Themed collection Environmental exposure and impacts

Influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a review from the climate change perspective
This perspective article reports the possible relationships between climate change and the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic and vice versa.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1060-1078
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00154J
A framework to model exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in indoor environments
We propose a framework based on exposure models for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) to describe the emission and transport of, and exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor environments.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 500-511
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00556K
Placenta as a target of trichloroethylene toxicity
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and a common environmental contaminant. Reactive metabolites of TCE disrupt placental cell functions important for pregnancy health.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 472-486
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00537D
A perspective on the role of fugacity and activity for evaluating the PBT properties of organic chemicals and providing a multi-media synoptic indicator of environmental contamination
We present a perspective on how models based on the equilibrium criteria of fugacity and chemical activity can contribute to evaluation of persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity criteria.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 518-527
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00496C
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.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1839-1862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00252J
A critical review on the potential impacts of neonicotinoid insecticide use: current knowledge of environmental fate, toxicity, and implications for human health
The review examines literature relevant to environmental fate, transformation, and toxicity, and human exposure and health risks of neonicotinoid insecticides.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1315-1346
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00586B
Association of phthalate exposure with precocious and delayed pubertal timing in girls and boys: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Herein, recent studies were evaluated to obtain regulation results in relation to puberty status and phthalate exposure in children.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 873-894
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00512A
Reproductive and developmental health effects of prenatal exposure to tetrachloroethylene-contaminated drinking water
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a common contaminant in both occupational and community settings.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 555-566
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00590K
Trichloroethylene, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the risk for Parkinson's disease
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic solvent, released into the environment from industrial sites. It contaminates ground water and soil and poses a vapor intrusion hazard for residential and commercial buildings.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 543-554
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00578A
Increased prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium species is associated with indoor flooding and coastal proximity: a case study of 28 moldy buildings
Indoor dampness causes mold growth. The likelihood of such molds being clinically relevant Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. is higher in coastal homes with history of indoor flooding. Fungal surveillance in flood prone homes is therefore critical.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1681-1687
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00202C

Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human milk from Sweden and China
Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in human milk from Stockholm (Sweden), and the cities of Shanghai, Jiaxing, and Shaoxing (China).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2023-2030
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00077A
Short-term exposure to low concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles can negatively impact the ecological performance of a cosmopolitan freshwater fungus
Short term exposure to very low concentrations of CuO NPs can have an impact on freshwater ecological processes.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 2001-2007
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00361D

Concentrations of halogenated flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls in house dust from Lagos, Nigeria
Levels of PCBs and some PBDEs in Lagos house dust have declined, demonstrating the efficacy of restrictions on these chemicals. In contrast, deca-BDE levels show no clear decline; implying its more recent restriction has yet to be fully effective.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1696-1705
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00316J

Suspect and non-target screening of ovarian follicular fluid and serum – identification of anthropogenic chemicals and investigation of their association to fertility
This work shows the applicability of non-target screening for prioritizing environmental contaminants in the ovarian follicular fluid, identifying both substances associated to embryo quality and with high calculated hazard to humans.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1578-1588
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00211B
Indoor black carbon and brown carbon concentrations from cooking and outdoor penetration: insights from the HOMEChem study
Black carbon and brown carbon emissions were investigated for different indoor activities and during periods of no activity in a test house as a part of the HOMEChem study.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1476-1487
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00283J

Particle characterisation and bioaccessibility of manganese in particulate matter in silico- and ferromanganese smelters
(1) Physicochemical characterisation of single particles collected in an FeMn/SiMn furnace hall. (2) Bioaccessibility of manganese in particulate matter tested in terms of dissolution in Gamble solution.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1488-1499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00243K
Development and characterization of an adaptable aerosolized methylene diphenyl diisocyanate generation system
Isocyanates are reactive compounds found in industrial processes and are still challenging to evaluation as contaminants. A simple airborne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate generation system can be used in the comparison studies of evaluation methods.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1500-1508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00183C
Involvement of glucosinolates in the resistance to zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced toxicity and growth inhibition in Arabidopsis
This investigation provides insights into the modulation of glucosinolate-related pathways and may be useful for improving plant tolerance to ZnO NP-induced toxicity and growth inhibition.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1040-1049
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EM00134E

