To explore the effects of exogenous nitrogen (N) import on decomposition of Suaeda salsa in coastal marsh of the Yellow River estuary, the decomposition rates and the variations of nutrient (C, N, P, and S) in decomposing litters were investigated from May 2014 to November 2015. The in situ experiment included four N addition treatments: N0 (no N import treatment, 0 g N·m⁻²·year⁻¹), Nlow (low N import treatment, 3.0 g N·m⁻²·year⁻¹), Nmedium (medium N import treatment, 6.0 g N·m⁻²·year⁻¹), and Nhigh (high N import treatment, 12.0 g N·m⁻²·year⁻¹). Results showed that N enrichment showed significant influence on the decomposition rate of S. salsa, in the order of Nmedium (0.00112 d⁻¹) > Nhigh (0.00096 d⁻¹) > Nlow(0.00092 d⁻¹) > N0 (0.00075 d⁻¹) (p < 0.05). Compared to the N0 treatment, the decomposition rates of S. salsa in the Nlow, Nmedium, and Nhigh treatments increased by 22.76%, 49.33%, and 28.00%, respectively. The contents of TC in decomposing litters in the four N import treatments generally showed a decreasing trend, while those of TN and TP showed an increasing trend. By comparison, dissimilar variations of TS contents in decomposing litters were observed among the four treatments. The differences in decomposition rate and nutrient variation among the four N addition treatments might be dependent on the alterations of substrate quality in decomposing litters. With a few exceptions, stocks of C and S in decomposing litters generally evidenced the export from litters to the environment, while those of N and P showed net accumulation. As N addition reached Nmedium level, although the C released from decomposing litters to the surroundings was stimulated, the S return was restrained. Moreover, N additions generally promoted the accumulation of N and P in decomposing litters. This paper found that, with increasing N addition, the decomposition rates and the nutrient variations in S. salsa would be altered greatly and the alteration was particularly evident in the Nmedium treatment. From the perspective of nutrient return, as N enrichment reached or exceeded Nmedium level in future, the deficient status of P and S in S. salsa marsh might be serious, which would affect the stability and health of ecosystems.

In the framework of the biomonitoring programme of the Gulf of Annaba (north-eastern Algeria), this study aims to assess the health status of the Gulf by transplanting the brown mussel Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) for 12 weeks (June 2017–August 2017) at three sites. The concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and as well as a battery of enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomarkers were measured in mussels before and after the transplantation period. Furthermore, analysis of trace metals was performed on the surface layer of the sediment of all the sites. A significant increase in the Cu and Pb concentrations in the mussel dry tissues was observed after the transplantation period and followed the order of metal contamination of the surface layer sediments, indicating a relationship between the bioaccumulation of metals and their bioavailability at each site. Unlike those of Cu and Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations did not reach significant levels of bioaccumulation at any of the three study sites. The biomarker response results were complementary to the measured metal concentrations in the mussel tissues and were associated with the metal accumulation index. Metal bioaccumulation in mussels and supporting biomarker response results identified the most important pollution point sources in the area.

The process of composting has been proposed as a biological alternative to improve the quality of tannery sludge (TS) by the action of microbial communities. However, there is limited knowledge about the dynamic of these microbial communities during the composting process. This study assessed the responses of bacterial and archaeal communities during TS composting using the 16S rRNA sequencing. The composting process occurred within 90 days, and samples of compost were collected on day 7 (d7; mesophilic stage), 30 (d30; thermophilic stage), 60 (d60; cooling stage), and 90 (d90; maturation stage). The results showed a succession of microbial phyla during the composting with enrichment of Synergistetes, WS1, and Euryarchaeota at the mesophilic stage, while at the thermophilic stage, there was an enrichment of Hydrogenedentes, WPS-2, Chloroflexi, and Deinococcus-Thermus. At the cooling stage, there was an enrichment of Kiritimatiellaeota, and at the maturation stage, there was an enrichment of Entotheonellaeota, Dadabacteria, Nitrospirae, Dependiatiae, and Fibrobacteres. When analyzing the drivers influencing microbial communities, Cr and pH presented more negative correlations with general phyla. In contrast, S, C, K, temperature, and N presented more positive correlations, while Ni, Cd, and P showed fewer correlations. According to niche occupancy, we observed a decreased proportion of generalists with a consequently increased proportion of specialists following the composting process. This study showed that different stages of the composting present a specific microbial community structure and dynamics, which are related to some specific composting characteristics.

