Detection Of Environmental Hazards Research Articles

Laccase-mimicking activity of octahedral Mn3O4 nanoparticles and fluorescence of carbon dots as dual-mode signals for the specific detection of arsenic(V) in environmental water samples

The detrimental growth of water pollutants such as heavy metals has become a life-threatening problem in the modern era. Challenges remain in the development of rapid and accurate methods for detecting pentavalent arsenic [As(V)] in environmental water. The octahedral Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) did not display excellent laccase-mimicking catalytic activity, whereas the adsorbed As(V) on the surface significantly enhanced the catalytic activity. Meanwhile, the quinone imine generated from the substrates 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) catalyzed by octahedral Mn3O4 NPs further quenched the carbon dots fluorescence. Thus, it is possible to establish a fast and accurate dual-mode sensor for detecting As(V). The developed dual-mode method of As(V) detection has good sensitivity and selectivity. The limit of detection for As(V) in colorimetric mode is 6.96 μg·L−1, whereas in the fluorescent mode, it is as low as 2.56 μg·L−1. Moreover, the detection data obtained by the dual-mode method can be validated by each other, thereby ensuring the dependability of the sensing system. The constructed dual-mode method with merits of sensitivity, speed and accuracy can offer a powerful tool for As(V) detection in environmental water. Furthermore, the application of laccase-mimicking activity in dual-mode detection provides new strategies for other environmental hazard detection.

Validation of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Aboard the International Space Station.

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a rapidly maturing in vitro gene expression platform that can be used to transcribe and translate nucleic acids at the point of need, enabling on-demand synthesis of peptide-based vaccines and biotherapeutics as well as the development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Unlike traditional cell-based systems, CFPS platforms do not require the maintenance of living cells and can be deployed with minimal equipment; therefore, they hold promise for applications in low-resource contexts, including spaceflight. Here, we evaluate the performance of the cell-free platform BioBits aboard the International Space Station by expressing RNA-based aptamers and fluorescent proteins that can serve as biological indicators. We validate two classes of biological sensors that detect either the small-molecule DFHBI or a specific RNA sequence. Upon detection of their respective analytes, both biological sensors produce fluorescent readouts that are visually confirmed using a hand-held fluorescence viewer and imaged for quantitative analysis. Our findings provide insights into the kinetics of cell-free transcription and translation in a microgravity environment and reveal that both biosensors perform robustly in space. Our findings lay the groundwork for portable, low-cost applications ranging from point-of-care health monitoring to on-demand detection of environmental hazards in low-resource communities both on Earth and beyond.

Artificial intelligence in environmental health and public safety: A comprehensive review of USA strategies

This study explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental health and public safety within the USA, focusing on pollution monitoring, emergency response, and sustainable practices for public. With the growing challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and emerging public health threats, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in environmental health and public safety strategies has become imperative. This comprehensive review explores the diverse array of AI applications implemented in the United States to address environmental issues and enhance public safety measures. The paper analyzes the multifaceted role of AI across various domains, including air and water quality monitoring, disease surveillance, disaster response, and infrastructure resilience. The advancements in AI technologies that have revolutionized data collection, analysis, and prediction in environmental health are examined. Machine learning algorithms, sensor networks, and satellite imagery are examined as tools for real-time monitoring and early detection of environmental hazards. Additionally, the paper investigates the integration of AI in public health surveillance systems, showcasing how predictive analytics and data-driven models contribute to the identification and containment of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the incorporation of AI in disaster management, emphasizing the role of predictive modeling and risk assessment in optimizing emergency response strategies. The implementation of smart city technologies and intelligent infrastructure systems is discussed, highlighting how AI contributes to enhancing public safety and minimizing the impact of natural disasters. The review also critically evaluates the ethical, legal, and privacy considerations associated with the widespread adoption of AI in environmental health and public safety initiatives. It addresses concerns related to data security, algorithmic biases, and the need for transparent and accountable governance frameworks. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies, policies, and initiatives, this review provides insights into the successes and challenges of AI implementation in the USA. It concludes with recommendations for future research directions and policy considerations to ensure the responsible and effective integration of AI technologies in safeguarding environmental health and public safety. The findings presented in this review contribute to the broader discourse on leveraging AI for sustainable and resilient communities in the face of evolving environmental and public health challenges.

