Global Environmental Risks Research Articles

A Review of Up-To-Date Research Knowledge on the Corrosion Inhibiting Capability of Garlic (Allicin Sativum) for Steel Materials

Corrosion is a monumental economic and technological problem worldwide. Despite the poor corrosion resistance of steel material, contributing to about 90% of all corrosion problems worldwide, it remains the most versatile and critical structural material in the construction of automobiles, ships, aircraft, rail transport systems, engine systems, pipeline systems, bridges, buildings, petroleum refineries, etc. Corrosion inhibitors are effective alternatives for protecting steel against corrosion in aqueous environments. Synthetic corrosion inhibitors pose serious problems to global environmental issues and health risks in usage to reduce corrosion of large amounts of steel goods, so natural plant extracts have been under study for replacing synthetic inhibitors in various environments due to their excellent environmental properties, handling safety, and good corrosion inhibition capabilities. This paper aims to present up-to-date research knowledge on the corrosion inhibition capability of garlic for steel materials, covering its requirements as a potential corrosion inhibitor and various research studies on its steel corrosion inhibition capability in various aqueous environments as integrated knowledge for application. The review shows that garlic is a very effective corrosion inhibitor of steel corrosion. It is also a safe-for-handling, biodegradable, and ecofriendly plant that is sustainably available around the world. Its extracts can be dependably prepared in sufficient quantity around the world for corrosion inhibition of steel materials and some other purposes. However, little is seen to have been done with the existing research findings for practical protection of steel materials in various aqueous environments. The review information is therefore posited for standardization and commercialization consideration of garlic extracts as corrosion inhibitors for practical corrosion inhibition of steel materials or further research requirements.

Rooting for Success: The Role of Microorganisms in Promoting Growth and Resilience in Black Alder Seedlings.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a global environmental risk, impacting human health. Enhancing phytoremediation with microbial-plant interactions could help mitigate these pollutants. However, tree responses to PAHs are unclear, necessitating controlled studies before field experiments. This study examined how PAH-degrading microbes affect black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) seedlings grown hydroponically, hypothesizing that specific microbes improve growth and stress tolerance. Two half-sib families (41-65-7 K, 13-99-1 K) were inoculated with Rhodotorula sphaerocarpa (R.s.), Pseudomonas putida (P.p.), and Sphingobium yanoikuyae (S.y.). Results showed family-dependent and microbe-specific effects, with family 41-65-7 K showing enhanced shoot growth (threefold increase by R.s.) and higher carotenoid levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities varied: R.s. elevated superoxide dismutase activity by 4.8-fold in 13-99-1 K, while catalase activity increased but decreased in 41-65-7 K. Principal component analysis revealed distinct phytochemical clustering based on microbial treatment, highlighting genotype-specific modulations. Each microorganism had unique plant growth-promoting traits, with P.p. producing the most phytohormone and S.y. fixing nitrogen. These findings support targeted microbial inoculation for effective remediation of PAH-contaminated environments.

Anti-Pastoral and the Prophetic Mode in Moddi’s Climate Songs

This article explores aspects of apocalypse and pastoral in the climate themed song lyrics of Norwegian indie folk artist Moddi. Through close listening and contextualizing of the songs “Noens ark” (“Someone’s ark”, 2013) and “En sang om fly” (“A song about planes”, 2013), apocalypse and pastoral emerge as key motifs. These are navigated in an exploration of a conflicted Norwegian response to global warming. The songs express critique of unrelenting pursuits of economic growth and personal consumption even as the future imposes itself on the present. In two different ways, elements of indie folk music are tailored to express an ontologically unsettling encounter with a global environmental risk scenario. “Noens ark” employs forceful instrumentation and polyrhythms to evoke a sense of alarm and urgency called for by the projection of future disaster. “En sang om fly” is a soft composition projecting nostalgia for the material conditions of the present. The desire for these conditions ultimately locks the singer in a cycle of repetition that destabilizes the very conditions he desires. The nuances afforded by this expression in musical performance allows song lyrics to sustain contradictory attitudes towards globalization. In their pursuit of these contradictions, Moddi’s climate songs can be seen as part of an anti-pastoral tradition. Features of musical genre and a prophetic lyric mode are employed to evoke and subvert a pastoral response to apocalypticism. By musically sustaining contradictions between pastoral and apocalypse, Moddi’s songs reflect a conflict between Norwegian identity and a global cultural imaginary in the face of global warming.

Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution in Slovakia

Abstract Introduction Air pollution is considered one of the most significant global environmental health risks. According to the Global Burden of Disease estimates, fine particulate matter, a key component of ambient air pollution, was the fifth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide in 2015, contributing to 4.2 million deaths (7.6% of total global deaths). In 2019, ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.5 million deaths. This rise is attributed to the growing levels of air pollution and the increasing incidence of NCDs associated with air pollution. Aim This contribution aims to clarify the possible association between environmental air pollution and cancer in Slovakia in the years 2015-2019 overall and by gender and age. Methodology This ecological study focuses on the population of Slovakia from 2015 to 2019. The data used are from the Global Burden of Disease study (IHME, 2019), the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute. Results In 2019, mortality from NCDs related to environmental pollution accounted for 6.6% of total mortality in Slovakia, which is lower than the global average of 8.3%. Cancer mortality attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) was lower in 2019 (2.97 per 100,000, CI 95% 4.43-1.76) than in 2015. Higher cancer mortality rates attributable to APMP, were observed mainly in men (7.18 per 100,950, CI % 10.67-4.31 in 2015) and especially in the 80-84 age group (59.49 per 100,000; CI 95 % 94.60-32.20) in 2015 and in men aged 75-79 (510.76 per 510.76 per 100,000) in 2019. Conclusions While Slovakia has experienced a long-term decline in cancer mortality, bucking the global trend, challenges persist due to the country’s relatively poorer outcomes associated with environmental pollution. Addressing environmental pollution remains a critical aspect of ongoing efforts to enhance population health through targeted strategies and policies. Key messages • The significant impact of environmental pollution on cancer mortality underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to improve public health outcomes in Slovakia. • Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution differs by gender.

The effect of outdoor air pollution on Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review

Abstract Air pollution is one of the largest global environmental risks to public health. Over recent years, neuroimaging techniques have started to uncover the detrimental impact air pollution has had on brain health, including the development of Alzheimer’s Diseases (AD). We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the effects of long-term exposure (months to years) to outdoor air pollutants on the development of AD-like neurology. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023482979) and followed PRISMA guidelines. Four large databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL) were searched in November 2023 using terms associated with air pollution, neuroimaging, and AD. Only peer-reviewed primary research articles using neuroimaging data to examine AD-like pathology after long-term exposure to air pollutants (Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), SO2, NO2, O3, and/or CO) were included. Titles, abstracts and full-texts were screened, and included articles were quality assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A narrative synthesis was conducted to analyse the studies. Our search yielded 397 results, of which eight articles met our inclusion criteria. Articles focused on changes to white matter (n = 5), cortical thickness (n = 6), and grey matter (n = 2). Exposure to PM2.5 was commonly associated with white matter reductions, and PM10 and NO2 exposure was associated with reduced cortical thickness. The effect of exposure to different outdoor pollution on grey matter was inconclusive, with both increases and decreases in grey matter volume observed. This review highlighted how PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 exposure was associated with neurological changes commonly seen in AD. These findings can be used by policymakers and researchers to identify specific pollutants that need greater restrictions and regulations to improve population health. Key messages • PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 exposure are associated with neurological changes commonly seen in AD. • Greater restrictions and regulations are needed on specific pollutants to improve population health.

The burden of lung cancer attributable to ambient PM2.5 exposure: a systematic literature review

Abstract Background Lung cancer is recognized as one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the second cause of death with highest years of life lost in highly developed regions. Ambient exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading global environmental risk factor. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with several health outcomes, including lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim To review and estimate the impact attributable to PM2.5 exposure due to lung cancer. Methods A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of lung cancer and to derive exposure-response relationships between PM2.5 and lung cancer. The literature search was performed in databases (i.e., Pubmed/Scopus) and studies published from January 1, 2010 onwards were considered. Studies describing the association between long-term exposure to the pollutant under research and the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of lung cancer, considering a relative measure of association were included, with no restriction in geographical area. Results In the literature review, 2215 articles were considered for the first step of data synthesis, all articles were screened, considering the screening of titles (first step), abstracts (second step) and full-text (third step) considering the inclusion criteria. In a second step the data was extracted from the included articles (n = 129) and considering the variables related to the characteristics of the study and the study population, exposure, and outcome measurement, and details of risk of bias assessment. Conclusions These findings provide data to synthesize effect size estimates using a Meta-Regression - Bayesian, Ensemble, Regularized, Trimmed (MR-BRT) model, important to provide evidence data on the impact of air pollution on human health, which is crucial for decision-making. Key messages • Long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases lung cancer risk so the estimating of the impact of the exposure is an urgent need to provide evidence-based data for air quality improvement. • Meta-analysis aims to establish a relation between PM2.5 exposure and the burden of lung cancer.

