Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060330

Authors: Valentina-Andreea Petre Camelia Ungureanu Stefania Gheorghe Florentina-Laura Chiriac

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants of concern in aquatic environments because of their stability, mobility, and resistance to conventional degradation. This review examines PFAS remediation technologies in water and wastewater treatment, with emphasis on membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and biological approaches. Although many studies have reported high removal efficiencies, the limitations of these techniques are numerous, including membrane fouling, high energy consumption, incomplete destruction, formation of short-chain transformation products, and the management of concentrated residual streams. As a result, PFAS remain bioavailable in receiving waters for biological uptake, leading to ecological consequences in aquatic systems. PFAS can enter organisms through water, diet, sediment contact, and maternal transfer, and their bioaccumulation is associated with growth inhibition, developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, neurobehavioral changes, and hepatic damage. These effects can persist even when treatment systems achieve reductions in water concentrations. Therefore, PFAS management should be assessed not only by removal efficiency but also by the capacity of treatment systems to reduce trophic exposure in food webs.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060329

Authors: Marco Casazza

Immovable cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and long-standing landscape structures, is typically interpreted through historical, aesthetic, and identity-based perspectives. This paper proposes an alternative reading, situating heritage within the broader context of coupled environmental, biological, and human systems. Grounded in non-equilibrium thermodynamics and system ecology, the study advances an ecophysical perspective in which heritage is understood as a persistent structural and informational component of the human niche. Drawing on evidence from building physics, landscape ecology, environmental psychology, and health-related research, this paper discusses the scientific plausibility of heritage-mediated effects, including environmental buffering, habitat stabilization, and cognitive and physiological regulation. These heterogeneous processes are reinterpreted within a unified conceptual framework, HEROS (HERitage One Health System), which links observable indicators to underlying mechanisms of organization and dissipation. A simplified stock–flow formulation, consistent with ecophysics and system ecology literature, is introduced to illustrate how heritage may influence dissipation across environmental, animal, and human subsystems. Rather than presenting a fully operational model, this perspective aims to reposition heritage within One Health and sustainability frameworks, highlighting its potential role in supporting system stability, resilience, and long-term continuity.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060328

Authors: Mpendulo Wiseman Mamba Delson Chikobvu

This study uses and compares stationary and non-stationary Generalised Extreme Value Distribution (GEVD) to model the behaviour of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emission maxima from each of 13 Eskom’s coal-fuelled power stations. The pollutant is modelled to facilitate monitoring and regulation in order to protect public health and the environment. The Maximum Likelihood Estimate (MLE) and Generalised Maximum Likelihood Estimate (GMLE) parameter estimation methods are used and compared in finding the best-fitting model per power station. The results show that a non-stationary model with time-dependent location and/or scale parameter(s) produced the best fit for ten of the power stations, while a stationary model gave the best fit for three, as confirmed by the diagnostic tools. Future extremely high NO2 emissions were estimated by making use of the 40 and 100 quarter return levels based on the best-fitting models. This study shows how stationarity may not hold for all NO2 emission data from Eskom’s coal-fired power stations. Modelling data using time-dependent non-stationary GEVD models can be useful, especially in identifying and predicting trends or patterns in worsening high NO2 emissions with time. This modelling approach is important in providing information for planning and policy formulation of extreme emissions from coal-fired electricity-generating power stations at Eskom (South Africa).

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060327

Authors: Clarissa Settimi Daniela Zingaretti Renato Baciocchi Iason Verginelli

This review presents a process-based decision-making framework for chlorinated vapor intrusion (CVI) mitigation. CVI mitigation refers to the set of engineered strategies aimed at interrupting, attenuating or transforming vapor fluxes before they reach indoor environments. Existing literature and technical guidelines typically classify mitigation strategies according to technological configuration (active versus passive), rather than physical and chemical processes governing vapor transport and attenuation, which may lead to suboptimal design choices and reduced system resilience. To address this limitation, this framework proposes a process-based classification of CVI mitigation strategies based on the dominant mechanisms controlling vapor migration in subsurface. Five mechanistic categories are identified: driving-force control through pressure manipulation, dilution via air exchange, diffusive flux control through physical barriers, density-driven attenuation in permeable sub-slab layers, and in situ transformation based on sorption or degradation. By explicitly linking mitigation technologies to transport and transformation processes, the proposed framework provides a structured basis for mechanism-oriented selection, integrating performance, longevity, climate resilience, and lifecycle energy demand. In addition to established mitigation approaches, such as sub-slab depressurization, this work highlights emerging passive strategies, including high permeable granular layers and horizontal reactive or adsorbing barriers, as potential low-energy alternatives for durable management. Overall, the proposed framework supports site-specific, sustainability-oriented decision-making on CVI mitigation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060326

Authors: Armadi Wijaya Kusuma Michael Christian Danial Thaib Christian Haposan Pangaribuan

Environmental governance plays a critical role in shaping the effectiveness of sustainability certification implementation in perennial plantation systems, particularly in oil palm plantation landscapes associated with forest transformation and socio-ecological risks. In Indonesia, the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) scheme functions as a mandatory certification system aimed at strengthening environmental accountability. However, variations in implementation outcomes suggest that compliance alone does not guarantee effective certification implementation. This study examines how internal governance mechanisms shape ISPO implementation within a specific plantation organizational context by focusing on the transition from compliance-oriented practices to sustainability-oriented commitment. Using survey data from an ISPO-certified plantation in West Kalimantan and applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the study tests a mediation model linking green training effectiveness, sustainable work environment, and environmental compliance transparency to certification outcomes through corporate environmental commitment. The results show that Corporate Environmental Commitment fully mediates the effects of Green Training Effectiveness and Sustainable Work Environment on ISPO Implementation Success, indicating that organizational conditions contribute to certification effectiveness only when they are translated into governance commitment. In contrast, Environmental Compliance Transparency does not significantly influence commitment formation or certification outcomes. These findings suggest that effective certification implementation depends less on procedural compliance and more on the internalization of environmental priorities into organizational governance routines. The study contributes to the environmental governance literature by demonstrating that sustainability certification effectiveness emerges through governance internalization processes rather than through organizational practices alone.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060325

Authors: Davide Cattelani Mattia Sbaffi Annalisa Polledri Fabio Cella Serena Chiara Tarantino Maria Pia Riccardi Anna Maria Ferrari Roberto Rosa

The European Union produces approximately 8 million tons (dry matter) of sewage sludge annually. Conventional management approaches, such as landfilling and incineration, pose significant environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant dispersion. This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of an innovative sludge recovery pathway, Hydrothermal Dewatering (HTD), developed and validated within the LIFE FREEDOM project. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted on a pilot plant treating 1000 tons of sewage sludge. The quantitative results reveal that the HTD process generates a total climate change impact of 8.95 × 104 kg CO2 eq per functional unit (1000 t). The heating and reaction phase represents the main environmental hotspot, accounting for 92.9% of the overall single-score impact. Crucially, comparative analyses indicate that the HTD process exhibits statistically comparable aggregated impacts to incineration and landfilling, while demonstrating distinct environmental advantages in specific midpoint categories. Furthermore, the assessment of the solid residue (HTD-cake) as a 10 wt% substitute for natural clay in brick manufacturing confirmed the absence of environmental burden shifting. Overall, the findings quantitatively validate HTD as a viable and competitive alternative to traditional end-of-life options.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060324

Authors: Alfredo Fernández-Enríquez Giorgio Anfuso Edna Hernández González

Landscape, understood as the multisensory perception of our surroundings, is a fundamental component of quality of life and, as such, must be evaluated. Among the methodologies for evaluating the visual quality of landscapes, the Coastal Scenic Evaluation System (CSES) stands out. This paper focuses on the coastal landscape of Brittany, with the aim of evaluating its visual quality and how it relates to human and natural factors, as well as protected natural areas. The 93 sample sites are distributed in Class I: 13 sites, Class II: 35 sites, Class III: 35 sites, Class IV: 7 sites and just 3 sites in Class V. These results clearly indicate the high scenic quality of the studied coast, which is driven by its intrinsic natural characteristics and low level of urbanization.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060323

Authors: Nadya Diva Sagita Maulana Yusup Rosadi Wenjiao Li Luthfan Nur Habibi Yongfen Wei Fusheng Li

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are increasingly recognized as a concern in drinking water, yet the factors influencing their persistence from raw to finished water in drinking water treatment plants remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence, removal, and potential factors associated with the persistence of ARGs (sul1, sul2, and tetG) in a full-scale rapid sand filtration drinking water treatment system with intermediate and post-chlorination. ARGs were detected in raw water at a median total concentration of 106 copies/L and remained detectable in finished water at 104 copies/L. Relative ARG abundance increased after treatment despite substantial absolute reductions (2.1–3.6 log). Intermediate chlorination achieved the greatest ARG log reduction value (0.53–2.4 log), likely due to higher chlorine dose and lower pH favoring HOCl formation. By contrast, post-chlorination at higher pH provided limited additional removal, possibly due to predominance of less reactive OCl− and survival of chlorine-tolerant bacteria. Multivariate analyses showed a shift from particle-bound ARGs in raw water to dissolved organic matter (DOM) and fine-particle-associated fractions along the treatment train. These findings suggest that reducing fine particles and DOM, together with optimized disinfection, may help lower ARG-associated risk in finished water.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060322

Authors: Luqman Chuah Abdullah Tengku Nilam Baizura Tengku Ibrahim Siti Zaharah Rosli Nazahatul Anis Amaludin Mohd Azwan Ahmad

Peat soils play a key role in the global terrestrial carbon pool, water regulation, and ecosystem stability, making them central to environmental protection and climate resilience policies. This study offers a thorough bibliometric mapping and scientific overview for the development path and intellectual structure of peat soil research from 2015 to 2025. Using the Scopus database, 1558 records were systematically analyzed with VOSviewer and an R-package to reveal publication trends, country/region collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence clusters, and citation structures. Peat research is increasingly focused on carbon storage, peatland degradation and restoration, greenhouse gas emissions, land-use change, and climate mitigation. High citation rates of 651 in Nature Climate Change show strong interdisciplinary integration of soil science, ecology, hydrology, and climate science. Major contributions come from regions with extensive peatlands, like Southeast Asia and Northern Europe, highlighting their global climate importance. However, there are still missing links remaining between scientific research and practical peatland management and restoration. Future research should focus on long-term field studies, socio-ecological peatland governance, and nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience. This study serves as a reference for researchers, environmental managers, and policymakers promoting sustainable peat soil management amid global environmental change.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060321

Authors: Griselda González-Cardoso Brenda Anita-Lanche Sylvie Jeanne Turpin-Marion Alethia Vázquez-Morillas

Food production has significant environmental impacts, particularly those associated with animal-based products. One often overlooked aspect is the contribution of waste generated during food preparation and handling. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the environmental performance of two menus, one animal-based protein and the other on predominantly plant-based protein. The assessment included ingredient production, transportation, food preparation, and waste management. The functional unit was defined as “serving one meal to a student, consisting of a three-course menu”. The dataset corresponding to the inputs and outputs of each system was obtained from the Ecoinvent database (version 3.10), implemented in SimaPro v10.3.0.4. Impact categories were assessed using the ReCiPe Midpoint method. A total of 18 impact categories were evaluated, of which four were analyzed in greater detail. The results show that, for the animal-based menu, ecotoxicity is concentrated in a single dominant process—intensive pig production—whereas, for the plant-based menu, it is distributed across multiple secondary processes, primarily municipal solid waste management and industrial processing. Similar results were observed for global warming. Under the evaluated conditions, the assessment revealed that the plant-based menu had a higher environmental impact than the animal-based menu. Because this study included waste management and packaging, the environmental impact of the plant-based menu increased significantly.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060320

Authors: Warisara Tundam Parkin Maskulrath Kittichai Duangmal Satreethai Poommai Onanong Phewnil Yibo Liu Siqing Zhang Wladyslaw Witold Szymanski Piyanuch Jaikaew Tasuku Kato Juntariga Boonphue

Rice cultivation commonly employs the continuous flooding (CF) method, which depends heavily on water availability creating anaerobic conditions for methane (CH4) emissions. Rainfed rice areas rely on precipitation for irrigation, making the system sensitive to climatic variability. This study examines associations between ENSO phases and satellite-observed atmospheric XCH4 variability over Thailand using GOSAT as the primary long-term dataset from 2012 to 2022, with Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI used as a supporting dataset for recent spatial patterns. The analysis conducted covers three cropping seasons: (1) January–April, (2) May–August, and (3) September–December. The results indicate comparable average atmospheric methane concentrations of 1787.94 ± 11.50 XCH4 (ppb) during El Niño, 1788.8 ± 11.22 XCH4 (ppb) in neutral conditions, and 1793.45 ± 10.93 XCH4 (ppb) during La Niña. The obtained data indicate a seasonal variability, with the highest satellite-observed XCH4 values found during September–December, corresponding to the main growing period of wet-season rice. The results suggest that climate change amplifies these anomalies through altered precipitation patterns and water availability. Current rice cultivation practices warrant reconsideration, in particular the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method, offering reduced CH4 emissions while conserving water resources. This underscores the importance of water management strategies for sustainable rice production and resilience to climate variability.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060319

Authors: Adeola Shogbaike Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi

Background: Heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental pollutants that have been linked to worsening cognition, but how the two classes act together to shape cognitive function is still not well characterized. Drawing on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this observational analysis evaluated how PFAS and metals are jointly related to performance across distinct cognitive domains in older adults. Methods: We analyzed 1447 adults aged 60 years and older from the 2011–2012 NHANES cycle in a cross-sectional design study. Metal levels in serum and whole blood were determined with standardized laboratory assays. Associations of single exposures and of the overall mixture with the CERAD word-learning and recall tasks, Animal Fluency, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test were assessed using multivariable linear regression, together with Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). Results: Single-exposure models produced largely modest and inconsistent associations across the cognitive measures. Within the mixture models, PFAS, especially PFOA, PFDE, and PFOS, were repeatedly flagged as influential across several domains, whereas the metals tended to matter for specific outcomes only. The strongest negative signals at elevated joint exposure emerged for memory-related measures, notably CERAD Trials 1 and 2. Conclusions: Joint exposure to PFAS and heavy metals appears to influence cognitive domains unevenly, with memory-related measures seeming more responsive as combined exposure rises. These results reinforce the value of mixture-oriented analytic strategies when investigating environmental contaminants in relation to cognitive aging.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060318

Authors: Patrizia Guidi Joachim Sturve Mara Palumbo Marta Gabriele Margherita Bernardeschi Bethanie Carney Almroth Giada Frenzilli

The potential effects of microplastics (MPs) on humans and ecosystems are of great concern, and it has been reported that the ingestion of contaminated food is the main route of exposure. In the present study, Perca fluviatilis was selected as a vertebrate model to evaluate the possible cellular effects induced by five different plastic polymers and car tire debris (CT) after 4- and 7-month exposure periods. The Cytome assay was chosen to check chromatin alteration in perch’s peripheral blood. The results indicated an increase in micronuclei and cytotoxic effect in specimens co-exposed to MPs + CT for 7 months. Increases in dicentric chromosomes were observed in specimens exposed both to MPs alone and to the mixture of MPs + CT, indicating for the first time a genotoxic effect induced by CT debris in fish in terms of structural aberrations. Increases in micronucleated erythrocyte frequency assessed after 7 months only after the addition of CT debris to the mixture of MPs might suggest an aneugenic action of CT in fish. In the same groups, the higher values of frequency in 8-shaped erythrocytes also indicate possible cell cycle toxicity exerted by CT exposure. An association between total erythrocyte nuclear morphology abnormalities (ENA) and glutathione reductase activity was also found, indicating a potential involvement of oxidative processes in modulating the genotoxicity observed. The present experimental model is a useful tool to study cellular mechanisms related to both MP- and CT-induced chromatin structure alterations indicating possible interference with human health as well.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060317

Authors: Maria V. Makarova Vladimir S. Kostsov Anastasia A. Kuznetsova Eugene F. Mikhailov Dmitry V. Ionov

The atmospheric air quality is one of the crucial factors determining people’s health, duration and quality of life. The importance of ammonia (NH3) and ethylene (C2H4) is due to the fact that they are precursors of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and phytotoxicants, which significantly affect air quality, cause human diseases and damage plants. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry is a powerful tool for long-term monitoring of the atmospheric gas composition, including toxic gases. The paper presents the results of atmospheric FTIR measurements of NH3 and C2H4 at the St. Petersburg State University observational site (59.88° N, 29.83° E, 20 m above sea level) located in a suburb of greater Saint Petersburg. This work demonstrates the applicability of the ground-based atmospheric FTIR spectroscopy to long-term monitoring of air pollution in urbanized areas and in particular to provide information on the NH3 and C2H4 abundance in the atmosphere, including the analysis of their annual cycle, long-term trends, and positive anomalies. It was shown that for NH3 and C2H4, a statistically significant decrease in column-averaged dry-air mole fraction values (XNH3 and XC2H4) was observed, amounting to (−2.3 ± 0.2)%/year for the 2009–2025 period and with the rate (−2.2 ± 0.4)%/year for the 2016–2025 period, respectively. Periodically recorded XNH3 anomalies indicate the presence of intensive emission sources in the region, subjecting ecosystems in adjacent areas to constant exposure to NH3 concentrations exceeding the critical level. Anomalously high values of XNH3 and XC2H4 were recorded simultaneously only once—on 17 October 2017. Using data on HCN total column (as a forest fire indicator) and the results of atmospheric dispersion modeling, it was shown that this pollution event was caused by the influence of biomass burning products emitted from wildfires located approximately 250 km to the north-west from the observational site in the Helsinki area (Finland).

