Environmental Management Strategies Research Articles

Newcastle viral disease causation web correlations with laying hen productivity

Environmental conditions profoundly impact the health, welfare, and productivity of laying hens in commercial poultry farming. We investigated the association between microclimate variations, production indices, and histopathological responses to accidental Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection within a controlled closed-house system. The study was conducted over seven months in a laying hen facility in Cairo, Egypt. Microclimate measurements included temperature, relative humidity (RH%), air velocity (AV), and the temperature humidity index (THI) that were obtained from specific locations on the front and back sides of the facility. Productivity indices, including the egg production percentage (EPP), egg weight (EW), average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, were assessed monthly. During an NDV outbreak, humoral immune responses, gross pathology, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in EPP and EW between the front and back sides except in April and May. AV had a significant (p = 0.006) positive effect (Beta = 0.346) on EW on the front side. On the back side, AV had a significant (p = 0.001) positive effect (Beta = 0.474) on EW, while it negatively influenced (p = 0.027) EPP (Beta = − 0.281). However, temperature, RH%, and THI had no impact and could not serve as predictors for EPP or EW on either farm side. The humoral immune response to NDV was consistent across microclimates, highlighting the resilience of hens. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic NDV-associated lesions, with no significant differences between the microclimates. This study underscores the significance of optimizing microclimate conditions to enhance laying performance by providing tailored environmental management strategies based on seasonal variations, ensuring consistent airflow, particularly near cooling pads and exhaust fans, and reinforcing the importance of biosecurity measures under field challenges with continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Evaluating impacts of climate and management on reservoir water quality using environmental fluid dynamics code

Climate change and human interference, notably nutrient input, affect the water quality. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are pivotal in managing eutrophication. This study investigated the effects of water dynamics and chemical constituents on water quality in Hongfeng Lake, a typical weakly stratified reservoir suffering from algae blooms in Southwest China, using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code. Leveraging climate, hydrological, and water quality data, we constructed, calibrated, and validated the temperature-hydrodynamics-water quality-sediment model. Various scenarios were analyzed, including wind speed, air temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, water discharge, N and P external input, and internal release. The findings revealed that no rain and warming increased trophic state index (TSI) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, and no solar radiation initially elevated nitrate concentration, followed by an increase in ammonium concentration. Besides, no solar radiation and changes in rainfall significantly increased total phosphate concentration. The management scenarios of N and P reduction, halving tributary, and mainstream flow scenarios improved water quality and reduced eutrophication. The wind speed under the N and P reduced scenarios showed that a doubling in wind led to increased concentrations of the particulate organic matter, Chl-a, and dissolved oxygen, alongside decreased ammonium and nitrate, while TSI exhibited minimal change. However, 5- and 10-times wind speed scenarios amplified TSI in shallow water, potentially due to a substantial rise in internal nutrient release. The degradation trend observed in drinking water quality amid climate change (warming and flooding) raises concerns regarding health-related risks. These simulations provided the quantified influence of climate change and environmental management strategies on water quality in the weakly stratified reservoir, notably highlighting the looming threat of exacerbated eutrophication due to warming, necessitating more stringent N and P reduction measures compared to current practices.

Water quality management in a tropical karstic system influenced by land use in Chiapas, Mexico

Urbanization and agricultural activities are increasingly threatening karstic systems and the water resources they provide, which are crucial for the livelihood of rural communities. Over the past decade, the Río Grande de Comitán-Lagos de Montebello (RGC-LM) watershed in Chiapas, Mexico, has experienced significant deterioration in water quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the water quality dynamics within the RGC-LM watershed and their potential interaction with land use change. We conducted assessments of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters across the lotic and lentic systems within the watershed over eight monitoring campaigns (from 2013 to 2020). Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical approaches were performed to identify the main drivers of surface water quality variability. This approach aims to enhance water quality assessments within environmental management strategies, with the goal of promoting sustainable land-use practices aimed at protecting and improving water resources within the watershed. Our findings indicate that there is a substantial difference between the upper and lower watershed water quality. The good water quality conditions observed in the higher altitude lakes (mountain lakes) can be attributed to favorable topographical features, specific land use patterns, and effective conservation measures. In contrast, the lotic system in the middle watershed and the lentic water bodies located at lower altitudes (plain lakes) exhibit signs of water quality degradation due to inefficient wastewater treatment and agricultural runoff. This study highlights the importance of implementing adequate environmental management strategies to address these water quality challenges effectively. Given the pressing issue of water quality degradation in karstic environments, we emphasize on the need for increased monitoring frequency of both physicochemical and microbiological parameters to capture seasonal variations and to further understand the vulnerability of water resources in karstic environments. Future assessment of nutrient concentrations, pesticide levels, and blue-green algae populations will also be crucial for evaluating the trophic state at a watershed scale.

