Environments

17 pages, 1399 KB

Open AccessArticle

Floral Characteristics Alter the Abundance and Richness of Bees Captured in Passive Traps

by Madison Mazur, Christine Bell, Michael E. Dillon and Lusha M. Tronstad

Environments 2025, 12(9), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090301 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2025

Bees are vital pollinators that maintain plant populations by transporting pollen among individuals; however, bees are declining, and information on how habitat characteristics alter the catch of bees in traps is needed to better assess monitoring. Few studies have measured how catch in [...] Read more.

Bees are vital pollinators that maintain plant populations by transporting pollen among individuals; however, bees are declining, and information on how habitat characteristics alter the catch of bees in traps is needed to better assess monitoring. Few studies have measured how catch in passive traps may be altered by floral resources despite the well-known dependence of pollinators on forbs. We investigated the degree to which pollinating insects were attracted to vane traps and bee bowls placed at sites that varied in flower densities (0–800 flowers/m²). We also assessed if the catch of bees was better explained by flower characteristics directly around traps (subsite) or average flower characteristics at a site. Floral density, richness and surface area were measured in 1 m² quadrats at each subsite. The surface area of flowers explained more variance in bees captured compared to the density or richness of flowers. Traps placed in areas with lower flower surface area captured the more bees and a more diverse sample. Floral resources at the subsite and site explained a similar amount of variance in the number of bees captured, suggesting that pollinators respond to flowers at both scales. We provide a method of correcting pollinator abundance by flower surface area to make catch in passive traps more comparable among areas. We can select sites that minimize or maximize the catch of bees by understanding how floral resources change the effectiveness of passive traps. Full article

26 pages, 16301 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Adsorption Performance of a High-Capacity Mesoporous Silica Aerogel for Fluoroquinolones

by Yifan Zhao, Lin Gu, Zhihan Liu, Junyu Zhang, Wei Xia, Peng Wang, Wenlei Zhai, Guangxin Yang, Xiaosheng Shen, Chengqi Fan and Cong Kong

Environments 2025, 12(9), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090300 - 28 Aug 2025

Abstract

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) are widely applied in veterinary practice and animal husbandry and frequently persist in organic waste liquids (OWLs), creating substantial environmental and health risks when untreated. A high-capacity mesoporous silica aerogel (SA-60) was produced via a cost-effective sol–gel route from water [...] Read more.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) are widely applied in veterinary practice and animal husbandry and frequently persist in organic waste liquids (OWLs), creating substantial environmental and health risks when untreated. A high-capacity mesoporous silica aerogel (SA-60) was produced via a cost-effective sol–gel route from water glass, followed by ambient pressure drying at 60 °C for 6 h. SA-60 exhibited pronounced selectivity, providing a maximum adsorption capacity of 630.18 mg·g⁻¹ for enrofloxacin (ENR) in acetonitrile. Adsorption efficiency was weakly dependent on pH. Mechanistic analysis indicated combined physical and chemical interactions, with intra-particle diffusion governing the overall rate. Thermodynamic evaluation showed a spontaneous and endothermic process for ENR adsorption. Organic solvent type and water content were major determinants of adsorption efficiency. Durable performance was observed, with capacity retention above 80% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. The mesoporous architecture (surface area 249.21 m²·g⁻¹; average pore diameter 10.81 nm) supported the high uptake. These results identify SA-60 as a sustainable adsorbent for removing hazardous FQs from OWLs, offering a simple, energy-efficient approach for the source-level control of antibiotic pollution and improved environmental management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Adsorptive and Extractive Methods for Pollutant Removal)

23 pages, 818 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Circularity Micro-Indicators into Automotive Product Development to Evaluate Environmental Trade-Offs and Guide Sustainable Design Decisions

by Maria J. Simão, Joana Matos and Ricardo Simoes

Environments 2025, 12(9), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090299 - 28 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study explores the integration of circular design principles into automotive product development, focusing on the environmental implications of design decisions related to geometry, material selection, and assembly methods. A case study approach was used to iteratively redesign a plastic automotive component, incorporating [...] Read more.

This study explores the integration of circular design principles into automotive product development, focusing on the environmental implications of design decisions related to geometry, material selection, and assembly methods. A case study approach was used to iteratively redesign a plastic automotive component, incorporating structural reinforcements and glass fiber (GF) to enhance performance. While these changes improved mechanical properties, they negatively impacted recyclability due to increased material heterogeneity and irreversible assembly using ultrasonic welding. Circularity performance was evaluated using the Recycling Desirability Index (RDI), Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), and circular design guidelines (CDGs). Despite achieving 20% recycled content, recyclability remained limited. Alternative design strategies—such as eliminating GF, replacing welding with mechanical fasteners, and enabling take-back systems—led to significant improvements in circularity scores. Notably, MCI analysis indicated that energy recovery pathways offered better circularity outcomes than landfilling. The findings highlight the importance of early-stage material standardization and assembly planning to enhance end-of-life recovery. This study underscores the environmental trade-offs inherent in current automotive design practices and calls for stronger collaboration between engineers, designers, and sustainability experts to align product development with circular economy goals. Findings emphasize the need for systemic changes in product development processes and industrial mindsets, including overcoming resistance to design modifications and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, to effectively implement circular economy principles in the automotive sector. Full article

