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Water Pollution

Selected e-articles

Abstract: There is currently a growing interest in the so-called emerging pollutants, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal hygiene care products, drugs, etc., whose presence in natural ecosystems is not necessarily recent, but the development in latest years of new and more sensitive methods of analysis has allowed their detection. They can be present in the natural environment, food, and many products of everyday origin, which suggests that human exposure to them is massive and universal. Therefore, the study of this type of substances is becoming one of the priority lines of research of the main agencies dedicated to the protection of public and environmental health, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or European Union (EU). In this sense, it is of vital importance to know the nature and quantity of this type of contaminants, to establish preventive mechanisms that minimize its presence in aquatic systems, with special requirements for human consumption. This study aimed to describe a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the status of pesticides in European waters. We will search for original studies in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect databases. Prevalence studies of emerging contaminants (pesticides) in water resources (watersheds, aquifers, rivers, marine and springs), wastewaters (influent and effluent), and drinking water should be included. Two reviewers will independently screen and assess the included studies, with any disagreements being resolved by a third reviewer. We will summarize the findings using a narrative approach and, if possible, conduct a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). We will conduct the protocol following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The review will summarize the current evidence on the presence of pesticides in European waters such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, pyrethroid pesticides, neonicotinoid pesticides, and/or fungicides, in samples of different water resources like wastewaters and drinking water. We expect that this systematic review will establish preventive mechanisms that minimize the presence of pesticides in water in the environment.

Abstract: Tetracyclines are among the most commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections and the improvement of agricultural growth and feed efficiency. All compounds in the group of tetracyclines (tetracycline, chlorotetracycline, doxycycline, and oxytetracycline) are excreted in an unchanged form in urine at a rate of more than 70%. They enter the aquatic environment in altered and unaltered forms which affect aquatic micro- and macroorganisms. This study reviews the occurrence, fate, and removal techniques of tetracycline contamination in Europe. The average level of tetracycline contamination in water ranged from 0 to 20 ng/L. However, data regarding environmental contamination by tetracyclines are still insufficient. Despite the constant presence and impact of tetracyclines in the environment, there are no legal restrictions regarding the discharge of tetracyclines into the aquatic environment. To address these challenges, various removal techniques, including advanced oxidation, adsorption, and UV treatment, are being critically evaluated and compared. The summarized data contributes to a better understanding of the current state of Europe's waters and provides insight into potential strategies for future environmental management and policy development. Further research on the pollution and effects of tetracyclines in aquatic environments is therefore required. [Display omitted] The average degree of tetracycline contamination in European waters varied from 0 to 20 ng/L. Tetracyclines have the ability to change the bacterial activity and abundance in water, soil. Tetracyclines may have negative impact on the ecosystem after entering to the aquatic environment. Tetracyclines are effectively removed from wastewater by UV treatment, adsorption and oxidation.

Abstract: This study provides insights into factors that influence the water balance of selected European lakes, mainly in Central Europe, and their implications for water quality. An analysis of isotopic, chemical and land use data using statistical and artificial intelligence models showed that climate, particularly air temperature and precipitation, played a key role in intensifying evaporation losses from the lakes. Water balance was also affected by catchment factors, notably groundwater table depth. The study shows that lakes at lower altitudes with shallow depths and catchments dominated by urban or crop cover were more sensitive to water balance changes. These lakes had higher evaporation-to-inflow ratios and increased concentrations of total nitrogen in the water. On the other hand, lakes at higher elevations with deeper depths and prevailing forest cover in the catchment were less sensitive to water balance changes. These lakes, which are often of glacial origin, were characterized by lower evaporation losses and thus better water quality in terms of total nitrogen concentrations. Understanding connections between water balance and water quality is crucial for effective lake management and the preservation of freshwater ecosystems.

