ABSTRACT The rising use of plastic and its harm on individual and public health through microplastic pollution in food and water is a growing concern. Although Indonesia maintains general and hazardous waste regulations, it lacks targeted legal measures for microplastic management. This study applies a normative juridical method to analyze Indonesia's regulatory framework and compares it with California's comprehensive microplastic strategy to assess legal adequacy and identify regulatory gaps. Findings indicate key deficiencies in Indonesia: absence of microplastic specific prohibitions across critical sectors (including tobacco related sources), limited enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and insufficient monitoring and public education. In contrast, California has enacted detailed product, established statewide monitoring standards, integrated Low Impact Development (LID) for runoff control, upgraded wastewater treatment requirements, increase public awareness, and research initiatives. Based on these results, this paper recommends that Indonesia needs to: strengthen EPR through clear incentives and penalties; expand microplastic specific bans; incorporate LID into spatial planning; enhance wastewater treatment plants for microplastic removal; and enhance environmental education curricula. Empowering multi stakeholder platform, such as National Plastic Action Partnership, with expert led research and data driven thresholds which will support effective policy and better protect public health from microplastic pollution.
ABSTRACT Plastic waste generation has evolved into a critical environmental crisis, exerting severe ecological pressure on the global terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Concurrently, the environmental accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has escalated due to widespread polymer consumption and systemic waste management inefficiencies. Developing sustainable, scalable remediation strategies is an ecological priority. Phytoremediation—the use of plants to clean up contaminated environments—can be effectively applied to mitigate MP pollution, offering advantages such as high efficiency, environmental friendliness, aesthetic appeal, and cost‐effectiveness. Although phytoremediation shows considerable potential for MP and NP remediation, its mechanisms and field‐scale applicability remain insufficiently explored. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms of MP remediation and the environmental feasibility of adopting plant‐based systems for environmental plastic interception. By discussing the toxicological effects of MPs across multiple taxa, this paper establishes a baseline justification for the urgent need for environmental remediation. The mechanism of interaction between plants and MP/NP at the molecular level has been given special attention, and it was observed that plants rely on uptake, translocation, compartmentalization, and sometimes it stores MP along with other contaminants. Further, we evaluate the synergistic potential of plant‐microbe co‐remediation. To establish a closed‐loop framework, postremediation biomass management strategies are addressed, focusing on the thermochemical conversion of the contaminated biomass into biochar. Ultimately, plant‐based systems represent a promising component of integrated MP remediation strategies; however, significant mechanistic and scalability gaps remain, necessitating focused, interdisciplinary research to validate field‐scale implementation.
ABSTRACT Characterizing watershed soils is essential, as these properties directly dictate agricultural output, ecosystem well‐being, and the migration of pollutants. Focusing on the Tamiraparani River Basin (TRB), this research evaluates soil health and pollution status by systematically collecting and analyzing 39 samples to measure key chemical parameters and specific metal concentrations. While the TRB faces escalating pressure from intensive agriculture and industrialization, a comprehensive assessment linking land‐use‐specific metal accumulation remains largely absent; this study addresses this gap by pairing high‐resolution spatial mapping with pollution assessment. Conventional techniques were utilized to determine attributes like pH, electrical conductivity, and trace element levels. The contamination degree spanned from 6.47 to 14.54, with four locations recording minimal contamination while the rest displayed moderate levels. Meanwhile, Pollution Load Index metrics fluctuated from 0.73 to 1.26, with 16 locations pointing to a gradual decline in soil health driven by human activities. Overall, the results point to minimal overall contamination accompanied by slight localized enrichment, highlighting the necessity for proactive environmental monitoring. Consequently, these localized PLI elevations highlight critical zones requiring immediate source‐specific management to arrest further catchment degradation. This baseline assessment provides a transferable geochemical framework to identify early‐stage soil deterioration, enabling targeted land‐use interventions before marginal enrichment transitions into widespread eco‐toxicological and public health liabilities.
