Food Safety

Chem Res Toxicol. 2026 Apr 15. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00375. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human and environmental health are critically threatened by combined exposures to multiple chemical toxicants, including industrial chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances interact biologically, producing additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects that conventional single-substance risk assessments fail to predict. This leads to a systematic underestimation of health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Despite robust evidence on mixture toxicity, major regulatory frameworks such as the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the EU's REACH program continue to assess chemicals in isolation. This review synthesizes current science on toxicant interactions and critiques global regulatory shortcomings, underscoring the real-world consequences through case studies on PFAS, heavy metals, and pesticide mixtures. It advocates for a paradigm shift, proposing reforms that integrate emerging tools like exposomics and computational toxicology with holistic frameworks such as One Health. We highlight pioneering regulatory efforts, including Canada's mandate for cumulative risk assessments under CEPA and the EU's development of mixture assessment factors (MAFs), as essential models for progress. Our recommendations include mandating science-based mixture assessments, harmonizing global standards, and implementing equity-driven policies to align regulations with the reality of multichemical exposures.

PMID:41985101 | DOI:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00375

Chem Res Toxicol. 2026 Apr 15. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00375. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human and environmental health are critically threatened by combined exposures to multiple chemical toxicants, including industrial chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances interact biologically, producing additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects that conventional single-substance risk assessments fail to predict. This leads to a systematic underestimation of health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Despite robust evidence on mixture toxicity, major regulatory frameworks such as the US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the EU's REACH program continue to assess chemicals in isolation. This review synthesizes current science on toxicant interactions and critiques global regulatory shortcomings, underscoring the real-world consequences through case studies on PFAS, heavy metals, and pesticide mixtures. It advocates for a paradigm shift, proposing reforms that integrate emerging tools like exposomics and computational toxicology with holistic frameworks such as One Health. We highlight pioneering regulatory efforts, including Canada's mandate for cumulative risk assessments under CEPA and the EU's development of mixture assessment factors (MAFs), as essential models for progress. Our recommendations include mandating science-based mixture assessments, harmonizing global standards, and implementing equity-driven policies to align regulations with the reality of multichemical exposures.

PMID:41985101 | DOI:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00375

Plants (Basel). 2026 Mar 24;15(7):991. doi: 10.3390/plants15070991.

ABSTRACT

Bio-waste (i.e., peels), the by-products obtained from the processing of fruits and vegetables, represents an outstanding advance in agricultural waste valorization due to phytochemical (bioactive compounds) enrichment and the approach to a bio-circular economy and agronomic systems free of hazardous pesticides (soil remediation). These alternatives, which are environmentally friendly and sustainable, are greatly relevant to food and nutraceuticals based on bioactive compounds extracted mostly from peels. Bioactive compounds are defined as natural chemical compounds that have a positive influence on human health. They can aid in the prevention of chronic disease (cancer and degenerative, intestinal bowel and cardiovascular disease) and other types of disease. The bioactive compounds with these properties belong to the family of polyphenol compounds, which include flavonoids (i.e., flavones, flavanones, and anthocyanins), non-flavonoids (phenolic acids, stilbenes, lignin, coumarins, and tannins), and terpenes (carotenoids, lycopene, phytosterols, and monoterpenes). The extraction of these compounds from the peels of fruits and vegetables has gained increasing interest as a sustainable technology because of the use of safety solvents. Another important issue to highlight is the enormous potential of bioactive compounds, as mentioned above, in the biotechnology of these compounds, particularly in terms of the development of a delivery system targeting the site of action.

PMID:41977649 | PMC:PMC13074567 | DOI:10.3390/plants15070991

Toxicol In Vitro. 2026 Apr 10:106232. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106232. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In vitro ecotoxicological approaches have gained relevance as alternative methods to investigate cellular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of environmental contaminants. This review systematically analyzed studies from the last 25 years evaluating the effects of microplastics (MPs), imidacloprid (IMI), and tebuconazole (TEB) on aquatic species using in vitro models. The survey showed that MPs dominated the literature (74.1%), followed by IMI (25.9%), while no in vitro studies were identified for TEB despite its documented environmental relevance. Among MPs studies, polystyrene was the most frequently tested polymer (50%), followed by polyethylene (22.7%) and environmental mixtures (13.6%). The year 2023 presented the highest number of publications, indicating increasing scientific attention. Regarding aquatic models, Oncorhynchus mykiss and Ctenopharyngodon idellus were most frequently studied, whereas species such as Cyprinus carpio, Mytilus edulis, and Danio rerio appeared less often. Overall, research remains disproportionately focused on isolated effects of IMI and MPs, while TEB and mixture scenarios especially MPs combined with pesticides are underexplored. In vitro approaches offer ethical and mechanistic advantages by reducing animal use and providing access to detailed molecular responses. Future studies should incorporate environmentally relevant mixtures and explore chronic, metabolic, hormonal, and epigenetic endpoints to enhance ecological relevance and strengthen aquatic risk assessments.

PMID:41967818 | DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106232

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 10:124482. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124482. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study quantified the plastic additives (PADs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on commonly used polymer types exposed for one year under environmental conditions in the Black Sea. Chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MSMS) to identify and quantify organic pollutants, while polymer characterization was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy IR/Raman spectroscopy. Across all samples, PAD concentrations exceeded POP levels, indicating strong retention of manufacturing-derived chemicals. Contaminant loading varied markedly among polymers, reflecting differences in polymer chemistry, product function, and surface morphology. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) items, particularly protective gloves and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) materials, exhibited high burdens of plasticizers and phenolic additives. In contrast, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and nylon (PA) showed significant sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and highly chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), suggesting that textiles and fishing nets act as effective reservoirs for hydrophobic contaminants. These results demonstrate that plastics contribute disproportionately to the transport and persistence of hazardous chemicals in the semi-enclosed Black Sea system, where limited water exchange enhances long-term accumulation risks. Overall, the findings highlight the need to address plastics not only as visual litter but also as mobile chemical carriers, and to consider chemical load as an important component of regional monitoring and policy frameworks, with potential implications for marine ecosystem and human health protection.

