Aquatic ecosystems as a final receptor of atmospheric organic particulate-bound pollutants: a plea for the integration of aquatic ecotoxicology into the risk assessment of air pollution – SpringerOpen

Report on Environmental Pollution and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report addresses the critical issue of environmental pollution, focusing on the fate, distribution, and transport dynamics of pollutants such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs), microplastics, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis emphasizes the relevance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mitigating pollution and protecting ecosystems and human health.

Environmental Pollution and Its Impact

Pollutants in the Environment

• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): Persistent pollutants with widespread environmental distribution affecting water, air, and soil (Alam et al., 2024).
• Microplastics: Atmospheric transport leads to deposition in remote regions, impacting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (Allen et al., 2019; Evangeliou et al., 2020).
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles contribute to air pollution, with significant health risks including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases (Cohen et al., 2017; Lelieveld et al., 2019).
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Toxic organic compounds found in air, water, and sediments, posing risks to aquatic life and human health (He et al., 2015; Malaj et al., 2014).

Sources and Transport Mechanisms

1. Atmospheric Transport: Pollutants are transported over long distances, affecting remote and urban areas alike (Atlas & Giam, 1981; Rao et al., 2008).
2. Deposition Processes: Wet and dry deposition of pollutants contribute to contamination of surface waters and soils (Pan & Wang, 2015; Ye et al., 2018).
3. Urban and Industrial Emissions: Local and regional sources contribute to particulate pollution and chemical mixtures in the environment (Clemente et al., 2023; Millán-Martínez et al., 2021).

Health and Ecological Impacts

Human Health Risks

• Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality from cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer-related diseases (Song et al., 2017; Pun et al., 2017).
• Airborne pollutants contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Ji et al., 2024; Sun et al., 2022).
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in treated wastewater affect human and aquatic health (Finckh et al., 2022).

Ecological Consequences

• Pollutants in sediments and suspended particulate matter cause toxicity and genotoxic effects in aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates (Boettcher et al., 2010; Duarte et al., 2023).
• Flood events can remobilize contaminants, posing additional risks to ecosystems (Crawford et al., 2022; Müller et al., 2019).
• Pollution contributes to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation (Häder et al., 2020; Sylvester et al., 2023).

Monitoring and Analytical Methods

Effect-Based and Chemical Analytical Approaches

• Effect-based methods are essential for diagnosing and monitoring water quality and pollutant impacts (Brack et al., 2020; Brack et al., 2016).
• Bioassays using zebrafish embryos and other models provide insights into pollutant toxicity (Hollert et al., 2003; Martin et al., 2019).
• Advanced extraction and analytical techniques improve detection of organic micropollutants (Alvarez-Rivera et al., 2020; Turrio-Baldassarri et al., 2003).

Modeling and Source Apportionment

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations help understand pollutant deposition and airflow behavior (Buccolieri et al., 2018; Rahimi-Gorji et al., 2015).
• Positive matrix factorization and other statistical methods identify pollutant sources and assess risks (Mandić et al., 2023; Luo et al., 2022).

Policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

Relevant SDGs

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Reducing air and water pollution to prevent disease and promote health.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Monitoring and controlling pollutants to ensure safe water resources.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Managing urban pollution to improve air quality and living conditions.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing pollutant emissions contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems from chemical pollution.

Policy Interventions and International Agreements

• Protocols on Persistent Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals aim to reduce transboundary pollution (UNECE, 2009; UNECE, 2012).
• European initiatives promote integrated assessment and monitoring of air and water quality (EEA reports, 2018-2023; ICP M&M, 2024).
• Global science-policy bodies are called upon to support sustainable chemical and waste management (Brack et al., 2022).

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

1. Enhance Monitoring: Implement effect-based and chemical analytical methods for comprehensive pollutant assessment.
2. Promote Research: Support studies on pollutant transport, toxicity, and ecological impacts to inform policy.
3. Strengthen Policies: Enforce international agreements and develop local regulations aligned with SDGs.
4. Raise Awareness: Educate stakeholders on pollution risks and sustainable practices.
5. Foster Collaboration: Encourage multi-sectoral and transboundary cooperation for pollution control.

Conclusion

Addressing environmental pollution is critical for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Integrated approaches combining scientific research, monitoring, policy, and public engagement are essential to safeguard human health and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the health impacts of air pollution, including respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues related to PM2.5 exposure.
   • References to studies on prenatal exposure to air pollutants and associated birth weight effects.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Issues of chemical pollution in freshwater ecosystems and surface waters are highlighted.
   • Monitoring and assessment of water quality using effect-based methods are discussed.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urban air pollution and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) sources and impacts are analyzed.
   • Urban sediments and their ecotoxicological impacts are mentioned.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Atmospheric transport and deposition of pollutants, including microplastics and persistent organic pollutants, are discussed.
   • Implications for air quality and environmental health are connected to climate-related factors.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Pollution of aquatic ecosystems, bioaccumulation of pollutants in aquatic species, and ecological risks to marine and freshwater life are addressed.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Effects of air pollution on biodiversity and forest ecosystems are discussed.
   • Impact of pollutants on terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity is highlighted.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, including air pollution control.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied for Measuring Progress

1. Air Quality Indicators
   • Concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter in ambient air.
   • Levels of specific pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and heavy metals in air and deposition samples.
   • Oxidative potential of particulate matter as a measure of toxicity.
2. Water Quality Indicators
   • Presence and concentration of chemical pollutants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals, in surface waters and sediments.
   • Effect-based bioassays for water quality assessment and monitoring.
3. Health Impact Indicators
   • Incidence and mortality rates of diseases linked to air pollution (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, mental health conditions).
   • Birth weight statistics related to prenatal exposure to air pollutants.
4. Ecological Indicators
   • Bioaccumulation levels of pollutants in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
   • Biomarker responses in species such as zebrafish and rainbow trout to assess pollutant impact.
   • Ecological risk assessments based on pollutant concentrations and effects.
5. Pollution Transport and Deposition Indicators
   • Measurements of atmospheric transport and deposition fluxes of pollutants including microplastics and pesticides.
   • Source apportionment of particulate matter and pollutants.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: enveurope.springeropen.com