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060316

Authors: Marco Monticelli Martina Coletta Alessandro Mascaretti Leonardo Salvatori Aurora Torresi Mario Marconi Antonietta La Terza

The need for reliable biological indicators to support soil biomonitoring is increasing, particularly in agricultural systems where management practices and environmental pressures interact to influence soil ecological integrity. Among soil fauna-based indicators that measure soil health, the Soil Biological Quality indices based on microarthropods (QBS-ar) and earthworms (QBS-e) provide functional measures of soil condition, however their combined application remains largely unexplored. In this study, for the first time both indices were applied simultaneously to assess soil biological quality in the same agroecosystem. The context was that of contrasting agricultural systems (strip cropping vs. pure stands) in a real-farm experimental set-up. Additional biological variables and soil physico-chemical parameters were also considered. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlations, linear mixed-effect models (LMMs), and redundancy analysis (RDA). QBS-ar and QBS-e showed contrasting responses to management systems, with higher QBS-ar values under strip cropping and higher QBS-e values in pure stands. No significant relationship was observed between the two indices. Multivariate analyses indicated that both indices were significantly influenced by management and environmental variables, although with different patterns of association. QBS-ar appeared more responsive to variation in topsoil conditions, whereas QBS-e was associated with broader soil properties and seasonal community dynamics. These results indicate that QBS-ar and QBS-e capture complementary aspects of soil biological quality and should not be used interchangeably. Their combined use improves the interpretation of soil biological responses to agricultural management and associated environmental pressures. Overall, this study highlights the potential of soil fauna-based indices as practical tools for biomonitoring in agroecosystems and supports further exploration on the comparative responses of biological indexes.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060315

Authors: Mariateresa Oliva Federica Marra Ludovica Santoro Angela Maffia Santo Battaglia Emilio Attinà Carmelo Mallamaci Adele Muscolo

Soil degradation and organic matter depletion threaten the sustainability of Mediterranean agroecosystems, highlighting the need for effective and sustainable soil restoration strategies. This study evaluated the short-term effects of composts and vermicomposts derived from chestnut sawdust and food waste on soil functionality and broccoli quality under field conditions using a multi-indicator assessment framework. Six fertilization treatments, including composts, vermicomposts, horse manure, mineral NPK fertilization, and an unfertilized control, were tested in broccoli-cultivated plots. Organic amendments significantly improved soil chemical, biochemical, and biological properties compared with mineral fertilization and the unfertilized control. Vermicompost 10/90 (10% sawdust:90% wet waste) produced the strongest effects, increasing soil organic carbon and organic matter by about 85%, cation exchange capacity by 45%, and dehydrogenase activity by 83% compared with the unfertilized control. Compost and vermicompost treatments also enhanced microbial biomass carbon, enzymatic activities, and QBS-ar values, indicating improved soil biological quality and microarthropod diversity. Broccoli quality was significantly influenced by fertilization regime. Vermicompost 10/90 increased vitamin C by 154%, vitamin E by 54%, total proteins by 18%, and total carbohydrates by 17% compared with the unfertilized control. Organic amendments also enhanced total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity relative to NPK and control treatments. Principal component and correlation analyses revealed strong positive relationships among organic matter accumulation, microbial activity, enzymatic processes, soil biodiversity, and crop nutritional quality. Overall, the integrated multi-indicator approach demonstrated that waste-derived organic amendments improve soil functionality and crop quality simultaneously, supporting their use as sustainable tools for circular and resilient Mediterranean agricultural systems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060314

Authors: Bobita Payeng Ranjit Kumar Paul Md. Yeasin Animesh Sarkar C. S. Maiti Saumik Panja Manoj Dutta Rusha Pal Diganta Deka Harisadhan Malakar Jintu Dutta Jiban Saikia Sagarika Das Tanmoy Karak

This study examines the effects of climatic variability on bacterial and fungal populations, as well as enzymatic activities innutrient-rich, organic soils that support tea plants (Camellia sinensis L). Conducted from 2016 to 2019 across five district tea estates (TEs) in the Jorhat district of Assam, India, this research investigates the intricate relationships among these parameters. The findings indicate that bacterial and fungal communities exhibit optimal growth within a temperature range of 18 to 30 °C, establishing a critical threshold for their metabolic activity. A significant positive correlation was observed between the abundance of these microbial populations and the corresponding soil enzymatic activities, underscoring the essential role of these robust microbial communities in sustaining vital soil processes. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified two distinct groups of TEs that displayed consistent patterns of microbial behaviour across varying seasonal conditions. Furthermore, principal component analysis demonstrated that the first three principal components accounted for over 80% of the variability observed in the microbial and enzymatic data sets. This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between seasonal fluctuations and soil health, highlighting the crucial contributions of bacterial and fungal populations, along with their enzymatic activities, to the complex ecosystem underlying tea cultivation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060313

Authors: Mithushi Wickramasinghe Bre-Anne Sainsbury Susanga Costa

End-of-life tyres present a significant waste management challenge, prompting increasing interest in the use of tyre-derived materials in engineering applications. This review critically evaluates the performance of tyre-derived materials across concrete, asphalt, geotechnical, and mining systems with emphasis on application-specific engineering trade-offs. The reviewed literature shows that tyre-derived materials commonly reduce compressive strength and stiffness, particularly in cementitious systems, due to their weak interfacial bonding and increased porosity. However, these reductions are often accompanied by improvements in ductility, energy absorption, crack resistance, damping behaviour, tolerance during deformation, and post-cracking integrity. The magnitude of these responses strongly depends on rubber size, content, material origin, and interaction with the host matrix. Mining backfill applications show emerging potential, with tyre-derived inclusions improving brittle to ductile transition behaviour and residual integrity in cemented rock fill systems, although current evidence remains largely laboratory-based. Overall, the review demonstrates that tyre-derived materials should be evaluated according to application-specific performance requirements rather than strength-based criteria alone, while environmental benefits should be assessed on individual cases separately.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060312

Authors: Gurminderjeet S. Jagdev Mark D. Evans M. Carmen Lobo-Bedmar Tiziana Sgamma Antonio Peña-Fernández

Urban and rural green spaces can accumulate potentially toxic elements in topsoil and support wild mushrooms that concentrate metals. This study quantified Cd, Cu, and Zn in topsoil and naturally growing wild mushrooms from Leicestershire, UK, and evaluated spatial patterns, species- and tissue-specific accumulation, apparent soil-to-fungus transfer, and a screening dietary exposure scenario. Samples were acid-digested and analysed by ICP-MS; left-censored data were treated using R/NADA, and apparent bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated from matched quadrant-level medians. Urban topsoils showed higher median Cu and Zn than rural topsoils, whereas Cd medians were similar; the SW quadrant had the highest topsoil medians for all three metals. Mushroom patterns were more heterogeneous: SW had the highest median Cd (3.15 mg kg−1 dw), while NW had the highest median Cu and Zn, particularly Zn (301.29 mg kg−1 dw). Agaricus bitorquis caps showed the highest median Cd and Cu among retained taxa, whereas Mycena citrinomarginata showed the highest median Zn. Cd showed the strongest apparent transfer, with a pooled urban BCF of 4.66. Median Cd concentrations were below the approximate dry-weight equivalent of the European maximum level for wild fungi, although some A. bitorquis caps exceeded it. Occasional adult-consumption estimates remained below selected health-based guidance values. Wild mushrooms provide useful complementary biomonitors of biologically expressed metal availability in public green spaces.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060311

Authors: Shamshuddin Jusop Qurban Ali Panhwar Mohd Firdaus Mohd Anuar Umme Aminun Naher Mohd Shafar Jefri Mokhatar

Malaysia plans to produce 80% of its rice requirement by 2030. To achieve the plan, new agronomic approaches have to be put in place to enhance the fertility of rice soils in the country. One of the options is to turn the infertile acid sulfate soils endemic in the low-lying coastal plains of Peninsular Malaysia into a new granary area. Using traditional agro-techs, rice yield in the area is below the national average of 4 t/ha/season. The low yield is due to soil acidity stress (pH < 4) together with Al3+ and/or Fe2+ toxicity. The critical pH for rice is 6, while the respective critical Al3+ and Fe2+ concentrations are 5.2 µM and 14.6 µM. The adverse conditions contributing to yield reduction can be resolved by applying appropriate soil amendments known to raise water pH, eliminating the toxic cations. The recommended agronomic practice is to apply ground magnesium limestone (GML) or ground basalt, or better still, apply GML or ground basalt in combination with bio-fertilizer, fortified with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). The PSB increases water pH as well as helps rice plants secrete organic acids that reduce the toxic effects of Al3+ and Fe2+ via chelation. When pH rises >5, the toxic metals are precipitated, forming inert hydroxides. Ultimately, rice yield can be increased from 3 to 5 t/ha/season, which can last more than three consecutive cropping seasons. If this agro-tech is adopted throughout ASEAN, food security in the region will be sustained.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060310

Authors: Binbin Yang Yidan Yin

Soil degradation is caused by frequent extreme weather events. The acceleration of soil degradation is due to the development of soil fissures, which form additional channels for water evaporation. This article investigates the effects of different concentrations of xanthan gum on soil water retention and crack resistance. The results indicate that xanthan gum slows down soil cracking and effectively enhances soil crack resistance. This article defines the first batch of cracks that appear at the beginning of crack formation as “trunks”, cracks branching from the trunks as “branches”, and cracks splitting from the branches as “twigs”. As the content of xanthan gum increases, the trunks decrease and gradually turn into branches and twigs. Compared with soil with a xanthan gum content of 0.2%, the fractal dimension and fracture rate of soil samples decreased by 8.62%, 26.83%, and 35.45% and 2.75%, 13.74%, and 20.88%, respectively, when the xanthan content was 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. The final residual water content of the soil increased by 30%, 142%, and 192.5%, respectively. Compared with soil with a xanthan gum content of 0.8%, soil with a xanthan gum concentration of 0.2% showed a 150% increase in deceleration phase time. Xanthan gum affects the evaporation process and fracture behavior by altering the pore volume of the soil and generating biological aggregates. This study provides new ideas for the use of xanthan gum in solving soil cracking caused by dryness and water-retention problems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060309

Authors: Ravikumar Ragul Ponnusamy Ramesh Arunachalam Ganeshmani Sumathy Shunmugam Markandan Manickavasagam Nooruddin Thajuddin Chelliah Koventhan Gangatharan Muralitharan An-Ya Lo

This study assesses the aptitude of heterocystous cyanobacterial strain Dolichospermum spiroides MBDU 903 in integrated wastewater treatment and biofuel production at a laboratory scale. The efficiency of the strain was assessed based on pigment accumulation, growth kinetics, nutrient remediation efficiency, and biodiesel fuel quality. The results demonstrated that the biomass productivity of D. spiroides MBDU 903 ranged from 69.27 to 167.08 mg L−1 day−1 across various nutrient regimes, achieving a maximum lipid content of 31% (w/w). Cultivation in municipal wastewater with BG11+ (50% v/v) yielded the highest pigment production biomass. The physicochemical properties of the derived biodiesel were estimated from gas chromatography-derived fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles. Furthermore, the biorefinery potential was explored as a proof-of-concept by fermenting the post-transesterification residual biomass with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yielding 14.5 mg/g of bioethanol from the pretreated residue. While a 10 L pilot-scale trial was conducted, significant productivity drops suggest that further optimization is required to bridge the gap between laboratory results and practical application. This study provides a baseline evaluation of the dual-fuel potential of a heterocystous cyanobacterium under wastewater-integrated conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060308

Authors: Omogbolade L. Adepitan Oluwaseyi O. Alabi Oluwatoyin J. Gbadeyan Aikigbe Ilobekemen Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju

Logistics, as a vital component of economic growth, relies on fossil fuel burning, which accelerates carbon emissions into the atmosphere and harms the environment. Logistics, encompassing transportation, warehousing, and supply chain operations, is among the fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions globally, contributing significantly to GHG emissions. Climate change causes forced migration, extinctions, natural disasters, and health problems that disrupt the ecosystem’s dynamics. This work aims to critically examine the current palliative measures to limit the negative impact on global climate change while also methodically examining various aspects of the human world affected by the growing rate of carbon emissions globally, as the world turns to low-carbon economics as a powerful and inventive way to mitigate the climate crisis from carbon emissions. Under themes such as climate impacts, ecological disruption, socioeconomic ramifications, health implications, and mitigation techniques, a broad range of integrated publications focused on logistics and climate-related concerns were examined. The final section of the document emphasises the significance of zero emissions and outlines the regulations set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It also makes a strong case for investing in sustainable and cutting-edge technologies in order to quickly achieve favourable global climate conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060307

Authors: Ruth Kerry Tucker Howey Kirsten Sanders Ben Ingram Joshua J. LeMonte

Particulate matter pollution in northern Utah comes from various sources, including industry, traffic and the western desert, plus dried shoreline sediments of the Great Salt Lake (GSL). Particulate matter air pollution, particularly that containing heavy metals, can have severe effects on human health. Since the high-water levels in the 1980s, the GSL has been drying and reached record low water levels in 2022. Accurate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PM2.5 and PM10 sensors within northern Utah are few. This makes the mapping of particulate matter air pollution difficult. We show spatial patterns in particulate matter air pollution using a combination of PM2.5 and PM10 levels from 7 years of Purple Air Network data (a network of inexpensive air quality sensors installed by private citizens or businesses) and atmospheric optical depth (AOD) data from Sentinel imagery. We also show that PM2.5 and PM10 levels are significantly higher on a regular basis within 10 km of the Great Salt Lake and close to Farmington and Bear River Bays, which are upwind of large population centers. The levels of heavy metals (arsenic, copper, lead and zinc) were particularly high for the Farmington Bay and Saltair study sites, and the percentage of silt-sized particles that are most susceptible to wind erosion was largest for Farmington Bay, which is upwind of large population centers. Links between heavy metal concentrations, particle size and PM air pollution and asthma outcomes are investigated. Closeness to the lake was a significant predictor of asthma emergency room visits in 2018–2022 but not in 2016.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060306

Authors: Berta García-Fernández Javier Fernández Bonilla

This study develops and applies a climate-based, user-centred and data-informed framework to assess lighting performance in educational buildings through the integrated use of daylight, high-efficiency LED systems and smart lighting controls. The research was conducted as a case study in university classrooms in Madrid, Spain, using a mixed-methods approach that combined in situ illuminance measurements, climate-based simulations with DIALux Evo 12.1, lighting energy assessment and structured user-perception surveys. The main objective was to quantify the dynamic interaction between daylight availability, electric lighting demand and perceived visual comfort, while assessing the energy-saving potential of daylight-responsive control strategies. Results show that the existing LED systems meet current illuminance requirements, with calculated lighting power density values ranging from 4.38 to 12.47 W/m2. However, the analysis also reveals that high daylight availability does not necessarily guarantee better lighting performance, since excessive or uneven daylight can generate spatial imbalance, glare risk, and reduced visual stability. Survey results confirmed a strong student preference for daylight and exterior views but also showed that visual task clarity and glare control remain essential for user-centred lighting design. Overall, the findings demonstrate that effective classroom lighting retrofits should move beyond LED replacement alone towards adaptive, daylight-driven and user-centred control strategies capable of reducing energy use while maintaining visual comfort in educational buildings under Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060305

