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Abstract As the world faces growing environmental challenges, understanding the nature of microplastics—such as Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polyurethane (PU)—and their transformation in water-based environments is necessary for predicting and mitigating their effects. In this study, we investigated their physicochemical characteristics, presence of impurities, colloidal behavior, and sorption capacity to understand better how microplastics behave and transform in the environment, including their role in transporting heavy metals. The two types of microparticles investigated fall into distinct size ranges, approximately 70 microns for PE particles and around 5 microns for PU particles. Both samples showed a spherical morphology and an evident surface micro-roughness. The elemental and thermal analysis did not show the presence of any significant metal impurities. The zeta-potential measurements as a function of pH provided insights into the dispersion behavior of microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters, suitable for the growth of Zebrafish (Egg water) and Daphnia magna (Elendt M7 Water). Both materials showed in bidistilled water negative zeta potential (ZP) at natural pH (ZP = − 51.0 ± 4.3 mV at pH = 6.6 and ZP = − 29.5 ± 1.4 mV at pH = 5.6 for LDPE and PU, respectively), justified by the presence of surface-active charged impurities. In saline media, ZP vs. pH curves were flatter, with ZP values near 0 mV, confirming the reduced colloidal stability from higher ionic strength and double-layer compression. Finally, we assessed the metal adsorption capacity to establish the role of microplastics in the transport of heavy metals in the environment. We observed selective adsorption for Cu2⁺ ions, which was both medium-dependent (more ions adsorbed in Elendt M7) and plastic-dependent, with PU showing a stronger affinity for Cu2⁺ in MilliQ and Egg water. On the contrary, both plastics showed similar adsorption capacity for Fe3⁺ ions across all media.

Abstract Background The rise of antibiotic resistance has become a critical global health concern, resulting in numerous fatalities annually. Among resistant pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a particularly severe and expanding threat. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the prevalence, patterns, and contributing factors of MRSA resistance within mainland China. Methods In this study, the data of MRSA antimicrobial resistance in 31 provinces from 2014 to 2021 were obtained from the China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS). Environment and medical care data were obtained either from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) database or the National Ministry of Ecology and Environment (NMEE). Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to explore the potential influencing factors of MRSA antibiotic resistance rate (AMR). Results Significant positive associations were identified between MRSA AMR and various factors, including cadmium pollution, soybean and poultry production, and oil consumption. Conversely, an inverse J-shaped relationship was observed between tap water coverage and MRSA resistance. Other noteworthy correlations included the effects of corn and pork production, as well as antibiotic use intensity. Our predictive model explained 52.7% of the variability in MRSA AMR, demonstrating strong predictive capability. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role of environmental, agricultural, and healthcare factors in influencing MRSA AMR in China. The findings emphasize the need for integrated strategies addressing regional environmental and healthcare quality in combating antibiotic resistance. Extending this research globally could enhance understanding of MRSA resistance dynamics on a broader scale. Graphical Abstract

Abstract The safety of the use of microbial plant protection products (PPP) is assessed before the products can be placed on the market. Due to large differences amongst microbial PPP a case-by-case approach is needed for this assessment. We propose to use the problem formulation approach based on pathways to harm to tailor the assessment to individual microbial PPP and to harmonise this approach when possible. The steps in problem formulation are described and examples are given of how the approach can be used for case-by-case assessments of microbial PPP. We also describe which other elements are needed to fully optimise the risk assessment of microbial PPP and how our approach fits in with the current EU regulatory framework and ongoing activities.

Abstract Background The use of biodegradable mulch films has an advantage over non-biodegradable ones, as it offers degradation by microbes under environmental conditions. Nevertheless, less is known about the microbial colonization of different biodegradable plastics under different agricultural systems and climate change conditions. In the current study, the plastic degradation experiment was conducted at the Global Change Experimental Facility platform, specifically in conventional and organic farming systems, both under ambient and future climatic conditions. In this study, we investigated the early fungal colonizers associated with polybutylene-succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) with polyethylene (PE) as a reference in comparison to the initial soil fungal community. Results We found a distinct pattern between soil and plastisphere fungi. Soil fungi were dominated by Sordariomycetes (mainly Gibellulopsis, Fusarium, and Gibberella), and fungi in plastics were dominated by Dothideomycetes (mainly Mycosphaerella, Alternaria, and Cladosporium). These microbes were previously reported as plastic colonizers and potential plastic degraders. We found that agricultural systems affect both fungal richness and community composition of the plastisphere. Plastic type significantly affected the fungal richness, but not the fungal community composition. The two different agricultural systems undergo different treatments, including crop rotation and fertilization, which in turn impact the fungal colonization of the biodegradable plastics. Conclusions This study provides new insights into factors that affect early fungal colonization of different biodegradable plastics under real field conditions using high-throughput sequencing. These data are of high relevance to evaluate the plastic composition for adjusted rate of plastic biodegradation for upcoming mulch film products.

Abstract RNAi-based applications aim to inhibit the expression of specific essential genes in target organisms by uptake and processing of double-stranded RNA and subsequent degradation of target gene mRNA. While the research on RNAi-based pesticides was initially limited to endogenous applications (i.e., production of the dsRNA by the crop), the development of technologies for exogenous applications like RNAi sprays in particular has increased in recent years. Due to the assumed beneficial properties of RNA molecules, such as degradability or target specificity, RNAi technology receives increasing attention in the development of plant protection products, as evidenced by a steadily increasing number of publications. A horizon scan was conducted with a specific emphasis to identify and illustrate the current state of RNAi developments and applications in crop protection as well as their biomanufacturing readiness levels. In this study, more than 180 publications were evaluated. Furthermore, we identified 268 patent families on this topic. A large variety with regard to treated crops, targeted pest species and target gene functions as well as application types was observed. In total, RNAi applications for more than 30 different pest species were identified, most of which belonged to the insect orders Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera. In addition, applications targeting fungi and viruses were found. RNAi applications were identified to be an upcoming topic in crop protection and, therefore, are becoming increasingly relevant for environmental risk assessment, due to the high number of targeted pest species as well as the variety of novel application types. With this review, we inform future work aimed to develop further adequate concepts and methods for environmental risk assessment of RNAi-based applications.

Abstract Background Due to their intrinsic biological activity biocides can pose an unintended threat to various aquatic organisms. Monitoring data on the spatial distribution and temporal trends are needed to evaluate potential risks and the effectiveness of mitigation measures, but these are scarce for biocides in aquatic environments. In particular, even though many biocides tend to sorb to particles, there are only few studies investigating the contamination of suspended particulate matter (SPM). The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the temporal trends of selected biocides in SPM using German rivers as an example. For this purpose, SPM from the German Environmental Specimen Bank was used for a retrospective trend assessment of a broad spectrum of biocides in integrated SPM samples (yearly composite) in six large German rivers between 2008 and 2021. Results Overall 16 of 23 analyzed biocides were found, whereof 10 substances were detected in all samples. Highest concentrations were found for quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs, the sum of four analyzed QACs were up to 8.7 µg/g) and methyl-triclosan (up to 280 ng/g), a transformation product of the bactericide triclosan. Considerably lower concentrations in the range of 0.08 to 88 ng/g and

Abstract The aquaculture sector is facing environmental issues because of rising chemical pollution of aquatic systems, which may be caused by man-made or natural causes. The combined action of these mixtures can produce an effect that is either severalfold higher or severalfold lower than the overall toxicity of the individual components. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of three individual toxicants: lead (Pb 0.088 mg L−1), mercury (Hg 0.084 mg L−1), and pendimethalin (PM 0.355 mg L−1) and their combinations on the behavior, oxidative stress, immunology, biochemistry, and histopathological changes in Nile tilapia. The results show that mortality was evident across all treatment groups and was highest in the mixture (MIX) group, at 33.4%. Some of these behavioral changes included increased mucus secretion, fin rot, and dark skin coloration of the fish, all of which were evidently exacerbated in the MIX group. The erythrocyte and hemoglobin indices presented marked reductions in the MIX and PM groups in comparison to the control group. The MIX group had higher levels of serum creatinine and urea, as well as the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. They also had higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity, which showed oxidative stress. The stress biomarkers, cortisol and glucose, showed greater impact on the MIX and PM groups. The neurobehavioral assessment demonstrated noticeable decreased acetylcholinesterase levels in PM and MIX-exposed groups. In the serum immunological parameters, levels of nitric oxide and lysozyme were lower, especially in the MIX and PM groups. In all experimental groups, especially the MIX group, the levels of spleen pro-inflammatory cytokine genes were higher. The histopathological examination revealed marked lesions in the gills, liver, and brains in the form of inflammation, necrosis, and circulatory alterations. Among the exposed groups, the MIX group exhibited the highest histopathological changes. Collectively, our findings demonstrated significant toxic effects of heavy metals and herbicides on Nile tilapia, revealing a synergistic impact on both physiological and histopathological responses resulting from combined exposures. The data evidently indicate the ecological hazards associated with heavy metals and herbicides in aquatic ecosystems.