PMID:41967748 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124482

Toxicol In Vitro. 2026 Apr 10:106232. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106232. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In vitro ecotoxicological approaches have gained relevance as alternative methods to investigate cellular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of environmental contaminants. This review systematically analyzed studies from the last 25 years evaluating the effects of microplastics (MPs), imidacloprid (IMI), and tebuconazole (TEB) on aquatic species using in vitro models. The survey showed that MPs dominated the literature (74.1%), followed by IMI (25.9%), while no in vitro studies were identified for TEB despite its documented environmental relevance. Among MPs studies, polystyrene was the most frequently tested polymer (50%), followed by polyethylene (22.7%) and environmental mixtures (13.6%). The year 2023 presented the highest number of publications, indicating increasing scientific attention. Regarding aquatic models, Oncorhynchus mykiss and Ctenopharyngodon idellus were most frequently studied, whereas species such as Cyprinus carpio, Mytilus edulis, and Danio rerio appeared less often. Overall, research remains disproportionately focused on isolated effects of IMI and MPs, while TEB and mixture scenarios especially MPs combined with pesticides are underexplored. In vitro approaches offer ethical and mechanistic advantages by reducing animal use and providing access to detailed molecular responses. Future studies should incorporate environmentally relevant mixtures and explore chronic, metabolic, hormonal, and epigenetic endpoints to enhance ecological relevance and strengthen aquatic risk assessments.

PMID:41967818 | DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2026.106232

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 10:128080. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128080. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This paper provides the first comprehensive documentation and assessment of the capacity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) agents, including PFAS-based pesticides, to induce hormetic effects in plants, including agricultural crops, aquatic algae, seaweed and riparian species, as well as cyanobacteria and fungi. PFAS-induced-hormetic responses in plants were generally associated with their capacity to enhance growth processes, chlorophyll production and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes to counter PFAS-induced oxidative stress. The findings show that PFAS induced-hormetic effects in highly diverse plant species is a reasonable biological expectation, showing considerable generality. Recognition that PFAS regularly induces hormetic effects in highly diverse plant species should help guide future PFAS research on plants with respect to study design strategies, dose selection, number of doses, dose spacing and temporal aspects of such studies.

PMID:41967824 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128080

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2026 May;25(3):e70480. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.70480.

ABSTRACT

In the context of the circular economy and the increasing demand for safe and sustainable packaging, this work addresses the safety assessment of food contact materials (FCMs) derived from agro-industrial by-products. Despite growing interest in these bio-based materials, the literature still lacks a structured safety-assessment framework able to account for substrate-related contaminants, microbial processing, and downstream impurities. The novelty of this work lies in applying the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Technical Report perspective on natural mixtures to two representative case studies: bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Komagataeibacter spp., as a promising microbial biopolymer for food packaging application, and nisin produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, as an antimicrobial peptide, to functionalize the packaging material. This study aims to evaluate whether the EFSA-oriented framework can support the identification of potential substances of concern across the production chain when cellulose is produced starting from agro-industrial waste or nisin is applied. For this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to investigate potential substances of concern from agro-industrial substrates through fermentation to the final activated materials. The findings highlight the need to characterize natural carbon sources, including pesticide residues, consider the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status of production microorganisms, and assess metabolites and fermentation by-products. The behavior of these substances during processing and their potential migration into food are critical aspects. A preliminary safety assessment at early development stages is therefore essential to guide material design and regulatory compliance. Overall, this study provides a practical framework to support researchers, developers, and risk assessors in identifying safety concerns and improving the regulatory readiness of innovative bio-based FCMs.

PMID:41957904 | PMC:PMC13065905 | DOI:10.1111/1541-4337.70480

Food Chem Toxicol. 2026 Apr 8:116076. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2026.116076. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

EDCs such as pesticides and biocides may enter the food supply and be ingested by humans. Once absorbed, these substances are metabolized in the liver and subsequently distributed systemically. However, conventional in vitro assays assess only parent compounds, failing to consider the biological activity of metabolites formed through hepatic metabolism. This study integrated the S9 fraction, an enzyme extract from the liver tissue, into the OECD TG 458 assay to analyze Phases I and II metabolic processes. We introduced the non-metabolizable compound STZ as a new positive control, set a 6 h metabolism based on BPA and bicalutamide metabolism, and established metabolic activity criteria using STZ variability. Using this improved method, we evaluated AR activity and metabolic changes of 57 biocides regulated in Korea. The parent and metabolite forms of all biocides were negative for AR agonist activity. In the AR antagonist assays, 24 parent compounds were positive, 7 lost activity after metabolism, and 17 retained activity. This study demonstrated that incorporating hepatic metabolism into in vitro assays can classify EDCs whose toxicity is reduced through metabolism from those that retain endocrine-disrupting potential. Therefore, this approach may improve the identification of EDCs that pose a greater risk to human health.

