Chemical Pollution Research Articles

An automated computational data pipeline to rapidly acquire, score, and rank toxicological data for ecological hazard assessment.

Biological Evaluations support Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service by federal action agencies, such as the USEPA, regarding impacts of federal activities on threatened or endangered species. However, they are often time-consuming and challenging to conduct. The identification of pollutant benchmarks or guidance to protect taxa for states and tribes when USEPA has not yet developed criteria recommendations is also of importance to ensure a streamlined approach to Clean Water Act program implementation. Due to substantial workloads, tight regulatory timelines, and the often-protracted length of ESA consultations, there is a need to streamline the development of biological evaluation toxicity assessments for determining the impact of chemical pollutants on ESA-listed species. Moreover, there is limited availability of species-specific toxicity data for many contaminants, further complicating the consultation process. New approach methodologies are being increasingly used in toxicology and chemical safety assessment to rapidly and cost-effectively provide data that can fill gaps in hazard and/or exposure characterization. Here, we present the development of an automated computational pipeline-RASRTox (Rapidly Acquire, Score, and Rank Toxicological data)-to rapidly extract and categorize ecological toxicity benchmark values from curated data sources (ECOTOX, ToxCast) and well-established quantitative structure-activity relationships (TEST, ECOSAR). As a proof of concept, points-of-departure (PODs) generated in RASRTox for 13 chemicals were compared against benchmark values derived using traditional methods-toxicity reference values (TRVs) and water quality criteria (WQC). The RASRTox PODs were generally within an order of magnitude of corresponding TRVs, though less concordant compared with WQC. The greatest utility of RASRTox, however, lies in its ability to quickly and systematically identify critical studies that may serve as a basis for screening value derivation by toxicologists as part of an ecological hazard assessment. As such, the strategy described in this case study can potentially be adapted for other risk assessment contexts and stakeholder needs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2203-2217. © 2024 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Impacts of long-term climate change on human health: a global scoping review

Abstract Introduction Research output on climate change and human health is growing rapidly. This can make it difficult to find and use relevant information to develop public health action. Methods We present a global scoping review of the rapidly growing quantitative research output on long-term climate change and human health. We searched Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for quantitative, English language literature published between January 2000 and June 2021 that referenced climate change and human health in titles, abstracts, or keywords. Results From 36,956 publications we identified 754 relevant studies. Europe, the Americas, and the Western Pacific were studied much more often than other WHO regions. Research on temperature and vectors accounted for 70% of all included publications. Malaria, diarrheal diseases, and cardiovascular diseases were the most studied specific health outcomes. We found very few studies on non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Retrospective publications (153) showed effects of climate change are already occurring worldwide. Most studies on tick-borne encephalitis, malaria, and lower respiratory infections associated with air pollution found impacts caused by climate change have increased. The strongest attribution of climate change was found for heat-related impacts. In prospective publications (626) diarrheal diseases, and impacts associated with heat and chemical air pollution were most consistently projected to increase. Future vector-borne disease impacts were projected to be highly location specific. Some studies demonstrated adaptation can effectively reduce impacts, while noting that capacity to adapt differs greatly between population groups. Conclusions Our findings underline climate change impacts are diverse and complex. Future research should prioritize the relatively understudied regions most vulnerable to climate change, such as Africa, and impacts beyond those related to temperature and vector-borne diseases.

Harnessing Ascidians as Model Organisms for Environmental Risk Assessment

Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) often relies on a restricted set of species as bio-indicators, introducing uncertainty when modeling complex environmental variables. This may lead to oversimplified or erroneous risk assessments. Ascidians, marine filter-feeding sessile chordates, are valuable models for scientific research in various biological fields such as stem cell biology, embryogenesis, regeneration, innate immunity, and developmental biology. Their global distribution, sensitivity to pollutants, high abundance, mass sexual reproduction, and habitation in coastal areas impacted by anthropogenic pollution make them excellent indicators for monitoring marine pollution and global environmental changes, including biological invasions and species diversity diminution cases. Despite their potential as environmental bioindicators, ascidians remain underutilized in ERAs (≤0.13% of ERA studies), particularly in the field of chemical pollution impact assessment, primarily due to a lack of standardization. This underrepresentation poses a challenge for accurate modeling, especially in models relying on a broad range of species (e.g., Species Sensitivity Distributions). Given these constraints, expanding the use of ascidians in ERAs could improve the comprehension and precision of environmental changes and their assessments. This underscores the necessity for future research to establish standardized testing protocols and choose the most suitable ascidian species for inclusion in ERAs.

