Environmental context. Carbonaceous components in PM_2.5 have a negative effect on the environment, human health and climate. We explored the pollution characteristic, potential sources and interaction of carbonous aerosols in two adjacent areas in Shanxi, China. The concentration levels of organic carbon and elemental carbon were of a moderate level of all those measured between 2009 and 2020. Vehicle exhaust and coal combustion were the two main sources, and Yuci may be affected by the regional transport of Taiyuan in winter.

Environmental context. Pesticides are critical to agriculture and food production but require ecological risk assessments. Although most risk assessments require data from vertebrate animal testing, we have developed an approach to assess risk to fish, birds and mammals using other means. This approach could help to ensure protection of the environment while minimising animal testing.

This article belongs to the collection NAMs in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology.

Environmental context. Mineral dust is an important external source of trace metals to the offshore ocean. Dust exposure to acids is a significant driver of the release of dissolved trace elements. This study provides an analysis of mineral dust interaction with acid, as a proxy for atmospheric processes. An insight is given into the processes that may occur in the atmosphere where desert dust may add nutrient or toxic metals to oceans.

This article belongs to the collection Dedication to Prof. Edward Tipping.