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Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry publishes papers reporting chemistry that enhances our understanding of the natural and engineered environment (including indoor and outdoor air, water, soil, sediments, and biota). Read more about the journal

Editor-in-Chief: Jamie Lead

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Environmental Chemistry is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 09 October 2025

EN25005Influence of dissolved organic matter origin on hydrogen peroxide concentration in aquatic environments of southern Florida

Patricia E. Garcia 0000-0002-1471-3090, Haruka E. Urakawa, Taylor L. Hancock and Hidetoshi Urakawa
 

A scheme depicting H2O2 production across three groups of different dissolved organic matter origin.

Environmental context. Characterizing dissolved organic matter (DOM) is important for understanding its quality, which is highly linked to its reactivity. The DOM acts as a substrate for the abiotic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In southern Florida aquatic environments, we found that the origin of DOM has a profound effect on the H2O2 concentrations. (Image credit: P. E. Garcia.)

EN25005 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | EN25005Supplementary Material (270 KB)
Published online 09 October 2025

EN25066Geochemical fate of microplastics (MPs): XPS characterization of goethite binding to primary and secondary MPs and their surface modification

Tsanangurayi Tongesayi 0000-0003-3897-9851 and Tatum E. Perez
 

Environmental context. Plastic pollution is a growing crisis, with tiny microplastic (MP) particles spreading through our environment and potentially affecting ecosystems in ways we do not fully understand. This study found that thermoplastic-bead MPs and polyethylene terephthalate MPs can chemically interact with naturally occurring minerals like goethite, altering the surfaces of the MPs and potentially influencing how pollutants and microbes interact with the altered particles. Understanding these surface changes is crucial for predicting how MPs behave in nature and assessing their long-term environmental impact.

EN25066 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 08 October 2025

EN24076Application of oxidised activated red mud to treat phosphorus-contaminated water

Nguyen Ðinh Trung, Ning Ping and Ho Kim Dan 0000-0002-0399-8422
 

A graph of XRD patterns of red mud before and after oxidation processes.

Environmental context. Red mud originating from Vietnam is used in the treatment of phosphorus-contaminated water. Suitability of a pseudo first order (PFO) model to describe the kinetics of phosphorus adsorption on O-RM was confirmed, with the adsorption process reaching an equilibrium after 20 min. Findings of this study will contribute to the industrial application of low-cost materials in wastewater treatment. (Image credit: Nguyen Dinh Trung and Ho Kim Dan.)

EN24076 Abstract  |  EN24076 Full Text  | EN24076PDF (2.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 October 2025

EN25027Assessment of single-cell level variability in intra- and extracellular arsenic contents of three freshwater phytoplankton using single cell ICP-MS

Meng Li, Kuo Hong Wong 0000-0002-6166-0462, Yinghan Zai, Ryo Kagaya, Asami S. Mashio and Hiroshi Hasegawa
 

Environmental context. Arsenic (As) can be taken up by phytoplankton or adsorbed onto phytoplankton cell surfaces. Current studies typically overlook the effects of surface adsorption and the variability in As content among individual cells within a population. In this study, we combine citrate–TiIII–EDTA chemical washing, which effectively removes surface-adsorbed As, with single-cell analysis to accurately quantify both intracellular and extracellular As content in individual phytoplankton cells. (Image credit: Meng Li)

This article belongs to the collection: Catch me if you can: innovative analytical tools for detecting and characterising nanoscale particles.

Environmental context. Arsenic (As) can be taken up by phytoplankton or adsorbed onto phytoplankton cell surfaces. Current studies typically overlook the effects of surface adsorption and the variability in As content among individual cells within a population. In this study, we combine citrate–TiIII–EDTA chemical washing, which effectively removes surface-adsorbed As, with single-cell analysis to accurately quantify both intracellular and extracellular As content in individual phytoplankton cells. (Image credit: Meng Li)

EN25027 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 02 September 2025

EN25053Adsorption-based removal of PFASs from water: mechanisms, materials and future perspective

Weiguang Guo, Hongjin Tong 0009-0006-6902-7721, Dapeng Luo, Xue Zhao, Quan Long, Chaoyang Yin and Yi Yong
 

Depiction of various PFASs absorption-based technologies and their modes of interaction.

Environmental context. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), often called ‘forever chemicals’, have contaminated water sources worldwide and pose serious health risks. This study reviews how adsorption technologies – using materials such as activated carbon and advanced nanomaterials – can effectively capture and remove PFASs from water. These insights support the development of safer, more efficient treatment solutions and guide future policies to protect public health and the environment. (Image credit: Hongjin Tong.)

EN25053 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 30 June 2025

EN25014Platinum speciation in the presence of natural organic matter in a simplified freshwater medium investigated using HPSEC-ICP-MS

Océane Hourtané 0000-0002-1830-186X, D. Scott Smith 0000-0002-3075-4087 and Claude Fortin 0000-0002-2479-1869
 

A schematic of structures of platinum species formed in modelled natural water.

