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The use of pesticides is often regarded as a fundamental aspect of conventional agriculture. However, these compounds have gained recognition as some of the oldest and most widely employed xenobiotic contaminants, necessitating effective strategies for human biomonitoring. In this context, a method was developed for the determination of 16 legacy organochlorine pesticides, 6 metabolites of current pesticides (2,4-D, malathion, parathion, fipronil, pyraclostrobin, cypermethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin), and 1 triazine herbicide (atrazine) in serum. Samples were prepared with water, formic acid, acetonitrile, and ultrasound irradiation, followed by solid-phase extraction with Oasis Prime HLB. Subsequently, metabolites from current pesticides underwent derivatization using MTBSTFA with 1% TBDMSCl for analysis via gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), employing an SLB-5MS fused silica capillary column. Analytical curves were generated with limits of quantification from 0.3 to 4.0 ng.mL−1. Accuracy ranged from 69 to 124%, and the coefficient of variation from 2 to 28%. Moreover, determining 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ol was suggested as a biomarker for pyraclostrobin biomonitoring. This analytical approach facilitated the determination of both legacy and metabolites of current pesticides in the same serum sample, presenting an interesting and cost-effective option for large cohorts, and multi-omics studies that evaluate time-dependent biomarkers in blood samples, thereby enabling biomonitoring within the same matrix. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept involving 10 volunteers demonstrated exposure to 9 pesticides at mean concentrations measured in ng mL−1, consistent with findings from various biomonitoring initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intentional or accidental presence of environmental contaminants, such as persistent organic pollutants, metals, and microplastics, can harm the aquatic ecosystem and their living organisms, as well as consumers of seafood. This study provides an overview of marine pollution caused by various chemicals and their toxicity to both the environment and humans. In addition to regulatory limits established for some contaminants, monitoring and management policies should mandate activities such as bioremediation and the use of carbon-based composite photocatalysts to reduce or eliminate these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to determine the volumes of formation of all pollutants and accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during the combustion of organic fuel by stationary sources illustrated by the case of Odesa Industrial-And-Urban Agglomeration. Various studies revealed a significant contribution of organic fuel combustion to environmental pollution of urban agglomerations with persistent organic pollutants. In particular, stationary sources of organic fuel combustion emissions, such as power generation furnaces, have begun to be actively considered only in recent years, but remain insufficiently researched and require increased attention. To calculate the annual mass of pollutant emissions, the most comprehensive official methods of inventorying emissions were used. To calculate the accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants, the author's patented calculation method was used. Statistical data on the annual volumes of organic fuel burning by stationary sources in the Odesa agglomeration for 2011–2021 were used to make the calculation (more recent data can't be used due to limited information in wartime conditions). The research contribution of emissions of POPs in large cities of Ukraine was limited, the identification of POPs in the environment is very expensive. During the research, the mass of emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the combustion of all types of organic fuels was determined, and their accumulation trends in the environment were assessed. It was found that the largest amount of these pollutants is released during the combustion of natural gas, which is due to the significantly higher usage volumes of this type of fuel compared to others. At the same time, the ranking results of the pollutants by hazard showed that dioxins rank fifth in terms of hazard level in the case of natural gas. Conversely, when coal is burned, these substances rank second in terms of hazard, but the volume of coal combustion in the Odesa agglomeration has been decreasing. The article also proved that reducing the volume of organic fuel usage in the future leads to a decrease in the accumulated concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of pesticides has experienced a substantial rise in order to enhance both the quantity and caliber of the produced goods. Agricultural runoff, a major source of nonpoint pollution, adversely impacts surface water, groundwater, soil and sediment quality in the watershed. Especially, organochlorine pesticides have adverse effects on the environment because of their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. In this study, the presence of organochlorine pesticides (DDTs- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and HCHs- hexachlorocyclohexane) in the environment of the dryland agricultural watershed, was determined. For this purpose, soil, sediment and water samples from the landscape of pond were collected. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in water, sediment, and soil ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0138 μg/L, 0.03 to 1.02 μg/kg, and 0.54 to 52 μg/kg, respectively. The persistence of these pesticides in soil and sediment poses long-term risks to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sediment, as a significant reservoir for these contaminants, can act as a secondary source of pollution, releasing pesticides back into the water column under certain environmental conditions. Similarly, soil contamination not only affects plant health and productivity but also leads to further leaching and runoff into water bodies. The behavior of a toxic substance in water, soil and sediment environment, which is organochlorine pesticide, in a well-mixed lake watershed, was modeled using mass balances in the lake. Statistical analysis, including a paired t-test and calculation of the Nash-Sutcliffe index, confirms the consistency and reliability of the model’s predictions compared to observed data. Simulated concentrations closely matched observed values, and the distribution patterns and trends remained consistent across different months. Moreover, the Risk Quotient (RQ) for DDTs and HCHs is less than 0.1, indicating low ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Metals in MSW IBA begin to be mobilised to aqueous solution at below neutral pH. • MSW IBA has a high pH buffering capacity. • Reaching below neutral pH with rainwater infiltration is extremely unlikely. • DOC causes enhanced metal mobilization only at unrealistically high concentrations. • Persistent organic pollutants in the MSW IBA are well below regulatory limits. Increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) production poses challenges for sustainable urban development. Modern energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities incinerate MSW, reducing mass and recovering energy. In the UK, MSW incineration bottom ash (MSW IBA) is primarily reused in civil engineering applications. This study characterizes UK-produced MSW IBA, examining its pH-dependent leaching behaviour and response to environmental lixiviants. Results show predominant components include a melt phase, primary glass and fine ash aggregations, and a chemical composition dominated by SiO 2 (30–50 %), CaO (∼15 %), Fe 2 O 3 (∼10 %), and Al 2 O 3 (∼8%). X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis shows that Zn and Cu are most likely oxygen-bound (adsorbed to oxy-hydroxides and as oxides) with some sulphur bound. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) are well below regulatory limits, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were undetectable. Leaching tests indicate trace elements mobilize at pHs ≤ 6. With a natural pH of 11.3 and high buffering capacity, significant acid inputs to the MSW IBA are required to reach this pH, which are improbable in the environment. Wood chip additions increase leachate's dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and reduce pH, but had minimal impact on metal-leaching behaviour. Synthetic plant exudate solutions minimally affect metal leaching at realistic concentrations, only enhancing leaching at ≥ 1500 mg l−1 DOC. This work supports MSW IBA's low-risk in specified civil engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aquaculture sludge represents a promising future feed material for insects. • BSF larvae can grow on a substrate solely composed of aquaculture sludge. • BSF larvae reduced aquaculture waste and accumulated valuable nutrients. • BSF larvae accumulated undesirable substances including Cd, Hg and dioxins. Aquaculture sludge (uneaten feed and faeces) is nutrient rich and has potential as feed for insects. The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of chemical and biological contaminants, as well as nutrients, from aquaculture sludge to black soldier fly larvae. The larvae were reared on a sludge mixture made of different sludges collected from Norwegian freshwater salmonid facilities. The sludge was spiked with four common salmon pathogens: Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus, Infectious Salmon Anemia virus, Yersinia ruckeri or Mycobacterium salmoniphilum. During the 15 days of growth on sludge, the black soldier fly larvae accumulated valuable nutrients including protein, fat, eicosapentaenoic acid, iron, manganese, zinc and selenium. The larvae also accumulated undesirable substances including cadmium, mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. The