1
|
Liu MY, Li HR, Peng PA, Song AM, Li Y, Xie FX, Zhang YH, Hu JF. Tracing anthropogenic imprints on polybrominated and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans in soil: A comprehensive field study in an urban agglomeration of China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 279:121750. [PMID: 40318775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Polybrominated and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans (PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs) are primarily generated through anthropogenic thermal and chemical processes involving bromine and chlorine, respectively. However, the differential impacts of these anthropogenic activities on their environmental occurrences remain incompletely characterized yet. We conducted a comprehensive field soil study in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), a representative urban agglomeration in South China, to investigate the occurrence, sources, and risks of PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs. Compared to PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs in the PRD soils demonstrated comparable ubiquity and enrichment potential in organic-rich soils, but exhibited distinct compositions, inverse spatial distributions, and concentrations one to three orders of magnitude lower. PBDD/Fs in these samples were predominantly derived from bromine-involved industries (particularly those related to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)), thermal-related activities, and vehicular emissions. Consequently, they showed higher levels in highly industrialized/urbanized regions of the PRD and displayed positive correlations with local industrial/urban-related socioeconomic parameters, including gross domestic product (GDP), industrial output, population density, and volumes of vehicles, wastewater, waste gas, and waste incineration. In contrast, PCDD/Fs in these samples were primarily contributed by local agricultural activities (particularly the historical use of pentachlorophenol (PCP)/PCP-Na), thereby exhibiting significant positive correlations with local grain acreage, grain yield, and consumptions of pesticides and agricultural films. The contributions from biomass/waste open-burning and metalworking-related industries were three times lower. Unlike organic carbon content, the particle size of the PRD soils demonstrated insignificant influences on the distributions of PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs. PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs collectively exhibited notable carcinogenic risks in ≥50 % of the PRD soils and unacceptable non-carcinogenic risks in approximately one-quarter of the PRD soils. Most of these high-risk samples were collected from sites located in rural agricultural regions of the PRD, warranting continuous attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui-Ru Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Ping-An Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Ai-Min Song
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Fei-Xiang Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yong-Hong Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jian-Fang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lu Z, Lin Y, Ye R, Ge Y, He Q. Simulation study of chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling of municipal solid waste tar model compounds by ReaxFF molecular dynamics. J Mol Model 2025; 31:150. [PMID: 40299151 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-025-06373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
CONTEXT The chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) technology offers a low-carbon approach for municipal solid waste (MSW) management. However, tar generated from MSW pyrolytic-gasification can impair the cyclic reactivity of oxygen carriers (OCs). This study uses reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulations to examine the interactions between three tar model compounds (toluene, phenol, and naphthalene) and CuO OCs during CLOU. The results indicate that tar initially undergoes thermal cracking, while CuO releases small amounts of O radicals that facilitate the reaction. The oxygen release rate and capacity of CuO are strongly influenced by temperature. All three tar compounds produce intermediate C2H2, which is further oxidized to C2O2 in the cases of phenol and naphthalene. CuO can nearly completely oxidize these tar compounds to CO2 and H2O at stoichiometric ratio, with only minor CO and H2 byproducts. The research provides guidance for promoting CLOU technology in the efficient and clean energy utilization of MSW. METHODS The models of MSW tar compounds and CuO are constructed using Materials Studio (MS) and are preliminarily optimized with the Forcite module. ReaxFF MD calculations are conducted using the ReaxFF module within the Amsterdam Modeling Suite (AMS) computational platform, employing force field parameters of C/H/O/N/S/Mg/P/Na/Cu/Cl. The temperature control is maintained using the Nose-Hoover chain (NHC) thermostat. The first-order Arrhenius equation is utilized to calculate the activation energy of the reaction process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-Energy Distributed Energy Systems, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yousheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-Energy Distributed Energy Systems, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Runhua Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-Energy Distributed Energy Systems, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Ya Ge
