The industrial intervention had a profound impact on our environment and the amount of damage it has bestowed is in the form of polluted water and solid waste accumulation. With upgradation of technologies in the industrial upfront there is also an increase in the robust nature of industrial waste. Keeping in view of the various environmental aspects, advanced techniques were developed by the inculcation of nanotechnology. Among the diverse technologies that have gained prominence is the use of nanoparticles as a medium to monitor and treatment process. One of them is the use of organic techniques, i.e., the use of nano-chitosan. The review article focuses on the new data pertaining to the study and improvement of various nano-scale treatment technologies implemented for wastewater treatment with an environment friendly biodegradation. The eradication of harmful toxicants is an exhaustive process, but this is required to invigorate the sustainable development. Various strategies were promulgated but the inculcation of nanomaterial provided a low-cost, efficient and simple method for removal of contaminants by adsorption. These nanomaterials provide the best adsorbent due to its simple structural properties that provide a better surface area with high absorption capacity. This comprehensive review gives a glimpse of the various green and other nanotechnologies used for wastewater and contaminated soil treatments.
Multiplicity and complexity in sources account for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and health risk levels in industrial zones. In the present study, cancer risks (CR) for soil-bound carcinogenic PAHs were estimated and compared for the first time in seven different land-use areas adjacent to an industrial zone (Ulsan) in Korea. The entire study area has been recognized as a “low CR” zone (10−6 < value < 10−4). Hence, all land-use areas were found to have significant (>10−6) CR levels, except for an area used to store ore and iron scraps. Estimated CR levels were highest in the railroad area (RA) and traffic area (TA), followed by those in the industrial area (IA). In addition, exposure through dermal absorption (61–70%) and ingestion (21–39%) were the most common factors for CR levels in the study area. Among all health parameters, exposure duration, body weight, and open skin surface area were distinguished as most sensitive to total CR levels. Moreover, among all carcinogenic PAHs, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene were most sensitive to CR levels. Creosote, which was utilized in railroad ties in RA and vehicular exhaust emission in TA, was classified as a source of soil-bound carcinogenic PAHs. Therefore, CR levels resulting from transportation activities were found to be two to three times higher than those obtained from industrial processes. Transportation activities in urban areas mostly serve to provide rapid and comfortable carriage for commuters. However, these facilities were mostly responsible for potential carcinogen exposure. This study directly challenges the conventional perception that industrial zones are the most polluted areas, especially when compared to transportation zones in urban areas. These findings can help local and national governments to better manage resources and maintain an economic balance.
As a new type of pollutant, phthalate esters (PAEs) are common organic compounds in industrial production and daily life, which are widely detected in surface water environment. Among them, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have attracted much attention due to their harmful effects on aquatic life such as endocrine disrupting effects. In this study, the toxicity data of DBP and DEHP were collected and screened through literature research, and their water quality criteria (WQC) for protecting aquatic life were derived by the species sensitivity distribution method. In addition, the distributions of DBP and DEHP in surface water environment of China were analyzed and their ecological risk levels to aquatic life in six regions were evaluated by hazard quotients (HQs) and probabilistic approaches. The result revealed that the chronic WQC of DBP is 12.9 μg/L (criteria continuous concentration, CCC) and acute WQC is 162.9 μg/L (criteria maximum concentration, CMC) and the chronic WQC of DEHP is 1.0 μg/L (CCC) and acute WQC is 71.8 μg/L (CMC). The ecological risk of DBP and DEHP in North China and Yangtze River is relatively higher than other regions, which may have harmful effects on the aquatic environments. So, it is necessary to strengthen the water quality management. The results could provide scientific basis for ecological risk management of DBP and DEHP.
Frontiers in Environmental Science
Ecological Intensification and Sustainable Intensification: Increasing Benefits to and Reducing Impacts on the Environment to Improve Future Agricultural and Food SystemsFrontiers in Environmental Science
Ecological Intensification and Sustainable Intensification: Increasing Benefits to and Reducing Impacts on the Environment to Improve Future Agricultural and Food SystemsFrontiers in Environmental Science
Clean Energy Transition and Load Capacity Factors: Environmental Sustainability Assessment through Advanced Statistical MethodsFrontiers in Environmental Science
Institutional Forces, Energy Transition, and Climate Action: Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 13Frontiers in Environmental Science
Sustainability of Digital Transformation for the Environment