Environmental context. The potential of pollutants to migrate from biosolids must be considered when assessing the environmental risk associated with the application of biosolids in agriculture. We conducted semi-field tests simulating natural conditions to determine the leaching and runoff capacity of emerging organic contaminants following fortification and application of municipal biosolids. We demonstrate the transfer of pollutants from biosolid-amended soil to leachate and runoff water generated by natural rainfall.

Environmental context. Low availability of calcium (Ca²⁺) in soils is one of the major factors in Ca²⁺ deficiency of plants and physiological plant disorders. A device based on functionalised silica was developed for in-situ measurement of the available Ca²⁺ in soils. Application of the proposed device to measure available Ca²⁺ may help to develop and improve agricultural practices.

Environmental context. Txakoli wine is unique to the Basque Country, and is characterised by its high acidity and minerality. Trace element profiles were obtained over a two-year period for the roots, leaves and fruits of three grape varieties intended for txakoli production. These data on the growth- and variety-specific trace-element profiles could guide the choice of grape for the production of txakoli with particular elemental characteristics.

Environmental context. An important goal in attempts to degrade environmental organic pollutants is the development of a photocatalyst that is responsive to visible light. We report a facile method for preparing a zinc-based photocatalyst with oxygen vacancies that efficiently degrades bisphenol A under solar light irradiation. The study will stimulate further investigations into the efficacy of other metal oxide nanostructures for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Environmental context. Photogenerated reactive species play important roles in the degradation of dissolved organic pollutants. Photogeneration and concerted measurements of hydroxyl (·OH), nitric oxide (NO·) and superoxide (O₂^·−) radicals in samples from the Seto Inland Sea suggest that their interactive reactions could yield peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), a secondary reactive species. These results reveal how discrete photochemical reactions synergise to influence the variety and fates of reactive species in a marine environment.

Environmental context. Oxygenated volatile organic compounds can lead to the formation of tropospheric ozone, and thus have an impact on climate and human health. Methyl pivalate is one such compound, but the way it breaks down in the atmosphere is not well understood. We investigate the oxidative degradation of methyl pivalate, and show that harmful peroxyacyl nitrates and organic nitrates are the major products.