Contaminated Water Research Articles

Changes in exposure to environmental contaminants in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria among pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico

Experiencing a hurricane during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes and poor mental health. Pregnant people from marginalized communities are more susceptible to adverse effects, as they have fewer resources to overcome hardships at a time when shelter and nutrition are essential. When Hurricane Maria (HM) devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, the archipelago was already burdened with high poverty, health disparities, environmental contamination, and fragile utility infrastructure. We aimed to compare biomarkers of environmental exposures among pregnant participants in the PROTECT cohort before and after HM and to identify hurricane-related sources of exposure. Metals, PAHs, phthalate metabolites, and phenols were measured in urine samples collected from participants at three prenatal visits (2011–2019). Samples were categorized as before, <3 months, 3–6 months, and >6 months after HM. Using linear mixed effects models, we found that in the 6 months after HM, participants had higher Co, Ni, and DEHPTP concentrations, indicating increased exposure, and lower concentrations of PAHs, several metals, and phthalates, suggesting decreased exposure, compared to pre-HM levels. Biomarkers were not associated with potential exposure sources assessed through questionnaire or previously measured tap water contaminants. This study provides insight into how extreme weather events may alter environmental exposures among pregnant people in Puerto Rico. As climate change has increased the frequency and magnitude of such events, additional research is needed to clarify the implications for maternal and child health and to identify sources of related environmental exposures within this vulnerable population.

Somatic coliphages as bioindicators of contamination in Lake Guamuez, Colombia

Lake Guamuez is the second largest lake in Colombia and economically supports hundreds of families in the area. The main activities carried out in the region have focused on tourism, agriculture, livestock, and rainbow trout production; however, these activities have been associated with contamination of the lake. This research aimed to evaluate the water quality of Lake Guamuez using somatic coliphages (SCs) as bioindicators. For this purpose, periodic sampling was carried out for six months at 9 strategic points of the lake. For the detection of SCs, the method described in 9211 D of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater was used. The genomic variability and presence of virulence genes in the isolated SCs were determined. Water contamination in the lake is evident, and the SCs titer is greater in areas with a high flow of anthropogenic activities. An important degree of genetic diversity and a high prevalence of virulence genes could be observed among the SCs analyzed. The results when compared with guidelines and water quality standards from various countries, showed concentrations of SCs higher than those allowed. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the region suggests a link to water contamination.

Computational insights into pectin and chitosan-enhanced MOFs: A green pathway for pollutant remediation

Water contamination with dyes and pharmaceuticals is a major threat to ecological and human well-being. This study highlights the importance of using molecular simulations in designing and predicting the performance of novel adsorbents for wastewater treatment. The research explores the potential of biodegradable polymers like Pectin (PE) and oxidized Chitosan (OCN) in functionalizing a metal-organic framework (MOF) known as UO-66 (Zr) (UO). By incorporating these functional groups, the study aims to improve the adsorption efficiency of UO towards rhodamine B (RHOB, a dye pollutant) and Losartan (LOSA, a pharmaceutical pollutant). Firstly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to inspect the structures of both pollutants and the modified adsorbents. Subsequently, the research investigated the adsorbents’ various physicochemical characteristics, including fractional free volume, glass transition temperature, and mechanical properties. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were accomplished to evaluate the adsorption behaviour of the pollutants on various UO forms (pristine, PE-functionalized, and OCN-functionalized). The study found that all adsorbents showed strong adsorption capabilities, with adsorption energies ranging from −3500 to −4500 kcal/mol for RHOB and −1500 to −2600 kcal/mol for LOSA. Moreover, The drug rejection rate of RHOB for neat is 50 % but increases to 80 % and 90 % with the addition of PE and OCN, respectively, showing their synergistic effect. Similarly, the accumulation rate rises from 6 Å (NH2/UO) to 10 Å (OCN/UO) and 11 Å (PE/UO). For LOSA, the drug rejection rate improves from 30 % to 60 %, while the accumulation rate increases from 4 Å to 8 Å with PE and OCN functionalization. The results demonstrated that functionalizing UO with the chosen biodegradable polymers enhanced its adsorption capacity for both pollutants compared to the pristine form. Notably, the developed adsorbent exhibited a higher affinity towards RHOB dye compared to LOSA pharmaceutical.

