Natural Environmental Pollution Research Articles

. Comparison of sorption properties of zoocompost in relation to Cd2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ ions

The study of relationships between zoocompost containing humic acids and metal ions is of great importance not only for predicting the redistribution of humic compounds and heavy metals in the environment, but also for developing methods for controlling the processes of migration of pollutants in natural environments, creating new materials for protecting the environment and remediating soils contaminated with heavy metal ions. The article compares the sorption capacity of zoocompost cultivated by the Black Lionfly fly, containing humic acids and to Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ ions. It was established that with an increase in the dose of zoocompost, the concentration of heavy metal ions in the solution decreases and the cleaning efficiency reaches 94.6% for Cd2+, 75.2% for Zn2+ and 70.4% for Cu2+. A comparison of the stability constants of complex ions of cadmium, zinc and copper showed that more stable metal-humic acid complexes are formed by Cd2+ and Zn2+, while Cu2+ is characterized by a lower degree of connectivity. The obtained sorption isotherms and values of the sorption capacity of zoocompost for Cd2+ (0.490 mmol/g), Zn2+ (0.225 mmol/g) and Cu2+ (0.145 mmol/g) indicate the specific interaction between the heavy metal ions and functional groups of humic acids included in the composition of zoocompost, and also confirm the theoretical series of stability of chelates Cd < Zn < Cu.

Modeling risk assessment of soil heavy metal pollution using partial least squares and fuzzy logic: A case study of a gully type coal-based solid waste dumpsite

Continuous release and migration of heavy metals from coal-based solid waste (CSW) dumpsites often results in significant encroachment on ecological lands and pollution of natural environments. As a result, there is an urgent need for long-term and rapid monitoring, analysis, and assessment to control environmental risks associated with large CSW dumpsites. We constructed a new composite model (PLS-FL) that uses partial least squares regression (PLSR) and fuzzy logic inference (FLI) to accurately predict heavy metal concentrations in soils and assess pollution risk levels. The potential application of the PLS-FL was tested through a gully type CSW case study. We compared 20 modeling strategies using the PLS-FL: five types heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr and As) * four spectral transformation methods (first derivative (FD), second derivative (SD), reverse logarithm (RL), and continuum removal (CR)) * one variable selection method (competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS)). The results showed that the combination of derivative transformation and CARS was recommended for estimation, with R2C > 0.80 and R2P > 0.50. When comparing the PLSR model with four traditional machine learning methods (Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Extreme Learning Machines (ELM), and KNN), the PLSR model demonstrated the highest average prediction accuracy. Additionally, the FLI process no longer relies on human perception and expert opinion, enhancing the model's objectivity and reliability. The evaluation results revealed that the heavy metal contamination areas of the CSW dumpsite are concentrated at the bottom of the gully, with more severe contamination in the north. Furthermore, a high-risk zone exists in the interim storage area for CSW to the east of the dump. These findings align with the initial detections at the sampling sites and highlight the need for targeted monitoring and control in these areas. The application of the model will empower regulators to quickly assess the overall situation of large-scale heavy metal pollution and provide scientific program and data support for continuous large-scale pollution risk monitoring and sustainable risk management.

Wavelength-dependent direct and indirect photochemical transformations of organic pollutants

Sunlight-induced photochemical transformations greatly affect the persistence of organic pollutants in natural environment. Whereas sunlight intensity is well-known to affect pollutant phototransformation rates, the reliance of pollutant phototransformation kinetics on sunlight spectrum remains poorly understood, which may greatly vary under different spatial-temporal, water matrix, and climatic conditions. Here, we systematically assessed the wavelength-dependent direct and indirect phototransformations of 12 organic pollutants. Their phototransformation rates dramatically decreased with light wavelength increasing from 375 to 632 nm, with direct photolysis displaying higher wavelength-dependence than indirect photolysis. Remarkably, UV light dominated both direct (90.4–99.5 %) and indirect (64.6–98.7 %) photochemical transformations of all investigated organic pollutants, despite its minor portion in sunlight spectrum (e.g., 6.5 % on March 20 at the equator). Based on wavelength-dependent rate constant spectrum, the predicted phototransformation rate of chloramphenicol (4.5 ± 0.7 × 10−4 s−1) agreed well with the observed rate under outdoor sunlight irradiation (4.3 ± 0.0 × 10−4 s−1), and there is no significant difference between the predicted rate and the observed rate (p-value = 0.132). Moreover, rate constant and quantum yield coefficient (QYC) spectrum could be applied for facilely investigate the influence of spectral changes on the phototransformation of pollutants under varying spatial-temporal (e.g., season, latitude) and climatic conditions (e.g., cloud cover). Our study highlights the wavelength-dependence of both direct and indirect phototransformation of pollutants, and the UV part of natural sunlight plays a decisive role in the phototransformation of pollutants.

