Environmental and Earth Sciences

Abstract: The Earthview BluBird continuous methane emissions-monitoring system participated in METEC single-blind ADED field testing in 2022 and 2024. The test program consisted of natural-gas releases ("experiments"), with each experiment comprised of one to five simultaneous releases. Results are categorized according to detection of at least one release per experiment ("per experiment" detection) and on detection of all releases. Ninety-seven percent of individual experiments were detected based on a report-and-release overlap criterion. Using METEC's standard criteria, 91% of experiments were detected, with a 69% detection rate for all releases. Un-detected releases during multi-release experiments, rather than un-detected experiments, account for the large majority of missed releases. Using the overlap criterion, the 90% probability of detection is 0.6 kg/h for per-experiment detection, and 3.9 kg/h for all releases. Source locations were correctly identified at the equipment group level for 76% of the experiments. Release start times and end times were accurate to within 30 minutes for 92% of the experiments. Actual and estimated methane emission mass summed over daily to monthly intervals correlate significantly, with BluBird underestimating mass by 26% for the full ADED 2024 period for single-release experiments. This underestimate is dominated by emission rate error rather than release detection capability.

Abstract: Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major traffic-related pollutant linked to adverse health outcomes, but existing methods for estimating indoor DE exposure fall short, as common surrogates like black carbon (BC), NOx, and PM2.5 are not sufficiently specific to diesel sources. 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP), a nitro-PAH preferentially formed during diesel combustion, has rarely been studied as an indoor exposure indicator. We measured 1-NP and isomeric nitro-PAHs (2-nitropyrene, 2-nitrofluoranthene) in indoor air and house dust from 40 homes in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area, CA, across two sampling events, alongside continuous indoor BC monitoring. We assessed 1-NP’s utility as a DE proxy using summary statistics, diagnostic nitro-PAH ratios, correlations with monitored pollutants, and single-predictor mixed-effects models relating 1-NP to spatial DE predictors. 1-NP was frequently detected in air (74%) and dust (97%), with median concentrations of 0.42 pg/m³ (IQR 0.32 - 0.54) and 340 pg/g (IQR 190 - 620), respectively. Air and dust 1-NP were moderately correlated (r=0.40, p = 0.02), as was BC with 1-NP (air r=0.38, dust r=0.47; p<0.01). Diagnostic ratios (2-NFl:1-NP <5) indicated dominant primary emission sources. Dust 1-NP showed numerous significant associations with spatial DE predictors, while air 1-NP showed fewer. Overall, 1-NP shows promise as a diesel-specific indoor exposure proxy integrating longer-term exposure and aligning with spatial DE predictors.

Abstract: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has driven mercury contamination in tropical freshwater systems, yet integrated assessments of Southeast Asian oxbow lakes remain rare. This study quantified total mercury (THg) concentrations in water, sediment, and fish from Lake Hanjalutung, an ASGM-affected oxbow lake in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Water THg was higher in the dry season (26.13–42.66 ng/L) than the rainy season (8.20–24.05 ng/L), whereas lake interior sediment was more enriched during the rainy season. Geoaccumulation index (I_geo) values increased from the river channels to the lake interior (1.7–2.0, moderately to heavily contaminated), confirming that the lake acts as a mercury sink. Fish THg concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 1.51 mg/kg dw. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) ranged from 5.3 × 10³ to 39.0 × 10³ L/kg, and biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) exceeded unity for all species, with both indices increasing significantly with body length, indicating body size as the primary driver of bioaccumulation. Maximum allowable weekly intake (MAWI) analysis showed that estimated regional consumption exceeded safe thresholds for all receptor groups, by 9- to 12-fold for one-year-old children and approximately 8-fold for pregnant women consuming W. leeri. Substituting with P. grootii consistently increased allowable intake by 3.5-fold, offering a practical, species-based risk reduction strategy for communities dependent on freshwater fish for protein.

