Environmental Threats Research Articles

Proximity differences between forwards and defenders during goal scoring in soccer

The role of a forward player in soccer is to score goals by destabilising defensive systems. The act of goal scoring in open play is fast paced with players requiring perceptual ability to navigate the environment. The purpose of this research study was to explore goal scorers’ ability to perceive and adapt to the environmental threats to goal scoring at different competitive levels. All open play goals scored by forward players in the 2022/23 English Premier League, Championship, League 1, and League 2 divisions were analysed. Four observers recorded the proximity of defenders to the goal scorer at the moment of assist pass and moment of finish. Results showed significant differences existed between the proximity of defenders to the goal scorer between the assist pass and finish. When data was isolated to one touch finish goals within highly offensive zones, a reducing pattern of significant difference was found as league standard decreased. Findings offer an insight into the perceptual ability of forward players to destabilise defensive systems. Recommendations for practice design and talent identification are proposed.

Conservation Under Siege: The Intersection of Tourism and Environmental Threats in Croatian Protected Areas

This paper investigates the illegal activities that may negatively impact the environment in Croatia’s protected areas, particularly those associated with tourism. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and sensitivity analysis are used to identify distinct high-risk activities specific to different park types. Coastal parks are found to be particularly vulnerable to maritime-related illegal activities, with high risk exposure from mooring vessels and swimming in prohibited areas. These parks also face significant risks from illegal fishing and the capture of strictly protected plants and animals, highlighting the need for enhanced marine ecosystem protection. Mountainous and forest parks face significant risks from fire-related activities, while wetland parks are sensitive to poaching and illegal fishing. Additionally, diverse landscape parks show increased vulnerability to littering, poaching, and the collection or harvesting of strictly protected plants and animals. The results underscore the necessity for tailored risk-management strategies that prioritize interventions based on park-specific challenges. By addressing the unique vulnerabilities of each park type, this study contributes insights into mitigating environmental threats posed by tourism and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management in protected areas.

Warm saltwater inflows strengthen oxygen depletion in the western Baltic Sea

Hypoxia is a major environmental threat for coastal seas, including the strongly-stratified Baltic Sea in northern Europe. There, a pronounced increase in nutrient loads since the 1950s led to the development of one of the largest hypoxic areas worldwide. So far, other drives of hypoxia, like the increase in water temperatures due to global warming, have been considered minor compared to eutrophication. We show, by analyzing 159-years long hindcast simulations of three different Baltic Sea models, that exceptional warming trends in deep water layers of the western Baltic Sea deteriorated the local oxygen conditions. The above-average warming is only to a small extent attributed directly to global warming, but mainly to a shift in the seasonality of saltwater inflows from the North Sea towards more warm summer and early autumn inflows. Hence, we identify a so far unknown driver of oxygen depletion in the western Baltic Sea with potentially serious ecological consequences.

Review on the relationship between microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater near mining areas.

Microplastics (MPs), degraded from plastic wastes, have drawn significant attention worldwide due to its prevalence and rapid transition. Contamination of freshwater with MPs has become an emerging global issue. Heavy metals (HMs), a prominent global pollutant, also garnered much attention due to their potential interaction with MPs, presenting a multifaceted environmental threat. The primary source of HM contamination in freshwater has been identified as mining sites. Additionally, the increasing use of plastic materials within mining areas raises concerns about MP release into the surrounding freshwater environments. Recent studies only provide information on the contamination of HMs status with MPs. However, studies on the mechanism responsible for MPs contamination from both external and internal sources of freshwater MPs and HMs are limited. The knowledge gaps in the deposition and fate of MPs in various mining situations and the possibility of combined impacts of heavy metals and MPs in the ecosystem raise ecological concerns. Here, we review the origins of MPs and HM pollution within mining sites and explore the potential combined detrimental impacts on plants and animal life. We found out that polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) have higher adsorption affinity to heavy metals, and the mingle toxic consequence of the MPs and HM can depend on the MP surface properties, pH, and salinity of the neighboring water solution. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models enable the efficient design of adsorption systems. The Langmuir model describes single-layer adsorption at homogeneous sites, while the Freundlich model addresses multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. The crucial mechanism of adsorption and desorption that underlies the occurrence of both MPs and heavy metals is a decisive matter in this issue.

