environmental contamination – Page 3

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination, Distribution, and Source Identification in Surface Sediments from the Mid–Upper Reaches of the Yellow River

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Scientists studied pollution in sediments from China’s Yellow River and found high levels of chromium and cadmium, especially in cities. They determined that most of the pollution comes from human activities like industrial emissions and agriculture rather than natural sources. The research shows different areas of the river have different pollution levels, with the most polluted areas being major cities. This study helps identify where pollution comes from and guides efforts to clean up the river.

Microplastic impacts archaeal abundance, microbial communities, and their network connectivity in a Sub-Saharan soil environment

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This study examined how plastic waste that has broken down into tiny microplastics affects soil microorganisms in Kenya. Researchers found that microplastics reduce the number and diversity of helpful archaea (ancient microorganisms important for nitrogen cycling) and disrupt how different microbes interact with each other in soil. While microplastics carried slightly more potentially harmful bacteria, they were much better at spreading dangerous fungi, suggesting plastic waste poses a significant threat to soil health in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Oestrogen Detoxification Ability of White Rot Fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072: Exoproteome and Transformation Product Profiling

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A type of white rot fungus called Trametes hirsuta can effectively remove harmful oestrogen chemicals from water and soil. The fungus produces special enzymes that break down these hormones into less toxic compounds within just one day. This discovery suggests the fungus could be used as a natural treatment to clean up environmental contamination caused by oestrogens from human waste and pharmaceutical use.

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

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An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an infection caused by a rare black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection came from poor environmental conditions including moisture and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supply storage area. Doctors identified the fungus using genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case shows how important it is to keep dialysis equipment areas clean and dry to prevent rare infections.

An evaluation of the occurrence and trends in 137Cs and 40K radioactivity in King Bolete Boletus edulis mushrooms in Poland during 1995–2019

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This study tracked radioactive contamination in King Bolete mushrooms across Poland over 25 years following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. Researchers found that radioactive caesium levels were highest 10-20 years after the accident, peaking in the 1990s, because radioactive particles slowly moved deeper into soil where mushroom roots feed. While people who eat wild mushrooms from Poland were exposed to some radioactivity, serious health risks were uncommon, and contamination has significantly decreased in recent years.

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

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A peritoneal dialysis patient contracted a rare fungal infection caused by Arthrocladium tropicale, a mold found in damp environments and associated with ant nests. The infection was diagnosed through microscopy and genetic testing, revealing resistance to one antifungal drug but susceptibility to amphotericin B. Treatment with this antibiotic and removal of the dialysis catheter led to full recovery, highlighting the importance of keeping medical equipment storage areas dry and pest-free.

Re-Identification of Aspergillus Subgenus Nidulantes Strains and Description of Three Unrecorded Species From Korea

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Researchers in Korea re-examined 53 fungal samples from the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection to accurately identify Aspergillus species. Using genetic analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed 14 different species, including three that were new to Korea: A. griseoaurantiacus, A. puulaauensis, and A. sublatus. These findings help scientists better understand which fungal species are present in Korea and their potential impacts on food, air quality, and human health.

Oestrogen Detoxification Ability of White Rot Fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072: Exoproteome and Transformation Product Profiling

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Scientists discovered that a white rot fungus called Trametes hirsuta can effectively remove harmful oestrogen hormones from water and soil. Within just one day, the fungus eliminated more than 90% of two common oestrogens (E1 and E2) that pollute our environment through pharmaceutical waste and animal farming. The fungus achieves this by producing special enzymes that couple oestrogen molecules together into larger, less harmful compounds that can be easily removed.

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

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An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an unusual infection caused by a black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection was traced to poor storage conditions and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supplies in Thailand during rainy season. Doctors identified the rare fungus using molecular genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case highlights the importance of keeping dialysis equipment in clean, dry environments and preventing pest access to prevent serious infections.

Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

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This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania for their metal content and potential health risks. Researchers found that while mushrooms contain valuable nutrients like iron and zinc, some species accumulate toxic metals like lead and cadmium. Adults who eat these mushrooms generally face acceptable risks, but children are more vulnerable due to their smaller body size and higher food intake per kilogram of body weight.

Research Keyword: environmental contamination