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2 pages, 131 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Assessment of Soil Organic Carbon in Different Ecosystems by Using Field, Lab, and Modeling Methods

by Sutie Xu, Jing Hu, Navreet Kaur Mahal and Virginia L. Jin

Environments 2025, 12(9), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090298 - 28 Aug 2025

Abstract

As the largest terrestrial carbon (C) pool, soil organic C (SOC) and its evaluation are important for understanding soil functions in different ecosystems [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Carbon Assessment)

12 pages, 517 KB

Open AccessArticle

Humidity Impact on Air Quality in Straw- and Reed-Bale Houses

by Jane Raamets, Lembit Nei, Aime Ruus, Mari Ivask and Karin Muoni

Environments 2025, 12(9), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090297 - 28 Aug 2025

Abstract

The suitability of reed- and straw-bale houses for the temperate climate zone was assessed. The influence of indoor climate indicators (relative humidity, internal humidity load of the borders, CO₂, temperature, mould index) and the microbial community was evaluated on air quality [...] Read more.

The suitability of reed- and straw-bale houses for the temperate climate zone was assessed. The influence of indoor climate indicators (relative humidity, internal humidity load of the borders, CO₂, temperature, mould index) and the microbial community was evaluated on air quality in the bedrooms. No similar studies on indoor air quality have been reported previously. The current study involved (1) indoor air quality indicators (relative humidity, CO₂, and temperature) in air and at two different heights in the walls were measured; (2) air quality was tested in the bedrooms of the studied houses, and the microbial species in air and walls were determined; (3) the impact of microbial communities on the air quality in the bedrooms of straw- and reed-bale buildings was assessed. Internal moisture was higher in the reed-bale buildings. The indoor air of the straw-bale and reed-bale buildings included more colonies than the outside air, but this did not affect indoor air quality. Full article

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13 pages, 5199 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cumulative Environmental Impacts of Wind Power Complex Construction in Mountain Forests: An Ecological Restoration Perspective Through Avian Diversity

by Chang-Eon Park and Hee-Cheon Park

Environments 2025, 12(9), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090296 - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

Countless studies have been conducted on cumulative environmental impacts, but not many have been performed on specific cases of the presence or absence of actual cumulative environmental impacts and restoration, and there is no standardized method for judging cumulative environmental impacts. With our [...] Read more.

Countless studies have been conducted on cumulative environmental impacts, but not many have been performed on specific cases of the presence or absence of actual cumulative environmental impacts and restoration, and there is no standardized method for judging cumulative environmental impacts. With our study, we aimed to fill this research gap. We methodologically propose that environmental impacts and restoration can be intuitively expressed by measuring alpha diversity, beta diversity, and gamma diversity in avian fauna. We hope that our proposal will enable many researchers to apply these measurements not only to wind power projects but also various others. This will let them move away from data-less claims and rather track changes in environmental impacts with objective data, considering cumulative environmental impacts and recovery of impacts over time. The results showed that there were changes in the three types of diversity due to the development of wind power complexes on mountain ridges during construction, and the environment was restored over several years. In conclusion, cumulative environmental impacts due to the development of wind power complexes on mountain ridges were not found when limited to avifauna, and impacts due to construction showed a pattern of restoration after construction. There were also cases where restoration occurred even during construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environments: 10 Years of Science Together)

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34 pages, 897 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Driven Circular Waste Management Tool for Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in Healthcare Facilities

by Maria Assunta Cappelli, Eva Cappelli and Francesco Cappelli

Environments 2025, 12(9), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090295 - 27 Aug 2025

Abstract

The increasing complexity in hospital waste management requires innovative solutions that integrate sustainability and regulatory compliance. This study proposes an AI-based decision tool to support the circular management of healthcare waste. The approach combines two key elements: (i) the systematic qualitative analysis of [...] Read more.