An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Systematic description of more than 200 uses of PFAS and the individual substances associated with each of them (over 1400 PFAS in total).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2345-2373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00291G
Spatial/temporal distribution and multi-pathway cancer risk assessment of trihalomethanes in low TOC and high bromide groundwater
This study aims (1) to determine seasonal and spatial distribution of THMs in chlorinated groundwater containing low levels of organic matter (0.4–0.8 mg L−1) and low to high levels of bromine (40–380 μg L−1), and (2) to evaluate the multi-route cancer risks associated with THMs.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2276-2290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00239A

Natural estrogens in surface waters of a catchment with intensive livestock farming in Switzerland
Agriculture is a source of natural estrogens such as 17β-estradiol in streams, but in our study concentrations never exceeded European environmental quality standards for more than a day.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2244-2255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00317D
Quantitative evaluation and the toxicity mechanism of synergism within three organophosphorus pesticide mixtures to Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) pollutants in the environment pose toxicity risks to living organisms, and the possible toxicity mechanism needs to be further clarified.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2095-2103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00262C
An emerging mobile air pollution source: outdoor plastic liner manufacturing sites discharge VOCs into urban and rural areas
The in situ manufacture of cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) plastic liners in damaged sewer pipes is an emerging mobile source of anthropogenic air pollution.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1828-1841
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00190B
Levels and sources of PBDEs and PCBs in human nails from e-waste, urban, and rural areas in South China
Human nails can be used as a suitable indicator of human exposure to PCBs and PBDEs.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1710-1717
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00221F
The sorption behaviour of amine micropollutants on polyethylene microplastics – impact of aging and interactions with green seaweed
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1678-1687
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00119H
Toxicity of exhaust particulates and gaseous emissions from gasohol (ethanol blended gasoline)-fuelled spark ignition engines
Blending of oxygenated additives with gasoline has been advocated to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce hazardous health effects of gaseous emissions and particulate matter (PM) emitted by internal combustion (IC) engines in the transport sector worldwide.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1540-1553
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00082E
Predictors of urban household variability of indoor PM2.5 in low socio-economic communities
In epidemiological studies, levels of PM2.5 need to be estimated over time and space.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1423-1433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00035C
Compound health risk assessment of cumulative heavy metal exposure: a case study of a village near a battery factory in Henan Province, China
The concentrations of the heavy metals Hg, As, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in soil, groundwater, air, and locally produced grain (wheat and corn) and vegetables were determined in a village near a battery factory in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1408-1422
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00104J

Cooking and electronic cigarettes leading to large differences between indoor and outdoor particle composition and concentration measured by aerosol mass spectrometry
This study assesses aerosol chemical composition PM1 (<1 μm) with the state-of-the-art techniques inside and outside of an occupied residence.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1382-1396
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00061B
Distribution and leaching behavior of organophosphorus and brominated flame retardants in soil in Chengdu
29 surface farmland soil samples were collected to investigate the spatial distribution and composition characteristics of 13 organophosphorus flame retardants, 11 polybrominated diphenyl esters and 8 novel brominated flame retardants.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1295-1305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00106F
Spatial distribution of heavy metals in the West Dongting Lake floodplain, China
The protection of Dongting Lake is important because it is an overwintering and migration route for many rare and endangered birds of East Asia and Australasia, but an assessment of heavy metal contamination in West Dongting Lake is lacking.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1256-1265
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00536F
The occurrence and distribution of nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates in different species of fish
The aim of this study was to analyze the accumulation of nonylphenols (NPs) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) in the muscles, liver, and bile of flounder (Platichthys flesus), cod (Gadus morhua), and eels (Anguilla anguilla).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1057-1070
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00584F

Temporal trends of suspect- and target-per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and total fluorine (TF) in pooled serum from first-time mothers in Uppsala, Sweden, 1996–2017
Temporal trends (1996–2017) of suspect- and target-per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and total fluorine (TF) were determined in first-time mothers from Uppsala, Sweden.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1071-1083
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00502A
Acetotrophic methanogens are sensitive to long-term nickel contamination in paddy soil
Paddy soil accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world's cultivated area and faces a serious threat from nickel (Ni).
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 1014-1025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00029A
Participatory science for coastal water quality: freshwater plume mapping and volunteer retention in a randomized informational intervention
This study presents a novel framework for estimating safe swimming distances at beaches and is the first participatory environmental science study to experimentally test strategies for increasing volunteer retention.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 918-929
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00571D