Mediterranean seagrasses provide essential coastal protection under climate change

Seagrasses are vital in coastal areas, offering crucial ecosystem services and playing a relevant role in coastal protection. The decrease in the density of Mediterranean seagrasses over recent decades, due to warming and anthropogenic stressors, may imply a serious environmental threat. Here we quantify the role of coastal impact reduction induced by seagrass presence under present and future climate. We focus in the Balearic Islands, a representative and well monitored region in the Mediterranean. Our results quantify how important the presence of seagrasses is for coastal protection. The complete loss of seagrasses would lead to an extreme water level (eTWL) increase comparable to the projected sea level rise (SLR) at the end of the century under the high end scenario of greenhouse gases emissions. Under that scenario, the eTWL could increase up to ~ 1.4 m, with 54% of that increase attributed to seagrass loss. These findings underscore the importance of seagrass conservation for coastal protection.

A Holistic Approach for Coastal–Watershed Management on Tourist Islands: A Case Study from Petra–Molyvos Coast, Lesvos Island (Greece)

Shoreline configurations are a complex outcome of the dynamic interplay between natural forces and human actions. This interaction shapes unique coastal morphologies and affects sediment transport and erosion patterns along the coastline. Meanwhile, ephemeral river systems play a vital role in shaping coastlines and maintaining ecosystem sustainability, especially in island settings. In this context, the present study seeks to develop a holistic approach that views coast and watershed systems as a continuum, aiming to investigate their relationships in an island environment, while accounting for human interventions in the river regime. For this task, the empirical USLE method was employed to quantify sediment production and transport from the catchment area to the coast, while hydraulic simulations using HEC-RAS were conducted to assess sediment retention within flood-affected areas. Moreover, coastal vulnerability to erosion was evaluated by applying the InVEST CVI model in order to identify areas at risk from environmental threats. The coastal zone of Petra–Molyvos, Lesvos, Greece, was selected as the study area due to ongoing erosion issues, with particular emphasis on its interaction with the Petra stream as a result of significant human intervention at its mouth. According to the study’s findings, the examined coastal zone is highly vulnerable to combined erosion from wind and waves, while the river’s mouth receives only a small amount of sediment from water fluxes. Evidently, this leads to an increase in beach retreat phenomena, while highlighting the necessity for integrated coastal–watershed management.

Environmental Dynamics in the Case of Saudi Arabia: Is There a Trade-off Between Growth Constraints and Ecological Dimensions?

Does it make sense for a major net oil-exporting country like Saudi Arabia (where net oil revenues accounted for over 60% of national income in 2022) to prioritize environmental management and pursue a new economic development strategy that diverges from its historical approach? The answer to this question is a priori positive, especially since the political and policy decision makers have expressed their willingness to move toward a more sustainable and ecologically friendly growth model in the future. As a result, this line of inquiry has led to the development of the current research, which aims to examine the long-term relationship between economic growth, on the one hand, and environmental pollution, on the other, in the case of Saudi Arabia during the period 1960-2021. To do this, our study used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to simultaneously detect the short- and long-run effects of all the variables: gross domestic product (GDP), energy consumption (EC), agricultural production (AGR), life expectancy (LE), and population density (PD) on CO2 emissions. Our analysis revealed the following results: first, that GDP, EC, and PD have positive and significant effects on CO2 emissions in the short and long run. Second, agriculture (AGR) and life expectancy (LE) have positive and significant effects on CO2 emissions in the short run, but they have no significant effect in the long run. The negative coefficient of squared GDP confirms the second phase of the famous Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis: that CO2 emissions initially increase with income, but eventually decrease when the environmental quality becomes one of the basic social needs and a primary good, which is aligned with the findings of John Rawls, Amartya Sen, and Martha Nussbaum. This study aids policymakers in better analyzing the environmental impacts of economic development in Saudi Arabia. It offers valuable insights for managing environmental quality and provides effective solutions to address the trade-off between energy revenue and environmental threats. These findings align with the goals outlined in the Saudi government’s Vision 2020/2030.

