Soil Matrices Research Articles

Performance evaluation of pilot phyto-vortex integrated system in the reduction of wastewater pollutants

Abstract Wastewater pollution remediation connects to goal 6 of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Conventional and advanced wastewater treatment are quite expensive to operate to fully comply with regulatory standards in the country. Phyto-vortex integrated system is an alternative tertiary wastewater treatment system that interfaces with an oil and grease skimmer and vortex technology, relying on green plants and a variety of soil substrates to remediate wastewater. The research evaluated the potential of the Phyto-vortex system and its performance in the reduction of domestic wastewater pollutants. Plants and soil substrates were selected via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) using one-way sensitivity analysis. Common reed, Vetiver grass, and Canna Lily were planted in constructed reed beds with various soil matrices using substrates laid at different levels. The beds operate continuously as a horizontal subsurface flow treating 5 m3 of a sewage treatment effluent per day with 1-3 days hydraulic retention time (HRT). The vortex unit aerates the water for further removal of gaseous pollutants. Samples were taken at designated points for 18 weeks. Analysis of the results shows a maximum reduction of 92% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 60 % for chemical oxygen demand(COD), and 70 % for total suspended solids (TSS). Concentration of identified heavy metals in the influent are within the regulatory standards except for a rise in zinc concentration which was 97% reduced in the system. The percentage reduction of pollutants varies each week with nitrates decreasing in the range of 50% to 99%, phosphates from 8% to 39.5%, and ammonia from 45.65% to 99%. Varying environmental conditions such as monsoon rains and extreme heat caused algal blooms and plant disease affecting the results. Lower temperatures and lower humidity favor a decrease in the levels of the pollutants while higher temperature, higher humidity favor an increase in the levels of Nitrates, Phosphates, and Ammonia. The overall results show an effective integrated system of phytoremediation coupled with a vortex unit in the reduction of wastewater pollutants.

Prediction of nitrate, phosphate and ammonia removal in wastewater by phytoremediation-vortex system using artificial neural network

Abstract Clean water is an essential component for human survival. However, the growing global population and the relentless pace of industrial development have resulted in an alarming increase in water contamination. This renders many bodies of water as unfit for consumption or usage. In order to safeguard our natural resources, it is imperative that wastewater should be treated to follow a standard set by environmental specialists. In the Philippines, the enactment of the DAO 2021-19 has updated the requirements for release to more stringent standards. Because of this, a tertiary treatment, such as a phytoremediation bed, can be employed as an additional step in a wastewater treatment process. This study involves a comprehensive approach that consists of a phytoremediation setup, which includes the use of three plant species and specialized soil matrices, and a vortex system. The three plant species, Phragmites australis, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Canna indica are known for their capability for removal of the three pollutants, nitrates, phosphates and ammonia. The phytoremediation-vortex system was able to remove the pollutants and effectively reduce the pollutant concentration that the treated wastewater passes the standards for release. The predictive model, artificial neural network (ANN), was employed to assess the results. By using this technique, the study aimed to not only understand the intricate workings of the vortex system but also to optimise its performance for the effective reduction of pollutants, such as, nitrates, phosphates and ammonia, in wastewater. This research represents a critical step towards developing sustainable and efficient solutions for addressing the pressing challenges posed by water pollution, thereby fostering the availability of clean and potable water for human consumption and various industrial purposes.

Preparation of technosol based on coal gangue and its impact on plant growth in coal mining area

Coal gangue, a byproduct of coal mining, is traditionally considered a nuisance. Recent research has begun to explore its potential for soil improvement and land reclamation through controlled pot experiments. However, its usage in soil matrices remains below 50% in most studies. To address these issues, this study investigates the preparation and utilization of coal gangue in technosols, with a focus on its impact on plant growth under natural conditions. The study was conducted at the Suntuan coal mine, located in the Huaibei mining area of eastern China. Results showed that technosols prepared with a high coal gangue dosage ranging from 60% to 100% could support optimal growth of maize (Zea mays L.) with low pollution risk. The impacts of the amount of coal gangue and organic fertilizer on the improvement of technosol quality and the promotion of vegetation growth were significant. The preferred preparation method involved a combination of coal gangue, soil, biochar, microbial agent, water-retaining agent, and organic fertilizer at 60:40:1:0.0025:0.01:5. Overall, our study emphasizes the potential of coal gangue for sustainable land reclamation and environmental benefit. Through optimized technosol preparation and effective utilization of functional materials, our research contributes to eco-friendly practices in coal mining areas.

