Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering最新文献

The synergistic efficacy and mechanisms of antibacterial activity and adsorption of antibiotics/intermediates using copper-based nanomaterials modified granular activated carbon (GAC) were evaluated, including the impact of preceding chlorination on the reduction of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in effluents treated by fixed-bed column. Copper-based MOFs coated on GACs (GAC-CuBDC and GAC-CuNH₂BDC) exhibited higher antibacterial efficacy than the functionalized GACs (–COOH and –NH₂) and copper oxide (CuO and Cu₂O)–coated GACs, which 100% eliminated both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus bacteria (5.5 and 5.1 log reduction, respectively). Notably, GAC-CuBDC can inhibit the growth of total bacteria and presumptive Pseudomonas sp. in the matrix of hospital effluents to non-detectable levels; however, interference from dissolved organic matter in the effluents can reduce antibacterial efficacy, requiring an increased solid-to-liquid ratio from 4 to 8 g/L to achieve 100% inhibition. Hydrophilic GAC-CuBDC exhibited high performance in adsorbing intermediates derived from penicillin G, ampicillin, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin. The intermediates found in chlorinated effluent could be more easily eliminated by functionalized GACs than those in non-chlorinated effluent. The adsorption capacities of penicillin G, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin onto GAC-CuBDC were comparable to those of pristine GAC, whereas ampicillin showed a two-fold higher adsorption on GAC-CuBDC than on pristine GAC. Adsorption mechanisms of antibiotics onto GAC-CuBDC may include hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions (involving -NH and nitroaromatic ring of the antibiotic) with the acidic functional groups of GAC, combined with hydrogen bonding at the terminal -OH groups of the CuBDC copper nodes. Passage through the fixed-bed column of GAC-CuBDC could reduce the intracellular ARGs and ARB from hospital effluents. However, the coexistence of chlorination may promote the growth of P. aeruginosa and interfere with the reduction of some ARGs and ARB after tertiary treatment by the GAC-CuBDC column.

Graphical abstract

Pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater pose a significant environmental and public health risks. The conventional treatment methods often used suffer from incomplete degradation, high costs, and limited applicability. To address these shortcomings, this study developed an efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants particularly antibiotics which contributes significantly to environmental pollution. A novel BiOCl/Bi₂S₃ photocatalyst was synthesized through a facile one-step method to enhance charge separation and suppress electron–hole recombination. The research used ciprofloxacin antibiotic as a model pollutant. The innovative aspect of this work lies in tuning the BiOCl: Bi₂S₃ mole ratios (3:1, 5:1, 7:1) to identify the optimal configuration for maximum degradation efficiency under visible light and found that 5:1 BiOCl/Bi₂S₃ achieved 94% of ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation within 50 min under 300 W visible irradiation. Systematic optimization of pH, catalyst dosage, and initial concentration was also studied. The degradation pathway was elucidated through intermediate analysis, while kinetic studies using both linear and nonlinear Langmuir–Hinshelwood models confirmed the enhanced reactivity. This study also integrates computational kinetic modeling with experimental data using polynomial fit and showed the nonlinear relationship of predicted and experimental kinetic constants with different initial concentration of CIP.

Wastewater, most favourable medium to foster the evolution/emergence and persistence of antimicrobial resistance. With the presence of high concentrations of innate-microorganisms they become the ideal reservoir promoting the genetic mixing and evolution of life-threatening drug-resistant microbes. Efficacy of the traditional wastewater treatment techniques depends on the treatment methodology and materials used and relentless efforts on advancing these methods have led to the invention of the modern robust techniques. However, successful removal of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance from wastewater is still a global challenge and prevalence of such conditions creates a serious risk to ecosystem health with the possible emergence of pandemics, epidemics and endemics threatening global economy. Though national and global action plans have been framed to address the issue, it is quite imperative to develop stringent strategies based on time-to-time global, national, and regional data guidelines. In this perspective, the review has systematically overviewed the sources and mechanisms involved in the emergence and persistence of AMRs in wastewater; available detection methods; its impact on the ecosystem health; and future mitigative directions following a highly structured literature search strategy specific to the topics discussed. Moreover, the review has attempted to outline the information on wastewater AMR transmission potential and their global impact in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals such as Good health and well-being (SDG3), Clean water and sanitation (SDG6), Life below water (SDG14) and Life on land (SDG15).

Purpose

Variations in radon emissions have been reported during geophysical events, particularly earthquakes. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the concentration of radon in groundwater drinking sources following the Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake in western Iran.

Methods

This study was conducted at 20 groundwater wells and springs in Sarpol-e Zahab City following the Ezgeleh earthquake. Radon concentration in the collected water samples was measured using an RTM 1688-2 radon monitor. The results were compared with pre-earthquake data as well as measurements obtained in 2024. In addition, the annual effective dose due to radon exposure through inhalation and ingestion was estimated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.

Results

Radon concentrations ranged from 3.566 to 15.829 Bq/L. The maximum annual effective doses were estimated to be 0.00332 mSv/year for inhalation and 0.0398 mSv/year for ingestion. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between dissolved radon concentration and water temperature. Moreover, in all sampling locations, the estimated annual effective doses were below the reference level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conclusion

Although the estimated annual effective doses were below the WHO reference level, the observed variations in groundwater radon concentrations before and after the earthquake suggest that seismic activity may influence dissolved radon levels. These findings support the inclusion of radon monitoring in post-earthquake groundwater quality surveillance programs in seismically active regions.

Graphical Abstract

Purpose

The pervasive use of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting devices has raised public health concerns; however, a comprehensive synthesis of in vitro and in vivo evidence is lacking. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the health impacts of EMR exposure, identify knowledge gaps, and provide a foundation for future research.