Environmental context. Platinum is a metal of emerging concern in ecotoxicology, mainly due to its dissemination in the environment through the abrasion of car catalysts. However, its aqueous speciation in natural waters remains poorly known, and its binding to organic matter may modify its effects on organisms. Experimental measurements revealed the complex chemistry of Pt, low complexation and very slow kinetics. The use of PtII would be recommended for chronic exposure experiments. (Image credit: Océane Hourtané.)

EN25014 Abstract  | PDF (1.7 MB) - $35.00   | EN25014Supplementary Material (747 KB)
Published online 19 June 2025

EN24101Research on the effect of dissolved organic matter on the adsorption of oxytetracycline by high-density polyethylene

Qitian Xiao, Hui Liu 0009-0003-7128-8718, Jiying Zou, Haonan He, Jia Wei and Zhesheng Hou
 

FT-IR spectra of HDPE and HDPE bound to fulvic acid and oxytetracycline.

Environmental context. In the soil environment, microplastics (HDPE) act as carriers to adsorb contaminants, interacting with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and antibiotics such as oxytetracycline (OTC). The results show that DOM plays a bridging role in the HDPE–OTC adsorption system, and its hydrophobic groups are complexed with OTC, resulting in the quenching of DOM ultraviolet spectrum. (Image credit: Qitian Xiao.)

EN24101 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 June 2025

EN25007Sources and risk evaluation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in dust and soil from an urban environment in Nigeria

Chukwujindu M. A. Iwegbue 0000-0001-8719-4693, Chinedu J. Ossai, Ijeoma F. Ogwu, Eze W. Odali, Chijioke Olisah, Oguejiofo T. Ujam, Godwin E. Nwajei and Bice S. Martincigh
 

A map of Nigeria (left) and three graphs showing composition of indoor and outdoor dust and soil

Environmental context. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are compounds that have previously been widely applied in many consumer and commercial products; their use is banned because of their toxicity but they remain a legacy environmental pollutant. This study provides concentrations of PBDEs in indoor and outdoor dust and soils. Relationships between their occurrence patterns and origins are established, which informs our understanding of threats to human health from soil and air exposure. (Image credit: the authors.)

EN25007 Abstract  |  EN25007 Full Text  | EN25007PDF (2.1 MB)  | EN25007Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

EN25011Determination of polyoxymethylene (POM) water partition coefficients for DDT and its degradation products, with inter-laboratory comparison of the passive sampling methodology and bioaccumulation in earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

Anja Enell 0000-0002-6931-4361, Stephanie Casey 0009-0009-8909-8940, Ayan Au Musse 0009-0007-6172-3084, Sarah Josefsson 0000-0003-1503-0301, Johannes Kikuchi-McIntosh, Greta Nilén 0000-0002-9945-6619, Karin Wiberg, Anna-Karin Dahlberg 0009-0004-0824-0006 and Maria Larsson 0000-0003-1404-3186
 

DDT molecules superimposed on soil, porewater and an earthworm to illustrate partitioning.

Environmental context. The widespread use of the insecticide DDT has left a legacy of pollution that still threatens ecosystems today. This study presents a method to accurately measure the bioavailability of DDT and its breakdown products in contaminated soils. This will improve risk assessments and guide sustainable land management practices, helping to protect both the environment and human health. (Image credit: Anja Enell.)

EN25011 Abstract  |  EN25011 Full Text  | EN25011PDF (1.2 MB)  | EN25011Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 June 2025

EN24103Mercury concentration in Antarctic krill varies in time and space and with individual size

Rita M. Franco-Santos 0000-0001-7846-3425, Sam Eggins, Michael J. Ellwood, Nils Hoem, Peter D. Nichols, Patti Virtue and William A. Maher 0000-0001-7564-3383
 

Illustration of the sampling locations, sample processing steps and seasonal variation in krill mercury concentrations.

Environmental context. Several predators that eat Antarctic krill may be unintentionally ingesting toxic substances. Studying aspects of krill life to understand the effects of potential increases in Antarctic mercury (Hg) availability revealed that seasons, locations and individual size influence krill Hg concentration. Despite increasing human presence (potential Hg sources) in Antarctica, krill Hg content remains stable, and evidence suggests that Hg accumulates in predators by both short (krill-based) and longer food chains. (Image credit: the authors.)

This article belongs to the collection: Mercury in the environment.