Abstract Background Diethyl phthalate (DEP), used as a plasticizer, is more prevalent in the aquatic environment due to its widespread usage in plastics, cosmetics, and numerous pharmaceutical industries. It is a potential endocrine disruptor, but the underlying mechanism in fish needs to be investigated. The present study evaluated the toxic impacts of DEP exposure for 30 days on commercially important fish Labeo catla (Catla). Alterations at multiple level endpoints of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis) were assessed. DEP-induced changes in oxidative stress, histopathological changes (liver, kidney and brain) and bioaccumulation in fish muscle were also evaluated. Results DEP exposure to 1/10th (1.62 mg/L) and 1/50th (0.32 mg/L) LC50 dose for 30 days to Catla revealed that it stimulated the expression of kisspeptin (Kiss 1 and Kiss 2) genes in the hypothalamus, leading to an increased GnRH concentration (36.75%) in the higher dose. The brain FSH levels increased by 11.24 and 55.42% times than control in both the doses. This led to an increase in circulating sex steroids E2 (41.62%) and 11 KT (24.59%) and eventually triggered hepatic Vtg production (23.90%) in a dose-dependent manner. DEP exposure lowered the concentration of antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the effect being more pronounced in the higher dose. The histopathological alterations, such as hepatocyte vacuolization, sinusoidal congestion, loss of brush border, degeneration of lumen, infiltration of eosinophilic cells in liver, kidney and brain, respectively, were noted. Conclusions This pioneering study could provide detailed insight into the endocrine disruptive potential of DEP in fish, as evidenced by its impact at multiple endpoints, even at low doses after 30 days of exposure. The output of this investigation thus emphasized the need for regular monitoring of DEP for ecological risk assessment.

Abstract Background This article provides an overview of the iMulch joint project, which analysed the use of polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable mulch films made of a polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) on agricultural land as a source of microplastic. The development of a detection methodology using Raman spectroscopy and thermo-extraction desorption gas chromatography mass–spectrometry (TED-GC–MS), the adsorption behaviour, ageing in drainage water and soil, their transport behaviour in lysimeters, ecotoxicity, uptake in plants, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and upcycling were considered. Results The PE film tested showed hardly any degradation or fragmentation during the ageing tests. The biodegradable films showed incipient degradation after 8 weeks in drainage water and initial degradation after 12 weeks in soil ageing experiments. Additionally no degradation could be detected in the lysimeter test within the 24 months analysed. The biodegradable films could be metabolized in laboratory tests with some microorganisms present in the soil. This indicates that these films can be degraded in the environment if the conditions for degradation are optimal. No microorganisms or fungi that could degrade the PE film within a respective period of time were detected in the soil. Adsorption of the tested substances was not observed. Incorporated in soil, mulch film microplastic showed retention of extractable pesticides. In the ecotoxicological tests, both film types showed no acute toxic effects in the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the springtail Folsomia candida. Endocrine activity was observed in eluate samples from both films. However, aged films showed fewer effects than non-aged films. Conclusion Both types of film show no transport or degradation in the tests under real conditions, which means that they remain in the upper soil layer, where they are available to soil organisms and can lead to high concentrations in the future. As the biodegradable film could be degraded, at least under ideal conditions, we recommend its use. However, proof of degradation must first be verified under real field conditions. In addition, we recommend the use of thicker conventional mulch films to minimize the emission of plastic particles. For this purpose, a minimum lower limit for the material thickness should be defined. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background The European Union is reformulating key water management directives: the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) and the Water Framework Directive. The UWWTD update mandates extended removal of nutrients and stricter limits on micropollutants, primarily at wastewater treatment plants with a constructed capacity above 10 000 population equivalents. The revised Environmental Quality Standards Directive expands the list of regulated pollutants and lowers permissible concentrations for priority substances, including pharmaceuticals. The present study, applied for the Central-European country Hungary as a pilot, examines the impact of the UWWTD recast on receiving water quality. Employing a mixing model to assess the impact of municipal wastewater treatment plant emissions on regional waters, the research aims to optimize resource allocation for plant improvements and enhance risk area designation methods. Results Based on the evaluation of 886 river water bodies, it was found that wastewater plant effluents explain most of the current river impairment. Stricter nitrogen and phosphorus standards foreseen in the UWWTD recast will reduce the fraction of water bodies failing to achieve good ecological status by ~ 10%. The introduction of the new environmental quality standards for pharmaceuticals, in particular clarithromycin and diclofenac, will reveal that almost half of the river water bodies fail to achieve the good chemical status. Even after the implementation of micropollutant removal at the largest plants, as required by the recast, this number will not improve substantially. Conclusions The UWWTD recast’s stricter effluent standards for nutrients are projected to remarkably reduce the number of water bodies failing to achieve good ecological status, particularly in lowland rivers. However, the chemical status for pharmaceuticals like diclofenac remains concerning, with more than 40% of streams expected to fail under the revised limits. To overcome this, it is suggested to revise how the implementation of micropollutant removal at plants is prioritized. In addition to plant constructed capacity, the receiving water’s dilution capacity is to be considered at the prioritization and the designation of areas at risk.

Abstract Microplastic (MP) pollution is a critical environmental issue affecting ecosystems globally, with significant implications for wildlife and human health. This systematic review examines MP contamination in animal taxa across Thailand from 2016 to 2024, highlighting the extensive presence of MPs in diverse habitats, particularly in benthic environments, which account for 55% of contamination. Fish, especially from the Cyprinidae family, are the most affected, followed by filter feeders like mussels and shrimp. The review identifies prevalent MP types, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PES), with fibers being the dominant shape. The ingestion of MPs poses direct physical threats to wildlife and serves as a vector for harmful chemicals, raising concerns about bioaccumulation and biomagnification within food webs, ultimately impacting human health through seafood consumption. Despite increasing research activity, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term ecological and health effects of MP pollution. Future research should focus on the physiological impacts of MP ingestion, the dynamics of trophic transfer, and the effectiveness of waste management strategies. Enhanced detection methods and assessments of regional and seasonal variability in MP contamination are essential for a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Addressing MP pollution in Thailand necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that combines scientific inquiry, public awareness, and effective policy implementation. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect biodiversity and human health from the pervasive impacts of MP contamination.