49 Subjective and Objective Psychophysical Olfactory Dysfunction in Men Living with HIV

Objective:Olfactory dysfunction can influence nutritional intake, the detection of environmental hazards, and quality of life. Prior research has found discordance between subjective and objective measures of olfaction. In people living with HIV (PLWH), olfactory dysfunction is widely reported; however, few studies have examined concordance between subjective olfactory self-ratings and performance on an objective psychophysical measure of olfaction and associated factors in men living with HIV (MLWH).Participants and Methods:MLWH (n=51, mean age=54 years, 66.7% Black) completed two subjective olfaction ratings (two 5-point Likert scales), the Smell Identification Test (SIT), cognitive measures (HVLT-R, TMT), and self-report questionnaires assessing smell habits, mood, cognitive failures, and quality of life. Participants were categorized into one of four groups: true positives (TP; impaired subjective olfaction and objective olfaction dysfunction), false negatives (FN; intact subjective olfaction and objective olfaction dysfunction), false positives (FP; impaired subjective olfaction and objective normosmia), and true negatives (TN; intact subjective olfaction and normosmia). Established formulas were used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of subjective olfaction, and t-tests and ANOVA were used to examine potential demographic, clinical, and cognitive factors contributing to discordance between subjective and objective olfaction dysfunction.Results:Across both subjective self-report items, 35.3% reported olfactory dysfunction, whereas 60.8% had objective olfaction dysfunction on the SIT (score < 33). Black MLWH had significantly higher rates of subjective (Black 41.2% vs. White 35.3%) and objective (Black 73.5% vs. White 35.3%) olfactory dysfunction (X2(1)=9.22, p=.002). We found discordance between subjective and objective olfaction measures, with 29.4% of the sample having objective olfaction dysfunction and not recognizing it (FN). In comparison, 3.9% with self-rated olfaction impairment had normal objective olfaction scores (FP). Additionally, there was concordance in subjective self-reports compared with objective olfaction, with 35.3% correctly identifying normal olfaction (TN) and 31.4% correctly identifying olfactory dysfunction (TP). Those unaware of olfaction dysfunction (FN) reported using less scented products in daily life on the Smell Habits Questionnaire. Although the FN group had faster TMT scores, these findings were no longer significant after the removal of three outliers in the TP group (e.g., time to complete greater than 350 seconds).Conclusions:Our findings cohere with work in healthy older adults, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease, documenting that subjective olfaction may inadequately capture the full range of a person’s olfactory status. We extend these findings to a sample of MLWH, in which discordance rates ranged from 35-61% for subjective and objective olfactory dysfunction. Unawareness of olfactory dysfunction in MLWH was associated with less daily smell habits and paradoxically faster TMT performance. A higher number of smell habits in the TP group indicate that more frequent odor exposure may increase sensitivity to olfactory declines. Future studies with larger samples will be helpful in understanding the full nature of these relationships. Lastly, given that one-third of the sample had discordance between subjective and objective olfaction, objective olfaction measures may be useful to consider in the neuropsychological assessment and standard clinical care for PLWH.

Synthesis of Fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT as a Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Detection of Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Media

In this research, fumed silica scaffolds modified via treatment with (3-chloropropyl)-triethoxysilane, piperazine, and trichlorotriazine groups were deployed for the specific detection of cyanide ions, thus paving the way for the detection of environmental hazards and pollutants with high specificity. Fumed-propyl -piperazine-trichlorotriazine (fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT) was synthesized in three steps starting from fume silica. It was functionalized subsequently using 3-(choloropropyl)-trimethoxysilane, piperazine, and trichlorotriazine, and then, the product was characterized through several methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fumed-Pr-Pi-TCT was exposed as a nanoparticle sensor to a range of different anions in aqueous media. This novel sensor could detect cyanide ions as a hazardous material, with the limit of detection being 0.82 × 10−4 M.