Integrating Livestock with Crops and Forestry for Sustainability

Global per capita consumption of animal protein is set to rise, particularly in developing economies, leading to a dramatic increase in meat consumption from 133 million tons in 1980 to 452 million tons by 2050. Notably, 86% of this increase, or 279 million tons, is expected to occur in developing countries. The expansion of animal-based agricultural systems, which cover 45% of the Earth's land area, presents significant challenges. These systems contribute substantially to agricultural emissions, including greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), and account for 8% of global water usage. The livestock sector is largely comprised of resource-constrained smallholders in developing nations. Environmental impacts arise from the lack of integration with other agricultural and forestry practices, disrupting the natural cycles of carbon, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This disruption leads to increased emissions of N2O and CH4, water contamination, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. To address these challenges and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction (SDG #1), hunger alleviation (SDG #2), clean water and sanitation (SDG #6), and climate action (SDG #13), it is essential to integrate livestock with crop and tree farming. Strategies to improve sustainability include incorporating pastures into crop rotations, using controlled grazing techniques, practicing agro-forestry such as alley cropping, and implementing systems like ley farming. Additional measures include precision feeding and protein matching to reduce enteric fermentation, repurposing emissions of CH4 and N2O, and effective manure management. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through diverse approaches, reducing product wastage, minimizing antibiotic use, and restoring rangelands to enhance soil carbon storage are also critical for achieving sustainable livestock practices.

Enhancing photocatalytic water treatment efficiency via nitrogen Self-Doping and Hive-Like Structuring in isotype homojunctions of g-C3N4 generated from Thiourea-Melamine copolymerization

The combination of overpopulation and rapid industrial progress has led to a pronounced increase in water contamination. Photocatalysis emerges as a viable solution for mitigating water pollution, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is considered as a particularly promising photocatalyst due to its advantageous properties, such as low cost, and high chemical stability. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of g-C3N4 is often compromised by its limited surface area and substantial recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. To address these challenges, in this work, we propose a systematic approach to develop photocatalytically efficient surface structures and intimate isotype homojunctions through the copolymerization of various g-C3N4 precursors. A range of photocatalysts, each with distinctly tailored morphologies and homojunctions, was produced and their photocatalytic performance was assessed through the removal efficiencies of model pollutants, bisphenol A (BPA), and methylene blue (MB), with each at a concentration of 10 mg L-1. The enhanced photocatalytic activity observed in the optimized sample is primarily attributed to its significantly increased surface area, which is ten times greater than that of standard g-C3N4, and a marked reduction in charge recombination, which is four times lower, facilitated by the intimate homojunction. Thus, this work will open the door to the synthesis of various highly efficient photocatalysts for application in the photodegradation of diverse pollutants, consequently mitigating adverse environmental effects.

A multifunctional metal–organic complex fluorescent probe for highly sensitive detection of lysine, CrO42-/Cr2O72-, Fe3+ and nitro-aromatic compounds

Water contamination caused by organic and inorganic compounds represents an urgent global issue. It is meaningful to detect these compounds. A metal–organic complex (Zn-HTBA) was investigated as a multifunctional fluorescent probe which showed exceptional fluorescence characteristics. The Zn- HTBA can specifically detect lysine in water through fluorescence enhancement, and the detection limit was 0.17 μM. The Zn-HTBA also selectively detect CrO42-/Cr2O72- and Fe3+ with the detection limits of 0.014/0.022 and 0.12 μM through fluorescence quenching. In addition, the Zn-HTBA was found to sensitively detect nitroaromatic compounds in ethanol through fluorescence quenching. The possible detection mechanisms were studied in detail through UV–Vis, PXRD, XPS, etc. The mechanism of Zn-HTBA to detect CrO42-/Cr2O72-, Fe3+ and 2-nitrotoluene was energy competition, and the mechanism of Zn-HTBA to detect lysine was the formation of hydrogen bonds.

