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Donor human milk (DHM) from a milk bank is the recommended feeding method for preterm infants when the mothers own milk (MOM) is not available. Despite this recommendation, information on the possible contamination of donor human milk and its impact on infant health outcomes is poorly characterised. The aim of this systematic review is to assess contaminants present in DHM samples that preterm and critically ill infants consume. The data sources used include PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science. A search of the data sources targeting DHM and its potential contaminants yielded 426 publications. Two reviewers (S. T. and D. L.) conducted title/abstract screening through Covidence software, and predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria yielded 26 manuscripts. Contaminant types (bacterial, chemical, fungal, viral) and study details (e.g., type of bacteria identified, study setting) were extracted from each included study during full-text review. Primary contaminants in donor human milk included bacterial species and environmental pollutants. We found that bacterial contaminants were identified in 100% of the papers in which bacterial contamination was sought (16 papers) and 61.5% of the full data set (26 papers), with the most frequently identified genera being Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) and Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus cereus). Chemical pollutants were discovered in 100% of the papers in which chemical contamination was sought (eight papers) and 30.8% of the full data set (26 papers). The most frequently identified chemical pollutants included perfluoroalkyl substances (six papers), toxic metal (one paper) and caffeine (one paper). Viral and fungal contamination were identified in one paper each. Our results highlight the importance of establishing standardisation in assessing DHM contamination and future studies are needed to clarify the impact of DHM contaminants on health outcomes.

The Delta Smelt is a largely zooplank­tivorous, endangered fish endemic to the San Francisco Estuary (the estuary). High flows increase the availability of fresh and brackish water habitat for Delta Smelt, but also may mobilize contaminants, potentially increasing toxicological stress. Here, we examine the association between contaminants and Delta Smelt health across contrasting water year types and flow-related management actions. Our study spanned the fall season of three years: 1 dry year (2018) bracketed by 2 wet years (2017 and 2019) and coincided with several management actions meant to benefit Delta Smelt. We collected field water from six sites in the estuary that encompass the freshwater and low-salinity habitat of Delta Smelt and analyzed the water for contaminant concentrations. After a 96-hour exposure to the field water, we assessed cultured Delta Smelt survival and the histopathological condition of the gill and liver. Insecticides, particularly fipronil metabolites, were the most prevalent contaminants detected in 2017 and 2018, and a variety of contaminants associated with the rice harvest were detected in 2019. No acute toxicity was observed during any exposure, but we observed negative effects in the livers of Delta Smelt exposed to agricultural water from the Toe Drain and Cache Slough during a 2019 pulse flow action, which coincided with elevated detections and concentrations of organic pesticides. Other noteworthy sub-lethal effects, likely occurring in response to contaminant mixtures, included severe gill lesions in Delta Smelt exposed to Decker Island water in 2019. In the drier year of 2018, lesions were generally mild or absent. Thus, the trade-offs between increased habitat availability and contaminant loading may provide one explanation for why Delta Smelt abundance does not consistently respond positively to outflow.

Monitoring wild fish health and exposure effects in impacted rivers and streams with differing land use has become a valuable research tool. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are a sensitive, indicator species that exhibit signs of immunosuppression and endocrine disruption in response to water quality changes and contaminant exposure. To determine the impact of agriculture and development on smallmouth bass health, two sites (a developed/agriculture site and a forested site) in the Susquehanna River watershed, Pennsylvania were selected where bass and water chemistry were sampled from 2015 to 2019. Smallmouth bass were sampled for histopathology to assess parasite and macrophage aggregate density in the liver and spleen, condition factor (Ktl), hepatic gene transcript abundance, hepatosomatic index (HSI), and a health assessment index (HAI). Land use at the developed/agriculture site included greater pesticide application rates and phytoestrogen crop cover and more detections and higher concentrations of pesticides, wastewater-associated contaminants, hormones, phytoestrogens, and mycotoxins than at the forested site. Additionally, at the developed/agriculture site, indicators of molecular changes, including oxidative stress, immune/inflammation, and lipid metabolism-related hepatic gene transcripts, were associated with more contaminants and land use variables. At both sites, there were multiple associations of contaminants with liver and/or spleen macrophage aggregate density, indicating that changes at the molecular level seemed to be a better indicator of exposures unique to each site. The findings illustrate the importance of timing for land management practices, the complex mixtures aquatic animals are exposed to, and the temporal changes in contaminant concentration. Agricultural practices that affect hepatic gene transcripts associated with immune function and disease resistance were demonstrated which could negatively affect smallmouth bass populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hygienically safe drinking water is essential for the health, well-being, and efficient production of livestock. In contrast to drinking water for human consumption, there are guidelines but no legal limits for drinking water for animals. Risk factors due to hygienically relevant microorganisms or chemical compounds in drinking water are known from literature, but there is little information on the quality of drinking water for livestock in Germany. To gain an overview of the quality of drinking water, data from samples collected from pig and poultry farms in Northwest Germany over a 10-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Data consisted of 326 samples analyzed chemically, and 519 samples analyzed microbiologically. Of these, 80 water samples were analyzed for both chemical and microbial contaminants. There was no correlation between samples exceeding chemical and microbial guideline levels. The number of samples exceeding the chemical guideline values (58.0%) was higher than the number of samples exceeding the microbiological guideline values (47.4%). This long-term study illustrated the potential risk to pigs and poultry from drinking water and highlights the need for effective hygiene measures to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and chemicals residues through water to maintain animal health and safe food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review contributes to the sustainable design and development of advanced techniques to address the growing problem of water pollution. Water is a fundamental importance for every living creature on the earth. It is necessary for the synthesis, structure, and movement of cellular components, nutrient transport, and body metabolism. The water is contaminated by various activates such as modernization, urbanization and population. When pollutants enter the ecosystem, they are found in various forms by humans, animals, plants, and microbes, starting a cycle that is harmful to both the ecosystem and human health. The contaminants in water disrupt the mechanism spontaneity and cause short and long-term waterborne diseases. In this review, the probable contaminations and their potential pathways are explored. The presence of relatively low concentrations of emerging pollutants in the aquatic environment cannot be eliminated by conventional water/wastewater treatment processes. This brings new challenges in terms of making an appropriate selection of technologies from an economic, technical, and environmental perspective. To address the drinking water pollution problems, a number of technologies have been proposed, such as adsorption, ion exchange, electro-techniques, membrane separation, and precipitation techniques. The results of ongoing research efforts include some processes and technology for purifying contaminated water were discussed. This review presents the technologies, concepts and potentials in an understandable way. Further, the difficulties encountered in applying this technique will be examined, and future directions will be delineated. Additionally, it contains some significant hybrid technologies and upcoming technologies that look promising and which can resolve a large number of current problems. Future water treatment should concentrate on combining natural and engineered systems to supply drinking water in a way that is economically viable, environmentally responsible, resource-recyclable, and technically efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety significantly impacts public health and social welfare. Recently, issues such as heavy metal ions, drug residues, food additives, and microbial contamination in food have become increasingly prominent. Electrochemical sensing technology, known for its low cost, simplicity, rapid response, high sensitivity, and excellent selectivity, has been crucial in food safety detection. Electrospun nanofibers, with their high specific surface area, superior mechanical properties, and design flexibility, offer new insights and technical platforms