Abstract: The decarbonization of transport and aviation sectors requires renewable fuels capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructures. This review examines the technological evolution of renewable liquid fuels from biodiesel (FAME) to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), highlighting biodiesel as the industrial and technological foundation upon which the most mature hydrocarbon fuel pathways have been developed. Biodiesel established the feedstock supply chains, processing technologies, quality standards, and regulatory frameworks that subsequently enabled the emergence of HVO and HEFA-SAF. HVO represents a major advancement over biodiesel by converting lipid-based feedstocks into fully deoxygenated paraffinic hydrocarbons through hydrotreatment, thereby overcoming limitations related to stability, fuel quality, and engine compatibility. Building upon similar feedstocks and upgrading principles, SAF extends this evolution toward aviation applications through pathways such as HEFA, Fischer–Tropsch (FT), Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), and Power-to-Liquid (PtL). The review integrates bibliometric analysis, fuel properties, combustion behavior, emission characteristics, production pathways, and techno-economic considerations. Results show that HVO research is largely focused on fuel upgrading and combustion optimization, whereas SAF research increasingly addresses system-level challenges, including feedstock availability, lifecycle emissions, renewable hydrogen production, and large-scale deployment. This transition reflects a broader shift from fuel-centered optimization to energy-system integration. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that SAF should be understood as the latest stage of a technological trajectory initiated by biodiesel, with future progress dependent on advances in renewable energy, hydrogen infrastructure, carbon management, and supportive policy frameworks.

Abstract: Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a major air pollutant in South Asian cities; however, information on its carbonaceous composition and multi-wavelength optical properties remains limited for Lahore, Pakistan. This study investigated PM_2.5 collected at an urban site in Lahore between 15 March and 29 April 2025. A total of 30 filter samples were collected; owing to sample losses during transportation, 25 filters were available for gravimetric and optical analyses, while a subset of 15 filters, selected to cover the sampling period and a broad range of PM_2.5 concentrations, was used for carbonaceous aerosol analysis. Aerosol light absorption was determined using the Multi-Wavelength Absorbance Analyzer (MWAA) at five wavelengths (375, 407, 532, 635, and 850 nm). PM_2.5 concentrations ranged from 40 to 417 μg m⁻³, with an average of 137 ± 84 μg m⁻³, indicating severe particulate pollution throughout the sampling period. Organic carbon was the dominant carbonaceous component, contributing 76.6% of total carbon, whereas elemental carbon accounted for 23.4%. The MWAA measurements showed the expected decrease in aerosol absorption with increasing wavelength, reflecting the spectral behaviour of carbonaceous aerosols. The average Absorption Ångström Exponent (AAE) was 1.17 ± 0.30, indicating generally weak-to-moderate wavelength dependence, with occasional enhancement of short-wavelength absorption. Based on empirical AAE intervals, 56% of the samples had values between 1.0 and 1.5, 32% had values below 1.0, and 12% exhibited values above 1.5, indicating enhanced short-wavelength absorption during a limited number of events. These intervals provide qualitative information on spectral variability rather than unambiguous source attribution. Overall, this study provides new multi-wavelength optical observations of PM_2.5 from a six-week field campaign conducted in Lahore during March–April 2025 and contributes to the characterization of carbonaceous aerosols in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The generated dataset provides a useful basis for future source-apportionment studies, air-quality management, and assessments of aerosol radiative effects in highly polluted South Asian urban environments.