ABSTRACT Municipal solid waste management is a critical challenge in hydro‐environmentally sensitive regions, requiring complex evaluations for landfill siting. This study develops a risk‐informed Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework for landfill site selection in Edirne Province. Edirne represents a highly constrained decision space due to its low‐lying topography, floodplain dynamics, dense river networks, and intensive agriculture. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the framework integrates eight key criteria: flood susceptibility, river proximity, slope, elevation, land use/land cover (LULC), geological structure, soil characteristics, and accessibility. Results reveal that moderate suitability areas dominate the province (64.1%), followed by high (21.9%) and low (12.4%) suitability. Very high suitability areas are severely restricted, covering only 0.8% (52.3 km 2 ) and emerging as fragmented patches where favorable conditions intersect. This spatial scarcity is primarily driven by critical environmental bottlenecks, specifically compatible LULC (0.4%), suitable geology (4.8%), and low‐permeability soils (3.9%), which collectively exert a strong spatial filtering effect. Ultimately, this structured GIS‐MCDA screening approach informs sustainable waste management planning in environmentally constrained regions. The severe limitation of highly suitable land demonstrates that conventional landfill expansion is spatially restrictive. The findings underscore the urgent need for strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6 and 11), emphasizing surface and groundwater protection, resource recovery, recycling, and a critical transition away from landfill‐dependent waste systems.
ABSTRACT Co‐pyrolysis of plastics is a simultaneous thermochemical conversion of a mixture of plastics to value‐added products. This study quantified air emissions from co‐pyrolysis of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at varying mixture compositions. The emissions were modelled using simplex lattice design (SLD) and artificial neural network (ANN). A mixture containing 100% LDPE, 0% PS, and 0% PET emits the highest quantities of hydrocarbons (HCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxide (NO) with values of 7980.46, 1793.67, and 41.41 mg/m 3 , respectively, with no indication of NO 2 , SO 2 , H 2 S, or CO 2 emissions. Meanwhile, mixture containing 0% LDPE, 0% PS, and 100% PET emits the lowest quantities of HCs and CO, with values of 200.47 and 44.69 mg/m 3 , respectively. Mixtures containing 17% LDPE, 17% PS, and 66% PET; 17% LDPE, 66% PS, and 17% PET; and 0% LDPE, 50% PS, and 50% PET showed no emissions of NO. The study generated predictive models for the emissions of HC, CO, and NO and statistically established that using SLD, a special quartic model best describes HC and CO emissions, while a quadratic model best describes NO emissions. Although ANN shows good modelling of the emissions, the coefficients of estimate were lower than that of simplex lattice design.
ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a pervasive pollutant in marine environments worldwide, yet the Arabian Gulf remains underrepresented in global assessments despite its ecological and economic significance. The estimated mass of MPs entering the water of the Gulf ranged from 155 to 413.4 kt per year. This review synthesizes peer‐reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, covering seawater, sediments, and biota. Reported concentrations vary considerably: seawater ranged from 0–3 MPs/m 3 in Qatar to 12,000 MPs/m3 in Kuwait, while sediments concentrations reached up to 665 MPs/kg in Oman and as many as 195,104 particles at Iranian hotspots. In biota, MPs were frequently detected in fish and prawns, with up to 828 particles recorded in digestive tracts and 18.5 MPs/10 g in edible muscle tissues. Fibers and fragments dominate across all matrices, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as the most common polymers. Furthermore, legislation and regulations available on the regional and national level to reduce the amount of marine litter including plastics and MPs were discussed. Microplastics in the Gulf are examined across four themes: (1) source and pathway, (2) classification, (3) occurrence and fate, and (4) environmental impacts and future risks. Cross‐study comparison reveals spatial and temporal variability, contradictory biotic load estimates across countries, and significant methodological inconsistencies that limit data comparability. Critical knowledge gaps persist, including the absence of Gulf‐specific studies on lower trophic levels, ecotoxicological thresholds, and quantitative human exposure models. Although Gulf states have introduced measures such as single‐use plastic bag bans, legislation remains fragmented, compliance data are scarce, and certain policy approaches (notably the reliance on oxo‐degradable plastics) are inconsistent with international best practice. The Gulf's distinctive characteristics including its semi‐enclosed hydrology, extreme salinity and temperature, and shared governance challenges position it as both a natural laboratory for studying microplastic fate and transport and a potential testbed for regional policy harmonization. Insights from this region can inform management strategies for other enclosed and semi‐enclosed seas worldwide.