In situ preparation of carbon/zeolite composite materials derived from coal gasification fine slag for removing malachite green: Performance evaluation and mechanism insight

The stockpiling of coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) and the discharge of organic wastewater pose serious environmental threats. The complex synthesis process and limited pollutant removal capacity of CGFS-based adsorbents impede their efficient utilization in organic wastewater purification. In this work, carbon/zeolite composite materials (CZCM) derived from CGFS were prepared in situ using a one-pot method without further crystallization, achieving an ultra-high adsorption capacity (9705 mg/g) and excellent renewability for malachite green (MG). CZCM was identified as a typical mesoporous material with an abundant pore structure, facilitating the migration of MG within the material. Notably, various metal elements (e.g., iron and calcium) and chemical groups (e.g., carboxyl and hydroxyl) from CGFS were retained through this novel preparation method, providing additional adsorption sites and enhancing MG adsorption. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics results indicated that physisorption and multilayer adsorption were the primary adsorption modes of MG by CZCM, with the adsorption rate limited by internal diffusion. Furthermore, the adsorption process was found to be exothermic, spontaneous, and entropy-decreasing. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the exceptional adsorption performance of MG by CZCM was primarily attributed to electrostatic attraction and ion exchange, with hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions also playing significant roles. This study provides new insights into the development of CGFS-based adsorbents for organic wastewater treatment, promoting the efficient conversion and practical application of CGFS.

Impact of chimney structure and ambient wind on heat pipe heat dissipation

ABSTRACT Spontaneous combustion of coal gangue piles poses a significant environmental threat, and gravity heat pipes are considered a simple and effective solution for managing this issue. This study presents a novel method to achieve efficient heat pipe cooling without relying on ambient wind, by utilizing the chimney effect to enhance the heat dissipation efficiency of the condenser section. Initially, chimney parameters were optimized. Subsequently, the optimal chimney parameters were further examined under conditions with ambient wind. The results indicate that in the absence of ambient wind, a chimney height-to-condenser length ratio of approximately 6:1, a chimney inner radius-to-heat pipe radius ratio of about 1.4:1, and a chimney inlet radius-to-inner radius ratio of around 1.5:1 can increase the airflow velocity over the gravity heat pipe surface by a factor of three. When the chimney is located in an area with ambient wind, setting the ratio of inlet radius to chimney inner radius to 1:1 effectively reduces the adverse impact of wind. The optimized chimney can harness the heat generated by spontaneous combustion of coal gangue piles to enhance heat dissipation at the heat pipe condenser, thereby shortening the remediation time of the gangue pile.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption Performance of (Mg0.4Co0.4Mn0.2)Fe2−2xSmxSnxO4 Nanoparticles for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Water Treatment

AbstractWater contamination by heavy metal ions poses a significant environmental threat. This study investigates (Mg0.4Co0.4Mn0.2)Fe2−2xSmxSnxO4 (0.000 ≤ x ≤ 0.050) ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) as eco‐friendly adsorbents for Cu(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Zn(II). X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) confirmed sample purity, with crystallite size decreasing from 20.28 to 13.31 nm as x increased. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies revealed irregular morphology, whereas energy‐dispersive X‐ray showed successful dopant incorporation into the ferrite lattice. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis indicated a surface area increase from 76.5 to 91.4 m2/g with doping. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy identified oxidation states, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the spinel structure. Doping also increased the direct bandgap energy from 3.224 to 3.245 eV and decreased Urbach energy from 0.374 to 0.352 eV. The NPs achieved high removal efficiencies for Cr(III) at 93.3%, Fe(III) at 98.8%, and Zn(II) at 80.6%, though removal of Cu(II) was minimal. The optimal adsorption performance was observed at x = 0.050. Adsorption followed second‐order kinetics and fit the Langmuir isotherm.

