Search Results (5,551)

Abandoned coal mine lands, particularly waste coal piles that predate the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977, pose significant environmental and safety risks. Unlike sites mined after SMCRA—where operators are legally mandated to conduct reclamation—there is no legal obligation for companies or individuals to restore lands disturbed before the law’s enactment. As a result, these historical sites remain largely unmanaged and understudied. This study develops a satellite imagery-based analytical workflow to identify and monitor such historical waste coal piles. Using supervised classification of Sentinel-2 imagery with four machine learning models, we identified waste coal piles in both active mining areas and regions disturbed prior to SMCRA. Among the models tested, Random Forest achieved the highest accuracy for classifying waste coal, with a precision of 86% and a recall of 77%. A subsequent time-series analysis revealed that historical waste coal piles have undergone gradual but consistent vegetation recovery since 1986, indicating a natural reclamation process. These areas showed minimal changes in disturbance magnitude, suggesting the absence of significant disturbing events. In contrast, active mining regions showed substantial disturbance consistent with ongoing operations. The combined classification and change detection approach successfully distinguished historical waste coal piles from those in active mining regions, with a precision of 78% and recall of 100%. These findings highlight the potential of remote sensing and temporal analysis to support the identification and assessment of historical waste coal piles. The proposed approach can help prioritize reclamation efforts and inform policy decisions addressing the long-term environmental impacts of historical coal mining. Full article

The increased complexity of buildings has led to rigorous performance demands from materials and building envelopes. As markets for low-carbon, renewable construction materials grow, cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation have emerged as promising alternatives to meet these rigorous demands. However, an investigation into the performance and interaction of materials within high-performance systems is necessary to determine the durability risks associated with increased complexity and the introduction of new materials. This is important in order to ensure that these materials can meet the required functions of the building while taking advantage of their environmental benefits. To do so, this case study investigated a building constructed of cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation in a cold climate (Zone 6A) (Belfast, ME, USA). During construction, the building was instrumented with temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content monitoring instrumentation through the envelope, i.e., wall and roof assemblies. The conditions within the envelope were monitored for a two-year period and used to calibrate a hygrothermal model, along with measured material properties. The calibrated model was used to conduct a 5-year simulation and mold risk assessment. Findings demonstrated that there was no moisture or mold risk throughout the monitoring period or simulation. This supports the integration of cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation in sustainable building practices, particularly in cold climates where moisture management is critical. Full article

The use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures offers environmental and economic advantages by reducing reliance on virgin aggregates and minimizing construction waste. However, the aged binder in RAP increases mixture stiffness, which can compromise fatigue resistance. This systematic review evaluates the influence of RAP content on fatigue performance compared to conventional mixtures, with a focus on the Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) as the primary assessment method. Following the parameters of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, five studies published between 2014 and 2024 were identified through searches in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ASCE, and Scopus. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The results indicate that although RAP enhances rutting resistance, higher contents (>30%) often lead to reduced fatigue performance due to binder hardening and reduced mixture flexibility. The incorporation of rejuvenators—such as heavy paraffinic extracts—and modifiers, including high-modulus agents, polymers, and epoxy binders, can partially restore aged binder properties and improve performance. Sustainable innovations, such as lignin-based industrial by-products and warm-mix asphalt technologies, show promise in balancing mechanical performance with reduced environmental impact. Variability in material sources, modification strategies, and test protocols limits direct comparability among studies, underscoring the need for standardized evaluation frameworks. Overall, this review highlights that optimizing RAP content and selecting effective rejuvenation or modification strategies are essential for achieving durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible asphalt pavements. Future research should integrate advanced laboratory methods with performance-based design to enable high RAP utilization without compromising fatigue resistance. Full article

