Environmental Science Research Articles

HALOPHILIC ASPERGILLUS SPECIES IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS: PHYSIOLOGY, ADAPTATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS

Salt is essential for growth at certain limits, but life dwelling in harsh, salty environments are the halophiles. Studies on the halophilic bacteria, archaea, and fungi are reported around different locations, but the fungus Aspergillus species is a predominant halophilic eukaryote reported in various research works. They have been reported from an environment with high salt concentrations. Halophilic Aspergillus species grow better in harsh conditions and have an exciting opportunity for research and application ahead of them. Their potential in biotechnology, together with their special capacity for adaptation to harsh settings, makes them precious in many sectors from environmental science, to biotechnology, and even in bioremediation settings. Therefore, this work review the physiology and unique adaptations of halophilic Aspergillus species in extreme environments, biomolecule produces and their applications in different areas and future prospects.

Optimization of Volatile Fatty Acids Production Through Anaerobic Digestion for the Valorisation of Chicken Manure

The short-chain, volatile nature of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) distinguishes them as organic molecules. They are essential in organic chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, and many other natural processes. Here are some key details regarding VFAs: they are organic acids that typically have a carbon backbone with functional groups called carboxyl's (COOH). The three most prevalent VFAs are butyric acid (C4), acetic acid (C2), and propionic acid (C3). VFAs are produced when organic matter, especially complex chemical compounds and carbohydrates, is fermented by microorganisms.

Probing Noncovalent Interaction Strengths of Host-Guest Complexes Using Negative Ion Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Noncovalent interactions (NCIs) are crucial for the formation and stability of host-guest complexes, which have wide-ranging implications across various fields, including biology, chemistry, materials science, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. However, since NCIs are relatively weak and sensitive to bulk perturbation, direct and accurate measurement of their absolute strength has always been a significant challenge. This concept article aims to demonstrate the gas-phase electrospray ionization (ESI)-negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy (NIPES) as a direct and precise technique to measure the absolute interaction strength, probe nature of NCIs, and reveal the electronic structural information for host-guest complexes. Our recent studies in investigating various host-guest complexes that involve various types of NCIs such as anion-π, (di)hydrogen bonding, charge-separated ionic interactions, are overviewed. Finally, a summary and outlook are provided for this field.

Characteristics of Climate Change in Poyang Lake Basin and Its Impact on Net Primary Productivity

Climate change exerts substantial impacts on human society and the carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. Studying the spatiotemporal characteristics of regional climate change and its impact on carbon sequestration is an important topic in ecology and environmental science. This study utilized meteorological and land use/cover data to explore these dynamics. Statistical methods such as the Mann–Kendall (M-K) test and wavelet analysis were used to simulate the changes in annual average temperature and precipitation in the Poyang Lake Basin from 1980 to 2020. The Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model was used to estimate the interannual variation in net primary productivity (NPP) in the region over the past 40 years. Additionally, the present study examined the influence of various factors on NPP changes. The main results are as follows: (1) Over the past four decades, the average temperature in the Poyang Lake Basin was 17.85 °C, while the average precipitation was 1621.35 mm. The average annual temperature rises at a rate of 0.27 °C per decade. (2) A significant shift in the average annual temperature occurred in the early 21st century, and annual precipitation exhibited multiple abrupt changes during the mid-to-late 1990s. Both temperature and precipitation changes follow a 25-year cycle, with temperature hotspots located in the south and precipitation hotspots in the northeast. (3) The impact of climate change on the change in NPP in the Poyang Lake Basin is about 70%, with the annual average temperature having a significant effect on the increase in NPP. This study can provide a scientific foundation for formulating policies aimed at mitigating climate-related disasters and enhancing carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.

Bibliometric Study: Natural and Engineering Sciences

Bibliometric analysis is a useful technique for assessing the impact of publishing in the scientific community. It is a statistical assessment of published scientific articles, books, or book chapters. The number of times a research paper has been mentioned by other writers indicates its importance. A bibliometric analysis of the natural and engineering sciences is presented in this work. The journal is an electronic publication that is peer-reviewed and multidisciplinary, with an e-ISSN of 2458-8989. In this study the publication and citation statistics of journals in the natural and engineering sciences from 2020 to 2024 are examined. Research in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences is the main focus in NES Journals. Environmental science, materials engineering, biotechnology, and applied physics include a few of the subjects covered by these journals. Our bibliometric analysis provides scientific research output with evidence-based descriptions and visuals.