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-Energy Distributed Energy Systems, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Qing He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-Energy Distributed Energy Systems, School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu L, Chen S, Fu W, Lin X, Zhang F, Qin G, Yuan Z, Huang B. Environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces non-obstructive azoospermia: New insights from network toxicology, integrated machine learning, and biomolecular modeling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2025; 295:118173. [PMID: 40215689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2025] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/21/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As industrial pollution intensifies, global male semen quality has been declining at a rate of 2.64 % per year in the 21st century. Among the various types of infertility, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe and is closely associated with exposure to environmental toxins. The molecular mechanisms by which 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a typical persistent organic pollutant, induces NOA have yet to be systematically elucidated. METHODS This study employed the single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) method to identify key toxicological pathways and constructed a diagnostic model based on 113 machine learning algorithms. By integrating Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell analysis, we identified hub genes associated with the Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome (SCOS) subtype. Finally, biomolecular modeling was conducted to validate the binding efficacy of the hub genes with TCDD. RESULTS Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis based on the ssGSEA method indicated that TCDD may disrupt spermatogenesis by activating the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways while inhibiting the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, ultimately leading to NOA. Through the integration of machine learning techniques, 5 hub genes (AUC > 0.7) induced by TCDD and associated with NOA were identified: Androgen receptor (AR), Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding Protein 1 (CHD1), Discoidin Domain Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 (DDR2), Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor Alpha (RORA), and Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor AMPA Type Subunit 1 (GRIA1). WGCNA and single-cell analysis revealed that AR and DDR2 were specifically expressed in the testicular tissues of NOA patients and were closely associated with SCOS (p < 0.05). Immune infiltration analysis suggested that TCDD induces abnormal infiltration of various immune cells, indicating its close relationship with immune inflammatory responses (p < 0.05). Biomolecular modeling further demonstrated a strong binding affinity between AR and TCDD (∆G = -8.3 kcal·mol⁻¹, Etotal = -37.79 kcal·mol⁻¹), highlighting the critical role of AR in TCDD-induced NOA. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the potential molecular mechanisms by which TCDD induces NOA, providing new targets for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Shuai Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Wei Fu
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518133, China.
| | - Xuyao Lin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
| | - Fugang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, China.
| | - Guozheng Qin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, China.
| | - Zhuojun Yuan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, China.
| | - Bin Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan 418000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Y, Sidikjan N, Huang L, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Li Y, Yang J, Shen G, Liu M, Huang Y. Multi-media environmental fate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in China: A systematic review of emissions, presence, transport modeling and health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:124970. [PMID: 39284404 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are notorious persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with proven toxicity to human and ecosystems. This review critically evaluates existing research, emphasizing knowledge gaps regarding PCDD/F emissions, environmental behavior, human exposure, and associated risks in China. The current emission inventory of PCDD/Fs in China remains highly uncertain, both in terms of total emissions and emission trends. Moreover, existing monitoring data primarily focus on areas near pollution sources, limiting comprehensive understanding of the overall spatiotemporal characteristics of PCDD/F pollution. To address this, we propose a novel approach that integrates the Multi-media Urban Mode (MUM) model with an atmospheric chemical transport model that includes a dual adsorption model to capture gas-particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs in the atmosphere. This coupled model can simulate the transport and fate of PCDD/Fs in multi-media environments with high spatiotemporal resolution, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the impacts of emissions, climate, urbanization and other factors on PCDD/F pollution. Additionally, dietary ingestion, particularly from animal-derived foods, is identified as the predominant source (up to 98%) of human exposure to PCDD/Fs. While the changes in dietary structure, population distribution, and age structure can influence human exposure to PCDD/Fs, their impacts have not yet been quantified. The proposed model lays the foundation for a systematic assessment of health risks from PCDD/F exposure through various pathways by further incorporating a food chain model. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive strategy for assessing PCDD/F pollution, encompassing the entire continuum from emissions to environmental impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Nazupar Sidikjan
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunshan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Guofeng Shen
- Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Huang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tran HT, Hoang HG, Chacha WE, Mukherjee S, Duong TVH, Nguyen NSH, Nguyen KN, Naidu R. A review of advanced bioremediation technologies for dioxin-contaminated soil treatment: Current and future outlook. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 366:143400. [PMID: 39321885 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), namely known as dioxins, are persistent organic compounds with high toxicity. The presence of dioxins in soil is a major environmental issue worldwide, as it negatively impacts both ecosystems and human health. Thus, several advanced techniques have been applied to overcome this issue, offering promising treatment efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This review employs a meta-analysis strategy to provide an up-to-date assessment of the global situation of dioxin-contaminated soil. Dioxin concentrations are commonly higher in industrial and urban areas than in rural areas, primarily due to anthropogenic activities such as chemical manufacturing and waste incineration. Furthermore, several advanced bioremediation technologies for dioxin treatment, including biosurfactants, composting, and phytoremediation were highlighted and thoroughly discussed. Aerobic composting has proven to be robust in removing dioxins, achieving treatment efficiencies ranging from 65% to 85%. Whereas, phytoremediation, particularly when involving agricultural crops like zucchini, cucumber, and wheat, shows great promise in dioxin removal through various mechanisms, including root uptake and transpiration. Notably, biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids have been effectively used to remediate dioxin-contaminated soil due to their significantly enhanced bioavailability of dioxins and their interaction with microbes. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced biotechnologies for remediating dioxin-contaminated soil. It also addresses the technical and economic aspects of dioxin treatment and identifies future directions and research perspectives to fill knowledge gaps in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huu-Tuan Tran
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Management, Science and Technology Advanced Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Applied Technology, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Viet Nam
| | - Hong Giang Hoang
- Faculty of Technology, Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa City, Viet Nam.
| | - Wambura E Chacha
- Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas, 1530 W 15th St., Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Santanu Mukherjee
- School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
| | - Tran Vo Hai Duong
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bac Lieu Technical and Economic College, Bac Lieu province, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Son Hai Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), Thai Nguyen, 24000, Viet Nam
| | - Khoi Nghia Nguyen
- Faculty of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, Viet Nam.
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma H, Wang C, Suo H, Huang Y, Huo Y, Yang G, Yan Y, Huang T, Gao H, Ma J, Xie Z. Global Gridded Emission Inventory of Organophosphate Flame Retardants from 2010 to 2020. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58. [PMID: 39251583 PMCID: PMC11428127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c06504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
As a substitute for brominated flame retardants, organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have become a global concern due to their high toxicity and bioaccumulation. To paint an overall picture of OPFRs in the global environment, the present study develops a gridded global emission inventory of OPFRs on a spatial resolution of 1 × 1° from 2010 to 2020. Revealing a 3.31% average annual increase in emissions, totaling 21,324.42 tons. The production process is the primary source, accounting for 55.43% of emissions, with consumption processes making up the rest. Major sources are in Asia, North America, and Europe. The inventory is verified by implementing emission data into a global atmospheric transport model to predict OPFR concentrations in the global environment and comparing modeled concentrations with field sampled data. The results indicate that the inventory is reliable except for the pristine polar region, where the emission inventory and modeled concentrations underestimate OPFR levels in the atmosphere, likely resulting from ignorance of chemical reactions and the secondary derivative of parent OPFRs during their global long-distance atmospheric transport in the model. This comprehensive data set aids in formulating OPFR emission control policies and assessing health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Ma