Abstract Introduction The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is a 7-year multinational partnership aimed at consolidating and strengthening European Union’s (EU) research and innovation capacity for chemical risk assessment (RA) to protect human health and the environment. It consists of nine work packages (WP) involving more than 200 participating organisations from 29 countries. PARC is currently mapping the most relevant needs in the field of European chemical RA to steer PARC’s future activities in the coming years. The present study aims to gather the perspectives of WP/Task/Project Leaders of PARC to understand their experience during the first prioritisation round of PARC activities and to identify potential points of improvement for future rounds. Methods Three online 90-min focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted between the 3rd and 9th of May 2023. Each session was attended by 4-5 participants with at least one representative from each PARC WPs 4, 5 and 6 (n = 13). The sessions were recorded and transcribed, then analysed in NVivo 12 software using thematic analysis. Results Some important aspects for the prioritisation of activities that were mentioned include: (1) having a transparent prioritisation process even though each WP might need different prioritisation criteria, (2) balancing the fulfilment of short-term regulatory needs and anticipating long-term needs in chemical RA, (3) maintaining alignment and synergy between the WPs and with other relevant EU initiatives to avoid duplication and to ensure continuity of work and (4) making sure that PARC can effectively respond to requests from different PARC stakeholders. Conclusions The next round of PARC research activity steering process will provide an opportunity to implement the various improvements identified. PARC should utilise the advantage of having stakeholders from different backgrounds (e.g., risk assessors, policymakers, regulatory bodies, academia, etc.) within its consortium and its advising bodies to prioritise projects and activities that will support its overall objectives. These recommendations could also be of interest outside PARC in the context of prioritising research and innovation needs related to chemical RA.

Abstract Background Environmental nanoplastics pose a potential health risk due to human exposure, necessitating studies on their cellular effects. This study aims to assess the toxic and antibacterial properties of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NH2) on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and HFF-2 fibroblast cells, while also evaluating their oxidative stress responses. Additionally, the study explores the anti-tumor effects and apoptosis induction by PS-NH2. The primary objectives were to determine the cytotoxicity, antibacterial efficacy, and oxidative stress response of PS-NH2 at different concentrations and sizes. The study also aimed to investigate the mechanism of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and changes in antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and GPx). Methods Nanoplastic properties were characterized using FTIR, FESEM, and zeta potential analysis. Antibacterial effects were assessed using the agar dilution method, while the MTT assay determined cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and HFF-2 cells. Apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx) were also evaluated. Results FTIR analysis confirmed the amino-functionalization of PS-NH2 with a wide peak at 3386 cm-1, and zeta potential indicated a neutral charge. PS-NH2 showed no antibacterial activity against E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus at sizes of 90, 200, and 300 nm. Cytotoxicity assays revealed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability for both cell lines. SOD and GPx activity decreased significantly with increasing PS-NH2 concentrations. Both cell lines underwent apoptosis, with cell accumulation in the G1 and sub-G1 phases, indicating apoptotic cell death. Conclusions PS-NH2 exhibits dose- and size-dependent cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and HFF-2 cells. Smaller particle sizes and higher concentrations of PS-NH2 enhance oxidative stress, leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background As a kind of emerging contaminant, psychoactive substances (PSs) have been detected in different types of freshwater ecosystems; however, their occurrence in coastal shore areas is seldom reported. In this study, surface water samples from the mangrove ecosystems across 6 cities and counties in Hainan Island, 68 water samples were collected from August to December 2022, for assessment of the occurrence, spatial distribution, and potential ecological risks of PSs in the mangrove ecosystem in Hainan Island, South China. Results A total of 13 PSs were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), with 7 of them at high frequency (> 50%). Amphetamine (AMP) was detected with the highest concentration of 12.0 ng/L, followed by ephedrine (EPH) of 8.31 ng/L. The spatial distribution showed that PSs concentrations in mangroves in the Eastern Route were higher than those in the Western Route, similar to the level of regional development, which may be influenced by seasonal tourism. The risk quotients (RQs) of the PSs ranged from 0 to 0.0055, suggesting the low risk of PSs in Hainan mangrove ecosystems. Conclusions Generally, this study provided valuable insights into the environmental occurrence, spatial variations, and ecological risks of PSs in mangrove wetlands systems for the first time, serving as a foundation for understanding their influence on the mangrove ecosystem, which may aid in protection of those unique and vulnerable areas.

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) have become pervasive environmental pollutants with significant impacts on ecosystems, particularly aquatic environments. As these particles infiltrate various habitats, they are ingested by a wide range of organisms, from plankton to large marine mammals. The ingestion of MPs disrupts the food web, causing physical and chemical harm to animals at multiple trophic levels. Here, we studied the accumulation of MPs in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of a terrestrial lizard species after long-term monitoring using museum specimens in the collection of the Fauna and Flora Research and Application Center at Dokuz Eylül University from decades ago. These museum samples were from 1986 to 2013, but not consecutive years. GITs from 300 individuals were analyzed and MPs were detected in the GITs of only 25 individuals. In 25 individuals, the most dominant form of microplastic was fiber. The highest number of MPs was detected in 2001, followed by 1995. It is thought that this accumulation is caused by human activities in the lizard's environment and that it enters the food web indirectly because it lives in areas with high human interaction. Overall, this study shows that MPs have been present in the past, entering the food web of terrestrial species, and that MPs can inherently transfer to other living things. It is understood that MPs will pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health as they are transferred through the food chain. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background The widely inefficient agricultural use of phosphorus (P) causes environmental damage. At the same time, an uneven resource distribution risks supply shortages for this essential nutritional element. Effective governance solutions help to stimulate a more sustainable P management and fulfil the human right to food. This article applies a qualitative governance analysis to develop an integrated governance solution for the multi-layered problems of agricultural P use primarily by economic instruments. Based on P-related challenges and the cornerstones of sustainable P management, an assessment scheme for economic instruments for P is conceptualized and applied. Results Results show that there is no ‘one fits all’ solution for all problems associated with agricultural P use. We find a combination of (1) an economic instrument for rock phosphate-based fertilizers with (2) a tax for P surpluses and (3) a regulation on contaminant levels in fertilizers addresses all P-related problems effectively. Conclusions The optimal P governance combines economic and regulatory policy instruments. Besides addressing sustainable P management and thus contributing to the implementation of the right to food, the policy mix also positively impacts further ecological challenges such as disrupted N cycles, climate change and biodiversity loss.

Abstract The degradation of mismanaged plastic waste in the environment results in the formation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), which pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. These particles are pervasive, detected even in remote regions, and can enter the food chain, accumulating in organisms and causing harm depending on factors such as particle load, exposure dose, and the presence of co-contaminants. Detecting and analyzing NMPs present unique challenges, particularly as particle size decreases, making them increasingly difficult to identify. Moreover, the absence of standardized protocols for their detection and analysis further hinders comprehensive assessments of their environmental and biological impacts. This review provides a detailed overview of the latest advancements in technologies for sampling, separation, measurement, and quantification of NMPs. It highlights promising approaches, supported by practical examples from recent studies, while critically addressing persistent challenges in sampling, characterization, and analysis. This work examines cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology-based detection, integrated spectro-microscopic techniques, and AI-driven classification algorithms, offering solutions to bridge gaps in NMP research. By exploring state-of-the-art methodologies and presenting future perspectives, this review provides valuable insights for improving detection capabilities at the micro- and nanoscale, enabling more effective analysis across diverse environmental contexts.

Abstract Background Lead is a prevalent heavy metal pollutant in the environment, and chronic lead exposure in occupational settings has been linked to cognitive decline. Our objective was to delineate lead-induced changes in brain functional activity through the assessment of regional homogeneity (ReHo), degree centrality (DC) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 76 participants from a smelting company. Based on their blood lead levels, 26 participants were assigned to the lead exposure group (≥ 300 μg/L), whereas 23 were assigned to the control group (≤ 100 μg/L). Neuropsychological assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-rating Depression Scale. Participants underwent rs-fMRI for ReHo, DC, and FC analyses. Brain regions demonstrating significant differences in ReHo and DC were identified as regions of interest for subsequent FC analysis. We also examined the relationships between lead levels, FC values, and neuropsychological scores. Results Compared to the control group, individuals with high lead exposure exhibited increased ReHo in the bilateral insula and vermis and elevated DC in the left olfactory cortex. Notably, the left insula demonstrated reduced FC with the right cerebellar crus I, left fusiform gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The right insula also displayed reduced FC with the right middle frontal gyrus but increased FC between the left olfactory cortex and right insula. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between lead levels and FC of the left insula with the left fusiform gyrus (r = − 0.586), left superior frontal gyrus (r = − 0.556), and left middle frontal gyrus (r = − 0.626), as well as between FC of the right insula and the right middle frontal gyrus (r = − 0.587). Conversely, there was a positive association between FC of the left olfactory cortex with the right insula and lead levels (r = 0.609), whereas an inverse relationship was noted with neurocognitive assessments. Conclusions The disruption in insula coordination may significantly impair long-range FC and contribute to cognitive deficits resulting from lead exposure. The insula appears to be a pivotal region in lead-associated neurocognitive impairment.