Particulate Matter-Induced Emerging Health Effects Associated with Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Environmental pollution continues to increase with industrial development and has become a threat to human health. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) was designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2013 and is an emerging global environmental risk factor that is a major cause of death related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. PM is a complex composed of highly reactive organic matter, chemicals, and metal components, which mainly cause excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to DNA and cell damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory responses, atherosclerosis, and airway remodeling, contributing to an increased susceptibility to and the exacerbation of various diseases and infections. PM has various effects on human health depending on the particle size, physical and chemical characteristics, source, and exposure period. PM smaller than 5 μm can penetrate and accumulate in the alveoli and circulatory system, causing harmful effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin, and brain. In this review, we describe the relationship and mechanism of ROS-mediated cell damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses caused by PM and the health effects on major organs, as well as comprehensively discuss the harmfulness of PM.

Deciphering the ecological impact of azo dye pollution through microbial community analysis in water-sediment microcosms.

The uncontrolled release of untreated dyeing wastewater into aquatic ecosystems poses global environmental risks. It alters native microbial communities and associated ecological processes, often going unnoticed. Therefore, the influence of acid orange 7dye (AO7) contamination on the natural microbial community was investigated using a water-sediment microcosm. Compared to sterile microcosms, complete dye decolourization in natural microcosms showed microbial communities' significance in combating xenobiotic contamination. Proteobacteria dominated the water community, whereas Firmicutes dominated the sediment. AO7 exposure induced notable shifts in the structural composition of the bacterial community in both water and sediment. Niveispirillum exhibited a marked decrease, and Pseudomonas demonstrated a notable increase. The - 9.0 log2FC in Niveispirillum, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, from 24.4% in the control to 0.1% post-treatment, may disrupt nutrient balance, plant growth, and ecosystem productivity. Conversely, elevated levels of Pseudomonas sp. resulting from azo dye exposure demonstrate its ability to tolerate and bioremediate organic pollutants, highlighting its resilience. Functional profiling via KEGG pathway analysis revealed differential expression patterns under AO7 stress. Specifically, valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation pathways in water decreased by 52.2%, and cysteine and methionine metabolism ceased expression entirely, indicating reduced protein metabolism and nutrient bioavailability under dye exposure. Furthermore, in sediment, glutathione metabolism ceased, indicating increased oxidative stress following AO7 infusion. However, C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and limonene and pinene degradation were uniquely expressed in sediment. Decreased methane metabolism exacerbates the effects of global warming on aquatic ecosystems. Further, ceased-butanoate metabolic pathways reflect the textile dye wastewater-induced adverse impact on ecological processes, such as organic matter decomposition, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and community dynamics that help maintain self-purification and ecological balance in river ecosystems. These findings underscore the critical need for more comprehensive environmental monitoring and management strategies to mitigate ecological risks posed by textile dyes in aquatic ecosystems, which remain unnoticed.

Selective colorimetric detection of inorganic arsenic (iAsIII) using homocysteine‐modified gold nanoparticles

AbstractArsenic contamination in environmental waters poses global health and environmental risks. This study addresses the urgent need for rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of inorganic arsenic (iAsIII) in environmental samples. Leveraging the unique properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the selective binding affinity of homocysteine (Hcy), we developed a novel colorimetric sensor for iAsIII detection. Our investigation elucidates the mechanism by which Hcy modifies AuNPs, enabling the selective detection of iAsIII ions through chelation between amine and carboxyl groups, primarily with the predominant species H2AsO3− at pH 12.0. Our sensor achieves high selectivity (>10‐fold) for iAsIII amid various interfering ions commonly found in environmental samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate exceptional sensitivity in detecting iAsIII, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 67 nM, aligning with regulatory standards for arsenic concentration in drinking water. The selectivity and sensitivity of our sensor were validated through experiments with various metal ions and real water samples. In conclusion, our study presents a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism, selectivity, and sensitivity of Hcy‐modified AuNPs in detecting iAsIII, offering a versatile nanosensor platform with significant implications for environmental monitoring and public health.