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Huabing Suo
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yandi Huang
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yuanhui Huo
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Gang Yang
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yu Yan
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key
Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu
Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jianmin Ma
- Laboratory
for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- Helmholtz-Zentrum
Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental
Chemistry, Geesthacht 21502, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Noori AA, Gülegen B, Tasdemir Y. Urban air PCDD/Fs: Dry deposition fluxes and mass transfer coefficients determined using a water surface sampler. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142810. [PMID: 38986780 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) cause significant environmental concerns. Atmospheric PCDD/Fs permeate water bodies and other ecosystems through wet and dry deposition. In an urban site, dry deposition flux samples of gaseous phase PCDD/Fs were collected by a water surface sampler (WSS) operated between June 2022 and June 2023. There is a conspicuous absence of literature on the direct measurement of dry deposition flux levels in the gaseous phase of PCDD/Fs. In the study, PCDD/Fs in the gas phase reaching the WSS dissolved in the water according to Henry's Law. The PCDD/Fs in the water were transferred to an XAD-2 resin column, sorbing the dissolved PCDD/Fs. The average monthly gas phase dry deposition flux was 34.07 ± 9.35 pg/m2-day (7.35 ± 2.16 pg I-TEQ/m2-day). The highest flux was measured in March (49.53 pg/m2-day), and the lowest was in August (18.64 pg/m2-day). These values indicated the direct flux from air to water. The atmospheric concentration of the gas-phase ranged from 68.38 to 126.88 fg/m3 (13.22-25.01 fg I-TEQ/m3). Dry deposition fluxes and concentrations of atmospheric PCDD/Fs were bigger in the colder months than in the warmer months. This was probably due to a significant increase in residential heating during the colder months, decreased photochemical reactions, and lower mixing heights. Regarding congeners in the dry deposition flux and concentration values in I-TEQ units, 2,3,7,8-TCDD compound predominated with the proportions of 31.61 ± 7.76% and 29.09 ± 12.34%, respectively. Concurrently measured dry deposition flux (Fg) and ambient air concentration (Cg) of PCDD/Fs were considered in the determination of mass transfer coefficient (MTC = Fg/Cg) calculation for each PCDD/F congener. The average MTC for targeted 17 PCDD/Fs was 0.45 ± 0.15 cm/s, and it fluctuated between 0.89 ± 0.30 cm/s for 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 0.2 ± 0.16 cm/s for OCDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Alim Noori
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Nilufer/Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berke Gülegen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Nilufer/Bursa, Turkey
| | - Yücel Tasdemir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Nilufer/Bursa, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang C, Geng X, Zhu L, Xia D, Li X, Sun Y. Br-to-Cl Transformation Guided the Formation of Polyhalogenated Dibenzo- p-dioxins/Dibenzofurans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39096310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c06328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PXDD/Fs) are commonly released into the environment as byproducts of combustion processes, accompanied by flue gases. Chlorinated (Cl) and brominated (Br) precursors play crucial roles in forming PXDD/Fs. However, the specific contributions of Cl-precursors and Br-precursors to PXDD/Fs formation have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that the formation of Br-precursors can increase the fraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) congeners substituted at specific positions, such as 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, OCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. This is attributed to the electrophilic chlorination reaction of the Br-precursors, which includes the Br-to-Cl transformation pathway, following the principle of regioselectivity. The observed formation of polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/benzofurans (PBCDD/Fs) from 1,2-dibromobenzene (1,2-DiBBz) as a Br precursor provides direct evidence supporting the proposed Br-to-Cl transformation. Quantum chemical calculations are employed to discuss the principle of regioselectivity in the Br-to-Cl transformation, clarifying the priority of the position for electrophilic chlorination. Additionally, the concentration of PCDD/Fs formed from 1,2-DiBBz is 1.6 μg/kg, comparable to that of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) (2.4 μg/kg), highlighting the potential of brominated organic pollutants as precursors for PCDD/Fs formation. This study provides three potential pathways for PCDD/Fs formation from Br-precursors, establishing a theoretical foundation for elucidating the formation mechanism of PXDD/Fs in the coexistence of Cl and Br.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Xuan Geng
