Environmental Pollution Research Articles

Global and Regional Burden of Ischemic Stroke Disease from 1990 to 2021: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

Ischemic stroke is a significant global public health issue that impacts health burdens across various regions. This study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to assess the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with ischemic stroke worldwide and across different Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions. Using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort (APC) models, we examined trends in disease burden and made projections for 2022 to 2035. As of 2021, approximately 7,804,449 (95% UI, 6,719,760-8,943,692) individuals were affected by ischemic stroke, resulting in 3,591,499 (95% UI, 3,213,281-3,888,327) deaths and 70,357,912 (95% UI, 64,329,576-76,007,063) DALYs. These numbers represent increases of 88.0%, 55.0%, and 52.4% since 1990. Despite these increases, age-standardized incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates are declining, with annual percentage change rates (AAPC) of - 0.578%, - 0.927%, and - 14.372%, consistent across all SDI regions. The global rates of IS are influenced by age, period, and cohort, showing increased rates with age but declining over time, particularly in high SDI regions. Major risk factors include hypertension, environmental pollution, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Projections indicate that by 2035, incidence, mortality, and DALYs will rise among those aged 45 and above, while decreasing for those under 35. This highlights the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting ischemic stroke, particularly for individuals over 45, while addressing the impact of major risk factors in high-burden regions.

Variations in liver histology and P-gp expression among fish species in Doce River Basin, Brazil: implications for pollution sensitivity.

Fish may have different sensitivity to pollutants present in the water. We analyzed the liver histology, and P-gp expression in six species of fish from the Doce River basin. Fish were caught at six different points in the Doce River, and liver samples were taken for histological analysis. P-gp expression was analyzed using an immunohistochemical technique. In Astyanax lacustris, Hoplias intermedius, Hypostomus affinis, Trachelyopterus striatulus and Oligosarcus acutirostris, a double arrangement of hepatocyte plates was generally observed (tubular-form), while in Deutorodon taeniatus, a single arrangement of hepatocyte plates was frequently observed (cord-like). Histological changes, such as cytoplasmic vacuolation and nuclear alteration, were observed in the livers of all species analyzed, however, the species A. lacustris (34.1%) and H. affinis (33.3%) were those with the fewest individuals with histological changes. The H. intermedius, T. striatulus, and O. acutirostris were the species that presented more than 80% of their individuals with histological changes. The A. lacustris and H. affinis were the species that showed the highest P-pg immunolabeling in the liver, while the T. striatulus and O. acutirostris had the lowest levels. These results support the hypothesis that levels of P-gp expression could respond to the resistance or sensitivity of each species to environmental pollutants.

Artificial light at night impairs visual lateralisation in a fish.

Environmental light, particularly during early development, significantly influences lateralisation, the asymmetric information processing between brain hemispheres. We hypothesized that lateralisation could be affected by Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), a widespread form of environmental pollution. In our experiment, we exposed eggs and larvae of zebrafish to either control or ALAN conditions and we then tested them in a rotational test to assess motor lateralisation, and a mirror test, to assess lateralisation in response to visual stimuli. The control group exhibited a significant lateralisation bias at the population level, prioritizing the processing of visual information with their right hemisphere. In contrast, the zebrafish exposed to ALAN did not show this bias, leading to a notable reduction in lateralisation. Additionally, we found evidence of reduced individual differences in lateralisation in the ALAN group. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ALAN disrupts the natural lateralisation in fish larvae, possibly affecting their behaviour and survival.

Microbiological and physicochemical water quality assessments of the Upper Basin Litany River, Lebanon.

