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Seewald M, Nielinger L, Alker K, Behnke JS, Wycisk V, Urner LH. Detergent Chemistry Modulates the Transgression of Planetary Boundaries including Antimicrobial Resistance and Drug Discovery. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403833. [PMID: 38619211 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Detergent chemistry enables applications in the world today while harming safe operating spaces that humanity needs for survival. Aim of this review is to support a holistic thought process in the design of detergent chemistry. We harness the planetary boundary concept as a framework for literature survey to identify progresses and knowledge gaps in context with detergent chemistry and five planetary boundaries that are currently transgressed, i.e., climate, freshwater, land system, novel entities, biosphere integrity. Our survey unveils the status of three critical challenges to be addressed in the years to come, including (i) the implementation of a holistically, climate-friendly detergent industry; (ii) the alignment of materialistic and social aspects in creating technical solutions by means of sustainable chemistry; (iii) the development of detergents that serve the purpose of applications but do not harm the biosphere in their role as novel entities. Specifically, medically relevant case reports revealed that even the most sophisticated detergent design cannot sufficiently accelerate drug discovery to outperform the antibiotic resistance development that detergents simultaneously promote as novel entities. Safe operating spaces that humanity needs for its survival may be secured by directing future efforts beyond sustainable chemistry, resource efficiency, and net zero emission targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Seewald
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lena Nielinger
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Katharina Alker
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan-Simon Behnke
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Virginia Wycisk
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Leonhard H Urner
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
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2
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Hong S, Kang BS, Kim O, Won S, Kim HS, Wie JH, Shin JE, Choi SK, Jo YS, Kim YH, Yang M, Kang H, Lee DW, Park IY, Park JS, Ko HS. The associations between maternal and fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and asymmetric fetal growth restriction: a prospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1351786. [PMID: 38665245 PMCID: PMC11043493 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has revealed associations between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental insufficiency due to altered placental growth, syncytialization, and trophoblast invasion. However, no epidemiologic study has reported associations between exposure to EDCs and asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by placenta insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EDC exposure and asymmetric FGR. This was a prospective cohort study including women admitted for delivery to the Maternal Fetal Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022. Maternal urine and cord blood samples were collected, and the levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalates, and perfluorooctanoic acid in each specimen were analyzed. We investigated linear and non-linear associations between the levels of EDCs and fetal growth parameters, including the head circumference (HC)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio as an asymmetric parameter. The levels of EDCs were compared between fetuses with and without asymmetric FGR. Of the EDCs, only the fetal levels of BPA showed a linear association with the HC/AC ratio after adjusting for confounding variables (β = 0.003, p < 0.05). When comparing the normal growth and asymmetric FGR groups, the asymmetric FGR group showed significantly higher maternal and fetal BPA levels compared to the normal growth group (maternal urine BPA, 3.99 μg/g creatinine vs. 1.71 μg/g creatinine [p < 0.05]; cord blood BPA, 1.96 μg/L vs. -0.86 μg/L [p < 0.05]). In conclusion, fetal exposure levels of BPA show linear associations with asymmetric fetal growth patterns. High maternal and fetal exposure to BPA might be associated with asymmetric FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subeen Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Soo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oyoung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangeun Won
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Soo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ha Wie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eun Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kyung Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihi Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Goodbeing Center Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiwon Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Goodbeing Center Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Lee
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In Yang Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Shin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Sun Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ang L, Hernández-Rodríguez E, Cyriaque V, Yin X. COVID-19's environmental impacts: Challenges and implications for the future. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165581. [PMID: 37482347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Strict measures have curbed the spread of COVID-19, but waste generation and movement limitations have had an unintended impact on the environment over the past 3 years (2020-2022). Many studies have summarized the observed and potential environmental impacts associated with COVID-19, however, only a few have quantified and compared the effects of these unintended environmental impacts; moreover, whether COVID-19 policy stringency had the same effects on the main environmental topic (i.e., CO2 emissions) across the 3 years remains unclear. To answer these questions, we conducted a systematic review of the recent literature and analyzed the main findings. We found that the positive environmental effects of COVID-19 have received more attention than the negative ones (50.6 % versus 35.7 %), especially in emissions reduction (34 % of total literature). Medical waste (14.5 %) received the highest attention among the negative impacts. Although global emission reduction, especially in terms of CO2, has received significant attention, the positive impacts were temporary and only detected in 2020. Strict COVID-19 policies had a more profound and significant effect on CO2 emissions in the aviation sector than in the power and industry sectors. For example, compared with 2019, international aviation related CO2 emissions dropped by 59 %, 49 %, and 25 % in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, while industry related ones dropped by only 3.16 % in 2020. According to our developed evaluation matrix, medical wastes and their associated effects, including the persistent pollution caused by antibiotic resistance genes, heavy metals and microplastics, are the main challenges post the pandemic, especially in China and India, which may counteract the temporary environmental benefits of COVID-19. Overall, the presented results demonstrate methods to quantify the environmental effects of COVID-19 and provide directions for policymakers to develop measures to address the associated environmental issues in the post-COVID-19 world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeping Ang
- Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, Albrecht-von-Haller Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspuele 2, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Enrique Hernández-Rodríguez
- Institut de Recherche sur les Forets, Université du Quebec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valentine Cyriaque
- Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, 490 rue de la couronne, Québec, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Xiangbo Yin
- Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, 490 rue de la couronne, Québec, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada.
