The continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) data of flue gas serves as a critical metric for determining whether exhaust emissions comply with regulatory standards. 10 typical issues within the CEMS for flue gas, categorized into three groups: installation of sampling devices; system parameter settings; and operations and equipment maintenance, are investigated. Measures to address these issues, including the daily maintenance, historical data analysis, completion of operation and maintenance records, and comparative validation of CEMS results, are explored. Furthermore, the integration of intelligent analysis techniques into CEMS data interpretation, electricity analysis, and video surveillance anomaly detection is examined.
Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are emerging contaminants widely used in food, beverages, and personal care products. Due to their resistance to biodegradation, ASs are frequently detected in aquatic environments, in-cluding groundwater. The spatial-temporal distribution, urbanization influences, and human health risks of four ASs (including acesulfame (ACE), cyclamate (CYC), saccharin (SAC), and sucralose (SUC)) in ground-water from the Sichuan and Xizang Provinces, China, were investigated. A total of 153 groundwater samples were collected during the flood (July) and dry (November) seasons in 2022. All targets ASs were detected, with ACE showing the highest detection frequency (100%) and SUC the highest concentrations. The levels of AS were generally elevated in flood seasons and urban areas, showing a decreasing trend from central to east-en Sichuan. Xizang ekhibited higher average concentrations than Sichuan, likely due to lower degradation rates under cooler temperatures. Significant positive correlations were found between AS concentrations and both gross domestic product (GDP) and population density (p < 0.05) indicating strong urbanization influence. Although estimated dally intakes via groundwater ingestion negligible non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children, cumulatite exposure remains a concern. This study provides valuable insight into the occurrence and distribution of ASs in groundwater across contrasting geographic and socio-economic regions in China.
This paper aims to analyse the concentrations of PM10 measured in Krak & oacute;w and Starachowice. The choice of these areas enabled a comparison of PM10 concentrations between Krak & oacute;w, where an anti-smog resolution is in force, and Starachowice, where no such regulations apply. Although numerous studies investigated particulate matter pollution, there remains a gap concerning field-based research presenting real-time PM10 concentrations. This article addresses this gap by presenting real-time measurements of PM10 concentrations in the investigated regions. Measurements were taken using the Steinberg Systems SBS air quality sensor. Measurements were conducted in the evenings, with wind speeds below 5 m/s, at temperatures of approximately -10, 0, and 10 degrees C. The collected results were presented by maps of the spatial distribution of PM10. Subsequently, results were analysed using statistical methods. The study enabled visualization of PM10 concentrations within the research areas and identification of zones with higher pollution levels. At comparable temperatures, the highest PM10 values were observed in the Wierzbnik district of Starachowice. A strong negative correlation between PM concentrations and tem-perature was found in Wierzbnik and Krak & oacute;w, whereas Or & lstrok;owo did not show this trend, likely due to post-snowfall conditions.
Water is a very important resource of vital importance to humans and other organisms. In this study, we investigated the water quality in the Lepenc River in the Republic of Kosovo, using various physico-chemical parameters. A total of 15 parameters were analyzed at six different locations: temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total organic carbon (TOC), NO, NO, Nu Eta, PO, SO, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Heavy metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Statistical analysis (basic statistics, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis) was performed to better explain the data of different parameters. The concentration of chromium (range from 0.07 to 0.108 mg/dm & sup3;) in all water samples exceeds the permitted level for drinking water, while the concentration of iron (1.45 mg/dm & sup3;) exceeds the permitted value at some loca-tions. The median Value for ammonium (0.81 mg/dm & sup3;) and phosphates (0.80 mg/dm & sup3;) exceeds the per-mitted level for drinking water. The pollution of the river water has mainly occurred due to anthropogenic factors, because the former ferronickel mine is located in this area, and the use of agricultural lands and the discharge of wastewater from settlements located along the river's course.