Authors: Raul Todea Mircea Voiculescu

Snow avalanches are complex geomorphological processes that represent major natural hazards in mountain environments and result from the interaction between topographic, climatic, and human factors. This study represents the first attempt in Romania to analyze the role and contribution of these controlling factors in triggering avalanches within Bucegi Natural Park (Southern Carpathians). Two distinct sectors were identified based on their geographical characteristics. The High Glacial Sector, located in the northern part of the park, exceeds 2400–2500 m a.s.l. and is characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and harsh climatic conditions, and hosts ski touring and mountaineering activity. The second sector, the Sinaia ski area, lies between 1400 and 2100 m a.s.l., with cuesta relief and milder climate, where human influence is more pronounced in the form of ski touring and off-piste skiing. This study aims to analyze avalanche-influencing factors; identify differences between the two sectors; and evaluate risk management measures. The methodology integrates morphometric analysis, correlation of terrain attributes, hazard classification, and statistical analysis of avalanche events using mountain rescue data and climatic variables. The results indicate that avalanches in the high-altitude mountain sector are mainly controlled by natural factors, while in the Sinaia ski area, they are often triggered by human activity. Risk management measures remain limited and unevenly distributed.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060304

Authors: Ruslan Ya. Bajbulatov Oleg S. Sutormin

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soils remains a persistent environmental problem in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, where oil extraction, pipeline transportation, fuel storage, industrial legacy sites, and diesel-dependent infrastructure coexist with fragile cold-climate ecosystems. Remediation in these regions is constrained by low temperatures, short thaw seasons, permafrost, waterlogged active layers, slow vegetation recovery, limited infrastructure, and high mobilization costs, which limit the direct transferability of conventional temperate-zone technologies. This study presents a structured narrative review of international and Russian evidence on petroleum-contaminated soil management in cold regions, focusing on monitoring as a basis for remediation decision-making. Peer-reviewed studies, technical guidance documents, regulatory frameworks, and regional case studies were analyzed across key domains, including environmental constraints, hydrocarbon behavior, monitoring methodologies, and remediation technologies. Particular attention is given to chemical analysis, hydrocarbon fractionation, bioavailability-oriented methods, ecotoxicological bioassays, and microbial indicators as tools linking contamination assessment with remediation strategy selection. Reliance on total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration as a primary endpoint is shown to be insufficient, especially in cold-region soils where strong sorption and limited mass transfer decouple concentration from biological exposure. Multi-endpoint monitoring systems provide a more reliable basis for assessing contaminant risk, treatment effectiveness, and soil recovery. For the Russian Arctic, the integration of national recultivation frameworks with risk-based assessment and ecotoxicological monitoring is identified as a key pathway for improving remediation outcomes. A decision-oriented framework is proposed that links environmental conditions, contaminant properties, and monitoring data to support the selection and optimization of remediation strategies. This study supports a transition from concentration-based cleanup toward risk-informed and ecosystem-oriented management of petroleum-contaminated soils in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060303

Authors: Lyazzat Makhmudova Sayat Alimkulov Ainur Mussina Elmira Talipova Lyazzat Birimbayeva Gaukhar Baspakova Assel Abdullayeva Bakyt Imamova Alfiya Zagidullina Zhomart Birimbayev Tursyn Ibrayev Marina Li Oirat Alzhanov

Floods remain one of the most frequent and destructive natural phenomena, the scale and consequences of which are exacerbated by climate variability and anthropogenic pressure on river systems. The Yertis water basin (Kazakhstan) is an area with high exposure to flood risks, where the dense concentration of settlements and infrastructure is within floodplain areas. This study applies an integrated approach based on the integration of statistical methods for hydrological analysis and GIS-based spatial modeling to assess and delimit potential flood zones. Long-term series of maximum water levels and discharges from hydrological stations for the period 1974–2025 were analyzed using probability distribution functions, including the log-normal, Pearson Type III, and Gumbel distributions. The optimal distribution model for each station was selected based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit test and the Akaike information criterion. Exceedance-probability curves for extreme hydrological events were constructed for 0.1%, 1%, and 10% probabilities. Spatial flood modeling was performed in the ArcGIS 10.8 environment using a hydrologically corrected digital elevation model and interpolated flood levels. The resulting flood zone maps allow for the identification of the highest-risk areas and serve as a tool for scientifically based planning of emergency prevention measures and floodplain area management. The study contributes to the methodological development of probabilistic floodplain mapping through the integration of statistical frequency analysis and GIS technologies and demonstrates the applicability of this approach for flood hazard assessment in large transboundary river systems under conditions of climatic and hydrological variability.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060302

Authors: Huanhuan Zhang Dehao Tang Shengzhong Ma

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient that constrains primary productivity across approximately 50% of the global ocean, thereby regulating ocean–atmosphere carbon exchange and climate. Atmospheric deposition dominates the external supply of Fe to the open ocean, directly impacting marine biogeochemical cycles. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the sources of total and soluble aerosol Fe and on the key factors and mechanisms governing Fe solubility, including proton- and ligand-promoted dissolution, photoreduction, cloud processing, and their spatiotemporal variability. We critically evaluate the methodologies used to measure Fe solubility across studies, highlighting persistent uncertainties that arise from inconsistent extraction solutions, filter pore sizes, and leaching protocols. By identifying these challenges and integrating field observations, laboratory experiments, and model results, we aim to clarify the controls on atmospheric Fe solubility and provide a more robust assessment of its contribution to marine primary productivity and biogeochemistry.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060301

Authors: Mahdis Fallahi Stacy A. C. Nelson Joseph P. Roise Solomon Beyene M. Nils Peterson Peter V. Caldwell

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060300

Authors: Diya Chakravorty Maximilian Nawrath Wenting Chen Andrea Staccione Chiara Bidoli Doan Nainggolan Marianne Zandersen Hélène Rizzotti Andreas Tuerk

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly promoted in European policy for their potential to support climate adaptation and contribute to human health. Yet evidence on their health impacts remains fragmented across disciplines and limited to specific health outcomes or ecosystems. We carried out a systematic review of studies assessing the links between NbS and human health in Europe, covering multiple ecosystem types (agricultural, coastal, forest, mountain, urban, rural and freshwater ecosystems) and both mental and physical health outcomes. A total of 115 studies met the inclusion criteria and were concentrated in the United Kingdom (38%) and Spain (17%), with urban (45%) and forest (17%) ecosystems most frequently examined. Most studies evaluated Type 1 NbS (minimal intervention) and focused on adult populations (58%). Mental health outcomes were studied nearly twice as often as physical health, including positive mental health, circulatory diseases and mental and behavioural disorders. Nearly 88% of quantitative studies reported at least one positive association, whereas qualitative studies highlighted that perceived health benefits of NbS were often shaped by participants’ subjective experiences. Our findings emphasise the need for more longitudinal and experimental research designs, attention to NbS types and equity considerations, and better integration of human health into NbS planning and policy.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060299

Authors: Honglian Li Zhaohui Zhang Zhihui Wang

Overexploitation of lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) mines results in rock exposure and the dispersal of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) via runoff. These potentially toxic elements accumulate in degraded depressions (negative landforms), leading to severe pollution and creating an urgent need for monitoring and remediation. Thus, this study focuses on a typical abandoned funnel–shaped Mississippi Valley–Type (MVT) Pb–Zn mine pit located in Maomaochang, northwestern Guizhou, China. A quadratic polynomial model was used to analyze the response of bryophyte diversity to vertical pollution gradients, and RLQ analysis was applied to explore the key species–trait–environment relationships. Results showed that PTE concentrations (e.g., Mn, Zn, Cd) in moss tissues converged with those in the soil. A total of 58 species from 22 genera in 6 families were identified, dominated by the families Pottiaceae, Bryaceae, and Brachytheciaceae. Both species and functional diversity exhibited a U–shaped response to an increase of the Nemerow composite index PN (Z–score). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between PTEs and bryophyte distribution. Key bryophyte species showed distinct adaptations: in heavily polluted zones (e.g., pit bottom), Didymodon fallax (Hedw.) R. H. Zander displayed warted and curled leaves, whereas in lightly polluted zones (e.g., top), Plagiobryum zierii (Hedw.) Lindb. had smooth and flattened leaves. Overall, this study highlights that bryophytes possess potential bioindication capacity for environmental monitoring in this MVT Pb–Zn mine pit.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060298

Authors: Shuaibu Abdullahi Hudu Emad A. Morad Ghusun M. Alhazimi Abdulgafar Olayiwola Jimoh

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat that continues to concern scientists because it can be driven not only by antibiotic misuse but also by environmental factors. Mining-related heavy metal pollution can apply strong selective pressure on microbial communities, leading to a significant increase and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environmental ecosystems. Here, we critically review the emerging role of mining environments as hotspots of environmental resistomes and the mechanisms by which heavy metal contamination drives co-selection of antibiotic resistance. There is also evidence that mining environments, such as AMD systems, mine tailings, contaminated sediments, and mining-impacted soils, harbor highly diverse microbiomes enriched with different resistance determinants. Heavy metals such as copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic promote ARG co-selection through co-resistance, cross-resistance, and co-regulation mechanisms. Widespread co-occurrence of metal- and antibiotic-resistance genes on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, integrons, and transposons has been demonstrated in metagenomic studies. Environmental dissemination pathways, such as water systems, agricultural soils, wildlife interactions, and occupational exposure, may promote the spread of resistance genes outside mining sites. Mining ecosystems are underrecognized and potentially important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. This review highlights the importance of integrating environmental resistome surveillance into existing global AMR monitoring frameworks to understand underlying ecological drivers of resistance evolution. Tackling metal-driven antibiotic resistance requires innovative, solution-based interdisciplinary research, enhanced environmental screening and soil and water testing practices, and sustainable mining practices within the One Health paradigm.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060297

Authors: Carlos Iglesias-Merchan Raquel Sanchez-Torres Raúl Alonso

In the original publication [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060296

Authors: Ali Lakirouhani Bahram Abbasi

In oil-rich countries, petroleum contamination of soils frequently occurs during refining, transportation, and exploitation. Such contamination significantly alters soil behavior and properties from a geotechnical perspective. Given that some fine-grained soils exhibit insufficient bearing capacity or excessive settlement, soil improvement is often necessary. The selective use of nanoparticles offers a promising novel approach in this regard. This study investigates the effects of diesel contamination and nanosilica modification on the physical and mechanical properties of clayey sand and aims to interpret the variations in the mechanical properties and the permeability of the treated soil based on microstructural observations. Diesel (0–10% in 2% increments) and nanosilica (0%, 1%, 2%) were added to the soil, preparing a total of 18 mixtures for testing. The microstructural changes directly alter the physical parameters such as specific gravity, optimum moisture content (OMC), and maximum dry unit weight, consequently affecting the permeability and the mechanical behavior. The microstructural analysis via scanning electron microscopy revealed diesel-induced clay flocculation and increasing macroporosity, while the nanosilica at 1% improved the soil fabric through pore filling and interparticle bonding, whereas 2% nanosilica led to partial dispersion and agglomeration. The findings demonstrate that soil behavior is controlled by the interplay between diesel (lubrication, pore blocking, hydrophobicity) and nanosilica (surface activation, micro-bonding, agglomeration). Increasing the diesel content consistently reduces the specific gravity across all the mixtures, due to the replacement of heavier mineral particles by lighter hydrocarbon, diesel adsorption onto the soil grains, the formation of low-density organic films, and increased micro-voids. Diesel addition reduces the OMC but increases the maximum dry unit weight due to its lubrication effect. Mechanically, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) peaked at approximately 4% diesel contamination, with the addition of 1% nanosilica yielding the highest strength overall. Conversely, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increased continuously with diesel due to improved packing and frictional resistance and was further improved by nanosilica. The results show that permeability decreases with increasing diesel content due to hydrophobic diesel molecules coating soil particles, filling micro-voids, and blocking pore channels, while the consolidation parameters exhibit non-monotonic trends, peaking at moderate contamination levels. An optimal nanosilica content effectively mitigated some of the adverse effects of diesel and enhanced the mechanical performance, providing valuable insights for managing hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060295

Authors: Sthefanie Gomes Paes Layon Oreste Demarchi Aline Lopes Lilian Cristine Camillo Marcos Melo Corrêa Maria Gracimar Pacheco de Araujo Cristiane da Silva Ferreira Maria Teresa Fernandez Piedade

Amazonian white-sand forests (campinarana) are highly specialized ecosystems characterized by nutrient-poor sandy soils and pronounced seasonal variation in water availability. Plant species inhabiting these environments are exposed to alternating periods of water deficit and soil saturation, which may strongly constrain recruitment and early establishment. Aldina heterophylla is an endemic tree species specialist in these habitats. This study evaluated seed germination, biomass allocation, anatomical traits, and early seedling responses of A. heterophylla under contrasting water regimes: control, partial flooding, and drought. Seedling performance was assessed after 50 and 100 days of treatment. After 50 days, flooded seedlings showed significantly greater root biomass than control plants, indicating short-term plastic adjustment to saturated soils. However, prolonged flooding induced chlorosis, necrosis, leaf abscission, and partial mortality. In contrast, drought-stressed seedlings developed leaf senescence but maintained 100% survival throughout the experiment. Morphological and physiological traits varied significantly over time among treatments, particularly leaf number, height, and chlorophyll dynamics. The results indicate that A. heterophylla seedlings are more tolerant to water deficit than to prolonged flooding, although they display adaptive responses to temporary soil saturation. These findings improve understanding of regeneration processes in Amazonian white-sand ecosystems and provide relevant information for conservation planning under increasing climatic extremes.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060294

Authors: Zulfiya E. Bayazitova Aigul S. Kurmanbayeva Natalya M. Safronova Sayagul B. Zhaparova María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri Aida B. Akhmetova Anar M. Ibrayeva

Municipal solid waste landfills may remain sources of environmental concern long after closure because heavy metals can persist in soils and affect ecosystem recovery. This study presents an integrated assessment of a closed municipal solid waste landfill in Kokshetau, Northern Kazakhstan, by combining field-based soil geochemical analysis with remote sensing monitoring of vegetation dynamics. A radial-gradient sampling design was used to characterize spatial patterns of contamination and to distinguish zones with different levels of anthropogenic impact. The results showed a clear concentration of heavy metals, particularly Zn and Pb, in the central part of the landfill, where integrated pollution and ecological risk indices indicated the highest levels of technogenic pressure. Time-series analysis of Landsat-derived vegetation indices for 2017–2025 revealed poorer vegetation condition in the most contaminated areas, with NDVI and EVI values increasing toward the landfill periphery. The observed negative association between vegetation indices and ecological risk suggests that remote sensing indicators can provide useful information on the ecological condition of closed landfill sites, although they should be interpreted together with field measurements. The novelty of this study lies in the combined use of geochemical contamination indices and long-term vegetation-index monitoring to assess post-closure landfill conditions in an arid continental region of Central Asia, where such integrated studies remain limited. The findings highlight the persistence of environmental risks after landfill closure and support the use of vegetation indices as non-invasive tools for monitoring rehabilitation and prioritizing further field investigations.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060293

Authors: Logan Young Vanessa Watts Simonds Christine Martin Margaret Eggers John Doyle Shuangying Yu

American Indian communities may be at increased risk of water-related PFAS exposure. However, communicating the health risks of PFAS exposure requires attention to concepts of health literacy and aligning educational messages with the community’s understanding of health. The purpose of this study was to determine the health literacy demand of PFAS educational materials, with specific attention to their appropriateness for American Indian communities. Publicly available PFAS educational materials were evaluated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT), and a cultural appropriateness tool. The mean reading level of the materials was above 12th grade. The PEMAT scores for the 33 print materials were 62% (understandability), 34% (actionability), and 61% (cultural appropriateness). For the videos, the scores were 62% (understandability), 53% (actionability), and 68% (cultural appropriateness). Neither the print nor the video materials met acceptable health literacy standards, meaning the materials are not well-designed for a variety of health literacy levels. There was a lack of actionable directives that should be addressed in future PFAS educational materials. This study highlights the importance of working closely with community partners to develop education materials that match the skills and preferences of the intended audience.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060292

Authors: Yang Pu Yu Cao Mingxin Zhu Hua Zhou Zhiying Liu Zhu He Jianzhong Jiang

Electrocatalytic oxidation technology demonstrates significant potential in treating refractory industrial wastewater, playing a crucial role in industrial pollution control. This paper established an electrocatalytic oxidation system using Ti/IrO2–RuO2 as the anode for pretreating high-salinity, refractory pesticide and chemical membrane concentrate. The optimal conditions were identified through a systematic investigation of key parameters including salt concentration, current density, initial pH, and electrode spacing as follows: salt concentration of 15 g/L, current density of 43.69 mA/cm2, initial pH of 5.0, and electrode spacing of 2.0 cm, achieving a maximum COD removal rate of 93.45% with energy consumption of 0.191 (kW h)/kg COD. The results indicated that this system effective degraded organic compounds in membrane concentrate. These findings provided innovative approaches for the efficient treatment of refractory organic wastewater from pesticide and chemical industries.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060291