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Lingfeng Zhu
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Dan Xia
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yifei Sun
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
- Research Center for Advanced Energy and Carbon Neutrality, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, PR China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Wu Y, Fu C, Zhao W, Li L. Metabolic cross-feeding between the competent degrader Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 and an incompetent partner during catabolism of dibenzofuran: Understanding the leading and supporting roles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134310. [PMID: 38640677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Microbial interactions, particularly metabolic cross-feeding, play important roles in removing recalcitrant environmental pollutants; however, the underlying mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which metabolic cross-feeding occurs during synergistic dibenzofuran degradation between a highly efficient degrader, Rhodococcus sp. strain p52, and a partner incapable of utilizing dibenzofuran. A bottom-up approach combined with pairwise coculturing was used to examine metabolic cross-feeding between strain p52 and Arthrobacter sp. W06 or Achromobacter sp. D10. Pairwise coculture not only promoted bacterial pair growth but also facilitated dibenzofuran degradation. Specifically, strain p52, acting as a donor, released dibenzofuran metabolic intermediates, including salicylic acid and gentisic acid, for utilization and growth, respectively, by the partner strains W06 and D10. Both salicylic acid and gentisic acid exhibited biotoxicity, and their accumulation inhibited dibenzofuran degradation. The transcriptional activity of the genes responsible for the catabolism of dibenzofuran and its metabolic intermediates was coordinately regulated in strain p52 and its cocultivated partners, thus achieving synergistic dibenzofuran degradation. This study provides insights into microbial metabolic cross-feeding during recalcitrant environmental pollutant removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudi Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changai Fu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhui Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pagano JJ, Garner AJ, Hopke PK, Pagano JK, Gawley WG, Holsen TM. Atmospheric Concentrations and Potential Sources of Dioxin-Like Contaminants to Acadia National Park. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124287. [PMID: 38823547 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Acadia National Park (ANP) is located on Mt. Desert Island, ME on the U.S. Atlantic coast. ANP is routinely a top-ten most popular National Park with over four million visits in 2022. The overall contribution and negative effects of long-range atmospheric transport and local sources of dioxin-like contaminants endangering natural and wildlife resources is unknown. Dioxin-like (DL) contaminants polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (∑PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (∑PCDF), non-ortho coplanar PCBs (∑CP4), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (∑PCNs) were measured at the McFarland Hill air monitoring station (44.37⁰N, 68.26⁰W). On a mass/volume basis, total PCNs averaged 90.9 % (788 fg/m3) of DL contaminants measured annually, with 92.9 % of the collected total in the vapor-phase. Alternatively, total dioxin/furans (∑PCDD/Fs) represented 71.6 % of the total toxic equivalence (∑TEQ) (1.018 fg-TEQ/m3), with 69.7 % in the particulate-phase. Maximum concentrations measured for individual sampling events for ∑PCDD/F, ∑CP4, and ∑PCN were 159 (winter), 139 (summer), and 2100 (autumn), fg/m3 respectively. Whereas the maximum ∑TEQ concentrations for individual sampling events for ∑PCDD/F, ∑CP4, and ∑PCN were 2.8 (autumn), 0.38 (summer), and 0.71 (autumn), fg-TEQ/m3 respectively. Pearson correlations were calculated for ∑PCDD/Fs and ∑PCN particulate/vapor-phase air concentrations and PM2.5 wood smoke "indicator" species. The most significant correlations were observed in autumn for particulate-phase ∑PCDD/Fs suggesting a relationship between visitation-generated combustion sources (campfires and/or waste burning) or climate-change mediated forest fires. Significant Clausius-Clapeyron (C-C) correlations observed for particulate-phase ∑PCDDs (r2=0.567) as ambient temperatures decreased suggests a connection between localized domestic heating sources or visitor-based burning of wood/trash resources. Alternatively, highly significant C-C vapor-phase ∑CP4-PCBs correlations (r2=0.815) implies that the majority of ∑CP4-PCB loading to ANP is from long-range atmospheric transport processes. Based on these findings, Acadia National Park should be classified as a remote site with minor depositional impacts from ∑PCDD/Fs, ∑CP4-PCBs, and ∑PCN atmospheric transport or local diffuse sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Pagano
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699.