Abstract Background For use in cosmetic products, 32 substances have been authorised in the EU as UV-filters as of August 2022 (Annex VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009). Although these substances can enter the aquatic environment directly through bathing, authorisation for use in cosmetic products does not require a specific environmental risk assessment, whereas risks to human health are specifically assessed. Furthermore, no environmental quality standards have been proposed at EU level. For the current review, data on freshwater ecotoxicity, physicochemical properties, environmental fate and measured exposure were retrieved from ECHA registration information and public databases and assessed for reliability and relevance. Environmental quality standards (EQS) were proposed based on the EU technical guidance for EQS for the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Results From a WFD perspective, there were significant or complete gaps for acute and chronic effects data, sediment organisms and rarely tested organisms at the time of data retrieval, as well as gaps for measured environmental concentrations in the assessed databases. The reliability of the reported data could not always be verified due to missing information. As expected from the heterogeneity of molecular structures, ecotoxicity data and environmental fate parameters vary considerably between the different substances. Our assessments indicate that the use of some of the substances in direct contact with surface water may pose a repeated risk to aquatic organisms. Conclusions We recommend a revision of the process for the inclusion of UV-filters in the EU Cosmetics Product Regulation, taking into account the potential environmental risks. A full assessment of all UV-filters using standard test organisms as well as rarely tested species for acute and chronic effects and bioaccumulation would require, among other things, a large number of fish tests. Therefore, new assessment methods (NAMs) are recommended, including the use of fish cell lines for acute toxicity testing and alternatives for the assessment of chronic toxicity.

Abstract Continuous cropping obstacles are significant factors that limit the yield and quality of tobacco. Thus, the selection and breeding of varieties is a crucial strategy for mitigating these challenges. However, the effects and mechanisms by which different tobacco varieties influence the structural composition of soil microbial remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a field experiment involving five tobacco varieties (K326, K394, XL, Y87, and Y97) and two types of soil (continuous cropping obstacle soil and normal soil). We examined microbial responses to different tobacco varieties in each soil type. Our results revealed that soil available nutrients and organic matter were decreased in obstacle soil compared to normal soil. The fresh biomass decreased by 18.05–27.92% in obstacle soil (except K394 and Y97). The microbial community composition in the rhizosphere soil remained consistent in various tobacco varieties in obstacle soil. The connections between soil fertility nutrients and microbial communities were reduced in obstacle soil compared to normal soil. The alteration of bacterial community composition was a stochastic process, whereas the modification of fungal community composition was a deterministic process in obstacle soil. Furthermore, the abundance of differential fungi (Zoopagomycota) was notably higher in obstacle soil. Overall, our results revealed that the disturbance of microbial communities and soil degradation in the obstacle soil are primary factors contributing to reduced crop yields. Therefore, it is an economical strategy for overcoming continuous cropping obstacles by utilizing rhizosphere microecology through multi-variety planting.

Abstract Decomposition of submerged plants releases organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus into water bodies, generating an important impact on the aquatic ecosystem. This study explored the influence of growth substrate with different compositions on the decomposition process of eelgrass (Vallisneria spinulosa Yan, V. spinulosa Yan). The sediment + iron–carbon fillers system exhibited significantly lower concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the overlying water than other systems, with the maximum values of 5.68 and 7.05 mg/L, respectively. The addition of ceramic and calcium nitrate promoted the formation of HCl-extracted phosphorus (HCl–P) in the sediment, while the addition of iron–carbon fillers increased the content of NaOH-extracted phosphorus (NaOH–P). Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in overlying water showed that different substrate compositions did not significantly affect the compositions of organic matter released during the decomposition of V. spinulosa Yan. The microbial community and abundance in each experimental group changed significantly before and after the decomposition of V. spinulosa Yan. The sediment + iron–carbon fillers system showed significantly higher abundance of microbial community than other systems, with the enrichment of functional bacteria related to denitrification and sulfate reduction. In contrast, the sediment + calcium nitrate system exhibited a smaller change of microbial community abundance, with the enrichment of aerobic denitrifying bacteria. In this paper, it was found that the sediment + iron–carbon group had a good adsorption effect on nitrogen and phosphorus released during the decomposition process of V. spinulosa Yan, and had a good effect on water purification as the growth substrate of submerged plants.

Abstract The bioaccessibility of Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cu is a critical parameter for accurately assessing the human health risk associated with oral exposure to soils contaminated with heavy metals. However, most studies have evaluated the bioaccessibility of these metals without considering the impact of metallic chemical fractionations and human gut microbiota, which are important factors affecting the uptake of heavy metals. In this study, the bioaccessibility of Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cu in soils was measured in an improved in vitro model. The metallic chemical fractionations and bioaccessibility of heavy metals in the sterilized colon phase were also investigated. The results showed that the bioaccessibility of all four heavy metals was below 70%, indicating that relying solely on total metal concentration for assessing human health risks would result in overestimation. The exchangeable, bound to carbonates, and bound to iron and manganese fractions (F123) of heavy metals were found to be close to their bioaccessibility. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of heavy metals in the gastric phase was strongly and positively correlated with their F123 values (r of Zn, Ni, and Cu were 0.80, 0.57, and 0.68, respectively), highlighting the close connection between metallic chemical fractionation and bioaccessibility. The bioaccessibility of Ni and Cd was found to be higher in the sterile colon phase compared to the active colon phase, whereas Cu showed lower bioaccessibility in the sterile colon phase. The significant differences in heavy metal bioaccessibility between the active and sterile colon suggested that human gut microbiota in vitro played a key role in the adsorption and desorption processes of heavy metals in the intestine. These findings underscore the importance of taking into account both metallic chemical fractionation and human gut microbiota in vitro when assessing the bioaccessibility of heavy metals and their associated health risks.

Abstract Sewage treatment plants are considered as important pathways for the transfer of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. In conventional wastewater treatment, some of these compounds accumulate in sewage sludge via sorption onto suspended solids posing a potential environmental threat during sludge disposal and reuse. This review paper summarizes data for the occurrence of 182 PFAS from different classes in sludge matrices. Most of these monitoring data originate from Europe, Asia and North America, while limited data are available from Africa and South America. The most commonly studied classes of PFAS are perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, and perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, while few results are available for the occurrence of new generation PFAS such as GenX. The range of the observed concentrations varies between 0.01 ng/g d.w. for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid to some μg/g, depending on the compound, with the highest concentrations found for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (8.2 μg/g d.w.). Limited information exists for the fate and removal of these substances in full-scale anaerobic digesters while recent articles indicate that some PFAS can be biotransformed under strictly anaerobic conditions. The exact mechanism remains unclear; additional data are needed to identify transformation products, apply mass balances, and understand the role of specific microorganisms. As regards novel thermal processes, encouraging results were recently published for the destruction of specific PFAS in hydrothermal liquefaction and carbonization, ranging between 55 and 100%, depending on the compound and the experimental conditions applied. Future studies should expand the list of studied compounds and focus on the mechanisms of their removal. PFAS are transferred to agricultural lands during sewage sludge reuse and their concentrations in soil are related to the applied biosolids’ loading rates. The parameters that affect leaching and desorption of PFAS from sludge, their plant uptake and possible threats for the environment and human health from the use of sewage sludge as soil amendment should be examined in long-term studies. ZeroPM project aims to address some of the literature gaps regarding the behavior of PFAS during sludge treatment focusing to the modification of anaerobic digestion and to the use of hydrothermal carbonization.

