Environmental Threats Research Articles

Evolution of corporate social responsibility in academic discourse: a bibliographic analysis

The purpose of the scientific article is to study the evolution of corporate social responsibility based on a bibliographic analysis of scientific research using the Scopus scientometric database. The bibliographic analysis was conducted using the VOSviewer 1.6.20 software product. The Scopus scientometric database was chosen as the information base for the study as one of the most authoritative multidisciplinary platforms for scientific research. Extrapolation and economic and mathematical modeling methods were used to predict the number of scientific research on CSR in the coming years. The study of the features of CSR implementation at each stage of its development was carried out using cluster analysis. The keyword “corporate social responsibility” was chosen to search for scientific publications in the Scopus scientometric database. The revealed evolution demonstrates the gradual development of CSR from local initiatives to global strategies for sustainable development. At the initial stage, the researchers focused on ethics, social behavior, human rights, and the interaction of business with society. Subsequently, research has become more global, with the integration of environmental and social aspects into business practice, with a focus on transparency, marketing, environmental sustainability and global reporting standards. The period 2020—2024 is marked by the adaptation of business to global crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, social inequality, environmental threats and gender diversity. The practical value of this research lies in the formation of a comprehensive understanding of the development of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in different time contexts, which will allow business, governments and other stakeholders to respond more effectively to the challenges of modernity. Future research in this area will concern the study of socially responsible practices in different countries or regions, in particular in war conditions. This will allow identifying local barriers and successful cases for the further development of CSR.

The growing health hazards of microplastics in Pakistan’s environment

Dear Editor, I am writing to highlight a critical yet overlooked public health crisis in Pakistan: the increasing prevalence of microplastics in our environment and the long-term health risks they pose. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that are now present in our air, water, and soil due to the widespread use of plastics and poor waste management.1 This environmental threat seriously affects public health, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, where rapid urbanisation and insufficient recycling facilities worsen the issue. Microplastics enter the human body primarily through contaminated food and water ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.2 They are in plastic packages, synthetic fibre clothing, ordinary household cosmetics, facial cleansers containing microbeads, mineral water and even table salt. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue with the increased use and discarding of disposable face masks and personal protective equipment.1 Studies estimate that individuals ingest between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles annually, with an additional 74,000 to 121,000 inhaled through the air.1,2 This is alarming for a country like Pakistan, where plastic pollution is rampant. According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Pakistan produces over 6.41 million tonnes of plastic annually, 70% of which is improperly disposed of.3 Recent studies have highlighted disturbing new evidence regarding the health effects of microplastics. They have been detected in stool, lungs, breast milk, and meconium, and a 2021 study confirmed their presence in human placentas, with several particles identified as originating from pigments used in foundations, paints, and packaging.4 Another study reported the ability of polystyrene nano plastics to cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity and potential neurodegenerative diseases.5 Even more concerning is a recent discovery of microplastics in the cardiac tissues of patients undergoing heart surgery, showing that these particles can infiltrate even the most enclosed and sensitive human organs.6 Microplastics carry harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and heavy metals linked to various diseases. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen associated with reproductive issues, developmental problems, and higher risks of metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. Animal studies show that microplastic exposure can lower sperm counts, reduce embryo implantation, and even cause genetic changes that affect reproduction.1,2 Action is urgently needed to reduce single-use plastics and enhance waste management in Pakistan. This involves stricter regulations, promoting sustainable alternatives, and improving recycling to keep plastics out of ecosystems. ---Continue

Warfare as an environmental health threat.

Warfare as an environmental health threat.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BASED ON SOIL LOSS, DEFORESTATION IN PERMANENT PRESERVATION AREAS, AND WATER QUALITY APPLIED IN THE ITACAIÚNAS WATERSHED, EASTERN AMAZON.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BASED ON SOIL LOSS, DEFORESTATION IN PERMANENT PRESERVATION AREAS, AND WATER QUALITY APPLIED IN THE ITACAIÚNAS WATERSHED, EASTERN AMAZON.

Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications.

Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications.

Enhanced PMS activation efficiency and SMX degradation performance via Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycling with efficient CCF@MoS2@GA-Fe catalyst.

Enhanced PMS activation efficiency and SMX degradation performance via Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycling with efficient CCF@MoS2@GA-Fe catalyst.

Leaching model of an expanding coastal dumpsite considering climate change.

Leaching model of an expanding coastal dumpsite considering climate change.

Restoring wheat productivity and nutrient balance under cadmium stress through reducing toxicity, metal uptake, and oxidative damage using selenium nanoparticles.

Restoring wheat productivity and nutrient balance under cadmium stress through reducing toxicity, metal uptake, and oxidative damage using selenium nanoparticles.

Electric Vehicles: A New Era in Transportation and Its Future Potential

Abstract: Vehicles powered by fossil fuels pose a significant environmental threat by emitting harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur and nitrogen oxides. In contrast, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) offer a sustainable solution to this issue. With the growing use of renewable energy sources for charging, the global market is witnessing a rapid transition towards an electric vehicle revolution. Electric propulsion systems are now being adapted for heavy transport vehicles, enabling their shift to electric alternatives. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the role of electric vehicles in mass and freight transportation worldwide, with a focus on battery charging infrastructure. It explores recent advancements and trends in EV battery technology, particularly the sustainability of lithium-ion batteries and their components. Additionally, it includes a comparative analysis of various EV models available in the Indian market. The paper concludes by discussing government incentives, challenges faced by EV adoption, and potential areas for future development.

Tracing the Path to Extinction: Long-Term Impacts of Human and Environmental Factors on Tiger Survival in East Asia.

Earth has experienced five major global mass biodiversity extinctions, and we are currently facing the sixth, which includes mammals, particularly carnivores, being among the most affected. Studying the remnant populations alone of the currently endangered species often provides limited information. It fails to reveal the scenarios of the early dynamics and key driving facts/factors that led to their population decline. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of long-term faunal extinction is not just an academic pursuit, but a crucial necessity for developing or amending tangible conservation strategies and management. This study examines the extirpation trajectories of tigers, relying extensively on fossil databases in the Pleistocene and historical geographic changes during the Holocene. We estimated their extinction probability and relationship with anthropogenic and climatic changes using a moving time window modeling framework. It illustrates how the impacts of humans on nature have significantly influenced threatened animals. These human activities will continue to shape the future survival prospects of tigers in China. Our findings indicate that cropland expansion, human population growth, and forest reduction have profoundly driven tiger extinctions, particularly after 1850, when pervasive human activities led to the disappearance of wild South China tigers. We estimate that isolated tiger populations face extinction within roughly 67.8 years, emphasizing the need for habitat connectivity. This study highlights the critical role of reducing human activities in tiger habitats and offers a model for estimating extinction probabilities and thresholds, underscoring the urgency of conservation strategies tailored to anthropogenic and environmental threats.

Research on the Impact of Gate Engineering on Seawater Exchange Capacity

Over the past two decades, extensive coastal development in China has led to numerous small-scale enclosed coastal water bodies. Due to complex shoreline geometries, these areas suffer from disturbed hydrodynamic conditions, weak water exchange, which quickly leads to sediment accumulation, and difficulty maintaining ecological water levels, posing serious environmental threats. Enhancing seawater exchange capacity and achieving coordinated optimization of exchange efficiency and ecological water level are critical prerequisites for the environmental restoration of eutrophic enclosed coastal areas. This study takes the Ligao Block in Tianjin as a case study and proposes a real-time sluice gate regulation scheme. By incorporating hydrodynamic conditions, engineering layout, and present characteristics of the benthic substrate environment, the number, width, location, and operation modes of sluice gates are optimized to maximize water exchange efficiency while maintaining natural flow patterns. The result of the numerical simulation of hydrodynamic exchange and intelligent optimization analysis reveals that the optimal sluice gate operation strategy should be tailored to regional tidal flow characteristics and substrate conditions. Through intelligent scheduling of exchange sluice gates, systematic gate parameter optimization, and active control of gate opening, this approach achieves intelligent seawater exchange, optimized flow dynamics, active exchange, and sustained ecological water levels in enclosed coastal water bodies.

