Subhrangsu Pal 🧿’s Post

I recently learned about ZeroPM, a research consortium aiming to prevent, prioritize, and remove persistence and mobile (PM) substances in the environment. PM substances include PFAS, and are of particular environmental and health concern, because they a.) don't break down in the environment and b.) continue to cycle and move in the environment, with compounding potential for negative health impacts over time. This effort embodies the urgent need to limit PM substances entering the environment while investigating nuances associated with regrettable substitutions, consumer choices, chemical groupings, and regulations. Kudos to the EU all the researchers involved! They also have a podcast for you commuters out there. Check them out:

Marxist Analysis: Inequities in Chemical Management Practices - A Call for Systemic Change In the realm of chemical management, a Marxist lens unveils layers of socioeconomic disparities and power dynamics that influence regulatory frameworks and industry practices. As concerns about environmental degradation and public health continue to mount, an examination through the prism of Marxism sheds light on how these issues intersect with class struggle and economic inequality. Take, for instance, the production and regulation of pesticides. Under capitalist systems, profit maximisation often takes precedence over environmental and human well-being. Large agrochemical corporations wield significant influence over regulatory bodies, shaping policies in their favour while externalising costs onto marginalised communities and ecosystems. Moreover, the labour conditions of those involved in chemical production and agriculture reflect Marx's critique of exploitation. Workers in pesticide manufacturing plants and farmworkers exposed to toxic chemicals often belong to disadvantaged socioeconomic groups, lacking adequate protections and facing health risks for the sake of corporate profits. Furthermore, the unequal distribution of environmental harms mirrors Marx's concept of surplus value extraction. Black communities and low-income neighbourhoods disproportionately bear the brunt of pollution from chemical facilities and agricultural runoff, perpetuating cycles of environmental injustice. Consider a recent incident where a multinational chemical corporation was found to have knowingly released hazardous PFAS pollutants into a nearby river, contaminating the water supply of a predominantly low-income community (excerpts from Dark Waters - the movie). Despite evidence of environmental violations, the corporation faced minimal consequences, highlighting the unequal application of regulatory measures. In confronting the challenges of chemical management, a Marxist analysis underscores the need for systemic change. This entails prioritising the well-being of communities and ecosystems over corporate profits, empowering workers through fair labour practices, and addressing the root causes of environmental injustice. By embracing a Marxist perspective, stakeholders can work towards a more equitable and sustainable approach to chemical management that serves the interests of society as a whole.

Dear Colleagues, In light of the evolving lifestyles and rapid industrialization, the input of both organic and inorganic pollutants into water bodies has been increased, posing a pressing environmental challenge. These pollutants, among emerging or micropollutants, exhibit high toxicity levels even at low concentrations, with certain contaminants' effects remaining elusive. Confronting such a concern, the effective treatment of wastewater derived from the agricultural, industrial, and food processing sectors emerges as crucial, targeting to the output minimization of these pollutants into water bodies and sludge. This Special Issue is devoted to exploring novel and robust pure or mixed cultures for the biological treatment of both wastewater and sludge. We invite submissions not only of original research papers but also of review articles, and case studies covering but not limited to the following topics: ·        Biological processes for wastewater and sludge management and valorization for their conversion to bioenergy and/or added-value products. ·        Unraveling the fate and transport mechanisms of organic pollutants in water and sludge matrices. ·        Mechanistic mathematical modeling of biological processes for application in wastewater treatment. ·        Identification and characterization methods of pollutants of municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastewater and/or sludge. ·        Sustainability analysis (techno-economic analysis and/or Life Cycle Assessment) of applied biological methods for waste and wastewater management. ·        Zero waste and circular economy approach on wastewater and sludge valorization, with emphasis on biological methods application. Your valuable insights will significantly contribute to shaping effective solutions and advancing knowledge in the critical field of wastewater and sludge management through biological processes.

#ESAdvances Outstanding Review 2023 has been awarded to ‘What do we know about the production and release of persistent organic pollutants in the global environment?’ by Li Li, Chengkang Chen, Dingsheng Li, Knut Breivik, Golnoush Abbasi and Yifan Li. Congratulations to all the authors 🎉 They told us more about their work and what they hope their article can achieve 👇 This publication shows the staggering volumes of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have been produced and released across the globe. This publication was made possible by a passionate team, and each of us has a deep interest and extensive experience in understanding the use, emissions, and related environmental impacts of human-made chemical substances. For example, Dr. Yi-fan Li and Dr. Knut Breivik have been leading the pioneering work that maps out the global uses and emissions of older, “legacy” POPs since the 1990s. Dr. Golnoush Abbasi, Dr. Dingsheng Li, Dr. Chengkang Chen, and I have been focusing on the newer, “emerging” POPs that have started to draw attention in recent years. Our combined efforts aim to provide the most complete picture of the POP issue so far. We aim to raise awareness about the extensive production and emissions of POPs, as well as their enduring impact on our environment. By mapping out the scale of this issue, we hope to help policymakers, academia, regulators, and the public understand the importance of managing and mitigating these harmful chemical substances. We believe our joint efforts can bring a cleaner world to future generations. Read their winning review in full ➡ https://lnkd.in/dg6xkE8V #EnvSciOutstandingPapers #OpenAccess #EnvironmentalScience #RSCEnv

