Less COVID-19 deaths in southern and insular Italy explained by forest bathing,Mediterranean environment,and antiviral plant volatile organic compounds

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing major sanitary and socioeconomic issues, yet some locations are less impacted than others. While densely populated areas are likely to favor viral transmission, we hypothesize that other environmental factors could explain lower cases in some areas. We studied COVID-19 impact and population statistics in highly forested Mediterranean Italian regions versus some northern regions where the amount of trees per capita is much lower. We also evaluated the affinity of Mediterranean plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) isoprene, α-pinene, linalool and limonene for COVID-19 protein targets by molecular docking modeling. Results show that while mean death number increased about 4 times from 2020 to 2021, the percentage of deaths per population (0.06–0.10%) was lower in the greener Mediterranean regions such as Sardinia, Calabria and Basilica versus northern regions with low forest coverage, such as Lombardy (0.33%) and Emilia Romagna (0.29%). Data also show that the pandemic severity cannot be explained solely by population density. Modeling reveals that plant organic compounds could bind and interfere with the complex formed by the receptor binding domain of the coronavirus spike protein with the human cell receptor. Overall, our findings are likely explained by sea proximity and mild climate, Mediterranean diet and the abundance of non-deciduous Mediterranean plants which emit immunomodulatory and antiviral compounds. Potential implications include ‘forest bathing’ as a therapeutic practice, designing nasal sprays containing plant volatile organic compounds, and preserving and increasing forest coverage.

     

Old growth forests and large old trees as critical organisms connecting ecosystems and human health. A review

Old forests containing ancient trees are essential ecosystems for life on earth. Mechanisms that happen both deep in the root systems and in the highest canopies ensure the viability of our planet. Old forests fix large quantities of atmospheric CO₂, produce oxygen, create micro-climates and irreplaceable habitats, in sharp contrast to young forests and monoculture forests. The current intense logging activities induce rapid, adverse effects on our ecosystems and climate. Here we review large old trees with a focus on ecosystem preservation, climate issues, and therapeutic potential. We found that old forests continue to sequester carbon and fix nitrogen. Old trees control below-ground conditions that are essential for tree regeneration. Old forests create micro-climates that slow global warming and are irreplaceable habitats for many endangered species. Old trees produce phytochemicals with many biomedical properties. Old trees also host particular fungi with untapped medicinal potential, including the Agarikon, Fomitopsis officinalis, which is currently being tested against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Large old trees are an important part of our combined cultural heritage, providing people with aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historical cues. Bringing their numerous environmental, oceanic, ecological, therapeutic, and socio-cultural benefits to the fore, and learning to appreciate old trees in a holistic manner could contribute to halting the worldwide decline of old-growth forests.

     

Occurrence,transformation, bioaccumulation,risk and analysis of pharmaceutical and personal care products from wastewater: a review

Almost all aspects of society from food security to disease control and prevention have benefited from pharmaceutical and personal care products, yet these products are a major source of contamination that ends up in wastewater and ecosystems. This issue has been sharply accentuated during the coronavirus disease pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) due to the higher use of disinfectants and other products. Here we review pharmaceutical and personal care products with focus on their occurrence in the environment, detection, risk, and removal.

     

Can imported cold food cause COVID-19 recurrent outbreaks? A review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still spreading all over the world. Although China quickly brought the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) under control in 2020, sporadic outbreaks have recurred from time to time. Outbreaks since June 2020 have suggested that the imported cold food supply chain is a major cause for the recurrence and spread of COVID-19. Here we review recurrent outbreaks in China from June 2020 to March 2021, and we analyse the main causes for recurrence and transmission by the supply of imported cold food from port to fork. Contaminated cold food or food packaging material can transmit the virus through ‘person-to-thing-to-person’, by contrast with the classical ‘person-to-person’ pathway. We decribe safety precautions for the food system, operating environment and people along the cold chain logistics. Surface disinfection and nucleic acid inspection are needed in each stage of the logistics of imported cold food supply.

     

Impact of waste of COVID-19 protective equipment on the environment,animals and human health: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, protective equipment, such as masks, gloves and shields, has become mandatory to prevent person-to-person...     

Repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic on solid waste generation and management strategies

• Implication of COVID-19 on medical waste and MSW generation is studied. • Challenges and effective strategy of solid waste generation is reviewed. • 2.9 million tons of COVID-19 related medical waste has been generated until Sep. 22. • The pandemic has postponed policies related to the reduction of plastic use. • Blockade resulted in a significant drop in waste generation in some regions. It has been over ten months since the beginning of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-2019), and its impact on solid waste management, especially medical waste, is becoming clearer. This study systematically reviews the potential influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical waste, personal protection equipment waste and municipal solid waste (MSW), and discusses the corresponding measures and policies of solid waste management in typical countries. The results show that the generation of medical waste from the pandemic increased significantly, with 18%‒425% growth. It is estimated that the daily output of COVID-19 medical waste increased from 200 t/d on Feb. 22 to over 29000 t/d at the end of September 2020 throughout the world. The use of personal protective equipment will continue to grow in the long-term, while the blockade and isolation measures greatly reduced the volume of commercial waste, especially for tourist cities, and part of this waste was transferred to household waste. Residents’ attitudes and behavior toward food waste have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the pandemic, international organizations and several countries have issued new policies and guidelines and adjusted their management strategies for medical waste and MSW treatment. The pandemic has brought specific challenges to the disposal capacity of medical waste worldwide. It has also brought about the stagnation of policies related to the reduction of plastic products and waste recycling. This study will provide some useful information for managers and governmental officials on effective solid waste management during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.     

The effectiveness of travel restriction measures in alleviating the COVID-19 epidemic: evidence from Shenzhen,China

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - With the expansion of the global novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, unprecedented interventions have been widely implemented in many countries,...     

Volatile organic compounds of Acacia longifolia and their effects on germination and early growth of species from invaded habitats

Acacia longifolia, a highly invasive species that invades coastal ecosystems in Mediterranean areas, produces significant impacts at different scales. Abundant foliage and thick canopies create a dense atmosphere that led us to hypothesise that the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could play a role in the reduction of biodiversity observed in invaded areas. Therefore, we suggested that VOCs emitted by A. longifolia could exert inhibitory effects on physiological and biochemical parameters of native species. Using glass chamber bioassays, we evaluated the effect of aerial contact between VOCs from different plant parts of A. longifolia material and some native species. Volatile chemical composition was further analysed using GC-MS. Our results indicated that VOCs produced a notably reduction of seed germination. Furthermore, volatiles from leaves and flowers significantly decreased root length, shoot length and biomass for all species. Proline and malondialdehyde content did not significantly increase after contact with VOCs. Finally, chemical profile of VOCs from flowers, leaves and litter was significantly different, both qualitatively and quantitatively. As far as we know, our results constitute the first evidence of phytotoxicity induced by VOCs from A. longifolia, suggesting that flowers and leaves could influence its surrounding environment through VOCs release.     

易挥发有机化合物在Pt/Al_2O_3-Si纤维催化剂上的低温氧化

本文合成了一种新型的Pt负载在Al_2O_3涂膜强力富硅纤维载体的催化剂,研究低温下催化易挥发有机化合物的行为.用四种有机化合物检验实验参数对催化剂分解有机化合物分解率的影响.讨论了流速、浓度、有机物的本性、预热温度、反应热等参数的影响,并给出了催化剂对苯、甲苯在特定实验条件下的活化能、反应级数和指前因子的数值.     

污泥好氧发酵过程中挥发性有机物（VOCs）污染风险研究

污泥好氧堆肥发酵过程所产生的可挥发性有机物已经成为重要的二次污染物,采用气质联用（GC/MS）的方法分析了郑州某污泥处置厂发酵车间不同位置的挥发性有机物（VOCs）组分。结果表明：污泥堆肥过程可检测出的VOCs共有19种,主要致臭组分是甲硫醇、二甲二硫醚、甲硫醚,它们在所有采气点中的质量浓度均高于检知嗅阈值,对人类嗅觉具有较大危害;总挥发性有机物（TVOC）的质量浓度由堆体内部产生时的47.2 mg·m-3,降为车间工人活动处的1.73 mg·m-3,迁移过程中总浓度减少了96.3%;利用最大增量反应活性法研究VOCs的反应活性和对近地层臭氧的生成潜势影响,VOCs组分中烷烃、芳香烃、酮类、烯烃类的最大臭氧生成潜势值依次增加,其中,最大臭氧生成潜势值（OFP）贡献量最高的组分为1-丁烯和丙烯,OFP分别达到了947.70μg·m-3和875.67μg·m-3,存在大气污染风险。通过主要VOCs组分间的相关性分析,发现甲硫醇宜作为评估VOCs排放情况的指示气体,其在工人活动处的质量浓度为0.04 mg·m-3,远低于GBZ 2—2002《工作场所有害因素职业接触限值》所规定的2.5 mg·m-3限量值。     

