Dry deposition is the primary pathway for tropospheric ozone (O3) removal, with forests playing a critical role. However, environmental stressors such as drought can reduce this removal capacity by limiting stomatal O3 uptake due to stomata closure. Here we test the hypothesis that combined soil and atmospheric drought reduces the O3 sink capacity of forest ecosystems by diminishing stomatal O3 flux. For stomatal O3 flux estimation, we applied a single-layer resistance model, which estimates stomatal O3 flux based on evaporative resistance method complemented by aerodynamic and laminar sublayer resistances calculation. The model was complemented by detailed sap flow monitoring within the forest footprint, to calculate stomatal O3 flux, using long-term eddy covariance measurements of total water vapour and O3 fluxes over four growing seasons (2017-2020), including an unprecedented drought period. The results revealed that non-stomatal O3 flux compensated for the reduction in stomatal flux in a temperate Norway spruce forest at the Bílý Kříž experimental site in the mountainous region of the Czech Republic, Central Europe. Ozone consumption through interactions with volatile organic compounds, quantified by the MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature) model, contributed only marginally to the non-stomatal flux. These findings suggest that surface reactions, where O3 interacts with plant surfaces, cuticular layers, and soil particles, likely constitute a dominant non-stomatal O3 sink during drought. To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe drought influencing O3 fluxes in temperate mountainous regions, which were previously considered less affected by drought stress.
- Klíčová slova
- Eddy covariance, MEGAN, Ozone flux, Picea abies, Stomatal conductance, Volatile organic compounds,
- MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch * metabolismus analýza MeSH
- lesy * MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- období sucha * MeSH
- ozon * MeSH
- průduchy rostlin * fyziologie metabolismus MeSH
- smrk * metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Názvy látek
- látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
- ozon * MeSH
This study assessed the occurrence of current-use pesticides in sediment cores from six lakes and peatlands in high-altitude (1952-2374 m) pristine areas within two southeastern Brazilian National Parks: Itatiaia National Park (IT-NP) and Serra dos Órgãos National Park (SO-NP). We sampled three sediment cores from lakes at IT-NP and three from peatlands at SO-NP, totaling 60 subsamples. Among the 38 current-use pesticides assessed, 17 were found in at least one sample, with 14 - including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and acaricides - identified in both parks. The most frequently detected pesticides were carbendazim and carbaryl (75-95%), followed by acetochlor, chlorpyrifos, diuron, metolachlor and tebuconazole (40-70%) and, to a lesser extent, terbuthylazine and malathion (10-30%). The organophosphates disulfoton (6.83 ± 20.18 ng g-1 dry weight) and chlorpyrifos (4.34 ± 6.81 ng g-1 dw) registered the highest concentrations across all compounds in the sediment layers, with chlorpyrifos showing the greatest relative abundance (65.9-92.8%) in four out of six sites. Risk characterization results revealed highest risk quotient (RQ) values (416-14,589) for chlorpyrifos, indicating potential ecological risks. High RQs were also obtained for acetochlor (5.76-94.6), carbaryl (0.4-4.08), carbendazim (0.09-3.46), diazinon (2048), disulfoton (34-569), diuron (1.45-35.0) and malathion (10.94). These results highlight the threat posed by long-range pesticide transport to pristine areas at National Parks. Urgent regulatory measures are needed to mitigate their impact and safeguard these ecosystems from degradation.
- Klíčová slova
- Agrochemicals, CUPs, Ecological risk assessment, Protected areas, Subtropical mountains,
- MeSH
- acetamidy MeSH
- benzimidazoly analýza MeSH
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza MeSH
- diuron analýza MeSH
- dursban analýza MeSH
- geologické sedimenty * chemie MeSH
- herbicidy analýza MeSH
- insekticidy analýza MeSH
- jezera * chemie MeSH
- karbamáty analýza MeSH
- karbaryl analýza MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
- pesticidy * analýza MeSH
- půda chemie MeSH
- toluidiny MeSH
- triazoly analýza MeSH
- veřejné parky * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Brazílie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- acetamidy MeSH
- acetochlor MeSH Prohlížeč
- benzimidazoly MeSH
- carbendazim MeSH Prohlížeč
- chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
- diuron MeSH
- dursban MeSH
- herbicidy MeSH
- insekticidy MeSH
- karbamáty MeSH
- karbaryl MeSH
- metolachlor MeSH Prohlížeč
- pesticidy * MeSH
- půda MeSH
- tebuconazole MeSH Prohlížeč
- toluidiny MeSH
- triazoly MeSH
Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a global concern that affects all environments. Rivers have been identified as a major transport route for MPs from land to oceans. In this context, we evaluated the MP contribution from the Biobío River, one of the most important rivers in Chile, to the ocean. MPs were collected from superficial water throughout the entire Biobío River basin (and its tributaries) during the summer and winter of 2022. The samples were physically (color, size, and shape) and chemically (polymeric composition) analyzed using a microscope, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and a micro-FTIR. Results showed evident seasonal variations, with a significant increase (∼20 times average) in microplastic concentration (particles/day) in winter (7 × 105-1x108) compared to summer (4 × 103-7x105). Fibers were the dominant morphology with polyethylene terephthalate (PET; 20-40 %) and polypropylene (PP; 20-50 %) as the most abundant polymers. The river downstream showed the highest sample particle diversity (e.g., size, color, and polymeric composition). The river's behavior suggests a main role as a "Reservoir", corresponding to ∼40-50 % retention of microplastic in the midstream of the Biobío River. Furthermore, a preliminary evaluation using the OpenDrift model, indicated that particles coming from the Biobío River were mainly stranded on the Gulf of Arauco coast (≈100 %), suggesting a potential accumulation zone. This study contributes crucial information to understanding the behavior of plastic pollution in freshwater courses and its likely impacts on the coastal environments.
