Industrial Discharges Research Articles

Presence and sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the three major rivers on Hainan Island.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted considerable attention because of their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation potential. With the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the rapid development of economy, environmental pollution on Hainan Island is becoming increasingly prominent. PFASs have been detected in the seawater and sediments of mangrove ecosystems on Hainan Island. As the receiving water of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and industrial wastewater, rivers are inevitably contaminated by PFASs. However, few studies have focused on PFAS pollution in three large rivers (the Nandu, Changhua, and Wanquan rivers) on Hainan Island. In the present study, the pollution status, potential sources, and ecological risks of PFASs in these three major rivers were explored. Perfluorobutanonic acid (PFBA) (48.7%) was found to be the major PFASs in the surface waters, and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (19.7%) was the major PFASs in the sediments of the three major rivers. The concentrations of ∑PFASs in the upper-midstream region were low due to minimal human influence and increased in the middle-lower reaches with increasing industrial activity and urbanization, whereas decreased at downstream sites near estuaries where river water was diluted with seawater. WWTP effluent, industrial wastewater discharge, the application and discharge of aqueous fire-fighting foam, storm runoff and landfill leachate were the major sources of PFASs in the three major rivers. In surface water, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) and perfluorooctadecanoic acid (PFODA) posed low-moderate risks at 5.71-85.6% of the sampling sites. PFASs in the sediment posed no ecological risk. This study provides key data regarding the pollution status and potential sources of PFASs in large rivers on subtropical islands.

Liquid crystal sensor for Cr(III)-citrate detection via interfacial coagulation.

Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and its highly soluble carboxyl complexes, often discharged into the environment by industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, and textile manufacturing, present severe risks to human health and ecosystems due to their high toxicity. These compounds are notoriously difficult to detect and remove during wastewater treatment, as they can persist in aqueous environments. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of simple, cost-effective, and reliable methods for their detection, which can improve monitoring, facilitate timely interventions, and enhance environmental protection efforts. In this study, we developed a liquid crystal (LC)-based sensor for detecting Cr(III)-citrate in aqueous environments. The sensor utilizes the amphiphilic ligand tributylhexadecylphosphonium bromide (THPB), which is strategically doped into the LC matrix. When subjected to polarized optical microscopy, the THPB-doped LC displayed a transition from a dark to a bright optical state specifically in the presence of Cr(III)-citrate, demonstrating high selectivity over other metal ions, anions, chelating groups and metal-citrate complexes. Comprehensive analyses at both bulk and molecular levels demonstrated that this notable optical transition is facilitated by strong electrostatic interactions between THPB and Cr(III)-citrate, resulting in interfacial coagulation at the LC/aqueous interface. Impressively, the sensor achieved a detection limit as low as 5μM for Cr(III)-citrate in water, significantly below the regulatory limits set for industrial discharge. This work addresses the urgent need for simple, effective analytical techniques to detect and monitor Cr(III)-citrate in aqueous environments without relying on complex instrumentation, making it ideal for a promising tool for on-site environmental monitoring and assessment. It also highlights the broader potential of LC-based sensors for efficient environmental monitoring of other metal ion complexes.

Optimized bioethanol production from Lemna minuta biomass harvested from polluted water via acid and enzymatic hydrolysis

