Emerging investigator series: the role of chemical properties in human exposure to environmental chemicals
We review how chemical properties govern human exposure to environmental chemicals through different routes from different sources.
Insufficient evidence for the existence of natural trifluoroacetic acid
Examination of literatures surrounding purported natural trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) reveals that all TFA observations can be reasonably altributed to anthropogenic sources.
Absorption, distribution, and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the brain: a review
This review integrates current understanding on uptake, accumulation and distribution of PFAS in the brain, along with potential neurotoxic outcomes.
Critical Review
Finding essentiality feasible: common questions and misinterpretations concerning the “essential-use” concept
The essential-use concept is a tool that can guide the phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and potentially other harmful substances of concern.
Macroplastics in rivers: present knowledge, issues and challenges
The contextualization of macroplastics in a budget framework can help to improve our understanding of the physical processes determining macroplastic behaviour and impacts in rivers. Hence, better management practices can be adopted.
Ecotoxicology of persistent organic pollutants in birds
Considering the explosive growth of the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the scientific community is combatting increasing challenges to protect humans and wildlife from the potentially negative consequences of POPs.
Plastic particles in soil: state of the knowledge on sources, occurrence and distribution, analytical methods and ecological impacts
Increased production and use of plastics has resulted in growth in the amount of plastic debris accumulating in the environment, potentially fragmenting into smaller pieces.
Critical Review
The fate of plastic in the ocean environment – a minireview
The fate of plastic in the ocean is influenced by physical, chemical and biological stressors. These cause fragemntation and the formation of micro and nanoplastics but also degradation of plastics.
Recent advances in the applications of nano-agrochemicals for sustainable agricultural development
Modern agricultural practices have triggered the process of agricultural pollution.
Communication
Can determination of extractable organofluorine (EOF) be standardized? First interlaboratory comparisons of EOF and fluorine mass balance in sludge and water matrices
The first step towards the urgently needed standardization of EOF methods for PFAS-total assessment is presented in this interlaboratory study.
Paper
Determination of acrolein in ambient air and in the atmosphere of environmental test chambers
Acrolein is released by several sources into indoor air. As it impacts human health, an easy-to-handle, fast and robust method with low detection limits is needed.
Adsorption of progesterone onto microplastics and its desorption in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids
Microplastics interact with molecules present in the environment. In this study, progesterone sorption on microplastics and its desorption were investigated, and it was found that desorption was promoted in gastrointestinal fluids.
Paper
Emerging investigator series: a holistic approach to multicomponent EXAFS: Sr and Cs complexation in clayey soils
Strontium and caesium are fission products of concern at many nuclear legacy sites. In this study we used a novel approach to EXAFS spectra to determine the details of Cs and Sr surface complexation in clayey soils.
Paper
Fates and spatial variations of accumulation mode particles in a multi-zone indoor environment during the HOMEChem campaign
We report on significant spatial gradients of accumulation mode particles emitted during the HOMEChem campaign and assess particle loss pathways.
Changes in neighborhood air quality after idling of an urban oil production site
Near urban oil and gas production sites, residents may face poorer air quality due to the oil and gas activities which may pose adverse health and environmental risks to fenceline communities.
Distribution and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment facilities
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from industrial and residential sources enter wastewater treatment facilities where they may be partially transformed, sequestered into sludge solids, or discharged into receiving water bodies.
Paper
Risk assessment of soil heavy metal contamination at the census tract level in the city of Santa Ana, CA: implications for health and environmental justice
Soil-based risk assessment shows a U.S. city to exceed federal acceptable risk levels for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health outcomes in many areas, with total risk and soil contamination being correlated with socioeconomic factors.
Paper
Frequency of use of household products containing VOCs and indoor atmospheric concentrations in homes
VOCs are used ubiquitously in consumer products. This population study investigates a wide-range of VOC concentrations indoors and links high butane concentrations with universal and frequent aerosol use.
Paper
The fate of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in a marine food web influenced by land-based sources in the Norwegian Arctic
Local point sources (mainly firefighting stations) and diffuse sources contributed to the exposure of PFAS to the marine food web near Longyearbyen on Svalbard. Certain PFOS substitutes showed a bioaccumulation potential in marine invertebrates.
PFAS soil and groundwater contamination via industrial airborne emission and land deposition in SW Vermont and Eastern New York State, USA
We document soil and groundwater contamination caused by industrial airborne PFAS emission over an area of ∼200 km2 that has impacted over 1200 wells.
Concentrations and properties of ice nucleating substances in exudates from Antarctic sea-ice diatoms
Field Antarctic sea-ice diatom supernatant samples showed ice nucleating abilities.
COVID-19 lockdowns induced land surface temperature variability in mega urban agglomerations in India
Reduced anthropogenic activities during COVID-19 lockdowns improved air quality and dampened LST in highly populated and polluted Indian megacities.
Why analysing microplastics in floodplains matters: application in a sedimentary context
Microplastics are mainly transported in rivers where different fluvial processes occur that can defined by microplastic detection.
About this collection
The Environmental Science Best Papers Initiative identifies a variety of excellent papers published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Environmental Science journal family, showcasing great research from across the globe. To celebrate more of the great papers published in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts during 2021 which really deserve recognition, we’ve gathered all nominated papers in this special collection.