concentrations of dioxins exceeded the EU maximum level set for animal feed. None of the salmon pathogens that were spiked to the sludge were detected in the black soldier fly larvae. This study reports low risk of transfer of salmon pathogens from sludge to insect larvae, and showed that the transfer of heavy metals, minerals and metalloids are in accordance with earlier studies. The large variations in levels of heavy metals between batches of sludge can cause levels in BSF exceeding the EU maximum levels, and thus indicate a need for monitoring of the proposed value chain. The transfer of dioxins from sludge to insects, reported for the first time in this paper, would be of special interest for future research, with special focus on risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photocatalyst based on Ti3C2/ZnCo2O4/ZnIn2S4 composite material is prepared for the detection and treatment of persistent organic pollutants in groundwater environment of subway stations. And it is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Then, a monitoring and governance system for persistent organic pollutants in the water environment is established, including sensor networks, data collection and processing, pollutant monitoring, and governance control. Finally, the degradation efficiency of the photocatalytic coupled ozone flow reactor for three types of chlorophenol organic compounds is experimentally verified to reach 93%, 86%, and 83%, respectively. The monitoring and treatment system for persistent organic pollutants in the water environment has achieved a removal rate of 90% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 80% for suspended solids. This study shows that the photocatalytic coupled ozone flow reactor has a high degradation effect on chlorophenol organic compounds. The monitoring and treatment system for persistent organic pollutants in the water environment has significantly reduced the concentration of heavy metal ions and achieved good removal effects on COD and suspended solids. This study provides effective technologies and methods for the monitoring and management of persistent organic pollutants in the water environment, which helps to solve water pollution problems, improve water environment quality, and protect water resources and ecological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecosystems are experiencing growing pressure from multiple threats caused by human activities, with far‐reaching consequences for marine food webs. Determining the effects of multiple stressors is complex, in part, as they can affect different aspects of biological organisation (behaviour, individual traits and demographic rates). Determining the combined effects of stressors, through different biological pathways, is key to predict the consequences for the viability of populations threatened by global change.Due to their position in the food chain, top predators such as seabirds are considered more sensitive to environmental changes. Climate change is affecting the prey resources available for seabirds, through bottom‐up effects, while organic pollutants can bioaccumulate in food chains with the greatest impacts on top predators. However, knowledge of their combined effects on population dynamics is scarce.Using a path analysis, we quantify the effects of climate change and pollution on the survival of adult great black‐backed gulls, both directly and through effects of individuals' body mass.Warmer ocean temperatures in gulls' winter foraging areas in the North Sea were correlated with higher survival, potentially explained by shifts in prey availability associated with global climate change. We also found support for indirect negative effects of organochlorines, highly toxic pollutants to seabirds, on survival, which acted, in part, through a negative effect on body mass.The results from this path analysis highlight how, even for such long‐lived species where variance in survival tends to be limited, two stressors still have had a marked influence on adult survival and illustrate the potential of path models to improve predictions of population variability under multiple stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the third highest cause of cancer death in men. PCa is a very heterogeneous tumor form in terms of grade, phenotypes, and genetics, often accompanied by complex networks. PCa is characterized by slow growth that does not compromise the patient's quality of life, unlike more aggressive forms showing rapid growth and progression. Early diagnosis, even for the most aggressive forms, increases the possibilities of cure with less aggressive treatments and fewer side effects. However, it is important to know how to decrease the exposure to modifiable risk factors, including diet, sedentary life, smoking and alcohol, can represent an effective tool to reduce the incidence of PCa. In addition, the chronic exposure to environmental factors, most of which act as endocrine disruptors, is the focus of recent studies for their potential role in promoting the onset and progression of PCa. Although molecular therapies and clinical trials for biomarker identification have been introduced into the management of PCa, these still lag behind research performed in other solid tumors. This review provides an overview of the modifiable factors of PCa, linked to lifestyle and environmental pollutants, which together with the development of new therapeutic targets, can reduce the incidence of PCa and improve the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are poisonous, environmentally harmful, volatile organic pollutants deposited worldwide due to atmospheric cycling. POPs are increasingly gaining attention on a global scale because of their persistence. Humans experience endocrine and reproductive issues and cancer as a result of it. The ecological consequences of POPs highlight the interdependence of the ecosystem and the need for global pollution control to protect biodiversity and the ecosystem's health. While several effective management strategies exist, the most practical and environmentally friendly method is to remove POPs using various phytoremediation techniques and numerous soil-based bacterial-aided methods. This review analyzed the kinetic analysis and organic mechanism in each phytoremediation technique. A literature survey was also conducted to determine the advancements in this area for efficiently removing POPs. This review includes a graphical abstract comparing the Scopus publications on this topic and a summary of the existing information on several phytoremediation approaches for reducing the impact of POPs in the soil. It focuses on current research and prospects to enhance phytoremediation's effectiveness in POP dissipation. Continued research and collaboration are essential to significantly advance POP removal and environmental remediation and improve global efforts to address environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine the volumes of formation of all pollutants and accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during the combustion of organic fuel by stationary sources illustrated by the case of Odesa Industrial-And-Urban Agglomeration. Various studies revealed a significant contribution of organic fuel combustion to environmental pollution of urban agglomerations with persistent organic pollutants. In particular, stationary sources of organic fuel combustion emissions, such as power generation furnaces, have begun to be actively considered only in recent years, but remain insufficiently researched and require increased attention. To calculate the annual mass of pollutant emissions, the most comprehensive official methods of inventorying emissions were used. To calculate the accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants, the author’s patented calculation method was used. Statistical data on the annual volumes of organic fuel burning by stationary sources in the Odesa agglomeration for 2011–2021 were used to make the calculation (more recent data can’t be used due to limited information in wartime conditions). The research contribution of emissions of POPs in large cities of Ukraine was limited, the identification of POPs in the environment is very expensive. During the research, the mass of emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the combustion of all types of organic fuels was determined, and their accumulation trends in the environment were assessed. It was found that the largest amount of these pollutants is released during the combustion of natural gas, which is due to the significantly higher usage volumes of this type of fuel compared to others. At the same time, the ranking results of the pollutants by hazard showed that dioxins rank fifth in terms of hazard level in the case of natural gas. Conversely, when coal is burned, these substances rank second in terms of hazard, but the volume of coal combustion in the Odesa agglomeration has been decreasing. The article also proved that reducing the volume of organic fuel usage in the future leads to a decrease in the accumulated concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the environment.