The Litany River has encountered severe environmental pollution. This study focused on assessing the pollution level in the upper basin of the Litany River by monitoring seasonal variation of water quality and testing physicochemical parameters and microbial qualities. A total of 72 freshwater samples were taken from six sites for 1 year during the four seasons. The microbiological parameters included total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli counts. The physicochemical parameters comprised pH, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sodium, potassium, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The microbiological quality of samples was evaluated by comparing the fecal pollution indicators loads to the SEQ-EAUX2003 standard for irrigation, and the physicochemical analyses were assessed according to Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR) NL161: 2016 and the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Water Quality. The results revealed that most physicochemical parameters are not within the permitted limit of LIBNOR and WHO, especially in sites S2, S3, and S6 during the dry seasons. The pH ranged between 6 and 8.16. The total dissolved solids reached 1948 mg/L. The nitrate, sodium, and potassium ranged between 0 and 253 mg/L. The total nitrogen and total phosphorous reached 103 and 5.16 mg/L, respectively. The chemical oxygen demand reached 2210 mg/L, and the biochemical oxygen demand reached 732 mg/L. Concerning the microbiological analysis, fecal pollution was detected in all sites during all seasons, with detectable higher values during the dry seasons, and all samples were considered to be non-conforming, with significant spatiotemporal variation of most parameters. Our results highlight the need to take measures to prevent the high level of pollution. This could be achieved by monthly water quality monitoring of the upper basin and introducing appropriate guidelines to detect pathogens and toxic chemicals that affect the entire ecosystem and lead to severe public health issues.

Improvement of biochemical characteristics of tetracycline-contaminated soil for stimulating soybean growth using Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Tetracycline (TC), as a new type of environmental pollutant, poses a great threat to human food safety and health, thus becoming the focus of human environmental protection issues. In this study, we selected an environmentally friendly microbial remediation method to degrade the residual TC in soil. An experiment was conducted with Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) and artificial TC-contaminated soil to analyze the physiology, antimicrobial enzyme activities, and TC residues in soybean plants and rhizomatous soil. The results showed that the presence of TC in the soil inhibited the enzyme activities of soybean root system and soil, and suppressed the biomass of soybean. Inoculation of F. mosseae in TC-contaminated soil promoted the degradation of TC in the soil, enhanced soil resistance enzyme and urease activities (12.53-43.48%) around the root soil, and enhanced the soil resistance enzymes and promoted the uptake of nutrients in the soybean root system.We conclude that F. mosseae may reduce antibiotics or promote nutrient uptake to enhance plant resistance by altering inter-root enzyme activity. Therefore, this study provides a new theoretical basis for using AMF to remediate TC-contaminated soil and retard the stress of TC on the growth of soybean.

Effect of Seminal Plasma on the Freezability of Boar Sperm

Background: Seminal plasma is an important component of semen and has a significant effect on sperm function. However, the relationship between seminal plasma and sperm freezing capacity has not been fully studied. Purpose: Exploring metabolites and proteins related to the boar sperm freezing capacity in seminal plasma, by metabolomic and proteomic approaches, and directly verifying the protective effect of seminal plasma on the cryopreservation of boar sperm using high and low freezability seminal plasma as base freezing extender. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 30 different boars, 11 high and 11 low freezing-resistant boars were selected after freezing 2~4 times, and seminal plasma was selected at the same time. Sperm motility and movement parameters were analyzed using a CASA system. Reproductive hormones (Testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, prolactin, prostaglandin F2α, luteinoid hormone) in seminal plasma were detected by ELISA. Analysis of proteins and metabolites in high and low freezing-resistant seminal plasma by proteomics and metabolomics techniques. Results: The six reproductive hormones tested were not significantly associated with sperm freezing resistance. A total of 13 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 38 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, while a total of 348 metabolites and 1000 proteins were identified. These DEMs were related to energy metabolism, drugs, or environmental pollutants, while the DEPs were mainly involved in the cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion processes. There were 33 metabolites and 70 proteins significantly associated with mean progress motility (PM) at 10 min and 2 h after thawing. The 70 related proteins were associated with cell division and cycle regulation in gene ontology (GO) terms, as well as KEGG pathways, thermogeneration, and pyruvate metabolism. Using highly freezable boar SP as a base freezing extender made no difference from using lowly freezable boar SP, and both were not as good as the commercial control. Conclusion: There were significant differences in seminal plasma with different freezability, but the similarity was much greater than the difference. The protection effect of seminal plasma is not remarkable, and it does not exhibit superior cryoprotective properties compared to commercial semen cryoelongators. Significance: This study provides a deeper understanding of how seminal plasma composition affects sperm freezabilty. It provides potential biomarkers and targets for improving sperm cryopreservation techniques.