AKUNTANSI MANAJEMEN LINGKUNGAN, INOVASI HIJAU, DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJERIAL

Purpose: The study aims to explain how the application of environmental management accounting and green innovation affects managerial performance in manufacturing companies listed in the BEI in 2021. Methodology/approach: Research methods using explanatory methods. Of the 198 manufacturing companies sampled using purposive sampling, 60 companies obtained samples. Findings: Research results show that environmental management accounting has no impact on managerial performance, and product innovation has an impact on management performance. Environmental management accounting has no impact because some companies charge relatively small environmental costs. But in a descriptive analysis test on the mean value, it yields a minus value, which means that the accounting company's operating cash flow value in 2020 is smaller than in 2021, thus yielding a minus. Practical implications: This is because, at the time of the COVID pandemic, the results were in line with the triple bottom line theory, which measures the performance of a company in a comprehensive way by focusing on profit-making, social concerns, and environmental conservation. Originality/value: In Stakeholder Theory, companies determine and determine environmental management strategies and accounting that are able to maintain the interests of stakeholders, which later stakeholders can contribute to the company to improve company performance and value in the future. Green Innovation can also improve managerial performance by applying new technologies (hardware or software) related to production processes that will lead to energy efficiency, pollution reduction, waste recycling, environmentally friendly design and environmental management within the company

Long-term nitrogen deposition alters the soil bacterial community structure but has little effect on fungal communities

Subtropical Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests have become hot spots for nitrogen (N) deposition in China. However, the effect of long-term N deposition on the structure of soil microbial communities in different horizons of these forests remains unclear. To investigate the influence of extended N deposition on soil bacteria and fungi, a simulated N deposition field study was conducted in Fujian Province with four N deposition levels (0, 20, 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1). The absolute abundances, diversity, community structure, and potential functions of soil bacteria and fungi were investigated after 10 years of simulated N deposition. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of N deposition on the abundance or diversity of soil microbes in either the organic or mineral horizons of Moso bamboo forests. However, under rates of 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1, long-term N deposition altered the structure of the soil bacterial community in the organic horizon. Specifically, there was a 27.75∼36.40 % increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, while that of Acidobacteria decreased by 24.40∼27.52 %. Redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that soil total carbon (TC) was the key variable influencing the bacterial community structure in the organic horizon. Analysis of potential microbial functions showed that in the organic horizon, the rates of chemoheterotrophy significantly decreased under 80 kg N hm−2 a−1. However, N deposition did not noticeably impact the fungal community structure in either soil horizon. Our study suggested that under 10 years of N deposition, only the bacterial community composition and function in the organic horizon was affected, indicating that soil bacteria are more sensitive to N deposition than fungi in subtropical Moso bamboo forests. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the impact of N deposition on fungal community composition in the soil organic horizon and on the microbial community in the mineral horizon of subtropical bamboo forests. This study provides valuable insights for informing future environmental management and conservation strategies.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT AMONG BROILER FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

The study assessed risk management among broiler farmers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, Nigeria. The study used three-stage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 67 broiler farmers. The analytical technique involved descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. The results revealed that 79.1% of the respondents were males with a mean age of 42 years, 47.8% had education to secondary level and 53.7% had more than 1-3 years of farming experience with the mean of 5 years and 46.3% of the household size had a range between 1-5 members with a mean of 6 members. The result of the risks encountered by the broiler farmers showed that shortage of feed was the major production risk encountered with a mean value of 3.23, unforeseen funding shortage was the most critical financial risk encountered (3.18), unfavorable weather condition was the most significant environmental risk encountered (3.61), high cost of feed was the highest ranked market risk encountered (3.84). The risk management strategies adopted by the broiler farmers showed that Feed, general health, disease prevention, financial and environmental management strategies were the five factor components left after factor analysis. The study concludes that the risk management strategies were possibly not being properly implemented and adopted; hence, they often continue to encounter these risks. This study recommends that government in collaboration with broiler farmers should make good intervention and policies through the relevant agricultural agencies in order to minimize risk, reduce cost of production and achieve increase farm incomes in the study area.