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are synthetic organic compounds that have been used as brominated flame retardants. They are persistent in the environment, can bioaccumulate in fatty tissues, biomagnify through the food chain, and have adverse health effects on humans and wildlife. The main source of human exposure to PBDEs is the ingestion of contaminated food. Therefore, in this study the concentration of BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-77, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-126, BDE-139, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183 was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in shrimps and animal origin oils commercialised and consumed in Medellín, Colombia. All samples of shrimps and animal origin oils analysed had values below 0.0050 ng·g−1 for all the PBDEs studied, with the exception of one shrimp sample in which a concentration of 0.012 ± 0.0056 ng·g−1 of BDE-100 was quantified. The results suggest that shrimps and animal origin oils are not a significant source of exposure to PBDEs of the population of the city. However, it is important to continue analysing PBDEs in foods, including foods other than those evaluated in this investigation, in order to guarantee the innocuity and safety of the food consumed by the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk can be contaminated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known as endocrine disruptors (EDCs). However, the relationship between the lactation period of cows and the residues of EDCs is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the lactation period in cows and EDCs residues such as OCPs, PCBs, PBDEs, and PAHs. Milk collected from cows during each lactation period was analyzed in terms of fat content and EDC residues. One or more contaminants were detected in almost all (98%) of the milk taken in three lactation periods. Three PCBs and 11 PAHs were found together in 1st lactation period, and one more PAH was added to them in other periods. However, the sample rate exceeded the maximum residue limit of 48%, 10%, and 16% in the first, second and third lactation periods, respectively. Also, it was seen that the riskiest period was the first lactation period, followed by the third and second periods. The same ranking is valid for the fat content in milk. Thus, it was concluded that the excretion of lipophilic EDCs in milk is related to the fat content in milk, and the higher the fat content in milk, the more lipophilic EDCs are excreted in milk.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavymetals inmarine systems have been given more and more attention due to their high toxicity and bioaccumulation capacity. After discharging into the marine systems, large proportions of POPs and heavy metals are likely to remain in coastal seas, causing serious contamination and high ecological risks. However, the lack of systematic studies restricts our understanding of POP and heavy metal cycling in coastal regions. Herein, the coastal regions along the Chinese Bohai Sea (an important fishing and typically polluted area) were chosen to establish a study model for investigating long-term spatial-temporal variations, risk assessments, and controlling factors of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals in coastal regions. The results showed that concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, and PAHs in sediment, and contents of heavymetals in seawater and sediment were higher than those in other coastal regions during 2015-2018 and that concentrations of As and Cu in approximately 95% and 20% of sampled organisms exceeded maximum permissible levels recommended by China and the WHO, respectively. The significantly temporal variations in HCH and PAH concentrations were indicative of increasing POP pollution, and no significantly temporal variations in most heavy metal concentrations were found. Meanwhile, the higher concentrations of POPs and heavy metals were mainly located in estuaries and other nearshore areas. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) showed that As, Cd and Hg should be listed as the primary heavy metal pollutants in sediment; higher dietary risk was posed by As through seafood consumption; the dietary risks posed by HCHs, DDTs, and PAHs were lower. Finally, the results of multiple regression, Pearson's, and cluster analyses indicated that anthropogenic activities (e.g., industrial and agricultural discharges, and riverine input) played important roles in controlling HCH, DDT, PAH, and heavy metal distributions in coastal regions along the Chinese Bohai Sea. The outcomes of this study are expected to shed new light on an improved understanding of POP and heavy metal cycling and provide a scientific basis for contamination control in coastal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a pathological state that involves the dysregulation of different metabolic pathways and adipose tissue cells, constituting a risk factor for the development of other diseases. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment. The study of the behavior of pollutants in situations of extreme weight loss can provide biomonitoring information and tools to manage diseases of environmental etiology. Aim: To determine the prevalence of serum persistent and non-persistent pollutants in obese patients subjected to bariatric surgery and analyze the impact of sociodemographic variables on these changes. Methods: GC-MS/MS and UHPLC-MS/MS were utilized to determine the detection rates and concentrations of 353 compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and rodenticide, in serum samples of 59 obese patients before and after undergoing bariatric surgery. Results: Detection rates of p,p'-DDE, HCB, β-HCH, naphthalene, phenanthrene and PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 significantly increased due to surgery-induced weight loss. Serum levels of p,p'-DDE, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180 also increased after surgery. Correlations between naphthalene levels, weight loss, variation of total lipids and time after surgery were found. Additionally, correlations were observed between concentrations of PCB-138 and weight loss, and between phenanthrene levels and reduction of total lipids. No statistically significant differences were observed for other groups of contaminants, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals included in the quantification methods. Conclusions: Increment of POPs was observed after bariatric surgery. Serum concentrations of POPs after surgery were influenced by adiposity-related variables. Although biomonitoring studies show a decreasing tendency of exposure, rapid weight loss leads to an increase of circulating POPs. Further research on the interplay between adipose tissue, POPs and peripheral organs is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans, pose significant hazards to the environment and living organisms. This concise review aims to consolidate knowledge on the biological processes involved in removing POPs from wastewater, an area less explored compared to conventional physico-chemical methods. The focus is on the potential of various aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria for efficient bioremediation, mitigating or eradicating the deleterious effects of these chemicals. The review scrutinizes individual bacterial strains and mixed cultures engaged in breaking down persistent organic pollutants in water, highlighting promising results from laboratory investigations that could be scaled for practical applications. The review concludes by underscoring the opportunities for exploring and advancing more sophisticated bioremediation techniques and optimized bioreactors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the efficiency of microbial-based strategies, implicitly reducing the environmental impact of persistent chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk can be contaminated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known as endocrine disruptors (EDCs). However, the relationship between the lactation period of cows and the residues of EDCs is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the lactation period in cows and EDCs residues such as OCPs, PCBs, PBDEs, and PAHs. Milk collected from cows during each lactation period was analyzed in terms of fat content and EDC residues. One or more contaminants were detected in almost all (98%) of the milk taken in three lactation periods. Three PCBs and 11 PAHs were found together in 1st lactation period, and one more PAH was added to them in other periods. However, the sample rate exceeded the maximum residue limit of 48%, 10%, and 16% in the first, second and third lactation periods, respectively. Also, it was seen that the riskiest period was the first lactation period, followed by the third and second periods. The same ranking is valid for the fat content in milk. Thus, it was concluded that the excretion of lipophilic EDCs in milk is related to the fat content in milk, and the higher the fat content in milk, the more lipophilic EDCs are excreted in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dioxins represent a category of enduring environmental contaminants that possess the capability to elicit endocrine disruptions and a spectrum of ailments, most notably encompassing malignancies, immunological impairments, and nervous system impairments. These chemical compounds incite the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), consequently instigating cellular toxicity through the activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Given the significant noxiousness associated with dioxins, it is imperative to implement decisive actions aimed at mitigating ongoing ambient exposure. In spite of advancements in comprehending the origin and fundamental mechanisms of persistent environmental pollutants, the development of efficacious interventions has remained an elusive endeavor. Objectives: This investigation focuses on the distinct pharmacological mechanisms inherent in polyphenolic constituents that have been hitherto explored in relation to various dioxin-induced toxicities, both in in vivo and in vitro models. Materials and Methods: Preclinical studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, while clinical trials were retrieved from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed databases. Results: Preclinical research unveils the significant efficacy of phytochemicals in mitigating dioxin toxicity. Conversely, clinical findings exhibit a mixed spectrum of outcomes, but hold promise for the use of phytochemicals as adjuncts to conventional therapies for diverse dioxin-induced toxicities. These outcomes suggest that polyphenols may exert substantial influence on disease-related mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and gene regulation. Conclusion: In our assessment, this represents the inaugural comprehensive review encompassing in vitro and in vivo investigations concerning the molecular-level interactions between various environmental contaminants and polyphenols. Furthermore, additional clinical investigations are warranted, with a focus on the appropriate patient populations, identification of relevant toxicity biomarkers, and elucidation of the impact of phytochemicals on these parameters. [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]