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4
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Requena-Sanchez NP, Carbonel D, Demel L, Moonsammy S, Richter A, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW. A multi-jurisdictional study on the quantification of COVID-19 household plastic waste in six Latin American countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93295-93306. [PMID: 37505388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines urban plastic waste generation using a citizen science approach in six Latin American countries during a global pandemic. The objectives are to quantify generation rates of masks, gloves, face shields, and plastic bags in urban households using online survey and perform a systematic cross-jurisdiction comparisons in these Latin American countries. The per capita total mask generation rates ranged from 0.179 to 0.915 mask cap-1 day-1. A negative correlation between the use of gloves and masks is observed. Using the average values, the approximate proportion of masks, gloves, shields, and single-use plastic bags was 34:5:1:84. We found that most studies overestimated face mask disposal rate in Latin America due to the simplifying assumptions on the number of masks discarded per person, masking prevalence rate, and average mask weight. Unlike other studies, end-of-life PPE quantities were directly counted and reported by the survey participants. Both of the conventional weight-based estimates and the proposed participatory survey are recommended in quantifying COVID waste. Participant' perception based on the Likert scale is generally consistent with the waste amount generated. Waste policy and regulation appear to be important in daily waste generation rate. The results highlight the importance of using measured data in waste estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Plumieer Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Apartado, 0816-1914, Panama, Panama
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, RV6J+XV8, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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5
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An G, Kim M, Park J, Park H, Hong T, Lim W, Song G. Embryonic exposure to chloroxylenol induces developmental defects and cardiovascular toxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 268:109617. [PMID: 36965842 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Chloroxylenol is an extensively consumed anti-microbial compound. Since its usage is on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic and ban on other antimicrobial ingredients, recent studies have suggested the necessity of estimating its potential for ecotoxicity. The detrimental effect of chloroxylenol on zebrafish (Danio rerio) viability has been reported; however, research on the mechanisms underlying its toxicity is quite limited. Therefore, we applied the zebrafish model for elucidating responses against chloroxylenol to predict its toxicity toward human health and ecology. Zebrafish exposed to chloroxylenol (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L) at the embryonic stage (from 6 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf) showed impaired viability and hatchability, and pathological phenotypes. To address these abnormalities, cellular responses such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were confirmed via in vivo imaging of a fluorescent dye or measurement of the transcriptional changes related to each response. In particular, developmental defects in the cardiovascular system of zebrafish exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 mg/L of chloroxylenol from 6 to 96 hpf were identified by structural analyses of the system in the flk1:eGFP transgenic line. Additional experiments were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to predict the adverse impacts of chloroxylenol on the human vascular system. Chloroxylenol impairs the viability and tube formation ability of HUVECs by modulating ERK signaling. The findings obtained using the zebrafish model provide evidence of the possible risks of chloroxylenol exposure and suggest the importance of more in-depth ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garam An
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Miji Kim
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hahyun Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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El-Sayyad GS, Elfadil D, Gaballah MS, El-Sherif DM, Abouzid M, Nada HG, Khalil MS, Ghorab MA. Implication of nanotechnology to reduce the environmental risks of waste associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. RSC Adv 2023; 13:12438-12454. [PMID: 37091621 PMCID: PMC10117286 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01052j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest global public health outbreak in the 21st century so far. It has contributed to a significant increase in the generation of waste, particularly personal protective equipment and hazardous medical, as it can contribute to environmental pollution and expose individuals to various hazards. To minimize the risk of infection, the entire surrounding environment should be disinfected or neutralized regularly. Effective medical waste management can add value by reducing the spread of COVID-19 and increasing the recyclability of materials instead of sending them to landfill. Developing an antiviral coating for the surface of objects frequently used by the public could be a practical solution to prevent the spread of virus particles and the inactivation of virus transmission. Relying on an abundance of engineered materials identifiable by their useful physicochemical properties through versatile chemical functionalization, nanotechnology offers a number of approaches to address this emergency. Here, through a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing various fields such as virology, biology, medicine, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computer science, we describe how nanotechnology-based strategies can support the fight against COVID-19 well as infectious diseases in general, including future pandemics. In this review, the design of the antiviral coating to combat the spread of COVID-19 was discussed, and technological attempts to minimize the coronavirus outbreak were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gharieb S El-Sayyad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University (ACU) Giza Egypt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University New Galala City Suez Egypt
