Characteristics and distribution of low molecular weight organic acids in the sediment porewaters in Bosten Lake, China

The composition and vertical profiles of low molecular-weight organic acids （LMWOAs） and the contribution of them to dissolved organic matter （DOM） in sediment porewaters in Bosten Lake, Xinjiang, China were investigated. The results showed that total concentration of LMWOAs was up to 94.5 μmol/L and their proportion in DOM was 5.6%, suggesting that LMWOAs were important chemical components in DOM in lake sediment porewaters. Among the seven LMWOAs, pyruvic and acetic acid had the highest concentrations with 26.30 and 8.31 μmol/L, accounting for 51.4% and 14.92% of LMWOAs, respectively. Trifluoroacetic and sorbic acid had the lowest concentrations, indicating that the compositions of LMWOAs in relative reducing environments were largely different from those reported in glacier, atmosphere and soils. The concentrations of lactic, acetic, formic, sorbic and oxalic acid decreased with increasing depth, probably relating to stronger microbial activities in the initial stage of early diagenesis. Trifluoroacetic acid was mainly anthropogenic with its concentration, showing a diusive trend from the surface to bottom sediments. The concentrations of lactic acid and nitrate generally showed a consistent profile. The increasing concentration of pyruvic acid in the vertical profile was just opposite to that of sulfate, revealing a significant negative relationship between them. Oxalic acid remained constant except for an obvious peak at 6 cm depth. The results indicated the diversities in sources and behaviors for various LMWOAs during early diagenesis in sediments.

A Historical Sedimentary Record of Mercury in a Shallow Eutrophic Lake: Impacts of Human Activities and Climate Change

Mercury and its derivatives are hazardous environmental pollutants and could affect the aquatic ecosystems and human health by biomagnification. Lake sediments can provide important historical information regarding changes in pollution levels and thus trace anthropogenic or natural influences. This research investigates the 100-year history of mercury (Hg) deposition in sediments from Chao Lake, a shallow eutrophic lake in China. The results indicate that the Hg deposition history can be separated into three stages (pre-1960s, 1960s–1980s, and post-1980s) over the last 100 years. Before the 1960s, Hg concentrations in the sediment cores varied little and had no spatial difference. Since the 1960s, the concentration of Hg began to increase gradually, and showed a higher concentration of contamination in the western half of the lake region than in the eastern half of the lake region due to all kinds of centralized human-input sources. The influences of anthropogenic factors and hydrological change are revealed by analyzing correlations between Hg and heavy metals (Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn), stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (d13C and d15N), nutrients, particle sizes, and meteorological factors. The results show that Hg pollution intensified after the 1960s, mainly due to hydrological change, rapid regional development and urbanization, and the proliferation of anthropogenic Hg sources. Furthermore, the temperature, wind speed, and evaporation are found to interactively influence the environmental behaviors and environmental fate of Hg.

Enlightenment from the COVID-19 Pandemic:The Roles of Environmental Factors in Future Public Health Emergency Response

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is challenging the current public health emergency response systems(PHERSs)of many countries.Although environmental factors,such as those influencing the survival of viruses and their transmission between species including humans,play important roles in PHERSs,little attention has been given to these factors.This study describes and elucidates the roles of environmental factors in future PHERSs.To improve countries’capability to respond to public health emergencies associated with viral infections such as the COVID-19 pandemic,a number of environmental factors should be considered before,during,and after the responses to such emergencies.More specifically,to prevent pandemic outbreaks,we should strengthen environmental and wildlife protection,conduct detailed viral surveillance in animals and hotspots,and improve early-warning systems.During the pandemic,we must study the impacts of environmental factors on viral behaviors,develop control measures to minimize secondary environmental risks,and conduct timely assessments of viral risks and secondary environmental effects with a view to reducing the impacts of the pandemic on human health and on ecosystems.After the pandemic,we should further strengthen surveillance for viruses and the prevention of viral spread,maintain control measures for minimizing secondary environmental risks,develop our capability to scientifically predict pandemics and resurgences,and prepare for the next unexpected resurgence.Meanwhile,we should restore the normal life and production of the public based on the“One Health”concept,that views global human and environmental health as inextricably linked.Our recommendations are essential for improving nations’capability to respond to global public health emergencies.