A method for the determination of 106 pesticides, 74 veterinary drugs, 10 mycotoxins, and 18 persistent organic pollutants in livestock and poultry meat was developed and validated in the present study. The meat was extracted with acetonitrile under citric acid caching and purified using the multi-plug filtration clean-up (m-PFC) column. The components were separated using liquid chromatography on a C18 column and then eluted using a gradient of the aqueous solutions of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate) as the mobile phase. The mass spectrometry analysis was performed next using two electrospraying scan modes—the positive ion mode and the negative ion mode, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes. The results revealed that all 208 target analytes exhibited good linearity in their respective linear ranges, with the correlation coefficient of each analyte above 0.9953 and the corresponding limits of quantification (LOQs) in the range of 0.1–9.8 µg/kg. The average recovery values of 189 targets at three different spiked levels of low, medium, and high ranged from 70.1 to 120.0%, and the corresponding values of relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 1.3 to 15.0%, respectively. The remaining 19 targets exhibited the average recovery values [at three different spiked levels of low, medium, and high] ranging from 18.6 to 58.9%, with the corresponding RSD values ranging from 1.5 to 11.3%. The developed method was applied to 132 batches of livestock and poultry meat, and nine pesticides and seven veterinary drugs were detected in the concentration range of 0.1–24.8 µg/kg. These results suggested that the developed method is simple, reliable, reproducible, and suitable for the determination of pesticides, veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, and persistent organic pollutants in livestock and poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable importance is a key statistical issue in exposure mixtures, as it allows a ranking of exposures as potential targets for intervention, and helps to identify bad actors within a mixture. In settings where mixtures have many constituents or high between-constituent correlations, estimators of importance can be subject to bias or high variance. Current approaches to assessing variable importance have major limitations, including reliance on overly strong or incorrect constraints or assumptions, excessive model extrapolation, or poor interpretability, especially regarding practical significance. We sought to overcome these limitations by applying an established doubly robust, machine learning-based approach to estimating variable importance in a mixtures context. This method reduces model extrapolation, appropriately controls confounding, and provides both interpretability and model flexibility. We illustrate its use with an evaluation of the relationship between telomere length, a measure of biologic aging, and exposure to a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans among 979 US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In contrast with standard approaches for mixtures, our approach selected PCB 180 and PCB 194 as important contributors to telomere length. We hypothesize that this difference could be due to residual confounding in standard methods that rely on variable selection. Further empirical evaluation of this method is needed, but it is a promising tool in the search for bad actors within a mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of polyfluoroalkyls and perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) represents a significant challenge, and various treatment techniques have been employed with considerable success to eliminate PFAS from water, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe disposal of wastewater. This paper first describes the most promising electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology and then analyses its basic principles. In addition, this paper reviews and discusses the current state of research and development in the field of electrode materials and electrochemical reactors. Furthermore, the influence of electrode materials and electrolyte types on the deterioration process is also investigated. The importance of electrode materials in ethylene oxide has been widely recognised, and therefore, the focus of current research is mainly on the development of innovative electrode materials, the design of superior electrode structures, and the improvement of efficient electrode preparation methods. In order to improve the degradation efficiency of PFOS in electrochemical systems, it is essential to study the oxidation mechanism of PFOS in the presence of ethylene oxide. Furthermore, the factors influencing the efficacy of PFAS treatment, including current density, energy consumption, initial concentration, and other parameters, are clearly delineated. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the potential for integrating EO technology with other water treatment technologies. The continuous development of electrode materials and the integration of other water treatment processes present a promising future for the widespread application of ethylene oxide technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on relevant domestic and international research on POPs in bioretention facilities, this paper reviews the removal efficiency and influencing factors of POPs in bioretention facilities, the adsorption characteristics of POPs by facility media, and the mechanism and response of microorganisms and plants in the facilities to POPs. It also looks forward to future development directions, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the service life of bioretention facilities and controlling POPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundLiterature suggests that maternal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may influence child neurodevelopment. Evidence linking prenatal POPs and autism spectrum disorder has been inconclusive and few studies have examined the mixture effect of the POPs on autism-related traits.ObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between prenatal exposure to a mixture of POPs and autism-related traits in children from the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation study.MethodsMaternal serum concentrations of 17 POPs (11 polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], 4 polybrominated diphenyls [PBDEs], and 2 persistent pesticides) in 154 samples collected during pregnancy were included in this analysis. We examined the independent associations of the natural log-transformed POPs with social, cognitive, and behavioral traits at 36 months of age, including Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Mullen Scales of Early Learning-Early Learning Composite (MSEL-ELC), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) scores, using linear regression models. We applied Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation to examine the joint effect and interactions of the POPs.ResultsHigher ln-PBDE47 was associated with greater deficits in social reciprocity (higher SRS score) (β = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.12, 11.65) whereas higher ln-p,p'-DDE was associated with lower social deficits (β = -8.34, 95% CI: -15.32, -1.37). Positive associations were observed between PCB180 and PCB187 and cognitive (MSEL-ELC) scores (β = 5.68, 95% CI: 0.18, 11.17; β = 4.65, 95% CI: 0.14, 9.17, respectively). Adaptive functioning (VABS) scores were positively associated with PCB170, PCB180, PCB187, PCB196/203, and p,p'-DDE. In the mixture analyses, we did not observe an overall mixture effect of POPs on the quantitative traits. Potential interactions between PBDE99 and other PBDEs were identified in association with MSEL-ELC scores.ConclusionsWe observed independent effects of PCB180, PCB187, PBDE47, and p,p' DDE with ASD-related quantitative traits and potential interactions between PBDEs. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing the effect of POPs as a mixture.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are substances used as flame retardants that can be released into the environment through volatilization, leaching, and abrasion throughout the useful life of the articles that contain them, especially at the end of their life cycle because PBDEs do not chemically bind to the initial materials (electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, materials used in transport vehicles, toys, among others). Research has shown that the toxic effects and risks of PBDEs to ecosystems and human health are greater than their benefits owing to their neurotoxicity, toxicity to the endocrine and reproductive systems, and possible carcinogenicity. This review shows the current situation of management of waste containing PBDEs (plastics, sludge, soil, and ash) and the characterization, valorization, treatment, and final disposal of these wastes, to minimize their impacts on ecosystems and human health are analyzed. Wastes with concentrations greater than 1000 mg/kg of PBDE should be considered as hazardous waste. This research identifies the methods available to reduce the risk in their management; at the same time, it provides innovative ideas for the integrated management of PBDE-containing wastes, prioritizing their valorization and disposal.