Nanoconfined Fe(II) releaser for long-term arsenic immobilization and its sustainability assessment

Ferrous (Fe(II))-based oxygen activation for pollutant abatements in soil and groundwater has attracted great attention, while the low utilization and insufficient longevity of electron donors are the primary challenges to hinder its practical applications. Herein, we propose a nanoconfined Fe(II) releasing strategy that enables stable long-term electron donation for oxygen activation and efficient arsenic (As) immobilization under oxic conditions, by encapsulating zero-valent iron in biomass-derived carbon shell (ZVI@porous carbon composites; ZVI@PC). This strategy effectively enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species, enabling efficient oxidation and subsequent immobilization of As(III) in soils. Importantly, this Fe(II) releaser exhibits strong anti-interference capability against complex soil matrices, and the accompanying generation of Fe(III) enables As immobilization in soils, effectively lowering soil As bioavailability. Soil fixed-bed column experiments demonstrate a 79.5 % reduction of the total As in effluent with a simulated rainfall input for 10 years, indicating the excellent long-term stability for As immobilization in soil. Life cycle assessment results show that this Fe(II) releaser can substantially mitigate the negative environmental impacts. This work offers new insights into developing green and sustainable technologies for environmental remediation.

Strategies and mechanisms for improving the detection accuracy of nonextractable residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils

The methods that can accurately measure the concentrations of nonextractable residues (NERs) of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in soil are still lacked in current studies. In this study, three methods, namely methanolic saponification treatment (MST), silylation treatment (ST), and acid deashing treatment (ADT), were investigated and then combined to extract the NERs of six types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from nine soil samples. The NER concentrations of PAHs obtained by ST (2.43–521.73 ng g−1) were comparable to or significantly higher than those obtained by MST (1.94–291.54 ng g−1), owing to the properties of soil and target compounds. Additionally, ADT could further release a considerable amount of PAH NERs (0.39–276.99 ng g−1) from the soils that had been treated with ST. The mechanism was that acid solution dissolved mineral components, significantly increasing the pore size of the soil matrices from 9.37–15.57 nm to 17.11–27.51 nm. The average percentage of each PAH obtained by ADT (the ratio of the amount obtained by ADT to the total NER content) exhibited a negative correlation with their ring numbers (R2 = 0.62, p < 0.05), whereas the percentage of targets recovered through ST increased linearly with their log KOW values (R2 = 0.75, p < 0.05). Moreover, there is a positive correlation (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.05) between the NER percentages of phenanthrene (obtained by ST–ADT) and the specific surface areas of soils, and the NER percentages of benzo(g,h,i)perylene is positively correlated to the content of total organic carbon (R2 = 0.62, p < 0.05). These results suggested that the amounts and locations of NERs were influenced by both the physicochemical characteristics of PAHs and soils. These findings provide some basic understandings of the entrapped mechanisms of PAH NERs, helping to establish strategies for improving their detection accuracy.

Machine Learning in Geosciences: A Review of Complex Environmental Monitoring Applications

This is a systematic literature review of the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms in geosciences, with a focus on environmental monitoring applications. ML algorithms, with their ability to analyze vast quantities of data, decipher complex relationships, and predict future events, and they offer promising capabilities to implement technologies based on more precise and reliable data processing. This review considers several vulnerable and particularly at-risk themes as landfills, mining activities, the protection of coastal dunes, illegal discharges into water bodies, and the pollution and degradation of soil and water matrices in large industrial complexes. These case studies about environmental monitoring provide an opportunity to better examine the impact of human activities on the environment, with a specific focus on water and soil matrices. The recent literature underscores the increasing importance of ML in these contexts, highlighting a preference for adapted classic models: random forest (RF) (the most widely used), decision trees (DTs), support vector machines (SVMs), artificial neural networks (ANNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), principal component analysis (PCA), and much more. In the field of environmental management, the following methodologies offer invaluable insights that can steer strategic planning and decision-making based on more accurate image classification, prediction models, object detection and recognition, map classification, data classification, and environmental variable predictions.