Transformation of vegetation under the conditions of the impact of military actions on the natural environment in Ukraine: A review

The negative consequences of various types of military activity on physical disturbances and chemical pollution of the environment are systematized. Factors of chemical pollution include potentially toxic elements, energetic compounds (explosives, fuels) and chemical warfare agents. According to the systematization of the available data on the long-term impact of military exercises and military actions on the territories of different countries on soil pollution, metal compounds dominate among potentially toxic elements, and organic pollutants dominate among energetic compounds. The combination of physical violations with multicomponent chemical pollution creates a specificity of the negative impact of the consequences of military activity on the natural environment compared to other anthropogenic factors. The following directions of research into the problem were noted: detection, distribution and ecotoxicology of chemical pollutants in natural environments, impact on biodiversity and vegetation dynamics, phytoremediation to reduce the level of chemical pollution, ecological and physiological factors of plant tolerance, degradation and detoxification of organic pollutants in plants. The tolerance of plants to the residues of explosive substances of various classes occurs due to the general pathways of biochemical transformation, which ensure the detoxification of organic xenobiotics. Taking into account the current state of the problem, literary data on the directions of research into the impact of military actions in Ukraine on the environment and the transformation of vegetation are summarized. Among these areas, the following were noted: assessment of damage caused by armed aggression to the natural environment; environmental monitoring of combat action; analysis of pollution of the natural environment; transformation of vegetation. Destructions of the natural environment as a result of combat action led to significant changes in vegetation, which are associated with ruderalization and adventization. The role of ruderal (including invasive) plants common in the flora of Ukraine under conditions of chemical pollution of habitats is analyzed. Increased tolerance of invasive plant species to high levels of metals and organic pollutants can be used for phytoremediation of disturbed areas, but will create a competitive advantage for more intensive spread compared to native species and new risks to phytodiversity.

MORPHOGENETIC ABNORMALITIES OF BRYOBIONTS IN GEOCHEMICALLY CONTRASTING CONDITIONS IN DONBASS

The territory of modern central Donbass is considered as an experimental site for the implementation of an ingredient biomonitoring program. Bryophytes were transplanted and exposed in the geolocalities of the direct impact of enterprises of coal mining and processing complexes, metallurgical and chemical industries, ruderal and residential ecotopes. For bryobionts with a wide amplitude of resistance to technogenic pollution (Amblystegium subtile (Hedw.) Schimp., Brachythecium campestre (Müll.Hal.) Bruch et al., Bryum argenteum Hedw., Bryum caespiticium Hedw., Bryum capillare Hedw., Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid and Pylaisia polyantha (Hedw.) Schimp.) the following criteria of anthropotolerance were selected: 1) elements accumulation function, 2) the ability to accumulate specific pollutants, 3) structural and functional reactions and manifestation of atypical morphogenesis (teratogenesis) of plant organisms and 4) shifts in the characteristics of the survival strategy of species in the conditions of deep transformation of the landscape systems of Donbass. Specificity of accumulation of Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Hg, Pb, Th, U in samples of indicator plants used as seasonal phytotest monitors to assess pollution of natural environments have been defined. With a radical violation of geochemical cycles in plant life support systems, cases of specific chlorosis and necrosis of point localization, hypo- and hypergenesis and deformation, as well as fasciation, prolification, dystopia, oligomerization of vegetative organs, features of the development of individual groups of cells in the integumentary and conformational tissues of the leaf apparatus of bryobionts have been recorded. The revealed abnormalities are used as a phyto-indication characteristic when conducting an express analysis of the level of technogenic stress in field diagnostics. The coefficients of biological absorption and technogenic concentration of elements in biosubstrates were calculated when assessing the geochemical contrast of the environment. The difference in the accumulative capacity of bryobionts for individual elements or their associative groups in various ectopes is defined. The related morphogenetic heterogeneity of the structure and elemental composition of plants is an individual case of compliance with V.I. Vernadsky's ideas of the concentration, information and environment-forming functions of living matter.

