Platinum and Rare Earth Elements distribution in costal sediments from French western Mediterranean Sea.

Simultaneous determination of persistent and emerging organic pollutants in microplastics.

This study presents a comparative assessment of four microgrid configurations for rural communities in Southern Italy, with Puglia as a representative case. Using a scenario-based techno-economic model combining MATLAB R2024a and Python 3.12.7 simulations, the analysis evaluates systems based on second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries, new lithium-ion batteries, and diesel-dominated setups, focusing on economic performance, environmental impact, and renewable integration potential. The results show that storage technology selection critically shapes both cost-effectiveness and sustainability outcomes. Second-life EV batteries emerge as the most balanced option, combining affordability and environmental benefits. These systems enable renewable penetration above 90% while maintaining a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) of EUR 0.12/kWh. Over a 20-year horizon, they achieve a positive net present value (NPV), with annual diesel consumption reduced to just 3200 l, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the potential of circular economy strategies, such as battery repurposing, to support low-carbon rural energy transitions. New lithium-ion batteries offer slightly higher technical performance, but their competitiveness is limited without policy support. The LCOS rises to EUR 0.18/kWh, reducing financial attractiveness despite marginal improvements in loss of load probability and lower diesel reliance. Premium storage technologies may therefore be most suitable where reliability is paramount and subsidies are available. By contrast, the diesel-dominated scenario illustrates the economic and environmental costs of fossil dependency. It consumes nearly 28,000 L of fuel annually, produces ~90 tons of carbon dioxide (tCO2) emissions, and achieves only 48% renewable penetration, resulting in a strongly negative NPV. Overall, the findings confirm that second-life EV batteries provide a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective pathway for rural electrification in Southern Italy and comparable Mediterranean regions. Realizing their potential will require supportive policies for battery reuse, safety, and recycling infrastructure.

Mining is associated with specific heavy metals (HMs), including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and other toxic metals. These metals contaminate water and accumulate in both children and adults at varying concentrations, resulting in severe health implications. This paper examines the impact of barite mining on water quality, human well-being, and the environment. It evaluates the health implications of natural and anthropogenic activities on the selective liberation of heavy metals at mining sites. The potential environmental impact on mining communities in the extreme dry (April), early or mid-rainy (July), and optimum rainy (October) seasons of the year is also elucidated. Ponds within six barite mining sites were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) to identify these metals in water samples. The implications of HM concentrations on the well-being of the young and adults were examined and assessed using relevant mathematical expressions, and the outcome was compared with national and international environmental standards. Results show that the ponds within the barite mining sites are contaminated with copper (Cu), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe). The HM concentration exceeds the reference dose (RfD) or tolerable daily intake (TDI) stated by global and national standards for water quality and healthy living. Statistical assessments indicated that the non-carcinogenic risks of Pb and Cd are higher in children than in adults. In addition to mining, farming activities may increase HM contamination within the areas. It is anticipated that existing policy frameworks and water laws will be reviewed to support efforts for the early detection of HMs in water through medical examinations, water quality assessments, and non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) assessments.

Oxidation of carbohydrates and polysaccharides is crucial in the chemical industry, producing biocompatible dialdehyde crosslinkers for various applications. Conventional oxidation methods, including sodium periodate, sodium hypochlorite, TEMPO, and hydrogen peroxide, face limitations such as sensitivity to oxidant concentration, temperature, light, reaction time, pH, potential side reactions, environmental impact, and cost. To overcome these challenges, a green, safe, and simple electrochemical oxidation process for polysaccharides is reported for the first time. In this study, the oxidation process was performed by dispersing polysaccharides in heated ethanol containing hydrogen peroxide, followed by the application of an optimized voltage of 2 V in short, controlled durations using a simple two-electrode system. After completion, the reaction mixture was filtered and dried in an oven at 70 °C for 3 h. This method was specifically applied to kappa-carrageenan (k-Car). Characterization by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, TGA, and SEM confirmed the introduction of aldehyde groups and structural modifications that result in a successful oxidation process. The antibacterial activity of the oxidized k-Car (Ok-Car) was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using the dilution method. The reactive aldehyde groups in Ok-Car contribute to its antimicrobial properties, with inhibition zone diameters averaging 12 mm for E. coli and 11 mm for S. aureus. This fact demonstrates significant antibacterial efficacy against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The method was also applied to several other polysaccharides to assess the generalizability of the approach. Their FTIR and 1H NMR data, provided as Supporting Information, showed similar spectral patterns to Ok-Car, further validating the effectiveness of the method. This environmentally friendly, facile oxidation strategy offers a promising alternative for polysaccharide functionalization in biomedical and industrial fields.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-27224-1.