Authors: Paschalis Giannoulis Eirini Karanastasi Helen Kalorizou

The roles of proline in stress tolerance, energy metabolism, immune function, and ecology across organisms suggest a broader relevance in orchard agroecosystems than is often recognized. In fruit trees, stress-induced proline accumulation reflects a complex regulatory network, while evidence also indicates that inter-organ transport contributes to protective responses under abiotic stress. In insects, proline functions as an oxidative substrate priming the rest-to-flight metabolic transition in pollinators and pests, a cryoprotective osmolyte and a structural element of conserved classes of antimicrobial peptides against microbial threats. These roles create paradoxical orchard-scale feedbacks while a stress-protective molecule both intensifies herbivore pressure and enhances pollination and biocontrol services. The orchard environment represents a meeting point of plant, environmental, animal and human health, reflecting the integrative logic of the One Health framework, where proline emerges as a highly water-soluble and bioactive compound. The functional homology between insect and human proline catabolism emerges governance-critical issues across tree physiology, insect immunity and human dietary exposure. The targeted application offers a unifying framework for farmers, scientists and policymakers to advance Sustainable Development Goal commitments across food security, human health, climate resilience and biodiversity. We conclude that proline supplementation in orchards requires regulatory monitoring across ecophysiological and pharmaceutical dimensions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060289

Authors: María A. Narváez-Cuadro Aiken H. Ortega-Heredia Manuel Saba Leydy Karina Torres Gil Oscar E. Coronado-Hernández

Urban environments in developing countries remain affected by legacy asbestos-containing materials, yet integrated assessments of multi-pathway asbestos release and environmental mobilization integrated with demographic distribution remain limited. This study aimed to develop a spatially explicit framework to assess environmental deterioration and asbestos-related environmental hazard where multiple asbestos release pathways converge in a post-ban urban setting, using Cartagena, Colombia, as a case study. A multi-pathway approach was implemented, combining source characterization of asbestos-cement (AC) roofs through microvacuum sampling, analysis of roof runoff and drinking water, spatial distribution of AC pipelines, and demographic data at the neighborhood scale. A total of 72 roof surface samples were collected, of which 92% showed detectable asbestos fibers, with concentrations reaching up to 326 × 106 structures/cm2. Runoff water analysis indicated 85% detection, with average concentrations of 3.5 ± 3.14 million fibers per liter (MFL). Drinking water samples showed 11% positivity, with lower concentrations (mean 1.01 ± 1.59 MFL). Spatial analysis revealed that approximately 9.5% of the urban area exhibited high airborne release potential and 3.1% exhibited high runoff-related hazard, while integrated spatial prioritization identified 5.59% of the city as high priority for intervention. Results indicated that less deteriorated roofs exhibited higher surface fiber availability, suggesting that emission potential is not directly proportional to visible degradation. The integration of environmental and demographic data supported the identification of critical hotspots where multiple asbestos release pathways converge. The proposed methodology provides a novel framework for multi-pathway asbestos spatial prioritization in urban environments and highlights the need for source-based monitoring approaches. These findings support the development of targeted mitigation strategies in cities with widespread legacy asbestos infrastructure.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060290

Authors: Emilia Sage Rosi Fieldson

Building cost-effective homes that comply with stringent environmental regulations remains a significant challenge for the UK housebuilding sector, particularly for social housing providers. In the context of net zero targets and reducing embodied carbon, this study examines opportunities to minimise material waste and associated impacts. Using an inductive mixed-methods approach, the research began with a literature review to establish baseline waste rates across key material streams. It then analysed material usage data from three completed housing developments, comparing estimated quantities with actual orders and spend to identify discrepancies between assumptions and real-world outcomes. To validate these findings, a controlled case study tracked the construction of a single four-bedroom home, enabling direct measurement of waste rates and assessment of cost and carbon implications at unit level. Results highlight a series of marginal gains achievable through improved estimating and procurement practices, which collectively offer potential for significant financial savings and reductions in embodied carbon when scaled nationally. For social housing providers, these efficiencies could lower build costs, support sustainability goals, and create opportunities to reinvest in additional housing delivery.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060288

Authors: Juan Andrés Aguilar-Huesca Carlos Alexander Lucho-Constantino Rosa Icela Beltrán-Hernández Mónica Ivette Sánchez-Contreras Pablo Antonio López-Pérez

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of age Opuntia-derivated digestate (OpDcm) as a nutrient source for photosynthetic microbial consortia (PMC), aiming to reduce dependence on mineral media and promote the valorization of locally available biomass in arid and semi-arid regions. Batch cultures were performed in bubble column photobioreactors (BCPBR) and open raceway (ORPBR) photobioreactors using different proportions of OpDcm and BG110 to assess biomass production, chlorophyll a dynamics, and physicochemical responses of a PMC dominated by Nostoc sp. Chemical characterization showed that OpDcm contained higher levels of K, Ca, Mg, and Mn than BG110, providing a robust ionic matrix for initial growth; however, potential limitations in P, Mg, and Fe were identified. In both BCPBR and ORPBR systems, OpDcm demonstrated nutrient compositions that stimulated biomass production in the PMC at levels comparable to those achieved with BG110 medium. Statistical analyses showed that specific treatments, particularly T1 (10% OpDcm in BCPBR) and T3 (10% OpDcm + 2.5% BG110 in ORPBR), produced biomass yields similar to or higher than those obtained with the conventional BG110 medium. However, chlorophyll a concentration was lower in OpDcm treatments due to limited light transmission and micronutrient constraints. The N–NH4+ dynamics in BCPBR and ORPBR exhibited pronounced variability among the evaluated culture media, spanning from negligible changes (<1 mg L−1) over the entire cultivation period to sustained ammonium production rates of 2–3 mg L−1 day−1. Morphological analysis confirmed a consortium dominated by Nostoc sp., supported by pH values within the optimal range (8–9). Overall, the use of age-Opuntia-derived digestates demonstrated it can serve as a partial or total substitute for a low-cost nutrient source for cyanobacterial cultivation, underscoring their relevance to circular bioeconomy strategies for producing photosynthetic biomass.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13060287

Authors: Serena Doni Alessandro Gentini Carlos García-Izquierdo Irene Rosellini Eleonora Peruzzi Cristina Macci Francesca Vannucchi Simona Di Gregorio Grazia Masciandaro

Heavy metal contamination in soil and the resulting groundwater pollution are common at many brownfield sites. Soil washing, which dissolves contaminants into a washing solution to separate them from the soil matrix, has emerged as a promising remediation strategy. This study assessed the feasibility of applying soil washing to Pb-contaminated soil collected from an industrial area within the Trieste Port Authority (Italy) through a series of leaching tests. Batch tests were conducted using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-based extractants combined with various reducing agents to identify the most effective and environmentally sustainable washing solution. The results show that coupling EDTA with hydroxylamine hydrochloride or sodium dithionite significantly enhanced Pb solubilisation compared with EDTA alone, with dithionite emerging as the most suitable reducing agent due to its lower toxicity and reduced environmental impact. Sequential extraction tests revealed that up to 50% of total Pb could be removed after repeated washing cycles. Column leaching tests further confirmed the high efficiency of the EDTA–sodium dithionite system, achieving Pb removal rates of approximately 70% under continuous flow conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that EDTA combined with low-dose sodium dithionite provides an effective and practical remediation strategy for heavily polluted industrial soils.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050286

Authors: Xiaoning Jia Yanhui Yang Zhuming Liang Fansheng Meng Lingsong Zhang Hao Xue Na Liu

The senescence and decomposition of Potamogeton crispus L. are critical drivers of internal nutrient loading and eutrophication in shallow lakes during late spring. Combining field monitoring and laboratory microcosm experiments, we investigated the effects of temperature (20–30 °C) and biomass loading on nutrient release from P. crispus, and the underlying microbial mechanisms. Results showed that total phosphorus (TP) release followed an asymptotic exponential model (R2 = 0.98), with a half-life of only 12.2 d, and 30 °C increased the final TP concentration by 42.1% compared with 20 °C. A biomass loading of 30 g was identified as the critical threshold for water quality deterioration. Nutrient release showed significant asynchrony (TP >> TN ≈ TC), and microbial communities exhibited distinct functional succession under different temperature and biomass conditions. This study provides a scientific basis for targeted management of internal loading in shallow lakes.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050285

Authors: Alberto Rihan Gaia Marcolli Marina Borgese Laura Pulze Annalisa Grimaldi Nicolò Baranzini Stefano Tasselli

Galaxolide (HHCB), a synthetic polycyclic musk widely used as a fragrance ingredient in numerous personal care and household products, has raised increasing environmental concern due to its persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and widespread occurrence in aquatic environments. In this context, the need to establish a concrete ecotoxicological risk profile, defining both the toxicity levels and the mechanisms of action, is fundamental. For this reason, in the current study, we selected the freshwater leech Hirudo verbana as a suitable in vivo model to assess the HHCB ability in inducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress. By means of morphological, immunofluorescence, and molecular analyses, HHCB was shown not only to affect the leech innate immune response by modulating angiogenesis and macrophage-like cells recruitment, but also to promote the expression of enzymes involved in the antioxidant response, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT). Overall, these findings indicate that HHCB could induce significant physiological alterations, with sub-lethal concentrations able to affect immune homeostasis. Furthermore, this study supports the use of alternative invertebrate models to better understand the possible harmful effects of emerging contaminants.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050284

Authors: Abdulrahman Maina Zubairu Mihály Zalai János Balogh Csaba Tamás Norbert Boros Miklós Gulyás

Fertilizer coating is an emerging strategy in fertilizer management in the quest to decrease their loss and environmental impact. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a significant greenhouse gas, and agricultural soils happen to be an important anthropogenic source of N2O gases, mainly because of the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers such as urea. This study examined the effects of double urea coating with nano-sulfur (NS) and organic materials; lignite, biochar and compost on N2O fluxes from silt loam and sandy loam soils. N2O fluxes were measured using an N2O analyzer in a controlled environment for a period of 26 days. Cumulative N2O fluxes were calculated for different treatments (nano-sulfur; NS, NS + lignite, NS + biochar, and NS + compost) as coatings on urea fertilizer with propagated uncertainties. Sandy loam soil had higher maximum N2O emission (155.64 µg N m−2 h−1) compared to silt loam soil (24.47 µg N m−2 h−1). Uncoated urea and urea + NS coating resulted in higher N2O emissions in both soils. Meanwhile, NS + organic second layer coatings decreased the N2O fluxes, especially in sandy loam soil. The second organic layer coatings lowered the N2O emissions with relatively lower effects in silt loam soil (3.8–7.0%) and a higher reduction in sandy loam soil (35.2–41.5%). Among the second organic coating materials, NS + lignite performed best, followed by NS + biochar and NS + compost. The results indicate that the urea coating as fertilizer management strategy as well as soil texture have considerable effects on fertilizer-induced N2O emissions. The present study does not address the individual effects of organic coatings on N2O emissions; furthermore, the characterization of the size distribution and morphology of the synthesized nano-sulfur, as well as the physicochemical properties (e.g., particle size, pH, C/N ratio, elemental composition) of the lignite, biochar, and compost coating materials, are omitted. The results of these analyses, together with the physical and chemical characterization of the produced organo-mineral fertilizers, will be presented in a forthcoming paper.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050283

Authors: Alexandre Aleluia Luís Gabriel Barboza Carla Novais Patrícia Antunes Ana R. Freitas Joana C. Prata

Microplastics (MPs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), emerging pollutants in surface waters, are viewed as a serious risk to freshwater ecosystems and public health. This review synthesizes current scientific knowledge, regulatory approaches, and monitoring methodologies on the presence and impact of these contaminants following a drivers-pressures-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. Major anthropogenic factors, such as pharmaceutical consumption and agricultural intensification, are putting pressure on water bodies through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and untreated or inadequately treated wastewaters. In order to gauge the current environmental state and discuss the impact on human and ecosystem health within a One Health framework, it is necessary to generate monitoring data and identify methodological gaps in the interaction between MPs and ARGs. Despite recent European Union (EU) regulatory progress, such as the Drinking Water Directive and the Water Framework Directive, substantial gaps remain in methodology standardization as well as practical implementation. This review underscores the need to establish enforceable thresholds and standardize monitoring protocols to effectively mitigate the growing prevalence and consequences of these contaminants.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050282

Authors: Nelson de Almeida Gouveia Sabrina Aparecida Ramos da Fonseca Lucas de Farias Mota Manuela Santos Santana Douglas Francisco Marcolino Gherardi Maikon Di Domenico Kyssyane Samihra Santos Oliveira Fábio Cavalca Bom Nadson Ressyé Simões Gisele Daiane Pinha Renato David Ghisolfi Mônica Maria Pereira Tognella Fabian Sá Fabiana de Matos Costa Iurick Costa Saraiva Fábio Campos Pamplona Ribeiro Laís Altoé Porto Karen Otoni de Oliveira Lima Beatrice Padovani Ferreira

Large-scale disasters can result in chronic pollution of coastal environments with unanticipated and poorly quantified impacts, such as the reshaping of marine connectivity. A recent example is the collapse of the Fundão tailings dam in 2015, which released about 50 million m3 of mine waste into the Doce River, affecting one of Brazil’s largest estuarine–mangrove systems. Here, we combine a high-resolution CROCO hydrodynamic simulation with an individual-based Lagrangian model (Ichthyop) to track the dispersal of mangrove crab (Ucides cordatus) larvae from four estuaries along the southeastern Brazilian margin between 2022 and 2024. Trajectories crossing seasonal msPAF fields derived from in situ water-quality measurements were used to quantify larval exposure to contaminants from mine waste. These fields were based on measured concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, and Al. Results show that surface shelf flow and mesoscale activity in the vicinity of the Doce River mouth contribute to offshore export of larvae, while the reef-dominated Abrolhos shelf promotes retention. Interannual variability alternates between long-distance export and local retention, associated with regional climate variability. Larval mortality rates caused by offshore advection and lethal temperature are high (65–75%). In addition to these modeled mortality sources, surviving cohorts frequently crossed areas with elevated msPAF values during transport, indicating potential exposure to metal(loid) mixtures. This suggests that the regional connectivity of U. cordatus is under chronic stress that likely compromises the integrity and resilience of coastal populations, since southern estuaries depend strongly on northern larval sources. The integration of Lagrangian simulations with in situ contaminant monitoring and spatially explicit exposure metrics demonstrates that transport pathways regulate not only connectivity among estuaries but also the duration and intensity of larval exposure to pollutants.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050281

Authors: Xiaocheng Zhu Ling Lin Karen L. Bell Hanwen Wu David Gopurenko

Highly sensitive and non-invasive detection of macroorganisms using environmental nucleic acids (eNA) has transformed biosecurity surveillance. However, the persistence of legacy DNA compromises the spatiotemporal accuracy of environmental DNA (eDNA)-based detection, leading to false indications of contemporary species presence. This review critically evaluates emerging molecular approaches aimed at improving the temporal resolution of eNA signals and distinguishing living organisms from historical residues. We examine environmental RNA (eRNA), long-fragment eDNA (LFeDNA), propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment, and organelle-to-nuclear DNA ratios as indicators of eDNA age, assessing their principles, technical challenges, and practical potential. While eRNA offers the strongest theoretical link to organism viability, its application is constrained by rapid decay and stringent handling requirements. LFeDNA presents a more practical alternative but requires careful assay design. PMA treatment has shown limited effectiveness in excluding legacy DNA, whereas organelle-to-nuclear DNA ratios remain promising but underexplored. We identify key research priorities needed to transition these approaches from experimental studies to operational biosecurity tools. Addressing these gaps will improve interpretation of eNA signals, enabling more accurate detection of living invasive organisms and enhancing the reliability of biosecurity surveillance.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050280

Authors: Narongchai Autsavapromporn Aphidet Duangya Sawaeng Kawichai Susira Bootdee Sopittaporn Sillapapiromsuk Chutima Kranrod Donovan Anderson Yohei Fujishima Tomisato Miura Shinji Tokonami

Humans spend a substantial proportion of their time indoors, where exposure to environmental pollutants such as radon gas and particulate contaminants in household dust is common. While radon is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, household dust may serve as a reservoir for a complex mixture of indoor and outdoor pollutants. However, the biological effects of such exposures, particularly under sequential conditions, remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of sequential exposure to household dust extract followed by indoor radon using human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells as an in vitro model. Household dust samples from upper northern Thailand were extracted and applied to cells, followed by controlled radon exposure. Cellular responses were evaluated using cell viability assays, cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) formation assays, and Western blot analysis of oxidative stress-related (Nrf2/HO-1), DNA damage-related (γ-H2AX), autophagy-related (LC3), and inflammatory-related (IL-6) protein expression. Exposure to household dust extract was associated with reduced cell viability and increased MN formation, while radon exposure alone produced relatively modest effects under the present conditions. Sequential exposure to household dust extract followed by indoor radon was associated with increased oxidative stress-related responses and elevated DNA damage than either treatment alone under the present experimental conditions. A trend toward autophagy-related responses was also observed, and the overall findings may indicate possible combined biological responses under sequential exposure conditions. These findings suggest that sequential exposure may be associated with changes in oxidative stress-related pathways, DNA damage responses, and autophagy-related processes in this in vitro model. However, the results should be interpreted with caution as they are derived from a single cancer cell line and there are limitations to the in vitro exposure model. Further studies using additional cell models and in vivo systems are warranted to further clarify the potential biological and human health relevance of these findings.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050279