Possible applications of poultry immunoglobulins focusing on mycotoxin environmental loads and human influence

In addition to their role, immunoglobulins can be used in animal and human diagnostic (immunoassay-based) measurements, prophylaxis and (immuno)therapy. For these purposes, today's "alternative" that is advantageous from an animal ethical point of view is the bird immunoglobulin Y isolated from egg yolk. Its development and production are cost-effective, the complexity is low, and due to its advantageous properties, it can be used in assays or even more so in medical therapies (primarily passive immunization). It is widely used (against pathogens or their toxins) in treatments of intestinal or metabolic diseases and inflammations. Its application in human diagnostics is limited, some markers are measured using immunoglobulin Y as assay component. In this study, a possible application, which is less common today, is presented. The problem of environmental impacts is becoming significant. Due to human activities, industrialization, environmental changes increase the appearance of natural environmental pollutants, including the effects of mycotoxins produced by molds locally and/or globally, which (mainly through nutrition) affect humans. Such agents often appear together, several mycotoxins affect the individual. As a result of their persistence, mycotoxins absorbed in the intestinal tract and accumulated in organs, can already reach levels that can cause physiological and/or behavioral effects. Although the examination of sources (contaminated foods) is regulated by law, the extent of accumulation has not been or cannot be examined and is often insufficiently taken into account. Due to the nature of the technique, the anti-mycotoxin avian immunoglobulin Y could be used both for detection of (deposited) mycotoxin(s) and/or even for immunotherapy (e.g., mycotoxin neutralization). Demonstrating the endocrine-disrupting mycotoxins using the example of zearalenone (with an explanation of its reproductive and immunological effects), we present generation of zearalenone (and mycotoxin-specific) avian immunoglobulin developments, advocate its use in human detection, urging the development of measurements that are suitable for detecting (multiple) accumulation. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(39): 1527-1536.

An analytical approach to confidence interval estimation of river microplastic sampling

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles <5 mm in diameter, are emerging ubiquitous pollutants in natural environments, including freshwater ecosystems. As rivers facilitate efficient transport among landscapes, monitoring is crucial for elucidating the origin, dynamics, and fate of MPs. However, standardized methodologies for in situ sampling in freshwater environments remain undefined to date. Specifically, evaluating the sampling error of MP concentration estimates is crucial for comparing results among studies. This study proposes a novel method for computing confidence intervals (CIs) from a single estimate of numerical concentration (expressed in particles·m−3). MPs are expected to disperse according to purely random processes, such as turbulent diffusion, and to consequently exhibit a random distribution pattern that follows a Poisson point process. Accordingly, the present study introduced a framework based on the Poisson point process to compute CIs, which were validated using MP samples from two urban rivers in Chiba, Japan, obtained using a mesh with an opening size of 335 μm. Random number simulations revealed that the CIs were applicable when ≥10 MPs were present in a sample. Further, when ≥50 MPs were present in a sample, the sampling error (95% CI) was within ±30% of the concentration estimates. The proposed framework allows for the intercomparison of single river MP samples despite the lack of sample replicates. Further, the present study emphasizes that the volume of sampled river water is the only controllable parameter that can reduce the sampling error.

Environmental and Volcanic Implications of Volatile Output in the Atmosphere of Vulcano Island Detected Using SO2 Plume (2021–23)