BackgroundHealthcare is a significant contributor to global emissions, with the sector accounting for large proportion of emissions worldwide. The NHS aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, necessitating constant evaluation of clinical practices that contribute to environmental waste. A key antimicrobial stewardship goal; IV to oral switch encompasses these key areas, with oral antibiotics presenting a potentially cheaper, time-efficient and less environmentally damaging option while maintaining effectiveness.ObjectivesThe aim of this evaluation was to compare the nursing time taken for preparation and administration of IV antibiotics versus oral antibiotics and to assess and quantify the associated clinical waste and potential environmental impact. A further aim was to compare the cost between preparations.MethodsA literature review was conducted to inform project design and contextualize findings. A data collection sheet was developed to record antibiotic type, route, preparation time, administration time and waste materials used. Observations were conducted over three days on a surgical ward within a district general hospital. Nursing staff were timed using a stopwatch during their preparation and administration of antibiotics. Equipment use was categorized (e.g. syringes, infusion bags, PPE) and quantified for each observed dose.ResultsThe data collected included 36 IV preparations, 28 IV administrations and 18 oral administrations. The average time required to prepare and administer IV antibiotics was 14.12 min, compared to 0.27 min for oral antibiotics, a 98.1% difference. Over one month, this equated to 295.81 h of nursing time for IV antibiotic tasks, versus 5.66 h if all doses were oral. Waste analysis showed IV antibiotics generated significant single-use plastic waste, including multiple syringes, water for injection vials, giving sets and PPE per dose. Flucloxacillin produced the highest volume of waste due to its high dosing. In contrast, oral antibiotics generated minimal waste. The associated cost was considerably higher per IV dose when compared to their oral equivalent.ConclusionsA substantially greater impact on nursing time was observed with IV antibiotic use versus oral. Oral antibiotics were additionally observed to cost less and produce minimal waste, when compared with IV, particularly where high daily doses were required. These findings are relevant given the existing workload pressures faced by nursing staff, where reducing time spent on IV preparation and administration could free capacity for direct patient care. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of adopting more sustainable antibiotic prescribing practices. One solution is to reduce IV antibiotic burden by implementing prompt IVOST. Further research is needed to explore the wider impact across health boards and support national policies aligned with NHS sustainability goals.

Green-synthesised ZnO-Ag-CuO nanocomposites from Thymus vulgaris and their in vitro anticoccidial activity.

Improving human and planetary health is one of the most important challenges of the current century. Demand-side food policy strategies can be implemented to achieve this dual objective. To develop and implement policy measures effectively, it is essential to conduct upfront analyses that demonstrate their potential impact. To explore the harmonised assessment of environmental impacts of national representative food consumption surveys using the MCRA software, and to demonstrate the framework by assessing the potential environmental impact of food policy strategies that aim to simultaneously improve human and planetary health. Individual-level food consumption data from 11 European countries were used to evaluate current diets and the potential impact of demand-side food policy scenarios designed to reflect health and sustainability objectives. Dutch life-cycle assessment data were used to estimate six environmental impact indicators. Food composition data were applied to estimate protein intake. Food consumption, dietary environmental impacts, and protein intake were estimated and modelled using the MCRA (Monte-Carlo Risk Assessment) software for baseline and alternative scenarios. In the baseline scenarios, daily average GHG emissions ranged from 4.01kg CO2-eq per person in Cyprus to 6.30kg CO2-eq in France. Blue water consumption averaged between 104 L per person per day in the Czech Republic and 256 L in Italy. Across all countries, the environmental impact of diets specific to each country demonstrated potential reductions up to 55% in GHG emissions, land use, blue water consumption, and animal protein, and reductions up to 70% in freshwater and marine eutrophication, acidification, when meat intake was reduced and/or replaced by legumes or meat substitutes. Strategies such as replacing dairy with dairy substitutes, soft drinks with water, and limiting confectionery foods demonstrated less pronounced effects on environmental indicators, with reductions ranging from 1 to 11%. Strategies aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption had adverse environmental effects, increasing environment impacts by up to 7% and blue water consumption by up to 14%. Using the MCRA framework, this study demonstrates that harmonised assessment of current diets and the potential impacts of dietary scenarios can effectively inform policy development. Policies reducing animal food consumption and increasing plant-based intake offer the greatest environmental benefits, particularly when meat is substituted with plant-based alternatives. Implementation of coherent, multi-level policy instruments and tailored country-specific approaches will be essential for achieving both human and planetary health objectives.

