Issue Of Environmental Science Research Articles

Pollution concentration monitoring using a new Birnbaum–Saunders control chart

AbstractAir pollution monitoring is an important issue in environmental science. The Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) distribution, originally applied to describe product failure time distribution to fatigue failures and general random wear failures, is also well to describe the pollutant concentration data due to accumulations of various pollutants in the air over time. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a critical factor in air pollution. Hence, it is important to monitor its concentration variation for air pollution prevention. Due to the complexity of its distribution form, there is no reliable and easy‐to‐use control chart for monitoring pollutant concentrations based on the BS distribution. We found that the SO2 concentration data follows the BS distribution. In this study, we propose a new median control chart based on the exact sampling distribution of the monitoring statistic to detect shifts in the median of BS distribution. Thus, given the false alarm rate, the control limits for such control charts can be obtained precisely satisfying a preset in‐control average run length using Monte Carlo simulations. The out‐of‐control average run lengths are calculated by simulation to evaluate the detection performance of the proposed chart when the median shifts occur. We further compare the detection performance of the proposed chart and those of the existing control charts based on asymptotic sampling distributions. In order to improve the detection ability of the proposed chart for small median shifts, an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is constructed. The results of numerical analyses demonstrated that the proposed EWMA chart performs much better than all existing control charts for monitoring the median of BS distribution. Finally, the proposed control charts are applied to monitor the median of SO2 concentrations for air pollution control, showing that both charts can effectively detect a shift in the median of SO2 concentrations. The proposed EWMA control chart even detects out a small shift in the median of SO2 concentrations. The results provide a continuous monitoring solution for air pollution prevention.

Between Scylla and Charybdis: the implications of the human right to science for regulating the harms and benefits of environmental science and technology

ABSTRACT This article explores whether the integration of human rights approaches, in particular, the human right to science in Article 15(1)(b) of the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, offers a basis for improving upon current approaches in international environmental law by widening democratic input and oversight in decisions involving environmental science and its applications. It examines a case study regarding the international regulation of marine geoengineering under an amendment to the 1996 Protocol to the 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter. The analysis focuses on how the harms and benefits of marine geoengineering research are conceived of in the amendment, and the norms and processes adopted to address them. These same issues are then examined under the human right to science, focusing on the recent interpretation of the right by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in its General Comment No. 25. It seeks to show in a particular case how international environmental law and international human rights law each bring to bear different objectives, norms, and processes in how they treat issues of environmental science and technology, and explores the benefits of more integrated approach.

Microalgal diversity enhances water purification efficiency in experimental microcosms

The losses of biodiversity have impaired functioning and provision of ecosystem services, and the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has emerged as a central issue in environmental sciences. However, the majority of relevant studies are conducted in terrestrial ecosystems, and they focus predominantly on the relationship between community diversity and biomass production of terrestrial vegetation. At present, water eutrophication represents an increasingly serious problem worldwide, and the use of aquatic organisms for improving water quality represents a promising approach. However, more focus is placed on the selection of certain aquatic organisms with good performance, but neglects the effects of biodiversity in the process of water purification and the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, five microalgal species commonly found in freshwater ecosystems were used to assembly experimental microcosms with varying microalgal richness and composition. We analyzed the relationship between microalgal diversity and nitrogen removal efficiency based on mixed-effect models, and further explored the underlying mechanism of microalgal diversity in the process of water quality improvement. The results showed that with an increase in microalgal diversity, nitrogen removal efficiency of microalgal communities also increased. A further analysis of the impacts of microalgal diversity showed that the complementarity effect increased while the selection effect decreased with an increase in microalgal diversity. Meanwhile, there was a significantly positive relationship between microalgal diversity and the total abundance of microalgae. On the one hand, the present study clearly demonstrates two positive diversity-ecosystem functioning relationships. On the other hand, the present study also reveals the underlying mechanism by which microalgal diversity influences nitrogen removal efficiency, namely, high-diversity microalgal communities could use limiting nutrients such as nitrogen in a more efficient and complementary manner (e.g., stronger complementarity effect in high-diversity communities), convert them into higher aggregate community properties (e.g., higher total abundance of microalge in high-diversity communities), and thus exhibit higher purification capacity (e.g., higher nitrogen removal efficiency in high-diversity communities). Under the scenario that global ecosystems are experiencing high rates of anthropogenic nutrient inputs, the use of diverse microalgal species with proper management may help provide a promising approach for improving water quality.