Microplastics in Agricultural Soil and Their Impact: A Review

The rapid global plastic production of 348 million tonnes in 2018 has led to widespread environmental pollution, especially in terrestrial ecosystems. This study examines microplastics in agricultural soils, coming alarmingly. Particles ≤5 mm, which are defined as microplastics, have detrimental effects on the earth’s environment. Because of its ecological importance, soil acts as an important microplastic sink, affecting soil and plant health and microbial activity. A variety of factors contribute to microplastic pollution in agricultural soils, including plastic mulching, manure, agricultural products (silage nets, twine), sewage sludge, weathering, and other indirect processes. These microplastics migrate, threatening soil integrity and biodiversity. Soil microplastics are analyzed for size, volume fraction, and polymer. Common materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyesters. Techniques, including optical microscopy and spectroscopy, extract and analyze microplastics. This comprehensive review calls for increased concern about the ecological effects of microplastics in agricultural soils. It emphasizes the importance of managing plastics to solve environmental challenges. The integrated environmental assessment highlights the complex relationship between microplastics and soil ecosystems, providing insights into potential risks and suggesting strategies to combat this looming environmental threat.

Properties and hydration mechanism of eco-friendly binder from circulating fluidized bed bottom ash, carbide slag, and desulfurization gypsum

Circulating fluidized bed bottom ash (CFB BA), the by-product of thermal power plants, poses environmental threats if treated improperly. This study investigated a novel treatment method of CFB BA to prepare an eco-friendly binder with carbide slag (CS), and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (DG). Results revealed that CS and DG showed the synergistic excitation of CFB BA and the alkaline environment provided by CS played an instrumental role in the mechanical properties, particularly in the later stage. The optimal mixture with 70% CFB BA, 15% CS and 15% DG achieved 50.43MPa at 28d and 60.97MPa at 90d. Comprehensive characterization by XRD, FTIR, TG-DSC, and SEM-EDS revealed that the primary hydration products, C-(A)-S-H gels and ettringite, formed a robust and compact microstructure, significantly enhancing strength. SEM-EDS demonstrated the more uniformly distributed C-(A)-S-H gels and thicker ettringite with an average width of 0.26 μm in C70, while that of C60 and C80 were 0.12 μm and 0.16 μm, respectively and MIP exhibited the lowest porosity of 27.99% in C70. Additionally, leaching tests confirmed that heavy metal concentrations in the binder were below the limits of drinking water standards in China, demonstrating significant environmental safety. This work bridges gaps in understanding the hydration mechanisms of CFB BA-based binders and offers a sustainable solution for industrial waste management.

IOT Based Waterproof System for Water Quality and Level Monitoring

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a significant advancement in the monitoring and management of environmental resources. This review explores the design and implementation of a waterproof IoT-based system for the remote monitoring of water quality and levels [2]. Water pollution, particularly in developing regions such as India, poses a substantial environmental threat, primarily driven by factors like untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. Conventional approaches to monitoring water quality, which rely on physical sampling and laboratory testing, tend to be less efficient and often fail to deliver the prompt information required for effective resource management. To overcome these limitations, the proposed system utilizes waterproof IoT devices equipped with various sensors to continuously assess critical water quality parameters, including pH, turbidity [3], and pollutant levels. The collected data is transmitted in real time to a central monitoring unit, allowing for immediate assessment and timely interventions when quality thresholds are exceeded. This review emphasizes the innovations in sensor technology and communication protocols that enhance the efficiency and reliability of the monitoring system. Additionally, the paper addresses challenges such as sensor calibration, durability, and data transmission reliability in different environmental conditions. Solutions to these challenges are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to develop and maintain effective water quality monitoring systems. The review concludes by outlining future research directions aimed at improving system robustness and expanding its application across various water bodies, thereby contributing to enhanced water resource management and environmental sustainability [1].