Based on data collected from September to November in a single year, this study investigates the effects of wind speed, wind direction, topography, and seasonal variations on aeolian sand transport and sedimenta-tion dynamics in the Danghe Reservoir area. Sedimentation rates varied markedly among sites: the sand-dune plot on Mingsha Mountain recorded a peak of 13.5 kg & centerdot;month-1 in November, reflecting the highest local wind speeds. The right bank, dominated by fine particles (20.48% in the 0.002-0.005 mm range), dis-played very low and stable deposition of 0.05-0.06 kg & centerdot;month-1, indicating weaker winds. By contrast, the left bank accumulated 0.18-0.29 kg & centerdot;month-1 and exhibited a more uniform grain-size spectrum, signalling greater transport potential. SEM analysis showed smoother grains on the right bank but more weathered, angular particles on the left bank and at Mingsha Mountain. Vertically, finer particles were concentrated in the upper layers, especially at 0.64-0.80 m. These findings show how wind regime and terrain jointly shape aeolian transport and deposition, offering guidance for sand-control measures and water-resource management in arid regions.
Environmental regulation is crucial for reducing agricultural pollution. This study quantified agri-cultural non-point source pollution (ANSP) in China from 2007 to 2023 using the pollution discharge coefficient method. It analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of agricultural pollution and applied a ge-ographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model to explore the dynamics of influencing factors. The findings revealed that China's ANSP initially increased and then decreased, characterized by a decelerating growth rate and notable fluctuations. The southern region exhibited significantly higher ANSP levels than the northern region. Moreover, the impact of each factor on agricultural pollution ex-hibited significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Specifically, local government attention to agricultural pollution (LGA), local fiscal allocation for agricultural environmental protection (LFEA), total power of agricultural machinery (TPOAM), investment completed for wastewater treatment projects (WWI), and domestic waste clearance volume (DWCV) positively influenced ANSP. Conversely, investment com-pleted for waste gas treatment projects (WGI) had a negative effect. Notably, the influence of DWCV on ANSP was consistent across regions. LGA primarily affected Northwest China, while LFEA and WWI influenced Northwest and North China. TPOAM impacted East China, and WGI affected North China, Central South China, and East China. The results offer a basis for region-specific strategies.
The treatment system combines constructed wetland (CW) tanks with adsorption materials and bio-logical tanks planted with hydroponic vegetables to treat wastewater from catfish (Pangasianodon hy-pophthalmus) pond in a production cycle. The CW tanks were completely randomized with two treatments using sand and adsorbent materials as bed media. Adsorbent materials were derived from peat soil and combusted beehive charcoal residues, with a ratio of 70:30 by weight. Wastewater flows continuously in CW tanks at a rate of 0.3 m & sup3;/h and then flows through hydroponic vegetable tanks. Treated wastewater was evaluated in accordance with Vietnamese standards, as outlined in Circular 44/2010/TT-BNNPTNT and QCVN 02-20:2014/BNNPTNT, and was found to be suitable for reuse in catfish ponds. The pollutant reduction capacity for BODs, COD, total phosphorus (TP), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) of the CW with adsorbent was higher than that of the CW with sand. Treatment efficiency for BODS, COD, TP, and TKN reached an average rank of 76.97-92.57%. The system's advantages are stable processing of large wastewater from fishponds, low cost and simple operation. This is an effective solution for mitigating pollutant loads from fishponds'effluents in the Mekong Delta, Vienam.
This study aimed to evaluate the cytogenetic effects of gamma radiation on meristematic cells of Allium cepa roots by analyzing chromosomal aberrations induced by different radiation doses. Six exper-imental groups were examined: one control group and five groups exposed to gamma radiation doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy. Irradiation was performed using a linear accelerator Siemens Primus 5472. At the 10 Gy dose, only a slight reduction in the mitotic index was observed compared to the control. In contrast, exposure to 40 and 50 Gy resulted in a pronounced and statistically significant decrease in mitotic activity (p <= 0.001), indicating strong inhibition of cell division. Various chromosomal aberrations, in-cluding anaphase bridges, micronuclei, and laggard chromosomes, were detected in irradiated samples, with their frequency increasing markedly at doses between 30 and 50 Gy (p <= 0.001). Overall, the results demonstrate that gamma radiation induces clear cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in Allium cepa root cells in a dose-dependent manner. The highest doses produced the most severe effects, characterized by reduced mitotic activity and increased chromosomal damage.
