Pollution Crisis Research Articles

Exploring the intricate studies on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) biodegradation by Bacillus cereus AP-01, isolated from the gut of Styrofoam-fed Tenebrio molitor larvae.

This study aims to investigate the biodegradation potential of a gut bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus AP-01, isolated from Tenebrio molitor larvae fed Styrofoam, focusing on its efficacy in degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The biodegradation process was evaluated through a series of assays, including clear zone assays, biodegradation assays, and planktonic cell growth assessments in mineral salt medium (MSM) over a 28-day incubation period. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the alterations in LDPE pellets, followed by molecular characterization. Over three months, sterile soil + LDPE pellets were treated with different concentrations of gut bacterial strain. The degradation capabilities were assessed by measuring pH, total microbial counts, carbon dioxide evolution, weight loss, and conducting phase contrast microscopy and mechanical strength tests. Results demonstrated that MSM containing LDPE as a carbon source with gut bacterial strain produced a clear zone and enhanced planktonic cell growth. FTIR analysis revealed the formation of new functional groups in the LDPE, while SEM images displayed surface erosion and cracking, providing visual evidence of biodegradation. Molecular characterization confirmed the strain as Bacillus cereus AP-01 (NCBI Accession Number: OR288218.1). A 10% inoculum concentration of Bacillus cereus AP-01 exhibited increased soil bacterial counts, carbon dioxide evolution, and pH levels, alongside a notable weight loss of 30.3% in LDPE pellets. Mechanical strength assessments indicated substantial reductions in tensile strength (7.81 ± 0.84 MPa), compression (4.92 ± 0.53 MPa), hardness (51.96 ± 5.62 shore D), flexibility (10.62 ± 1.15 MPa), and impact resistance (14.79 ± 0.94 J). These findings underscore the biodegradation potential of Bacillus cereus AP-01, presenting a promising strategy for addressing the global LDPE pollution crisis.

Algae- and bacteria-based biodegradation of phthalic acid esters towards the sustainable green solution.

Phthalic acid esters are widely used worldwide as plasticizers. The high consumption of phthalates in China makes it the world's largest plasticizer market. The lack of phthalic acid ester's chemical bonding with the polymer matrix facilitates their detachment from plastic products and subsequent release into the environment and causes serious threats to the health of living organisms. Thus, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for their removal are urgently needed. In this context, both natural and engineered bacterial and algal communities have played a crucial role in the degradation of various phthalic acid esters present in water and soil. When algae-bacteria co-culture is compared to a singular algae or bacteria system, this symbiotic system shows superior performance in the removal of dibutyl phthalates and diethyl phthalates from synthetic wastewater. This review provides an optimistic outlook for co-culture systems by in-depth examining single microorganisms, namely bacteria and algae, as well as algae-bacterial consortiums for phthalates degradation, which will draw attention to species co-existence for the removal of various pollutants from the environment. In addition, further development and research, particularly on the mechanisms, genes involved in the degradation of phthalic acid esters, and interactions between bacterial and algal species, will lead to the discovery of more adaptable species as well as the production of targeted species to address the environmental pollution crisis and provide a green, efficient, and sustainable approach to environmental protection. Discrepancies in knowledge and potential avenues for exploration will enhance the existing body of literature, enabling researchers to investigate this field more comprehensively.

Monitoring plastic pollution using bioindicators: a global review and recommendations for marine environments

Monitoring the movement of plastic into marine food webs is central to understanding and mitigating the plastic pollution crisis.

Examining the hidden dangers: Understanding how microplastics affect pregnancy.

Microplastics, a fast-growing environmental concern, play a crucial role in developing the major pollution crisis that affects nearly the entire surface of the planet. Microplastics are tiny particles, measuring less than 5mm which are ubiquitous, in occurrence, and found in a wide array of products including plastic packaging, synthetic textiles, seafood, fruits, vegetables, salt, sugar, bottled water, and even personal care products. The presence of microplastics in our environment and the potential adverse health effects they may cause have made them a significant perturbation in recent years. Pregnancy is a potentially life-changing experience that entails several apprehensions and new responsibilities for women. For expectant mothers, it is imperative to be aware of the implications of microplastics during pregnancy. One threatened concern is the potential transfer of microplastics across the placenta, which could expose the developing fetus to these particles. Although research on the impact of microplastics on pregnancy is still in its early stages, preliminary findings indicate potential risks that expectant mothers should be aware of. The timing of exposure during pregnancy may play a significant role in the potential risks associated with these tiny particles. In this review, we will delve into the topic, exploring how microplastics enter the body and the potential mechanism by which they pose risks to pregnancy outcomes.