The volatiles released by the volcanic structures of the world contribute to natural environmental pollution both during the passive and active degassing stages. The Island of Vulcano is characterized by solfataric degassing mainly localized in the summit part (Fossa crater) and in the peripheral part in the Levante Bay. The normal solfataric degassing (high-temperature fumarolic area of the summit and boiling fluids emitted in the Levante Bay area), established after the last explosive eruption of 1888–90, is periodically interrupted by geochemical crises characterized by anomalous degassing that are attributable to increased volcanic inputs, which determine a sharp increase in the degassing rate. In this work, we have used the data acquired from the INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) geochemical monitoring networks to identify, evaluate, and monitor the geochemical variations of the extensive parameters, such as the SO2 flux from the volcanic plume (solfataric cloud) and the CO2 flux from the soil in the summit area outside the fumaroles areas. The increase in the flux of volatiles started in June–July 2021 and reached its maximum in November of the same year. In particular, the mean monthly flux of SO2 plume of 22 tons day−1 (t d−1) and of CO2 from the soil of 1570 grams per square meter per day (g m2 d−1) increased during this event up to 89 t d−1 and 11,596 g m2 d−1, respectively, in November 2021. The average annual baseline value of SO2 output was estimated at 7700 t d−1 during normal solfataric activity. Instead, this outgassing increased to 18,000 and 24,000 t d−1 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, indicating that the system is still in an anomalous phase of outgassing and shows no signs of returning to the pre-crisis baseline values. In fact, in the first quarter of 2023, the SO2 output shows average values comparable to those emitted in 2022. Finally, the dispersion maps of SO2 on the island of Vulcano have been produced and have indicated that the areas close to the fumarolic source are characterized by concentrations of SO2 in the atmosphere higher than those permitted by European legislation (40 μg m−3 for 24 h of exposition) on human health.

Vectorial-Criterion-BasedAssessment of Ecological State ofthe Natural-Engineering System

The article deals with the issues of assessing the ecological state of the territory of natural-engineering systems as the critical indicator of their stability. A brief analysis of the natural environment pollution assessment criteria based upon the scalar convolutions of ecological monitoring data arrays is provided. It is stated that neglecting mutual correlation of the pollution indicators being measured in the course of ecological monitoring reduced informative value of the mentioned criteria. Instructional aspects of plotting the territory pollution assessment criterion based upon dimension reduction and de-correlation of the ecological monitoring data array is presented. The results of monitoring the soil mantle pollution at the territory of the local natural-engineering system comprising the chemical weapons destruction facility and the natural environment within the boundaries of the protective action zone are taken as the example. The results of use of the Principal Components Analysis for dimension reduction and de-correlation of the monitoring data array are presented. The possibility of substituting three principal components for eleven pollution indicators without sacrificing the acceptable informative value of description is presented. Switch to orthogonal basis in the principal components’ space allows reviewing the values of the latter at the point as the projection in general case of a multi-dimensional vector which is called the damage vector and can be used as the integrated indicator of pollution. The options of pollution assessment on the basis of comparison of the current and initial moduli of the pollution vector as well as with the use of the surface of critical pollutions is considered. The possibility to simplify the structure of neural networks for forecasting the pollution degree by means of the neural network’s single output parameter in the form of the pollution vector is provided. The example of using the neural network trained on the soil mantle background monitoring data for forecasting the current soil pollution at the points of the protective action zone is provided. A perceptron having one hidden layer describes satisfactorily the distribution of the pollution vector over the territory five years after the man-made facility has been commissioned is demonstrated.

POLLUTION OF SOIL AND ADJACENT ENVIRONMENTS WITH TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THE COASTAL ZONE OF SOUTHERN BAIKAL

The paper presents experimental data on concentrations of a wide range of pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, toxaphenes), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, in soil and adjacent environments in the impact area of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM) and neighboring areas (including the city of Baikalsk). The features of toxicants levels formation depending on a type and properties of soil, potential sources of inflow, and location of sampling points are analyzed. The data are of practical interest for assessing the levels of the natural environment pollution prior to starting measures for the disposal of waste from the BPPM.

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces an anxiolytic-like effect, changes in antipredator defensive response, and DNA damage in Swiss mice.

Although the in vivo toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) has already been reported in different model systems, their effects on mammalian behavior are poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to evaluate whether exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPs (diameter: 23.03±0.266nm) alters the behavior (locomotor, anxiety-like and antipredator) of male Swiss mice, induces brain antioxidant activity, and erythrocyte DNA damage. For this, the animals were exposed to NPs for 20 days at different doses (6.5ng/kg and 6500ng/kg). Initially, we did not observe any effect of pollutants on the locomotor activity of the animals (inferred via open field test and Basso mouse scale for locomotion). However, we noticed an anxiolytic-like behavior (in the open field test) and alterations in the antipredatory defensive response of mice exposed to PS NPs, when confronted with their predator potential (snake, Pantherophis guttatus). Furthermore, such changes were associated with suppressing brain antioxidant activity, inferred by lower DPPH radical scavenging activity, reduced total glutathione content, as well as the translocation and accumulation of NPs in the brain of the animals. In addition, we noted that the treatments induced DNA damage, evaluated via a single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) applied to circulating erythrocytes of the animals. However, we did not observe a dose-response effect for all biomarkers evaluated and the estimated accumulation of PS NPs in the brain. The values of the integrated biomarker response index and the results of the principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the similarity between the responses of animals exposed to different doses of PS NPs. Therefore, our study sheds light on how PS NPs can impact mammals and reinforce the ecotoxicological risk associated with the dispersion of these pollutants in natural environments and their uptake by mammals.