The contamination of water bodies through domestic, agricultural, and industrial discharges remains a critical environmental challenge, leading to eutrophication and harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems and public health. In response, phytoremediation, which utilizes aquatic plants for pollutant removal, have gained attention. This study investigates the potential of Lemna minuta biomass, harvested from a polluted pond, for bioethanol production. The research evaluates carbohydrate content and explores the efficiency of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis in converting the biomass into fermentable sugars. The study’s findings reveal that Lemna minuta exhibits a carbohydrate content of 36.46 ± 1.69%. Acid hydrolysis demonstrated a high conversion efficiency, with optimal conditions achieving up to 99.20% efficiency and 18.09 g L−1 total reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis, while effective, yielded lower efficiencies, indicating the need for further optimization. Fermentation tests using Saccharomyces cerevisiae chardonnay resulted in ethanol production of 1.5 g L−1, highlighting the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable bioethanol feedstock. These findings highlight the potential of Lemna minuta as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production while contributing to environmental remediation, reinforcing its dual role in renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment of some vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: There is growing concern on the use of contaminated and untreated water from industrial discharge for irrigation during the dry season farming in many parts of northern Nigeria. Industries effluents are among the major sources of heavy metal pollution of water bodies and when used for irrigation could be a source of heavy metal bioaccumulation in crops. This study determined the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in both children and adults through the consumption of some vegetables irrigated with polluted water in Bassa, Plateau, and Nigeria. Methods: Four vegetable farms that exclusively use untreated industrial effluents were identified and eight commonly consumed vegetables were sampled for heavy metal analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals of interest were Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Results: Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr in all the vegetables exceeded the WHO’s permissible limits while Cu and Zn did not. Mean heavy metals in the vegetables ranged from 26.87–33.50 mg/kg (Cd), 4.17–10.90 mg/kg (Pb), 27.00–38.67 mg/kg (Cr), 10.60–24.38 mg/kg (Cu), and 1.77–3.42 mg/kg (Zn). Estimated daily intake (EDI) for Cd and Pb for both children and adults exceeded the oral risk-free dose (RFD) set by US-EPA. However, the EDI of Cu in children exceeds the RFD while the EDI of adults did not exceed RFD. Consumption of all the metal-contaminated vegetables posed a potential non cancer risk hazard index (HI ≥ 1) in both children and adults while the target cancer risks (TCR) were due to ingestion of Cd and Cr in the vegetables with TCR values above 1 × 10–4. Conclusions: This study found that adults and children population in this area are susceptible to non cancer and cancer health risks from the consumption of all the studied vegetables. Screening of industrial effluent should be prioritized and enforced to avoid crop heavy metal bioaccumulation.

Sustainable biodegradation of malachite green dye by novel non-pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa ED24.

Sustainable management of textile industrial wastewater is one of the severe challenges in the current regime. It has been reported that each year huge amount of textile industry discharge especially the dye released into the environment without pre-treatment that adversely affect the human health and plant productivity. In the present study, different bacterial isolates had been isolated from the industrial effluents and investigated for their bioremediation potential against the malachite green (MG) dye, a major pollutant of textile industries. The biochemical and molecular characterization of the bacterial strain showed the resemblance of most potent strain ED24 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed effective bioremediation potential against the MG dye. During response surface analysis (RSM), best MG degradation conditions have been observed at pH 7.0, 37°C, 48h, and 200mg/L dye concentration, with highest degradation efficiency of 96.56 ± 0.8622 percent. Subsequently, supplementing various carbon and nitrogen sources increases MG decolorization by 1 to 2%, with beef extract (97.23%), sodium nitrate (97.46%), and maltose (98.67%). FT-IR results revealed the disappearance of distinct peaks, namely, 3328.275cm-1, 2102.842cm-1, 1101.140cm-1,and 559.04cm-1 from MG, and the formation of major intermediate compounds like leucomalachite green, benzoic acid, diacetamide, benzeneacetic acid, hexyl ester, ethyl 4-acetoxy butanoate, butanoic acid, and 2-methyl in GC-MS analysis of degraded dye sample confirms the biodegradation by bacterial strain ED24. The phytotoxicity studies on mung bean seeds confirmed MG dye toxicity reduction up to 67.53%, 54.16%, and 67.53% in biomass accumulation, root, and shoot lengths, respectively. Also, the microbial toxicity of MG was completely reduced on soil microflora Bacillus flexus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Alternaria spp.The dual mitigation, both in microbial and plant systems, indicates the strong remediation potential of P. aeruginosa ED24 to break down MG dye ecologically sustainably.