The widespread and often concurrent usage of acetaminophen (paracetamol, PCM) and amoxicillin (AMX) in clinical and over-the-counter medications has led to increased attention on their potential health risks and environmental impact. Overdose or improper disposal of these drugs contributes to toxicity in humans and contamination of water systems. Therefore, developing a sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective platform for the simultaneous detection of these pharmaceutical compounds is of utmost importance. In this study, we report the fabrication and application of a novel electrochemical sensor based on a Copper Oxide (CuO)/graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) hybrid nanocomposite for the selective detection of PCM and AMX in biological and environmental samples.The CuO/GCN composite was synthesized using a combination of thermal decomposition, hydrothermal, and sonochemical techniques. GCN was prepared through the thermal polymerization of melamine, followed by exfoliation via hydrothermal and ultrasonic treatment. CuO was synthesized by hydrothermal precipitation and subsequently calcined at 600°C. The composite was obtained by dispersing equal quantities of GCN and CuO and subjecting them to probe sonication. This hybrid material, characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution-Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), displayed a layered, sheet-like structure with nanosized CuO particles uniformly embedded, leading to an increased electrochemically active surface area.A modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coated with the CuO/GCN composite was employed as the working electrode. The electrocatalytic behavior of this sensor toward PCM and AMX oxidation was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry (AMP) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4). The CuO/GCN-modified GCE exhibited a marked enhancement in peak currents with reduced overpotentials (0.48 V for PCM and 0.88 V for AMX) compared to bare or GCN-only modified electrodes, indicating excellent catalytic activity. The anodic peak currents increased linearly with analyte concentrations, confirming the electrode’s suitability for quantification.The simultaneous detection of PCM and AMX was effectively demonstrated, with linear responses observed in the range of 10–100 µM. Separate calibration experiments showed extended linear detection ranges from 0.025–939.15 µM for PCM and 0.025–8.55 µM for AMX, with limits of detection (LOD) calculated to be 6.8 nM and 12.9 nM, respectively. These values are among the lowest reported for non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors targeting these analytes. The sensor also exhibited fast response times (within 2 seconds), high repeatability (RSD < 2.5%), and excellent reproducibility across multiple fabricated electrodes (RSD ~3.2%).The influence of pH on oxidation behavior was investigated, showing optimal responses at physiological pH and indicating proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms. Scan rate studies further revealed that the oxidation of PCM and AMX followed a diffusion-controlled process, with calculated electron transfer coefficients (α) of 0.58 for PCM and 0.78 for AMX, validating the electrocatalytic efficiency of the CuO/GCN system.To evaluate selectivity, the sensor was tested in the presence of common interfering ions and structurally similar molecules such as urea, glucose, chloramphenicol, and sulfamethazine. Even at fivefold higher concentrations, these interferents caused negligible signal variation (<5%), confirming the sensor’s high specificity for PCM and AMX. The excellent antifouling characteristics were attributed to the synergistic action between CuO nanoparticles and the nitrogen-rich framework of GCN, which enhances both conductivity and selective analyte adsorption.Real-world applicability was demonstrated through the analysis of spiked tap water and human urine samples using the standard addition method. The recovery rates were exceptionally high, ranging from 100.4% to 100.7% for PCM and 102.0% to 104.7% for AMX, with low relative standard deviations (RSDs < 4%). These results confirm the robustness and practical reliability of the sensor in complex matrices.Compared to other reported materials, such as AuNP-based sensors or those involving advanced polymers and metal–organic frameworks, the CuO/GCN hybrid system stands out for its simplicity, low cost, green synthesis approach, and high performance. The synergy between the p-type semiconductor CuO and the π-conjugated GCN matrix facilitates improved charge transfer and electron mobility, essential for fast and accurate sensing. Conclusion: This study presents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient electrochemical sensor for the detection of two widely consumed pharmaceutical compounds. The CuO/GCN-modified GCE exhibits excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for the simultaneous detection of PCM and AMX in both synthetic and real-world samples. These findings highlight the sensor’s potential for integration into portable, point-of-care diagnostic platforms and environmental monitoring systems aimed at tracking pharmaceutical residues. Future work may explore the integration of this nanocomposite into flexible substrates and its application toward the multiplexed detection of co-administered drugs in clinical settings. Figure 1