Beyond greenhouse gases – Comprehensive planetary boundary footprints to measure environmental impact

The planetary boundary framework identifies nine areas of key environmental risk globally. The causes of climate change are well understood as a serious and existential threat; however the other eight areas of concern have a much more limited understanding of what is driving their continued increase.This research utilises Global Resource Input Output Assessment (GLORIA) multiregional input-output (MRIO) tables to map 15 footprint indicators across 51 sectors and seven global regions, identifying key sectors driving planetary boundary impacts and suggesting targeted interventions for sustainability.The relative role of emission intensity and total expenditure is shown, and potential trade-offs and synergies between sectors and indicators are identified. High-impact footprint clusters are identified as food and textiles, and the built environment, with moderate impacts from the services and energy sectors. These relationships are compared to several transformation agendas, identifying overlooked relationships and drivers, including the predominant role of commercial buildings and infrastructure in built environment impacts and the correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The primary driver of plastic use footprints is seen to be the built environment, however as a whole chemical pollution levels remain a significant unknown, and the challenge to globally stop the flow of further dangerous substances and clean up existing contaminated sites is large.By providing a detailed breakdown of planetary boundary drivers this work enables decision-makers to understand the risks and issues associated with economic purchases across all critical environmental pathways simultaneously to better prioritise action for a stable planet.

Micro(nano)plastic and Related Chemicals: Emerging Contaminants in Environment, Food and Health Impacts

Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people’s attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health.

Aerosol particle number concentration, ultrafine particle number fraction, and new particle formation measurements near the international airports in Berlin, Germany – First results from the BEAR study

Studies revealed airports as a prominent source of ultrafine particles (UFP), which can disperse downwind to residential areas, raising health concerns. To expand our understanding of how air traffic-related emissions influence total particle number concentration (PNC) in the airport’s surrounding areas, we conduct long-term assessment of airborne particulate exposure before and after relocation of air traffic from “Otto Lilienthal” Airport (TXL) to Berlin Brandenburg Airport “Willy Brandt” (BER) in Berlin, Germany. Here, we provide insights into the spatial–temporal variability of PNC measured in 16 schools recruited for Berlin-Brandenburg Air Study (BEAR).The results show that the average PNC in Berlin was 7900 ± 7000 cm−3, consistent with other European cities. The highest median PNC was recorded in spring (6700 cm−3) and the lowest in winter (5100 cm−3). PNC showed a bi-modal increase during morning and evening hours at most measurement sites due to road-traffic emissions. A comparison between measurements at the schools and fixed monitoring sites revealed good agreement at distances up to 5 km. A noticeable decline in this agreement occurred as the distance between measurement sites increased. After TXL was closed, PNC in surrounding areas decreased by 30 %. The opposite trend was not seen after BER was re-opened after the COVID-lock-down, as the air traffic has not reached the full capacity yet. The analysis of particle number size distribution data showed that UFP number fraction exhibit seasonal variations, with higher values in spring and autumn. This can be explained by nucleation events, which notably affected PNC.The presented findings will play a pivotal role in forthcoming source attribution and epidemiological investigations, offering a holistic understanding of airports’ impact on airborne pollutant levels and their health implications. The study calls for further investigations of air-traffic-related physical–chemical pollutant properties in areas found further away (> 10 km) from airports.

Combined toxicity of perfluoroalkyl substances and microplastics on the sentinel species Daphnia magna: Implications for freshwater ecosystems

Persistent chemicals from industrial processes, particularly perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become pervasive in the environment due to their persistence, long half-lives, and bioaccumulative properties. Used globally for their thermal resistance and repellence to water and oil, PFAS have led to widespread environmental contamination. These compounds pose significant health risks with exposure through food, water, and dermal contact. Aquatic wildlife is particularly vulnerable as water bodies act as major transport and transformation mediums for PFAS. Their co-occurrence with microplastics may intensify the impact on aquatic species by influencing PFAS sorption and transport. Despite progress in understanding the occurrence and fate of PFAS and microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, the toxicity of PFAS mixtures and their co-occurrence with other high-concern compounds remains poorly understood, especially over organisms’ life cycles.Our study investigates the chronic toxicity of PFAS and microplastics on the sentinel species Daphnia, a species central to aquatic foodwebs and an ecotoxicology model. We examined the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET) both individually and in mixtures on Daphnia ecological endpoints. Unlike conventional studies, we used two Daphnia genotypes with distinct histories of chemical exposure. This approach revealed that PFAS and microplastics cause developmental failures, delayed sexual maturity and reduced somatic growth, with historical exposure to environmental pollution reducing tolerance to these persistent chemicals due to cumulative fitness costs. We also observed that the combined effect of the persistent chemicals analysed was 59% additive and 41% synergistic, whereas no antagonistic interactions were observed. The genotype-specific responses observed highlight the complex interplay between genetic background and pollutant exposure, emphasizing the importance of incorporating multiple genotypes in environmental risk assessments to more accurately predict the ecological impact of chemical pollutants.

