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Environmental problems - Chemical approaches

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry publishes papers reporting chemistry that enhances our understanding of the natural and engineered environment (including indoor and outdoor air, water, soil, sediments, and biota). Read more about the journal

Editor-in-Chief: Jamie Lead

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Environmental Chemistry is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 December 2024

EN24065Assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in a tropical elasmobranch assemblage

Andréia S. Campos 0009-0000-3085-1904, Moisés F. Bezerra, Victor L. Moura, Vicente V. Faria, Carlos E. Rezende, Wanderley R. Bastos, Iuri Aparecida S. Oliveira and Luiz D. Lacerda
 

Composite picture showing silhouettes of elasmobranchs and two graphs correlating increased Hg presence with length of subject.

Environmental context. Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential metal that can accumulate in aquatic biota, including top predators such as elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), and biomagnifying along the trophic web. This study provides data on Hg total, methylmercury (MeHg) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) for 13 elasmobranch taxa in the Equatorial Western Atlantic Ocean, relating biological and ecological properties with Hg concentrations and the estimated human consumption risk. (Image credit: Andréia dos Santos Campos.)

This article belongs to the collection: Mercury in the environment.


Two pie charts detailing pollution sources for Chengguan (left) and Xigu (right) districts.

Environmental context. Exploring the characterisation and sources of the chemical composition of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere is critical to human health. Dust, primarily from soil, is the main source of atmospheric fine particulate matter in Chengguan and Xigu Districts of Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, rather than other causes. This provides directions and ideas for future local ecological environment and pollution management. (Image credit: Qin Cui.)

This article belongs to the collection: Dedication to Roy Harrison.

Published online 12 December 2024

EN23131Daphnia reproductive impacts following chronic exposure to micro- and nano-scale particles from three types of rubber

Brittany E. Cunningham 0000-0002-2164-9402, Bryan J. Harper, Susanne M. Brander and Stacey L. Harper
 

Schematic showing the testing of Daphnia with different types of rubber.

Environmental context. Tyre rubber particles, from both driving and reuse of tyre rubber, are pollutants that carry toxic chemicals into the environment. We investigated the long-term effects that these particles have on small aquatic organisms and found that they drastically reduce their ability to reproduce. Continued exposure of aquatic invertebrates to tyre-related pollutants, has the potential to affect the population by inhibiting reproduction into future generations. (Image credit: Brittany Cunningham.)

This article belongs to the collection: Tyre road wear particles – chemistry and impacts.

Published online 29 November 2024

EN24096From chemistry to culture: the need for an integrated approach to mercury research and policy making

Larissa Schneider 0000-0001-5276-2531 and Saul Guerrero
 

Environmental context. Mercury (Hg) has been extensively used throughout human history, leaving a persistent environmental legacy that continues to present challenges for pollution management and public health. This highlight focuses on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance our knowledge of mercury’s historical uses and emissions, supporting more effective strategies to address its environmental and societal impacts.

This article belongs to the collection: Mercury in the environment.

Published online 29 November 2024

EN24062Influence of initial speciation of platinum and palladium on their accumulation and toxicity towards phytoplankton

Julien Michaud-Valcourt 0009-0002-8136-0480, Sylvie Blanc, Louis Courtois, Jelle Mertens, Séverine Le Faucheur and Claude Fortin 0000-0002-2479-1869
 

Diagram indicating the determined toxicity of the Pd and Pt complexes studied towards phytoplankton.

Environmental context. The increasing global demand for platinum and palladium for the development of new technologies will likely enhance their biogeochemical mobility. However, our understanding of the environmental risks of these metals remains incomplete. To help fill this knowledge gap, we determined the toxicity of various forms of platinum and palladium on a green alga. We found that palladium was more toxic than platinum and that platinum toxicity depended on the form tested. (Image credit: J. Michaud-Valcourt.)