Abstract: The most widely used herbicide glyphosate contaminates surface waters around the globe. Both agriculture and urban applications are discussed as sources for glyphosate. To better delineate these sources, we investigated long-term time series of concentrations of glyphosate and its main transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in a large meta-analysis of about 100 sites in the USA and Europe. The U.S. data reveal pulses of glyphosate and AMPA when the discharge of the river is high, likely indicating mobilization by rain after herbicide application. In contrast, European concentration patterns of glyphosate and AMPA show a typical cyclic-seasonal component in their concentration patterns, correlating with patterns of wastewater markers such as pharmaceuticals, which is consistent with the frequent detection of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants. Our large meta-analysis clearly shows that for more than a decade, municipal wastewater was a very important source of glyphosate. In addition, European river water data show rather high and constant base mass fluxes of glyphosate all over the year, not expected from herbicide application. From our meta-analysis, we define criteria for a source of glyphosate, which was hidden so far. AMPA is known to be a transformation product not only of glyphosate but also of aminopolyphosphonates used as antiscalants in many applications. As they are used in laundry detergents in Europe but not in the USA, we hypothesize that glyphosate may also be a transformation product of aminopolyphosphonates.

Abstract: Although global plastic distribution is at the heart of 21st century environmental concerns, little information is available concerning how organic plastic additives contaminate freshwater sediments, which are often subject to strong anthropogenic pressure. Here, sediment core samples were collected in the Rhone and the Rhine watersheds (France), dated using 137Cs and 210Pbxs methods and analysed for nine phthalates (PAEs) and seven organophosphate esters (OPEs). The distribution of these organic contaminants was used to establish a chronological archive of plastic additive pollution from 1860 (Rhine) and 1930 (Rhone) until today. Sediment grain size and parameters related to organic matter (OM) were also measured as potential factors that may affect the temporal distribution of OPEs and PAEs in sediments. Our results show that OPE and PAE levels increased continuously in Rhone and Rhine sediments since the first records. In both rivers, ∑PAEs levels (from 9.1 ± 1.7 to 487.3 ± 27.0 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) ± standard deviation and from 4.6 ± 1.3 to 65.2 ± 11.2 ng g−1 dw, for the Rhine and the Rhone rivers, respectively) were higher than ∑OPEs levels (from 0.1 ± 0.1 to 79.1 ± 13.7 ng g−1 dw and from 0.6 ± 0.1 to 17.8 ± 2.3 ng g−1 dw, for Rhine and Rhone rivers, respectively). In both rivers, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most abundant PAE, followed by diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), while tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the most abundant OPE. No relationship was found between granulometry and additives concentrations, while organic matter helps explain the vertical distribution of PAEs and OPEs in the sediment cores. This study thus establishes a temporal trajectory of PAEs and OPEs contents over the last decades, leading to a better understanding of historical pollution in these two Western European rivers. [Display omitted] Phthalates (PAEs) appeared in riverine sediments before the 1900s. Higher concentrations of PAEs than OPEs were observed in sediments of both rivers. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the dominant OPE in sediments. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the dominant PAE in sediments. A positive correlation was found between plastic additive level and organic matter.

Abstract: Sediment cores from three major French watersheds (Loire, Meuse and Moselle) have been dated by 137Cs and 210Pbxs from 1910 (Loire), 1947 (Meuse) and 1930 (Moselle) until the present in order to reconstruct trajectories of plastic additive contaminants including nine phthalate esters (PAEs) and seven organophosphate esters (OPEs), measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS–MS). Historical levels of ∑PAEs were higher than those of ∑OPEs in the Loire and the Moselle sediments, while ∑PAEs and ∑OPEs contents were of the same order of magnitude in the Meuse sediments. Although increases in concentrations do not evolve linearly, our results clearly indicate an increase in OPEs and PAEs concentrations from the 1950–1970 period onwards, compared with the first half of the 20th century. Our results show that, ∑OPE contents increase gradually over time in the Loire and Meuse rivers but evolve more randomly in the Moselle River. Trajectories of ∑PAEs depend on the river and no generality can be established, suggesting sedimentary reworking and/or local contamination. Data from this study allowed comparisons of contents of ∑OPEs and ∑PAEs between rivers, with ∑OPE concentrations in the Moselle River > Meuse River > Loire River, and concentrations of ∑PAEs in the Loire River > Moselle River > Meuse River. Among all PAEs, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most abundant in all sediment samples, followed by diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP). Tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the most abundant OPE in sediments of the three rivers. In addition, strong positive Pearson correlations were observed between organic matter (OM) parameters and OPE concentrations, and to a lesser extent, between OM parameters and PAE concentrations. This is particularly true for the Moselle River and for the Loire River, but less so for the Meuse River. [Display omitted] Sediment phthalate (PAE) levels were higher than organophosphate ester (OPE) ones. PAE and OPE levels increased from the second part of the century until today. These increases are likely due to European chemical production at the same period. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the dominant OPE in sediment cores. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the dominant PAE in sediment cores.