PMID:41962648 | DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2026.116076

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 6;509:142007. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of agricultural plastic films has transformed farmland soil into a major microplastic (MP) reservoir. While biodegradable MPs are promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives, their fragmentation behavior and interactions with coexisting contaminants, such as pesticides, remain poorly understood-particularly in comparison with conventional MPs. To address this knowledge gap, we systematically compared the composite pollution behavior and phytotoxicity of conventional polyethylene (PE-MPs) and biodegradable polybutylene succinate (PBS-MPs) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown in pesticide-contaminated soil, with a focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms through physiological and transcriptomic analyses. Our results demonstrated that both MPs induced phytotoxicity, but PBS-MPs caused significantly more severe effects than PE-MPs. Mechanistically, PBS-MPs exhibited stronger pesticide adsorption capacity, leading to greater pesticide accumulation in roots. Importantly, we uncovered a dual role of MPs: they acted as "carriers" facilitating pesticide uptake into roots, while simultaneously functioning as "immobilizers" that retained pesticide-MP complexes in root tissues, thereby limiting translocation to leaves. This "carrier-immobilization" effect resulted in a shift of pesticide distribution from a "leaf-accumulation pattern" (in controls) to a "root-retention pattern" (in MP treatments). The enhanced root retention of pesticides in PBS-MP treatments exacerbated oxidative damage in both roots and leaves, disrupted osmotic homeostasis, and induced photosynthetic inhibition characterized by impaired light harvesting, electron transport, and photophosphorylation, which triggered photoprotective responses. At the molecular level, alfalfa activated starch/sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways to cope with the combined stress. Collectively, this study provides novel mechanistic insights into how biodegradable MPs, due to their intrinsic physicochemical properties, may pose higher ecological risks than conventional MPs by acting as more efficient contaminant carriers while simultaneously altering pollutant fate in plants. These findings challenge the prevailing perception of biodegradable plastics as inherently environmentally.

PMID:41955807 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142007

Environ Pollut. 2026 Apr 7:128079. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128079. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides are globally distributed contaminants that persist in terrestrial food webs, yet baseline data for large omnivores in the continental U.S. remain limited. This study quantified PFAS and pesticides in whole blood from free-ranging black bears (Ursus americanus, n = 15) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis, n = 9) in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem of northwestern Montana. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based methods (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS), 52 PFAS and 186 pesticides were analyzed. PFAS were detected in all bears, with total PFAS concentrations ranging from 79.5-317 pg/mL. PFAS profiles were dominated by long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, particularly PFOA, PFDA, and PFUnDA, with minimal contribution from short-chain compounds. Species was the strongest ecological predictor of PFAS concentrations, although variability across age, sex, and capture location were observed. Only two pesticides, piperonyl butoxide and permethrin, were detected at quantifiable concentrations (2,070-12,600 pg/mL), and no correlations were observed between pesticide and PFAS concentrations, indicating independent exposure pathways. The predominance of long-chain PFAS suggests diffuse environmental sources and bioaccumulation within terrestrial food webs. Although measured concentrations were generally low relative to other wildlife toxicological studies, the persistence and protein-binding properties of long-chain PFAS warrant continued monitoring, particularly for long-lived omnivores. These results establish baseline contaminant concentrations for two apex omnivores in a remote ecosystem and highlight the utility of large mammals as integrative sentinels of environmental contaminant exposure for regional monitoring and wildlife conservation. Continued monitoring in the Cabinet-Yaak and across western North America will be critical for assessing temporal trends, identifying new contaminant sources, and evaluating ecological health in bear populations.

PMID:41956316 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128079

Front Toxicol. 2026 Mar 24;8:1756622. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2026.1756622. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Microplastics (MPs) pollution represents an increasing worldwide problem and a real global challenge for human health, which also affects unborn children. Specifically, during their degradation, they can release a broad range of toxic and hormonally active agents, such as plasticizers. Thus, microplastics alone are pernicious, but they often also carry other harmful chemicals and even problematic bacteria on their surface and within their structure (heavy metals, pesticides, parabens, etc.), which amplifies their toxic potential. Due to their induction of oxidative damage, inflammation, mitochondrial apoptosis, and microbiota dysbiosis, and more, microplastics act as neurotoxic agents. Periods particularly sensitive to this neurotoxicity include fetal development and childhood, during which microplastics can negatively affect proper neuronal development. When expecting mothers are exposed, microplastics can cross the placenta barrier, reach the developing embryo, and accumulate in its organs. During fetal development, even minor interferences in neuronal migration can result in deficient neuronal innervation in the gut, potentially leading to congenital enteric neuropathy. Although an accurate estimation of human exposure is still pending, this may produce serious intestinal motility disorders and compromise the long-term quality of life of newborns. In this review, we analyze how microplastic neurotoxicity could be an aggravating factor in the development of congenital enteric aganglionosis and, consequently, postnatal motility disorders. Finally, we propose reducing pregnant women's exposure to microplastics as an important preventive measure to protect the fetus from neurotoxicity.

PMID:41948411 | PMC:PMC13053032 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2026.1756622