Leveraging Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Policy Interventions to Mitigate Jakarta's Traffic and Pollution Crisis: A System Dynamic Analysis

Leveraging Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Policy Interventions to Mitigate Jakarta's Traffic and Pollution Crisis: A System Dynamic Analysis

Evaluation of morphological and cytotoxic effects of minoxidil on Phaseolus vulgaris L. as a plant model.

The increasing presence of drugs in the environment has triggered a pollution crisis on a global scale, generating concern about their ecotoxicological effects on ecosystems. In this context, minoxidil, a vasodilator drug widely used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, has been scarcely investigated in plant systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the morphological and cytotoxic effects of minoxidil on Phaseolus vulgaris L as a bioindicator. P. vulgaris seeds were exposed to different concentrations of minoxidil (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.25, 2.5 and 5mg/L) and parameters such as germination, root growth, mitotic index and frequency of chromosomal abnormalities were assessed. The results showed a significant inhibition of germination (75-76%) and root growth (52.6-55.3%) at high concentrations of minoxidil (2.55mg/L-5mg/L). In addition, a decrease in the mitotic index (8.2) and an increase in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (10.2) were observed, suggesting a cytotoxic effect. These findings show that minoxidil, even at low concentrations, can have adverse effects on the morphology and cell division of P. vulgaris. This study demonstrates the potential of plants as tools to evaluate the phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity of drugs and highlights the need to implement measures to reduce the contamination of these drugs in the environment.

The Role of MARPOL in Reducing Microplastic Pollution: Implications for Marine Species Health

This comprehensive study examines the critical role of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in addressing the growing crisis of microplastic pollution and its subsequent effects on marine species health. Through extensive analysis of implementation data from 2015-2022, this research evaluates the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks, identifies key challenges in enforcement, and proposes strategic improvements for enhanced marine environmental protection. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis of compliance data with qualitative assessment of implementation strategies across different maritime regions. Our findings reveal significant variations in MARPOL compliance between developed and developing nations, highlighting the need for more standardized implementation approaches. The research demonstrates a clear correlation between strong MARPOL enforcement and reduced microplastic ingestion rates in marine species, particularly in well-regulated waters. However, persistent challenges including limited monitoring capabilities, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate port reception facilities continue to hamper the convention's effectiveness. This paper proposes comprehensive recommendations for policy improvements and technical solutions, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and technological innovation in strengthening MARPOL's impact. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on marine environmental protection and provide valuable insights for policymakers, maritime authorities, and environmental scientists working to combat microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems.

Harnessing the Power of Plants: Innovative Approaches to Pollution Prevention and Mitigation

Innovative and sustainable environmental management strategies are urgently required to address the escalating global pollution crisis. Phytoremediation, which involves using plants to mitigate, remediate, or contain environmental contaminants, is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional remediation methods. This review summarizes current research to elucidate the multifaceted roles of plants in pollution mitigation, detailing mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration; we highlight successful case studies that demonstrate practical applications across diverse environments, such as the use of hyperaccumulator plants for heavy metal removal and genetically engineered species for organic pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this review explores recent technological advancements that have enhanced the effectiveness of phytoremediation, such as the integration of nanotechnology and genetic engineering. It also analyzes the economic and social implications of adopting plant-based pollution control strategies, emphasizing their potential for community involvement and socioeconomic benefits. Despite the promising outlook, we acknowledge the inherent challenges and limitations of phytoremediation, including public acceptance and scalability issues. Finally, we identify key opportunities for future research and innovative approaches that could expand the scope and impact of phytotechnologies in pollution mitigation. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of plants as both agents of environmental restoration and essential components of sustainable pollution management systems.