The increasing complexity in hospital waste management requires innovative solutions that integrate sustainability and regulatory compliance. This study proposes an AI-based decision tool to support the circular management of healthcare waste. The approach combines two key elements: (i) the systematic qualitative analysis of international, European, and national regulations, scientific literature, and best practices aimed at identifying strategic actions; (ii) the prioritization of these actions through machine learning, using a Random Forest classifier. We identified 55 actions, grouped into 13 thematic areas, and used them as input variables to assess their impact on regulatory compliance. The variable importance analysis allowed us to classify actions according to their strategic relevance, guiding the structure of the tool and its user interface. Validation, conducted on four simulated case studies, demonstrated the system’s ability to improve compliance monitoring, operational efficiency, and the implementation of circular economy and Zero-Waste strategies. The proposed model represents a scalable and evidence-based solution capable of supporting the ecological transition of healthcare facilities in line with EU directives and the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environments: 10 Years of Science Together)

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22 pages, 4496 KB

Open AccessReview

Challenges and Disadvantages of PVA-Based Media Application in Wastewater Treatment: A Mini-Review

by Tamás Kloknicer, Anita Szabó, Dániel Benjámin Sándor and Genoveva Filipcsei

Environments 2025, 12(9), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090294 - 26 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this mini-review, we compiled various types of Polyvinyl-alcohol-based hydrogel construction recipes and methodologies, categorizing them based on their added materials or production methods for wastewater applications. This classification is vital for identifying recipes that require improvement in future research and for analyzing [...] Read more.

In this mini-review, we compiled various types of Polyvinyl-alcohol-based hydrogel construction recipes and methodologies, categorizing them based on their added materials or production methods for wastewater applications. This classification is vital for identifying recipes that require improvement in future research and for analyzing their practical parameters, such as durability, surface area, and cleaning efficiency. To evaluate their potential for long-term use, we examined the durability of these groups. D- and E-type media demonstrated notable durability, exhibiting lower degradation rates compared to A- and B-types. Additionally, we gathered information on the measuring technologies available for assessing the specific surface area of these media, a crucial parameter for both biological and adsorbent applications. Based on the available data, we recommend enhancing the quality and quantity of measurements by integrating and improving microscopic analysis and adsorption techniques. Furthermore, these hydrogels showed superior cleaning capacities compared to traditional carriers, with D- and E-types excelling in adsorption capabilities, while the C-type exhibited exceptional potential for biological treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Wastewater Treatment)

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21 pages, 6909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ambient Temperature on NO_x Emissions from Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles Measured in Utah

by Amber L. Gurecki Allen, Darrell B. Sonntag and Gary A. Bishop

Environments 2025, 12(9), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090293 - 26 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of ambient temperature on NO_x (NO + NO₂) emissions from model year 2011 and later heavy-duty (HD) diesel vehicles. Emission measurements were collected in Perry, Utah, using the Fuel Efficiency Automobile Test (FEAT) remote sensing [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effects of ambient temperature on NO_x (NO + NO₂) emissions from model year 2011 and later heavy-duty (HD) diesel vehicles. Emission measurements were collected in Perry, Utah, using the Fuel Efficiency Automobile Test (FEAT) remote sensing device. Data were limited to model year 2011 and later to focus on vehicles likely equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, which control tailpipe NO_x emissions and are shown to be temperature sensitive. HD diesel vehicles measured in the winter of 2020 had consistently higher NO_x emissions than those measured in the summer of 2023, most significantly for vehicles aged 0 to 3. A non-linear model fit to the data that accounts for age effects, predicts fleet-average NO_x emissions to be two times higher at colder ambient temperatures (−4.4 °C, 24 °F) than warmer ambient temperatures (28.1 °C, 82.5 °F). The temperature effect from this study supports temperature effects observed in other studies measuring real-world emissions from HD diesel vehicles. One possible improvement to the accuracy of NO_x emission inventories could be including a temperature effect for SCR-equipped HD diesel vehicles. Full article

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4 pages, 143 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Charting Future Directions in Urban and Industrial Air Pollution Research

by Valerio Paolini and Francesco Petracchini

Environments 2025, 12(9), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090292 - 25 Aug 2025

Viewed by 126

Abstract

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, particularly in urban and industrial settings, where high population densities and concentrated anthropogenic activities intersect [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)

9 pages, 529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Backward and Historical PFOA Exposure Estimation in an Adult Population Highly Exposed in the Veneto Region

by Patrizia Bartolotta, Alan Ducatman, Enrico Ioverno, Armando Olivieri and Mario Saugo

Environments 2025, 12(9), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090291 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 329

Abstract

This research letter reviews the recorded serum values obtained following the detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) water contamination in Veneto, which are underestimations of the true extent of the internal contamination experienced by the exposed populations. The most likely peak serum concentrations were [...] Read more.

This research letter reviews the recorded serum values obtained following the detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) water contamination in Veneto, which are underestimations of the true extent of the internal contamination experienced by the exposed populations. The most likely peak serum concentrations were in a range with a median of 136.0 and an intequartile( IQR )of 64.8–258.3 ng/mL for young males and a median of 74.5 and an IQR of 22.6–167.4 ng/mL for young females, compared to the median serum PFOA contamination that was finally detected (64.1 for males and 30.2 ng/mL for females, respectively) when blood samples were drawn. This was 27 months after the implementation of the single granular activated carbon drinking water filtration and 30 months after the disclosure of the heavy drinking water contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)

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Environments, Volume 12, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 11 articles

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