for developing electrochemical sensors. This study introduces the fundamental principles, classifications, and detection mechanisms of electrochemical sensors, along with the principles and classifications of electrospinning technology. The applications of electrospun nanofiber-based electrochemical sensors in food safety detection over the past five years are detailed, and the limitations and future research prospects are discussed. Continuous innovation and optimization are expected to make electrospun nanofiber-based electrochemical sensors a key technology in rapid food safety detection, providing valuable references for expanding their application and advancing food safety detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing presence of diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants, poses significant environmental and health risks. Traditional methods for pollutant removal often face limitations in efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in innovative adsorbents designed to address these challenges. It explores a wide array of non-conventional adsorbent materials, such as nanocellulose, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), graphene-based composites, and biochar, emphasizing their sources, structural characteristics, and unique adsorption mechanisms. The review discusses adsorption processes, including the basic principles, kinetics, isotherms, and the factors influencing adsorption efficiency. It highlights the superior performance of these materials in removing specific pollutants across various environmental settings. The practical applications of these adsorbents are further explored through case studies in industrial settings, pilot studies, and field trials, showcasing their real-world effectiveness. Additionally, the review critically examines the economic considerations, technical challenges, and environmental impacts associated with these adsorbents, offering a balanced perspective on their viability and sustainability. The conclusion emphasizes future research directions, focusing on the development of scalable production methods, enhanced material stability, and sustainable regeneration techniques. This comprehensive assessment underscores the transformative potential of innovative adsorbents in pollutant remediation and their critical role in advancing environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to other common anticoagulants such as citrate and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), high-molecular-weight heparin (HMWH) induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is also measured as a biomarker for stroke in blood samples. Mechanistically, HMWH-stimulated T cells produce cytokines that induce monocytic MMP-9 expression. Here, the influence of further anticoagulants (Fondaparinux, Hirudin, and Alteplase) and the heparin-contaminating glycosaminoglycans (GAG) hyaluronic acid (HA), dermatan sulfate (DS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and over-sulfated CS (OSCS) on MMP-9 was analyzed to assess its suitability as a biomarker under various conditions. Therefore, starved Jurkat T cells were stimulated with anticoagulants/contaminants. Subsequently, starved monocytic THP-1 cells were incubated with the conditioned Jurkat supernatant, and MMP-9 mRNA levels were monitored (quantitative (q)PCR). Jurkat-derived mediators secreted in response to anticoagulants/contaminants were also assessed (proteome profiler array). The supernatants of HMWH-, Hirudin-, CS-, and OSCS-treated Jurkat cells comprised combinations of activating mediators and led to a significant (in the case of OSCS, dramatic) MMP-9 induction in THP-1. HA induced MMP-9 only in high concentrations, while LMWH, Fondaparinux, Alteplase, and DS had no effect. This indicates that depending on molecular weight and charge (but independent of anticoagulant activity), anticoagulants/contaminants provoke the expression of T-cell-derived cytokines/chemokines that induce monocytic MMP-9 expression, thus potentially impairing the diagnostic validity of MMP-9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood is abundant in high-quality protein, healthy fats (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs), minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and so on), and vitamin D. Functional compounds in seafood can protect against lifestyle-related diseases. Having had all the merits mentioned, it is also a highly putrefiable food item. To maintain quality and prolong seafood's shelf life, various chemicals have been added, including nitrite, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. In this review, we summarize the uses, the incidence of added formalin contamination, and the approved limit for seafood products. Additionally, worldwide regulations or standards for the use of formalin in seafood products, as well as recent changes relevant to new methods, are highlighted. Although strict limits and regulations have been placed on the utilization of formaldehyde for seafood preservation, there are few incidences reported of formalin/formaldehyde detection in seafood products around Asian countries. In this context, various qualitative and quantitative detection methods for formaldehyde have been developed to ensure the presence of formaldehyde within acceptable limits. Besides this, different rules and regulations have been forced by each country to control formaldehyde incidence. Although it is not an issue of formaldehyde incidence in European countries, strict regulations are implemented and followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a persistent and increasing problem globally, yet we still have limited knowledge about how they affect wildlife. Although semi‐aquatic and aquatic amphibians and reptiles have experienced large declines and occupy environments where HABs are increasingly problematic, their vulnerability to HABs remains unclear. To inform monitoring, management, and future research, we conducted a literature review, synthesized the studies, and report on the mortality events describing effects of cyanotoxins from HABs on freshwater herpetofauna. Our review identified 37 unique studies and 71 endpoints (no‐observed‐effect and lowest‐observed‐effect concentrations) involving 11 amphibian and 3 reptile species worldwide. Responses varied widely among studies, species, and exposure concentrations used in experiments. Concentrations causing lethal and sublethal effects in laboratory experiments were generally 1 to 100 µg/L, which contains the mean value of reported HAB events but is 70 times less than the maximum cyanotoxin concentrations reported in the environment. However, one species of amphibian was tolerant to concentrations of 10,000 µg/L, demonstrating potentially immense differences in sensitivities. Most studies focused on microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR), which can increase systemic inflammation and harm the digestive system, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, and development. The few studies on other cyanotoxins illustrated that effects resembled those of MC‐LR at similar concentrations, but more research is needed to describe effects of other cyanotoxins and mixtures of cyanotoxins that commonly occur in the environment. All experimental studies were on larval and adult amphibians; there were no such studies on reptiles. Experimental work with reptiles and adult amphibians is needed to clarify thresholds of tolerance. Only nine mortality events were reported, mostly for reptiles. Given that amphibians likely decay faster than reptiles, which have tissues that resist decomposition, mass amphibian mortality events from HABs have likely been under‐reported. We propose that future efforts should be focused on seven major areas, to enhance our understanding of effects and monitoring of HABs on herpetofauna that fill important roles in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1936–1949. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases worldwide. Evidence shows that a healthy dietary pattern positively influences many risk factors of cardiometabolic health, stroke, and heart disease, supported by the effectiveness of healthy diet and lifestyles for the prevention of CVD. High quality and safety of foods are prerequisites to ensuring food security and beneficial effects. Contaminants can be present in foods mainly because of contamination from environmental sources (water, air, or soil pollution), or artificially introduced by the human. Moreover, the cross-contamination or formation during food processing, food packaging, presence or contamination by natural toxins, or use of unapproved food additives and adulterants. Numerous studies reported the association between food contaminants and cardiovascular risk by demonstrating that (1) the cross-contamination or artificial sweeteners, additives, and adulterants in food processing can be the cause of the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events and (2) environmental factors, such as heavy metals and chemical products can be also significant contributors to food contamination with a negative impact on cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, oxidative stress can be a common mechanism that mediates food contamination-associated CVDs as substantiated by studies showing impaired oxidative stress biomarkers after exposure to food contaminants.This narrative review summarizes the data suggesting how food contaminants may elicit artery injury and proposing oxidative stress as a mediator of cardiovascular damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Previous studies have addressed the difficulty of complying with the Good Manufacturing Practices of Cachaça producers based on the high number of samples that fall outside the parameters required by legislation; Improving the chemical and sensory quality of Cachaça is a crucial factor in increasing exports of this distillate; The current study demonstrates the levels of contaminants found in 531 samples of Cachaça between the years 2021 and 2023. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of sugarcane spirits and commercial Cachaças, comparing them with the limits established by national legislation and with studies conducted in previous periods. Previous studies have shown that 50% of the samples of this distillate were above the contaminant limits allowed by national legislation, constituting one of the main factors responsible for the low volume of exports. In this research, 531 Cachaça samples were analyzed in order to verify whether they complied with the limits of contaminants and volatile compounds required by Brazilian legislation. The results obtained indicate that Brazilian producers have adapted to the use of good manufacturing practices during the production process, ensuring the standardization of this distilled beverage and consequent compliance with legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the polypropylene (PP) recyclates in certain processing methods and applications is still limited by their quality. The high melt flow rate (MFR) and the inconsistent properties of recyclates are common obstacles to their use. Therefore, this work aims to identify possible reasons for the low and inconsistent quality of PP recyclates depending on the source material in PP waste bales. The levels of polymeric and non-polymeric contaminants were assessed. As mixing of different PP grades is an issue for the MFR, the proportions of the different processing grades were also investigated and the potential of sorting by processing method to produce lower MFR recyclates was assessed. The analysis showed that the waste bales, although pre-sorted, still contained high amounts of contaminants. Injection moulding was found to be the predominant processing method in the bales, explaining the high MFR of PP recyclates. However, a sufficiently high amount of low MFR products was found in the bales, which seems promising for the production of low MFR recyclates. Seasonal variations in the composition of the waste bales were identified as one of the reasons for the inconsistent qualities of recyclates. These results highlight the importance of proper sorting and treatment of PP waste bales prior to reprocessing in order to obtain high-quality recycled products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and chromium in samples of sediment, water, and Typha angustifolia plants in the stream of the Drenica River were determined to assess the level of pollution. According to sediment analysis results from seven locations, the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr exceeded the permitted limits according to WHO standards from 1996. In the plant samples, the concentrations of Cd and Pb were above the allowed limits according to GD161 and ECE standards, and according the WHO standard, the water quality in the Drenica River is classified into the first, second, and third quality categories. The results of this study show the bioaccumulation coefficient in Typha angustifolia plants, and it was found that the most bioaccumulated of the metals is Cd, with a bioaccumulation coefficient (BAF) greater than 1. The pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF index), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk factor (Eif), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used in combination to assess the degree of pollution and the environmental risk presented to the freshwater ecosystem of the Drenica River. The results show that the Drenica River is mainly polluted by Ni, Cu, and Cr, reflecting substantial impacts of anthropogenic activities, including sizeable industrial effects, the development of urbanism, agricultural activities, and the deposition of waste from a ferronickel factory in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented foods have been a component of the human diet since ancient times, including live bacteria employed to restore gut health, contributing to the frontline of functional food progression. Human concern about the harmful consequences of possible contaminants has increased significantly as their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity have become more publicized. In order to take preventive measures, it is essential to correctly identify and define the implications of contaminants and toxins in human health and intestinal microbiota balance for preventing or diagnosing epidemics before they cause damage. The longer food chain that results from urbanization and underreporting of diseases makes it harder to correlate contaminated food to disease, which in turn presents challenges to improving food safety. This research aims to present the potential physical, chemical, and microbiological pollutants and toxins found in fermented products and their effects on human health. The scope tackles various categories of fermented foods, such as dairy products, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, fermented meat products, traditional bakery products, and fermented cereals and vegetables. Furthermore, it examines specific control processes such as rigorous sanitation protocols, advanced packaging technologies, regulatory harmonization, and decontamination methodologies used to prevent the release of contaminants from fermented foods. Future viewpoints and opportunities are briefly mentioned in the conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDietary exposure to a food chemical (e.g. contaminant, nutrient, or other natural constituent) is a function of the concentration of the chemical in foods and the quantity of each food consumed. Exposures to food chemicals can be estimated using intake data from What We Eat in America (WWEIA), the food consumption survey portion of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). To estimate exposures to chemicals in foods consumed by NHANES/WWEIA respondents, the consumption data must be mapped to chemical concentration data on the same or similar foods. However, food chemical data are generally not available on all the foods and food mixtures that are reported in NHANES/WWEIA. To address this, we developed the FDA Food Disaggregation Database (FDA-FDD), a ‘recipe’ database with estimates of ingredient percentages. FDA-FDD allows mapping to food chemical data based on ingredients in NHANES/WWEIA foods rather than on food mixtures, resulting in more accurate exposure estimates. Using FDA-FDD, FDA mapped over 11,000 NHANES/WWEIA foods to FDA’s Total Diet Study (TDS) foods. FDA-FDD is available as part of a publicly available interactive application that also allows access to the TDS mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food agencies recommend increasing the consumption of aquatic food to promote healthy living and sustainability, and, particularly, to prevent Western lifestyle-related diseases and secure sustainable food systems. This requires growth in global seafood production, and the utilization of low trophic species (LTS) is suggested. LTS are already considered nutritious and important in Asian and Pacific diets. As the use of LTS is expanding in Western diets, producers and consumers need information on the food safety practices associated with them and their nutritional content. LTS are mainly immobile or slow-moving extractive species or organisms that feed on such, and their nutrient and contaminant content varies by species and location. Species-specific knowledge on nutritional contents and safe consumption limits is often missing, making the monitoring and analysis of contaminants, nutrients, and consumption data crucial to guiding the utilization and consumption of LTS. Using global and regional standards regarding nutrients, food hazards, and labeling, this review highlights the appropriate guidelines and regulations for guiding the utilization of selected novel species and also identifies knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is a promising technique to clean the noxious contaminants from soil, air and water as the pollutants like heavy metals which severely affect the environment due to anthropogenic activities. Most of pollutants de-contamination methods are costly and have low performance. Phytoremediation is effective and affordable green technology which uses selected green plants. Different plants species experimentally proven to absorb different metals like Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Cr from contaminated sites. This review focuses on development of phytoremediation of metals from environmental compartments. The aim of this review to conduct the studies on phytoremediation in Pakistan in the last two decades phytoremediation has different mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytodegradation, phytovolatilization, phytostabilization and Rhizofiltration. In Pakistan out of 400 plant species only 50 plant species were observed to clean contaminated soil, air and water. Heavy metals contamination has become most alarming problem worldwide. A previous study revealed about 1.7 billion places are affected from heavy metals contamination especially in developing countries. Metals are non bio-degradable and tend to bio-accumulate and biomagnify in food chain and linked with many diseases, their remediation using plants is economical and environmental friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Chemical pollutants and/or climate change have the potential to break down reproductive barriers between species and facilitate hybridization. Hybrid zones may arise in response to environmental gradients and secondary contact between formerly allopatric populations, or due to the introduction of non‐native species. In freshwater ecosystems, field observations indicate that changes in water quality and chemistry, due to pollution and climate change, are correlated with an increased frequency of hybridization. Physical and chemical disturbances of water quality can alter the sensory