Fascinating physicochemical features of wasted biomass nanoscale biosorbent for heavy metal ions removal from water

Abstract Pollution of aquatic systems and habitats by heavy metals is a significant concern to the ecosystem and health of humans as it arises from different sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural activities, mining activities, and disposal of toxic substances. Heavy metals introduced in water bodies may also come through leachates from contaminated soils and sediments. Subsequent bioaccumulation in marine organisms and spheres of life around lakes, rivers, and oceans is inevitable upon their introduction. Recently, some studies have shed light on nano-waste biomass (NWB), which can be deliberately used to remove heavy metal ions from polluted waters. It is produced from eco-friendly agro-industrial and is treated on the nanometer scale, which enhances adsorption because its size has increased, increasing its surface area and active sites for binding. This novel technology deals with heavy metal pollution and waste management, as it helps recycle unwanted materials into useful adsorbents, thereby minimizing incinerators and reducing tree cuts. Metal ions from water can be removed through adsorption, where NWB is bonded to metal ions. NWB has been acknowledged as an economically viable and environmentally benign means of decontamination. Advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffusion, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and others, were used for the extensive characterization of NWB. The lemon peel nanoparticles exhibited a particle size range of 40 nm–65 nm. Additionally, a few experiments about contact time and pH were performed to improve NWB adsorption and increase NWB efficiency in eradicating heavy metal ions from polluted water sources.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Content (Cd, Hg, and Pb) in Rice Harvested by Farmers in Dengilo District, Pohuwato Regency Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)

Rice is the staple food for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to determine whether rice cultivated in Dengilo District, Pohuwato Regency, is contaminated with heavy metals. The research employed qualitative and quantitative methods using various reagents, including HNO3, 55% HCl, HClO4, H2SO4, Potassium Iodide (KI), NaOH, Na2CO3, and an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) instrument. The results revealed that the qualitative tests showed positive contamination in rice samples A, B, and D, indicated by color changes and the formation of precipitates, while sample C tested negative. Quantitative tests confirmed the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) in all samples, although within permissible limits. Among the three metals, cadmium (Cd) exhibited the highest average concentration at 0.0465 mg/kg. This elevated Cd level is attributed to the repetitive use of phosphate fertilizers and pesticides, industrial waste discharge, vehicle combustion emissions, heavy metal residues from industrial processes, and atmospheric deposition. The study concludes that all rice samples tested positive for heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb); however, their concentrations remain within the safe thresholds established by regulatory standards. Keywords: Rice, Heavy Metals, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)

The impact of dairy effluent on water quality and ecotoxicological effects on amphibian larvae

ABSTRACT Agricultural industries contribute to water pollution, releasing agrochemicals, organic matter, nutrients and veterinary drugs. Our study aimed to evaluate water quality and ecotoxicological effects of a stream that receives agro-industrial effluents from dairy production at industrial scales and pluvial runoff of agricultural activities. The present study addresses a comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters, metals, pesticides, veterinary drugs and microbiological aspects at three sampling sites located upstream, near a dairy drainage discharge and downstream. Lethal chronic ecotoxicity bioassays and biomarkers on Rhinella arenarum larvae were evaluated. Poor water quality near the industrial discharge points was found, characterised by elevated ammonium, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and high concentrations of metals that exceeded environmental guidelines. In all sites, microbial aspects, total coliforms and fecal coliforms were detected, along with detergents, pesticide residues and ivermectin in high concentrations, exhibiting diverse profiles. Chronic toxicity bioassays showed mortality on amphibian larvae. The antioxidant defence system and the cholinergic pathways were altered in exposed larvae. The study highlights the urgent need to improve effluent management and regulations in the region to protect freshwater and underground water sources, aquatic fauna and human health.

Emerging contaminants in the Mediterranean Sea endangering Lebanon's Palm Islands Natural Reserve.

The Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental marine environment renowned for its biodiversity and ecological significance. However, it is also one of the most polluted seas globally with significant levels of microplastics and heavy metals among other emerging contaminants. In Lebanon, inadequate waste management infrastructure and unregulated industrial discharges have exacerbated water quality deterioration by introducing these complex contaminants into surface and seawater. The Palm Islands Natural Reserve in Lebanon is a UNESCO-designated marine protected area and home to endangered species. However, the reserve faces significant threats from pollution, including heavy metals and microplastics, exacerbated by nearby Tripoli's escalating contamination. Plasticisers, particularly phthalates, are recognized for their hormone-disrupting effects, and heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic pose severe eco-toxicological risks. This study investigates the levels of heavy metals and phthalates in water and sediments from the Palm Islands. Samples were collected from different locations within the reserve, and heavy metals and phthalates were detected, including chromium (13.58 to 19.28 μg L-1), arsenic (2.05 to 5.04 μg L-1), cadmium (1.27 to 3.04 μg L-1), and lead (0.92 to 2.88 μg L-1). Cadmium levels exceeded the permissible limits set by environmental regulatory bodies, highlighting an urgent pollution problem. Phthalates, including DEP and DEHP, were also detected in concentrations of 7.12-10.25 μg L-1 for DEP and 38.47-56.12 μg L-1 for DEHP raising concerns over their potential eco-toxicological impact on marine species. Our research underscores the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring, better waste management infrastructure, and stricter regulatory measures to address pollution in Lebanon's coastal ecosystems.

Source Apportionment and Analysis of Potentially Toxic Element Sources in Agricultural Soils Based on the Positive Matrix Factorization and Geo-Detector Models

The potentially toxic element pollution of agricultural soils has become a significant environmental threat to food safety and human health. Accurately identifying sources of potentially toxic element pollution is key to developing effective pollution prevention and control measures. In this study, regional potentially toxic element pollution of the soils in the Nanliujiang River Basin was analyzed using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and the geo-detector model. First, topsoil samples from the study area were collected to analyze eight potentially toxic elements in the soil, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The PMF model was used to conduct source apportionment of the potentially toxic element data and identify the primary pollution sources and their contribution rates. Then, the geo-detector model was used to analyze the key factors affecting the spatial distribution of the potentially toxic elements and the influence of natural and human factors on the distribution of the potentially toxic elements. There are four potentially toxic element pollution sources of the agricultural soil in the study area: geological background, agricultural activities, industrial discharge, and river irrigation. The geological background contributed the most. The main factors affecting the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements included agricultural activities, industrial discharge, and river irrigation. This integrated method can analyze the formation of potentially toxic element pollution in depth from the perspectives of source apportionment and spatial differentiation and provide a scientific basis and decision support for preventing and controlling potentially toxic element pollution in agricultural soils. This study provides a new method and scientific basis for identifying and preventing potentially toxic element pollution sources in agricultural soil and can guide the formulation of targeted soil pollution control measures.

Media reporting of industrial wastewater issues in Kenya

Scholars have acknowledged the public health risks associated with industrial wastewater. Kenya’s close to 5000 industries discharge large volumes of wastewater, but the authorities have barely enforced the law on industrial wastewater disposal and therefore neighborhoods remain exposed to the effects of poorly managed wastewater from the industries. This is an issue of public interest that public media should seek to highlight. This study investigated how Kenyan media, as a public watchdog, reported the issue of industrial wastewater and therefore whether media has been able to set the agenda. The study was guided by three main objectives: (a) How did the media cover the issue of industrial wastewater in Kenya between January 2010 and December 2014? (b) What are public perceptions of the issue of industrial wastewater and the media’s handling of the issue? (c) What is the link between public perception, government policy and media coverage of the issue of industrial wastewater in Kenya? The study employed a mixed methods approach, using content analysis for newspaper articles and survey study for public perception, and therefore the study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The study found that Kenyan media reporting on issues of industrial wastewater was very infrequent, less detailed, and the articles were not so prominently displayed. Members of the public said they were unhappy with the media for not paying attention to the issue of industrial wastewater and most respondents said they no longer rely on traditional media for information on industrial wastewater. The public is frustrated with the authorities for failing to enforce the law on industrial wastewater disposal and the inability of the authorities to protect communities from harm. Since the public has opted to seek information elsewhere and not the traditional media, it is fair to argue that the media has failed to build the much-needed trust and confidence among its audience that would have enabled it to set the agenda on the issue of industrial wastewater. To win back the public and become effective on the issue, the media should increase the frequency of coverage, seek to display articles on industrial wastewater more prominently and do more to include the voices of the affected communities in their articles.

Antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales of clinical importance in mute swans.

Urban water environments, including canals, harbours and estuaries are susceptible to contamination with antimicrobials and drug-resistant bacteria through domestic and industrial wastewater discharges and storm water overflows. There is potential for wildlife using these waters to acquire and transmit drug-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) of clinical importance. This study aimed to assess clinically important drug-resistant bacteria in urban waterfowl, particularly mute swans. Faecal samples were collected from 17 mute swans in the Greater Dublin Area, Ireland during July, August, October, and November of 2022. Samples were swabbed directly onto agars to select for carbapenem resistant, Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, ciprofloxacin resistant and colistin resistant bacteria. Isolates identified by MALDI-TOF as Enterobacterales were tested for susceptibility to a panel of 16 antimicrobials and real-time PCR was employed to detect cefotaximase and carbapenemase genes (CRGs). Drug-resistant isolates were characterised by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), including long read sequencing for carbapenemase and mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene-producing Enterobacterales isolates. Eleven of seventeen (65%) swan samples were positive for the resistant organism(s) (n=35), comprising Escherichia coli (n=32; 82%) and other Enterobacterales (n=3). Twenty E. coli (63%) produced ESBL, with 16/20 (80%) identified as positive for blaCTX-M-group 1 enzymes, comprising CTX-M-15 (n=13), CTX-M-55 (n=2) and CTX-M-1 (n=1) and 4/20 (20%) positive for blaCTX-M-group 9 enzymes CTX-M-27 (n=2) and CTX-M-9 (n=2). Three E. coli isolates were phenotypically ertapenem resistant, one of which was an ST4450 isolate which carried plasmid encoded blaOXA-181 and blaCMY-141 with blaCTX-M-15 identified chromosomally. One colistin resistant E. coli bore the mcr-1 gene chromosomally. Bioinformatic analysis revealed high-risk pathogenic ESBL E. coli clones including ST38 (n=3), ST69 (n=3), and ST131 (n=2). The study indicates mute swans are a reservoir for drug-resistant Enterobacterales and ARGs of clinical importance and may be a useful sentinel species for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in wildlife.

Sources and Pathways of PFAS Occurrence in Water Sources: Relative Contribution of Land-Applied Biosolids in an Agricultural Dominated Watershed.

This study evaluated PFAS occurrence in rural well water and surface water relative to land application of biosolids in a tile-drained agriculture-dominated watershed. Spatial data were used to identify potentially vulnerable rural wells based on their proximity to biosolid-permitted land and location with respect to groundwater flow. Water was collected from 103 private wells in Greater Tippecanoe County Indiana and 168 surface water locations within the Region of the Great Bend of the Wabash River watershed. Overall, results indicate that surface water (∑PFAS ≤ 169.4 ng/L) is more vulnerable to PFAS contamination than well water (∑PFAS ≤ 15.7 ng/L). Short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids made up 72% of the ∑PFAS in both water sources. Nonetheless, long-chain homologues were detected more frequently in surface water (94%) than well water (82%). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified biosolid-applied fields, WTTPs, and industrial discharges as PFAS sources in first-order streams with high ∑PFAS. Temporal trends revealed an inverse relationship between streamflow and concentrations in surface water sites impacted by point discharges and vice versa for diffuse sources, thereby providing complementary evidence of potential sources. The well water data set did not show a distinct spatial trend between ∑PFAS and distance from biosolid application or well characteristics.