Urban solid waste management in developing countries often exposes the frontline workers to air-borne particulate matter (PM), which poses serious health risks. This study was conducted among the waste workers in Peruntholuvu village in Tirupur district, India. Using a personal cascade impactor oper-ating at a flow rate of 9.3 dm3/min, exposure assessments were performed at four operational stages, namely, residential collection, street-to-street collection, transport, and dump yard operations. Analytical characterization of the collected PM samples was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spec-trometry (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals, including lead, nickel, and mercury, at trace levels. FTIR confirmed hazardous functional groups like amines, aromatic hydrocarbons, and organophosphates. SEM micrographs showed 0.25 mu m diameter fibrous and porous PM structures, indi-cating deeper lung penetration. The multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model indicated that for ultrafine particles < 0.25 mu m, the fractional deposition in the pulmonary region reached 0.285 (28.5%) for workers in the dump yard and a fraction of 0.232 (23.2%) for residential collectors, implying deep lung deposition. Study confirms the increased risk of chronic respiratory conditions due to unprotected expo-sure, including non-mechanised and comingled waste handling
This paper systematically examines the challenges and countermeasures in quality management of en-vironmental monitoring in the new era. As global ecological governance deepens and the importance of en-vironmental data grows, quality management in environmental monitoring has become crucial for ensuring data accuracy, supporting scientific decision-making, and facilitating international cooperation. The study first outlines the significance of environmental monitoring quality management in providing a basis for pol-icy-making, improving governance efficiency, enhancing public trust, and promoting a green economy. It then analyzes major existing issues, including an inadequate management system, insufficient professional expertise, outdated equipment, lack of comprehensive quality control, and external interference as well as regional disparities. In response, the paper proposes a series of optimization strategies such as establishing a sound quality management system, enhancing personnel training, promoting equipment renewal and tech-nological innovation, strengthening whole-process quality control, and advancing informatization and intel-ligent development. Finally, the study emphasizes the need to strengthen international standard alignment and technical cooperation in the future, promoting the evolution of environmental monitoring quality man-agement toward greater intelligence, transparency, and globalization, thereby supporting the development of an efficient and equitable global environmental governance system
The maintenance and restoration of ecosystem functions in alpine ecosystems are heavily reliant on the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities. Unique rhizosphere microenvironments with varying soil properties are shaped by different plant species through their active roots, leading to the for-mation of distinct rhizosphere bacterial communities. In harsh environments characterized by high alti-tude, aridity, and nutrient-poor soils, the composition and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacterial commu-nities are primarily influenced by plant species. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the differences and primary drivers of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities among leguminous and non-leguminous plants, as well as herbs and shrubs, in two alpine mines of the Tibetan Plateau, China. Our study indicates that soil properties (such as soil water content, pH, total carbon, and total nitrogen content), as well as the composition and diversity of soil bacterial communities, were significantly influenced by root nodules and varied according to plant species. This work has important ecological implications, sug-gesting that selecting restoration plants and improving soil nutrient conditions may contribute to the res-toration of ecosystem functions in alpine mining areas.
Road traffic, aircraft, waste trucks, construction equipment, and industrial facilities are just a few important noise sources that pollute the environment and affect human health. Considering that noise pollution is increasing due to urbanization and more traffic vehicles on roads, solving this problem is necessary. Optimization of total noise emissions in Belgrade (Serbia) was done since noise has always been a source of pollution. This paper presents the use of GIS to establish a multi-factor assessment model to divide infected grids and select control sites, along with the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, IDW (Inverse Distance Weighting) interpolation technique, zonal GIS (Geographic Information System) statistics, and noise optimization in the investigated area. The analysis was based on noise data recorded (Lden - the average noise level over a 24-hour period) values in spring and autumn measuring cycles at 34 measuring points in 11 Belgrade municipalities in 2023. The results showed that noise emission in some control sites requires more than 25% reduction. The improvement of the environment is required to control the background of noise pollution in Belgrade.