A strategic approach to sustainable wastewater management and reuse in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces challenges in protecting its limited natural water resources. The centralized sewage treatment plants (STPs) contribute to conserving natural water resources in various regions of KSA. For sustainable wastewater management strategies in arid environments, the performance of STPs needs to be assessed for various beneficial uses in addition to the existing regulations. The present study used extensive effluent quality data of four STPs to develop a performance assessment approach using multi-criteria and principal component analyses. The performance levels were derived from the compliance rate of effluent standards with different reuses and the efficacy of biosolids management. The proposed approach evaluated the STPs based on the planned applications of treated effluents, considering the land use characteristics of each plant’s disposal point. The factors loadings obtained for the STPs, encompassing total suspended and dissolved solids, and total dissolved solids, oxidizing demanding pollutants (BOD and COD), and nutrients (NO3 and PO4), with 3 to 4 principal components demonstrating above 60% of the effluent monitoring data, established the importance of the effluent quality parameters. The effluent quality index (EQI) was developed for existing and potential reuses, e.g., irrigation, landscaping, fishery, and recreation, during dry (summer) and wet (winter) periods. All STPs showed high EQI for both periods for the present reuse standards of unrestricted irrigation and landscaping. The overall performance index, aggregating EQI and the efficacy of sludge management practices, illustrated declining performance, suggesting staged improvements (tertiary-level treatment, air floatation, sludge digestion, and waste-to-energy) through a periodic assessment process. STPs must enhance their sludge management efficacy to produce Class-A biosolids and waste-to-energy. The proposed approach will help make strategic decisions regarding improvements for STPs and the allocation of financial resources to protect natural resources in various regions across KSA.

Integrated environmental management and GPS-X modelling for current and future sustainable wastewater treatment: A case study from the Middle East

In the context of today's rapidly changing environmental challenges, accurately predicting the performance and efficiency of environmental management strategies is crucial. Particularly in the Middle East, where research on wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is notably lacking, addressing this need is imperative. This study investigates the treatment efficiency of a wastewater treatment plant and proposes various techniques to enhance its performance. Employing a case study method, we utilise the GPS-X model to forecast the plant's performance under diverse scenarios, offering solutions for future challenges. The results reveal that the current plant layout operates efficiently, with removal efficiencies for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) at 98.3 %, 95.1 %, and 96.1 %, respectively. The outlet Dissolved Oxygen (DO) of 1.9 mg/L meets local wastewater reuse standards. Furthermore, the GPS-X model forecasts the plant's performance under different scenarios, suggesting the feasibility of a new layout within 20–25 years and the need for additional units after 40 years. As inflow approaches maximum design capacity, simulation results underscore the importance of utilising the full plant design and expanding it for optimal operation over 60 years. This research provides critical insights for improving WWTP performance and emphasizes the significance of strategic planning in addressing long-term environmental management challenges. Moreover, this study represents a pioneering effort in addressing critical water scarcity challenges in Jordan by exploring the potential of treated wastewater (TWW) as a sustainable solution, thus contributing to the advancement of environmental management practices in the region.

Accelerating Glacier Area Loss Across the Andes Since the Little Ice Age

AbstractAndean glaciers are losing mass rapidly but a centennial‐scale context to those rates is lacking. Here we show the extent of &gt;5,500 glaciers during the Little Ice Age chronozone (LIA; c. 1,400 to c. 1,850) and compute an overall area change of −25% from then to year 2000 at an average rate of −36.5 km2 yr−1 or −0.11% yr−1. Glaciers in the Tropical Andes (Peru, Bolivia) have depleted the most; median −56% of LIA area, and the fastest; median −0.16% yr−1. Up to 10 × acceleration in glacier area loss has occurred in Tropical mountain sub‐regions comparing LIA to 2,000 rates to post‐2000 rates. Regional climate controls inter‐regional variability, whereas local factors affect intra‐region glacier response time. Analyzing glacier area change by river basins and by protected areas leads us to suggest that conservation and environmental management strategies should be re‐visited as proglacial areas expand.