Abstract: Winam Gulf, a shallow bay of Lake Victoria Kenya is increasingly affected by anthropogenic activities that alter the water quality of the Gulf. The purpose of the study was to understand the key environmental drivers of the phytoplankton communities of Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Environmental variables such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids, water transparency, and electrical conductivity were determined in-situ, while nutrients such as Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen, Nitrates, Nitrites and Ammonia were analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. Phytoplankton samples were collected, identified and counted under a microscope, and various indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, were calculated. Statistical analyses, including Repeated analysis of variance, Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling, were performed to understand the spatial and temporal differences of the environmental variables and phytoplankton. The data were further subjected to Spearman's correlation and Mantel tests to explore the relationship between phytoplankton and environmental variables. Influence category had a highly significant effect on water depth TDS, EC, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, Secchi depth and total nitrogen. Season significantly influenced temperature, TDS), EC dissolved oxygen, BOD, pH, Secchi depth, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, and total nitrogen. Significant interaction effects between influence category and season were detected for TDS, dissolved oxygen, pH, Secchi depth, and total nitrogen). These interactions indicate that the magnitude of seasonal changes differed among influence categories. In this study, 34 phytoplankton genera belonging to 5 different phyla were recognized. These include Cyanophyta, Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Charophyta and Dinophyta, with Cyanophyta accounting for the largest percentage of phytoplankton at 44.1%. The order of dominance was Cyanophyta > Chlorophyta > Bacillariophyta > Charophyta > Dinophyta. The results showed considerable spatial and temporal variation in environmental factors as well as phytoplankton populations. Nutrient levels, especially total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature, are among the key drivers of phytoplankton communities in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya.

Abstract: Microbial pollution in impaired recreational waters is strongly linked to sediment dynamics and suspended solids, particularly during storm events and high-flow conditions. This systematic review synthesises global evidence on how sediments control the storage, transport, and rapid release of fecal indicator bacteria in rivers, lakes, and inland bathing waters. The review evaluates field monitoring methods, high-frequency turbidity sensing, sediment resuspension processes, and modelling approaches used to predict short-term microbial risk. It also assesses the performance of process-based and machine learning forecasting systems applied to recreational water management. Evidence from over two decades of studies shows that turbidity and suspended solids consistently act as reliable proxies for short-term microbial contamination. The findings confirm that sediment-driven pollution pulses are a key driver of exceedances at impaired bathing sites. This review provides a focused scientific basis for early warning systems, public health protection, and risk-based regulatory control of recreational waters.

Abstract: Wildfire smoke (WFS) is an expanding source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with well-documented cardiopulmonary risks, yet its impact on organismal aging and functional decline remains incompletely understood. Here we use Caenorhabditis elegans to characterize the dose-dependent impacts of simulated WFS PM2.5 exposure (0.095-1000 µg/mL) on survival and age-associated functional outcomes. Locomotion and morphology were assessed at defined time points in adulthood, after which unexposed progeny of WFS-exposed nematodes were evaluated for identical tests to detect gross intergenerational effects. Parental (P0) worms subjected to a single 24-hour WFS exposure exhibited dose-dependent reductions in lifespan at high concentrations and significant impairments in neuromuscular function at lower concentrations. A single P0 WFS exposure was also sufficient to induce deficits in multiple measures of locomotion and morphology, but these readouts were almost entirely resolved in F1 progeny. Additionally, RNA-sequencing on P0 nematodes was used to provide insight into biological processes underlying our in vivo observations, revealing WFS-associated aging-like transcriptomic signatures. Taken together, these results suggest that acute WFS exposure is sufficient to induce age-associated functional decline and establish C. elegans as a scalable, low-cost in vivo platform for quantifying WFS-driven toxicity.