Redefining water purification: gC3N4-CLDH's electrochemical SMX eradication

The contamination of water sources by pharmaceutical compounds presents global environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of efficient water treatment technologies. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a novel graphitic carbon nitride-calcined (Fe–Ca) layered double hydroxide (gC3N4-CLDH) composite for electrochemical degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water yielded significant outcomes are reported. SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS analyses confirmed well-defined composite structures with unique morphology and crystalline properties. Electrochemical degradation experiments demonstrated >98% SMX removal and >75% TOC removal under optimized conditions, highlighting its effectiveness. The composite exhibited excellent mineralization efficiency across various pH levels, with superoxide radicals (O2●–) and hydroxyl radicals (●OH) identified as primary reactive oxygen species. With remarkable regeneration capability for up to 7 cycles, the gC3N4-CLDH composite emerges as a highly promising solution for sustainable water treatment. Humic acid (HA) in water significantly slows SMX degradation, suggests complicating SMX degradation with natural organic matter. Despite this, the gC3N4-CLDH composite effectively degrades SMX in groundwater and industrial wastewater, with slight efficiency reduction in the latter due to higher impurity levels. These findings highlight the complexities of treating pharmaceutical pollutants in various water types. Overall, gC3N4-CLDH's high removal efficiency, broad pH applicability, sustainability, and mechanistic insights provide a solid foundation for future research and real-world environmental applications.

Application of modified pumice particles with a metal-organic composite prepared by m-phenylenediamine an Iron (II) for photoreduction of Cr(VI) under visible light

Discharging heavy metals into water bodies results in global environmental risks. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is known as a harmful substance that poses substantial health hazards to humans. This study aimed to modify the pumice beads using a metal-organic composite synthesized by m-Phenylenediamine (mPD) and Iron (II) (FeCl2·4H2O) via a solvent-free method for photoreduction of the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in wastewater. In the proposed method, iron (II) ions serve both as an electron generator and as a linker for the polymerization of mPD on the pumice surface in the high-temperature pyrolysis process. The optimum molar ratio of FeCl2·4H2O/mPD and the pyrolysis temperature were determined to be 1 and 700 °C. Moreover, the operative parameters such as pH, hole scavenger (formic acid) dosage, photocatalyst mass, Cr(VI) initial concentration, and reaction time were studied and the optimum condition was obtained as pH of 2.0, hole scavenger dosage of 20 mL L−1, photocatalyst mass of 2 g, chromium concentration of 100 mg L−1 and 13 min for irradiation time. The ability of the photocatalyst to reduce Cr(VI) at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg L−1 under natural sunlight irradiation was also examined and a reduction efficacy of 100 % was achieved under optimum conditions within 40 and 60 min; respectively. Finally, the reusability test was conducted up to 10 cycles, and the results proved the durability and practicality of the prepared photocatalyst. The easy separation, short reaction time, and functioning under natural sunlight exhibited a promising application of the proposed photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction.

Analysis of particulate matter-induced alteration of genes and related signaling pathways in the respiratory system

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a global environmental risk factor threatening human health and is a major cause of cardiovascular and respiratory disease-associated death. Current studies on PM exposure have been limited to large-scale cohort and epidemiological investigations, emphasizing the need for detailed individual-level studies to uncover specific differentially expressed genes and their associated signaling mechanisms. Herein, we revealed that PM exposure significantly upregulated inflammatory and immune responses, such as cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, complement system, and the activation and migration of immune cells in gene set enrichment analysis of our RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data. Remarkably, we discovered that the broad gene expression and signaling pathways mediated by macrophages were predominantly expressed in the respiratory system following PM exposure. Consistent with these observations, individual PMs, classified by aerodynamic size and origin, significantly promoted macrophage recruitment to the lungs in the mouse lung inflammation model. Additionally, we confirmed that RNAseq observations from the respiratory system were reproduced in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and the alveolar macrophage cell line MH-S after individual PM exposure. Our findings demonstrated that PM exposure augmented broad inflammatory and immune responses in the respiratory system and suggested the reinforcement of global strategies for reducing particulate air pollution to prevent respiratory diseases and their exacerbation.