Phytoremediation of Mercury Contamination: Bibliometric Analysis

Mercury is classified as one of the world’s most toxic and dangerous pollutants as it tends to bioaccumulate and biomagnify within the trophic chain and is persistent. Various approaches are available to remediate Hg-affected sites including phytoremediation, which includes the use of plants to clean up contaminated environments. The phytoremediation of mercury contamination is attracting increasing attention because of its advantages: it is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, simple, and can improve soil fertility. In this report, VOSviewer (version 1.6.1) and Bibliometrix (version 4.16) software were used to analyze 457 and 697 documents published from 2000 to 2023, retrieved from the databases WoS and Scopus, respectively. China, India, the United States, and Spain were the top four most productive countries. The largest topic area was environmental sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the organization that contributed the most to the overall number of publications. The keywords with the highest frequency excluding phytoremediation and mercury in WoS were heavy metals, accumulation, cadmium, soils, and phytoextraction. In Scopus, the most frequent keywords were bioremediation, heavy metals, soil pollution, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, and environmental. From the above analysis, we concluded that future research should focus on (1) finding native plants, (2) genetic engineering applications, (3) increasing remediation ability through assisted phytoremediation, and (4) the detoxification mechanism of mercury. This study provides insights into trending themes and serves as a reference for future research.

Evolution of Heterogeneous Tunnel Structures in Cryptomelane-Type Manganese Oxides and Their Geoinspired Implications.

Cryptomelane-type manganese oxides, α-MnO2 (KxMn8O16), play key roles in various fields such as geochemical processes, catalytic reactions, energy storage, and environmental sciences. The function of cryptomelane-type oxides can be affected by cation substitutions and the changes in tunnel structures. Research on natural cryptomelane minerals could provide geoinspiration for the design of new nanomaterials with cation substitutions, as well as a key to understanding the evolution of tunnel structures. In this study, natural cryptomelane minerals are characterized by the cosubstitution of iron and zinc. The localization of cosubstituted Fe and Zn in the tunnel framework has been revealed. Furthermore, the evolution of heterogeneous tunnel structures in cryptomelane has been demonstrated as a transition from large-size tunnels to small ones with high Mn(III) concentrations, indicating the significant role of Mn(III) in driving this transition. Lead (Pb2+) can be effectively trapped in the 2 × 2 tunnels. A mechanism for the attachment of cryptomelane crystals in different orientations has also been explored, showing that the migration of Mn atoms and the formation of (110) planes at specific sites contribute to lattice matching at the boundary. Our results provide geoinspired insights into controlled synthesis with Fe/Zn cosubstitution, a fundamental understanding of the evolution of tunnel structures, and functionalized applications of tunnel-based nanomaterials.

Exploring Food Processing in Natural Science Education: Practical Applications and Pedagogical Techniques

Food processing is an essential link in the chain that connects agricultural production with consumer nutrition and safety. This paper attempts to discuss how effectively food processing can be integrated into the curriculum of natural sciences to further the understanding of students about scientific principles through practical applications. Discussion of relevance to food processing prepares the ground for biology, chemistry, and environmental science, focusing on such core processes as fermentation, pasteurization, and conservation. This paper outlines how reviewing successful strategies and case studies, concept concretization of science is realized through practical activities and interdisciplinary projects, and larger goals are achieved in education for sustainability, food safety, and healthier eating. Besides, it underscores the place of technology and innovation through digital tools and virtual simulation in making the lessons interactive for the students in a career-oriented manner. The article concludes with the following practical suggestions for educators and advocates of the partnership among schools, industry, and community toward an enriched education preparing students with vocational skills.

Machine learning methods for compound annotation in non-targeted mass spectrometry-A brief overview of fingerprinting, in silico fragmentation and de novo methods.

Non-targeted screenings (NTS) are essential tools in different fields, such as forensics, health and environmental sciences. NTSs often employ mass spectrometry (MS) methods due to their high throughput and sensitivity in comparison to, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance-based methods. As the identification of mass spectral signals, called annotation, is labour intensive, it has been used for developing supporting tools based on machine learning (ML). However, both the diversity of mass spectral signals and the sheer quantity of different ML tools developed for compound annotation present a challenge for researchers in maintaining a comprehensive overview of the field. In this work, we illustrate which ML-based methods are available for compound annotation in non-targeted MS experiments and provide a nuanced comparison of the ML models used in MS data analysis, unravelling their unique features and performance metrics. Through this overview we support researchers to judiciously apply these tools in their daily research. This review also offers a detailed exploration of methods and datasets to show gaps in current methods, and promising target areas, offering a starting point for developers intending to improve existing methodologies.