Advances in Soil Amendments for Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Prospects

Heavy metal contamination is a critical factor contributing to soil degradation and poses significant environmental threats with profound implications for ecosystems and human health. Soil amendments have become an effective strategy to address these challenges by reducing heavy metal hazards and remediating contaminated soils. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in soil amendments for heavy metal-contaminated soils, with a focus on natural, synthetic, natural-synthetic copolymer, and biological amendments. By thoroughly examining and contrasting their remediation mechanisms and effects, this study provides a detailed evaluation of their influence on soil physicochemical properties, leachable heavy metal content, and microbial communities. Through bibliometric analysis, current research priorities and trends are highlighted, offering a multidimensional comparison of these amendments and clarifying their varying applicability and limitations. Furthermore, this review explores future prospects and the inherent challenges in soil amendments for heavy metal contamination, aiming to offer valuable insights and theoretical references for the development and selection of novel, efficient, multifunctional, environmentally friendly amendments.

A review on sustainable management strategies for navigating the piling e-waste crisis and associated environmental threats

In today's fast-paced technological era, multifaceted technological advancements in our contemporary lifestyle are surging the use of electronic devices, which are significantly piling e-waste and posing environmental concerns. This stock of e-waste is expected to keep rising up to 50 mt year-1. Formal recycling of such humongous waste is a major challenge, especially in developing nations. Mishandling of e-waste poses serious threats to human health, soil, and water ecosystem, threatening ecological and environmental sustainability. Complex matrix of resourceful materials comprising valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, and hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants make its judicious management even more crucial. Potential toxic elements such as Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg, as well as plastic/microplastics, nanoparticles are prevalent in components like batteries, cathode ray tubes, circuit boards, glass and plastic components which are known to cause neurological, renal, and developmental damage in humans. Effective and sustainable management of these requires a comprehensive understanding of their sources, environmental behavior, and toxicological impacts. This review explores potential approached for sustainable e-waste recycling (recycling of glass, plastic, rare earth metals, and base metals), and resource recycling through pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgy, biohydrometallurgy, bioleaching and biodegradation plastic alongside challenges and prospects.

Deciphering the Catalytic Proficiency and Mechanism of the N-Acetylglucosamine Deacetylase From Pantoea dispersa.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a widely utilized amino monosaccharide. It is traditionally synthesized from N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) via chemical processes that pose environmental threats. In pursuit of a greener alternative, our investigation explored biocatalysis with a Pantoea dispersa derived deacetylase (Pd-nagA), showcasing its efficacy as a catalyst in GlcN production. As a result, this work provides a comprehensive characterization of Pd-nagA, scrutinizes its enzymatic behavior, and delves into the deacetylation mechanism in detail. Heterologous expression methods were utilized for the production and isolation of Pd-nagA, followed by a kinetic evaluation highlighting its enzymatic activity. The complex interactions between the enzyme and its substrate were investigated by integrating classical molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations, funnel metadynamics, and on-the-fly probability enhanced sampling techniques, thereby elucidating the precise deacetylation pathway. Rigorous computational analysis results demonstrated that Pd-nagA exhibited promising specificity and efficiency for GlcNAc with a high turnover rate. The catalytic residues central to the reaction were identified, and the underlying quantum reaction mechanism was detailed. Our findings suggest an approach to GlcN production using eco-friendly biocatalysis, positioning Pd-nagA at the forefront of industrial application not only because of its remarkable catalytic capabilities but also due to its potential for enzyme optimization.