Environ Res. 2026 Apr 6;300:124450. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124450. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Our objective was to assess the longitudinal association between exposure to non-persistent pesticides and the age of menarche in Spanish girls. The study was conducted in a sample of 506 girls from the INMA Project. Pesticide exposure was assessed by quantifying four insecticide metabolites (TCPy, chlorpyrifos metabolite; IMPy, diazinon metabolite; DETP, non-specific organophosphate metabolite; 3-PBA, pyrethroid metabolite) and the dithiocarbamate fungicides metabolite ethylene thiourea (ETU) in spot urine samples collected at the age of 7-10 years (2013-2016). Information on the age at menarche was collected from questionnaires completed by the girls and/or parents at successive visits from the age of 7 to 16 years. Associations between categorical exposure biomarkers and age at menarche were examined using Cox regression models adjusted for sub-cohort; maternal schooling; age, urinary creatinine, body mass index (BMI) z-score, and height of girls at the age of 7-10 years; and other pesticide biomarkers. Effect modification by BMI was also examined. Menarche was later in girls with detected versus undetected concentrations of urinary TCPy (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71; 95%CI = 0.54-0.92); this association was stronger among those with overweight or obesity (HR = 0.69; 95%CI = 0.47-0.99), although the interaction was not statistically significant. By contrast, menarche was earlier in girls with increasing ETU (HR = 1.32; 95%CI = 1.00-1.73 for concentrations between limit of detection and 75th percentile [P75]; HR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.03-1.89 for concentrations > P75 versus undetected ETU); this association was stronger but not significant in girls with underweight/normal weight. These results are in line with previous findings from the INMA Project on the association of ETU exposure with earlier puberty onset in girls and provide previously unreported evidence of its association with TCPy. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and to elucidate the role of BMI in these associations.

PMID:41951023 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2026.124450

J Sci Food Agric. 2026 Apr 6. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.70619. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Indian grape industry, anchored in Maharashtra, is vital to domestic consumption and international exports, particularly to the European markets. This review comprehensively examines the risks for the residues of 55 PFAS-based pesticides in Indian grapes. Residue monitoring data on grapes from 2014 to 2025 show very few detections of PFAS-pesticides and exceedances of maximum residue limits (MRLs), leading to any export rejections. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and percentage of acceptable daily intake (ADI) assessments indicate that fipronil, gamma-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and tetraconazole exceeded the safety thresholds in less than 0.1% of the samples tested. The cumulative 'combined effects' of multiple residues further complicates risk evaluation, exposing regulatory gaps. To mitigate these risks, the review advocates for harmonized MRLs and sustainable viticulture strategies, including integrated pest management (IPM), use of PFAS-free agrochemicals, bio-pesticides, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems, ensuring consumer safety and export resilience. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:41943203 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.70619

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2026 Apr 1;27(4):1369-1376. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1369.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Punjab, a state in Northern India, has reported an alarming rise in cancer cases, which has been linked to the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture. Ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at late stages, lacks systematic screening within the population under the national program. The present study aimed to screen postmenopausal women for ovarian cancer and to evaluate pesticide exposure as a potential risk factor.

METHODS: A total of 1,327 postmenopausal women, residing in 48 villages for at least ten years, were screened annually for CA-125 levels. Women with CA-125 levels >35 U/mL were referred for transvaginal ultrasound. Demographic data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. For pesticide profiling, a case-control design was adopted. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for organochlorine and organophosphate residues using gas chromatography.

RESULTS: Among 1,327 postmenopausal women screened, 30 (2.3%) had elevated CA-125 levels (>35 U/ml); no ovarian cancers were detected during follow-up imaging and specialist evaluation. In the case-control analysis (24 cases; 42 controls), detectable pesticide residues were associated with a crude 6.7-fold increased odds of ovarian cancer (95% CI: 1.4-32.7). After multivariable adjustment for parity and education, Ethion (aOR = 6.29, 95% CI: 1.37-28.8) and DDE (aOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.35-30.3) remained associated, though confidence intervals were wide, reflecting small sample size. In agricultural participants, chlorpyrifos detections were more frequent among controls (OR = 0.12, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION: Although no ovarian cancer cases were detected during screening, the study highlights the prevalence of pesticide exposure among women in Punjab's Malwa region and its possible association with ovarian cancer risk. Routine population screening using CA-125 is not supported in light of current evidence and guidelines. Instead, strengthening diagnostic and registry systems in rural areas, reducing harmful exposures through safer agricultural practices, and conducting well-powered prospective studies with repeated exposure assessments are essential to clarify risks and inform targeted strategies in high-exposure settings.

PMID:41945954 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1369

Reprod Toxicol. 2026 Apr 3;143:109238. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109238. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias and undescended testis (UDT) are common genital malformations with multifactorial origins. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including pesticides, are suspected contributors, but prior reviews are outdated, and none has mapped evidence for both conditions together.

OBJECTIVE: To map evidence on the association between prenatal pesticide exposure and hypospadias/UDT, with particular attention to underexplored exposures such as pyrethroids and household pesticides, and to identify research gaps.

METHOD: Following PRISMA-ScR guidance, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase from 2003 to 2024. Eligible items were original human studies and reviews. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers.

RESULTS: We included 117 articles (62 case-control studies, 7 population-based/cohort/epidemiological studies, 4 meta-analyses, and 44 reviews). Evidence from primary studies was heterogeneous across designs, but several signals recurred: increased risks associated with maternal occupational or residential exposure in agricultural settings; positive associations when exposure was assessed using bioaccumulative matrices (placenta, breast milk, meconium); and limited or null findings with single time-point blood/urine measures. Data on household insecticides use remain scarce, particularly for pyrethroid insecticides. Few studies examined gene-environment interactions.

CONCLUSION: This scoping review highlights suggestive but inconsistent evidence that prenatal pesticide exposure contributes to hypospadias/UDT, with organochlorines (e.g., DDT/DDE, atrazine) most frequently implicated. Key gaps include pyrethroid exposure, prospective designs with improved exposure assessment, and stronger links between human epidemiological findings and existing mechanistic evidence. While causal inference is limited in a scoping review framework, the overall body of evidence supports adopting a precautionary approach to minimizing pesticide exposure during pregnancy.