Bibliometric analysis of photocatalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds from 1998 to 2023

IntroductionVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted widespread attention due to their adverse effects on human health. Photocatalytic oxidation is an effective technology for degrading VOCs under ambient conditions.MethodsIn order to better understand the trends and development of global trends in photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs, the analysis of 2493 articles or reviews from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) in the Web of Science Core Collection, covering the period from 1998 to 2023, was conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicate significant growth in papers concerning photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs. China emerges as the most active country among the main drivers. Principal sources publishing relevant research are Applied Catalysis B-Environmental, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Environmental Science and Technology. A relatively well-established theoretical framework has been developed for the study of photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs. In the field of VOCs photocatalytic oxidation, the focus is on the development and optimization of advanced photocatalysts with efficient charge separation, better adsorption performance, and a wider light response range. In addition, the in-depth study of the charge generation and transfer mechanisms within the photocatalysts, as well as the comprehensive understanding of the reaction kinetics and catalytic oxidation process, the optimization of the reaction conditions, and the improvement of the catalytic efficiency are at the forefront of the research in this field. This research system is advancing and becoming more refined, with its theoretical propositions, research findings, and methodologies increasingly employed and confirmed.

Role of Technology Innovation in Economic Growth: A Bibliometric Analysis

Economic growth is a metric used to measure a country's development and advancement. Technological innovation is a driving force behind economic growth and helps to improve and modernize industrial techniques. Thus, this study aims to synthesize existing research on the impact of technology innovation on economic growth from 2010 to 2024 through bibliometric analysis. 414 documents were extracted from the Scopus database and then analyzed through the BiblioShiny software. This review provides insightful information on the background of technological innovation and its impact on economic growth and analyses data according to publication patterns, sources, documents, authors, nations, and keywords. The results indicate a rapid and remarkable growth (28.91%) in this field, suggesting that interest in this field has increased noticeably. China emerges as a leader in terms of research production, citations, and partnerships when national contributions are examined. China is also a keyword that is frequently used in related literature. Sharif A. and Liu J are the most influential authors in terms of citation and publication respectively. Jiangsu University is the top institution, and “Environment Science and Pollution Research” is the top source that has contributed the highest number of articles in this field. Various bibliometric studies have been carried out to explore the concept of technology innovation in different facets and contexts, but economic growth through the lens of technological innovation remains unexplored. Thus, this study advances our knowledge regarding the influential role of technology innovation in economic growth by using a bibliometric lens to examine the literature, identify knowledge gaps, indicate areas requiring more research, and highlight the potential for progress. These findings will have significant implications that can greatly benefit researchers, decision-makers, and professionals in crafting policies and focusing on infrastructure development to support technology innovation. This bibliometric study concludes with limitations and recommendations for further study.

Five-analyzer Johann spectrometer for hard X-ray photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy at the Inner Shell Spectroscopy beamline at NSLS-II: design, alignment and data acquisition.

Here, a recently commissioned five-analyzer Johann spectrometer at the Inner Shell Spectroscopy beamline (8-ID) at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is presented. Designed for hard X-ray photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy, the spectrometer achieves a resolution in the 0.5-2 eV range, depending on the element and/or emission line, providing detailed insights into the local electronic and geometric structure of materials. It serves a diverse user community, including fields such as physical, chemical, biological, environmental and materials sciences. This article details the mechanical design, alignment procedures and data-acquisition scheme of the spectrometer, with a particular focus on the continuous asynchronous data-acquisition approach that significantly enhances experimental efficiency.

Integrating machine learning with causal inference for enhanced system dynamics modeling: A framework for predicting complex interactions

Approaches and methods like System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) have been significant for assessing the behavior of many systems. However, classical methodologies applied in traditional approaches to SDM fail to identify nonlinear feedback and power dependencies, revealing hidden temporal casual relationships. In this paper, I present a novel approach that combines ML and causal inference methods to improve the forecast capability and semantics of system dynamics models. Incorporating ML algorithms for predictions and Causal Inference techniques for explanation, this combined strategy presents a new era for understanding the system interaction and quantifying the hidden causes within various systems. We illustrate the advantages of the suggested framework over traditional SDM and purely ML approaches by employing it to analyze a genuine circumstance for both prognosis and discovering causal relationships. Our findings indicate that such integration is effective in enhancing the comprehension of system interactions and deriving a reliable method for estimating subsequent state conditions in complex contexts. The results are relevant for various disciplines, starting with economics and ending with environmental protection sciences, where interactions and changes vary. As a result, it will give a foundation for further studies of integrating future computerized methods in the dynamical system modeling of the next generation.