ABSTRACT Indoor air pollution poses a critical public health risk, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like Bangladesh, where inadequate ventilation and climatic conditions intensify exposure risks. This study investigated seasonal and diurnal variations in indoor air quality (IAQ) across AC and Non‐AC environments in Mymensingh, assessing compliance, pollutant correlations, and quantification of health risks (ELCR, HQ). Measurements of PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , TVOCs, HCHO, temperature, and humidity were taken from 56 rooms (28 AC, 28 Non‐AC) during the monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons using real‐time monitors. During the post‐monsoon season, PM 2.5 levels in Non‐AC rooms reached 123.29 µg/m 3 in the afternoon, compared to 79.79 µg/m 3 in AC rooms, while PM 10 concentrations peaked at 145.32 µg/m 3 in Non‐AC environments and 89.75 µg/m 3 in AC rooms. TVOC levels were highest in AC rooms, reaching 884 µg/m 3 , likely due to limited ventilation, and HCHO concentrations in AC spaces (301.14 µg/m 3 ) consistently exceeded WHO guidelines. Temperature and humidity influenced pollutant dynamics, with PM levels positively correlated with temperature and HCHO negatively correlated. Health risk assessments revealed significant hazards during the post‐monsoon season, with children in Non‐AC environments facing high estimated lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) from PM 1 (5.16E‐03) and PM 2.5 (2.7E‐03), while AC environments showed elevated risks from HCHO (8.75E‐06). Hazard Quotients (HQ) for PM 2.5 (9.30) and PM 10 (3.21) in Non‐AC environments reached alarming levels, indicating severe non‐carcinogenic risks. Source apportionment using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified distinct pollutant sources, underscoring the complex interplay of indoor and outdoor factors. Spatial analysis highlighted central urban zones as high‐risk areas due to traffic emissions and commercial activities. These findings emphasize the dual burden of particulate exposure in Non‐AC spaces and chemical accumulation in AC environments, influenced by seasonal shifts. Policy reforms focusing on source reduction, improved building codes, and public awareness are crucial to mitigate health disparities in tropical urban settings.
ABSTRACT Cyanobacteria bloom in freshwater sources such as reservoirs produce harmful toxins that can adversely affect water quality, aquatic environment and public safety. These harmful organisms can be removed from water sources using flock and sink techniques. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a low dose coagulants ( Moringa stenopetala seeds (MSS), Aloe barbadensis miller leaf (AVL) and Opuntia ficus‐indica leaf (OFIL)) both alone and in combination with local red soil (LRS) as a ballast material to remove the cyanobacterial biomass from Koka Reservoir's water (Ethiopia). The plant extracts obtained from dried biomass treated with NaCl. The results of the experiments determined the lowest dose of coagulants and ballast that effectively coagulate and sediment cyanobacterial biomass from the sample. The removal efficiency was estimated using phycocyanin pigment as surrogate of biomass. The mixed effect model was conducted to assess the effects of coagulant dose, LRS dose, and replication on the measured responses. The results indicated that treatment dose significantly affected the phycocyanin concentrations both at the top and bottom of the test‐tubes, whereas the effect of replicates was negligible. MSS extracts proved to be more effective alone (87.64%) or combined with LRS than other treatments. The coagulants, either alone or in combination with natural ballast, provide prominent sustainable alternative for cyanobacterial removal in freshwaters in tropical systems particularly for low‐income countries.
ABSTRACT Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a non‐invasive approach to wetland bird community monitoring, yet its capacity to detect conservation‐priority migratory species at stopover wetlands with no prior systematic baseline remains largely untested. We conducted the first spatially replicated eDNA survey at Baima Lake Wetland (Huai'an, China), a Ramsar site designated in 2023 and an important stopover along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We sampled 24 sites across three habitat zones during spring migration (March 2024) and the post‐breeding period (September 2024) using the 12SV05 primer targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. eDNA detected 49 bird species, including four absent from the published checklist of Baima Lake. Most notably, Baer's Pochard ( Aythya baeri ; CR, IUCN) and the Oriental Stork ( Ciconia boyciana ; EN, IUCN), both globally threatened migratory visitors, were detected exclusively in spring at 25% and 8% of sites respectively, illustrating the value of eDNA temporal persistence for capturing evidence of brief stopover events. Despite non‐significant alpha diversity differences among zones, community composition differed significantly (PERMANOVA: R 2 = 0.48–0.52, p ≤ 0.03), with only 2 of 162 OTUs shared across all three lake zones. These findings establish the first molecular avian biodiversity baseline for Baima Lake and demonstrate that spring eDNA surveys can systematically document conservation‐priority migratory species and reveal fine‐scale zone‐level community differentiation at inland Ramsar wetlands, complementing traditional and camera‐based monitoring approaches where they are most limited.
ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating One Health challenge driven by the persistence of antibiotics, resistant microorganisms, and resistance genes across clinical, agricultural, and aquatic environments. Bioremediation offers microbial and enzymatic pathways for degrading antibiotic residues, but its effectiveness is often limited by slow kinetics, environmental heterogeneity, and system instability. Nanotechnology provides complementary capabilities, including enhanced antimicrobial delivery, photocatalytic degradation, enzyme stabilization, biofilm disruption, and damage to extracellular resistance genes, while also introducing concerns related to toxicity, ecological risk, and resistance selection. This review synthesizes primary experimental evidence across nanotechnology and bioremediation to evaluate their integration as an environmental AMR mitigation strategy. The analysis indicates that integrated systems can improve antibiotic removal, antimicrobial performance, and biofilm control, although direct reductions in resistance‐gene abundance or transfer have been demonstrated in only a subset of studies. The review further identifies key barriers to implementation, including limited field validation, inconsistent system characterization, and insufficient assessment of transformation products and ecological impacts. Overall, integrated nano‐bioremediation represents a promising pre‐field approach whose advancement will depend on environmentally informed design, standardized evaluation, and responsible deployment.
ABSTRACT Microplastic (MP) pollution is an ever‐growing issue in the marine ecosystem around the world. However, the study on MP pollution in marine fish remains limited, particularly those conducted in Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of MP on the marine fish, collected from local fish market in the city of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia. The MP samples were examined from 5 g of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) across 22 species of fish. The samples were extracted by digesting (KOH solution), followed by density separation (NaCl solution) and filtration. Then, the samples were identified and characterized under stereomicroscope and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). As the result, an estimated of 6107 particles of MP were found on GIT from all species. The highest abundance was found in Pacific Sardine ( Sardinops Sagax ) with 383.24 particles, while the lowest abundance was found in Japanese Sea Bass ( Lateolabrax Japonicus ) with 181.22 particles. The most dominant shape was fiber with 61.46%, the dominant size of MP was less than 1000 µm with 87%, and the blue was the most prevalent color, with a proportion of 65.83%. The FTIR analysis detected polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA) in the sample. This study investigates the occurrence of MP ingestion in commercial marine fish and indicates the potential for human exposure to contaminated fish. Moreover, this study provides additional data references, to support long‐term monitoring program, as well as the development and implementation of standardized sampling and analytical protocols for local policymakers and stakeholders, which could help improve the understanding of MP pollution and protect marine ecosystem in the cities of Sibu and Kuching, Eastern Sarawak, Malaysia.
ABSTRACT Construction and demolition waste (CDW) management depends on the interaction among economic, operational, and behavioral factors, with reward and penalty policies acting as central instruments that remain comparatively underexplored from a systemic perspective for influencing generator behavior. This study conducted a systematic literature review in the Scopus and Web of Science databases (2018–2024), following the ProKnow‐C approach, from which a portfolio of 101 articles was selected from 498 initially identified records. Based on the reviewed literature, a conceptual Cause‐and‐Effect Diagram (CED) grounded in System Dynamics principles was developed, comprising eight feedback loops (five reinforcing and three balancing). The results show that the effectiveness of reward and penalty policies depends less on the isolated intensity of each instrument and more on its combination with source separation practices and the availability of adequate infrastructure, such as Voluntary Drop‐off Points, to reduce improper disposal. The contribution of this study lies in the systemic integration of these policy instruments within a single causal framework and in the identification of seven recurring practical challenges in the implementation of these policies, for which operational solutions grounded in the reviewed literature are proposed, aimed at supporting the formulation of municipal solid waste management plans.