Abstract: Climate change elevates the threat of compound heat and drought events, with their ecological and socioeconomic impacts exacerbated by human ecosystem alterations such as eutrophication, salinization, and river engineering. Here, we study how multiple stressors produced an environmental disaster in a large European river, the Oder River, where a toxic bloom of the brackish-water planktonic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum (the “golden algae”) killed approximately 1000 metric tons of fish and most mussels and snails. We uncovered the complexity of this event using hydroclimatic data, remote sensing, cell counts, hydrochemical and toxin analyses, and genetics. After incubation in impounded upstream channels with drastically elevated concentrations of salts and nutrients, only a critical combination of chronic salt and nutrient pollution, acute high water temperatures, and low river discharge during a heatwave enabled the riverine mass proliferation of B-type P. parvum along a 500 km river section. The dramatic losses of large filter feeders and the spreading of vegetative cells and resting stages make the system more susceptible to new harmful algal blooms. Our findings show that global warming, water use intensification, and chronic ecosystem pollution could increase likelihood and severity of such compound ecoclimatic events, necessitating consideration in future impact models.

Abstract: Much attention regarding the environmental pollution by plastics had focused on the Oceans. More recently, contamination of freshwater ecosystems has been addressed but information from smaller rivers in moderately populated catchments is still comparatively scarce. This study explored the microplastic (MP) occurrence in the small regional river Oker, Northern Germany (catchment area 1822 km2, population of ca. 500,000, discharge approx. 12 m3 s−1). MPs (fibers and fragments in the size range 0.3–5 mm, identification by microscopy) were found in all 10 in-stream samples collected along the course of the river, ranging between 28 and 134 particles m−3 with an overall average of 63 particles m−3. This MP concentration found in the small river Oker is similar to, or higher than, that reported for larger rivers in similar environments in Central Europe. On average, higher MP concentration was found at urban (71 particles m−3) compared to rural sampling sites (51 particles m−3). Within the Oker catchment, in-stream MP concentration showed no or low correlation to the catchment-scale factors of catchment size and population. Additional samples taken from three locations directly influenced by discharges of potential MP point sources confirmed wastewater treatment plants of different capacities and an urban rainwater sewer as sources. Our results support findings that MP concentrations in small rivers are crucially influenced by local sources, superimposing linear relationships to factors of catchment size and -population. They show that even small rivers draining moderately populated catchments may exhibit comparatively high concentrations of MPs, and thereby represent underestimated pathways of MP in the environment. [Display omitted] Microplastic concentration in small river is similar to large rivers. Importance of point sources (WWTP, rain sewer) for microplastic (MP) in a small river. Higher MP river concentration in urban than rural areas. No linear correlation of MP concentration with catchment factors (size, population). Prevalence of fibers in in-stream samples, fragments in point source discharge.

Abstract: This article analyses the historical geography of nuclear energy through the spatial lens of river basins. Approximately half of the world’s nuclear power plants were built along one or the other river. There, they gave rise to both conflict and cooperation. Drawing on the theoretical notion of water interaction, which takes into account relations of both conflictual and cooperative nature, we distinguish between such relations in three dimensions: space, environment, and infrastructure. The spatial dimension gravitates around social and political processes where proximity and distance are at the heart, often linked to the search for suitable sites for nuclear construction. The environmental dimension refers to conflict and cooperation around the radioactive and thermal pollution of waterways. The infrastructural dimension, finally, highlights how nuclear power plant builders, when they arrived from the 1950s onwards, had to relate to pre-existing infrastructural features of the rivers, which sometimes led to clashes with other actors and sometimes to more cooperative forms of interaction. In empirical terms, we focus on three European river basins that came to play particularly important roles in European nuclear history: those of the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe.