Microplastics and Their Role in the Maintenance and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Marine Ecosystems

One of the most discussed issues in environmental science and society is plastic pollution of natural ecosystems and its impact on living organisms. This is evidenced by the flow of numerous publications that have appeared in recent years. The results of the studies confirm that the pollution of aquatic ecosystems with plastic waste is considered one of the most severe global environmental problems. The wide distribution of photooxidation and biological degradation products of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MP and NP) in the World Ocean is of particular concern, which make the main contribution to biological effects. Catastrophic environmental consequences of marine ecosystems contamination with microplastics are associated not only with economic damage, but also with human health and the biosecurity of mariculture. Human-made plastisphere is a new ecosystem that plays an increasingly significant role in the life of marine microorganisms. Biofilms formed on the rough and hydrophobic surfaces of the plastisphere consist of various taxa of microorganisms and differ in composition from the surrounding marine communities. In addition, they act as depositories and carriers of intra- and extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The purpose of the review is to summarize current information on environmental pollution by microplastics in the context of its role in the conservation and spread of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in natural environments with an emphasis on marine ecosystems.

Determinism governs the succession of disturbed bacterioplankton communities in a coastal maricultural ecosystem

Bacterioplankton community is the major engine that drives the biogeochemical cycling of various nutrient and essential elements in the coastal ecosystem. Unraveling the mechanisms governing the succession of such complex bacterioplankton communities in dynamic environment is a challenging issue in environmental science. In this study, we investigated the diversity patterns and succession mechanisms of both free-living and particle-attached bacterioplankton communities that have been exposed to low oxygen and typhoon Lekima. The community evenness was the lowest in August when the temperature was high and dissolved oxygen was low. Similar patterns in community succession were observed for free-living and particle-attached bacterioplankton community after the passing through of typhoon Lekima. Both the free-living and particle-attached bacterioplankton communities in the surface and bottom water columns were strongly affected by geo-environmental factors, among which temperature was the common factor, suggesting that the metabolic theory of ecology also underlie the dynamic patterns of bacterioplankton communities. Although the surface and bottom bacterioplankton compositions were initially different taxonomically and shaped by different environmental conditions, they followed a similar succession pattern over the sampling months. Temperature, dissolved inorganic carbon and dissolved inorganic phosphorus were the major factors associated with the variations of surface bacterioplankton ASVs. Time-decay relationship, in which community similarity decreases with increasing time interval, was clearly observed. Such pattern shall be attributed to the combined effects of time and the changing environmental factors over the sampling months, rather than time alone. Integrating multiple lines of evidences, we demonstrated that determinism governed the succession of both free-living and particle-attached bacterioplankton communities in the coastal maricultural ecosystem, with higher stochastic ratio in habitable months (i.e. fall). This study is expected to provide valuable mechanistic insights into the succession of disturbed complex bacterioplankton communities.

Mostly positive implications of long-haul truck electrification

Recently in the July 6, 2021 issue of Environmental Science & Technology, Tong et al. estimated health and climate impacts from large-scale long-haul truck electrification. The monetized damages range from a 47%–54% increase to a 77%–88% reduction. However, with adjustments to the marginal emission and static assumptions, impacts are found to be almost certainly positive, a 7%–94% reduction in damages. Recently in the July 6, 2021 issue of Environmental Science & Technology, Tong et al. estimated health and climate impacts from large-scale long-haul truck electrification. The monetized damages range from a 47%–54% increase to a 77%–88% reduction. However, with adjustments to the marginal emission and static assumptions, impacts are found to be almost certainly positive, a 7%–94% reduction in damages.