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) was applied as the solvent of iron/alcohol amine system, and the prepared iron/ethanolamine/DES system was found to be a good desulfurizer for H₂S removal. The absorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The iron/ethanolamine/DES system showed a significantly enhanced desulfurization performance compared with DES solution of iron or alcohol amine separately. Besides, the absorbents showed relatively stable desulfurization performance, which could keep a high H₂S removal efficiency in a wide temperature range from 30–90°C. The iron/ethanolamine/DES system could be recycled for at least three times. The desulfurization product was analyzed by energy dispersive spectrum and X-ray diffraction, and the desulfurization product was identified as sulfur element.

Lake tributaries collect contaminants from the watershed, which may accumulate in lake sediments over time and may be removed through the outlets. DDx, PCB, PAH, PBDE, and trace element (Hg, As, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb) contamination was analyzed over 2001–2018 period in sediments of the 5 main tributaries and of the outlet of Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy). Sediment cores were collected in two points of the lake, covering 1995–2017 period. Concentrations were compared to Sediment Quality Guidelines (PECs), potential sources and drivers (land use, population numbers, industrial activities, hydrology) were analyzed, and temporal trends were calculated (Mann-Kendall test). PCB, PBDE, Pb, Cd, and Hg contamination derives mainly from heavy urbanization and industry. Cu and Pb show a temporal decreasing trend in the basin, likely as result of improved wastewater treatments and change in use. A recent PAH increase in the whole lake may derive from a single point source. A legacy DDx and Hg industrial pollution is still present, due to high persistence in sediments. Values of DDx, Hg, Pb, and Cu above the PECs in lake sediments and/or in the outlet show potential risk for aquatic organisms. Results highlight the key role of tributaries in driving contamination from the watershed to the lake through sediment transport.

The present study reports the design of heterogeneous photocatalytic system using Fe₂O₃ with chitosan (CS) as a matrix for the sonophotocatalytic degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). CS was chosen as a polymer matrix as it is abundant in nature, eco-friendly, and can be easily processed into microparticles, nanofibers, as well as nanoparticles and shows the tendency of adhesion towards a vast range of solid substrates besides serving as a chelating agent toward metallic oxides. The nanohybrids were characterized via Fourier transformation infrared spectrum (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron dispersive spectrum (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance (UV-Vis-DRS) analyses. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) studies confirmed synergistic interaction between Fe₂O₃ and CS. The XRD measurements confirmed the crystalline morphology while SEM revealed formation of rod-like structures. The TGA studies confirmed higher thermal stability of CS/Fe₂O₃ as compared to pure CS. The optical band gap for CS and CS/Fe₂O₃ was calculated to be 3 eV and 2.25 eV, respectively, from diffuse reflectance spectral (DRS) studies. Rapid photocatalytic degradation of 2,4,6-TCP was observed under UV light irradiation in presence of CS and CS/Fe₂O₃ nanohybrids which revealed 83.19% and 95.20% degradation within a short span of 60 min. The degraded fragments were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The present study on the development of ecofriendly nanohybrid photocatalyst is expected to provide experimental basis for the future development of CS-based photocatalysts which can be easily processed into membranes/filters for the industrial scale degradation of toxic organic pollutants.

Numerous natural preparations in traditional Chinese medicine are prepared as decoctions. Processing factors (PFs) comparing the levels of pesticide residues in decoctions to those in the corresponding unprocessed products should be considered in exposure assessments. Thus, this study determined the residue levels of six pesticides (chlorpyrifos, phoxim, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, fenpropathrin, and emamectin benzoate), as well as 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol, the primary metabolite of chlorpyrifos, and clothianidin, the main metabolite of thiamethoxam in Baishao, Paeoniae radix lactiflora (Fam. Ranunculaceae). The results showed that significant time-response effects were present for the release of pesticides from P. radix. The PFs calculated were < 1, indicating a significant reduction in pesticide residues after TCM processing. The water solubility and partition coefficient values of the pesticides may have played a basic role in the dissipation of the residues during the TCM decocting process. A risk assessment based on the hazard quotient with PFs revealed that exposure to pesticide residues in P. radix was far below the levels that might pose a health risk. In conclusion, the results presented here are of theoretical and practical value for the safety evaluation of TCMs.