Abstract:  Nitrate pollution in aquifers is a global concern. Spain has developed a national strategy to recover nitrate polluted aquifers aligned with the European Union (EU) policies, specifically through the water planning under the EU Water Framework Directive. River basin management plans use PATRICAL model results to define the maximum nitrogen surplus in each polluted aquifer for the first time. The maximum nitrogen surplus allows to reach the good status in each aquifer and the model provides the number of years required. Around 30% of the aquifers in Spain is currently heavily polluted by nitrates. Model results show that 90% of these aquifers can be recovered in next 6–12 years by increasing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing nitrogen losses around 50%, which is in line with the EU Farm to Fork Strategy. The remaining aquifers require additional reductions to achieve the good status. In Spain this increase in nitrogen efficiency can be obtained with different measures including 30% reduction of current fertilization. [Display omitted] Spanish strategy to recover nitrate polluted aquifers is perfectly aligned with the European Farm to Fork Strategy. In Spain 30% of aquifers have high nitrate levels. PATRICAL model results define maximum nitrogen surplus in each aquifer. 90 % of groundwater can be recovered reducing nitrogen losses by 50%. Recovery time required is between 6 and 12 years for most aquifers.

Abstract:  We propose a methodological framework to assess the causal impact of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events on economic indicators at a territorial level, with special consideration for spatial effects. Using the Mar Menor region in Spain as a case study, we empirically apply our framework. Our findings indicate a significantly negative causal effect of marine pollution resulting from HAB events on income per capita at the census section level. We observe that this effect is exacerbated by spatial interactions among neighboring census sections adjacent to those directly affected by seawater degradation. These results underscore the importance of implementing effective environmental regulations to mitigate seawater pollution and proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of local populations. Our research provides valuable insights for future studies in similar coastal regions.

Abstract:  The presence of pesticides in aquatic ecosystems poses significant risks to non-target organisms, necessitating monitoring and environmental risk assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics and environmental risk of pesticides in a hydro-agricultural area with intensive agricultural practices, in the Mediterranean region (South of Portugal). Seasonality and location influenced pesticide numbers and concentrations, with the highest levels observed during the dry season. Triazines, phenylureas, and organophosphates were the predominant pesticide classes, with terbuthylazine, bentazone, terbutryn, diazinon, and metolachlor exhibiting the highest detection frequencies (68 % to 72 %). Notably, 44 % of the quantified pesticides are no longer authorized in Portugal, with 33 % posing a high environmental risk. Some insecticides, including imidacloprid, methiocarb, and malathion, were occasionally detected at concentrations that posed high risks to the aquatic ecosystem (RQ ≥ 1). Irgarol, an algicide used in irrigation canals, presented a high risk in 91 % of the analysed samples. The study's distribution profile of pesticides revealed a significant transportation of these compounds from reservoirs to irrigation hydrants, establishing them as a secondary source of crop and environmental contamination. Additionally, the assessment of spatial distribution and environmental risk allowed for the identification of specific pollutants in different locations, prioritizing them based on their ecotoxicological risk to aquatic ecosystems. These findings reinforce the importance of implementing management measures at the level of hydro-agricultural areas, helping to stop the cycle of pesticide contamination. Only this type of strategy will make it possible to protect water quality, biodiversity and the health of citizens, contributing to the European Union's objectives of improving the condition of freshwater bodies and promoting the sustainable use of pesticides. [Display omitted] •For the first time, understanding pesticide dynamics in irrigation system canals is proposed.•Pesticides from reservoir to irrigation system; hydrants become a route of contamination.•Climate change in Mediterranean connect with dynamic and environmental risk of pesticides•Twelve pesticides presented high risk and were proposed to be added to the list of strict control.

Abstract: Monitoring networks show that the European Union Nitrates Directive (ND) has had mixed success in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater. By combining machine learning and monitored nitrate concentrations (1992–2019), we estimate the total area of nitrate hotspots in Europe to be 401,000 km2, with 47% occurring outside of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). We also found contrasting increasing or decreasing trends, varying per country and time periods. We estimate that only 5% of the 122,000 km2 of hotspots in 2019 will meet nitrate quality standards by 2040 and that these may be offset by the appearance of new hotspots. Our results reveal that the effectiveness of the ND is limited by both time-lags between the implementation of good practices and pollution reduction and an inadequate designation of NVZs. Substantial improvements in the designation and regulation of NVZs are necessary, as well as in the quality of monitoring stations in terms of spatial density and information available concerning sampling depth, if the objectives of EU legislation to protect groundwater are to be achieved. [Display omitted] •NO3− concentrations in groundwater mapped at a detailed spatial resolution.•The effectiveness of the Nitrates Directive in reducing NO3− hotspots was assessed.•Limited success of the Nitrates Directive, particularly in Southern Europe.•Less than half of NO3− hotspots in groundwater covered by the designated NVZs.

