The widespread use of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) as pesticides has raised environmental concerns due to their persistence and toxicity. Addressing the pressing need for effective bioremediation strategies, this study explores the effects of α-, β-, δ-, and ε-HCH isomers on the growth, hormonal changes, physiological parameters and bioaccumulation in Alnus glutinosa saplings (1-year-old and 2-year-old) and bacterial communities in polluted soil. A. glutinosa saplings not only withstanded HCH exposure but also enhanced the remediation efficiency by 6.8-24.4%, suggesting an acceleration of pollutant breakdown likely mediated by root exudates positively affecting the soil microbiome. Interestingly, 1-year-old saplings demonstrated greater remediation efficiency post-pruning than unpruned 2-year-old saplings, despite the latter having a larger root biomass. The hormonal analysis indicated that HCH presence led to a reduction in abscisic acid (ABA) and an increase in jasmonic acid (JA), with the magnitude of changes being age-dependent. Salicylic acid (SA) levels increased 1-year-old and decreased in 2-year-old saplings under HCH stress. Moreover, a higher presence of lin-degrading genes in the rhizosphere of treated saplings compared to controls confirmed ongoing biodegradation processes. The outcomes help to better understand the processes involved in degradation of persistent pesticides in soil. The mechanism of in-plant isomerization and the identification of metabolites should be the focus of future research.
- Klíčová slova
- Alder tree, HCH, Pesticide, Phytoremediation, Rhizobiome,
- MeSH
- biodegradace * MeSH
- chlorované uhlovodíky metabolismus MeSH
- cyklopentany metabolismus MeSH
- hexachlorcyklohexan metabolismus MeSH
- kořeny rostlin metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- kyselina abscisová metabolismus MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * metabolismus MeSH
- olše * mikrobiologie MeSH
- oxylipiny metabolismus MeSH
- pesticidy * metabolismus MeSH
- půda chemie MeSH
- půdní mikrobiologie * MeSH
- rhizosféra * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chlorované uhlovodíky MeSH
- cyklopentany MeSH
- hexachlorcyklohexan MeSH
- jasmonic acid MeSH Prohlížeč
- kyselina abscisová MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- oxylipiny MeSH
- pesticidy * MeSH
- půda 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
The application of animal manure to agricultural soil is a very common practice to improve soils fertility, providing a rich source of organic matter and nutrients. However, the presence of certain trace elements in the manure can result in a threat for food safety and the environment. In addition to their potential toxic effects on crops, animal and humans, certain metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, mercury, cobalt, lead and zinc may play a role in the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, as they can increase the selective pressure on bacteria. To evaluate holistically the impact of manure application on the concentration of metals and metalloids (metal(loid)s) in different environmental compartments, samples of manure, farmed and wild animal faeces, soils, crops and water were collected from farming environments in Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Portugal, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to quantify 17 elements, namely vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, mercury, antimony, barium, and lead. The data were analysed using Pearson correlation and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The statistical analyses revealed that zinc, copper and potentially manganese can be used as markers of the presence and impact of manure in the environment. Minimum co-selective concentrations (MCC) for copper and zinc were exceeded in water and manure samples, indicating that these elements may act as drivers for bacterial antibiotic resistance. However, the results of the total concentration of metal(loid)s in crops and the bioavailable concentrations in soils did not show any significant differences between application of manure and artificial fertilizers. Other confounding effects, such as the soil matrix and/or the type of crops, seem to have a more significant effect on the concentration and distribution of the metal(loid)s in these systems.
- Klíčová slova
- Animal faeces, Bioavailability, Co-selection, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Principal component analysis, ‘One Health’,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
This study investigates the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water supplies in the Czech Republic using a risk-based monitoring approach. Tap water samples (n = 27) from sources close to areas potentially contaminated with PFAS were analysed. A total of 28 PFAS were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction. Total PFAS concentrations (∑PFAS) varied from undetectable to 90.8 ng/L, with perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) being the most abundant, detected in over 70% of samples. Risk-based monitoring in drinking water showed that commercial wells had higher PFAS levels compared to tap water, particularly C4-C9 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), possibly due to proximity to industrial areas. However, the hypothesis that risk-based monitoring is more effective than random monitoring was not confirmed, possibly because specific sources did not produce the target PFAS or because of the wide range and less obvious sources of potential contamination. The study also assessed exposure risks and compliance with regulatory thresholds. Weekly intake estimates for adults and children indicated that regular consumption of most contaminated water sample would exceed the tolerable weekly intake. Compared to EU regulations, none of the tap water samples exceeded the 'Sum of PFAS' parametric value of 100 ng/L, though one sample approached this limit. In addition, surface water samples from the Jizera River (n = 21) showed a wider range of PFAS, with C7-C10 PFCAs, PFBS, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in every sample, with higher PFOS concentrations at a median of 2.56 ng/L. ∑PFAS concentrations increased downstream, rising from 1.08 ng/L near the spring to 26 ng/L downstream. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for detailed/areal monitoring to also address hidden or non-obvious sources of PFAS contamination.