Determinants of serum concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in school children and the contribution of low-level PFAA-contaminated drinking water
In order to improve human health risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), demography/life-style/physiological factors and drinking water PFAA concentrations were investigated as possible determinants of child serum PFAA concentrations.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 930-944
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00497A
HNF4a transcription is a target of trichloroethylene toxicity in the embryonic mouse heart
In exploration of congenital heart defects produced by TCE, Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha (HNF4a) transcriptional activity was identified as a central component.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 824-832
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00597H
Halogenated semivolatile acetonitriles as chloramination disinfection by-products in water treatment: a new formation pathway from activated aromatic compounds
A new formation pathway has been identified for dichloroacetonitrile, a halogenated semivolatile drinking water disinfection by-product, from activated aromatic compounds.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 653-662
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00603F
Developmental toxicity of trichloroethylene in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Embryonic exposure to ecologically relevant concentrations of TCE disrupts development, morphology, heart rate, and behavior in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model system.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 728-739
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00565J
Summation of disinfection by-product CHO cell relative toxicity indices: sampling bias, uncertainty, and a path forward
Predicted toxicity has been used to determine if a treatment process is either beneficial or detrimental to the overall DBP toxicological profile of water samples. Selection of the DBPs to measure is important and may result in biased conclusions.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 708-718
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00468H
Complex epigenetic patterns in cerebellum generated after developmental exposure to trichloroethylene and/or high fat diet in autoimmune-prone mice
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an environmental contaminant associated with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and neurotoxicity.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 583-594
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00514E

Comprehensive screening of quaternary ammonium surfactants and ionic liquids in wastewater effluents and lake sediments
Quaternary ammonium compounds were found at substantial levels in wastewater effluents and sediment samples with wastewater treatment practices and usage rates determining their environmental prevalence.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 430-441
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00554D
Transfer of naturally occurring radionuclides from soil to wild forest flora in an area with enhanced legacy and natural radioactivity in Norway
Estimation of naturally occurring radionuclide (NORM) uptake in biota is an important step in environmental impact and risk assessments.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 350-363
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00408D
The effects of ultraviolet disinfection on vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Ultraviolet disinfection could effectively inactivate the antibiotic resistant bacterium vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis, but had a limited removal efficiency for the antibiotic resistance gene–vanB gene.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 418-429
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00435A
Effects of antibiotics on microbial community structure and microbial functions in constructed wetlands treated with artificial root exudates
In the rhizosphere, plant root exudates can mediate the toxicity of antibiotics on microorganisms, yet the mechanisms are poorly understood.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 217-226
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00458K

Potential emerging chemical risks in the food chain associated with substances registered under REACH
A screening procedure for the identification of potential emerging chemical risks in the food and feed chain developed in a previous EFSA-sponsored study was applied to 15021 substances registered under the REACH regulation at the time of evaluation.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 105-120
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00369J
Risk-based water quality thresholds for coliphages in surface waters: effect of temperature and contamination aging
A quantitative microbial risk assessment framework is used to derive risk-based surface water quality thresholds for coliphages.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 2031-2041
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00376B
The determination of two emerging perfluoroalkyl substances and related halogenated sulfonic acids and their significance for the drinking water supply chain
Analytical methodologies were developed for two emerging PFAS, F3-MSA and HFPO-DA, in order to assess their occurrence and levels in Dutch and Belgian waters and evaluate human health risks due to their presence in drinking water.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1899-1907
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00393B
Metabolomic profiles associated with exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic environments
Substantial differences in PFAA profiles were associated with significant differences in fatty acid and amino acid profiles.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1980-1990
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00394K
Aqueous film forming foam and associated perfluoroalkyl substances inhibit methane production and Co-contaminant degradation in an anaerobic microbial community
This work determines the components of aqueous film forming foam responsible for disrupting microbial community functions.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1915-1925
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00241C

Children's exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids – a modelling approach
The present work assesses the exposure of a child cohort to PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS from 1 year to 10.5 years of age.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1875-1886
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00323A
Investigation of binding and activity of perfluoroalkyl substances to the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ
In addition to PPARα and PPARγ, PPARβ/δ mediated pathway might also be a potential adverse outcome pathway for PFASs.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1908-1914
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00218A
Factors affecting spatial and temporal patterns in perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations in migratory aquatic species: a case study of an exploited crustacean
Free-ranging prawns showed substantial spatial and temporal variation in PFOS concentrations, most likely driven by behavioural and physiological factors.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019,21, 1946-1956
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00202B
About this collection
This web collection features research articles published in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts focussed on environmental exposure and risk, and biological effects (toxicology).