The study aimed to achieve near-complete saturation of the adsorption capacity of the MIEX (R) DOC resin with dissolved organic compounds in order to quantitatively assess its sorption potential. The experimental procedure was conducted using a laboratory-scale continuous-flow reactor containing 25 cm3 of the MIEX (R) DOC adsorbent, with a packing density of approximately 500 cm3/dm3. The influent water matrix consisted predominantly of humic-type organic matter, with a concentration of approximately 9 g C/m3. Under conditions devoid of competition from inorganic anions and at a resin bed volume ratio reaching 16 000 m3/m3, the MIEX (R) DOC adsorbent achieved a saturation capacity of 29 mg C/cm3. This saturation level can be considered proximate to the maximum adsorption capacity, as the removal efficiency of organic substances under these conditions did not exceed 2%. Furthermore, this value is consistent with the operating ion-exchange capacity of the resin for organic constituents characterized by low charge density, approximately 4 meq/g C. The adsorption saturation profile demonstrated that the application of a "high-rate" (HR) reactor enables a satisfactory quality of treated water utilizing approximately 19% of the estimated capacity of the MIEX (R) DOC resin. In contrast, implementation of a "high-rate counter-current" (HR-CC) reactor configuration allows for at least a twofold increase in capacity utilization, reaching approximately 40%.
Wastewater treatment plants are a source of odour and bioaerosol emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the concentration of selected groups of bacteria and fungi around four small municipal wastewater treatment plants located near Wroc & lstrok;aw (SW Poland). The wastewater was treated using the activated sludge method. Bioaerosol samples were collected in triplicate using the aspirometric method onto Petri dishes with appropriate microbiological media. Bioaerosol concentrations around the studied plants and in the vicinity of individual devices were relatively low; in some cases, fecal bacteria and human pathogenic microorganisms were detected in the bioaerosol. The obtained results justify the need for further research on bioaerosols emitted by wastewater treatment plants and systematic monitoring of bioaerosol concentrations in their vicinity.
The nitritation process (ammonia oxidation to nitrite) is successfully applied in different processes used for reject water treatment. The impact of pH was investigated in experiments performed at pH 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 using real dewatering liquor. The overall process performance in terms of the effluent quality and stability was compared. Efficient nitratation suppression was achieved at pH 6.5 and below due to the strong free nitrous acid (FNA) inhibition of nitrite oxidizers. The nxr gene activity showed the highest NOB suppression at pH 6.5. The process rate depended on the pH and nitrogen loading, and was in the range of 13.2-16.5, 8.7-23.3, and 34.0-37.9 g N/(kg & centerdot;VSS & centerdot;h), at pH 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, respectively. The highest inhibition constant was estimated to be 0.905 g HNO2-N/m3 at pH 6.0. Decrease in pH also improved the AOB tolerance to free ammonia up to Ki,NH3 = 97.2 mgNH3-N/dm3. The affinity constants were 0.40, 0.34, and 0.12 mg NH3-N/dm3 at pH 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, respectively. Microbial analysis revealed that the flocculation could be attributed to the Accumulibacter and Competibacter extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, which can also serve as a protector agent for nitrifiers.