ABSTRACT Urban aquifers with high intrinsic vulnerability are increasingly at risk due to local institutional weaknesses. This issue is explored through a case study of the Arenales Aquifer recharge zone in a rapidly urbanizing area of the Salta Metropolitan Region, Argentina. In this paper, we combine an assessment of aquifer vulnerability and contamination risk with an analysis of local institutions responsible for managing urban growth and off‐grid water and sanitation services. Using the POSH method, our findings reveal a developing pattern of groundwater contamination and suggest a high risk of ongoing contamination. An institution‐wide vulnerability assessment identifies several failures, including poor urban planning, regulatory gaps, weak coordination among different levels of government, and limited community participation in water governance. The resilience of the aquifer under these conditions largely depends on institutional reforms that prioritize integrated land‐use planning, genuine community involvement, and more transparent regulatory frameworks.
ABSTRACT Plastic pollution is a systemic environmental challenge of the modern era. Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are the most insidious that have emerged as the most pervasive environmental contaminants, requiring a systematic analysis of their persistence, chemical stability, and global prevalence. Their environmental ramifications are multifaceted, affecting aquatic life and terrestrial organisms via bio‐accumulation, which poses documented risks to biodiversity and human health. Emerging evidence suggests MNP exposure leads to cytotoxicity, metabolic alterations, immunological reactions, and translocation into the human placenta. This review critically examines the sources, classification, and release pathways of MNPs. Further, it explores the current detection and removal strategies, highlighting advanced filtration techniques, such as membrane filtration, electrocoagulation, nanotechnology‐based approaches, and biological remediation. By amalgamating findings from contemporary research and technological advancements, we aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the ecotoxicological risks posed by MNPs and the feasible and emerging solutions to mitigate their environmental footprint. Nonetheless, significant disparity remains between detection sensitivity and ecological risk assessment. While the conventional analytical techniques fail to capture the smallest and most toxic fractions of nanoplastics, resultantly leading to under estimations of environmental risks. Further research needs to prioritize highly sensitive detection protocols as well as long‐term ecotoxicological modeling to bridge this gap.
ABSTRACT This study examines the connections between trade flows, the depletion of natural resources, and total emissions(kt) in China, India, and the United States between 1992 and 2022 using a combination of panel econometric and machine‐learning methodologies. While panel econometric models like Pooled OLS, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects were used to evaluate structural and country‐specific relationships, machine‐learning models like Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) were used to capture nonlinear and temporal patterns in annual emission dynamics. The Fixed Effects specification demonstrated the greatest explanatory power among the econometric models. Under the chosen validation scheme, LSTM outperformed the other machine‐learning models in terms of predicted errors. The forecasting results are taken cautiously due to the restricted annual time‐series sample, and out‐of‐sample testing and chronological validation were used to lower the danger of overfitting. Although the policy implications should be interpreted cautiously due to the aggregate character of the data and the lack of direct policy‐effect assessment, when combined, the two methodologies offer complementary evidence for understanding emissions patterns and for guiding policy discussion. The policy interpretation of machine‐learning models is cautious and is meant to supplement rather than replace the structural evidence from the econometric analysis because they are less transparent than econometric specifications. To guarantee comparability between the econometric and forecasting components, all variables were harmonized to uniform annual definitions and units.
ABSTRACT Segara Anakan Lagoon in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia features a vital mangrove ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining coastal stability, protecting biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Besides its ecological and economic significance, this ecosystem faces strong pressure from environmental changes and destructive activities, especially land conversion like uncontrolled conversion of mangrove land into shrimp ponds and resource exploitation that ignore sustainability. This study contributes by developing an integrative socio‐ecological framework that links ecological pressures, governance systems, and community participation, while quantitatively identifying governance–community mismatches using a Guttman scaling approach. Additionally, a gap exists between existing legal frameworks and the actual needs of local stakeholders, which hampers effective mangrove management. Strengthening the resilient of the Segara Anakan mangrove ecosystem requires more strategic and integrated approaches to assure long‐term sustainability and bridge ecological dynamics with governance and community capacity. Specifically, enhance community empowerment, achieving conservation goals, and strengthening institutions are critical to addressing disparities and ensuring sustainable management.