Automatic Delineation of Water Bodies in SAR Images with a Novel Stochastic Distance Approach

Coastal regions and surface waters are among the fundamental biological and social development resources worldwide. For this reason, it is essential to thoroughly monitor these regions to determine and characterize their geographical features and environmental health. These geographical regions, however, present several monitoring challenges when using remotely sensed imagery. Small water bodies tend to be surrounded by swamps, marshes, or vegetation, making accurate border detection difficult. Coastal waters, in turn, experience several phenomena due to winds, undercurrents, and waves, which also hamper the detection of environmental hazards like oil spills. In this work, we propose an automated segmentation algorithm that can be applied to these targets in airborne and spaceborne SAR images. The method is based on pointwise detection in fuzzy borders using a parameter estimation of the G0 distribution, which has been successfully used in similar contexts. The underlying assumption is that the sought-for border separates regions with different textures, each having different distribution parameters. Then, stochastic distances can identify the most likely point where this parameter change occurs. A curve interpolation algorithm then estimates the actual contour of the body given the detected points. We assess the adequacy of eight stochastic distances that are mostly applied in the literature. We evaluate the performance of our method in terms of similarity between true and detected boundaries on simulated and actual SAR images, achieving promising results. The performance of our proposal is assessed by Hausdorff distance and Intersection over Union. In the case of synthetic data, the selection of the best stochastic distance depends on the parameters of the GI0 distribution. In contrast, the harmonic-mean and triangular distances produced the best results in detecting borders in three actual SAR images of lagoons. Finally, we present the results of our proposal applied to an image with oil spills using Bhattacharyya, Hellinger, and Jensen–Shannon distances.

A convenient and universal platform for sensing environmental nitro-aromatic explosives based on amphiphilic carbon dots

2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) is environmentally deleterious substance that has been of pressing societal concern. Therefore, developing a convenient and reliable platforms for its fast and efficient detection is of paramount importance from security point of view. Herein, amphiphilic fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. CDs exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity on TNP in the polar and apolar solvent and even natural water samples. Moreover, the simple and portable indicator paper can be prepared conveniently and used for sensing TNP visually with high sensitivity and fast response. Research findings obtained from this study would assist in the development of portable devices for the on-site and real-time detection of environmental hazards.

Real‐time inverse distance weighting interpolation for streaming sensor data

AbstractWith advances in technology and an increasing variety of inexpensive geosensors, environmental monitoring has become increasingly sensor dense and real time. Using sensor data streams enables real‐time applications such as environmental hazard detection, or earthquake, wildfire, or radiation monitoring. In‐depth analysis of such spatial fields is often based on a continuous representation. With very large numbers of concurrent observation streams, novel algorithms are necessary that integrate streams into rasters, or other continuous representations, continuously in real time. In this article, we present an approach leveraging data stream engines (DSEs) to achieve scalable, high‐throughput inverse distance weighting (IDW). In detail, we designed and implemented a novel stream query operator framework that extends general‐purpose DSEs. The proposed framework includes a two‐panel, spatio‐temporal grid‐based index and several algorithms, namely the Shell and k‐Shell algorithms, to estimate individual grid cells efficiently and adaptively for different sampling scenarios. For our performance experiments, we generated several different spatio‐temporal stream data sets based on the radiation deposits in the Fukushima region after the nuclear accident of 2011 in Japan. Our results showed that the k‐Shell algorithm of the proposed framework produces a raster based on 250k observation streams in under 0.5 s using a state‐of‐the‐art workstation.

Oligonucleotide-based biosensors for in vitro diagnostics and environmental hazard detection.

Oligonucleotide-based biosensors have drawn much attention because of their broad applications in in vitro diagnostics and environmental hazard detection. They are particularly of interest to many researchers because of their high specificity as well as excellent sensitivity. Recently, oligonucleotide-based biosensors have been used to achieve not only genetic detection of targets but also the detection of small molecules, peptides, and proteins. This has further broadened the applications of these sensors in the medical and health care industry. In this review, we highlight various examples of oligonucleotide-based biosensors for the detection of diseases, drugs, and environmentally hazardous chemicals. Each example is provided with detailed schematics of the detection mechanism in addition to the supporting experimental results. Furthermore, future perspectives and new challenges in oligonucleotide-based biosensors are discussed.

