Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are halogenated organic compounds of special interest because of their persistent, pervasive and exceptionally toxic nature. Sediments collected in the vicinity of petroleum production facilities in the Escravos River basin (ERB) of Nigeria were analyzed for 20 OCPs and 39 PBDEs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The OCP concentrations in the ERB sediments varied from 0.69 to 10.7 ng g-1 (mean = 5.65 ng g-1), while those of the Σ39 PBDEs ranged between 0.19 and 435 ng g-1 (mean = 39.1 ng g-1). The OCP class profiles in the sediments followed the order: Drins > Chls > DDTs > Endos > HCHs, while those of the PBDEs were in the order: tetra- > penta- > hexa- > tri- > hepta- > di- > mono- > deca-BDE. The ecological risk assessment suggests rare adverse effects for OCPs in the ERB sediments and potential adverse effects for penta-BDEs in the sediments. The results from the carcinogenic risk assessment suggest that human exposure to OCPs in the majority of the sites can be of moderate carcinogenic risk, while there is no risk for exposure to PBDEs in the sediments. The source analyses reflect the prominence of historically used sources over recent inputs for OCPs, while those of PBDEs reflect products of debromination of higher BDEs and the use of penta-BDEs rather than the deca-PBE mixture in the region.
- Klíčová slova
- Ecological risk, Escravos River basin, Halogenated hydrocarbons, Nigeria, Sediments,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza MeSH
- chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza MeSH
- geologické sedimenty * chemie MeSH
- halogenované difenylethery * analýza MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
- pesticidy * analýza MeSH
- průmysl ropy a zemního plynu MeSH
- řeky * chemie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Nigérie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
- halogenované difenylethery * MeSH
- pesticidy * MeSH
The contamination of aquatic environments by micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, is a growing global issue with significant implications for environmental and public health. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by examining pharmaceutical and drug contamination in thermal swimming pools, which are often legally discharged into water bodies without treatment. A total of 49 water samples from 19 distinct thermal pools were analysed, targeting 101 compounds, including pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and their metabolites. High-frequency contaminants were identified including caffeine, theophylline, cardiovascular medications (bisoprolol, metoprolol, telmisartan), antidepressants (venlafaxine, citalopram), antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine), the analgesic tramadol, the antiepileptic carbamazepine, and the illicit drug methamphetamine. The study revealed that these substances were present in more than 30% of the samples, with some occurring at relatively high maximum concentrations, e.g. caffeine (69 μg/L), and methamphetamine (1.8 μg/L). Notably, certain categories of targeted micropollutants, such as cardiovascular medications and illicit drugs, were found to be more prevalent in specific pools. A higher occurrence of cardiovascular drugs has been observed in a pool predominantly designed for relaxation and thus probably preferred by older people. In this pool also notably high levels of illicit drugs were found. The presence of illegal drugs was also confirmed in the children's pool. This study contributes valuable insights into the patterns of micropollutant distribution in thermal pools and emphasises the necessity for enhanced monitoring and management strategies to mitigate environmental and public health risks posed by micropollutants, as well as the possible further impact on aquatic ecosystems.
- Klíčová slova
- Illicit drugs, LC-MS/MS analysis, Micropollutant pollution, Pharmaceuticals, Statistical analysis, Thermal pools,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza MeSH
- léčivé přípravky analýza MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- plavecké bazény * MeSH
- zakázané drogy * analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- léčivé přípravky MeSH
- zakázané drogy * MeSH
Tire wear microplastics (TWMs) are continuously generated during driving and are subsequently released into the environment, where they pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. In this study, the effects of untreated, hydrated, and aged (in stream water) TWMs on the growth, root development, photosynthesis, electron transport system (ETS) activity, and energy-rich molecules of duckweed Lemna minor were investigated. The results indicated that untreated and aged TWMs have the most pronounced negative effects on Lemna minor, as evidenced by reduced growth and impaired root development. In contrast, the effects of hydrated TWMs were less pronounced compared to untreated and aged TWMs. The negative effects associated with untreated and hydrated TWMs are primarily attributed to the abrasive nature of these particles, which physically damage the plant tissue. On the other hand, aged TWMs showed a different mode of action as they serve as transport vectors for algae. Once introduced into a new environment via aged TWMs, these algae competed with Lemna minor for available nutrients and space, further impairing the growth, root length, photosynthetic efficiency, and carbohydrate content of Lemna minor. This study revealed the dual threat posed by TWMs: direct physical damage from newly released particles and indirect ecological disruption from aged particles that facilitate the spread of algae.