- Klíčová slova
- Exposure, PFAS, Risk-based monitoring, Water,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza MeSH
- extrakce na pevné fázi MeSH
- fluorokarbony * analýza MeSH
- hodnocení rizik MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- pitná voda * chemie MeSH
- tandemová hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
- vystavení vlivu životního prostředí analýza statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- fluorokarbony * MeSH
- pitná voda * MeSH
While vegetable uptake of traditional metal contaminants is a well-studied pathway to human exposure and risk, a paucity of information exists on the uptake of emerging metal contaminants. This study evaluated the uptake of the Technology-critical elements (TCEs) gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), thallium (Tl), and rare earth elements (REEs) into lettuce cultivated in 21 European urban soils. For comparison, the uptake of cadmium (Cd) was also analysed. First, the uptake was predicted by multiplying soil concentrations with previously established bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Subsequently, multiple regression models incorporating geochemical variables as predictors were used to determine whether prediction accuracy could be improved. A "3-predictor model" incorporated soil TCE concentration, pH, and organic matter (OM), and a "7-predictor model" added data on clay content and the soil concentrations of Fe, Al, and Mn as well. With the exception of Cd, Ge, and Tl, the BCF approach provided unsatisfactory predictions (R2 < 0.5), while the 7-predictor models yielded the best predictions, even when accounting for the greater number of predictors. While the most important predictors of uptake varied somewhat between the TCEs, the concentrations of TCEs in the soil generally explained the largest proportion of the variation. The least influential predictors in our dataset were [Mnsoil], [Fesoil], and soil OM. Incorporating geochemical data generally improved the predictions of uptake by lettuce, and these findings underscore the need for more detailed characterisations of the uptake potential of TCEs by food plants and subsequent consequences for human health.
- Klíčová slova
- Gallium, Germanium, Multiple regression, Niobium, Rare earth elements, Tantalum, Thallium,
- MeSH
- kadmium metabolismus analýza MeSH
- kovy metabolismus analýza MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * analýza metabolismus MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- salát (hlávkový) * metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
- Názvy látek
- kadmium MeSH
- kovy MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
The diffusive gradient in thin films technique (DGT), with a resin gel based on Lewatit® FO 36 was used for the first time to predict arsenic (As) bioavailability in soils collected in different environmental contexts. The predicted bioavailability, determined by fluxes to DGT, was compared with the bioavailability and bioaccumulation in the plants (Calendula officinalis), where a strong correlation was observed (r = 0.8857 (CE/Croots) and r = 0.9208 (CE/Cshoots); p < 0.05; n > 40). Arsenic, predominantly accumulated in the roots of plants from all soil samples, reached concentrations up to 507.8 mg kg-1. To better understand the As distribution within the various soil-bearing phases, sequential extraction procedures were performed and revealed low mobility and availability of As, particularly in A and R soil samples, where As pollution is primarily caused by anthropogenic activities such as mining and industrial activities. The obtained results show that Calendula officinalis plants can be grown on soils contaminated by arsenic, while the low translocation factors indicate that accumulate arsenic predominantly in the root system.
- MeSH
- arsen * analýza metabolismus MeSH
- bioakumulace MeSH
- biologická dostupnost * MeSH
- difuze MeSH
- kořeny rostlin metabolismus chemie MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * analýza metabolismus MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- arsen * MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal).
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- odvolání publikace MeSH
Landfills pose a global issue for soil functionality and health, especially in underdeveloped nations where limited resources impede the adoption of comprehensive waste management policies, such as waste processing and sorting techniques. Leachate emissions from waste landfills are a cause for concern, primarily due to their toxic effect if left uncontrolled in the environment, and the potential for waste storage sites to produce leachate for hundreds of years after closure. Few efforts have been made to improve waste collection and disposal facilities in the world, especially in developing countries. This research aims to investigate the influence of waste leachate on soil health indicators in natural woodland and rangeland ecological systems in a semi-arid mountainous region in the north of Iran. Based on results, forest unpolluted sites (2008) exhibited the highest values of nutrient elements in litter and root components. Landfills led to a rise in soil bulk density and a simultaneous decrease in soil organic matter (SOM), porosity, aggregate stability, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON), as well as available nutrients, ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) levels. Additionally, microbial parameters (respiration and biomass) and enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase and invertase) experienced a decrease in areas affected by the landfill sites over time of 2008-2023. Forest and rangeland landfill sites (2023) sites had lower density and biomass of the three earthworm groups. Acari, Collembola, nematodes, protozoans, fungi and bacteria were also reduced in landfill sites (nearly 1-2 times more in uncontaminated forest and rangeland sites). Lumbricus terrestris earthworms exhibited a clear presence in all the studied sites, and this demonstrates the ability of this earthworm species to be active in severe pollution conditions. The spatial pattern of soil cadmium and lead changes indicates the high variance of these characteristics under the influence of landfills in the study sites. Finally, the soil health indicators (according to soil physical, chemical, and biological parameters) decreased from forest unpolluted sites in 2008 to rangeland landfill sites in 2023, which is linked to the release of landfill leachate. These results are noteworthy for all countries and governments that rely on natural ecosystems for waste management without engineering operations or technical intervention. Furthermore, both governments and stakeholders must implement effective waste management systems. The research offers valuable information that can assist decision-makers engaged in sustainable solid waste management in Iran and comparable areas. Besides that, it is highly recommended to prioritize recycling and phytoremediation processes. Ultimately, worldwide efforts to achieve environmental sustainability need a significant focus on the effective management of hazardous waste. Consequently, investigations covering this topic should be continued, as they allow the evaluation of the environmental effects of the gradual accumulation of pollution in soils surrounding uncontrolled municipal solid waste landfills.
