread microplastic contamination, with an average abundance of 391 ± 27 items/kg in sediments. The spatial variability of microplastic abundance was significant, with lower levels in the western Beibu Gulf and higher concentrations in the northeastern and southeastern regions. The spatial distribution of microplastics was largely driven by geological features, hydrodynamic conditions, and human activity, with minimal influence from local environmental factors such as water depth, sediment grain size, organic carbon content, and sediment types. The pollution load index (PLI) suggests a low level of microplastic contamination, but the polymer hazard index (PHI) identified a high ecological risk, likely due to the presence of PVC, a polymer with higher chemical toxicity. Our findings highlight the significant role of hydrodynamic processes in determining microplastic distribution in the Beibu Gulf. These insights enhance our understanding of microplastic dispersal and its governing factors in semi-enclosed marginal seas, providing foundation for targeted pollution control strategies.

Identification of hydrochemical processes and assessment of groundwater quality: a case study of the intergranular aquifer in Dili City, Timor-Leste

ABSTRACT Drinking water quality is a major concern in Quaternary sedimentary areas with unplanned urban growth and poor waste management, like Dili City, which relies heavily on groundwater to meet daily needs. This study assesses the suitability of groundwater for drinking by analyzing 113 samples from domestic wells, taking into account natural and human influences. The analysis focuses on major and minor ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, F⁻), physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids), and toxic elements (Mn, Fe, Pb, Al, As, Zn, Cd, Ni). Statistical methods (PCA and HCA) are used to determine the group of water types and trace chemical origins, while the Water Quality Index (WQI) assesses drinking suitability. Groundwater types identified include Ca-Cl-HCO₃, mixed Ca-Mg-HCO₃, Na-HCO₃, mixed Na-Cl-HCO₃, and Ca-HCO₃, with Ca-Mg-HCO₃ being the most common. The major ions are ordered as Ca > Na > Mg > K and HCO₃ > SO₄ > Cl. The Gibbs diagram shows the main geochemical processes are rock-water interactions, especially silicate and carbonate weathering. Organic matter and human activities also play a role. The WQI shows that 93.81% of the samples are “excellent” for drinking, while 2.65% and <1% are “good” and “poor” quality respectively.

Evaluation of ecological geological environment carrying capacity and analysis of driving mechanisms based on normal cloud model and geodetector model

The Luoyang area of the Yellow River Basin, as a typical resource-based city, its special industrial structure and complex geological structure make the ecological and geological environment of the area extremely fragile. In order to realize the sustainable development of the region in this fragile ecological-geological environment, it is necessary to study its Ecological Geological Environmental Carrying Capacity (EGECC) to better serve the regional ecological-geological environment restoration and management work. This study constructs an indicator system encompassing three subsystems: Geological Environment (GE), Social Environment (SE), and Ecological Environment (EE). Based on game theory combination weighting (G1-IEW-GT) and the Normal Cloud model, the EGECC of Luoyang City from 2000 to 2022 was evaluated on a grid scale. Concurrently, a coupled model of geographic detectors and geographically weighted regression was established to recognize the spatial heterogeneity and driving mechanisms of the ecological geological environment system. The findings demonstrate that: (1) The overall EGECC in the Luoyang region of the YRB fluctuates upward, with the eastern area displaying more favorable conditions compared to the western region. (2) Over these twenty-two years, the geological environment system experienced initial deterioration followed by improvement, the ecological environment system remained relatively stable, and social and economic development continuously strengthened. (3) Landform types, elevation, human activity impact index, population density, and geological disaster susceptibility are the main driving elements for the assessment of the ecological geological environment system. Any pair of the 18 variables show varying degrees of enhancement effects on the EGECC. (4) The regression coefficients of the five major driving factors exhibit significant agglomeration characteristics in spatial distribution. Among them, geological disaster susceptibility has a negative driving effect on the EGECC, while landform, human activity impact index, and population density all display bidirectional effects. Overall, this study provides essential guidance for formulating ecological protection and restoration plans for the national territorial space in the Luoyang area of the YRB. Additionally, the evaluation methods established in this study have promotional value and can serve as a reference for the ecological geological spatial management of other resource-based cities.

National scale assessment of the occurrence and risk of trace organic contaminants in Canadian Lake sediments.

In Canada studies on the presence of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides and flame retardants in lakes have primarily focused on the water column at localized scales. To address this gap, the occurrence of 44 TrOCs, representative of various types of human activities, was investigated in surface sediments (0-2cm) from 193 lakes across Canada. A total of 28 targeted TrOCs were detected, with 99.5% of the samples containing at least one detection, and one lake exhibiting up to 12 detections. The most frequently detected contaminants (> 20% of samples) were the insect-repellent diethyltoluamide (DEET), the UV filter oxybenzone, the flame retardants tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), the stimulant caffeine, and cotinine, a metabolite of the stimulant nicotine. Median reported concentrations of the targeted TrOCs ranged from 0.017pgg-1 to 359ngg-1, with a maximum value of 23,700ngg-1 observed for DEET in one lake. The geographic distribution of analyte concentrations varied by compound class: pharmaceuticals and consumer product additives were predominantly found in the more urbanized regions of Ontario and Quebec, whereas personal care products such as DEET and oxybenzone were more frequently detected in the western provinces of Canada. An environmental risk assessment based on an additive model conducted on three aquatic organisms (algae, cladocerans, and fish) revealed that 4% and 6% of the lakes posed a potentially high risk for cladocerans and algae, respectively. A geographical analysis indicated that lakes in the south of the eastern provinces of Canada presented the highest risks for all three species. These findings represent the first large-scale results detailing the extent of contamination caused by TrOCs on Canadian lake sediments. They establish reference levels that can guide future monitoring efforts and inform policy discussions aimed at protecting lake ecosystems.