Supportive Learning Environment and Assertive Classroom Management Strategies as a Contributing Factor of the Academic Resiliency of T.L.E. Students

This study investigated the effects of supportive learning settings and assertive classroom management tactics on students' academic resilience. Using a descriptive-correlational research methodology, 254 junior high school students from a public secondary school in the Division of Davao del Norte were chosen using stratified random sampling. Using three adopted questionnaires and statistical tools such as mean, Pearson r, and regression analysis, the study demonstrates a very high degree of supportive learning environment, with high levels of assertive classroom management strategies and academic resilience. Significant correlations were discovered between numerous components of supportive learning environments and assertive classroom management practices, which influenced students' academic resilience. The study emphasizes the critical role of supportive learning settings and assertive classroom management practices in developing academic resilience, particularly in technical livelihood education. Recommendations include developing targeted interventions based on strengths observed in supportive learning environments, providing professional development opportunities for educators, implementing specialized interventions targeting specific qualities associated with academic resilience, and fostering a culture of continuous review and development within educational institutions.

Supplier–buyer (in)congruence in environmental management accounting for sustainable development in the context of Japan

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive perspective on the integration of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) in translating environmental management strategies into corporate outcomes, both at the firm and supply chain levels. Grounded in legitimacy theory and agency theory, we introduce a conceptual framework to comprehensively investigate the impact of EMA implementation on corporate environmental performance (CEP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). Additionally, by considering the dynamics of supplier–buyer relationships, this research delves into the influence of supplier–buyer alignment in EMA on corporate performance, encompassing CEP and CFP within a supply network. To collect empirical data, we partnered with two prominent information firms in Japan, Toyo Keizai Inc. and., Nikkei Inc and gathered EMA data from chief financial officers of publicly listed companies spanning multiple industries in Japan. We manually paired these public firms with their business partners, including industry buyers and suppliers, to establish focal firm‐business partner pairs. Our findings indicate a positive correlation between the extent of EMA implementation and both CEP and CFP. Furthermore, we observe that board gender diversity enhances the relationship between EMA implementation and CFP, while it exerts no influence on the connection between EMA implementation and CEP. Lastly, our study reveals that supplier–buyer congruence in EMA implementation yields positive effects on the performance of focal firms operating within a supply chain network.

The impact of large-scale ecological restoration projects on trade-offs/synergies and clusters of ecosystem services

Understanding the relationships between ecosystem services (ES) and the factors driving their changes over long periods and multiple scales is key for landscape managers in decision-making. However, the widespread implementation of restoration programs has led to significant ES changes, with trade-offs across space and time that have been little explored empirically, making it challenging to provide effective experience for managers. We quantified changes and interactions among five ES across various stages of the Grain-to-Green Program in the eastern Loess Plateau, examining these dynamics at threefold spatial scales. We observed notable increases in soil retention and Net Ecosystem Production but declines in habitat quality and Landscape aesthetics under afforestation. Over time, and with more integrated restoration strategies, synergies between ES pairs weakened, and non-correlations (even trade-offs) increased. To avoid unnecessary trade-offs, we recommend incorporating socio-ecological factors driving ES changes and ES bundles, informed by empirical experience, into proactive spatial planning and environmental management strategies for multi-ES objectives. The temporal lags and spatial trade-offs highlighted by this study offer crucial insights for large-scale restoration programs worldwide.

A comprehensive network meta-analysis to assess the benefit of starter fertilization on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency

BackgroundPlaced starter fertilization, a well-established fertilization practice in agriculture, aims to increase fertilizer use efficiency and yield. So far, numerous studies have proven positive effect on yields. However, the impact on nutrient use efficiency and nutrient uptake was not investigated profoundly. Additionally, diverse unidentified edaphic and environmental factors, and fertilization strategies cause a high uncertainty for the outcome under field conditions. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to quantify the impact of a placed starter fertilization on yield, N and P uptake as well as N and P use efficiency. Thereby, the importance of influencing environmental factors and management strategies and the magnitude of their impact should be clarified. MethodsWe performed a network meta-analysis including 1158 observations from 57 peer-reviewed studies and provided a holistic investigation on the effect of placed starter fertilization on yield, nutrient use efficiencies, and aboveground nutrient contents compared to fertilizing without starter fertilization. ResultsThis study revealed that placed starter fertilization significantly increased yield by 9.4 %. Especially in warm, arid climates as well as in warm, hyper-humid climates the fertilizer use efficiency gain was most pronounced. While N uptake and N use efficiency could not benefit significantly from a placed starter fertilization, P uptake and P use efficiency were both enhanced. In the future, combining N and P and using ammonium-based fertilizers can guarantee the effectiveness of a placed starter fertilization. ConclusionsIn summary, placed starter fertilization is a potent strategy to increase yield and improve P use efficiency and P uptake. When applied in the right climate, with the right dosage and N compound, additional advantages of a placed starter fertilization can be exploited. ImplicationsThe current study not only deepens our understanding of the connection of fertilization methods and agronomic performance, but also provides a guideline for improving the efficiency of placed starter fertilization.