Sucralose and caffeine as chemical indicators of domestic wastewater contamination in the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin.

Surface waters within the basin of the Laurentian Great Lakes are impacted by microbial contamination from municipal wastewater and agricultural runoff, as well as from other sources. In particular, microbial contamination of drinking water is an ongoing problem within many Indigenous communities located in the basin. However, it is difficult to identify the sources of microbial contamination using the traditional monitoring approaches with fecal indicator bacteria, such as total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In this study, we evaluated whether surface waters in the basin are contaminated with fecal bacteria of human origin using chemical indicators of domestic wastewater (i.e., caffeine and sucralose) and with Bacteroidales 16S rRNA markers. Study areas included the Grand River watershed within the Lake Erie basin and three nearshore locations within the Great Lakes basin. Two of these sites are sources of drinking water for Indigenous communities. We assessed whether there were relationships between the concentrations of fecal indicator microorganisms and chemical indicators of domestic wastewater at selected study locations. Analysis of genetic markers indicated that about 30% of the Bacteroidales bacteria present at a site in the Grand River were of human fecal origin and the balance were of bovine or general animal origin. The presence of caffeine and sucralose in surface waters indicated that there was upstream contamination by domestic wastewater. However, in the drinking water treatment plant operated by Six Nations of the Grand River, the levels of these chemical indicators and fecal bacteria were reduced by the advanced water treatment technologies. The concentrations of sucralose and caffeine collectively were strongly correlated with the levels of total coliforms in samples from the Grand River (R2 = 0.75) and with levels of E. coli in samples from the Great Lakes basin (R2 = 0.97), but there appeared to be an upper threshold for this relationship. These data indicate that analysis of caffeine and sucralose and genetic markers for strains of Bacteroidales fecal bacteria may be useful tools for identifying the sources of microbiological contamination of surface waters and drinking water.

Assessing the level of consumer awareness of microplastics presence in food products

This article is focused on the knowledge and awareness of people with higher education of the presence of microplastics in food products. The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent to which consumers know and are aware of microplastic sources, exposure levels, and potential health hazards associated with microplastic contamination of food and water. Most respondents are aware of the potential presence of microplastics in water. Most respondents in the study are aware that microplastics can be present in food and recognize that once ingested, they can accumulate in internal organs. Moreover, when asked about potential health hazards, the respondents most often chose cancer and gastrointestinal disorders, while diseases of the reproductive system were chosen less frequently. Consumer knowledge about the sources and health risks of microplastics appears to be more common among women and people with technical and medical training.

ОЦІНКА ПОТОЧНОГО СТАНУ РАДІАЦІЙНОГО ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ ТЕРИТОРІЇ МАЙДАНЧИКУ УРАНОВОЇ СПАДЩИНИ КОЛИШНЬОГО ВО «ПХЗ»

The article summarizes the results of long-term radioecological monitoring of the environment radioactive state within the former 'Prydniprovsk chemical plant' and adjacent territories at the preparatory stage life cycle of uranium legacy site. Data analysis have been determined the background activity levels of natural radionuclides (in particular 238U, 226Ra, 230Th, 210Pb, 210Po) in soils, underground and surface waters, air (fall density and volume activity), exhalation of 222Rn from the soil surface and its volume activity. The results of the determined dynamics and trends in the formation of pollution of environmental elements, which form the main factors of exposure of workers and the population, are presented. Areas with elevated dose rate (≥0.5 μSv·h-1) occupy more than 30% of the entire legacy site territory. In the soil activity may be 10 to 1000 times higher than background (30-50 Bq·kg-1) and can exceed 1000 times the exemption level. In aerosols 238U and 226Ra activitis exceeding the background (0.1 µBq·m-2·s-1, 11.5 µBq·m3) by 100-200 times only during periods of earthworks, under normal conditions they are up to 1.5-2.0 times. The monthly average activity 222Rn in the air of open space are 4-5 times higher of the background (median 200±68 Bq∙m-3), in some areas they can exceed by up to 50 times. In the buildings premises on the site 222Rn can exceed the reference level (250 Bq∙m-3) by 1-5 times, and in individual basements by up to 100 times. The data analysis proves that main ways of exposure of workers are external gamma radiation, the inhalation exposure routes from aerosol pollution and the spread of OA 222Rn in the air can be significant only for workers work at the legacy site and do not pose a threat to the city's population. Radiation assessment contamination of underground and surface water showed in present conditions aquatic pathways cannot form any significant contributions to the radiation exposure dose of the public. The obtained results and data analysis of monitoring observations were used to substantiate the measures of the remediation strategy legacy site.

