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        <title>Frontiers in Analytical Science | Environmental Analysis section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/analytical-science/sections/environmental-analysis</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Environmental Analysis section in the Frontiers in Analytical Science journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T05:23:08.783+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1571840</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1571840</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Development of a rapid fiber-detection system using artificial intelligence in phase-contrast microscope images of actual atmospheric samples]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yukiko Iida</author><author>Takashi Yamamoto</author><author>Kazuharu Iwasaki</author><author>Ken-Ichi Yuki</author><author>Kentaro Kiri</author><author>Hayato Yamashiro</author><author>Toshiyuki Toyoguchi</author><author>Atsushi Terazono</author>
        <description><![CDATA[In this study, we attempted to detect fibers in phase contrast microscope images of actual atmospheric samples using an automatic fiber detection system based on artificial intelligence (AI) models and image processing. In order to detect and correct the release of asbestos fibers due to improper demolition and removal operations of asbestos-containing building materials as early as possible, it is essential to develop a method that can rapidly and accurately measure airborne asbestos fibers. Current rapid measurement method is the combination short-term atmospheric sampling with counting using a phase contrast microscope. However, visual fiber counting takes a reasonable amount of time and is not sufficiently rapid. Additionally, since the counting process relies on visual fiber counting, analytical accuracy can be decreased due to factors such as analyst fatigue. Ambient air samples or air samples collected near demolition sites were observed and acquired using a phase contrast microscope. From the acquired microscopic images and the fiber counting results by the expert analysts, we created a set of 98 training datasets. The Segformer, one of the semantic segmentation models that had achieved good accuracy in previous studies, was adopted as an AI model for automatic fiber detection system. Of the 98 training datasets, 77 datasets were used for training the model, and 21 datasets were used to evaluate the accuracy of the automatic fiber detection system. The achieved detection accuracy by the AI model was 0.90 for recall, 0.68 for precision, and 0.77 for F1 score. Fiber counting accuracy using an automatic fiber detection system based on AI models and image processing was 0.78 for recall, 0.67 for precision, and 0.72 for F1 score. The time required to detect fibers was about one second per image using a graphics processing unit. The counting accuracy by this automatic fiber detection system based on AI model is comparable to that of manual counting by a skilled analyst, yet the time required for fiber counting is 12–50 times faster, significantly reducing the time required for analysis.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1527655</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1527655</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Status and trends of biosensor technologies for environmental monitoring of brominated flame retardants]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-03-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Chiara Sarti</author><author>Laura Sforzi</author><author>Tania Martellini</author><author>Alessandra Cincinelli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The persistence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the environment and the associated toxicological risks have made the development of efficient and rapid detection methods increasingly urgent. Despite regulatory mitigation action in many countries, BFRs such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) continue to threaten ecosystems due to their resistance to degradation. BFRs persist in air, water, soil, and sediments, and bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to prolonged exposure risks for both humans and wildlife. Additionally, in regions with less stringent regulations, products containing BFRs are still being manufactured, posing a challenge for customs agencies responsible for regulating imports. This scenario underscores the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective methods to monitor BFRs in commercial products and environmental matrices. Biosensors present a promising solution, offering rapid detection and screening of BFR contamination at trace levels. Their ability to provide accurate, real-time data makes them invaluable for environmental monitoring, product safety, and regulatory compliance. This review explores the recent advancements in biosensor technology for BFR detection, highlighting their potential for improving environmental and human health protection but also underlining the specific areas that require further research.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1527110</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1527110</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Multi-energy calibration in plasma emission spectrometry: elemental analysis of animal feeds]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-02-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Florencia Cora Jofre</author><author>Ariane I. Barros</author><author>Joaquim A. Nóbrega</author><author>Marianela Savio</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study evaluates the effectiveness of Multi-Energy Calibration (MEC) for multielemental analysis in animal feeds using plasma-based optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES and MIP-OES). The aim was to improve accuracy in detecting essential minerals by overcoming matrix interferences that affect instrumental techniques. Swine feed samples from different growth stages were analyzed, focusing on essential minerals for animal health and productivity, such as Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn. The MEC strategy utilizes multiple wavelengths per element, reducing calibration complexity and enhancing accuracy by using only two calibration solutions per sample. Results demonstrate that MEC improves recoveries (80%–105%) when compared to traditional external calibration (EC). The limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.09 mg kg⁻1 for Mn to 31 mg kg⁻1 for Ca and Na using MEC-ICP-OES, and from 0.08 mg kg⁻1 for Mn to 354 mg kg⁻1 for P using MEC-MIP-OES. For EC, they ranged from 0.4 mg kg⁻1 for Co to 195 mg kg⁻1 for K with ICP-OES and from 2.0 mg kg⁻1 for Mg to 607 mg kg⁻1 for Fe with MIP-OES. MEC provides high precision and matrix-matching capabilities. This makes MEC a reliable method for complex feed matrices, supporting more accurate feed formulations to ensure optimal livestock nutrition.