Abstract Brown carbon (BrC) is a type of light‐absorbing organic carbon and its structural characteristics have significant effects on atmospheric radiative forcing and global climate change. In this work, the main absorbing components of BrC were separated into three fractions and each fraction was analyzed individually and systematically. The compositional and structural characteristics of BrC across different wavelengths were studied, and the potential BrC compounds were revealed. Overall, nearly 100 light‐absorbing compounds were identified. The result showed that aromatic and heterocyclic compounds were main contributors to BrC absorption in the wavelength from 220 to 450 nm, which play an important role in radiative forcing. Interestingly, carbonyl groups dominated the BrC absorption in the wavelength from 200 to 220 nm. Although BrC compounds have minimal direct radiative impact due to limited solar radiation at such a wavelength, it can still play important roles in atmospheric photochemistry by participating in light‐induced oxidation process and lead to severe photochemical pollution. Additionally, carboxyl‐rich alicyclic molecules and lignin‐like substances all promoted the absorptivity of BrC, and nitrogenous substituents further enhanced such a process. These results were further extrapolated to various environmental conditions, which indicated that urban BrC probably contained more carbonyl groups. Conversely, more heterocyclic substances were observed in the forest and ocean areas, which illustrated high burden of radiative forcing in these areas. Overall, our work reveals that the BrC absorption is largely dependent on their molecule properties in different wavelengths, and such a correlation can guide and facilitate the BrC absorption analysis.

The conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) plays a key role in the spread of antibiotic resistance, posing a major global public health threat. The tire rubber antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its quinone derivative (6PPD-Q) are emerging pollutants that are widely present in the environment and pose significant ecological risks. However, their potential impact on plasmid transfer remains poorly understood. Here, we established in vitro conjugation models under simulated aquatic conditions to evaluate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q on RP4 plasmid transfer in Escherichia coli(E. coli). Our results demonstrate that both compounds significantly enhance plasmid transfer, with 6PPD-Q exhibiting a markedly greater impact. The primary mechanisms underlying this enhancement include increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhanced membrane permeability, improved cell adhesion, and promoted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Transcriptomic analysis, nontargeted metabolomics profiling, and molecular docking simulations corroborate these findings. Notably, 6PPD-Q significantly upregulated ATP synthesis-related genes in donor bacteria and altered metabolic processes in the conjugation system. This study provides novel insights into how 6PPD and 6PPD-Q facilitate the conjugative transfer of ARGs and highlights the potential environmental impact of 6PPD-Q in promoting the spread of ARGs.

Protein is a vital macronutrient for human body functions. It is present in rich amount in animal and plant food sources such as soy, legumes and mushroom. However, animal-based proteins are associated with an increase in chronic diseases such as heart attack and obesity. In addition, raising of the livestock required high land and water use, and significantly led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in worldwide population to 9.8 billion by 2050 underscores the urgent need to secure essential and sustainable food resources, notably protein, for human health. This review provides an insight of alternative proteins - plant-based proteins, insect proteins and cultured meat to meet global protein demand while reducing potential health risks and environmental impact, accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2 or LCO) is a widely employed cathode material in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and has garnered attention due to its potential environmental impact. In our study,adult Drosophila melanogaster was exposed to varying concentrations of lithium cobalt oxide (0, 1 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 100 mg/L) for 20 days. We measured several parameters, including energy metabolism, food intake, oviposition, spontaneous activity, and tube-level group inactivity. Female fruit flies exhibited increased lipid and glucose levels after exposure to LCO, while males showed a decrease in both. Changes in food intake and protein levels were observed but did not reach statistical significance. Significant decreases in egg laying were evident at the highest concentration. Moreover, locomotor activity and tube-level group inactivity exhibited dose-dependent variations, with flies experiencing decreased activity and increased tube-level group inactivity. Our findings demonstrate that long-term exposure to LCO can induce alterations in energy metabolism, egg laying, locomotor activity, and tube-level group inactivity in adult Drosophila melanogaster. These effects were observed in a dose-dependent way. This study contributes to understanding the potential ecological consequences and impacts on insects associated with the widespread use of this material.

Multilevel neurotoxicity of venlafaxine in zebrafish: Behavioral impairment, biomolecular dysregulation, and brain tissue damage.