Bioplastic- Futuristic Approach

The ever-growing production of non-recyclable plastic products causes plastic pollution to be the one of most pressing environmental issues. The transition of petrochemical-based plastic with eco-friendly biodegradable plastic has become the promising solution to overcome the plastic pollution crisis. Recycling technology is an effective but incomplete measure to address these environmental issues. Bioplastic is a type of plastic made from biomass materials. Biomass normally refers to a union of microorganisms, which mainly contains macromolecules including starch, cellulose, protein, etc. Biodegradable bioplastic is a natural polymer modified class (PSM). Bioplastics are considered highly significant to increase sustainability where sustainability defines a balance between economic, environmental and social aspects of business and can be applied to different domains. In this research, the development of bioplastics is introduced in the context of circular economy. The choice of proper raw material for biopolymer production is very important as it can have an additional impact on the ecological pressure caused by the process. Here, waste water from rice mill is taken as raw material and natural coagulant like oil, starch, gelatine (commercial) etc are added for its flexibility. The thought of “Zero Emission” and “Recycling” the waste water in the production process can be highly beneficial in moving a step closer towards sustainability. Key words: bioplastic, waste water, circular economy and zero emission

Systematic Review of Air Pollution in Ethiopia: Focusing on Indoor and Outdoor Sources, Health, Environment, Economy Impacts and Regulatory Frameworks

The varied geography (Bekele, 1996) and rapid economic growth of Ethiopia (World Bank, 2020) might have impact its air pollution patterns, with topography, elevation, and climate variability (Lemma Gonfa, 1996) playing significant roles. Environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change, also affect air quality. This study offers a systematic review of air pollution research in Ethiopia, providing a thorough analysis of its health, environmental, and economic impacts, regional variations, and policy suggestions. It addresses both indoor and outdoor air pollution, assessing their wide-ranging effects. Data were gathered through an extensive search of peer-reviewed articles, policies, and guidelines using Google Scholar and reputable sources, following PRISMA guidelines. The review highlights critical sources of air pollution in Ethiopia, including indoor biomass fuel combustion and outdoor emissions from traffic and industries. Indoor air pollution, particularly from traditional biomass fuels like wood and dung, affects rural and peri-urban areas, leading to high levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Outdoor pollution, driven by urbanization, industrial expansion, and vehicle emissions, worsens health issues and environmental damage. The study identifies severe health consequences, such as respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases, with air pollution contributing to premature deaths and rising healthcare costs. Economic analysis highlights the significant costs related to healthcare, lost productivity, and infrastructure damage. Environmental impacts include harm to plant health, soil degradation, and contributions to climate change. Despite initiatives to improve air quality monitoring and regulation, challenges persist due to outdated policies, limited infrastructure, and insufficient data. The study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research and regulations to tackle air pollution crisis.

Contribution of Cancer-Specific Protein Coronas to the Pro-Tumor Effects of Nanoplastics through Enhanced Cellular Interactions.

The potential impact of nanoplastics (NPs) on human carcinogenic processes is a matter of growing concern, particularly in light of the global plastic pollution crisis. Although the potential effects of NPs on human health have been well investigated, many uncertainties remain regarding their role in tumor behavior. Upon exposure, NPs can enter the bloodstream and are prone to interacting with plasma proteins to form a protein corona (PC), which can influence their interactions with cancer cells. However, how the PCs adsorbed on NPs affect the particle-to-tumor cell interaction and their effect on the tumor biological behavior remain unclear. To better understand the formation of PCs following NPs exposure in the bloodstream under various clinical conditions, we investigated the PC compositions of NPs derived from thyroid cancer (TC) patients and healthy volunteers. Our data revealed a significant enrichment of fibrinogen in the PCs formed on NPs derived from TC patient plasma, which in turn accelerated the endocytosis of NPs into TC cells. In addition, the uptake pathway of NPs into TC cells differed substantially between the two groups studied due to the different PC compositions in cancer patients and healthy individuals. Moreover, intriguingly alterations in the PCs induced by the clinical pathology status were also found to promote NPs engulfment by human macrophages, resulting in potent pro-inflammatory effects, in turn exerting pro-tumor effects. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the significance of a realistic biological identity on NPs and their interactions with cancer cells and also pinpoint the implications of the carcinogenesis outcomes of NPs exposure in humans.