Comparative analysis of the primary morbidity in the population in the territory of accumulated risk over the post-operation period of a chemical enterprise

Introduction. The long-term operation of the chemical enterprise has led to the formation of an area of accumulated harm to public health. The purpose of the study is to investigate the trend in newly identified morbidity in various population groups living in areas of accumulated chemical pollution of the environment. Materials and methods. The primary morbidity rate of the population of Usolye-Sibirskoye was assessed retrospectively according to official statistical reporting – during 1985–1995. and 2016–2022. Relative rates of incidence among children and adults (per 1000 population) were calculated. The trend in the incidence of malignant neoplasms was studied using regression analysis and growth (decrease) rates. Results. Over 2016–2022 there was a gain in the incidence in the population: in 0–14 years children by classes: certain conditions in the perinatal period, blood diseases, neoplasms; in 15–17 years adolescents: by class of disease of the circulatory system, blood, endocrine and genitourinary systems, congenital malformations, neoplasms; in the adult population by classes of diseases including congenital malformations, diseases of the endocrine system, circulatory system, musculoskeletal system and blood diseases, neoplasms. Limitations are due to changes in the structure of statistical reporting forms and various etiological factors for diseases included in one class of diseases. Conclusion. During the post-operation period of the city-forming enterprise, an increase in incidence in children and adults was revealed. Undoubtedly, the formation of pathology was influenced not only by the unfavourable environmental situation in the city, but also by socio-economic conditions. To optimize medical and preventive measures to improve and preserve public health, it is necessary to conduct further studies of the health status in the population in the area of accumulated chemical pollution.

The Effect of Radionuclide and Chemical Contamination on Morphological and Anatomical Parameters of Plants

This article presents the results of a study of the influence of radionuclide and chemical pollution on the morphological and anatomical parameters of Calamagróstis epigéjos plants growing in the territory of “Degelen” at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS). Quantitative data of morphological and anatomical parameters are given, and the content of radionuclides and toxic elements in samples of plants obtained. Statistical processing of the obtained data was conducted. The results revealed that elevated concentrations of radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr, and the calculated absorbed dose, do not have effects on plants. Changes in the anatomical parameters of leaves and stems were observed at elevated concentrations of the elements: for leaves—Al, Pb, Sr, U, Ni, Rb, Sm; for stems—Al, Cr, Cd, U, Cu, Be, Ni, Sm, Fe. The mesophyll of the leaves and the epidermis of the stems were the most exposed to toxic elements. The data of the anatomical parameters are recommended to be used as indicative parameters of plants grown in chemically contaminated areas.

Investigating tributyltin's toxic effects: Intestinal barrier and neuroenteric disruption in rat’s jejunum

The expansion of economic activities in coastal areas has significantly increased chemical contamination, leading to major environmental challenges. Contaminants enter the human body through the food chain, particularly via seafood and water consumption, triggering biomagnification and bioaccumulation processes. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) acts as a selective barrier, protecting against chemical pollutants and maintaining homeostasis through a complex network of cells and immune responses. This study assessed impact of tributyltin (TBT), a highly toxic organometallic compound used in antifouling coatings for ships, on the GIT and myenteric neural plasticity in young rats. TBT exposure leads to histopathological changes, including epithelial detachment and inflammatory foci, especially at lower environmental doses. The study found that TBT causes significant reductions in villi height, increases in goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, and disrupts the myenteric plexus, with higher densities of extraganglionic neurons in exposed animals.