Abstract: The accelerating pressures of climate change, rapid urbanization, resource depletion, and environmental degradation necessitate the development of integrative and forward-looking paradigms for sustainable urban transformation. This study explores the scientific perspectives underpinning the synergy between environmental engineering and eco-urbanism, emphasizing their collective potential to enable adaptive, low-carbon, and resilient urban systems. Environmental engineering, traditionally focused on pollution control, resource management, and infrastructure optimization, is increasingly intersecting with eco-urbanism, a multidisciplinary framework that prioritizes ecological integrity, human well-being, and sustainable spatial planning. The convergence of these domains fosters a systems-oriented approach to urban development, wherein technological innovation, ecological design, and socio-economic considerations are harmonized. This paper critically examines contemporary theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and practical implementations that exemplify this synergy. It highlights the role of advanced environmental engineering solutions—such as green infrastructure, decentralized water and wastewater treatment systems, renewable energy integration, and circular resource management—in shaping eco-urbanistic strategies. Simultaneously, eco-urbanism contributes spatial, architectural, and policy-oriented dimensions that enhance the functionality and scalability of engineered systems within complex urban environments. The interplay between these fields supports the transition from linear, resource-intensive urban models toward regenerative and circular urban metabolisms. Particular attention is given to adaptive capacity and resilience, which are increasingly recognized as essential attributes of sustainable cities. The integration of smart technologies, data-driven decision-making, and climate-responsive design enables urban systems to anticipate, absorb, and recover from environmental and socio-economic shocks. Moreover, low-carbon development pathways are explored through the lens of energy-efficient infrastructure, sustainable mobility systems, and nature-based solutions that collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing urban livability. The study also addresses key challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of synergistic approaches, including governance fragmentation, financial constraints, technological disparities, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. It underscores the importance of policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building in facilitating the effective integration of environmental engineering principles within eco-urbanistic planning frameworks. Furthermore, emerging trends such as digital urbanism, climate-neutral cities, and biomimetic design are discussed as critical enablers of future urban sustainability. The scientific synergy between environmental engineering and eco-urbanism represents a transformative pathway toward sustainable urban futures. By integrating technical expertise with ecological and socio-spatial considerations, this approach provides a robust foundation for the development of adaptive, low-carbon, and resilient urban systems capable of addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) was used to measure 24 elements in occipital scalp hair from 134 adults living in Campania, southern Italy (67 women, 67 men; age range 20–72 yr). Continuous models were restricted to the ten elements detected in at least 70% of adults: Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Pb, Se and Zn. Multivariable log-linear models with HC3-robust standard errors adjusted for sex, age, fish consumption, medication and supplement use, current and passive smoking, hair treatments, cosmetic product use, tap-water use, occupational/environmental risk and sample mass, with multiple testing controlled by Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Ca (median 1279.7g/g), Zn ( 153.5g/g), Mg ( 101.7g/g), K ( 14.8g/g) and Cu ( 13.9g/g) dominated the elemental profile. Pb had a median of 0.81g/g but an extreme right tail reaching 887.1g/g; Cd was detected in only 22.4% of adults, with a population median of zero. The most reproducible pattern was lower hair concentrations in males for Ca (Δ=−61.6%, q<0.001), Mg (Δ=−52.2%, q<0.001), Cu (Δ=−37.7%, q=0.003), Cr (Δ=−33.0%, q=0.011) and Zn (Δ=−23.9%, q=0.011). Sample mass remained inversely associated with Mg and Zn, indicating a potential analytical or censoring-related effect requiring quality-control attention. No fish, medication, supplement, smoking, tap-water or environmental-risk predictor survived FDR correction. An exploratory territorial display used medians for Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, and detection frequencies for the low-detection elements As, Cd and V, to visualize potential sentinel patterns. Exploratory unsupervised clustering separated a large mineral-enriched profile from a smaller mineral-depleted profile and, in a three-cluster sensitivity analysis, isolated a four-participant high-Pb/high-Ba sentinel subgroup; however, residual clustering after adjustment for sex, age, hair-care variables and sample mass was weak. These findings support hair biomonitoring as a screening tool in mixed-exposure regions and align with recent European calls for harmonised human biomonitoring, provided that sex, robust territorial aggregation, sample mass, non-detects, outliers and external contamination are handled explicitly.