Projecting the effect of climate change on multiple Geomorphological hazard using machine learning data driven approaches

Land subsidence (LS) and collapsed pipes (CP) pose environmental and socio-economic threats in arid and semi-arid regions. This study assesses the effect of climate change to address these problems in Khorasan-Razavi province, Iran. Thus, we mapped soil landforms susceptible to LS and CP based on climatic, geolocic, topoghraphic, hydrologic and edaphic variables using an ensemble forecasting approach. Additionally, we predicted the future susceptibility of CP and LS based on two future emission scenario pathways (SSP 5-8.5 and SSP 1-2.6), in 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090. The assessment showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) indicated that the ensemble model accurately predicted the distribution of CP and LS (AUC > 0.8). Slope and clay content proved to be the most important factors affecting CP, whereas distance from faults and precipitation seasonality played more roles in LS susceptibility. The classification results indicated varying susceptibility levels to CP and LS in Khorasan-Razavi province, with approximately 31.58% categorized as low and 15.24% as very high LS susceptibility, while 42.71% were in the low CP susceptibility class. Overall, 57.16% of the area is safe from both hazards; however, 6.16% is vulnerable to both hazards, with more than 35% at risk for at least one hazard. Future prediction models suggest that up to approximately 4% of the area will consist susceptible to both hazards under both scenario emissions and less than 1% of the study area will reduce susceptibility for both studied hazards in future. The majority of regions that remain susceptible are in the southern province. These results guide for soil management to protect soil and water from the effects of humans and climate alternation in poor areas worldwide.

Critical Role of Skin in Pathogenesis: Bidirectional Crosstalk Between Skin and Multiple Organs

ABSTRACTThe skin, the largest organ in the human body, serves both as a mechanical barrier and an autonomous lymphoid organ, protecting against various environmental threats while maintaining the balance and functionality of multiple bodily systems. This relationship extends beyond the skin itself, involving other organs closely linked to skin homeostasis and related diseases. However, systematic reviews in this area are still lacking. This review seeks to explore this bidirectional communication, with a particular focus on the critical role of the immune system. We present a comprehensive review of the latest evidence, highlighting the fundamental roles of immune cells and cytokines within the skin–organ axis, particularly IL‐17A, which appears to interact with nearly all organs, illustrating their interplay and impact on skin health. Additionally, we discuss the implications of these interactions for the design and application of skin‐on‐a‐chip and organ‐on‐a‐chip technologies, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships for developing physiologically relevant in vitro models. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these complex interactions, this review establishes a solid theoretical foundation for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases associated with the skin–organ axis, particularly regarding immune cells, cytokines, microorganisms, and their metabolites, ultimately aiming to advance research in related fields and offer new insights for clinical applications.

Identity Safety in Cancer Screening: Building a Basic Research‐to‐Clinic Translation of Social Identity Theory

ABSTRACTEnvironmental cues can signal identity threat (e.g., potential discrimination) or identity safety (e.g., belonging) to socially marginalized people. However, scant research has examined safety and threat cues in healthcare. In our T1‐T2 concurrent triangulation mixed‐methods study, participants (age 35–60; ∼25% each cisgender Black women, Black men, Latina, Latino) completed quantitative (n = 288) and qualitative (n = 80) surveys. Participants rated their past healthcare experiences and future cancer screening intentions, analyzed via multiple regression. Participants responded to short‐answer questions about their healthcare experiences to identify cues to identity threat and/or identity safety, analyzed via grounded theory. Identity safety related to prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer screening intentions, controlling for mistrust and past discrimination. Qualitative results concurred, indicating that interpersonal cues and environmental features cue safety or threat. Our findings support that Black and Latine people value identity safety in cancer screening, and future interventions could test promoting safety cues to promote cancer screening.