Abstract A risk-based strategy is presented aimed at prioritizing chemicals screened as potential persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) or very persistent and very mobile (vPvM) substances. Prioritization is done to strengthen the decision-making process regarding actions that might be taken against chemicals screened as potential PMT/vPvM substances. Such actions can range from acquiring additional data aimed at reducing uncertainties in toxicological effect concentrations or internal exposure concentrations to—in case of acceptable uncertainty—suggesting compounds for prevention and/or removal measures in order to limit future exposure. The prioritization strategy is developed within the ZeroPM project and applies a variety of tools, including in silico and in vitro models for exposure and toxicity hazard assessment. These tools will be applied to chemicals identified as PMT/vPvM substances, with a preliminary emphasis on substances belonging to three chemical classes, i.e. perfluorinated compounds, triazines and triazoles. Here we describe the ZeroPM approach providing a proof-of-principle illustrative example, based on data-rich substances, results from which demonstrate how prioritization can be achieved using a risk-based approach that uses data obtained from new approach methodologies (NAMs) and environmental exposure concentrations, obtained either through modelling or monitoring studies. Results are communicated using a risk-based prioritization matrix, which can be used to help to communicate prioritization needs, such as identifying data gaps or for guiding actions aimed at mitigating exposure. The precision and accuracy of the prioritization matrix is evaluated using several data-rich chemicals, which identifies perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid as high priority, due to a combination of toxicity and exposure estimates, whereas atrazine and melamine are observed at lower priority. The proposed risk-based prioritization framework thus represents a complementary source of information that should help support regulatory decision-making for PMT/vPvM substances.

Abstract The ECHA guidance on persistence (P) assessment has been updated with respect to non-extractable residues (NER). Unless further characterized, total NER shall be considered as non-degraded parent compound. We investigated how different NER fractions affect degradation half-lives (DegT50) of chemicals and the P assessment. Total NER consist of the fractions sorbed/sequestered (NER I), covalently bound (NER II), and bioNER (incorporated into the biomass, NER III). NER I pose a risk due to potential release, NER II have much lower release potential, and bioNER do not have any. NER I and NER II are considered as xenoNER. Data from 46 degradation tests with 24 substances were analyzed to find DegT50 for four scenarios: (i) extractable parent compound, (ii) parent plus total NER, (iii) parent plus xenoNER, and (iv) parent plus NER I. The microbial turnover to biomass (MTB) model was applied to calculate bioNER, and then xenoNER were calculated as total NER minus bioNER. The half-lives were determined by the fit program CAKE, using single first-order kinetics (SFO) for all fits. We found increasing degradation half-lives for the scenarios: extractable parent only

Abstract The growth of global plastic production and the associated increase in microplastic pollution in the environment has attracted increasing attention from both scientists and the general public. Drinking water from public water supply systems is essential for human life and therefore ensuring its high quality is a priority. The aim of this study was to detect and identify microplastics in drinking water from public water supply systems. Water samples were collected from various locations across the Czech Republic during two sampling campaigns in 2021 and 2023. A total of 58 samples and 580 particles were analyzed using μ-FTIR (micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). These particles were categorized by material, shape, color, and quantity. Of the analyzed particles, 196 were identified as microplastics. Except for one sample, where no microplastics were detected, the concentration ranged from 20 to 180 microplastics per liter during the first campaign and from 20 to 120 microplastics per liter in the second campaign. In the first campaign, fibers and transparent microplastics were predominantly detected, while in the second collection, fragments and blue microplastics were more common. The most frequently observed materials were paper with polyethylene coating, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyester (PES). This study also provides data on the average daily intake of microplastics via drinking water, calculated as 2 and 2.1 MP/kg/day, with all results undergoing statistical evaluation. Furthermore, the study addresses new European legislation and the proposed standardized methodology, which represents a significant step toward achieving consistent results across studies and, upon its adoption, will likely influence the direction of research on microplastics in drinking water. However, as discussed in the study, the methodology contains several problematic aspects, which are elaborated upon. With the planned inclusion of microplastics on the EU list of substances to be monitored, it is essential to continue research and collect more data. This study confirms the presence of microplastics and provides detailed information on their characteristics in drinking water supplied by public water systems in the Czech Republic. Highlights Two drinking water sampling campaigns were carried out. Microplastics were found in 57 out of 58 analyzed drinking water samples. The average MP concentrations in two campaigns amounted 68.3 and 65 MP/L. Material, shape, and color of all detected microplastics were identified. Average daily MP intake via drinking water was calculated as 2 and 2.1 MP/kg/day. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background Pesticide application is one of the factors reported to contribute to the decline of pollinators, such as honey bees and bumble bees, and guidelines for risk assessment have been established recently. We collected a total of 1720 data sets of pesticide residue levels in pollen and nectar from EFSA documents and from the scientific literature, covering 71 different chemicals and 20 different crops. Out of this data set, 164 events for nectar with 27 different chemicals and 161 events for pollen with 32 different chemicals were chosen that describe the initial (t = 0–1 day) residue per unit dose (RUD) after spray application. Median RUD values were calculated to describe the typical realistic initial applied dose. Results Overall, we can confirm earlier findings found in the frame of risk assessment of plant protection products on bees. RUD pollen is higher than RUD nectar, and there is a wide variability of results. Polar pesticides had higher median RUD values, in particular in nectar, but the explained variability of substance properties is generally small (≤10%). There are clear indications that the setup and the conditions during the experiment override substance-specific differences. Factors contributing to the observed differences in RUD were identified: spray direction (up/sideward > downward), sampling method of nectar and pollen (from flower > by traps > from bees), experimental setting (greenhouse > field or tunnel) and geometry of flowers (Fabaceae had highest RUD nectar). Conclusions A goal of the study was to find a prediction method for initial pesticide residues in nectar and pollen after spray application to flowers and plants. Thus, median RUD values for the different conditions were provided. However, nothing can be said about how combinations of the mentioned factors affect RUD values.

The subject of the article is issues related to the efficiency of agricultural administration as a basis for protecting the confidence of agricultural producers in public authority. Agricultural activity is increasingly determined by the norms of administrative law. Specific in this case, the administration is entitled to build a certain institutional environment that allows it to appoint the bodies necessary for the implementation of the instruments that affect it, and thus to determine the activity of agricultural producers in the desired direction. The purpose of the article was to answer the question of what factor affects the level of confidence in public authority in agricultural producers in the course of their agricultural activities. The article concludes that the actual level of confidence in public authority depends on many factors, including, in particular, individual and collective confidence in the effective operation of the administrative apparatus.

The aim of the article is, firstly, to present and evaluate the legal model of financing agricultural activities in Poland following Poland’s accession to the EU in the face of current challenges, and secondly, to attempt to determine the tasks that the Agency for the Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture performs in financing agricultural activities from EU funds. The article presents the System of Direct Payments as a basic element of Pillar I of the Common Agricultural Policy, Pillar II of the Common Agricultural Policy, Extraordinary Financial Support, the Agency for the Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture in Poland as an accredited entity implementing instruments co-financed from the European Union budget, de mininis aid, notified and ratified programmes. In conclusion, the author states that the current financial support through differentiated programmes under CAP 2023–2027 is aimed at meeting the current challenges. However, it is necessary to increase financial assistance to agricultural producers. The basic institution for financing agricultural activities in Poland is the Agency for the Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, established as early as 1994 to support the development of agriculture and rural areas. Poland’s membership in the EU has significantly expanded the tasks of the ARMA. The ARMA uses new technologies, such as implementing the Area Monitoring System defined in Article 66(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 of the European Parliament and the Council.