Environmental Science: Atmospheres joins the Environmental Science journal family

Neil Donahue, Editor-in-Chief, and Anna Rulka, Executive Editor, introduce the inaugural issue of Environmental Science: Atmospheres.

Integrative research perspectives on marine conservation.

Whereas the conservation and management of biodiversity has become a key issue in environmental sciences and policy in general, the conservation of marine biodiversity faces additional challenges such as the challenges of accessing field sites (e.g. polar, deep sea), knowledge gaps regarding biodiversity trends, high mobility of many organisms in fluid environments, and ecosystem-specific obstacles to stakeholder engagement and governance. This issue comprises contributions from a diverse international group of scientists in a benchmarking volume for a common research agenda on marine conservation. We begin by addressing information gaps on marine biodiversity trends through novel approaches and technologies, then linking such information to ecosystem functioning through a focus on traits. We then leverage the knowledge of these relationships to inform theory aiming at predicting the future composition and functioning of marine communities. Finally, we elucidate the linkages between marine ecosystems and human societies by examining economic, management and governance approaches that contribute to effective marine conservation in practice. This article is part of the theme issue 'Integrative research perspectives on marine conservation'.

Capacitive deionization and electrosorption: from desalination to ion management

Guest editors Peng Liang, Zhiyong Jason Ren and Xia Huang introduce the “Capacitive deionization and electrosorption” themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.

Ensemble method based on Artificial Neural Networks to estimate air pollution health risks

Estimating of daily hospital admissions due to air pollution is a leading issue in environmental science. To better understand this problem, it is essential to improve the applied methodologies. The use of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) is well known. However, they may be improved using different methods to coefficients estimation and to consider seasonality. Alternative methodologies, rarely applied in such topic, are Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), efficient to solve non-linear problems and; ensembles, which combine various models outputs. This research aims to apply 10 distinct ANN and 4 ensemble to estimate hospital admissions for respiratory diseases caused by particulate matter and meteorological variables of Campinas and São Paulo cities, Brazil. In addition, a new proposal of GLM was introduced, considering coefficients calculation via particle swarm optimization and seasonality via normalization procedure. ANN and ensembles use showed significant improvements and may allow studies into areas with flawing database, developing countries reality.

