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Volume 11
Issue 12
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Environments, Volume 11, Issue 12 (December 2024) – 6 articles

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25 pages, 428 KiB  
Review
Can Phthalates Be Considered as Microplastic Tracers in the Mediterranean Marine Environment?
by Giuseppa Di Bella, Ambrogina Albergamo, Federica Litrenta, Vincenzo Lo Turco and Angela Giorgia Potortì
Environments 2024, 11(12), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120267 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Plastics are a major environmental concern, not only because of their uncontrolled dispersion in the environment, but also because of their release of chemical additives, such as phthalates (PAEs), particularly in water bodies. Key land–water interfaces, such as coastal zones, has always represented [...] Read more.
Plastics are a major environmental concern, not only because of their uncontrolled dispersion in the environment, but also because of their release of chemical additives, such as phthalates (PAEs), particularly in water bodies. Key land–water interfaces, such as coastal zones, has always represented a complex and dynamic nexus for plastic pollution, as they are sites often densely populated, with major pollution sources. The Mediterranean basin, for example, is known to be a global hotspot of plastic waste, with a microplastic concentration approximately four times greater than the North Pacific Ocean. However, differently from the overviewed issue of plastic litter and microplastics, the occurrence, distribution, and impact of PAEs on the abiotic and biotic compartment of marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean area have still not been reviewed. Hence, this review provides an introductory section on the plastic pollution issue and its close relationship, not only with microplastics, but also with the leaching of toxic PAEs. To follow, the most relevant analytical approaches for reliably assessing PAEs in abiotic and biotic marine matrices are discussed. The analysis of the main anthropogenic sources of PAEs, their occurrence and spatiotemporal trends in the Mediterranean Sea is conducted. Finally, the potential correlation between PAE pollution and the abundance of microplastics are critically examined to evaluate their effectiveness as tracers of microplastic pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastics Pollution in Aquatic Environments, 2nd Edition)
18 pages, 895 KiB  
Article
Trends of Ocean Underwater Acoustic Levels Recorded Before, During, and After the 2020 COVID Crisis
by Rocío Prieto González, Alice Affatati, Mike van der Schaar and Michel André
Environments 2024, 11(12), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120266 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Since the Industrial Revolution, underwater soundscapes have become more complex and contaminated due to increased cumulative human activities. Anthropogenic underwater sources have been growing in number, and shipping noise has become the primary source of chronic acoustic exposure. However, global data on current [...] Read more.
Since the Industrial Revolution, underwater soundscapes have become more complex and contaminated due to increased cumulative human activities. Anthropogenic underwater sources have been growing in number, and shipping noise has become the primary source of chronic acoustic exposure. However, global data on current and historic noise levels is lacking. Here, using the Listening to the Deep-Ocean Environment network, we investigated the baseline shipping noise levels in thirteen observatories (eight stations from ONC Canada, four from the JAMSTEC network, and OBSEA in the Mediterranean Sea) and, in five of them, animal presence. Our main results show yearly noise variability in the studied locations that is not dominated by marine traffic but by natural and biological patterns. The halt in transportation due to COVID was insignificant when the data were recorded far from shipping routes. In order to better design a legislative framework for mitigating noise impacts, we highlight the importance of using tools that allow for long-term acoustic monitoring, automated detection of sounds, and big data handling and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Solutions Mitigating Environmental Noise Pollution III)
35 pages, 10310 KiB  
Review
Environmental Sustainability Based on Zirconium Dioxide Utilization in Non-Conventional Energy Applications
by Ecaterina Matei, Anca-Andreea Șăulean, Mirela Petriceanu, Maria Râpă, Radu Robert Piticescu, Radu Ștefănoiu and Cristian Predescu
Environments 2024, 11(12), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120265 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has prompted a significant interest in non-conventional energy sources, leading to the development of innovative materials that can enhance energy conversion and storage efficiency. This review paper explores the pivotal role of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2 [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has prompted a significant interest in non-conventional energy sources, leading to the development of innovative materials that can enhance energy conversion and storage efficiency. This review paper explores the pivotal role of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) in industrial applications related to non-conventional energy technologies, highlighting its contributions to the circular economy. We discuss various synthesis methods for ZrO2, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, elucidating how these techniques influence the material’s properties and applicability. Furthermore, we examine the unique characteristics of nano-ZrO2 and its transformative potential in energy conversion and storage systems. By synthesizing current research findings, this review underscores the significance of ZrO2 in promoting sustainable energy practices and its role in advancing the circular economy through material reuse and recycling strategies. The insights provided herein aim to inform future research directions and industrial applications, ultimately fostering a more sustainable energy landscape. Full article
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29 pages, 846 KiB  
Review
Understanding Environmental Contamination Through the Lens of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
by Fabio Castagna, Luigi Montano, Renato Lombardi, Angelo Pagano, Andrea Gigliotti, Roberto Bava, Carmine Lupia, Anna Costagliola, Antonio Giordano, Ernesto Palma, Domenico Britti and Giovanna Liguori
Environments 2024, 11(12), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120264 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) stands out as a crucial sentinel species for assessing environmental contamination, owing to its widespread distribution, high position in the food chain, and susceptibility to pollutants. As apex predators, these remarkable birds accumulate various contaminants found [...] Read more.