Abstract: Strategic noise maps represent a valuable tool for the characterisation of urban soundscapes, but their transformation into indicators related to the exposed population and health effects remains a matter of methodology, particularly in the absence of dwelling-level information. A workflow at the façade level for the estimation of population exposure to road-traffic noise and high sleep disturbance in six sampled sectors of Quito, Ecuador, is developed and tested. The workflow combines outputs from strategic noise maps, cadastral and land-use data, population of census sectors, receiver levels on façades, and three alternative methods of population assignment consistent with CNOSSOS-EU. Sectors were also classified by urban-methodological complexity to assess whether sensitivity of exposure estimates varies across urban fabrics. Results indicate that methodological uncertainty is strongly conditioned by urban configuration. Sensitivity was greatest in dense and morphologically complex sectors, where alternative population-assignment methods produced substantially different estimates of both exposure and high sleep disturbance. These findings suggest that urban form influences not only acoustic exposure itself, but also the reliability and interpretation of health-oriented noise indicators. At the aggregate level, estimated HSD varied from 283.8 under M2 to 718.5 under M1, a 2.5-fold difference. The greatest burdens were focused in San Bartolo and Solanda. The proposed workflow presents a clear and replicable method for turning noise maps into actionable exposure and health indicators in data-limited urban contexts.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with lightweight gas sensors offer a promising means of monitoring localized pollutant emissions. However, airflow generated by multirotor propellers can disturb the surrounding atmosphere and affect measured gas concentrations. This study investigates the influence of rotor-induced downwash on vehicle exhaust plume measurements through a combined experimental and numerical approach. Experimental measurements were conducted using a stationary diesel vehicle operating at idle, while a propeller-based system reproduced UAV downwash at heights between 0.5 and 5.5 m above a fixed CO₂ sensor. A low-cost Feather-based sensing platform was evaluated against a commercial IoTSens monitoring station. Complementary CFD simulations were performed in OpenFOAM using a compressible multi-species solver, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), and a Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) approach. Experimental measurements showed CO₂ reductions of up to 52.7%, while CFD predicted reductions between 50.4% and 88.5%. Both approaches identified a transition in plume–wake interaction, with the strongest effects occurring below approximately 2–3 m. These findings demonstrate that UAV height is a critical parameter affecting gas-sensing accuracy and should be considered when designing UAV-based environmental monitoring missions.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) in Andean dairy production systems located within areas affected by volcanic ash deposition, and to analyse their implications for milk safety. To this end, samples from 15 georeferenced dairy production units were analysed to determine heavy metals and physicochemical characteristics in soil, forage, feed, drinking water, and raw milk. Soil and forage were considered the main environmental matrices within the soil–forage–milk pathway, whereas feed and drinking water were interpreted as external exposure matrices. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, box plots, principal component analysis, and Spearman correlation analysis. The findings indicated that heavy metal behaviour was metal-specific and did not follow a strictly linear pattern. Pb and As exhibited marked attenuation before reaching milk, suggesting limited final transfer to the consumable product. Cd exhibited greater biological mobility, with detectable concentrations in milk and stronger relevance from a chronic exposure perspective. Cr persisted at relatively high levels in forage and feed but decreased substantially in milk. Correlation analysis demonstrated that Pb, Cr, and As were mainly associated with the solid fraction of milk, whereas Cd demonstrated an inverse relationship with corrected density, protein, lactose, and total solids. Overall, the results indicate that milk safety in volcanic-influenced Andean dairy systems should be assessed through an integrated chemical and physicochemical approach, considering environmental availability, external dietary inputs, and milk compositional quality.

Abstract: Air pollution is a public health threat that requires urgent action. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of air pollution and human health in Indian cities to examine trends and the geography of the scientific literature, the evolution of research, and co-occurrence patterns of pollution sources, types, and health impacts. Furthermore, a narrative review of air pollution mitigation strategies was conducted using scholarly articles, policy documents, and reports. Relevant publications from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were downloaded. The search identified 3307 articles published between 1987 and 2024, of which 172 met the inclusion criteria. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and R software. The results indicate a steady rise in studies on air pollution and health issues in India. Initially, research concentrated on various sources and types of pollution, subsequently transitioning to the evaluation of exposure risks, risk assessment, and health implications, ultimately narrowing its focus to risk assessment concerning human health. Over the course of forty years, there has been a growing emphasis on the influence of indoor air quality, including ‘PM2.5’, ‘PM10’, dust, chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and exhaust dust, on human health. Research on pollution-related health effects has moved from examining general impacts to focusing on long-term, chronic consequences of pollutant exposure. Notably, most studies are centred in large metropolitan areas, whereas medium and small towns are underrepresented. Urban areas face severe air-quality challenges, requiring strategies such as monitoring pollution, promoting renewable energy, reusing materials, installing green walls or buffers in pollution zones, improving transport infrastructure, and reducing dust with grass covers. This study underscores the importance of implementing effective air pollution control measures across various geographic regions and integrating air pollution mitigation strategies into comprehensive urban development and planning frameworks.