Mechanistic insights into tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate biomineralization coupled with lead (II) biostabilization driven by denitrifying bacteria

The ubiquity and persistence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and heavy metal (HMs) pose global environmental risks. This study explored tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCPP) biomineralization coupled to lead (Pb2+) biostabilization driven by denitrifying bacteria (DNB). The domesticated DNB achieved synergistic bioremoval of TCPP and Pb2+ in the batch bioreactor (efficiency: 98 %).TCPP mineralized into PO43− and Cl−, and Pb2+ precipitated with PO43−. The TCPP-degrading/Pb2+-resistant DNB: Achromobacter, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, dominated the bacterial community, and synergized TCPP biomineralization and Pb2+ biostabilization. Metagenomics and metaproteomics revealed TCPP underwent dechlorination, hydrolysis, the TCA cycle-based dissimilation, and assimilation; Pb2+ was detoxified via bioprecipitation, bacterial membrane biosorption, EPS biocomplexation, and efflux out of cells. TCPP, as an initial donor, along with NO3−, as the terminal acceptor, formed a respiratory redox as the primary energy metabolism. Both TCPP and Pb2+ can stimulate phosphatase expression, which established the mutual enhancements between their bioconversions by catalyzing TCPP dephosphorylation and facilitating Pb2+ bioprecipitation. TCPP may alleviate the Pb2+-induced oxidative stress by aiding protein phosphorylation. 80 % of Pb2+ converted into crystalized pyromorphite. These results provide the mechanistic foundations and help develop greener strategies for synergistic bioremediation of OPEs and HMs.

Recovery of an Antioxidant Derived from a Phenolic Diphosphite from Wastewater during the Production of a Polypropylene Compound: A Step towards Sustainable Management.

Organic phosphoester (OPE) antioxidants are currently required due to their contribution to enhancing the quality of polymers, including polypropylene (PP). In this research, an integral methodology is presented for the efficient extraction of bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite from industrial wastewater. Upon employing the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique, the recovered compound is subjected to a comprehensive analysis of the recovered compound using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), thermal analysis (TGA), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Subsequently, purified Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite was evaluated as a thermo-oxidative stabilizer after incorporation into PP resins. The relative standard deviation (RSD), Error (Er), linearity (R2), and percentage (%) recovery were less than 2.6, 2.5, more significant than 0.9995, and greater than 96%, respectively, for the inter-day and intra-day tests of the chromatographic method and the SPE. Except for chloroform, which was necessary due to the solubility properties of the investigated analyte, the use of environmentally friendly solvents, such as methanol and acetonitrile, was considered during the development of this research. The OPE extracted from industrial wastewater was characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC, TGA, and MS, allowing the elucidation of the structure of Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (BDPD). The recovered OPE was mixed with PP resins, allowing it to improve its thermal properties and minimize its thermo-oxidative degradation. Organophosphorus flame retardant (OPE)' concentration in wastewater is alarming, ranging from 1179.0 to 4709.6 mg L-1. These exceed toxicity thresholds for aquatic organisms, emphasizing global environmental risks. Using a validated solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique with over 94% recovery, the study addresses concerns by removing organic contaminants and supporting circular economy principles. The high economic and environmental significance of recovering BDPD underscores the need for urgent global attention and intervention.

Estimating potentially preventable ambient PM2.5-attributable adult deaths by improving air quality in Nepal

Air pollution is an important global environmental health risk factor, with many Asian countries experiencing alarming levels in recent decades. Nepal, a South Asian country, has been facing severe degradation in air quality in recent years, where data are scarce on the health impact of air pollution, especially at sub-national levels. In this study, we investigated ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-attributable adult (≥25 years) premature mortality in Nepal, analyzed its long-term trend, and estimated potentially preventable adult mortality under different improved air quality scenarios defined using the World Health Organization's (WHO) interim targets (IT) and the air quality goal (AQG). Leveraging an open-source high-resolution PM2.5 dataset and an age-specific population dataset, we employed the Global Exposure Mortality Model to estimate mean and 95% confidence intervals of PM2.5-attributable adult mortality using Monte Carlo simulations. We estimated the country-level NCD + LRI (non-communicable diseases and lower respiratory infections) adult deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure as 48881 (95% CI: 37175−61470), and the PM2.5-attributable NCD + LRI adult mortality rate as 267 (95% CI: 203−335) per 100000 in 2019. The adult mortality burden consistently increased during 2000–2019. Moreover, improving air quality to the WHO ITs and AQG could prevent an estimated 9690 (95% CI: 7698−11812) to 39419 (95% CI: 30311−49277) premature adult deaths across the country in 2019. Our findings suggest that the adult mortality burden due to air pollution in Nepal is substantial, which offers an opportunity to prevent a considerable number of premature adult deaths by mitigating air pollution in the country.

