Understanding where and how human land use causes ecological consequences is essential for habitat conservation. However, the assessment of the ecological disturbance caused by human land use is usually shaped by the area change in ecological land. The comprehensive evaluation of ecological disturbance based on the losses and gains of ecological patches is neglected. This paper analyzed the land use change between agricultural land, construction land, and ecological land from 1995 to 2015 in Jiangsu Province of eastern China. The ecological disturbance was quantificationally evaluated by a proposed index that considered both the changes of habitat area and fragmentation caused by the losses and gains of ecological landscape patches. The findings showed that there was a slight increase in area of ecological land in Jiangsu Province; however, ecological fragmentation was becoming severe with the growth of human land use, which, in turn, resulted in increased ecological disturbance. The losses and gains in the area and fragmentation of ecological land were comprehensively reflected using the proposed ecological disturbance index. Negative ecological disturbance was more likely to be observed at the edge of the city centers, ecologically sensitive areas, and counties with low area ratios of ecological land. Ecological governance policies should be formulated and implemented based on quantity, quality, and spatial relationships between human land use and ecological disturbance.

Globally, odorant incidents are occurring at an increasing frequency, magnitude, and duration under the dual influences of eutrophication and climate change. However, the contribution of multiple ecotypes to odorant production in the complicated and dynamic lake ecosystems remains unclear. In this study, the odorants and environmental conditions in algae-dominated zones (ADZs) and macrophyte-dominated zones (MDZs) in Lake Taihu were identified and characterized. Results showed that the ADZs were characterized by an abundance of pigments and nutrients and low DO levels, while the MDZs were featured as high TOC/TN ratios and high DO levels. Most odorants in ADZs and several in MDZs exceeded the odorant threshold content. The dominant odorants were dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), β-ionone and β-cyclocitral in ADZs, which were associated with the accumulation and decomposition of algal detritus. For MDZs, the dominant odorants were 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) and geosmin, which were at least partially attributed to the massive addition of bait in a traditional aquaculture area. In addition, the odorant concentration in the water of ADZs was approximately 3 to 21 times higher than that in MDZs, while in the benthic sediment, the odorant concentration in ADZs was approximately 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than in MDZs. This study highlights the production and accumulation of nuisance odorants in the benthic sediment of ADZs, indicating a risk of diffusion from the sediment to the water column. This was supported by the correlation of odorants in the water column with that in the sediment. The results of this study will be helpful for the management of different ecotypes suffering from nuisance odorants problems.

Rice is frequently reported to be contaminated with heavy metals (HMs); thus, the human health risks from its consumption have received increasing attention. A total of 165 commercial rice samples from Sri Lanka were collected to determine their cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) concentrations. The exposure risk for Sri Lankans from the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of these toxicants was assessed. Simultaneously, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were evaluated using hazard quotients (HQs) and the hazard index (HI). The results revealed that the average levels of Cd, As, and Pb in commercial rice were 0.080 ± 0.130, 0.077 ± 0.040, and 0.031 ± 0.050 mg/kg, respectively, with ranges of 0.003–0.727, 0.019–0.217, and 0.001–0.345 mg/kg (expressed on a dry weight basis), respectively. The average EDIs of Cd, inorganic As (iAs), and Pb were 0.772, 0.490, and 0.306 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively; these were below provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), but iAs was above the recommended reference doses (RfDs) recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). However, approximately 25% and 75% of the Cd and iAs HQs for the Sri Lankan population, respectively, were greater than 1, suggesting a potential health risk, whereas the HQs for Pb was less than 1. Considering the additive effect, HI values of the P90, P95, P97.5, and P99 percentiles would reach 4.773, 6.458, 8.392, and 11.614, implying that intake of the combined metals might result in potential health risks.