- Klíčová slova
- Macrophytes, Microplastics, Nutrients, Transport of species, Vector transport,
- MeSH
- Araceae * účinky léků růst a vývoj MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * toxicita MeSH
- fotosyntéza účinky léků MeSH
- mikroplasty * toxicita MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- mikroplasty * MeSH
Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it a promising tool for surface decontamination. This study evaluated the ability of PAW generated from high voltage atmospheric cold plasma to remove Salmonella from common surfaces (stainless steel (SS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, and wood) found in poultry houses. PAW was generated by exposing distilled water to atmospheric cold plasma in 80% humid air at 90 kV and 60 Hz for 30 min. The resulting PAW contained 1120 ppm of nitrate and 1370 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, with a pH of 1.83. PAW was then applied to coupons of SS, PVC, wood, and concrete surfaces inoculated with 7-8 log10 CFU of cocktail of Salmonella spp. (S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, S. Montevideo, and S. Enteritidis). PAW effectively reduced Salmonella levels on SS and PVC surfaces to below the detection limit within 30 s. On wood surfaces, a longer treatment time of 7.5 min was required to achieve a maximum reduction of 2.63 log10 CFU, likely due to the porosity of the wood limiting PAW contact with the bacteria. On concrete surfaces, the reduction in Salmonella levels was only 0.98 log10 CFU. This was likely due to the greater surface roughness and high alkalinity, which neutralized the PAW species.
- Klíčová slova
- Cold plasma, Decontamination, Plasma-activated water, Poultry house, Salmonella spp,
- MeSH
- bydlení zvířat * MeSH
- dekontaminace * metody MeSH
- dezinficiencia farmakologie MeSH
- dřevo mikrobiologie chemie MeSH
- drůbež * mikrobiologie MeSH
- konstrukční materiály mikrobiologie MeSH
- nerezavějící ocel MeSH
- peroxid vodíku farmakologie MeSH
- plazmové plyny * farmakologie MeSH
- počet mikrobiálních kolonií MeSH
- polyvinylchlorid chemie MeSH
- Salmonella * růst a vývoj MeSH
- voda * chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- dezinficiencia MeSH
- nerezavějící ocel MeSH
- peroxid vodíku MeSH
- plazmové plyny * MeSH
- polyvinylchlorid MeSH
- voda * MeSH
Uranium mining waste represents a considerable potential source of radon emissions in the nearby environment. The project's aim (2021-2024) was to observe and evaluate the effects of seasonal fluctuations in radon release from former uranium mine dumps No.15 and No.4 in the Příbram area and their influence on the surrounding atmosphere. The objective was to describe the radiation situation and homogeneity of the dumps and to record and analyze the impact of climatic conditions, which contribute to radon transport to the adjacent communities. The progressive phase involved aerial and field measurements of the Ambient Dose Equivalent Rate, detecting hot spots using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), collecting air samples with Lukas cells, and continuously monitoring Radon Activity Concentration. Meteorological data filtered for conditions of temperatures, absence of wind, and no precipitation during night-time hours (from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) identified 890 days between 2005 and 2023. This corresponds to an average of 47 days per year during which conditions conducive to radon transport to the vicinity of the dumps were present, which, as determined, influences radon activity concentrations and their subsequent dispersion into the surrounding environment. These measurements confirmed elevated radon activity concentrations in the ambient air, exceeding several kBq/m³ with measured maxima of 27 kBq/m³. This project's integration of monitoring methods has resulted in a novel, comprehensive approach to determining radon transport from the dump to nearby communities. The ability to accurately identify areas with elevated Radon Activity Concentrations (RAC) plays a crucial role in optimizing strategies to mitigate the impact of radon decay products on public health.