Endoparasites are the potential source of substantial health complications in animals; exclusively the endoparasites of zoonotic importance are of great concern to researchers and health authorities for diverse perspectives. A coprological study was conducted to inspect the endoparasitic infestation in antelopes kept at three captive localities, i.e., Safari Park, Jallo Wildlife Park, and Lahore Zoo, situated in Lahore, Pakistan. There were 109 selected species of antelopes including nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), urial (Ovis orientalis), and chinkara (Gazella bennettii). The fresh fecal samples of each experimental animal from individual and mixed animal enclosures were collected and tested by an appropriate parasitological method. The fecal samples were examined by applying the modified McMaster technique through the Whitlock chamber method and observed by a compound microscope for identification and fecal egg count. The prevalence (%) of egg per gram (EPG) and diversity of endoparasitic eggs identified from fecal samples of experimental animals from three captive localities were recorded. The analysis revealed species from phylogenetic groups of nematodes cestodes and trematodes along with coccidian occurrence. The prevalence of endoparasites was highest in nilgai (B. tragocamelus) with combined average prevalence (23.88 ± 3.13) from three captive localities followed by chinkara (G. bennettii) combined average prevalence (21.68 ± 2.64), urial (O. orientalis) combined average prevalence (21.41 ± 4.69), and blackbuck (A. cervicapra) combined average prevalence (16.88 ± 2.66). To prevent such infestations which prevail more intensely regarding changing climate and increasing pollution levels, there should be regular monitoring and appropriate prophylaxis combined with epizootiological investigation for future studies and implication of advance technology, for captive animals so that best possible adaptations can be made to reduce the spread of infective diseases that are of zoonotic importance also.

Tapado Glacier is a subtropical mountain glacier in the Coquimbo region of Chile that has been continuously retreating during the last 60 years due to diminishing precipitation rates and rising temperatures and likely due to a currently unknown influence from atmospheric pollutant deposition. Climatic and meteorological impacts on this, and other, Andean glacier have been previously studied; however, cryosphere changes driven by aerosols are still largely unknown. To contribute to the understanding of the origin of aerosols and their dispersion, this study aims to identify natural and anthropogenic sources of air pollution deposited on the Tapado Glacier (4500–5536 m a.s.l.) and their transport by using a receptor model (positive matrix factorization) together with the concentration of major ions as proxies of air pollution deposited on this glacier. This model’s outcomes were complemented with daily wind backward trajectories computed for a whole year using the HYSPLYT meteorological model. Four sources were identified as the main contributors to major soluble ions in the Tapado surface snow. These sources are natural Aeolian dust (38%) from the Atacama Desert (including mining sites), natural weathered sulphates (27%), anthropogenic nitrates (25%), and coastal aerosols (10%). Coastal nitrate emissions and coastal aerosols are both sources with an important anthropogenic component, coming from La Serena and Coquimbo’s coastal cities. The crustal components and sulphate profiles are similar to detritus dispersed from the glacier after wind erosion. Although the glacier is located over 4000 m above sea level, anthropogenic pollutants reached this location. However, their contributions were smaller compared to natural contaminants. Our findings can likely be extended to the nearest glaciers in Northern Chile, which have similar potential contaminant sources from cities, ports, and thriving mining activity. However, these findings may not be suitable for southern Chilean glaciers, which are closer to bigger cities and to smoke from residential heating prevalent in winter months and wildfires during the summer.

The majority of studies investigating the environmental Kuznets curve predominantly focus on atmospheric indicators, thereby neglecting other environmental indicators such as land, sea, coastal, coral reefs, freshwater, and biodiversity indicators. This study aims to examine the environmental Kuznets curve by using capture fisheries production as a biodiversity indicator. The study uses a panel of 14 countries, of which 10 are newly industrialized and the other 4 are fast-emerging countries. The study applies the CADF and CIPS unit root tests to identify the integration order as proposed by Pesaran (2007). After identifying the unique order of integration, the Westerlund (2007) panel cointegration is applied. A long-run relationship is confirmed among the variables. The study revealed that an N-pattern relationship exists between capture fisheries production (CFP) and growth of the economy in the panel of selected countries. The industry focuses on achieving a cleaner environment and promotes the sustainable development of the fisheries. Financial development has a negative and significant effect on CFP. This reflects that domestic credit is not only used for the capture of fish but also for conservation purposes. The exports of goods and services have a positive relationship with CFP, while imports have a negative and significant effect on CFP. Policies to promote investments in the conservation of fisheries should be implemented, and credit creation should be directed by appropriate legislation to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.