Phosphorus speciation in surface sediments of a hypertrophic lake,Southwestern China:insights from fractionation and ^(31)P NMR

Phosphorus(P) species in surface sediments from a shallow,hypertrophic lake,Lake Dianchi,China,were investigated by P fractionation and ^(31)P nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopy during a regional algal bloom.In addition,their potential contributions to the overlying water were also evaluated.Labile fractions of P extracted by NH_4C1,bicarbonate dithionite and NaOH ranged from 340.6 to 1,725.8 mg kg^(-1),accounting for20.5%-67.2%of the total P.A two-step extraction method refinement of P recovery was performed before the^(31)P NMR analysis.Recovery rates of sedimentary TP and organic P,by combining EDTA pretreatment and NaOH or mixed reagents,ranged from 31.8%to 69.3%and from19.8%to 51.7%.^(31)P NMR results showed that ortho-P and monoester-P were the most abundant P components in the sediment extractable P of sediments,followed by diester-P and pyro-P.Spatial distribution of the sum of ortho-P,diester-P and pyro-P detected by P NMR corresponded well with the labile P concentration determined by fractionation.Both exhibited a significant positive correlation with the total P in the water column,suggesting that internal loading may be an important source of P for the lake ecosystem.Biogenic P other than ortho-P may contribute to phytoplankton growth,with the relative proportion being 4.4%-18.7%.The release of labile P fractions fueled algal bloom,and the decay of organic matter,following the bloom events,consumed oxygen and elevated the pH value.This co-dependence might lead to a vicious cycle.Transformation mechanisms of various P species remain ambiguous and are worthy of further investigation.

Emerging contaminants:A One Health perspective

Environmental pollution is escalating due to rapid global development that often prioritizes human needs over planetary health.Despite global efforts to mitigate legacy pollutants,the continuous introduction of new substances remains a major threat to both people and the planet.In response,global initiatives are focusing on risk assessment and regulation of emerging contaminants,as demonstrated by the ongoing efforts to establish the UN’s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals,Waste,and Pollution Prevention.This review identifies the sources and impacts of emerging contaminants on planetary health,emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach.Strategies for monitoring and addressing these pollutants are discussed,underscoring the need for robust and socially equitable environmental policies at both regional and international levels.Urgent actions are needed to transition toward sustainable pollution management practices to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Land use and river-lake connectivity: Biodiversity determinants of lake ecosystems

Lake ecosystems confront escalating challenges to their stability and resilience,most intuitively leading to biodiversity loss,necessitating effective preservation strategies to safeguard aquatic environments.However,the complexity of ecological processes governing lake biodiversity under multi-stressor interactions remains an ongoing concern,primarily due to insufficient long-term bioindicator data,particularly concerning macroinvertebrate biodiversity.Here we utilize a unique,continuous,and in situ biomonitoring dataset spanning from 2011 to 2019 to investigate the spatio-temporal variation of macroinvertebrate communities.We assess the impact of four crucial environmental parameters on Lake Dongting and Lake Taihu,i.e.,water quality,hydrology,climate change,and land use.These two systems are representative of lakes with Yangtze-connected and disconnected subtropical floodplains in China.We find an alarming trend of declining taxonomic and functional diversities among macroinvertebrate communities despite improvements in water quality.Primary contributing factors to this decline include persistent anthropogenic pressures,particularly alterations in human land use around the lakes,including intensified nutrient loads and reduced habitat heterogeneity.Notably,river-lake connectivity is pivotal in shaping differential responses to multiple stressors.Our results highlight a strong correlation between biodiversity alterations and land use within a 2e5 km radius and 0.05e2.5 km from the shorelines of Lakes Dongting and Taihu,respectively.These findings highlight the importance of implementing land buffer zones with specific spatial scales to enhance taxonomic and functional diversity,securing essential ecosystem services and enhancing the resilience of crucial lake ecosystems.

Resilient water quality management: Insights from Japan's environmental quality standards for conserving aquatic life framework

Currently,chemicals and waste are recognized as key drivers of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems.To ensure vibrant habitats for aquatic species and maintain a sustainable aquatic food supply system,Japan promulgated its Environmental Quality Standards for the Conservation of Aquatic Life(EQS-CAL),based on its own aquatic life water quality criteria(ALWQC)derivation method and application mechanism.Here we overview Japan's EQS-CAL framework and highlight their best practices by examining the framework systems and related policies.Key experiences from Japan's EQS-CAL system include:(1)Classifying six types of aquatic organisms according to their adaptability to habitat status;(2)Using a risk-based chemical screening system for three groups of chemical pollutants;(3)Recommending a five-step method for determining ALWQC values based on the most sensitive life stage of the most sensitive species;(4)Applying site-specific implementation mechanisms through a series of Plan-Do-Check-Act loops.This paper offers scientific references for other jurisdictions,aiding in the development of more resilient ALWQC systems that can maintain healthy environments for aquatic life and potentially mitigate ongoing threats to human societies and global aquatic biodiversity.