- Drug Microbiology Laboratory, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) Cairo Egypt
| | - Dounia Elfadil
- Biology and Chemistry Department, Hassan II University of Casablanca Morocco
| | - Mohamed S Gaballah
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University Beijing 100083 PR China
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences Rokietnicka 3 St. 60-806 Poznan Poland
| | - Dina M El-Sherif
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) Cairo Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences Rokietnicka 3 St. 60-806 Poznan Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences 60-812 Poznan Poland
| | - Hanady G Nada
- Drug Microbiology Laboratory, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) Cairo Egypt
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Cairo Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Khalil
- Agricultural Research Center, Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory Alexandria Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ghorab
- Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Institute for Integrative Toxicology (IIT), Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48824 USA
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Freitas ÍN, Dourado AV, Araújo APDC, Souza SSD, Luz TMD, Guimarães ATB, Gomes AR, Islam ARMT, Rahman MM, Arias AH, Mubarak Ali D, Ragavendran C, Kamaraj C, Malafaia G. Toxicity assessment of SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides in combination with a mix of pollutants on zebrafish adults: A perspective study of behavioral, biometric, mutagenic, and biochemical toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159838. [PMID: 36343805 PMCID: PMC9635251 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic environments via the discharge of domestic and hospital sewage has been confirmed in different locations. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible impacts of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposure to SARS-CoV-2 peptide fragments (PSPD-2001, 2002, and 2003) alone and combined with a mix of emerging pollutants. Our data did not reveal the induction of behavioral, biometric, or mutagenic changes. But we noticed an organ-dependent biochemical response. While nitric oxide and malondialdehyde production in the brain, gills, and muscle did not differ between groups, superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in the "PSPD", "Mix", and "Mix+PSPD" groups. An increase in catalase activity and a reduction in DPPH radical scavenging activity were observed in the brains of animals exposed to the treatments. However, the "Mix+PSPD" group had a higher IBRv2 value, with NO levels (brain), the reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity (muscles), and the DPPH radical scavenging activity (brain and muscles), the most discriminant factors for this group. The principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis indicated a clear separation of the "Mix+PSPD" group from the others. Thus, we conclude that exposure to viral fragments, associated with the mix of pollutants, induced more significant toxicity in zebrafish adults than in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ítalo Nascimento Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Amanda Vieira Dourado
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Sindoval Silva de Souza
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Alex Rodrigues Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Andrés Hugo Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Davoodbasha Mubarak Ali
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Chinnasamy Ragavendran
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research and Virtual Education, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
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8
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Giannetti BF, Fonseca T, Agostinho F, Santos LCT, Almeida CMVB. How has the sustainability of countries changed after COVID-19? Evidence from the pandemics' first year. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158766. [PMID: 36116669 PMCID: PMC9474979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 crisis has caused several social-related issues; the sanitary is, perhaps, the most significant one. Lockdowns and vaccination were implemented to fight the Covid-19 virus. From a sustainability perspective, Covid-19 has been considered a meaningful crisis driver that has affected nations' economies and social and natural capitals. The literature presents clues that effects appear to be different among countries. Recognizing its importance as public policies for sustainability, this study aims to assess how the sustainability of countries has changed after Covid-19, focusing on countries' economic power that reflects their capacity to face the crisis. A sample of 89 countries is considered, and 2019-2020 are set as base years for data gathering, which covers the first year of the Covid-19 crisis. Sustainability is conceptually supported and represented by a 3-D cube. The natural environment is expressed by the ecological footprint (EF) method, the economic capital by the gross domestic product (GDP), and the social capital by the happiness index. Results show that sustainability of economies was negatively affected after first year of Covid-19 crisis, but in different magnitudes, according to nations' economic power. While the sustainability of the wealthiest economies was slightly changed during 2019-2020 but maintained within the named 'useful-order' world (environmentally unsustainable, productive, and happy), the poorest economies pushed about 169 million people into the worst performance, reaching the 'ineffective' world (environmentally unsustainable, unproductive, and unhappy). Numbers highlight the inequalities of sustainability performance among countries, according to their capacity to face the Covid-19 crisis. The shield of the richest evaluated countries comprising 5 % of the world population is more powerful than the shield of the poorest evaluated countries carrying 67 % of the world population. Results claims for efforts to make different policies and provide economic support differently for countries, since although we are all under the same storm, but in different boats.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F Giannetti