Transformation of hydroxylamine to nitrosated and nitrated products during advanced oxidation process

Recently, hydroxylamine (HAm) was introduced to drive advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for removing organic contaminants. However, we found that HAm-driven Cu(II)/peroxymonosulfate oxidation of phenol produced p-nitrosophenol, 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol. The total nitro(so) products accounted for approximately 25.0 % of the phenol transformation at certain condition. SO4•− and •OH were identified as the primary and second significant oxidants, respectively. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were involved in phenol transformation. The pathway and mechanism of HAm transformation in HAm-driven transition metal ion-catalyzed AOPs were proposed for the first time in this study. The product of HAm via twice single-electron oxidation by Cu(II) is nitroxyl (HNO/NO−), which is a critical oxidation intermediate of HAm. Further oxidation of HNO by SO4•− or •OH is the initial step in propagating radical chain reactions, leading to nitric oxide radical (•NO) and nitrogen dioxide radical (•NO2) as the primary RNS. HAm is a critical intermediate in natural nitrogen cycle, suggesting that HAm can drive the oxidation processes of pollutants in natural environments. Nitro(so) products will be readily produced when AOPs are applied for ecological remediation. This study highlights the formation of toxic nitrosated and nitrated products in HAm-driven AOPs, and the requirement of risk assessments to evaluate the possible health and ecological impacts.

Contents and spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals in the hinterland of the Tengger Desert, China

The desert in northern China is one of important sources of loess and one significant source of material for sandstorms in Asia. The sand/dust that is transported from desert when sandstorms occur can destroy the growth of crops, cause serious losses and great harm to the economic construction and life safety, and cause natural environment pollution. Hence, it is very important to deepen the research into heavy metals in surface deposits at vulnerable ecological region of arid land of northern China to guide local industrial and agricultural development and improve environmental protection. In this research, 10 heavy metal elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Th) were tested and analyzed in 33 soil sample sites collected from the hinterland of the Tengger Desert, northern China. The results showed that the average abundance of Th exceeded its background soil value of China by more than 5.2 times, which suggests that the Tengger Desert is polluted by Th. In addition, based on principal component analysis, spatial differentiation, and correlation analysis, we identified the source of element with a coefficient of variation in abundance of greater than 0.5 or exceeding the background soil value of China. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis showed that the sources of heavy metals of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Cd were similar, while those of Th and Zn were different. Moreover, based on the contents and spatial distribution characteristics of those heavy metal elements, we found that the formation of heavy metal elements enrichment areas is caused by industrial pollution, development of irrigated agricultural, geological, and geomorphic conditions, and the sedimentary environment in the study area. Our result can provide information on the environmental background values of soils in the hinterland of the Tengger Desert.

Prevalence of respiratory disease in the population of Queensland communities in proximity to coal mines and coal mining activities

Air quality related to respiratory illness is examined in many settings, including populations that work or reside close to sources of pollution. Industry produced pollution from mining and metal manufacturing, natural environmental pollution as in the case of bushfires and large-scale dust storms are examples. We reviewed any available literature and data concerning the Queensland coal industry and its effect on respiratory health of miners, mining related workers and communities in proximity to coal mines. We searched various databases using keywords related to coal and respiratory diseases, using the five step criteria defined by Denyer and Tranfield. In the Queensland coal mining industry, the negative effect of mining on workers’ respiratory health has been known for many years and has received increased attention in the last five years both nationally and internationally due to the resurgence in Coal Mine Dust Lung Diseases and specifically Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP). A Queensland parliamentary review has prompted regulatory amendments for the permitted (occupational) exposure level (PEL; OEL) to coal dust and silica; amendments have also been enacted for better occupational respiratory health surveillance of Queensland coal miners, both surface and underground. Considering Queensland has a high proportion of Australian coal mines, the literature available on respiratory health in Queensland coal mines and surrounding communities is minimal. There is very limited research into, and possible underreporting of CMDLD amongst the coal mining workers in Queensland. Further studies are required to better understand air pollution and health effects in coal miners in Queensland.