| | - Andrew J Garner
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA 22042
| | - Philip K Hopke
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642; Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699
| | | | - William G Gawley
- Acadia National Park, National Park Service, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li Q, Li Y, Pu Q, Yang H, Du M, Li X, Li Y, Li X. Exposure estimation and neurotoxicity inhibition of dioxins in sensitive populations near domestic waste incineration plant through adverse outcome pathway. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134066. [PMID: 38522193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxicity induced by dioxins has been recognized as a serious concern to sensitive population living near waste incineration plants. However, investigating the intracellular neurotoxicity of dioxin in humans and the corresponding mitigation strategies has been barely studied. Thus, a domestic waste incineration plant was selected in this study to characterize the neurotoxicity risks of sensitive populations by estimating the ratio of dioxin in human cells using membrane structure dynamics simulation; and constructing a complete dioxin neurotoxicity adverse outcome pathway considering the binding process of AhR/ARNT dimer protein and dioxin response element (DRE). Six dioxins with high neurotoxicity risk were identified. According to the composite neurotoxicity risk analysis, the highest composite neurotoxicity risk appeared when the six dioxins were jointly exposed. Dietary schemes were designed using 1/2 partial factor experimental design to mitigate the composite neurotoxicity risk of six dioxins and No. 16 was screened as the optimum combination which can effectively alleviate the composite neurotoxicity risk by 29.52%. Mechanism analysis shows that the interaction between AhR/ARNT dimer protein and DRE was inhibited under the optimal dietary scheme. This study provides theoretical feasibility and reference significance for assessing composite toxicity risks of pollutants and safety mitigation measures for toxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yunxiang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qikun Pu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hao Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Meijin Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xinao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xixi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3×5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ajay SV, Prathish KP. Dioxins emissions from bio-medical waste incineration: A systematic review on emission factors, inventories, trends and health risk studies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133384. [PMID: 38176262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has aggravated the biomedical waste generation all over the world and the concern for its safe disposal is on the rise. The vast majority of healthcare systems employ incineration as their treatment method considering its agility to reduce the waste volume by up to 95-96% and high-temperature inactivation of infectious biological materials. However, incinerator emission is a significant contributor of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) according to various national inventories across the globe. Bio-Medical Waste Incinerators (BMWIs) are the dominant form of incinerator plants in developing nations and hence BMWI emissions were found to contribute lion's share of national dioxins inventories in most of these countries. The Stockholm Convention on POPs played a key role in imbibing significant urge on the dl-POPs monitoring studies of incinerators internationally and on controlling the average incinerator emission levels. Though many national/international agencies endorse a stringent incinerator stack emission standard of 0.1 ngTEQ/Nm3, there are some differences observed in nation-to-nation regulatory scenarios. This paper reviews and reports on the dioxins emission and health risk studies associated with bio-medical waste incineration over the last three decades (1990-2020) with a comprehensive spatial and temporal emission trend analysis. An overview of important national and international regulations, national inventories and emission factors for the biomedical waste incineration sector is also reviewed in detail. The study observes that continuous regulatory monitoring and logical relaxations can enhance the performance of the existing facilities ensuring low emissions and minimal risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S V Ajay
- Environmental Technology Division, CSIR, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - K P Prathish
- Environmental Technology Division, CSIR, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 019, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guo J, Bo X, Xie Y, Tang L, Xu J, Zhang Z, Wan R, Xu H, Mi Z. Health effects of future dioxins emission mitigation from Chinese municipal solid waste incinerators. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118805. [PMID: 37659366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Dioxins (including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, as Group 1 Carcinogen) in the atmosphere mainly originate from incomplete combustion during municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. To significantly reduce dioxins emission from the MSW incineration industry, China has promulgated a set of ambitious plans regulating MSW-related pollution; however, the emission reduction potentials and concomitant environmental and health impacts associated with the implementation of these programs on a national scale remain unknown. Here, we use real measurements from official environmental impact assessment systems and continuous emissions monitoring systems (covering 96.6% of national MSW incinerators) to estimate unit-level dioxins emission and concomitant environmental and health impacts. We find that in 2018, 99.3% and 66.7% of Chinese incinerators met such concentration and temperature standards, respectively, controlling the total emissions to 19.6 g toxic equivalency quantity and maintaining carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks significantly below safety levels nationwide. Fully achieving both current standards and future regulations will reduce emissions and health risks by 67.7% and 62.6%, respectively, with waste sorting program contributing the majority. This study reveals substantial benefits from curbing MSW-related dioxins pollution and underscores the promise of ongoing management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Center for Carbon Neutrality, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, China; School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Bo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; BUCT Institute for Carbon-Neutrality of Chinese Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xie
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Tang
- School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruxing Wan
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyun Xu
- China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Zhifu Mi
- The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| |
Collapse
|