- Post-graduation Program on Production Engineering, Paulista University (UNIP), Brazil.
| | - T Fonseca
- Metropolitan University of Santos (UNIMES), Santos, Brazil; Aquaculture Center, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - F Agostinho
- Post-graduation Program on Production Engineering, Paulista University (UNIP), Brazil
| | - L C T Santos
- Post-graduation Program on Production Engineering, Paulista University (UNIP), Brazil
| | - C M V B Almeida
- Post-graduation Program on Production Engineering, Paulista University (UNIP), Brazil
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9
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Ren X, Hua J, Chi X, Tan Y. Visual analysis of social events and stock market volatility in China and the USA during the pandemic. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:1229-1250. [PMID: 36650809 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most severe infectious diseases in recent decades, and has had a significant impact on the global economy, and the stock market. Most existing studies on stock market volatility during the pandemic have been conducted from a data science perspective, with statistical analysis and mathematical models often revealing the superficial relationship between Covid and the stock market at the data level. In contrast, few studies have explored the relationship between more specialised aspects of the pandemic. Specifically, the relationship found between major social events and the stock market. In this work, a multi-source, data-based relationship analysis method is proposed, that collects historical data on significant social events and related stock data in China and the USA, to further explore the potential correlation between stock market index fluctuations and the impact of social events by analysing cross-timeline data. The results suggest and offer more evidence that social events do indeed impact equity markets, and that the indices in both China and the USA were also affected more by the epidemic in 2020 than in 2021, and these indices became less affected by the epidemic as it became the world adapted. Moreover, these relationships may also be influenced by a variety of other factors not covered in this study. This research, so far, is in its initial stage, and the methodology is not rigorous and cannot be applied as an individual tool for decision; however, it could potentially serve as a supplementary tool and provide a multi-dimensional basis for stock investors and policymakers to make decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ren
- Faculty of Information Engineering, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Faculty of Information Engineering, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, China
| | - Xin Chi
- Faculty of Information Engineering, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang 422000, China
| | - Yao Tan
- School of Information, Southwest Petroleum University, Nanchong 637001, China
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10
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Behera JK, Mishra P, Jena AK, Bhattacharya M, Behera B. Understanding of environmental pollution and its anthropogenic impacts on biological resources during the COVID-19 period. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022:10.1007/s11356-022-24789-6. [PMID: 36580239 PMCID: PMC9797902 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24789-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a significant health emergency to adverse impact on environment, and human society. The COVID-19 post-pandemic not only affects human beings but also creates pollution crisis in environment. The post-pandemic situation has shown a drastic change in nature due to biomedical waste load and other components. The inadequate segregation of untreated healthcare wastes, chemical disinfectants, and single-use plastics leads to contamination of the water, air, and agricultural fields. These materials allow the growth of disease-causing agents and transmission. Particularly, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a severe environmental and health concern in many developing countries for infectious waste. In 2030, plastic enhances a transboundary menace to natural ecological communities and public health. This review provides a complete overview of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental pollution and its anthropogenic impacts to public health and natural ecosystem considering short- and long-term scenarios. The review thoroughly assesses the impacts on ecosystem in the terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric realms. The information from this evaluation can be utilized to assess the short-term and long-term solutions for minimizing any unfavorable effects. Especially, this topic focuses on the excessive use of plastics and their products, subsequently with the involvement of the scientific community, and policymakers will develop the proper management plan for the upcoming generation. This article also provides crucial research gap knowledge to boost national disaster preparedness in future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiban Kumar Behera
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Pabitra Mishra
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Anway Kumar Jena
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India.