Influence of Starch Cross-Linking on the Performance of Cellulose Aerogels for Oil Spills Sorption

Oil spills represent a significant environmental threat due to the toxicity of hydrocarbons, particularly in aquatic environments where oil rapidly spreads across the surface. Sustainable sorbents are needed for an efficient and eco-friendly response to oil spills. Cellulose aerogels produced from recycled paper and cardboard exhibit promising properties such as buoyancy, light weight, biocompatibility, and recyclability. Mechanical stability and reusability can be enhanced using cross-linkers such as starch. This study evaluated the impact of starch on cellulose aerogel morphology, sorption capacity for various petroleum products (crude oil, marine diesel, and lubricating oil), and reusability using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping. Aerogels containing 0.5 and 1 wt% starch showed higher porosity, sorption capacity, and reusability. Starch did not affect hydrophobization or significantly alter nitrogen and carbon levels, indicating limited influence on surface chemistry and adsorption performance.

Assessment of Metals Toxicity Using a Nitrifying Bacteria Bioassay Kit Based on Oxygen Consumption.

The escalating concentrations of emerging contaminants in water systems and the possible environmental threats they emphasize the necessity for more sophisticated methods in the evaluation of water quality. Traditional bioassays raise ethical concerns, require intricate procedures, entail significant expenses, and only allow for endpoint measurements. The using of nitrifying bacteriain bioassays has resulted in increased sensitivity to a wide range of toxic substances, making them valuable for the identification of water pollution. This study introduces a novel nitrifying bacteria bioassay kit for detecting heavy metal contaminants in water. This bioassay is specifically designed for expedited analysis of oxygen consumption. This technique enables the identification of a range of toxic metals. Optimization studies indicated that 100mg ammonia NH4+-N/L, and 1mL acclimated culture were the ideal conditions facilitating the necessary volume of gas consumption for sensitive data generation. Determined EC50 values of the selected toxic metals were: chromium (Cr6+), 0.51mg/L; silver (Ag+), 2.90mg/L; copper (Cu2+), 2.90mg/L; nickel (Ni2+), 3.60mg/L; arsenic (As3+), 4.10mg/L; cadmium (Cd2+), 5.56mg/L; mercury (Hg2+), 8.06mg/L; and lead (Pb2+), 19.3mg/L. Metagenomics analysis found key species in the research included Nitrosomonas eutropha, Nitrosomonas oligotropha, Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrobacter vulgaris, Nitrobacter winogradskyi, Nitrospira moscoviensis and Nitrospira lenta. In addition, this bioassay is ideal for field screening and real-time monitoring due to its simplicity and reliability.This bioassay provides a precise, economical, and effective substitute for more intricate and ethically problematic techniques, enhancing the effectiveness of water quality monitoring programs.

Pharmaceuticals and Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: A Comprehensive Review of Pathways and Distribution, Toxicological and Ecological Effects.

Pharmaceuticals and microplastics are persistent emerging contaminants that pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and ecological health. Although extensively reviewed individually, a comprehensive, integrated assessment of their environmental pathways, bioaccumulation dynamics, and toxicological impacts remains limited. This review synthesizes current research on the environmental fate and impact of pharmaceuticals and microplastics, emphasizing their combined influence on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. This review provides a thorough and comprehensive examination of their predominant pathways, sources, and distribution, highlighting wastewater disposal, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Studies indicate that pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and painkillers, are detected in concentrations ranging from ng/L to μg/L in surface waters, while MPs are found in densities up to 106 particles/m3 in some marine and freshwater systems. The toxicological effects of these pollutants on aquatic organisms, particularly fish, are discussed, with emphasis on bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain, physiological effects including effects on growth, reproduction, immune system performance, and behavioral changes. The ecological consequences, including disruptions to trophic dynamics and ecosystem stability, are also addressed. Although valuable efforts, mitigation and remediation strategies remain inadequate, and further research is needed because they do not capture the scale and complexity of these hazards. This review highlights the urgent need to advance treatment technologies, establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and organize intensive research on long-term ecological impacts to address the environmental threats posed by pharmaceuticals and microplastics.