Detection of environmental hazards through the feature-based fusion of optical and SAR data: a case study in southern Italy

The use of remote-sensing images is becoming common practice in the fight against environmental crimes. However, the challenge of exploiting the complementary information provided by radar and optical data, and by more conventional sources encoded in geographic information systems, is still open. In this work, we propose a new workflow for the detection of potentially hazardous cattle-breeding facilities, exploiting both synthetic aperture radar and optical multitemporal data together with geospatial analyses in the geographic information system environment. The data fusion is performed at a feature-based level. Experiments on data available for the area of Caserta, in southern Italy, show that the proposed technique provides very high detection capability, up to 95%, with a very low false alarm rate. A fast and easy-to-use system has been realized based on this approach, which is a useful tool in the hand of agencies engaged in the protection of territory.

Coastal Environmental Studies: Importance, Problem and Prospect

Coastal Environmental Studies: Importance, Problem and Prospect

A high precision aeromagnetic survey near the Glen Hummel Field in Texas; Identification of cultural and sedimentary anomaly sources

We present a case study of a high resolution aeromagnetic survey near the Glen Hummel oil field (Figure 1). The survey was originally flown to support a study of aeromagnetic methods for environmental hazard detection, but it provides an opportunity to investigate various problems that arise when analyzing low level total field magnetic anomalies in an area of petroleum production.

Semen Analysis

In view of the well known sensitivity of the seminiferous epithelium to various stress factors and to chemicals one would expect that semen analyses would be part of many screening programs to detect dangerous chemicals and environmental hazards. This is not the case, and our knowledge about the production and functional properties of human spermatozoa is mainly based on analyses of specimens from men with barren marriages. A more common use of semen analyses should enable us to better define the normal limits for many of the potentially relevant variables. Due consideration must, however, also be given the time for spermatogenesis and for transit through the epididymis as well as the influence of seminal plasma factors on many functional properties of the spermatozoa. From the scanty information available one can already now presume that careful analyses of motility and morphology of the spermatozoa under standardized conditions will be of help in the early detection of environmental hazards. A more common use of methods for the assessment of such functional properties of the spermatozoa as structural stability, membrane permeability, metabolism, and resistance to physical stress will give additional information about the effects of chemicals and other factors. To exploit these potential methods for the early detection of environmental hazards there is, however, also a need of a changed attitude towards semen analysis from the medical profession as well as from the public.

Semen analysis

In view of the well known sensitivity of the seminiferous epithelium to various stress factors and to chemicals one would expect that semen analyses would be part of many screening programs to detect dangerous chemicals and environmental hazards. This is not the case, and our knowledge about the production and functional properties of human spermatozoa is mainly based on analyses of specimens from men with barren marriages. A more common use of semen analyses should enable us to better define the normal limits for many of the potentially relevant variables. Due consideration must, however, also be given the time for spermatogenesis and for transit through the epididymis as well as the influence of seminal plasma factors on many functional properties of the spermatozoa. From the scanty information available one can already now presume that careful analyses of motility and morphology of the spermatozoa under standardized conditions will be of help in the early detection of environmental hazards. A more common use of methods for the assessment of such functional properties of the spermatozoa as structural stability, membrane permeability, metabolism, and resistance to physical stress will give additional information about the effects of chemicals and other factors. To exploit these potential methods for the early detection of environmental hazards there is, however, also a need of a changed attitude towards semen analysis from the medical profession as well as from the public.

Early onset of oral cancer among women who drink and smoke.

Potentially, one of the most useful warning signals for the detection of environmental hazards is an unusually early age at onset of disease. Animal studies have shown age effects of this type with co-carcinogens. A clearcut example of a downward age shift in humans is provided by a study of the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes in women with oral concer. Using data on 145 white females with intraoral cancer, and 1973 non-neoplastic controls from patients seen at Roswell Park Memorial Institute between 1957 and 1966, it can be shown that exposure to both alcohol and tobacco can lead to onset of oral cancer 15 or more years earlier than would occur in women who do not use either alcohol or tobacco. Exposure to smoking only produces a smaller age shift, but exposure to alcohol only does not produce any clear shift in age of onset. Implications for co-carcinogenesis and for early detection of co-carcinogens in the environment are suggested.