In this study, corn stalk was modified by manganese (Mn) before (MBC₁) and after (MBC₂) pyrolysis at different temperatures (400~600 °C) under anaerobic conditions for Cd sorption in both water and soil. Batch experiments in aqueous solution were conducted to evaluate the optimum sorption capability by biochar with and without manganese-modified. Both types of manganese modification can improve the sorption capacity of Cd(II) on biochar, which is superior to the corresponding pristine biochar without modification, especially, pyrolyzed at 500 °C with 5:1 modification ratio. Under the optimal preparation conditions, the sorption percentage on MBC₂ was 11.01% higher than that of MBC₁. The maximum sorption capacity of MBC₂ was 191.94 mg g⁻¹ calculated by isotherm model. The performance of MBC₂ was also verified in soil stabilization experiments in Cd-contaminated soil. We can conclude from the results of BCR extraction that all the application rates of MBC₂ (1%, 2%, and 3%) can reduce the mild acid-soluble fraction Cd. The reducible, oxidizable, and residual fraction Cd showed an upward trend, thus controlling the migration, transformation, and enrichment of Cd in soil. The characteristic analysis showed biochar has more irregular fold and more particle-aggregated surface after modification. The main components of these aggregated particles are manganese oxides (MnOₓ) with high sorption capacity, such as the MnOₓ crystal structure loaded on MBC₂ is a mixed structure of δ-MnO₂ and MnO. However, these particles may block the biochar pores, or some of the pores may collapse at high temperatures during the modification process. The specific surface area was reduced, even if the sorption effect of MBC was strongly enhanced. Meanwhile, under the action of the secondary pyrolysis of MBC₂ modification process, the MBC₂ has a higher degree of aromatization with more potential active sorption sites for Cd. The study concluded that the MBC₂ could be a promising amendment for Cd in both water and soil real field applications.

The microalga Scenedesmus obtusiusculus AT-UAM efficiently captured CO₂ from two flue gas streams in a hybrid photobioreactor located in a greenhouse. Uptake rates of CO₂, NO, and SO₂ from a formulated gas stream were 160.7 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, 0.73 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, and 1.56 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively, with removal efficiencies of 100% for all gases. Exhaust gases of a motor generator were also removed with uptake rates of 111.4 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, 0.42 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, and 0.98 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹, obtaining removal efficiencies of 77%, 71%, and 53% for CO₂, NOₓ, and SO₂, respectively. On average, 61% of the CO₂ from both flue gas streams was assimilated as microalgal biomass. The maximum CO₂ uptake rate of 182 mg L⁻¹ day⁻¹ was achieved for formulated flue gas flow rate above 100 mL min⁻¹. The biomass recovery of 88% was achieved using a 20-L electro-coagulation-flotation chamber coupled to a settler with a low specific power consumption of 0.27 kWh kg⁻¹. The photobioreactor was operated for almost 7 months without contamination of invasive species or a decrease in the activity. It is a very encouraging result for long-term operation in flue gas treatment.

Anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) from eutrophic water bodies could be a sustainable post weed management practice to generate bioenergy. Comparative analyses of the water quality, physicochemical characteristics, and biomethanation kinetics of water hyacinth from two sites with different water types (brackish versus freshwater) in the Ozama river, Dominican Republic, were conducted. Also, the energy produced from the anaerobic digestion and that consumed in harvesting was estimated. The highest non-structural components in the form of protein (18.8 ± 1.9%) and extractives (26.4 ± 0.1%) were found in brackish water hyacinth, whereas that from freshwater had the highest amount of holocellulose (41.2 ± 2.8%). Indicators of plant productivity, i.e., chlorophyll b and bulk density, were more than 30% higher in brackish than in freshwater hyacinth. The methane production rate in the digestion of water hyacinth from brackish water (22.5 N. L/kg VS ₐddₑd· day) was twice that from freshwater (10.0 N. L/kg VSₐddₑd· day). The higher nutrient content in the brackish water could have influenced the superior performance of water hyacinth from that source compared with that from freshwater. Overall, the maximum methane potential of the Ozama river water hyacinth was 399.2 ± 32.2 N. L CH₄/kg VSₐddₑd. The estimated energy produced per ton of fresh biomass was 846.5 MJ, but only 57.9 MJ would be required for mechanical harvesting. The biomethanation of water hyacinth can mitigate weed management costs in developing countries.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organochlorine compound that is used as pesticide, biocide, and wood preservative. PCP is highly toxic and carcinogenic. It has been detected in food and several consumable products. The toxicity of PCP is thought to be due to generation of oxidative stress in cells. We examined whether the dietary antioxidant catechin can attenuate or protect human erythrocytes and lymphocytes against PCP-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, respectively. Human erythrocytes were treated with increasing concentrations of catechin (0.05–2.5 mM) for 30 min followed by addition of 0.75 mM PCP and further incubation for 4 h at 37 °C. Hemolysates were prepared and assayed for various biochemical parameters. Treatment with PCP alone increased the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid and protein oxidation, and damaged the plasma membrane, when compared to PCP untreated (control) cells. It significantly decreased glutathione level, total sulfhydryl content, and cellular antioxidant power. PCP treatment lowered the activity of antioxidant enzymes and inhibited enzymes of glucose metabolism. However, prior incubation with catechin attenuated the PCP-induced changes in all these parameters in a catechin concentration-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy of erythrocytes confirmed these biochemical results. PCP treatment converted the normal discoidal erythrocytes to irregularly contracted cells, acanthocytes, and echinocytes but the presence of catechin inhibited these morphological changes and erythrocytes retained their biconcave shape to a large extent. Genotoxicity was studied in human lymphocytes by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). It showed strand breaks and longer comet tail length in PCP alone treated cells. The comet tail length was reduced in the catechin +PCP-treated lymphocytes showing that catechin protected cells from PCP-induced DNA damage. These results show that catechin protects human blood cells against PCP-induced oxidative damage.