In recent years, floating photovoltaics (FPV) has emerged as a highly promising solution for integrating renewable energy production into the global energy landscape. This innovative technology involves the installation of solar panels on floating platforms, offering a number of advantages over traditional land-based photovoltaic systems. First and foremost FPV enables the use of existing water surfaces, such as artificial reservoirs, lakes, and basins, thereby overcoming limitations related to the availability of agricultural or urban land. This feature is particularly pertinent in geographic contexts characterised by high population density and limited land availability, as is the case in many regions of Italy. Furthermore, floating photovoltaics offer a number of additional environmental benefits. The shading effect of the solar panels on the water surface significantly reduces evaporation, thereby preserving a valuable resource like freshwater, which is particularly important in areas prone to drought. Additionally, the natural cooling effect of the water enhances the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels, increasing the production of electricity.

This paper examines the regulation of precision farming in the countries of the European Union (EU), focusing on technological innovations, environmental impacts, and case studies from various member states. Precision farming, which utilizes advanced technologies to optimize agricultural practices, presents significant opportunities for enhancing productivity and sustainability. However, the integration of these technologies raises regulatory challenges that must be addressed to ensure safe and effective implementation. By analysing the regulatory frameworks and practices in different EU countries, this paper aims to identify best practices and propose recommendations for harmonizing regulations across the EU in order to support the growth of precision agriculture.

Montenegro, a Mediterranean gem, boasts abundant natural and cultural treasures, forming the bedrock of its thriving tourism industry. Among its various tourism branches – cultural, nautical, health, and MICE – gastronomy stands out as a potent driver. The indigenous gastronomic landscape not only entices foreign tourists but also fuels increased consumption. This paper endeavours to elucidate the justification and potential of Montenegro’s gastronomic tourism by spotlighting its national gastronomy. Gastronomy, intricately linked with destination identity, plays a pivotal role in shaping the destination’s image. Drawing inspiration from the Republic of Slovenia’s successful declaration as a European gastronomic region in 2021, this paper advocates for a similar trajectory for Montenegro to enhance its tourism brand recognition.

Abstract Biopesticides have received increasing global attention as environmentally friendly alternatives, allowing for more sustainable pest and disease control. In order to be registered or authorized for use, safety studies need to be submitted for regulatory risk assessments. However, it has been frequently reported that, in particular, microbial pesticides have a number of challenges when it comes to non-target organism testing. For instance, study results from such tests are often difficult to interpret or they lack consistency and accuracy. Reasons for this can be found firstly in the heterogeneity and resulting complexity of microbe-based pesticides comprising different taxonomic groups (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses), and secondly in the lack of appropriate guidance for testing these different microbial agents considering their unique biological properties. The present review gives an overview of the available test guidelines by reflecting the current regulatory background in the area of environmental risk assessment of microbial pesticides and describes general and specific issues associated with safety studies on terrestrial vertebrates, aquatic organisms, bees, non-target arthropods other than bees, meso- and macro-organisms in soil, and non-target terrestrial plants. Proposals for improvement of existing test guidelines or guidance documents are provided and further discussed.

Abstract A Central European catchment underlain by base-poor orthogneiss was studied using mass budgets and Mg–Ca–Sr isotope systematics. For 50 years, the catchment received large amounts of partly soluble dust from a nearby cluster of coal-burning power plants, while suffering from acid rain and severe spruce die-back. Our objective was to investigate to what extent anthropogenic dust contributes to Mg and Ca in runoff and to identify fractionations affecting Mg and Ca isotope composition of 13 ecosystem pools and fluxes. We hypothesized that if Mg and Ca runoff fluxes were significantly larger than their atmospheric inputs, Mg and Ca isotope ratios in runoff would converge to those of bedrock Mg and Ca. This relationship could be obscured by isotope fractionations. Strontium characterized by negligible isotope fractionations served as a Ca proxy. There was a strong positive correlation between Mg and Ca fluxes via spruce throughfall and catchment runoff. Monitoring of rainfall, canopy throughfall and runoff fluxes revealed a 20-, 15- and 15-fold excess of Mg, Ca and Sr in runoff, respectively, compared to atmospheric deposition fluxes. This sizeable excess per se would indicate predominance of geogenic base cations in runoff. The behavior of Mg and Ca isotopes was de-coupled. Petrographic study indicated that 92% of bedrock Mg was bound to easily dissolving biotite, 97% Ca was present in plagioclase, and nearly all Sr was in orthoclase. While Mg isotope ratios in bedrock and runoff were indistinguishable, corroborating predominantly geogenic Mg in runoff, Ca and Sr isotope ratios in bedrock and runoff were significantly different, consistent with a non-negligible contribution of atmospheric Ca and Sr to runoff. Previous study of sites underlain by felsic rocks indicated that the δ44Ca value of apatite was often higher than the δ44Ca value of plagioclase. Should weathering of apatite and/or plagioclase preferentially release Ca that is isotopically heavier than bulk rock, the geogenic Ca source at JEZ would converge to the mean δ44Ca value of runoff. Calcium isotope data would then become more consistent with a major role of geogenic Ca in JEZ runoff indicated by mass balance data.

Abstract Predicting evaporation is an essential topic in water resources management. It is critical to plan irrigation schedules, optimize hydropower production, and accurately calculate the overall water balance. Thus, researchers have developed many prediction models for predicting evaporation. Despite the development of these models, there are still unresolved challenges. These challenges include selecting the most important input parameters, handling nonstationary data, extracting critical information from data, and quantifying the uncertainty of predicted values. Thus, the main aim of this study is to address these challenges by developing a new prediction model. The new prediction model, named Gated Recurrent Unit–Multi-Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (MKELM)–Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), was used to predict one-month ahead evaporation in the Kashafrood basin, Iran. This model was executed in multiple stages. First, a feature selection algorithm was used to determine the most critical input parameters. A data processing technique was then employed to decompose nonstationary data into stationary intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The GRU model then processed these components to extract their essential information. In the following step, the extracted information was inserted into the MKELM model to predict evaporation. Finally, the GPR model quantified the uncertainty of predicted values. Our research also introduces a new optimizer called the Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm–Sine Cosine Optimization Algorithm. This algorithm was used to tune the model parameters. This algorithm's performance and the prediction models’ accuracy were evaluated using several error indices. According to the study results, the GRU–MKELM–GPR model performed better than other models in predicting monthly evaporation. It improved the training and testing mean absolute error values of the other models by 21%-43% and 8.2–33%, respectively. Moreover, the new model improved the R2 (R-squared or coefficient of determination) values of other models by 5–12%. Generally, the main findings of this paper included the superior performance of the new model in predicting evaporation data and the superior performance of a new optimizer in adjusting model parameters. These findings highlighted the effectiveness of the suggested model in addressing the challenges associated with evaporation prediction.

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are a global problem due to their pervasiveness and possible harm to humans and other living organisms. It has been reported that a wide variety of foods, including seafood, contain microplastics. Dried pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis) popularly called ‘dried crayfish’ is a common delicacy in many Nigerian and West African local recipes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the presence of meso- and microplastics in dried shrimp in Nigeria. From a survey of five popular markets in Ekiti State, South West, Nigeria—Shasha, Oja Oba, Agric Olope, Afao (Ikere), and Oja Isale (Ifaki), 15 samples of sun- and smoke-dried pink shrimp were purchased, and their meso- (5–25 mm) and microplastic (1 to

Abstract Eco-labels are market tools that provide consumers with relevant information, enabling more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions. As fisheries operate on a high production scale, it is possible to dilute the costs of implementing and maintaining these initiatives. However, as the production scale decreases, small producing communities may need help participating in product certification processes. In global contexts, where consumer markets become increasingly demanding, the need for certification can translate into a barrier to selling such products. In this context, the present article aims to investigate existing certifications in the literature for large- and small-scale fisheries and their benefits and challenges for the fisheries. The systematic literature review was conducted to achieve the research objectives. A total of 38 articles were analyzed for this study. The Marine Stewardship Council emerged as the most recognizable certification body worldwide. Market access was the benefit of this certification scheme. On the other hand, small-scale fisheries face barriers in obtaining this market access tool, with costs being the primary challenge cited. Certification schemes can significantly enhance the fisheries value chain by fostering better interactions between fisheries stakeholders and reshaping the structure of small-scale fisheries.