- Klíčová slova
- Aerial measurements, Radon, Spatial analysis, UAV, Uranium mining,
- MeSH
- atmosféra * chemie MeSH
- hornictví * MeSH
- monitorování radiace * metody MeSH
- radioaktivní látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza MeSH
- radon * analýza MeSH
- roční období * MeSH
- uran * analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- radioaktivní látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
- radon * MeSH
- uran * MeSH
The highly efficient degradation of persistent organic substances by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), which don't result in the formation of potentially harmful by-products, is crucial for the future of water management. In this study, boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDDE) with three morphologies (planar 2D, microstructured 2D, and macroporous 3D) were employed for the anodic oxidation of diclofenac (DCF) in two working electrolytes (NaCl and Na2SO4). In total, 11 by-products formed during the electrochemical oxidation of DCF were identified via HPLC-HRMS. The identification of degradation products revealed the formation of various active chlorinated species. The utilization of a chlorine-free Na2SO4 electrolyte resulted in the formation of greater number of chlorinated species, while their elimination required a longer period compared to the use of NaCl electrolyte. The formation of by-products was also influenced by the specific type of BDD electrode, which was associated with variations in applied current density. This led to an uneven distribution of dichloro (2D BDDE) and trichloro (3D BDDE) patterns. However, none of the products showed signs of a high level of persistence. The results revealed that the type of electrolyte is the most significant factor affecting the removal efficiency of DCF, while the different electrode morphologies do not lead to differences in the removal rates. The electrode type exerted a notable influence on the removal rates, which was associated with varying applied current densities, exclusively in the case of the Na₂SO₄ electrolyte. Over 99 % removal efficiency for DCF in NaCl, with power consumption of 1.8 kWh m-3 was achieved.
- Klíčová slova
- Boron doped diamond, Persistent pollutants, degradation intermediates, electrochemical oxidation,
- MeSH
- bor * chemie MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * chemie analýza MeSH
- čištění vody metody MeSH
- diamant * chemie MeSH
- diklofenak * chemie analýza MeSH
- elektrochemické techniky metody MeSH
- elektrody * MeSH
- oxidace-redukce MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- bor * MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- diamant * MeSH
- diklofenak * MeSH
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biological control agents that naturally kill insect pests, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms behind the recovery process, where infective juveniles (IJs) transition to a parasitic state upon contact with the host, remain unclear. This study investigates the stimulatory effect of insect-derived materials on the recovery of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora IJs. Three materials from Galleria mellonella larvae-bioactive homogenates from live and frozen larvae, and heat-inactivated homogenate-were tested, along with non-host stimuli including filtered water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). While none of the materials induced complete recovery of IJs, all triggered the release of excreted/secreted products (ESPs), with consistent protein concentrations across treatments. However, mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in ESP protein composition. IJs exposed to PBS released the highest number of proteins, while bioactive homogenates induced the fewest. Proteins linked to host-parasite interactions, such as alpha-2-macroglobulins and trypsin inhibitor-like proteins, were more abundant in ESPs following exposure to insect-derived materials and PBS. Interestingly, nematodes exposed to water released a substantial number of proteins, comparable to stimulation by heat-inactivated homogenates, though their protein profiles were distinct, reflecting stress responses in the former and host-parasite interaction-related proteins in the latter. Our findings demonstrate that both host-derived and non-biological stimuli can trigger IJs recovery and ESPs release, underscoring the complexity of host-nematode interactions. These results provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying H. bacteriophora parasitism and may contribute to optimizing biocontrol strategies through a better understanding of nematode activation and released ESPs.
- MeSH
- biologická kontrola škůdců MeSH
- hmyz MeSH
- interakce hostitele a parazita * MeSH
- larva MeSH
- můry parazitologie MeSH
- proteiny červů metabolismus MeSH
- Rhabditida fyziologie MeSH
- Rhabditoidea fyziologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- proteiny červů MeSH
Scenario analysis plays a central role in estimating how global changes affect the relationships linking ecosystem conditions and functioning to human needs. This is particularly true for agroecosystems, which are pivotal to ensure sustainable land planning, ecological management and food security strategies. Soils are key providers of multiple ecosystem services (ES) in agroecosystems but they are very sensitive to global drivers such as changes in climate, land use and cover. How agroecosystems should achieve sustainability, through optimizing soil capacity to supply ES while limiting the occurrence of threats, is a priority of EU policy agendas. Nevertheless, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive framework of scenario-based approaches to assess changes in soil ES (SES) and soil threats (ST). As a part of the project SERENA funded by the European Joint Program on Agricultural Soil Management, this study aims to: i) understand how drivers of global change are commonly studied in the scientific literature; ii) identify how some SES and ST are assessed in scenario-based approaches; iii) provide a preliminary discussion on how soil properties are represented in these approaches. Through a systematic review of 230 published articles related to seven SES and ten ST, this study highlights that not all SES and ST are considered with the same frequency and geographic distribution in scenario-based approaches. Despite a great methodological variability in the assessment and mapping of SES and ST, dominant methodological trends can be identified. SES are mapped more frequently than ST and, specific SES appear more disposed to spatially explicit assessments than others. Due to its novelty and complexity, research on this topic is limited to a small subset of ST or SES and projections of the combined impacts of climate, land use and management changes on multiple ST and SES should be a scientific priority to help policy makers.