environment, thereby affecting chemical and visual communication among fish. Moreover, multiple chemical compounds (e.g. pharmaceuticals, metals, pesticides, and industrial contaminants) may impair fish physiology, potentially affecting phenotypic traits relevant for mate selection (e.g. pheromone production, courtship, and coloration). Although warming waters have led to documented range shifts, and chemical pollution is ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, few studies have tested hypotheses about how these stressors may facilitate hybridization and what this means for biodiversity and species conservation. Through a systematic literature review across disciplines (i.e. ecotoxicology and evolutionary biology), we evaluate the biological interactions, toxic mechanisms, and roles of physical and chemical environmental stressors (i.e. chemical pollution and climate change) in disrupting mate preferences and inducing interspecific hybridization in freshwater fish. Our study indicates that climate change‐driven changes in water quality and chemical pollution may impact visual and chemical communication crucial for mate choice and thus could facilitate hybridization among fishes in freshwater ecosystems. To inform future studies and conservation management, we emphasize the importance of further research to identify the chemical and physical stressors affecting mate choice, understand the mechanisms behind these interactions, determine the concentrations at which they occur, and assess their impact on individuals, populations, species, and biological diversity in the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In birds, mercury embryotoxicity can occur through the transfer of mercury from the female to her eggs. Maternal transfer of mercury can vary by egg position in the laying sequence, with first‐laid eggs often exhibiting greater mercury concentrations than subsequently laid eggs. We studied egg mercury concentration, mercury burden (total amount of mercury in the egg), and egg morphometrics by egg position in the laying sequence for two songbirds: tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). Egg mercury concentration in the second egg laid was 14% lower for tree swallows and 6% lower for house wrens in comparison with the first egg laid. These results indicate that in both species, after an initial relatively high transfer of mercury into the first egg laid, a smaller amount of mercury was transferred to the second egg laid. This lower mercury concentration persisted among all subsequently laid eggs (eggs three to eight) in tree swallows (all were 14%–16% lower than egg 1), but mercury concentrations in subsequently laid house wren eggs (eggs three to seven) returned to levels observed in the first egg laid (all were 1% lower to 3% greater than egg 1). Egg size increased with position in the laying sequence in both species; the predicted volume of egg 7 was 5% and 6% greater than that of egg 1 in tree swallows and house wrens, respectively. This change was caused by a significant increase in egg width, but not egg length, with position in the laying sequence. The percentage of decline in mercury concentration with position in the laying sequence was considerably lower in tree swallows and house wrens compared with other bird taxonomic groups, suggesting that there are key differences in the maternal transfer of mercury into songbird eggs compared with other birds. Finally, we performed simulations to evaluate how within‐clutch variation in egg mercury concentrations affected estimates of mean mercury concentrations in each clutch and the overall sampled population, which has direct implications for sampling designs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1844–1854. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine quality and safety is affected by the food contact materials (FCMs) used. These materials are expected to protect the beverage from any chemical, physical, or biological hazard and preserve its composition stable throughout its shelf-life. However, the migration of chemical substances from FCMs is a known phenomenon and requires monitoring. This review distinguishes the migrating chemical substances to those of (i) industrial origin with potential safety effects and those of (ii) natural occurrence, principally in cork (ex. tannins) with organoleptic quality effects. The review focuses on the migration of industrial chemical contaminants. Migration testing has been applied only for cork stoppers and tops, while other materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with aluminum cups, paperboard cartons, stainless steel vats, and oak casks have been examined for the presence of chemical migrating substances only by wine analysis without migration testing. The dominant analytical techniques applied are gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the determination of organic compounds and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and ICP-MS for elemental analysis. Targeted approaches are mostly applied, while limited non-target methodologies are reported. The identified migrating substances include authorized substances like phthalate plasticizers, monomers (bisphenol A), antioxidants (Irganox 1010), known but non-authorized substances (butylparaben), break-down products, oxidation products (nonylphenol), polyurethane adhesive by-products, oligomers, ink photoinitiators, and inorganic elements. A preliminary investigation of microplastics' migration has also been reported. It is proposed that further research on the development of comprehensive workflows of target, suspect, and non-target analysis is required to shed more light on the chemical world of migration for the implementation of an efficient risk assessment and management of wine contact materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish by-products can be converted into high-value-added products like fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs), which have high nutritional value and are rich in bioactive peptides with health benefits. This study aims to characterise FPHs derived from salmon heads (HPSs) and Cape hake trimmings (HPHs) using Alcalase for enzymatic hydrolysis and Subcritical Water Hydrolysis (SWH) as an alternative method. All hydrolysates demonstrated high protein content (70.4–88.7%), with the degree of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10.7 to 36.4%. The peptide profile of FPHs indicated the breakdown of proteins into small peptides. HPSs showed higher levels of glycine and proline, while HPHs had higher concentrations of glutamic acid, leucine, threonine, and phenylalanine. Similar elemental profiles were observed in both HPHs and HPSs, and the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg were well below the legislated limits. Hydrolysates do not have a negative effect on cell metabolism and contribute to cell growth. HPSs and HPHs exhibited high 2,2′–azino-bis(3 ethylbenzthiazoline-6)-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, Cu2+ and Fe2+ chelating activities, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, with HPHs generally displaying higher activities. The α-amylase inhibition of both FPHs was relatively low. These results indicate that HPHs are a promising natural source of nutritional compounds and bioactive peptides, making them potential candidates for use as an ingredient in new food products or nutraceuticals. SWH at 250 °C is a viable alternative to enzymatic methods for producing FPHs from salmon heads with high antioxidant and chelating properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysis, has recently demonstrated promising results for the sustainable management of agroecosystems. It can enhance plant growth and improve soil health. The application of BC can significantly shrink soil's bulk density while improving the porosity, water-holding capacity and aggregation, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and pH. Additionally, BC addition was a promising method to manage environmental stresses (heavy metals (HMs), drought, salinity, and flooding). On the other hand, several adverse effects of BC application were also observed, such as decreased water-holding capacity, increased soil erosion, and salinization, altered pH, imbalanced nutrients, influenced soil biota, and the addition of HMs. Overall, it can be concluded that although BC has been introduced as an potent approach for improving soil characteristics, further studies should be conducted, particularly on prolonged and large scale, to comprehensively assess the adverse effects of BC. Considering these pros and cons of BC applications, especially in soil systems and for sustainable agriculture, the present review aimed to explore insights into the contribution of BC to improving soil physicochemical properties, mitigating environmental stresses, and promoting plant growth and development. Moreover, drawbacks associated with this approach towards enhancing soil health have also been elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal contamination of the environment poses a significant threat to human health and can cause significant damage to aquatic ecosystems. Danio rerio was exposed to Sorocaba River water for 96 h from two different sites in summer (S) and winter (W). Concentrations of Al, Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn were determined in the exposure water and in sediment. At the end of the exposure, the concentrations of Al, Cu and Mn at the Ibiúna point (P1) and Mn at the Itupararanga point (P2) decreased compared to the initial concentrations in the water. In summer and winter, the highest concentrations of Cu and Mn were found in the sediment. Exposure to the Sorocaba River water caused various responses both in summer and winter. For example, GPx decreased in winter, Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) increased in summer, and Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) decreased in both seasons in the viscera. In winter, SOD Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) increased, while GPx and GST (winter) decreased in muscle; regarding viscera carbonyl proteins, there was an increase in the summer at P2. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in the brain in winter at P2 and NOS decreased in the summer-exposed groups and increased in the winter P2-exposed group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) decreased in viscera (S, P1) and increased in muscle (S, P1 and P2). The glucose and triglycerides increased in muscle, both in summer and winter. Correlation analysis revealed associations between biomarkers from different organs. These alterations suggest that the fish experienced oxidative stress in response to exposure to the Sorocaba River, contaminated with metals, highlighting their vulnerability to environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing demand of fossil fuels and water pollution and their environmental impacts, marine green microalgae have gained special attention in both scientific and industrial fields. This is due to their fast growth in non-arable lands with high photosynthetic activity, their metabolic plasticity, as well as their high CO2 capture capacity. Tetraselmis species, green and eukaryotic microalgae, are not only considered as a valuable source of biomolecules including pigments, lipids, and starch but also widely used in biotechnological applications. Tetraselmis cultivation for high-value biomolecules and industrial use was demonstrated to be a non-cost-effective strategy because of its low demand in nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Recently, phycoremediation of wastewater rich in nutrients, chemicals, and heavy metals has become an efficient and economic-alternative that allows the detoxification of waters and induces mechanisms in algal cells for biomolecules rich-energy synthesis to regulate their metabolic pathways. This review aims to shed light on Tetraselmis species for their different culture conditions and metabolites bioaccumulation, as well as their human health and environmental applications. Additionally, phycoremediation of contaminants associated to biofuel production in Tetraselmis cells and their different intracellular and extracellular mechanisms have also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of chemicals requires a better understanding of their presence and dynamics in the environment, as well as their impact on ecosystems. The aim of this study was to validate the first steps of an innovative multi-omics approach based on metabolomics and 16S metabarcoding data for analyses of the fate and impact of contaminants in Mediterranean lagoons. Semi-targeted analytical procedures for water and sediment matrices were implemented to assess chemical contamination of the lagoon: forty-six compounds were detected, 28 of which could be quantified in water (between 0.09 and 47.4 ng/L) and sediment (between 0.008 and 26.3 ng/g) samples using the UHPLC-MS/MS instrument. In addition, a non-targeted approach (UHPLC-HRMS) using four different sample preparation protocols based on solid/liquid extractions or an automated pressurized fluid extraction system (EDGE®) was carried out to determine the protocol with the best metabolome coverage, efficiency and reproducibility. Solid/liquid extraction using the solvent mixture acetonitrile/methanol (50/50) was evaluated as the best protocol. Microbial diversity in lagoon sediment was also measured after DNA extraction using five commercial extraction kits. Our study showed that the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Qiagen kit (Promega, USA) was the most suitable for assessing microbial diversity in fresh sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Updates on soils type, voltage and electrodes materials on the EK were reviewed. • Combined EK with solar, bioremediation, chemical, and phytoremediation was studied. • Combined EK processes are more efficient than standalone EK processes for soil remediation. • Integrating EK with other processes has advantages in reducing cost & enhances treatment process. The electrokinetic (EK) process has been proposed for soil decontamination from heavy metals and organic matter. The advantages of the EK process include the low operating energy, suitability for fine-grained soil decontamination, and no need for excavation. During the last three decades, enhanced and hybrid EK systems were developed and tested for improving the efficiency of contaminants removal from soils. Chemically enhanced-EK processes exhibited excellent efficiency in removing contaminants by controlling the soil pH or the chemical reaction of contaminants. EK hybrid systems were tested to overcome environmental hurdles or technical drawbacks of decontamination technologies. Hybridization of the EK process with phytoremediation, bioremediation, or reactive filter media (RFM) improved the remediation process performance by capturing contaminants or facilitating biological agents' movement in the soil. Also, EK process coupling with solar energy was proposed to treat off-grid contaminated soils or reduce the EK energy requirements. This study reviews recent advancements in the enhancement and hybrid EK systems for soil remediation and the type of contaminants targeted by the process. The study also covered the impact of operating parameters, imperfect pollution separation, and differences in the physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of soil/sediment on the EK performance. Finally, a comparison between various remediation processes was presented to highlight the pros and cons of these technologies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical profiling of different paper grades was performed along the recycling chain. • Untargeted analysis of semi-volatiles and non-volatiles using GC- and LC-MS. • Chemometrics application to identify specific features by paper grade and site. • Exploration of the possible sources of detected compounds in the paper recycling chain. • Numerous chemical compounds associated with plastics have been detected. Paper packaging made with recycled paperboard is used to pack various consumer goods that can include amongst others, electronics, toys, food, cosmetics, and stationery. Chemical profiling of the various paper recycling grades used in the manufacture of recycled paperboard was undertaken to investigate possible sources of contaminants and their propagation in the paper recycling chain. Pre-consumer, retail and post-consumer paper-based materials were collected at papermills, corrugators, grocery stores, household waste, solid waste disposal sites and recycling facilities. In the GC-MS analysis, phthalates, long-chain aliphatic compounds, and fatty acids were the most commonly detected compounds whilst phthalates and bisphenols featured most prevalently in the LC-MS analysis. The factors that were identified as likely contributors to the detection of the different chemical compounds included the presence of wood derivatives, the use of certain chemical additives during manufacturing, and exposure of paper to contaminants from consumers, other goods and the environment. Waste mingling, recovery, sorting and reprocessing into recycled paper were also shown to influence the chemical profile of paper materials. Sparse partial least squares-discriminate analysis indicated that newspaper and office paper had unique chemical constituents, whilst cartons were shown to have higher variability. By looking at key stages of paper recycling, this study showed that the possible persistence and transformation of chemical compounds in additives must be evaluated when considering the recyclability of paper-based materials. Further, it highlighted that different separation approaches may be required to reduce contaminant exposure opportunities in post-consumer paper materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plastic tablet containers contain pharmaceutical residues. • The residues are small compared to the amount of APIs stored in the containers. • Rinsing the containers substantially decreases API residues in plastic. • Rinsing waters from plastic recycling processes may have environmental impacts. High-density polyethylene tablet containers are potentially very suitable for recycling, but no data are publicly available on active pharmaceutical ingredients' (API) residues in empty containers and if they affect the recyclability of pharmaceutical packaging. Plastic tablet containers represented 15 % of pharmaceutical primary packages sold in Finland in 2020 and 2021, equalling 350 tons of plastic per year. We studied the residues of six APIs remaining or adsorbed inside plastic tablet containers. The effects of tablet coating and usage in dose-dispensing services versus households on the API residues, and rinsing water's ability to remove the residues were evaluated. Up to 940,000 µg/kg of carbamazepine was detected in a container of uncoated carbamazepine tablets. The residues from coated tablets containing the other five APIs were 2.4–6,100 µg/kg. Ten times higher paracetamol residues were obtained in containers from household use than from a dose-dispensing unit. Rinsing can remove most API residues, but it leads to environmental emissions. For example, rinsing water can double carbamazepine emissions from a Finnish wastewater treatment plant where plastic packaging waste effluents are processed. Considering the API concentrations, decreasing residues by rinsing and dilution with other plastic packaging waste, the residues of the studied APIs are not considered an obstacle to the recycling of plastic tablet containers. However, further research is needed on more toxic APIs and the fate of APIs in the plastics recycling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, 5‐ferrocenyl‐dipyrromethane (Fc‐DPM) synthesized from the pyrrole and ferrocenecarboxaldehyde condensation was electrochemically deposited