Insecticidal potential of botanical extracts for management of, the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BackgroundBactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) poses a significant threat to global fruit production and quality, including in Pakistan, where it causes substantial losses. Traditional control methods have heavily relied on the indiscriminate and imprudent use of insecticides, leading to challenges such as insecticide resistance, environmental pollution, fruit contamination, and health risks. This study explores the insecticidal potential of seven selected botanicals: Artemisia vulgaris L., Capparis spinosa L., Mentha longifolia, Mentha piperita, Peganum harmala, Eucalyptus globulus, and Callistemon viminalis, each at three different concentrations (10mL, 20mL, and 30mL), against Bactrocera dorsalis (B. dorsalis). Two in vitro experiments involving the application of plant extracts mixed with protein bait and direct spray were conducted.ResultsBoth experimental results demonstrated a direct correlation between the concentration of plant extract and the mortality of B. dorsalis. In the plant extract mixed with protein bait, results recorded after 96 h at 10 mL ranged from 8.667 ± 1.52–47.000 ± 3.00, at 20 mL from 18.667 ± 1.52–53.667 ± 6.02, and 30 mL from 26.000 ± 5.29- 67.667 ± 2.08. Meanwhile, for direct spray, mortality ranged from 2.333 ± 1.15–32.333 ± 6.80 at 10 mL, 1.000 ± 1.00–42.667 ± 7.02 at 20 mL, and 9.667 ± 2.30–61.333 ± 8.50 at 30 mL, respectively. The plant species exhibiting the highest toxic potential against the respective pests was C. viminalis, followed by A. vulgaris L. In contrast, the least toxic effect was observed in Eucalyptus globulus at all concentrations. The highest mean mortality and repellence % were recorded in C. viminalis and E. globulus in both experimental trials. The results revealed the highest efficacy of C. viminalis with an LC50 value of 9685.15 and 19,909.11 ppm, for the extract mixed with protein bait and sprayed, was obtained, respectively, the most toxic to the pest followed by the extracts E. globulus and C. spinosa L.ConclusionBased on our experimental results, it is concluded that C. viminalis and A. vulgaris L. are an effective alternative for the management of B. dorsalis.

Interfacial and mechanical properties of silane coupling agent interface‐modified basalt fiber reinforced thermoplastic polypropylene resin composites

AbstractBasalt fiber (BF)‐reinforced thermoplastic composites are not only made with little environmental pollution and recyclable, with obvious environmental value, but also have excellent mechanical properties, excellent resistance to high temperature and corrosion. In the present study, modifications to the interface of BF were performed using monoaminosilane and diaminosilane agents, specifically 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (SATMS) and N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (DATMS), along with a urea‐modified silane, 3‐urethylpropyltrimethoxysilane (SUTMS). These modifications were evaluated against one another. Utilizing a film lamination technique, composites of BF and thermoplastic polypropylene resin (BF‐PP) were fabricated. Analytical assessments included examining the modified fibers' surface morphology, chemical structure, and roughness. Mechanical assessments of the modified BF‐PP composites were conducted, revealing that composites treated with the urea‐inclusive silane agent (BF/SUTMS‐PP) exhibited superior performance, enhancing flexural strength by 26%, tensile strength by 22.4%, and notched Izod impact strength by 21%. However, because of the lower thermal stability of SUTMS, when the processing temperature exceeds 240°C, there is a decomposition of the heated Y‐base end, thus affecting the mechanical properties of BF/SUTMS‐PP.Highlights The basalt fibers were modified by SATMS, DATMS, and SUTMS. The urea‐containing silane coupling agent has the strongest enhancement effect. Composite reinforced with SUTMS‐BF displayed the best mechanical properties.

Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity

The negative environmental impacts of the current linear system of textile and apparel production are well-documented and require urgent action. The sector lacks an effective recycling system, resulting in massive waste and environmental pollution. This paper presents the results of qualitative research involving textile and apparel industry stakeholders, including representatives from brands and retailers, waste collectors, recyclers, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Our research focused on stakeholder perceptions of the significance and importance of textile circularity, the challenges that exist for transitioning the textile and apparel industry from a linear system to a circular economy (CE), and resources that exist to support this transition. The results of this study call attention to the following urgent requirements: a consistent definition of CE to promote transparency and accountability and prevent greenwashing; improved systems for materials identification, sorting, and pre-processing of post-consumer textile waste to enable recycling; innovations in mechanical recycling technologies to maintain the value of recycled materials; and new, materials-driven approaches to design and manufacturing that are responsive to feedstock variability and diverse consumer needs. The research findings also suggest the need for flexible, regional CEs that are rooted in community partnerships.

Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Climate, and Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

Environmental pollutants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollution, and climate change, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. EDCs, found in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and personal care products, are associated with preterm birth and fetal growth restriction, primarily through hormonal interference. Air pollution, notably PM2.5, NO2, and O3, has been linked to increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Climate factors, such as extreme heat, elevate risks of pregnancy loss and preterm birth, with significant impacts on vulnerable populations across diverse socioeconomic and geographic regions. These exposures contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption. The interplay among these environmental factors underscores the need for integrated, longitudinal studies to understand their combined effects on pregnancy outcomes better. Future research should focus on region-specific impacts, cumulative exposure, and policy-driven interventions to mitigate these environmental risks, especially in vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by these hazards. This scoping review synthesizes recent findings from 2019 to 2024 to highlight these associations and identify research gaps.

Constructing Lewis Acid-Base Pairs to Boost Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of p-Nitrobenzoic Acid to Valuable p-Aminobenzoic Acid Using Water as the Hydrogen Source.

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of toxic nitrobenzene to value-added aniline is of great significance in addressing the issues of energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, it is a considerable challenging and crucial to develop highly efficient and earth-abundant transition metal-based electrocatalysts with superior durability for the electro-hydrogenation of nitrobenzene due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, a facile approach is designed and introduced to constructing an integrated self-supported heterostructured Co1- xNix(OH)(CO3)/Al(OH)3 nanoarrays (CoNiCH/Al(OH)3) for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) to p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its electrocatalytic mechanism for PNBA reduction is investigated. This unique Lewis acid-base pairs with abundant oxygen vacancies (OVs) can effectively regulate the adsorption energy of PNBA and active hydrogen intermediates, facilitate the proton-coupled electrocatalytic reduction process, leading to the high activity and selectivity for PNBA to PABA. The optimal CoNiCH/Al(OH)3-0.5 exhibits outstanding performance for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of PNBA to PABA with a yield of 92%, selectivity of 95% and Faraday efficiency (FE) of 92% at -0.545V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) under 0.1m phosphate buffered solution (PBS) neutral electrolyte. Besides, it can maintain a high electrocatalytic activity for at least eight electrocatalytic cycle-test.

Four decades of research in fiscal decentralization: A bibliometric and content analysis

Fiscal decentralization is one of the policy implementations of regional autonomy, which authorizes local governments to manage their local finances independently. However, with the evolution of the times and the dynamics that are taking place, the application of fiscal decentralization worldwide is changing at each time of year. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate fiscal decentralization research temporarily over the course of four decades. The study aims to explain the development of research on fiscal decentralization over a period of four decades. This research integrates Scopus database to offer a thorough conceptual and structural overview of the field by integrating bibliometric approaches and content analysis. The research procedure begins with the determination of the scope of the research, the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection process, the collection of data on Publish or Perish (PoP), and the execution of bibliometric analysis on VosViewer. The research shows that the type of journal with the highest productivity has sub-topics of economy, public service, development, and environmental. The development of fiscal decentralization research has a positive upward trend and most of the top-ranked journals indicate that fiscal decentralization has links and influences with other variables. It is apparent that the most often keywords emerged and studied in the research on fiscal decentralization are related to efficiency, measure, role, degree, growth, and fiscal federalism. Meanwhile, the least frequent keywords are related to poverty and inequality, health outcome, environmental pollution, Latin America, South Africa, fiscal autonomy, corruption, OECD country, determinant, and public sector. These keywords are the future lines of research that may be used for future research on the topic of fiscal decentralization.

The Current Situation and Development Trends of the Solar Photovoltaic Industry in China and the United States

Climate change and environmental pollution have made clean energy increasingly valued, among which solar photovoltaic power generation occupies a pivotal position. In terms of the development of clean energy in the world today, major countries have mastered the core technology and occupied the main installed power generation capacity. China and the United States, the two major energy powers in the world, are also the major powers in the world today. They have completely different political systems and economic policies, and there are also many differences in the development of the solar photovoltaic power generation industry. This paper will conduct an in-depth comparative analysis of the development of the solar photovoltaic industry in China and the United States from the aspects of policy environment, key enterprises, development trends, etc., to more clearly reveal the differences and causes of the development of the solar photovoltaic industry between the two countries, and provide references for future cooperation and competition.