Abstract The “Just Transition” concept aims to ensure an equitable shift toward low-carbon economies by minimizing negative impacts on workers, communities, and vulnerable sectors, while inclusively distributing the benefits of environmental policies. However, this process faces structural and conceptual barriers that extend beyond technical challenges, such as the lack of effective participation, power dynamics, persistent inequalities, and tensions between economic growth and sustainability. This work transcends traditional notions by adopting a plural and critical perspective from the Pluriverse to explore the challenges and opportunities in reshaping the Just Transition. We argue that integrating local knowledge and adopting epistemic justice approaches are essential for designing transitions that not only mitigate the climate crisis but also promote autonomy, social equity, and ecological regeneration.

Abstract Background Recycling nutrients and organic matter available as waste in urban areas may close nutrient gaps and improve soil quality, but the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly higher than in mineral fertilisers. How quickly may the limits for soil quality be exceeded, and for which elements, if such materials are applied intensively? For a rough answer to this question, we used soil data from ten case farms near Oslo and Bergen (Norway) to estimate how PTE concentrations increased when the demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in a theoretical carrot crop produced every year was covered by compost or digestate from source-separated food waste, or composted garden waste, compared with manure from horses and poultry which are often kept in peri-urban areas. Results With the intensive fertilisation assumed here, the Norwegian soil quality limits for PTEs were reached within 20–85 years, and faster for soil with more organic matter since regulatory limits set by weight discriminate soils with low bulk density. The limits were reached first for Cu and Zn, which are both essential micronutrients for crop plants. The concentrations of macronutrients in the urban waste-based fertilisers were not well balanced. Rates covering the K demand would lead to high surpluses of P and N. In peri-urban vegetable growing, high applications of compost are not unusual, but more balanced fertilisation is required. Conclusions The Norwegian regulations for PTEs in organic soil amendments and agricultural soil are stricter than in the EU, and do not support recycling of organic matter and nutrients from urban waste. Many materials which can only be applied with restricted amounts to Norwegian agricultural soil, may be applied according to crop demand in the EU. Growers utilising urban waste-based fertilisers intensively should monitor the soil regularly, including PTE analyses. Soil sampling should occur on fixed sampling points to reveal changes in concentrations over time. Norwegian authorities should consider a revision of the organic fertiliser regulation to support recycling of valuable organic materials. There is a need for more data on the PTE concentrations in agricultural soil and organic fertiliser materials.

Abstract This study evaluates the efficacy of discrete bacterial consortia in bioremediating sandy loamy soil deliberately contaminated with 20 mg/kg of chlorantraniliprole (CAP). It monitors alterations in total bacterial populations and CO2 emissions, tracking residual CAP levels through UV scanning and HPLC analysis. Six active bacterial degraders (four Bacillus strains (B. subtilis subsp. subtilis AZFS3, B. pumilus AZFS5, B. mojavensis AZFS15, and B. paramycoides AZFS18), one Alcaligenes strain (A. aquatilis KZFS11), and one Pseudomonas strain (P. aeruginosa KZFS4)) were used in single or combined preparations and grown on trypticase soy broth for 24 h at 30 °C before preparing the inoculants and adjusting the bacterial cell count to 107 CFU/dwt g soil. The bacterial consortia were added to the CAP-contaminated soil and incubated for 20 days at 30 °C. The di-, tetra-, and hexa-bacterial consortia recorded the highest levels of viable bacteria, reaching their peak after 3 to 11 days of incubation. Then, they declined to the minimum levels at the end of the 20 days, which coincided with their complete removal of CAP from the soil. At the end of the incubation period (20 days), the CAP was mainly biodegraded, scoring biodegradation rates of 90.05%, 93.65%, and 98.65% for T3, T4, and T5, respectively. This concurred with the highest average CO2 production. Based on the results of the HPLC analysis, the hexa-bacterial consortium T5 demonstrated the highest rate of CAP biodegradation (99.33%) after a 20-day incubation period, resulting in the lowest residual level of CAP in the soil (0.67%). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that the CAP biodegradation pathway reached CO2 and H2O. Under optimized conditions, the hexa-bacteria consortium is the most effective CAP biodegraded and is recommended as an eco-friendly treatment for eliminating CAP pollution in the field.

Abstract Background Microplastics, polymer-based particles

Abstract Persistent and toxic chemicals remain a significant pollution concern, underscored by the European Union's Zero Pollution Action Plan. Daily exposure to complex chemical mixtures starts early and continues throughout life, for instance for consumer products such as toys, plasticware, furniture, and synthetic fibres. EU-funded research projects like COPHES/DEMOCOPHES, HBM4EU, and PARC have documented population exposure to these substances. The outcomes of such research initiatives have contributed to highlighting the adverse health impacts of Substances of Concern (SoCs), leading to several regulatory actions within the EU. SoCs include hazardous chemicals such as carcinogens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, and “persistent, bioaccumulative, and mobile” (PBM) chemicals. The digital transformation in chemicals management has resulted in policies that mandate electronic submissions of chemical risk assessment-relevant data, and the creation of industry-specific databases like the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database, established by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the revised Waste Framework Directive (WstFD). These databases describe SoCs and their link with products, offering a comprehensive view of chemical quantities, emission sources, exposure pathways, and other relevant data, contingent on robust data governance. Effective chemical risk assessment requires characterizing hazards, exposure sources and levels, and drawing conclusions concluding on potential risks, supported by a well-defined problem formulation and monitoring. This includes setting objectives and defining the scope of the risk assessment and decision-making, particularly regarding early warning signal detection for the purpose of public health protection. Successful risk assessment hinges on access to robust, traceable, accessible, and interoperable data across scientific disciplines and regulatory frameworks. This paper discusses the challenges of aggregating human health risk assessment-relevant chemical information from multiple sources, especially from the perspective of data fusion and reuse. It presents findings from a research project focused on utilizing chemicals datasets from various governmental and scientific sources. The study highlights the need for improved data presentation and availability to enhance usability for all stakeholders. Recommendations are made for the EU Commission, ECHA, industry, and academia to support harmonized data practices, increased transparency, and the development of sustainable chemical applications fostering safer market introductions. These recommendations can also be useful to other data providers that care about the reusability of the data they publish or manage.

Abstract Background Microplastic pollution is a pressing issue with far-reaching environmental and public health consequences. This study delves into the intricacies of predicting microplastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tehran, Iran. Methods The research introduces a rigorous comparative analysis that evaluates the predictive prowess of the Deep Random Forest algorithm and established benchmarks, such as Random Forest, Decision Trees, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, and Support Vector Machine. The evaluation process encompasses a meticulous 70–30 training–testing split of the main data set. Performance is assessed by analysis metrics, including ROC and statistical errors. The primary data set encompasses distinct categories, including household wastes, hospital wastes, clinics wastes, and unknown-originated susceptible waste which is categorized in Infected items, PPEs, SUPs, Test kits, Medical packages, Unknown-originated pandemic mircoplastic waste. Deliberately, this data set was partitioned into training and testing subsets, ensuring the robustness and reliability of subsequent analyses. Approximately 70% of the main database was allocated to the training data set, with the remaining 30% constituting the testing data set. Results The findings underscore the proposed algorithm’s supremacy, boasting an impressive AUC = 0.941. This exceptional score reflects the model’s precision in categorizing microplastics. These results have profound implications for environmental management and public health during pandemics. Conclusions The study positions the proposed model as a potent tool for microplastic pollution prediction, encouraging further research to refine predictive models and tap into new data sources for a more comprehensive understanding of microplastic dynamics in urban settings.