Authors: Saeid Masoudiashtiani Richard C. Peralta

Numerical simulations quantify the transient impacts of implementing green infrastructure (GI) grass swales on unconfined aquifer storage and groundwater-surface water interactions around the Red Butte Creek (RBC) of Utah, USA. The Red Butte Creek Watershed (RBCW) transitions from undeveloped mountainous National Forest land to downstream urbanized areas within Salt Lake Valley (SLV). This reconnaissance-level study demonstrates that increasing stormwater infiltration in urbanized areas during the rainy months (April-June) can, until at least the subsequent March, (a) enhance aquifer recharge and support sustainable groundwater yields; and (b) improve surface water availability. Simulations predict hydrologic impacts of aquifer recharge resulting from hypothetical grass-swale implementation within a 704-acre area located around RBC. The employed model, HyperRBC, is an adaptation of a United States Geological Survey (USGS) transient numerical flow, MODFLOW, model implementation for SLV. Adaptations involved (a) uniformly refined horizontal discretization of seven aquifer layers within a sub-area encompassing parts of RBCW and an adjacent watershed; (b) updated input data; and (c) MODFLOW’s Streamflow-Routing (SFR) package to simulate RBC flow and aquifer-stream seepage. Model predictions indicated that by the end of next March: (a) about 3% of the GI-induced recharge would remain within the unconfined aquifer in the HyperRBC area; (b) 66.6% of the recharge would flow northward into the downgradient continuation of the unconfined aquifer; and (c) 30.3% would discharge to nearby stream and river. In summary, predicted hydrologic changes due to the short-term GI-induced recharge highlight increased groundwater availability within and outside the study area for at least the subsequent 12 months, including high-water-demand summer. These findings show the importance of GI in interim environmental management and in enhancing the effective use of water resources.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050278

Authors: Martha Johana Álvarez-Álvarez Jesus Abel Mejía Marcacuzco Edilberto Guevara Pérez Eduardo Chávarri Velarde Julio Johnny Regalado-Jalca

Water-quality degradation in semi-arid basins is strongly influenced by spatial heterogeneity and cumulative anthropogenic pressure. This study characterises spatial gradients, identifies contamination hotspots, and evaluates system behaviour in the Jipijapa River micro-basin, Ecuador, through an integrated analytical framework. A multi-year dataset (2023–2025; n = 27) from nine monitoring sites was analysed using non-parametric statistics, regulatory exceedance-based hotspot detection, the BMWP/Col index, Spearman correlations adjusted by false discovery rate, and exploratory machine-learning models (Random Forest and ε-SVR) with leave-one-out cross-validation. Results showed a significant longitudinal gradient, with dissolved oxygen decreasing from 6.1 to 2.1 mg L−1 and BOD5 increasing from 6.1 to 111.0 mg L−1 downstream. Five hotspots were identified, mainly in the lower reach, while BMWP/Col values declined from 118.3 to 37.0, indicating ecological degradation. Correlation analysis revealed strong coupling between BOD5 and dissolved oxygen (ρ = −0.916), modulated by altitude and vegetation cover. Machine-learning models showed high internal consistency, although their use was restricted to diagnostic pattern detection rather than operational prediction. Overall, the convergence of physicochemical, ecological, hotspot, and modelling evidence supports an inferred spatial resilience gradient and provides a locally adaptable framework for prioritising watershed interventions in data-limited semi-arid basins.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050277

Authors: Hassan Boukita Najiba Brhadda Rabea Ziri

The accelerating pace of urbanization, both locally and regionally, is undoubtedly one of the main drivers impacting the structure and diversity of vegetation cover. However, the relationship between the diversity and distribution of plant communities and the degree of urbanization remains a topic requiring further research. This contribution aims to reveal the impact of the urbanization gradient on the structure and diversity of wild flora in the urban setting of a Mediterranean city (Témara, Morocco). The study area was subdivided into three sectors according to a decreasing urbanization gradient: the first sector delimits the city center (built-up area exceeding 75%), the second covers an area with a built-up area between 50 and 75%, and the third delimits the city’s peripheral area with a built-up area of less than 50%. Each sector was surveyed using four transects, and each transect was surveyed six times, resulting in 24 surveys covering 260.5 m2 per sector. The comparative study of diversity between the three sectors was based on the calculation of alpha diversity (Shannon–Weaver index and Pielou’s evenness index) and beta diversity (Jaccard similarity index). The results showed modest specific similarity among the four transects (mean Jaccard index = 0.385) and greater floristic richness in the peripheral area than in the city center. However, no significant difference (F = 0.675, α = 0.05) was observed in specific diversity among the three sectors. In addition, the therophyte rate calculation revealed significant therophytization in the city center compared with the outskirts. Such findings may lead to a more complete understanding of the processes underlying the relationship between urbanization and plant diversity, which may have implications for the conservation of this diversity in urban settings.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050276

Authors: Maria Elena Bini Mario V. Balzan Alessandra Bonoli

Cities are artificial ecosystems that suffer most from environmental issues and climate change. Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects represent an increasing challenge, especially for compact Mediterranean cities characterized by high population density and extensive impervious surfaces. This study assessed localized microclimatic conditions within the small Maltese coastal town of Isla through a 15-day summer field monitoring campaign. Air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were measured across urban locations characterized by different levels of vegetation coverage and thermal vulnerability. The analysis combined descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U testing, and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models. In addition, site-specific Nature-based Solutions (NbS) scenarios were proposed as context-sensitive strategies to support urban heat mitigation and climate resilience. The results highlighted distinct microclimatic responses between the sites investigated. In particular, the MLR analysis suggested that non-vegetated areas were more sensitive to short-term atmospheric variability associated with wind speed and relative humidity fluctuations. These findings suggest that urban vegetation may contribute not only to localized cooling, but also to increased microclimatic stability within compact Mediterranean urban environments.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050275

Authors: Gabriela Espinosa Santa Paola Andrea Montero Castrillón Aura Falco Elsa De La Cadena María Virginia Villegas Adriana Correa

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are a growing public health concern within the One Health framework. This study aimed to characterize ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in industrial and artisanal organic fertilizers marketed in southwestern Colombia. Five commercial fertilizer brands were analyzed using a selective culture on ceftriaxone supplemented media (4 µg/mL), antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), phenotypic synergy testing for ESBL confirmation, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes. Overall, 18.6% of the samples showed growth of ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales, predominantly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. ESBL producers accounted for 84% of the isolates, all of which carried at least one bla gene, predominantly blaCTX-M. Statistically significant differences in bacterial growth frequency were observed among fertilizer types, with higher positivity rates observed in manure-based artisanal formulations (p < 0.05). Whole-genome sequencing of selected isolates identified Klebsiella pneumoniae ST37 and Escherichia coli ST224, both harboring blaCTX-M-55 and additional resistance and virulence determinants. These findings demonstrate that organic fertilizers, particularly manure-derived products, may act as reservoirs and potential dissemination routes for clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This is the first study in Colombia documenting the presence of ESBL-producing bacteria in organic fertilizers. These results underscore the need to incorporate surveillance of these products into national policies under a One Health perspective.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050274

Authors: Anastasia Nazarova Vildan Sultanaev Olga Mostovaya Enzhe Gatina Polina Kuryntseva Yulia Bukarinova Nataliya Pronovich Svetlana Selivanovskaya Pavel Padnya Ivan Stoikov

The widespread use of herbicides in agriculture results in their accumulation in the environment, which has a negative impact on non-target biota. One way to reduce environmental risks while maintaining the effectiveness of plant protection products is to apply supramolecular chemistry principles to agricultural practices. Although pillar[n]arenes are used in the production of sensors and antidotes for pesticides, their influence on the herbicidal properties and ecotoxicity of herbicides toward aquatic organisms and higher plants has hardly been studied. The effect of pillar[5]arenes on the herbicidal activity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and glyphosate (Glyp), as well as the ecotoxicity of the resulting binary systems toward Ceriodaphnia affinis and Paramecium caudatum, was assessed for the first time. The association constants of pillar[5]arenes with Glyp (logKa = 3.92–4.06) were an order of magnitude higher than the corresponding values for 2,4-D (logKa = 2.66–3.06) with the stoichiometry of 1:1. The formation of stable associates (143–177 nm) with negative zeta potential values (from −20.9 to −7.8 mV) was demonstrated for the pillar[5]arene/herbicide systems. Low phytotoxicity of pillar[5]arenes against Chlorella vulgaris was shown. The addition of pillar[5]arenes to 2,4-D reduced the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination index by 4.5-fold compared to the pure herbicide. Forming associates between decamethoxypillar[5]arene and Glyp increased the LC10 by more than twofold compared to the individual herbicide against Paramecium caudatum and Ceriodaphnia affinis. It was demonstrated that combining pillar[5]arenes with Glyp can reduce ecotoxicity while partially preserving or selectively modifying phytotoxicity. The results obtained in this study are encouraging for the development of materials and supramolecular systems that could boost agricultural efficiency while reducing its environmental impact.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050273

Authors: Kun-Chou Lee Shi-Qi Chen

This study uses data from Taichung Fengyuan Station in Taiwan’s Civil IoT to conduct short-term forecasting of the Air Quality Index (AQI). We compile multiple pollutant and meteorological features and develop three models—Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with exogenous variables (ARIMAX)—together with a persistence baseline for comparison. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether deep sequence models and a classical statistical model can provide reliable one-hour-ahead AQI forecasts at the site level and to examine the practical value of such forecasts for early warning and air-quality management. Results show that GRU achieves the lowest overall prediction errors, followed by LSTM. The persistence baseline outperforms ARIMAX but remains clearly inferior to both recurrent models. In sum, the study shows that site-level AQI forecasting can benefit from recurrent deep-learning models not only in terms of numerical accuracy, but also in terms of capturing short-term temporal structure beyond a naive carry-forward baseline. These findings provide a benchmark-oriented and application-oriented reference for short-horizon AQI warning scenarios.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050272

Authors: Nadejda G. Vurdova Tatyana I. Ovchinnikova Svetlana V. Tertychnaya Alexandra A. Kulikova Valeriia D. Meshchanova Petr Yu. Vurdov Yuri A. Birman Maria V. Krotova Anastasia A. Yakusheva

The problem of industrial waste disposal is becoming increasingly pressing. For a long time, one of the primary methods of managing hazardous industrial waste was to dispose of it for long periods (decades) in engineered landfills. However, over time, due to various climatic, geological, and other changes, landfills begin to cause significant harm to the environment and human health. Old landfills, many built in the mid-20th century, pollute the air, soil, and groundwater. Therefore, the issue of decommissioning “old” landfills is becoming increasingly pressing. This study aimed to develop technological solutions for the safe extraction and processing of hazardous liquid waste from an aged industrial landfill. An integrated treatment chain was designed, comprising extraction, multi-barrier water treatment, vacuum evaporation, and lithification. Optimal lithification compositions were identified: for the salt concentrate–sludge–spent media mixture, a ratio of 68.2% sorbent D, 28.0% salt concentrate, and 3.8% dewatered sludge/spent media yielded a loose granular geocomposite; for oil-containing waste, the optimal ratio using lime and opoka was 1:0.9:0.5 (bottom sediments/CaO/opoka). Biotesting confirmed that the lithified waste is Hazard Class V (non-hazardous), whereas the untreated waste is Class III (moderately hazardous). The resulting geocomposite is suitable for on-site technical reclamation, closing the material cycle.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050271

Authors: Rae-Ann Eifert Patrick Gorski Madeline Magee Sean Strom

Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, is a popular waterfowl hunting location with thousands of waterfowl hunters visiting the area annually. Despite its popularity, the potential exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the consumption of waterfowl harvested in the area is unknown. Between 2022 and 2024, mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) breast tissue was collected from Green Bay and an unimpacted reference location to better understand waterfowl hunters’ exposure to PFAS. Results indicate that PFAS exposure is site-specific, as only two mallards from the reference location had detectable levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the breast tissue, while mallard breast tissue detection rates ranged from 67% to over 90% in two Green Bay locations. PFOS concentrations in the duck breast tissue were high enough to warrant a “one meal per month” (10 ng/g) and a “do not eat” (40 ng/g) advisory for mallards from Middle and Lower Green Bay, respectively, based on current consumption advisory thresholds used in Wisconsin. Paired water samples at the Lower Green Bay mallard collection site had PFOS concentrations higher than the Wisconsin surface water criteria of 8 ng/L, and the relative composition of PFAS in the water indicated multiple sources of PFAS to the area.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050270

Authors: Oskay Ozen Jonathan Magin Matthias Weigold

The German industrial and energy sectors accounted for over 52% of national greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. This is influenced both by an ongoing demand for fossil fuels and the usage of emission-intensive raw and processed materials. With the current European directive on corporate sustainability reporting, a push is being made for companies to publish annual emission reports. However, as per a study conducted by the authors, small and medium-sized companies have difficulties accurately calculating emissions across their supply chain without relying on external service providers. As a scientific institute with a real production facility for metal machining, the ETA (Energy Technologies and Applications) Factory bridges the gap between academia and manufacturing enterprises. The authors have used this disposition to calculate scope 1–3 emissions for the factory as per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol across three years, while progressively attempting to automate data collection for all scopes. CO2e emissions for the years 2022–2024 were 86.3 tCO2e, 146.9 tCO2e, and 86.1 tCO2e, respectively. Emission categories were assessed in terms of relevance to the institute and subsequently used to analyze the emission activities of the factory. The highest contributor to emissions was electricity purchasing for 2022 and 2024, along with business travel for 2023. Within scope 3, the emissions produced by business travel showed the highest impact across all years, followed by either energy-related activities or purchased goods. The sensitivity of CO2e factors was also investigated, showing discrepancies between 25% and 130% for the utilized CO2e factor for steel. Automation of data collection benefits largely from implemented manufacturing systems, such as manufacturing execution systems or enterprise resource planning systems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050269

Authors: Isaac Boatey Akpatsu Wuletawu Abera Abdelghani Chehbouni Ahmed Laamrani

Globally, land use and land cover (LULC) change is a major driver of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in mountainous ecosystems, where steep slopes, shallow soils, and strong climatic gradients amplify land use impacts. This review systematically synthesises empirical evidence regarding how LULC transitions influence SOC dynamics in mountainous landscapes, with particular emphasis on dominant trends, underlying mechanisms, methodological bottlenecks, and future research perspectives. Following PRISMA guidelines, we evaluated 30 carefully screened peer-reviewed studies that explicitly link temporal LULC change to carbon dynamics in mountainous environments. The results show SOC losses across most LULC transitions, especially following forest and rangeland conversion to cropland and built-up land. In contrast, SOC recovery is time-lagged, partial, and often decoupled from rapid aboveground biomass recovery. Methodologically, while static carbon models (e.g., InVEST) are demonstrated to systematically underrepresent lateral erosion-driven SOC losses, they have been highly adopted in the synthesised studies, highlighting their practical scalability in data-scarce and complex mountain terrains. Finally, the synthesis reveals a strong geographic bias in the literature, with most studies emerging from Asia, highlighting substantial knowledge gaps in other regions. Prioritising empirical multidecadal SOC monitoring in highly vulnerable and underrepresented regions, such as African mountainous systems, where socioeconomic pressures are expected to intensify, is critical for developing integrative, evidence-based strategies for sustainable land management under accelerating LULC change.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050268

Authors: Tingting Shen Yunhui Zhang Ying Liang Jiao Cai Gang Zhang Chao Shen

Subsurface contamination at low-permeability petrochemical sites necessitates long-term multi-phase extraction (MPE), yet operational sustainability is frequently compromised by well-bore clogging. This study develops a “prevent–identify–remediate” strategy through integrated laboratory and field-based investigations. Laboratory bench tests identified a critical packing density threshold of 70%, above which permeability loss escalates rapidly. Furthermore, rounded quartz sand maintained a significantly higher permeability ratio (0.4) compared to irregular zeolite (0.1). These findings were validated through a longitudinal two-year field pilot study in a silty-clay formation. Innovative large-diameter wells (200 mm) utilising optimised quartz sand showed high resilience, with only a 20% reduction in discharge capacity over 24 months. In contrast, conventional wells using local yellow sand exhibited severe physical clogging, resulting in a 57% decrease in stable flow. The study also characterised a diameter effect, where small-diameter wells (63 mm) proved inherently more vulnerable to rapid performance degradation regardless of filter media. To address existing impairment, high-pressure water jetting and dilute hydrochloric acid washing restored flow capacity by 50% and 40%, respectively. By coupling mechanistic insights with field evidence, this research provides a comprehensive platform for the sustainable design and maintenance of subsurface remediation infrastructure, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and reduced resource consumption.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050267