Advanced microplastic monitoring using Raman spectroscopy with a combination of nanostructure-based substrates.

Micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollutants have not only impacted human health directly, but are also associated with numerous chemical contaminants that increase toxicity in the natural environment. Most recent research about increasing plastic pollutants in natural environments have focused on the toxic effects of MNPs in water, the atmosphere, and soil. The methodologies of MNP identification have been extensively developed for actual applications, but they still require further study, including on-site detection. This review article provides a comprehensive update on the facile detection of MNPs by Raman spectroscopy, which aims at early diagnosis of potential risks and human health impacts. In particular, Raman imaging and nanostructure-enhanced Raman scattering have emerged as effective analytical technologies for identifying MNPs in an environment. Here, the authors give an update on the latest advances in plasmonic nanostructured materials-assisted SERS substrates utilized for the detection of MNP particles present in environmental samples. Moreover, this work describes different plasmonic materials—including pure noble metal nanostructured materials and hybrid nanomaterials—that have been used to fabricate and develop SERS platforms to obtain the identifying MNP particles at low concentrations. Plasmonic nanostructure-enhanced materials consisting of pure noble metals and hybrid nanomaterials can significantly enhance the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra signals of pollutant analytes due to their localized hot spots. This concise topical review also provides updates on recent developments and trends in MNP detection by means of SERS using a variety of unique materials, along with three-dimensional (3D) SERS substrates, nanopipettes, and microfluidic chips. A novel material-assisted spectral Raman technique and its effective application are also introduced for selective monitoring and trace detection of MNPs in indoor and outdoor environments.Graphical abstract

Analysis of the influence of technogenic facilities of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub on the ecological state of the natural environment

Formulation of the problem. The paper is devoted to the study of the ecological state of the natural environment components in connection with the impact of technogenic facilities of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the technogenic impact of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub on the natural environment components. Materials and methods. The natural environment components data including atmospheric air, soil, surface water, groundwater from the Regional Report on the natural environment state in Luhansk region were used and analyzed. The total pollution index was calculated to determine the level of soil contamination in the areas of biggest technogenic impact. The places furthest from the cities with powerful sources of the natural environment pollution are allocated. Mathematical processing of geochemical information was performed on separate samples. The containing of specific chemical elements in the soils of Lysychansk-Rubizhnе industrial hub is calculated. The obtained data were used to calculate the concentration coefficient. The level of chemical contamination of soils as an indicator of adverse effect on public health is determined by following indicators: 1) the chemical substance concentration coefficient (Kc), which is determined by the ratio of its actual containing in the soil (C) to the background containing (Cb); 2) the total pollution index (Zc), which is equal to the sum of the concentration coefficients of chemical elements. Results. As a result of the study, it was found that the territory of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub is still under a huge technogenic impact, despite the closure of many enterprises. Abandoned settling tanks, sludge collectors, spoil tips, landfills of various industrial wastes and other are one of the main sources of the natural environment pollution today. The ecological state of the natural environment components (atmosphere, surface water, soil and groundwater) is described in the paper. Quite positive changes are observed only in the situation with atmospheric air. The tendency to reduce emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere is associated with the liquidation of industrial enterprises over the past 20 years. The state of other natural environment components remains unsatisfactory: surface water, soil and groundwater are contaminated with heavy metals, petroleum products, nitrates, nitrites, etc. (the nature of the pollutants depends on the nearby technogenic facilities). It is noted that these technogenic facilities lose their waterproofing over the years, so they are currently sources of pollutant migration to the natural environment. Scientific novelty and practical significance. An integral assessment of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub impact on the natural environment components, which allowed us to talk about the different degree of technogenic impact and different influence factors, is the scientific novelty of the study. The different genesis of pollution in the given area is proved. It is established that there is an infiltration from the surface on the left bank and pollution of deep origin on the right bank. The long-term forecasts of changes in the ecological state of the Lysychansk-Rubizhne industrial hub territory are given as practical use of the obtained results. It is proposed to carry out continuous monitoring of the natural environment for a more detailed study of the environmental situation.