Fano mode based plasmonic sensor for temperature and chemical pollutant detection

Plasmonic sensors provide great sensitivity to minute quantities of analytes and provide excellent detection. In present context of environmental monitoring, plasmonic sensor can prove to be an excellent choice in chemical pollutant and temperature detection. Plasmonic sensors can provide immediate results, allowing for monitoring temperature changes in ecosystems or climate studies and quick decision-making in emergency situations related chemical pollution incidents. They are compact and can be integrated into portable devices for on-site analysis. In this investigation, a plasmonic refractive index sensor based on key ring shaped resonator consisting of a microring resonator and two rectangular resonator is proposed. Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is used to study the transmittance characteristics of the sensor. The device exhibits quadruple Fano resonance with highest sensitivity of 2521.7 nm/RIU. Other performance parameters such as figure of Merit (FOM), Quality (Q) factor and Detection limit (DL) are also been calculated, with values 98.8 RIU−1, 99.6 and 0.01 respectively. Additionally, the effects of different geometrical configurations is also studied, providing insights into the design principles in context of potential fabrication complexities. Further, the simulated Fano characteristic is validated against the theoretical value. The application of the proposed sensor is investigated for different types of analyte such as chemical pollutants and temperature sensing.

Impact of climate change, environmental pollution, and nutrition on women’s reproductive health

In recent years, interest in the impact of the environment on human health, including the reproductive function of women, has increased significantly. This review aimed at analyzing the dependence of women’s reproductive health on environmental conditions and dietary patterns. The study evaluates the direct impact of pollutants, such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, on reproductive health and their indirect effects through changes in dietary habits and the quality of consumed food. Moreover, the study focused on the relationship between the quality of the environment, including the level of air pollution, and women’s reproductive health. Furthermore, the article describes the effect of the mechanisms of chemical substances on the endocrine system and subsequent reproductive outcomes and the influence of nutrients and chemicals contained in agricultural products. Data from various studies worldwide were used; thus, the conclusions are more universal and generalized. The authors emphasize the need for adopting international measures to improve environmental standards and develop strategies to reduce chemical pollution in air and water. Moreover, this study highlights the consequences of climate changes for public and reproductive health, emphasizing the urgency of adapting healthcare and social systems to change environmental conditions. Such changes require a comprehensive approach in response strategies, including reforming the food industry and agriculture and increasing public awareness and activity in environmental well-being issues. Additionally, using various studies as examples, issues concerning the relationship between climate changes and human health, in general, and the need for adapting social and healthcare systems to the current level of environmental stress are raised. This review aimed at stimulating public dialogue and developing innovative approaches to addressing the issue of improving women’s reproductive health against the backdrop of environmental changes and challenges of the modern world.

The Combined Effects of Temperature and pH to the Toxicity of the Water-Soluble Fraction of Gasoline (WSFG) to the Neotropical Yellow-Tail Tetra, Astyanax altiparanae.

Continental aquatic environments have undergone chemical pollution due to increased anthropogenic activities. Among those substances, petroleum hydrocarbons are a potential hazard for the aquatic animals. Additionally, alterations in the abiotic characteristics of the water, such as temperature and pH, can impose additional stress when those substances are present. We evaluate how alterations in water temperature and pH modified the acute (96h) toxicity of the water-soluble fraction of gasoline (WSFG) to Astyanax altiparanae through physiological analysis. We also investigated the physiological responses after the fish recovery from exposure (96h) in clean water. Both isolated and combined exposures to WSFG resulted in significant physiological changes. Alone, WSFG altered energetic metabolism and haematopoietic functions, potentially due to metabolic hypoxia. When combined with changes in water temperature (30°C) and pH (4.0), A. altiparanae activated additional physiological mechanisms to counterbalance osmoregulatory and acid-base imbalances, likely exacerbated by severe metabolic hypoxia. In both isolated and combined exposure scenarios, A. altiparanae maintained cellular hydration, suggesting a robust capacity to uphold homeostasis under environmental stress conditions. Following a recovery in clean water, energetic metabolism returned to control levels. Nevertheless, plasmatic Na+ and Cl- levels and haematological parameters remained affected by WSFG exposure. Our findings underscore the impact of interactions between WSFG contaminants, temperature and pH, leading to additional biological damage in A. altiparanae.