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1506786</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1506786</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cyclodextrin-assisted fluorescein decoration of gold nanoclusters for ratiometric and selective Hg2+ analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Siyuan Sun</author><author>Zhiqin Yuan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe construction of nanomaterial-based ratiometric detection systems usually requires covalent modification, which undergoes reactive environments and may change the natural properties of supporting nanomaterials.MethodsIn this study, dualemissive and fluorescein-decorated gold nanoclusters (F-Au NCs) through cyclodextrin-supported host–guest interaction (non-covalent modification) are explored as ratiometric Hg2+ nanoprobes through d10–d10-interactioncaused fluorescence quenching of Au NCs.Results and DiscussionThe fluorescein decoration only provides a fluorescent internal reference but does not change the Hg2+-Au NCs affinity nature. Ratiometric and selective Hg2+ detection is achieved through the proposed F-Au NC probes with a limit of detection of 15 nM. The Hg2+ analysis in river water samples with small relative standard deviations validates the practical application of these probes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1513153</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1513153</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Application of microalgae in wastewater treatment with special reference to emerging contaminants: a step towards sustainability]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-12-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Pritha Kundu</author><author>Nalok Dutta</author><author>Sayan Bhattacharya</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Emerging contaminants includes diverse types of synthetic or natural chemical compounds which are not detected, monitored, or controlled in the environment regularly and are released from anthropogenic activities. Substantial quantities of emerging contaminants can be found in the wastewater, originating from agro-industrial and industrial outlets, containing oil and grease, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. Different species of microalgae can be applied in biological remediation of such contaminants in wastewater. This research emphasizes the multifaceted roles of microalgae in wastewater treatment in context of pollutants, especially the removal of emerging contaminants. A comprehensive overview of different emerging contaminant removal processes was conveyed through an in-depth examination and depiction of the uptake mechanisms employed by microalgae in wastewater treatment in this review. The final section of this review focuses on the articulation of difficulties and prospects for the future of microalgae-based wastewater treatment technology. It is subsequently established how the microalgal technologies for emerging contaminant remediation can be helpful to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review establishes the connection between phytoremediation technologies with Sustainable Development, and shows how successful implementation of such technologies can lead to the remediation of emerging contaminants and effective management of wastewater.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1367448</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2024.1367448</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Simultaneous determination of small molecules and proteins in wastewater-based epidemiology]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-06-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Yolanda Picó</author><author>Antoni Ginebreda</author><author>Montserrat Carrascal</author><author>Joaquin Abian</author><author>Damià Barceló</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) aims to understand a population’s consumption habits, exposure to chemicals, and the prevalence of specific diseases or pathogens. This is achieved by the chemical or biological/genomic determination of biomarkers (e.g., excreted metabolic products), which are in urban wastewater generated by that population. WBE has been mostly linked to the determination of small molecules of human origin using liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In this Perspective, we provide a state-of-the-art and critical evaluation of further developments in the information achieved by determining small molecules as well as the most promising analytical techniques to enlarge the information obtained. By simultaneously monitoring small and large molecules we can comprehensively trace the population’s health by their consumption of prescribed pharmaceuticals and illegal drugs, as well as by the amount of excreted macromolecule biomarkers such as peptides and proteins. Moreover, species-specific protein sequences allow us to monitor animal populations reflecting farming and slaughterhouse activities (poultry, pigs…) or pest occurrences (rats). To this end, the capability of proteomic studies using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry is highlighted and compared in the context of other advances in the broader field of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2023.1069678</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2023.1069678</link>