Published online 18 September 2024

EN24030Diversity of ammonia sources in Tianjin: nitrogen isotope analyses and simulations of aerosol ammonium

Libin Wu 0009-0006-3898-1192, Yiwen Zhang, Yunting Xiao, Jialei Zhu, Zongbo Shi 0000-0002-7157-543X, Yuantao Wang, Hong Xu, Wei Hu, Junjun Deng, Miao Tang and Pingqing Fu
 

A photograph of Jingang Bridge with the Tianjin Eye behind, shrouded in air pollution.

Environmental context. Atmospheric particulate NH4+, primarily produced from the reaction of NH3 and acids, is an important component of PM2.5. In this study, nitrogen stable isotope analyses and an atmospheric chemistry model were used to estimate the contribution of major NH3 sources to particulate NH4+ in Tianjin, a megacity in North China Plain (NCP). Our research has implications for investigations of NH3 emission sources and relevant pollution control in Tianjin and NCP. Photograph by Libin Wu.

This article belongs to the collection Dedication to Roy Harrison.

Published online 13 September 2024

EN24042Photolysis characteristics and influencing factors of the pesticide pyrimethanil in natural waters

Jiayun Zhao, Hui Liu 0000-0001-8991-9192, Zhiwen Li, Xiaomei Zhu and Bing Sun
 

Image depicting photodegradation of pesticide in aqueous environments and graph of increasing degradation with time.

Environmental context. The widespread use of pesticides leads to a large amount of residues in natural waters where photochemical degradation is the main removal process. The factors influencing the photodegradation of pyrimethanil were investigated in different aqueous matrixes, and a chlorinated product was found in saline water, indicating a higher ecological risk of residual pyrimethanil in estuarine and nearshore water than in fresh water. A better understanding of the natural degradation mechanisms for pesticides will inform their safer use in agriculture. (Image credit: Jiayun Zhao.)

Published online 02 September 2024

EN24031Methods and current developments of the Solvay process for brine management and CO2 capture: a critical review

Zohreh Rahimi-Ahar 0000-0001-6804-9474 and Abbas Ghareghashi
 

Stylised picture of a factory releasing CO2 underneath a reactor schematic for the Solvay process.

Environmental context. This manuscript focuses on the introduction of the conventional and modified Solvay processes. The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, while also providing brine management and CO2 capture. Optimal values must be used for reactant contents, temperature, salinity of the brine and stirring rate to enhance efficiency. (Image of the schematic diagram reproduced from Mourad et al. 2021 with permission.)

Published online 27 August 2024

EN24011Quantification of palladium-labelled nanoplastics algal uptake by single cell and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Elizabeth C. Bair 0000-0001-7277-8688, Zhangzhen Guo, Tammi L. Richardson 0000-0002-0667-3455 and Jamie R. Lead
 

Schematic of Pd@polymer nanoplastics in solution phase and cell samples after exposure.

Environmental context. Plastic pollution is widespread and continues to be a major concern, both for the environment and human health. Identifying nanoplastics is challenging but it is important to understand how they behave once in the environment. It is shown that a combination of single particle (SP)– and single cell (SC)–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can be used to quantify nanoplastics on a per cell basis after exposure to algal cells. (Image credit: E. C. Bair.)

Published online 26 July 2024

EN23111Testing of the bioremediation on model substrates for complex refinery contaminants arising from accidental or deliberate facility damage

Tanja Jednak Beric 0000-0003-1938-1459, Miroslav M. Vrvic, Marija Lješevic, Jelena Avdalovic, Mila Ilic, Dragan Crnkovic, Branimir Jovancicevic and Srdan Miletic 0000-0002-7263-2686
 

Environmental context. Mitigating the environmental fallout of industrial accidents is crucial. In a recent study, researchers conducted tests on model substrates to explore the effectiveness of bioremediation in treating complex refinery contaminants resulting from both accidental and deliberate facility damage. The research reveals that bioremediation can be a promising, eco-friendly solution for cleaning up such pollutants, aligning with broader efforts to combat environmental harm resulting from industrial incidents.