ОГЛЯД РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ КАХОВСЬКОГО ВОДОСХОВИЩА ЦЕЗІЄМ-137 І СТРОНЦІЄМ-90, ЯКІ ПРОВОДИЛИСЬ ПІСЛЯ АВАРІЇ НА ЧОРНОБИЛЬСЬКІЙ АЕС (1986-1921 РР.)

The available data on the state of radioactive contamination of water and bottom sediments of the Kakhovka Reservoir were analyzed in order to assess the possible deterioration of the quality of the environment based on the indicators of radioactive contamination in the zone of influence of the emergency discharge of water due to destruction of the Kakhovka NPP dam by the Russian military. Contamination of the Kakhovka Reservoir with 137Cs occurred mainly through the fallouts of this radionuclide with aerosols on the water surface in May 1986. A much smaller part of this radionuclide transported by water runoff directly from the headwaters of the Dnieper basin. Strontium-90 entered the reservoir exclusively by water pathway starting from October 1986. The steady trends of decreasing activity of both radionuclides in water has been observed since 1987. Approximately to 1996 137Cs activity concentrations had decreased to pre-accident level, 90Sr activity demonstrated a slow decrease and by 2022 remained slightly higher than pre-accidental level. The average levels of contamination of the Kakhovka reservoir bottom with 137Cs and 90Sr turned out to be the lowest compared to the other reservoirs of the Dnieper cascade. It was shown that in 1994 137Cs activity levels were 0.06 Ci/km2(2,2 kBq/m2) on 80% of the bottom surface (submerged former floodplain of the Dnieper) and were lower than on the territory adjacent to the reservoir. In the areas of silt accumulation (former channel of the Dnieper) 137Cs activity was on average three times higher. Balance calculations based on the data of radiation monitoring of water showed that the amount of 137Cs activity in the bottom sediments in the period 1987-2022 halved due to natural radioactive decay, the amount of 90Sr activity decreased by approximately 20%, since activity losses due to natural radioactive decay were partially compensated by the constant supply of this radionuclide with water runoff from the contaminated part of the catchment. After a catastrophic water leak from the reservoir, the Dnieper floodplain had exposed. According to the calculations, the average density of soil contamination of the ехposed areas with 137Cs does not exceed 0.03 Ci/km2 (1,1 kBq/m2), with 90Sr – less than 0.1 Ci/km2 (3,7 kBq/m2). Silt deposits of the former Dnieper channel, which had an increased level of 137Cs contamination, were re-suspended, probably, and carried out into the Dnipro-Bug estuary and further into the Black Sea. However, according to our assumptions, this should not have a negative effect on the radioecological state of the sea, because the 137Cs activity concentrations in the water of north-western part of the Black Sea were always 20-30 times higher than in the Dnieper water.

Curcumin-assisted Preparation of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 Nanocomposites for Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity.