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) family, has been associated with adverse health effects, including potential links to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates the impact of PFOS on metabolic, immunologic and behavioral profiles in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, a mouse strain that models ASD, to provide insights into the role of PFOS in ASD development and related health concerns. Three-month-old male and female BTBR-mt^B6 mice were divided into two groups (n = 6) and received daily administration of either 1 mg/kg PFOS or vehicle over a three-month period by gavage. Metabolic assessments included measurements of body weight and weekly blood glucose levels, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, organ weights, and body compositions (free fluid, fat and lean tissue). Immune profiling was conducted via flow cytometric analysis of splenic leukocytes, while behavioral evaluations included grooming, sniffing, and three-chamber social interaction tests. PFOS exposure disrupted glucose homeostasis, with both sexes exhibiting elevated blood glucose levels. Male mice showed impaired glucose tolerance, delayed glucose level recovery, and increased insulin resistance, while females displayed decreased insulin resistance. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to liver enlargement in both sexes. Behavioral assessments revealed heightened grooming in PFOS-treated males, commonly interpreted as stress- or ASD-related repetitive behaviors, whereas females exhibited reduced grooming, reflecting altered behavioral responses to exposure. Immune alterations were also sex specific. PFOS-treated males exhibited decreased granulocytes, increased macrophages, and enhanced surface expressions of B220 and CD40L. PFOS-treated females showed increased macrophages, B-cells, cytotoxic T-cells and CD25⁺ T-cell subsets, with enhanced surface expression of B220 and CD8, and reduced surface expression of Mac-3. In addition, PFOS exposure reduced spleen weight in females. Taken together, PFOS exposure induced significant physiological and behavioral changes in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, with sex-specific differences observed. These results raise concern that PFASs may contribute to the development or exacerbation of metabolic, immune and neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for sex-specific human risk assessment in environmental toxicology. Full article

This study investigates the presence of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in the Bajgora region of Mitrovica, Republic of Kosovo. Rock samples were collected and analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The analyses confirmed the presence of the chrysotile mineral, which is part of the asbestos mineral family, while the minerals of the serpentine group, lizardite and antigorite, were identified. Also, in the last sample, in the flyschite sandstone formations, quartz was identified. XRPD enabled the identification of mineral phases, while SEM/EDX provided detailed morphological and chemical characterization, essential for confirming asbestos structures. The detection of asbestos near residential areas raises serious public health concerns, as airborne fibers may be inhaled during routine daily activities. Exposure to these fibers is linked to severe diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and comprehensive assessment of asbestos contamination in the Bajgora region. The findings point to the need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive assessment of the Bajgora region for asbestos contamination. Furthermore, the ecological risks to human health resulting from the dispersion of asbestos mineral fibers in the soil, where their presence may be found in surface waters and in the air, these fibers represent a significant environmental risk that requires urgent attention by establishing a monitoring system for the benefit of public health. Full article

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring metal that is environmentally ubiquitous due to industrial activities, such as mining, smelting, and fossil fuel combustion. Exposure to Pb adversely affects the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver, bones, and cardiovascular system, leading to a multitude of negative health impacts, such as anemia and neurological disorders. While significant research has focused on the effects of Pb on the nervous and immune systems, Pb’s impact as a reproductive endocrine disruptor remains largely understudied. The first objective of this review was to collate the current literature regarding the effects of Pb on the reproductive system of aquatic species (primarily fish) and agricultural livestock to highlight the ecological significance and impacts on animal health. Literature supports the hypothesis that exposure to Pb can impede reproductive processes by affecting hormone levels, reproductive organ development, and fertility. A second objective of this review was to elucidate putative mechanisms underlying Pb as a reproductive endocrine disruptor using molecular data and computational approaches. Based on transcriptomics data, Pb is hypothesized to perturb key pathways important for hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis functions, such as circadian regulation and estrogen receptor signaling. Given the widespread environmental presence of Pb, understanding these mechanisms is essential for improving risk assessments and protecting animal reproductive health. Full article