Adapt research to the Anthropocene

Scientists measure how humans’ footprints deteriorate the global environment and our life, but neither monitoring nor technical solutions bend the curves. Homo sapiens is the dominating species of the Anthropocene. Should we re-focus research and explore potential transformation of the command centers of overexploitation: people's minds? The most important challenge for research in the Anthropocene is transformation of humans and their political and economic entities to respect the planet’s boundaries. Non-adapted research can mislead policies. On the example of two crucial risks, pollinator loss and climate change, the manuscript compares state-of-the-art research and what is needed. The examples show the necessary scope and depth of transformation. How to give more room for divergent intelligence, creativity and criticality in scientific and educational environments? The research sector must decide to either transform humans’ minds towards planetary responsible political performance or accept that AIscene might follow the Anthropocene and adapt humans to earth.

An Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System for Citizen Empowerment

This work addresses the critical issue of flooding, a significant natural hazard, consistently ranked highest in the 2023 World Risk Index. The annual onslaught of tropical cyclones and the associated abnormal rainfall threaten lives, and destroy crops and property, thereby causing great economic damage, demanding urgent and science-based decision-making. We introduce an impact-based flood forecasting system as a proactive anticipatory action (i.e., AA) measure, linking climate services and disaster risk management to mitigate extreme weather impacts. Developed by the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, the National Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center, and Gerry Bagtasa of the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, this system advances disaster resilience efforts, leveraging science-based forecasts to prioritize vulnerable barangays (villages). Unlike traditional early warning systems, the proposed automated system predicts flooding one day in advance and assesses exposure levels based on population distribution. By utilizing global weather forecast models locally calibrated for Philippine conditions and 100-year rain return flood hazard maps for the Philippines, the system forecasts river inundated areas, enabling local government units (LGUs) and humanitarian organizations to prioritize preparations for communities and allocate resources during flooding events effectively. This system enhances the efficiency of disaster response planning, fostering a proactive and impactful strategy to address the recurring threat of flooding in the country. The system also underscores the role of open data in disaster resilience, exemplified by NOAH’s system to disseminating big data, which aligns with open governance principles. By encouraging transparency and stakeholder collaboration, data exchange is promoted, providing actionable information that fosters collaboration between the LGUs, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders. Cognizant of the importance of community engagement in disaster resilience, the newly developed impact-based flood forecasting system encourages community involvement by providing easily accessible information, which can be used to validate the forecasts based on local knowledge and experience. This research contributes to the urgent call for anticipatory action in the face of escalating extreme weather events globally.

Bibliometric Analysis of Reference Materials and Certified Reference Materials Applied to Geochemistry

The use of reference materials (RMs) and certified reference materials (CRMs) is essential to guarantee the reliability of measurement procedures ‐ a major factor motivating the efforts of the geoanalytical community. This work quantifies trends and patterns in the scientific literature concerning RMs and CRMs in geochemistry for specific timespans, with the aim of evaluating historical developments, research fields, geographic shifts of research centres, and current trends. The Scopus database was surveyed for peer‐reviewed full‐texts (14,201 documents), which were subsequently exploited for statistical description, bibliometric mapping and cluster analysis. Mineral exploration and trace element geochemistry stimulated early research, whereas environmental subjects have grown in importance mainly since the year 2000. International standardisation was coincident with an increase of publications covering CRMs and geochemistry, and is thought to reflect the impact of ISO guidelines in this scientific activity. Other factors include investments in research facilities, creation of specialised geoanalytical journals and organisation of international meetings. The analysis shows that RMs are typically used for petrogenetic research topics, whereas CRMs are equally important for environmental sciences, chemistry and geosciences. Environmental sciences are mostly concerned with anthropogenic contamination of ecosystems by heavy metals, whereas geological interest is mainly driven by isotope geochemistry. Scientific frontiers in geoanalytical research comprise microanalytical methodologies, unconventional isotopes, rare earth elements and environmental monitoring. New trends in CRM applications also include biogeochemistry and radionuclides.

An updated review on carbon nanomaterials: Types, synthesis, functionalization and applications, degradation and toxicity

Abstract As carbon-based nanomaterials have such remarkable physical, chemical, and electrical capabilities, they have become a major focus of materials science study. A thorough examination of several carbon nanomaterial varieties, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, and carbon nanodiamonds, is given in this review work. These materials all have distinctive qualities that qualify them for particular uses. This work starts by examining the synthesis processes of these nanomaterials, outlining the ways by which they are made and the variables affecting their ultimate characteristics. The specific features of each kind of carbon nanomaterial will then be briefly discussed in this study, along with their size, structure, and special physical and chemical properties. These materials have a wide range of possible uses in several fields. They are employed in the electronics industry to fabricate sensors, high-speed transistors, and other devices. Their high surface area and electrical conductivity make them useful in energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. They are applied to environmental remediation and water purification in environmental science. They are employed in biomedicine for biosensing, bioimaging, and medication delivery. Notwithstanding the encouraging uses, the large-scale synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanomaterials present several difficulties. This review discusses the importance of carbon nanomaterials by studying their multifaceted properties and potential applications in industries. The novelty of this work lies in its detailed examination of the degradation and toxicity of these materials, which is essential for their safe integration into various technological and biomedical applications. By thoroughly analysing recent experimental results, this review aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications.