"🌱 The Future is Green, The Future is Biological 🌿 In a world where environmental consciousness is rising, it's time to embrace the undeniable truth: The era of chemicals is fading, and the future belongs to biological and natural solutions. For every pest problem that challenges us, nature holds an effective, eco-friendly answer. 🔍 Introducing BIPA - Biological Input Producers Association, steered by visionary leaders like KRK Reddy, Mr. Denver, Mr Rajkumar Agarwal , and Mr Laxmikant and many others. This powerful association is a testament to the shifting tides in the pest control industry. Biological solutions are not just alternatives anymore; they are the mainstream, the new norm. 🌐 As we stand at this pivotal point in history, it's clear that the pest control industry is ready to turn a new leaf, moving away from chemicals and towards biological solutions. This change isn't just about adopting new methods; it's about safeguarding our planet for future generations. 💡 Let's unite in this green revolution. As Avinash Salunke, I am committed to being a bridge that connects diverse players in this industry, fostering synergy and collaboration. Together, let's lead the charge towards a sustainable, chemical-free future. #BiologicalSolutions #GreenFuture #SustainablePestControl #BIPA #EnvironmentalConservation #EcoFriendly" #pestcontrol #biologicalcontrol #ipca #pcai #Vertibratepestmanagement

ICYMI, watch the video of the public conversation between climate entrepreneur and UMN chemical engineering alumnus Nick Halla (former senior vice president at Impossible Foods) and Chemistry Professor Christy Haynes.

Interesting OHE Webinar today and some thoughts about green QUALY.

What a wonderful short catalogue of new research and insights into potential approaches for more sustainable #foodsafety strategies -- interesting alternatives to energy intensive heat and by-product producing chemical approaches! Thanks to Anja Klancnik! this 5 page article will pique your interest: https://lnkd.in/dbpzBdii

✒✒✒ Paying Tribute ✒✒✒ Many Thanks Amélie ROUVIN 🌍for this essential share, of the so coherent and long term engagment and strong ability to federate of our long term friend, Ismahane Remonnay, one of the greatest visionnary expert and head of science-policy interface by Veolia, in terms of long term vision, envision, anticipation, environmental health, CSG, and innovative system thinking. ✒ For those who discover this ever determinant #WhitePaper, what its includes, gathers, promotes and mobilizes, you have to know that her vision is a long term vision, backed to a simplicity excellence, of expertise, intelligence in terms of understanding all stakeholders stakes and common opportunities. The #ChemicalTransition is one of the essential determinant and nexus of the materials circularity, sustainability, deeply linked to #CSRD, from #Reporting to #Action. ✒ First and foremost, you need to know that this key milestone is the fruit of a very long process, rooted in a perfect understanding of the complexity and, at the same time, the obviousness of the areas of coherence to be achieved. ✒ For the shared and common benefits of the health of essential ecosystems, of living organisms in the broadest sense, of territories, of future generations, but also of the economic models to be built on and co-invented. ✒ This is as much a need as it is a goal for economic models, which cannot continue without considering and preserving planetary limits.  As much as for living with respect for future generations and the earth of which we are but fleeting tenants. ✒ Thank you beyond words, Ismahane, for everything you have supported, encouraged, developed, mobilized and contributed to founding and deploying. Your company and its capacity for technological and institutional innovation owe a great deal to you. The people who know you  Know how to recognize you  In your capacity to work  Of humility and perseverance  As much as diplomacy I wanted to pay tribute to your work and to the rare and exceptional person you are. And I took the liberty of doing so,  Having had the opportunity to work internationally for this same company, and having been able to measure the considerable and unprecedented stakes linked to these themes and challenges, which are so many opportunities for the players in the essential services to territories One Sustainable Health FORUM

The "Remarkable history of risk" started some centuries ago with the mathematics of the bell-shaped normal distribution (dixit a book by Bernstein), on practical things like "life insurance". Mid-1980s the "life insurance" of biodiversity impacts of chemicals was recognized, and the bell-shaped log-normal distribution a.k.a. as Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) was born. It is the most-used hazard tool we have, to help protect (HC5), rank pollution (PAF and msPAF), and do Life Cycle Impact Assessments of products (Effect Factor). But.....utility is limited by data-poorness for the majority of chemicals. Some progress today, at SETAC poster.....SSDs for all chemicals and all species within reach, for the purpose of Safe & Sustainable by Design and all other assessments? Multi-disciplinary work in action, with Markus Viljanen 's modeling front and center of a decades-old track of research @ Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu. Come and critically consider......