Harmful microorganisms like pathogens significantly impact human health. Meanwhile, industrial growth causes pollution and water contamination by releasing untreated hazardous waste. Effective treatment of these microorganisms and contaminants is essential, and nanocomposites may be a promising solution. The present attempt demonstrates the green synthesis of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites (FTNCs) for the effective treatment of pathogens and organic contaminants. The α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites (FTNCs) has been synthesized through a green approach utilizing curcumin extract. Curcumin (Turmeric) extract (TEx) was prepared by washing, drying, and crushing 5 g of turmeric, then boiling it in 100 mL distilled water at 70°C for 1 hour. Metal salts (Fe3+/Ti4+, 2:1) were added to 100 mL of TEx under continuous stirring at 70°C for 24 h. The solution was rinsed and dried at 80°C overnight and heated at 300°C for 3 h to remove impurities. Synthesized FTNCs have been tested for the potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony, Pseudomonas sp.). Observations discovered noteworthy inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria by FTNCs. Furthermore, the FTNCs system shows the energy band gap of ~2.6 eV which may suppress electron recombination, thereby enhancing photocatalysis and examined against Evans blue (EB) and Congo red (CR) dyes under UV and visible light (125 W) irradiation. The remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency (DE) for CR reached ~67.4% in 60 min. A simple green approach has been demonstrated for the synthesis of the FTNCs using curcumin-mediated reduction. As prepared FTNCs have been evaluated for potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony, Pseudomonas sp.). The results show that the highest ZID values have been obtained for 5 mg/mL concertation of FTNCs of ~14, 22,18, 21, and 20 and 29 mm for E. coli, S. abony, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. faecalis, and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. Additionally, FTNCs demonstrate remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency against EB and CR dyes under UV (125 W) irradiation, achieving 56, 67% degradation within 60 minutes for EB and CR. The findings suggest that the FTNCs hold promise for long-term antimicrobial efficacy against various bacteria and offer the potential for addressing water and wastewater contaminants through photocatalysis.

Optimization and Efficiency of Novel Magnetic-Resin-Based Approaches for Enhanced Nickel Removal from Water

Nickel contamination in water is a critical issue due to its toxicity and persistence. This study presents a novel magnetic resin, developed by modifying Lewatit® MonoPlus TP 207 with magnetite nanoparticles, to enhance adsorption capacity and facilitate efficient separation. A Definitive Screening Design (DSD) was employed to identify and optimize key parameters affecting nickel adsorption, including pH, resin dosage, initial nickel concentration, and the presence of competing ions (calcium and magnesium). The DSD analysis revealed that pH and magnesium concentration were the most significant factors influencing nickel removal. Optimal conditions were determined as pH 7, 270 min contact time, resin dosage of 0.5 mL/L, initial nickel concentration of 110 µg/L, calcium concentration of 275 mg/L, and magnesium concentration of 52.5 mg/L, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 99.21%. The magnetic resin exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity and faster kinetics compared to the unmodified resin, leading to more efficient nickel removal. Moreover, its magnetic properties facilitated rapid separation from treated water, offering practical advantages for real-world applications. This study demonstrates the effective use of DSD in optimizing adsorption parameters and underscores the potential of magnetic resin as a sustainable and efficient adsorbent for water treatment.

Metallization of leaf-derived lignocellulose scaffolds for high-performance flexible electronics and oligodynamic disinfection

Vascular tubules in natural leaves form quasi-fractal networks that can be metallized. Traditional metallization techniques for these lignocellulose structures are complex, involving metal sputtering, nanoparticle solutions, or multiple chemical pretreatments. Here we present a novel, facile, and reliable method for metallizing leaf-derived lignocellulose scaffolds using silver microparticles. The method achieves properties on-par with the state-of-the-art, such as broadband optical transmittance of over 80%, sheet resistances below 1 Ω/sq., and a current-carrying capacity exceeding 6 A over a 2.5 × 2.5 cm² quasi-fractal electrode. We also demonstrate copper electrodeposition as a cost-effective approach towards fabricating such conductive, biomimetic quasi-fractals. Additionally, we show that these metallized structures can effectively eliminate pathogenic microorganisms like fecal coliforms and E. coli, which are bacterial indicators of microbiological contamination of water. We finally show that these oligodynamic properties can be significantly enhanced with a small externally applied voltage, indicating the noteworthy potential of such structures for water purification and pollution control.