Pengolahan Sampah dan Limbah Rumah Pemotongan Hewan di Badan Usaha Milik Keluarga Segoroyoso

Waste management is a pressing environmental issue, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. The increasing waste volume from slaughterhouses, including organic waste (blood, rumen contents, manure) and inorganic waste (plastic, metal), poses serious environmental threats if not properly managed. This study aims to improve community knowledge and skills in four key waste management aspects: (1) waste segregation for efficient processing, (2) maggot cultivation as an innovative organic waste solution, (3) rumen waste processing into biogas and organic fertilizer, and (4) sustainable waste residue management. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Results show that proper waste management minimizes pollution and enhances economic value through circular economy principles. Additionally, maggot cultivation reduces organic waste while generating income, and biogas production lowers energy costs. Government support and community participation are essential for sustainability. Effective slaughterhouse waste management benefits the environment while creating economic opportunities, ensuring long-term sustainability, better resource efficiency, and improved public health.

Cross-ecosystem impacts of plastic pollution: a systematic analysis of environmental threats

This systematic analysis explores the emerging threats posed by plastic pollution to ecosystem health and sustainability, drawing on recent scientific literature published from 2021-2024. Through rigorous methodological screening, the review identified seven potentially relevant studies, with five meeting full inclusion criteria after quality assessment. The findings reveal a tripartite categorization of environmental impacts: soil-based effects from microplastic contamination in terrestrial systems, ecosystem service disruption in aquatic environments (encompassing both marine seagrass meadows and freshwater watersheds), and novel pollution patterns triggered by global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest-rated studies (quality score 5/5) documented fundamental alterations to soil properties, disruption of critical marine ecosystem services, and quantifiable accumulation patterns in freshwater systems. Complementary research provided essential context on lifecycle environmental impacts and pandemic-driven shifts in plastic waste management. By synthesizing evidence across these interconnected environmental compartments, this review illuminates the complex, cross-ecosystem nature of contemporary plastic pollution challenges.

RSM optimisation of the mechanical properties of novel waste LLDPE plastic composites reinforced with waste glass and shea nut shells

Recycling remains a major way to efficiently manage the abundant waste plastic causing environmental and ecological threats. Repurposing waste plastic and other waste materials such as Waste glass and Shea Nut Shells (SNS) as construction materials could reduce the carbon footprints of the construction industry. This study focused on optimising the mechanical properties of hybrid Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) composites containing waste LLDPE plastic, waste glass and Shea Nut Shell (SNS) using response surface methodology. Composite specimens were produced via extrusion at 80–100 °C with varying proportions of constituent materials (LLDPE: 30–70%, waste glass: 10–30% and SNS: 20–40%). The density, compressive strength, flexural strength, dimensional stability, thermal behaviour, morphology and water absorption of the composite mixes were evaluated to assess their viability as sustainable construction materials. Results show that composites with higher glass content exhibited enhanced mechanical properties with a compressive strength of 19.84 N/mm2, while a balanced combination of all three constituents achieved an optimal flexural strength of 17.39 N/mm2. Notably, the optimised composites satisfied requirements for structural lightweight concrete (ACI 318-19), concrete roofing tiles (BS EN 490:2011 + A1:2017) and ceramic tiles (BS EN 14411), demonstrating the potential of these waste-derived materials for sustainable construction applications.