Abstract: Pesticides from agricultural practices are among the most pressing reasons why groundwater sources do not reach the good chemical status standards as required by the European Water Framework directive. Complementary to previous federal pesticide reports, we analysed groundwater-monitoring data from 13 German Länder assembled in a database consisting of 26.192 groundwater measuring sites sampled between 1973 and 2021 of in total 521 parent compounds and metabolites. This study focuses on agricultural plant protection products. The monitored substance spectrum and site density developed over time and differs between Länder. More than 95 % of all samples lie below the respective (multiple) limits of quantification (LOQ). We thus report the frequency of exceedance above concentration thresholds, which allows to compare measurements temporally and spatially. Pesticide detections were found in all aquifer types, land uses and well screen depths. Most detections of higher concentrations were found in agricultural areas, at shallow screen depth in porous aquifers. Karst aquifers showed also a higher percentage of samples in higher concentration classes. Metabolites with high mobility and persistence were found in higher concentration ranges. Herbicides and metabolites thereof dominate the top 20 of pesticides that most frequently exceed 0.1 μg L−1. The ranking for 2010–2019 includes both authorised and banned compounds and their occurrence is discussed in the context of their mobility, persistence and underlying monitoring density. Yearly exceedance frequencies above 0.05, 0.1 μg L−1 and higher thresholds of metazachlor and its esa-metabolite, and national sales data of the parent compound did not show a temporal correlation in subsequent years. This study stresses the need for the harmonisation of heterogeneous pesticide data. Further, a characterisation of the groundwater data used to analyse pesticide occurrence in selected concentration ranges for relevant site factors and compound properties and provides a pesticide ranking based on exceedance frequencies is provided. Plain 3D: simple with soil layers Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Tracey Saxby, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library). field:harvesting Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Tracey Saxby, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library). Urban: city 1 (Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Tracey Saxby, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library). Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Annie Carew, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library). Quercus palustris (Swamp Spanish Oak) Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) Annie Carew, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library). [Display omitted] •A nationwide data base of pesticides in groundwater in Germany has been harmonised.•Site characteristics and compound properties were compiled for further analysis.•Exceedance frequencies >0.05 and 0.1 μg L−1 reported as comparable measures.•Pesticide detections were found in all aquifer types, land uses and well screen depths.

Abstract: New index method for groundwater vulnerability assessment is applied. Ecohydrogeological indicator link groundwater and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Method sensitivity verified by vulnerability assessment of two catchment areas. Vulnerable groundwater in rivers valleys correspond with the occurrence of GDEs. Methods for assessing the groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) risk remain underexplored, particularly concerning the threat of groundwater pollution. This article presents the application of the DIRECT index – a multicriteria indicator – designed for the coupled assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution (GV) and the risk affecting GDEs. This ecological indicator modifies the DRASTIC index to enable the assessment of GDEs pollution risk and provide a more holistic approach. The assessment of GV and GDEs risk was conducted in areas with varying hydrogeological and geomorphological conditions within a temperate climate zone in Poland (Central Europe). In the reference scenario, GV was categorized as high and very high, constituting 53% and 41% in the Świder and Wisłok study areas, respectively. Spatial variability in GV was noted, with the highest values observed in river valleys where the majority of GDEs are located. The proportion of areas with very high and high-risk GDEs accounted for 73% and 44% of the total GDEs area in the study regions, respectively. Additionally, 59% and 45% of all springs in these areas were situated in zones deemed to have extremely high and high GDEs risk, respectively. A further objective of this study was to project how GV and the associated risk to GDEs might evolve up to the years 2050 and 2100. Four climate change scenarios were examined under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission pathways. The projections indicated that climate change effects, primarily increases in groundwater recharge, could elevate the pollution risk to GDEs by 2050, with a potential slight reduction by 2100. The application of the DIRECT index facilitated a scenario-based assessment of GV coupled with an evaluation of pollution risk to GDEs. This approach should prove beneficial for managing this risk in the context of climate change and aid in preserving the overall ecological status of GDEs.

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