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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 66543

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Dr. Iyyakkannu Sivanesan

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Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Institute of Natural Science and Agriculture, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Interests: plant tissue culture; secondary metabolites; hydroponics; environmental protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Muthu Thiruvengadam

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Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Interests: genetic engineering; bioactive compounds; pharmaceutics; nanotechnology; cancer; drug delivery; antimicrobial activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chemical pollution is currently one of the most concerning ecological problems on a global scale, due to the high risks posed to environmental systems and human health. This leads to the environment’s ability to foster life being reduced as human, animal, and plant health become threatened. Chemical pollution occurs when chemicals resulting from human activities enter the environment, contaminating air, water, or soil. Pollution prevention, however, is a vital issue to sustainability. The Special Issue will focus on environmental pollution by chemicals (heavy metals, pesticides, and nanoparticles) and sustainable environment and pollution prevention management.

Dr. Iyyakkannu Sivanesan
Dr. Muthu Thiruvengadam
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Air, Water and Soil Pollution
Heavy metals
PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds, Nitrogen Oxides
Herbicides/Insecticides
Nanoparticles
Pollution prevention and treatment
Sustainable environment
Environmental assessment

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 3229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements in Different Environmental Media Impacted by a Former Chlor-Alkali Plant

by Mert Guney, Zhanel Akimzhanova, Aiganym Kumisbek, Symbat Kismelyeva, Almira Guney, Ferhat Karaca and Vassilis Inglezakis

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413829 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2891

Abstract

Former industrially contaminated sites are a burden from the past that still pose environmental risks. During the second half of the 20th century, the Pavlodar region in North Kazakhstan had been a part of Soviet Union’s industrial system that operated a chlor-alkali plant (CAP). The former CAP discharged approximately 135 t Hg into nearby Lake Balkyldak with total losses to water, soil, and air estimated around 1000 t. Pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to former and currently active industrial enterprises is an under-investigated concern in the Pavlodar region. The present study aims to provide a much-needed update on the situation around the CAP area by evaluating the contamination by Hg and other selected PTEs (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn) on the surrounding environment of the CAP and in the nearby urban zone. Soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater samples have been collected in several sampling campaigns carried out in 2018 and 2019. Several samples had Hg concentrations exceeding maximum permissible concentrations (MPC), for soils and sediments (in mg/kg; range: 0.0006 to 24, average: 0.56) and for surface water and groundwater (in µg/L; range: 0.004 to 1340, average: 93). Critically high concentrations were mostly measured in the vicinity of Lake Balkyldak, where the majority of Hg had been discharged by the former CAP, indicating persisting Hg pollution in the studied zone. A comparison of the PTEs concentrations in soil and sediments showed less severe pollution but still some elevated values for As, Ba, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Se. The inter-elemental relationship between Hg and assessed PTEs was weak, indicating the presence of sources independent from Hg emitting sources. Further research on Hg contamination on the exact territory of the former CAP is needed, and a detailed human health risk characterization to identify potential unacceptable risks is strongly recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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18 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Human Exposure to Mercury (Hg) in a Chlor-Alkali Plant Impacted Zone: Risk Characterization Using Updated Site Assessment Data

by Symbat Kismelyeva, Rustem Khalikhan, Aisulu Torezhan, Aiganym Kumisbek, Zhanel Akimzhanova, Ferhat Karaca and Mert Guney

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13816; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413816 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2668

Abstract

Industrial activities have resulted in severe environmental contamination that may expose rural and urban populations to unacceptable health risks. For example, chlor-alkali plants (CAPs) have historically contributed mercury (Hg) contamination in different environmental compartments. One such site (a burden from the Soviet Union) is located in an industrial complex in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. Earlier studies showed the CAP operating in the second half of the twentieth century caused elevated Hg levels in soil, water, air, and biota. However, follow-up studies with thorough risk characterization are missing. The present study aims to provide a detailed risk characterization based on the data from a recent site assessment around the former CAP. The ⅀HI (hazard index) ranged from 9.30 × 10⁻⁴ to 0.125 (deterministic method) and from 5.19 × 10⁻⁴ to 2.54 × 10⁻² (probabilistic method). The results indicate acceptable excess human health risks from exposure to Hg contamination in the region, i.e., exposure to other Hg sources not considered. Air inhalation and soil ingestion pathways contributed to the highest ⅀HI values (up to 99.9% and 92.0%, respectively). The residential exposure scenario (among four) presented the greatest human health risks, with ⅀HI values ranging from 1.23 × 10⁻² to 0.125. Although the local urban and rural population is exposed to acceptable risks coming from exposure to Hg-contaminated environmental media, an assessment of contamination directly on the former CAP site on the industrial complex could not be performed due to access prohibition. Furthermore, the risks from ingesting contaminated fish were not covered as methyl-Hg was not targeted. An additional assessment may be needed for the scenarios of exposure of workers on the industrial complex and of the local population consuming fish from contaminated Lake Balkyldak. Studies on the fate and transport of Hg in the contaminated ecosystem are also recommended considering Hg methylation and subsequent bioaccumulation in the food chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