ABSTRACT Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been a cornerstone of global energy innovation, with more than 1.6 Terawatts (TW) of capacity installed by 2023 and an expected 4.5 TW by 2050. Nevertheless, this rapid growth brings challenges, particularly in handling the End‐of‐life (EoL) waste stream, which is anticipated to exceed 70 million tons by mid‐century due to declining installation costs and technological advancements. PV modules contain precious and hazardous substances, such as silicon, silver, copper, and aluminum, whose disposal has an environmental impact; however, these materials can be recovered from them. Conventional processes, such as mechanical shredding, thermal pyrolysis, and chemical dissolution, are technically possible, but they have environmental problems related to energy consumption, toxic emissions, and the generation of secondary residues. Up to now, new green ideas, such as ultrasound‐ induced swelling of limonene for Ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA) removal or enzymatic delamination with lipase or lecithinase in sunflower oil, are being introduced among the more “in green” alternatives. The process of recovering metals and glass, as well as utilizing silicon from waste materials, facilitates the creation of green building products that contribute to a closed loop economy aligned with a climate‐resilient approach. Despite advances, studies tend to be scattered or concentrated on specific technologies and government regulations. This review addresses these gaps by discussing the growing installation capacity of PV panels from 2023 to 2025, comparing conventional technologies with advanced techniques, evaluating life‐ cycle costs and ecological impacts, and investigating legal policies and regulations worldwide. It highlights the value of recycling as part of a closed loop economy, thereby strengthening sustainability and solar energy as an alternative for climate protection.
ABSTRACT The presence of fluoride (F − ) at high concentrations in drinking water is a global concern due to its adverse health effects. This study evaluated the removal of F − ions by adsorption using an adsorbent produced from thermally modified water treatment plant sludge (TWTPS), providing an efficient and low‐cost alternative for contaminated water treatment and residue valorization. Initially, the physical and chemical changes in the sludge after thermal treatment were characterized. Subsequently, batch adsorption tests were conducted at 24°C ± 1°C to investigate the effects of pH, F − concentration, and adsorbent dosage, as well as to determine the adsorption kinetics and capacity of the produced material. An equilibrium contact time of 24 h was adopted for the pH, dosage, and isotherm experiments. Characterization analyses, including surface area, pore size distribution, and functional group identification, confirmed the suitability of the thermally treated sludge as an adsorbent for F − removal. Optimal conditions were obtained at pH 4.0–6.0 and 2 g L − 1 adsorbent dosage, yielding adsorption capacities of 0.600–0.634 mg g − 1 . Kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich models, suggesting chemisorption through substitution of surface –OH groups by F − ions. Equilibrium data fitted both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, indicating adsorption on a heterogeneous surface (0 < n −1 < 1) and a favorable process (0 < R L < 1), with a maximum adsorption capacity ( q max ) of 3.19 mg g − 1 . Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that F − adsorption onto the modified sludge was spontaneous and endothermic.
ABSTRACT The study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological profiles of wastewater effluents discharged from three academic laboratories: Environmental Science (EL), Chemistry (CL), and Soil Science (SS) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Using a baseline cross‐sectional grab approach during peak operational hours, effluent quality was evaluated against Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana EPA) limits. The findings revealed severe regulatory non‐compliance across all laboratories. Effluents exhibited hyper‐acidic operational phases dropping to pH 1.75–1.82, which act to increase toxic metal mobility. The SS facility generated an extraordinary mean Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) load of 69,167 ± 28,669 mg/L, exceeding the 1000 mg/L national ceiling by nearly 70‐fold and forming prominent mineral crusts along the discharge channel. Applying a mathematically standardized Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) classified all discharges as critically polluted, with recalibrated scores ranging from 12,548.09 to 19,166.72 (critical threshold = 100), driven heavily by the strict regulatory weights of Mercury and Cadmium. Structural sewer cross‐connections and sample‐handling pathways introduced severe biological hazards, yielding Escherichia coli densities (4.72 to 5.62 log 10 CFU/100 mL) comparable to untreated municipal sewage. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguished laboratories pollution fingerprints, separating the macro‐mineral Soil Science vector from the hyper‐acidic, trace‐metal signatures of the CL and EL. The study concludes that raw direct‐disposal practices are environmentally unsustainable, and highlights an urgent need for institutional waste governance to mandate decentralized, point‐of‐source neutralization, chemical precipitation, and disinfection pretreatment units.