Spatial distribution of pesticide use based on crop rotation data in La Plata River basin: a case study from an agricultural region of Uruguay.

The intensive global use of pesticides presents an escalating threat to human health, ecosystems, and water quality. To develop national and local environmental management strategies for mitigating pollution caused by pesticides, it is essential to understand the quantities, timing, and location of their application. This study aims to estimate the spatial distribution of pesticide use in an agricultural region of La Plata River basin in Uruguay. Estimates of pesticide use were made by surveying doses applied to each crop. This information was spatialized through identifying agricultural rotations using remote sensing techniques. The study identified the 60 major agricultural rotations in the region and mapped the use and application amount of the nine most significant active ingredients (glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, clethodim, flumetsulam, triflumuron, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil). The results reveal that glyphosate is the most extensively used pesticide (53.5% of the area) and highest amount of use (> 1.44kg/ha). Moreover, in 19% of the area, at least seven active ingredients are applied in crop rotations. This study marks the initial step in identifying rotations and estimating pesticide applications with high spatial resolution at a regional scale in agricultural regions of La Plata River basin. The results improve the understanding of pesticide spatial distribution based on data obtained from agronomists, technicians, and producers and provide a replicable methodological approach for other geographic and productive contexts. Generating baseline information is key to environmental management and decision making, towards the design of more robust monitoring systems and human exposure assessment.

Compound- and element-specific accumulation characteristics of persistent toxic substances and metals in sediments of the Yellow Sea

This study investigated the large-scale distributions of persistent toxic substances (PTSs) and heavy metals in sediments of the Yellow Sea, collected from six transects between latitudes 32 and 37 degrees north (n = 35). Elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected near the mainland, with a predominance of low-chlorinated congeners (di to tetra, ∼60%), indicative of atmospheric deposition. Analysis of traditional and emerging polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (t-PAHs and e-PAHs) revealed notable enrichment in the Central Yellow Sea Mud Zone (CYSM), attributing fossil fuel combustion as the significant source. Styrene oligomers and alkylphenols exhibited notable accumulation near the Han River Estuary in South Korea and the Yangtze River Estuary in China, respectively. The accumulation of heavy metals was predominantly observed in the CYSM, with element-specific distribution patterns. Cluster analysis revealed distinct distribution patterns for PTSs and metals, highlighting their source-dependent and grain size-dependent behaviors. In addition, the distribution and accumulation of PTSs tended to depend on their partitioning coefficients, such as the octanol-air partition coefficient (log KOA) and octanol-water partition coefficient (log KOW). This study offers valuable insights into the sources, transport, and fate of hazardous substances in the Yellow Sea, emphasizing the necessity for targeted environmental management strategies.

Tree‐based model for achieving environmental impact neutrality: A case study application in the agri‐food sector

AbstractConsensus does not currently exists on how to offset the residual environmental footprint generated by agricultural and forestry practices. This paper develops an environmental sustainability management framework to support the achievement of environmental impact neutrality in the primary sector of agriculture and forestry. The proposed framework, named TREEIN, “a TREe model for Environmental Impact Neutrality”, can guide companies toward effective use of existing environmental management and certification schemes that account for both the negative impact of the production system's life cycle and the positive impact offered by adequate ecosystem service supply. First, we did an overview of international standard certifications, protocols, and sustainability programs based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecosystem services assessment (ESA) methodologies. Subsequently, we analyzed the sustainability programs in the European‐specific economic sectors of wine and extra‐virgin olive oil, focusing on the combined approach of LCA and ESA methodologies. As a result, TREEIN, a tree model framework, was developed and applied to the case study of a typical farming system in Tuscany (Italy) in order to achievie impact neutrality. Quantitative outcomes, qualitative assertions, and the methodological challenges associated with such a pilot application are investigated and discussed. The TREEIN's benefits and drawbacks are explored in light of the findings of this case study, and a roadmap for its further advancement and adoption in the market is presented.

