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The increase in worldwide water contamination with numerous pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) has become an emerging environmental concern due to their considerable ecotoxicities and associated health issues. Microalgae-mediated bioremediation of PCs has recently gained scientific attention, as microalgal bioremediation is a solar-power driven, ecologically comprehensive, and sustainable reclamation strategy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the current research on the possible roles and applications of microalgae for removing PCs from aqueous media. We summarize several novel approaches including constructing microbial consortia, acclimation, and cometabolism for enhanced removal of PCs by microalgae, which would improve practical feasibility of these technologies. Some novel concepts for degrading PCs using integrated processes and genetic modifications to realize algal-based bioremediation technologies are also recommended. Water contamination with numerous pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) has been one of the most important emerging environmental problems facing humanity due to their ecotoxicities and health issues. Culturing microalgae in wastewater can create a ‘zero-waste concept’ and stimulate an effective and sustainable practice for the microalgae biofuel industry. Constructing microbial consortia, acclimating microorganisms, and cometabolic approaches can improve the engineering feasibility of microalgae-based biotechnologies. Some innovative concepts, such as integrated processes (algae-based technologies with advanced oxidation processes, constructed wetlands, and microbial fuel cells) and genetic modifications, can help to realize algae-based bioremediation technologies.

BackgroundAdvances in drinking water infrastructure and treatment throughout the 20th and early 21st century dramatically improved water reliability and quality in the United States (US) and other parts of the world. However, numerous chemical contaminants from a range of anthropogenic and natural sources continue to pose chronic health concerns, even in countries with established drinking water regulations, such as the US.Objective/MethodsIn this review, we summarize exposure risk profiles and health effects for seven legacy and emerging drinking water contaminants or contaminant groups: arsenic, disinfection by-products, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and uranium. We begin with an overview of US public water systems, and US and global drinking water regulation. We end with a summary of cross-cutting challenges that burden US drinking water systems: aging and deteriorated water infrastructure, vulnerabilities for children in school and childcare facilities, climate change, disparities in access to safe and reliable drinking water, uneven enforcement of drinking water standards, inadequate health assessments, large numbers of chemicals within a class, a preponderance of small water systems, and issues facing US Indigenous communities.ResultsResearch and data on US drinking water contamination show that exposure profiles, health risks, and water quality reliability issues vary widely across populations, geographically and by contaminant. Factors include water source, local and regional features, aging water infrastructure, industrial or commercial activities, and social determinants. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.Impact statementDrinking water contamination is widespread, even in the US. Exposure risk profiles vary by contaminant. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general public health problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.

We have performed the measurement of the 27Al(α, n) cross section at IFIN-HH for a range of energies from 2.5 to 5.2 MeV, using an array of 28 3He counters arranged in 3 concentric rings (ELIGANT-TN). Here we present the experimental setup and discuss the role of the 13C contamination which effects the measurements in the low-energy region. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy carried out before and after the experiment suggested an increase in the 13C concentration during the experiment.

In the past decade, researchers have carried out a massive amount of research on the application of biochar for contaminants removal from aqueous solutions. As an emerging sorbent with great potential, biochar has shown significant advantages such as the broad sources of feedstocks, easy preparation process, and favorable surface and structural properties. This review provides an overview of recent advances in biochar application in water and wastewater treatment, including a brief discussion of the involved sorption mechanisms of contaminants removal, as well as the biochar modification methods. Furthermore, environmental concerns of biochar that need to be paid attention to and future research directions are put forward to promote the further application of biochar in practical water and wastewater treatment.

This review reports some aspects of soil contaminant chemistry and its fundamental role in shaping the soil–human health relationship. Exposure to soil contaminants can occur through direct pathways, such as ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, as well as indirect pathways, including food chain contamination via plant uptake or groundwater leaching. The mobility and persistence of organic and inorganic pollutants in soil are primarily controlled by sorption–desorption processes, which involve a complex interplay of physical and chemical mechanisms. Soil properties, such as pH, organic matter content, clay minerals, and oxide hydroxides, play a crucial role in regulating these processes and determining contaminant behavior. A high sorption capacity enhances the soil’s ability to mitigate pollutant mobility, thereby reducing their infiltration into groundwater and accumulation in the food chain. Soils rich in organic matter and fine-textured minerals, such as clay, can effectively immobilize contaminants, limiting their bioavailability and potential harm to human health. A deeper understanding of how soil characteristics influence contaminant mobility and bioavailability is critical to addressing the hazards of soil pollution for human health. Beyond merely assessing contaminant concentrations, it is essential to consider the dynamic processes governing pollutant fate in soil, as they ultimately shape exposure pathways and health risks. This knowledge is the key to developing more effective strategies for mitigating soil contamination and protecting public health.

Microplastics (MPs) have been defined as particles of size < 5 mm and are characterized by hydrophobicity and large surface areas. MPs interact with co-occurring hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) via sorption–desorption processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Ingestion of MPs by living organisms may increase exposure to HOC levels. The key mechanisms for the sorption of HOCs onto MPs are hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces (vdW). Polymer type, UV-light-induced surface modifications, and the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups have a greater influence on electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. In contrast, the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups negatively influences hydrophobic interaction. MP characteristics such as crystallinity, weathering, and surface morphology affect sorption capacity. Matrix properties such as pH, ionic strength, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) also influence sorption capacity by exerting synergistic/antagonistic effects. We reviewed the mechanisms of HOC sorption onto MPs and the polymer and matrix properties that influence the HOC sorption. Knowledge gaps and future research directions are outlined. Graphical abstract

Feeding the continuously growing world population is challenging, and edible insects offer a sustainable alternative to conventional sources of animal proteins. As with any food source, the potential presence of hazardous organic chemicals, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), plasticizers and flame retardants (FRs), must be investigated to guarantee consumer chemical safety. Here, we have investigated the contamination levels of several classes of organic compounds in edible insects. To evaluate their chemical safety, a dietary exposure risk assessment was then performed by combining the measured chemical contamination with the most recent food consumption data from local surveys. Insect samples, belonging to six orders (Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Odonata, Hymenoptera) were purchased from five European and three Asian countries. POPs and halogenated FRs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and organophosphorus FRs and plasticizers were quantified by liquid chromatography-MS/MS, according to validated protocols. The overall levels of chemical contamination varied greatly among the insect orders and country of purchase, but they were generally low and comparable with other commonly consumed animal products. Here we show that, besides the activities during rearing, the industrial post-harvesting handling and addition of ingredients are supplementary factors influencing the chemical load of the final insect food-product. The total estimated dietary intakes of the considered classes of compounds through insect consumption are comparable with those generally assessed in common food of animal origin worldwide and, when compared with existing reference dose values, suggest that the risk of adverse health effects from exposure to the targeted organic compounds via insect consumption is unlikely. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5782.