Abstract Rotational shifting cultivation (RSC) is commonly practiced in northern Thailand for upland rice cultivation, primarily for household consumption. However, the potential health risks from heavy metal contamination in these soils have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the contamination of six heavy metals (Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), and Chromium (Cr)) in upland rice across RSC fields with varying fallow periods and assess the associated health risks from rice consumption. Four RSC fields with 5, 6, 10, and 12-year fallow periods were examined. The RSC-6Y and RSC-12Y fields were used for upland rice cultivation in 2022, while the RSC-5Y and RSC-10Y fields were cultivated in 2023. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was calculated, and translocation factors (TF) were assessed for the transfer of heavy metals from soil to straw (TFStraw/Soil), straw to grain (TFGrain/Straw), and soil to grain (TFGrain/Soil). The results indicated that after burning vegetation in the RSC fields, the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Hg were found in the ash. In RSC soils, Cu, Cr, As, Pb, and Hg levels were below reference standards, with Cd undetected. In rice grains, the order of concentration was Pb > Cu > Cr > As, with Hg and Cd undetected. Pb levels in rice grains exceeded the safety threshold. Igeo values indicated no contamination to moderate contamination across sites, with negative Igeo values for Cr and Cu, and zero values for Cd. The TF results showed limited transfer of As, Hg, and Cd from soil to rice plants (TFStraw/Soil

Abstract Background Acute fish toxicity test (AFT) is one of the cornerstones of environmental risk assessment (ERA) of chemicals for the aquatic environment. Despite many efforts to find an alternative able to fully replace the test, there is still lasting pressure from stakeholders for AFT results. Results Here, we present the results of a case study with eight pharmaceuticals from various pharmaceutical groups with different levels of expected toxicity to fish. Selected compounds were tested in two validated alternative tests—fish embryo toxicity test with zebrafish (Danio rerio) (zFET) and in vitro RTgill-W1 assay according to their corresponding OECD guidelines TG 236 and TG 249, respectively. Data for AFT were collected from PubMed and ECOTOX knowledgebase databases, and acute toxicity to fish was further predicted in silico by the ECOSAR program. Predicted environmental risks (risk quotients, RQ, calculated using the exposure data from NORMAN) from both zFET and RTgill-W1 well correlated with the average RQs based on AFT LC50s. The strongest and most significant correlation was observed while comparing the AFT results with the median of combined alternative methods (zFET, RTgill-W1, ECOSAR). Conclusions This proposed approach combining experimental data with modeling could serve as a reliable tool for predictions of environmental risks promoting the 3R alternatives to acute fish toxicity testing.

Abstract The interest in and use of biological materials in crop production is increasing globally at a rapid pace. In many cases, testing methods for conventional chemicals are applied to microbial-based biopesticides because specific microbial test methods are lacking. However, not all methods are easily transferred to microbial-based products. An evaluation was conducted to determine if OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) Guidance Document No. 239 on honey bee larval toxicity could be adapted to microbial pesticides. In our study, five microbes, including B. pumilus, B. thuringiensis, B. velezensis, Paenibacillus larvae, and Ascophaera apis were grown on agar media and spotted with either honey bee in vitro larval diet or royal jelly. We observed that the honey bee larval bee diet and royal jelly did not inhibit the fungal honey bee pathogen Ascophaera apis, yet inhibited the growth of bacteria, including a known honey bee larval pathogen. This finding may make the test unreliable for certain biopesticides. The OECD is considering biopesticide-specific testing guidelines, and the EPA has indicated it to update itsbiopesticide bee test guidelines. However, additional research is needed to determine which options may be feasible and provide the best improvements.

Abstract During the flood season, high dam discharge rates result in total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation. This condition causes gas bubble trauma and can lead to fish mortality, which poses a significant threat to downstream river ecosystems. Assessing the ecological risks of TDG supersaturation is a challenge in waterpower-intensive river basins worldwide. Few studies have explored the impact of TDG supersaturation on fish behaviours, such as aggression and memory, which are crucial for feeding, reproduction, and predator avoidance. In this study, behavioural tests were conducted in a T-maze to investigate the effects of acute TDG supersaturation on swimming behaviour, aggression, and memory in medaka (Oryzias latipes). The results demonstrated that medaka exposed to TDG levels of 115% and 130% for 2 h had significantly reduced swimming performance.At TDG levels of 100%, 115% and 130%, medaka activity rates in the mirror arm of the maze in the mirror test were 44.34 ± 12.88%, 40.27 ± 15.44% and 35.35 ± 16.07%, respectively. Similarly, the activity rates of medaka in the active stimulus arm of the maze in the memory test were 50.35 ± 14.75%, 40.76 ± 12.51% and 35.35 ± 18.47%, respectively. The behaviour of medaka changed with increasing TDG supersaturation. These findings contribute to the development of an ecological risk assessment model for TDG supersaturation based on memory and aggression in fish and provide data for developing management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of TDG supersaturation.

Abstract Background All light-duty (LD) and heavy-duty (HD) vehicles circulating in the European Union undergo regular checks during mandatory periodic technical inspections (PTI). These inspections promote road safety and environmental protection. Vehicles with defective deNOx aftertreatment systems can result in high emissions of NOx, which is an important air pollutant. The ongoing revision of the “so-called” Roadworthiness Package by the European Commission propose including a new method for measuring NOx from vehicles’ exhaust during PTI (NOx-PTI). Results The results obtained showed an increase in NOx emissions, 8 to 28 times, when the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit was not working. The applicability of the NOx-PTI idling test procedure to Euro VI HD vehicles was also investigated satisfactorily. Furthermore, methods to warm-up the vehicle’s aftertreatment prior to the NOx-PTI idling test, including standing still free accelerations and urban speed drives, as well as systems conditions before the test, were studied. Five different NOx analysers were assessed against reference equipment to ensure the accuracy of NOx measurements to assess their suitability for PTI purposes. The findings indicate that an urban speed drive is suitable for warming up both LD and HD vehicles. The tested analysers appeared to be suitable for use in PTI. Conclusions The high NOx emissions recorded when the SCR unit was not working, and their potential environmental impact, highlight the importance of a PTI test capable of detecting malfunctioning vehicles. The study demonstrated that the idle test procedure, testing conditions, and NOx analysers used were effective in performing a NOx-PTI check on both light- and heavy-duty Diesel vehicles, successfully discriminating between functioning and malfunctioning SCR systems.

Abstract The behavior of 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural Chernozem and Fluvisol soils from the Czech Republic planted with radishes, onions, and carrots was studied. Only the total biomass yield of carrots was significantly reduced (P

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are particulate matter bound environmental contaminants known to cause adverse effects on human health. The toxicity of carcinogenic PAH such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has been extensively investigated, whereas other PAHs have received less attention. The present work investigated the toxic effects of three less investigated PAHs with distinct molecular weights in comparison to BaP on co-culture model of human epithelial lung cells (A549) and macrophages (THP-1). Due to the involvement of more than one cell type in the response to PAH exposure, the new co-culture model is considered to be suitable for the prediction of undesired toxicological effects of PAHs. To do so, the co-culture was established and exposed to 0–400 µM of phenanthrene (PHE), fluoranthene (FLA), and, benzo [ghi] perylene (BghiP) for 24 h. Subsequently, cytotoxicity, micronucleus formation, and cytokine excretion were analyzed. The results revealed that the viability of A549 cells decreased after being exposed to increasing concentrations of PAHs. The formation of micronuclei in binucleated cells (BNC) was found more frequently in cells treated with PAHs in comparison to the untreated group, indicating the genotoxic effect of these compounds. Moreover, an exposure to PAHs enhanced the pro-inflammatory cytokine, i.e., interleukin-6 secretion, while diminished the anti-inflammatory cytokine, i.e., interleukin-10. In summary, PAHs possess negative effects on A549 and THP-1 co-culture model, implying an adverse effect on human health when coming into contact with these chemicals via respiration.