JOEM Updates

The Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine (JOEM) has accomplished much in 2018, but we must start by thanking the 242 dedicated reviewers and the members of the JOEM Editorial Board who volunteer their time and knowledge to review each submission. Of note is the fact that 25 reviewers completed more than one review of JOEM and one reviewer completed nine reviews, with the overwhelming percentage of reviews returned in less than the allotted time! The reviewers are listed alphabetically in the Table 1. JOEM production would not be possible without their support and enthusiasm. As always, we also thank our readership for their continued support over the past years and into 2019.TABLE 1: List of 2018 JOEM ReviewersTABLE 1: (continued) List of 2018 JOEM ReviewersTABLE 1: (continued) List of 2018 JOEM ReviewersTABLE 1: (continued) List of 2018 JOEM ReviewersIn the January issue of this year, we published “Sixty Years of JOEM and Counting” (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: January 2019—Volume 61—Issue 1—p. e24, doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001475). In this editorial we highlighted the significant historical achievements made over this time period as well as our vision for future publications. We believe “the real value comes from the journal's impact outside of academia by influencing occupational and environmental practice resulting in improvements to the health and well-being of workers and communities” and to that end we will continue our commitment to those endeavors. JOEM will provide our stakeholders with “greater improvements in the health of the populations we serve,” even in the face of changing environmental science issues, including productivity, climate change, and wellness. A recent series of JOEM Occupational Medicine Forum climate change articles, moderated by JOEM Editorial Board member, Dr. Judith Green McKenzie is one example of our outreach efforts: How does a Changing Climate Impact the Health of Workers? Part 5: Vectorborne Disease Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: December 11, 2018—Volume Publish Ahead of Print—Issue—doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001519 Occupational Medicine Forum: PDF Only. Carbon Emission Mitigation Strategies: What Occupational Physicians Need to Know Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: December 2018—Volume 60—Issue 12—pp. e679–e680, doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001464 OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE FORUM. How Does a Changing Climate Impact the Health of Workers? Part 2: Weather and Climate Disasters, Worker Health, and Occupational Resiliency Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: August 2018—Volume 60—Issue 8—pp. e426–e428; doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001356 OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE FORUM. How Can Climate Change Impact the Health of Workers? Part 1: Increased Ambient Temperature Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: June 2018—Volume 60—Issue 6—pp. e288–e289; doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001342 OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE FORUM During 2018, JOEM publications consisted of 279 total articles, 119 as online only, and 160 utilizing the print/online option. JOEM online-only article publication continues to be increasing in popularity with authors who desire expedited publication because the JOEM online-only publication queue is considerably shorter than the print/online queue. This was borne out by the significant increase in online only adopters (43% for 2018 vs 28% from 2017). We extend a special thank you to all those who decided to take advantage of the online only benefits which include: Reduced time in the production queue. Final published version takes the place of publish ahead of print (PAP) version quicker. Expedited abstracting and indexing. Earlier access of your content to ACOEM/JOEM/Global stakeholders. Potential for increased article-level metrics. Please consider choosing the accelerated online only option when submitting your new article to JOEM! JOEM social media access continues to grow as more and more new followers join us on Facebook (+600 new followers) and Twitter (+187 new followers). Published articles receive a singular post on Facebook with concomitant author notification (date and timing of posts) as well as general posts relating to published topics. JOEM provides this notification service for authors to help them increase their individual article level metrics. Please be sure to like and share on Facebook @JOEMJournal and on Twitter @JrnlEnvirOccMed. Finally, JOEM underwent a significant branding redesign with the January 2019 issue, which included redesigns of the social media sphere also. The new branding highlights the global outreach of JOEM content as well as prominently displaying our social media links. Let us know what you think of our redesign. Thank you again for your continued support and submissions as we look forward to providing another 60 years of outstanding occupational and environmental research.

Impacts of Micro- and Nano-Sized Plastic Particles on Benthic Invertebrates: A Literature Review and Gap Analysis

As documented by the numerous publications that have appeared in recent years, plastic pollution of the environment and the effects on the respective ecosystems are currently one of the most intensely discussed issues in environmental science and in society at large. Of special concern are the effects of micro- and nano-sized plastics. A key issue in understanding the fate and potential effects of micro- and nano-sized plastics is their dynamic nature, as the size, shape, and charge of the particles change over time. Moreover, due to various biological processes, such as the aggregation of organic material and/or bacteria (“biofouling”), the density of plastic particles that settle in the sediments of aquatic ecosystems may be several orders of magnitudes higher than that in the surrounding waters. Consequently, the risk posed by plastic pollution to benthic fauna is considerably high. Nonetheless, the vast majority of studies examining the effects of microplastics have focused on pelagic organisms so far. We therefore conducted a comprehensive literature review to examine the impact of micro- and nano-sized plastics on benthic invertebrates, including the physical and chemical effects of leaching and the interactions of plastic particles with contaminants. Overall, 330 papers were reviewed for their fulfilment of different criteria (e.g. test species, plastic material, particle shape, particle size, exposure concentration, exposure route, assay type, assay duration), with 49 publications finally included in our survey. A comprehensive gap-analysis on the effects of plastic particles on benthic invertebrates, revealed a wide variety of effects triggered by micro- and/or nano-sized plastics but also distinct differences regarding the plastic materials tested, the size fractions applied, the shape of the respective particles and the exposure routes tested. Our review concludes with a discussion of the important research gaps concerning freshwater ecosystems and recommendations for future areas of research.