Demonstrating the key role of Bacillus in poly lactic acid film degradation through statistical analysis and strain screening

Plastic films are extensively utilized in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, with their annual production reaching staggering figures. Addressing the global plastic pollution crisis is imperative. One promising approach is the augmentation of plastic films degradation through microbial agents. Consequently, we undertook composting experiments employing various plastics, including Polyethylene (PE), Poly lactic acid (PLA), and a treatment without plastic films addition (CK), mixed with kitchen waste. Employing bipartite association networks and difference significance analysis methods, we scrutinized the impact of different plastics on the microbial community within the compost piles. There were significant disparities in the microbial community composition among three composting piles. To pinpoint the key microorganisms responsible for PLA degradation, we conducted a comparative analysis of microbial species present on PLA compost piles and PLA film surfaces (PLAS), utilizing variance analysis, co-occurrence network analysis, and Spearman's correlation analysis. Our findings identified Bacillus as the pivotal microorganism involved in PLA degradation. Furthermore, employing function prediction by PICRUSt 2, we identified K00016 as the crucial gene facilitating PLA degradation by Bacillus. Subsequently, employing strain screening techniques, we isolated a highly effective PLA-degrading bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ML274. The PLA films degradation rate of ML274 reached 3.18%. and other strains was lower than 3.0%. Thus, Bacillus emerges as the primary microorganism driving PLA degradation, emphasizing the significance of focusing on Bacillus genus microorganisms in the development of plastic-degrading bacterial agents for future endeavors.

Mechanically Flexible, Large-Area Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Dendritic Au Films for Reproducible Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Nanoplastics.

The escalating crisis of nanoplastic pollution in water and food products demands the development of novel methodologies for detection and recycling. Despite various techniques available, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is emerging as a highly efficient technique for the trace detection of micro/nanoplastics. However, the development of highly reproducible and stable, flexible SERS substrates that can be used for sensitive detection in environmental medium remains a challenge. Here, we report a fabrication of large-area, three-dimensional (3D), and highly flexible SERS substrate based on porous dendritic Au films onto a flexible indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via facile, thermal evaporation of Au over the vacuum-compatible deep eutectic solvent (DES)-coated glass substrate and subsequent direct transfer process. The as-fabricated 3D dendritic Au/ITO flexible substrates can be used for ultrasensitive SERS detection of crystal violet (CV) as probe analyte molecules with the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 6.4 × 10-15 M, with good signal reproducibility (RSD of 11.3%). In addition, the substrate showed excellent sensitivity in detecting nanoplastics such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (200 nm) and polystyrene (100 nm) with LODs reaching up to 0.051 and 8.2 μg/mL, respectively. This work provides a facile approach for the preparation of highly flexible plasmonic substrates, showing great potential for the SERS detection of a variety of environmental pollutants.

Addressing the Anthropocene from the Global South: integrating paleoecology, archaeology and traditional knowledge for COP engagement

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss necessitates more holistic, comprehensive, and integrated public policy approaches. Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, this crisis highlights significant conflicts over forms of knowledge and conceptualization, affecting how international policies are formed. Indigenous knowledge systems have become increasingly acknowledged for their vital role in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene. Conferences of the Parties institutions like the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change emphasize the critical, although not always recognized, importance of Indigenous territories, which contain eighty percent of the world’s biodiversity. Here, we show that research in paleoecology, archaeology and history demonstrates the long-term significance of traditional knowledge and Indigenous land management practices for contemporary ecosystem dynamics. Drawing from these varied studies and perspectives also reveal the socio-economic inequalities resulting from centuries of European colonialism. We showcase three case studies on; (i) pastoralism in eastern Africa, (ii) natural resource management in southeast Asia and (iii) adaptation to sea level rise in the Caribbean, which touch upon highly diverse human resilience strategies across space and time. Despite efforts at the COP28 to accelerate climate action and incorporate diverse knowledge systems, significant challenges remain. The need for a pluralistic knowledge, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, blending scientific language with artistic and narrative forms, is proposed as critical for fostering effective communication and developing more effective and equitable solutions for global environmental governance.