大气挥发性有机化合物环境基准研究进展与展望

挥发性有机化合物(VOCs)中的许多物种对人体具有危害性,同时,VOCs对大气环境产生着重要的影响。目前我国部分区域大气VOCs污染已经十分严重,控制大气VOCs污染对于改善环境空气质量,保护人体健康具有重要意义。国际上许多国家或国际组织制定了大气VOCs环境基准或者发布了大气VOCs环境基准指导值,这对于加强VOCs污染控制及环境管理可以起到重要作用。我国尚未制定大气VOCs环境基准,亟待开展系统的研究工作。在综述国际大气VOCs环境基准研究进展,介绍当前我国大气VOCs环境基准研究情况的基础上,分析了我国大气VOCs环境基准的研究需求,并对今后的系统研究提出了建议。     

香港大气中有毒挥发性有机物研究

用吸附／热脱除－ＧＣ＝／ＭＳ方法研究了香港不同功能区大气中挥发笥有机物的组成。分析结果表明,香港大气中存在６０多种ＶＯＣＳ,其主要成分是苯系物,烷烃和卤代烃。在检出物中有１７种是有毒挥发性有机物,其主要成分是苯系物和氯代烃。其中氯仿,苯,甲苯,四氯乙烯,三氯乙烯和１,２－二氯乙烷是含量最高的组分。     

Wild meat trade over the last 45 years in the Peruvian Amazon

The trade in wild meat is an important economic component of rural people's livelihoods, but it has been perceived to be among the main causes of the decline of wildlife species. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light an additional concern of wildlife markets as a major human-health challenge. We analyzed data from the largest longitudinal monitoring (1973–2018) of the most important urban wild-meat markets in Iquitos, Peru, to examine the trends in and impacts of these markets on people's livelihoods. Over the last 45 years, wild meat sales increased at a rate of 6.4 t/year (SD 2.17), paralleling urban population growth. Wild meat sales were highest in 2018 (442 t), contributing US$2.6 million (0.76%) to the regional gross domestic product. Five species of ungulates and rodents accounted for 88.5% of the amount of biomass traded. Vulnerable and Endangered species represented 7.0% and 0.4% of individuals sold, respectively. Despite growth in sales, the contribution of wild meat to overall urban diet was constant: 1–2%/year of total meat consumed. This result was due to greater availability and higher consumption of cheaper meats (e.g., in 2018, poultry was 45.8% cheaper and was the most consumed meat) coupled with the lack of economic incentives to harvest wild meat species in rural areas. Most wild meat was sold salted or smoked, reducing the likelihood of foodborne diseases. Community-based wildlife management plans and the continued trade bans on primates and threatened taxa may avoid biodiversity loss. Considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic, future management plans should include potential viral hosts and regulation and enforcement of hygiene practices in wild-meat markets.     

Social capital as a key determinant of perceived benefits of community‐based marine protected areas

Globally, marine protected areas (MPAs) have been relatively unsuccessful in meeting biodiversity objectives. To be effective, they require some alteration of people's use and access to marine resources, which they will resist if they do not perceive associated benefits. Stakeholders’ support is crucial to ecological success of MPAs, and their support is likely to depend on their capacity to adapt to and benefit from MPAs. We examined the influence of social adaptive capacity (SAC) on perceived benefits of MPAs in Siquijor, Philippines, in the Coral Triangle. This region has substantial biodiversity and a population of over 120 million people, many of them dependent on marine resources for food and income. The region has many MPAs, most of which are managed under decentralized governance systems. We collected survey data from 540 households in 19 villages with associated MPAs. We evaluated the influence of multiple SAC variables (e.g., occupational multiplicity and social capital) on perceived benefits with decision trees (CHAID) and qualitatively analyzed this relationship with respect to types and recipients of benefits. Our models revealed the key role of social capital, particularly trust in leadership, in influencing perceptions of benefits (χ² = 14.762, p = 0.000). A path analysis revealed that perceptions of distributional equity were a key mechanism through which social capital affected perceived MPA benefits (root mean‐square error of approximation = 0.050). Building social capital and equity within communities could lead to more effective management of MPAs and thus to expenditure of fewer resources relative to, for example, regulation enforcement.     