The use of trees to immobilise potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a low-cost and effective method of soil remediation. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the content of total and bioavailable As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil samples, as well as their levels in the roots and leaves of elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) in order to evaluate its potential for the phytostabilisation of PTEs in the riparian zone of the Sava River. Analysis of soils showed that the availability of PTEs ranged from low to medium, while the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) showed that the examined soil fell into the category of uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, as well as into the category of low risk of PTEs contamination. However, the levels of Cr, Cu and Ni in soils were above the critical range for plants. The content of As and Cr measured in roots and leaves was in the toxic range for plants, while the content of Cd and Ni was elevated but not in the toxic range. Bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors indicated that U. glabra is suitable for the phytostabilisation of As, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb. Additionally, this species displayed the ability to transport most of the acquired Cu and Zn to the leaves. Correlation analysis showed that PTE content in U. glabra roots was significantly positively correlated to their respective levels in soil (total and DTPA-extractable), except for Cu, indicating that PTE levels in soil strongly influence those in plants. This research into a successful phytoremediating species provides new possibilities when selecting PTE-tolerant native trees in riparian zones of large regional rivers such as the Sava.

Ambient particulates of Shanghai with 5-stage particle sizes were firstly determined in spring, 2017. The particles’ mass concentrations were mainly observed in fine particle matter (PM₁.₁) and coarse particles (diameter > 7.0 μm). Water-soluble ionic contents were also more distributed in PM₁.₁ with the great contents of secondary particles (NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, and NH₄⁺). Higher ratios of NO₂/SO₂ and NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻ indicated that the vehicle emissions might be made more greater contribution rather than coal combustions to the fine particles. Crustal enrichment factors (EFcs) of trace elements (V, Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Cd, Pb, and Bi) in PM₁.₁ in that called slight air pollution events were always higher than those in that called severe air pollution events and EFcs of Se were up to 2.5 × 10⁴, while EFcs of Pb, Bi, and Cd were over 100. Based on kinds of elemental ratios in PM₁.₁ and PM₁.₁–₂.₀, atmospheric pollutants in Shanghai might be mainly from coal and oil combustions, diesel, and gasoline vehicles. Air masses backward trajectories also showed that the air masses from the northern part of China were one important air pollutant origins, but other ones might be the local sources, such as traffic and industries. Based on carcinogenic risk analysis of PM₂.₀, it was considerable that 12–60 children and 37–87 adults among millions of people living in Shanghai might be attacked by cancer during their lifetime. Moreover, the great carcinogenic risk was also observed according to the high concentrations of elemental Cr and As in PM₁.₁.

To evaluate Cu and Zn levels in bladder cancer (BC) patients and their relationship with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Plasma levels of Cu and Zn were determined in 66 transitional bladder cell carcinoma patients (BC group) and 60 matched controls. The concentration of Cu and Zn as well as the expressions of both VEGF and HIF-1 were also estimated in cancerous and non-cancerous bladder tissues in the BC group. The results showed that plasma Cu and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in BC group when compared with the control group. In contrast, the plasma Zn in BC group was significantly lower than in the controls. Comparing levels of Cu and Zn in cancerous and non-cancerous bladder tissues among the BC group indicated a significantly higher Cu levels in the cancerous tissues, while Zn levels was significantly lower. There were higher expressions of both VEGF and HIF-1 in the cancerous samples. Moreover, the Cu concentration in cancerous tissues was significantly correlated with expressions of VEGF and HIF-1. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the increase in plasma Cu/Zn ratio and plasma Cu and the decrease in plasma Zn may be risk factors for development of bladder cancer. We concluded that alteration of plasma and bladder tissue levels of both Cu and Zn is correlated with pathogenesis of bladder cancer. The increase in Cu level in cancerous tissues of BC group has an important role in angiogenesis in bladder cancer cells.