Causes and effects of contamination of water sources due to excessive use of agrochemicals and pesticides: bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of water pollution caused by agricultural pesticides, focusing on theoretical and methodological trends. The analysis uses Scopus databases and Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software tools to analyze 2,330 documents from 2013 to 2022. The research highlights the importance of environmental, agricultural, and biological sciences in addressing water pollution. The study suggests improving pesticide use, reducing fertilizer applications, and addressing the harmful impacts of contaminated fish on human health. The restriction of glyphosate use in the European Union caused economic losses for companies, and a follow-up on glyphosate use in crop applications was proposed. The study also evaluates chemical concentrations and recommends addressing aquatic ecotoxicological risks. Future research trends include increasing water use efficiency and quality, hydrogeological studies, watersheds and land use, and climate modeling and impacts. The research is unique in addressing both research trends and knowledge gaps in water pollution research in various aspects.

CO2 methanation: a bibliometric analysis and review of activated carbon-based materials (2014–24)

Abstract This study highlights the significant potential of activated carbon (AC)-based materials in environmental remediation and energy production, particularly in converting carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) into methane (CH4) and water (H2O) using transition metal-based catalysts. It emphasizes the role of porous AC in waste reduction and resource utilization, examining various applications of CO2 and evaluating environmental impacts. The research explores commercialization opportunities and specifically investigates CO2 methanation using AC-based materials. Using bibliometric analyses of 4196 articles from the Web of Science database, the study identifies a growing research interest in porous AC-related CO2 methanation from 2014 to 2024. The top three journals in this field are Environment Development and Sustainability, Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, and Journal of Environment Science and Pollution. However, there is limited inter-institutional collaboration in this field, suggesting room for development towards commercializing sustainable CH4 production pathways. CH4 is highlighted as a crucial intermediate in industrial processes, and research directions are identified through co-occurring author keywords analysis. The study suggests the need for a comprehensive approach integrating AC materials into carbon-neutral energy processes while addressing the potential adverse effects of AC nanoparticles on biological and environmental factors. Ultimately, it clarifies the potential uses and commercialization prospects for porous AC materials, especially in conjunction with carbon capture and utilization technologies, promoting sustainable practices in energy production and environmental management.

11.D. Scientific session: Participatory approaches and co-creation in complex interventions to reduce inequity in health

Abstract The escalating challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization demand an integrated understanding of how our natural and built environments influence health outcomes. This workshop aims to dissect the complex associations between the environment-both natural and constructed-and physical and mental health. The urgency and breadth of these issues necessitate a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging insights from environmental science, public health, and urban planning. The primary objective of this workshop is to elucidate the multifaceted relationships between environmental conditions and health, identifying actionable strategies to mitigate adverse health outcomes and enhance well-being. Specific goals include: i) to assess the current scientific evidence linking various environmental factors with health, highlighting the role of climate change; ii) to explore innovative methodologies for studying environmental impacts on health; and iii) to foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners for integrated health and environmental planning. Organizing this workshop presents several unique added values. First, it serves as a platform for experts from diverse fields to share findings and refine research methodologies. Second, by synthesizing current knowledge, the workshop will inform more coherent and science-based public health and urban policy. Lastly, it could facilitate networking among stakeholders, fostering collaborations that bridge gaps between research and policy implementation. The workshop is structured to ensure thematic coherence and maximally beneficial interactions among participants. Presentations will be grouped into four thematic blocks: 1. effects of climate change on health; 2. healthy design and public mental health; 3. Planetary health challenges to human health; 4. Climate change perception and mental health. During the workshop, each speech will be built on the previous one in a sequential way. At the end of the workshop, audience members could join the discussion offering their point of view and directly interacting with the speakers. This workshop stands as a crucial endeavor to integrate diverse perspectives on how environmental conditions impact health and to catalyze significant strides in public health and urban planning. It promises to not only advance scientific understanding but also to translate this knowledge into practical, scalable solutions for health resilience in our communities. Key messages • Urban health is foundational for sustainable cities, integrating health into all policies ensures inclusive, safe, resilient communities as outlined in SDG 11. • Public health influenced by environmental and local government strategies highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to adapt urban planning and health policies.