Economic vulnerabilities and sustainability in energy utilities: Managing climate change in the face of geopolitical turmoil

This study investigates the implications of climate change on the environmental management strategies adopted by Chinese energy utility companies over the period from 2008 to 2021. The study highlights that an increase in temperatures correlates with a greater likelihood of these firms implementing environmental management strategies. This tendency is particularly pronounced among companies characterized by lower revenue levels, elevated operational costs, increased media scrutiny, or a comparatively weaker commitment to social responsibilities. Additionally, the analysis reveals that improved carbon performance mitigates this effect, whereas state ownership amplifies the observed trends. This research contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between climate change and corporate environmental strategy within the context of Chinese energy utilities.

Hybridized machine learning models for phosphate pollution modeling in water systems for multiple uses

Phosphate pollution in water bodies is a significant environmental concern, especially in regions with extensive agricultural practices. Hence, a tool for accurately assessing the phosphate concentration is essential. This research paper explores the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) models combined with nature-inspired optimization algorithms for predicting phosphate levels in water systems. The novelty consists of integrating the power of machine learning models, which have been presenting excellent performance at capturing complex relationships in environmental pollution data, with the Harris Hawks Optimizer (HHO) optimization capabilities inspired by hawks' hunting behavior. Four hybrid implementations combining the HHO were evaluated, and four feature subsets were assessed to identify the most influential variables in the modeling process. Using water quality data from Brazilian upstream watersheds, the hybrid models were trained and validated, enabling accurate and robust predictions of phosphate concentrations. The elastic net (EN) model optimized by Harris Hawk Optimizer (HHO-EN) produced the best-averaged performance among all experiments (R = 0.825, R2 = 0.670, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.049 mg/L, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) = 0.037 mg/L). A parametric and feature importance analysis identified the most influential parameters in the contamination modeling process. Hybrid machine learning models represent a novel and efficient strategy for water quality monitoring and environmental management, supporting the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Investigating the role of poly-γ-glutamic acid in Pennisetum giganteum phytoextraction of mercury-contaminated soil

Farmland mercury (Hg) pollution poses a significant threat to human health, but there is a lack of highly efficient phytoextraction for its remediation at present. This study investigates the impact of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on the phytoextraction capabilities of Pennisetum giganteum (P. giganteum) in Hg-contaminated soil. Our research indicates that amending γ-PGA to soil markedly enhances the assimilation of soil Hg by P. giganteum and transformation of Hg within itself, with observed increases in Hg concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves by 1.1, 4.3, and 18.9 times, respectively, compared to the control. This enhancement is attributed to that γ-PGA can facilitate the hydrophilic and bioavailable of soil Hg. Besides, γ-PGA can stimulate the abundance of Hg-resistance bacteria Proteobacteria in the rhizosphere of P. giganteum, thus increasing the mobility and uptake of soil Hg by P. giganteum roots. Moreover, the hydrophilic nature of Hg-γ-PGA complexes supports their transport via the apoplastic pathway, across the epidermis, and through the Casparian strip, eventually leading to immobilization in the mesophyll tissues. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of Hg phytoextraction, demonstrating that γ-PGA significantly enhances the effectiveness of P. giganteum in Hg uptake and translocation. The findings suggest a promising approach for the remediation of Hg-contaminated soil, offering a sustainable and efficient strategy for environmental management and health risk mitigation.

Fate and partition of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) driven by particles in mangrove ecosystems: Mechanistic insights and environmental implications

A critical gap in understanding emerging pollutants in mangrove ecosystems should be addressed. Despite their ecological importance, the state of environmental quality in fragmented mangrove patches, especially emerging contaminants, remains largely uncharted. Our research presented an in-depth analysis of the distribution of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) across porewater, suspended particles, and sediment in these small, fragmented mangroves, revealing the mechanisms behind their distribution. The findings indicated that PFAA concentrations in sediments were generally lower than in suspended particles, except for C12–C14 perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and C4–C6 perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs). A comparison of contamination levels in different mangrove patches concurred with conventional water quality assessments and crab burrow surveys, showing that large artificially planted patches were less contaminated, while areas with intense human activity were more polluted. Notably, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of long-chain PFAAs and PFCAs between patches (p > 0.1). Elevated crab burrowing activity and higher concentrations of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in suspended particles in low intertidal zones suggested that seafood, particularly crabs and shellfish, might be at risk of PFAA pollution. Rainfall-runoff was identified as the primary source of PFAA pollution in porewater and suspended particle systems in these areas. The transport of PFAAs and organic carbon in mangroves was influenced by the concentrations and properties of suspended particles. These insights were critical for developing targeted environmental management strategies to mitigate the impact of PFAAs and preserve the ecological integrity of mangrove ecosystems.