PMID:41937090 | DOI:10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109238

J Hazard Mater. 2026 Apr 1;508:141947. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High levels of organic pollutants (OPs) have been found in the habitats of European eels, however little is known about their bioconcentration/bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics in different tissues. In this research, such kinetics of a mixture of 22 OPs in muscle, liver tissue and plasma of silver European eel were studied through a laboratory approach, including 10 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 2 illicit drugs. Eels were distributed in three groups: control, exposed to OPs, and exposed to OPs and polyethylene microplastics (MPs), during 58 days in two phases: exposure (days 0-28) and depuration (days 29-58). Muscle, liver and plasma samples were analysed via UHPLC-MS/MS. OPs showed increasing concentrations in the three tissues for several compounds (e.g. PFAS, chlorpyrifos, and terbuthylazine). PFAS bioconcentration followed the trend plasma > liver tissue > muscle. Two tendencies were also observed in the depuration phase. One with OPs concentrations that tended to decrease (chlorpyrifos and terbuthylazine), another one, with concentration values that were similar or even tended to be higher than at the exposure phase (PFDA, PFOS, and PFOA). The presence of MPs seemed to affect the bioconcentration and depuration of OPs in eel tissues with increased (e.g. PFAS in liver and plasma) or decreased (e.g. PFAS and chlorpyrifos in muscle) bioconcentration. Pollutants are believed to be a key issue in understanding the reasons for the eels' stock decrease and therefore, further research about PFAS, PPCPs and pesticides accumulation, depuration and toxicity on this "critically endangered" species is imperative.

PMID:41936318 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947

J Hazard Mater. 2026 May 1;508:141947. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947. Epub 2026 Apr 1.

ABSTRACT

High levels of organic pollutants (OPs) have been found in the habitats of European eels, however little is known about their bioconcentration/bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics in different tissues. In this research, such kinetics of a mixture of 22 OPs in muscle, liver tissue and plasma of silver European eel were studied through a laboratory approach, including 10 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), 5 pesticides, 5 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 2 illicit drugs. Eels were distributed in three groups: control, exposed to OPs, and exposed to OPs and polyethylene microplastics (MPs), during 58 days in two phases: exposure (days 0-28) and depuration (days 29-58). Muscle, liver and plasma samples were analysed via UHPLC-MS/MS. OPs showed increasing concentrations in the three tissues for several compounds (e.g. PFAS, chlorpyrifos, and terbuthylazine). PFAS bioconcentration followed the trend plasma > liver tissue > muscle. Two tendencies were also observed in the depuration phase. One with OPs concentrations that tended to decrease (chlorpyrifos and terbuthylazine), another one, with concentration values that were similar or even tended to be higher than at the exposure phase (PFDA, PFOS, and PFOA). The presence of MPs seemed to affect the bioconcentration and depuration of OPs in eel tissues with increased (e.g. PFAS in liver and plasma) or decreased (e.g. PFAS and chlorpyrifos in muscle) bioconcentration. Pollutants are believed to be a key issue in understanding the reasons for the eels' stock decrease and therefore, further research about PFAS, PPCPs and pesticides accumulation, depuration and toxicity on this "critically endangered" species is imperative.

PMID:41936318 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141947

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Apr 2. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00859-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Urbanisation can be an important determinant of human exposure to synthetic chemical pollutants. The impact of contaminant exposures on health is of particular concern during susceptible periods of life, such as in utero and during childhood, when exposure may lead to adverse health effects in childhood and later adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine how contaminant exposures vary between urban and non-urban areas across five different European birth cohorts in Spain, France, Greece, the UK, and Lithuania.

METHODS: Urine and blood samples were collected from a total of 1021 mother-child pairs during both pregnancy and childhood (6-11 years old). Concentration levels of forty metabolites-including PFASs, phenols, phthalates, metals, and organophosphate and persistent pesticide metabolites-were measured. We used a spatial indicator to define the participants' degree of urbanisation. Linear Mixed-Effect Models were used to compare the distribution of exposures between urban and non-urban areas for the two life stages separately.

RESULTS: The concentrations of contaminants varied by degree of urbanisation and life stage. Overall, concentrations of phenols (GMRs; Geometric Mean Ratios, ranging from 1.06 to 1.56) and PCBs (GMRs ranging from 1.07 to 1.15) were higher among pregnant mothers living in urban areas compared to those in non-urban areas. Children showed more heterogeneous patterns of exposure across contaminant families. Children in urban areas had lower concentration levels of PFASs (GMRs ranging from 0.84 to 0.97) but higher concentration levels of phenols (GMRs ranging from 1.05 to 1.15) and phthalates (GMRs ranging from 1.05 to 1.17) compared to those in non-urban areas.

SIGNIFICANCE: Our study contributes to the understanding of how the degree of urbanisation characterises children's exposure to hazardous substances. Our findings align with the existing literature, which shows varying profiles of environmental exposures based on different degrees of urbanisation.

IMPACT: Our study provides important insights into how the degree of urbanisation can influence children's exposure to hazardous substances during critical developmental windows, with potential implications for both immediate and long-term health outcomes. Specifically, phenols, phthalates, and PCBs were found to be more prevalent in individuals living in urban areas, with notable heterogeneity of PCB concentrations across European cohorts. In contrast, PFAS concentrations were higher in children residing in non-urban areas. Understanding the geographic variations in exposure to hazardous contaminants is useful for identifying areas with higher contaminant levels, which may have important implications for vulnerable populations.

PMID:41927908 | DOI:10.1038/s41370-026-00859-6

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2026;146(4):277-284. doi: 10.1248/yakushi.25-00161-1.