Oued Souf (Algerian Sahara): balancing rising groundwater and agricultural sustainability

This research addresses the issue of rising groundwater in the Algerian Sahara, a paradoxical phenomenon given that the desert is typically associated with dryness. The cause of this rising water is the recharge of aquifers by wastewater from local activities resulting from poor water resource management. This has led to overexploitation of water resources in Oued Souf, posing an environmental threat and agricultural loss in the Ghouts. To sustainably manage these resources, it is essential to establish a management system involving all relevant stakeholders. Ultimately, sustainable groundwater management requires effective management of Sahara aquifers. This involves avoiding overuse and overexploitation, limiting excessive pumping, employing artificial recharge methods to replenish water reserves, and regulating water flows in watersheds to reduce rising water levels in the Sahara.

The Effects of Heavy Metals on Enzyme Activity and Microbial Biomass of the Soil Around the Waste Disposal Site (Case Study of Saravan - Iran)

ABSTRACT Municipal solid waste is considered an environmental threat in Iran. The study was performed on soil near the Saravan dumpsite and measured the concentrations of 8 metals (Zn, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) in soil, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The average content of As, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, Hg, Ni, and Cd in soil were 10.48, 20.22, 19.07, 24.95, 28.83, 0.13, 19.91, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The mobility factors based on water-soluble and exchangeable fractions were As (8.85%), Zn (4.19%), Pb (1.85%), Cu (1.60%), and Cr (0.02%), and not detectable for Hg, Ni, and Cd. Evaluation of metals contamination by pollution index, integrated pollution index, and Nemerowʼs pollution index for each metal showed that PI for all metals except Hg was in the range of low to moderate, and for Hg, 50% in high pollution grade; the average of the IPI (1.21), indicated a moderate pollution condition; the mean value of the PINemerow (1.20), which was in slight pollution grade. The correlations between total concentrations of metals, and bioavailable fractions with microbial biomass carbon, basal respiration, microbial quotient, metabolic quotient, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activities were moderate (r = 0.4-0.6). The activity of urease was from 37.79 to 1414.31 µg N gˉ1 dm.2 hˉ1 and alkaline phosphatase from 34.66 to 698.78 µg nitrophenyl gˉ1 dm. hˉ1. Due to the rainy climate and the continuous leaching of the surface soil, we suggested performing waste separation and the treatment of leachate produced before flowing downstream.

Developmental and Genetic Aspects of Desert Crops.

Deserts are hostile environments to plant life due to exposure to abiotic stresses, including high temperature, heat, high light, low water availability, and poor soil quality. Desert plants have evolved to cope with these stresses, and for thousands of years humans have used these plants as sources of food, fiber, and medicine. Due to desertification, the amount of arable land is reduced every year; hence, the usage of these species as substitutes for some crops might become one of the solutions for food production and land remediation. Additionally, increasing our understanding of how these plants have adapted to their environment could aid in the generation of more resistant staple crops. In this review, we examine three desert plant species and discuss their developmental aspects, physiological adaptations, and genetic diversity and the related genomic resources available to date. We also address major environmental challenges and threats faced by these species as well as their potential use for improving food security through stimulating stress resistance in crops.

Urban Environmental Threat Moderates the Relationship Between Depression and Insulin Resistance Among Latinxs With Type 2 Diabetes.

As the largest minoritised ethnic group in the United States, Latinxs face a greater risk for type 2 diabetes and depression. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the relationship between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance among Latinxs with type 2 diabetes was moderated by toxic stressors arising from urban environmental threat (i.e., uncomfortable or unsafe aspects of city life). A community sample of Latinx adults with type 2 diabetes (n=121) was recruited from Hartford, Connecticut. Participants self-reported depressive symptoms and exposure to urban environmental threat using items from the Patient Health Questionnaire and Urban Hassles Index, respectively. Insulin and glucose levels assessed via fasting blood draw were used to calculate insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR formula. After controlling for demographic, financial and health-related factors, results from a regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and urban environmental threat; more severe symptoms of depression predicted greater insulin resistance, but only amongst those with frequent exposure to urban environmental threats. Findings from the current study suggest that improving urban living conditions may offer an alternate avenue for attenuating the deleterious impacts of depression on type 2 diabetes progression in Latinxs.