on a gold (Au) electrode and used to remove metal ions found in rural waters. The structural analysis of Fc‐DPM was recorded by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The Fc‐DPM was electrochemically coated on an indium tin oxide‐polyethylene terephthalate (ITO‐PET) surface, and the resulting Fc‐DPM/ITO‐PET was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The heavy metal and mineral content of four real water samples from the same rural area were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) before and after electrochemical removal. The proposed Fc‐DPM/Au electrode was successfully applied for aluminum ion (Al3+) and barium ion (Ba2+) removal for the first time, and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 0.003 and 0.217 ppb for Ba2+ and Al3+, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-thermal processing technology has shown unparalleled advantages in improving food quality and safety, making it develop rapidly in recent years and become a new research hotspot in food processing. Food irradiation, a typical non-thermal food processing technology, has the advantages of rapid, efficient, low-cost, and pollution-free, which has received extensive attention and gradually become one of the widely accepted modern food processing methods. Especially in recent years, with the deepening of related research, food irradiation has made remarkable research progress in food preservation, sterilization, and degradation of harmful substances, showing a broad application prospect. In view of this, this article introduces the mechanism and characteristics of food irradiation technology in detail, reviews its related research on improving food nutritional value and reducing harmful substances, and illustrates to clarify the application potential of food irradiation technology in improving food quality and safety. The development direction of food irradiation technology was further discussed to provide theoretical guidance and reference for its further development and application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monochloropropanediols (MCPD) and their esters with high molecular weight carboxylic (fatty) acids are new types of technological contaminants present in refined deodorized oils and other foods.The development of measures to minimize the content of MCPD esters in vegetable oils, which are an important component of various food systems, is a priority direction of modern foreign and domestic research in the field of ensuring food safety. The effectiveness of such measures should be based on ideas about the mechanisms of formation of MCPD esters and the identification of their predecessors (precursors) present in the lipid complex of oil seeds, as well as those formed during their processing.Systematized statistically reliable scientific knowledge about the mechanisms of formation of MCPD esters and their derivatives is still missing. Presumably, the formation of MCPDs and their esters with fatty acids should correlate with the presence of chlorine compounds in oilseed raw materials and in the oil itself; chlorine-containing pesticides and biologically active substances (fertilizers) used in agricultural production are one of the sources.Thus, the goal of the research is a systematic and comprehensive synthesis of ideas about precursors and mechanisms of formation of MCPD esters.As a result of analysis and synthesis of literature sources, it has been established that the main precursors of MCPD esters are DAG, TAG and various chlorine-containing compounds. The main factors influencing the rate of formation and amount of accumulation of MCPD esters are high temperatures (more than 120°C), duration of heat treatment, the presence of free fatty acids, antioxidants and moisture. Different chlorine compounds appear to have different activities in the reactions leading to the formation of MCPD esters. The presence of antioxidants in lipid systems can inhibit the formation of 3-MCPD ester, and the effectiveness of the process is determined by the type of antioxidant. According to the degree of increase in inhibitory ability, the most applicable antioxidants in lipid systems can be ranked as follows: α-tocopherol, BOA, BOT, AP, PG and TBHQ. The role of the composition of fatty acids in the formation of MCPD esters still remains unclear; however, there is indirect evidence indicating the influence of the composition of fatty acids on the level of accumulation of MCPD esters, which determines the feasibility of an in-depth study of this issue.

Sugarcane has primarily been used for sugar and ethanol production. It creates large quantities of residual lignocellulosic biomass such as sugarcane bagasse, leaves, tops, and vinasse. Biomass is a sustainable prospect for biorefineries aiming to optimize production processes. We detail recent research developments in recycling sugarcane, including energy generation and pyrolysis to obtain biofuels, for example. To produce biochar, the energy cost of operating at high temperatures and large-scale production remain as obstacles. The energy generation prospects can be enhanced by pellet production; however, it requires an improvement in quality control for long-term storage or long-distance transportation. In civil construction, the materials still need to prove their long-term efficiency and reliability. Related to adsorbent materials, the use of sugarcane bagasse has the advantage of being low-cost and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, the extraction, functionalization, and modification of cellulose fibers, to improve their adsorption properties or even mode of operation, still challenges. The synthesis of nanostructures is still lacking high yields and the ability to scale up. Finally, controlling dispersion and orientation and avoiding fiber agglomeration could improve the mechanical response of composites using sugarcane bagasse. The different possibilities for using sugarcane and its residues reinforce the importance of this material for the industry and the global economy. Thus, the present work addresses current challenges and perspectives of different industrial processes involving sugarcane aiming to support future research on waste-derived subjects.

Globally, human activity and fast modernization have an impact on the ecological and economic aspects. These factors have led to the generation of complex wastewater consisting of recalcitrant toxic and carcinogenic contaminants. The inaccuracy of the traditional treatment techniques using traditional adsorbents to lower the concentration of pollutants below desired standards has paved the way for technological advancements in the synthesis method and operating conditions. Hence, this has become highly imperative to utilize effective and advanced remediation strategies for the removal of pollutants. Several remediation strategies were put forth and were effective because of their unique characteristics such as their affordability, adaptability, and simplicity of use. The present review article organizes the scattered available information on potential and abundant biomass-derived low-cost adsorbents for the effective removal of toxic contaminants. It has been discovered that biomass-derived adsorbents are extremely effective, alternative, and carbon–neutral offering a new perspective on the modular adsorption process.

This review thoroughly assesses the viability and effectiveness of biological and advanced coagulation methods for treating leachate. It offers a comprehensive analysis of landfill leachate, with a specific focus on its composition and the presence of diverse pollutants and contaminants. The study investigates leachate toxicity and evaluates advanced coagulation processes and strategies designed to remove or reduce organic contaminants by employing coagulants. The novelty of this review lies in its emphasis on demonstrating the efficacy of coagulation and flocculation methods utilizing chemicals such as alum, ferric chloride, and aluminum sulfate in leachate treatment. These methods facilitate the removal of recalcitrant pollutants and demonstrate considerable removal efficiency. Noteworthy removal effectiveness is evident in coagulation/flocculation procedures targeting various contaminants, including suspended particles, heavy metals, and xenobiotic organic compounds. Additionally, the study examines the leachate’s toxicity both before and after treatment with the coagulation process.

The research station at Prince Leopold Island (PLI), initiated in 1975, was the first seabird monitoring site created in the Canadian Arctic. The island supports 150 000 breeding pairs of seabirds, principally thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia Linnaeus 1758), black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus 1758) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis Linnaeus 1761), along with ∼70 pairs of glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus Gunnerus 1767) and several thousand black guillemots (Cepphus grylle Linnaeus 1758). Baseline observations of seabird breeding biology were made during 1975–1977. Subsequent monitoring has taken place in 22 of the 47 seasons, with work during 2001–2003 replicating the original baseline studies. Population trends of breeding seabirds have shown kittiwakes (sharply) and murres (gradually) increasing, while gulls (definitely) and fulmars (likely) have declined. The most striking scientific findings from PLI were related to the effect of annual ice break-up on seabird phenology, clutch size, and reproductive success. For contaminant research, PLI has become one of the core monitoring sites in Canada and internationally, documenting dramatic changes in concentrations of various contaminants in the Arctic marine environment. Given the international impact of research and monitoring at PLI for almost five decades, the continuation of seabird research at PLI, the most important seabird colony in the Canadian Arctic, is essential.