PM2.5-induced oxidative stress upregulates PLA2R expression in the lung and is involved in the pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy through extracellular vesicles

BackgroundParticulate matter (PM2.5) has been implicated in the development of membranous nephropathy (MN), but the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully understood. Oxidative stress is an essential factor of PM2.5-related toxicity and plays a significant role in the exposure of target antigenic epitopes in MN. This study aims to explore the pathogenic effects of PM2.5 in facilitating the crosstalk between the lung and kidney in MN.MethodWe examined oxidative stress indicators and the circulating levels of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients diagnosed with MN. Additionally, we assessed the expression of M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in human lung tissue ex vivo. To verify the impact of PM2.5 on PLA2R expression in the lung and the kidney, we stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or PM2.5. We then treated podocytes in vitro with the supernatants from PM2.5-exposed Beas-2B cells, intervening with GW4869, an inhibitor of EV release, to explore the role of EV-mediated cell-cell interactions.ResultsWe found that elevated serum markers of oxidative stress and increased levels of PLA2R + EVs correlated positively with anti-PLA2R antibody levels in the serum of patients with idiopathic MN (IMN). Notably, PLA2R expression was significantly higher in the lung tissue of smokers, suggesting a possible link between PLA2R and oxidative stress. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLA2R expression in Beas-2B cells was upregulated upon stimulation with LPS and PM2.5, an effect that could be reversed by the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, the supernatants from PM2.5-exposed Beas-2B cells were found to induce PLA2R overexpression and injury in podocytes, with this effect being mitigated by GW4869, an inhibitor of EVs release.ConclusionOur study contributes new knowledge to the understanding of how environmental pollutants, such as PM2.5, cause kidney damage through oxidative stress and EV-mediated signaling. The findings pave the way for further research into therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and EVs, which could potentially improve patient outcomes of MN, particularly in high-risk populations like smokers and those exposed to air pollution.

Elucidating the leaf-based heavy metal bioindication in two significant plant taxa from Caucasus

The present study was aimed at assessing the potential of two important plants of the Transcaucasia – Betula medwediewii Regel (Caucasian birch) and Veratrum album L. (white hellebore) - as bioindicators of pollution of the environment. Betula medwediewii is a subalpine and alpine deciduous tree species that is significant for soil and habitat development. Veratrum album is found in the high altitude regions, is also known to withstand extreme conditions and has been used in herbal medicine. Elemental analysis was conducted on the plant leaves for total heavy metals such as aluminium, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and zinc. Results of the study showed that, in the leaves of B. medwediewii, aluminium, cadmium, and zinc heavy metals were found to be within permissible levels but levels of cobalt and lead were above permissible levels. For V. album cadmium and zinc also remained within the normal range but aluminum, cobalt and lead levels were notably high. The results of the study indicate the distinct accumulation characteristics that these species possess a unique behaviour in the presence of heavy metal pollution in the Transcaucasian environment and both plants have a potential capability as bio indicators.

Effect of air pollution with Aspergillus spp.in occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and its products

Aspergillus fungi produce a family of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity mycotoxins called aflatoxins, which has been shown to cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in human tissues and can form derivatives with several cellular macromolecules. The study was conducted in Hawija, Kirkuk City, from January to June 2021. The feedlot storages are used for a stored ration that is used for cow nutrition, which is the source of milk. In the current study, we used 80 cow raw milk samples and their products (40 soft white cheeses and 40 yogurts). The results showed fungal growth was recorded in 71 feedlot storages out of 80 feedlot storages at a rate of 88.75%, and Aspergillus spp detection in 59 out of 71 feedlot storages at a rate of 83.1%. Also, the current study showed that 54% of milk samples, 62% of yogurt samples, and 86% of cheese samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin M1. Pollution of feedlot storage environments by Aspergillus spp. led to contamination of rations with Aspergillus spp. and its toxin. Animals fed with contaminated rations containing toxin will have produced this toxin in the milk.