Season matters: Timing of cadaver deposition influences soil biogeochemical changes in a temperate human taphonomic facility.

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and cheese whey (CW) are two agro-industrial effluents that pose major environmental challenges due to their high organic load and potential environmental impact. This study investigates a novel valorization approach by cultivating the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis on OMWW supplemented with CW, a nitrogen-rich dairy byproduct. Four OMWW/CW ratios (25/75, 50/50, 75/25, 100/0, v/v) were evaluated to assess their impact on microbial growth, metabolite production, and wastewater remediation. The 25/75 (v/v) and 50/50 (v/v) mixtures supported the highest biomass yields (> 5 g L⁻1 within 3-5 days), while the 50/50 (v/v) mixture led to maximum lipid and carotenoid accumulation after 8 days. Under this condition, substantial depollution was also observed, with near-complete removal of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol as well as significant reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD). Carotenoids extracted from R. glutinis showed thermal stability at 60 °C and exhibited strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of coupling waste treatment with the production of bioactive compounds. The proposed bioprocess valorizes two problematic waste streams into valuable microbial biomass and functional metabolites, with potential to reduce environmental impact.

Life cycle assessment of ultra-low emission technologies in China's MSW incineration plants.

Abstract The green transition remains a top priority on the European agenda, with targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The European transport sector contributes approximately 20% of total CO₂ emissions, strongly necessitating the need for sustainable transport solutions, so that the assessment of the maritime transport system is considered beyond time and costs to include environmental issues and regional development. This research examines the potential environmental impact of a newly proposed ferry connection between Eastern Finland and Eastern Estonia, focusing on its role in advancing sustainable transport in the region. The study combines case studies, expert interviews, and survey data collected as part of an ongoing EU project between 2023 and 2025. The findings indicate that by 2030, the Sillamäe-Kotka ferry route could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by over 51 million tonnes, which would be a substantial contribution to regional decarbonization, enhanced freight and passenger transport efficiency, and alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s emission reduction targets. At the same time, this research highlights how maritime connectivity can contribute to a just transition process in Estonia’s Ida-Viru County, a region severely affected by the downturn in the oil shale industry, by facilitating new green economic opportunities, regional labour mobility, and sustainable tourism.

ABSTRACT In cold temperate regions, nongrowing season (November‐April) nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions from croplands can be substantial, particularly during the rapid freeze‐thaw cycles of the late winter‐spring. Despite their potential environmental impact, the extent and underlying climatic triggers of these emissions remain poorly understood. Using the Denitrification and Decomposition (DNDC) model, N 2 O fluxes and climatic triggers of N 2 O emissions were assessed by simulating historical (1990–2019) and 30‐year future (2038–2067) winter and early spring emissions under intensive grain corn production in Southern Quebec. In the historical period, mean winter N 2 O emissions were greatest in warm‐wet years, and increased over the years as the snow‐water equivalent (SWE) declined. Future scenario simulations predict a 10% increase in winter/spring N 2 O emissions, driven by a 1°C rise in winter soil temperature and an 8% increase in water‐filled pore space (WFPS). SWE is also expected to decrease by 1 mm annually. These shifts suggest a substantial increase in future winter N₂O emissions, highlighting the urgency of developing mitigation strategies for agricultural soils.

Manure-based anaerobic digestion (AD) systems serve multiple functions, including waste treatment, energy recovery, and nutrient cycling. However, they also entail additional energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is typically used to holistically quantify the actual environmental impacts of these systems. Nevertheless, comprehensive reviews synthesizing LCA studies in this field remain limited. Following PRISMA guidelines, this study conducted a systematic literature review of LCA studies on manure-based AD systems, focusing on advancements, inconsistencies, and limitations in LCA methodologies and environmental impact results. The findings indicate considerable variability in functional units, allocation methods, system boundaries, and inventory analysis methods across the literature. These methodological discrepancies and the lack of standardized protocols result in remarkable variability in environmental impact potentials. Additionally, there is lack of consensus on the environmental benefits of AD systems compared to traditional manure management, and co-digestion with energy crops or food waste compared to mono-digestion of manure. Consequently, the environmental impacts of manure-based AD systems remain inconclusive due to methodological heterogeneity and data inconsistencies. Future research should develop scientific and standardized approaches and focus on the completeness of system boundaries, selection of key environmental impact categories, environmental load allocation, inventory data quality, and the transparency of the analysis.