The impact of land use patterns on water quality in the Cikapundung sub-watershed

Abstract Cikapundung River divides the city of Bandung, one of popular Indonesia’s tourist and educational destinations. The watershed land cover has drastically changed in the last twenty years. This study integrates water quality analysis across the Cikapundung sub-watershed, assessing various physical, chemical, and biological indicators impacted by land use practices. Critical sources of pollution identified include domestic waste, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and unpaved riverbanks. Results indicate that numerous parameters exceed Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22/2021 Class II thresholds, notably total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, Fe, Mn, oil and grease, hydrogen sulfide, MBAS, total coliform, E.coli, and fecal coliforms. The total coliform concentration ranged from 9.25×103 to 5.56×108 MPN/100 mL, fecal coliforms from 7.6×102 to 2.53×107 MPN/100 mL, TSS from 4 to 276 mg/L, and TDS from 88.4 to 1111.15 mg/L. Pollution levels varied across river segments, showing moderate to severe upstream and downstream contamination over three sampling periods. The pollution index ranged from 5.26 to 16.77 across the watershed. This research emphasizes the urgency of implementing pollution control measures and sustainable land use practices to safeguard water quality in the Cikapundung sub-watershed. Its findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and environmental managers to formulate effective watershed management and protection strategies.

Zero Liquid Discharge in the Dye Intermediate Industry with the Primary Treatment Method

Zero Liquid Discharge in the Dye Intermediate Industry with the Primary Treatment Method

Analysis of impact of anthropogenic factors on the landscape-geochemical state of the Nura river basin

The study examines the formation of anthropogenic landscapes under the influence of multiple factors, including pollutants, radioactive substances, radiation, noise, and the extraction of natural resources. Society's transformation of natural landscapes into anthropogenic ones has become a global phenomenon, acquiring new characteristics due to scientific and technological advancements in mining, industrial chemistry, and agriculture. The Nura River basin, dominated by the metallurgical complex of Qarmet, serves as a key area for this investigation. This enterprise is the largest mining and metallurgical facility in Kazakhstan, producing a range of materials, including coated metals and raw industrial products. Geochemical analyses were conducted within the Nura River basin to assess the environmental impact of industrial activities. Water and soil samples were collected systematically, and pollutant concentrations were determined using accredited laboratory methods. Data were processed through statistical analysis to identify patterns and causal relationships. The research revealed significant pollution in the Nura River basin, predominantly caused by industrial discharges containing heavy metals and other contaminants. Elevated concentrations of pollutants were linked to the metallurgical activities of Qarmet and other industrial enterprises. The transformation of natural landscapes into anthropogenic ones was found to be closely associated with the intensity of these activities. The study highlights the critical influence of industrial processes on the geochemical composition of landscapes within the Nura River basin. The findings underline the need for improved environmental management, including the modernization of industrial processes and waste treatment systems, to mitigate anthropogenic impacts and ensure sustainable development in the region.

A review of air pollution and ethical consumption behavior due to fragrances

This paper presents a comprehensive review of literature focusing on the detrimental effects of fragrances on air quality. While previous studies traditionally attributed air pollution to sources like automobile emissions or industrial discharge, this study delves into the impact of consumer products, particularly fragrances, on both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Through a systematic review of existing research utilizing databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus, the study synthesizes findings regarding the composition of fragrances, regulatory practices related to ingredient labeling, and public awareness regarding the link between air pollution and fragrances. The findings indicate that the ingredients used in perfumes can contribute to air pollution and respiratory ailments, underscoring the need for stringent regulations. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive labeling requirements for perfume products worldwide, which may contribute to limited consumer awareness regarding the association between air quality and fragrances. Given the intimate relationship between air pollution and human well-being, this study underscores the importance of exercising caution in the use of household consumer products such as perfumes and air fresheners to mitigate their impact on air quality.

Evaluation of metal contamination and ecological risk in surface sediments of an industrialized catchment: A case study of the Saz-Çayırova catchment, Northwestern Türkiye