        <title><![CDATA[An updated review of the salient geomedical aspects of mercury for enhancement of data quality in simulation modelling and other prognostic applications: Africa case descriptions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2023-04-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Theophilus C. Davies</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Mercury (Hg) pollution is of global concern. Despite the prolificity of research in the past two decades or so, there are still several uncertainties and variabilities in our knowledge of both the element’s exposure dynamics and its health effects. Understanding the intricacies of the element’s emissions-to-impact path, for instance, is rendered intractable by its varied environmental fate and the overarching influence of environmental, geochemical, biological and socioeconomic drivers. In this paper, an updated synopsis of the relevant and more important geomedical characteristics of Hg is considered to constitute part of the provision of high-quality input data needed in Hg simulation modelling studies, and other applications such as the provision of long-term data necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory measures at various scales. A critical overview is presented on the importance of data quality in parameterisation, and validation of Hg simulation models and other related applications. In this connection, the dearth of modern measurements of Hg abundance in crustal rocks and other Earth materials which needs to be set prior to simulation as well as in modelling source to sink transfers in the Hg cycle, is highlighted. An improved input data quality would also foster the production of model outcomes that are accurate enough for applications in design of better exposure-limiting strategies; and in providing insights on how the course of diagnosis and treatment currently proffered by physicians for Hg-induced maladies, can be revised or expanded. Model results derived from high-quality input datasets also have a high potential for providing forecasting capabilities to inform policy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2023.1115540</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2023.1115540</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Detection and removal of emerging contaminants from water bodies: A statistical approach]]></title>
        <pubdate>2023-04-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Anindita Banerjee</author><author>Surjit Singh</author><author>Atreyi Ghosh</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The integration of mathematical modelling in different scientific domains has increased dramatically in recent years. In general, modelling involves using programming languages, manipulating matrices, designing algorithms, and tracking functions and data to gain new insights and more quantitative and qualitative information about systems. These strategies have motivated researchers to investigate numerous approaches to accurately solve a variety of problems. In this direction, modelling and simulation have been used to create sensitive and focused detection methods for a variety of applications, including environmental control. New pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and medications, are endangering wildlife by poisoning water supplies. As a result, numerous biosensors that use modelling for effective environmental monitoring have been documented in the literature. The most current model-inspired biosensors used for environmental monitoring will be discussed in this review study. Additionally, each analytical biosensor’s capabilities and degree of success will be discussed. Finally, present difficulties in this area will be highlighted.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.941883</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.941883</link>
        <title><![CDATA[An LC-MS/MS method for quantitation of methylparaben, benzophenone, and pharmaceutical compounds from domestic wastewater]]></title>
        <pubdate>2022-09-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Juliana Cristina Barreiro</author><author>Anna Patrícya Florentino</author><author>Izadora Liranço Furlani</author><author>Gustavo H. R. Silva</author><author>Quezia Bezerra Cass</author>
        <description><![CDATA[An analytical method was developed to quantify a mixture of acetaminophen, metoprolol, methylparaben, carbamazepine, naproxen, estrone, estradiol, diclofenac, benzophenone, ibuprofen, progesterone, and mefenamic acid from domestic wastewater samples. To match fast and efficient chromatographic separation for different classes of compounds, an automated scouting liquid chromatographic system was associated with the experimental design produced by the DryLab® software. HLB cartridges were used to extract the analytes from the sample matrix, which was followed by detection and quantitation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The lowest detection limits were found for acetaminophen and carbamazepine (0.625 pg L−1) and metoprolol (0.4 pg L−1).]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.930480</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.930480</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Understanding Illicit Drug Use Trends During the Carnival Holiday in the Brazilian Capital Through Wastewater Analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2022-06-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Fernando Fabriz Sodré</author><author>Diogo de Jesus Soares Freire</author><author>Daniel Barbosa Alcântara</author><author>Adriano Otávio Maldaner</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Cocaine and cannabis consumption during and after the 2019 Carnival holiday were assessed using the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in the capital of Brazil, Brasília. The substances 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), and cocaethylene (COE) were monitored in composite samples (24 h) collected in the entrance of North-Wing (NW) and South-Wing (SW) wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for 15 consecutive days, including the Carnival