- Klíčová slova
- Earthworm, Forest, Heavy metals, Non-engineered landfills, Rangeland, Soil pollution,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza MeSH
- dusík analýza MeSH
- ekosystém * MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * analýza MeSH
- lesy MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
- odpadky - odstraňování metody MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- půdní mikrobiologie MeSH
- skládková zařízení * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Írán MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
- dusík MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
Cd toxicity emerges as a major environmental concern with detrimental impacts on global agricultural systems and food safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need to cope with the high concentration of Cd in the soil and crops. This study elucidates the potential of iron (FeBC) and zinc doped biochar (ZnBC) on the growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Cd-contaminated soil. The parallels of biochemical attributes and Cd absorption of Cicer arietinum L. were investigated after a 120-day pot trial under 1% (w/w) biochar doses and two Cd concentrations (25 and 50 mg kg-1). The results demonstrated that FeBC was more effective in promoting plant growth by reducing Cd mobility in soil than ZnBC and normal biochar (NBC). Additionally, the application of FeBC resulted in significant improvement in photosynthesis rate (53.98%), transpiration rate (91.53%), stomatal conductance (197%), and sub-stomatal conductance (213.33%) compared to other applied treatments. Cd uptake in roots, shoots, and grains was reduced by 44.19%, 56.89%, and 88.25% respectively with the application of FeBC. Notably, the highest decrease in Cd bioaccumulation factor (99.72% and 99.65%) and Cd translocation factor (99.89% and 99.85%) were recorded under FeBC application in 25 and 50 mg kg-1 Cd-contaminated soils, respectively. The improved plant growth and reduced Cd buildup with FeBC under Cd stress suggest that FeBC is a promising strategy to remediate Cd-contaminated soil and simultaneously promote sustainable production of legume crops in Cd-contaminated soils.
- Klíčová slova
- Adsorption, Bioremediation, Cadmium, Iron and zinc doped biochar, Risk assessment,
- MeSH
- Cicer * účinky léků růst a vývoj MeSH
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * chemie MeSH
- fotosyntéza účinky léků MeSH
- kadmium * toxicita MeSH
- kořeny rostlin metabolismus MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * toxicita MeSH
- půda * chemie MeSH
- regenerace a remediace životního prostředí metody MeSH
- železo * chemie MeSH
- zinek * toxicita chemie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biochar MeSH Prohlížeč
- dřevěné a živočišné uhlí * MeSH
- kadmium * MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- půda * MeSH
- železo * MeSH
- zinek * MeSH
Specifying and interpreting the occurrence of emerging pollutants is essential for assessing treatment processes and plants, conducting wastewater-based epidemiology, and advancing environmental toxicology research. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly applied to enhance chemical analysis and monitoring of contaminants in environmental water and wastewater. However, their specific roles targeting pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have not been reviewed sufficiently. This review aims to narrow the gap by highlighting, scoping, and discussing the incorporation of AI during the detection and quantification of PPCPs when utilising chemical analysis equipment and interpreting their monitoring data for the first time. In the chemical analysis of PPCPs, AI-assisted prediction of chromatographic retention times and collision cross-sections (CCS) in suspect and non-target screenings using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) enhances detection confidence, reduces analysis time, and lowers costs. AI also aids in interpreting spectroscopic analysis results. However, this approach still cannot be applied in all matrices, as it offers lower sensitivity than liquid chromatography coupled with tandem or HRMS. For the interpretation of monitoring of PPCPs, unsupervised AI methods have recently presented the capacity to survey regional or national community health and socioeconomic factors. Nevertheless, as a challenge, long-term monitoring data sources are not given in the literature, and more comparative AI studies are needed for both chemical analysis and monitoring. Finally, AI assistance anticipates more frequent applications of CCS prediction to enhance detection confidence and the use of AI methods in data processing for wastewater-based epidemiology and community health surveillance.
- Klíčová slova
- Artificial intelligence, Contaminants of emerging concern, High-resolution mass spectrometry, PPCPs, Quantitative structure retention relationship, Suspect and non-targeted screening, Wastewater-based epidemiology,
- MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza MeSH
- kosmetické přípravky * analýza MeSH
- léčivé přípravky analýza MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- odpadní voda * chemie analýza MeSH
- umělá inteligence * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
- kosmetické přípravky * MeSH
- léčivé přípravky MeSH
- odpadní voda * MeSH