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and inadequate sanitation infrastructure threaten water security in many sub-Saharan African cities. This study presents the first integrated assessment of groundwater, surface water, and wastewater quality in Bangui, Central African Repub-lic, using physicochemical, trace metal, and microbiological indicators. A total of 28 sampling sites were analyzed using standardized methods, including ion chromatog-raphy, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and membrane filtration. Results revealed a clear contamina-tion gradient. Wastewater showed the highest electrical conductivity, turbidity, chlo-ride concentrations, and microbial loads, reaching 2.41 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL for total coli-forms and 1.93 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL for fecal coliforms. Groundwater exhibited high ni-trite levels and low dissolved oxygen, indicating vulnerability to sewage infiltration. Surface waters were characterized by high turbidity and widespread fecal contamina-tion despite relatively good oxygenation. In contrast, trace metal concentrations gener-ally remained below World Health Organization guideline values. Geochemical anal-yses identified distinct elemental signatures for each water type. Microbial contamina-tion emerged as the dominant factor affecting water quality. High fecal coliform/fecal streptococci ratios (13.08-22.16) indicated predominantly human-derived pollution linked to untreated wastewater and inadequate sanitation systems. The association between elevated nitrite concentrations and fecal indicators suggests active contami-nation pathways connecting wastewater, surface water, and shallow aquifers. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved wastewater management, groundwa-ter protection, and long-term monitoring to ensure sustainable urban water security in Bangui.

Abstract: Accumulation of radionuclides in crops products can pose public health risks. Parameters of 137Cs root uptake by maize were investigated at 4 growth stages from leaf development to ripening (June-September) in the post-Chernobyl area of the Plavsk radioactive hotspot (Tula region of Russia). It has been established that chernozem of the agrosystem still contains about 180 kBq 137Cs m-2. Seasonal trends of 137Cs activity concentrations in above- and belowground parts of maize differ appreciably. In aerial parts, 137Cs accumulation rate increases as vegetative organs develop from June to July, then they drop when generative organs appear in August. In the belowground biomass, the 137Cs content increases with the growth of fine roots, which, due to their rhizofiltration capacity, have maximal radionuclide concentration. However, at all stages of growth radionuclide transfer to maize occurs with low intensity and does not directly depend on changes in biomass, dry matter content, 40K content; and only slightly relates to the ash content. The transfer factor is estimated to be 6.2 x 10-3 for cob kernels (grain) and 3.8 x 10-2 for stems and leaves, which corresponds to the IAEA recommended values and ensures acceptable levels of 137Cs accumulation in crop products produced on the territory.

Abstract: Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are persistent contaminants that can bioaccumulate and transfer through food webs, making wildlife valuable sentinels of ecosystem health. This study provides the first characterization of metal and metalloid concentrations in whole blood from free-ranging Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and evaluates biological and environmental factors influencing their variability, including comparisons with captive individuals. A total of 229 blood samples collected from Iberian lynxes in Extremadura (SW Spain) between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg, Fe, and Pb. Concentrations were generally within physiological ranges reported for other mammals, and no clinically detectable adverse effects were observed during routine health examinations. Significant correlations were detected among several elements, particularly between Zn and Fe, with moderate associations between Mn and Zn and between Fe and Cu, suggesting shared environmental sources and interconnected physiological regulation mechanisms. Element concentrations were significantly influenced by endogenous factors (age and sex) and exogenous variables (geographical area and sampling period), especially for As, Zn, and Se, reflecting differences in bioaccumulation, metabolism, and environmental exposure. Principal Component Analysis revealed a largely common multielemental profile across individuals, with no clear segregation among populations or biological groups, indicating relatively homogeneous exposure patterns despite subtle spatial and individual variability. These results establish the first reference values for inorganic contaminant biomonitoring in Iberian lynx whole blood and provide a baseline for ecotoxicological assessment and conservation management of this endangered felid.