Biochar – a sustainable soil conditioner for improving soil health, crop production and environment under changing climate: a review

Land degradation and climate change, two intricately intertwined phenomena, demand appropriate management solutions to effectively tackle the escalating issues of food and nutritional security. In this context, the realm of agriculture confronts formidable challenges in its pursuit of soil resource reclamation, improving water quality, mitigating climate change, and maintaining soil and natural resources for posterity. Central to these aspirations is the preservation of an optimum organic matter, serving as a linchpin threshold is crucial for protecting the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the soil, while simultaneously sustaining agricultural productivity. To address these multifaceted challenges, the introduction of diverse organic amendments has emerged as a crucial strategy. Noteworthy among these is the application of biochar, which functions as a soil conditioner capable of bolstering soil health, mitigating the impact of climate change, and securing global food security. Biochar is a carbon-enriched substance produced through pyrolysis of assorted biomass waste. It has a larger surface area, higher cation exchange capacity, and an extended carbon storage capability. The strategic integration of biochar production and subsequent soil application engenders an array of benefits, encompassing the amelioration of soil physical properties, augmented retention and the availability of nutrients, and the enhancement of biological activity, resulting in higher agricultural yields and societal benefits through the curtailment of soil to atmosphere greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, biochar demonstrates its efficacy in the realm of environmental restoration by serving as a medium for extraction and elimination of heavy metals, which often pervade aquatic ecosystems and soil matrices. This review addressed the need for biochar production, characterization, soil health, the possibility for environmental restoration, and crop yield fluctuations owing to climate change.

One-step synthesis of a sparkling fluorescent chemodosimeter: Selective and sensitive detection of triphosgene and application in tracing triphosgene in soil

We have developed a glowing fluorescent chemodosimeter that utilizes excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) through a one-step synthesis process. This innovative chemodosimeter exhibited remarkable selectivity and sensitivity in detecting triphosgene, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 41 nM. The strong fluorescence of this probe at 504 nm was significantly quenched by triphosgene. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of a new adduct upon the addition of guest, which restricts the ESIPT process and ultimately completely extinguishes the fluorescence. Furthermore, we have successfully extended the utility of this probe to determine trace amounts of triphosgene in soil samples of varying composition in solution and strip-based experiments. Notably, our chemodosimeter demonstrates effectiveness across a spectrum of soil types, detecting micromolar levels of triphosgene in complex soil matrices with a LOD of 1.59 µM. the promising sensing of triphosgene in complex soil system hold potential detection of extremely toxic chemical warfare presence in the environment.

Degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in different soils by photocatalytic treatment under solar irradiation

Pharmaceutical compounds are chemicals widely applied for the treatment and prevention of human/animal diseases. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are identified as one of their main transfer pathways to aquatic environment since traditional wastewater treatments do not completely remove them. Agricultural irrigation with reclaimed water from WWTP effluents is a growing strategy in areas where water scarcity is a limiting issue. However, the residual presence of these compounds in wastewaters facilitates a new terrestrial route of environmental exposure, increasing the risks of soil pollution and giving rise to dangerous situations for human health and the environment. In this study we have evaluated the effectivity of TiO2 photocatalysis using solar irradiation for the degradation of four contaminants (diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and sulfadiazine) in different soil matrices. Influential parameters of photocatalytic process (TiO2 dosage and soil moisture content) were optimized at laboratory scale using UV-LED lamps as light source. Solar remediation trial was performed exposing polluted soils to different treatments (in presence and absence of photocatalyst) during August 2023. After 50 h of solar exposure degradations of these pharmaceuticals reached 97.8–99.5 %, 99.7–100 % and 83.2–97.5 % for soils S1, S2 and S3 respectively. For all compounds, removal followed the order S2 > S1 > S3, in coincidence with the lesser organic matter content of soils. Results suggest that TiO2 photocatalysis under sunlight irradiation could be a useful tool for remediating soils polluted with pharmaceutical residues.

Systematic literature review of heavy metal contamination of the Nigerian environment from e-waste management: Associated health and carcinogenic risk assessment