- Klíčová slova
- Chilean coast, OpenDrift, Particle trajectory, Plastic pollution, River tributaries, Synthetic fibers,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
New research suggests that exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs; particle diameter dp < 100 nm) is particularly harmful to brain health. One pathway into the body is via deposition in the respiratory system, where the smallest UFPs deposit efficiently in human extrathoracic airways. Traffic is a major source of these particles, yet sub-23 nm (dp < 23 nm) particles are currently unregulated in engine emission testing worldwide, including the stringent requirements of the European Union, nor are there requirements for ambient monitoring. In this study, we report size-resolved particle number emission factors (EFs) for traffic and estimates of extrathoracic dose rates of sub-23 nm particles. The EFs and dose rates are based on measurements conducted in different urban environments, including roads, tunnels, an airport, and a riverside, in two Central European cities (Düsseldorf and Prague) from March to April 2022. A key difference between the cities is that Düsseldorf has a low-emission zone in its central area and a newer vehicle fleet compared to Prague. Overall, traffic-influenced sites had large EFs for sub-23 nm particles. In the highway and tunnel environments, EFs of particles with dp > 2.5 nm were between 2 and 18 times greater than the EFs of particles with dp > 23 nm. Near the airport, the EF of particles with dp > 23 nm was already high, being 2-9 times higher than in other environments. The number concentrations of sub-23 nm particles varied significantly within the studied cities, and dose rates (measured in billions of particles per hour) differed by up to a factor of ten or more depending on the location.
- Klíčová slova
- Air quality, Concentration, Exposure, Ultrafine, Urban pollution,
- MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- pevné částice * analýza MeSH
- velikost částic * MeSH
- velkoměsta * MeSH
- výfukové emise vozidel * analýza MeSH
- vystavení vlivu životního prostředí statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- velkoměsta * MeSH
- Názvy látek
- látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
- pevné částice * MeSH
- výfukové emise vozidel * 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
Indoor dust contains various endocrine-disrupting contaminants, yet the effect drivers of observed glucocorticoid activity are completely unknown. This study conducted an effect-directed analysis using orthogonal fractionation to identify effect drivers of glucocorticoid activity in indoor dust. After the detection of bioactivity using a human cell line stably transfected with a reporter gene, the sample underwent parallel HPLC fractionations with octadecyl, pentafluorophenyl, and aminopropyl columns to obtain orthogonal fractions. The bioassays were utilized to screen the fractions and guide efforts towards prioritization of the bioactive chemicals using targeted and non-targeted analysis with LC-HRMS. The glucocorticoid activity of the identified potential candidates was confirmed by their testing in the same bioassay. To assess their contribution to the detected mixture effects, we calculated their relative potencies. This approach led to the identification of two pharmaceuticals, clobetasol propionate and mometasone furoate, at concentrations ranging from ng to μg per gram of dust, which together accounted for up to 77% of the observed glucocorticoid activity. This is the first report documenting the effect drivers of glucocorticoid receptor agonism in indoor dust; however, together with previous studies of various environmental samples, it documents that in cases when glucocorticoid receptor-agonistic activity is detected, drugs should be considered as likely relevant contaminants. The discovery of potent drugs in household dust highlights concerns for individuals exposed within domestic environments and emphasizes the need to consider pharmaceuticals as relevant contributors to indoor contamination.