ABSTRACT

Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" (1962) raised global awareness of the persistence of pesticides and their ecological impacts. Forty years later, the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health was initiated in 2002 as a large-scale, birth cohort study. Its primary aim is to investigate the health effects of environmental chemical exposure and to provide scientific evidence for environmental policy. Between 2002 and 2012, approximately 20,000 pregnant women from Hokkaido were recruited for the study. Their children, aged 13-23 years, were followed up. Maternal health and lifestyle data and blood samples were collected during the pregnancy. Medical records and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at the time of birth. Follow-up questionnaires were administered to children of various ages to collect information on child development, allergies, infections, and other health indicators. Face-to-face surveys conducted at school and during pubertal age selected a subset of participants living in the Sapporo area to collect detailed data, including cognitive and respiratory function tests, pubertal development evaluations, and biological sampling. Internal exposure to environmental chemicals was assessed using chemical analyses of blood and urine samples collected from mothers and children. This study provides important insights into the health effects of prenatal and postnatal chemical exposure. This presentation highlights the key findings of the Hokkaido Study, including exposure trends in the general Japanese population, associated health outcomes, and future research directions.

PMID:41922249 | DOI:10.1248/yakushi.25-00161-1

Environ Int. 2026 Mar 28;210:110210. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110210. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose significant risks to aquatic wildlife by disrupting hormonal signaling pathways, notably those mediated by nuclear receptors (NRs) - key regulators of endocrine processes. For decades, in vitro bioassays based on the interaction between NRs and EDCs have been used to investigate EDC activity in chemical monitoring and risk assessment frameworks. Yet, current guidelines are mostly restricted to vertebrate species, failing to capture the diversity of chemical-induced NR-driven effects in aquatic animals - particularly arthropods, whose endocrine systems are highly divergent. Thus, this study aimed to develop an in vitro approach for the assessment of EDCs targeting ecdysone signaling, a key endocrine pathway regulating molting and development in arthropods. For this, we have examined the ecdysone receptor (EcR), a target of ecdysone-mimicking pesticides, and its heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR), both crucial for ecdysone-mediated signaling, in key amphipod species for freshwater and coastal ecosystems, Gammarus fossarum and G. locusta. Following identification and phylogenetic validation, we established a luciferase-based reporter gene assay that allowed us to characterize EcR:RXR responsiveness to ecdysteroids (e.g., ponasterone A), as well as the detection of chemicals with EcR-disrupting activity, such as the insecticides methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide. The application of this tool was then extended to environmental water samples, for the screening of French river basins, providing the first proof of concept for the identification of sampling sites with putative EcR agonistic activity. These findings aim to offer a complementary approach to current environmental frameworks, in the scope of investigative monitoring, towards the inclusion of underrepresented invertebrate species.

PMID:41921398 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110210

Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2026 Jan-Feb;30(1):4-19. doi: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_976_25. Epub 2026 Feb 27.

ABSTRACT

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with hormonal pathways, leading to a broad spectrum of adverse health outcomes across the life course. This white paper by the Endocrine Society of India consolidates global and Indian evidence on EDC exposure, health effects, and regulatory challenges. Major classes of EDCs, including pesticides, industrial pollutants, plastic additives, and heavy metals, affect neurodevelopmental, reproductive, metabolic, musculoskeletal, thyroid and other outcomes, with implications extending to future generations through epigenetic and transgenerational effects. Indian data reveal widespread exposure through food, water, packaging material, and industrial waste, with studies linking EDCs to infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity and diabetes. Despite growing awareness, India lacks a comprehensive regulatory and surveillance framework for EDCs. This white paper outlines key gaps and provides actionable recommendations: strengthening systematic monitoring, harmonizing regulations, promoting research on emerging chemicals, fostering cross-sector and international collaboration, and empowering healthcare professionals and the public. Adoption of structured regulatory mechanisms modeled on global frameworks, combined with public education and institutional accountability, is essential to mitigate risk. Coordinated national efforts that bridge science, policy and community action are urgently needed to safeguard health and environment for future generations.

PMID:41918600 | PMC:PMC13035303 | DOI:10.4103/ijem.ijem_976_25

Environ Toxicol. 2026 Apr 1. doi: 10.1002/tox.70091. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The coexistence of emerging pollutants, that is, microplastics (MPs) and pesticides poses significant threat to aquatic organisms. This study investigated the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and glyphosate on the gut microbiome of zebrafish. Following a 21-day exposure, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that co-exposure caused the most significant disruption, surpassing the individual effects of each stressor. Co-exposure resulted in the lowest alpha diversity and a distinct microbial community structure, characterized by the depletion of A. veronii and a marked enrichment of opportunistic pathogens like A. hydrophila. Clear separation of all exposed groups from controls, with the co-exposure group forming the most distinct cluster was observed in non-metric multi-dimensional scale analysis. Specifically, a higher number of ASVs were differentially abundant in the co-exposure group compared to the individual exposures. In the MPs group, Aeromonas species were markedly replaced by Enterobacter species. Glyphosate significantly enriched A. hydrophila species in the gut. Treatment-specific clustering, with Enterobacter species associated with MPs, and A. hydrophila with glyphosate and co-exposure groups were observed in Heatmap analysis. The findings indicate that microplastics not only act as direct stressors but also as glyphosate carriers, leading to amplified, non-additive shifts in the gut microbiome and posing a heightened ecological risk.

PMID:41919563 | DOI:10.1002/tox.70091

Foods. 2026 Mar 23;15(6):1110. doi: 10.3390/foods15061110.