E-waste -the aftermath of large amount of electrical and electronic equipment ferried into Africa from which Nigeria receives a significant chunk, is composed of components known to be hazardous to health. Composition of series of heavy metals (HMs) in e-waste is traceable to many health conditions including cancer which is hitherto incompletely understood. This study harmonizes primary data on HMs from e-waste in different Nigerian environmental media including the air, soil, surface dust, water and plant. We estimated the possible health implications, single and aggregative soil and water pollution indices both in adult and children categories, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks secondary to HM exposure and mapped out the possible mechanism of carcinogenesis. Analysis showed that soil, water, surface dust and plant matrices in Nigerian environment are variedly but considerably contaminated with combination of HMs. The significantly high values of the hazard quotient and hazard index of both water and surface dust matrices are indicative of adverse health effect of the non-carcinogenic risk. The highest HQ is generated by Pb and Cr through dermal exposure to soil and surface dust with mean values of 1718.48, 1146.14, 1362.10 and 1794.61 respectively among Nigerian children followed by the oral exposure. This pattern of observation is similar to that obtained for adult category. HI due to Pb and Cr in soil constitutes the highest HI (2.05E+03 and 1.18E+03 respectively) followed by surface dust. However, this study precipitates the observation that children are more at health risk than adults in contaminated environment. Carcinogenic risk also follows the same pattern of expression in the Nigerian environment. We conclude that exposure to e-waste poses significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks and the induction of toxicity may be mediated via DNA damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory/immune cells dysfunction in Nigerian environment.

Innovative approaches for Microcystin removal: Bacterioplankton biodegradation and multi-soil-layering system performance assessment

Microcystins (MCs) pose a significant threat to human health and the environment due to their persistence and toxicity as potent cyanobacterial toxins. Effective biodegradation strategies are required for their removal and detoxification. In this study, bacterioplankton were isolated from eutrophic reservoir water used for crop irrigation and tested for their ability to degrade MCs. These bacteria are hydrologically transported from the contaminated reservoir to downstream farms where they are able to grow under the favorable conditions provided by a multi-soil-layering (MSL) system, a low-cost and locally applicable ecotechnology for the removal and detoxification of MCs. These bacteria enhance the ability of the MSL to remove MCs by forming biofilms within the MSL system. The bacterial strains were then sequenced and their partial 16S rRNA was compared to the reference strains in the NCBI database. The effectiveness of the MSL system in the removal of MCs from water was evaluated. The MSL utilizes a layered soil matrix that promotes microbial growth and physicochemical interactions that enable the removal of various contaminants. The mechanisms of MC removal in the MSL were evaluated by studying the physicochemical properties of the system substrate before and after treatment using X-ray fluorescence, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The microbial functional groups, including ammonifying and denitrifying bacteria, were also investigated in the MSL soil matrices before and after treatment. The results showed that seven bacterial strains exhibited high MC degradation capabilities, with MC degradation performance exceeding 97%. These isolated bacterial strains had a nucleotide identity score of 100% and an E value of 0.0 compared to reference strains. The MSL showed a 99% removal rate for MC-LR and MC-YR, as well as significant reductions in other pollutants, including COD (60%), BOD5 (60%), chlorophyll-a (96%), pheophytin (70%), organic nitrogen (80%), and nitrites (90%). After treatment, there was a statistically significant increase in the total bacterial count, as well as ammonifying and denitrifying bacteria, in the MSL soil matrices compared to their state before treatment. SEM analyses revealed the formation of dense biofilm microbiota, indicating additional biological processes besides adsorption for MC reduction. Overall, the MSL provides a low-cost alternative for the removal of MCs and cyanobacteria with minimal resource requirements and maintenance. It offers a promising solution for mitigating toxic cyanobacterial blooms, ensuring safe agricultural water reuse.

Influence of heavy Canadian crude oil on pristine freshwater boreal lake ecosystems in an experimental oil spill.

The overall impact of a crude oil spill into a pristine freshwater environment in Canada is largely unknown. To evaluate the impact on the native microbial community, a large-scale in situ model experimental spill was conducted to assess the potential role of the natural community to attenuate hydrocarbons. A small volume of conventional heavy crude oil (CHV) was introduced within contained mesocosm enclosures deployed on the shoreline of a freshwater lake. The oil was left to interact with the shoreline for 72h and then free-floating oil was recovered using common oil spill response methods (i.e. freshwater flushing and capture on oleophilic absorptive media). Residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations returned to near preoiling concentrations within 2 months, while the microbial community composition across the water, soil, and sediment matrices of the enclosed oligotrophic freshwater ecosystems did not shift significantly over this period. Metagenomic analysis revealed key polycyclic aromatic and alkane degradation mechanisms also did not change in their relative abundance over the monitoring period. These trends suggest that for small spills (<2l of oil per 15 m2 of surface freshwater), physical oil recovery reduces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations to levels tolerated by the native microbial community. Additionally, the native microbial community present in the monitored pristine freshwater ecosystem possesses the appropriate hydrocarbon degradation mechanisms without prior challenge by hydrocarbon substrates. This study corroborated trends found previously (Kharey et al. 2024) toward freshwater hydrocarbon degradation in an environmentally relevant scale and conditions on the tolerance of residual hydrocarbons in situ.