青藏高原东北部湖泊浮游植物对气候振荡的响应:来自1400年沉积物岩芯的证据

The Tibetan Plateau, also known as the Water Tower of Asia, is home to 1424 lakes with areas of greater than 1 km2, and supplies freshwater resources for more than 1.4 billion people [1,2]. In the context of recent global change, the warmer climate has caused prominent changes in the characteristics of the lake evolution on the Tibetan Plateau, such as changes in the hydrology.

Water temperature governs organophosphate ester dynamics in the aquatic food chain of Poyang Lake

Organophosphate esters(OPEs)are increasingly recognized as pervasive environmental contaminants,primarily from their extensive application in flame retardants and plasticizers.Despite their widespread presence,the intricacies of OPE bioaccumulation within aquatic ecosystems remain poorly understood,particularly the environmental determinants influencing their distribution and the bioaccumulation dynamics across aquatic food chains.Here we show that water temperature plays a crucial role in modulating the dispersion of OPE in the aquatic environment of Poyang Lake.We quantified OPE concentrations across various matrices,uncovering levels ranging from 0.198 to 912.622 ng L^(-1) in water,0.013e493.36 ng per g dry weight(dw)in sediment,0.026e41.92 ng per g wet weight(ww)in plankton,0.13e2100.72 ng per g dw in benthic invertebrates,and 0.31e3956.49 ng per g dw in wild fish,highlighting a pronounced bioaccumulation gradient.Notably,the intestines emerged as the principal site for OPE absorption,displaying the highest concentrations among the seven tissues examined.Among the various OPEs,tris(chloroethyl)phosphate was distinguished by its significant bioaccumulation potential within the aquatic food web,suggesting a need for heightened scrutiny.The propensity for OPE accumulation was markedly higher in benthic invertebrates than wild fish,indicating a differential vulnerability within aquatic biota.This study lays a foundational basis for the risk assessment of OPEs as emerging contaminants and underscores the imperative to prioritize the examination of bioaccumulation effects,particularly in benthic invertebrates,to inform future environmental safeguarding strategies.

Accelerating the establishment of a new science-policy panel to address the triple planetary crisis

he triple planetary crisis—climate change,biodiversity loss,and pollution—threatens planetary health.In response to these challenges,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)was established in 1988,followed by the formation of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services(IPBES)in 2012.Ongoing global initiatives through IPCC and IPBES have significantly advanced scientific understanding,raised public awareness,and informed policy-making in relation to climate change and biodiversity loss.However,pollution remains a pressing concern in all three crises.

环境空气质量基准和标准制定方法及其对我国的启示

我国已经在大气污染治理方面取得了显著成效,空气质量明显改善,积累了先进的空气污染治理经验.现阶段,我国应逐步开启对环境空气质量基准的研究.本文详细介绍了国际上主要的三大类环境空气质量基准和标准的制定原则与方法,分别基于人体健康、植被暴露以及土壤/水体生态系统化学指标;汇总比较了国际上较常采用的一系列评价指标.在此基础上,对我国上述三方面的本土化基础研究进行综述,分析了我国开展环境空气质量基准研究的原则性路径,包括工作初期和完善体系的预期架构,指出工作初期制定基准的工作可以适当从简,但在工作基础逐渐丰富后,应当逐步细化的工作原则.此外,本文还对国内外环境空气标准的制定策略中采纳基准的情况进行了简要的比较和梳理,结合我国环境空气达标现状、管理体系和工作基础,面向“美丽中国”和“健康中国”的宏伟目标,提出在科学构建环境空气质量评估体系的过程中,既要考虑我国本土人群健康与生态独特的安全红线,又要注意基准向标准转化过程可能带来的管理难点,从而确保环境空气污染防治攻坚战稳步推进并取得胜利.

Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of heavy metals in urban soils from southwest China

To identify the concentrations and sources of heavy metals, and to assess soil environmental quality, 63 soil samples were collected in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, China. Mean concentrations of As, Pb, Zn, and Cu were 10.55, 61.23, 138.88 and 56.35 mg/kg, respectively. As concentrations were comparable to background values, while Pb, Zn, and Cu concentrations were higher than their corresponding background values. Industrial areas exhibited the highest concentrations of As, Pb, Zn, and Cu, while the lowest concentrations occurred in parks. Statistical analysis was performed and two cluster groups of metals were identified with Pb, Zn, and Cu in one group and As in the other. Spatial distribution maps indicated that Pb, Zn, and Cu were mainly controlled by anthropogenic activities, whereas As could be mainly accounted for by soil parent materials. Pollution index values of As, Pb, Zn, and Cu varied in the range of 0.24-1.93, 0.66-7.24, 0.42-4.19, and 0.62-5.25, with mean values of 0.86, 1.98, 1.61, and 1.78, respectively. The integrated pollution index （IPI） values of these metals varied from 0.82 to 3.54, with a mean of 1.6 and more than 90% of soil samples were moderately or highly contaminated with heavy metals. The spatial distribution of IPI showed that newer urban areas displayed relatively lower heavy metal contamination in comparison with older urban areas.

Removal of antimony from antimony mine flotation wastewater by electrocoagulation with aluminum electrodes

Antimony （Sb） has received increasing environmental concerns due to its potential toxic and carcinogenic properties. In the present work, the electrocoagulation technique was used to treat the flotation wastewater from a heavy antimony polluted area, and the mechanism of removing Sb was also investigated. The study focused on the effect of operation parameters such as current density, initial pH and standing time on the Sb removal efficiency. Antimony concentration of below 1 mg/L in the treated wastewater was achieved, which meets the emission standards established by State Department of Environmental Protection and State Administration of China for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine of China.

A review of environmental characteristics and effects of low-molecular weight organic acids in the surface ecosystem

Low molecular weight organic acids （LMWOAs） are prevalent on the earth＇s surface. They are vital intermediate products during metabolic pathways of organic matter and participate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle during life activities. Photochemical reactions are pivotal for LMWOAs＇ origination and play a large role in determining their diversity and their ultimate fate. Within the long time that organic matter is preserved in sediments, it can be decomposed and converted to release organic and inorganic pollutants as well as C, N, and P nutrients, which are of potential ecological risk in causing secondary pollution to lake water. The sediment pool is a comprehensive and complex compartment closely associated with overlying water by various biochemical processes, during which LMWOAs play critical roles to transport and transform elements. This article elucidates geochemical behaviors of LMWOAs in the surface environment in details, taking natural water, soil, and aerosol as examples, focusing on reviewing research developments on sources and characteristics, migration and mineralization of LMWOAs and relevant environmental effects. Simultaneously, this review article depicts the categories and contents of LMWOAs or their contribution to DOC in environmental media, and evaluates their importance during organic matter early diagenesis. Through concluding and discussing the conversion mechanisms and influencing factors, the next research orientations on LMWOAs in lake ecosystems are determined, mainly concerning relationships with hydrochemical parameters and microorganisms, and interactions with pollutants. This will enrich the knowledge on organic matter degradation and related environmental effects, and help reconstruct a theoretical framework for organic compound succession and influencing factors, providing basic data for lake eutrophication and ecological risk assessment, conducive to better control over water pollution and proper management of water quality.

Fluorescence regional integration and differential fluorescence spectroscopy for analysis of structural characteristics and proton binding properties of fulvic acid sub-fractions

Structural characteristics and proton binding properties of sub-fractions（FA3–FA13） of fulvic acid（FA）, eluted stepwise by pyrophosphate buffer were examined by use of fluorescence titration combined with fluorescence regional integration（FRI） and differential fluorescence spectroscopy（DFS）. Humic-like（H-L） and fulvic-like（F-L） materials, which accounted for more than 80% of fluorescence response, were dominant in five sub-fractions of FA. Based on FRI analysis, except the response of F-L materials in FA9 and FA13, maximum changes in percent fluorescence response were less than 10% as pH was increased from 2.5 to 11.5.Contents of carboxylic and phenolic groups were compared for fluorescence peaks of FA sub-fractions based on pH-dependent fluorescence derived from DFS. Static quenching was the dominant mechanism for binding of protons by FA sub-fractions. Dissociation constants（p Ka） were calculated by use of results of DFS and the modified Stern-Volmer relationship. The p Kaof H-L, F-L, tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like materials of FA subfractions exhibited ranges of 3.17–4.06, 3.12–3.97, 4.14–4.45 and 4.25–4.76, respectively, for acidic pHs. At basic pHs, values of p Ka for corresponding materials were in ranges of 9.71–10.24, 9.62–10.99, 9.67–10.31 and 9.33–10.28, respectively. At acidic pH, protein-like（P-L）materials had greater affinities for protons than did either H-L or F-L materials. The dicarboxylic and phenolic groups were likely predominant sites of protonation for both H-L and F-L materials at both acidic and basic pHs. Amino acid groups were significant factors during proton binding to protein-like materials of FA sub-fractions at basic pH.