A necessary evaluation of freshwater ecosystem pollution levels and radiation risks remains crucial for maintaining environmental health, especially within economically developing areas. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the mineralogical, geochemical, and radiological characteristics of sediments in Nasser Lake, Egypt, to determine potential ecological and health risks. Forty sediment samples were collected from multiple locations, including both surface and bottom sediments, for analysis of textural attributes, mineral composition, potentially toxic elements, and natural radionuclides (²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K). Results revealed sand-dominated sediments with low organic matter content. The heavy mineral assemblages derived from Nile River inputs, wind-deposited materials, and eroded igneous and metamorphic rocks. Geochemical analysis showed that arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead concentrations exceeded upper continental crust background values, with enrichment factors and geo-accumulation indices indicating significant anthropogenic contributions. The pollution indices revealed heavy contamination levels and extreme ecological risks, which were primarily driven by arsenic and cadmium concentrations. Radiological assessments detected activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K below the world average, with hazard indices indicating minimal radiological risk except where localized hotspots were present. The study emphasizes the need for targeted monitoring and sustainable management practices to mitigate pollution and preserve the crucial freshwater environment of Nasser Lake. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses significant ecological and public health risks. A comprehensive understanding of estuarine MP pollution, influenced by multiple anthropogenic and environmental factors, remains elusive in current research. This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns and dominant factors influencing MP abundance (MPA) and physicochemical diversity in the river water and sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), while also assessing the associated ecological risks. The dominant MP categories in river water and sediments were fibers, clear in color, <1 mm in length, and composed of polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Whereas inland regions showed higher MPA, nearshore regions exhibited marginally greater physicochemical diversity. Multivariate statistical analysis identified population density as the primary driver of both MPA in river water and MP physicochemical diversity in sediments. MP physicochemical diversity in river water was predominantly governed by the synergistic effect of salinity and the vegetation land. MPA in sediments depended on the synergistic effect of flow rate and watershed area. Ecological risk assessment identified elevated risks in the eastern study area driven by the presence of polymethyl methacrylate. This study establishes a scientific basis for PRE region MP management and provides global comparative data for estuarine MP research. Full article

Due to climate change, the risk of spring frosts has increased and may rise further in the near future. This is pushing winegrowers to adopt active spring frost protection methods (ASFPMs) in their vineyard management practices. This study analyzes the potential contribution of the most commonly used ASFPMs to the environmental impacts of grape production in the Loire Valley region, using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, while considering local mesoclimatic conditions. The environmental offsets of ASFPMs are modeled by comparing the viticulture stage impact with and without ASFPM technologies. Furthermore, the present paper proposes an original approach to integrate potential yield loss, simulating frost damage. This sensitivity analysis identifies the yield loss threshold at which the different ASFPMs are environmentally compensated under various mesoclimatic conditions. We show that the environmental contribution of instant ASFPMs varies most significantly based on the number of frost hours, but generally remains the highest across most environmental indicators compared to other impacts of viticulture, e.g., ranging from 35 to 92% for the climate change indicator. Wind machines contribute the least to the viticulture stage, regardless of frost hour occurrence. However, even permanent solutions have a significant impact on at least one environmental indicator, regardless of frost hour occurrence. Additionally, the environmental offset analysis outlines that the yield loss thresholds for ASFPM impact compensation are high, even for the most effective solutions in a frost-prone context. Future research should include passive spring frost protection methods and other types of vineyard management in LCA of the viticulture stage. Full article