Investigating the spatio-temporal variations of metal pollution in the sediment of an industrialized watershed, this study aims to identify ecological risks. Utilizing six risk assessment indices—enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (I-geo), potential ecological risk (RI), contamination factor (CF), ecological risk assessment (ER), and Pollution Load Index (PLI)—the research distinguishes between anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Surface sediment samples are collected from nine locations (comprising seven monitoring sites and two reference sites) across the watershed during both dry and wet seasons. Reference concentrations, tailored to accurately reflect local characteristics, are employed to compute the indices. Results indicate significantly elevated concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni throughout the basin, exceeding reference values by factors of 15, 20, 5, 10, and 5, respectively. Wet and dry season assessments reveal varying I-geo and EF values across monitoring stations. Cd emerges as the primary ecological risk, predominantly attributed to industrial discharges. Moreover, dry season contamination surpasses that of the wet season. Comparative analysis of the indices reveals PLI's efficacy for spatial assessments, while RI analysis better elucidates temporal variations. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for devising strategies to mitigate sediment contamination in industrial watersheds.

Unravelling land-based discharge of microplastics in River Basantar of Jammu & Kashmir, India: Understanding sinking behaviors and risk assessments.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and are increasing globally, but there is limited information available on their presence in freshwater ecosystems. This research work aims to investigate the abundance, sinking behavior, and risk assessment of MPs in the freshwater River Basantar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Microplastic abundance in sediments was recorded in the range of 1-6 items g-1, with a mean abundance of 3±1.594 item g-1, whereas MPs in surface water ranged from 200 to 850 items L-1 with a mean abundance of 530±218.4 items L-1 among 12 sites for sediments and 10 sites for surface water. Besides, the sinking behavior of MPs was analyzed through portioning coefficients (Kd) at sediments-surface water interface, which ranges from 0.71 to 2.50L Kg-1 for River Basantar. The most common shapes identified were fragments, fibres, and films, followed by pellets, foams, and lines. ATR-FTIR polymeric characterization reported polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, and thus, polymeric risk assessment analysis was also evaluated and normally distributed in the River Basantar. Polymer Hazard Index was calculated across all the sites which observed to be polluted under risk categories "III" and "IV" for both the sediments and surface water samples. Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculated across all the sites was >1 depicting all the sites for both sediments and surface water sampling to be polluted. Pollution Risk Index was assessed and majority of surface water and sediment samples were observed to be under "Very high" risk category. The study, using principal component analysis and heatmap analysis, found that MPs are primarily a result of urbanization and anthropogenic actions, like industrial discharges, household wastes, and agricultural runoffs. This study highlights the significance of more investigation and coordinated efforts to solve the worldwide problem of plastic pollution in freshwater environments. Results data provide insight into the current state of MP contamination and will help government authorities implement strict rules and perform management interventions to reduce and monitor pollution levels in River Basantar. Future studies on the partitioning of MPs in sediments and surface water must be focused on aggregation, biofouling, plastic density & size, salinity, and flow behaviors to understand transport and deposition in rivers.

Ecological Disturbances and Adaptation of Mangroves in High-Disturbance Urban Areas of Navi Mumbai in India

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant intertidal forest structures that serve as vital buffer zones between the coastal waters and human habitats. They expose an evolutionary course spanning around 60 million years, leading to the emergence of tailored adaptations like salt-excreting glands and prop roots. Despite widespread acknowledgment of their value, mangroves are swiftly declining due to coastal development and climate change. Rapid urbanization has increased anthropogenic pressures on these ecosystems, yet comprehensive assessments of their resilience in highly disturbed environments remain limited. This study looks at the ecological health of mangrove populations across three sites in Navi Mumbai, areas facing high urban and industrial growth. The analysis revealed elevated Zn (-0.88, p < 0.001), Cu (-0.73, p < 0.01), Pb (-0.70, p < 0.05), and Mn (-0.76, p < 0.01) correlating with reduced plant height, alongside consistently acidic water pH (mean = 5.93) and high salinity (range: 35–40 PSU). These conditions amplify metal mobility and toxicity, disrupting pneumatophore function, and lowering DO (mean = 3.8 mg/L), reflecting ecological degradation. Despite these stressors, mangrove populations exhibited decent growth traits, demonstrating a capacity for urban adaptation. Regulations of industrial discharge to reduce heavy metal specifically zinc contamination, coupled with targeted restoration efforts focusing on enhancing mangrove density and structural integrity, are essential to sustain these ecosystems.