EN24103 Abstract  |  EN24103 Full Text  | EN24103PDF (2.8 MB)  | EN24103Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 15 May 2025

EN23031Historical (1850–1995) nitrogen changes in UK catchments recorded by lake sediment δ15N

Simon David Turner 0000-0001-8692-8210, Neil Rose 0000-0002-5697-7334, John Boyle, Gavin Simpson and Elizabeth Gardner
 

Environmental context. Unprecedented modification of the global nitrogen cycle by human activity is strongly imprinted in UK lakes by the changing abundance of nitrogen isotopes found in layers of lake sediment. UK lakes in the last century have responded to this change depending on their location, particularly if they are remote and occur above ~300-m altitude. Historical sediment nitrogen isotope data illustrate the impact of variable N sources on UK lakes, from fossil fuel combustion, synthetic fertilisers, to land use change and wastewater.

This article belongs to the collection: Dedication to Prof. Edward Tipping.

EN23031 Abstract  | PDF (2.6 MB) - $35.00   | EN23031Supplementary Material (846 KB)
Published online 14 May 2025

EN24098Precipitation Isotopes New Zealand (PINZ): improvements in precipitation isoscapes with machine learning

A. F. Hill 0000-0003-4089-5147, A. McKenzie, B. D. Dudley and D. B. Nelson
 

Representative monthly precipitation isoscape for New Zealand (δ18O for October 2023 shown).

Environmental context. Stable water isotopes δ18O and δ2H in atmospheric precipitation are valuable hydrologic tracers with varied applications, but measuring them over large scales is impractical. Precipitation isotope models (isoscapes) are instead needed to predict isotopes through space and time. Precipitation isotopes are affected by numerous variables ranging from orographic effects to phase changes to moisture mass origin, making them challenging to predict in complex geographies such as New Zealand. Improving data density together with recent advances in modelling approaches hold promise for improving accuracy of precipitation isoscapes in New Zealand and similar locations. (Image credit: Alice Hill.)

EN24098 Abstract  |  EN24098 Full Text  | EN24098PDF (1.7 MB)  | EN24098Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 April 2025

EN24054Aqueous lead speciation determined using DNAzyme GR5

Gaganprit K. Gill, Juewen Liu, Heather M. Gaebler, Ian Hamilton and D. Scott Smith 0000-0002-3075-4087
 

Schematic representation of the Pb species induced cleavage reaction of DNAzyme GR5.

Environmental context. The on-site and real-time detection of metal ions is important for environmental monitoring and risk assessment. For appropriate management decisions, it is necessary to specifically sense the labile fraction of metal rather than total metal. This study provides a proof-of-principle that the DNAzyme GR5 can be used to sense labile lead in natural waters containing dissolved organic matter. (Image credit: D. Scott Smith.)

EN24054 Abstract  | PDF (1.9 MB) - $35.00   | EN24054Supplementary Material (590 KB)

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Mercury in the environment

Guest Editors Graeme Batley (Macquarie University) and Larissa Schneider (The Australian National University) have brought together the ‘Mercury in the environment’ collection, which contains six papers representing the state-of-the-art in mercury investigations, largely originating from Mercury Australia’s [external link] symposium in Canberra in July 2023.

Mercury remains a contaminant of environmental concern, largely as a consequence of historical activities. By its nature, the assessment of the distribution, behaviour and impacts of mercury on aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments requires a multidisciplinary approach, primarily based on environmental chemistry, but supplemented with expertise in ecotoxicology, ecology and archaeology.

Last Updated: 04 Jul 2025

Dedication to Roy Harrison

This collection brings together a series of papers dedicated to Prof. Roy Harrison.

Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

Tyre road wear particles – chemistry and impacts

This collection addresses the environmental chemistry of tyre wear particles and their associated chemicals, ranging in particle size fractions and composition, chemical additives and environmental transformation products, which is applied to improve the understanding of their environmental impact.

Last Updated: 12 Dec 2024

NAMs in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology

This collection brings together papers on new approach methodologies (NAMs) that focus on translational NAM advances and their application within an environmental context.

Last Updated: 24 Jun 2024

Element Biogeochemistry and Human Health

In keeping with the ICOBTE 2019 conference theme, 'Biogeochemistry of trace elements for improved environmental sustainability and human health', we are pleased to present this collection containing a selection of recently published papers focusing on various aspects of trace element biogeochemistry and human health.

Last Updated: 03 Apr 2019

Organosulfates in the Atmosphere

This collection of Environmental Chemistry brings together papers reporting the detection and quantification of organosulfates in various atmospheric environments across the world, and thereby produces new insights into the atmospheric chemistry of organosulfates.

Last Updated: 21 Mar 2019

Environmental Chemistry Showcase 2014–2015

Environmental Chemistry is proud to present this collection featuring highlight articles published during 2014 and 2015 and covering a wide range of topics.

Last Updated: 16 Jun 2016

Environmental Chemistry – Highlights from 2012

This collection is but a small representation of subjects representing the broad scope of Environmental Chemistry, including Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere science (SOLAS); atmospheric aerosol chemistry; arsenic binding and microbial sulfate reduction; size fractionation and mercury speciation; diffusion of nanoparticles in biofilms; and organic phosphorus in aquatic systems.

Last Updated: 20 Mar 2014

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