Phosphorus speciation in the sediment profile of Lake Erhai, southwestern China: Fractionation and ^(31)P NMR

The distribution characteristics of phosphorus （P） forms in the sediment profile of Lake Erhai, in southwestern China has been investigated by sequential extraction and 31p nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy （NMR） of NaOH extracts to understand P dynamics and its potential contribution to lake eutrophication. Contents of P fractions varied in the order of NH4C1 extracted P （NH4C1- P） 〈 bicarbonate-dithionite extracted P （BD-P） 〈 HC1-P, Residual-P 〈 NaOH extracted P （NaOH-P）. The highly available NH4C1-P represented less than 1% of total P （TP）. BD-P and NaOH extracted reactive P （NaOH-rP） averaged 39%, while the ratio of Fe/P was higher than 15, indicating low P release from the sediments under permanent oxic condition. The less bio-available HC1-P, NaOH extracted nonreactive P （NaOH-nrP） and residual-P contributed 61% of TP. Regression analysis revealed that BD-P, NaOH-rP and HC1-P were positively correlated with the contents of Fe and Mn, A1 and Fe, and Ca, respectively. The investigation of P compound groups in NaOH extracts by 31p NMR showed that ortho-P and monoester-P were the largest two constituents of the P pool, followed by diester-P, phosphonate and pyro-P. A comparison of vertical variations of P groups in the sediment profile suggested that these compounds were involved in the P recycling to different extents in Lake Erhai. In particular, the lake exhibits high potential for labile P release from the surface sediments, which should be taken into consideration even after the outsourced P runoff ceased.

Development of methods for establishing nutrient criteria in lakes and reservoirs: A review

Nutrient criteria provide a scientific foundation for the comprehensive evaluation, prevention,control and management of water eutrophication. In this review, the literature was examined to systematically evaluate the benefits, drawbacks, and applications of statistical analysis,paleolimnological reconstruction, stressor-response model, and model inference approaches for nutrient criteria determination. The developments and challenges in the determination of nutrient criteria in lakes and reservoirs are presented. Reference lakes can reflect the original states of lakes, but reference sites are often unavailable. Using the paleolimnological reconstruction method, it is often difficult to reconstruct the historical nutrient conditions of shallow lakes in which the sediments are easily disturbed. The model inference approach requires sufficient data to identify the appropriate equations and characterize a waterbody or group of waterbodies, thereby increasing the difficulty of establishing nutrient criteria. The stressor-response model is a potential development direction for nutrient criteria determination, and the mechanisms of stressor-response models should be studied further. Based on studies of the relationships among water ecological criteria, eutrophication, nutrient criteria and plankton, methods for determining nutrient criteria should be closely integrated with water management requirements.

Three decades of changes in water environment of a large freshwater Lake and its relationship with socio-economic indicators

Tai Lake(Ch: Taihu) has attracted international attention forcyanobacteria blooms.However, the drivers of cultural eutrophication, especially long-term socio-economic indicators have been little researched. The results of research demonstrate how socioeconomic development affected quality of water and how it has been improved by anthropogenic activities. This study described variability in indicators of water quality in Tai Lakeand investigated thedrivers. Significant relationships existed between concentrations of annual mean total nitrogen(TN), total phosphorous(TP), chemical oxygen demand(COD) and biological oxygen demand(BOD), and population, per capital gross domestic production(GDP) and sewage discharge(p < 0.05). However, mechanisms causing change varied among TN, TP, COD and BOD. Before 2000, the main contributors to increases in concentrations of TN were human population, GDP and volumes of domestic sewage discharges. After 2000, discharges of industrial sewage become the primary contributor. After 1998, the regressions of annual mean TN, TP and COD on per capital GDP, population and domestic sewage discharge were reversed compared to the former period. Since 1999, an apparent inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental pollution and economic development has developed, which indicated that actions taken by governments have markedly improved quality of water in Tai Lake. The statistical relationship between BOD and per capital GDP didn't conform to the Kuznet curve. The Ushaped Kuznet curve may offer hope for the future that with significant environmental investments a high GDP can be reached and maintained without degradation of the environment, especially through appropriate management of industrial sewage discharge.