Mesoporous TiO2@g-C3N4 Nanostructure-Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Under Full-Spectrum Sunlight

TiO2 has broad prospects in reducing the safety risks posed by emerging pollutants in water environments. However, the high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers limits the activity and photon utilization efficiency of TiO2. In this study, mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) and ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets were composited using a hydrothermal method, with the m-TiO2 tightly and uniformly wrapped by g-C3N4. The chemical structure, elemental composition, and optical properties of the heterojunction were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS). The activity of the m-TiO2@g-C3N4 was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Results showed that the heterojunction exhibited significantly enhanced reactivity compared to pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, with kinetic rates of TCH being 1.48 and 6.84 times that of pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, respectively. The TCH degradation kinetic rate varied from 0.194 min−1 to 0.026 min−1 and then decreased to 0.015 min−1 on the scale of the bandgap and the number of absorbed photons in m-TiO2@g-C3N4. Concurrently, a 10wt% doping amount of g-C3N4 significantly increased the reaction rate of photogenerated carriers in the system compared to the recombination rate, corresponding to excellent photon efficiency. Reproducibility was evaluated, and a possible degradation mechanism is proposed. This study opens new perspectives for the optimization of catalyst preparation processes aimed at enhancing photon efficiency.

The relationship between geographic distance to environmental protection agencies and industrial pollution emissions

ABSTRACT The distance between governments and firms is associated with firms’ economic activities, while the association of geographic proximity to environmental agencies with industrial pollution emissions is unclear. To explore the effects of geographic distance on firms’ pollution emissions, we use the fixed-effect models with data from the China Industrial Enterprise Database. Our results show that the firms located further away from environmental agencies release more SO2 (β = 0.102, p < 0.01) than those close to those environmental agencies. Subsequent investigations reveal that geographic distance has a positive correlation with the short-term performance of firms (total production value and fixed investment) but a negative correlation with firms’ long-term performance (green innovation, technological updates and clean energy use). Heterogeneous checks show that the influence of geographic distance on SO2 emissions is mainly found in non-local firms, suggesting a possibility of collusion between proximate firms and local government. This study highlights how the firm-agency distance relation affects pollution emissions and suggests that policymakers should consider more efficient instruments for environmental management.

Multi-Objective Optimal Scheduling for Microgrids—Improved Goose Algorithm

Against the background of the dual challenges of global energy demand growth and environmental protection, this paper focuses on the study of microgrid optimization and scheduling technology and constructs a smart microgrid system integrating energy production, storage, conversion, and distribution. By integrating high-precision load forecasting, dynamic power allocation algorithms, and intelligent control technologies, a microgrid scheduling model is proposed. This model simultaneously considers environmental protection and economic efficiency, aiming to achieve the optimal allocation of energy resources and maintain a dynamic balance between supply and demand. The goose optimization algorithm (GO) is innovatively introduced and improved, enhancing the algorithm’s ability to use global search and local fine search in complex optimization problems by simulating the social aggregation of the goose flock, the adaptive monitoring mechanism, and the improved algorithm, which effectively avoids the problem of the local optimal solution. Meanwhile, the combination of super-Latin stereo sampling and the K-means clustering algorithm improves the data processing efficiency and model accuracy. The results demonstrate that the proposed model and algorithm effectively reduce the operating costs of microgrids and mitigate environmental pollution. Using the improved goose algorithm (IGO), the combined operating and environmental costs are reduced by 16.15%, confirming the model’s effectiveness and superiority.

Soil and Sediment Organisms as Bioindicators of Pollution

This review examines the role of soil and sediment organisms as bioindicators in environmental pollution assessment. As fundamental elements of terrestrial ecosystems, soils harbour a rich and diverse biodiversity that plays a key role in regulating ecological processes. The use of bioindicators provides a sensitive and specific approach to detecting the effects of chemical, biological, and physical pollutants on soil health. The review presents a detailed analysis of the types of contaminants commonly encountered, the soil organisms used as bioindicators, and the criteria for selecting the most appropriate bioindicators. It also discusses assessment methods, including soil sampling and analysis techniques, and the biological and ecological indices used to measure contamination. Regional case studies illustrate the practical application of bioindicators for assessing soil quality in different geographical contexts. The review also highlights current challenges to the use of bioindicators, such as technical limitations and the variability of organism responses, and suggests perspectives for future research, including technological innovation and the integration of bioindicators into environmental policy.