Background: Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a form of deleterious ocular aging mediated by genetic and environmental factors that frequently produces glaucoma (XFG). We aimed to develop a genetic risk score (GRS), assess its clinical utility, and identify metabolites/metabolite classes associated with a high GRS. Methods: For 39,472 Nurses’ Health Studies (NHS, 1980–2018; NHS2, 1989–2019) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2018) participants aged ≥ 40 years reporting eye exams and no baseline glaucoma, we formed an eight-single nucleotide polymorphism Genetic Risk Score (GRS8) using loci with genome-wide associations with XFS. We estimated relative risks (RR) for incident XFG suspect (XFGS)/XFG (n = 118 cases) and Harrell’s C statistics. Among 7547 participants with plasma metabolites measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we evaluated the relation between GRS8 and 427 individual metabolites and 20 metabolite classes, adjusting for multiple comparisons. Results: Higher GRS8 was associated with XFGS/XFG (GRS8 RR_{Quintile(Q)5vs.Q1} = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.76, 8.29). GRS8 significantly (p = 0.04) improved model prediction from C-index of 88% (95% CI: 0.84, 0.92) to 93% (95% CI: 0.91, 0.95) when added to a basic risk model including age, sex, period at risk, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma family history. Metabolite class analyses revealed positive associations of bile acids and inverse associations of fatty acyls with GRS8 (adjusted p < 0.001). Conclusions: XFS GRS8 improved XFGS/XFG prediction, and a higher XFS GRS8 was associated with altered levels of fatty acyl and bile acid metabolite classes. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their ability to adsorb hazardous chemicals, such as estrogens, and be ingested by marine organisms. This study focuses on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polymer widely used in Kuwait, to assess its role as a carrier of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically estrogens. Biological effects were evaluated using biomarkers such as cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and vitellogenin (Vtg) gene expression. Virgin LDPE MPs were exposed to influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for four weeks to facilitate estrogen absorption. The MPs were then incorporated into fish feed pellets for dietary exposure experiments. Fish were divided into three treatment groups—exposed to either virgin MPs, WWTP-influent MPs, or WWTP-effluent MPs—and monitored over four weeks. The results showed that WWTP-exposed MPs carried detectable levels of estrogen, leading to physiological effects on yellowfin bream. Fish in the control group, which received MP-enriched diets without estrogen, experienced significant weight loss due to nutrient deprivation. In contrast, weight patterns in the treatment groups were influenced by estrogen exposure. The condition factor (CF) decreased across groups during the experiment but remained within acceptable health ranges. A significant reduction in the hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed in the effluent-exposed group, likely due to lower estrogen levels reducing physiological stress. The findings confirm that LDPE MPs can act as carriers for estrogens, impairing fish growth and metabolism while disrupting biological processes such as cytochrome oxidase function. These results highlight the potential risks of MPs in marine ecosystems and underscore the need for further research to understand their long-term effects. Full article

As a critical ecological security node in North China, the Baiyangdian Basin underpins regional water resources, biodiversity conservation, and environmental risk mitigation. Its ecological integrity is fundamental to the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) megaregion. This study leveraged Google Earth Engine (GEE) to quantify spatiotemporal ecosystem dynamics within the Baiyangdian watershed from 1990 to 2023, utilizing the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). The primary drivers influencing the watershed’s ecological and environmental quality were subsequently analyzed. The results show that the ecological quality of the Baiyangdian Basin showed fluctuating changes from 1990 to 2023. Overall, the northwestern part of the Baiyangdian Basin improved significantly, while the southeastern part was slightly degraded, and the intensity of the change between different RSEI grades was low, mainly fluctuating between poor, medium, and good grades. Both anthropogenic and natural factors have high explanatory power for the ecological quality of the Baiyangdian watershed, and the land use type in particular is the main driver of changes in the RSEI area. The explanatory power of these factors was significantly enhanced by the interaction between them, especially the interaction between the land use type and other drivers. Within the drivers of the land use type, the cropland area, woodland area, shrub area, and grassland area have a significant influence. In summary, the area change in different land use types is the main factor influencing the ecological quality of the Baiyangdian watershed. This study has demonstrative value and implications for large-scale shallow lakes and wetlands, ecological barriers in rapidly urbanizing regions, the integrated management of cross-administrative watersheds, and the use of the GEE platform for long time-series and large-scale ecological monitoring and assessment. Full article

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is framed as a flagship of Türkiye’s national low-carbon transition. This study examines how domestic economic actors perceive the project’s socio-economic and environmental impacts, and how those perceptions align with—or diverge from—official assessments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research draws on 28 semi-structured interviews with members of the Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council. This lens captures how locally embedded businesses read the project’s risks and rewards in real time. Four themes stand out. First, respondents see a clear economic uptick—but one that feels time-bound and vulnerable to the project cycle. Second, many feel excluded from decision-making; as a result, their support remains conditional rather than open-ended. Third, participants describe environmental signals as ambiguous, paired with genuine ecological concern. Fourth, skepticism about governance intertwines with sovereignty anxieties, particularly around foreign ownership and control. Overall, while short-term economic benefits are widely acknowledged, support is tempered by procedural exclusion, environmental worry, and distrust of foreign control. Conceptually, the study contributes to energy-justice scholarship by elevating sovereignty as an additional dimension of justice and by highlighting the link between being shut out of processes and perceiving higher environmental risk. Policy implications follow directly: create robust, domestic communication channels; strengthen participatory governance so local actors have a real voice; and embed nuclear projects within regional development strategies so economic gains are durable and broadly shared. Full article

Agriculture is fundamental to food security and environmental sustainability. Advancing its holistic ecological transformation can stimulate socioeconomic progress while fostering human–nature harmony. Utilizing provincial data from mainland China (2013–2022), this research establishes a multidimensional evaluation framework across four pillars: agricultural ecology, low-carbon practices, modernization, and productivity enhancement. Through comprehensive assessment, we quantify China’s low-carbon green agriculture (LGA) development trajectory and conduct comparative regional analysis across eastern, central, and western zones. As for methods, this study employs multiple econometric approaches: LGA was quantified using the TOPSIS entropy weight method at the first step. Moreover, multidimensional spatial–temporal patterns were characterized through ArcGIS spatial analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition, Kernel density estimation, and Markov chain techniques, revealing regional disparities, evolutionary trajectories, and state transition dynamics. Last but not least, Tobit regression modeling identified driving mechanisms, informing improvement strategies derived from empirical evidence. The key findings reveal the following: 1. From 2013 to 2022, LGA in China fluctuated significantly. However, the current growth rate is basically maintained between 0% and 10%. Meanwhile, LGA in the vast majority of provinces exceeds 0.3705, indicating that LGA in China is currently in a stable growth period. 2. After 2016, the growth momentum in the central and western regions continued. The growth rate peaked in 2020, with some provinces having a growth rate exceeding 20%. Then the growth rate slowed down, and the intra-regional differences in all regions remained stable at around 0.11. 3. Inter-regional differences are the main factor causing the differences in national LGA, with contribution rates ranging from 67.14% to 74.86%. 4. LGA has the characteristic of polarization. Some regions have developed rapidly, while others have lagged behind. At the end of our ten-year study period, LGA in Yunnan, Guizhou and Shanxi was still below 0.2430, remaining in the low-level range. 5. In the long term, the possibility of improvement in LGA in various regions of China is relatively high, but there is a possibility of maintaining the status quo or “deteriorating”. Even provinces with a high level of LGA may be downgraded, with possibilities ranging from 1.69% to 4.55%. 6. The analysis of driving factors indicates that the level of economic development has a significant positive impact on the level of urban development, while the influences of urbanization, agricultural scale operation, technological input, and industrialization level on the level of urban development show significant regional heterogeneity. In summary, during the period from 2013 to 2022, although China’s LGA showed polarization and experienced ups and downs, it generally entered a period of stable growth. Among them, the inter-regional differences were the main cause of the unbalanced development across the country, but there was also a risk of stagnation and decline. Economic development was the general driving force, while other driving factors showed significant regional heterogeneity. Finally, suggestions such as differentiated development strategies, regional cooperation and resource sharing, and coordinated policy allocation were put forward for the development of LGA. This research is conducive to providing references for future LGA, offering policy inspirations for LGA in other countries and regions, and also providing new empirical results for the academic community. Full article

Background: Pediatric cancer incidence has been increasing in the United States, despite improvement in pediatric cancer survival. This steady increase in incidence trends is not completely understood but maybe associated with social and environmental factors. In this study we aimed to assess the cumulative incidence, temporal trends, and mortality rates in pediatric cancer. Additionally, we examined sub-group variability in both incidence and mortality rates. Methods: Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) −18 from 1973–2014 were used for the purpose of analysis in this study. Age-adjusted incidence rates were used to assess temporal trends in cancer among children aged <1–19 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to examine the association between race and cancer mortality while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: There were 92,594 cancer diagnoses during this period. White children comprised 74,758, (80.7%), black children 10,030, (10.8%), and other races 6648, (7.2%). Overall the age-adjusted cumulative incidence was slightly higher among white children (16.4%) than black children (12.4%) and other (13.0%). Children aged 15–19 years and those in metropolitan regions were more likely to be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Relative to females, males were 16% more likely to die from the disease [adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09–1.22]. Additionally, compared to white children, black children had higher mortality rates [(aRR): 1.37, 99% CI: 1.23–1.52]. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend in pediatric cancer incidence; while white children have the highest incidence, black children and males indicated a survival disadvantage, indicative of racial and sex variability in overall pediatric cancer in the United States. Full article