ABSTRACT

The persistence of pesticide residues in food and water poses a significant challenge to global food safety, particularly under the pressures of intensive agriculture and climate variability. Despite significant progress in developing adsorbent materials for pesticide remediation, most approaches remain chemically optimized but geographically blind. This review introduces the concept of geo-adaptive design of carbon-based adsorbents, emphasizing that remediation materials should be tailored to the regional profiles of pesticide use, environmental conditions, and available biomass precursors. Pesticide contamination patterns vary widely across climates and agricultural systems, resulting in distinct chemical signatures that determine adsorption behavior. Simultaneously, locally abundant agro-industrial byproducts, such as walnut shells, rice husks, olive stones, or fruit pomace, offer sustainable carbon sources for region-specific materials. By correlating pesticide structure, adsorbent surface chemistry, and environmental parameters, geo-adaptive materials can be designed to maximize efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability in environmental remediation contexts, including the treatment of pesticide-contaminated soils and water streams. In addition, these materials may be integrated into food processing and packaging systems, where they can function as localized, low-cost mitigation strategies aligned with circular economy principles. The review highlights how regionally optimized carbon materials could connect advances in environmental remediation with the practical needs of food technology, leading toward food safety strategies that are both globally relevant and locally adaptable.

PMID:41897833 | PMC:PMC13024918 | DOI:10.3390/foods15061110

Molecules. 2026 Mar 16;31(6):996. doi: 10.3390/molecules31060996.

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has ensured crop productivity but has also raised serious environmental and human health concerns, including water contamination, biodiversity loss, and intoxication risks. In this context, global strategies for sustainable agriculture, safer alternatives are urgently needed. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examines the potential of agri-food by-products as sources of bioactive compounds for biopesticide development within a circular economy framework. Residues from major agri-food chains, including the olive, potato, banana, citrus, and winery industries, were systematically analyzed with respect to their phytochemical composition, such as phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and essential oils, and their reported bioactivity against insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. The mechanisms of action, technological recovery strategies, and formulation challenges are critically discussed. Additionally, regulatory challenges and opportunities in the European and U.S. markets are described together with the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in optimizing recovery processes and product development. By promoting biopesticides from agri-food biowaste, this approach contributes to sustainable production (SDG 12), innovation in industrial processes (SDG 9), and the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15), positioning food industry residues as a strategic resource for green crop protection.

PMID:41900095 | PMC:PMC13028968 | DOI:10.3390/molecules31060996

Toxics. 2026 Mar 6;14(3):224. doi: 10.3390/toxics14030224.

ABSTRACT

Countless environmental pollutants and xenobiotics, are widespread and linked to hazardous effects, including breast cancer. Due to their lipophilic properties, these accumulate in fat tissue, such as breast adipose tissue. However, little is still known about their combined effects and distribution within the breast microenvironment. Alterations in fatty acid metabolism can be a biomarker for cancer progression and a potential bioindicator of pollutant exposure. In this study, the fatty acid profile and levels of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides (OCPs and OPPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and synthetic musks (SMs) were measured in 48 breast adipose tissue samples from breast cancer and healthy patients (controls). Twelve xenobiotics were detected at high frequency rates, and the distribution profile of these pollutants differed between cohorts. In total, 163 correlations were identified between specific fatty acids and breast cancer patients' data, with distinct correlation patterns between cohorts. Fatty acids show the potential to be biomarkers of the presence of lipophilic xenobiotics in the breast microenvironment; however, more studies are needed. This preliminary study is the first to analyze OPPs, OPEs, and PAHs in breast adipose tissue and report associations between xenobiotics and specific fatty acids.

PMID:41893492 | PMC:PMC13030003 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14030224

Toxics. 2026 Mar 11;14(3):245. doi: 10.3390/toxics14030245.

ABSTRACT

Global efforts to quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in irrigation water sources have substantially advanced understanding of their potential impacts on human health. The proposed Hazard Index (HI) tool can be used to assess the health risks of PFAS chemical mixtures. To address potential health impacts, irrigation water samples were collected from two organic farms and analyzed to quantify PFAS under non-ideal agricultural conditions with no known direct PFAS input. Results show perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) (37 ng/L), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (24 ng/L), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (22 ng/L) as the most abundant PFAS compounds at agricultural site 1 (AG1). The HI indicates compliance with perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)_branched (0.39) and non-compliance with PFHxS_linear (1.51) when calculated at AG1. Additional results show the presence of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; GenX; 28 ng/L) at agricultural site 2 (AG2), where no known industrial activity, PFAS-containing compounds (e.g., pesticides) are distributed, or PFAS-related manufacturing facilities exist in the area of influence. The HI indicates non-compliance at AG2 (HI = 2.83) for AG2, with GenX contributing much of the calculated risk. These findings suggest the HI may serve as a useful water health indicator for small sites exhibiting very low PFAS concentrations.

PMID:41893513 | PMC:PMC13030358 | DOI:10.3390/toxics14030245

Toxicology. 2026 Mar 24;524:154454. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2026.154454. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, environmental pollutants have emerged as a major threat to male reproductive health, and declining semen quality and rising rates of male infertility have now become a global public health concern. Owing to its high energetic demand and specialized cellular organization, the testis is especially vulnerable to pollutants, with mitochondria serving as a principal target because they coordinate energy metabolism and apoptotic control. Here we synthesize evidence on how heavy metals, air pollutants, organic pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, micro(nano)plastics, pesticides, and mycotoxins injure testicular mitochondria and the mechanisms involved. Current evidence indicates that these pollutants compromise spermatogenesis and androgen production via convergent mitochondrial pathways, including oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, suppressed biogenesis, and dysregulated mitophagy. Importantly, these mechanisms are not independent, since individual pathways may dominate under specific exposure scenarios, yet they can also intersect and mutually reinforce one another to generate a multistep cascading network that culminates in reproductive injury. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction represents a central convergent node through which pollutants drive male reproductive toxicity. Future work should prioritize low-dose, long-term, and mixture exposure models, integrate multi-omics approaches with testicular organoid platforms, define key regulatory pathways, identify early biomarkers, and evaluate mitochondria-targeted interventions to support environmental risk assessment and prevention of male reproductive injury.