Detecting Estrogenic Ligands in Personal Care Products using a Yeast Estrogen Screen Optimized for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory

The Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) is used to detect estrogenic ligands in environmental samples and has been broadly applied in studies of endocrine disruption. Estrogenic ligands include both natural and manmade "Environmental Estrogens" (EEs) found in many consumer goods including Personal Care Products (PCPs), plastics, pesticides, and foods. EEs disrupt hormone signaling in humans and other animals, potentially reducing fertility and increasing disease risk. Despite the importance of EEs and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) to public health, endocrine disruption is not typically included in undergraduate curricula. This shortcoming is partly due to a lack of relevant laboratory activities that illustrate the principles involved while also being accessible to undergraduate students. This article presents an optimized YES for quantifying ligands in personal care products that bind estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and/or beta (ERβ). The method incorporates one of the two colorimetric substrates (ortho-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) or chlorophenol red-β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG)) that are cleaved by β-galactosidase, a 6-day refrigerated incubation step to facilitate use in undergraduate laboratory courses, an automated application for LacZ calculations, and R code for the associated 4-parameter logistic regression analysis. The protocol has been designed to allow undergraduate students to develop and conduct experiments in which they screen products of their choosing for estrogen mimics. In the process, they learn about endocrine disruption, cell culture, receptor binding, enzyme activity, genetic engineering, statistics, and experimental design. Simultaneously, they also practice fundamental and broadly applicable laboratory skills, such as: calculating concentrations; making solutions; demonstrating sterile technique; serially diluting standards; constructing and interpolating standard curves; identifying variables and controls; collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; constructing and interpreting graphs; and using common laboratory equipment such as micropipettors and spectrophotometers. Thus, implementing this assay encourages students to engage in inquiry-based learning while exploring emerging issues in environmental science and health.

Detecting Estrogenic Ligands in Personal Care Products using a Yeast Estrogen Screen Optimized for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory.

The Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) is used to detect estrogenic ligands in environmental samples and has been broadly applied in studies of endocrine disruption. Estrogenic ligands include both natural and manmade "Environmental Estrogens" (EEs) found in many consumer goods including Personal Care Products (PCPs), plastics, pesticides, and foods. EEs disrupt hormone signaling in humans and other animals, potentially reducing fertility and increasing disease risk. Despite the importance of EEs and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) to public health, endocrine disruption is not typically included in undergraduate curricula. This shortcoming is partly due to a lack of relevant laboratory activities that illustrate the principles involved while also being accessible to undergraduate students. This article presents an optimized YES for quantifying ligands in personal care products that bind estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and/or beta (ERβ). The method incorporates one of the two colorimetric substrates (ortho-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) or chlorophenol red-β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG)) that are cleaved by β-galactosidase, a 6-day refrigerated incubation step to facilitate use in undergraduate laboratory courses, an automated application for LacZ calculations, and R code for the associated 4-parameter logistic regression analysis. The protocol has been designed to allow undergraduate students to develop and conduct experiments in which they screen products of their choosing for estrogen mimics. In the process, they learn about endocrine disruption, cell culture, receptor binding, enzyme activity, genetic engineering, statistics, and experimental design. Simultaneously, they also practice fundamental and broadly applicable laboratory skills, such as: calculating concentrations; making solutions; demonstrating sterile technique; serially diluting standards; constructing and interpolating standard curves; identifying variables and controls; collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; constructing and interpreting graphs; and using common laboratory equipment such as micropipettors and spectrophotometers. Thus, implementing this assay encourages students to engage in inquiry-based learning while exploring emerging issues in environmental science and health.

The rapidly growing role of UV-AOPs in the production of safe drinking water

Guest editors Stuart Khan, Graham Gagnon, Michael Templeton and Dionysios (Dion) Dionysiou introduce the Ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.

Anaerobic technology

Guest Editors Paige Novak, Jeremy Guest and Aijie Wang introduce the Anaerobic technology themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.