Unveiling the capacity of bioaugmentation application, in comparison with biochar and rhamnolipid for TPHs degradation in aged hydrocarbons polluted soil

Persistent, aged hydrocarbons in soil hinder remediation, posing a significant environmental threat. While bioremediation offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach, its efficacy for complex contaminants relies on enhancing pollutant bioavailability. This study explores the potential of immobilized bacterial consortia combined with biochar and rhamnolipids to accelerate bioremediation of aged total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-contaminated soil. Previous research indicates that biochar and biosurfactants can increase bioremediation rates, while mixed consortia offer sequential degradation and higher hydrocarbon mineralization. The present investigation aimed to assess whether combining these strategies could further enhance degradation in aged, complex soil matrices. The bioaugmentation (BA) with bacterial consortium increased the TPHs degradation in aged soil (over 20% compared to natural attenuation - NA). However, co-application of BA with biochar and rhamnolipid higher did not show a statistically prominent synergistic effect. While biochar application facilitated the maintenance of hydrocarbon degrading bacterial consortium in soil, the present study did not identify a direct influence in TPHs degradation. The biochar application in contaminated soil contributed to TPHs adsorption. Rhamnolipid alone slightly increased the TPHs biodegradation with NA, while the combined bioaugmentation treatment with rhamnolipid and biochar increased the degradation between 27.5 and 29.8%. These findings encourage further exploration of combining bioaugmentation with amendment, like biochar and rhamnolipid, for remediating diverse environmental matrices contaminated with complex and aged hydrocarbons.

Identifying organic micropollutants' transformation products from the soil dissipation experiment by non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry approach: Can we gain more than transformation product identity?

Risk assessment of environmental hazards originating from xenobiotics extensively used worldwide (e.g., pharmaceuticals, bisphenols, or preservatives) requires a combined study of their effects, mobility, dissipation mechanisms, and subsequent transformation product identification and evaluation. We have developed an efficient accelerated solvent extraction method for a broad range of micropollutants of variable physical-chemical properties in soils to enable more accurate hazard characterisation. Micropollutant recoveries from freeze-dried soils were 60–120%, with the exception of atorvastatin, fexofenadine, and telmisartan, which had reduced recoveries (40–66%). The observed matrix effect ranged from −26% to 17% and was corrected by the matrix matching standard for quantitative analysis. The method allows sensitive and reliable determination of a wide range of analytes in soil samples and, consequently, qualitative analysis of transformation products (TP) with variable physicochemical properties. We identified TPs of five compounds (venlafaxine, telmisartan, valsartan, atorvastatin, and sertraline) by applying suspect and non-targeted data analyses. To our knowledge, the transformation product of atorvastatin was reported for the first time. All others were found in soil or other matrices. Valsartan (formed valsartan acid) and atorvastatin (transformed probably by oxidative decarboxylation of beta, delta dihydroxy heptanoic acid chain to propionic acid) were modified to a relatively large extent. All other compounds identified were only hydroxylated (sertraline and telmisartan) or demethylated (venlafaxine). We estimated the stability and presence of the identified TPs based on the constructed time trends and the ratio between TP formation and degradation rates. We demonstrated how valuable a non-targeted approach can be for complex evaluation of the fate and effect of soil pollutants.

Vis-NIR spectroscopy based rapid and non-destructive method to quantitate microplastics: An emerging contaminant in farm soil