Abstract: Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a natural, non-renewable, and essential energy resource. Its extraction and transportation require specific precautions/recommendations to prevent or mitigate potential emergency scenarios, and pollution of soil, air, and water resources. One of the safest ways of transporting crude oil is through pipelines. However, they are subject to corrosion that may lead to leaks that cause severe environmental and water pollution. In this paper, we investigate the migration of petroleum in a scenario mimicking a pipeline leakage (with the pipeline included in the numerical simulation) and the consequent spread of the contaminant in the environment. We use the numerical code CactusHydro, which accurately resolves the sharp discontinuities and temporal dynamics of three-phase fluid flow and thereby accurately tracks contaminant migration in space and time through a variably saturated zone with variable permeability and porosity. We analyze various scenarios encompassing different climatic conditions, including rainfall-induced water saturation, in the variable-saturation porous medium zone and different porosity values, for a total of sixteen transient numerical simulations. Hydraulic conductivity is linked to saturation and provides information on the type of porous soil that facilitates contaminant migration. Also, the porosity can vehicle more or less rapidly its vertical movement in the unsaturated zone. The numerical results show that the vertical migration of the petroleum is primarily driven by the high pressure within the pipeline, since the contaminant has a very limited mobility. Moreover, hydraulic conductivity and porosity play important roles in petroleum migration. Our results suggest that, for crude oil, the distribution of leaked oil may not extend below 2 meters in elevation within 10 days. Our conclusions show that certain types of soil are more adaptable at preventing possible spill migration and can be helpful in constructing pipeline paths that avoid or reduce pollution.

Abstract: The concentration of olive tree pollen in the atmosphere is likely to vary from one region to another, owing to the fluctuations in meteorological and climatic factors. Furthermore, particulate matter (PM) has been shown to interact with olive tree pollen, as airborne particles can adhere to pollen grains, altering their allergenicity and enhancing their ability to trigger respiratory pathologies. This interaction between PM and olive pollen may intensify the health impact on sensitive populations, particularly in areas with high levels of both air pollution and olive tree cultivation. The town of sig (located between mascara and oran) in Algeria is representative of this phenomenon, due to the vast fields of olive trees that surround the town. Significant correlations were recorded between the prevalence of olive tree pollen allergy and meteorological data as well as fine particle air pollution estimated from Sentinel5P satellite images during the years 2018 and 2019. The application of SVR, RFR and MLR Machine Learning methods made it possible to create models that could explain the prevalence of olive pollen allergy. The best result was obtained with the SVR algorithm, whose performance is expressed by R2=0.92, RMSE=2.27 and MAE=0.66. The model developed in this study could therefore contribute to the elaboration of more effective strategies aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of olive pollen allergens within the investigated region.

Abstract: Mycotoxin research has traditionally focused on cultivated crops, whereas far less attention has been paid to wild plants growing in semi-natural vegetation adjacent to agricultural fields. We investigated the occurrence, seasonal dynamics, organ-specific distribution, and growth-form differences of three major mycotoxins—aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN)—in wild plant species collected in an agricultural region of the Hungarian Plain. A total of 134 samples were collected during the vegetation period (July, August, and October) and analyzed for mycotoxin contamination. All three mycotoxins were frequently detected, and only 13% of samples contained none of the investigated mycotoxins. Mycotoxin profiles changed seasonally: multi-toxin co-occurrence was most common in July, ZEN predominated in August, and DON became most frequent in October, while AFB1 declined toward the end of the season. Growth form was a major determinant of contamination patterns, with AFB1 and DON occurring predominantly in woody species and ZEN in grasses. Plant organs had a weaker effect, although leaves were the most frequently contaminated tissues. Most concentrations were low, but occasional extreme values exceeded European Union guidance values, particularly for AFB1 and, in one case, DON. These findings show that semi-natural vegetation can act as a reservoir of multiple mycotoxins and highlight the importance of seasonal dynamics together with plant growth forms when assessing environmental mycotoxin exposure in agricultural landscapes.