Volume 1 Issue 1 (2025)

Emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become ubiquitous in air, water, and soil, posing hidden threats to public health. This study integrates exposomics, environmental epidemiology, and toxicology to explore EC exposure pathways, biological mechanisms of toxicity, and health impacts (e.g., endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental disorders). Innovative analytical methods (e.g., high-resolution mass spectrometry) and AI-driven environmental modeling were applied to quantify EC concentrations in different matrices and predict population exposure risks. Additionally, we assessed the role of climate change in altering EC distribution and the health co-benefits of carbon neutralization initiatives. Finally, this paper proposes targeted policies (e.g., stricter emission standards) and technological innovations (e.g., advanced water treatment) to mitigate EC risks, highlighting the need for international collaboration in environmental health governance.

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Climate change has significantly altered the distribution, abundance, and activity of environmental microbes (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi), thereby modifying the transmission dynamics of microbe-driven diseases. This study integrates environmental microbiology, epidemiology, and AI-based modeling to explore how rising temperatures, extreme precipitation, and sea-level rise affect microbe survival, proliferation, and dissemination in air, water, and soil. We analyzed epidemiological data from 12 countries to quantify the association between climate variables, microbial contamination, and disease outbreaks (e.g., cholera, dengue, aspergillosis). Innovative analytical methods (e.g., metagenomic sequencing, qPCR) were used to characterize microbial communities in environmental matrices, while bioinformatics tools identified key pathogenic strains and their antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of adaptive strategies (e.g., improved water sanitation, early warning systems) in mitigating disease risks. The results highlight the urgent need for integrated climate and public health policies to address microbe-driven disease threats in a changing environment.

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Extreme climate events (e.g., heavy rainfall, floods, heatwaves) have become more frequent and intense due to global warming, severely disrupting urban sewage systems and triggering out-of-control transmission of waterborne pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella, norovirus). This study integrates environmental microbiology, pathogen detection technology, and AI-based sewage system modeling to explore how extreme climates damage sewage infrastructure, alter pathogen survival and proliferation, and enhance transmission risks. Field investigations were conducted in 12 flood-affected and 8 heatwave-impacted cities (2021–2023) to monitor sewage overflow, pathogen concentrations, and disease outbreaks. Innovative methods (digital PCR, metagenomic sequencing) were used to quantify and identify pathogenic strains, while AI models predicted sewage system failure and pathogen spread. Results show that heavy rainfall increases sewage overflow by 300–500%, raising E. coli concentrations in surface water to 10⁵ CFU/100mL—100-fold higher than normal. Heatwaves (≥35°C) reduce sewage treatment efficiency by 40%, increasing norovirus discharge by 250%. This study proposes emergency  strategies (real-time monitoring, infrastructure reinforcement, rapid disinfection) to mitigate pathogen transmission risks under extreme climates.

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This study explores the intricate relationship between urbanization, environmental quality, and human health across 20 countries with varying levels of urban development from 2021 to 2024. Using a combination of environmental monitoring data and public health surveys, we analyze how urbanization - driven factors such as air pollution, water contamination, and green space reduction affect key human health indicators including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and mental health issues. The results indicate that rapid and unplanned urbanization is strongly associated with declining environmental quality and increased health risks, particularly in developing countries. However, well - designed urban planning strategies, such as improved waste management and expanded green infrastructure, can mitigate these adverse effects. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate effective measures that balance urban growth with environmental protection and public health promotion.

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This study explores the regulatory effects of urban green spaces on residents' health under climate change across five climate zones (temperate, subtropical, tropical, arid, and cold) from 2021 to 2024. By integrating remote sensing data of green spaces, meteorological data, and health survey data from 15 cities, we analyzed how green space characteristics (coverage, vegetation type, accessibility) moderate the impacts of climate change - related factors (heatwaves, air pollution, extreme precipitation) on residents' physical (cardiovascular health, heat - related illnesses) and mental health (anxiety, stress). Results show that urban green spaces with high coverage (≥30%) and diverse vegetation types can reduce heatwave - induced mortality by 18% - 25% and alleviate air pollution - related respiratory symptoms by 12% - 19% across climate zones. However, the regulatory effect varies by climate: in arid zones, green spaces with drought - resistant vegetation show better heat mitigation; in cold zones, evergreen green spaces contribute more to mental health improvement. This research provides evidence for optimizing urban green space planning to enhance public health resilience under climate change.

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