| | - Bhaskar Behera
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, 756020, Odisha, India
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11
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Al Qahtani S, Al Wuhayb F, Manaa H, Younis A, Sehar S. Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:585-596. [PMID: 34592070 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries' delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatimah Al Wuhayb
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Hacene Manaa
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Adnan Younis
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Shama Sehar
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
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12
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VishnuRadhan R, Thresyamma DD, Eldho TI, Dhiman R, Bhavan SG. On the emergence of a health-pollutant-climate nexus in the wake of a global pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85619-85631. [PMID: 34523098 PMCID: PMC8439646 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc throughout the planet within a short time frame, inducing substantial morbidity and mortality in the global population. The primary procedures commonly used to manage the pandemic can produce various environmental pollutants, primarily contaminants of emerging concern such as plastics, chemical disinfectants, and pharmaceutical waste. There is a huge influx of various environmental pollutants due to the pandemic effect. We, therefore, introduce the term "envirodemics" depicting the exacerbated surge in the amount of pandemic-induced pollutants. The general toxicity pattern of common chemical ingredients in widely used disinfectants shows negative impacts on the environment. We have identified some of the significant imprints of the pandemic on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals-environment interaction and their implications on achieving the goals in terms of environmental benefits. Climate change impacts are now widespread and have a profound effect on pollutant fluxes and distribution. The climate change signatures will impact the pandemic-induced enhanced fluxes of pollutants in the global waters, such as their transport and transformation. In this study, possible interactions and emerging pathways involving an emerging climate-health-pollutant nexus are discussed. The nexus is further elaborated by considering plastic as an example of an emerging pollutant that is produced in huge quantities as a by-product of COVID management and disaster risk reduction. Additionally, regulatory implications and future perspectives concerning the unleashed nexus are also discussed. We hope that this communication shall call for incisive investigations in the less explored realm concerning the health-pollutant-climate nexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjith VishnuRadhan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India.
| | - Divya David Thresyamma
- Arctic Ocean Atmospheric Studies, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, 403804, Vasco da Gama, India
| | - T I Eldho
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076, India
| | - Ravinder Dhiman
- Centre for Geo Informatics, Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Maharashtra, 400088, Mumbai, India
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13
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Requena-Sanchez N, Carbonel D, Moonsammy S, Demel L, Vallester E, Velásquez D, Toledo Cervantes JA, Díaz Núñez VL, Vásquez García R, Santa Cruz M, Visbal E, Ng KTW. COVID-19 impacts on household solid waste generation in six Latin American countries: a participatory approach. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:155. [PMID: 36441286 PMCID: PMC9702680 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10771-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Americas, the continent with the highest number of COVID-related deaths according to WHO statistics. In Latin America, strict confinement conditions at the beginning of the pandemic put recycling activity to a halt and augmented the consumption of plastic as a barrier to stop the spread of the virus. The lack of data to understand waste management dynamics complicates waste management strategy adjustments aimed at coping with COVID-19. As a novel contribution to the waste management data gap for Latin America, this study uses a virtual and participatory methodology that collects and generates information on household solid waste generation and composition. Data was collected between June and November 2021 in six countries in Latin America, with a total of 503 participants. Participants indicated that the pandemic motivated them to initiate or increase waste reduction (41%), waste separation (40%), and waste recovery (33%) activities. Forty-three percent of participants perceived an increase in total volume of their waste; however, the quantitative data showed a decrease in household waste generation in Peru (-31%), Honduras (-25%), and Venezuela (-82%). No changes in waste composition were observed. Despite the limited sample size, this data provides a much-needed approximation of household waste generation and composition in the pandemic situation during 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development Group, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, 210 Túpac Amaru Ave, Rímac, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development Group, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, 210 Túpac Amaru Ave, Rímac, Lima, Peru
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, P. O. Box 10 1110, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Casa de las Naciones Unidas, Edificio # 129, Ciudad del Saber, Panama City, Panama
| | - Erick Vallester
- Technological University of Panama, Avenida Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Puente Centenario, Campus Metropolitano Víctor Levi Sasso, Panama City, Panama
| | - Diana Velásquez
- National Autonomous University of Honduras, Bulevar Suyapa, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | | | | | - Rosario Vásquez García
- Daniel Alcides Carrion National University, Av. Los Próceres 703, Yanacancha, Cerro de Pasco, Peru
| | - Melissa Santa Cruz
- Intercultural National University Fabiola Salazar Leguia From Bagua, Jirón Ancash N° 520 Bagua, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Elsy Visbal
- Litoral Headquarters, Simón Bolívar University, Camurí Grande, Edo. Vargas Parroquia Naiguatá, La Guaira, Venezuela
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK Canada
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14
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Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable food supply chains. JOURNAL OF MODELLING IN MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jm2-03-2022-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The ongoing pandemic has gravely affected different facets of society and economic trades worldwide. During the outbreak, most manufacturing and service sectors were closed across the globe except for essential commodities such as food and medicines. Consequently, recent literature has focused on studying supply chain resilience and sustainability in different pandemic contexts. This study aims to add to the existing literature by exploring the economic, environmental and societal aspects affecting the food supply chain and assessing the impact of COVID-19 on food sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey method has been adopted with a questionnaire instrument investigating the role of technology, government policies, geopolitics and intermediaries on sustainable organisational management. A five-point Likert scale (i.e. 1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree) is used to evaluate the responses. The findings are based on 131 responses from entry-level workers and senior executives of different food supply chains across Asia and Europe. The data has been analysed to derive insights into the impacts of this pandemic.
Findings
The survey concludes with the significant impact of COVID-19 on the three pillars of sustainability, i.e. economic, social and environmental dimensions. The empirical analysis shows digitalisation and its applications help mitigate the negative effect of COVID-19 on sustainability. In addition, the supportive government policies and intermediatory interventions were helpful in improving sustainability at each level.
Research limitations/implications
The findings have implications for businesses and policymakers. Companies can learn from the advantages of digitalisation to counter the challenges imposed by the pandemic or similar situations in the future in maintaining the sustainability of their supply chains. Managers can also learn the importance of effective organisational management in driving sustainability. Finally, policymakers can devise policies to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices in their supply chains.
Originality/value
This study adds to the limited literature exploring the impact of COVID-19 on food supply chain sustainability through the triple bottom line lens. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also one of the first empirical studies to examine the effect of technology, government and organisational management practices on the sustainability of food supply chains.
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15
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Greenhouse Gas Emission: Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6166276. [PMID: 36246992 PMCID: PMC9553500 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6166276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The period 2020/2021 was an unprecedented and historic time for industrial, economic, and societal activities all over the world with great challenges to human health, the ecosystems, and other aspects of human endeavors owing to the COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 (CV-19) pandemic which is now a topical aspect of research interest. Despite the negative impacts of the CV-19 pandemic, there are also positive reports during the CV-19 pandemic such as the reduction of gas flare, reduction in the burning of fossil fuels from automobile exhaust and a reduction in the other ensuing factors of greenhouse gases emissions (which is one of the major drives for global warming and climate change as well as other environmental effluences). Hence, this brief perspective review study is centered on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The study employs a methodical approach to analyze some already available research studies from existing publications and databases on GHG emission using the perception during the CV-19 pandemic. The specific findings from this review show that, from the meteorological perspective, the global response to the catastrophe ensuing from the CV-19 pandemic has a great influence on the reduction of GHGs, the reduction in the burning of fossil fuels from automobiles and industrial devices, and the reduction in the other ensuing factors of GHG emission. Hence, it will not be far from the truth to conclude that there is a possible positive connection between the CV-19 pandemic and GHG emissions. The study has a direct impact on the environment owing to the negative and positive environmental consequences of the CV-19 pandemic. Suggestions and recommendations in the form of future prospects of GHG emission vis-à-vis global warming and climate change are also discussed. Furthermore, suggestions on how to improve food security and agriculture during a pandemic such as the CV-19 outbreak period are highlighted.
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16
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Mohamed BA, Fattah IMR, Yousaf B, Periyasamy S. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment, waste management, and energy sectors: a deeper look into the long-term impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:46438-46457. [PMID: 35499739 PMCID: PMC9059688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic not only has caused a global health crisis but also has significant environmental consequences. Although many studies are confirming the short-term improvements in air quality in several countries across the world, the long-term negative consequences outweigh all the claimed positive impacts. As a result, this review highlights the positive and the long-term negative environmental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating the scientific literature. Remarkable reduction in the levels of CO (3 - 65%), NO2 (17 - 83%), NOx (24 - 47%), PM2.5 (22 - 78%), PM10 (23 - 80%), and VOCs (25 - 57%) was observed during the lockdown across the world. However, according to this review, the pandemic put enormous strain on the present waste collection and treatment system, resulting in ineffective waste management practices, damaging the environment. The extensive usage of face masks increased the release of microplastics/nanoplastics (183 to 1247 particles piece-1) and organic pollutants in land and water bodies. Furthermore, the significant usages of anti-bacterial hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals have increased the accumulation of various toxic emerging contaminants (e.g., triclocarban, triclosan, bisphenol-A, hydroxychloroquine) in the treated sludge/biosolids and discharged wastewater effluent, posing great threats to the ecosystems. This review also suggests strategies to create long-term environmental advantages. Thermochemical conversions of solid wastes including medical wastes and for treated wastewater sludge/biosolids offer several advantages through recovering the resources and energy and stabilizing/destructing the toxins/contaminants and microplastics in the precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - I M Rizwanul Fattah
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, 2007 NSW, Australia
| | - Balal Yousaf
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Selvakumar Periyasamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
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17
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Way out of the one-way? Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the generation of waste from packaging in Germany. SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT FORUM | NACHHALTIGKEITSMANAGEMENTFORUM 2022. [PMCID: PMC8889517 DOI: 10.1007/s00550-022-00525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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18
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Muche M, Yemata G, Molla E, Muasya AM, Tsegay BA. COVID-19 lockdown and natural resources: a global assessment on the challenges, opportunities, and the way forward. BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2022; 46:20. [PMID: 35125859 PMCID: PMC8800433 DOI: 10.1186/s42269-022-00706-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has an enormous effect on human lives and the global environment. This review aimed to assess the global scientific evidence on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on natural resources using international databases and search engines. Thus, the unprecedented anthropause due to COVID-19 has positive and negative effects on natural resources. MAIN BODY This review showed that the unprecedented pandemic lockdown events brought a negative impact on the physical environment, including pollution associated with a drastic increase in person protective equipment, deforestation, illegal poaching and logging, overfishing, disruption of the conservation program and projects. It is noted that the spread of pandemic diseases could be aggravated by environmental pollution and a rapid increase in the global population. Despite these negative impacts of COVID-19, the anthropause appear to have also several positive effects on natural resources such as short term reduction of indoor and outdoor environmental pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and CO2), reduction in noise pollutions from ships, boats, vehicles, and planes which have positive effects on aquatic ecosystems, water quality, birds behaviour, wildlife biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration. CONCLUSION Therefore, governments and scientific communities across the globe have called for a green recovery to COVID-19 and implement multi-actor interventions and environmentally friendly technologies to improve and safeguard sustainable environmental and biodiversity management and halt the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meseret Muche
- Department of Biology, Woldia University, P.O. Box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Yemata
- Department of Biology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Eyayu Molla
- Deparment of Natural Resource Management, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - A. Muthama Muasya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700 South Africa
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19
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Agathokleous E, Barceló D, Iavicoli I, Tsatsakis A, Calabrese EJ. Disinfectant-induced hormesis: An unknown environmental threat of the application of disinfectants to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118429. [PMID: 34743965 PMCID: PMC8553406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Massive additional quantities of disinfectants have been applied during the COVID-19 pandemic as infection preventive and control measures. While the application of disinfectants plays a key role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the effects of disinfectants applied during the ongoing pandemic on non-target organisms remain unknown. Here we collated evidence from multiple studies showing that chemicals used for major disinfectant products can induce hormesis in various organisms, such as plants, animal cells, and microorganisms, when applied singly or in mixtures, suggesting potential ecological risks at sub-threshold doses that are normally considered safe. Among other effects, sub-threshold doses of disinfectant chemicals can enhance the proliferation and pathogenicity of pathogenic microbes, enhancing the development and spread of drug resistance. We opine that hormesis should be considered when evaluating the effects and risks of such disinfectants, especially since the linear-no-threshold (LNT) and threshold dose-response models cannot identify or predict their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Ningliu Rd. 219, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210044, China.
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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20
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Ukhurebor KE, Singh KR, Nayak V, Uk-Eghonghon G. Influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a review from the climate change perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1060-1078. [PMID: 34132283 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00154j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) in the early part of 2020, there is no doubt that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed great tension globally and has affected almost all aspects of human endeavors. There are presently several research studies on the atmospheric environmental and economic effects of this dreaded virus. Supposedly, the responses ought to have also present innovations that would advance scientific research to mitigate its impacts since most of the ensuing consequences impact the atmospheric climatic conditions. Even when it appears that economic events would possibly return in no time, the circumstances will change. Specifically, from the existing literature, it appears that not much has been done to study the influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on climate change. Hence, this present review article will explore the possible connection between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and climate change. The utilization of various scientific domains for climate change studies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and exploring the positive influences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and measures to avoid the negative impacts on climate change owing to SARS-CoV-2 have also been discussed.
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21
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Wernli D, Clausin M, Antulov-Fantulin N, Berezowski J, Biller N, Blanchet K, Böttcher L, Burton-Jeangros C, Escher G, Flahault A, Fukuda K, Helbing D, Jaffé PD, Søgaard Jørgensen P, Kaspiarovich Y, Krishnakumar J, Lawrence RJ, Lee K, Léger A, Levrat N, Martischang R, Morel CM, Pittet D, Stauffer M, Tediosi F, Vanackere F, Vassalli JD, Wolff G, Young O. Building a multisystemic understanding of societal resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006794. [PMID: 34301677 PMCID: PMC8300552 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current global systemic crisis reveals how globalised societies are unprepared to face a pandemic. Beyond the dramatic loss of human life, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered widespread disturbances in health, social, economic, environmental and governance systems in many countries across the world. Resilience describes the capacities of natural and human systems to prevent, react to and recover from shocks. Societal resilience to the current COVID-19 pandemic relates to the ability of societies in maintaining their core functions while minimising the impact of the pandemic and other societal effects. Drawing on the emerging evidence about resilience in health, social, economic, environmental and governance systems, this paper delineates a multisystemic understanding of societal resilience to COVID-19. Such an understanding provides the foundation for an integrated approach to build societal resilience to current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Wernli
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mia Clausin
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - John Berezowski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Biller
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Böttcher
- Computational Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Gérard Escher
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Keiji Fukuda
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dirk Helbing
- Computational Social Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip D Jaffé
- Interfaculty Center for Children's Rights Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm, Sweden.,Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuliya Kaspiarovich
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jaya Krishnakumar
- Institute of Economics and Econometrics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roderick John Lawrence
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Geneva School of Social Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kelley Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anaïs Léger
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Levrat
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Martischang
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chantal M Morel
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maxime Stauffer
- Geneva Science Policy Interface, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Simon Institute for Longterm Governance, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Flore Vanackere
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Dominique Vassalli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,International Institute for the Rights of the Child, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Gaélane Wolff
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oran Young
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
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