Methods

A literature search of Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (2000–2026) identified 17,240 records. After duplicate removal and title/abstract screening, 640 articles underwent full‑text assessment. Following exclusion of 525 articles (lack of sham/control, solely thermal effects, inaccessibility, non‑mammalian models), 115 studies were included. The relevant literature was reviewed and narratively synthesized.

Results

EMR exposure consistently induces oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis, with the nervous and reproductive systems being most vulnerable. Neurobehavioral impairments (anxiety, memory deficits, hippocampal damage) and reproductive toxicity (reduced sperm quality, testicular injury, hormonal dysregulation) were frequently reported. Outcomes are highly dependent on exposure parameters frequency, power density, duration, and modulation. Carcinogenicity evidence remains mixed: some animal studies report increased tumor incidence, while others show no effects.

Conclusion

EMR exposure, particularly at mobile communication frequencies, can induce biological effects primarily through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Future research should prioritize long‑term prospective human studies and real‑world multi‑frequency exposure scenarios.

Rapid urbanization and severe air pollution levels have increased the burden of chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present hospital-based cross-sectional study investigates demographic, behavioural, and environmental (household and occupational) determinants of COPD among 501 individuals visiting the respiratory outpatient department in Delhi, India. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data capturing socio-demographic, clinical, occupational, and household pollution-related variables, and these were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. COPD prevalence was 34.1%, with higher occurrence among older individuals (mean age 62.16 years vs. 50.0 years), males, ex-smokers, and those with lower Body Mass Index (BMI). The final multivariate model identified age (AOR = 1.08/year), male gender (AOR = 2.68), smoking status (never smoker: AOR = 0.05; passive smoker: AOR = 0.04), and BMI (AOR = 0.93/unit) as significant independent predictors. Household air pollution variables, such as polluting fuels for water heating like wooden stoves and poor kitchen ventilation, also showed higher odds of COPD prevalence. Occupational exposure further increased the COPD risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in high-risk workplace environments. The findings underscore that while traditional determinants such as smoking, age, and BMI are dominant predictors for COPD prevalence in this cohort, household and occupational pollution variables remain critical modifiers of respiratory risk. In areas with very high background pollution and high clean fuel adoption, interventions for indoor settings must prioritize structural household factors that improve kitchen ventilation and design, alongside smoking cessation, occupational safety, and targeted support for vulnerable subgroups to curb the respiratory health crisis in Delhi and similar megacities.

Background

Iron ore mining produces hazardous particulate matter, yet a holistic profile of its health impacts across different exposure levels is unavailable. This study aimed to provide an integrated health assessment of miners by evaluating a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes and linking them to job-specific dust exposure to identify high-risk groups.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,193 employees of an Iranian iron ore mine. Participants underwent demographic and occupational interviews, systematic physical examinations, and clinical tests. Workers were stratified into high, moderate-, and low-exposure groups based on job role for comparative analysis. To compare the demographic variables among the exposure groups, ANOVA and chi-square tests were performed. To identify the factors associated with occupational exposure levels, univariate and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were employed.

Results

The workforce was relatively young (mean age: 34.9 ± 7.6 years) with a low prevalence of major chronic diseases. However, a significant burden of occupational ailments was observed, including hearing (23.8%) and vision (17.8%) problems, and dermatological conditions (31.3%). Most hematological and metabolic markers did not differ significantly across exposure groups; however, platelet count, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure were significantly lower in the high-exposure group.

Conclusion

The health impacts of mining in this young workforce are currently characterized by localized sensory and dermatological issues rather than systemic metabolic effects. Targeted interventions addressing role-specific hazards, health literacy, and the educational determinants of risk allocation are urgently needed to mitigate long-term health consequences.

In this study, chitosan/graphene oxide aerogel (CS@GOA) was synthesized using a modified route of graphene oxide (GO) synthesis. The adsorbent was packed into a needle trap (NTD), introducing a novel solvent-free sampling method with direct thermal desorptionfor the analysis of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) in air. The quantitative characteristics of CS@GOA were specified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The performance of the method was evaluated under both laboratory and field conditions, after assessing parameters like storage time, carryover effect, repeatability and reproducibility of the NTD. The optimization of injection parameters, including time and temperature, was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD). The method exhibited high sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranging from 0.0004 to 0.018 ng mL⁻¹ and 0.0012 to 0.06 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were obtained within the ranges of 1.5–8.74% and 2.8–14%, respectively. A correlation of R²: 0.89–0.99 was obtained between the proposed method and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH-5515) method. The chitosan/graphene oxide aerogel-packed needle found to be an affordable, easy, and reliable method for direct detection of PAHs without solvent extraction in real field samples outperforming the NIOSH method.

Fused Deposition Modeling technique is a widely used 3D printing technique that often employs polylactic acid filaments (PLA), which can be enhanced with nanomaterials such as Graphene Oxide (GO). During thermal processing, these materials may release airborne particles, raising occupational and environmental exposure concerns. This study evaluates potential exposure to aerosolized GO from PLA filaments using a tiered risk assessment approach based on the European standard EN 17058:2018 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidance. A monitoring strategy combined near-field and far-field particle counters with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Raman Spectroscopy, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were assessed to compare with Spanish and Finish 2022 threshold occupational exposure limits. Nanoparticles and their agglomerates were detected at low number concentrations on average, with traces of Graphene Oxide in respirable fractions. These findings warranted further validation using statistical models such as ARIMA. Although concentrations were below proposed limits. The presence of GO in respirable aerosol indicates that GO nanoestructured within PLA was released into the workplace air. This finding underscores the need for tailored monitoring and control measures in occupational environments.