18 pages, 6885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fixed Bed Pervious Concrete Anaerobic Bioreactor for Biological Sulphate Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage Using Simple Organic Matter

by Sandisiwe Khanyisa Thisani, Daramy Vandi Von Kallon and Patrick Byrne

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126529 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2769

Abstract

The development of low-operational-cost and low-operational-complexity active sulphate (SO₄) reducing bioremediation for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is an ongoing pursuit towards sustainable mining. This study introduces a fixed bed pervious concrete anaerobic bioreactor as a second stage AMD remediation process. The study investigated the pH self-regulation capabilities, SO₄ remediation capabilities and the rate limiting parameters of the bioreactor using glucose as an organic matter source. The AMD was pre-treated using a permeable reactive barrier. A 21-day trial comprised of an increase in the SO₄ loading rate while reducing the organic loading rate was undertaken to identify performance limiting conditions. A daily average SO₄ concentration reduction rate of 55.2% was achieved over the initial 13 days of the experiments. The study found that a COD to SO₄ ratio and VFA to alkalinity ratio below 5:1 and 0.5:1 respectively were performance limiting. The bioreactor was capable of self-regulating pH within the neutral range of 6.5 and 7.5. The study findings indicate that the bioreactor design can reduce operational costs and operational complexity of active AMD bioremediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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23 pages, 458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Driving Factors of Food Nitrogen Footprint in China, 2000–2018: Econometric Analysis of Provincial Spatial Panel Data by the STIRPAT Model

by Chun Liu and Gui-hua Nie

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6147; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116147 - 30 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

This paper studies the EKC hypothesis and STIRPAT model. Based on the panel data of carbon emission intensity and other influencing factors of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2018, the spatial effect of per capita food nitrogen footprint (FNF) and the effect of different socio-economic factors in China were studied by using exploratory spatial data analysis and fixed effect spatial Durbin model for the first time. The results show that: (1) there is a spatial agglomeration effect and a positive spatial dependence relationship in China’s provincial per capita FNF (FNFP), which verifies that the relationship between China’s FNF and economy is in the early stage of EKC hypothesis curve. (2) The driving forces of China’s FNF were explored, including Engel’s coefficient of urban households (ECU), population density (PDEN), urbanization, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and technology. (3) The results show that there is a significant spatial spillover effect of FNFP. The ECU and NUE can reduce the regional FNFP, and can slow down the FNFP of surrounding provinces. (4) Policy makers need to formulate food nitrogen emission reduction policies from the food demand side, food consumption side and regional level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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Review

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20 pages, 1242 KiB

Open AccessReview

Heavy Metal Contamination of Natural Foods Is a Serious Health Issue: A Review

by Naveed Munir, Muhammad Jahangeer, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Nasreddine El Omari, Rokia Ghchime, Abdelaali Balahbib, Sara Aboulaghras, Zahed Mahmood, Muhammad Akram, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, Ivan N. Mikolaychik, Marina Derkho, Maksim Rebezov, Baskar Venkidasamy, Muthu Thiruvengadam and Mohammad Ali Shariati

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010161 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 13346

Abstract

Heavy metals play an important role in the homeostasis of living cells. However, these elements induce several adverse environmental effects and toxicities, and therefore seriously affect living cells and organisms. In recent years, some heavy metal pollutants have been reported to cause harmful effects on crop quality, and thus affect both food security and human health. For example, chromium, cadmium, copper, lead, and mercury were detected in natural foods. Evidence suggests that these elements are environmental contaminants in natural foods. Consequently, this review highlights the risks of heavy metal contamination of the soil and food crops, and their impact on human health. The data were retrieved from different databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google scholar, and the Directory of Open Access Journals. Results show that vegetable and fruit crops grown in polluted soil accumulate higher levels of heavy metals than crops grown in unpolluted soil. Moreover, heavy metals in water, air, and soil can reduce the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet requires a rational consumption of foods. Physical, chemical, and biological processes have been developed to reduce heavy metal concentration and bioavailability to reduce heavy metal aggregation in the ecosystem. However, mechanisms by which these heavy metals exhibit their action on human health are not well elucidated. In addition, the positive and negative effects of heavy metals are not very well established, suggesting the need for further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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27 pages, 1135 KiB

Open AccessReview

Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation by Plant Remediation Technologies

by Jesús D. Peco, Pablo Higueras, Juan A. Campos, José M. Esbrí, Marta M. Moreno, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet and Luisa M. Sandalio

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126555 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7448