Background: Diet is a major route of exposure to potentially neurotoxic chemicals, yet the epidemiological association of diet contaminants with dementia is unknown. We studied the link between dietary exposure to multiple chemicals and dementia risk in older persons, considering interaction with dietary fat content, which may modify the bioavailability and toxicity of (lipophilic) chemicals. Methods: We included 1,288 non-demented participants from the French Three-City cohort who answered a food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall at baseline and were followed for incident dementia. Dietary exposure to 167 contaminants was assessed by combining food intakes with food chemical content from the French second Total Diet Study. We assessed the relation of each individual contaminant with dementia risk using multivariable-adjusted Cox models, exploring effect modification by high-fat diet (>35 % energy from fat). Among high-fat diet consumers, we looked for a signature of contaminants associated with dementia using elastic-net penalization and assess their joint effect. Results: Participants were 76 years-old on average at baseline and 62 % were women. In total, 314 individuals developed dementia over a median 10 years. No contaminant was associated with dementia in the whole population. However, having a high-fat diet was a strong effect modifier for 85 contaminants (FDR-corrected p 35 % energy from fat in diet.

Persistent organic pollutants may negatively impact cognition; however, associations between persistent organic pollutants and changes in cognition among United States Hispanic/Latino adults have not been investigated. Herein, we examined the associations between 33 persistent organic pollutants and cognitive changes among 1837 Hispanic/Latino adults. At baseline (2008–2011; Visit 1), participants provided biospecimens in which we measured levels of 5 persistent pesticides or pesticide metabolites, 4 polybrominated diphenyl ethers and 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-hexabromobiphenyl, and 24 polychlorinated biphenyls. At Visit 1 and again at Visit 2 (2015–2018), a battery of neurocognitive tests was administered which included the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test, Word Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test. To estimate the adjusted associations between changes in cognition and each POP, we used linear regression for survey data. Each doubling in plasma levels of polychlorinated biphenyls 146, 178, 194, 199/206, and 209 was associated with steeper declines in global cognition (βs range:-0.053 to −0.061) with stronger associations for the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test. Persistent organic pollutants, in particular polychlorinated biphenyls, were associated with declines in cognition over 7 years and may be a concern for Hispanic/Latino adults.

The current understanding of the legacy and emerging organic pollutants in the soil of Bangladesh remains limited. Inadequate disposal practices, particularly in e-waste, landfills, and industrial operations, may lead to the pervasive presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the country. This study aimed to systematically investigate the concentrations, sources, and risk assessment of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), chlorinated paraffins (CPs), and PAHs in the contaminated soil of Dhaka's dumpsites, e-waste, and industrial areas collected in 2017. The total concentration of investigated pollutants averaged at 4790 ± 4040 ng g−1 dw, with the following order: ∑44CPs (4110 ± 4140 ng g−1 dw) > ∑16PAHs (422 ± 491 ng g−1 dw) > ∑16HFRs (190 ± 538 ng g−1 dw) > ∑209PCBs (43.5 ± 73.5 ng g−1 dw) > ∑50PCNs (17.7 ± 21.0 ng g−1 dw) > ∑27OCPs (9.41 ± 9.61 ng g−1 dw). The e-waste site exhibited the highest total concentration of the target pollutants, reaching 12,700 ng g−1 dw. CPs were the predominant contributors, accounting for averages of 81.8%, 70.5%, and 68.5% to waste landfills, e-waste, and industrial sites, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of 209 PCB congeners revealed their primary origin from Aroclor PCBs, with minor contributions from unintentionally produced PCBs. The highest incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) occurred in e-waste sites, contributed by dioxin-like PCBs, with a maximum value of 5.9 × 10−5 for adults, exceeding the limit 1.0 × 10−6 set by the U.S. EPA. The non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HQs) were much lower, suggesting no significant risk from the investigated pollutants. Our findings highlight the importance of proper waste management and regulated e-waste recycling to mitigate potential hazardous risks to the Bangladeshi population.