Microplastic sources,formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10–20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8–85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

     

Biochemical studies on the role of lycopene in the protection of mice against microcystin toxicity

The presence of cyanobacterial toxins in drinking and recreational waters represents a potential risk to public health. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxin produced by the blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa. Chemoprotectant studies suggest that membrane-active antioxidants may offer a protection against microcystin toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of dietary supplementation of lycopene as antioxidants on microcystin toxicity in mouse liver. A group of Balb/c was pre-treated for 2 weeks with lycopene (10 mg/mouse/d) before an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of MC-LR. The potential benefits of lycopene were evaluated based on lipid peroxidation, alanine transaminase (ALT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels. Therefore, lycopene supplied as a dietary supplement may have a protective effect against chronic exposure to MC-LR.     

Microwave-assisted synthesized zinc nanoparticles attenuate cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of zinc nanoparticles against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in mice. Zinc nanoparticles were produced by microwave-assisted synthesis using Lavandula vera extract as reducing agent. Single doses of cisplatin (7?mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ZnSO₄ (10?mg/kg, orally), and various doses of zinc nanoparticles (10???50?mg/kg, orally) and vitamin E (100?mg/kg, interaperitoneally) were administered. The protective role of zinc nanoparticles was determined biochemically and histologically. Gradual reduction in malondialdehyde levels and elevation in glutathione levels and in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase upon administration of zinc nanoparticles were observed. The pathology of mice treated with cisplatin/vitamin E and cisplatin/zinc nanoparticles were apparently equal, but vitamin E treatment was more effective in lowering oxidative stress markers than zinc nanoparticles. These findings suggest that co-administration of zinc nanoparticles with cisplatin could prevent adverse effects on the male reproductive system via their potential antioxidant properties.     

Evaluating the social and ecological effectiveness of partially protected marine areas

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a primary tool for the stewardship, conservation, and restoration of marine ecosystems, yet 69% of global MPAs are only partially protected (i.e., are open to some form of fishing). Although fully protected areas have well-documented outcomes, including increased fish diversity and biomass, the effectiveness of partially protected areas is contested. Partially protected areas may provide benefits in some contexts and may be warranted for social reasons, yet social outcomes often depend on MPAs achieving their ecological goals to distinguish them from open areas and justify the cost of protection. We assessed the social perceptions and ecological effectiveness of 18 partially protected areas and 19 fully protected areas compared with 19 open areas along 7000 km of coast of southern Australia. We used mixed methods, gathering data via semistructured interviews, site surveys, and Reef Life (underwater visual census) surveys. We analyzed qualitative data in accordance with grounded theory and quantitative data with multivariate and univariate linear mixed-effects models. We found no social or ecological benefits for partially protected areas relative to open areas in our study. Partially protected areas had no more fish, invertebrates, or algae than open areas; were poorly understood by coastal users; were not more attractive than open areas; and were not perceived to have better marine life than open areas. These findings provide an important counterpoint to some large-scale meta-analyses that conclude partially protected areas can be ecologically effective but that draw this conclusion based on narrower measures. We argue that partially protected areas act as red herrings in marine conservation because they create an illusion of protection and consume scarce conservation resources yet provide little or no social or ecological gain over open areas. Fully protected areas, by contrast, have more fish species and biomass and are well understood, supported, and valued by the public. They are perceived to have better marine life and be improving over time in keeping with actual ecological results. Conservation outcomes can be improved by upgrading partially protected areas to higher levels of protection including conversion to fully protected areas.     

广州地区大气中挥发性有机物的污染状况

研究了广州市不同功能区VOCs的污染状况，以及广州地区外围主导风向通道上大气环境中臭氧前体物的种类和浓度分布，初步探讨了广州地区光化学污染来源。     

Human Migration,Protected Areas,and Conservation Outreach in Tanzania

A recent discussion debates the extent of human in‐migration around protected areas (PAs) in the tropics. One proposed argument is that rural migrants move to bordering areas to access conservation outreach benefits. A counter proposal maintains that PAs have largely negative effects on local populations and that outreach initiatives even if successful present insufficient benefits to drive in‐migration. Using data from Tanzania, we examined merits of statistical tests and spatial methods used previously to evaluate migration near PAs and applied hierarchical modeling with appropriate controls for demographic and geographic factors to advance the debate. Areas bordering national parks in Tanzania did not have elevated rates of in‐migration. Low baseline population density and high vegetation productivity with low interannual variation rather than conservation outreach explained observed migration patterns. More generally we argue that to produce results of conservation policy significance, analyses must be conducted at appropriate scales, and we caution against use of demographic data without appropriate controls when drawing conclusions about migration dynamics. La Migración Humana, Áreas Protegidas y el Alcance de la Conservación en Tanzania