Making rainfall features fun: scientific activities for teaching children aged 5–12 years

Abstract. Research projects now rely on an array of different channels to increase impact, including high-level scientific output, tools, and equipment, but also communication, outreach, and educational activities. This paper focuses on education for children aged 5–12 years and presents activities that aim to help them (and their teachers) grasp some of the complex underlying issues in environmental science. More generally, it helps children to become familiarized with science and scientists, with the aim to enhance scientific culture and promote careers in this field. The activities developed are focused on rainfall: (a) designing and using a disdrometer to observe the variety of drop sizes; (b) careful recording of successive dry and rainy days and reproducing patterns using a simple model based on fractal random multiplicative cascades; and (c) collaboratively writing a children's book about rainfall. These activities are discussed in the context of current state-of-the-art pedagogical practices and goals set by project funders, especially in a European Union framework.

Influence of tourist disturbance on soil properties, plant communities, and surface water quality in the Tianchi scenic area of Xinjiang, China

The impact of tourist disturbance on the environment has become a focal issue of environmental science, ecology, and travel management studies. To assess the influence of tourist disturbance on soils and plants in the Tianchi scenic area of Xinjiang, China, we compared soil properties and plant community characteristics at 0, 5, 10, and 20 m from the tourist trail within areas at three different altitudes, where the intensities of tourist disturbance are distinct. Surface water quality was also studied at three different levels relative to the Tianchi Lake. The results showed that tourist disturbance significantly increased soil pH within 10 m from the trail and soil bulk density on the edge of the trail, but significantly reduced soil organic matter and total nitrogen contents within 5 m from the trail. The number of tree seedlings on the edge of the trail and the shrub coverage and height of herbaceous plants within 5 m from the trail significantly decreased due to tourist disturbance. Changes in herbaceous plant diversity differed by soil zones. In the high altitude region, tourist disturbance led to a remarkable increase in the herbaceous plant diversity on the edge of the trail, while in the low altitude region, tourist disturbance had a low impact on the diversity of herbaceous plants. In addition, tourist activities polluted the surface water, significantly reducing water quality. Thus, current tourist activities have a significant negative impact on the ecological environment in the Tianchi scenic area.

The drinking water exposome

Guest editors Peter Vikesland and Lutgarde Raskin introduce the Drinking Water Exposome themed issue of Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.

Crop protection, environment, health, and biodiversity: observations and outlook.

This special issue of Environmental Science and Pollution Research highlights selected papers presented at the 43rd congress organized by the French Group of Pesticide Research (BGroupe Francais des Pesticides,^ GFP) which was held in Albi, from 29 to 31 May 2013, and officially hosted by Champollion University, France. The congress was held in the beautiful settings of the Episcopal city with its Cathedral and the Toulouse Lautrec museum, recently listed as UNESCO world heritage. Albi is a prefecture city of the Midi-Pyrenees region, one of the most agricultural regions of France. The GFP met the French scientific community involved in research into phytosanitary compounds. The conferences took place in French and addressed numerous issues dealing with the use of pesticides, their utility to agriculture, and their consequences for the environment and human health. Discussions included their mode of action, analysis and transfer through the environment and along food chains, and finally their elimination. Occurring annually, this congress is a place of rich exchanges not only between scientists but also with technical institutes, which are becoming increasingly present. These congresses are an opportunity for researchers to present their work and to compare their findings with others in a constructive atmosphere. Both the contributors and the audience were French researchers from the academic and institutional world, francophone researchers from foreign universities, and researchers from plant protection industries. Representatives from various French agencies, ministries, and agencies in charge of development were one of the audiences: agronomists and technicians also participated in this meeting. Particular encouragement was given to the active participation of young researchers (MSc or PhD students). The main objectives of this conference were to review current knowledge of the French-speaking scientific community in all areas concerning pesticides, to feed national debate, to allow the emergence of new paths of research, and to foster collaborations between research organizations, institutions, and industrial environments. Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues