The increasing prevalence of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in aquatic environments has raised significant concerns regarding their environmental and health implications, particularly due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. This study aims to develop and validate a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of nine PFSAs in drinking water, surface water, and wastewater. The method comprises comprehensive steps, including the optimization of chromatographic separation conditions, enhancement of detection limits, and selection of effective extraction techniques tailored for diverse water matrices. The results reveal that the developed method achieves quantification limits ranging from 0.11 to 0.50 ng/L for drinking water, 0.22 to 0.59 ng/L for surface water, and 0.50 to 1.43 ng/L for wastewater, with extraction recoveries consistently exceeding 75%. The validated LC-MS/MS method demonstrates high sensitivity and robustness, enabling the monitoring of PFSAs in various water environments. This advancement not only contributes to the ongoing monitoring efforts of chemical contaminants at both national and international levels but also supports public health initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks associated with these hazardous substances. The implementation of such methods is crucial for ensuring water quality and protecting ecosystems from the adverse effects of PFSAs, ultimately fostering a safer environment for human health and biodiversity.

The Wastewater Quality Index (WWQI) is a unique measure that synthesizes the overall quality of wastewater. The main objective of the study was to evaluate whether the quality of wastewater reaching the treatment plant is suitable for optimal disposal using the WWQI approach. To understand the correlation between the determined indicators, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, so that the results of the analyses reflect the overall quality of the evaluated wastewater. Additionally, statistical analysis was employed to develop a simple prediction model through multiple linear regression (MLR) to predict WWQI based on various wastewater quality parameters. The results indicate good and regular quality of treated wastewater for safe disposal, according to the classification of WWQI levels, and the prediction model yielded values similar to those estimated.

This study aims to examine the temporal dynamics of Niamotpur Upazila, Naogaon District, focusing on Land Use Land cover (LULC) changes over thirty years (2003,2013, and 2023) and providing predictive insights for the next decade (2024÷2033). Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, remote sensing data, and meteorological datasets, we categorize the landscape into five primary land cover types: water bodies, vegetation cover, bare soil, drought-prone areas, and settlement areas. This study investigates the relationship between climatic factors and LULC changes, particularly examining the impacts of precipitation and temperature fluctuations on drought-prone areas. From 2003 to 2023 bare soil consistently decreased, while deep vegetation significantly increased, indicating improved land health. Urban areas and light vegetation peaked in 2013 but declined by 2023. Water bodies decreased until 2013, then increased by 2023. Drought-prone areas saw a drastic decrease in extreme drought and a substantial increase in no-risk areas. Climatic data showed minor fluctuations in average temperatures and precipitation: the average maximum temperature slightly decreased, while minimum temperatures and precipitation had small variations. Predictions for the next decade forecast a gradual rise in the average maximum temperature from 29.758 °C in 2024 to 29.830 °C in 2033. The findings underscore the positive trend of increasing deep vegetation and reducing bare soil, enhancing the region’s ecological health. To address these trends the study offers practical recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and local communities. Ultimately, this study gives substantial insights into the relations between the dynamic alterations of LULC and climatic factors and presents a way of achieving a better future environment for Niamotpur Upazila.

Pharmaceuticals, also known as medicines, are a mixture of substances used to prevent and treat human or animal diseases or infections. These products are used in many areas, such as medicine, aquaculture, animal husbandry, and, not least, in people’s everyday lives. According to the literature, they are classified into several therapeutic classes, the ones of interest for this paper being non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; antidiabetic drugs, and antacid drugs. The mentioned drugs have raised concerns due to their presence in the environment and the potential health risks they pose. Recently, much research has focused on compounds that have direct harmful effects but are found in the environment at relatively low concentrations. These compounds could seriously threaten aquatic ecosystems, especially in the long term, due to their ability to accumulate in living organisms through bioaccumulation or generate secondary metabolites with harmful side effects. To effectively monitor pharmaceuticals in the environment, it is essential to have a variety of rapid, reliable, and sensitive methods capable of detecting numerous compounds. The most commonly employed techniques include solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). This study supports ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate drug contamination in water sources, evaluating potential risks to human health and emphasizing the importance of addressing these contaminants to protect environmental and public health.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a group of volatile organic compounds that can be easily found in drinking water, especially in municipal water distribution systems supplied by water treatment stations as a result of the chlorination process. This study investigates the THMs presence in various sources across Romania and conducts a human health risk assessment in order to determine the potential danger the population is exposed to. Using a gas-chromatography coupled mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis method, water samples collected over the course of a year were analysed and revealed the cumulative sum of all trihalomethanes (ΣTHMs) saw a maximum concentration of 90.6 µg/L, with an average of 25.6 µg/L and a median of 22.2 µg/L with chloroform and bromoform being the most abundant. The analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with THMs in drinking water reveals women exhibit higher risk levels than men across both categories. The total non-carcinogenic risks for women range from 5.14×10-4 to 4.30×10-1, while for men, the risks range from 4.78×10-4 to 3.78×10-1. Carcinogenic risk assessments indicate a similar trend, with total risks for women varying between 1.37×10-6 and 1.88×10-4, and for men between 2.22×10-7 and 1.66×10-4. comparable values for cancer risk that exceed the minimum or negligible risk threshold established by the USEPA (1.00×10-6).

The interception between organic chemistry and agriculture has transformed agricultural practices by producing creative answers for sustainable crop production. This thorough analysis explores the most recent developments in organic chemistry and their applications to agriculture, emphasizing cutting-edge techniques for increasing crop yields, strengthening plant disease resistance, and reducing environmental impact. We investigate the synthesis of organic chemicals to produce bioactive substances, such as biopesticides, bio-stimulants, and plant growth regulators. These substances have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing plant development, elevating stress resilience, and diminishing dependence on artificial fertilizers and insecticides. In addition, we look at how organic chemistry is used to create sustainable agricultural systems that make use of renewable resources, eco-friendly production techniques, and green chemistry concepts.

The current work aimed to highlight the impact produced by copper intoxication on the freshwater fish species Cyprinus carpio L. Besides quantifying the degree of metal accumulation in the fish tissues, we also proposed a different approach, namely to see how much the thermal handling/preparation affects the heavy metal concentration in the final product. For this, boiling and frying techniques of intoxicate fish fillets were used. The results showed a considerable percentage decrease of copper in fish fillets subjected to thermal preparation compared to those not thermally treated (raw).

The actions undertaken by Romania, as an active participant in the sustainable policies of the European Union in the field of waste management, aim to permanently minimize the amount of waste generated, recycling, reuse and higher valorisation to ensure a sustainable management of resources and environmental protection. Increasing the degree of valorisation and obtaining secondary raw materials through the management of waste resulting from mining and metallurgical activities, recognized by very large quantities generated and stored, is the objective of extensive research activities. This paper presents the results of the research carried out in order to valorise red mud and mine tailings wastes by incorporation into construction materials with the main aim of reducing the polluting effect of the waste but also the partial substitution of the basic raw materials from the classic construction materials (cement, clay). The new construction materials (mortars, respectively ceramic materials), by substituting the silico-aluminous component from the basic raw material of the classic construction materials were obtained. The properties of the new construction materials are similarly to the classic materials. The specific pollutants presents in the wastes was retained, which leads to the reduction of the impact on the environment. The impact generated by the implementation of the optimal technological solution was analysed, compared to the impact on the environment due to the storage of the two wastes and the impact produced during the manufacture of classic materials.

Direct photobiological hydrogen production would be an ideal solution for the environment, especially since it releases oxygen as a by-product with low environmental impact. The efficiencies achieved so far are not yet sufficient to compete economically - yield/expenditure - with the established processes of H2 production or even fossil fuels. Aspects of the safety, storage and transport of hydrogen must also be taken into account. In the field of photobiological hydrogen production, further scientific efforts are needed to understand molecular biology and increase the effectiveness of biophotolysis. In addition to genetic modifications, biophysical-biochemical methods such as the optimization of the environment (pH, temperature, gas and ion activities, etc.) or electric and magnetic fields are also discussed in order to optimize the yield of photosynthetic hydrogen. Ultimately, only innovative ideas – which will also contribute to the understanding of photosynthesis – in the field of the photosynthetic hydrogenase system can help this environmentally friendly and desirable approach to hydrogen production to achieve lasting economic success.