Microplastics (MPs) is the second most important environmental issue and can potentially enter into food chain through farmland contamination and other means. There are no standardized extraction methods for quantification of MPs in soil. The embedded errors and biases generated serious problems regarding the comparability of different studies and leading to erroneous estimation. To address this gap, present study was formulated to develop an efficient method for MPs analysis suitable for a wide range of soil and organic matrices. A method based on Vis-NIR (Visible-Near Infra Red) spectroscopy is developed for four different soil belonging to Alfisol, Inceptisol, Mollisol and Vertisol and two organic matter matrices (FYM and Sludge). The developed method was found as rapid, reproducible, non-destructive and accurate method for estimation of all three-density groups of MPs (Low, Medium and High) with a prediction accuracy ranging from 1.9 g MPs/kg soil (Vertisol) to 3.7 g MPs/kg soil (Alfisol). Two different regression models [Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Principal Component Regression (PCR)] were assessed and PLSR was found to provide better information in terms of prediction accuracy and minimum quantification limit (MQL). However, PCR performed better for organic matter matrices than PLSR. The method avoids any complicated sample preparation steps except drying and sieving thus saving time and acquisition of reflectance spectrum for single sample is possible within 18 s. Owing to have the minimum quantification limit ranging from 1.9–3.7 g/kg soil, the vis-NIR based method is perfectly suitable for estimation of MPs in soil samples collected from plastic pollution hotspots like landfill sites, regular based sludge amended farm soils. Additionally, the method can be adapted by small scale compost industries for assessing MPs load in product like city compost which are applied at agricultural fields and will be helpful in quantifying possible MPs at the sources itself.

Innovative non-targeted screening approach using High-resolution mass spectrometry for the screening of organic chemicals and identification of specific tracers of soil and dust exposure in children

Environmental contamination through direct contact, ingestion and inhalation are common routes of children’s exposure to chemicals, in which through indoor and outdoor activities associated with common hand-to-mouth, touching objects, and behavioral tendencies, children can be susceptible and vulnerable to organic contaminants in the environment. The objectives of this study were the screening and identification of a wide range of organic contaminants in indoor dust, soil, food, drinking water, and urine matrices (N = 439), prioritizing chemicals to assess children’s environmental exposure, and selection of unique tracers of soil and dust ingestion in young children by non-targeted analysis (NTA) using Q-Exactive Orbitrap followed data processing by the Compound Discoverer (v3.3, SP2). Chemical features were first prioritized based on their predominant abundance (peak area>500,000), detection frequency (in >50% of the samples), available information on their uses and potential toxicological effects. Specific tracers of soil and dust exposure in children were selected in this study including Tripropyl citrate and 4-Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. The criteria for selection of the tracers were based on their higher abundance, detection frequency, unique functional uses, measurable amounts in urine (suitable biomarker), and with information on gastrointestinal absorption, metabolism, and excretion, and were further confirmed by authentic standards. We are proposing for the first time suitable unique tracers for dust ingestion by children.

Nano-enabled pesticides: a comprehensive toxicity assessment of tebuconazole nanoformulations with nematodes at single species and community level

There is an increasing imperative to explore safer alternatives for pesticides due to their indiscriminate use and consequential health impacts on the environment and humans. Nanoformulations of pesticides are being developed as potential alternatives due to their beneficial properties, including enhanced solubility, targeted delivery to the site of action, improved stability and efficacy and reduced non-target effects. Nevertheless, a comprehensive assessment is necessary for these emerging nanopesticides compared to existing formulations, aiming to ascertain whether their "nano" characteristics exacerbate toxicity for non-target organisms. This study investigated the toxicity of tebuconazole (TBZ) in different formulations, including nanoformulations (poly-ε-caprolactone [PCL] and nanostructured lipid carrier [NLC] loaded with TBZ), as well as a commercial formulation, on the reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in both aqueous and soil matrices. Additionally, the impact of the correspondent nanocarriers without TBZ on C. elegans was examined. In water, TBZ in the form of nano and commercial formulations exhibited higher toxicity on the nematodes' reproduction than the TBZ (a.s.) attributable to higher freely dissolved concentrations of TBZ, which resulted in a toxicity order, ranging from the most to the least toxic as follows: NLC-TBZ > PCL-TBZ > commercial formulation > TBZ (a.s.). For NLC-TBZ, the excess toxicity could be clearly explained by combined toxicity of TBZ (a.s.) and nanocarriers, with the effect addition of the separate single compounds matching the observed effects of the nanoformulation. For PCL-TBZ, effects were stronger than expected from the effect addition of TBZ (a.s.) and PCL nanocarriers, potentially due to enhanced bioavailability of encapsulated TBZ in the gut of the nematodes. In soil, NLC with and without loaded TBZ showed higher toxicity than other tested compounds, while PCL nanocarriers without TBZ did not exhibit negative effects on the reproduction of C. elegans. Microcosm experiment, where long-term effects on native soil nematode fauna were tested, confirmed that TBZ-nanoformulations act via combined toxic effects of TBZ and nanocarriers. These findings contribute valuable insights to understanding nanopesticides' ecotoxicity and underscore the need for harmonized regulatory assessments to evaluate these novel formulations adequately.