The character of Lake Kishkensor contamination in the area of underground nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk Test Site territory

The timely identification of areas where man-made radionuclides migrate through water streams is highly important for the territory of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site since the aquatic environment is currently a source of secondary contamination of environment. This article presents research findings on radioactively contaminated Lake Kishkensor located at the Semipalatinsk Test Site territory. As a result of this research, a new locally contaminated spot was discovered in the vicinity of the “Balapan” test site. Lake Kishkensor was found to be contaminated with man-made 3H and 90Sr. The 3H activity concentration in surface waters reached 430 kBq/L, and the concentration of 90Sr reached 100 Bq/L. In the sediments, the 3H activity concentration reached 700 kBq/kg, while that of 90Sr and 239+240Pu reached 310 Bq/kg and 250 Bq/kg, respectively. Ground water was found to be a source of surface water and sediment contamination. The monitoring results showed that the contamination level of the lake largely depended on the season and the inflow of contaminated ground water.

Examining Chinese Multinational Corporations as Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment in South Africa

The investment of the Chinese government has been one of the biggest across the globe and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been at the center of this investment. Some scholars have referred to this as a Neo-colonial strategy by China on the African continent as most of these investments are only fostering their interests while degrading African states. In addition, these MNCs have acted as important agents in economic, social, and infrastructural development/ underdevelopment in the state. Thus, the paper sought to examine Chinese MNCs as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative research method and case study approach of five MNCs from China operating in South Africa to critically examine their role as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. The findings of the paper show succinctly that MNCs within the mining, technology, and industrial sectors of China have critically contributed to the development and underdevelopment of the country. Hence, it recommends that these companies must adopt strategies that contribute positively to the country’s long-term growth while minimizing negative impacts. They further need to implement and adhere to rigorous environmental standards to minimize their ecological footprint to ensure sustainable development in South Africa. The paper concluded by noting that there are challenges and opportunities created by MNCs which include job creation, contamination of water, destruction of wildlife, forceful displacement of settlements, and infrastructural development. Keywords: Chinese MNCs, Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment, South Africa’s Development, and Chinese Investments.

Laboratory Planning for Emergency Response to Water Contamination Investigations

Key TakeawaysWhile sample collection to monitor drinking water quality is a routine practice, water utilities must be prepared to address emergencies stemming from contamination.Having a plan for collecting and analyzing water samples during emergency response or other unusual circumstances better ensures actionable results.Guidance is available to help laboratories prepare to support a utility's emergency response.

Characterizing the Areal Extent of PFAS Contamination in Fish Species Downgradient of AFFF Source Zones.

Most monitoring programs next to large per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sources focus on drinking water contamination near source zones. However, less is understood about how these sources affect downgradient hydrological systems and food webs. Here, we report paired PFAS measurements in water, sediment, and aquatic biota along a hydrological gradient away from source zones contaminated by the use of legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) manufactured using electrochemical fluorination. Clustering analysis indicates that the PFAS composition characteristic of AFFF is detectable in water and fishes >8 km from the source. Concentrations of 38 targeted PFAS and extractable organofluorine (EOF) decreased in fishes downgradient of the AFFF-contaminated source zones. However, PFAS concentrations remained above consumption limits at all locations within the affected watershed. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors accounted for approximately half of targeted PFAS in fish tissues, which explain >90% of EOF across all sampling locations. Suspect screening analyses revealed the presence of a polyfluoroketone pharmaceutical in fish species, and a fluorinated agrochemical in water that likely does not accumulate in biological tissues, suggesting the presence of diffuse sources such as septic system and agrochemical inputs throughout the watershed in addition to AFFF contamination. Based on these results, monitoring programs that consider all hydrologically connected regions within watersheds affected by large PFAS sources would help ensure public health protection.