Authors: Mohd Akmal Ab Karim Wan Zakiah Wan Ismail Farrah Masyitah Mohd Shuib Nor Azlina Ab Aziz Anith Khairunnisa Ghazali

Water pollution poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for accurate water quality assessment and prediction. This review examines the application of machine learning (ML) in Water Quality Index (WQI) assessments, focusing on WQI formulation, predictive modelling approaches, and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques. A structured literature review is conducted using major scientific databases, including ScienceDirect, Springer, and other relevant sources, following a systematic study selection process. The review analyzes commonly used water quality parameters and highlights how the deterministic structure of WQI influences machine learning modelling, often leading to high predictive performance that reflects predefined formulations rather than independent pattern learning. A comprehensive comparison of single, hybrid, and ensemble ML models is presented, showing that hybrid approaches generally provide improved robustness and accuracy in complex water quality scenarios. In addition, the role of XAI methods in enhancing model interpretability and supporting transparent decision-making is discussed. Key challenges, including limited generalization, model complexity, and interpretability constraints, are identified, and future research directions are proposed to develop more reliable and practical AI-based water quality monitoring systems. Overall, this review provides insights into the integration of machine learning and WQI, emphasizing the importance of balancing predictive accuracy with interpretability for sustainable water resource management.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050266

Authors: Nataša Turić Goran Vignjević Nataša Bušić Martina Temunović Branka Bruvo Mađarić

The genus Hydrochara (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) comprises large-bodied water beetles associated with shallow, well-vegetated freshwater habitats and is characterised by considerable taxonomic complexity. While Hydrochara caraboides is relatively well studied in western and central Europe, lineage diversity and species boundaries within the genus remain poorly resolved in eastern and south-eastern Europe. This study uses an integrative approach combining mitochondrial DNA data, morphometric analyses, and male genital morphology to investigate Hydrochara populations in continental Croatia. Specimens were collected from floodplain and lowland aquatic habitats across major river basins, morphologically identified and verified using cytochrome oxidase subunit I (16S) sequences through comparison with reference data from public databases (GenBank and BOLD). Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of H. caraboides and Hydrochara flavipes in continental Croatia. A single specimen from the upper Drava River basin (CROH030-26) formed a distinct mitochondrial lineage positioned between H. caraboides and Hydrochara dichroma in the COI phylogeny. Morphometric analyses showed extensive overlap between this specimen and H. caraboides, indicating no clear differentiation in external body size. In contrast, examination of male genitalia revealed an intermediate aedeagus morphology with transitional characters between H. caraboides and H. dichroma. Haplotype network analysis revealed a star-like structure with a dominant central haplotype shared by most H. caraboides specimens and several low-frequency variants, while the divergent specimen occupies a peripheral position, separated from the main cluster by multiple mutational steps. These results indicate that H. caraboides is a genetically heterogeneous taxon comprising multiple divergent mitochondrial lineages, suggesting that lineage diversity within this species may be underestimated. By integrating molecular and morphological evidence, this study provides new insights into the lineage diversity of Hydrochara in floodplain ecosystems of south-eastern Europe and highlights the importance of integrative approaches for resolving species boundaries and informing freshwater biodiversity conservation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050263

Authors: Ahlem Bargougui David Dewez Abdelkrim Azzouz

The effects of exchangeable cations on bisphenol A adsorption and degradation were investigated in montmorillonite-catalyzed ozonation and compared to the parent bentonite. Total BPA removal (100%) can be achieved after only 5 min adsorption on NaMt and by 15 min ozonation with all clay catalysts but without complete mineralization. The BPA degradation level was found to correlate to the ecotoxicity of the ozonized BPA mixtures, using the aquatic plant Lemna minor as a bioindicator species. Liquid chromatography revealed that BPA adsorption contributes to the ozonation process and that BPA degradation rates and ecotoxicity strongly depend on the exchangeable cation and the particle size of the clay catalyst. These factors also appear to govern the ozonation and adsorption process through catalyst dispersion in the liquid medium, with direct effects on the toxicity towards the living species. The results of the present work allow envisaging clay-based oxidative water treatments with advanced BPA removal that drastically reduce the amounts of persistent derivatives.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050265

Authors: Yugyeong Oh Miguel Enrico Robles Leehyung Kim

Various types of antibiotics used excessively in the livestock industry are often discharged into aquatic environments without being fully removed. The release of these antibiotics into natural systems causes a variety of issues, including water pollution and ecological toxicity. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms that govern microbial growth by analyzing the behavior of antibiotics and the changes in microbial communities in a constructed wetland (CW) treating effluent from a livestock wastewater treatment plant (LWTP). The main groups of antibiotics detected in the wetland were sulfonamides and tetracyclines. While most antibiotics showed high removal efficiency in the CW, some were found to persist or accumulate in the wetland over a prolonged period. Distinct shifts in microbial community composition were observed between inflow and outflow samples, indicating that the CW functions as an ecological filter that selects for microbial taxa associated with antibiotic persistence and transformation. Bacillus belonging to the phylum Firmicutes was found to play a role in antibiotic removal as it produces various antibiotic-degrading enzymes. Moreover, the phyla Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Acidobacteria appeared to experience no growth inhibition due to antibiotics and were not directly involved in their degradation. The phylum Actinobacteria was found to possess selective degradation abilities. These findings provide insights for improving constructed wetland design by supporting microbial communities, such as Firmicutes (Bacillus) that are associated with enhanced antibiotic removal and compound-specific degradation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050264

Authors: Peishan Yang Yu Cao Peng Zheng Ying Liu Mingxin Zhu Hua Zhou Shunlong Pan

Achieving stable partial nitritation (PN) in mainstream municipal wastewater treatment is critical for energy-efficient anammox-based nitrogen removal. However, selectively suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) while retaining ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) remains challenging. This study investigated the performance and microbial mechanisms of PN in a membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) under zero-pressure aeration. The results showed that zero-pressure aeration achieved a nitrite accumulation ratio (NAR) of 82.14%, significantly higher than that under constant aeration (13.2%) and intermittent aeration (53.5%). Zero-pressure aeration led to a significant increase in the fluorescence intensities of tyrosine/tryptophan protein in extracellular polymeric substances. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that zero-pressure aeration achieved a modest reduction in the relative abundance of NOB Nitrospira from 3.39% to 2.74% while increasing the relative abundance of AOB Nitrosomonas from 0.04% to 1.09%. Enzyme activity assays further showed that zero-pressure aeration significantly decreased nitrite oxidoreductase (NXR) activity while maintaining ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) activities, providing direct functional evidence for NOB suppression. Zero-pressure operation required no external air supply, representing a passive aeration strategy for PN. These results suggest that zero-pressure aeration may reshape the competition between AOB and NOB by enriching AOB and suppressing NOB, providing a new energy-efficient pathway for mainstream nitrogen removal.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050262

Authors: Mihaela Kavran Dubravka Pudar Aleksandra Ignjatović Ćupina Dušan Petrić Dragana Šunjka Sanja Lazić Nađa Kukić Sara Šiljegović Marija Zgomba

Culex pipiens is a widespread mosquito species with high ecological plasticity that thrives in urban, peri-urban and rural aquatic habitats. It is a major vector of West Nile virus (WNV), contributing to virus transmission among bird reservoirs and serving as a bridge vectorfor transmission to humans and mammals, which can result in neuroinvasive disease and fatalities. Controlling its populations reduces biting nuisance and associated economic and health burdens, making vector management essential for effective public health protection. Available methods to control this species are limited and require significant improvement because conventional strategies are often short-term, non-specific and ecologically problematic. The present study evaluated the efficacy of cyromazine granules on the Biodac carrier in laboratory, semi-field (in barrels) and field experiments (in canals). Content of cyromazine was 0.5 or 2%. Two formulations were tested: granules coated with stearate and uncoated granules. The highest efficacy was demonstrated by application of 2% cyromazine, both coated and uncoated, compared to the cyromazine with 0.5% active substance. Cyromazine showed high efficacy in the control of Cx. pipiens ranging from 85.8% to 100% in the laboratory, 68.1% to 100% in the semi-field and 48.1% to 98.8% in the field conditions (depending on the formulation applied), enabling long-lasting suppression of juvenile stages. In the laboratory, 53 days post-treatment, the residues were still present in the water. In the field experiment (in canals) the population reduction was recorded up to the 56th day post-treatment.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050261

Authors: Ebtihal Abdelfatah-Aldayyat Iván Orlando Cabeza Jairo E. Rubiano Xiomar Gómez

The transition toward low-carbon energy systems and circular economy frameworks has intensified interest in biomass and waste valorization technologies that deliver reliable energy carriers while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Among the thermo-chemical pathways, gasification has emerged as a particularly flexible and robust option for transforming biomass resources into synthesis gas suitable for power generation, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This review critically examines biomass gasification as a feasible alternative for valorizing waste and producing syngas. The manuscript discusses the physicochemical characteristics of biomass, highlights its influence on syngas quality, tar formation, and cold gas efficiency. The fundamental stages of the gasification process and the effects of different operating parameters were systematically reviewed. Special attention was given to the challenges posed by low-quality biomass, such as sewage sludge, digestates, and manures, which are characterized by high-ash content and high moisture levels. Syngas energy content reported across different experiences was usually around 4–5 MJ/m3 when operating with low-quality biomass, resulting in lower efficiencies than those reported for lignocellulosic biomass (around 30–70%, expressed as cold gas efficiency (CGE)). Current small-scale commercial gasification technologies were also reviewed, with emphasis on operational constraints. This review provides an integrated perspective on the operational challenges associated with low-quality biomass gasification and discusses technological pathways to enhance process efficiency and salability. Although biomass gasification cannot yet be regarded as a fully mature technology across all feedstocks, it nonetheless constitutes a technically significant pathway for strengthening energy system resilience and advancing the production of sustainable fuels within a net zero carbon framework.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050260

Authors: Elias Afif Rubén Forján

Modern society is currently facing two pressing environmental crises: the systemic loss of fertile, healthy soil due to various forms of degradation and the escalating generation of diverse waste streams [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050259

Authors: Jhoreene A. Julian Fibor J. Tan Benyamin Khoshnevisan Cris Edward F. Monjardin Morten Birkved Delia B. Senoro Jerome G. Gacu

Brine generated from seawater desalination presents significant environmental challenges due to its high salinity and pollutant content, particularly when discharged without adequate treatment. While advanced brine treatment systems offer opportunities for resource recovery and pollution reduction, they often involve increased energy and material demands, creating trade-offs between environmental benefits and resource consumption. This study integrates Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the freshwater sustainability of circular brine treatment systems under different process configurations. The framework is applied to four treatment scenarios, including variations in precipitation agents (NaOH and Ca(OH)2) and the inclusion of calcination processes, and compared with a reference scenario representing direct brine discharge. The results show that the blue water footprint is primarily driven by indirect water use associated with energy consumption, while pollutant loads influence the grey water footprint. Although advanced scenarios increase gross water demand, significant reductions are achieved through avoided water contributions from resource recovery and internal water reuse. Among the evaluated configurations, Scenario 2 exhibits the highest total water footprint due to elevated energy and pollutant-related impacts, whereas Scenarios 3 and 4 demonstrate improved performance through enhanced recovery efficiency. The water–carbon trade-off analysis highlights that minimizing carbon emissions does not necessarily reduce water consumption, emphasizing the importance of integrated assessment. Overall, the findings demonstrate that sustainable brine treatment design requires balancing water use, pollution control, energy demand, and resource recovery. The proposed WFA–LCA framework provides a robust decision-support tool for optimizing circular brine management systems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050258

Authors: Stanislav Frančišković-Bilinski Neven Cukrov Nuša Cukrov

To evaluate the use of the magnetic susceptibility (MS) method as a rapid screening tool for metal enrichment in the karst estuarine systems, a case study was conducted in the Krka River Estuary (Croatia). Magnetic measurements were performed on 36 surface sediment samples collected along the entire estuary, as well as in 6 sediment cores taken from areas with different sedimentological properties and/or varying levels of anthropogenic pressure. The efficacy of MS as a proxy for metal enrichment was evaluated by correlating the obtained datasets with previously published metal concentrations in the same samples, utilising statistical methods to quantify these relationships. Susceptibility values in the Krka River Estuary are generally low (mean value 0.123 × 10−3 SI), reflecting a carbonate-dominated background typical of uncontaminated karst systems, but various local anomalies (max value 0.799 × 10−3 SI) coincide with areas of metal enrichment previously linked to industrial and port activities. Correlation and multivariate analyses show that, despite a low overall magnetic signal, elevated MS can successfully detect hotspots with increased metal levels (e.g., Pb, Mn), confirming that with careful calibration to local magnetic background values, this method provides an effective and analytically simple proxy for metal-enriched sediments in sensitive karst estuaries.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050257

Authors: Santosh Rajbanshi Maheteme Gebremedhin James C. Hower George Fouad Antonious Jacob Brown Ife Familusi

Fly ash (FA) is a coal combustion product with variable mineral composition, high alkalinity, and elevated enrichment of heavy metals (HMs) such as As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb. Fly ash greatly influences soil dynamics by altering soil pH, nutrient mobility, microbial activity, soil structure, and texture. This review evaluates phytoextraction as a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for remediating FA-contaminated soils. It explores the physicochemical properties of FA, the impact of FA and associated heavy metals (HMs) on soil, the mechanisms of HM hyperaccumulation in plants, and the effectiveness of phytoextraction based on the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). Case studies from various regions demonstrate the great potential of hyperaccumulator species to extract toxic HMs from FA-impacted soils. However, challenges such as low metal bioavailability, limited field validation, and inadequate management of contaminated biomass hinder large-scale application. Future research should focus on optimizing biomass utilization, developing comprehensive hyperaccumulator databases, and advancing genetic and policy frameworks to enhance the scalability and effectiveness of phytoextraction.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050256

Authors: John G. Bartzis Ioannis A. Sakellaris Spyros Andronopoulos Alexandros Venetsanos Fernando Martín-Llorente Stijn Janssen

Reliable and timely estimation of air pollution exposure at high spatial and temporal resolution remains challenging in complex urban environments, where pollutant concentrations vary due to traffic emissions, urban morphology, and meteorological conditions. This study presents a physics-informed machine learning framework for near-real-time estimation of NO2 concentrations at fine spatial scales. The approach combines a limited set of steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with operational meteorological and air-quality data. CFD simulations under specific wind directions are first used to characterize site-specific dispersion patterns. These outputs are then scaled using hourly meteorological observations to generate physics-based concentration descriptors. A machine learning predictor, implemented using Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting, is trained to refine these estimates by incorporating additional environmental and observational features. The method is applied to a 1 km × 1 km urban district in Antwerp, Belgium, within the FAIRMODE intercomparison framework. Validation against measurements from 105 passive samples collected over one month shows substantial improvement compared to standalone dispersion modeling, with coefficients of determination up to R2 = 0.965 and reduced bias across locations. These findings demonstrate that integrating physical modeling with machine learning enables accurate and computationally efficient high-resolution exposure assessment in urban settings.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050255

Authors: Dominika Galová Jelena Pavlović Zuzana Farkas Andrea Puškárová Mária Bučková Lucia Kraková Wei-Yu Chen Jer-Horng Wu Domenico Pangallo

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), particularly when linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and specific microbial hosts. We applied Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing using complementary contig- and read-based approaches to profile the resistome, mobilome, and host taxonomy in influent and effluent samples from WWTPs in Slovakia and Taiwan. Multidrug resistance was the dominant class in all samples, reaching 40.29–60.06% in Taiwanese and 20.00–35.56% in Slovak WWTPs, followed by MLS and tetracycline resistance. These differences reflect country-specific inputs: Taiwanese WWTPs receiving hospital effluent showed higher multidrug resistance, while Slovak WWTPs, fed by municipal and agricultural wastewater, were dominated by tetracycline resistance and Aliarcobacter cryaerophilus. In Taiwan, Acinetobacter baumannii carried multiple ARGs, including msrE and the regulatory gene ompR, co-localized with MGEs on plasmid- and chromosome-associated contigs. Clinically important Enterococcus faecium (Taiwan) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (Slovakia), both WHO-priority pathogens, were identified as hosts for MLS and multidrug resistance genes co-localized with MGEs. These findings suggest that integrating contig- and read-based long-read analyses improves ARG compartmentalization, MGE co-localization, and host assignment in wastewater environments beyond either approach alone.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050254