Chemical Fingerprinting, PAHs Characterization and Ecological Risks of Carcinogenic PAHs in Surficial Sediments of Egi Crude Oil Producing Communities, Niger-Delta, Nigeria

In order to do PAHs rings analysis, its source identification, extent to which cPAHs present and what kind of ecological risk they pose, the surface sediments from various freshwaters in the Egi crude oil producing cities in the Niger Delta, Nigeria were analyzed. Sediments collected from the research areas for PAHs loadings (in mg/kg dry weight) ranged from 0.020 to 1.790, 0.050 to 1.880, and 0.020 to 1.640, respectively for Obite, Obagi, and Ibewa cluster areas, as measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. In these clusters, the respective average concentration of the three dominant carcinogenic PAHs were Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (1.170.0mg/kg), Dibenz[a,h]anthrancene (0.870.0 mg/kg), and Dibenz[a,h]anthrancene (1.3670 mg/kg) for Ibewa, Obagi and Obite cluster areas. The findings showed that dominant PAHs rings are of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs in these sediments are, 5 member rings, which are benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, and Benzo(a)pyrène, and 6-member ring which are, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Dibenz[a,h]anthrancene, and Benzo[ghi] perylene, respectively. Their fingerprints points majorly to pyrogenic sources, combustion of coal, biomass, petroleum, and other related anthropogenic petroleum activities as the primary source of PAHs in the environment. Notably, the RQNCs and RQMPCs for single PAHs molecule are both less than 1, it means the contamination it generates is considered of low ecological risk. Again, the research area experiences frequent flooding, it is believed that this contributes to the low ecological risk of PAHs chemical pollution. Consequently, the area is deemed to be quite safe.

Frog hepatic health and metal pollution: An assemblage-level approach in a hotspot in southeastern Brazil.

Chemical pollutants include the harmful effects of various substances on soils, water bodies, and biodiversity. Amphibians are one of the most endangered groups ofvertebrates and are impacted by chemical pollutants in various ways due to their complex life cycles. Since trace pollutant concentrations vary across environments, different frog ecomorphs (classified by their microhabitat use) may have different exposures. We aimed to determine the association between frog ecomorphs and the occurrence of histopathological hepatic lesions (HHLs) as an indicator of contaminant exposure. We focused on small forest streams near a large urban region in Brazil, heavily polluted in the 1980s. We examined 104 frog specimens from various families. All specimens exhibited HHLs, with melanomacrophages being the most common (n = 99). Arboreal frogs exhibited more vascular congestion, while terrestrial frogs showed structural hepatic damage. Higher cobalt levels were linked to increased liver necrosis in arboreal frogs and structural issues in both arboreal and terrestrial frogs. Cadmium was associated with hepatitis in terrestrial frogs. Although metal levels had no significant effects on rheophilic frogs, the prevalence of hepatitis and necrosis indicated complex exposure pathways. Iron and aluminum were linked to fewer lesions in rheophilic frogs, suggesting resilience. The high prevalence of HHLs signals an ongoing issue, with variations among ecomorphs suggesting differential exposure to pollutantsand posinga complex challenge for community conservation.

Lack of effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on activity and expression of human drug transporters

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) constitute emerging and widely-distributed environmental contaminants to which humans are highly exposed. They possibly represent a threat for human health. In order to identify cellular/molecular targets for these plastic particles, we have analysed the effects of exposure to manufactured polystyrene (PS) MPs and NPs on in vitro activity and expression of human membrane drug transporters, known to interact with chemical pollutants. PS MPs and NPs, used at various concentrations (1, 10 or 100µg/mL), failed to inhibit efflux activities of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein, MRPs and BCRP in ABC transporter-expressing cells. Furthermore, PS particles did not impair the transport of P-glycoprotein or BCRP substrates across intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. Uptake activities of solute carriers (SLCs) such as OCT1 and OCT2 (handling organic cations) or OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OAT1 and OAT3 (handling organic anions) were additionally not altered by PS MPs/NPs in HEK-293 cells overexpressing these SLCs. mRNA expression of ABC transporters and of the SLCs OCT1 and OATP2B1 in Caco-2 cells and human hepatic HepaRG cells were finally not impaired by a 48-h exposure to MPs/NPs. Altogether, these data indicate that human drug transporters are unlikely to be direct and univocal targets for synthetic PS MPs/NPs.