Active biodegradable bacterial cellulose films with potential to minimize the plastic pollution: Preparation, antibacterial application, and mechanism

Petroleum-based films have triggered a serious global pollution crisis because they are difficult to recycle, degrade, and reuse. Developing alternative sustainable active films represents a powerful strategy to address these issues. Here, a multifunctional biodegradable bacterial cellulose (BC) film incorporated with guanidine-based polymer (PHGH)/gallic acid (GA) was constructed (termed OBC-PHGH/GA). The resulting OBC-PHGH/GA film exhibited a highly interweaved nanofiber network structure with excellent tensile strength and ductility. The OBC-PHGH/GA film showed an excellent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with inhibition efficiencies of ∼99.99 % compared with the OBC film. Moreover, the as-prepared film showed excellent UV-shielding, antioxidant, and antifungal activities, showing great potential in food packaging. More importantly, the OBC-PHGH/GA film can be degraded into safe and reusable sugars, demonstrating outstanding environmental friendliness and sustainability. This work provides a promising and unique strategy for designing and fabricating green active packaging materials.

Stochastic error propagation with independent probability distributions in LCA does not preserve mass balances and leads to unusable product compositions—a first quantification

Abstract Purpose To mitigate the effects of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, a system-based approach to estimating environmental impacts—such as life cycle assessment (LCA)—is critical. International standards recommend using uncertainty analysis to improve the reliability of LCA, but there has been debate about how to do this for many years. In particular, in order to characterise uncertainty in the inputs and outputs of each unit process in an LCA, a prevalent approach is to represent each one by an independent probability distribution. Thus, any physical relationships between inputs and outputs are ignored, which causes two potential errors during Monte Carlo simulation (a popular method for propagating uncertainty through an LCA model). First, the sum of the inputs to a unit process may not equal the sum of the outputs (i.e. there may be a mass imbalance), and second, the proportions of each input and output may be unrealistic (e.g. too much cement in a concrete production unit process). However, while some literature has discussed the problem, it has not yet been quantified. Methods Therefore, this paper investigates the extent to which existing uncertainty characterisation approaches, where there is a lack of parameterisation or correlations in databases, lead to mass imbalances and unrealistic variations in unit process compositions when performing uncertainty analysis. The matrix-based structure of LCA and the standard uncertainty analysis procedure using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to propagate uncertainty are described. We apply the procedure to a concrete production process. Two uncertainty characterisation approaches are also explored to assess the effect of data quality scoring on mass imbalances and the mass contribution of each exchange (i.e. production compositions). Results and discussion For median data quality scores and using a typical (basic + additional uncertainty) uncertainty characterisation approach, the 1000-iteration MC simulation leads to mass imbalances ranging from − 49 to + 30% of the original mass and found that the mass imbalance exceeded existing prescribed plausibility limits on 62.7% of MC runs. On average across all exchanges, the exchange mass exceeded the 5% plausible variation limit on 77.7% of MC runs. This means that the final concrete product compositions are unlikely to be realistic or functionally equivalent to one another. We discuss the appropriateness of using universal variances for the underlying normal distribution for data quality scores (“additional uncertainty”) when input exchange quantities are of different scales. Additionally, we discuss potential solutions to the mass imbalance problem and their suitability for implementation at a database scale. Conclusions We have quantified, for the first time, the significant impact that uncertainty characterisation via independent probability distributions has on maintaining mass balances and plausible product compositions in unit processes. To overcome these challenges, databases would need to be parameterised and have the ability to sum quantities to perform mass balance checks during uncertainty analysis.

Harnessing Novel Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Aerogel for Efficient Organic Contaminant and Heavy Metal Removal in Aqueous Environments.