Authors: Jasmina Rinkovec Nikolina Račić Suzana Sopčić

Platinum group elements (PGEs), especially platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh), are analyzed as emerging airborne contaminants in urban environments. This study aimed to monitor the spatial and temporal distribution of PGEs in urban air and to evaluate their potential as indicators of traffic-related emissions. The paper presents a five-year monitoring of Pt, Pd, and Rh mass concentrations in airborne particulate matter collected from three urban locations (North, Center, and South) with different traffic loads in Zagreb, Croatia. Weekly samples were digested in acid under high temperature and high pressure, and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). At the monitoring location South, mass concentrations of all PGEs were generally 20–40% higher than at other locations, consistent with its higher traffic density. The PGEs showed seasonal variability, with 40–60% higher mass concentrations in winter and autumn than in spring and summer. The spatial and temporal distribution of PGE mass concentrations across urban locations demonstrates their potential as indicators of traffic-related activity. Palladium mass concentrations were consistently the highest, as a result of its increased use in modern catalytic converters. These findings underscore the relevance of long-term PGE monitoring for understanding urban atmospheric pollution dynamics within changing environmental conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050253

Authors: Cengiz Okay Irfan Basturk Selda Murat Hocaoglu Recep Partal Georgy Mozzhukhin Pavel Kupriyanov Bulat Rameev

The application of low-field time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) to measure water content and assess moisture-related relaxation behavior in sludge samples has been investigated. The results of TD-NMR measurements on 26 dewatered sludge samples revealed a strong correlation between sludge water content and key features of the T2 distribution curves, including the maximum relaxation time and peak area, demonstrating the potential of the TD-NMR method for estimating sludge moisture content. No consistent relationship was observed between the peaks in T2 relaxation distribution curves obtained by Inverse Laplace Transform (ILT) and the expected water fraction ratios, apparently because the sludge structure is highly variable from sample to sample. Despite the complex and heterogeneous nature of sludge samples, the direct correspondence between key features of the T2 relaxation curves and moisture content demonstrates the high potential of TD-NMR as a tool for rapid and reliable moisture monitoring, even in an online device configuration.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050252

Authors: Tijana Blanusa James Hadley Elisabeth K. Larsen Jordan Bilsborrow Mark B. Gush

Single-species hedges can help mitigate a range of urban and climate change-related issues, such as slowing stormwater flow and reducing rainfall runoff, particularly during the growing season. There is, however, little information on the service delivery of mixed hedges and their comparison to single-species, year-round, as well as on the practicality of functional rather than ornamental plant mixing. Here, we report on an initial case study to address this. Chosen hedge taxa (Crataegus monogyna, Elaeagnus × submacrophylla ‘Gilt Edge’, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’) represented a range of plant characteristics. These were trialled outdoors in Reading (SE England, UK) as treatment groupings of either single-species or mixed-species (‘evergreen’ and ‘broadleaf’ mix), along with a bare soil control, in 110 L troughs. We applied 5 min simulated rainfall onto each treatment twice in every meteorological season and assessed canopy throughfall. We also monitored substrate moisture content change as a proxy for evapotranspiration and substrate storage capacity of subsequent rainfall. During summer, the deciduous taxa and mixed hedges had the highest evapotranspiration rates, suggesting their potential to influence soil water storage, but in our experimental setup, that did not translate into significant differences in substrate moisture between treatments. During autumn and winter, the single-species Thuja treatment had the highest rainfall interception rate, followed by both mixed species treatments. In winter, canopy and leaf characteristics rather than physiological activity correlated with increased rainfall attenuation. However, by the end of the experiment (spring 2023), Crataegus, Thuja and both mixed hedge treatments had significantly lower throughfall (higher interception) compared to bare soil. We are continuing to test these treatments in a longer-term field experiment. Management of mixed-species hedges for rainfall attenuation is practically achievable, despite some differences in individual species’ growth rates and plant habits.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050251

Authors: Paulina Beatriz Gutiérrez-Martínez Blanca Catalina Ramírez-Hernández Marcela Mariel Maldonado-Villegas Sara Villanueva-Viramontes Amayaly Becerril-Espinosa Héctor Ocampo-Alvarez Elena Sandoval-Pinto Hector Leal-Aguayo Rosa Cremades

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural production is a significant public health issue in Mexico, as it directly impacts food safety and population exposure through dietary intake. Available scientific evidence indicates that vegetables and other plant-derived foods can serve as significant exposure pathways for toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury. The consumption of contaminated foods may contribute to cumulative adverse health effects, including neurological, renal, and reproductive alterations, as well as an increased risk of chronic diseases. In Mexico, risk assessment is further constrained by methodological heterogeneity across studies and by difficulties in translating scientific evidence into concrete regulatory actions. Critically, the national regulatory framework lacks specific standards establishing maximum permissible limits for heavy metals in fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, despite their central role in the population’s diet. Regulations focus primarily on drinking water quality and selected processed foods, creating a regulatory gap in the direct control of contaminants in crops. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen public policies by establishing crop-specific regulatory standards, implementing systematic monitoring programs, and integrating food safety considerations more effectively into environmental, agricultural, and public health policies in Mexico.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050250

Authors: Hussaini Yusuf Norhaslinda Mohamed Tahrin Hwee San Lim

Atmospheric aerosols strongly regulate surface solar irradiance in tropical coastal environments through scattering and absorption. This study examines aerosol–irradiance interactions over Penang, Malaysia, using Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA), and extinction Ångström exponent (AE); NASA’s Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) irradiance data; and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis for aerosol compositional context. Bottom-of-atmosphere radiative forcing efficiency (BOA RFE) was quantified for global, direct and diffuse irradiance (GHI, DNI and DHI) under clear- and all-sky conditions during 2014–2018. Results show persistent aerosol-induced attenuation of surface radiation, with GHI and DNI RFE predominantly negative, while DHI RFE remains consistently positive, indicating redistribution of solar energy from direct to diffuse components. Time resolved analysis reveals daily GHI RFE typically ranging from approximately −0.5 to −3.5 W m−2 per unit AOD, with episodic excursions below −4 W m−2 per AOD during high-aerosol events, whereas DNI RFE frequently reaches values below −0.8 W m−2 per AOD, confirming its greater sensitivity to aerosol extinction. In contrast, DHI RFE commonly exceeds +5 W m−2 per AOD and intermittently surpasses +10 W m−2 per AOD, reflecting enhanced scattering and multiple-scattering effects. AOD-stratified analysis demonstrates a nonlinear weakening of forcing efficiency with increasing aerosol burden, with mean GHI RFE decreasing from approximately −1.6 to −0.4 W m−2 per AOD between low- and high-AOD regimes, accompanied by corresponding reductions in DNI (−0.35 to −0.1 W m−2 per AOD) and DHI (+3.3 to +0.8 W m−2 per AOD). Overall, aerosol loading is identified as the dominant control on BOA radiative forcing efficiency in this tropical coastal environment, while SSA and AE act as secondary modulators.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050249

Authors: Tamíris da Costa Nicholas M. Holden Daniele Costa Mateus Guimaraes da Silva

The transition toward sustainable energy systems is recognised as a complex, multi-dimensional challenge that extends far beyond the deployment of low-carbon technologies [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050248

Authors: Sergio Ulgiati

As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Environments, I am pleased to announce a major step forward in how research results are reported and shared, thanks to the establishment of six new Sections in the journal [...]

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050247

Authors: Eloy Mondragón-Zarza María del Consuelo Hernández-Berriel Fredy Cuellar-Robles Elena Regla Rosa Domínguez Sylvie Jeanne Turpin-Marion Nicolás Flores-Álamo

In developing countries, final disposal sites exhibit different levels of operational control, which influence their environmental performance. This study evaluated the environmental performance of four types of final disposal sites in Mexico: sanitary landfill with energy recovery (SLF+ER) and sanitary landfill with gas flaring (SLFGF), controlled site (CS), and open dump (OD), using life cycle assessment for 1 t of municipal solid waste. Biogas generation was estimated using the Mexican Biogas Model 2.0, and Ecoinvent processes were adapted to local conditions; six impact categories were assessed, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted. The SLF+ER scenario showed the lowest impact in global warming, followed by SLFGF and CS, while OD recorded the highest impact, mainly associated with biogas management. In contrast, scenarios with gas capture and treatment showed higher contributions in categories related to combustion processes. Normalized results indicated that freshwater eutrophication and human carcinogenic toxicity are the dominant impact categories. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the influence of the organic fraction on CH4 generation without altering the relative ranking among scenarios. Overall, increasing the level of environmental control reduces impacts from fugitive emissions but introduces trade-offs across other impact categories, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments to support decision-making.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050246

Authors: Aksorn Saengtienchai Yared Beyene Yohannes Somkiat Sreebun Yoshinori Ikenaka Shouta M. M. Nakayama Mayumi Ishizuka Usuma Jermnak

The increasing prevalence of cancer in Thailand over the past decade has resulted in a substantial rise in the use of anticancer drugs, which are eventually discharged into municipal wastewater through hospital and domestic effluents. The inability of conventional wastewater treatment systems to completely remove these pharmaceuticals has been widely reported. The continuous release of these emerging anticancer agents into aquatic environments reduces water quality and threatens biodiversity. Even at trace levels, these compounds may act as persistent pollutants capable of impairing ecosystem. This study investigated the occurrence and concentration levels of three widely used chemotherapeutic agents including cyclophosphamide (COP), doxorubicin (DOX), and vincristine (VIN) in Bangkok’s municipal wastewater to evaluate their potential environmental risks. Thirty-two influent and effluent wastewater samples were collected from eight large-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from October 2024 to January 2025. Samples were processed using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The analytical method demonstrated high precision and reproducibility, with relative standard deviations (%RSD) below the 20% acceptance limit for all compounds. Method accuracy ranged from 81.84% to 107.21%. Results showed the presence of only COP in almost influent and effluent at levels ranging from 0.26 to 2.06 µg/L. In contrast, DOX and VIN levels remained consistently below the limits of quantitation (LOQ) in all WWTP samples. This study establishes the first baseline for COP, DOX, and VIN contamination in Bangkok’s municipal wastewater. Notably, the residue of COP in wastewater suggests that current wastewater treatment facilities in Thailand are insufficient for its removal, posing a potential long-term risk to local aquatic ecosystems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050244

Authors: Agapol Junpen Savitri Garivait Pham Thi Bich Thao Penwadee Cheewaphongphan Orachorn Kamnoet Athipthep Boonman Jirataya Roemmontri

Accurate, high-resolution emission inventories are essential for air quality modeling and policy evaluation, yet national-scale inventories for Thailand remain limited in spatial and temporal detail. This study develops a comprehensive national emission inventory for Thailand in 2019 (EI–TH 2019), covering 12 major air pollutants and greenhouse gases across key sectors, including energy, transport, industry, agriculture, waste, and residential activities. The inventory is constructed using country-specific activity data from official statistics and sectoral surveys, combined with GAINS-consistent emission factors and control assumptions. Emissions are resolved at 1 × 1 km spatial resolution and monthly temporal resolution to capture Thailand-specific emission dynamics. The results show that emissions across major pollutants are dominated by a limited number of source groups, with biomass burning and residential solid-fuel use driving particulate matter, transport dominating NOx and CO emissions, large-scale combustion and industry controlling SO2 emissions, and agriculture contributing the majority of NH3 emissions. Strong seasonal variability is observed in PM2.5, CO, and NH3, primarily driven by dry-season biomass burning, whereas NOx and SO2 exhibit relatively stable temporal patterns. The reliability of EI–TH 2019 is supported by a multi-dimensional evaluation framework. Temporal consistency is demonstrated through strong agreement between modeled PM2.5 emissions and ground-based observations, as well as between NOx emissions and satellite-derived TROPOMI NO2 (r = 0.93; ρ = 0.96). Biomass burning timing is further validated using satellite fire activity (VIIRS), showing consistent seasonal patterns. Comparisons with global inventories (EDGAR v8.1, HTAP v3.2, and GFED5.1) reveal systematic differences in sectoral contributions, temporal profiles, and emission magnitudes, particularly for biomass burning, reflecting the importance of country-specific data and assumptions. Overall, EI–TH 2019 provides a robust, high-resolution, and policy-relevant emission dataset that improves the representation of emission processes in Thailand. The results highlight key priority sectors—biomass burning, transport, industry, and agriculture—for targeted emission-reduction strategies and support applications in chemical transport modeling, exposure assessment, and integrated air-quality and climate-policy analysis.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050245

Authors: Naser F. Al-Tannak Sylvester N. Ugariogu Samya S. Alenezi Naser A. Albazzaz Ujupaul J. M. Ikezu

Kuwait experiences persistently high levels of air pollution driven by industrial emissions, transportation, oil-related activities, and frequent desert dust storms. This study aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between air pollution, Air Quality Index (AQI), and health outcomes in Kuwait using a guided narrative review approach. A guided literature search identified 26 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2026 about Kuwait air pollution, which were assessed for methodological characteristics, pollutant types, health outcome categories, and vulnerable populations. The most frequently examined pollutants were particulate matter (PM2.5: 69%; PM10: 38%), followed by NO2 (23%), multi-pollutant and AQI-based (19%), O3 (12%), SO2 (12%), VOCs and PAHs (8%). Health-related investigations most commonly addressed mortality and respiratory morbidity, while cardiovascular, metabolic, biomarker-based, and cancer-related outcomes were less frequently represented. Among studies reporting direct health outcomes, elevated PM2.5 exposure was generally associated with increased risks of respiratory hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Susceptible populations identified across the literature include children, older adults, individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions, and outdoor workers, who may experience higher exposure levels and greater health vulnerability. However, a substantial proportion of the included studies focused primarily on exposure characterization or pollutant modeling without direct assessment of health outcomes. These studies nonetheless indicate consistently elevated pollutant levels and seasonal variability, which may plausibly contribute to population health risks. Overall, while the available Kuwait-specific evidence suggests potential adverse health effects linked to air pollution, the strength of direct epidemiological evidence remains limited. Important gaps persist, including the scarcity of long-term cohort studies, limited multi-pollutant analyses, and insufficient integration of AQI categories with health outcomes. These limitations highlight the need for more robust and longitudinal research to better quantify health risks and inform public health policy in Kuwait.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050243

Authors: Buhle Francis Charlie Shackleton

Invasive alien species such as Lantana camara L. impact native species and soil properties, but context-specific effects in transfrontier conservation areas remain poorly understood. Understanding these effects is essential for biodiversity conservation and management. We assessed associations between L. camara presence and native woody species composition and structure, as well as soil nutrients, in protected and communal areas within the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), Zimbabwe. The study hypothesised that invasion effects on vegetation are stronger in communal areas due to higher disturbance, and that soil changes are influenced by land-use intensity. We used stratified random sampling to select 60 plots across invaded and uninvaded sites. Woody vegetation was assessed for species composition and richness, stem density, canopy cover %, height, and diameter at breast height. Soil samples were analysed for nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, and pH. The presence of L. camara was negatively associated with native species richness, density, height, and canopy cover %, with stronger effects in communal plots. Invaded plots had lower pH (e.g., 6.1 in Park areas) and higher levels of some soil nutrients, particularly phosphorus and organic carbon, though patterns varied by land-use type. These results suggest that anthropogenic disturbance amplifies invasion impacts. We conclude that L. camara reduces native vegetation diversity and structure in this species-rich transfrontier area. Management should prioritise control at communal edges to support woody species resilience, ecosystem services, and biodiversity, with strategies adapted to local land-use conditions.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050242

Authors: Sneha Ghosh Emily Sue Zak Md Alamin Carrie L. Turner James Hartrick Jeffrey L. Ram

Wastewater surveillance emerged as a critical public health tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling early detection of community-level pathogen circulation independent of clinical testing. Its ability to capture signals from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals highlighted the importance of optimizing sampling methodologies to improve sensitivity and reliability. A key question is whether the several-fold increase in SARS-CoV-2 detectability observed when using passive tampon swab sampling compared with paired grab samples also applies to other respiratory viruses, including influenza A (including its avian influenza H5N1 subtype), influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We collected 24 h passive swab samples with same-day grab samples from Detroit sewersheds, concentrated and purified nucleic acids, and using RT-ddPCR, quantified respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and H5N1 influenza A viruses using markers RSV, SC2, InfA, InfB, and H5, respectively. Samples testing positive for H5 (marker for H5N1 influenza A) were further analyzed by targeted PCR and amplicon sequencing. Across three sites, median 24 h swab:grab ratios of virus copies were 7.0 for RSV, 9.2 for SC2, 9.9 for InfA, and 3.6 for InfB. A 239 bp hemagglutinin sequence from a sample with a strong H5 signal (795 copies/10 mL) had 100% identity to avian influenza viruses from Canada geese. Twenty-four-hour swab sampling greatly improves viral detectability across diverse targets and enabled the first confirmed detection of H5 in Detroit wastewater. Combined with magnetic bead purification, the overall sensitivity gain over conventional PEG-NaCl-Qiagen methods is approximately 36-fold, enabling earlier warning of community pathogens than grab samples. By integrating 24 hour passive swab sampling with high-efficiency nucleic acid purification, we expand the sensitivity of wastewater surveillance to enable detection and confirmation of low-abundance pathogens like avian influenza (H5).