- Klíčová slova
- Agroecosystems, Indicators, Scenario-based, Soil ecosystem services, Soil threats,
- MeSH
- ekosystém * MeSH
- klimatické změny MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- půda * MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody MeSH
- zemědělství * metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- systematický přehled MeSH
- Názvy látek
- půda * MeSH
Pulsed electric field (PEF) has previously been recognized as a method of gentle food processing, and its use has been shown to be helpful in reducing the levels of toxigenic Fusarium micromycetes developed during malting. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of PEF on gene expression and metabolite production at the pre-finishing stage of barley malting by using a novel multi-omics data-driven approach. The study helps to uncover the processes occurring in the germinated grain and discusses the up-/downregulation of genes and metabolites in relation to fungal infection and/or PEF-induced abiotic stress. Among the factors upregulated by PEF and previously described as supportive against Fusarium diseases, we identified the increased expression of genes encoding vegetative gp1-like protein, which positively correlated with flavonoids, (methylsulfanyl)prop-2-enoates, triterpenoid glycosides, and indole alkaloids. On the other hand, some genes associated with barley resistance to fungal infection were also overexpressed in the untreated control (in particular, genes encoding ethylene response factor 3-like, putrescine hydroxycinnamoyltransferase 3-like, and dirigent protein 21-like). This study provides the first 'data-driven' basic research results that contribute to the understanding of the role of PEF as an effective fungal decontamination strategy and allows the formulation of new hypotheses related to Fusarium pathogen crosstalk.
- Klíčová slova
- Fusarium micromycetes, abiotic stress, barley, metabolomics, multi-omics, pulsed electric field, transcriptomics,
- MeSH
- dekontaminace metody MeSH
- elektřina MeSH
- Fusarium * metabolismus MeSH
- ječmen (rod) * mikrobiologie genetika metabolismus MeSH
- jedlá semena mikrobiologie metabolismus MeSH
- klíčení MeSH
- metabolomika metody MeSH
- multiomika MeSH
- nemoci rostlin mikrobiologie genetika prevence a kontrola MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u rostlin MeSH
- stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Pyrolysis emerges as a strategy for handling waste textiles, wherein the conversion of high-carbon-content textile waste into carbonaceous materials facilitates the restoration of its economic value, concurrently mitigating the environmental impact posed by textile waste. The present study fabricated carbon felts for respiratory filter layers through single-step pyrolysis of acrylic filter felts. The advantage of employing conductive carbon felt as a respiratory filter layer is its capability to concurrently serve two functions: filtration and electrical heating for high-temperature disinfection. In order to achieve these two functions, both the respirator body and the embedded electrodes were designed to ensure the reliability of high-temperature disinfection. The breathability and water vapor permeability of the obtained carbon felt were examined to confirm its comfortability as a respiratory filter layer. The results of filtration efficiency and antimicrobial testing indicated that the carbon felt exhibited a filtration efficiency of over 90 % against inhalable particulate matter, while its antimicrobial properties effectively suppressed microbial growth. This method of reutilizing waste textiles maintained consistency in the usage of textiles before and after reuse, simplified the reusing process of waste acrylic fibers, and simultaneously reduced the manufacturing costs of respiratory filters. The designed respiratory filters have the potential for application in settings such as hospitals and virus research institutions.
- Klíčová slova
- Acrylic fibrous waste, Carbon felt, Disinfection, Resistive heating, Respirator filter,
- MeSH
- dezinfekce metody MeSH
- filtrace * přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- prostředky na ochranu dýchání MeSH
- textilie * MeSH
- uhlík * chemie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- uhlík * MeSH