Ensuring clean water sources is pivotal for sustainable development and the well-being of communities worldwide. This study represents a pioneering effort in water purification, exploring an innovative approach utilizing modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels. These advanced materials promise to revolutionize environmental remediation efforts, specifically removing organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study investigates the exceptional adsorption properties of rGO-aerogel, enhanced with cysteamine, to understand its efficacy in addressing water pollution challenges. The characterization methods utilized encompass various analytical techniques, including FE-SEM, BET, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XPS, NMR, and elemental analysis. These analyses provide valuable insights into the material's structural modifications and surface chemistry. The research comprehensively explores the intricacies of adsorption kinetics, equilibrium, and isothermal study to unravel the underlying mechanisms governing contaminant removal. MO and Ni2+ exhibited adsorption of 542.6 and 150.6 mg g-1, respectively, at 25 °C. Ni2+ has unveiled the highest removal at pH 5, and MO has shown high removal in a wide pH range (pH 4-7). Both contaminants have shown fast adsorption kinetic performance on an rGO-aerogel surface. This study aims to identify the synergistic effect of cysteamine and rGO in aerogel formation to remove heavy metals and organic contaminants. These findings mark a significant stride in advancing sustainable water-treatment methods and pioneering in synthesizing innovative materials with versatile applications in environmental contexts, offering a potential solution to the global water pollution crisis.

Understanding Air Pollution Through Machine Learning: Predictive Analytics for Urban Management

Air pollution poses a critical challenge in urban areas, including Indonesia, significantly affecting public health and the environment. While machine learning (ML) has been used to predict air pollution levels, integrating ML with urban management strategies for actionable policy recommendations remains underexplored. This study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS to analyze air pollution metrics, ML predictive analytics, urban management strategies, environmental data sources, and policy recommendations. Based on responses from 400 experts in environmental science and urban management, the findings reveal that ML-driven insights significantly enhance urban management strategies and policy effectiveness. The study concludes by providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to improve air quality in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of integrating ML and data-driven approaches into sustainable urban management. These findings contribute to addressing Indonesia urgent air pollution crisis and advancing urban sustainability.

Integrated study of hydrochemistry, quality and risk to human health of groundwater in the upper reaches of the Wulong River Basin.

Groundwater, a vital source of water supply, is currently experiencing a pollution crisis that poses a significant risk to human health. To understand the hydrochemical formation mechanisms, quality and risk to human health of groundwater in the upper reaches of the Wulong River basin, 63 sets of groundwater samples were collected and analyzed. A combination of mathematical statistics, correlation analysis, Gibbs diagram, ion ratio, and cation exchange were comprehensively employed for hydrochemical analysis, and further water quality index (WQI) and human health risk assessment were conducted. The results indicate that groundwater is generally neutral to weakly alkaline. The dominant cations in the groundwater are Ca2+ and Mg2+, while the main anions are HCO3- and SO42-. The hydrochemical types of groundwater mainly include HCO3·SO4-Ca, HCO3-Ca and HCO3-Na. The diverse hydrochemical types are mainly due to the fractured and discontinuous nature of the aquifers. The hydrochemical characteristics are influenced by the dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals, cation exchange processes, and anthropogenic pollution. The presence of NO3- in groundwater is primarily attributed to agricultural activities. The groundwater is mainly categorized as "Good" (36.6%) and "Poor" (60.8%). "Very poor" and "Excellent" categories are rare, accounting for only 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively, and no samples are classified as "Non-drinkable". The Ewi for NO3- is the highest, indicating severe contamination by anthropogenic NO3- pollution. Human health risk assessment reveals that water samples posing exposure risks account for 82.54% for children and 79.37% for adults. This study highlighted that anthropogenic nitrate pollution has deteriorated groundwater quality, posing risks to human health. It also suggests an urgent need to enhance research and protective measures for groundwater in similar regions, such as the Shandong Peninsula.

A multidisciplinary perspective on the role of plastic pollution in the triple planetary crisis

In this perspective paper, we discuss the negative impacts of plastics and associated chemicals on the triple planetary crisis of environmental pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss from a multidisciplinary perspective. Plastics are part of the pollution crisis, threatening ecosystems and human health. They also impact climate change and accelerate biodiversity loss; in this, they aggravate the triple planetary crisis. We analyze the scientific state-of-the-art to identify critical knowledge gaps regarding the life cycle, release, fate, exposure, hazard and governance of plastics and associated chemicals, as well as links to climate change and biodiversity loss. Based on the outcome, we derive key research needs for a comprehensive hazard assessment of plastics and associated chemicals, amongst others, to address the largely missing regulation of plastic additives and in-use plastics. We offer a holistic perspective bridging disciplinary expertise from natural and social sciences to achieve effective plastic governance and risk management of plastics and associated chemicals that protect the Earth, its ecosystems and human health from the plastics crisis.