holiday. Aliquots (100 ml) were enriched with isotope-labeled standards, solid-phase extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results reveal higher cocaine consumption during the Carnival (average of 2.8 ± 0.7 g/1000inh/day) compared to the subsequent period (average of 1.7 ± 0.3 g/1000inh/day). Cannabis (THC) use was also higher during the holiday (14 ± 5 g/1000inh/day) but differences were not significative (unpaired t-test, 95%) compared to the following days (11 ± 3 g/1000inh/day), where consumption remained relatively constant corroborating that cannabis overall consumption is less affected by occasional abuse. Regarding cocaine, an unusual low consumption was noticed in the weekend immediately after the Carnival Holiday, indicating lower demand or supply issues. Higher cocaine and cannabis use was observed throughout the entire sampling period in the area covered by NW-WWTP, probably due to the higher proportion of young people. This investigation brings the first data on cannabis use in Brazil by WBE and confirms this strategy as a well consolidate tool for estimating illicit drug use and abuse.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.868515</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.868515</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Three-Dimensional Dispersion of Neutral “Plastic” Particles in a Global Ocean Model]]></title>
        <pubdate>2022-04-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Thierry Huck</author><author>Raphaël Bajon</author><author>Nicolas Grima</author><author>Esther Portela</author><author>Jean-Marc Molines</author><author>Thierry Penduff</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The fate of plastics entering the 3D ocean circulation from rivers discharge is examined through the Lagrangian analysis of neutrally buoyant particles. Particles are released continuously over 1991–2010 at the surface along the coasts according to monthly estimates of rivers plastic waste input. They are advected by daily currents from a state-of-the-art global ocean model at 1/12° resolution. At the end of the simulation (year 2010), particles remaining in the surface layer of 1 m thickness represent less than 2% of the total particles released. These are concentrated in the center of subtropical gyres, mostly in the South Indian Ocean, and the North Pacific, in relation with the large sources from Asia, and in good agreement with previous 2D numerical experiments in the surface layer. These patterns remain similar down to about 30 m depth, this upper layer strongly influenced by Ekman currents trapping about 20% of the total released particles. About 50% of the total released particles remain in the upper 100 m, and up to 90% are found in the upper 400 m at the end of the experiment. Below the mixed layer, they are more widely dispersed horizontally and follow the main global pathways of ocean ventilation of mode and deep water masses. Plastic particles, neutrally buoyant because of their small size or biofouling, are thus expected to be strongly dispersed in the global ocean thermocline following mode waters patterns, and reach the deeper layers following the North Atlantic Deep Water formation path. Two major source regions have a global impact. Particles from the western North Pacific spread over the whole Pacific Ocean poleward of 20°S, whereas particles from Indonesia spread over the whole latitude band from 60°S to 20°S.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.857694</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2022.857694</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Microplastic Pollution in Surface Waters of Urban Watersheds in Central Texas, United States: A Comparison of Sites With and Without Treated Wastewater Effluent]]></title>
        <pubdate>2022-02-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jasmine K. Stovall</author><author>Susan Power Bratton</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Most studies of microplastics in freshwater have investigated presence in creeks and rivers below sewage effluents and storm drains. This study examines microplastic distribution in surface waters, including springs and primary streams, located within small, urban Karst watersheds, with and without sources of wastewater treatment discharge. Study locales were in Texas, United States, either in Waco on the Brazos River or in or downstream from San Marcos on the San Marcos River. Research teams collected 800 ml surface water from four different small watersheds and an urban pond (n = 779) and filtered them through 53 μm Nitex mesh. Teams collected samples from springs or primary streams to the lower end of creeks and across stream transects based on distance from the bank and the presence of vegetation and debris. Teams also replicated samples seasonally. Stereo microscopy examined each filter for microplastic particles and subsequently color and type (i.e., fragment, fiber, or sphere). Additionally, we analyzed the influence of urbanization and land use on the origin and transport of the microplastics. Overall, the filters recovered 1,198 microplastic fibers and fragments. On average, 56.7% of all samples at each study locale contained microplastics. Particle abundance was the highest at Proctor Springs (x¯=3.38) and lowest at the pond (x¯=0.98), both headwaters. Local human use and runoff were thus potentially important factors in microplastic presence, while sewage discharge was not unilaterally the primary determinant of microplastic abundance. Peak pollution events occurred in June, September, and October, indicating seasonality of rainfall and recreation affected microplastic frequency and type.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2021.709748</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2021.709748</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Environmental Analysis and the Dual Grand Challenge of COVID-19 and Sustainable Development]]></title>
        <pubdate>2021-08-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Specialty Grand Challenge</category>
        <author>Elefteria Psillakis</author>
        <description></description>
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