Published online 02 July 2024

EN24021A critical assessment of physicochemical indices used to characterise natural dissolved organic carbon (DOC), their inter-relationships, and the effects of pH

Carolyn Morris 0000-0002-7254-8433, Samantha Zulian, Colin J. Brauner 0000-0002-3695-7707, Chris M. Wood 0000-0002-9542-2219 and D. Scott Smith 0000-0002-3075-4087
 

Diagram of samples at differing pH showing trends in colour, lipophilicity, aromaticity and charge.

Environmental context. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is ubiquitous in freshwater and concentrations are rising universally while pH is decreasing with climate change. This study demonstrates the interrelationships among DOC characterisation techniques and the pH-sensitive aspects of these techniques that were previously not well understood. As DOC regulates important processes within ecosystems, understanding DOC behaviour at altered pH and identifying techniques to effectively evaluate DOC composition are critical requirements for monitoring aquatic ecosystem health. (Image credit: Carolyn Morris.)

Published online 28 June 2024

EN24024A comprehensive analysis of water-soluble arsenicals in Icelandic macroalgae

Rebecca Sim 0000-0001-7398-8062 and Ásta H. Pétursdóttir 0000-0002-6739-0598
 

Photograph of several seaweed species superimposed by structures of common water-soluble arsenic compounds.

Environmental context. Seaweeds are known to accumulate high levels of arsenic, and cellular concentrations may reach several orders of magnitude higher than that of the surrounding environment. Arsenic may be methylated by seaweed cells and further metabolised to water-soluble arsenic-containing sugars through unknown pathways. Whether these compounds are the result of a detoxification process or are produced with a biological purpose remains to be seen. (Image credit: Rebecca Sim.)

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. In Australia, there is an active Mercury Australia Network that held a symposium in 2023 that demonstrated the interest in the topic. We are seeking papers that cover all aspects of mercury in the environment, not only in Australia but in other international locations.

Environmental Chemistry publishes manuscripts addressing the chemistry of the natural and engineered environment (including indoor and outdoor air, water, earth and biota), including the behaviour and impacts of contaminants and other anthropogenic disturbances. The scope encompasses atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry and biogeochemistry, climate change, marine and freshwater chemistry, polar chemistry, fire chemistry, soil and sediment chemistry, and chemical aspects of ecotoxicology. Papers that take an interdisciplinary approach, while advancing our understanding of the linkages between chemistry and physical or biological processes, are particularly encouraged. The special issue will consider all studies that cover any of these areas in relation to mercury as an environmental contaminant.

Last Updated: 20 Dec 2024

This collection brings together a series of papers dedicated to Prof. Roy Harrison.

Last Updated: 13 Dec 2024

This collection addresses the environmental chemistry of tyre wear particles and their associated chemicals, ranging in particle size fractions and composition, chemical additives and environmental transformation products, which is applied to improve the understanding of their environmental impact.

Last Updated: 12 Dec 2024

This collection brings together papers on new approach methodologies (NAMs) that focus on translational NAM advances and their application within an environmental context.

Last Updated: 24 Jun 2024

In keeping with the ICOBTE 2019 conference theme, 'Biogeochemistry of trace elements for improved environmental sustainability and human health', we are pleased to present this collection containing a selection of recently published papers focusing on various aspects of trace element biogeochemistry and human health.

Last Updated: 03 Apr 2019

This collection of Environmental Chemistry brings together papers reporting the detection and quantification of organosulfates in various atmospheric environments across the world, and thereby produces new insights into the atmospheric chemistry of organosulfates.

Last Updated: 21 Mar 2019

Environmental Chemistry is proud to present this collection featuring highlight articles published during 2014 and 2015 and covering a wide range of topics.

Last Updated: 16 Jun 2016

This collection is but a small representation of subjects representing the broad scope of Environmental Chemistry, including Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere science (SOLAS); atmospheric aerosol chemistry; arsenic binding and microbial sulfate reduction; size fractionation and mercury speciation; diffusion of nanoparticles in biofilms; and organic phosphorus in aquatic systems.

Last Updated: 20 Mar 2014

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