Plastic waste discarded into aquatic environments gradually degrades into smaller fragments, known as microplastics (MPs), which range in size from 0.05 to 5 mm. The ubiquity of MPs poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and, by extension, human health, as these particles are ingested by various marine organisms including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, eventually entering the human food chain. This contamination threatens the entire ecological balance, encompassing food safety and the health of aquatic systems. Consequently, developing effective MP removal technologies has emerged as a critical area of research. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and recently reported strategies for removing MPs from aquatic ecosystems. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. This review aims to stimulate further innovation in effective MP removal methods, promoting environmental and social well-being.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are one of the important concerns in the environmental sciences and ecotoxicology fields. Various deadly illnesses and environmental problems are caused by them. It is a major issue in society that there are no new and effective ways to eliminate POPs from the atmosphere. Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area that has uses in every aspect of life. A lot of attention is being paid to the investigation of novel synthetic methods for shaping and controlling the size of nanomaterials due to their outstanding uses and qualities. One of the most significant groups of nanoparticles is the magnetic nanoparticles. A novel class of magnetic separation techniques for water treatment has been made possible through the utilization of magnetic nanoparticles as nano adsorbents. Our aim in this study is to give a concise, focused review of POP, emphasize the sources, types, and potentially hazardous impacts they have on living organisms, and to offer some observations on their detection and monitoring strategies. To highlight specific conventional removal technologies of importance, as well as recent advancements such as nanotechnology and magnetic nanoparticles, including their synthesis methods. Finally, hybrid nanotechnology for POP removal has been investigated. HIGHLIGHTS Sources, types, and effects of persistent organic pollutants (POP) were discussed.; Monitoring and detection methods of POP have been reviewed.; Traditional removal technologies of POP were elucidated.; Recent innovations in the removal technologies of POP were explored.; Hybrid technology for POP removal was addressed.;

Abstract This study investigated the association between serum concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes within the general population. A ten-year follow-up historical cohort study was conducted during 2009–2019 as part of the Bushehr MONICA cohort study in Iran. Of 893 non-diabetes participants at base line, 181 individuals were included in the study. The concentration of nine PCB congeners was measured in individuals’ serum samples at baseline, and the risk of type 2 diabetes was determined based on fasting blood sugar at the end of follow-up. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the study outcomes after adjusting for covariates. This study included 59 diabetes individuals (32.6%; mean [SD] age: 58.64 [8.05]) and 122 non-diabetes individuals (67.4%; mean [SD] age: 52.75 [8.68]). Multivariable analysis revealed that a one-tertile increase (increasing from 33rd centile to 67th centile) in Σ non-dioxin-like-PCBs (OR 2.749, 95% CI 1.066–7.089), Σ dioxin-like-PCBs (OR 4.842, 95% CI 1.911–12.269), and Σ PCBs (OR 2.887, 95% CI 1.120–7.441) significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The strongest association was obtained for dioxin-like PCBs. The results highlight a significant correlation between PCB exposure and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The evidence suggests that additional epidemiological studies are necessary to clarify the link between PCBs and diabetes.

This review summarises our two decades of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) monitoring in different marine organisms along the eastern Adriatic Sea. The aim was to gain an insight into the trends of PCB distribution in order to evaluate the effectiveness of past and current legislation and suggest further action. Here we mainly focus on PCB levels in wild and farmed Mediterranean mussels, wild and farmed bluefin tuna, loggerhead sea turtles, common bottlenose dolphins, and small pelagic fish. The use of artificial intelligence and advanced statistics enabled an insight into the influence of various variables on the uptake of PCBs in the investigated organisms as well as into their mutual dependence. Our findings suggest that PCBs in small pelagic fish and mussels reflect global pollution and that high levels in dolphins and wild tuna tissues raise particular concern, as they confirm their biomagnification up the food chain. Therefore, the ongoing PCB monitoring should focus on predatory species in particular to help us better understand PCB contamination in marine ecosystems in our efforts to protect the environment and human health.

Abstract Background and Aims Chlordecone is a persistent organochlorinated insecticide, extensively used in the French West Indies and has been contaminating the population for more than thirty years. Its potentiation effect on hepatotoxic agents has been demonstrated in animal models. We investigated the relationship between environmental exposure to chlordecone and the progression of liver fibrosis. Methods This study included 182 consecutive patients with chronic alcoholic hepatitis whose liver fibrosis was assessed using non-invasive methods. Measured plasma chlordecone concentrations at inclusion were used as surrogate of long-term exposure under steady-state conditions. As the pharmacokinetic processing of chlordecone is largely determined by the liver, we used a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to predict plausible changes in the steady-state blood chlordecone concentrations induced by liver fibrosis. Results With a median follow-up of 27.1 years after the onset of alcohol consumption, we found a significant decrease in the risk of advanced liver fibrosis with increasing plasma chlordecone concentration (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.95 for the highest vs. lowest tertile, p = 0.04). Changes induced by liver fibrosis influenced the pharmacokinetic processing of chlordecone, resulting in substantial modifications in its steady-state blood concentrations. Conclusion According to this human model of coexposure to alcohol, reverse causality is the most plausible explanation of this inverse association between plasma chlordecone concentrations and progression of liver fibrosis. This study underlines the importance of considering the pharmacokinetic of environmental contaminants in epidemiological studies when biomarkers of exposure are used to investigate their own impact on the liver. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03373396.

Abstract Background Massive amounts of sewage sludge are generated during biological sewage treatment and are commonly subjected to anaerobic digestion, land application, and landfill disposal. Concurrently, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are frequently found in sludge treatment and disposal systems, posing significant risks to both human health and wildlife. Metabolically versatile microorganisms originating from sewage sludge are inevitably introduced to sludge treatment and disposal systems, potentially affecting the fate of POPs. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive assessments regarding the capability of sewage sludge microbiota from geographically disparate regions to attenuate POPs and the underpinning microbiomes. Results Here we report the global prevalence of organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) known for their capacity to attenuate POPs in sewage sludge, with an occurrence frequency of ~50% in the investigated samples (605 of 1186). Subsequent laboratory tests revealed microbial reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), one of the most notorious categories of POPs, in 80 out of 84 sludge microcosms via various pathways. Most chlorines were removed from the para- and meta-positions of PCBs; nevertheless, ortho-dechlorination of PCBs also occurred widely, although to lower extents. Abundances of several well-characterized OHRB genera (Dehalococcoides, Dehalogenimonas, and Dehalobacter) and uncultivated Dehalococcoidia lineages increased during incubation and were positively correlated with PCB dechlorination, suggesting their involvement in dechlorinating PCBs. The previously identified PCB reductive dehalogenase (RDase) genes pcbA4 and pcbA5 tended to coexist in most sludge microcosms, but the low ratios of these RDase genes to OHRB abundance also indicated the existence of currently undescribed RDases in sewage sludge. Microbial community analyses revealed a positive correlation between biodiversity and PCB dechlorination activity although there was an apparent threshold of community co-occurrence network complexity beyond which dechlorination activity decreased. Conclusions Our findings that sludge microbiota exhibited nearly ubiquitous dechlorination of PCBs indicate widespread and nonnegligible impacts of sludge microbiota on the fate of POPs in sludge treatment and disposal systems. The existence of diverse OHRB also suggests sewage sludge as an alternative source to obtain POP-attenuating consortia and calls for further exploration of OHRB populations in sewage sludge. Video Abstract

Arctic populations are amongst the highest exposed populations to long-range transported contaminants globally, with the main exposure pathway being through the diet. Dietary advice is an important immediate means to address potential exposure and help minimize adverse health effects. The objective of this work is to enable easier access to dietary advice and communication guidance on contaminants with a focus on the Arctic. This manuscript is part of a special issue summarizing the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme’s Assessment 2021: Human Health in the Arctic. The information was derived with internet searches, and by contacting relevant experts directly. Results include risk communication efforts in European Arctic countries, effectiveness evaluation studies for several Arctic countries, experience of social media use, and the advantages and challenges of using social media in risk communication. We found that current risk communication activities in most Arctic countries emphasize the importance of a nutritious diet. Contaminant-related restrictions are mostly based on mercury; a limited amount of dietary advice is based on other contaminants. While more information on effectiveness evaluation was available, specific information, particularly from Arctic countries other than Canada, is still very limited.