PMID:41887453 | DOI:10.1016/j.tox.2026.154454

J Agric Food Chem. 2026 Mar 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c13266. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The intensification of agro-industrial production has led to a heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, raising significant environmental and health concerns. Sustainable alternatives can be found in the plant kingdom, which employs complex defense mechanisms against pests and phytopathogens, including the biosynthesis and release of antimicrobial and immune elicitor compounds. However, the increasing demand for plant-based foods limits their extraction and commercial use. Agro-industrial factories generate large amounts of underutilized plant-based waste, whose management poses significant challenges. Agro-industrial byproducts accumulate high concentrations of bioactive molecules that are retrieved through green extraction methods that show promising results for controlling pests and phytopathogens. The repurposing of plant-based agro-industrial byproducts for biopesticides and vaccines for plant development can offer crucial help in the implementation of the circular economy, resilient agricultural systems, and sustainable crop protection.

PMID:41879029 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c13266

J Xenobiot. 2026 Mar 4;16(2):46. doi: 10.3390/jox16020046.

ABSTRACT

Farmers rely on pesticides to keep their crops safe from pests, diseases, and weeds. However, if pesticides are not used properly, they can have serious consequences for human and environmental health. Many pesticides are not easily biodegradable and persist in the environment for a long time. Their residues, including toxic metabolites, pose risks to non-target organisms, contaminate surface- and groundwater sources, and may affect future crops. Among other soil remediation actions, it is important to highlight the impact of agricultural waste and agro-industrial byproducts on the behavior of pesticides as a strategy to eliminate or at least minimize soil pollution by their residues. Waste from various food industries and agriculture poses a severe threat to the ecosystem and is difficult to manage properly. Agriculture and food production waste accounts for over 30% of total global agricultural output. Therefore, managing agri-food waste from different sources is crucial to promoting sustainable development with minimal environmental impact. Key components of waste management interventions in the agricultural circular and bioeconomy include incorporating crop residues and food waste into soils. For these reasons, we present an updated review of the impact of agricultural waste and agro-industrial byproducts on the behavior of pesticides in soil. The goal of this review is to promote the sustainable use of these wastes within the context of a circular economy.

PMID:41874117 | PMC:PMC13010699 | DOI:10.3390/jox16020046

Sci Total Environ. 2026 Mar 23;1028:181540. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181540. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The extensive use of agricultural pesticides has led to widespread environmental contamination, raising concerns about their adverse biological effects. The fungicide imazalil is known to cause endocrine-disrupting and hepatotoxic effects in vertebrates, but potential underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this multiomics study, we investigated hepatic epigenetic and transcriptomic responses in juvenile Xenopus tropicalis (6.5 weeks post-metamorphosis) following two weeks exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of imazalil (12.3 μg/L). Thousands of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were identified in both sexes, whereas significant gene expression changes were primarily detected in males. The genomic locations of DMCs were largely sex-specific, with only 162 sites shared between males and females. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis indicated disruption of energy metabolism in both sexes, while sex-specific responses included downregulation of cell cycle and chromatin organization pathways in males and upregulation of immune-related pathways in females. Integration of methylation and expression data identified 8083 strong correlations involving 2303 CpGs, including individual CpG sites whose methylation levels were linked to the expression of multiple functionally related genes enriched for cell cycle regulation and chromatin organization pathways. Together, these results suggest coordinated, potentially trans-regulatory epigenetic control of hepatic transcriptional networks that may mediate imazalil-induced hepatotoxic effects. The observed sex-specific responses further suggest that disruption of sex-hormone signaling may contribute to differential sensitivity to exposure. Overall, this study highlights the toxicogenomic effects of imazalil and underscores the importance of considering epigenetic mechanisms in future chemical risk assessment frameworks, with implications for both amphibian health and human environmental exposure.

PMID:41875584 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181540

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2026 Apr 1;314:120038. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120038. Epub 2026 Mar 23.

ABSTRACT

Fluorinated pesticides, often referred to as "forever pesticides," are contaminants of emerging concern due to their persistent and bio-accumulative behaviour in the environment. Gaps in knowledge and technology options and research needs relevant to remediation of such pesticides are identified. Since 1990, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved over 90 fluorinated pesticides, many of which are highly persistent and toxic in the soil-water-plant-human-environment continuum. The persistence and lipophilicity of these compounds (pesticides) pose significant risks to environments, with long-term implications to non-targeted plants, animals and human health. Though some studies have reported that metabolites and degradation products are more toxic and persistent in the environment, limited research has been undertaken to quantify the persistence, fate and transport of parent pesticides, metabolites, precursors and intermediates. The detection of ultrashort-chain PFAS (including trifluoroacetic acid) in Australian groundwater further underscores the need for targeted research on the persistence, fate and transport of both parent pesticide compounds and their degradation products in Australian ecosystems. This manuscript collates characteristics and research undertaken on 91 fluorinated pesticides used in Australia, drawing on both local and international research. We summarise current knowledge which brings emphasis to the need for synchronised research on fate and transport of these pesticides and their metabolites, risk assessment, current food chain contamination pathways and innovation in measurement and sensing of these persistent pollutants. The development of advanced analytical methods and the expansion of research into multi-compound contamination scenarios are essential for informed regulatory decisions and effective environmental management.

PMID:41875557 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120038