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050241

Authors: Angela Maffia Federica Alessia Marra Santo Battaglia Carmelo Mallamaci Emilio Attinà Adele Muscolo

Agricultural soils play a dual role in the climate system, acting both as carbon sinks and natural sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which may be intensified under unsustainable management. However, the comparative effectiveness of different soil management strategies, particularly organic amendments derived from agro-industrial residues, remains insufficiently clarified. This review aims to critically synthesize current scientific evidence on soil stewardship practices for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. The analysis is based on a structured review of peer-reviewed literature published over the last decade, including field experiments, long-term trials, and LCA studies. Comparative insights are provided across conventional mineral fertilization, organic amendments, and circular fertilization approaches based on agro-industrial by-products. The results indicate that organic amendments such as compost, digestate, and vermicompost generally increase soil organic carbon stocks (up to +40% in long-term systems) and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint compared with mineral fertilization, although responses vary depending on soil, climate, and management conditions. The review evaluates the effects of different management practices on soil organic carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas fluxes, nutrient use efficiency, and soil biological functioning. Special emphasis is placed on the role of waste-derived fertilizers—such as composts, digestates, and vermicompost—in promoting soil carbon stabilization while reducing the environmental burden associated with synthetic inputs. Evidence consistently indicates that soil stewardship strategies grounded in circular economy principles can lower net carbon footprints, improve soil resilience, and mitigate trade-offs between productivity and climate mitigation. By framing soil management within the context of global warming mitigation, this review highlights the multifunctional role of soils as climate regulators and underscores the potential of agro-industrial waste valorization as a scalable pathway toward climate-smart and low-emission agricultural systems.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050240

Authors: Alexandr Ivaneev Anton Brzhezinskiy Vasily Karandashev Mikhail Ermolin Petr Fedotov

Nanoparticles (NPs) of urban dust can be hazardous to human health due to the possibility of a high accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), high penetration ability into organisms, and their ability to cause injury to cells, tissues, and organs. The composition of NPs of urban dust may vary during the year; however, there are so far no studies on the seasonal changes in their elemental composition and related ecological and health risks. The current work was carried out using samples of urban dust from Moscow, the largest megacity in Europe, collected in spring, summer, and autumn. It was found that NPs of urban dust are polluted by PTEs, namely W, Bi, Hg, P, S, Sn, Mo, Cu, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn. The highest pollution and ecological risks were found in NPs of urban dust collected in summer (RI = 592) as compared to autumn (RI = 399) and spring (RI = 231). The same regularity was observed for health risks. The highest possible cancerogenic risk was found in summer NPs (CTCR = 3.0 × 10−4) followed by autumn NPs (CTCR = 2.5 × 10−4) and spring NPs (CTCR = 3.5 × 10−5). However, the difference between mean values obtained for the three seasons was not statistically significant. Additionally, it was demonstrated that vehicle emissions are one of the main sources of pollution of NPs, and their intensity does not significantly change throughout the year in Moscow. The results obtained offer new insights into the regularities of seasonal variations in elemental composition, pollution, and related ecological and health risks of NPs of urban dust.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050239

Authors: Matthew Duus Ahmed S. Elshall Michael L. Parsons Ming Ye

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Karenia brevis (K. brevis) present a persistent ecological and public health challenge across coastal Florida. Reliable bloom forecasting is critical for protecting public health, supporting coastal economies, and enabling timely management responses. This study develops a regionally integrated machine learning framework to predict weekly K. brevis bloom occurrence using environmental data from both the Peace and Caloosahatchee Rivers, combined with coastal bloom records from Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay to enhance the spatial and temporal continuity of the response record. A Random Forest classifier was trained on a multi-decadal dataset incorporating river discharge, nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen and total phosphorus), wind forcing, sea surface temperature, salinity, and sea surface height anomalies as a proxy for Loop Current variability. The model achieved strong predictive performance on a chronologically withheld test set, with an overall accuracy of ~90%, balanced accuracy of 87.6%, and ROC–AUC of 0.972, indicating strong discrimination between bloom and non-bloom conditions with high precision and recall for bloom events. Bloom timing and persistence were captured with strong agreement during ongoing bloom periods, while non-bloom conditions were identified with low false-positive rates. Feature-response analyses indicated that bloom probability increased most sharply under moderate discharge and nutrient conditions, with diminished sensitivity at higher extremes. Learning curve analysis demonstrated robust training performance and stable generalization, with validation accuracy plateauing near 84%, suggesting a data-limited ceiling on forecast skill. By aggregating nutrient inputs across multiple watersheds and integrating spatially aligned bloom observations, this study demonstrates the utility of multi-source machine learning frameworks for regional-scale HAB prediction. The results support the development of early warning tools and provide a reproducible foundation for evaluating how combined watershed loading and physical forcing are associated with K. brevis bloom occurrence in complex estuary systems with watershed and coastal coupling.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050238

Authors: Ioana-Antonia Cimpean Daniela Simina Stefan Florentina Laura Chiriac

This review examines microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, their interactions with organic pollutants (OPs), effects on organisms, and implications for human and ecological health. MPs are ubiquitous, persistent contaminants. Their small size and large surface area enhance adsorption of diverse OPs; however, the extent to which MPs influence pollutant transport, fate, and bioavailability remains highly context-dependent and is still under scientific debate. Sorption processes are influenced by polymer type, pollutant properties, environmental factors, and aging processes that increase surface reactivity, further contributing to the variability of MP–OP interactions. Detection of MPs in human tissues raises concerns about long-term health effects, including inflammatory, immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and endocrine responses. Despite advances in analytical techniques, challenges remain in identifying and quantifying small particles in complex matrices. This review emphasizes the need for integrated, multi-technique, and environmentally realistic studies to understand MP–OP interactions and support risk assessment. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies, improving nano-sized particle detection, and elucidating long-term effects, including trophic transfer and potential tissue accumulation.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050237

Authors: Satoshi Soda Shimpei Goto Hiroki Eguchi Abd Aziz Amin

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a low-energy alternative for treating dye-containing wastewater; however, the mechanisms enabling azo dye removal without external carbon supplementation remain unclear. This study demonstrates that azo dye reduction can proceed under oxic bulk conditions in CWs through vegetation-induced microscale redox heterogeneity. Lab-scale CWs planted with cattail and papyrus were evaluated for the removal of Reactive Orange 16 (RO16, monoazo) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5, diazo) at influent concentrations of 10–50 mg/L under varying ambient temperature (2–36 °C) and hydraulic retention time (1–15 days). Vegetated CWs consistently outperformed the unplanted system, achieving 60–95% removal for RO16 and up to 98% removal for RB5, whereas the unplanted CW showed substantially inferior performance, with removal efficiencies below 54% for RO16 and below 37% for RB5. Dye-decolorizing bacteria, including Priestia megaterium and Clostridium spp., were isolated exclusively under anaerobic conditions from vegetated CWs despite oxic bulk dissolved oxygen levels. The isolates did not decolorize dyes under aerobic conditions or when dyes were provided as sole carbon sources, indicating that azo dyes functioned as electron acceptors and required additional electron donors. These results suggest that vegetation promotes localized reductive microenvironments and supplies endogenous organic carbon, enabling anaerobic azo bond reduction within otherwise oxic systems. The findings indicate a mechanistic basis for plant–microbe interactions in CWs and support the design of sustainable treatment systems for dye-containing wastewater without external carbon input, particularly in warm regions. This study resolves a long-standing question of how azo dye reduction proceeds in CWs without external carbon input.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050236

Authors: Peter Grabusts Jurijs Musatovs Maksims Feofilovs Nidhiben Patel Mara Zeltina Luca Adami Francesco Romagnoli

In the context of green energy, the use of lake reeds is becoming an increasingly important factor. Therefore, research into the availability of reeds, determining their area in lakes, predicting the potential biomass volume and calculating the carbon footprint are important. Currently, there have been no significant research results on the availability of reeds and the assessment of the sustainability of reed products in Latvia. However, these aspects are crucial for the development of reed products, as they help to assess their market potential and environmental impact. The main goal of this work is to develop a method for modeling the distribution of lake reeds in order to predict their availability in the future, which would allow assessment of the volume of biomass and its impact on the environment. This research develops an integrated GIS–LCA framework that combines Sentinel-2 satellite data, machine learning-based classification, biomass estimation, and carbon footprint modeling. Using Lake Cirma as a case study, the classification results show that reed stands occupy 2.18–3.51 percent of the lake area in certain years, corresponding to approximately 1158–1861 tons of biomass. The framework enables quantification of harvesting potential while considering ecological constraints that limit annual extraction to approximately 50% of total biomass. The proposed GIS–LCA framework provides a replicable methodology for assessing reed biomass availability and environmental performance across lake ecosystems. It supports evidence-based decision-making for sustainable reed resource management and contributes to the development of low-carbon bioeconomy pathways in line with EU climate and bioeconomy strategies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050234

Authors: Daria Russo Sara Tunesi Antonio Giampiero Russo

Extreme heat is a major weather-related cause of death and is expected to intensify in European cities. We quantified Milan-specific temperature–mortality relationships, defined impact-based heat thresholds around the minimum mortality temperature (MMT) and identified vulnerable subgroups using individual-level risk factors. We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study including 2230 natural deaths among Milan residents aged ≥75 years occurring between 15 July and 15 September 2022. The MMT (29 °C) was used as the reference temperature [odds ratio (OR) = 1], and mortality risks were evaluated across high-impact (1.20 < OR ≤ 1.50, ≥35 °C) maximum temperature (Tmax) days. Compared with MMT days, mortality was higher on high-impact days (OR 1.44), with somewhat larger estimates among adults aged ≥85 years (OR 1.63) and men (OR 1.50). Disability (OR 1.51) and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.89) were also associated with higher vulnerability, with relatively higher estimates observed in women aged ≥85 years and in men with comorbidities or living alone. Overall, the findings suggest that extreme heat may have had a greater impact on the oldest old and on socially or clinically vulnerable groups, highlighting the possible relevance of targeted heat–health interventions and neighborhood-focused prevention strategies.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050235

Authors: Ana Emilia Navas-Ulloa Fidel Vallejo Diana Yánez Jorge Nei Brito César Ayabaca-Sarria Angélica Tirado-Lozada Diego Venegas-Vásconez

This study examines the evolution of the scientific literature on mining and heavy metals, with a particular focus on biosanitary risks associated with childhood exposure. The research integrates a systematic literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, combined with a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications, international epidemiological data, and an evaluation of the socio-environmental context in Ecuadorian mining regions. The PRISMA-based screening process was applied to identify, filter, and select relevant peer-reviewed studies, enabling the delimitation of a focused corpus of literature, with particular attention given to scientific contributions produced by Latin American researchers and institutions. The results reveal a significant concentration of knowledge production among a limited number of countries and institutions, the dominance of English as the main language of scientific communication, and the centrality of journals in environmental sciences and toxicology. While notable progress has been made in identifying contaminants and exposure pathways, governance structures, territorial disparities, and policy implementation processes remain insufficiently explored. In Ecuador, the rapid growth of mining concessions in ecologically sensitive zones presents potential threats to children’s neurocognitive development, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing surveillance, biomonitoring programs, and preventive public health measures. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening regional research capacity and fostering more equitable international scientific collaborations to ensure that knowledge production is responsive to local contexts and effectively safeguards vulnerable populations.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13050233

Authors: Georgia Sarikaki Matthaios Panou Christina Miskaki Ifigeneia Grigoriadou Georgia Dimitropoulou Ioanna Dalla Vasiliki Tsioni Themistoklis Sfetsas

Insect farming generates frass as a co-product alongside insect biomass, creating interest in its valorization within circular bioeconomy strategies and in its use as a fertilizer, soil improver, or plant biostimulant. This review adopts a claim-led framework linking product classification, composition, post-treatment, microbiological safety, environmental risks, and the evidence required to support specific agronomic claims, with particular emphasis on the EU regulatory context. Evidence from incubation, pot, greenhouse, and field studies, together with regulatory and technical sources, show that frass is a heterogeneous material whose performance depends on insect species, rearing substrate, product fraction, soil conditions, application rate, and processing history. Its relevance is increasing, particularly in regions where insect farming is expanding under established regulatory and industrial frameworks, including the European Union, North America, and parts of Asia. Across the reviewed evidence, the most scientifically and regulatorily defensible current positioning of frass is as a product-specific fertilizer or soil improver, whereas broader biostimulant or plant-protection claims require stronger product-level evidence. The review further concludes that safe and credible deployment depends on transparent characterization, appropriate hygienization and storage, contaminant screening where relevant, and claim-specific alignment with the applicable regulatory route.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13040232

Authors: Jesus A. Martínez-Espinosa Gustavo Ruiz-Pulido José Navarro-Antonio Mario J. Romellón-Cerino Raquel Murillo-Ortíz Dora I. Medina Heriberto Cruz-Martínez

Graphene-based aerogels (GAs) exhibit outstanding performance in the adsorption of organic contaminants. Consequently, numerous studies have investigated the use of GAs for this purpose. In this work, the synthesis methods commonly used to produce GAs are first briefly described, and their key characteristics are summarized. Subsequently, GAs are classified according to the modifications applied to improve their adsorption properties toward organic pollutants. Furthermore, the quantitative relationships between surface area, density, surface chemistry, and adsorption performance for organic contaminants are systematically reviewed. The analysis revealed that the adsorption of two representative organic contaminants, toluene and methylene blue, is not dependent on the surface area of GAs. In contrast, GAs with lower density exhibit an improved adsorption capacity for toluene. Additionally, the relationship between the surface chemistry of GAs and their adsorption capacity toward methylene blue was analyzed considering the concentration of carboxylic sites. The available data suggests a potential correlation between the concentration of carboxylic groups on the surface of GAs and their adsorption capacity for methylene blue. This observation is supported by the analysis of methylene blue species in aqueous solution and the pH at the point of zero charge of GAs, which indicate that the interaction occurs mainly through electrostatic attractions resulting from the deprotonation of acidic surface sites. Finally, several opportunity areas and future research directions regarding the use of GAs for pollutant adsorption are discussed.

Environments doi: 10.3390/environments13040231

Authors: Ukam Uno Worapong Singchat Thitipong Panthum Aingorn Chaiyes Ekerette Ekerette Uduak Edem Saharuetai Jeamsripong Anurak Uchuwittayakul Weekit Sirisaksoontorn Chomdao Sinthuvanich Kornsorn Srikulnath

Aquaculture sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions is increasingly threatened by heavy metal contamination originating from complex anthropogenic land-use patterns. This study used an integrated model to evaluate the molecular-to-human health continuum in hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus × Clarias macrocephalus) sourced from Pathum Thani, Thailand’s primary aquaculture hub. We integrated geospatial land-use data with heavy-metal quantification, oxidative-stress biomarkers, and transcriptional profiling to assess how canal-specific water quality modulates fish health and consumer risk. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in metal concentrations, corresponding to the province’s 27% urban–industrial land-use footprint. While water quality generally met regulatory limits, a pronounced aqueous–biotic discrepancy, “bioaccumulation paradox” was identified at certain sites, where muscle and hepatic tissues exhibited lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) levels that substantially exceeded international safety standards. Biochemical and molecular analyses provided functional evidence of physiological distress, specifically significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the transcriptional modulation of cat, cyp1a, gpx, met, tnf, and star genes indicated that chronic metal exposure overwhelmed antioxidant defenses and induced potential endocrine disruption. Moreover, human health risk assessments revealed that the hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TR) exceeded unacceptable thresholds at multiple hotspots, indicating that Cr is a primary carcinogenic driver. These findings highlight a “GAP Paradox,” where farm-level certifications are insufficient to mitigate risks posed by the surrounding canal network. This study presents vital evidence-based risk profiles that necessitate a transition to a spatially based regulatory framework, incorporating geospatial land-use monitoring into national food safety policies to protect both aquaculture viability and public health.