Nitrogen-doped pyrogenic carbonaceous matter facilitates azo dye decolorization by sulfide: The important role of graphitic nitrogen

Pyrogenic carbonaceous matter (PCM) catalyzes azo dye decolorization by sulfide, but the nitrogen doping catalytic mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we found that stagnate time of azo dye methyl orange (MO) decolorization was reduced to 0.54-18.28 min in the presence of various nitrogen-doped graphenes (NGs), remarkably lower compared to graphene itself. Particularly, graphitic nitrogen played a critical role in NGs-catalyzed MO decolorization by sulfide. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and in-situ surface Raman analysis demonstrated that doping nitrogen, especially graphite one facilitated reactive intermediate polysulfides formation. This is attributed to the improved electron conductivity through graphitic nitrogen doping, and the enhanced interactions between sulfide and carbon atoms bonded to graphitic nitrogen. This study not only provides a better understanding of PCM impact on transformations and fates of organic pollutants in natural environments, but also offer a new regulation strategy for more efficient wastewater treatment processes in PCM-catalyzed engineering systems.

حماية البيئة بين مصادر الفقه الإسلامي و المنظور الغربي : ثقافيا و قانونيا

حماية البيئة بين مصادر الفقه الإسلامي و المنظور الغربي : ثقافيا و قانونيا&#x0D; The hypothesis of this study is to assure relationship between the damage and deterioration of natural environment and the value system of the Western civilization- the effort of the international community in resent decades to stop it, in one hand and to draw attention to the ability of Islamic value system based on principles of the Holly Quran and Tradition of Profit Mohamed “God blessings” and peace be upon him", to make “valuable contribution in setting up a modem and effective conceptions and criterions to direct to the behavior of individuals and groups not to “conquer” and destroy the nature, but to be in harmony with it, exploits its resources within the limits of their needs and preserves the rights of future generations.&#x0D; And makes the globe, which is becoming now, in the age of Globalization, a small village, makes it a save, peaceful, healthy and comfortable place, all Its inhabitants can find pure air, fresh water, natural weather and secure and peaceful refuge.&#x0D; In this respect the efforts of international Organizations and its regulations for the controlling the pollution of natural environment and for stopping its deterioration, all this I find in harmony with the Islamic value system which insists that the human behavior have to be in harmony with the elements of the environment not only to assure the common interest to the mankind but because its away of conduct related to religious convictions

Новые очертания экологической политики в контексте пандемии COVID-19

The article examines the connection between the environmental processes during the COVID&amp;#8209;19 pandemic (2019–2022) and the “greening” of the political sphere. A specific feature of environmental policy is its close linkage with the economy, since economic activity is the direct cause of anthropogenic pollution of natural environments. The environmental changes that have arisen in response to economic realities of the pandemic period have led to transformation of socio-political attitudes towards strengthening the “green” direction in the policies of the world’s leading states – the European Union member countries, the United States, Russia, China and other. The global “green agenda” was substantiated at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020 and 2021, as well as at the following 26th UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26) in Glasgow, actually shaping a new world order based on the environmental goals and obligations. In West European countries, with prominent green parties’ political positions, the environmental policy is formed largely from grassroots. In the United States, it depends entirely on the political situation (mostly on the sitting president’s party affiliation). Whereas the European Union and the EU states (primarily Germany and France) have seized the initiative of directing the world environmental policy, striving to take the lead in this sphere (particularly, in climate protection), the new U.S. government is now seriously challenging the European leadership. Noteworthy is that the COVID&amp;#8209;19 crisis has updated the green political and economic agenda globally, regardless of differences between the states, which verifies the importance and necessity of agreeing a conceptually new common approach to interaction with the environment in the short and long term.

A comparative analysis of methods for assessing the environmental security of territories

Annotation. The results of a study on the water quality, bottom sediments and coastal soil based on the level of anthropogenic pollution by heavy metal compounds and organic polutants are presented. The most commonly used integral and complex indicators used to assess the environmental safety of territories have been calculated. A comparative analysis, using the Shannon Biodiversity Index, highlighted the total pollution index (Zc) as the most informative, among those analysed, in terms of the impact of anthropogenic pollution on biota. The results established a methodology for assessing the environmental safety of territories that needs to be improved. By using the Maximum Permissible Exceedance (MPE) indicator, objective data will be available when determining the negative impact of pollution of natural environments on the state of ecosystems.