Abstract

Abandoned mine lands (AMLs), which are considered some of the most dangerous anthropogenic activities in the world, are a source of hazards relating to potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Traditional reclamation techniques, which are expensive, time-consuming and not well accepted by the general public, cannot be used on a large scale. However, plant-based techniques have gained acceptance as an environmentally friendly alternative over the last 20 years. Plants can be used in AMLs for PTE phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization. We reviewed these phytoremediation techniques, paying particular attention to the selection of appropriate plants in each case. In order to assess the suitability of plants for phytoremediation purposes, the accumulation capacity and tolerance mechanisms of PTEs was described. We also compiled a collection of interesting actual examples of AML phytoremediation. On-site studies have shown positive results in terms of soil quality improvement, reduced PTE bioavailability, and increased biodiversity. However, phytoremediation strategies need to better characterize potential plant candidates in order to improve PTE extraction and to reduce the negative impact on AMLs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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14 pages, 2069 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reviewing the Impact of Vehicular Pollution on Road-Side Plants—Future Perspectives

by Manikandan Muthu, Judy Gopal, Doo-Hwan Kim and Iyyakkannu Sivanesan

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5114; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095114 - 3 May 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 12746

Abstract

With population explosion, automobiles have also exploded and so has pollution due to vehicular emissions. Road-side plants and highway vegetation are the first targets of these vehicular emissions. This review briefly presents a snapshot of how vehicular emission can affect plants. On the contrary, the positive perspective of how road-side plants may be able to affect and influence the harmful effects of vehicular emissions has also been discussed. Ways and means by which plants can become potential bio indicators of air pollution have also been speculated. The fact that the nanocarbon particulate aspect of automobile pollutants and their interactions with road-side plants and more so on road-side agricultural crops, has not been appropriately investigated has been raised as a key concern. The need to arrive at mitigation methods to identify permanent solutions to these rising concerns has been highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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20 pages, 2660 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chromium Stress in Plants: Toxicity, Tolerance and Phytoremediation

by Dipali Srivastava, Madhu Tiwari, Prasanna Dutta, Puja Singh, Khushboo Chawda, Monica Kumari and Debasis Chakrabarty

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4629; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094629 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 127 | Viewed by 8879

Abstract

Extensive industrial activities resulted in an increase in chromium (Cr) contamination in the environment. The toxicity of Cr severely affects plant growth and development. Cr is also recognized as a human carcinogen that enters the human body via inhalation or by consuming Cr-contaminated food products. Taking consideration of Cr enrichment in the environment and its toxic effects, US Environmental Protection Agency and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry listed Cr as a priority pollutant. In nature, Cr exists in various valence states, including Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Cr(VI) is the most toxic and persistent form in soil. Plants uptake Cr through various transporters such as phosphate and sulfate transporters. Cr exerts its effect by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hampering various metabolic and physiological pathways. Studies on genetic and transcriptional regulation of plants have shown the various detoxification genes get up-regulated and confer tolerance in plants under Cr stress. In recent years, the ability of the plant to withstand Cr toxicity by accumulating Cr inside the plant has been recognized as one of the promising bioremediation methods for the Cr contaminated region. This review summarized the Cr occurrence and toxicity in plants, role of detoxification genes in Cr stress response, and various plants utilized for phytoremediation in Cr-contaminated regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1121 KiB

Open AccessReview

Aquatic Macrophytes in Constructed Wetlands: A Fight against Water Pollution

by Leticia Y. Kochi, Patricia L. Freitas, Leila T. Maranho, Philippe Juneau and Marcelo P. Gomes

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9202; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219202 - 5 Nov 2020

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 11561

Abstract

There is growing concern among health institutions worldwide to supply clean water to their populations, especially to more vulnerable communities. Although sewage treatment systems can remove most contaminants, they are not efficient at removing certain substances that can be detected in significant quantities even after standard treatments. Considering the necessity of perfecting techniques that can remove waterborne contaminants, constructed wetland systems have emerged as an effective bioremediation solution for degrading and removing contaminants. In spite of their environmentally friendly appearance and efficiency in treating residual waters, one of the limiting factors to structure efficient artificial wetlands is the choice of plant species that can both tolerate and remove contaminants. For sometimes, the chosen plants composing a system were not shown to increase wetland performance and became a problem since the biomass produced must have appropriated destination. We provide here an overview of the use and role of aquatic macrophytes in constructed wetland systems. The ability of plants to remove metals, pharmaceutical products, pesticides, cyanotoxins and nanoparticles in constructed wetlands were compared with the removal efficiency of non-planted systems, aiming to evaluate the capacity of plants to increase the removal efficiency of the systems. Moreover, this review also focuses on the management and destination of the biomass produced through natural processes of water filtration. The use of macrophytes in constructed wetlands represents a promising technology, mainly due to their efficiency of removal and the cost advantages of their implantation. However, the choice of plant species composing constructed wetlands should not be only based on the plant removal capacity since the introduction of invasive species can become an ecological problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Pollution, Prevention, and Environmental Sustainability)

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