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can significantly impact marine mammal health, reproduction, and fitness. This study addresses a significant 20-year gap in gray whale contaminant monitoring through analysis of POPs in 120 blubber biopsies. The scope of this substantial sample set is noteworthy in its range and diversity with collection between 2003 and 2017 along North Americas west coast and across diverse sex, age, and reproductive parameters, including paired mothers and calves. Mean blubber concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDTs), and chlordanes (∑CHLs) generally decreased since previous reports (1968-1999). This is the first report of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and select hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in this species. Statistical modeling of the 19 most frequently detected compounds in this dataset revealed sex-, age-, and reproductive status-related patterns, predominantly attributed to maternal offloading. Mean POP concentrations differed significantly by sex in adults (17 compounds, up to 3-fold higher in males) but not in immatures (all 19 compounds). Mean POP concentrations were significantly greater in adults versus immatures in both males (17 compounds, up to 12-fold) and females (13 compounds, up to 3-fold). POP concentrations were detected with compound-specific patterns in nursing calves, confirming maternal offloading for the first time in this species.

This explorative study was aimed at first characterizing the sponge Spongilla lacustris (Linnaeus, 1759) from the sub‐Arctic Pasvik River (Northern Fennoscandia), in terms of associated microbial communities and pollutant accumulation. Persistent organic pollutants were determined in sponge mesohyl tissues, along with the estimation of the microbial enzymatic activity rates, prokaryotic abundance and morphometric traits, and the analysis of the taxonomic bacterial diversity by next‐generation sequencing techniques. The main bacterial groups associated with S. lacustris were Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, followed by Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria. The structure of the S. lacustris‐associated bacterial communities was in sharp contrast to those of the bacterioplankton, being statistically close to those found in sediments. Dieldrin was measured at higher concentrations in the sponge tissues (3.1 ± 0.4 ng/g) compared to sediment of the same site (0.04 ± 0.03 ng/g). Some taxonomic groups were possibly related to the occurrence of certain contaminants, as was the case of Patescibacteria and dieldrin. Obtained results substantially contribute to the still scarce knowledge of bacterial community diversity, activities, and ecology in freshwater sponges. Practitioner Points: Microbial community associated with Spongilla lacustris is probably shaped by the occurrence of certain contaminants, mainly dieldrin and heavy metals.A higher accumulation of dieldrin in the sponge mesohyl tissues than in sediment was determined.S. lacustris is suggested as sponge species to be used as a sentinel of pesticide pollution in the Pasvik River.S. lacustris, living in tight contact with soft substrates, harbored communities more similar to sediment than water communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a natural product extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honey from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat, and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of the honey and its safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (metalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as a banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honey shows traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP, and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, according to the dietary exposure assessment, a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, the data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonising with international legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore the relationship of adipose tissue concentrations of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with the risk of endometriosis and the endometriotic tissue expression profile of genes related to the endometriosis-related epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. This case–control study enrolled 109 women (34 cases and 75 controls) between January 2018 and March 2020. Adipose tissue samples and endometriotic tissues were intraoperatively collected to determine concentrations of nine POPs and the gene expression profiles of 36 EMT-related genes, respectively. Associations of POPs with endometriosis risk were explored with multivariate logistic regression, while the relationship between exposure and gene expression profiles was assessed through Spearman correlation or Mann–Whitney U tests. After adjustment, increased endometriosis risk was associated with p,p'-DDT, PCB-180, and ΣPCBs. POP exposure was also associated with reduced gene expression levels of the CLDN7 epithelial marker and increased levels of the ITGB2 mesenchymal marker and a variety of EMT promoters (HMGA1, HOXA10, FOXM1, DKK1, CCR1, TNFRSF1B, RRM2, ANG, ANGPT1, and ESR1). Our findings indicate that exposure to POPs may increase the risk of endometriosis and might have a role in the endometriosis-related EMT development, contributing to the disease onset and progression. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of emerging organic pollutants to photosystems of aquatic plants is still not well clarified. This study aimed to develop a novel ecotoxicological experimental protocol based on nanoscale electrochemical mapping of photosynthetic oxygen evolution of aquatic plants by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The protocol was also checked by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the traditional Clark oxygen electrode method, and the chlorophyll fluorescence technique. The typical persistent organic pollutant 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in a water environment and the common aquatic Microsorium pteropus (M. pteropus) were chosen as the model organic pollutant and tested plant, respectively. It was found that the SECM method could discriminate the responses of stoma micromorphology and spatial pattens of photosynthetic oxygen evolution on single stoma well. The shape of stoma blurred with increasing 2,4-DCP concentration, which was in good agreement with the CLSM images. The dose–response curves and IC50 values obtained from the SECM data were verified by the data measured by the traditional Clark oxygen electrode method and chlorophyll fluorescence test. The IC50 value of single-stoma oxygen emission of plant leaves exposed for 24 h, which was derived from the SECM current data (32,535 μg L−1), was close to those calculated from the maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) measured by the chlorophyll fluorescence test (33,963 μg L−1) and the Clark oxygen electrode method photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate (32,375 μg L−1). The 72 h and 96 h 2,4-DCP exposure data further confirmed the reliability of the nanoscale stoma oxygen emission mapping methodology for ecotoxicological assessment. In this protocol, the procedures for how to collect effective electrochemical data and how to extract useful information from the single-stoma oxygen emission pattern were well established. This study showed that SECM is a feasible and reliable ecotoxicological tool for evaluation of toxicity of organic pollutants to higher plants with a unique nanoscale visualization advantage over the conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the association between serum concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes within the general population. A ten-year follow-up historical cohort study was conducted during 2009–2019 as part of the Bushehr MONICA cohort study in Iran. Of 893 non-diabetes participants at base line, 181 individuals were included in the study. The concentration of nine PCB congeners was measured in individuals' serum samples at baseline, and the risk of type 2 diabetes was determined based on fasting blood sugar at the end of follow-up. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the study outcomes after adjusting for covariates. This study included 59 diabetes individuals (32.6%; mean [SD] age: 58.64 [8.05]) and 122 non-diabetes individuals (67.4%; mean [SD] age: 52.75 [8.68]). Multivariable analysis revealed that a one-tertile increase (increasing from 33rd centile to 67th centile) in Σ non-dioxin-like-PCBs (OR 2.749, 95% CI 1.066–7.089), Σ dioxin-like-PCBs (OR 4.842, 95% CI 1.911–12.269), and Σ PCBs (OR 2.887, 95% CI 1.120–7.441) significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The strongest association was obtained for dioxin-like PCBs. The results highlight a significant correlation between PCB exposure and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The evidence suggests that additional epidemiological studies are necessary to clarify the link between PCBs and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Findings related to the association between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are inconclusive. Objectives: To estimate the strength of the association between POP exposure and GDM in a systematic review with meta‐analysis. Search strategy: MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until July 2023. Selection criteria: Cohort and case–control studies analysing the association between POPs and GDM. Data collection and analysis: We assessed the risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies scale (QUIPS). Standardised mean differences were pooled using random‐effect models. Main results: Sixteen articles including 12 216 participants were selected. The risk of bias was high in four articles (25%), moderate in 11 (68.75%) and low in one (6.25%). Small mean difference between GDM cases and controls was observed for PFHpA (0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.35, I2 = 0.0%), PCB180 (0.37, 95% CI 0.19–0.56; I2 = 25.3%), BDE47 (0.23, 95% CI 0.0–0.45, I2 = 0%), BDE99 (0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.59; I2 = 0%), BDE100 (0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.64; I2 = 0%) and HCB (0.22, 95% CI 0.01–0.42, I2 = 39.6%). No considerable difference was observed for the rest of POPs. Conclusion: Small mean differences between GDM cases and controls were observed for some POPs. However, evidence shows mostly moderate quality and results were heterogeneous. Improved research methodology is needed to assess POPs and GDM risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Airborne metals and organic pollutants are linked to severe human health impacts, i.e. affecting the nervous system and being associated with cancer. Airborne metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban environments are derived from diverse sources, including combustion and industrial and vehicular emissions, posing a threat to air quality and subsequently human health. A lichen biomonitoring approach was used to assess spatial variability of airborne metals and PAHs, identify potential pollution sources and assess human health risks across the City of Manchester (UK). Metal concentrations recorded in lichen samples were highest within the city centre area and along the major road network, and lichen PAH profiles were dominated by 4-ring PAHs (189.82 ng g−1 in Xanthoria parietina), with 5- and 6-ring PAHs also contributing to the overall PAH profile. Cluster analysis and pollution index factor (PIF) calculations for lichen-derived metal concentrations suggested deteriorated air quality being primarily linked to vehicular emissions. Comparably, PAH diagnostic ratios identified vehicular sources as a primary cause of PAH pollution across Manchester. However, local more complex sources (e.g. industrial emissions) were further identified. Human health risk assessment found a “moderate” risk for adults and children by airborne potential harmful element (PHEs) concentrations, whereas PAH exposure in Manchester is potentially linked to 1455 (ILCR = 1.45 × 10−3) cancer cases (in 1,000,000). Findings of this study indicate that an easy-to-use lichen biomonitoring approach can aid to identify hotspots of impaired air quality and potential human health impacts by airborne metals and PAHs across an urban environment, particularly at locations that are not continuously covered by (non-)automated air quality measurement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Chlordecone is a persistent organochlorinated insecticide, extensively used in the French West Indies and has been contaminating the population for more than thirty years. Its potentiation effect on hepatotoxic agents has been demonstrated in animal models. We investigated the relationship between environmental exposure to chlordecone and the progression of liver fibrosis. Methods: This study included 182 consecutive patients with chronic alcoholic hepatitis whose liver fibrosis was assessed using non-invasive methods. Measured plasma chlordecone concentrations at inclusion were used as surrogate of long-term exposure under steady-state conditions. As the pharmacokinetic processing of chlordecone is largely determined by the liver, we used a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to predict plausible changes in the steady-state blood chlordecone concentrations induced by liver fibrosis. Results: With a median follow-up of 27.1 years after the onset of alcohol consumption, we found a significant decrease in the risk of advanced liver fibrosis with increasing plasma chlordecone concentration (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.95 for the highest vs. lowest tertile, p = 0.04). Changes induced by liver fibrosis influenced the pharmacokinetic processing of chlordecone, resulting in substantial modifications in its steady-state blood concentrations. Conclusion: According to this human model of coexposure to alcohol, reverse causality is the most plausible explanation of this inverse association between plasma chlordecone concentrations and progression of liver fibrosis. This study underlines the importance of considering the pharmacokinetic of environmental contaminants in epidemiological studies when biomarkers of exposure are used to investigate their own impact on the liver. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03373396. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massive amounts of sewage sludge are generated during biological sewage treatment and are commonly subjected to anaerobic digestion, land application, and landfill disposal. Concurrently, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are frequently found in sludge treatment and disposal systems, posing significant risks to both human health and wildlife. Metabolically versatile microorganisms originating from sewage sludge are inevitably introduced to sludge treatment and disposal systems, potentially affecting the fate of POPs. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive assessments regarding the capability of sewage sludge microbiota from geographically disparate regions to attenuate POPs and the underpinning microbiomes. Results: Here we report the global prevalence of organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) known for their capacity to attenuate POPs in sewage sludge, with an occurrence frequency of ~50% in the investigated samples (605 of 1186). Subsequent laboratory tests revealed microbial reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), one of the most notorious categories of POPs, in 80 out of 84 sludge microcosms via various pathways. Most chlorines were removed from the para- and meta-positions of PCBs; nevertheless, ortho-dechlorination of PCBs also occurred widely, although to lower extents. Abundances of several well-characterized OHRB genera (Dehalococcoides, Dehalogenimonas, and Dehalobacter) and uncultivated Dehalococcoidia lineages increased during incubation and were positively correlated with PCB dechlorination, suggesting their involvement in dechlorinating PCBs. The previously identified PCB reductive dehalogenase (RDase) genes pcbA4 and pcbA5 tended to coexist in most sludge microcosms, but the low ratios of these RDase genes to OHRB abundance also indicated the existence of currently undescribed RDases in sewage sludge. Microbial community analyses revealed a positive correlation between biodiversity and PCB dechlorination activity although there was an apparent threshold of community co-occurrence network complexity beyond which dechlorination activity decreased. Conclusions: Our findings that sludge microbiota exhibited nearly ubiquitous dechlorination of PCBs indicate widespread and nonnegligible impacts of sludge microbiota on the fate of POPs in sludge treatment and disposal systems. The existence of diverse OHRB also suggests sewage sludge as an alternative source to obtain POP-attenuating consortia and calls for further exploration of OHRB populations in sewage sludge. 7vWBgxzBnCPA6QWxMbshMg Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]