Deciphering the Physicochemical Interplay of Pesticides: Implications for Soil and Water Management

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of pesticide physicochemistry and its profound implications for soil and water management strategies. Through an integrative approach encompassing literature review, experimental analysis, and data synthesis, we elucidate the multifaceted interactions between pesticides and their surrounding environment. Our investigation underscores the pivotal role of physicochemical properties in governing pesticide behavior, transport, and fate in soil and water matrices, explores key factors influencing pesticide sorption, desorption, degradation, and mobility, shedding light on their complex interplay within diverse environmental contexts. Furthermore, analyze the potential risks posed by pesticide residues to soil health, groundwater quality, and aquatic ecosystems. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting emerging trends, this study provides valuable insights for designing effective soil and water management strategies aimed at mitigating pesticide-related environmental impacts. The review underscore the critical need for holistic approaches integrating scientific research, regulatory measures, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable pesticide use and environmental stewardship. Through proactive management practices and informed decision-making, we can strive towards safeguarding soil and water resources while ensuring the continued viability of agricultural systems in harmony with the environment.

Toward a common methodological framework for the sampling, extraction, and isotopic analysis of water in the Critical Zone to study vegetation water use

AbstractThe analysis of the stable isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen in water samples from soils and plants can help to identify sources of vegetation water uptake. This approach requires that the heterogeneous nature of plant and soil matrices is carefully accounted for during experimental design, sample collection, water extraction and analyses. The comparability and shortcomings of the different methods for extracting water and analyzing isotopic composition have been discussed in specialized literature. Yet, despite insightful comparisons of extraction methods and benchmarking methodologies of laboratories worldwide, the community still lacks a roadmap to guide sample collection, extraction, and isotopic analyses, and many practical issues for potential users remain unresolved: for example, which (soil or plant) water pool(s) does the extracted water represent? These constitute a hurdle for the implementation of the approach by newcomers. Here, we summarize discussions led in the framework of the COST Action WATSON (“WATer isotopeS in the critical zONe: from groundwater recharge to plant transpiration”—CA19120). We provide guidelines for (1) sampling soil and plant material for isotopic analysis, (2) methods for laboratory or in situ water extraction, and (3) measurements of isotopic composition. We highlight the importance of considering the process chain as a whole, from experimental design to isotopic analysis to minimize biased estimates of the relative contribution of different water sources to plant water uptake. We conclude by acknowledging some of the limitations of this methodology and advice on the collection of key environmental parameters prior to sample collection for isotopic analyses.This article is categorized under: Science of Water &gt; Hydrological Processes Science of Water &gt; Water and Environmental Change Science of Water &gt; Water Extremes

Organochlorine Insecticide-Dicofol Resilience in Soil Ecosystems: Sorption, Persistence, and Fate Investigations

ABSTRACT Understanding of dicofol’s behavior in soil is crucial for more precise pest control and minimal environmental effect. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess how the physicochemical characteristics of 10 selected soils effects the sorption and degradation of dicofol behavior. The behavior of dicofol, including its adsorption and desorption properties as well as its rates of hydrolysis and photolysis degradation, was thoroughly examined via definitive studies. Standard batch equilibration mode for sorption revealed that it was dependent on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Exothermic and spontaneous adsorption processes, which were characterized by a negative Gibbs free energy value, were convincingly proven by thermodynamic study. The current investigation’s ΔG estimations varied from −18.6 kjmol−1 for soil-6 to −24.25 kjmol−1 for soil-9. The soil-7 with a notable organic matter content (1.81%) showed the maximum adsorption, and subsequently producing a C-type isotherm that was analyzed using a linear and Freundlich model. An analytical process using UV-VIS spectrophotometry to determine the fate of dicofol in soil matrices. Hydrolysis and photolysis studies yielded minimum half-lives of 13.4 and 1.32 days, respectively. It has been demonstrated that dicofol molecules interact strongly with soils, principally via physio-sorption mechanisms. In contrast to its strong soil affinity and permanence, dicofol exhibits a counterintuitive behavior that makes it vulnerable to sunlight-induced deterioration. Future studies will concentrate on enhancing these pathways to assist sustainable pesticide management strategies and creative pollution mitigation techniques.