An Emerging Role of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Vascular Diseases.

Vascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, and they are attributable to multiple pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposure to various environmental contaminants is associated with the development of various diseases, including vascular diseases. Among environmental contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics have gained attention as global environmental risk factors that threaten human health. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on various human diseases, including vascular diseases. In this review, we highlight the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on vascular diseases.

Globalized Climate Precarity: Environmental Degradation, Disasters, and the International Brick Trade

Climate-linked disasters result when natural hazards meet socioeconomic precarity. Recognizing this, scholarship in recent years has emphasized how the precarity that turns climate-linked hazards into disasters is produced within the same global political economy that enables climate change. Nevertheless, despite growing interest in the ways in which the dynamics of global economic history shapes contemporary hazard vulnerability, less attention has been directed toward the dynamism of the contemporary global economy and particularly the ways in which global material flows shape environmental risk. From this standpoint, this article argues, first, the need to account for the economic dynamics of global trade in shaping the factors that intensify disaster risk, and second, the role of multiscalar agency. Exemplifying this issue through a case study of international brick imports from South Asia to the United Kingdom, the article provides a heuristic example of how contemporary globalized flows of goods link local vulnerabilities to economic processes originating thousands of miles away. In an increasingly globalized world, it thus foregrounds a dynamic, global perspective on the genus of climate precarity.

Global environmental risk factors of schizophrenia: a study protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a chronic, complex and severe psychiatric disorder affecting millions of people every year and inflicting different costs to the individual, family and community. A growing body of evidence...

ECONOMIC DEGROWTH AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE GLOBAL ECOLOGICAL RISK

The recent global health crisis caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has proved to be an ecological crisis. This is ultimately due to the side effect of the reflexive global environmental risk. This article seeks to analyze the connection between the pandemic, ecological risk in modernity and the degrowth theory. As an alternative to (un)sustainable development, we seek to propose degrowth as an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable strategy for greater resilience to ecological risks or even suppression of their causes. The research problem involves how it is possible to think about environmental sustainability in a development system harnessed to economic growth. It is concluded that the emergence and dissemination of new zoonotic species will be likely if there is not a reassessment of the current pattern of human economy. This is due to the maintenance of the logic of economic growth which, as part of the concept of sustainable development, means that environmental sustainability is engulfed by the economy. In the preparation of the text, the inductive method was adopted as a research methodology and the bibliographic documentary research as a research technique.

Plastic in the Biosphere – Risks to Biota and Human Health in Russia

Introduction: The constant growth of plastic production accompanied by its insufficient disposal has led to global environmental pollution and potential risks to biota and human health. Objective: To analyze scientific literature data on the risks posed by plastics for biota and public health in Russia. Materials and methods: We have studied scientific publications indexed in international (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) and domestic (Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI)) databases in 2012–2022 and searched for using the following keyword combinations: microplastics & biota, microplastics & human health. We reviewed 60 Russian and English-language literary sources giving preference to national studies published in journals included in the RSCI core collection and to foreign studies published in the journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus (Q1–Q2). Results: Many potential threats to biota and humans are associated with plastics. Macro-sized (> 5 mm) plastic debris pose the highest risk to mammals and other large fauna while microparticles are dangerous for small mammals as they cause eating, movement, and reproductive disorders. Toxic substances, primarily bisphenols and phthalates that migrate from plastic containers into food and liquids, pose the greatest risk to human health. Yet, in real life, concentrations of these toxicants in food products do not exceed hygienic standards, and health disorders in experimental animals have been observed following the exposure to higher than naturally found levels of plastic contaminants. Adverse effects of plastic micro- and nanoparticles (< 0.001 mm) on blood cells, immune and inflammatory processes, apoptosis, etc., have been established. Yet, no human diseases can be convincingly associated with plastic exposure nowadays. Conclusions: Many questions about the impact of toxic degradation products of plastic, its micro- and nanoparticles on biota and humans remain unresolved. It is therefore important to use potentially less toxic and biodegradable types of plastic, boost their recycling rates, raise public awareness on plastic pollution, and promote ubiquitous separate waste collection.