Faced with the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change, the U-GARDEN project offers an innovative solution for sustainable urban development through the implementation of smart urban gardens. The project utilizes an advanced multi-criteria application that combines real-time environmental monitoring with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to optimize the management of green spaces and support healthy plant growth. A key component of this system is the implementation of algorithms to predict the risk of disease outbreaks in cultivated plants, based on the analysis of monitored data such as humidity, temperature, and air quality. The QGIS-based application allows for the identification of optimal locations for urban gardens, considering both socio-demographic and environmental factors, thereby facilitating efficient and sustainable management. Through active community involvement and the use of advanced technological tools, U-GARDEN contributes to improving urban quality of life and creating greener, more resilient cities. This article highlights the project's potential to transform urban spaces into productive and healthy environments through scalable and innovative solutions.

This study analyzes land cover changes over three decades (1993-2023) in Shapahar Upazila using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. The analysis reveals significant shifts in vegetation, water bodies, bare soil, and settlement areas, correlating these changes with shifts in temperature and precipitation. Predictions for the next ten years (2024-2033) indicate a significant increase in vegetation cover. The findings highlight the importance of sustainable land management practices and policies to mitigate ecological imbalances. Utilizing GIS strategies, remote sensing statistics, and meteorological datasets, we examine the converting patterns of four key land cover sorts: water bodies, vegetation area, bare soil, and settlement area. This paper also links Land use and Land cover (LULC) with other temperature and precipitation facts to understand the ability correlations and conjuring factors of LULC change. The analysis suggests that LULC has modified in numerous ways over time, including urbanization developments, flora enlargement, changes within the extent of water bodies, and corresponding adjustments in temperature and moisture patterns. Combining an analysis of specific percent changes in land cover types between consecutive years with the calculation of temperature and precipitation changes helps to understand the relationship between multiple environmental parameters influencing the landscape of Shapahar Upazila. Our study provides additional information regarding the changes in environmental conditions and landscape dynamics in the region and gives contextual information to help land managers, stakeholders, and policymakers understand the current trends in the area and develop climate mitigation and adaptation policies for sustainable development.

Electrochemical detection of perfluoro decanoic acid (PFDA) has gained significant interest due to the its environmental persistence and potential health risks. This study focuses on the development and utilization of a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of PFDA in aqueous samples. Commercial boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was modified with MIP by electro polymerization in 2:1 (v/v) mixture of 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer solution (pH = 5.8) and methanol containing 10 mM o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) and 1 mM PFDA concentration. The electro polymerization process was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) by scanning 25 cyclic voltammograms in a potential range of 0.00 →1.00 V/SCE with a scan rate of 0.05 V·s-1. The electrochemical performance of the MIP-BDD sensor using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) was assessed. Considering both voltametric detections based on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the lack of electrochemical activity of PFDA, investigation of its signal in the presence of increased PFDA concentrations is exploited for development of indirect detection method. Linear dependence between signal decrease vs. increasing PFDA concentrations allowed determining sensitivity and the lowest limit of detection of 0.160 nM (0.08 µg·dm-3) PFDA. The integration of MIP technology with electrochemical sensors offers a robust platform for environmental monitoring of PFDA, combining high selectivity, sensitivity and rapid response time. This method holds promise for advancing detection techniques for persistent organic pollutants in environmental and public health contexts.

This paper presented the topic of urban air pollution in Ploiesti Municipality, located 60 km north of Bucharest. The study analyzes the seasonal variations in 2023 of air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10), the impact of road traffic on air quality, as well as the monitoring measures according to the in force environmental legislation. For the air quality assessment two types of data were collected: data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) of Ploiesti for the winter ÷ summer period and data obtained from field measurements carried out in November. The location of the sampling points took into account several factors such as: pollution source (road traffic, industry), measured meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction). The experimental data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and were also compared with AQMS values. The comparisons between measured and AQMS data showed significantly higher concentrations for the samples (P1, P2, P3), which could indicate the presence of local sources of SO2 emissions or conditions favoring the accumulation of this pollutant. The PCA indicate that the higher concentrations of pollutants seemed to be associated with cooler temperatures and reduced solar radiation, suggesting a significant impact of meteorological conditions on the distribution of pollutants.