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) stands out as a crucial sentinel species for assessing environmental contamination, owing to its widespread distribution, high position in the food chain, and susceptibility to pollutants. As apex predators, these remarkable birds accumulate various contaminants found in their prey, thus serving as valuable indicators of ecological health. The historical application of organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT, resulted in alarming population declines, highlighting the significant vulnerability of peregrines to environmental hazards. Recent research has shed light on the detrimental effects of heavy metal exposure, revealing critical health risks including compromised immune function and reduced reproductive success, which further highlight the ecological consequences of pollution for top predators. Moreover, the complex nature of brominated flame retardants poses challenges in balancing fire safety with environmental health, as these chemicals persist in the ecosystem and threaten peregrine falcon populations. In the future, the use of possible new bioindicators of environmental pollution opens up interesting prospects. This innovative approach may enhance our understanding of how contaminants affect reproductive health and contribute to a broader One Health perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, human health, and ecosystem integrity. This comprehensive overview underscores the urgency of ongoing monitoring and regulatory efforts to protect peregrine falcons and, by extension, our shared environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pesticide Contamination to Non-target Organisms, the Environment, and Agroecosystems)
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24 pages, 1325 KiB  
Review
From Cradle to Grave: Microplastics—A Dangerous Legacy for Future Generations
by Tamara Lang, Filip Jelić and Christian Wechselberger
Environments 2024, 11(12), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120263 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Microplastics have become a ubiquitous pollutant that permeates every aspect of our environment—from the oceans to the soil to the elementary foundations of human life. New findings demonstrate that microplastic particles not only pose a latent threat to adult populations, but also play [...] Read more.
Microplastics have become a ubiquitous pollutant that permeates every aspect of our environment—from the oceans to the soil to the elementary foundations of human life. New findings demonstrate that microplastic particles not only pose a latent threat to adult populations, but also play a serious role even before birth during the fetal stages of human development. Exposure to microplastics during the early childhood stages is another source of risk that is almost impossible to prevent. This comprehensive review examines the multiple aspects associated with microplastics during early human development, detailing the mechanisms by which these particles enter the adult body, their bioaccumulation in tissues throughout life and the inevitable re-entry of these particles into different ecosystems after death. Full article
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17 pages, 2229 KiB  
Article
Underwater Noise Assessment in the Romanian Black Sea Waters
by Maria Emanuela Mihailov, Gianina Chirosca and Alecsandru Vladimir Chirosca
Environments 2024, 11(12), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120262 - 21 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The Black Sea, a unique semi-enclosed marine ecosystem, is the eastern maritime boundary of the European Union and holds significant ecological importance. The present study investigates anthropogenic noise pollution in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive’s Descriptor 11, with a particular [...] Read more.
The Black Sea, a unique semi-enclosed marine ecosystem, is the eastern maritime boundary of the European Union and holds significant ecological importance. The present study investigates anthropogenic noise pollution in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive’s Descriptor 11, with a particular emphasis on the criteria for impulsive sound (D11C1) and continuous low-frequency sound (D11C2) in Romanian ports, which handle a substantial share of regional cargo traffic, and impact maritime activities and associated noise levels. The noise levels from shipping activity vary across Romanian waters, including territorial waters, the contiguous zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone. These areas are classified by high, medium, and low ship traffic density. Ambient noise levels at frequencies of 63 Hz and 125 Hz, dominated by shipping noise, were established, along with their hydrospatial distribution for the 2019–2020 period. Furthermore, predictive modeling techniques are used in this study to assess underwater noise pollution from human sources. This modeling effort represents the first initiative in the region and utilizes the BELLHOP ray-tracing method for underwater acoustic channel modeling in shallow-water environments. The model incorporates realistic bathymetry, oceanography, and geology features for environmental input, allowing for improved prediction of acoustic variability due to time-varying sea variations in shallow waters. The study’s findings have important implications for understanding and mitigating anthropogenic noise pollution’s impact on the Black Sea marine ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Solutions Mitigating Environmental Noise Pollution III)
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