Environment and Pollution, Issue: Vol.15, No.1

Surface Contamination Inverse Problem for 3D Diffusion Equation

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 02:31:32 +0000

A contaminated surface patch has diffused in time within an aqueous volume when it is discovered. Emergency workers, with limited access and time, collect surface samples and those at one other nearby elevation. Only sparse space-time data is available and clever detective work is needed. Where, when and how did the pollution originate? What was its size and shape? Can this information be extrapolated, knowing only the diffusion coefficient, from this sparse set of data? An intuitively motivated inverse procedure, assisted by an accurate Alternating Direction Implicit solver operable in reverse time, shows that this is possible, and detailed three-dimensional diffusion equation validations are provided. This capability is useful to remedial correction, policy development, liability assignment and other issues pertinent governance, as well as to other related technical applications.

Removal of Heavy Metals from Water Using Plant-Derived Formulation

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:21:01 +0000

Problem addressed: Bangladesh's shipbreaking and recycling industry (SBRI), particularly in Sitakunda, has led to significant environmental degradation due to releasing hazardous heavy metals into soil and seawater. Pollutants such as Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Mercury (Hg) have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and public health. Bioremediation has recently evolved as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for heavy metal removal. This work models the efficiency of bioremediation-based formulas for heavy metal reduction.

Experimental approach: Seawater samples were collected from the Sitakundu, Chittagong, shipbreaking yard to assess heavy metal contamination concentration using ICP-MS. Eight toxic heavy metals were identified, and four plant-derived formulations were developed to remove heavy metals. The effectiveness of these formulations in reducing heavy metal concentrations was evaluated through statistical analysis. ANOVA and TUKEY Test, performed in GraphPad Prism v10, confirmed a significant reduction (P < 0.0001).

Main results and findings: Formula 4 demonstrated the highest removal efficiency, reducing heavy metals in seawater by 85–93%. While Formulas 1-3 also displayed significant adsorption capabilities, their efficiency was comparatively lower. Mercury (Hg) and Cobalt (Co) exhibited the most pronounced reduction. Across all tested heavy metals, the highest removal occurred within 36 hours.

Conclusion: False daisy (Eclipta alba), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) were identified as the most effective plant species for bioremediation. The developed formulas demonstrate high efficiency, ease of application, and environmental safety, making them viable for large-scale implementation.

Reviewer acknowledgements for Environment and Pollution, Vol. 15, No. 1

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:12:12 +0000

Reviewer acknowledgements for Environment and Pollution, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2026.