1332 / 2024-09-23 12:04:51

The distribution, behavior and risks of emerging contaminants in the coastal zone

Distribution,human impact,multimedia,trophic transfer,pharmaceuticals and personal care products,persistent organic pollutants

The applicant has been devoted to studying the environmental behavior and ecological effects of typical contaminants in the coastal zone. Over 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles on related achievements have been published in SCI journals such as Nature Sustainability and Environmental Science & Technology. Recent progress on the distribution, behavior and risks of emerging contaminants in the coastal zone mainly includes the following aspects.

1. The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in wastewater treatment plant, rivers and coastal zones have been clarified. Particularly, our study on the distribution and behavior of PPCPs in Bohai sea provides novel insights into the multi-media distribution of diverse PPCPs in the marine environment and demonstrates that log Dow is a better bioaccumulation and biomagnification indicator.

2. The distribution patterns, risks and fate of persistent organic pollutants in Chinese intertidal zones have been investigated. Particularly, our study on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in intertidal zones provides continental-scale evidence that human activities have key and differential effects on the distribution and deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in intertidal sediments, and shows that pollution status and profile of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be used to index regional industrialization and urbanization status.

3. The toxic effects and associated toxicity mechanisms of MPs on soils, coastal sediment and biota have been explored. Particularly, we demonstrate the dominant role leachate-induced effects play in MP toxicity to soil fauna due to the limited ingestion of MPs and brand-specific toxicity help identify determinants of MP toxicity. By discerning the particulate- and leachate-induced effects of TWPs, we for the first time demonstrate that both particulate- and leachate-induced toxicity of TWPs to marine algae is increased after aging processes.

The research results have enriched the theoretical and technical system of environmental behavior processes, risks and bioremediation of emerging contaminants, and contributed to the sustainable development of coastal zones.