POLLUTION AND ITS ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES: STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

Pollution, a pervasive environmental issue, poses significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of pollution, including air, water, soil, and chemical pollutants, and their detrimental effects on ecological systems. The study examines the pathways through which pollutants enter and accumulate in the environment, leading to disruptions in ecological balance, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of natural habitats. The article also explores the intricate connections between pollution and climate change, emphasizing how pollutants such as greenhouse gases exacerbate global warming and contribute to long-term ecological damage. In response to these challenges, the article outlines a range of strategies for mitigating environmental damage caused by pollution. These strategies include advancements in pollution control technologies, such as catalytic converters and air purification systems, as well as policy interventions aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices. The role of ecological restoration techniques, such as bioremediation and reforestation, in reversing pollution-induced damage is also discussed. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of international cooperation and regulatory frameworks in addressing transboundary pollution issues and ensuring the effective implementation of mitigation strategies. By integrating scientific research with practical solutions, this article provides a valuable resource for environmental scientists, policymakers, and conservationists seeking to understand and mitigate the ecological consequences of pollution. The study underscores the urgency of adopting comprehensive and coordinated approaches to pollution management to protect and restore the health of our planet's ecosystems.

Antibiotic resistance genes transfer risk: Contributions from soil erosion and sedimentation activities, agricultural cycles, and soil chemical contamination

The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose environmental risks that are influenced by soil activity and pollution. Soil erosion and sedimentation accelerate degradation and migration, thereby affecting soil distribution and contamination. This study quantified the vertical and horizontal transfer capabilities of ARGs and simulated soil environments under various scenarios, such as erosion, agricultural cycles, and chemical pollution. The results showed that slope, runoff, and sediment volume significantly affected soil erosion and ARG transfer risks. The response of environmental factors to the transfer risk of ARGs is as follows: the promotion effect of soil deposition (average: 21.41 %) is significantly greater than the inhibitory effect of soil erosion (average: −11.31 %); the planting period (average: −64.654) is greater than the harvest period (average: −56.225); the response to soil chemical pollution is: the impact of phosphate fertilizer residues, antibiotics, and pesticide pollution is more significant. This study constructed a vertical and horizontal transfer system of ARGs in soil erosion and sedimentation environments and proposed a response analysis method for the impact of factors, such as soil erosion and sedimentation activities, agricultural cycles, and soil chemical pollution, on ARGs transfer capabilities.

Re-thinking human interactions with the oceans.

Earth's marine ecosystems are changing rapidly, in large part owing to the damaging effects of human activities. Unless humans find better ways of interacting with the seas and oceans, the marine resources upon which we rely will diminish as more ecosystems collapse. The consequences for human health and wellbeing will be severe. The meta-discipline of Oceans and Human Health has catalogued how the oceans and their constituents benefit human lives. Examples include access to seafood, pharmaceuticals and physical and mental health benefits. This interdisciplinary research effort has also revealed how the integrated impact of anthropogenic activities has disrupted ocean processes resulting in extensive losses of marine biodiversity, increasing chemical and microbial pollution, proliferation of harmful algal blooms and increased coastal inundation, all of which threaten human populations. In response, non-governmental organizations and national governments have established various agreements and treaties to prevent further damage, restore what has been lost and grasp new economic opportunities. Nevertheless, ocean-related risks continue to escalate rapidly in the absence of political commitment. New thinking regarding the interconnectedness of all human/ocean interactions is required to remove the barriers and impediments that hamper tackling the wicked problem of fostering health and wellbeing while achieving ocean sustainability.

Methods of Thermal Energy Storage by Using Smart Heat Pumps

Abstract To address energy problems in thermodynamic installations, the authors of the paper propose a working methodology in which the determining role of the exergetic aspects of the processes is especially emphasized. One of these energy problems, addressed in many papers in recent years, is of particular importance in the fight to reduce chemical and thermal pollution of the environment: the problem of storing excess energy and energy from renewable or residual sources. Approaching this issue as well from this point of view, the authors propose a series of solutions by which they seek to use the most of the exergy extracted from the available energy sources. The solutions proposed here are based on the use of an own invention, the isothermalizer, a particularly powerful tool, able to bring highly effective solutions to many of the problems that concern researchers determined to create a cleaner planet. Designers and users of thermodynamic systems now have the possibility of an initial choice and subsequent changes (with the change of external conditions), of their energy and exergetic efficiency, as well as the possibility of calculating the material and energy costs necessary to achieve the proposed objective. In any gas compression/expansion problem, the energy efficiency is established precisely, by choosing the isothermal speed of the process (so of the isothermal temperature), and the power density, by choosing the total surface of the thermal sponge, the flow rate and the mode of distribution of the cooling agent. As the isothermalizer is equipped with a processor that controls and modifies the isothermal speed in such a way that the exergy consumption is optimized, the energy storage processes become processes of extracting thermal energy from a tank and transferring it to another tank, a process accompanied by consumption/supply of mechanical energy.