To address climate change and align with the EU's REPowerEU strategy, modern energy systems must become more flexible, low-carbon, and environmentally compliant. Flexibility - the ability to adapt to fluctuations in energy supply, demand, and regulatory constraints - is essential in designing and operating district energy systems, particularly when integrating variable renewable energy sources. This paper investigates how system flexibility can be enhanced through renewable technologies, focusing on large-scale heat pumps. These technologies not only support deep decarbonization but also promote responsive and sustainable operation of district heating networks, in line with environmental policies and emission targets. The study analyzes how thermal system flexibility can be allocated across components and coordinated over time, geography, and energy markets. A detailed performance evaluation of large-scale heat pumps is presented, demonstrating their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving overall system resilience and operational efficiency. Findings underscore the critical role of embedding flexibility across all levels of energy infrastructure to meet climate obligations, support the energy transition, and ensure regulatory compliance. By leveraging technologies like heat pumps, energy systems can better adapt to climate-related challenges and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Decarbonizing the heating sector is a critical component of the European Union’s energy transition strategy aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Renewable technologies play a pivotal role in this effort, with district heating systems serving as vital platforms for integrating diverse renewable energy sources such as geothermal, bioenergy, solar thermal, and large-scale heat pumps. These technologies enhance system flexibility and support thermal-electric sector coupling by efficiently utilizing recovered energy from waste heat and various renewable heat sources, including geothermal energy, surface water, wastewater, and industrial waste heat. This article presents an analysis of large-scale heat pump installations connected to district heating networks, drawing on case studies across Europe. Key parameters and the number of installations are summarized. The findings emphasize that achieving high system efficiency and significant emissions reductions depends on the careful selection and inte- gration of renewable technologies. Large-scale heat pumps, as part of a broader renewable technology portfolio, are essential enablers of Europe’s decarbonized and climate-resilient sustainable development goals.
This study is intended to evaluate the adsorptive potential of clinoptilolite zeolite, used as a filter medium in an experimental wastewater treatment plant for agricultural interests. Samples of technological water and wastewater from agricultural households and microfarms in Transylvania were analyzed, before and after filtration using natural zeolite from Rupea (ZNR) and Turbidex. The tests included the determination of pH, electrical conductivity, ammonium, and some heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) for the characterization of the technological water/wastewater and the zeolite removal efficiency. The evolution of pH had an increasing trend, due to the alkalinity of the zeolite material, with similar values (7.2-7.4) before and after filtration of both water and with larger oscillations for wastewater (6.0-9.4). Electrical conductivity values decreased after both water (from 848 to 492 mu S/cm) and wastewater (from 1277 to 933 mu S/cm) filtration, correlating with increased alkalinity. The filtration media had a good adsorptive potential, with ZNR values being slightly higher than those of Turbidex's for NH4+ (88.02% and 86.85%, respectively) and ranked differently for heavy metals: Zn (72.45%) > Fe (66.45%) > Cu (43.76%) > Mn (43.69%) and Fe (67.41%) > Mn (65.65%) > Zn (60.84%) > Cu (56.08%), respectively.
Polymer plastics have established a major sector in the global economy, fulfilling the needs of various industries, including packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Due to a unique set of physical properties, those materials are durable, versatile, and enable large-scale low-cost production. However, as environmental awareness rises, the raw materials sector is encouraged to increase the contribution of sustainable products with a lower environmental impact. It is being conducted through various activities such as recycling, introducing biodegradable alternatives, and/or diversifying sources of raw materials. In this short review, a holistic approach to analyse current knowledge regarding conventional plastic microparticle emissions into the environment is presented, with a special regard to the correlation with the existing plastic waste recycling technologies. The re- view takes into account current legal provisions regarding increasing the use of recycled plastics and highlights the risks resulting from the increased release of microparticles after reprocessing, washing, use, etc. The presented research results encourage consideration of the possible consequences of polymer reuse.
This study shows the problem of the presence of toxic trace elements in the surface layer of the substrate in public playgrounds and sports facility areas. The aim was to estimate the level of non-dietary exposure of children to zinc, copper, lead, chromium, and nickel as a result of secondary dusting of the soil and sand during the use of recreational areas in Nowa Ruda in Lower Silesia, Poland. The analysis of metal concentrations showed a heterogeneous distribution in the examined samples. The highest concentrations of metals were observed in playgrounds, sports fields, and sandboxes, respectively. No exceedances of the allowable values of the elements in soils were recorded, according to Polish legal regulations. Soil pollution indices indicate deterioration of surface layer quality in recreational areas in comparison to the local geochemical background for Polish soils. The results of the exposure assessment indicate a low risk of adverse health effects in children. Currently, the potential ecological risk index is also low. It is important to monitor the metal content in recreational areas and to protect the surface layer from secondary dusting in order to minimize the negative impact of environmental hazards on children’s health.