- Klíčová slova
- Effect-directed analysis, Endocrine disrupting compounds, Glucocorticoid activity, In vitro, Indoor dust, Orthogonal fractionation,
- MeSH
- chemická frakcionace MeSH
- endokrinní disruptory analýza MeSH
- glukokortikoidy * analýza MeSH
- klobetasol MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch analýza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mometason furoát MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí metody MeSH
- prach * analýza MeSH
- receptory glukokortikoidů metabolismus MeSH
- znečištění vzduchu ve vnitřním prostředí * analýza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- endokrinní disruptory MeSH
- glukokortikoidy * MeSH
- klobetasol MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
- mometason furoát MeSH
- prach * MeSH
- receptory glukokortikoidů MeSH
In recent years, microplastic (MP) pollution has garnered significant attention owing to its ability to permeate various ecosystems, including soil. These particles can infiltrate the environment, either directly or through the degradation of larger plastic items. Despite growing concerns, standardized methods for quantification are still lacking. This study aimed to screen for the presence of MPs in agricultural soils while incorporating green analytical principles in the methodology. A density separation followed by centrifugation was employed, based on the principles of the QuEChERS extraction method. This approach minimized sample quantities, reagent consumption, and waste production, ensuring efficient extraction and analysis. Recovery tests using certified soils spiked with pristine MPs, specifically polystyrene, polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate for larger MPs (3-5 mm), and low-density polyethylene, polyamide 6, and tire wear particles for smaller MPs (15-300 μm), achieved recovery levels exceeding 69% for smaller MPs and over 91% for larger particles. Spectroscopic analysis revealed slight alterations in the Raman spectra of MPs after extraction. Transitioning to agricultural soil analysis has revealed challenges, including spectral interferences. Nine mesoplastics (5-20 mm) were detected, predominantly consisting of PP and polyethylene (PE), along with seven MPs, three of which were individually identified as PE-based, while the remainder were inconclusive, including one fiber. The evaluation of the method's sustainability using the Analytical Eco-Scale and Analytical Greenness Calculator Metric (AGREE), with scores of 82 out of 100 and 0.66 out of 1, respectively, demonstrated its potential as a reliable approach to MP analysis in soils. This study highlights the potential of integrating green analytical chemistry principles into MP extraction methodologies and emphasizes the value of the proposed QuEChERs-based approach for improving the sustainability and efficiency of MP monitoring in agricultural soils.
- Klíčová slova
- AGREE metrics, Green analytical chemistry, Microplastics, Soil, Spectroscopic analysis, μ-Raman,
- MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * analýza MeSH
- mikroplasty * analýza MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- půda chemie MeSH
- technologie zelené chemie * metody MeSH
- zemědělství MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- mikroplasty * MeSH
- půda MeSH
The development of agricultural technologies has intensified the use of plastic in this sector. Products of plastic degradation, such as microplastics (MPs), potentially threaten living organisms, biodiversity and agricultural ecosystem functioning. Thus, biodegradable plastic materials have been introduced to agriculture. However, the effects of biodegradable plastic substitutes on soil ecosystems are even less known than those of traditional ones. Here, we studied the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs prepared from a biodegradable plastic (a starch-polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend, PBAT-BD-MPs) on the growth and defense mechanisms of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in CLIMECS system (CLImatic Manipulation of ECosystem Samples). PBAT-BD-MPs in the highest concentrations negatively affected some traits of growth, i.e., dry weight percentage, specific leaf area, and both C and N contents. We observed more profound changes in plant physiology and biochemistry, as PBAT-BD-MPs decreased chlorophyll content and triggered a concerted response of plant defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. In conclusion, exposure to PBAT-BD-MPs induced plant oxidative stress and activated plant defense mechanisms, leading to oxidative homeostasis that sustained plant growth and functioning. Our study highlights the need for in-depth understanding of the effect of bioplastics on plants.
- Klíčová slova
- CLIMECS system, Lipid peroxidation, PBAT, Salicylic acid, Starch-polybutylene adipate terephthalate, Total phenolic content,
- MeSH
- biodegradace MeSH
- biologicky odbouratelné plasty MeSH
- chlorofyl metabolismus MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * toxicita MeSH
- listy rostlin účinky léků růst a vývoj MeSH
- mikroplasty * toxicita MeSH
- oxidační stres účinky léků MeSH
- salát (hlávkový) * růst a vývoj účinky léků MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biologicky odbouratelné plasty MeSH
- chlorofyl MeSH
- látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
- mikroplasty * MeSH
The Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS) network, initially a five-year project (2010-2015) funded by the European Commission, continued as a GEO Flagship program to support the Global Observation System for Mercury (GOS4M). GMOS was envisioned as a coordinated global observing system to monitor atmospheric mercury (Hg) on a global scale, to support and evaluate the effective implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (MCM). Twenty-eight ground-based stations have participated in monitoring activities, following GMOS sampling protocols and related data quality control management. The GMOS network provides representative coverage of all latitudes, from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere including the Arctic Circle, Antarctica, and the Tropical Zone. This work presents atmospheric Hg data, available as Total Gaseous Mercury (TGM) or Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) concentrations, recorded within the GMOS network from 2011 to 2020. TGM/GEM concentrations were analysed in terms of their variability along latitudinal areas, considering their comparability, temporal trends and patterns. The main results confirmed a clear gradient of TGM/GEM concentrations between the northern (1.58 ± 0.31 ng/m3) and southern (0.97 ± 0.14 ng/m3) hemispheres. Decreasing trends in TGM/GEM levels were found to be strongly significant only for selected remote stations with at least 5 years of data coverage. Seasonality in atmospheric TGM/GEM concentrations was observed to increase with latitude and is greater at inland sites than at coastal sites.
- Klíčová slova
- Atmospheric mercury, Global mercury observation system (GMOS), Hemispheric gradient, Seasonal variability, Temporal trends,
- MeSH
- atmosféra * chemie MeSH
- látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza MeSH
- monitorování životního prostředí * metody MeSH
- rtuť * analýza MeSH
- znečištění ovzduší statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
- rtuť * MeSH