Microplastics are tangible particles of less than 0.2 inches in diameter that are ubiquitously distributed in the biosphere and accumulate in water bodies. During the east-coast hot summers (23–29 °C) of 2021 and 2022, June through September, we captured copious amounts of the jellyfish Chrysaora chesapeakei, a predominant species found in the Patuxent River of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland on the United States East Coast. We determined that their gelatinous bodies trapped many microplastics through fluorescent microscopy studies using Rhodamine B staining and Raman Spectroscopy. The chemical nature of the microplastics was detected using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy headspace (SPME-GC-MS) and solvent extraction (GC-MS) methods through a professional commercial materials evaluation laboratory. Numerous plastic-affiliated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from diverse chemical origins and their functional groups (alkanes, alkenes, acids, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, and alcohols) along with other non-microplastic volatile organic compounds were observed. Our findings corroborate data in the available scientific literature, distinguishing our finding’s suitability.

Dietary supplements are widely consumed. However, the lack of mandatory testing results in limited data on their quality, particularly in Eastern Europe. In this study, 21 legally registered and 9 illegal supplements, seized from an underground facility by the Polish Police, were examined. Contaminants were screened by utilising high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with untargeted mass spectrometry. The analysis identified 32 contaminants in the 30 dietary supplements examined. Untargeted analysis revealed a concerning issue: the intentional adulteration of both legal and illegal supplements with pharmacologically active substances that are prohibited in this category of products. This study indicated that many dietary supplements are of low quality due to deliberate adulteration or inadequate manufacturing conditions. The presence of unregistered or unapproved substances in these supplements poses serious health risks. Strong legal regulations are essential to address this issue effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe presence of impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products represents a risk to patients’ health. Such substances are related to diverse side effects and may have mutagenic potential. That’s why it is necessary to establish acceptable limits for these by-products, to minimize the risk associated with medicinal therapy. This work focused on presenting a critical review of relevant points related to the presence of impurities in pharmaceuticals. The main legislation and guidelines from the FDA, EMA, ICH, and Pharmacopeias about the subject were evaluated, and recent articles related to the topic were searched in Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, the analytical techniques used for quantifying impurities were discussed, along with relevant tests for assessing the toxicological and mutagenic risks of these by-products. Recent legislation, including ICH Q3A (R2), ICH Q3B (R2), ICH M7 (R2), ICH Q3D (R2), ICH Q3C (R9), ICH Q3E, ICH Q6A, ICH M3 (R2), as well as FDA and EMA guidelines, highlights a comprehensive and effective framework for controlling impurities in pharmaceuticals. Despite this, there remains a lack of harmonization and standardized procedures across different regions. From the review of scientific literature, we observed that advancements in analytical techniques have significantly improved the sensitivity and selectivity in detecting impurities and degradation products. This underscores the ongoing commitment of health agencies and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicinal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tuikual River is a major source of potable water for the people of Aizawl city in the state of Mizoram. Domestic and municipal waste from Aizawl's western suburbs and biomedical effluents from the Civil and Ebenezer Hospitals are getting discharged into it. Agricultural run-off adds to the river's pollution. Here we examine the water quality of the Tuikual River over two years (October 2019 to September 2021) at four sampling stations selected along the river course both upstream and downstream of the city. The water quality index was computed as 287, 310, 162 and 135 at sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The findings depict that the river water at all the sites is unfit for drinking because the weighted arithmetic water quality index exceeds 100 at all the stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeydew honey is produced by bees (Apis mellifera) foraging and collecting secretions produced by certain types of aphids on various parts of plants. In addition to exhibiting organoleptic characteristics that distinguish them from nectar honey, these honeys are known for their functional properties, such as strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite their importance, they remain poorly characterized in comparison with flower honeys, as most studies on this subject are not only carried out on too few samples but also still focused on traditional chemical–physical parameters, such as specific rotation, major sugars, or melissopalynological information. Since mass spectrometry has consistently been a primary tool for the characterization and authentication of honeys, this review will focus on the application of these methods to the characterization of the minor fraction of honeydew honey. More specifically, this review will attempt to highlight what progress has been made so far in identifying markers of the authenticity of the botanical and/or geographical origin of honeydew honeys by mass spectrometry-based approaches. Furthermore, strategies devoted to the determination of contaminants and toxins in honeydew honeys will be addressed. Such analyses represent a valuable tool for establishing the level of food safety associated with these products. A critical analysis of the presented studies will identify their limitations and critical issues, thereby describing the current state of research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study determined acute toxicity, behavioural changes and histological effects of atrazine on juvenile Clarias gariepinus. The experiment involved exposing groups of fish to different concentrations {0.00 (control), 3.75, 6.25, 8.75, 11.25 and 13.75mg/l} of atrazine and monitoring fish mortality, physicochemical parameters of the test water and behavioural changes in the fish. The histological assessment of liver and gills was also carried out on dead fish to examine possible changes in their structural makeup in comparison to the organ extracted from the control. Acute toxicity test was conducted using standard methods and fish mortality was monitored for 96 hours. The physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity in the test solutions were monitored using standard procedure. The study revealed that there was no mortality in the control group, which had no atrazine, while mortality rates increased with increasing concentrations of atrazine. The highest percentage mortality (83.33%) was recorded at the highest concentration of 13.75mg/l. The 96-hour lethal concentration (LC50) value of atrazine computed based on logarithm was 8.84mg/l. At exposure to acute concentrations, fish showed abnormal behaviour such as restlessness, loss of colouration, respiratory stress, erratic swimming and instant death. Histological effects observed on the gills exposed to atrazine included interstitial haemorrhage, deformed primary and secondary lamella, lesion, blanketing and blood congestion. Liver tissues showed necrosis and vacuolation of hepatocytes. Dissolved oxygen level in the test solutions that contained atrazine reduced drastically and this might have induced death in fish recorded in the study. Inference from the study revealed that atrazine may be toxic to aquatic organisms, particularly juvenile C. gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EFSA performs dietary exposure assessments for food‐producing and non‐food‐producing animals to deliver risk assessment for mandates on the presence of contaminants in feed. The CONTAM and FEEDAP Panels identified the need to update the animal dietary exposure assessment model used in those assessments in CONTAM Scientific Opinions since 2011 in cases where insufficient occurrence data are available on species specific compound feeds. The Panels proposed in this statement a series of model diets based on groups of feed materials with the possibility to use different feed materials in their formulation. The Panels considered that the currently proposed model diets cover the need of the CONTAM Panel to assess the dietary exposure of animals to contaminants in feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) inevitably results in their introduction into soil and groundwater, which poses a significant risk to the safety of these natural resources. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the transport behavior of CNPs in the subsurface environment and how it affects the transport of co-contaminants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, nano-plastics, engineered metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. This review focuses on recent advancements in research on the transport behaviors of CNPs in porous media and its effect on the transport of co-contaminants, with respect to the mechanisms associated with CNPs transport and the mechanisms of action of CNPs on co-contaminant transport, as well as the factors that influence these processes. Results of the existing research indicate that aggregation, attachment, detachment, straining, blocking and ripening are the primary processes governing CNPs transport due to their unique physiochemistry. CNPs can either act as carriers, facilitating the transport of co-contaminants, or as competitors, hindering the deposition of co-contaminants. Additionally, they can serve as collectors for co-contaminant deposition or co-deposit with co-contaminants, inhibiting their transport. The interactions between CNPs, co-contaminants, and the medium determine the exact role played by CNPs in co-contaminant transport. The processes of CNPs transport and its effect on co-contaminant transport are affected by the physicochemical properties of CNPs and porous media, as well as the chemistry and hydrodynamics of groundwater. This review article is of great significance for risk assessment of CNPs in soil and groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse are organic micropollutants of emerging concern in both surface and groundwater worldwide. These compounds are considered to be pseudo‐persistent because of their continuous release into water systems. The presence of these compounds in the environment at any concentration poses a potential risk to nontarget organisms. The main sources of these contaminants are wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The primary goal of our study was to identify and quantify a panel of 28 commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals (mood‐altering drugs, cardiovascular drugs, antacids, antibiotics) and high‐prevalence drugs of abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabis) in river water samples collected from 19 locations in the Hudson and East rivers in New York City. The second goal was to investigate the possible source (WWTP or CSOs) of these micropollutants. Samples were collected weekly from May to August 2021 (n = 224) and May to August 2022 (n = 232), and placed at −20 °C until analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently detected analytes in 2021 were metoprolol (n = 206, 92%), benzoylecgonine (n = 151, 67%), atenolol (n = 142, 63%), and methamphetamine (n = 118, 53%), and in 2022 the most frequently detected were methamphetamine (n = 194, 84%), atenolol (n = 177, 76%), metoprolol (n = 177, 76%), and 2‐ethylene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (n = 159, 69%). Measured concentrations ranged from the limit of detection (0.50–5.00 ng/L) to 103 ng/L. More drugs and higher concentrations were detected in water contaminated by Enterococci (>60 most probably number) and after rainfall, indicating the influence of CSOs. The presence of drugs in samples with little to no Enterococci and after dry weather events indicates that WWTPs contribute to the presence of these substances in the river, probably due to a low removal rate. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1592–1603. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaports affect the environment through various functions related to cargo handling, connectivity to the sea and land transport networks, and industrial, logistics, and distribution activities. The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the contents of dioxins and microplastics in the bottom sediments of the Port of Gdynia. The identification of plastic particles was carried out on the basis of visual and microscopic observations, as well as spectroscopy analysis. Fragments and fibres were dominant when categorised by particle shape, while transparent, white, and black particles dominated when categorised by colour. The predominant polymer types identified polyolefins and their derivatives. These findings suggest that low-density plastics are present in seabed sediments, probably as a result of biofouling. Samples were also tested for the presence of dioxins. In the sediment surface layer, the highest concentrations were obtained for octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (5.54–962 ng/kg d.m.), which has low toxicity. The most toxic congener (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) was present in very low concentrations (0.19–0.32 ng/kg s.m.). The values of the toxicity coefficient ranged from 0.01 to 9.77 ng/kg s.m. The results showed that in the studied bottom zones in Gdynia Port, the analysed pollutants do not cause a high ecological risk and do not require permanent monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations are exposed daily to numerous environmental pollutants, particularly through food. To address environmental issues, many agricultural production methods have been developed, including organic farming. To date, there is no exhaustive inventory of the contamination of organic foods as there is for conventional foods. The main objective of this work was to construct a growing and updatable database on chemical substances and their levels in organic foods consumed in Europe. To this end, a literature search was conducted, resulting in a total of 1207 concentration values from 823 food–substances pairs involving 166 food matrices and 209 chemical substances, among which 95% were not authorized in organic farming and 80% were pesticides. The most encountered substance groups are "inorganic contaminants" and "organophosphate", and the most studied food groups are "fruit used as fruit" and "Cereals and cereal primary derivatives". Further studies are needed to continue updating the database with robust and comprehensive data on organic food contamination. This database could be used to study the health risks associated with these contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Microplastics (MPs) and microrubbers (MRs) determined in lichens and mosses around Shiraz. In lichens, MPs mainly thin fibres up to 1 MP g−1; MRs were < 0.1 MP g−1. In mosses, abundances were similar but with a greater fraction of larger, non-fibrous particles. Larger MPs and MRs decreased in abundance with distance and elevation from Shiraz. Around Shiraz, the common moss, Grimmia critina, would be the most suitable biomonitor. Lichens and mosses have been employed as biomonitors of atmospheric particulate pollutants, like metals and industrial solids, for many decades. Here, we evaluated the potential of nine species of crustose and foliose lichens and a widely distributed moss (Grimmia critina) to act as biomonitors of airborne microplastics (MPs) and microrubbers (MRs). About 200 lichens and 40 mosses were sampled across different altitudinal transects in the vicinity of Shiraz City, southwest Iran, and MPs and MRs were quantified and characterised after sample peroxidation. In most species of lichen, MP and MR abundance overall was < 1 g−1 and < 0.1 g−1, respectively, and the majority of plastics were fibres of < 10 µm in diameter and < 1000 µm in length. Respective weight normalised abundances of MPs and MRs were similar in G. critina, but there were greater proportions of both larger (> 1000 µm) and non-fibrous particles among the MPs. In both lichens and moss, there was a greater number of larger MPs and MRs at locations closest to and at the same elevation as Shiraz than at more distant and elevated locations, suggesting an inverse relationship between particle size and distance travelled. Among the lichens, members of the genus Acarospora, with their areolated form, appeared to act as the most suitable biomonitors for MPs and MRs. Overall, however, the wide distribution of the moss, G. crinita, and its ability to intercept and accumulate a broader range of sizes and shapes of MPs and MRs make this species a better choice, at least in the type of environment studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is a ubiquitous pollutant of global concern but the threat of exposure is not homogenously distributed at local, regional, or global scales. The primary route of human exposure to mercury is through consumption of aquatic foods, which are culturally and economically important in the wider Caribbean Region, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). We compiled more than 1600 samples of 108 unique species of fish and aquatic invertebrates collected between 2005 and 2023 from eleven countries or territories in the wider Caribbean Region. There was wide variability in total mercury concentrations with 55% of samples below the 0.23 µg/g wet weight (ww) guideline from the U.S. FDA/EPA (2022) for 2 or 3 weekly servings and 26% exceeding the 0.46 µg/g ww guideline consistent with adverse effects on human health from continual consumption, particularly for sensitive populations. Significant relationships were found between total mercury concentrations and taxonomic family, sampling country, fish length, and trophic level. The data analyzed here support the need for further sampling with concrete geospatial data to better understand patterns and mechanisms in mercury concentrations and allow for more informed decision making on the consumption of fish and invertebrates from the wider Caribbean Region as well as supporting efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of national, regional, and international mercury policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]