Using Bioindicators to Assess Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Waters and Public Health Impacts

Objective: This study aims to explore the use of bioindicators for assessing metal contamination in surface waters and its effects on public health. Theoretical Framework: The persistence and variation of heavy metal contamination in the Ave River Basin over 15 years underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. The detection of elevated levels of chromium, cadmium, lead, and zinc in aquatic mosses highlights the continuing impact of industrial activities, particularly metal coating facilities, on the river's ecosystem. Method: In the study area, the Ave River and some of its tributaries, a monitoring programme of twelve sampling points was defined in two campaigns and eight metallic ions were determined in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni and Zn). Results and Discussion: The highest metal accumulation in mosses was observed for iron (Fe), whereas the lowest accumulation was found for mercury (Hg) during Campaign II. The order of metal accumulation in the moss samples, from highest to lowest, was Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Hg. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) revealed changes in contamination levels between campaigns. Research Implications: The contamination patterns suggest the influence of industrial activities, particularly metal coating facilities. Monitoring and mitigation efforts are necessary to address persistent heavy metal pollution in the Ave River Basin. Originality/Value: The results of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the sources and loads of pollutants discharged and responsible for the contaminants. This can be used to discourage potential polluters and better manage the basin's water resources and possible risks to human health.

Plasticizers: distribution and impact in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Plasticizers, essential additives for enhancing plastic properties, have emerged as significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and widespread use. This study provides an in-depth exploration of plasticizers, focusing on their types, structures, properties, production methods, environmental distribution, and associated risks. The findings reveal that petroleum-based phthalates, particularly di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial environments, primarily due to the gradual degradation of plastic polymers. In the analysis of 39 studies on water contamination during the period of 2022-2023, only 22 works could be extracted due to insufficient details on the numerical value of plasticizer concentrations. Similarly, soil and sediment contamination studies were fewer, with only 11 studies focusing on sediments. These studies reveal that high plasticizer concentrations, notably in industrial and urban areas, often exceed recommended environmental limits, posing risks to ecological integrity and human health through bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of these compounds in soil and water could negatively affect the microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and could destabilize the overall ecological integrity. Concerns about their direct uptake by plants and potential risks to human health and food safety are highlighted in this study due to the high concentrations exceeding the threshold values. The review evaluates current treatment technologies, including metal-organic frameworks, electrochemical systems, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and microbial degradation, noting their potential and challenges related to cost and energy consumption. It underscores the need for improved detection protocols, cost-effective treatments, stricter regulations, public awareness, and collaborative research to mitigate the adverse impacts of plasticizers on ecosystems and human health.

Traditional vegetarian food products in villages of Syunik, Armenia: Technogenic contamination risks assessment

Background: For generations, vegetarian food products have been fundamental to the diets of rural Armenian communities. However, villages situated near territories near mines face severe chemical contamination of soil, air and water. This poses a significant problem in Syunik Region, Republic of Armenia (RA), where metal mines have operated for over 50 years. Notably, this region is one of Armenia’s most important agrarian areas ensuring food production for the entire country. Therefore, assessing potential chemical contamination risks in food products from this region is crucial. Objectives: This article assesses the risks associated with chemical contamination of traditional vegetarian food products commonly consumed in the villages of Artsvanik, Sevaqar, and Chapni in Syunik region of Republic of Armenia (RA). Specifically, this region has hosted both a thriving mining industry and agriculture for over 50 years. Results: According to the results obtained, there was no significant increase in the concentrations of most studied metals in the plant samples. Conclusions: Concentrations of most studied metals remained unchanged. However, copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) levels were elevated in nettle samples. Long-term consumption of nettle-based foods, from this region may pose health risks. In contrast, consuming other plants is considered lower risk. Nevertheless, to minimize health risks ongoing monitoring of Cu and Mo concentration in this area is essential. Keywords: heavy metals, vegetarian food, Phaseolus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, Malus domestica, Solanum tuberosum.